River Tubing and Kawa Hot Bathing in Tibiao | Antique

Marky Ramone Go August 17, 2019

As my companion’s “ooohs” and “aaahs” synchronize with the sloshing sounds of the rapids of Tibiao River, I would stare at the blue sky while my tube swirls me endlessly. Lying relaxed, I then just let the movement of the water send my consciousness to a Zen state of mind. Occasionally, I would look ahead to see the nearing rapids. Our guide would holler “hold on” up ahead the stream to let us know we were approaching what they refer to as “washing machine zone”. Every time we pass a rapid, I would hear my friends Karla and Erica’s crescendo voices—this time in a chorus of joyous yell.

River tubing location in Tibiao, Antique

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One Fine Autumn Day in Nikko | Japan

Marky Ramone Go August 15, 2019

As I stare at the carved maxim of the three wise monkeys pinned on an overhead panel at Tōshō-gū, the proverbial mantra it personifies was made apparent to me almost immediately; "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". Recognizing where I stood at that very moment, surrounded by temples—concealed under a canopy of autumn leaves—I couldn’t fathom how any of my senses can conjure a negative energy.

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Developing a Liking to Tainan’s Street Art and a Fondness for Her | Taiwan

Marky Ramone Go August 07, 2019

My memory of this vibrant neighborhood of Tainan revolves around the pleasing smile of Emily—the EVA Air manager who traveled with our small media group to Taiwan. Mirroring the captivating cobalt art installations at Blueprint Culture and Creative Park, her stares rapid fires into me with invisible arrows arresting my full attention. To save myself from (an expected) heartbreak, I remember ignoring her as we crossed the street by focusing my eyes on the vibrant wall paintings adorning the side of the buildings nearby.

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Cebu Pacific Kicks-Off the 2019 Juan for Fun

Marky Ramone Go August 01, 2019

It has been eight years since Cebu Pacific Air introduced “Juan For Fun”—a backpacker challenge participated by university students. Since then, Juan for Fun has evolved from an Amazing Race-like challenge, to a platform where one will not only discover the wonders of travel—but also use traveling as a springboard to spread one’s advocacy, understand different culture and broaden horizon.