Identified.Flying.Objects.

One of my goals for this year is to experience at least one Philippine Festival that we celebrate annually.My 13 for 2013 As a result, my friends and I planned a visit to Clark to attend the 18th Hot Air Balloon Festival. We were all first timers that's why our excitement was to its highest level.

Here are my three A's on why you should experience it yourself.

1. Accessiblity - Clark is just 2-3 hours away from Manila. If you're travelling by bus, Phil Tranco has regular trips to Clark. At the terminal, there are already jeepneys going to Clark Freeport Zone.
For our trip, we availed the package of Yats International. This includes a round trip bus transfer from Manila to Clark. We met at the parking lot in front of the Philippine Stock Exchange, Tektite Building in Ortigas.
The bus will leave at 04:30 AM that's why guests should be there at 04:00 AM.

BUT, in reality, the bus left around 05:30 AM. Contrary to their email advise, they did not leave late guests. We waited for one group of guests before we left Ortigas which I really find unfair because other groups including mine, made an effort to be on time.

2. Aviation - Unlike other Philippine festivals which activities are done on land like float parades, street dancing, traditional games and food displays, Hot Air Balloon Festival is unique because it conquers the sky.

The Hot Air Balloon flight started at around 06:30 AM - 08:30 AM. Since we left Ortigas late, we arrived at Clark around 07:30 AM. On our way to the Clark Freeport Zone, we already saw some hot air balloons on air.

Mr. Sun is the last hot air balloon to take flight on that day, that's why we still managed to see it up close on the grounds.

The reason why they fly hot air balloons early in the morning and late in the afternoon is because of the temperature. From the word itself, the balloons can fly because of the hot air, but aside from that they also need a cold weather to balance the heat and make the balloons fly. So the best time is early in the morning and late in the afternoon. (combination of hot and cold pala itey!)

hot air balloon night glow

Aside from the Hot Air Balloons, there were numerous air shows that made our jaws dropped. My two favorites were Meynard Hallili acrobatic exhibition and the Breitling flying jets.

Meynard Hallili learned how to fly at the age of 40. (Life begins at 40, indeed!) Even though he was already a successful businessman, he didn't give up his love for aviation and still pursue his long time dream of becoming a pilot. Right now, he's already holding a senior citizen card but he still flies his yellow plane like a freaking 20 year old!

Meynard Halili! -- Credits to the owner of this photo.

The Breitling flying jets got most of the Ohhhs! and Wooows! from the crowd. They came all the way from England just to participate in the Hot Air Balloon Festival.

And there were also para glider pilots, thanks to them, paragliding is now included in my bucket list.

3. Affordable - It is one of the Philippine festival that you can attend and enjoy without spending too much cold hard cash. If you're from Manila or nearby provinces, It doesn't require any plane ticket or hotel accomodation (since you can easily go back to Manila after the event). Entrance ticket is only 250 php per person. They were selling tickets at the entrance gate but if you want to purchase it in advance, You can buy it at any Ticketnet outlet for 270 php.

Since the venue is an open field, visitors can bring their own mats or set up their own tents and have a picnic with their families and friends. There were also different stalls selling food, kites and other souvenirs.

For our trip, we availed the 14000 php package of Yats International. This includes round trip bus transfers from Ortigas to Clark, lunch and entrance ticket. Quite pricey but it was worth it especially if you want a hassle free travel. We had our lunch at Clearwater country club and they allowed us to visit the entire place for free! Please click Clearwater, for a closer look of our side trip inside this hidden paradise in Clark.

Overall, it was a tiring but fun day. The major struggle that we experienced was battling with the heat of the sun. So these are some tips and must haves if you plan to attend the Hot Air Balloon Festival next year: bring your umbrella, sun block, mats and extra shirt, be in your most comfortable clothes, bring your own food and water, be there early and pack light. To avoid the heat of the sun leave the area around 10:30 am and be back at 3:30 pm. You can use this time to explore other places in Clark like Nayong Pilipino, SM Clark, or visit the Clearwater Country Club.

All photos in this post (except for Meynard Halili) is courtesy of  Tian --- photographer in the making-- yess! yun oh! libre mo ko!.

Me, Tian and Sham

Support Philippine Festivals and experience a weekend of everything that flies.

Flying jet ka ba? kasi nakikita nga kita pero di naman kita maabot. (Anyenyenye.. makaquote lang. K.Bye.)

