A Hidden Beach, Responsible Travel, and my Dream House (Part I)

A tropical hideaway has the power to positively change one's perspective. It can rekindle relationships, heal broken hearts and sometimes, even lead you to a fascinating road of self discovery. I know this much is true. 

The thing is, if I could live all of my days on the beach (with someone I love), I probably would. This kind of lifestyle is as close as anyone could get to Eutopia. However, I want something more than just regular trips the beach every summer. A place I can call my own that can give a sense of permanence.

I have been in constant search for this ideal beach for my dream beach house but none of them has fit the mold. I want something closer to home--something that has a personal connection with me and my family. A few days ago, I eagerly took a trip back to my hometown, Pangasinan, in search of what could be the perfect beach for my dream beach house. I think this could be it.

The Road to Pembrokeshire

I woke up in an ebullient mood, filled with child-like anticipation as our semi-spontaneous roadtrip to Pembrokeshire finally materialized. I remember it was a Sunday in Cardiff, a city with predictably Sybilish weather. Like a thief in the night, a thick dark fog consumed the city, leaving us with minimal to zero visibility. Considering the current state of the roads, we were apprehensive since we rented a car from the Enterprise group instead of the taking the train or bus. It appeared as if we were driving in a dream that would lead us to Pembrokeshire.

With its reputation as a holiday destination, Pembrokeshire presented a much different allure. It was barely even spring but I wanted a taste of UK beach life. As a traveler coming from a country dotted with stunning coastlines and dreamy islands, I could not help but imagine how a beach in the UK would be like. Having a bit of elementary research, Ralph's limited yet solid right-hand driving experience, and the indispensable power of GPS, we felt primed to make this trip happen.

Fact: There are three National Parks in Wales (The other two are Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia) but Pembrokeshire is the only coastal national Park. Pembrokeshire county, situated in the South of Wales, is home to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, an arcadia that offers rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and sandy beaches. It has been voted by National Geographic as the second best coastal destination in the world (Trivia: Recently, Pembrokeshire was made more famous because some Scenes in Harry Potter: the Deathly Hallows were shot here)

Should I Just Drop Everything and Travel?

Call it a movement or perhaps a leap of faith. There's a growing number of people who have done it.  I even did it myself.

In the real world, people are overworked and underpaid with few vacation leaves every single year. There is a limited possibility to design one's life, and that gives a bigger room for brooding frustration.  Human beings don't want to be prisoners in their own lives.


Nonetheless, as much as the average person wants to subscribe to this nomad lifestyle, the idea of leaving work would be tantamount to reckless abandon. You ask yourself: What about my serious responsibilities? I have bills to pay and mortgages. Or, What if I don't have any money to do this? 

GT's Few Favorites in San Francisco

Palace of Fine Arts

I am a genuine urban junkie. My glorious inner elan is evident when I am in the midst of skyscrapers, traffic jams, and hordes of people. Although I occasionally love exploring natural wonders and the great outdoors, nothing makes me happier than gallivanting in big cities.

Recently, I went back to San Francisco and I had another chance to know the Golden City a little more. I have been there multiple times but it has never received a more detailed feature on my blog. I think the reason for this is the virtual familiarity of it all. However, in reality, there's still thousands to cover.

San Francisco does not need introductions so I've decided to share some of my favorites in this wonderful and hippie-driven town. San Francisco's liberal atmosphere, stable weather, rich history, and unique landscape have easily made it one of the most appealing cities in America.

1) Where to Stay. More often than not, most travelers choose big and ubiquitous hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt) since they know what expect. All these hotels deliver a standard level of service and that was quite unappealing. It was necessary to try something different. The Fairmont San Francisco was initially the most obvious luxury accommodation but I wanted to stay in a smaller, less popular hotel.Without much trepidation, we booked Huntington Hotel in Nob Hill, thanks to its excellent reviews and location.

The Huntington Hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Resorts of the World (SLH). If you ever thought of living in a fancy old school San Francisco apartment, the Huntington Hotel will graciously cover that dream.

Fashion World of Jean-Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to Catwalk

- Designers are catalysts of their time; their role is to translate the changes, the mutations and evolution of society - Jean Paul Gaultier.

