Coming "Home" to Majayjay Bed and Breakfast

Excellent service and awesome food. These are the reasons I am recommending Majayjay Bed and Breakfast. 

Majayjay B and B is a good place to relax and unwind. They have a very nice garden with hammock and bamboo bed where you can enjoy the cool weather, the very clean air and the greens surrounding it.

They have spacious rooms, designed like an old Filipino house, with a porch where you can hang out or do mahjong :).

  

They also serve very good Filipino food.  The sinampalukang manok is to-die-for- I guess I can finish one whole chicken by myself!  They also served adobong manok in atsuete, pritong tilapia, and pako salad. Everything tasted so good. 

For breakfast, they served brewed coffee, and pan de Sal, with kesong puti and warm coco jam.  There is also fried rice and my favorite Lucban longganisa, pritong bangus, omelet, and sunny side up.  Fresh guyabano shake is also available.  

But what makes this B and B special are its staffs who go extra mile to make guests feel at home.  They make sure guests are comfortable, and feel welcomed. Yes, it did feel like gong home to your grandmother's house where you get a very special treatment.

Was an excellent choice for the weekend. 


To make a reservation, you may contact the owner, Ms. Encar Benedictor Ordonez at 0918-9181416.  

Mayon Volcano- The Beautiful One

Derived from the word Magayon, which is beautiful in Bicol dialect, Mayon lives up to its name.  Being the most perfectly formed volcano, it is easily one of the most beautiful  volcano because of its symmetrical cone.  Tourists flock to the province of Albay to see it.  

It is as dangerous, as it is beautiful. Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines and can be very destructive.  Many tourists come to see Mayon- but more tourists come during eruptions.  It is a sight to behold during eruptions, specially during night time where you will see the glowing lava rolling down its perfect slope. 

I used to wake up to it during my 4 year stay in Albay- and it never failed to give me the feeling of awe. The very same feeling I had when I saw it once again during my recent trip to Bicol. One beautiful reminder of how magayon life is. 

Rizal Beach, Gubat, Sorsogon

Rizal Beach may not be the most beautiful beach in the Philippines - but it gives me the happiest memories.

Rizal Beach is an unspoiled beach (For most part, that is.  They are now starting to build more beach resorts in the area because a part of it is becoming famous with surfers). It is located near the southernmost tip of Luzon Island and is part Gubat, a very laid back town, I would say. 

My grandmother lived by this beach, and had a small cottage which she rents out to visitors, some of them tourists from other countries. We used to visit her, and Mamay, our greatgrandmother, on Saturdays or Sundays. Mamay was already very old then, has lost her sight and her head shakes involuntarily but she looked very happy whenever we visited. One of my favorites during the visit is the grilled pork, which grandma used to prepare for us.  It's the best grilled pork ever!

We used to spend the day just playing and running around , swimming (or taking a dip, in my case), covering Papa with sand, catching small crabs and just talking and laughing.  And we would come home sun burnt but happy.   

It was lovely to be able to visit the place again.  

These are a few of my favorite (Bicol) things...

During the November 1-2 holiday, I went home to visit my hometown in Bicol, a 12 hour drive from Manila (at least). The visit gave me a chance to enjoy once again, some of my favorite food from my childhood. One favorite is the seashell , called dalu dalo in local language, which my cousin has kindly prepared for us.  It is a small black shell, cooked with creamy coconut milk and malunggay leaves. You either have to suck it or use a toothpick to pick the meat. It is best paired with hot steamed rice.  Then, you can forget your diet.

Ginataang dalu dalo

Another favorite is the binutong. Binutong is made of glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and flavored with a little salt. They are wrapped in banana leaves. As a kid, we lived in a farm for 2 years and I was so used to seeing the wives of some farmers, go around carrying native baskets or bilaos, selling binutong and other snacks made from glutinous rice. My mother always bought from them. They taste so good- and best eaten with brown sugar.  

Binutong

Sinapot is one of the most common snacks in Bicol and we used to buy them for snacks in school.  Sinapot is sliced plantain or a variety of banana called saba in the Philippines. It is rolled in rice flour  and deep fried.  

Sinapot

 And of course, pili nut is a forever favorite of everybody who comes to visit Bicol- a favorite pasalubong . There are many different kinds of pili nut products but my favorite is the more "traditional" way of preparing it, which is to lightly glaze it with sugar and syrup before deep frying. 

Yummy pili nuts

On my next visit, I'll make sure to have the kinunot na pagi (stingray in coconut milk) and the ginataang pako (fiddle fern in coconut milk) . Until the next visit, Bicol! 

Welcome Rituals, the Asian Way

Each culture have different ways of welcoming visitors. Different words, different gestures, different symbols.  People going extra mile to make their visitors feel at home. 

I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit different communities in Asia for work, and it feels nice to be welcomed, in whatever way is appropriate for their culture. My most memorable and favorite ones are the welcome rituals from India, Nepal, Pakistan and Indonesia. 

