Blog Title: the backpackboy.com

Journey towards the crater of Mount Pinatubo

Taal Volcano day trip

Boracay Holiday Getaway!

Back in Beijing!

I'm currently back in Beijing, this time with my mom and sister, for a long weekend getaway. We got to utilize our Mabuhay Miles (Philippine Airlines) for the trip so we were able to save a lot for the fare. The city is now very beautiful - clean, modern and comfortable. I love the place better now than the last time I was year (February 2008). All over the city, you can feel the "Olympic touch" of Beijing 2008 Olympics.

(Update 12/02/08). I'm now back in Manila and I've posted pictures of this trip in multiply. Just add me as a friend to view them.

Just came from Mount Rainier National Park

Off to Washington, USA

Hi everyone,

I will be out to Bellevue, Redmond and Seattle, Washington for the next couple of weeks for a training. I will update this blog as soon as I can.

Also, I plan to post my overdue photos over this weekend.

Thanks!

Still Alive

Hi everyone!

Just want to touch base with you all to let you guys know that I am still alive. I'm currently in the process of posting photos of my trips in my multiply site but make sure you add me as a friend to view them. I will be uploading the stories behind these photos in here in the coming days.

Hope to see more of you here soon! :)

Zamboanga City, Asia's Latin City

My mom invited me to join her in visiting a classmate who was going to get wed last month in Zamboanga City. Because I haven't been to the city, which is located in Southern Philippines, I eagerly joined her thinking that I can also go around. Zamboanga City is nicknamed as Asia's Latin City due to its culture and native language called Chavacano, a blending of languages and dialects, majority of which is Spanish in nature. We booked a flight with Cebu Pacific, a low-cost airline in the Philippines and departed from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Domestic Terminal early Saturday morning.


We arrived an hour and a half later in Zamboanga International Airport, the main airport serving the city and nearby provinces.


Cebu Pacific plane


The terminal is old and facilities, though just enough, are quite outdated for one with an international status. Upon entering the arrival area, we proceeded to the baggage carousel to get our bags.


We stayed in GC Hotel, a place owned by the classmate of my mom whom we are visiting.


Because it was still early and we have nothing else to do, another classmate of my mom invited us to go around first. We went to Lantaka Hotel by the Sea to chill out and have coffee. In there is a centuries old cannon used during the Spanish era.


There was also a colorful vinta sail, though it is not attached to a boat.


And of course, a beautiful scenery of the beach! It wasn't the best but it's good enough considering we are in a city.


After having coffee, we went out to have lunch at Hai San Seafood Market & Restaurant. The restaurant boasts of a lot of food and delicacies, mostly seafood.


Small fishes in an omelette and crispy shrimps


Steamed fish


We didn't do much for the remainder of the day aside from meeting their classmates who also flew in and rest in the hotel.

The next day was a full-day tour for all of us, including other friends and classmates of those that are to be wed.


First thing that we visited is the El Fuerza Real de Nuestra Señora Virgen del Pilar de Zaragoza, known as Fort Pilar. It is a 17th century fortress used by the Spanish government during colonial period.


Housed inside Fort Pilar is a branch of National Museum


Courtyard of Fort Pilar


Beside the Fort Pilar, at its other end is the shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar


Tricycles, which is actually a motorbike connected with a sidecar for the passengers. This is one of the major modes of public transportation in the city.


We also visited the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion, the biggest Roman Catholic church in the city. It is also one of the most modern-looking churches I've seen in the country.


We also went to a "barter trade" center as they call it. It is actually an open air, dry market selling goods from other nearby countries like Malaysia.


We also passed went to Pasonanca Park where a famous Tree House is located sitting on an Acacia tree.


The treehouse is a famous landmark among visitors because it is famous for being an open house. One can stay here for a night just be notifying the city government and setting a schedule.


Beside the Tree House is a Boy Scout of the Philippines camping site.