The first fashion exhibition of celebrated French couturier Jean Paul Gaultier at San Francisco's de young Museum is not meant to be esoteric. In fact, it may be for people who have no idea what haute couture is about. It is for all the dilettantes in the world and I believe that character is innate in all of us. After all, fashion is art - a form of self expression and statement. Jean Paul Gaultier's works may seem intimidating and slightly "confusing" for some people but this exhibition will someone make the high fashion world more accessible for everyone. 

When John Paul Gaultier started his runway shows in the 1970s, he eventually became a force in the haute couture scene. He was one of those few brave people who owned up to being different. His avant garde and hyper-sexualized works reflected cultures, subcultures, and countercultures, making all his pieces living art. Through his collections, Gaultier celebrated alternative lifestyles and that blurred the distinction between masculine and feminine. When he introduced skirts and corsets as menswear, he seamlessly presented the concept of androgyny. Clothes suddenly had no gender.

Jean Paul Gaultier's exceptional works certainly go beyond the technical virtuosity of haute couture craftsmanship. Through his clothes, he encourages our world to be more tolerant. 

Open your mind. Welcome to the world of haute-couture dressmaking.

Ladurée in New York: French Macaron Indulgence + Kyotofu

There's always an excuse for sweet indulgence once in a while. We sauntered the more upscale streets of Manhattan, looking for a shop that sold one of my favorite things to eat in the world: Macarons but not just ordinary macarons - Laduree macarons. 

Macaron lovers and Upper East Side residents got a sugar high last year when Laduree opened its first store in the USA. Laduree has always been the king of French Macarons, no doubt. FYI, Laduree is not just a pastry shop. It has been an institution since its 1862 opening in Paris.  It then seemed natural for the macaron maison to bring them to New York City. (Pierre Herme has reinvented the taste of these exquisite treats though. They are bolder and more experimental. Green asparagus, anyone?).

On its opening day, the lines were mad and that continued for days. Suddenly, Madison Avenue was the mecca for macaron fans. Laduree in New York seemed fitting. 

The Farm At San Benito: A Step Closer to Healthier Living

Having what may look like an unencumbered life has its many advantages. It is a luxury that most people do not have. I own my time and that allows me to to escape from the raucous crowds of the city once in a while. When I do, I make sure it's nothing short of magical.

Since its opening a couple of years back, I had infinitely wanted to visit The Farm at San Benito (or the Farm) but I never made it happen until recently. My driver thought we were going to an actual farm with the proverbial pig, cows, and goat. I said: "There's plenty of that in our province. Why would I go all the way to Batangas for farm animals?"

The Farm at San Benito, at least in my book, is one of those IT places everyone needs to visit in the Philippines. Its reputation is legendary and that alone is enough reason to convince anyone to go. However, what prompted me to take this trip was Deal Grocer (DG has insanely amazing deals out there.)  DG presented a good offer for a day trip at the Farm and I grabbed it without second thoughts. Notwithstanding all of the Farm's outstanding reviews, a day trip seemed more appropriate. Considering my carnivorous appetite, an ocular was necessary before staying here longer for detox. If I would pay a considerable amount to remove all the toxins out of my body, it had better taste good too. 

With all the coconut trees and lush greenery along SLEX and Star Tollway, the 1 1/2 hour trip from Manila to Lipa, Batangas became more relaxing than I thought. I had this vision of The Farm and when we got there, I saw why spa-holics (and even A-list celebrities) would come all they way here for a healing journey.

I left my heart in Cardiff (Caerdydd): Discovering the Capital of Wales and Beyond.

View of the City Center from Cardiff Castle

Cathays Park War Memoral

Lonely Planet aptly describes Cardiff as the "epitome of cool." As expected, it only took me a few weeks to discover why it deserved to be called as such. This youthful capital has beautiful castles, pubs, parks, shops, and a compelling history (dating back to the Romans) that will all make your visit in United Kingdom exceptional.

Cardiff (or Caerdydd in Welsh), the capital of Wales, is special to me for many reasons. Among all the places I had visited during my vacation, I got to stay here the longest.  I was able to spend a few weeks in Cardiff and somehow, it eventually felt like home. I had a crude map of this city in my head, which was deemed an accomplishment for any traveler. We first rented an apartment near the city center and for the the rest of my vacation, I had a chance to stay in the largest University residence complex called Talybont South. I got to relive my college days here without the real and pressure of academic life.

