Travel Photographer Philippines – The 4AM Chronicles

We’re in the middle of summertime and many are still hitting the beach with the city heat getting more uncomfortable. The last time I was on the water was during my honeymoon with Kim last May in Boracay.

Since my wife and I don’t like going to bars and have a different idea of what parties and hangouts are supposed to look like, Boracay was simply a beautiful haven for us, filled with white sand, clear waters, and a place for food trippin’.

Boracay hosts thousands upon thousands of hungry stomach a year as people from all walks of life visit this island for a week or so of semi-pure beach bliss – part beach, part everything else.

boracay white beach 2012

Creating a top must try food list will be difficult to create since Boracay island has hundreds of establishments that serve food. From hotel buffets to restaurants, to food kiosks, and street stalls along the beach.

If you know me, Id do some research before traveling.. Ok I don’t do some, I do a lot. sometimes I overdo things maybe. So I searched for what seems to be the best deals and thats what we tried out. Some of course will be spur-of-the-moment, I-am-too-hungry-to-walk-any-further occasions that made us choose a certain place. In any case, what we share with you today are some of our faves.

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I’ve been asked many times whether its best to drive to the airport and leave your car there rather than taking a cab or the trains. There are of course a lot of factors to consider whether to bring your car or not. At times we base things on price. On most occasions, we base things on convenience. Here are my personal reasons that you too may consider:

1. Number of Days – If you’re staying for more than a week. The longer you’ll leave your car will dictate the price of your parking. Normally, a few days away would be fair. On the other hand, if you decide to leave your car at or near the airport for a few weeks or months, make sure your car will still start when you return from your trip.

2. Parking Accessibility – where I live, you can drive yourself right next to the airport at a minimal fee. If you arrive at the wrong time of day, youll end up with no parking space. If your country has online parking searches like Parking4less which allows you the ease of choosing parking options by booking parking slots ahead, whether on airport or off airport parking (and even airport valet services which I think is a brilliant idea), the more inclined you are to choose to drive versus to commute.

3. Ease of Commuting vs Driving – if you’re not used to commuting, then taking your car is an automatic option. But if you’re in countries like Hong Kong or Singapore where they have sophisticated train systems that connect you the airport from anywhere in the metro, then commuting is best. But there are times when trains and cabs are such a hassle that you don’t even have to think whether to drive or not, more so when you’re planning to max out your luggage limit.

airport carpark photo by hunter-desportes

4. Cost Effectivity – where we live, you’ll spend more money paying the cabbie than bringing a car. So check your budget. Its public transport cost vs parking and gas (plus car maintenance costs if you want to consider that). If cost doesn’t get in the way of parking though, then taking your car is the better option given other considerations.

5. Parking Security – if you’re sure that you’ll find your car where you left it then go ahead and drive. That’s also why we pay a premium on reliable parking services rather just just anywhere.

Driving or Commuting won’t always be an automatic option. It all depends on many things and a lot of other factors. Sometimes you may decide to commute but end up busying yourself too much you almost miss your flight. On these occasions, airport valet services seem like great options. I wish we had these at home.

Tablets have spread like mushrooms in the wilderness to provide us with convenience in our daily living. Much like when cellphones came to existence, and for whatever purpose that it may serve you, tablets can aide you in being productive.

For travelers like me, I’ve always found it ideal to use travel apps whenever I take a journey. For me it started with the iPod touch and now with the iPad, it just gets better since a larger screen does wonders for me.

Ive listed 7 must have apps for anyone traveling to an unfamiliar destination. Although there are many other useful apps out there, and Ive probably downloaded them all, these 7 are perhaps what I find the most useful. Having other great apps are good, except if you don’t use them often then they’re not really must haves.

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Since the influx of tablets and hand held devices sprawling left and right, it is difficult to ignore those useful apps that anyone can avail of when traveling. As I introduce myself to the world of iPad apps, I’d also like to share with you those useful apps you can have when visiting certain places.

Today it will be those useful apps we got to use in Singapore. Next time ill share our generic travel apps for local and international travel.

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It had been quite some time since I’ve flown outside the country. Although our flight is scheduled four hours from now, we’re at the airport early so we won’t have to join the queuing crowd. In fact, we arrived 7 hours early thanks to our friend, Yip, whom we hitched a ride with. He’s leaving his car for 50 pesos a day (and night) at the overnight carpark of NAIA (MNL) Terminal 3 since we had to get to the airport by 3PM because of the number coding afternoon curfew.

Boarding Gate. Manila to Singapore

My wife and I were able to get good seats on my favorite row and without the need to pay extra. I feel stingy saying it but our destination isn’t exactly categorized as a developing country. On the contrary, Singapore’s cost of living allows for more cash out for international travelers, even for those coming from first world countries. So the more hundred pesos we can save, the more Laksa’s we can eat.

Long queue times at the International Flights area. Bypass it by doing Web Check-in ahead of time.

Although we’re attending a conference primarily. We wouldn’t want to miss the frills and thrills of Singapore as it will be a first time visit for me and Kim. To be honest, I didn’t do much homework about Singapore because of the busyness of days prior. I did get to download nice cool travel apps I can use (hopefully) in Singapore.