ESCAPE



Travelling has always been my passion. Not only do you see different landmarks that is infused with the richness in history but you also immerse with their own culture.

BOHOL
The first local flight I had. It was my first vacation too from work. Funny that in my first job, you really had to beg for vacation leave to be approved. Anyhow,  the highlight for me was seeing the breath-taking Panglao beach resort. Chocolate Hills is famous in Tagbilaran City too. And I wouldn't have missed seeing the smallest primate with more than half of its head is covered by their big round eyes, Tarsiers.


BORACAY
Nothing can compare with the pristine white sand of Boracay. Not sure about now but in 2004 it was immaculately white, soft and tender. I went here with my colleagues as a treat after the busy season - roughly around June 2004. I remember that it was my first time boarding the SuperFerry and there was a low pressure somewhere along Antique that made me sea sick the entire time. But of course, it was taken away when I had my first glimpse of the magnificent beach.

With JB before sunset in Boracay

Hanging out with the bosses during our Company outing





CAMBODIA
My first international trip was for a business assignment. I enjoyed the richness in Khmer history and knowing how wealthy the culture of Kingdom of Cambodia. I went there in 2004 for an audit assignment. The second time I went there in 2005, I had the pleasure of visiting Seam Reap, which is the home of the famous Angkor Wat. The cultural village too gave us some inside knowledge on how Khmer traditional wedding is held and I had the privilege of performing. Funny how the Cambodian lady did not marry her suitors but picked me amongst the crowd to be her soon "husband".



At Angkor Thom with Jing. Are we floating?

My favourite Angkor Wat shot


SOUTH KOREA
The second business assignment was in Pusan, which is famous for the Asian games back in 2002, I travelled there in 2005. I was amazed by Korea's advanced technology and was keen to visit Technology Park. The markets back there were humongous. I was lost in translation and literally got lost as I realised when I took a bus ride to my hotel in Seoul that all bus stops sounded alike. Luckily I got the scribbles in Korean characters and was able to reach my hotel safe and sound. One thing I remember is that most of their shops open at night til dawn. Or maybe there was a celebration that I can't remember. I struggled using metal chopsticks and I remember eating my first Korean bbq wrapped in leaves washed away by the strong alcohol that defines Korean drinking called "Soju". And that's time too when I fell in love with Kimchi!!

Crossing the bridge and off to my client fieldwork
Arirang Hotel where I stayed in Pusan

SINGAPORE
The first time I travelled here was just a layover to Diego Garcia for another business assignment. However, since the field audit is with the U.S. base - it did pose some delays. Luckily, there were adequate time to relax and explore Singapore for the very first time. I guess this is the one country that I would always feel at ease. Up to know, I consider it my third home (next to Manila and Sydney). When I travel anywhere I make sure that this is my base country where I take the transit. It boasts as one of the best airports in my opinion. Recently I read that it is the best international airport based on last year's review.

Can't find the first travel photo in Singapore. This is the oldest I can find with Merlion.

Most recent visit in SG at the famous LV Maison floating store




DIEGO GARCIA
The final assignment I had before leaving my first job is on "the Island"as I call it. It is located south of the equator in the central of the British Indian Ocean. This footprint-shaped island is among the many islands in the Chagos Archipelago.  The only existing people here were British (it's a British territory), Americans (military exercises since they were using it as a naval base) and Filipinos (cos they got the bidding for outsourced services at that time). The beach is phenomenal too and the first time I saw a Manta Ray and King Crab in the island. It was a surreal experience for me and one thing I won't forget is how Filo's influenced the Americans on how to dance "Ocho-ocho" (popular hit song in 2005).










Paradise Island, it is
Whats up with my hair?

SYDNEY
I first set foot on the land down under on 11 October 2006 for two-year contract job with Ernst & Young. I got lost in the busy streets of George Street and already fell in love with the cosmopolitan city. Though come to think of it, the city itself is not as huge as the other major cities in the world but Sydneysiders has a certain laid-back lifestyle that eventually I would just realise that it became a place I will call as my abode. Sydney has a lot of good beaches around, which is half hour away from the city. The most famous one is Bondi and Manly. Then of course, there is the famous iconic Opera House in Circular Quay. But my favourite place is still Darling Harbour, which is close to where I used to live (Pyrmont).

When I left Sydney in 2009 due to the global recession, I realised how much I missed it. I came back after three months as a migrant and after a year, I became an Australian citizen.