The Midas Touch in Midas Hotel and Casino

When the Hyatt Regency closed, some people said it was an end of an era. One by one, the city's landmarks have succumbed to the pressures of modern Manila. Hyatt Regency hotel was part of this city's history and character but like most old buildings, change was a necessary course. As a result, the hotel had an inevitable renaissance. The people behind the Misibis Bay Resort had bigger plans for this iconic hotel.  The standing structure simply yearned for the Midas touch to make it fresh. Hence, Hyatt Regency was later aptly named Midas Hotel.  

Since it's an old structure, Midas Hotel's exterior does not give you the impression that it has a WOW factor. You probably won't even notice it while driving along Roxas Boulevard. The building brings to mind a cruise ship, ready to sail in the open waters.   

The impressive interiors, on the other hand, tell a different story. The striking choice of furniture and details become apparent.  Instead of the regular modern chandeliers, they used fiber optic lighting in the the lobby. "Tres chic and sexy"!

Your eyes will be instantly drawn to these floor to ceiling shelves that contain these  "Hermes" looking boxes. The Almario sisters certainly did a wonderful job with the renovation.

Birkin, anyone?

They also have real designer furniture from Poltrona Frau and Philippe Starck. I have always wanted chairs like these! Aren't the green ones lovely?

GT's Travel Health Tips/Reminders for 2012

Have you ever been sick while on vacation? 

Health should always be a primary concern when traveling but we have to admit it is not always a priority for most travelers. Holidays seem to be perfect most of the time, right? Think again. Our ordeal in Paris last year was quite the wake up call. I thought it would be a delightful trip in the City of L'amour but it turned out to be another nightmare. This city never fails to challenge me every time I come back.  My sister and I got an unexpected bad case of food poisoning that changed the course of our vacation. My series of unfortunate events list just got longer. Merci, Paris.

You would think that food would be safe in this lovely city. I mean, who wouldn't? This city is on everyone's bucket list. It all started when we ate this reheated pasta while we were on a regular cruise along the Seine River. Everything seemed fine until the following day when my sister started to complain of slight cramping of her stomach. That night, the worst was about to come. My sister was throwing up while I had to make multiple trips to the bathroom. Mine lasted for almost three days that redefined my idea of comfort. It was terrible, I tell you. That carbonara was the shining culprit and I ate two boxes. Great.

Not having control of my bowel movement was not a pleasant thing. This was not the kind of grand travel I was expecting. Ha. I could say that was easily one of the worst cases of food poisoning in my life. I felt I needed to be hooked to IV fluids but fortunately, a few sachets of oral rehydrations salts and presence of mind were enough to keep me up and running. Without delay, I had to cancel our  trip to Venice. I could not imagine myself looking for a bathroom every minute while navigating the city's narrow streets.  The only good thing that came about this was our spontaneous and much needed trip to Zurich, Switzerland. That city was the practical destination after Paris and it saved us. (Big Thanks to our wonderful friends/hosts in Switzerland). 

Let me now get to my point. We all want a healthy, disease-free holiday but sometimes, luck is not on our side. No one looks forward to an unforgettably miserable vacation. As much as possible, we need to take the necessary precautions to keep any health problem away. We tend to be too engrossed about out trips that we forget the importance of health. Believe me, nothing spoils a trip more than being sick. Actually, this applies to life in general.

Here are some 5 practical tips/reminders you can take to have that perfect holiday. You all know these things but someone has to remind you.

Casa Batlló: Getting Lost in Gaudi's Mind (Barcelona Series I)

"Those who look for the laws of nature as a support for their new works collaborate with the creator" - Antoni Gaudi 

Last time an artist's work spoke to me was during Alexander's Mcqueen's Savage Beauty Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Since then, it has occurred to me that in this world, there are a few gifted people with the kind of passion that can throw their lives into massive success and spiraling chaos (Think: Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Van Gogh). The passion I'm talking about finds a unique path and when you surrender to it, you may find yourself in a world that can border either on euphoria or depression. It's like a bipolar disorder with an on and off switch button.

In Barcelona, I found that Gaudi truly belonged to this group of individuals whose passionate works continued and will continue to resonate and inspire everyone around the world. Antoni Gaudi's love for nature, religion, design and Catalonia led to the creation of unparalleled architectural marvels in Barcelona. The most popular of his creations and the main draw of Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia, a Cathedral that never ceases to astound and shock the senses. Since Sagrada Familia usually steals the spotlight, I'd like to write more about Gaudi's other works that equally deserve attention.

