Travel Itinerary for 2014

The year 2014 started off great, travelling wise.  I have been to many places since the Chinese New Year in and out of the Philippines.  Mostly, local travels.  I have been busy travelling and will remain busy for the rest of the year doing what I love.  So, yay!

Here are the places I have been to during the first half of the year:

February: 

• Baguio 

March: 

• Pico de Loro, Nasugbu, Batangas 

• Hong Kong 

• Cebu City 

May:

• El Nido and Puerto Princesa, Palawan

For the second half of the year, these are the places I will be visiting:

June:

• Phuket, Thailand

November/December: 

•  Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and possibly, Hiroshima, Japan

Considering that I will be in Japan late autumn for an 8-day trip, I will have to restrain myself from travelling during the second half of the year.  My Japan trip will most likely consume a huge chunk of my resources so I need to save and refrain from shopping and travelling, after Phuket, that is.

I will start blogging from my most recent trip to Palawan, Philippines, last week and the I will chronicle my travel adventures during the first half of the year in reverse chronological order.

Please bear with me and I will do my very best not to disappoint my dear readers and friends.

Reclaiming My Life: I Am Back From the Dead

My dear friends and readers, I have finally returned!  A took an abrupt hiatus from blogging due to personal reasons.  My life had been one hell of ride...it literally was hell.  While not all may be well, even up to this time, I am taking back my life.  I am rising to the challenge and slowly, I have been resuming those activities I love.

Last year, I didn't have the energy to travel, mostly because my life was in shambles.  I have gotten stronger since, and though I may still be badly bruised here and there, I am trying to restart my life.  And I got back to travelling again, letting nature heal my wounds.  After all, travelling is my remedy, not clarity.  ;-)

My wings may have been broken but my spirit could still soar.

I am glad to be back.   I thank you all for waiting.

Thoughts: Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau With Friends

     Yes, we went to all those places with my friends last week.  For some weird reasons, my friends acceded going to Shenzhen.  I was not keen on the idea since most of my friends are first timers in Hong Kong.  They won't see much of Hong Kong if we cram it on a 4D3N trip.  However, I didn't voice out my reservations, except to our friend, who owns a travel agency from where we bought our land arrangements.  She travelled with us, too.  She said that it's okay.  Oh well.

    Anyway,  since I am not feeling particularly industrious, I will just note some of my observations during our travel in the meantime.  I'll start my detailed travel stories next week.

     So, here are my observations which I'll try to update if I remember something to add:

• It's cold in Hong Kong this time of the year.

Yup, knowing that, I was constantly checking weather forecasts and reports for Hong Kong starting the last week of January.  Apparently, just last week, temperatures dropped to 10C, a day before we landed in Hong Kong, then the weather got a little warmer, averaging around 15C to 18C.  So, I had on with me some cardigans, but with all those clothes for cold weather I bought, it was not enough.

• You see, 15C spells the need to wear winter garb in Hong Kong, and probably, the rest of East Asia.

It was cold, but not particularly cold.  It was way colder in Beijing when I went there late November where temperatures dropped to -5C.  I mean, 15C is just a little shy colder than in Baguio, right?  So, I was thinking, I don't need to bring my winter clothes and trench coat, that I don't need to buy winter boots.  Well, turns out that I was so wrong.  When we all got to the immigration at the Hong Kong International Airport, we were surrounded by Japanese and perhaps, some Korean travellers, who were fashionably dressed in their best winter clothes.  I mean, faux fur, shearling, winter boots, coat dresses, trench coats, scarves...you name it, they're wearing it.  My friends were wearing summer clothes despite my repeated warnings that it'll be really cold.  And what did my friends wear going to Hong Kong?  Flip flops,  sandals and stilettos.  In short, their feet were exposed.  Of course, people were staring at us.  Not only do we look stupid wearing summer clothes (like flimsy short-sleeved shirts, with no inner blouse and slacks or jeans), we looked dowdy compared to our fellow Asian travellers who were dressed to the nines.

• Hong Kong is a fashionable city teeming with fashionable people, locals and travellers alike.

As I've said, those Japanese and Korean fellow travellers who were lined up at the immigration counters with us were ultra-chic and appropriately dressed, whereas my friends were shivering in the cold and sad to say, we looked like the posh Asians' domestic servants.  Perhaps, that is the reason why my friends were questioned quite a lot by the immigration officers. 

