Why 2013 is a Shove Towards the Right Direction

Marky Ramone Go December 31, 2013

Over the months since 2012 ended, my team has dwindled from 5 to 3 then to 2, until me and Tish remained. Together we managed to meet the research demands for the IT deployment task we belong to. It has become a routine exercise for me, and I guess same for her, that we could do our job with our...

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Yangon’s Colonial Charms and other Street Scenes | Myanmar

Marky Ramone Go December 27, 2013

I'm resting my feet in these remaining few days of 2013. It has gone through miles and miles of pavement and off-road rambling around new cities and towns I visited this travel-blessed year. Among my favorite walks of the year was along the charming colonial buildings of Yangon in Myanmar. It felt...

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Postcard Series: Flowers and Beer | Vietnam

Marky Ramone Go December 20, 2013

I caught this snapshot of a group of friends just chilling out at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi during one of my morning walks. It's always great either traveling with friends or on your own, but running into new ones along the way, just as I was fortunate to have experienced during my trip here,...

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Pay it Postcard

Unknown December 05, 2013

During my recent trip to Indonesia, I posted an FB update asking if anyone wants to receive a postcard from me. A few dozen messaged me their postal address, as much as I wanted to accommodate everyone, my budget restriction only allows me to send a few plus some to friends whom I already planned...

Post - Pablo Cateel & Aliwagwag Falls | Davao Oriental

Unknown December 03, 2013

A year ago typhoon Pablo walloped Cateel, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. It was one of the strongest storms that hit the country to date. I remember the owner of the restaurant where we had a drink the night I was in Cateel telling us over a bottle of San Miguel Light–as he joined me and...

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Nomadic Video 7: Yogyakarta

Marky Ramone Go November 28, 2013

I can't wait to start writing about my trip to Yogyakarta, but little time and too much procrastination in between disallow me. However, I was able to put together in hurried state, a music video of the random footage I took in between walking around this interesting city and...

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Before Yogyakarta: The Arrival at Jakarta

Unknown November 06, 2013

I always worry about passing immigration since this experience in Hong Kong a couple of years ago, that it was my biggest worry for this trip to Indonesia. Since I've tried being a freelancer for a few months now, I don't have any company ID to show anymore. So as I arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 it...

South East Asia Read more

Semi-Burnout in Melaka

Unknown October 27, 2013

I went to Melaka directly after we arrived at Kuala Lumpur from Myanmar. Which begs the question what to do after Myanmar? Melaka was unfairly put to a spot wherein it has to at least keep up with the highs of both Bagan and Yangon in Myanmar. If i came here a different time, I would probably have...

South East Asia Read more

#Project Jomalig Island

Unknown October 26, 2013

Jomalig Island with all its natural gifts, is often overlooked and, for most people remains unknown. Perhaps this is because of its strategic location dwarfed by the bigger Polilio group of islands and the feeling of isolation it presents as it faces the vast Pacific Ocean. Travelers who are prepared...

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The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate in Old Bagan, Myanmar

Unknown October 20, 2013

During the budget hearing (held over FB group chat) of our planned Myanmar trip late last year, nobody mentioned about "staying in a posh hotel" which is the kind of talk nobody mentions among the company of fellow backpackers. I was just happy to be going to Bagan, Myanmar that sleeping at the...

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For a Backpacker, Swanky Means This

Unknown October 14, 2013

We headed to the surfing town of Bagasbas after our overnight camping at Calaguas Island, immediately we located this still-closed bar during the height of the morning sun. A lone staff by the name of Restituto (I forgot his name, but let's call him that for I'm sure he'll change his name to Bebe...

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A Rush of Water at Lake Balanan

Marky Ramone Go September 28, 2013

Just when I was starting to smell the fresh air emanating from Lake Balanan the van we were riding abruptly stopped. Engine off and all I can hear was the swooshing sound. We all got off and stared ahead at the part of the road which was overran by the rushing waters. All hopes of seeing Lake Balanan...

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A Hawksbill Turtle Sighting at Mantigue Island

Marky Ramone Go September 25, 2013

An underwater version of a metropolitan city can be found in the waters of Mantigue Island. Measuring four hectares in diameter and located three kilometers off Camiguin Island, the island has now been groomed as an eco-tourism destination. Today, the Mantigue Natural Park's lush forests houses...

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Postcard Series: Inside a Philip K. Dick World | Biri Island

Marky Ramone Go September 23, 2013

The stunning rock formations found in Biri Island appears otherworldly. It reminded me of science fiction novels written by Philip K. Dick. Out of sight from my local guide, I sense an isolation outside this sphere, with only the sound of the crashing waves as evidence of...