I have traveled 3 times to India , each time I have visited communities in remote places.  I found the people to be very hospitable.  As a sign of greeting, they apply tilak or red mark in the forehead between the brows of their visitors. Flower garlands, often made of orange marigold flowers, are also given to acknowledge and to show their happiness at receiving their guests. During my visit in one of the villages in Bihar province, I was given tons of garlands, going up to my chin that I had to ask permission if I can remove some, so that I can have a conversation with them. :)

Shower of petals..what a welcome!

How do I look with the tilak?

Tons of garlands...and wait...there's more?

A very heart warming welcome from the children.... and look at that work of art.

During one of my visits in Thatta, a Sindh province in Pakistan, I was so touched to see small children lined up the streets to greet us.  As we walked, they showered us with rose petals. I also noticed that the women, and even little girls, were fully made up. My Pakistani colleague said that it is also how they welcome visitors- by being and looking their best: wearing their best clothes, putting on their jewelries and make up. Never experienced something like this... it was...touching.

Rose petal shower....(me in orange Pakistani garb) 

In Nepal, visitors are welcomed by putting a khata (pronounced as khada)  around the neck. A khata is a traditional ceremonial scarf, presented at ceremonial occassions, symbolizing purity and compassion. During my visit in Makwanpur district, I was given a yellow-gold khata along with the invitation to stay in Makwanpur, because they said I look like a Nepali.

My khata

Visitors of West Timor in Indonesia are welcomed with Natoni.  In natoni, a group will perform a welcome dance, do a short welcome speech and put selendang (woven shawl or shoulder cloth) on the neck of the guest. It is said that it is an expression of their happiness and a form of prayer for God to protect and bless the guest and everyone in their village. During my visit to Oinlassi, a group of women performed the natoni...and I got a really nicely weaved scarf.

Welcome dance...and lovely costumes

Welcome dance...

Drums....

Musical instruments.

...and I got my lovely selendang.

Beautiful culture. Beautiful people. Priceless moments.

Travel Tips: Nepal

Nepal is one country I cannot get enough of.  It has Mount Everest, very beautiful landscape of mountain ranges, and very friendly people who enjoy meeting visitors and who have a ready smile for everyone. The following are some tips for those who plan to explore Nepal: 

Visa

A visa is required when travelling to Nepal.  It can be organized through the Nepalese Embassies in USA, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Brussels, Geneva Japan, Thailand and Hongkong. For those without embassies, tourists can apply for tourist visa upon arrival at Kathmandu.  A 15 day single entry tourist visa is usually provided for a USD 25 entry fee. You may check out visa regulations at the Nepal Tourism Board website.

Arrival

All international flights arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.  It is, surprisingly, a small airport considering the huge number of tourists coming to Nepal. Tribhuvan is the only international airport in Nepal.  

Currency

Currency is Nepalese rupee (NPR). You may get estimate of the exchange rate here before you travel. There are foreign exchange counters at Tribhuvan airport as well as in downtown Kathmandu. 

Major banks and big restaurants, hotels and shopping malls in Kathmandu accept major international credit cards.

Travelling in and around Kathmandu

Metered taxis are available and fare may cost up to approximately USD6 or Euro4.

Timezone

GMT + 5:45

Weather

• Summer is March to mid June and temperature can range from 15 to 32 degree Celcius during summer. 
• Monsoon period is between mid June to mid August.
• Winter is from mid November until mid February.  Temperature can go down to minus 2 degree Celsius during mid winter with lots of fog and frost in the morning.  In Kathmandu, winter season is very cold, but without snow. 

Best time to visit 

The best time to visit is after August, when the monsoon ends.  Post monsoon mountain air is clean and fresh and also Dashain and Tihar festivals fall in September and October. From February to April, climate is dry and pleasant and also rhododendons (Nepal's national flower) are in bloom.

Language 

The language spoken (even in hotels and restaurants) is mainly Nepali.  English is spoken to assist foreigners. 

Things to Remember: 

• Before entering a house or a temple, please remove your shoes

• Non Hindus are not allowed to enter into Hindu temples. Buddhist temples are however open to all.

• Women should avoid dresses which expose bare shoulders and knees when visiting rural areas

• Don't kiss or shake hands, especially with women, unless they initiate.

• To greet people or say good morning, good evening, goodnight and goodbye, say "Namaste" with hands joined together and fingers extended in front of you. A simple smile is also accepted or you may raise your right hand slightly above your head.  

• Do not put your hand or arm on the shoulder of a person,specially of a woman and also do not put your hands on the head of the children, as it may offend them. 

• Do not smoke in public places as it is prohibited by the government..

Have a safe and fun travel to Nepal!

Travel Tips: Xian, China

Here are some information for those who will be travelling to Xi'an, China.  I hope they could be of use to you.

About Xi'an:

Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province. It was the capital of 13 dynasties in the past and as such, was the center of culture. It is now one of the tourist destinations in China. 

Arrival:

Visitors can fly directly to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. International flights are all in the T3.  Those who arrive in Beijing may take the train between Beijing and Xian, which will take about 12 hours.  

