Thoughts and Non Thoughts

I used to buy a 14-day SIM from T-Mobile when I travel to the US. It provides a US number with practically unlimited calls/texts and data (within the US). Useful when calling US numbers or using phone apps on the go. I did encounter spotty signals for both calls and data, depending on the location. Last September I opted to avail of the Globe roaming service instead - the Roam Surf 399 valid for 24 hours. Then before it expired, I subscribed to the ‘Roam Surf Longer Stay’ for a lower daily rate over a longer period. It comes out to almost the same cost as a US traveller SIM and you don't have to switch mobile numbers or SIMs. This is for data surfing only, not for cellular calls or messages -- but I found it more useful since I use messaging apps (ie, Viber or Messenger) for communicating with both US-based and Philippine contacts. It is also a must-have for mobile apps like Uber, Waze, or for surfing the net. No problems at all with connectivity. At home or in the hotel, one can s...

It's in Taguig City, Philippines. It's even called Venice Grand Canal Mall . 😀

When traveling and you want to avoid bill shock from roaming charges, you can use Viber for calls, especially when there's wifi (say, in a hotel). Just don't forget to turn off "Viber-In Calls" on your settings. If you keep this on, your Viber calls could be diverted to regular roaming calls, with roaming charges.

Beach! Sun! Fun! Less than three hours from Manila. It's more fun in the Philippines!

"No crackling fire or chestnuts roasting, But we got some coconuts and rum for toasting Don't need a snowman we'll build castles in the sand I'm in a Christmas Paradise You and me underneath a beach umbrella, we don't need no mistletoe at all No need to hurry we don't have to worry there's no where else to be But the starry sky and the Christmas lights when the sun sets on the sea" - from Christmas Paradise by Carole King

\   Party time Catching the last of the sun   Night light    The morning after the night before...  Nice F*ing life

A scenic route to Pico de Loro and Punta Fuego, via the Cavite coastal road.  

Happened to pass by Talisay, Batangas. It's the town next to Tagaytay, right beside Taal Lake. The town is preparing for its fiesta, which is on Feb 10. The San Guillermo Church, named after its patron saint. It's worth the short stop.   The altar and interior of the San Guillermo Church.   Going up to Tagaytay on the winding road, I passed by this Buko Stop, complete with a view of Taal Lake. (photos taken with an iPhone 5)  

Near midnight. (taken with iPhone 5)

Some night shots.

Sunrise on Lake Caliraya from the Lagos del Sol Resort .

Mt Banahaw during sunrise, as seen from Cavinti, Laguna.

This historic town in Laguna has more to offer than the waterfalls. Stone Arch Add caption This Spanish-style house has not been spared from the election campaign. Detail of the Stone Arch

"Myrna" "Cascade"

There is a restaurant in Gerona, Tarlac, called Isdaan. You eat on one of these floating rafts. Double-fried pla-pla and inihaw na hito -- yummy! A more interesting feature is the Tacsiyapo Wall, where you can throw glasses, plates, vases -- anything -- while shouting "Tacsiyapo!" to vent your anger. There's a pile of broken glass and ceramics that speaks for itself. As the wall says, it's an effective way to release your anger. Tacsiyapo is a local cuss word, so no need to add your own. Angry at anyone or anything? Tacsiyapo!

A harvest scene in Batangas, coming from Laiya going back to Manila. What attracted me was the unique architecture of the building in the middle of the field. It doesn't look like someone lives there, more like a storage of tools. Yet it has a veranda wrapped around the second floor. Perhaps a rest house? Or a watchtower?