Last Month, Maila invited us for the very famous “Amazing Race” of Couchsurfing Manila called Summer Scramble (now on its 4th season) with a HUNGER GAMES twist.Jogs and I never hesitated despite of our busy schedule. Because of the excitement, we were the first team to file the registration and the organizers named us District 1 (Maila, Jogs, Darby and Carlo). A week before the race, Carlo backed out because of some health issues. 

May 12, 2012

Day of the race

I woke up at around 4:30am and went to Dau Bus Station for a bus going to Pasay with my team member, Jogs. Being the 2 members coming from Pampanga, this fact was a disadvantage because while we are traveling, our competitors are still sleeping. Upon arrival at Victory Liner Pasay, District One’s rendezvous, we had a quick “strategic planning” to win the race. We then proceeded to Kilometer Zero (Luneta Park), the Cornucopia slash starting point. 

Photo Courtesy of Maila

Technically, we are still missing one member of the team but glad that the organizers were able to invite the “waiting list” and distributed them to the incomplete teams. So it was Kuya Jodl who completed our team, District 1. 

Photo Courtesty of Jogs

DISTRICT 1 Team: Darby, Jogs, Jodl, Maila

The Tributes

The Tributes again

After some orientation and countless trash talks between the 17 Districts, Toto, the Organizer started the race by telling us that the first clue is located at the Quirino Grandstand. All Districts ran fast as they can. The road to the Grandstand was muddy and slippery, but it doesn’t matter. Able to get the clue first is an advantage. 

Photo Courtesy of Shoden

Race to the Granstand

Challenge #1 - From Quirino Grandstand to Liwasang Bonifacio. From the grandstand, we went back to Kilometer zero to ride a jeepney going to Liwasang Bonifacio (Bonifacio Park). We were in struggle because of the heat and exhaustion. That time, I realized that this race was not a juvenile race. This is a real race done by people with hyperactive lifestyle. Anyway, the jeepney (Screw you!) dropped us at a wrong place, which forced us to run another 700 meters for the next clue. 

Wrong destination :(

We were starting to lose hope because we thought that we are already the last team to arrive. But It doesnt matter. There was a twist. A twist that will change the whole course of the race. As we approached Bonifacio park, there were other teams waiting for us. The scramble has begun. We were tasked to pick a letter, and that letter will determine our new team members. We were all shocked. We have to run the race with members from other districts. In our case, we are all strangers in one team. Goodbye Jogs, Jodl and Maila. 

I was teamed with Matess of District 2, Julius of District 11 and Richard of District 13. 

This picture was actually taken during the last leg of the race (sunburns!!!).

Anyway, from left to right, we have Matess, Darby, Richard and Julius.

*Thanks to the regrouping, I left my camera with Jogs. :(

Realization #1: Our ability to adapt to different people was tested because of the group scramble. It was a step-out-of-comfort zone moment for me and jogs. We were always inseparable every CS gatherings. But now, we are on our own. And to be honest, one of the best things that happened during this race was the regrouping. 

Challenge #2 - Liwasang Bonifacio to MacArthur Bridge. From the regrouping, we ran to MacArthur Bridge and counted the banisters of the bridge as stated in the clue. We cannot proceed to the next challenge unless we counted the banisters accurately. Glad that we all counted together that we were able to get the clue faster than other teams and making it to the first place (so far). 

Reflection #2: In this race, you will be able to find your strengths as well as your weaknesses. We all have them. Every team should know how to complement each other. This was the advantage of our group. 

Challenge #3- MacArthur Bridge to Arroceros Forest Park. After counting the banisters under the heat of the sun, our next task is to look for Arroceros Forest park. At the entrance of the park was another clue. We will look for a certain tree with a certain leaf as depicted in the clue and we should take a picture with the tree to proceed to the next challenge. We were favored that time because we were able to talk to the head of the park, leading us to a Narra Tree in no time. We took a picture and showed it to the organizers and got our next clue.

Photo Courtesy of Matess

Reflection #3: I never thought that Manila City has a forest. 

Challenge #4 - Arroceros Forest Park to Quiapo Church. Our next clue states that we should go to the entrance of the Quiapo Church. Unfortunately,  we spent a lot of time looking for the clue-givers making another team to overtake us. When we saw the volunteers, they were in the square outside Quiapo church with a bunch of fortune tellers. They told us to pick a card and the highest card will be given a chance to have their “tarot card” prediction. Julius got the highest card and the fortune teller started to do her predictions with Julius’ fate. This was a perfect time to rest even for just a while.