For lunch, the group had a buffet meal at the Lantaka Hotel.


After lunch, we went back to the hotel to rest for a couple of hours and then we proceed with the tour of the city. We were brought to the Yakan Village, a place where a group of people of the same namesake live. They are famous for their art of weaving and sell their goods here for a reasonable (not necessarily cheap) price.


We went next to the Ayuda Badjao or the Badjao Livelihood Training Center. The Badjaos, like the Yakans, is another group of community, but they are famous for weaving mats.


We were shown a number of colorful mats of different sizes.


I also saw a man constructing a boat in the place. I haven't seen one doing woodcraft like this before.


Last thing we visited is a Chinese Buddhism temple where the others had an offering and prayed.


The next day, right before the wedding, I decided to take a walk and go to the city center, which is a few minutes away from where we are staying.

I passed by Plaza Pershing, a park in the middle of the city named after General John Joseph "Blackjack" Pershing, who once served as the governor general of Zamboanga.


Nearby is the City Hall, a beautiful building reminiscent of Spanish architecture, though built during American colonization period. It is also the oldest government building in Mindanao. In front of it is a monument of Jose Rizal, Philippines' National Hero.


Just beside the City Hall is a branch of Bank of the Philippine Islands. Nothing much special here except this is the oldest building of the bank and is its second branch ever established.


Nearby is Universidad de Zamboanga.


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Dambana ng Kagitingan

Going back from Bataan White Corals in Morong, Bataan on the way to Manila, we passed by the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor). It is a memorial erected on top of Mount Samat in Pilar, Bataan to honor the soldiers who fought in World War II. Its main piece, a huge cross, can be seen from kilometers away and has always drove passersby to go and visit the monument.


Depiction of memorable and historical events are in the foot of the cross.


Me at the cross


There is an observatory level on the cross that is accessible from the elevator.


From above, the vast greens and other areas of the memorial can be seen.


Me


Around the cross is a park where one can stay and chill out.


The Philippine flag and the cross


Around the area is a list of the the soldiers who fought for the war, a small museum and an esplanade.

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Bataan White Corals Beach Resort

May 1 in the Philippines is celebrated as the Labor Day and as such, is a holiday in the country. This year, our family spent the day and a few more succeeding ones at the Bataan White Corals Beach Resort. The resort is located in Morong, Bataan, almost 3 hours away from Manila.


The shoreline sand of the beach was a shade of a lighter gray.


Boat


Like us, there were also other families who took advantage of the holidays to chill out amidst a very hot summer.


Swimming Pool


Sunset in Morong


We arrived late that day so we didn't dipped too much in the water. We stayed by the beach to watch a beautiful scenery of the sunset.


We woke up early next morning to have a dip in the pool and explore the area before we went swimming.


There were only a few people in the beach by that time and most of them were still sleeping. A perfect time to get intimate with the water!


We also explored the shoreline and nearby areas. There were private houses, and those that are for rent as well as beautiful scenery of water and greens.


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Universal CityWalk

Right outside the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park is the Universal CityWalk, a shopping and entertainment district.


Live Magic Show


Escalators going up to CityLoft (second floor of the complex)


Bubba Gump


Hard Rock Cafe


Street dancers performing and watched by the bypassers.


Other stores and shops


Harley-Davidson Store


Cinemas


With my Spongebob Squarepants tumbler


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Studio Tour at the Universal Studios Hollywood

The Studio Tour, the most famous attraction inside Universal Studios Hollywood offers a behind the scenes tour of their studios, stages and sets, some of which are still used to shoot and film television shows and movie films.


The studios are actually comprised of different buildings located in an area called backlot that is closed to the public.




In the tour, you will be seated in a tram which will stop and show you things along the way but you will not be allowed to leave the vehicle.


We passed by The Mystery Machine, used in the Scooby Doo movies.


Sound Stage 27


We happen to pass by an actual shooting on the way. Perhaps it is for a commercial according to our guide.


