Images of Tagbilaran 2018

The central Visayas city that has held on to its roots resisting the pressure of urban influence.

Churches are well preserved. People move in habal habal with stray dogs still in downtown’s city streets. Crossing islands over sea surface main transports in sea vessels and fishing boats.

They proudly connect with their rich and unique language, their version of Bisaya.

But soon, the people's value of faith, tradition, for family and community centeredness, kindness and honesty will be replaced with entrepreneurship, ownership, speed eventually letting go of its heritage.

Unless its hold for simplicity is stronger than the force of convenience, keeping up and complexity.

Leaving Bohol, I thank you for your unique and warm hospitality.

Perfect Escape out of NAIA 3

The perfect escape out of NAIA3. At the arrival area, proceed to the extreme right where buses park. Wait and board the bus bound for Airport Loop and Baclaran. Fare is Php 20.0. Get off at the EDSA/Taft intersection. Choose MRT, LRT, bus, jeep or taxi for your next destination. Keep safe. Secure your chip protected cards with RFID blocking bag and wallet.

• Only for the daring, patient and intrepid traveler
• Particularly helpful Mondays AM, Friday PM when the queue for regular and yellow taxi is long

First Moment of Truth in revisiting places

Decades after the last memorable visit to a place and goes back for a short stay, how does one brace himself for the re-visit?

Using the "First Moment of Truth" model where personal impressions are created from the first few seconds of interactions with various touch points (entrance, surroundings, guard, reception, other people, facilities, process etc) the sights, sounds and experience trigger reactions.


Depending on how the moments of truth appeal to our senses, emotions, values and memory, reactions can either be positive, negative or simply neutral.


Conscious of this process, I allow the feelings to surface validating, reinforcing or refuting the outcome.
How was it when you picked up your luggage? When you look for a ride to the plaza, who were offering and at what price? When you reach the highway, what messages were intruding?

After finding your bearing, what images register and form an impression? Attractions like the plaza, church, bridge, public market, restaurant, hotel, local flavor and the people. Store them as a benchmark for the next visit.

The 1st few seconds of the moments of truth are precious as their impressions last.

Capture to document and to share. Not to forget to secure your pack.

The thrill of discovery when traveling adds to the enjoyment.

Spain in Negros. Europe just South

There are specialty cafes influenced by Spain's cuisine. Buildings have European look. The wide avenues remind you of France. One need not travel far to get away.

The place of the landed few. So different from where you and I live. Yet welcoming to transients who stay there only for a while.

But only a ride away towards Libertad, there's a place where the majority are at home. Serving grilled food appreciated by everyone regardless of status.

Writing like "36 Hours"

How does one develop a unique writing style on travel?

It starts with going out, documenting what one sees, living the moment, getting insights and linking them all for a memorable and an impactful close.

So far, I only went out and documented some field testing an Android phone. Ideas just popped in mind while roaming, eating or simply gazing making me conclude, 

"Returning back to Negros, global has gone to the region. Yet, the region maintained its distinct heritage. The town, city and province are still distinctly theirs."

To realize this though, it took me more than 36 hours. I would have wanted to stay longer.