Have you ever been to a place here in the Philippines where the ambiance is so different, it feels like you’re in another country that you have never been to yet?
Well, Thailand vibes are just 2 hours away from Manila! Located in Calauan, Laguna – Isdaan Floating Resto – Fun Park will give you immense Thailand feels. From the entrance to the corners of the park, everywhere is much like Thailand but the food, they stay Filipino!
How to get to Isdaan Floating Resto – Fun Park?
From Buendia Station, ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Fare is about 85++ pesos each (JAC Liner/JAM/DLTB/etc).
Tell the conductor or driver to drop you off at Isdaan.
and that’s it!
If you’re coming from up north, I’m sure there are a lot of bus terminals going to Sta. Cruz, just ask where and you’ll get there.
We went there with my girlfriend, Jane, just last 17th of September, so yes, it was a date. 🙂 I didn’t tell her where would we be going so it’s a little surprise. Oh and yes, my girlfriend deserves a treat!
I posted photos on Instagram already, follow me @jernyd.
Upon entry, you’ll already be amazed of the structures. With statues looking like those in Thailand, you’ll definitely be having a good time as if you’re not in the Philippines. You will be asked to wait as their staff will look for a place for you.
You will be asked to wait as their staff will look for a place for you. Nipa huts turned into Thailand looking temples from the outside is their edge. If you’ve seen Thailand in photos, you’ll compare most of them in this place.
They also have 3 large Buddha statues. The Red Buddha, the White Buddha, and the Golden Buddha.
The White Buddha resides on the western side of the restaurant, the Golden Buddha on the southern part, and the Red Buddha on the eastern part of the venue. And on the center, a large Gorilla where you climb up and take your photo.
There were also center stage performance, magic show, acrobatic show and dance numbers so you won’t get bored easily on the side, waiting for your food.
Their menu is more Filipino but they have other cuisines as well. Waiting time for the food is most likely more than an hour so you’ll have plenty of time to take photos for your Instagram and Facebook posts. You may also ask for fresh seafood as it’s an “isdaan” turned into a restaurant. A very nice concept!
The Isdaan Floating Resto – Fun Park opens at 8am and closes time nobody knows when. It was already past 10pm when we went home but still, there are a lot of people in the area.
It was last December 8 up until December 12 when I and my friends visited Japan. We focused mainly on hoping to explore parts of Kyoto and Osaka because we only have like more or less 5 days for the trip. But since it was December, we opted to go to Hyogo where the famous Kinosaki Onsen is about. We have visited most on our list. However, it was too late for us to visit Nara to get an up-close interaction with the deer in the park.
I’ll start off with the preparations we had before entering Japan – to which the others are obvious but still important.
1. Japan Tourist Visa & Your Passport
Number one is the Visa. As a Filipino tourist, this is a requirement
You won’t be able to enter Japan if you don’t have this valuable item. An article was first created before this. If you want to know more, click on this link. (Getting Yourself A Japan Visa – A Filipino Traveler’s Guide).
Processing Fee: 950 Php
The visa will be printed on your passport so it’s a bundle. Never ever as a tourist, make lose your passport!
2. Airline Ticket
Our airline ticket was a promo fare from Cebu Pacific Airlines! We had it booked about 9 months before the actual flight date in order for us to make preparations (you know, budget and stuff). The ticket was booked by March 2015. It was a tough competition because we are not the only one who’s looking forward to visiting the country. Thus, Cebu Pacific website was slow and if you got idled or you haven’t finished your transaction within 10mins, you need to look for available dates again. Hence, we only had December 8-12 because that’s the only possible flight we can get at the time.
Oh, the price of the ticket? Since it was a promo fare, 1000 per way, it only cost us 5,192.62 Php each RT MNL – Osaka (KIX) – MNL (with 20kg baggage + additional charges). Pretty cheap, right?! It was a really really good deal! Normally, it would be more than 10k per way.
Ticket Cost: 5,192.62 Php each
TIP: To enjoy more of Japan, please do not book less than 5 days! Better check for cheap flight tickets via SkyScanner.
It was December and the start of winter. You really need a big luggage in order to survive the cold weather but that depends on how many clothes you will bring and how long are you going to be in Japan. This isn’t limited to Japan but to other countries with cold weather as well. The temperature was ranging from 4-12 degrees when we got there. TIP: If you have a very limited budget for clothes, go to the thrift shops (aka Ukay-Ukay) and you will find pretty, classy and authentic winter clothes.
If you want to bring less but you do have an allotted budget for cold weather clothing and shopping, go the Japan’s apparel stores. The prices are most likely 20-50% less than their prices in the PH. i.e., UNIQLO.
Japan is quite a fashionable country too. You will get to see people who have glam boots and winter coats. Not only that, some people are still wearing skirts even when it’s freaking cold. For the sake of fashion, huh? If you’re not very good at adapting to changing environments, well, you still should adapt!
4. Accommodation (Hostel, Ryokan, etc)
This one’s the tricky part. As budget travellers, we would not want to spend most of our money in hotel accommodations. You’d only get to sleep and clean yourself anyway. There’s a cheaper way for that. Include Hostels, Couchsurfing and Airbnb on your list.
Hostels would cost you about 800++ to 1000++ Php per night (as we conducted our research during that time). Couchsurfing would cost almost nothing (it’s our first out of the country and there was 4 of us so we thought this can’t be an option). Airbnb would cost you not much too depending on the type of accommodation you’d like to have. They have options for Shared Room, Private Room or Apartment.
