The Venice Grand Canal in Taguig

Landed at NAIA Terminal 3 at 11:45PM from Cagayan de Oro, the 3 of us went directly to booked dormitory in Quezon City. Still, thinking we’re to spend our whole day the following day. 

 

The next day, with the trip to the beach cancelled, the three of us decided to spend our whole day in the Metro Manila. Jef wanted to shop at Divisoria, while Jessie and I were waiting for feedback as to where to get the auto parts in Banawe. Since, it’s too early to do both we decided to visit the newest picture perfect destination in Metro Manila. 

Getting to Venice Grand Canal Mall, into McKinley Hills is pretty much easier, thanks to the detailed directions in the internet. As much as we wanted to take the easy ride by “taxi”, we opted to take the cheapest public transport, the MRT + the jeepney. 

We strolled our way to the nearest MRT station, the Quezon Avenue Station after a quick breakfast at the Seven Eleven (easiest and cheapest place to find something clean and decent to eat). Way back, MRT is the best transport when you want to go places quickly, but this time around, we waited for 30 minutes before the lady guards allowed us to go inside, and waited another 10 minutes for the first train to arrive which unfortunately was fully loaded, we waited and waited and the area became crowdeswith so many commuters, good thing an empty train came was sent to our station, and all of us currently in the area were able to get in. 

We disembarked at the Guadalupe Station and rode a jeepney enroute to AFP Housing. Not really sure we’re going to, I switched “on’ the GPS tracking our location at the same time looking for pokestop to gather pokeballs. J

The Venice Grand Canal Mall is easy to find, all you have to do is follow the alleys and read signs, 2 hours after our very long travel, we arrived at the entrance of the mall that’s due to open in 10 minutes (11AM). The sun was pretty harsh, but still we positioned ourselves anywhere possible, trying to get the best photographs. Though I haven’t been to Venice or in Macau, I believe this place is stunning just like the original. 

There are gondolas too, but there were all parked under the bridge, I think the gondola rides are open at night, not really sure. 

It was a good decision, to visit the place before heading for a cheap shopping spree in Divisoria, it felt like we’re in a romantic setting. I even posted this photo in my instagram, and some even thought that we actually went to the real place. Cool to daydream!

Lunch? Nah, the restaurants in the area are quite expensive and we don’t have the budget for an expensive food tripping. J

So if you are in the Metro, take time to visit the Venice Grand Canal in Taguig.

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Bad Weather: Cancelled Trip

The time has finally come, that we have to fly to the Metro and enjoy the promo air fare that we have booked months earlier. 

I contacted Bakasyonista a travel agency and booked for a special tour to Anawangin Cove in San Antonio, Zambales. We have a lot of beautiful beaches in Mindanao but we wanted to try and see for ourselves the known travel destination facing the South China Sea. With booking deposit paid + all the research I have done, gathering all information we needed to know, we’re basically all set. However, 5 days before the much awaited trip, the travel agency called us that Anawangin Cove is not fit to visit until the weekend, due to big waves in the area per coast guard advisory. Huh! Bad luck! 

source

We have no choice but to look for another alternative and booked ourselves to the Fortune Island Day Tour in Nasugbu, Batangas. I did all the research as well as to how to get there, and we’re pretty much excited to see the Ancient looking Greek style structure on the island. But luck was really not on our side, because a day before our trip the travel agency contacted us again and told us that the island will be closed on that particular weekend due to bad weather again. What! Heartbroken!

The much awaited trips were really not meant to be. We decided to refund our initial payment, since the reason was due to bad weather and it was the agency that cancelled the trips. Bakasyonista was indeed very accommodating and wired the payment to my bank account a few days later. I do hope to be able to avail their services in the future. And this time I’ll make sure to schedule trips during summer, when the weather in the Philippines is very ideal for beach tripping.

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8 Tourist Spots to Visit in Camiguin Island

The last time I was in Camiguin, was like 10 years ago. I already forgot how this beautiful island looks like, until last week when we had our division’s in-house seminar at Villa Paraiso Apartelle.