Sydney view from Tarongga Zoo
BRISBANE
My first domestic assignment after a month upon arriving Sydney, I was sent to Brisbane to do Sarbanes-Oxley fieldwork. This is by far the most laid-back city I've been. Aussies here are friendly and warm but you have to work really hard to be efficient and finish work by 4pm. This is where I lost my passport for the first time. I shouldn't have brought my passport anyway. Later I found it in the trunk of the car we rented.

MELBOURNE
One of my favourite places in Australia. It is dubbed as the most liveable places in the world. I reckon it is. The city that has style and elegance. It also hosts the big sporting event including Australian Open, Melbourne Cup and the Australian Grand Prix. I keep coming back to take refuge of the best boxing day experience and to have a quick retreat from the busyness in Sydney.

GOLD COAST
Where the heart of fun is in Australia. When you go here, don't forget to bring the kid in you. It is home of the famous theme parks like Movie World, Dream World, Sea World and Wet 'N' Wild (amongst the ones I've visited). It also has a long strip of beach shoreline that is synonymous to Rio De Janeiro coastlinethat is in my opinion. Last I went here in Christmas 2010, the rain was pouring heavily (before the aftermath of the great QLD floods). I didn't spoil my vacation and I splunged anyway.

CANBERRA
Anyone living in Canberra please don't get offended. I call it as the Zombie land. Only because as early as 5pm, the shops are closed and as early as 7pm, the neighbourhood is so quiet. The houses with no fences reminds me of Pleasantville and the isolation reminds me of the aftermath of the War of the Worlds. The best part of Canberra is the historic landmarks. The Australian memorial, which inscribes Lest We Forget to commemorate the men who fought during the war. Canberra also has the famous Floriade, which is a spring festival of flowers. And in winter time, of course Canberra is the pitstop en route to Jindabyne where Snowy Mountains is located. Perisher Blue and Thredbo are the famous ski resorts nearest Sydney.

PERTH
The place where the timezone is the same with the Philippines. I found Perth as a lovely quiet and relaxing city. This place has the Margaret River where wines like Cabarnet Sauvignon are famous for. It was held that the climate is synonymous to that of Burgundy, France. I also had a chance to go to a chocolate factorynow that's a dream come true! Other places worth noting is Cottesloe beach and Rottness Island. Though I have only been to the former due to limited time.

THAILAND
I can't even begin where to start with my travel to Thailand. I guess it is indeed haven for Asian travel. May it be a relaxing getaway to Phuket. Endless entertainment in red light district of the dodgy streets of Bangkok. Or perhaps enrich your knowledge on the various Wats Thailand has to offer. Authentic Thai cuisine without pinching too much from your wallet. It has everything you need for a cheap getaway. and of course, when you get tired why not have a two hour thai massage at its best.

HONG KONG
The first Disneyland I've been to and it made me young at heart once more. Hong Kong also has the famous Ocean Park with thrilling rides on the top of the mountain. Of course, Hong Kong would not be complete if you haven't visited the famous Buddha at Lantau Island. There is also a strip of luxury shops at Canton Road where you will find it ludicrous how on earth there is a long queue to get inside a Louis Vuitton shop, which it reminds me how wonderful it is to get maxed out on one of Asia's known shopping mecca.

With the Giant Buddha at Lantau Island
Hanging out with Mickey

DARWIN
Darwin is well-known for the richness in aboriginal culture. Another thing is that it is identified as the Crocodile County of Australia. I find myself inside the Crocodile Park and booking the Jumping Crocodile tour. As a side, they let me put a green python around my neck. It was real scary as I remember it moving towards me and I almost peed in my pants. There are heaps of beautiful places to go around Northern Territory including Katherine and Kakadu with a fascinating aboriginal sketches written on the stones of Ubir, which tells us how aborigines tell the stories called "the Dreamtime".

ALICE SPRINGS & ULURU
If you want to experience the best of the Outback. You must then journey to the centre of Australia. I flew to Alice Springs initially on the first night where I got a chance to watch "the Dreamtime" performance where aborigines were telling stories back in the times. They told the story of the famous aboriginal musical instrument called Didgeridoo. The night before we journey to the heart of Australia, we went to a local pub where I was surprised to see native aborigines dancing to today's hits. I did not want to exhaust myself too much as the next day itinerary were a bit hectic and too physically exhausting to even think about. Just as I thought, we went straight to Ayer's Rock (Uluru) where I climbed the steep and slippery rock towards the top of the rock. I felt that I achieved a great deal being able to reach the peak but you have to make sure you've got a hiking boots on and some face net to protect you against the annoying flies. The temperature in Central Australia is crazy as it was too hot during midday and dropped to freezing cold at night. Good thing we have swags and bonfire to keep ourselves warm and safe from known dingos that might come at night.



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