Airbnb was our option to get cheaper accommodation because most hostels are booked on the dates we were in. On our first two nights, we had Hidetaka Murakami’s condo unit located at Umeda. The stay was so good that I would like to just be there if possible. Aside from bed, the unit comes with a hot and cold shower, shampoo and body soap, a bathtub (where I spent most of my time when bathing), an electronic toilet, bar refrigerator, water heater, kitchen, sofa, television, air conditioner, free internet/wifi, washing machine and many more. It was like really living in your space and we only get to spend 700++ Php each per night! Thanks, Hide-san! I am recommending your place to everybody!
On our 3rd night, we were at Kinosaki Onsen. We stayed at a Ryokan (a Japanese traditional setting). This was our most expensive accommodation during our stay but the price was definitely worth it. I think we get to spend about 2800++ Php each on that night. More details about the Kinosaki Onsen over the next articles. Note: This is not from AirBnB.
On our fourth night, we spent our accommodation at Hostel Gingaku-ji administered by Rio. We booked our stay at AirBnB and it was a great experience staying at this hostel. Rio was also very accommodating and friendly. I also recommend this Hostel to future Japan travelers. 😀
December 8-9 AirBnB: 1594 Php
December 10 Kinosaki Onsen (Tsutimotoya Ryokan): 2590++ Php
December 11 Hostel Ginkaku-ji: 950++ Php
5. Your Japan Itinerary
Your visa application won’t be complete without this section. I’ll be just putting where we have gone on the days we were there because the time you’d get to spend in a place really would depend on you. However, I won’t add the shopping expenses (pasalubong) in this article. Here are the details on our day to day trip and expenses in this link. How I Spent Only 21,000 For A 5D4N Trip in Japan – Itinerary and Costs
6. Don’t forget your Japanese Yen!
Depending on the days you gotta stay and the lifestyle you’re living in, this last thing here is a must. I would prefer you exchanging your peso (or dollar) at Sanry’s if you’re in the Philippines. What I did was, exchange a few of my pesos with Sanry’s and withdraw from an ATM in 711 right at Japan.
For my experience, I would prefer to withdraw Japanese yen from the ATM in Japan because, by that time, it cost me only 37.00 for a single withdrawal. Oh, and my card was a visa debit card by PSBank. This is cheaper compared to when I exchanged Peso to Yen back at Sanry’s.
But still, don’t forget to bring extra cash at all times!
So guys, if ever you will have to book a ticket to Japan, please do not stay for 4 or 5 days. Book, at least, week or two to fully enjoy Japan! Enjoy!
Even before I started writing about my travels, the sunblock or sunscreen I have been using was Dermplus. It’s the only sunblock I know that gives longer protection from the sun especially that we are almost always out exploring places.
This 2019, Dermplus unveils its “Sun Ready, Fun Ready” summer campaign that celebrates countless outdoor activities without worrying about sun damage. With Dermplus, nothing holds you back from your active lifestyle.
Sun Ready, Fun Ready with Dermplus
An all-encompassing brand, Dermplus goes beyond your usual summer vacation. Whether you are planning to plunge at the beach, getting your game on with outdoor sports, or just going about your daily activities, you have to make sure you are equipped with Dermplus.
Dermplus will make sure that you are ready for all the fun that everyday life holds. Dermplus boasts a formulation that maximizes a sunscreen’s potential: high SPF for superior sun protection, broad-spectrum with UVA and UVB protection, water-resistant and PABA-free to avoid allergic reactions. Dermplus products are also dermatologist-tested and have a high Boot Star Rating, a European standard for sunscreen. Dermplus Moisturizing Sunscreens are formulated with titanium dioxide to prevent further skin damage and aging.
It comes in inclusive variants perfect for the sun protection needs of those who love bright, sunny days and those who shy away from the sun: Dermplus SPF130, Dermplus SPF80, Dermplus SPF35 in scented and unscented formulas, Dermplus For Kids in SPF35 & SFP80, Dermplus After-Sun Hydrating Body Gel and Dermplus INVISILITE Spray. Dermplus Media Launch Top Management in order from left to right Ms. Jennifer Millan – Training Manager; Mr. John Ray Alipar – Technical Services and Quality Control Manager; Mr. Jido Ramirez – Marketing Manager; Mr. Jess Tony Cruz – COO; Mr. Vinson B. Pineda – President, Mr. Arnold Pineda – Creative Director; Ms. Cristina del Rosario – National Sales Manager; Mr. RJ Ibanez – HR Manager; Mr. Greg Soriano – Supply Chain Manager
For more information about Dermplus, log on to www.dermplus.com.ph or follow @DermplusSunscreen on social media.
The Best Rail Routes Across Italy For Adventurous Souls
Sweeping views of the countryside, scenic alps, and the beautiful blue coastline are just some of the things you have to look forward to on a rail trip through Italy. While the destination is always your final goal, enjoying the journey is just as important. And that isn’t hard to do with Italy as your backdrop.
Whether you’re wanting to visit Milan’s most iconic landmarks or the ancient ruins in Rome, we’re here to help you plan your rail holidays to Italy.
Here are a few of the best routes to take via train through Italy.