The Collapsing Bridge


We were shown some cars used in different movies. These are those that were used for the Back to the Future movies


Cars used for the movies The Fast and the Furious


We were also led to a section which shows how effects on the cars were made in the film The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift


We were also shown a Flash Flood set used in some movies like Big Fat Liar.


Facade sets.


King Kong experience, showing effects such as fire, groundshaking and of course, King Kong himself. Unfortunatetly this burned last June 1, 2008 and will be replaced by a different attraction.


King Kong Sea


Other sets


Earthquake simulation


Other sets


Set used in the movie JAWS


We also passed by the Desperate Housewives set (known as Wisteria Lane). The buildings houses have their official names:

Chicken Ranch


Corner House


Set for How The Grinch Stole Christmas


Psycho House


War of the Worlds set, featuring a crashed 747 plane.


Outside The Mummy Tunnel, where the tram goes in and the wall around it revolves making a rolling and dizzying effect.


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Universal Studios Hollywood

The final day of my Los Angeles trip last April 2008 was spent in Universal City with Chester before I was dropped off at the airport and flew back to Manila that evening. It is a complex of entertainment centers, offices of NBC and Universal, hotels, shopping areas and of course, the Universal Studios Hollywood.


Universal Studios Hollywood is the original theme park by Universal and currently, it still houses television sets for a different shows and movie sets for filming. Going inside the park will have you walk into a red carpet as if you're a star.


The park is divided into Upper Lot and Lower Lot. The Upper Lot is where the entrance to the park is and contains mostly child and family-friendly attractions while the Lower Lot is where most of the thrilling and adventure rides are.


With The Simpsons


House of Horrors, the best haunted house I've ever walked in so far. Good production, nice effects and even live actors are inside to give you a scare.


With Spongebob Squarepants


Fear Factor Live


The Flintstones


Marvel Mania


Rock Vegas Casino


Old style european buildings makes you feel as if you're away


After lunch, we went to Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular.


Watching with me and Chester is Spongebob Squarepants. I got him when I bought a soda pop in a counter. Collectible tumblers like these are available in different dining areas throughout the park and is refillable for a small fee.


The story of the show similar to the 1995 movie of the same namesake.




We also went to watch/ride the Shrek 4-D movie ride.


Mid-afternoon, we went down to the lower lot and see if there are other attractions to our taste.


Jurassic Park: The Ride is a water ride that mimics the set and experience of being in the Jurassic Park.


Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, an indoor rollercoaster.


Tomb Treasures




Special Effects Stages shows the audience different techniques into creating different visual and sounds effects for movies and films.


Different TV shows


With Dora the Explorer


Cars used in the movie The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift are in display.

With Frankenstein


We left the park early evening so we can head to the airport and drop me off for my flight. Being there in the park was like a dream come true.


More pictures are available in multiply. Just add me as a friend to view them.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Not for the faint-hearted, Six Flags Magic Mountain is a theme park in Valencia, California that attracts thrill-seekers due to its numerous thrill rides of rollercoasters and other rides for mature audiences. It previous held the most number of roller coasters in a park until it demolished and closed two of its rollercoasters recently.


There are two Six Flags the parks in Valencia, California - the water-thrill rides Hurricane Harbor and Magic Mountain. Chester and I spent that day at the rollercoaster-filled theme park.


First thing that will greet you when you come in - a rollercoaster!


Grand Carousel




Warner Bros. Kids Club


Log Jammer


During our visit, there was a cheering competition among different schools going on. It is closed from the public though.


Sylvester's Pounce and Bounce, a kiddie thrill-ride.




Me in Jail


Yosemite Sam Sierra Falls


Goliath


Gotham City backlot


Grinder Gearworks


Batman The Ride


Gotham City monument


Arcade games


Cyclone 500 kart racing.


