Trip to Seoul Korea, a city buzzing with life

A visit to Korea is always a cause for excitement. Seoul is a city buzzing with life, from sun-up to sundown.

Upon arrival at Incheon Airport, it was easy hopping into the train that took us to the nation’s capital, and arrived in Hondae (Hongik University) Station in just less than an hour. We arrived on a warm, sunny afternoon, and enjoyed the lush walkways and vibrant university community.

We were warmly welcomed with hot coffee by the Guesthouse staff.

Checking into our 3-bed private room feels like staying in a small but cozy hotel, complete with wi-fi, clean private bath, television, and toiletries. We instantly felt quite at home.

We begin the daily tours after a satisfying breakfast of toast, cereal and milk. What better way to learn about Korea than to “dig deeper” and move closer into its history and borders?

Naturally, our first tour was the half-day DMZ – Demilitarized Zone - Tour (booked through Shore 2 Shore Travel). In a nutshell, it is a tour that takes us back into time, when Korea was at war with itself, and was divided savagely by two ideologies: the democratic and the communist. We hiked deep into underground tunnels blasted away by North Koreans using dynamites, in their attempt to infiltrate into the capital and seize the government. We visited historical monuments, infrastructures, and train lines that were built to “bridge” the gap to future unity.

This tour made me appreciate how important freedom is to any citizen, and how curtailment of that freedom brings about separation, poverty, loss and immeasurable pain. Needless to say Korea’s civil war resulted in a divided people, with families and friends painfully torn apart. I was told by our tour guide Jenny, that even up to this day, many Koreans are forbidden from crossing the DMZ to see the siblings, parents, or children left behind during the war.

For the history buff, this tour offers lots of interesting tidbits about the Korean War, its politics, and the military’s role. That fragile gap dividing the North from the South might not just be enough to thwart another impending war, if they are not careful!

After the DMZ Tour, we are brought back to the city centre, this time to enjoy all the freedom that Seoul has to offer – together with all things “nice and spicy”.

To dine “Korean-style” is enough cause for culture-shock for someone from the Philippines, who is used to dining budget-and-modest style. Sharing is certainly not an option, and each person has to stretch up an appetite enough to accommodate all side and main dishes, to which my companions have to problems at all!

We enjoyed Korean food, served piping hot, and perfectly fit for the cool spring weather. Sumptuous bibimpap meals, meaty barbecues, sweets, crunchy greens, and local spices, chugged down with a bottle of soju (rice wine) can really open up the appetite. As fresh strawberries were also in season, cheap, not to mention HUGE, we ended up getting several boxes back to the hostel to mix into the next day’s breakfast cereals.

At night, the best thing to do would be to stroll along Meongdong for some shopping, cinema, and street food. The streets and underground are alive even at night, with mostly young people swarming into the latest fashion and skin trends, and spending a great time with friends. Insadong, another famous street lined with art galleries, souvenir shops and traditional teahouses, attracts thousands of tourists and shoppers daily. A short distance away is path towards the cable car that took us to N Seoul Tower where visitors can enjoy a splendid 360-degree view of the entire city.

Coming down, pedestrians can also enjoy leisurely walks along the peaceful and clean waters of Cheongyecheon Stream than ran artery-like across the city.

A visit to Seoul would be incomplete without a view of one of its palace grounds, and perhaps make-believe that we are in a period drama like Goong! We visited the UNSECO World-Heritage Cheongdeokgung Palace, and marveled at the huge expanse of land it occupied.

A throng of locals visit it regularly not only to enjoy its lush flowering gardens once upon a time kept only for royalties’ eyes, but also to take “selfies” of themselves wearing the traditional hanbok (Korean costume), and immerse into another period when kings and queens elegantly reigned over the land.

For travelers to Korea who have enough time to kill, a getaway to scenic and romantic Nami Island is highly recommended. Nami Island, the setting for popular Korean telenovelas, is famous for its tree-lined roads, picnic areas, geographic beauty, and interesting attractions.

