The year 2013 has been a year of "Travel" at least on my part. So far, it has been the best year of my life because I was able to reach some of my greatest dreams when I was still a child - to play with snow, visit other countries and to ride on a plane. Yes! I've long been dreaming of riding on a plane and see the clouds and the stars closer; to have a glimpse of how the world looks like from a great height.
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Everything happened on this wonderful and vibrant year!
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As a Youth Ambassador and Student Leader, I applied for the different youth exchange programs and summits this year. Fortunately, I qualified for all of these programs that I applied for and because of this, I was able to explore Japan in March as a Peace Ambassador; visited Indonesia in June as a Google Student Ambassador; and had a glimpse of Cebu last August as a delegate to the 8th Aboitiz Future Leaders Business Summit.
Sadly, I really didn't have the time to roam around the cities I visited because I had to follow the rules and schedule that were given by the organizers. I'm really craving to spend much more time in those countries so I'm once again dreaming of visiting certain places in Asia.
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A Lovely Experience With Air Asia
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I came to know Air Asia during my connecting flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Jogjakarta, Indonesia for the Southeast Asia Outreach Summit with Google last June. When we landed to KL from Manila, I really made sure that I'll be able to take some photos of this airline because I really love the airline's official color -RED (the shade is perfect and is so eyecatching!)
The interior of the aircraft succumbs to the International Standards and the seats are relatively comfortable; these are good indication that the company do not sacrifice quality for the price. Furthermore, I was surprised that the cabin crews were also hospitable and nice like the Filipinos. Each of them possesses a pleasing personality which translates to their sincerity in dealing with the passengers.
Honestly, I really felt bad when I found out on the internet that Air Asia has no direct flight from and to Manila. I was really disappointed that I cannot enjoy such high quality service at an affordable price when I travel from Manila.
BUT, HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS!
BUT, HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS!
Recently, Zest Air was rebranded as Air Asia Zest and upon hearing the news, I really know that Travel in the Philippines will be much more vibrant and exciting from now on! With Air Asia Zest's affordable rates and commitment to quality service, surely, Filipinos will now Travel Asia with Air Asia!
LOCAL DESTINATIONS:
Cebu
Davao
Kalibo (Boracay)
Puerto Princesa
Tagbilaran
Cagayan de Oro
INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Shanghai, China
Incheon, South Korea
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Now, I wanna share with you the countdown to
MY DESTINATION WISH LIST!
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4th: Cebu City, Philippines
A photo taken at the Sto. Nino de Cebu Church, Cebu City
with my co-delegates to the 8th AFLBS
I went to Cebu as one of the delegates to the 8th AFLBS and like all the other summits I've attended, standard protocols when it comes to schedule and safety had to be followed during that time. Hence, I really did not have the time to roam around the city and have a better glimpse of the city's culture.
I really wanna visit Cebu's pristine beaches, its IT Park and visit some of its heritage sites. Also, I wanna experience their Street Parties which I heard are entertaining and will make everyone groove to the music. Plus, I would really love to come and visit Cebu for its famous Sinulog Festival and to indulge myself in its sweet mangoes and delicious crispy Lechon!
3rd: Kalibo (Boracay), Aklan
The famous white powder-like sands of Boracay
I've been into Boracay when I was 13 years old and I can vividly remember how I, due to excitement, jumped out of the boat even if it's still a bit far from the shore. Hahahaah! :) I guess this incident gave you an idea of how mesmerizing Boracay is.
However, I didn't have the chance to explore the island and spent most of my time on the outskirts of this island. Well, now that I'm of legal age, I wanna experience the colorful and fiery nights in Boracay. I'm really fascinated by the fire performances held at night, the loud music and the warm people who adds up to the good vibe on this island paradise.
Having a Henna Tattoo, go on a Banana Boat Adventure and snorkeling are also some of the things I wanna do when I'm given the chance to visit this place in the future. I've heard for a thousand times that one of the main reasons that sets apart the island from the rest is the "ADVENTURE" that the travelers can experience from this island.
Having a Henna Tattoo, go on a Banana Boat Adventure and snorkeling are also some of the things I wanna do when I'm given the chance to visit this place in the future. I've heard for a thousand times that one of the main reasons that sets apart the island from the rest is the "ADVENTURE" that the travelers can experience from this island.
2nd: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The famous Petronas Tower and Kuala Lumpur's Skyline
"Malaysia, Truly Asia!"
I fell in love with this song used for Malaysia's Official Tourism Ad. The music, the voice of the singer and the video itself were perfectly blended to give its viewers a glimpse of how magical one's stay in Malaysia can be. Hence, I know that many travelers from all over the world have considered visiting Malaysia one of these days; and that includes ME! :)
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| At the Plaza Premium Lounge in LCCT Airport, Kuala Lumpur |
By the way, I''ve been to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this year when the Philippine delegation to the Southeast Asia Outreach Summit with Google stayed in the said city for a layover to Jogjakarta, Indonesia. Literally, we stayed for quite some time in the airport to wait for our connecting flight. Good thing, I've had a nice view of KL's skyline when the plane from Manila hasn't landed yet - and it really added up to my admiration for the city.
Some of KL's Points of Interest that make we wanna come back as soon as possible are:
Petronas Towers: Very famous for its Height and Intricate Design
Legoland Malaysia: The first Legoland Theme Park in Asia
Kuala Lumpur Tower: The Tallest Tower in Sutheast Asia
1st: Incheon, South Korea
Incheon's famed Skyline
INCHEON BRIDGE: a reinforced concrete bridge in South Korea.
At 12.3 km long with a main cable stayed span of 800m,
the new Incheon Bridge will be one of the five longest of its type in the world.
AREX: A rail system and the fastest means of transportation
that connects Incheon International Airport to Seoul. It covers a distance of
58 kilometers and stops at only 10 stations.
JEONDEUNGSA TEMPLE: located on Ganghwa Island, which has been
a historically significant place from the time of
ancient Joseon until the present day.
I have long been in love with South Korea since I first watched a Koreanovela on GMA 7 almost a decade ago. There are a lot of things in common between the Korean and Filipino culture: love of God and family, love for music, respect for the elderly and love for Dramas! Surely, Korean Wave has hit the Philippines massively that many Filipinos embraced the culture, music and arts of South Korea.
Korean Cuisine is also a must try for everyone! From its very flavorful Bulgogi, the vibrant and delicious Bibimbap and to their own favorite sidedish, Kimchi, everyone can surely experience Korea in an instant!
Korean Cuisine is also a must try for everyone! From its very flavorful Bulgogi, the vibrant and delicious Bibimbap and to their own favorite sidedish, Kimchi, everyone can surely experience Korea in an instant!
Furthermore, I've met a lot of Koreans in our campus and some have been my classmate during my Sophomore Year and I can safely say that they are nice and lovable; and VERY CUTE TOO! :)
Aside from this, there are still hundreds of reasons to visit South Korea and some of these are:
INCHEON BRIDGE: a reinforced concrete bridge in South Korea.
At 12.3 km long with a main cable stayed span of 800m,
the new Incheon Bridge will be one of the five longest of its type in the world.
AREX: A rail system and the fastest means of transportation
that connects Incheon International Airport to Seoul. It covers a distance of
58 kilometers and stops at only 10 stations.
JEONDEUNGSA TEMPLE: located on Ganghwa Island, which has been
a historically significant place from the time of
ancient Joseon until the present day.
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THANKS TO AIR ASIA ZEST and my dream of visiting these places someday has become more possible!
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