It was a two-day seminar, that we squeezed everything in one day, stayed until 11PM, just to finish all scheduled activities and topics to be discussed, to make room for an island tour the following day and visit the Eight (8) Must See Spots in Camiguin. 

1. White Island

The most awaited day for all of us, after our hard work the previous day, started at 5:45AM. We went directly to Barangay Yumbing, where the boats are located to take us to White Island or the White Sand Bar. Since, we are a group of 16, we were divided into 3 sub-groups. The small motor boat with katig that will take us to the island can only carry maximum of 6 passengers. Juggling which boat to take, I decided to go with the youngsters. Yep, it is good to be surrounded by younger generations once in a while, I felt younger too.

Ten minutes later, we’re on the island. As expected, tourists were already everywhere, because the best time to explore and enjoy White Island is between 6AM – 8AM, when the heat of the sun is still bearable. Yep! Lucky enough to catch the sunrise and have a photographed taken.

There were also a few vendors on the island. Some sell, coffee, sweet potato or egg for breakfast, while some also are selling freshly caught sea urchins. If you haven’t tried sea urchins, then you must. Best eaten with vinegar, but you’ll appreciate the real taste behind when eaten raw.

The remaining one and a half hour was spent swimming in the clear water. With the water level only to my waist on the far side of the island, it was indeed perfect for swimming even for a non-swimmer like me.  We swam and posed non-stop searching for that perfect pose using the GoPro action camera of one of our colleagues, yet failed. Haha!

2. Walk Way to the Old Volcano

Two days more, Camiguin Island will be jam-packed with devotees and tourists for the Panaad 2016. Along the slope of the Old Volcano also known as Mt. Vulcan are the life-size statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross,the sacred destination during the holy week.

As of this time, the foot of the Walk Way was still calm, with few busy locals, preparing for the much awaited yearly event. Souvenir items were everywhere.

We decided to just take some snaps on the spot above, then, went for a refreshing fresh buko juice. Thanks boss for the free treat!

Next stop is the

3. Sunken Cemetery

Approximately 5 minutes ride from the Walk Way to the Old Volcano, is the Sunken Cemetery. The devastating eruption of Mt Vulcan in 1871, submerged the coastal area of Catarman (now known as Barangay Bonbon) undersea including the old cemetery. It can be seen, though during low tide, but after a series of volcanic eruptions in 1948 to 1953, the Sunken Cemetery was pushed down further, it is now said to be 20 feet below the surface. As a reminder of the destructive past, a giant cross was built in 1982 marking the spot of the Sunken Cemetery.

Summer + El Niño, the heat of the sun was already too much, thus, we decided only for some photo ops from the viewing area without bothering getting across to the giant cross.

4. The Guiob Church Ruins

Also located at Barangay Bonbon in Catarman and another remnant of the destructive eruption of Mt. Vulcan in 1871 is the Guiob Church Ruins or better known as the Old Church Ruins. Built in the 16^th Century, these remains (Church, Bell Tower and a Convent) are some of the oldest structures in Camiguin.

The old ruins are most of the time covered with moss, refreshing greenery, but because of the El Niño phenomenon, the place was brown and dry. But still cannot hide the fact that these structures are worth seeing and photographing.

Oh wait, beside the remains of the convent is the towering century-old tree. This tree really did stand the test of time, after all the catastrophe it has been through.

Because of its height one cannot take a photo of the whole tree in on snap. Thanks to technology today, equipping our smartphones with panoramic mode, look, we were mesmerized how the branches and leaves sway from afar.

5. Sto. Niño Cold Spring

It was already midday, we were all very hungry. Carrying with us our packed lunch, we headed to Sto. Niño Cold Spring for a two-hour lunch break and cold swim.

Camiguin is blessed with springs, whether cold or hot, the island has it. The Sto. Niño Cold Spring is a favorite picnic destination of locals. Tourists are also welcome to take a dip in this 20°C crystal clear water coming from the ground.

Lunch done, it’s time to go to the inland...

6. Tuasan Falls

Katibawasan Falls was originally in our itinerary but since the group agreed to take it out off the list. The waterfalls might not be that great this season because of El Niño so we decided to go to Tuasan Falls instead.