We took the regular train to Gapyeong Station, and from there, took a taxi to the ferry docking station. Note that discounted rates for the ferry are given to foreigners so don’t forget to bring your passport! The ferry ride took only a few minutes. Upon docking we quickly set out to explore the island. What better, and faster way to see everything than on a bike! And in Nami island, bikes for all types of riders are available for rent – single bikes, couple bikes, family bikes, etc.

Traveling around on two wheels was the most fun thing we’ve ever done in Korea, perhaps because this mobility gives us a certain amount of freedom that is hard to enjoy in the busy city streets. It was a day well-spent, enjoying the breeze, snacking, going the off beaten paths, driving through bike lanes, and having an overview of all the attractions the island has to offer. The island’s rich blossoms, calm ponds, and natural beauty makes it a romantic getaway for young and old alike, and offers a refreshing respite from city life.

Finally, five days have passed and we’ve to head back home. In our return trip, we should surely try out the other tours. In Seoul, the possibilities are endless!

Contributed by Yasmin Ong 2016

To book Korea tour package, please contact
Shore 2 Shore Travel Services
Reach them during office hours -
Tel (63-2) 5796603-04
Email shore2shore.mlaofc@gmail.com
google shore 2 shore travel or visit
http://www.shore2shoretravel.com/

Pagsanjan falls tour, corruption in Philippine tourism

I recently assisted a travel agency serving as an interpreter for a Taiwanese group who will be bringing in a Rotary group of 200 person this Nov 2016 who said was going to sponsor a housing project as donation to the Philippine government.

While on the way, the guests were discussing about the mandatory tip of P500/boat to which the travel agency had informed the local organizer. We were informed that boatmen would not stop bothering guests until they get their tip and for that amount.

Reaching Pagsanjan, we went for tour to the falls. Accompanying us were English guide from the agency, Philippine rotarian counterpart, Taiwanese guests, and myself.

We boarded 4 boats. The English guide was on the 1st boat with some Taiwanese guests. I was on the last boat.

Midway, I noticed the 3rd boat stopped, and saw the gesture of guests giving money to the boatmen.

We reached the falls, again we were asked for money.

On our return, the 3rd boat stopped again, and was asked for money by the boatman.

When we all finished the tour, that's when I heard how the Taiwanese guests (3rd boat) stopped twice at midway, going and coming back, because the boatman asked for tip. Though somewhat unwilling, they opted to give, since they were afraid that the boatmen will do them harm for being cornered away from the rest. After the trip, the boatman, was fast gone.

I translated the matter to our English guide who in turn wrote a complaint letter to the boatmen association of Pagsanjan and the resort who arranged our boat, before we left back for Manila.

It's been a week and as expected, there was no action made.

The 2 hour boatride to and back from Pagsanjan already costs P1,200 each. We are 10 so that's P12,000. Tariff collected by local tourism. On top of this, the boatmen demands their P500/boat tip. I learned that the boatmen are already receiving P300/day salary from the municipal government.

Travel agencies sending tourists here as well as resort owners who book the boat with them, cannot do anything, despite complaints received over the years. This has been an ongoing pain for some years, what the..??

The agency who arranged our trip wrote a formal letter to our new Tourism Secretary about the matter, and we really hope that as promised by the new Philippine President, Mayor Duterte, corruption even in the tourism sector will be eradicated.

We hope the new Tourism Secretary, will also focus in solving existing, persistent and real problems in our Tourism, not only in Davao or Mindanao.

It's worth noting that The Department of Tourism prints brochures and is greatly promoting Pagsanjan Falls tour in international tourism trade fairs over the years. Thus, most tourists who come to Manila and are nature and adventure lovers, would normally include a trip to the famous falls.

With the current unruly tipping practice (the local tourism of Pagsanjan and boatmen association not addressing and instead tolerating the matter), the tour which should have been memorable, leaves with guests a not so pleasant memory.