Hidden Paradise in Clark: Clearwater Country Club

For the 18th Hot Air Balloon Festival, we availed the excursion package of Yats International which costs 1400php per person. This includes round trip bus transfers from Ortigas to Clark, entrance ticket and freelunch.

We were supposed to have our lunch at Clark Wine Center. However, when we were in the bus, we were advised by the staff that the venue was changed to Clearwater Country Club. The change in the venue did not really bother us because we were not expecting anything grandeur about the place. All we know was our lunch was already covered and food was all that matters! (mukhang pagkain lang, of course! bawal kaya kami magutom!)

After several air shows and paragliding exhibitions, we were already feeling the blazing heat of the sun so to avoid sunburns we went outside and waited at the entrance gate for the bus that will pick us up.

This is it!

We arrived at the Clearwater Country Club at around 11:15 AM. In time for our 11:30 scheduled lunch. The set lunch has four viands (chicken, pork and vegetable), rice, dessert and drinks. It was not something extraordinary but it was enough to fill our stomachs and prepare us for an action filled afternoon.

Lunch Time!

After lunch, the staff told us that we can roam around the Resort and the bus will pick us up at 3:00 PM to take us back to Clark Free Port Zone.

We were surprised how beautiful the resort was. It has a restaurant, spacious cottages, infinity pool and a man made white sand beach volleyball setting.

Beach Volleyball  in the city --- nice idea!

infinity pool beside the lake

Torn between two pools??

The most advanced coconut tree I've ever seen!

But, what really wowed us was the man made lake. We took advantage of the beauty and serenity of the place and took as many pictures as we can.

lakas maka-teenager ng shot na to.

My fetish to bridges --- pag may bridge talaga, hindi pwedeng wala akong picture dun.

Photos courtesy of Tian: kasi lagi kang nagpipicture, this time ikaw naman.

Before 3:00 PM, we already rode the bus and headed back to the Clark Free Port Zone for more airshows and hot air balloon night glow. We all feel rejuvenated, thanks to the free tour inside the Clearwater Country Club.

This is really a good place to relax and unwind. For me, what makes it more special is that it is not crowded so guests can really have their own happy moments. So if you want to have a relaxing getaway outside Metro Manila, Clearwater Country Club is a beautiful place to consider. For rates and reservations you can check their website:Clearwater Country Club

Keep Calm and Meditate

My 13 For 2013.

The Mayans said that 2012 will be the end of the world. Fortunately, we are still here and I'm still able to write my first blog entry for 2013! yey! So, I sincerely thank our Almighty Father for a good year that was and for a new year of new chances and opportunities.

This year instead of coming up with New Year's resolutions, I decided to make a list of 13 things that I wanted to accomplish in the year of the water snake. I feel good while thinking and writing my goals, it is motivating, inspiring and exciting at the same time.

I greatly encourage you to do the same and let's all welcome positivity in our lives!

My 13 For 2013!

1. "Take it to the extreme" - This has nothing to do with cream-o (pahiram lang ng tag line ng commercial nyo.. hihi). This is about trying a buwis buhay adventure that I haven't tried before like parasailing, white water rafting or cliff diving...something that will give me a strong adrenaline rush!

2. Until my "diving" day - Last year, my sister tried her first diving lessons in Samal Island and I'm green with envy. I hope to conquer the underwater this year.

this is a pic of my sister  while diving in Davao...that should be me eh!!

3. Fun Pamilyang International Trip - I want to travel abroad with my family. My parents are not getting any younger so I wanted them to enjoy travelling while they are still in their early 50s.

4. Sense. Essence and More Sense. - Participate in a worthwile activity that will help other people like charity work, community service or join a fund raising activity for a good cause.

5. Pursue my M.A. - Oh my Gosh! kakapressure! This has been my dilemma for the past two years. To study or not to study? Hopefully, this year things would work out well. (cross fingers)

6. Festival Golly Wow - Experience at least one Philippine Festival that we celebrate annually.

7. Cook until I succeed - I'm forever inlove with foods but cooking hates me (and vice versa). Alright, but I know that this is expected of me (of every girl really!) to know how to feed my future family ( as in future.. mahaba habang paghahanda to..) As they say, you have to crawl before you learn how to walk. Baby steps first so my goal for this year is to learn 5 dishes.

8. Save more - My mom always say "mag ipon anak, wag gastos ng gastos.." This has been her mantra for the last 3 years.. hehe. This year, I'll resist impulsive buying.