About 9.8 kilometers from Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Tuasan Falls is very much accessible because of the ongoing road construction. Only 30 meters from the dropped off point which previously took about 30 minute walk to reach the waterfalls.

Though the drop is not that high, Tuasan Falls is a beauty that Camiguin can also offer, surrounded by rocks and greeneries, definitely a must see. Oh, wait until you dip in the clear cool water, it was totally refreshing.

7. Soda Water Swimming Pool

Also located in Catarman, an extraordinary spring water that can only be found in Camiguin, the Bura Soda Spring. Developed with large pools, the Soda Swimming pool is inviting and refreshing, I was tempted to splash in the water, but hesitated, instead, I satisfied my curiosity by tasting, rather drinking the fresh soda water at the side. 

The taste, well, it was different of course compared to fresh spring water, it somewhat tasted like a diluted Sprite or a flavored mineral water. According to the locals, the water used to taste sweet like those well-known soda drinks, but the soda source underneath the pool has degraded over time.

8. Ardent Hot Spring

Because more than half of our team are already of age, the hot spring pool was saved as our last stop for the day. They wanted to take a dip in the hot spring water at the foot of Mount Hibok Hibok. Not much have developed in The Ardent Hot Spring since the last time I’ve been here, though, there are few cascading pools (I think) than before, and each pool has different temperature, tourist has the option to choose which one they like.

Just like before, Ardent Spring maintained the laid back atmosphere, with trees and greeneries in the area, soothing and relaxing.

Overall Camiguin is one of the best places when you want to get away from the busy city life. There are a lot of memories to remember in our 2-day stay in this beautiful island, though there were issues during the seminar proper, but were peacefully resolved, after all we are all professionals and no stored grudges, separating work related issues to personal life.

Camiguin has gained popularity not only to local tourists but as well as foreigners, in fact, there were a group of Canadian missionaries on the same boat we’ve boarded to the island. 

And this 100 passenger, Cruise Ship was welcomed by the locals on the day we left the island.

Camiguin has so much to offer, the 8 listed above were the only places our group managed to visit in just a very short time. Although it was short, yet overflowing with photographs and memories.

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A Trip to Saging Repablik, Davao City

I have mentioned in my previous post about our food tripping in the land of the bananas, the Saging Repablik in Davao City.

Instead of taking a cab from Casa Leticia, Sir Jay (our colleague in Davao City) offered to take us to our next adventure, to the land of the bananas, a unique diner featuring saging (bananas) in their menu.

Located at Tionko Ave. corner V. Mapa St., Saging Repablik is very easy to find considering the black greasy unique looking building and the big signage in color green, just like those found in highways.

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Davao City: My First Travel Destination for 2016

My first work related travel destination for the 2016 is to the “Durian Capital” of the Philippines. My colleague and I were tasked to attend a meeting with our partners in the industry. Though with injured right leg due to the calf muscle tear, limping, walking one step at a time, I still agreed to travel, after all the pain was less compared to the first few days after the incident.

On board the Cebgo ATR 72-500, we left Laguindingan Airport at 4:30PM short flights are usually on time (unlike flights to Manila) so we landed in Davao at 5:30PM, then took a cab to Seda our booked hotel for this work related travel. I had to ask my colleague to buy our dinner, because going out was already too much for me. My leg needed a good and comfortable rest.

Injured leg... rested! 😆😊 Thank You Lord for keeping us safe. #sedahotel #abreeza #davaocity

The next day, before the eat all you can breakfast buffet, Riz and I went for some photo ops at the pool side of the hotel. I’ve stayed in this hotel for a couple of times already, but this was the first time I actually took photos in the area, the perk of having a travel companion. Cool!

I looked slimmer in this photo. Liked! :-)

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Exploring Davao City: The Philippine Eagle Center

I was supposed to write this post in continuation to my Davao series of adventures but my offline job is so demanding lately that I already had another trip to Davao City last week and this post is still on my draft. Huh!

Life has been very busy for me lately. Anyway, now that I got a chance to continue writing and eventually publish this post, I hope you’ll read and joined me and my colleagues in our day trip to the habitat of the mighty king of the sky the monkey-eating Philippine eagle.

The Philippine Eagle Center is located at Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City, the Conservation Breeding Facility of the Philippine Eagle Foundation about 300 meters from the Calinan Highway.

With an entrance fee of P150.00 you’ll get to explore the place and get up close with the Philippine eagle as well as other animals, in the conservatory.

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4 Short Stops Along Bukidnon - Davao City Road

I can’t remember the last time I travelled to Davao City using one of our service vehicles. Every time I am tasked to attend a meeting in Davao City, I always take the fastest means of transportation, the airplane.

But because my supervisor doesn’t want to take the ATR 72-500 Cebu Pacific aircraft, we requested for an available service vehicle to take us to Davao City on October 7, 2015. A Nissan pick-up was given to us, just enough for 3 passengers.

Some parts of the Bukidnon highway are undergoing repair, that means the traffic in the area is very unpredictable. Hence, we decided to start our journey from the home base Cagayan de Oro City to the “Durian Capital” of the Philippines as early as 7 in the morning.

Fortunately, the vehicle flow along the areas of Mangima, Bukidnon was very smooth, that is why by 10:30AM we already had our early lunch at Jollibee Valencia.

Since we were ahead of schedule, we have so much time for some side trips along the way. Our first stop was...

The Overview Park

Located at Kipolot, Palapacao, Quezon, Bukidnon. As the name of the park implied, it is the best area overlooking the beautiful landscape of Bukidnon. Enhanced with big statues of indigenous people plus the cool fresh air, the park indeed is a best place to relax and unwind.

The Over View Park is located along the national highway, thus if you are travelling from Cagayan de Oro - Quezon, Bukidnon to Davao City route, pulling-over and taking a few minutes in the area is very convenient.

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12 Memorable Things I (We) Did During Our Hometown Vacation

The last time I went home to my hometown Zamboanga City was on July 2013. It was not a vacation, but a work related travel. I was pregnant then and had to stay most of the time at the checked-in hotel before and after our meeting.

This year, I have planned (which hubby agreed) and made use of the long weekend on August 28 – 31, 2015 to visit my brothers and their families in ZC, my parents grave and also attended for the first time the ZCHS Main 70^th Alumni Homecoming.

Sunset at the Highway of Zamboanga City

August 28, 2015  (A proclaimed holiday here in Cagayan de Oro City to celebrate the Feast of St. Augustine), together with hubby, the two kids and the two Yayas, we left as early as 5:30AM (the earliest we can), trying our best to arrive in Zamboanga City before 5PM so that I can catch up with the ZCHS Main Torch Parade. In spite of having only a few minute stopover in Iligan City and Pagadian City to buy our takeout meals from Jolibee, we still arrived at past 5PM. An approximately 12 hours travel defensively, running at 60-80kph, plus the road repairs and traffics along the way. 

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My 24-Hour Visit in Davao City

My boss was invited to a meeting in Davao City on July 29, 2015, and since the agenda was something about our section’s tasks, he let me tag along.

On July 29, 2015 we flew to Davao City from Laguindingan Airport on an early morning flight, since the meeting is scheduled at 10AM we still have ample time to get there on time. It was a beautiful morning,  clear sky, the great weather. I can actually see what’s below, considering ATR-72-500 turboprop plane on flies at a maximum altitude of 7200m considerably lower than an airbus. 

We arrived, according to schedule, went directly to Seda Hotel, our booked hotel for this trip. Had a 30 minutes rest,then proceeded to the meeting venue at Café Tavera located along Pardo de Tavera corner Avancena Street.

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Exploring Philippines: Visiting the Island Province of Guimaras

The main purpose of visiting the Province of Guimaras is the site visit of the newly installed Wind Farm.

We started off, by taking a pumpboat from Iloilo to Jordan Ferry Terminal. Since, we’re a group of 11 and with no time to wait for other passengers to fill-in the ferry, the bosses (because there were 5 managers with us) decided to pay the single trip with only the 11 of us on board at P500.00. 

Ten to Fifteen minutes later we arrived at Guimaras Island.

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Exploring Philippines: Eight Things I Did in Iloilo

On June 15, 2015 on board Cebu Pacific 16:40 flight, my boss and I flew to Iloilo City from Laguindingan Airport to attend a work related meeting. We arrived at the Iloilo Airport 30 minutes ahead of schedule, but had to stay about an hour waiting for the service vehicle assigned to fetch us who unfortunately was stuck in the traffic. We arrived at the booked hotel at 7:30PM, had our dinner and called it a day.

The following day, it was all about work. One whole day of meeting and discussions,after all, that’s the very reason why we are in the city. But the good part was, we still had a chance to explore places and eat interesting foods while in the city.

So here’s the summary of what I did (sometimes with companions) in the city;

1. Stayed at Diversion 21 Hotel

We were booked in one of the best hotels in town located at the Diversion Road, Mandurriao Iloilo City just a walking distance from SM City. The hotel offers the best amenities so far, I occupied an air-conditioned matrimonial room with 40” LCD Cable TV, free internet (which I haven’t used because of my mobile data), hot & shower, private phone, fridge and a safety deposit box. Because it was an all-expenses paid by the company, I did not bother about the price. You can check it out at their FB page, if you want to.

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2015 Summer Fun @ Midway White Beach Resort

Friends are truly friends, even with the distance. As much as possible, we wanted to bond when time allows us, and that’s what had happened on April 10 & 11, 2015. One of our friends who’s currently working in Cebu City came home for his son’s college graduation, and because of his one week vacation in Iligan City, we managed to set-up a get together after many years of no summer outing. The rest of the gang together with their families and us the whole family (coming from Cagayan de Oro) met halfway at Midway White Beach Resort at Initao, Misamis Oriental.

We arrived at the Resort on Friday around 7:30-8:00 in the evening. Each one of us has commitments at the early time of the day and those commitments should be done before the much awaited vacation, for us to fully enjoy our time minus all the work and worries for the time being. It was a simple gathering, for the whole barkada but sadly, the three of them, which we hoped to join us, had other commitments. 

By the time we arrived the food was already set-up, the roasted pig “lechon baboy” that never miss the list was already waiting for us to devour. At 3k budget, Nyc was able to get about 20kg whole lechon for us, an ideal size with enough leftovers for the lechon paksiw the following day. 

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Loving Sky Ranch, Tagaytay in Less Than 3-Hours

Remember our one week official travel in Laguna? Well, one beautiful afternoon after our activity, our group went out for a short trip to Sky Ranch, Tagaytay. At first, I thought that Tagaytay is too far from Biñan, Laguna but turned out to be less than an hour trip, considering the less traffic on a Wednesday, afternoon. We arrived in Tagaytay, almost 6PM, the sky was already dusk after the sun has set. Too bad we can’t see Taal Lake from the Ranch.

Group Picture at the Highway

Visiting the place on weekdays is a very good choice, because you get to enjoy the place minus the bunch of people unlike on weekends.

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6 Things to Do while in Nuvali, Laguna

Every time I get to visit a place for free, I always thank my mother company for the opportunity. That is one of the perks a corporate employee gets. On March 15, 2015, together with a few of my colleagues flew to South Luzon, particularly Laguna for a one week company sponsored event. The activity may be very tiring but at the same time fun and healthy. Because it was a sports competition for the benefits of the employees and a sort of bonding and getting to know each other for the employees in the corporation who are assigned in different areas in the Philippines. 

So sum it up, a week of fun + the extra fun because we stayed inside the 2,290 hectare Nuvali (Eco City Development), Sta. Rosa, Laguna. And when you are in Nuvali there are a lot of things you can do and enjoy, and among those, are stated below; Our very own checklist.

1. Stay at the relaxing SEDA Hotel

Because we were there on official business, we were booked at the renowned Seda Hotel inside Nuvali. It was actually my second time to stay at SedaHotels, the first one was in Davao. Seda Hotels are pretty much the same with their other branches, they offer clean, comfortable, and relaxing stay + plus the delicious buffet breakfast. Because the hotel is located in the middle of the vast land of Nuvali, it is the most convenient place to stay if you want to try the rest of the activities mentioned here.

