Playing with Virtual Reality Apps and the VR Cardboard Box from Long Live Play Manila!

Technological advances are becoming out of this world so fast. Sometimes, I can't quite keep up to date with even the basic stuff haha. I've just been introduced to the world of VR (virtual reality) through my friend who brought a very affordable foam cardboard VR headset to Manila! I used to see images of Google goggles and Google cardboard only on social media and now, one can now find a simpler version of a lightweight DIY virtual reality headset for sale here in the Philippines through the Long Live Play PH store. Some of the available free apps in the market are very entertaining. After a long and taxing month (and without a plan to head outside due to the intense heat), I found myself tinkering with smartphones to have a very exploratory 3D experience at home. I VRed all my April stress and troubles away LOL. I also got with me the smallest bluetooth controller (in the world?) which can be paired to play some VR games (or navigate some apps) and my favorite feature is the shutter control for my camera ;) Check out my silly side below haha. Warning: You can easily spend lots of hours immersed in your own bubble with this one while your friends laugh at you if you only have one unit haha. It's fun for everybody either way so find out below on how you can score one of these VR headsets from me! ;)

Vuyavuy Palm Trees and the Charming Chavayan Village in Sabtang Island, Batanes!

When in Batanes, a daytrip to Sabtang Island should be part of your itinerary. You'll see the locals, trees, villages, houses,  animals, food,  beach, lighthouses, cliffs, views (even fortresses) and many more! It's very accessible by boat then rented jeep from Batan Island (where Basco is). Check out Part 1 on how to go to Sabtang from Batan or Basco and some things to remember. Part 2 is about what else you must not miss which are two of my favorite parts of the trip - the palm trees and the village of Chavayan! We didn't stay there long but I loved every moment of it while I saw the trees all throughout the island =)

Things to Bring in Batanes and Preparations for the Boat Ride from Batan to Sabtang Island!

With the coming of the New Year, I've come across one overused (but true) piece of advice from one of my fav writers Jeff Goins. He posted "The best way to create new opportunities is to start saying "yes" to opportunities that excite you, even if you're not sure how you'll pull it off." This is very timely to this new post as I am going to tell you about the dreaded boat ride from Batan to Sabtang Island and how to prepare for a Batanes trip in general based on my experience. Surely, the circumstances will vary because of the extreme weather conditions Batanes is known for which you won't know until you get there but there are commonalities applicable to almost all kinds of travel that I'd like to point out. Preparing your travel gear (as well as reading up) and conditioning yourself mentally by taking note of special ordinary-looking things are just some of the things you can do before your trip to the most remote (northernmost) tip of the Philippines! I'll show you our Day 2 where we headed to Sabtang Island in 3 parts (picture-heavy) and what not to miss during the tour ;)

Basco Batanes Island Day Tour Itinerary with My Photochromic Transitions Lenses!

I was thrilled that I got to try my first Transitions Lenses and travel to Batanes both for the first time last month. I was introduced to photochromic technology at a time when I've conveniently forgotten that my eyes play an integral part in my wandering life. I cannot do OOTDs but I promise you a glimpse of some of the most useful (and comfy) travel gear I've collected over the past couple of years in this blog. I'm happy to say that my new pair of Transitions XTRActive adaptive lens eyeglasses (there are 2 types of Transitions Lens available in the Philippines, see here) made it to my travel staples packing list (you do have one of those, right?)! My short trip to Batanes was spent seeing what's in front of me and my lifestyle (from outside in) in a different light. We were able to cover a lot of places and have that chill island vibe in 2 whole days ;) Here's Day 1 where we toured the places in Batan (where Basco is located in the Batanes group of islands).

The Start of My Journey With Transitions Lenses and George Optical

There are moments when I'm tired on a familiar trip home and I just take off my glasses to blur the bright billboards and night lights. They instantly turn into pretty dispersed bursts of color like a bokeh without the use of any camera trick. This is one of those few moments that I'm happy to have myopia or nearsightedness. I lost my idea that I have a perfect vision in my 20s and been wearing lenses ever since. In those many years, I must say, that I've never experienced a thorough eye checkup and eye care wakeup call like this one I had with George Optical. They helped carry out all the measurements and specifications needed for my new eyeglasses equipped with the latest Transitions Lens Technology! :)

I got to take with me my Transitions XTRActive lenses to Batanes (and my future travels)! ;) #LifeintheBestLight

Free Cool Travel Apps to Download on Your Mobile Phone To Try Out While You're on the Road!

I've recently read a comprehensive article about travel apps and how it can save you money on your trips. I haven't tried them for myself yet but I think somewhere in time, somebody thought of unburdening the plight of travellers through the smart use of technology. One of the coolest ones I've heard of before from Jaunted and I've been meaning to try is Airpnp! Ever had that need to pee and you don't know where to go? Haha. Here's my attempt of compiling that previous list and combining it with my own - those which sound brilliant to me and addresses a need I sometimes have while on the road (everything in that previous list sounded cool so it's here). I believe apps should be free to download for all (then if they want to add bookings after then it's fine) so that's a requirement here. I'll put everything in one place so that when the perfect opportunity comes, I can just revisit this post and remember which app depending on my need. I will also update this post if I find more apps =) Suggestions are also welcome in the comments (kindly indicate the app name, what it's for, compatibility and location available).