Also, it should not be forgotten that Hong Kong is so fashion-forward.  That is the reason why I bought all of my new clothes and the most fashionable ones at that.  And, I was forced to put on a trendy lipstick so I'd look presentable at the very least.  Well, normally, when I travel to Hong Kong and Taiwan, I put on make up because people are wearing make-up and it's almost a politeness expected of you to be wearing some.  It's especially true in Japan as well, and perhaps, even in Korea.   If you don't like to put on some make-up, be wary that there is a marked difference being a fresh-faced beauty and having an oily face.  Oiliness is next to ugliness.  Or being make-up free and looking like you just got out of bed.  Besides, winter is a great time to wear make-up.  It won't melt, like it usually does when I'm in the Philippines.

Anyway, I was wearing rubber shoes when I got to Hong Kong only because my winter boots have been rendered useless.  It was not fashionable but at least, it was comfortable and apt for the weather.  So while I was a little cold wearing just a long-sleeved shirt and thicker cardigan, my hair was at least pretty (it has a great color, with highlights) and I looked somewhat passable.  On the other hand, the rest of my stay, I made up for my near fashion faux pas on our first day in Hong Kong.  Well, my clothes were still not warm enough but at least, I looked really good in my opinion.

So, if you're thinking that no one really cares how you look when you travel, you're just kidding yourself.  At least in Asia.  Well, people may not particularly care, but that will not deter them from staring at you in open amusement, pity, or even disgust.  I mean, if you want to be gawked at from head to foot, then, whatever floats your boat.  At least you've been forewarned. 

• Shenzhen and Macau is not as fashionable as Hong Kong.

Yay, finally.  In both these places, it is easier to fit in.  In Hong Kong, if you're not that fashionable, you stand out a lot easier, like a moving target.  Perhaps, that is the reason why touts along Nathan Road constantly badger you if you "want to buy a copy watch." 

• Don't buy cameras and electronics from shops along Nathan Road with flashing neon signs.

My friend wanted to buy a camera, an LX5.  It was her first time in Hong Kong so when we passed by those camera shops along Nathan Road, she half-dragged me to side so she could browse one of the stores.  I dragged her harder and told her that it's a no-no to buy there unless you want to end up paying more than the mall price.  In fact, you shouldn't buy cameras in any stores in Hong Kong with those flashing neon signs.

• Exchange rates are better at Mirador Mansion.  

Compared to money changers at the airport, malls or banks.  Pinoys generally flock to Wing Hoi money changer in Mirador but we usually just go to a Western Union money changer in Mirador since one of the staff is a Filipino, and thus, it makes it all the more easier to ask questions not just about foreign currencies, but as well as general inquiries regarding Hong Kong.

• Hong Kong is not for the lazy.

As with other developed Asian countries, Hong Kong is not for the lazy.  You have to walk, walk and walk some more to reach the proper bus stop, MTR station, malls, attractions, etc., unless you have money to pay for cab fares.  And if you want to mall hop, of course, you'd have to make use of those legs and feet God has given you.

Having a leisurely walk on rush hour in TST or Mongkok?  Good luck to you; you might just get bumped by people walking fast. 

• There are homeless people in Hong Kong, too.

Like any other place, Hong Kong has homeless people, too.  I've seen a couple of homeless people huddled under sleeping bags under flyovers.  So, Hong Kong is not all glitz and glamour.

•  Don't assume that English is widely-spoken and understood.

While Hong Kong used to be a  British colony, you'd be amazed to realize that more often than not, your words couldn't be understood by cabbies, store clerks, cashiers, etc.  Well, except perhaps at the malls, nice restaurants, tourist-centric places or shops.  Don't worry, you can always point and show, which I did at McDonald's.  So, it's better to ask your hotel's concierge to write down the places of your destinations.  Or better yet, use public transportation since they have English announcements and signs inside rather than taking cabs.

• Use the hotel's shuttle services in Macau. 

Yes, a lot of hotels in Macau have free shuttle service.  The moment you step out of the ferry terminal, you can catch a free shuttle to your hotel.  Want to go from one place to another?  Shuttle service is best.  From The Venetian, there's a shuttle to the Sands which is near the Fisherman's Wharf.  Want to go to San Malo?  Take the Cotai connection from Venetian to the Galaxy and take the shuttle from there to San Malo.

•  Half-day tour in Shenzhen? Go to Splendid China to watch the shows.