Let me start with the iconic Casa Batllo, one of Gaudi's exceptional masterpieces along Passeig de Gracia. It is part of Manzana de la Discordia (Block/Apple of Discord), a series of renowned buildings in this part of town. Casa Batllo is surreal architecture at its best, displaying elements of modernist Barcelona that will be impossible to find anywhere else in the world. 

The Truth About Stonehenge: Eurotrip Series I

Everyone loves a good mystery. Mystery arouses curiosity and that draws us to the truth, or maybe a bit closer to it. There are some mysteries, however, that effortlessly manage to become a mystery forever. Stonehenge remains one. Somewhere in the Salisbury plain, huge monolithic stones have silently stood for ages, taunting the mind of any person who has seen them. Stonehenge has succeeded in becoming a worldwide enigma and precisely therein lies its magic.

I had seen images of Stonehenge as early as grade school. I believed that aliens built this monument, considering my mind was filled with bizarre images of crop circles and extraterrestrial forms. My ten-year old mind couldn't have known better. Or maybe I did.

The truth is, no one is exactly certain about the real purpose of these prehistoric stones. It is beyond the grasp of human knowledge. Stonehenge has generated many speculations/theories but suffice it to say that not one of them can be right or wrong. Stonehenge has been said to be:

1) Place of Sacrifice/Religious Site. Many researchers arguably believe Stonehenge was a site of religious and worship that time. They were able to find big bones here and they could have been offerings to the gods. No human skulls were in sight. Thank God.

I Keep Coming Back To Manila. Words from GT.

Eurotrip 2011. Rome. Paris. Zurich. Luzern. Stam Am Rhein. Lichtenstein. Lindau, Germany. Milan. Lake Como. Barcelona. Brussels. Ghent. Brugge. Liege. London. Cardiff. Cambridge. Bath. Stonehenge. Caerphilly.

In a few hours -- Manila. Not so long ago, I sang "Manila" by Hotdog for a huge crowd during my internship. How appropriate. Maybe I can post my version here next time.

After almost two months of traveling around Europe and the UK, I am finally going back to the best city on earth, Manila (For me, of course)! It's bittersweet, really. A part of me wants to go home and another part still wants to stay.

I was able to visit beautiful places but the best part of this vacation would always be the the people. When I say people, this means someone special, family, relatives and friends (old and new). Traveling becomes more unforgettable when you meet people. Essentially, it is all about relationships that will last a lifetime.

Thank you all for traveling with me these past few weeks. I am cramming this post because I have to leave in a bit. 

Home. Sounds good to me. Manila, your number fan will be back in a few hours. Love you all!

See you again soon, B.

P.S

I have more posts to publish but Ill start writing them when I get home. I also miss hearing from you all so you comments/insights are most welcome.

Lake Como's La Dolce Vita

October, 2011. The dilemma in deciding where the next destination will be is a critical point for any traveler. Each destination essentially sets the mood and pace for the succeeding trips. Places have their pros and cons but more often than not, it all boils down to a) Time and b) Money. In  our case, the former was considerably pressing.

It was a toss-up between Venice and Lake Como. I had been to Venice once but I wanted to take my  dear sister there to give her a taste of the real Venetian experience. The Venetian hotels in Macau, Las Vegas, and Mckinley most certainly don't count.

Coming from Milan, however, Venice did not present itself as a practical choice. I was hankering for a new place to visit in Italy that did not require too much travel time. The allure of visiting a new place  had a heavier weight. Having one day to spare for this trip, Lake Como's appeal became apparent. 

(Originally, the plan was to visit Venice after Paris but we got a bad case of poisoning in the City of Love. It was not the most pleasant thing in the world to experience. Venice was immediately out of the question. We found ourselves in Switzerland after that. Full Story Later).

I was pleased that our eco-friendly hotel, Starhotels ECHO, was right across from Stazione Centrale.  Our hotel's location made it convenient for us to book our train tickets from Milan to Como S.G. I've made a mental note since then that accommodations should always be near the bus or train station whenever I travel.

There's Something About Bath

Like an elusive dream, I have been frantically chasing the sun throughout our trip in the United Kingdom. It has the effortless power to ease my occasional melancholic mood. One fine day, we planned a trip to Bath in Somerset and the sun paid us a surprise visit. It turned out to be glorious. 