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Bagan’s Temple of the Rising Sun | Myanmar

Marky Ramone Go August 31, 2013

There's no way we would've missed out witnessing the daily handling of the torch from darkness to daylight. The idea was to stand somewhere atop a temple and greet the sunrise with awakened eyes. However, in rare instances where reality overtakes the expectations of imagination, what I saw was...

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Pink Manila Hostel: A Nomadic Pranksters New Hideout

Marky Ramone Go August 21, 2013

I missed the discussion about the Ottoman Empire (over a case of beer) the previous night. Thank goodness as even I consider myself a bit of a nerd, I can only go as far as the boxer rebellion. My friend Gaye who initiated that out-of-nowhere topic, was staying at Pink Manila Hostel for a...

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Cool Beans Library Cafe: Where The Gore and Anti-Hipster Club Meet

Marky Ramone Go August 15, 2013

Somewhere along the line of our conversation, the topic came upon a fork and swerved left straight into true crimes territory. A dozen serial killer names and mind blowing murder descriptions later, we decided to name our group as the Gore and Anti-Hipster Club. The founding members are; Lot, Reese,...

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Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens and Spa

Marky Ramone Go August 14, 2013

Quietly situated in the hills of Antipolo is a relaxation haven called Luljetta's Hanging Gardens and Spa. As seen from the Zen lounge, the bright lights of Ortigas and Makati seems like another world away. The endless myriad of human activity on that far-away world was a stark contrast to the...

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Monkey Filled Stairway to Taung Kalat Monastery, Mount Popa | Myanmar

Marky Ramone Go August 03, 2013

The temperature that morning must have felt like 40 degrees Celsius when our group boarded two vehicles heading to Mount Popa. The plains of Bagan was unforgiving during that time of the year where the sun seems to be closer than any place on Earth. The thought of a side trip to a place thousands...

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The Nomadic Pranksters Goes to Bagan

Marky Ramone Go July 25, 2013

A few more hours under the guidance of Moe Hitler, the irrepressible tour proprietor we hired in Yangon, and he would have succeeded in mind controlling us to join a cult. Ron - in particular bore the brunt of the emotional torture under the, well - in fairness to Moe, was an unintentional attempt...

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The Simple Life at Alibijaban Island

Marky Ramone Go July 15, 2013

(updated June 2020 with travel guide) It didn't take much effort getting there. Us having to endure a six-hour bus ride is nothing compared to the bare living conditions on the island. As seen from my outsider's point of view, the scarcity of everything I couldn't live without, flashes right in...

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A Gastronomical Roundabout at La Union Without Dr. Hannibal

Marky Ramone Go July 11, 2013

During our recent weekend stay at the Circle Hostel in La Union, we were not only duped into getting ourselves drunk by agreeing to play a seemingly harmless, but super fun drinking game called "random games, random games" (you don't say it aloud with a poker face, you chant it out like the other...

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Drinking Games Cuckoo-but-Fun People Play at The Circle Hostel

Unknown June 30, 2013

The days of traveling and staying in exclusive resorts like suburban home owners not giving a hoot about their neighbors, are long gone and for good riddance. The concept of 'hostels' providing not only as a cheaper alternative for accommodations, but also as a medium to interact with and...

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First Sundown in Bagan | Myanmar

Unknown June 26, 2013

After witnessing a thousand sunsets in my life, I've gotten used to it. Even the one which set directly across our office window, I often have taken it for granted. It warrants only a momentary pause "oh look at that fiery round sun", then I'm back at my computer desk. Not soon after, any remaining...

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I Don’t Want to be Buried in a Sunken Cemetery | Camiguin

Unknown June 24, 2013

The sky was raging and in the process of a quick transition from intense blue to fiery red. At the edge of the sea, the sun was sliding down like curtain dropping after a circus show. Our boatman told us to hurry so we'd catch a glimpse of the last remaining cross of one of the many buried gravestones....

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Do You Wanna Make Tea at the BBC: Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin

Marky Ramone Go June 22, 2013

In my case can I just drink tea here for a few mornings while I sat by the pool and stare out at the sea? Such was the cozy environment of Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin and it's a good thing Cebu Pacific had us accommodated here during the Blogger's Tour of Camiguin. The last time I visited...

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Group Selfie at Katibawasan Falls | Camiguin

Marky Ramone Go June 20, 2013

During myself and Tina's birthday trip to Camiguin in 2010, we were not able to visit Katibawasan Falls because we spent the whole afternoon lounging under the red hot sun at White Island. We drank red horse and feasted on the swaki (sea urchin) that crawled over Lot's tattooed back. It took three...

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T@ttAwards 2013 Finalist for Best Travel & Food Blog

Unknown June 16, 2013

I never expect the Globe T@ttAwards to shortlist this blog again for their annual social media recognition. Last year it was a finalist for the "Visualizer" category. This year Nomadic Experiences is mentioned in the same breathe with four other impressive blogs under the "Best Travel and Food"...

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Young Thanaka Faces in a Timeless Place | Myanmar

Unknown June 06, 2013

Finally. I smelled the dry air and feel my skin slowly burned to a crisp, by the merciless sun which shone over Bagan. I've mouthed the word "wow" many times at the many temples, stupas and pagodas stretched out in front of me. Each second I savored and filled my head with unforgettable images...

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No Meat, No Frills, No Strangers at the Veggie Resort of Ambay

Unknown June 03, 2013

"It's a vegetarian resort, plus they don't serve alcoholic drinks" I told a few friends as I try to invite them to visit this resort in Botolan, Zambales called "Ambay". My carnivore and beer drinking friends can't hide the smirk on their faces at my prodding to come with me. "What are we going...

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First Inter-Galactic-Connecting Flight

Unknown May 29, 2013

Travel often becomes the source of many firsts. New experiences, though incomparable to being sandwiched between Michelle Rodriguez and Arci Munoz, it still resonates in your head long after the moment it happened. Just like that border crossing which my brother and myself did coming from Vietnam...

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What is #ProjectJomalig Island About?

Unknown May 19, 2013

Project Jomalig aims to introduce infusing together, the joy of traveling and creating strong ties with a local community in one-go. It is projected to create a sustainable program through long-term commitment and cooperation from travelers and local community leaders alike. In this case, the island...

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Postcard Series: Jomalig Hoops | Quezon

Marky Ramone Go May 19, 2013

Unlike our football-crazy neighboring countries, the Philippines is a nation mad about Basketball. Kids, even from far flung island of Jomalig knows who Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are. You could see them imagining themselves in Game 7 end-game situation, counting down 5 seconds, 4, 3, 2...

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Self Portraits in Bagan, Myanmar

Unknown May 14, 2013

God dammit there's a bunch of selfies in here. I muttered to myself while I was looking at the photographs I've taken in Bagan, Myanmar. But hey, I've seen dozens of Hunter S. Thompson and Jack Kerouac's self portraits while they're in some exotic locations. I figured, I also deserve some self-deprecating...

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PNKY Café: A Traveler’s Must-Pit-Stop in Baguio

Unknown May 08, 2013

The fine October weather in Baguio calls for a must-sit-in-a-cafe somewhere. But, somewhere random is not just what we had in mind. Lauren have heard of this joint from our friend before, so we decided to head straight here upon arriving at the city of Pines. Coming from a Travel Massive event...

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Biri Island’s School of Rock | Northern Samar

Unknown May 03, 2013

The waves were a little rough on our way to Biri Island from the port of Lavezares. I started to get dizzy midway and even envied the boat's youngest passenger, an infant boy, who slept the entire trip. His young parents perfectly shielded him from the splashes of sea water. I covered my camera...

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A Capiz Road Trip Capped by a Round of Gold Eagle Beer

Unknown May 02, 2013

The day after the Sinadya sa Hilaran Festival in Roxas City, we went on a road trip towards the municipality of President Roxas. It presented me an opportunity to further explore the province of Capiz. My first trip to Roxas City happened only because I was heading for the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo....

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5 Peaks for First-Time Hikers

Unknown April 07, 2013

If you're hearing the call of the great outdoors, give in. Great is not often associated with it for nothing. But I have to tell you early on that it's not just about seeing breathtaking views and cool winds caressing your face. There's a lot of physical and mental challenges involved - sore muscles,...

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Harley-Davidson Comes Roaring in the Philippines

Unknown March 31, 2013

"I'm hip about time" says Wyatt nicknamed Captain America, in the classic film "Easy Rider". Since watching that movie, I've associated Harley-Davidson bikes to that hippie culture of the 60's. It's the closest thing I've been to the world of motorcycles' pop culture equivalent of Bob...

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My Own Private Pool: A Biri (Island) Rock Preview

Unknown March 10, 2013

I was waiting for the sunset, hoping I could take some photographs of the rock formations against a fiery red sky. I decided against it when I saw this natural pool below the Macadlaw rock formation. I put down my backpack and set up the tripod, stripped my shirt and slowly waded into the pool....

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Turning Artsy at the National Gallery and Fartsy at Masuki | Manila

Unknown March 03, 2013

The last time I set foot at the National Gallery of the Philippines was way back in early elementary. The memories are almost gone of that long-ago field trip. If ever I stared at Juan Luna's The Spoliarium I might have done so for only a split second. Not so, during one afternoon last October,...

Wai Ying Read more