Sicily and the Amalfi Coast
This train route will lead you through Italy to the Amalfi coast. This journey is perfect for those who want to spend a great deal of time by the ocean, and enjoy sweeping coastal views.
If you’re coming from London, we recommend stopping in Nice, France for a night or two to explore the beautiful region.
From Nice, you’ll hop on a train and cross the border into Italy. The route will lead you along the coastline, providing magnificent views until you get to Genoa. From there, you’ll make your way inland to Milan.
From Milan, you’ll take a fast Frecciarossa train to Salerno via Rome. In Salerno, stop for two nights or take a taxi to Vietri Sul Mare. It’s a small fishing village that’s well worth experiencing. Visit the many ancient ruins, or spend the day enjoying sea views and walking the quaint streets.
Then take a train from Salerno, along the western coastline down to the Straits of Messina. The train then runs onto a boat that carries you across the Straits and to Catania. This is a great place to spend a few nights while you explore the area.
With a few days to explore the area, be sure to climb Mount Etna volcano and visit the famed fish market, as well as the stunning Catania cathedral.
After a few days in Catania, hop on a regional train that will take you through the heart of the island to Palermo. Spend a few days exploring the port city’s museums, palaces, and street markets. Or catch an awe-inspiring opera performance at the neoclassical Teatro Massimo.
You’ll then take a train from Palermo to Turin. Once again crossing the Straits and making your way through Milan. This journey should only take the morning so you’ll have the rest of the day to stroll the city streets. Take in the baroque style buildings and frequent the old cafes while absorbing the unique atmosphere.
Spend a night in Turin before heading back to London in the morning.
Venice, Rome and Florence
This train ride is ideal for those who are short on time but would like to experience many of Italy’s main attractions.
If you’re travelling from London, your first stop on this Italy train route will be Nuremberg, Germany. You’ll be arriving in the evening, but Nuremberg has an energetic nightlife, so your day’s adventure doesn’t have to end there. Spend the evening exploring beer houses or walking the streets, taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
In the morning, you’ll catch a train to Venice, passing through Munich along the way. Between Munich and Venice, you’ll travel across the Brenner Pass high in the Alps. Be sure to have your digital camera ready, as spectacular views await you during this portion of the journey.
You’ll arrive in Venice in the early evening. Book into your hotel before heading out to indulge in a delicious Venetian meal. You’ll spend the next two nights in Venice so you have some time to explore this romantic city. Take a gondola ride, view the whimsical Bridge of Sighs, and stroll through the historic Piazza San Marco.
After two nights in Venice, wake up early and take a 4-hour train ride to Rome. Spend the next two days in Rome exploring the many landmarks. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and 18th-century Trevi Fountain are just a few of the places you should be visiting.
After two days in Rome, take a one and a half-hour train ride to Florence. Spend yet another two days exploring this city. Admire Renaissance art, ponder intricate sculptures and visit cathedrals built centuries ago.
After having spent two nights in Florence, take a train to Turin and spend the rest of the day enjoying historic sights before taking the train back to London in the morning.
Italian Lakes and the Amalfi Coast
If you want to witness Italy’s very best great bodies of water, this train route is for you.
Those travelling from London will need to take the Eurostar to Paris (Gare du Nord line), and then transfer to a line that will take you to Dijon (Gare de Lyon). Spend the evening at a local restaurant before heading to your hotel.
In the morning, take a train to Lausanne. The train will travel through the Jura Mountains which will provide you with magnificent views. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Lausanne, before heading to Stresa, a resort town on Lake Maggiore.
Spend two full days in Stresa where you’ll soak up the sun, visit old museums and take boat trips on the lake to the fascinating Borromean islands. After three nights in Stresa, you’ll take a train to Milan, and then transfer to a rail line travelling to Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
You’ll then take a taxi to Positano where you’ll be spending the next four nights. This cliff-side village has a tranquil pebbled beachfront perfect for those wanting to soak up the sun. It also has a myriad of wonderful hiking trails for those searching for a little adventure.
After a few days in Positano, you’ll take a train to Naples, and a subsequent train to Bologna. You’ll then travel across the Brenner Pass to Innsbruck in Austria. After spending a layover night in Innsbruck, take a train to Zurich while you pass sweeping green pastures and other enjoyable views.
From Zurich take a train to Paris, where you’ll cross over to the Eurostar and head back to London.
Final Thoughts on Rail Routes Across Italy
No matter how long you decide to travel through this ancient yet highly cultured country, you’re bound to have the adventure of a lifetime. Seeing the intricate architecture and waterways of Venice, or the quaint city streets of Verona is an absolute delight.
There’s something magical about a train journey through Italy. You’re guaranteed memories that will last a lifetime. Ones you can look back on fondly in years to come. Be sure to book one of the wonderful train routes we’ve suggested so you don’t miss out on all the very best sights.
The Benham plateau, also known as the Benham Rise is yet to be officially renamed the “Philippine Ridge.”
The Philippine Ridge is a seismically active undersea region and an extinct volcanic range located in the Philippine Sea roughly 250 km (160 mi) east of the northern coastline of Dinapigue, Isabela. Allegedly named after American geologist Kennedy Benham, the area was mapped in 1933 but its connection to the Philippine islands had not been affirmed.