Photo from Airpnp page

My Recommended Ear Pieces and Gadgets for the On the Go Music Lover - Soundfreaq, Philips, Coloud, Bluetooth Speakers and Ear Plugs

Okay, so I'm taking this writing spree one post at a time! One thing that has constantly helped me is music. Let me tell you about a few thing-ah-majigs and gadgets I bring with me (at least one of these per trip) in my travels, at work and at home. Some take me a few months to constantly test before making this list while some, I just fell in love at first use =)

Mount Batulao Old Trail Day Hike, the View and Overnight at Camp 1, Also Things to Bring

This is Part 2 of 3 of my Mount Batulao Trek (read Part 1 here). We spent 1.5 hours from the Mt. Batulao jump-off point to the fork that leads to the old and new trails. The next 30 minutes that followed from the Old Trail to Camp 1 for our overnight weekend camping escapade was equally challenging and overwhelming (but doable with a little mind conditioning haha) for a newbie like me. I was so relieved when we got to camp. The view of the peaks was wonderful while trekking but with all the obstructions gone at the campsite (and with the temptation to sleep already inside the tent), it was even more beautiful for me (totally not what I expected). Hehe. We could point to the summit from here and the New Trail route... Setting up our tents here was the best decision we made - especially since it's the only one with the CR (toilet) for our girly needs (and not as windy here)! Hehehe. The road below is the way up the other Old Trail stops or camps (#2 to #9) and the summit (more of this and the next day on Post 3).

Eat, Walk and Trek in Mt. Province - Things to Do in Sagada Part I and My Mojo Slippers

It's my second time in Sagada actually but I consider this the first because we only a had a few hours here to walk the last time before heading to Baguio. After our pinikpikan lunch and organic Sagada coffee farm tour with Mr. Osenio Lay-os in the afternoon, these are the little things we did until the next morning before our super spelunking at Sumaguing Cave haha. It made such a difference in my first Sagada impression that there's nothing there. Thinking about this experience again actually makes me want to go back and do these activities slowly in around 3 or 4 days haha. I'll probably also stay in Sagada Home Stay again.

Also got to walk around Sagada with my Mojo Slippers. You can squeeze this itinerary in an afternoon and a morning though if you're only in Sagada for the weekend =) Of course, everything is a lot easier if you have a car for some areas. This is a list of suggested activities to do in Sagada - some of which I missed and you will beat me to it haha.

NewKube MP3 Player from Singapore for your Travels Now in Manila!

Because my old iPod shuffle is full already and synced to my old Mac, I couldn't add songs to it without wiping out the complete gym playlist I created years ago. It's a bit outdated but I'm keeping it in case I need super lively music when I travel haha. So I need another music device with bigger storage so that I can just pick it up and go! Hehe. Do you need another player too? Remember my Travel Playlist post? Well, I've been updating it with more songs and finally, this moment has arrived! I've just been introduced to this small MP3 player and I've filled it up with my latest pick-me-up travel songs and OPM songs for you first (hmm maybe I should include Easy Rock songs too haha) =D I am giving away this black one to a reader! But first, lemme give you a brief intro on this newKube from Singapore.

Can't Go Without my Yellow Momax iPower Go Double Travel Charger!

I find myself constantly traveling with my iPhone nowadays. It is so much lighter than my Macbook so it makes perfect sense to carry it around. It's also easier to share my on-the-spot travels, foodie finds and experiences using the apps there. So if you're looking into what's new with me, my Facebook page has the latest sneak peeks, sometimes things I don't post here and travel inspiration =) I try to post whenever possible and if there's WiFi. One thing I have to always remember though is to keep my BB and iPhone fully charged for road emergencies. Thanks to my brother who introduced me to power chargers and saved me more than once haha. I saw the usefulness of this nifty gadget. The yellow Momax iPower Go below is the latest addition to my travel essentials. I've road-tested it in La Trinidad, Sagada, Korea and Bacolod and it's on my packing list now, maybe they would come up with cables for camera batteries next haha =D  

 

Flight 001 - Your Travel Needs from New York to the Philippines!

I find myself stopping at every travel store I see be it at the airport, mall, bazaars or small supply stores. Hehe. I love thingamajigs and I'm always on the lookout for things that will make my travel-life cooler and more convenient. I'm super happy that Flight 001 (pronounced Flight One) finally opened a BIG store in Shangri-La's new East Wing! I've tried over and over again to pack light but I prefer to be the luggage kind of gal - with more choices of clothes, loosely packed stuff and with my own definition of "organized". I've told you about Keeping It Together (KIT) right? I use their toiletry bag, laundry bag, travel-sized bottles and some packing cubes. This time around, let me introduce you to another different set of cool stuff from Flight 001 that can also be useful to you =) Because there's always room for more stuff in your luggage haha.