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The City Temple of Shanghai

I thought I’ll be spending the remaining hours I had in Shanghai down and sick. Fortunately, after 2 hours of rest and sleep in the van my back to my old self and at the same time hungry, because I wasn’t able to eat my lunch. 

When Mr. Chen aka Logan came back from where he dropped off the rest of the group, I asked him if he can take me to the nearest fast food particularly KFC. That time I needed something to eat that is not Chinese cuisine.  Logan took me to KFC near the Old Temple of Shanghai, which surprisingly just walking distance from where we had our lunch. I thank him for taking me there and that he can leave me alone, since I already know where the meeting place will be. But Logan insisted to take me to KFC and that he’ll be the one to order for me, I gave in, after all it will be easier for me because I can talk in English then he will translate it to the crew. After, that I told him he can go back to the van, and I’ll take care of the rest. 

The burger + soft drink satisfied my hunger, and I’m now ready to explore the area. The wind was chilling and I wasn’t able to grab a much thicker coat. I went to the Old Temple of Shanghai, peeking through the open spaces from outside, then decided to pay the ¥10 entrance fee and see for myself what’s inside a Chinese Temple. 

I already have the ticket in my hand, and ready to explore the Temple for the first time.

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The Huangpu River Cruise in Shanghai China

After our tour at the Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower, we headed to the dock for our Huangpu River Cruise which we were scheduled to board the 11:00AM ferry.

The snake like river is the largest river in Shanghai about 114kilometers long and 400 meters wide with an average depth of 11 meters. Huangpu River divided Shanghai into east and west part, the Pudong and Puxi respectively. 

 

Cruising the Huangpu River lets tourists like us witness the development of Shanghai. You’ll be amazed with the well known the Bund, from the historical buildings that were preserved to the modern buildings made of steels and glasses aligning along the river bank.

These are some of the photos taken using my Galaxy Note 3 smartphone.

The cruise wharf taken before boarding.

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Spring Flowers near Oriental Pearl Tower

It was the beginning of spring when we went to Shanghai, China. Spring flowers bloom not only in Nanjing Road, but in most of the side streets where planters are located. The entire city must be blossoming with different flowers with striking colors at the peak of Spring, how I wished I had stayed longer to see them.

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A Tour at the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower in Shanghai China

April 5, 2014 was one special day for me, because as a first timer in China, particularly in Shanghai, seeing the iconic Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower that I got to see on the television is already a dream come true. Especially when the travel was an all expenses paid by the company and the sponsor. 

 Blue Monday 

The tour guide’s target was for us to be at the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower before the 8AM opening time. We arrive there at 7:00AM and the entrance was already jam-packed with foreign as well as local tourists. Using our passports, our guide got us tickets for the tower tour and the River-Cruise. I forgot to borrow one of the tickets for photographic purposes. I think the admission fee was around ¥120-220 depending on the area you want to visit. In our case I think we got the combo ticket, because we explored the upper sphere + the river cruise.

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Spring Flowers in Nanjing Road Shanghai China

My series of China trip blog posts is not over yet, I still have a few more to write about. Even now I'm still grateful and blessed to be selected to attend a work related training in China and experience travel abroad for free. 

  

I realized it was already spring in China when we got there, because of these beautiful blooms you can almost anywhere in Shanghai. If I was able to catch a few of the cherry blossoms in the city of Nanjing, here in Nanjing Road in Shanghai these spring flowers were flourishing.

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4 Things I Did in General Santos City

One of the perks of being a corporate employee is getting to go places for free. Though the main purpose is work related, like attending meetings, seminars, or field work, etc. at the end of the day, even an hour or two there will always be free time to explore places. Like last week, together with my boss and some colleagues, we attended a meeting at the General Santos City.

Skipping the work related activities because the issues and concerns discussed there were highly confidential, here are the other things that I did in General Santos City;

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