Benham Rise: A Brief History
On April 2009, the Republic of the Philippines filed a petition to protest on the limits of the continental shelf in relation to the region of Benham Rise. It had been discovered that despite the proximity to the archipelago, the plateau had not been included in Philippine islands territory. The petition, however, got slammed inside and outside the country due to its controversial nature. The Philippines claim over the “Benham rise” is considered to be relevant because surveys have proven that there may be the presence of minerals and natural gas in the area. Solidified methane was also found during the process and it is said that there is a high probability of the presence of natural gas. It has already been proved that the Benham rise is officially Philippines’ property.
As is expected, the Benham rise will be very important when it comes to financing in the near future. The government, led by the Department of Energy “DOE” is expected to make a quest to survey the area for actual gas and any other form of gas content. The Benham Plateau is believed to be abundant in natural gas and manganese nodules and is being eyed by a number of enthusiastic bidders.
In January 2018, Filipino Congressman Gary Alejano revealed that the Department of Foreign Affairs had approved the Chinese Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences together with the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines to perform a scientific survey of the Rise. After this event, Duterte called for a halt to the survey but the Chinese had already finished two days of work. On February 12, 2018, the International Hydrographic Organization approved the names proposed by China for five features in the Benham Rise after China submitted to the organization its research findings on the area. The names given were in Chinese.
Protection of Benham Rise
The Benham rise is not just a ridge thought to have minerals but it holds a very important place in the culture of ancient Filipinos. Ancient Catanduanes people have fished and roamed the area long before the colonial era. In fact, it is celebrated in Catandunganons’ folktales, legends, and poetry. Today’s largest amount of fish in the Philippines comes from Benham island. In May 2017, the government banned the oil mining and exploration, therefore declaring the ridge a “protected supply food zone.”
On May 16, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte and Oceana, an organization that protects oceans around the world, signed a presidential petition declaring to protect 50,000 hectares of the Philippines rise including the pristine Benham Bank. It was confirmed that the protection of the Philippine Rise was achieved through efforts by government agencies and advocates who supported the idea of declaring the Benham Rise a strict protection zone.
Oceana and other interested environmental organizations circulated an online petition advocating for the protection of the Philippine Rise which attracted more than 26,000 supporters and signatories. In conclusion, the protection of the Benham Rise by Oceana is a great step that would yield a positive outcome. An exhibit in the National Museum of Natural History was donated by Oceana and is now available for public viewing.
WHAT IS OCEANA DOING IN THE PHILIPPINES?
In the Philippines, Oceana supports the government in its goal to promote national policies that protect the Philippines’ vast marine resources. We use the law to ensure that fish and fishers receive the protections they deserve. We offer professional expertise to aid the government in its goal of establishing sustainable catch limits, subduing discards and protecting spawning habitats. We carry out scientific voyages to educate the public about the importance of healthy oceans and the role they play in the economy of the Philippines by providing food and jobs. Ultimately, our goal is to work to guarantee that the Philippines achieve sustainable fisheries and healthy oceans for the gain of all Filipinos.
You can visit the National Museum of Natural History to see the Philippine Rise exhibit and learn more about Benham Rise.
Isabela is the largest province in Luzon and the second biggest in the country. Isabela’s primary offering for the country is their agricultural lands. It also has the best agro-industrial investment destination in the Philippines. Isabela is the number one corn producer nationwide. Hence, their festival symbol is of a bambanti (scarecrow) for protecting the rice fields, corns, and crops.
Bambanti Festival 2018
Bambanti Festival is Isabela’s pride. Bambanti is a local term for “scarecrow”. We all know that scarecrows are used as farmer’s tool to keep birds away from eating or taking away the crops, and the province of Isabela is an agricultural province gaining the top spot in the corn production in the whole of Philippines.
In this festival, each participating municipality creates their own image of a giant Bambanti, creating a Bambanti Village. This way, the locals represent their resourcefulness and inventiveness in the creation of a giant figure. A bambanti that is used to fend off creatures and other threats to their growing rice fields and corn fields. In Bambanti Village, locals are also to present their hometown’s products and way of life.
Activities are also sure to set in the capitol composing of street dance parade, showcasing of Bambanti giant figures, presentation of local products that the farmers produce, municipality dance showdown, concerts, and grandiose fireworks. bambanti festival 2018
History of Bambanti Festival
The Bambanti was first conceived by the former Governor Benjamin Dy and his wife, Cecil, in 1997. They proclaimed that bambanti is a state symbol for the province’s farmer’s diligence and resoluteness to earn his keep, feed his family, and produce for his community. It’s also a reminder that his enduring spirit – the kind that is relentless amid the harshness of the storms that often visit the province, and his creativity in his untiring vigilance to safeguard his treasures and the promises it holds.
The trusty Bambanti is helping Isabela create its cultural identity. It’s created to walk visitors through the leisure side of agricultural municipalities, not just full of leisure. It was created so that when you hear the word Bambanti, you will know it’s already the province of Isabela. bambanti festival 2018 FACT: The Bambanti Festivalis a three-time winner of Aliw Awards, bringing home the title of Best Festival Practices and Performance for years 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Activities in Bambanti Festival 2018
The Bambanti Festival in Isabela was celebrated for six (6) days starting January 22, ending on Saturday, January 27. We went to the festival grounds on a Thursday wherein the culinary competition started whilst the Agri-Ecotourism Exhibit and Sale started on January 22. It also has medical/dental/surgical mission and sports activities and competition for the municipalities.
