Guam Gets it Going

JUST when I least planned it, 2016 became my most traveled year to date, for personal and professional purposes combined. Add to that the fact that most of my adventures in and out of the country had been very spontaneous, with surprises along the way.

Take for example my first major trip for the year, which was also very unexpected. This was for Cebu Pacific’s inaugural flight to Guam, an American territory requiring a US Visa. Just when I, and the rest of the Philippine media representatives, thought our participation to the important milestone would not push through, it did. Out Visas got approved the day before the flight, and we got hold of them at the airport before checking in. Talk about luck.

The result was a trip I would never forget thanks to the charming people of Guam, its appetizing cuisine that can be too familiar at times, and  all the valuable learning about its culture and history that I took home. Taking into account also the fun lifestyle reporters and editors that I was with, as well as people from Stratworks PR and Cebu Pacific who took care of us so well!

I was then representing and covering for The Manila Times and my story was published in the cover of The Sunday Times Magazine. (Read Glimpses of Guam)

Published April 3, 2016

And here are the photos I captured to remember by in the years to come:

Traditional Chamorro performances and beautiful Guamainians smiles await every Visitor in Guam

Two Lovers Point is a famous tourist destination in Guam that depicts the legend of two Chamorro lovers who chose not to be separated by fate. Thus, it is a popular place where couples make a vow with each other through love locks.

Guamainians love to grill! Must taste are grilled Turkey Leg
at the Chamarro Village and Chicken Kelaguen from Jamaican Grill

For the sea lovers, make a visit at the Fish Eye, an undewater observatory
where one can witness the rick marine life of the Pacific Ocean

(TEXT AND PHOTOS: ©THEMANILATIMES/EUDENVALDEZ)

Finding Meaning in the Mountains - Part 2

THERE'S this much-raved about arts and music festival happening soon in a much-visited mountain up in the Cordilleras.  

It would have easily caught my interest knowing the arts and music enthusiast and nature lover that I both am but instead, I saw it in a bad light. Because I believe that the featured mountain does not need any publicity at the moment, neither droves of people going up there all at once. What said mountain needs is to actually "heal" from all the negative impacts it has received since hiking started trending among Filipinos a few years back. (Although upon research, I discovered that festival in question is organized in partnership with a foundation that supports communities through sports, arts and music. So I do hope that a big part of the profit goes to the advocacy of this foundation. Organizers have yet to divulge details about this aspect.)

On another instance, I advised a cousin to make sure that the mountain tours she had been joining observe proper hiking manners, like not leaving garbage and being considerate of the communities. The most recent climb she joined had as much as 63 tourists. That's a lot of people.

Awareness on these matters I have developed after recently joining Random Act of Kindness (RAK), a group of mountain-loving people from different backgrounds and professions. Lead by professional mountaineers, RAK imparts mountaineering courses and ethics. More importantly, it organizes climbs for a cause.

RAK actually gives back to the locals and indigenous peoples residing in remote communities at the foot or sometimes, even deep in the mountains.

Take for example our annual Give Light and Pasko Fiesta program that took place last December 17, 2016 at Sitio Manggahan in Barangay Daraitan at Tanay, Rizal. It provided eight solar lamps to eight Dumagat families from Purok Paydas which remains without access to electricity, a basic need, as well as donated toys, clothing, school supplies and food to hundreds of locals both young and old from the sitio.

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." -- Desmond Tutu

To know more about the successful community outreach, you can read the article I wrote for Business Mirror (link here). Also in the story, Dumagat Chieftain Eufemia Enciso of Sitio Manggahan expressed her gratitude.

Dumagat Chieftain Eufemia Enciso of Sitio Manggahan

"Nagpapasalamat ako at nagpatuloy pa rin ang Random Act Kindness sa pag-aabot ng mga donasyon, damit, pagkain, laruan para sa mga bata. At higit sa lahat, ang solar lamps dahil hanggang ngayon, wala pa rin kaming kuryente [I am grateful because RAK continued its donation of clothes, food and toys for the kids. Most important, the solar lamps,  because we still don’t have electricity]."

Hearing these words, I sincerely felt that I was finally in the right place and time doing the right thing.

Now, time to see photos from the 2016 Give Light and Pasko Fiesta:

Let there be light! Three of the eight Dumagat beneficiaries of the lamps made by SolarSolutions Inc., a solar enterprise that promotes use of sustainable and clean energy. 

Little girls of Sitio Manggahan show off their plush toys from Jollibee,
which sponsored our outreach through its Maaga ang Pasko campaign.

 His cuteness caught me. And he caught me in act!

Well, he likes me! :) Kilig! 

And here's us wishing all our donors and sponsors our gratitude for making our Give Light and Pasko Fiesta 2016 possible.