9. Invest - Invest in stocks or buy something that will grow its value over time.

10. See you in Greece - My dream destination of all time. I wish to finally see Bellarocca or Thunderbird this year. These luxurious resorts have Santorini inspired architecture that is worth the splurge!

11. "Oh captain, my captain!" - Watch a theatrical or musical show or watch a TV program Live.

12. For the love of Music - Last year, I watched two concerts in Araneta. I want to do it again this year be it in Araneta or MOA Arena.

13. For My Honey - My last but not the least goal is dedicated to my one and only. Every year we try to visit new places. This year, aside from vacation I want us to have a special adventure that we will do for the first time.

At the end of 2013, I'll count how many I accomplished in this list. With willingness, faith and perseverance, everything is attainable.

May good vibes dominate our 2013! Happy New Year!

Scratched from my Bucket List : Elephant Ride!!

A trip to Thailand is incomplete without the elephant ride! For me, it's like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. This is a unique adventure that you can only do in several places like Thailand and Bali.

Our initial plan is to take the Elephant ride in Ayutthaya. That's why I was so sad and disappointed when we were not able to do such. Since we booked a group tour in Ayuttahaya, we were not able to have our own free time and we missed the Elephant ride because we had to follow the tour programe.

Good thing, Angelo can't stand seeing me unhappy. On our last day in Bangkok, he asked the hotel's concierge where can we have the elephant ride. They gave us two options: 1. go back in Ayutthaya 2. visit the Elephant village near Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. We chose option 2 because it's nearer in Bangkok (about 1 hour ride), it's cheaper and we also wanted to see the floating market.

We booked a taxi through the hotel for 1500 baht. The taxi would take us to the elephant village and floating market and would also wait for us and take us back to the hotel. So it's like having our own private transport.

The taxi driver's english name is Potato (maybe he loved french fries too much). He's kind, can speak English and hospitable because he bought us buko juice, gave us fruits and also willing to buy our lunch in the floating market --- which we have to decline because we're not really into Thai food.

Despite Potato's kindness and hospitality, I was kinda irritated with him that day because he kept on insisting that we should ride the boat in the floating market. We politely told him that we just wanted to take pictures of the market and after that we'll go straight to the elephant village. Sadly, he still kept on saying that we should try it, that all tourists who visited Thailand ride the boat and blah blah blah. So to make him stop blabbering, Angelo told him that we would check it out. So, he took us there, upon arrival there were already locals waiting for us, a lady explained to us the tour interinary, after that she guided us to the cashier without even asking if we're interested or not. We asked how much and it's 2000 baht per person. Seriously, a little boat ride to the canals to see different markets should not cost that much. Of course, we know that this is a tourist trap. They were still willing to haggle with us but we firmly said no and walked away.

Potato FINALLY took us to the actual market. We went inside, took pictures and went straight to the Elephant village.

Welcome to Elephant Village! Elephant ride costs 600 baht per person, this is cheaper than Ayutthaya which is 1100 baht per person. The elephant would go around the forest and would dive into a river---but tourists won't get wet since you'll be seated in a high chair.

At the middle of the ride, the mahout will offer you jewels that said to be lucky charms. We said we're not interested and the mahout kept it right away. Gladly, he didn't insist anymore and I like the mahout who was assigned to us. When he saw us, he asked "Philippine?" and we said yes, and he answered back.. "Philippine..Manny Pacquiao". I asked if he knew Mario Maurer but he didn't. I laughed and we learned that he's an avid boxing fan. PacMAn is really global!

I will not forget my first elephant ride! It's amazing how this huge and strong beast can be so gentle, playful and smart. I would defintely love to have an elephant ride again!

Before we head back to our hotel, we visited the Holy Redeemer Church in Pathumwan. It's a Catholic Church amidst the Buddhist Temples in Thailand! Amazing, isn't it? We prayed inside and thank God for our memorable trip.

We had our late lunch n Siam Paragon, went back to the hotel and headed to Suvarnabhumi airport for our 9:00 pm flight back to Clark via SeaAir. We left Bangkok on time and arrived in Clark earlier than our estimated time of arrival. Thumbs up!

Kob Khun Ka Thailand! Till my next visit!

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A look inside Hansar Hotel, Bangkok!
Grand Palace Bangkok: Grand indeed!
Relive the past in Ayutthaya, Thailand!