For someone like me who is afraid of heights, this is like a park from hell to try it all out. It was nice to walk around the park but I can't help but imagine things because there are thrill rides and rollercoasters everywhere! Here are some of them among others:


I'm okay with riding the Roaring Rapids though, a water rapids ride guaranteed to get you wet.


The Greatest Coasters Ever Built - yaiks!


With Sylvester


The Orient Express, a people mover


Wii Experience




What I like in the park is the numerous meet and greet activities with the different cartoon characters for the children. It's like they are just waiting for you to come.


With Green Lantern


With Batman and Robin


At the end of the day was a parade called "A Looney Tunes Celebration", featuring characters such as Bugs Bunny and friends having fun and dancing.


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Disney's California Adventure Park

Disney's California Adventure Park is the other theme park inside Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. It is designed to attract the older and mature audience with its ride and attractions in contrast to the kiddie attractions found in Disneyland Park.


Me and Chester


Walking into Sunshine Plaza is like walking into a giant postcard.


Me


Condor Flats is an area themed to aviation and flying.


Walking further brought us to Grizzly Peak Recreation Area, themed after California's natural wonders like Redwood and Yosemite parks.


Golden Vine Winery is inspired by wine making in Northern California's Napa Valley.


a bug's land is based on the film "a bug's life" and is more designed for child rides and attractions.


Pacific Wharf is similar to the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California but is inspired by Cannery Row in Monterey, California.


Since we haven't eaten lunch yet, we decided to stop and grab something to eat.


This is what I had, Monterey Clam Chowder served in a bowl made out of sourdough bread and diet soda.


After eating, we went to explore Paradise Pier based on Santa Monica and Santa Cruz beach boardwalks. It is where a beautiful ferris wheel, rollercoaster and classic rides are located.


The Bay Area


We went back to Disneyland Park to watch the Parade of Dreams. We went back to this park an hour after to watch the Disney's Electrical Parade is a parade of floats and live characters surrounded by shimmering and glittering lights.


Alice in Wonderland


Cinderella




Peter Pan


Hollywood Pictures Backlot is an area patterned after Hollywood boulevards featuring movie and television-themed attractions.


Home of Playhouse Disney


Walking around that afternoon and jumping between theme parks made us hungry so we had early dinner of hotdogs in a bun.




Monster's Inc. We didn't know this is a kiddie ride at first until we were already there.


Tower of Terror, a freefall thrill ride


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Disneyland Park

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California is a recreational complex which comprises hotels, entertainment and shopping establishments and mainly its two theme parks - Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure Park.

When we got in the resort, the first thing we visited is the Disneyland Park. It is the original Disneyland built in 1955 and was only renamed in 1998 while the area is being expanded and developed into a whole resort.


Me and Chester


Upon entry to the park, you will be greeted by an area called Main Street, U.S.A., which looks like a midwest town in the early 20th century.


Cruella de Vil of 101 Dalmatians


Me


We went first to Fantasy Land and tried the Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye.


Riders sit on a military-looking vehicle that goes through a dark area which is supposed to be the lost temple. There were some drops and bumps on the way but it was a fun ride!


Pirate's Lair


Splash Mountain is a log ride over a flowing water and is one of the famous rides in the park.


Long line


Midway through the ride (and usually after drops), there are kiddie areas like this which we thought was used to pacify children who were scared of the drops.


Log rides


Sailing Ship Columbia sails through the waters. Inside the ship is a museum and is considered an attraction by itself.


For about an hour, we left the park and hopped to Disney's California Adventure Park. I'll be telling more about the other park in my next post. For the rest of the day we jumped back and forth the two theme parks.

Going back to the Disneyland Park I noticed a sign overhead that says: "Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy".


Minnie Mouse and kids


New Orleans Square




Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse


Sleeping Beauty Castle


Late that afternoon, people stopped and waited to see the parade of the famous Disney cartoon characters.

Pooh and Tiger


Parade of Dreams
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