Contributed by Christine Co 2016

Hidden Valley Springs, Hidden Valley Laguna

It was on one of those cloudy days in August when we had the family trip to Hidden Valley Springs in Laguna. Not expecting much along the way, we were blessed and surprised to see that the weather there when we arrived, though overcast, was cool and breezy.

The road to the resort was itself an adventure. Imagine traveling though lush vegetation on both sides, seeing a couple of locals on horseback picking lanzones and rambutan, while others harvesting coconut in the area. The sound of birds singing is clear and truely music to the ears.

As we enter the private resort amid the virgin forest, we were greeted with tall trees, giant ferns, vast green lawn, and the sound of cascading water. We registered ourselves were welcomed with refreshing drinks. Excited of what Hidden Valley Springs had to offer, we decided to trek its reknowned virgin forest and waterfalls first and dipping in various pools for relaxation afterwards.

My family entered the forest trail, the kids racing ahead, as I boast to them that I will be seeing my old "friend" again. I looked forward to see that giant, century old tree standing grand and tall again. I was a child of seven years when I first came to this place. My mouth gapped when I saw this humongous tree in front of me. It was so huge that I guess it'll take 10 or more grown men with interlocking hands to be able to hug this tree.

A sad sight beckon us as we reached this tree. Once a majestic giant, now fallen. The local I asked from said it was struck by lightning at the height of typhoon Pablo. Heavy rain and strong gusty wind pound the resort that time. The resort suffered heavy damages, from tree uprooting to blown roofs, washed away trails to trees falling on to the function room; even the pools were not spared by rocks that came from the mountain.

Though broken, the staff and the entrusted people of the resort didn't waiver. They build up each other and together, they restored the resort to its former beauty, and more. The highlight of the restoration was the way the locals made use of the fallen giant. Instead of cutting the tree to small pieces, the locals constructed a walkable route on the fallen tree. We got to walk on the tree and observe its massive trunk and branches. Since the fallen tree destroyed much of the trail to the falls, the locals converted the abounding bamboos into paths on stilts, making the experience quite fun for us as well as boasting rights that we walked ON a giant
tree.

The walk to the falls was another experience that was unforgettable. Upon reaching the end of the trail, we had to thread in the stream with knee-high water to be able to see the falls behind the mountain wall. The stream, having been lashed by the storm, experienced its own damages. Big boulders washed into its rocky bed, restraining the water from exiting the falls area. This, in a sense, created a cold pool of fresh water just by the falls. Swimming was not allowed, but if you did, get ready to experience extreme brain freeze!

Thinking back, as I watched and guided the kids wade through the cold stream, walked and reminisced with them the fallen giant old tree, and observed different kinds of insects and plants, seeing things in the eyes of children made me realized how great our Creator is. Though destruction struck, He made man overall seer over His creation. He provided change so nothing can boast of its greatness, and yet change for the benefit of others.

Contributed by Juanito Ng 2015.

To book Hidden Valley Springs, Hidden Valley Laguna, please

contact
Shore 2 Shore Travel Services
Reach them during office hours -
Tel (63-2) 5796603-04
Mobile (63) globe 906 9003019, smart 999 6040017, sun 923 2880661
Email shore2shore.mlaofc@gmail.com
google shore 2 shore travel or visit
http://www.shore2shore-travel-services.com/

Intramuros tour

One of the most notable destinations in Manila that you shoudn't miss is Intramuros. It's a city, built within the wall.

The wall itself was built from the old muslim kingdom of Rajah Sulayman, the last king of Manila, but was taken over by the Spaniards in 1571.

The materials that made the Wall was volcanic tuff and was used as a defense from other foreign invaders since it is the seat of the Spanish Government in Asia.

The city itself was well as the center of religion, education, and economy through its Acapulco-Manila Galleon Trading that lasted till 18th century.

Even with its strong foundation, Intramuros did not survive the World War II. It was bombarded, burned and destroyed both by Allied and Axis Forces in 1942 to 1945 where thousands of lives were taken.

Intramuros today tells our history through its heritage structures being rebuilt and renovated.

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage sites with an expert and friendly local guide, hear about the Philippines’ interesting Spanish colonial period, as well as its modern-day culture.

Contributed by Grace Vergara 2016.

To book Intramuros tour, please contact
Shore 2 Shore Travel Services
Reach them during office hours -
Tel (63-2) 5796603-04
Mobile (63) globe 906 9003019, smart 999 6040017, sun 923 2880661
Email shore2shore.mlaofc@gmail.com
google shore 2 shore travel or visit
http://www.shore2shore-travel-services.com/

Batangas Beach, Punta Fuego Batangas

A pristine beach just only over 2 hours drive from Manila, Terrazas Punta Fuego is a premiere membership resort club where one can enjoy some privacy, a serene and relaxing time away from the city's hustle and bustle.

Nasugbu Batangas is where you will see mountain ranges and the coastline both at the same time.

Arriving the resort, you will be welcomed with drinks and wet towels to freshen up.

After which, you are free to enjoy either the the swimming pools or the sandy beach, or even just lounge in your privately assigned cabana.

If you are ready for some activities and action, try the variety of watersport activities available.

The food is especially prepared by their chef, a sumptous lunch with morning and afternoon meriendas. If this is not enough, their bar and restaurant accepts short orders too.

Indeed a relaxing getaway that one would keep coming back to.

Contributed by Grace Vergara 2015.

To book Punta Fuego Batangas, Batangas Beach package,

please contact
Shore 2 Shore Travel Services
Reach them during office hours -
Tel (63-2) 5796603-04
Mobile (63) globe 906 9003019, smart 999 6040017, sun 923 2880661
Email shore2shore.mlaofc@gmail.com
google shore 2 shore travel or visit
http://www.shore2shore-travel-services.com/

Mt Pinatubo tour, the view is all worth it

Mt. Pinatubo is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines.

Its latest eruption last June 1991 is considered the 2nd most intense eruption of the 20th century.

Nowadays, Mt. Pinatubo offers a scenic sight of what the eruption did couple of years ago. After the moderate dis-ease of getting there -

- the early start before it gets too hot travelling on open skies and barren land
- the rugged ride on a 4-wheel-drive jeep which can be sandy, rocky, dusty, bumpy, shaky, and watery all at the same time
- the trek to possible induce some muscle pain to first time hikers

The final stop at the volcano summit offers a majestic vista of the crater-lake.

The fresh air, the majestic vista of the crater lake.

It's all worth it.

Contributed by Grace Vergara 2015.

To book Mt Pinatubo tour, please contact
Shore 2 Shore Travel Services
Reach them during office hours -
Tel (63-2) 5796603-04
Mobile (63) globe 906 9003019, smart 999 6040017, sun 923 2880661
Email shore2shore.mlaofc@gmail.com
google shore 2 shore travel or visit
http://www.shore2shore-travel-services.com/

Taal volcano tour, smallest volcano yet most active

Considered the smallest and the lowest volcano in the world is Philippine's Taal Volcano. It is only 1050 feet above sea level. It may be small but also the 2nd most active volcano in the country.

Over an hour away from Manila, depending on traffic, Talisay Batangas is the gateway to Taal Volcano.

A motorized boat boarded to cross the lake. An island in the middle of the lake is the Taal Island where local villages live.

There are 2 ways to climb and see the crater.

1. Horse ride

2. Hiking

Hiking Taal Volcano is easy even for a non-experienced hiker. It is only 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your pace. The best time to hike is early morning because the trail is directly facing the sun, expect to sun bathe.

Notoriously dusty and hot, it’s by far one of the most popular active volcanoes known worldwide.

What makes Taal Volcano unique is the fact that the volcano itself has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the "Crater Lake."

Surrounding the volcano and the lake is the magnificent view of the mountains circling the island, it’s a feast to the eyes and great for photography.

A simplified way to understand this wonder is to pay Taal Volcano a visit.

Contributed by Grace Vergara 2015.

To book Taal Volcano tour, please contact
Shore 2 Shore Travel Services
Reach them during office hours -
Tel (63-2) 5796603-04
Mobile (63) globe 906 9003019, smart 999 6040017, sun 923 2880661
Email shore2shore.mlaofc@gmail.com
google shore 2 shore travel or visit
http://www.shore2shore-travel-services.com/

Experience to be remembered, Swimming with the whale shark in Oslob

In Cebu, Oslob has gained popularity in tourism since 2011 and continuously growing yearly. Thanks to these World's Largest fish known as Whale Sharks, also named Tuki or Butanding by the locals. These juvenile gentle giants size starting from 20 feet in length!

For the first time, seeing these big whales with mouth opened as big as 5 meters did not fail to give chills to the bones!

Yet Butandings are harmless sea creatures feeding on plankton and small fishes. Swimming, snorkeling and observing them under water is fascinating and exciting!

We had a short briefing on precaution and safety before "the encounter" with these gentle giants.

Small boat paddled by boatman brough us to the crystal clear blue water where glimpse of these friendly mammals are remarklable visible.

Whale watching is only 20 to 30 meters away from the shoreline.

Life jackets and snorkeling gear is provided for our sake.

For the fearful swimmer, just hang on to your boat's bamboo floater. A safe position will allow u to see and get close to the whalesharks with no worries

It's now more than news or imagination for me. I was there! I experienced it first hand! And proud to have seen and swam with one of the most fascinating ocean creatures in my homeland, The Butanding or The Whale Sharks.

Contributed by Grace Vergara 2016.

To book Cebu tour package with Oslob whale shark watching, please contact:
Shore 2 Shore Travel Services
Reach them during office hours -
Tel (63-2) 5796603-04
Mobile (63) globe 906 9003019, smart 999 6040017, sun 923 2880661
Email shore2shore.mlaofc@gmail.com
google shore 2 shore travel or visit
http://www.shore2shore-travel-services.com/

Choosing Trekking or Boat ride, Pagsanjan falls tour

The magnificent falls is reached the usual way by boat ride from Pagsanjan known as Shooting the Rapids. Boatmen skillfully manueveres the canoe along rocky river and strong current.

An option available to save a little cost from the boatride is by trekking and some rappeling through Cavinti.

Trekking is about an hour or so depending on one's pace. The trail is surrounded by virgin forest. Tall trees and various plants abound. Sound of birds chirping, bugs and insects echoing their tunes, rain drops and wind sweeping through the leaves.

The road can be muddy when wet, some rooted trails, and concrete steps with safety railings are all along the way.

The starting point is where the view of the river and the forest meets.

There's 586 steps down, and 2 sets of 90 degree steep vertical metal ladder and 2 enclosed spiral way to the bottom to make you think twice if you want to proceed. But the idea is a challenge to beat.

Once you reach the river, colorful canoe boats, rocky cliffs and the falls awaits.

Finally, the adventure of boarding the bamboo raft taking us directly below the waterfalls. There goes a strong nature massage. And the mystery of goin inside Devil's Cave which turned out fun and not scarry.

Some of us took the boat back, and I'd say it's more fun than rafting in CDO. The boat ride is a thrill worth spending.

Contributed by Grace Vergara 2016.

To book Pagsanjan falls tour, please contact
Shore 2 Shore Travel Services
Reach them during office hours -
Tel (63-2) 5796603-04
Mobile (63) globe 906 9003019, smart 999 6040017, sun 923 2880661
Email shore2shore.mlaofc@gmail.com
google shore 2 shore travel or visit
http://www.shore2shore-travel-services.com/