Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái

Singapore's Buddha Tooth-Relic Temple

The Chinese Lunar Calendar is more that two thousand five hundred years older than our Roman Calendar. It never begins on January 1st, nor does it begin on the same date each year. It can begin any time between January 21st and February 18th, depending on the date of the New Moon in Aquarius. Each year is named for an animal and every twelve years this cycle begins again. The Chinese say that the animal ruling the year you were born will influence your life. In 2012, Chinese New Year begins January 23rd and will be the year of the Dragon. As the Dragon is the only mythical animal amongst the twelve, many believe that this will be a grand and magnificent year for everyone.

Naga: Of Tracks and Trains

In one of our conversations during our recent food trips in Binondo, a famous blogger friend (itago natin sa pangalang Dong Ho) asked us what is the longest train ride we ever had. Most of my friends answered a whole-day train ride experience in and out of the country. I could only come-up with the Baclaran-North Avenue MRT ride.

My Top 10 Travels of 2011

This is the sixth time that I will be doing a Top 10 Travel list. As I look back on my past years' list, I can't help notice that most of them are really popular tourist places. I must admit that I lean towards off-the-beaten paths and even on those more popular places, there will always be a spot where you can wander and explore sans the crowd.

Basilan joined the elite club of Calaguas (2010), Sagada (2009), Boracay (2008), Siquijor (2007) and Anilao (2006) in my Numero Uno spot. What I love about Basilan is that very few outsiders travel into this place because of what media perceived it to be. Although they have every reason to caution travelers, still, beneath the alleged dangerous exterior, Basilan has some of the most beautiful and exotic spots you can enjoy.

Dangerous Beauty

Lawstude's Journeys Turns 6

Six Years of Blogging

The six most important words: I admit I made a mistake.

The five most important words: You did a good job.

The four most important words: What is your opinion?

The three most important words: If you please.

The two most important words: Thank You.

The one most important word: We.

The least important word: I

2012 - Fireworks and Some Thoughts

The connection between fireworks and new year has been known since time immemorial. It is believed that the lights produced by these fireworks will illuminate the way for the whole year and the sounds they produce will drive away bad luck.

2011: A Look Back

Aldous Huxley once said that your true traveler finds boredom rather agreeable than painful. It is the symbol of his liberty, his excessive freedom. He accepts his boredom, when it comes, not merely philosophically, but almost with pleasure. Traveling is a choice, boredom is not. It's the leanest year for me travel-wise because I have decided to have "work" at the front seat. Although, I must admit that my decision has paid handsome dividends professionally, still, life's balance that I used to have suffered. And since this is a travel-blog, less travels means less stories to tell.

Little Christmas

It is not how much you have... a few is enough when you share it with the people that matters. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Daruanak Island @ Pasacao

When one speaks of Camsur, what comes to mind are either the Caramoan Peninsula made famous by Survivor Series or Wake Boarding at Camsur Watersports Complex. But did you know that before Caramoan or Wake Boarding, there is Pasacao which is known as the the Summer Capital of Camarines Sur.

Naga: The Porta Mariae

"The rite of opening doors marks a time of elation and thanksgiving. In the history of the Church, sacred doors are opened during jubilee years to signify the bestowal of indulgence and grace. In secular history, gates and doors are monument of victory and triumph."...

...May those who behold and pass through this gate be led to the one and only Saviour, JESUS CHRIST.

Daet: Toasted Siopao, Pancit atbp.

When one speaks of Bicol Foods, one word comes to mind - SPICY. This region is known for Bicol Express, Pinangat and Laing. I have already featured these hot and delectable dishes here. Daet in Camarines Sur is no exception to Bicol's love affair with peppers. In fact, one of their more popular fastfood, Graceland, features a value meal with Bicol Express on it. But this post is not about those spicy foods, in fact, it is more of the opposite because a couple of photos shown here were Daet's very-own delectable treat, the Toasted Siopao (shown above) and Pasalubong pieces of Tarts, Brownies and Macaroons.

The Finger

Hope it is not the middle one. Guess where this is?

Lawstude versus Work

Traveling is such a rare occurrence for me this year and in those few instances that I got to go out of the Metro, majority of them are even work-related. But I am not complaining. I have made my choice. So, if there is a chance that I could combine my work and my passion in a trip, then I would certainly exploit that chance to the hilt.