Taxis and shuttles are available at the airport. Taxis from Xianyang Airport to the downtown hotels will take about an hour and costs around 140RMB (China's currency).  Shuttles cost around 25RMB per person. 

Currency Exchange: 

Currency in China is Yuan (RMB). 

At Xianyang Airport, currency exchange is located at Gate 324, 2/F of Terminal 3
Operating hours: 07:30-21:30
Service fee: RMB58 per transaction

Currency exchange is available in most banks in Xian.  Credit cards such as Visa, Federal Card and Mastercard are also accepted in many establishments.

Language:

In Xi'an, Mandarin Chinese is the main language and only a few people speak English. If you will be travelling by taxi, it is advised that you ask your friends or hotel staffs to write down your destination and hotel address in Chinese, so you can show them to the taxi driver.

Time Zone:

GMT + 8

Electric system

220 volts, 50Hz 

Hotels

• Gloria Plaza Hotel  - 0086 29 87868855 (4 star)
• Hyatt Hotel- 0086 29 87691234 (5 star)
• Bell Towel Hotel- 0086 29 87600000 (4 star)
• Xi’an Royal Hotel- 0086 29 87690000
• The Bell & Drum Tower Hotel - 0086 29 87278276
• Xi’an City Hotel - 0086 29 87219988
• Grand New World Hotel - 0086 29 87218686
• Citadines Central Xian - 0086 29 85761186

Working Time 

• Government offices : 8:00a.m to 18:00p.m (Monday to Friday)
• Banks: 9:00a.m to 17:00p.m (Monday to Friday) and 9:30 a.m to 15:00 p.m (Saturday and Sunday)
• Shops: 10:00a.m to 21:00 p.m (Monday to Sunday)

Holidays:

• International Labour Day:  first three days in May 
• National Day: first week in October
• New Year: January 1 
• Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival: usually late January-early February, depending on the lunar calendar

Tip practices:

Tipping is not common except in star hotels and luxurious restaurants

Places to visit:

• Terracotta Warriors (1 hour away from airport)
• Ancient Xian city wall (within walking distance from downtown)
• Big Goose Pagoda
• The Bell  and Drum Tower
• Shaanxi History Museum
• Forest of Stone Steles
• Hanyang Tombs

Xi'an's Terracota Army: Protector of the First Emperor

The first Qin emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, has not only unified China during his rule from 221-207 BC. He also left behind a treasure, which can aptly be considered as another wonder of the world.  He built a mausoleum for himself- and thousands of life-size terracotta army, horses and chariots.  These terracotta army, arranged in battle formation near the Emperor's tomb, is believed to protect the Emperor in the life after.  Emperor Qin died in 209 BC and was buried with his terracotta army. They remained buried for 2,200 years, until the accidental discovery of the terracotta army in 1974, by some farmers digging a well. The mausoleum of Emperor Qin remained buried and not excavated to this day. 

Since it was opened to public in 1979, the Terracotta Army has attracted millions of visitors per year.  It is considered as one of the must-see in China, along with the Great Wall.  And I was not going to miss it for anything!

Our colleague has arranged for the taxi driver to take me and my colleague Shanta from Xi'an airport to the Terracotta Army museum, upon our arrival from YuLin. It's an hour drive from the airport.  We first had lunch then met with the tour guide which the driver has arranged for us. The tour guide showed us where to buy the admission tickets, we queued, bought our tickets,  and started with the tour. It was a bit of a walk through a nice garden, from the gate to the exhibitions.  

Ticket booths

Everybody off to see the tarracotta army

And here we go.....

The mausoleum and the terracotta army museum is in a 20 square mile compound. There are 3 exhibitions, showcasing the 3 pits of terracotta warriors.  We entered the biggest building, the 1st exhibition. It is where 6,000 terracotta solders were found. The tour guide shared that the figures used to have colors when they were first unearthed.  However due to exposure to air and light, the colors faded.  

The life-size terracotta soldiers (archers, cavalry, infantry and officers) are arranged  in battle formation along with chariots and horses. There were also 40,000 bronze weapons (spears, axes, crossbows and arrowheads) found in the pits.

Looking closely, each of the members of the army has distinct facial features and facial expression, height, and hair style.  Our guide shared that the artists then, copied the features of the of the Emperor's favorites among his soldiers.  

Our guide also shared that a number of laborers and artists, who helped in the construction of the tomb and of the terracotta warriors, were killed in order to preserve its secrecy.  

The 2nd pit or the 2nd exhibition has cavalry and infantry units.

The 3rd pit contains high ranking officers and chariots.

We headed to the souvenir shop. Our guide pointed to a man signing souvenir books by the entrance of the store.  He's one of the farmers who accidentally discovered the terracotta soldiers.  

I bought myself a replica of the kneeling archer, made from the terracotta soil.

The sales person said the kneeling archer is a symbol of luck.  I hope the kneeling archer will indeed bring me lots of luck, so that I will be able to see all of the world's wonders.