After 5-minutes of panghuhula, the volunteers gave us our next clue. 

On our way to Quiapo Church. 

Where are the clue-givers? GRRR!

Challenge #5 - Quiapo Church to the Venice of Malabon.  From the Quiapo Church, we rode the Carriedo LRT going to Monumento in Caloocan. The crowded LRT was an advantage because some people helped us locate this so called Venice of Malabon. Although Malabon is well known for it’s flooding, we are not aware that there’s a Venice in the City.

From the LRT Station of Monumento, we went to Victory mall and rode a jeepney to Panghulo, Malabon. Still clueless where to find the place, we asked some people in the jeepney, but it just led us to confusion to whether we are on the right track. Are there any other ways to get to Malabon from Quiapo? Are we still in the 2nd place? 

From Panghulo, we rode a pedicab (tri-wheeler) to take the risk getting to Artex Compound. Fortunately, the Venice of Malabon was inside the Compound but we are the third team to arrive. 

We are not allowed to take a picture here, good thing my teammate got this one. 

Our task is to paddle through the flooded street and get the clue. I am not good in paddling so it took us a while to get the clue. 

Because it’s already time for lunch, they gave us at least an hour to eat. They will give us the clue based on the time we finished the boat paddling challenge. The time difference from the 2nd team is just 1 minute so it was a tight challenge. The 1st team is way ahead of us, but its ok. 

Realization # 4: This place has touched my heart. The paddler who helped us was actually a woman. She never showed any signs of impatience towards my inability to paddle. She was actually smiling the whole time we were there. She did it effortlessly. While paddling through the streets, the people in the houses were enjoying the race. The smiles on their faces just made me realize that Filipinos, despite of their conditions know how to have fun. I guess that the tourism slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines” is an understatement. I love this community and if given a chance, I want to go back here and spend more time with the people. *Note that we were not allowed to take pictures here.  

-End of Part 1-

I really want to write this down before I forget what happened. I am already exhausted because of the 8-hour bus ride from Cambodia to Bangkok, but this is the highlight of the day, so I have all the time to write this.

I am currently in Bangkok inside our very small hotel room in Khao San road. We arrived here at around 6:15pm and the van dropped us off 200 meters to our hotel. Khao San is a long street of hotels, restaurants, street foods and souvenir shops to accommodate and entertain backpackers from all over the world.

After eating all sorts of food for dinner, we went back to the hotel. My parents stayed inside, while I went out to explore the place, alone.  

As we all know, Thai and Khmers are fond of eating insects. Filipinos eat them too, but not the extreme ones like cockroaches and scorpions. You will find these stalls along Khao San Road, but based on my observation, they travel from place to place unlike the other stalls (Pad Thai, Kebabs, etc…). I don’t know why. Plus, they have this “10 Baht for a Photo” signage. Probably, most of the tourists (including me) would not dare to eat these scary-looking insects unless if you are a daredevil. So one way to earn is to charge a fee to take a picture.

While taking these pictures, the rain poured really hard, making her customers flee. Not only that, but her umbrella malfunctioned, spoiling most of her goodies. As for me, the challenge is to get back to the hotel as dry as possible (how selfish). While waiting for the rain to stop, this old lady appeared out of nowhere, selling rain coats and umbrellas. 

Is she expecting this rain? I dont know. But it was awesome. She was ready—a real girl scout.

The rain is getting heavier every minute. I have to leave the place. I have decided to get wet, have fun and have a unique experience walking along the famous Khao San Road. I placed my camera inside a plastic bag and started walking—not running. I got wet and I am happy about it. No regrets!

When I was in the dark and uncrowded area of the Khao San Road, I saw the girl selling the insects, alone, and looking sad. Like me, she was wet because of the rain. I asked her if she is already calling it a day. With sadness in her eyes, she affirmed my statement. I walked with her and talked to her. My ignorance consumed me again as I asked her if she’s scared of the insects. She laughed at me. 

Getting wet in Khao San Road while having an exclusive chat with the lady who sells insects is just perfect — just magical. Great experiences are indeed free.

Goodnight..

From Bangkok with Love,

Darby 

My new Travel Buddy… Gerber :)

three currencies I will be using for the trip. 

Leaving in a while…

4 days to go before my big trip to Cambodia and Bangkok. I hate to say this but I have to cram to complete an entire checklist for the trip. Help me God.

• Watch: Culture Shock- Bangkok
• Avail 20kg baggage allowance (Bangkok-Clark)
• Print all itineraries and hotel vouchers
• Watch: Khmer Rouge, Killing Machine
• Watch: Lonely Planet Six Degrees - Bangkok
• Activate Globe Roaming for the two Countries
• Get that bag from a freakin’ person—GRR!
• Buy toiletries
• Try your best to contact a local couchsurfer
• Print our information about Angkor Wat
• Watch: Bangkok Dangerous
• Pack super-duper lightly
• Get peso converted to Dollars and Thai Bhat
• Buy an Ipad or a better video cam (optional…just a wishful thinking)
• Borrow Headset (instead of buying)

Any more?

Let me introduce you to my two travel buddies, Serena and Sol Y Luna. Luna has been with me since December 2010 while Serena just joined the pack last April 2012. Though high-maintenance, they never failed to amaze me. 

The yellow video camera in my hand is my underwater camera, Serena. She can take an underwater video up to 16 feet (depth) plus it is shockproof so no need to worry if you happened to drop it. Serena is also a full HD camera, making the videos sharper compared to the standard definition cameras. Brand: Agfa; Price:P5,000 (the most). Isn’t she lovely. Check out my YOUTUBE Channel to appreciate her more.

While I was crashing Olive’s couch.

My apologies Olive for ambushing your refrigerator. It was cute, dont worry. 

During our Couchsurfing Korean Food Partey!

Olive, one of the members of the Couch Surfing community invited us for a dinner at her couch last Saturday, May 5, 2012. It was not your average Saturday Night dinner but its actually a Korean Food Party. Yes, Olive or Kyungpyo is a Korean. She was kind enough to cook two Korean dishes for us: Bulgogi and Doengjang Chigae.

Also present during the party was Tony of CS England, Jeanette of CS Manila, Jogs of CS Pampanga and yours truly also from CS Pampanga. 

Olive is a very humble host. She kept on telling us that she’s a neophyte when it comes to cooking, but the output she prepared for us was really delicious. Her couch was also commendable for being organized, cozy and clean.

Here are the pics during the partey:

Well presented dishes, though the plates are very Filipino :) But who cares! The food was AWESOME!

The Doengjang Chigae or Bean Stew Soup, or something like that. 

Olive’s Bulgogi. 

Le chef of the night. 

I have been a loyal couchsurfer since 2010. I’ve been an excellent host and a persistent organizer of events, but I have to admit that after 2 years, this is my first time to crash a couch. It was all pleasant. 

Fruits for Desserts and a glass of Coors. 

Part 2 of the Baler, Aurora Trip

My third Neophyte Traveler production…:) My trip to Baler, Aurora. 

I think I should try this one!  A timelapse of Angeles City is definitely a must! I like the music BTW.

tinywrld:

A simple way to declare your love for your city:  be the first to do a timelapse of it.

While reflecting last night, I realized three MUSTs in this life if you want to achieve your dreams (or live life to the fullest!). I have to admit that I suck in these areas and I need to take them seriously.

*Note that these realizations are from a traveler’s point of view:


1. Care for your Body - If my major dream is to travel the world, I should be physically healthy. I should have enough strength to hike mountains, talk all day and night with people, and to swim the vast ocean. I have been weak lately because I took my body for granted. I even experienced traveling with canker sores  which made it hard for me to eat the local foods of the places I visit. When I grow up, probably in my 70s, I still want the strength similar to that of a 22 year old. This will only be possible if I will start NOW! 


2. Care for the Environment - How can we appreciate the forests, the seas, the skies if its already abused and destroyed? How can we have those “nature trips” if its already polluted? I realized that if we fail to care for our Mother Nature, it will be impossible for us to really reach for our dreams. 


3. Care for the Soul - God should be first. Our spirituality matters. Based on experience, I have reached some of my dreams because of my faith (even though its as tiny as a mustard seed). Every time I am starting to lose hope with life in general, my faith can sustain me. I know everything will be fine at the end of the day.

My April Weekender Marathon is finally over. I just want to thank God for giving me a non-stop travel this month. Anyway, May is another huge month because I will explore 2 new countries:CAMBODIA and THAILAND. I am really excited about the trip because I will be with my parents for the first time! Yes, both of them! 

Aside from the ASEAN tour, I will be joining the Couchsurfing Summer Scramble in Manila. It is an Amazing Race-inspired game, so I hope to win this alongside 3 members of the team. 

Finally, I will also be attending a party hosted by a Korean Couchsurfer. It’s gonna be a Bulgogi Party plus an exchange of travel experiences. 

As they say, live life to the fullest! Let me leave you with a quote by Mark Twain:

Travel is fatal to Prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people neet it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime