Hey Friends! It’s summer time and I’m loving it! Time to share your summer fun moments and enjoy the sun ….

 Here’s a link to post those memories and win some prizes too!

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“High School life , Oh my High school life”  Don’t really know the song but these famous lines lingers to me as I write this entry. As we explore college, my Highschool friends and I rarely see each other, weren’t able to go out every so often and so it’s nice to be able to rekindle the friendship every once in while. Thus, we plan to go on a trip tp MACAU!

Why Macau? Well, we’ve heard so much about the place and I think it is the closest thing to Las Vegas we can get here in Asia. Not to mention a touch of Venice experience in Venetian hotel. So why not, right?

Macau is compose of 3 Islands - Macau, Coloane and Taipa.

Macau Island is more of the Busy place where tourist activities and business takes place, Taipa is more of a residential area, a more laid back place to stay and Coloane is more of a historical heritage site.( Thanks to a Semi- Macanese native Ate Vanj, Diana’s cousin for all these infos ).

Will tell you more about the places and my adventures with my HS buddies in the next entries, For now, I’d focus on one of bravest undertaking I’ve made. My Macau SKY JUMP EXPERIENCE!

The Macau Tower, is the tallest  SkyJump tower tower and is the 10th tallest building  in the world ( Up to date ).  Height measures 338 m (1,109 ft) from ground level to highest point.

( Info from - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macau_Tower)
 
View of the tower from a far

Outside shot on the observation deck

Tower Entrance fee -  44 MOP

The Lobby of the tower going to the observation deck is also a museum that exhibits Macau history and artifacts

The observation deck walls shows a list of the World’s tallest towers

The Macau Tower Convention Centere Boast to be the highest Skyjump tower in the world

The lower Observation Deck

You can see a panoramic view of Macau from the deck. There is also a coffee shop and a souvenir shop in this area

Glass bottom floors allows the guests to view the tower from below. For thos afraid of heights, this might me a real challenge to walk on.

View looking down on the glass flooring… Whew, I’m a bit scared to look down.

A 360 degrees of Breathtaking view of Macau

On the way up to the 61st floor we met a Chinese guy who made the first BUNJEE jump of the day! Of course, I need to take a picture with this brave soul!

And Just about before I to head for the elevator, I am happy to grab my Sanrio Buddy - Hello Kitty

A cutie Souvenir - Hello KItty in Macau Photoframe

Price list on the activites to do here at the 61st floor. Skywalk ( Literally just walking around the tower but outside the deck! ), Sky Jump  ( I think the carzy ones do this ), Bunjee Jump ( I think the uber crazy ones to this! HAHA!)

Whoo! Prices are pretty costly too, huh?

I think I’m good with the skywalk… I think I can handle that!

The guys in orange doing the sky walk….
 
Hmm.. this looks fun!

Amotivational line that made me and my freinds to consider jumping… After all, 10 years from now, we might me too chickened out to try it even more..

The dressing andlocker room for the jumpers

Gear rental area

Guess what I am about to do??? These guys are making sure I’m all gear up!

Do I look frightened?

Having fun to ease the tension… LOL!

Checking equipments for safety..

WHOHAAAA!!!! That’s me doing the SKY JUMP!!!!! You just didn’t know how many times I tried to back out. HEHE! It was a CRAZY, CRAZY experience but is all worth it!!!

Free fall jump  with NO parachute, just a harness attached to my back!!!! I lost my voice shouting and I haven’t reached the bottom of the tower yet. That’s how high it was!

Got free Tshirt, a baller, a certificate and a membership card! I’m a certified sky jumper now! YEBA! ( You can get a DVD copy of your jump if you want to. Well, I did!)

WHOHAAAA!!!! WHEW! SOMETHING I WILL BE PROUD OF FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!!!

Cheers to all the ones who jumped the tower!!!!

***

 SanrioTown’s Travel the World Event - (http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld)

YEHEY!

So excited to take part in the upcoming events….. CHEERS!

 

As we continue to explore the Bicol region, top on our list is to visit the world famous wakeboarding site. Where else but in Camarines Sur. The Camsur water sports complex is said to be the best water cable park in the world.How to get there: ( FROM MANILA ) By Air - Air Philippines fly directly to Pili airport at Naga city and you can just take a shuttle from there or Cebu Pacific flight to Naga then a van or jeepney ride to CWC.
By Land - Isarog bus lines (to Naga) BLTB, JB Line, Bicol Express and Philtranco bus company (to Legaspi).

Trailer Park accomodation - Available for those who will stay longer at the CWC Park


The Cabanas (where we stayed)


2 single bed cost only about PHP 1,250.00! Really a good price for a nice room like this.


Free shuttle for all the guest that wants to move around the complex.


The water cable park


A lounge area where you can watch the wakeboarders



Cabañas overlooking the wakeboard site can be rented for p1200 ( consumable ) and it would be reserved for you for the whole day.



Another pool near the CWC restaurant


Gear rental area


No turning back! This is me, registering to wakeboard


Thanks to our friend JR (Ces’ friend from Naga), for lending us his stuff
Getting ready for the action! This is it! I’m next in line! Beginners used knee boards first, the pro’s do it standing up. Before taking off, beginners are briefed with the basic do’s and don’ts.


YIHAAA!!! That’s me skiing off! I was able to do 3 rounds on my first try. Pretty impresive for a first timer like me! Haha.


Oops..! My first fall.
Next try- My attempt to wake board standing up!
It wasn’t successful since I fell on the first 3 mins on the water, but at least I tried! =)

Eating at the CWC (Camsur Watersports Complex) restaurant
Try their famous “Laing Pizza!” Yum!


Memorabilias hunged on the wall of the CWC restaurant Overall, with world-class amenities with reasonable price and accomodationg people. This place gets a thumbs up rating from me!

***

 SanrioTown’s Travel the World Event - (http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld)

(http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld)

San Francisco is one of the most visited city in California. It boast of many tourist attraction such as the ever famous Golden Gate Bridge, Fishermans’ Warf, Piers, Fine arts Museum and Alcatraz to name a few.
It a very tourist friendly city. Going around the area is really easy and most places are accessible via the electric bus, train or cable car.

Posing at the Golden Gate Bridge! Say Cheese!

The Golden Gate Bridge - is said the be the most famous bridge in the wold. It is also the longest suspention bridge ever made by man. It was called the “Golden” since the redish color ( which is actually a vermillion orange) color turns goldish when the sun reflects it light on it during sunset. TRIVIA : Unfortunately, the Golden gate bridge it is said to be the most reported place to commit suicide in the world)

More info click here : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Gate_Bridge

Here’s a dedication stone for all the brave seafares who crossed the Pacific Ocean at the park overlooking the Golden Gate bridge

Alcatraz Island

This is the museum of Fine arts in San Francisco. Beautiful structures ( Kinda remind me of Julius Caesar’s era) Too bad the central dome was closed when I visited the place. They say carvings are even better inside

The Famous zigzag road at Lombard Street

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The Cable car at Fisherman’s Warf ( You can ride this to go around downtown San Francisco )

Here’s another popular attraction along the Fisherman’s warf  ( Brad and Angelina- What a couple!)

At Pier 39, San Francisco -Sealions? Or Seals? ( Sorry not really good in telling the difference)

San Francisco city hall. This serves not only as a public service building but a function hall for school balls, weddings and other private affairs.

The Port located along the Piers

At Union Square , Downtown San Francisco with my cousins

Trivia: Not many are aware that this monument at Union Square at Downtown San Franscisco is dedicated to the brave soldier who fought at the Manila Bay, Philippines during the World War II ( It’s written at the lower part of the post )

SanrioTown Travel the World Event - http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld

 

SanrioTown Travel the World Event - http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld

Another fast rising tourist spot in the region is the town of Caramoan. In Naga city Philippines. The beautiful beaches on the islands did not escape the scrutinous eye of the French Survivor Management, they picked this place to be the location of the famous French Survivor TV show series. Most Islets in Caramoan boast of virgin beach, powdery white sand and clear blue water. The place is not yet commercialized that there is no public resort or establishments yet. Most tourists just rent a boat at the Centro and do island hopping (Whole day boat rental is Php 1,200.00 -1,500.00). Boatmen are very hospitable and friendly, an attitude exemplifies by most Bicolanos. Do remember that there is no overnight accommodations on the islands, tourist either just camp on the beaches or go back to Centro where in you can find low price inns.

Of course I need to have a picture with the beach on the background





Brave souls decided to rock climb to the lagoon

This is my favorite picture of the beach

The famous Gota beach where the French Survivor TV show series was shot

Beautiful rock formations

since there are no resorts in the island we decided to camp out!

What an adventure!

**

SanrioTown Travel the World Event - http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld

http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld)

Life is good. It has always been and will always be. I’ve traveled to places, ate good food, shopped till I dropped, tried different sports and engaged in different adventures. I feel blessed to have so much fun-filled expereinces and bold undertakings in my life, so I guess it’s time to give back something to my community and fellowmen.Not to long ago, I attended a talk about the Gawad Kalinga Foundation and was moved by mission of it’s founder Mr. Tony Meloto. In my lifetime, only few have I encountered a man with such clean and pure intention to help others. A very selfless and honorable man in it’s truest sense!

And so, I was moved and decide to help out. Those of you out there that are thinking of ways to help out, I suggest you to volunteer yourself and help out any Gawad Kalinga (GK) Projects. I’m pretty sure this is something you will be proud of.

For more information about GK, visit their website - http://www.gawadkalinga.org/

The colorful houses help gives it’s residences a brighter outlook ( As per one of the residents I interviewed during my visit)

Here’s the community we visited, The Poveda Adopted GK located in Taguig

GK Provides decent housing tothose who are in need. Every Community or Phases have different designsfor their houses

GK ensures to provide decent housing to it’s recepients. See, it even has Cobble stone flooring on its streets! This reminds me of Mexico Tele Novela housing set-up!

***

SanrioTown Travel the World Event - http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld

http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld)

The movie “Sleepless in Seattle” has always been one of my favorites. Of course, some of the scenes in it was shot in Seattle (if not all.) The movie setting is perfect for lovers and those who want to fall in love. I really feel so lucky to have chance to visit this wonderful city, coz tonight, I’m sleeping in Seattle. YEY!

Upon seeing Mount Helens from the plane, I know I’ll enjoy my stay here. Overview of the place is that it has many bodies of waters, it has lots of greens ( lots of trees ) and marvelous snow capped mountains. I guess I arrived at the best part of the year. It’s not foggy, not hot, weather is just perfect for strolling around.

Mount St. Helens

View from the plane. Travellers tip: In the plane, get the right side window seat to see these spectacular sights

At the Waterfront Strip in Seattle is where you find all the best Restaurants in the city.

The Crab Pot at Seattle Pier is a heaven for all seafood lovers! I’ve never tasted such good crabs and shrimps. This is definitely one of the best tasting seafood restaurants I’ve been to.
YUM- MEEEE!!!! Couldn’t ask for more….
Shrimps, king crabs, snow crabs, clams, mussels, salmon, tuna… Everything I could ever ask for… YUMMY!!
This is the Seattle Space needle. Looks like an Alien to me. HAHA!

Tully’s is one of the popular cafe here in Washington (of course, Starbucks and Seattle’s best coffee are just scattered around the area). About 30 minutes drive from Seattle is another spot to visit in Washington - Bellevue.Bellevue caters a lot of restaurants that offers variety of cuisine. You’d be surprise that prices are not that high for a nice restaurant like this. ( McCormick &Schmicks located at Lincoln Square- Bellevue)

Nice and cozy interiors…

the bar offers lots of options for the guests…

Food servings are pretty big too…

Another popular tourist spot in Seattle is the Farmers Market ( located at SW Alaska street.) This place offers variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and they say you get here the best fresh seafoods in the area at a fairly low price!

With this fun filled experience, Seattle will always be one of my top list to go back to…

***

SanrioTown Travel the World Event - http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld

(http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld)

Basking at Monterey, California

Just about approximately 2 1/2 hours from San Francisso is the City of Monterey. Monterey is one of the famous coastal city in Northern California. It is a perfect place for a weekend getaway for Californians and tourist who wanted to experience relaxation under the sun. The city have many museums and historical sites with rich Spanish influnces that is still preserved up to the present.

The Junipero Mission Church

The San Carlos Cathedral - a famous Junipero Mission Church in Carmel, Monterey

This is the original Altar of the Junipero Mission Church, it is now displayed in the museum

The new Altar

This was said to be the first erected Cross in Monterey California by the Franciscan Missionaries headed by Father Junipero Serra, It still stands now at the Church Courtyard

The Courtyard is very spacious it has a fountain at the center, beautiful landscape all over. This serves as reception venue for parties and gatherings

Many dated stones are found in the courtyard garden. It explains the history of the place

A statue in memory of Fr. Junipero Serra

The Nativity scene exhibit inside the Museum

Inside this chest are remnants of the original wooden casket of Fr. Junipero Serra
THE 17- Mile Drive

The place best described as ” the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.” ( as per the brochure given at the entrance gate)

The 17- Mile Drive ia another famous tour spot in Monterey. As name suggests, it’s 17 miles stretch of breathtaking sceneries

At Point Joe, you can see the Pacific Ocean at it’s best

Lots of Squirrels and birds flocking around…

The Lone Cyprus is the trademark of the place. This cannot be used in any other advertising or Marketing purposes without any permission from the authorities of the place

My cousins and I posing at the wooden staircase near the Lone Cyprus

The Bird rock point

The 17- Mile Club house at Pebble beach host golf tourneys

The Old Warf at Monterey

The original Fisherman’s warf in CA located in Monterey

Clam Chowder and seafood cocktails are one of the best food in the area.

Witty Parrots entertain the tourists

Make your own taffy store

Coffe vendors on the side parking area

The warf walkway - lot’s of tourist from all over the world just walk by and admire the view from the warf

I wouldn’t mind spending the entire day just strolling around the cozy old Warf.  Ah, A perfect way to end a very spectacular day at Monterey!

***

SanrioTown Travel the World Event - http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld