For those of you wanting to experience a place of ancient times, visiting the Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala is a must. 90 minutes away from the town of Flores, this ancient city (now a National park) boasts jungle, wildlife, ruined structures and dozens of temples. Of course, there are many that are not excavated and sits underneath the ground (see photos below). Well, more like little hills that hide these ancient buildings. It really is surreal when you’re up close. I have to wonder what really is underneath? 

In fact, “Archeologists estimate that the Maya settled in the area now known as Tikal in about 900 BC.”

That is seriously a long long time ago, it's hard to imagine. As you walk around this park, and explore these temples, the ambiance is pretty indescribable. The energy just oozes another world.

Visiting Jamaica?
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If you’re looking to experience both tranquility and adventure in one visit, Dunns River Falls, not far from the town of Ocho Rios, Jamaica is your go-to. Considered the famous falls in the country, this is an ideal place to cool off and explore.

Before embarking up the falls, you have to take the seemingly never-ending cement stairs down to the bottom. It is a great walk down as you become engulfed in your surroundings of tropical trees, the sounds of the water trailing down the rocks, the humid air hovering around your entire body and of course, the bustle of excited tourists scattered throughout.

At the bottom of the stairs is the starting point of the walk. Lineups of people hand in hand slowly trek up the smooth, rocks. Handfuls of others sit casually in the water pools that are formed on various levels. Feel free to sit right in front of the rocks where the water falls down from and have the water just pour over you. It is a great break from the hot humid air.

As you explore, be cautious and not rush the way up as some rocks can be slippery. Most people rent water shoes that have some grip on the bottom. Take your time and just enjoy the scenery.

You do not have to be an athlete to go up the falls. It is a rather easy trek that most people of any fitness level can do. There are also guides that will lead the lineups and take photos for you. If you have a waterproof camera, this is an ideal place to capture awesome photos for memory keeping. Or instagram.

If you just want to take photos without going up the falls, that is also an option. On the way down the stairs are several lookout points where you can still take great shots.

For more information, visit http://www.dunnsriverfallsja.com

Being inches away from an F-5A Fighter plane air missile makes this moment an experience to appreciate. The Philippine Air Force (PAF) Museum, Villamor Air Base, Manila is beside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The newly renovated museum opened at this location in June 2007. Col Jesus Villamor Air Base is PAF’s first headquarters since it became independent of the Philippine Army on July 1, 1947. ​

The Philippine Air Force history not only reflects its influence by the United States Air Force since the early 1900s but also their continuing growth as an independent service. Its movement towards autonomy was supported by postwar PAAC (Philippine Army Air Corps- official name prior to PAF) Chief Col Edwin Andrews. Andrews had always advocated a separation from the Philippine Army but unfortunately died in an aircrash in 1947 before any significant changes had begun. In his place, Maj. Pelagio Cruz led the Philippine Army Air Corps into what is now called the Philippine Air Force.


Upon entering WWI, the US had initially requested Filipino aviation students for flight training to compose the filipino squadron for the US force. However, the US did not end up using military manpower from the Philippines as originally expected due to a shortage of aircraft.  Despite the Philippine Army Air Corps’ limited involvement in WWI,the force was better prepared and equipped for WWII, such as providing intelligence for the Allied forces.  As such, PAF received several post war aircraft from the US, along with equipment, funding and training resources. As a growing service separate but still under the umbrella of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the current PAF continues to carry out aircraft and training acquisition programs. Currently, Maj. Gen. Oscar Rabena is the 31st commanding general of PAF which is now deemed one of the best-equipped forces in Asia. A modernization program is expected to commence between 2010-2012 for the service to receive more advanced aircraft.

Two succulent grilled shrimps basted in a tangy orange sauce atop seasoned vegetables is only one of the many famous items on Ka Lui’s seafood menu. Other items include blue marlin, shrimp halabos, eel and stingray in coco cream, fresh vegetables, and tropical fruits with a variety of presentations that will not bore a restless toddler. 10 minutes from Puerto Princesa airport, Palawan, Ka Lui Restaurant is located at 369 Rizal Avenue. Considered the most popular seafood restaurant in Palawan if not the entire Philippines, the menu boasts only seafood, fruits and vegetable items. In fact, Ka Lui attracts international visitors from around the globe. It is a regular spot for Palawan based artists, journalists as well as VIP guests.​

Situated on a busy street in Puerto Princesa, Ka Lui’s wooden sign and bamboo entrance doors is the gateway to a serene dining experience. Its bahay-kubo exterior features tropical bamboo and wood designs demonstrating its Hawaiian/filipino motif. Past the doors is a cozy outdoor garden and waiting area with wooden benches that seemed to belong in a garden magazine. Sculpted tropical plant displays, capiz lamps, a small fountain and palm trees all integrate together to form a welcoming and intimate ambience in this courtyard. This nipa hut restaurant is a spacious open concept structure allowing the breeze to naturally flow throughout.

Rare orchids, hanging seashells, wooden mask decors and wind chimes decorate the interior as well as native weave baskets, oil paintings and filipino jars adorning top shelves. Bananas, cantelopes, watermelons, papayas and plantains are presented on wooden shelves in various corners. The furniture is a bucolic laid back theme with some seats made of abaca sand sacks. Visitors can choose to sit on regular wooden tables or sit on oversize floor cushions to experience Japanese style dining on short tables. Guests are also required to take off and leave footwear in cubicles before being guided to their table. This is understandable as it represents respect in asian countries, not to mention protection for the glistening bamboo flooring throughout the entire restaurant.​

There are a few well kept mini garden areas laid throughout the restaurant. A small art gallery boasting oil paintings on the wall is at the back of the restaurant along with polished wooden benches. Various eclectic artwork by local artists are also laid on the ground for visitors to purchase. To further emphasize the artsy environment, there is entertainment during certain nights with local artists playing native Palawan instruments such as the bamboo flute and bamboo harp.

Ka Lui’s menu displaying only seafood, fresh vegetables and fruits make it an attractive option for healthy eaters...with the bonus of great prices! But healthy does not necessarily mean bland. Visitors can choose tasty seafood entrees such as tuna, fish cordon bleu, shrimps or blue marlin for 180 PHP ($3.75 US) average. Side orders include exotic items such as eel or stingray in coco cream for 150 PHP ($3.15 US). The sizzling seafood sisig (170 PHP) is a must-have with squid served on a hot sizzling pan topped with red peppers and melted cheese. The KaLui Special of the Day for two serves fish steak, prawns, veggies, fried fish with pineapple sauce, rice and starters...all for 395 PHP! For 50 PHP, fruit shakes are also a priority drink as diners get a choice between mango, pineapple, papaya, watermelon, jackfruit and buko (coconut). To top off the native dining experience, complimentary dessert is served with sliced fruits topped with brown sugar presented in half of a coconut shell.​

With delicious quality exotic dishes at an economical price along with the unique native ambience, it is normal for Ka Lui to have a waiting line on a weekend night. It is best to make reservations (048) 433- 2580 to avoid a long wait. They are open for lunch 11 am to 2pm and 6-11 pm for dinner. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Lunch is a great time to go for those that want to experience a more casual outing. It is best to go in the evening to experience its intimate, incandescent lighting.

Being a few feet above thirty crocodiles nesting together may seem a bit dangerous to the average onlooker. Their eyes following the group just atop is enough for an increase in heartbeat. But in this controlled environment, standing on the metal walkway with a tour guide makes the experience less intimidating and more exciting. Located on National Road, Puerto Princesa, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center is part of the city’s tour. This institute aims to preserve and conduct further research on the endangered crocodile species. It also houses a mini-zoo boasting caged eagles, ostriches, and bearded pigs among the wild animals. ​

The meeting area for guided tours starts in the lobby of a white building where a large skeleton of a crocodile is glass enclosed. This full grown crocodile was captured in the town of Batarazza after killing a child. The brownish skin of that crocodile is also on display on the wall. Throughout that building exhibit historical and informational pictures of crocodiles as well as miniature models. The tour guide then takes the group outdoors passing through tropical trees and into the tank area where young crocodiles are being taken care of. The smell in this room is similar to being in the aquarium section of a petstore. On average, 500 young small crocodiles live in rearing tubs with 2-20 in each one. A simple knock on the tub will cause the little crocs to scatter within. Though they are harmless in the tub, it is not recommended to try and touch them.

The tour guide leads the group outside once again to a metal see-through staircase onto a bridge-like structure overlooking the area where adult crocodiles reside. Several little cement ponds lie near each other with the entire area mostly in cement. One huge crocodile rests in one with the only the eyes and snout exposed. Other ponds have several medium sized crocs almost on top of one another. One croc lies very still on the cement fully exposed to the sun as if observing the group walking up top. Their dry shades of grey skin look rough to touch. Many crocodiles keep their mouths open giving the impression of hostility or hunger. In fact, they open their mouths to release heat from their bodies by evaporating the moisture in their mouth. It is their way of regulating their temperature.​

The last stop after climbing down the metal staircase on the other side is the opportunity to hold a baby crocodile with a band tied around its mouth. For a small fee, the handler wipes the croc with a towel before handing it over to visitors one by one to have pictures taken with it. The croc feels like a soft rubber material and surprisingly does not make any quick movements. It is at this point the guided tour is over. Visitors are then welcome to walk around the grounds and look at other animals that are otherwise too difficult to spot in the wild.

For 30 PHP entrance fee, visitors can spend however long they wish at the center, with tours taking approximately 20 minutes.  Spending an hour is ample time at the farm. Tours are sceduled Monday to Saturday 8:30-4:30 except between 11:30-1:30. On Sundays and holidays, there are only afternoon tours starting at 2 pm with the last tour at 4 pm. Near the entrance, two souvenirs shops display many items for purchase. Crocodile keychains, T-shirts, hand-made jewelry, and hats are a few of the items for sale.



Travel time to National Road from Puerto Princesa take approximately 30 minutes.  Visitors can either take a multi cab for 20 PHP or a tricycle for 150-200 PHP

Sidebar:
Crocodiles do not breath underwater but young crocs can stay underwater for up to 45 minutes and adult crocs for up to two hours. They can breath through the tip of their snout and eyes above water.

Underneath the afternoon sun, the walkway strip is buzzing with tourists and locals. An area called White beach, the west coast of Boracay Island, Philippines is a hot spot for tourists to flock to. Lined with palm trees, the 3.5 km pedestrian-only sand walkway serves as a barrier between the white-sand beach and local businesses. Tourists can stroll on the sand walkway and pass scores of hotels, vendors, boutique shops and open-air gourmet restaurants. Eating out, being one of my favourite activities as a vacationer, makes searching for places to eat a fun outing. Restaurants in this area are brimming with creative international menus giving brave diners an opportunity to taste dishes from around the globe.​

The exotic aromas of a Mexican cuisine followed by a seafood eatery can entice travellers to try it all. With various types of cuisines lining the lane, tourists are sure to fill their food cravings whether it be Italian, Japanese, Filipino, Mexican only to name a few. To add to your dining experience, ambiences also vary from modern and sleek to casual tropical, to romantic and intimate or classic and sophisticated. Staff are very apt in taking the extra step in making every guest feel at home and comfortable. The variety of dishes are sure to satisfy families with children, couples and lone travellers that have specific preferences.

For those that like to mix alcohol with their vacation, between 4-8 pm, restaurant bars have their happy hour serving certain cocktails and beers at half price. Drinks range from 40 Php (1 US dollar) to 200 Php (5 US dollars). Many choose to hop from one place to another to try different drinks or experience a different environment. Being steps away from each other, drinking and driving is definitely not a concern! Most restaurants serve distilled ice cubes so it is rather gentle on the sensitive stomachs.

Some restaurants serve complimentary breakfast buffets depending on which hotel you are staying in. For instance, if you stay at the Boracay Regency hotel, you are entitled to complimentary breakfast buffets next door. Once seated, staff will just dot down your room number to confirm your stay there. In the evening, dinner on the strip starts around 6 pm where food items generally range from 100 Php (2 US) to 600 Php (11 US) Many restaurants, especially those on hotel property also serve dinner beach buffets for 350 Php (they take only cash). ​

It is not required to be a hotel guest to enter beach buffets. You can simply walk around and pick your moment’s craving. Food items in the buffet range from: Asian cuisine such as stir-fry noodles, sweet and sour fish or Mediterranean chicken dishes to delicious French dessert crepes. For seafood lovers, there is also a seafood buffet where you can pick from a selection of fresh fish, lobsters, crabs and have them cook it right in front of you! No appointment is needed to reserve a table on the beach or in the restaurants. With so many along the strip, lineups are unusual however peak dinner hours usually occur between 7-9 pm. Also, be sure to carry cash as many diners do not take debit or credit card. There are a few currency exchange offices open during the day along the strip as well. Bon appetite!

A heavy travel bag digging into my left shoulder and my digital camera wrapped around my right wrist, it took some concentration to avoid losing balance on the wooden plank and fall into the chilly waters below. The blue and white wooden banca with twin outriggers swayed up and and down as the waves collided into the launch landing. With my family safely on shore, I swiftly handed our boat handler a 200 PS (approximately $5.00 US) bill to split between him and his co-worker. He replies with a gracious thank you and a smile that let me know he was happy with the gratuity. ​

Tipper Beware:​

If you are not of filipino descent, many locals may expect a heftier tip. Dont let that discourage you, if you are a natural negotiator, that would be the time to put it to use. Otherwise, dont fret, stand ground on what you really want to give them, helpers do not mean any harm. If in doubt, just smile and say “Salamat” which means thank you! That will at least give you a smile in return. Lastly, don't forget to have fun!

The first time going to my home country, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But within the first day of arriving, my first observation was the influence North America had on Philippines’ local eatery businesses. Known for its cultural and exotic dishes, Metro Manila is surprisingly dense with popular American fast food chains. The golden arches of McDonald’s stand tall in the busy street amongst people, stray dogs, stores, automobiles and tricycles. Looking out the car window, we pass yet another yellow and red ‘M’ sign. For a moment, I thought it was the same one from 5 minutes ago but that couldn’t be. On this side of the globe, it is common to see struggling vendors on the street with a booming MacDonald’s just next door. ​

Similarly, Starbucks has a loyal crowd, almost as if it has become somewhat of a culture in itself. Several Friday and Saturday nights my cousins would ask if I wanted to go to Starbucks. I would reply ‘Sure, I can grab a cafe latte’ not realizing when they ask me to accompany them to Starbucks it means to hang out there for the evening. Needless to say, I came to observe many middle-upper class locals as well as tourists see it as a hot hangout spot rather than a quick stop-through for coffee. It is common especially on a weekend night for Starbucks to have every table filled and have a lineup at the cash register.  In fact, most of the Starbucks and MacDonald’s locations close past midnight in Metro Manila.

With the influence of the west taking its hold in the Philippines, I see the green and white Starbucks sign as well as the red and yellow Mcdonald’s in similar building designs as their counterparts in North America. Yet there are varying differences. Menu prices for both are lower in comparison to North America but still considered relatively high for locals. Prices at MacDonald’s range from 50 Php (1.03 US) for individual items to 350 Php (7.22 US) for family combo meals. They have even taken the liberty to add items made popular to meet the filipino culture...white rice, fried chicken and of course pancit (traditional filipino noodle dish) Coffees, cappucinos and cafe lattes at Starbucks range from 100 Php (2.05 US) to 250 Php (5.16 US). While tourists are surely smiling at the prices, I look around wondering if locals are smiling for the same reason. Perhaps there is another underlying factor involved....one of social difference. ​

After experiencing all kinds of cuisines in different environments throughout Philippines, an interesting difference to note is the subliminal label of eating at an American fast food chain in Manila. Through conversation with my cousins from abroad, it is considered a delicacy, almost gourmet as compared to going to the local market. Going to a Starbucks and Mcdonald’s is almost on par as going to a restaurant. It would not only be much cheaper going to the crowded market down the street but the amount you pay would feed a lot more people. In North America, it is considered rather economical to go to either Starbucks or Mcdonalds as compared to eating out at a restaurant. Is the influence of Starbucks and MacDonald’s geared towards a certain class in Manila vs North America?

That question really reached forefront for me when I saw filipino armed security officials at every Starbucks and Mcdonalds’ entrance doors. Guns in their side holster, hats in perfect position on their heads, shoes polished, these women and men are the first to come in contact with as they open the doors for you. In North America, I would think an armed guard at a fast food place would deem that location unsafe, having been victim to an incidence and attracting the wrong crowd. But in Manila, perhaps that is not the case but rather a preventative measure or barrier to seclude certain ‘classes.’ Do the presence of armed security in Manila fast food eateries underly a different message perhaps favoring the business of tourists and upper-class locals?​

It is obvious that the American influence on fast food eateries 6563 miles away (distance between western point of Canada to Philippines) involves a difference in societal and economic standards. What they represent in the west may be different than in the east in terms of the audience it attracts. As much as I see the influence of Starbucks and Mcdonald’s expanding, I cannot deny that there is also a reciprocal influence. With the simple addition of items such as rice on menus, it must mean that the American fast food chains are open to integrating with Asian cuisine. It may never happen in North America but what remains true is that American fast food chains such as Starbucks and MacDonald’s will continue to maintain and grow their popularity in Metro Manila.