The one-hour train ride from Cardiff, Wales to Bath made this trip comfortable for all of us. Bath seemed ideal since its size was not daunting for any traveler. (My advice for any day trip: If there are at least three of you traveling on a train, you can go directly to the train station to get the group ticket. You'll save some quid if you do that)

The first thing I noticed as soon as we got out of the train station was Bath's well preserved 18th century architecture. The white to cream colored limestones were immaculate. Expect anything the Romans built to be impressive and ambitious. 

The color of the limestones illuminates the city. Bath's stunning Georgian Architecture is feminine and even romantic. There's a hint of Parisian flair to it (Or maybe that's just me). Back in 1987, Bath was declared as a UNESCO Heritage Site.

It won't be difficult to navigate this small city because there are dozens of signs pointing you to the main attractions. If you get lost, that old means you REALLY have a bad sense of direction! 

During ancient times, Bath's name was Aquae Sulis (waters of Sulis). The bath complex was founded as early as 75 AD by the Romans. This would be England's only naturally occurring hot spring that was enjoyed mostly by the upper class during the old days. You can't leave Bath withoutt seeing this structure.

Cambridge by Punt

Before coming to the United Kingdom, I threw all my expectations and plans up in the air. If there was one thing I was certain about, it was the predictably unpredictable British weather. Its daftness has the power to make me unusually lazy. Photography can also be a bit of a challenge.

For those of you who don't know, I've been going around the United Kingdom for almost 2 weeks now (More than a month in Europe though). It's not exactly the cheapest place for a vacation for any Filipino. Paying in pounds can be a pain. So far, I've seen most of London and Cardiff but Ill be writing about them separately. Bath was also a lovely place to visit. This post, however, will solely be about Cambridge, a famous university town in United Kingdom. Im fairly sure most of you have heard about the prestigious University of Cambridge. If not, OUR question for you would naturally be: Where have you been hiding all this time?

I figured Cambridge might be an interesting place to blog about. Aside from the University of Cambridge, what can you actually see and do in this town? The best way to see and learn about Cambridge's history is by leisurely punting along the river Cam to see this town's unique waterscape. Yes, punting.

A punt is basically Cambridge's own version of a gondola.  It is a flat bottomed wooden boat with no keel and it is propelled by the chauffeur by means of a long pole. During the Edwardian times, these punts served as pleasure crafts.

Interesting EATS around Europe (Part I)

This is my first time posting something about a good number of restaurants/ice cream parlors. I've consistently told people that I am technically a food blogger, although food is a vital part of the travel experience. I enjoy eating food and not writing about it. However,  good food can either make or break your trip. A few weeks ago in Paris, we got good poisoned and that almost ruined our plans. (Fortunately, that incident changed the course of our vacation..for the better. Ill have one post on that).

So far, these are my favorites during this trip but not necessarily the best. What may be good to me may not be good to you. I have more to add soon.

Cardiff, United Kingdom. 

Jamie's Italian. I've always been a fan of this guy's cooking. He makes the art of cooking fun and unpretentious. Ralph did not have a hard time convincing me to go to this restaurant in Wales. Jamie Oliver's restaurant almost has 2 dozen branches all over United Kingdom. The Flagship restaurant is in Covent Garden in London. 

With its relaxed "market" atmosphere, you know that you are "IN" for a gastronomic treat here.

Appetizer - Wicked Aubergine Dumplings with a roast tomato salsa and sprinkle of World Best parmesan finished with Olive Oil. Take note: World Best.


If eggplants were this good, I'd eat them everyday.

Some of Jamie's Books.

Those faces seem to be excited to eat the food.

Last Stop: United Kingdom. (Living A Student's Life)

We bloody made it! Whew. My sister and I said Au Revoir to all the Shengen States a few days ago.  I thought we would never reach United Kingdom. It feels like I've been in Europe for more than a year now. My back has been miserable and it badly needs a good massage. I swear that I will overdose on massages when I am back in Manila.

We went around London yesterday but I had to cut it short because I needed to go to Cardiff in Wales. We will explore more of wonderful London town this weekend and next week. We still have plans to go to Cambridge, Stonehenge, Salisbury, Bath and other areas as long as we have the time. I'd also love to see the all the markets in London since it's highly recommended by most travellers here.

The Popular Red Phone Booths. I wonder if people use them?