 If you're on a group visa, and wishes to go to Splendid China, skip the 5pm show and tell your tour guide you want to take pictures of the miniatures instead.  It's the Phoenix show that really matters and you should not miss it.

• Try not to buy from the factories you visit in your tours. 

 I mean, for jewelry, watches, jades, etc.  Except when the products are just cheap assorted general merchandise or trinkets.

Thoughts: Philippine Airlines, Asia's First, is Up for Sale!

     For some weird reasons, the blog post I made yesterday was not saved.  That is totally weird!  I've even read the post I made online after I published it.

     Anyway, I will try to recreate the post I made, so here it goes:

     For the past year, the rumor mills have been busy spreading word that Philippine Airlines, Asia's First, is up for sale.  Apparently, PLDT's Manny Pangilinan is keen on acquiring the Lucio Tan-led PAL.  Well, as it turns out, even Ramon Ang of San Miguel is in talks for a possible purchase.And, just yesterday, Lucio Tan confirmed that PAL is up for sale.  You can read the news article here: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/01/22/12/lucio-tan-confirms-pal-sale

     Ever since it was rumored that talks were being held for the sale of PAL, I am one of those who believe the same to have a ring of truth to it.  After all, PAL just had a mass lay-off of its employees as it tried to have its services, like catering, etc., outsourced.  And, not to mention the newest ruling on the PALEA case.  Really, it was a no-brainer for PAL to smooth out all the rough edges before buyers seriously take interest in PAL.  I mean, really, who would want to buy a business with many legal problems?  In the end, the buyer may not be willing to be embroiled in the numerous labor case involving PAL and its employees, past or present.  Well, the buyer may end up paying for all those multi-million legal claims if it is not careful.  

     Whatever may happen to PAL, I am quite excited about it.  Maybe, a change of management can propel PAL back into its glory days.

Thoughts: I won a Katy Perry Ticket from @FlyPAL's iLoveMyPAL Twitter Promo

     Philippine Airlines had a fun Twitter game yesterday.  As prize, they gave out 100 silver tickets for Katy Perry's concert at SM Mall of Asia tomorrow. I know, right?  That's a great prize.

    The rules were simple.  Only one tweet per person per hour, from 13:00 to 22:00 (last tweet at 22:59) will qualify.  2 or more tweets per hour will disqualify your entries.  

• Mention @flyPAL
• Complete the sentence 
  "I love My PAL because ___ (Answer the question "Why do you love Philippine Airlines?"
• Include the following hashtags 
  #iLovePAL #PALgivesKatPerryTix
  
  

      I've been seeing the game on my timeline since yesterday after lunch.  But I was really not interested with it as I was still at work and I could not be bothered to read the mechanics and join.  When I got home,  I was surprised to see the game still on-going.  So, almost 2 hours before the end of the hourly game, I joined; both entries I made were almost at the close of the voting hours.  I won on the last voting hour, my entry just made it through.  Then, I forgot all about it, not even knowing I won.  Apparently, the winners for the last voting hour was announced around 3:00 am or something. So, I was really surprised to know that I won!  I won!  Me, who never really wins at raffles!  Imagine that!  

     Well, my dilemma now is this.  I don't even like Katy Perry and I don't like going to concerts.  But my  mother does.  I joined thinking if I win, I'd give her the ticket.  But she can't go on her own, you know.  So I have to buy a silver ticket which is around Php 1500 plus VAT and service charge (almost 1700).  There goes away my money.  Haha! [ETA: I bought 2 more silver tickets]

     Anyway, whether I am a fan of Katy Perry is immaterial.  It won't take away the fact that I've won and that I'm so happy to have won!  Thanks, @FlyPAL!  I hope your contests will continue to have simple, no-fuss rules!  Thanks again!

     Oh, my winning entry is this: I love My PAL @flyPAL because PAL'S FAs are cute and they serve you w/a smile! #iLovePAL #PALgivesKatyPerryTix

     Yay!

Philippine's New Tourism Slogan 2.0 - It's More Fun in the Philippines

     Yet again, this country has a new tourism slogan: "It's More Fun in the Philippines!"  This came a year after the failed "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" slogan.  For some reasons, the Department of Tourism of this administration wants to leave their own touch in the country's tourism slogan, but the new one still does not work for me.