Bambanti Village
Bambanti Village is where you will see the giant Bambantis displayed. Municipalities compete for the best bambanti display in the Bambanti village also showcasing what the products their town has to offer.
“Makan Ken Mainum” Culinary Competition
The Makan Ken Mainum Culinary Competition was joined by all of the municipalities showcasing new and innovative recipes they have from their hometowns. bambanti festival 2018
Bambanti Festival Kings and Queens
The Bambanti Festival Kings and Queens are displayed with their costume representing their municipality.
Street Dance Parade Competition
Together with their Festival Kings and Queens, each municipality danced with all their strength at Isabela Sports Complex Oval.
Festival Dance Showdown Competition
Each municipality danced with their own music and variations, a very tough competition.
Isabela Choral Competition
Nine (9) municipalities challenged for Isabela Chorale Competition which was held in the Capitol’s auditorium, and the festival main stage at Isabela Sports Complex. This year’s theme is “Isabela kong Mahal”.
Grand Concert Party
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A concert with the stars including 4th Impact (Gollayan Sisters), Ogie Alcasid, Jonalyn Viray, Elisse Joson, and Mccoy De Leon. bambanti festival 2018
Grand Fireworks Display
After all the celebration of the Bambanti Festival, a grandiose display of fireworks ended the ceremonies.
Whether you work from home or use your homeoffice for activities like reading and writing, your home office should be a space that inspires productivity and puts you in a creative mood. It should be a corner where you enjoy spending your time.
A home office should be inviting and make you want to indulge in work. This, however, is not the case with most of our home offices. They are often dusty, messy, and overflowing with files and books we haven’t touched for years. No wonder we prefer to work from the bed, couch, or dining table!
It’s high time we spruce up our home office, revamping it into a space that is neat, comfortable, inspiring, and motivating. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Personalize Your Workspace
Some of you might have an entire room dedicated to a home office while others might have a cozy corner in the bedroom or living room. Whatever the size of the space, make it about you!
You can introduce small personal items like a painting, a wall hanging, or a collage on the adjacent wall. You can place interesting items on your desk like a memento from one of your travels or trendy stationery items like a pen holder with a unique design.
Having items in your home office that remind you of good times and successful endeavors can also keep you motivated!
Get Rid of the Clutter
It can be an arduous task to concentrate on the job at hand amidst too much clutter. Therefore, you can start by organizing your papers, files, and books.
Having a desk organizer on your desk or a chic cabinet or shelf in a corner can help you put away things that do not require your immediate attention.
Once well organized, neat, and clean, your desk can be only dedicated to handling the work for the day.
Give Priority to Comfort
Your home office does not need to be like your office at work. It can have a good level of comfort. However, it should not be too comfortable and make you want to lounge rather than work!
Having a nice chair, that is easy to sit on for long hours, good for your back, and at the same time gives you a cozy feel will inspire you to keep working longer.
Let Nature In
There is something about nature that always leaves us feeling our best! Just placing your desk by the window and having the view of a tree or garden with some natural light coming in can make such a big difference. It can keep us feeling fresh and excited about the day ahead.
Depending on personal preferences, some would like to have a vase with an indoor plant, a cactus, or some fresh flowers. Other options would be to have a dry flower arrangement or use natural material like jute and cane.
Whichever way you decide to spruce up your workspace, adding a natural element can bring in a tinge of freshness.
Create the Perfect Ambiance
Good ambiance inspires productivity and brings forth our creative nature. Some of us might prefer to work in yellow light rather than white light. There are so many options for lighting available.
We can ditch overhead white lights and use scones and lamps instead. Besides lighting, scents, and music can also help create the ambiance. Some swear the smell of potpourri makes them feel at ease or that an aromatherapy oil in a diffuser sparks their creativity.
Whatever it is for you, implement the things that bring you peace and make you feel calm.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your home office neat, clean, and well-organized can help you concentrate on the work at hand. Investing some time in bringing in elements that inspire you can go a long way in boosting your creativity.
There are millions of people around the world that are trying to make a career out of YouTube. However, it is a fact that success on this platform doesn’t come nearly as easy as it might seem to someone who is planning to get started.
In order to become popular and start turning a profit from your YouTube videos, you need to invest a lot of energy and time into providing high-quality content. That as well as making sure to plan your strategy according to channel analytics.
When it comes to staying informed on who is following you and whether you are growing on YouTube or not, there is a couple of intuitive tools.
We have prepared a list of the few apps to track YouTube subscribers that will give you the much-needed info, as well as tips on how to improve your account. Let’s get right to it!
Whether you are looking to track your growth or see the public video metrics of some other account, downloading the YT Tracker to your device can go a long way.
The first thing that you should know is that this app is 100% free, which means that if you are just starting out and you don’t have the budget to pay a professional marketing strategist, you are sure to reap many benefits out of it.
Getting this tool is incredibly simple, given the fact that it is available both for iOS and Android users. Thus, you should either log into the Google Workspace Marketplace or the Apple Store and download this app for free.
What is so great is that the YT Tracker is incredibly easy to use, as once you have installed it, the only thing that you need to do is to set the relevant add-on.
After that step, a sheet will be generated in which you type in a relevant ID/name of the account, and everything else will be done by the tool. How does it work?
It uses Data APIs, which is proved to highlight more than a thousand different details of a specific video in as little as a minute. You can always refresh the sheet and have the metrics counted once again.