 

Victorinox Travel Gear Philippines Klasse Party Launch and My Swiss Card!

So this month has been pretty exciting :) I got to celebrate the Swiss National Day with the Swiss brand Victorinox, distributed in the Philippines by the Primer Group of Companies. I've personally been using one of their products, the Swiss Card, in all of my trips and I'm so happy that I got to know them a little better through this event. I loved how they are incorporating travel with the Swiss tradition of perfection. They even have travel apparel, aside from the cutlery and watches. 

 

My New Roxy Rashguard, Bandeau and Mini Bag for my Travels!

I'm just super excited so I have to tell you! Ehehehehe. A package arrived today! I've been tracking it for a few days (since May 8 haha) from Australia to Singapore to Manila via UPS hehe. I promised myself to complete some of my travel wear and gears by the end of this year. I'm on the lookout for investments (take note: sometimes pricey but worth it, there are a lot more in my list) that I will take with me on my trips! I will tell you once I find some more =) All pictures are from Roxy as well as the links so that you can better picture the items (it came exactly like in the pic! minus the model) in case I might interest you in getting on for yourself haha. Let me tell you that ALL these items are now on sale at Roxy.com.ph! ;)

Picture from Roxy Philippines FB

Of Underwater Cameras Nikon & Canon, NUDI Philippines, the Bora Crowd and Waiting for the Boracay Magic Hour!

This post is a continuation of my latest Boracay series where I got to go with the Globe Bridging Communities group on a diving trip =) I met two underwater photographers who changed my mind about seeing our world in a whole new light and exploring hidden gems in not-so-shallow waters. Earth, after all, is around 70% water. This being said, I know that if I don't open my eyes and conquer my fear of open water and sea creatures then I'm missing so much. Let me also give you a glimpse of how I guiltlessly spent the last half of my first day in Bora while waiting for the Magic Hour =) Pardon the rambling. I just have to add to caption the photo below - This is how the pros do it! Hahaha. 

Buy Pinoy, Wear Some Colorful and Affordable Caribbean Slippers this Summer!

Let's interrupt our regular programming and be mindful of our surroundings for a while =) Can you feel the heat around you? It's definitely summertime already in the Philippines! Where are you off to? Are you taking care of one of your most important assets to traveling? I'm talking about your FEET! Time to bring out those summer dresses, shorts (even for the guys here) and colourful but comfy flip-flops!

Keeping It Together and Mastering Travel Packing this 2013!

In a few hours, it will be the New Year 2013! Part of my goals for the coming year include learning to travel light and mastering packing =) I've been testing packing cubes and other items from Keeping It Together for a few months now and I'm slowly getting the hang of it. Here's how I use them and some of my favorites that I used in my recent trips here and abroad! It's your turn in a while to try them out after this post *winks =)

Kanawa Island and Pink Beach in Indonesia with my Aguamarino Lagu!

My latest trip this month was to Wonderful Indonesia! Being an archipelago like the Philippines, I got a taste of two of their many beaches - one of them particularly famous for its powdery pink sand. If we have 7,107 islands, they have around 17 to 18 thousand islands! Let me take you to Kanawa Island and the Pink Beach for now =) I brought along with me a beach-friendly turquoise blue Lagu blanket for a test drive so I'll be telling you a few instances when I was able to use it during the trip. There's also a chance to win one of the two blankets they sent for my readers in this post! So, here we are on a speedboat immediately after our flight - 2 Pinoys and 3 new friends from Turkey thanks to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economies of the Republic of Indonesia. To get to the two beaches I mentioned, we flew from Bali to Labuan Bajo City (pronounced "Labuan Badjo") in Flores Island, Indonesia. 

#AllIWantforChristmasIsCanon, My Travel Idea for 2013

I'm imagining winning a Canon for Christmas, as an icing on top for winning my trips to Japan and Indonesia this year. Have you heard about the new Canon S110 with WiFi? What a way to share pictures easily with our Travel Tribe on Facebook if I get that one! I'm taking inspiration from my previous post below on the page for this travel idea, only I'm tweaking it a bit, --- that I will be the one to take such gorgeous National Geographic-worthy photos some time in the future 2013, share it to you even before my trip ends and you'll share it around to inspire more people to travel or move hehe.

Coloud Boom, Pop, Knock Surprise for your Travels!

It's less than a month before Christmas... Parapapampam... I've been playing Christmas music since the morning using my new bright red and lightweight Coloud Knock headphones! Haha. Remember my bright green Urbanears Plattan? I use that to chill and get lost in my world. I literally can't hear anything else other than my music with that one. This Coloud one, my dears, I've been using for working slash blogging (for the times when I can't totally zone out from the calls or the people beside me) =)