(TEXT AND PHOTOS: ©EUDENVALDEZ)

RELATED STORIES: 
Finding Meaning in the Mountains - Part 1
Musings from Mount Tagapo

Finding Meaning in the Mountains - Part 1

EXHAUSTED, I went to bed, closed my eyes, and tried to sleep. Half-conscious, half dreaming, the memories of the day that just transpired flashed in my mind. It was a blur of browns and greens, the colors of the earth and trees, of the mountain I just hiked. 

Normally, this only happened to me after movies that I took by heart. It could only mean that said mountain made the same impact, perhaps even greater.

It was Tanay, Rizal's Mt. Daraitan, standing at approximately 739 meters above sea level. Supposedly, it was categorized as a minor climb but totally did not felt that way to me. It was my first serious hike and it was also the toughest.

Nevertheless, I was not one to complain because despite feeling dead from the physical pain, I felt so much more alive from the unforgettable gain.

The colors of the mountain

Because unlike most of the commercial climbs I bet you have joined to "get away from the city" and instead "get close to Mother Earth while"--and all other similar cliches--this particular journey to Mt. Daraitan was mainly for a good cause.

Held last December 11, Sunday, it was one the last fund-raising climb of Random Act of Kindness, or RAK, for the year 2016. RAK is a group of mountaineers slash volunteers hailing from different sectors of the society. 

Only on my second adventure with the group, I had been enlightened ten-fold about "mountaineering" and all the responsibilities it entailed. It was never just about reaching the summit, taking selfies, and saying "I conquered Mt. Daraitan (or any other mountain)."  

Sir Rick of RAK lives and breathes mountains

Because as RAK co-founder and leader Frederick "Rick" Laping said with conviction, "You can't conquer a mountain because the mountains had been there before you. And you can't conquer a mountain because the mountains will outlast you." 

What you are allowed to say is you conquered your fears, or you conquered yourself in reaching the summit and returning safe. Sir Rick further imparted to the hike's participants. 

There were over 10 of us plus three more RAK members Tupe, Alex, Paul and Daiana, who were savoring the steaming lomi after the tiring hike, while taking by heart valuable lessons from a man who had courted and loved the mountains for two decades already. 

The group at the summit

From this immersion came the awareness that many mountains in the Philippines served as ancestral domains of indigenous peoples, the rightful dwellers who most often lacked access to basic needs like shelter, clothing, food and light. 

Thus, RAK was born from the desire to do one random act of kindness at a time. Whether to extend a helping hand to remote, mountainous communities, or to protect and preserve the environment through clean-up drives, or promoting clean, renewable energy, among others. 

Sir Rick points to where the last outreach program of RAK for 2016 is to be held

So how to does RAK do all this? We go back to the non-profit organization's fundraising climbs which are open to all who wish to follow and support RAK's above-mentioned outreach programs. Of which, the culmination for 2016 was recently held on December 17 at Sitio Manggahan in Brgy. Daraitan (yes where the mountain was). 

I also took part in the said event and for two consecutive weekends, found new meaning in the mountains. 

***

Here are more photos from the Mt. Daraitan hike:

Don't be fooled by the seriousness of this entry because RAK is composed of a bunch of goofies and bullies, led by this trio, Rick, Alex and Kris (or RAK). Genius!

Had to stop on my track just to capture these tiny beauties

A grotto deep in the mountains

Happy and funny faces at Station 2

My best friend and travel buddy Xerlyn and I at the summit, the very spot that confirmed my fear of heights

She, on the other hand, had no problem whatsoever and kept bugging me to take her photos

But truly, such a scenic view

Is this a challenge? Yak hane! 

(TEXT AND PHOTOS: ©EUDENVALDEZ)

RELATED STORIES: 
Finding Meaning in the Mountains - Part 2
Musings from Mount Tagapo

Music and Adventure for the Holidays

I HAD always dreamed of spending the holidays in Pampanga where the popular Giant Lantern Festival is staged every year. I have always wished of seeing a storey high parol dancing with multitudes of colors through thousands of bulbs, the wonder still made by the hands of craftsmen despite modernization. 

Well, this year did not fulfill my dream but instead, I was able to experience a different take on Kapampangan holidays. It was musical and adventurous at the same time--all thanks to SandBox, the exciting destination inside Alviera in Porac town.

While I had personally visited SandBox just recently, this trip was for work and it entailed experiencing the adventure park's night operations every Friday and Saturday that featured OMP bands alongside Kapampangan acts. On our visit on December 3, we enjoyed the music of Ki Ro and 6 Cyclemind that kicked off Holiday Beats. It was indeed a fun night as the cheerful crowd sang with their favorite bands.

6 Cyclemind fills SandBox with its catchy tunes

Chocolate Factory and Moonstar 88 played back-to-back on December 9; while Che Che Bureche and Hale will culminate Holiday Beats on December 17.

The adrenaline-filled rides in full swing while music plays in the background

While world-class Filipino music played in the background, SandBox adrenaline-filled rides were in full-swing sans the daytime heat! With moonlit and star-filled sky, the longer and tougher Aerial Walk is also now more scenic as you go through the obstacle above ground.

Over at the Adventure Tower, feel the chilly breeze as you rush in zig-zags and go on unexpected dips via Avatar One, a 180-meter long roller coaster zipline which is the first in Asia.

Avatar One, a 180-meter long roller coaster zipline which is the first in Asia

Cold sweat will run down your body as you try to conquer wall climbing, rappelling and free-falling. Lastly, scream your lungs out and into the night at the Giant Swing at 10 meters high.

With moonlit and star-filled sky, the longer and tougher Aerial Walk is now more scenic

To complete the holiday experience, SandBox added new food options for their Christmas visitors.

Refreshment after all the exciting and tiring activities? Then try the delectable drinks of Monster Milkshakes. The icy and milky goodness comes in flavors of Speculos cookies, hazelnut, strawberry, nutty brownie and so much more! The dining outlet prepares savory snacks like hotdogs and waffles to complement the milkshakes.

El Pedro Cubano is an authentic Cuban restaurant that offers sandwiches, arroz marquitas (chips with salsa), tucca fritas (cassava fries with salsa), tamales, and empanadas.

Refreshment after all the exciting and tiring activities care of Monster Milkshakes

If craving for comfort cuisine—the ones Pampanga is best known for—then visit Morgan’s Comfort Food. Inspired from what a typical Kampampangan lola (grandmother) will prepare on a Sunday lunch, Morgan’s cooks dishes like sisig rice, tocino, lechon kawali, and fried spring rolls, among others.

As gift to adventure- and music-loving Kapampangans and Filipinos, SandBox’s entrance fee for entire December was free.

Located inside Alivera in Porac, Pampanga, SandBox is accessible via NLEX-SCTEX. For more information, visit www.alviera.ph and www.facebook.com/AvlieraPH. For inquiries, email info@alviera@gmail.com or contact 0917-8033099 or 432-0014.

***

The story is originally published at Jetsetter Asia. 

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ©JETSETTERASIA/EUDENVALDEZ)

Tales of Taiwan: Of History and Heritage

FOR every traveler going on his or her first solo adventure to a foreign land—with locals speaking a different language, and streets and signage emblazoned with unknown characters—the fear of getting lost will be ever present. But as they say, it is only when one is lost, that one is found.

And so, from April 11 to 14, I decided to immerse myself in this great unknown. But surprising as it may seem, I always found my way in the end—and believe me, emerged wiser and better from my journey.

My destination: Taiwan.

While the closest neighboring country of the Philippines up north, Taiwan, unfortunately, remains to be one of the most underrated Asian destinations among Filipinos. Currently topping our must-visit list these days are Japan and South Korea, besides perennial favorites, Hong Kong and Singapore.

But after seeing and experiencing the country—particularly its capital Taipei—for four days, I can say that it is high time Taiwan gets the attention it so fittingly deserves.

Let’s begin by appreciating the rich history and precious heritage of the country through these iconic tourists spots—all found in Taipei.

National Palace Museum

On top of the must-visit places in Taipei, Taiwan is its National Palace Museum that houses over 2,000 articles some dating 4,000 years old. Of these, 80 percent were transferred from China’s Forbidden City by the late President Chang Kai-Shek in a mission to preserve the Chinese heritage. Some of the most notable exhibits include those featuring jade, bronze and pottery.

Taking of photos is not allowed inside so here's me outside

The Red House

The Red House is a Western style, redbrick building erected in 1908 as Taiwan’s first public market. But after going through cultural transformations in 2007, it has established itself as a major location for the development of culturatis and creatives. 

New Noise artist Wei Ling Chang

Millions have visited this landmark to view thousands of arts- and literature-themed events in its movie theater, live house, and exhibit venues. New Noise artist Wei Ling Chang is one of the many artists who proudly display their unique, and handmade creations inside The Red House.

Martyrs’ Shrine

The shrine of the National Revolutionary Martyrs of the country is another example of a perfectly preserved establishment that reminds the Taiwanese, and teaches tourists about history. It was built in the 1950s to honor the country’s founding father, Dr. Sun Yat Sen and his followers that led the revolution.

Inside the shrine, 18-year-old honor guards execute their duty after being selected by the Taiwanese government.

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial

Inscribed on top of the late, great Chiang Kai-Shek, are the words “Ethics, Democracy and Science,” which served as his pillars of leadership. His memorial shrine was completed in 1980, five years after his death. 

Majority of visitors come from mainland China

About 5,000 tourists come to visit here in a day, mostly from China who, wish to discover more about their former Chinese president.

***

This story was originally published as part of my "Tales of Taiwan" article for The Manila Times. 

Up Next: Tales of Taiwan: Of Eating and Enriching

***
The tour I joined was ably organized by Edison Tours, one of the leading travel agencies in Taiwan.

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ©THE MANILA TIMES/EUDENVALDEZ)