When it comes to the info that you will be provided with, it is not only the number and methodology of your subscriber growth but also data on which video has the most views, monetization, and likes/dislikes, and most popular comments.
Among the coolest features of this app is that you will get to out-compete other accounts by doing detailed research on what makes their channel successful as well as what yours might be lacking.
Additionally, the fact that all thumbnails will be provided on a single sheet will go a long way when it comes to giving you an idea on how to create an attractive, relevant, and intuitive thumbnail to kickstart your videos.
Keep in mind that there are certain limits to the free version, such as 25 videos and 10 channels limit per sheet. Luckily, you can lift this by subscribing to the Premium plan.
Channel Tracker – YouTube Client
Our second choice would have to be the Channel Tracker, which offers an efficient and trustworthy method of managing the growth of your YouTube channel. It is quite a bummer that this tool is not available for iOS users.
However, if you have an Android device, then you can install it both on tablets and smartphones.
How to do that? Well, by going to the Google Play Store, download the app for free, and having it set within a couple of simple steps.
What can it help you with? Well, several things, including fast analytics of YouTube channels you are subscribed to, as well as keeping track of your progress, including videos, after which your subscriber count went up.
If you want to learn how to earn money online, take a look here.
Summary
Our personal opinion is that you can’t make the most out of your channel potential without a reliable tool. The YT Tracker, as well as Channel Tracker, are both intuitive and highlighted by great growth analytics, which you should use to your advantage. Good luck!
One of the best things that a couple could do when they go together outside their homeland is to find the best place to get a good night’s rest after a long tiring day of exploration. Of course, going to great places and eating the best tasting food out there is still the top priority but as a couple, having a welcoming room and comfortable bed tops everything.
Cambodia is part of our bucket list for being one of the historical sites in the world for its hundred-year-old temples and ruins that have been tested by time. Not only the culture is rich in Cambodia, but also the customs and its current modern society. We also have personally witnessed the hospitality trait that Cambodians are known for and we’re totally grateful for the welcoming experience.
Memoire Siem Reap Hotel
When we booked our tickets to Cambodia, the first thing that comes to mind when looking for accommodation is the location and comfortability. Immediately, we found Memoire Siem Reap Hotel to be one of the options also because they have a few properties in the location, so booking will be relatively easier.
Located in the city center of Siem Reap, Memoire Siem Reap Hotel is one of the hotels that in a prime location, close to shops and attractions, and a few minutes drive away from scenic spots, some you can even walk by.
Experience at Memoire Siem Reap Hotel
Our flight was a bit late so we asked our contact for airport pick-up to the hotel which they were willing to do so. Arriving at around 9 PM in Siem Reap International Airport, it would be a bit hard for us to catch public transportation. Altogether, we got out from the airport at around 10 PM as we still need to clear immigration. At the arrival hall, we saw a sign with our name in it so I waved hello to our driver and he waved at us as he recognizes us. He took out bags and brought them to the car.
Our driver was not a talker and I think he doesn’t speak English so well because when we ask questions, he just looks at us, but nevertheless, the ride was smooth and safe. A mere 20 mins from the airport, we arrived at our destination.
Memoire Siem Reap Hotel doesn’t look anything extraordinary from the outside, but when you go inside, that’s when the magic happens.
We were greeted by the concierge and was immediately assisted by Phan, a Memoire Ambassadress. We headed to the front desk, check for our reservation, and provided our passports for identification. Everyone was smiling and welcoming. We felt like superstars even when we are just normal people from the Philippines. Photo with Phan Phan started a conversation with us and this made us feel more comfortable about the people of Cambodia. I didn’t really know that the people in the Kingdom of Cambodia are this kind and so welcoming, if not all, then the people at Memoire Siem Reap Hotel are remarkable. Few minutes after, we were escorted to our room and Phan helped us with our belongings. Phan became an instant friend as she walked with us.
Our Room: Deluxe Room
After the reception handed over our keys, we were escorted by Phan to our room. She explained things about some of the operations in the controls and everything and went for a little talk as well. Apparently, she had visited the Philippines but only managed to visit Manila. A few minutes after room introduction, we took a photo with Phan and then she headed back to the front office.
The room we had, Deluxe Room, was simple yet elegant in style. They claim it as a modern contemporary Khmer design, decorated with arts and paintings. It boasts a 33 sqm space with King-sized bed, a sofa set, bedside room controls, a huge LED TV, a vanity mirror/table, hot and cold shower, a bathtub, and more that you’d like to see. You can view more of the room amenities in this link.
Our room was a delight. We even had bathrobes to suit on after taking a quick shower before bedtime. There was also a mini-bar refrigerator where a fruit bowl was also placed. Quite starving from the long travel time, we ate it for a quick snack. View from the room in the morning
Breakfast at Tamarind Restaurant
“Tamarind is known as the heirloom ingredient in Cambodian way. It is normally used in many different ways to complement the flavor of daily foods. The Khmer-inspired design, Tamarind Restaurant, dedicates the deep understanding of Khmer gastronomy to blend the traditional with contemporary dishes.”
Truly enough, Memoire Siem Reap Hotels find its way into the Khmer way of life. Tamarind Restaurant gave us a small glimpse of what breakfast for Khmers is about.
My fiancee, Jane, was never a morning person. She always wanna stay up late and wake up a bit late so we usually start our day at around 9 am when we are staying at a hotel, and later when we are at home unless we have things to do like a tour activity in the morning.