    "It's More Fun in the Philippines," as netizens have pointed out, is quite a copy of Switzerland's tourism campaign several years back, even before my mother was born: "It's More Fun in Switzerland."  And because this administration hates "copycats" (remember, a member of the Supreme Court was set up for impeachment for failure to make appropriate footnotes on a much-publicized decision), should it not place the appropriate attribution? Such as:

     It's More Fun in the Philippines! [See Tourism Campaign of Switzerland in 1951 entitled, "It's More Fun in Switzerland.]

     Really, I think the administration should make the proper citations, right?  Well, they can always say they have no intention to copy since they did not know it was already used by Switzerland.  But, really.  Have these officials thought about our own neighbor's special tv programs promoting their tourism? The "Fun Taiwan" (10 seasons now, or more) and its offshoot, the "Fun Taiwan Challenge" (2 seasons) and are shown in TLC and/or Discovery?  These shows market tourism in Taiwan, in cooperation and with support from the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.  It's not their tourism slogan, which is Taiwan the Heart of Asia (Touch Your Heart?), but it is still their tourism campaign and sadly, it's quite similar to our new slogan.  Well, but it's more fun in the Philippines, these administration people will argue.   

      Intentional copying or not, that is not the more disturbing part.  What is quite shocking is the lack of oomph in this slogan.  It's like a petulant child's (or a stuck-up tween's) protestation that he/she is cuter than his/her classmate/friend.  "It's not like Switzerland's or Taiwan's campaigns because it IS more fun in the Philippines, like ever!  Eleventy!"  Lol.

     I really don't know why the former slogan, "Wow Philippines" had to go.  Besides, it is easier to cram on souvenir items having only a few letters unlike the "It's More Fun in the Philippines" slogan. The newest slogan itself is quite long, and I have an issue on the use of the qualifier.  If it is more fun in here, then is there a place which is most fun?  Also, it's easy to poke fun of the newest slogan.  Just think about it.  "It's More Fun in the Phillippines..." then place your statement afterwards, like, "...because the traffic is so much worse!"  Just saying.  Also, I'm not so impressed that the new slogan is activity-centered.  It is the Philippines' natural beauty, culture and its heritage that we're supposed to be marketing, not having fun.  I mean, what kind of fun?

     Well, as I said, Wow Philippines is great and it is very effective and simple. I mean, why change something that works just so you could call something your own?  Very, very selfish.  Anyway, whatever floats their boat.

     Coming up with a slogan is one thing, but marketing the country is another.  I hope the administration can come up with a better marketing strategy for tourism.  At least, get some infomercials on cable channels such as Discovery, TLC and Nat Geo. Get the message across; don't be stingy on information, okay?

   

Thoughts - Air Asia X's Soon-To-Be Ex Destinations (London, Paris, Delhi and Mumbai)

     Earlier this week, I read a quite disturbing article from Channel News Asia about Air Asia X, the sister company of Air Asia which caters to long haul flights.  Apparently, Air Asia will suspend its London, France and India flights due to soaring taxes and fuel prices, among other things.  The 

Mumbai and Delhi routes will cease on January 31 and March 22, respectively while routes to London and Paris will end on March 30 and March 31 respectively.  

The report is quoted below:

 AirAsia X to cut Europe routes, India flights

Posted: 12 January 2012 1905 hrs 

KUALA LUMPUR: The long-haul unit of Asian budget carrier AirAsia said Thursday it would suspend services to Paris and London and cut India flights in a bid to rein in costs.

The Malaysia-based airline cited global economic uncertainty, soaring taxes and higher jet fuel prices for the move, adding it would redeploy its fleet to profitable Asian and Australian routes.

The airline, a unit of AirAsia, will cease services to Mumbai and Delhi from January 31 and March 22, respectively while routes to London and Paris will end on March 30 and March 31 respectively.

The London route was launched in 2009, Mumbai and Delhi in 2010 and Paris in 2011. London and Paris were the only European routes the airline services.

AirAsia X's successful sister airline AirAsia handles regional Asian routes under four hours' flight time.

AirAsia X chief executive Azran Osman-Rani said the changes would boost the carrier's bottom line, refocusing its network "on markets where it can build a leadership position in 2012."

"We intend to concentrate capacity in our core markets of Australasia, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea where we have built up stable, profitable routes within an infrastructure that supports low cost services," he said.

Azran blamed high jet fuel costs and weak passenger demand from Europe as among a host of factors compromising its efforts to offer low fares to the continent.

He blamed the weakened demand on "the current economic situation together with exorbitant government taxes."

