Discovering Corrigedor Island

Corregidor is a tadpole shaped island on the mouth of Manila Bay. When the Philippines was yet a colony of Spain, Corregidor served as a fortress; an early warning outpost to warn Manila of any hostile ships; a customs outpost; and a correctional (prison). Because of the corrective effect of hard labor on prisoners, the island was named Corregidor, from the Spanish word "corregir" meaning the corrector. Corregidor is also known as "the rock" because of its rocky landscape and heavy fortifications.

Corregidor island is approximately 4 kilometers long, 1.5 kilometers at its widest and a total area of approximately 3 square miles. At the tip of the tail, 2 kilometers south, lies Caballo island. Both Corregidor and Caballo islands are part of the province of Cavite.

The tunnel had been dug through solid rock and offered complete protection from artillery or air attack. Command communications and medical units were located there. Gen. MacArthur set up the headquarters of USAFFE inside the tunnel where men and women would live and work during the siege of Corregidor. The tunnel was originally designed to house huge quantities of ammunition, food and supplies, and an underground hospital with a 1,000-bed capacity. The location of the tunnel beneath Malinta Hill made it ideal as a bomb-proof headquarters for the embattled Filipino and Americans defenders of Corregidor during World War II. During the siege of Corregidor, a number of shops and storage areas were added.

Singapore Skyline

A city as small as Singapore can be toured in just three days, many would say, but to see all the highlights and get beneath the skin of this charming place definitely warrants a longer stay. A tour planned around the major districts allows one to appreciate its history, people and rich cultural diversity in an optimal period of time. Here is the best of Singapore not to be missed.

Singapore River This is the very origin of Singapore's prosperity, with the Merlion (the city's tourism icon) steadfastly standing guard at the mouth of the river. Quaint bridges span the river, ranging from the elegant Anderson Bridge to the simple Ord Bridge. Boat Quay , an excellent reincarnation of Peranakan shophouses and godowns, is a pleasant place to dine alfresco, with its long slew of chic cafes, restaurants and pubs. Further upstream is Clarke Quay , yet another series of restored shophouses, where a carnival atmosphere prevails at the fall of dusk. Come Sunday, a flea market thrives here, displaying an appealing range of old treasures, curios and collectibles. Other dining and entertainment attractions along the river include the Riverside Point, Riverside Village and Robertson Quay at the uppermost end.

Night Safari Put a zoo and a national wildlife park together and you will get this enchanting Night Safari that is home to 100 exotic species, many rare and endangered. The first of its kind in the world, this 40-hectare jungle allows you to watch 1,000 nocturnal animals come alive at night in their natural habitat. A tram ride lets you tour the park in comfort (extra charges apply). For more adventure, choose from one of the three walking trails and discover the wildlife at close quarters.

Orchard Road, Queensland Singapore's Champs-Élysees stretches 2.5 kilometres long and is said to have the largest concentration of shopping malls worldwide. Originally a nutmeg and pepper plantation, Orchard Road today is lined with ritzy malls, swanky eateries and luxury hotels from end to end. The more notable shopping centres include Ngee Ann City , Tangs Department Store , Wisma Atria , The Heeren and Centrepoint . Nevertheless, some old portions of the street have managed to escape the bulldozers, particularly the peranakan shophouses near Emerald Hill , built at the turn of the 20th century.

Botanic Gardens Founded in 1859 with a mission to cultivate plants of economic potential, the 52-hectare Singapore Botanic Gardens made a historic milestone in 1877 with the cultivation of Malaysia's and Indonesia's first rubber plantations. Today, with more than 600,000 plant specimens, it is clearly one the world's largest botanical reserves. The park provides a comprehensive introduction to plants in a variety of settings, from rolling lawns and orchid gardens to a tropical jungle. Other attractions include the National Orchid Garden , Visitors Centre, tea room, spice and herb gardens, and the eco-lake. A SGD35-million redevelopment plan is currently underway to make the park's plant collections more accessible to the public.

Taken at Universal Studio (courtesy: Ms. C. Cayetano)

A tower made from wood

This tower motivates my attention this afternoon while walking along the commercial road in our district area. It
is a tower made from wood. Yes it it. I found it a little weird or comical but its true. I have read this from the district magazine last week stated that it will going to open for the public. A little bit extraordinary for me and yet I saw it with my naked eye. I wonder if this is just for the summer season or up until winter. And what I heard, this will serves as a panoramic viewing of the city. My question is, How well-built this structure was? This is a paranoid question but we need to address the safety of the people. Anyway... That's all for today. Have a good day everyone.

The majestic view of Taipei city

Taipei, the political and financial center of Taiwan, is the island's most populous city. Taipei originated as a small trading port over two hundred years ago before becoming the administrative capital under the Qing Dynasty. During the last few decades there has been tremendous growth in the city. Now a sprawling metropolis, Taipei is an ideal place to visit for those who love the hustle and bustle of the big city.

                     You can see here the Cable car in Taichung city (credit from Noel Aguda).



October 28, 1999 when I  arrived in Taiwan. Everything is new for me because first and foremost, their language (Cantonese, Mandarin etc.) is totally different to our native dialect. I was astound with the beauty of this small country. The multistory buildings, the principal roads that connect the city, the lights, the no-traffic, good food, a selections of bar and restaurant specifically well known the Universal Studio, TGIF and Hard rock cafe wherein, I celebrated my birthday with my closed friends. And a Chinese cuisine you are absolutely craved.

Working to extraterritorial country would require lots of adjustments. You learned to be persistence, friendly, well oriented, physically fit to work, observer and vigilant to your surroundings. I learned how to become independent since I grew up to a hard up family. Doing a laundry, grocery shopping and cooking. Homesickness force me to be more strong to contest.

During my stay in this country, I found out that fellow Filipinos are very warmth. They count you in as a family member. Help you in anyway they could possibly be in terms of financial and spiritual aspects. I have a circle of friends ready to look after and defend me in any situation. They are my treasure.

                                                        Taken June 7, 2001



I remembered a lot of things good and bad and I knew it was part of growing up and learning process. As an OFW, we kept our credibility that the Chinese would appreciates. But There's a status quo you can't avoid like what happened to me. He's a Filipino who wanted to be my superior in his actions and commands. He commanded me as if he owns the company. And yet, a very closed friend of mine were all compassionate and ready to defend me. Alas, this man gone out of my way since then.

Friends as they always say may come and go but the memories in our hearts remained- forever. It's not easy for me after all to undertake a task and leave those moments in my life, but I need to travel back to my home country. A memory in Taiwan is simply the best that will last not just today but forever.

My experienced on a train

Who among you already experienced of riding a train and not got into mind you already exceeded the railway station and dropped to the next station? Funny but I am. During my  first week here in Austria, I admit going to a new place for curiosity. It's adventure for me though, but with certain unfamiliarity of where to go, I kept a mini map for assurance not to get lost somewhere else. Of course there is a little confusion with the map inside the train. I drove myself to a place I never knew instead, I walk around and follow the name of the street until I finally get through. That's a sighed of relief for me.

One time, my sister and I will be meeting at the U6 (underground train)... she called me and  asked "Are you there already?",  I said "yes".  Then the next question was... "what train?", I answered "of course here at U6". Because she won't get what my response was, she raised her voice and quite angry. She kept asking what train should I supposed to be. Still, I replied here at U6. Then suddenly she realized I was right, because instead of asking what station, she insisted what train. It is clear that if she would asked me what station then I should say the name of the station right? But funny because she kept asking the name of the train so I consistently answered U6. Its a complicated question she didn't knew it before getting angry... lol. As I recall to her... we both very amused.

Toronto, Canada

CN Tower is the tourist attraction of the city. The idea was eventually originated from the 1968 Canadian National Railroad having a desire to build a large TV and radio communication platform to serve the Toronto area and in CN tower particularly, it served the strength of Canadian industry as well.
Construction on the CN Tower began on February 6, 1973 with massive excavations at the tower base for the foundation. June 26, 1976 already opened to the public and that's the year before my birth date, although the official opening was October 1. The construction costs of approximately CDN$63 million ($330 million in (2005).


A month ago, my cousin felt very nostalgic but constrain upon receiving the good news of his visa to Canada. Agape and a matter of mix feelings, in the sense wherein he really don't know what happens next when he get there. Although this is not his first time leaving the country, he's a bit unsure.

That kind of situation I can relate too. During my trip to Taiwan ( will feature to my next blog),  I am totally incapacity. Testing the waters as they say have irreversible reaction. Going to earn money is my top priority that can give me a total courage to move on and leave the country at that time. Its a great feeling to explores the other side of the world and adapt and embrace their culture and way of life.

Best interest in a beautiful places.: My last week escapade at Wachau, Dürnstein Austria

Best interest in a beautiful places.: My last week escapade at Wachau, Dürnstein Austria

My last week escapade at Wachau, Dürnstein Austria

Abbey church of Dürnstein, famous for the imprisonment of the English king Richard Lion Heart, the Ruin of Dürnstein is a popular sight in the Wachau region. On your way up to the ruin, you are rewarded with extraordinary views over the Danube and its vineyards.The Abbey Church of Dürnstein is well-known for its blue-white tower, the unique artwork showing the suffering of Jesus Christ and the tabernacle at the altar with 44 images of the life of Jesus.

Discover traditions, experience nature, refresh with a glass of wine,relax at a crystal clear lake and enjoy picturesque landscape by biking,hiking or even cruising along the Danube.

A region which straddles the banks of the Danube, rich in history, blessed with a mild climate and outstanding white wines, the UNESCO cultural heritage site of Wachau is a magical land in every season.

We travelled 6 hours and 30 minutes from Vienna city to Wachau. It was a nerved-rocking experienced. With an array of foods and beverages, aside from sitting and drinking of course you are allowed to walked and go up to the deck to feel the fresh air. Unfortunately, we didn't have the best seat to view the countryside but it is definitely unforgettable moments. We were there sitting and playing cards while the ship still on the water as if  the time is so fast. Luckily, my sister have an extra chips and biscuit while we were playing. Our boredom consoled.

What is your favorite place in your house?

What is more interesting about my place? Well, common to all of us answered the bed room or the living room. In this case, we comfy ourselves by having a relaxation and as such. The place where you are free to do so.

The maximum to spend time in your room is approximately 5 to 6 hours a day if you are a workaholic. This place is where you solemnly calm your spirit. The pleasure to relax in your own room, especially if too tired from work. I actually trying to sleep and pamper myself on bed for at least 7 hours. Wake up early means you practically do a household chores in order. Your daily routine won't give you panic and run out of time before rushing head to work.

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The living room also is where you can make a noise, sing, to snack, watch, to play games, dance and sleep if you want too. The pleasure of feeling that you know you owned the house you fulfilled. And very fun if you know yourself that you're happy. There you can consume your time watching the movie.

You are really free to share what's your favorite place in your house, possibly in bathroom, kitchen, terrace, foyer, garage, pool etc... just leave your comment.

Canibad Samal, Davao Philippines

Canibad Beach Resort (at Aundanao, Samal Island) is located at the other side of Samal Island facing Davao Oriental a 20km drive from Babak proper. Another place to relax and unwind at Samal Island.
Canibad is actually a sea by the foot of the mountains. So when you get there, you will see the vastness of the sea on top of a hill while coconut trees and mountains greet you welcome to Canibad! You’ll have to go down a very steep trail before reaching the white sand and the cool blue waters of the beach. The coastline is just about two kilometers with very fine white sand, pebbles and some big pile of rocks on its edges.
 It is one of the beach resorts that is less developed, so tourists and guests should not expect to see class restaurants and air-conditioned rooms. For those who want to stay overnight at the beach, it is advisable to bring a tent with you, but cottages are also available for around P200 pesos per night. Since there is no restaurants in the area, cooking your own food in designated areas is a good idea.
The people on Canibad seemed joyous as they gathered around their bonfires, drinking, eating, cajoling, and doing other forms of merrymaking by the beach or in their tents. After all, in that paradise that has escaped the usual crowd at the more accessible beaches on the other side of Samal Island, one couldn’t help but feel free and far away, in a place that affords everyone more private space.
How to get there

More photos here