Tag Archives: beach

asia, philippines, travel, video

Bewitched by Siquijor: The Vid

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Don’t you love it when stars finally align your way? 2013 has been really good to me so far; I’ve garnered a lot of good experiences and memories that I’m sure will last — and we’re barely halfway through the year!

Here’s a vid of one of my favorite escapes so far — Siquijor is simply one of those places that just makes me grow fonder about growing up in a blessed archipelago. Enjoy!


If you’re interested to read the what-how-where’s of our Siquijor adventure, you can check out the all-about-Siquijor post here.

Song: One day / Reckoning Song (Wankelmut Remix) by Asaf Avidan

asia, philippines, travel

Enchanting Siquijor

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Paradise at Cambugahay Falls. Rubber ducky not included.

It was hard to believe what was right in front of our eyes — the cascades of crystalline blue-green water had me hypnotized, and we had the waterfalls all to ourselves. I look around and think — friends, we’ve made it to paradise.

Siquijor is a gem of a find, one of the places that really makes me want to know my home country better. It blew my mind thinking how an island as accessible and gorgeous as this one could stay under the radar for so long. As I looked around to see my co-passengers at the ferry from Dumaguete, almost more than half were actually foreigners, aside from the few locals making their way home. And then there were us, a gang of giddy local backpackers — not a usual sighting, I guess. Continue reading Enchanting Siquijor →

europe, travel, video

Our Big Fat Greek Getaway: The Vid

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I still can’t get over how crystal-clear the Aegean waters are. Or how the cliffs look snow-capped from the white Cycladic houses dotting its sides. Or how Greek tomatoes are simply food for the gods.

This is for Sheng and Mara, two lovely lasses who embraced the eat-book-pray-love way of life with me! A shout-out to Rebecca and Sana as well, our new friends who made our trip to Greece all the more awesome. Til our next adventure!

Song: Island in the Sun by Weezer

europe, travel

I Dream of Santorini

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Pretty cliff-side houses in Oia

Santorini is much like the pretty gal that every other girl would love to hate. You know, the one who gets out of bed looking every inch exquisite, the one who exudes charm without even trying, the type who you would compliment all day and would just shrug it all off, as if gorgeousness was something you got for free with your kiddie snack.

I still get over how the steep cliffs look snow-capped from the whitewashed houses.
Snow? Nuh-uh. Whitewashed houses blanket the peaks of the Caldera’s steep cliffs.

Yes, it seems this island is blessed — with its amazing vantage points overlooking the sea, its picturesque artisan town of Oia, a muti-faceted terrain which allows one to comb through vineyards at one hour, climb a volcano the next, all before having a pick of whether to lounge the day away at a black, red or white beach. Continue reading I Dream of Santorini →

europe, travel

Catching Our Breath at Paros

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Even party girls need some chill-time. After busy, lively Mykonos, the almost sleepy-town of Paroikia in Paros was a welcome breather.

We were booked to stay for two nights at Jimmy’s Hostel, and who else would be the first person at the pier who would greet us? No less but Jimmy himself! Quite a character with his booming voice and ubiquitous grin, he helped us load our bags onto to his van and whisked us off to the apartments, which was only a few blocks away from the pier.  Continue reading Catching Our Breath at Paros →

asia, travel

Reasons Why Krabi Rocks

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Ladies and gentlemen, Thailand has finally crept its way up to my heart. Or, to be more apt, it rock-climbed its way.

My first glimpse of the Kingdom of Siam was Phuket, and although it was nothing to be scoffed at, a lot of things were too ‘in-your-face’ for me, and its beaches still left me wanting.

Enter Krabi.

The first time I heard of this sweet-spot for scrambling up crags, I instantly knew it was an eventuality. It was just a matter of time of when I’ll score a promo flight to this weekend warrior’s haven. Finally, that time rolled around. Continue reading Reasons Why Krabi Rocks →

oceania, travel

We’ve Struck Gold!: A Party in Paradise

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A whim, a dose of serendipity, and a promo flight alert — that’s how most of my ‘adventures’ usually start. This time, the jaunt is brought to you by Scoot, the newest budget fleet to catch my eye. As soon as they offered their launch promo fares, I clicked-clicked-clicked my way down to the Gold Coast. So to all those who were curious: Yes, Scoot flies, and by golly, it lands too! In terms of cabin service, it’s still leagues behind counterparts like AirAsia and Jetstar, but they’re a young fleet and I reckon they’ll catch up.

Gold Coast is (in)famous for its plethora of tourist spots — from its naturally-seductive stretch of golden sand and waves, to the glitzy theme parks and malls that dot the city.

However, this particular tale is more about two wanderlust-y travellers who traipsed the city: let’s call them busybody Sheng and beachbum Ish. Continue reading We’ve Struck Gold!: A Party in Paradise →

oceania, travel, video

Surf, Sun and Fun: Sydney the Vid

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God, Sydney is gorgeous. With its sparkling blue beaches, quaint cafe culture, and of course, the charming cool of its people, what’s not to like?

We were blessed to celebrate Australia Day with the Sydneysiders last January; I came back for another go at the Blue Mountains just recently. I have a feeling Sydney hasn’t seen the last of me yet.

If you want to read more about our adventures & itinerary in Sydney, then skidaddle over here: https://ishg.wordpress.com/tag/sydney/.

Song: Let’s Go Surfing by The Drums

oceania, travel, video

Melbourne: The Posh and the Wild

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Melbourne can be a poster boy for the Weekend Warrior — on weekdays, it charms you with its effortless chic, but on weekends, it’s all about basking in the sun and heading out for the stunning raw beauty that’s just a stone’s throw away.

Hit Play for some glimpses of Melbourne and Victoria; if you fancy some tales about koalas, narrow alleyways, fairy penguins, the Twelve Apostles, et al, then check out https://ishg.wordpress.com/tag/melbourne/.

oceania, travel

Life’s a Beach in Sydney

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It was our Day 8 in Australia, and I was getting a bit frustrated as I haven’t been able to take a dip yet after seeing miles and miles of gorgeous coastlines.

Okay, let's take a vote --- Aussie dads: cool or hot?

Well, I certainly was in for a treat in Sydney’s Northern Suburbs. On a weekend, the dress code seemed to be singlets, bikinis and board shorts. We haven’t even lingered for an hour yet, and I had my nth sighting of someone crossing the road, lugging along his surfboard. All these just a brief bus ride away from alighting the tube. How could I not fall in love with this lifestyle? Continue reading Life’s a Beach in Sydney →

oceania, travel

Happy Feet and the Wildlife of Australia

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Everyone has their destination must-do; for Geebee, it was to see the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. Fortunately, it wasn’t that difficult at all to arrange a day trip. It took us just a couple of sites before we set our hearts upon the fairly-priced Phillip Island package offered by Wildlife Tours.

We sneaked in a quick breakfast jaunt at the Queen Victoria Market, before rushing back to the hostel, where our tour coach was to pick us up at 11 am. Continue reading Happy Feet and the Wildlife of Australia →