"The implementation of the emissions trading scheme and the escalating air passenger duty taxes in UK, which will rise yet again in April 2012, forced our decision to withdraw our services to Europe," he added.

Azran said the Delhi and Mumbai routes were cut because of rising "airport and handling charges" and visa restrictions hampering travel between India and Malaysia.

AirAsia X was launched in 2007. Richard Branson's Virgin Group has a 20 percent stake in the airline.

Last month flag carrier Malaysia Airlines said it would cut routes in Asia and axe flights to some global destinations such as to Rome and Johannesburg as it tries to return to profit.

      And so, I wouldn't get the chance to fly to London, France, Delhi, and Mumbai, too, via Air Asia X.  It sucks!  I've been meaning to go to Europe an India and honestly, I've been mulling the idea for 2 years now (India for way longer).  It saddens me, really.  Moreover, there are a lot  who bought sale tickets last year for travel this year.  I wonder if they'll get a refund.  Sadness.

     Anyway, now, the only option I have for India is via Philippine Airlines.  Thank God that I still have a choice.

The Year That Was 2011

     I've been blessed this year; I truly am.  Travel-wise, 2011 had been amazing, and I was able to go to not only to a lot of local destinations but to several countries as well.

     These are the places I visited in 2011:

Philippines

 1.  Baguio in May

2. Tagaytay in June and September

3.  Bataan in August

4.  Boracay in December

Asia 

 1.  Vietnam in March

2.   Taiwan in April

3.  Singapore and  Malaysia in June/July

      Obviously, I have not started writing about most destinations as listed. But I will really, really try my best to finish everything.  Hopefully.

     So, for now, thank you dear readers for putting up with me for the whole year!  Please bear with me for another year.

 

Merry Christmas!

     I've been having a hard time using the Internet. Our connection has suddenly become so slow, like dial-up slow. Maybe because it's Christmas?!

     Anyway, I know I've been slacking off the past few months and that I haven't been up to the task of completing my travel adventures. I've been busy with work lately but I might be able to wrap up my blogging tasks before the year ends. This week, to be exact. I will also try my best to watch and blog about the Hidden Cities season 2, but for some reason, I always forget to catch it on tv. All I've watched was the episode on China's Yangtze river and the Grand Canal that I've been dreaming of visiting. Well, Shanghai's going to be my main destination and I'd like a side trip there plus to the West lake.

     Enough of my day dreaming. I must greet all of you a very Merry Christmas before I forget why I wrote this entry.

     Happy Holidays!

Thoughts: So Lazy

Lately, I have not been feeling well which led me to fall into a deep hole called procrastination. I know I have not been able to update my travel entries for Singapore and Malaysia. But I'll make up for that this weekend. Hopefully.

Thoughts: I'm Sick!

     For the past two weeks, I've been feeling under the weather, primarily because of the weather.  Well, let's just say that I am not a fan of changing temperatures: summer hot and sunny in the morning and afternoon then rain showers late afternoon or at night.  This roller coaster of a weather is bad for my allergies, thus, for two weeks now, I have colds that would not go away.  I was even absent for work this Monday because of my unrelenting allergies.  

     And, worse, I am feeling under the weather, figuratively.  Well, let's just say that I want to go to some other places other than those I've already visited but there's no one who wants to come with me.  Yay, not. I've never been the popular one, so I guess, I just reap what I sow.  And mind you, travelling alone is more expensive than say, travelling with someone, unless I pay for the both of us.  At least for me.  

     I know, I know, I could travel by myself, but I don't want to get used to it, and I don't want to do it in say, South Korea.  Drop me somewhere in Japan and I'd probably survive since I am a little used to their culture, food and language.  But in South Korea?  I'd manage but still...oh well.  And I really, really want to go there early next year.  I guess, I'd just go there alone.  Anyway, I don't think Korean immigration would detain me being single, a lady and travelling alone.  After all, I can always wave around a certain identification card and they'd let me be, for sure.  But still, I must muster enough resources and courage, yet again.   

Thoughts: Succumbing to the iPhone Generation

I've always been a fan of not following the latest trends in technology. I am not particularly fond of texting and calling someone over the phone. I always feel I'm a bother. I don't have an iPod because I'm not particularly fond of pop music and I don't even listen to the radio or buy CDs or download music from iTunes. I think I'm just too absorbed with my own little world to think about having an iPhone. I mean, I won't be using it much anyway. But yesterday, I bought an iPhone. Yes, I finally gave in even though I am not a person who lives by texting and calling all day and night.