Being a part of the Asian culture, we always have rice in our meals and Jane couldn’t handle a day without it. There are quite a number of selections in the breakfast menu, hoping we could taste everything, but we just couldn’t. Tamarind Restaurant serves a breakfast buffet with many dishes to select from. Up to whether you would go back for another meal or experiment with what they have in the selections. You could also ask for a freshly cooked egg meal depending on how you like it.
Breakfast, being the most important meal of the day, we made sure to eat the healthiest we could get with all the proteins and energies we could receive from each serving.
Also, the restaurant is fronting the hotel’s pool so you’d have a great view while having your morning treat. The staff were also attentive and looks after everyone else. They are also very easy to talk with and in a short time, you could get along well. We had a pleasant time with our breakfast at Tamarind Restaurant.
Breakfast at the Artist Lounge
Artist Lounge in Memoire Siem Reap Hotel is probably one of the coolest lounges there is. Fronting the reception area, Artist Lounge gives you a luxurious experience while taking your time to rest.
Unlike Tamarind Restaurant where all dishes are already cooked and prepared, Artist Lounge gives you a menu for a different breakfast experience while having that buffet kind of feel. This is where we had our breakfast on our second day in Memoire Siem Reap Hotel.
While we were waiting for our food ordered from the menu, we took some photos of the place and food served at the table. The quick food selections like fruits, salad, and pastries are already displayed at it waiting for us to taste them. And while I was selecting for some food, we happen to have bumped into Sakkda Sim, the Head of Memoire Ambassadors and it was a delight to have spoken to him. He is well articulated in speaking English so it was like we have found someone to talk with for a time. He gave us tips on where to go best during our time in Siem Reap and afterward, lets us continue our food. It was really great to meet him.
After a while, our food was served on our table. We can also choose to order drinks or wine, and that entirely depends on us. The soup that comes with our ordered meal is delicious tasting like a beef brisket (or was it?). Nevertheless, we had a great experience at the Artist Lounge as we have the option to order a complete meal without having to stand up to get another one.
Together with the ambiance at Artist Lounge, every meal was a treat.
An Inviting Pool Area and Amenities
During the day, the pool area seemed nice but wait until the sun disappears into the light, the swimming pool becomes an enchanting place. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to take photos of the pool by the night as we prioritized looking for a place to eat at the Siem Reap Night Market and there’s also a bathtub in our room so we didn’t feel the need to dip at the pool that day.
There’s a small bar where you can order drinks like juices and wines. In front of it was the fitness area, rather small but generally complete with your fitness needs, and on the other side of it was the Memoria Spa.
Treat yourself to the Memoria Spa after a long day or dip in the swimming pool to keep yourself refreshed from the scorching heat of Cambodia.
Hospitable People and Treatment
In all fairness, I could generally say that the people in Memoire Siem Reap Hotel are very courteous, friendly, and hospitable. They were all smiles and it was really a delight seeing them. Really one of the most hospitable hotels we have been to.
It’s like they were all trained to please the guests, in a good way, and that was really awesome. With Phan like being an instant friend the moment we arrived, to the waiters and servers at the Tamarind Restaurant and Artist Lounge, the people at the front desk or reception being so attentive, and Sakkda who gave us tips while in Siem Reap. People in Memoire Siem Reap Hotel are one of the best people we’ve come across.
If there are a few things we would think and brag about the hotel, its probably not just the rooms and the services but more about the kindness and hospitability of people in this establishment. It’s just overwhelming and that gives a great feeling that you are safe and secured.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN SIEM REAP
You can check their website for deals and flash sales especially when you book direct.
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Taal Volcano is the most active volcano in the Philippines. Though it can also be considered as one of the smallest volcanoes on the planet, it has the most seismic activity ever recorded in the Philippines and can erupt at any time when it wants to.
We certainly had the chance to visit this famous mountain one hot summer day this 2018 thru the help of Batangas Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) #LakbayLawaFamTour.
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There are three main entry points to the crater: Talisay, Cuenca, and San Nicolas. The best route to be there is in the municipality of San Nicolas as they have the easiest and the best route for trekking to the mouth of the crater and experience its waters said to have healing capabilities. climb Taal volcano
How to get to the town of San Nicolas, Batangas?
San Nicolas can be reached through STAR tollways and exiting at Lipa. Head toward Cuenca and pass thru Alitagtag, Sta. Teresita, and San Nicolas.
To travel by bus:
Take a bus going to Lemery and then another jeepney ride to San Nicolas. Drop off at the Municipal Hall and look for the tourism office. climb Taal volcano
When to Visit Taal Volcano?
The Taal Volcano is accessible throughout the whole year but the most advisable time us during the sunny days because trekking in the rainy season could be difficult and dangerous due to the mud and slimy terrains.
Taal Volcano Hiking Experience
Because it’s summer season, the terrain is dry, and when we got there, it certainly was the driest and the dustiest hike I have ever experienced. Every step is like on a dessert, full of dust and soil. We came from San Nicolas municipality and rode a boat to get to the jump-off point of the trail.
There are two options you can try: (1) Walk by Foot or (2) Riding a horse. Being adventurous I am, I trekked by foot. The hike will be about from 1 hour to 2 hours walk depending on your pacing.