So why did I buy an iPhone though it's so expensive and overrated? It's simple. So I won't have to bring my laptop with me when I travel abroad. I could use the iPhone for better phone web browsing and since Blogger just had this new app, I could use my phone to blog about my latest travel adventures. Why not buy an iPad instead? I've seriously thought about it but I have 2 laptops already so I don't think it'll be of much use when I'm not traveling.

At the end of the day, I succumbed to the iPhone generation almost against my will and out of necessity and convenience. I just hope this purchase would really make a difference.

Thoughts: History Channel Asia's IRT Deadliest Roads - The Himalayas

     I've been watching this show since it premiered in Asia the last week of July 2011.  The show is about three north American truckers who were tasked to drive through one of the toughest and most dangerous roads in the world: the Himalayas.  The truckers were given tasks that they should complete within a given time frame.  All I can say is that this show is batshit crazy!

     Well, let's just say that the show knows best how to make the viewers feel queasy.  Imagine driving a truck on a narrow mountain ledge and the camera shots will just let you show how close the wheels are to the edge...They don't just stop there.  There are camera shots of landslides, water slides, snow slides, and even actual real-time disasters.

     Anyway, the show, as stated, was filmed at the Himalayas in India.  And here are some facts about the roads three brave truckers had to face which I screengrabbed from History Channel Asia's website:

     The truckers, Lisa, Dave and Rick, each driving a Tata truck made of a wooden frame, comparable to the Philippine jeepneys in terms of garish accessories, colorful exterior complete with sayings and words of blessings, were on a mission to complete delivery of goods and materials on places accessible only by these dangerous roads.  The truckers each have a spotter, or a driver's aide, to guide them while driving.  In the Philippines, spotters are called pahinante.  The trucker's loads for delivery include tons of construction materials and at one time, a Hindu deity.

     Aside from the dangerous roads high above sea level, the drivers have to contend with the elements: heat, snow and rains and the environment.  Plus, they must learn to adapt to the Indian way of (right-hand) driving: very, very aggressive with almost no regard for traffic rules or road  courtesy.  The north American drivers are accustomed to orderly and safe driving, and thus, they get bullied a lot on India's roads.  Filipino drivers, on the other hand, would fit easily in India.

     The show is not only informative but it also takes the viewers to remote places in the Himalayas and a glimpse of life along and off the roads.  Its a must see.

     IRT Deadliest Roads: The Himalayas is shown every Thursday at 10:00 p.m. (new episodes) with a replay of the previous week's episode at 9:00 p.m.

   

 One of the roads cut-out  from a  solid block of  mountain rock.  Far right, middle.

http://www.historyasia.com/irt/gallery2.html

Thoughts: Travel (Late) Updates

     I do not refer myself as the queen of procrastination for nothing.  I try to live up to my self-title every single day.  And so, true to my nature, I just realized that I have a lot of travel adventures that I still have not shared with you...because I am just plain lazy.

     Anyway, here are the places I visited this year (as far as I can remember) that remain to be discussed in this blog:

1.  Subic and Baguio - May 2011;

2.  Tagaytay - June 2011;

3.  Singapore and Malaysia - June/July 2011;

4.  Bataan - August 2011 (long weekend).

     I will try my best to wrap up my Taiwan travel adventures so I could starting posting about my Singapore and Malaysia travel adventures ASAP.  And every so often, I'll try to post about my local travels.

     So, please bear with me.  Until then!

Thoughts: Why the Heck is Google Asking Me to Register with AdSense?!

     When I checked my blog today, I noticed a sort of pop-up  message on my dashboard telling me that my blog's becoming more popular and that perhaps I should try out Adsense.  The message goes like this:  "It looks like your blog is popular and many popular blogs make money with AdSense. Try it now!"  And it happens every single time I open my dashboard.  

     Really.  My blog is getting popular?  I hardly get a 100 hits a day, how can it be popular?  That's just crazy.

     So, because I'm a curious cat, I tried signing up for Adsense.  I didn't try to understand it's rules; what I know is that ads are sometimes pesky, but with Adblocker and Noscript, I hardly see any ads on webpages I visit.  But I still tried signing up.  I thought it will make the pop-up message go away but it did not.  The successful sign up page told me that my application's awaiting approval and I think it'll take 48 hours.  And if there is something weird appearing on my page, that might be Adsense's doings. 

     And who clicks on the ads anyway?  I know I don't.  And Adsense says I could make money by placing ads.  Really?  Like a dollar a month?  Honestly, I have couple of readers, most are the people from PinoyExchange's Taiwan travel forum, but I don't think I get a lot of page views that could generate serious bucks.  But at the end of the day, I tried signing up.  Just so I'd know how ad placements work.   

     I know, I know, curiosity killed the cat. So, let's see.

Thoughts: Biometrics System in Malaysia

     For some weird reason, the Philippine Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, has just informed us that Malaysia is now enforcing a biometrics system for foreigners going to their country.  I mean, the government did the announcement quite late.  Malaysia has started taking fingerprints since 01 June 2011, or for over two months now.  

     

     When I went to Malaysia last July, I was shocked when the immigration officer at the Malaysia border coming from Singapore, told me to place my two index fingers in their biometrics machine.  I mean, don't get me wrong.  I know it is probably for the deterrence of crimes and such, for the common good.  But now, Malaysia does not only have my immigration files, but they also have my fingerprints.  Are they going to store all our finger prints forever?  And our government has just informed us of this development.  

     For anyone who is interested, here's the info released by the Philippine government regarding this matter:

http://www.gov.ph/2011/08/11/philippine-embassy-informs-filipino-travelers-of-malaysias-new-registration-procedure-for-foreigners/

An August 11, 2011 press release by the Department of Foreign Affairs

The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur wishes to inform all Filipino travelers to Malaysia that all foreigners are now required to undergo Malaysia’s National Enforcement and Registration System (NERS), the biometric finger print registration of foreigners, upon entry to Malaysia.

Malaysia’s NERS took effect on June 1, 2011.

In the new procedure, which applies to all foreigners entering Malaysia through designated checkpoints, travelers are required to place their two index fingers on the glass plates of the electronic fingerprint scanning machines at immigration counters.

Biometric data of travelers will be captured, will be kept in the Department of Immigration’s database and will be used for verification process upon exiting the country.

Under the new system, all foreign nationals aged 12 years and above must submit to the biometric procedure.

Malaysia had amended its Immigration Law and Regulations to support and enforce the new biometric registration requirement at entry points.

Thoughts: Busy, Busy, Busy!

     Since I returned from Singapore two weeks ago, I've been busy with work.  Really, no joke.  Well, I admit I was sort of lazy, too, but my continued failure to wrap-up my Taiwan travel adventures to make way for my Singapore adventures, is mainly due to my busy professional life.  Yes, I have a job.  

     I've rechecked my list of things to write about in my mind and I have yet to finish my Travel in Taipei, Follow Me experience which includes an impromptu Taiwanese food binge and hanging out on a Sunday afternoon like a local.  Also, I still have stories about my Monga (a popular Taiwanese film starring Mark Zhao and Ethan Ruan) filming location hunting and my unlikely rendezvous with Gundam!  Gundam?!  Yes, Gundam!

       And oh yeah, I also went to Beitou to indulge in a private hot springs bath just before I headed off to the airport.  See?  There's still a lot to write about.  So I'll try to finish my Taiwan travel stories before the end of July, hopefully.

     So, please bear with me.  Till my next post!

Thoughts: Random But Important Things I Learned While Travelling in Singapore

     I just got back home from Singapore and Malaysia around 1:00 a.m., and I have one too many tidbits of information I learned while travelling in these neighboring countries.  Well, you probably all know that you're not supposed to bring in gums in Singapore, and all those shenanigans, right?  After all, Singapore is a "fine" country, at least that is what the souvenir t-shirts say.  But I won't talk about things that will get you fined, but things that will make your life easier while in Singapore...those things that would not embarrass you.  And things you can do to save money.  So, this post is kinda long, but you'll get a lot of tips, for sure.

Thoughts: Waiting for Departure at the Changi Airport, Terminal 2

     Air Philippines trumps Cebu Pacific as to their Singapore flights.  Cebu Pacific's planes land at the Budget Terminal in Singapore, while Air Philippines lands at Terminal 2.  And what a difference it makes!

     There are a lot to see and do at the main terminals, so, it's fun to wait here for your flight back home.

     My boarding time's at 7:50 p.m. and I'm at the movie house.  So, bye for now.

Thoughts: I'm at Singapore, Terminal 2 Right Now!

We just boarded down the plane and making our way to the Arrival Hall.  But I used the free computer terminal and internet here at Changi Airport, first.

See you later!