Note: Riding a horse costs 500.00 going up and down.
The trek was honestly easy if not for the heat. climb Taal volcano
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If you are going to trek to the crater, I advise the following.
1. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water to help keep you hydrated during the trek.
2. The best time to trek is from 4 am to 9 am or 4 pm to sunset. Any time beyond that feels like hell (especially in the summer).
3. When the sun is out, please bring your sun protection lotions aka sunblock and apply at least every two hours.
4. If you don’t like the heat, do not push yourself to climb up. You’re just gonna be punishing yourself.
5. It doesn’t matter if you’re like a ninja with your hiking outfit, that’s more preferable than revealing more skin to the sun rays.
6. Don’t mind if you bring an umbrella, that’s just hiking smart and protecting yourself.
7. You are allowed to swim on the lake, so if you’re going, bring an extra shirt.
8. You may ride the horse at any time you feel like it.
9. Wear comfortable shoes. Two or three of my friends walked back with destroyed sandals or shoes.
The first few walks going up will be terribly easy as you still have trees and branches to cling to and as well, they provide shed. After the first 20 mins, you’ll feel a little tired but if you really want to see the crater, just go. My advice is to keep going and do not rest every five minutes so you can retain your momentum and that way you won’t get too tired easily.
Once you reach the point where there are black sands (eroded black lava), you will see a great scenery of the Taal Lake and its surroundings. You may opt to rest for a while. On this point also are the horses you can ride for a fee. We took some pictures of course.
The local tour guide told us that some of the people are also camping here. I am just not sure if an overnight stay is allowed now though, but I would love to try it. climb Taal volcano
Taal Crater View Deck
The next beautiful spot is the Taal Crater view deck. The local tour guide told us that some of the climbers are staying here for a while enjoying the good breeze and their glass of halo-halo. During weekends, there are halo-halo and soft drinks/water sellers in this area, however, since we went there on a weekday, there was none. We just enjoyed the scenery.
After getting mesmerized by the beauty of Taal Crater in the view deck, we were then headed to the Taal Crater itself. As mentioned, San Nicolas entry is the only way you can experience the waters of the Taal Crater. If you entered on the side of Cuenca, you will only be able to take a picture of it from above.
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Now, heading to the Taal Crater itself is easier. It’s more of a downhill terrain. However, since we came here during the summer season where heat is indispensable, you better prepare yourself for massive dust particles and slippery steps brought by the drought. Literally, it’s like dessert downhill the crater. The soil is super dry.
But after a few walks and more bags of dust, you will truly be enchanted by how the crater looks up front.
It has this greenish-blue color of the water and rocks with the color of orange due to the sulfur and the chemicals it produces. The water wasn’t hot, it’s rather cold but it’s no drinkable. When you put the water in a clear bottle, it’s yellowish due to the sulfuric acid content. climb Taal volcano
Taal Crater (a lake within a lake)
The Taal Crater was surreal, more mesmerizing than the view deck. If only I am not wearing a white shirt, I would have jumped in to experience the water. The sulfur content on the lake is safe, I’m not sure if though if your eyes are okay to take the acid it has.
If you’re an adventurer with a good sense of fashion, you’ll love being a fairy in here. The water’s color surely blends in with nature and white. You sure will look lovely. That’s for your #OOTD!
We spent a couple of minutes in the lake, took pictures and videos, and rest as well.
Here’s the most dreaded part of the journey, going back to the base, to where started the trek. The heat was terrible and we were trekking in the middle of the day! That wasn’t the easy part. So really take note of the bits of advice I have written earlier. One more thing, “Don’t drink all your water on the way to the crater!”
After roughly 45 mins to 1 hour of walking under the scorching heat of the sun, I was able to go down to the base. Halfway to the track, I have advanced my pace and had my other walking companions left behind. It was really freaking hot I don’t wanna see the sun anymore for the next two hours HAHA! Most of our team also rented a horse on the way back to make it easier for them. climb Taal volcano
As mentioned earlier, it was an easy track and trek if not for the extreme heat of the sun.
Black Lava Walk
Taal Volcano’s eruption created a series of black molten lava throughout the whole island. It was unexpectedly beautiful! It’s a must experience when you are already there!
The government has created a pave way for the tourists to witness the beauty that lies in the hardened black lava that the volcano created a few years ago. It now has trees and a number migratory birds living in the area.
Fortunately, this Instagramable vista of the black lava walk is truly a blessing because it has cool waves touching your dehydrated skin (if coming from the trek). You can take a few minutes of rest in here and just enjoy the views it gives your eyes.
Suggested Itinerary to Taal Volcano
3:00 AM : Bus to Lemery to San Nicolas
3:45 AM: Boat to Taal Crater jump-off
5:00 AM : Start Trek to Taal Crater
5:30 AM : Reach View Deck
6:00 AM : Start trek from View deck to Taal Crater
6:25 AM : ETA Taal Crater / Breakfast (packed)
7:30 AM : Start Trek back to the Base
8:30 AM : ETA Jump off point / Start Lava Walk
9:00 AM : ETD Back to San Nicolas municipality
Things to Bring:
1. Sunblock climb Taal volcano
2. Water (at least 2 liters)
3. Extra shirt
4. Umbrella (if you are too afraid of the heat)
5. Camera for photo ops
6. Extra cash (for food and tour guide/horseback riding fees) #LakbayLawaFamTour Team!
