The Elegance of the Exquisite:

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Vista Land Launches New Residential Developments in Mindanao

Vista Land, the Philippines’ leading integrated property developer, continues its commitment to regional development and real estate expansion through a stunning spectacle of its newest residential developments in Pagadian City, Zamboanga City, and General Santos City. Titled Exquisite: Refining Modern Lifestyles in Mindanao, the event gathered Vista Land executives, employees, and business partners for an immersive presentation of culture and communities that embody the evolving achievements and aspirations of the Filipino way of life.

Hosted by the reigning Hiyas ng Pilipinas and Miss Tourism World Philippines, Marela Juaman, whose poised and polished presence guided the proceedings of the afternoon, the occasion opened with an outstanding performance by Step One Dance Company. Their interpretive interlude also echoed themes of movement and Mindanaoan cultural motifs, mirroring the Vista Land mission of nurturing neighborhoods that resonate with the distinct character and contemporary design of the region. Complementing the residential offerings was a presentation from Strategic Commercial Assets Group, offering a glimpse into upcoming commercial opportunities across Mindanao.

Exquisite highlighted Camella Courtyard, Andaluz Villas, and Altaria by Crown Asia, reflecting the diversity of the region while anticipating the demand for elevated and enriching lifestyles. With its strategic positioning across emerging business districts in Mindanao, Vista Land crosses the threshold of this real estate frontier, delivering refined, resilient, and regionally attuned communities for pioneering professionals, growing families, and Overseas Filipinos.

In his keynote address, Engr. Ric Pallesco, Group Head for South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, emphasized the rising trajectory of Mindanao as an economic powerhouse. “Mindanao is now firmly at the heart of progress and prosperity,” he shared. “Vista Land is proud to support this shift by introducing housing solutions that honor both tradition and transformation—created for present-day lifestyles while built for the needs of tomorrow.”

Rooted in refinement

Exquisite unveiled three residential developments that demonstrate Vista Land’s signature strengths, including premium locations, accessibility to essential establishments and services, and amenities that enrich the overall quality of life of its residents.

Camella Courtyard in Pagadian City is a secure and stylish enclave featuring spacious layouts, expansive open spaces, and linking greenways that harmonize sanctuary with shared spaces. Strategically located near transportation hubs, local institutions, and essential establishments, it supports multigenerational living in one of the most promising provincial capitals.

Andaluz Villas at Vista Estates returns for a sophomore salvo in Zamboanga City, offering lot-only properties within a Spanish-inspired enclave that values space, security, and regional identity. Whether securing a parcel of land for a family home, a minimalist retreat, or mixed-use settings that accommodate hybrid setups, it empowers homeowners and investors to build according to their preferences.

Altaria by Crown Asia introduces an upscale lifestyle experience within its themed development in General Santos City, positioned as the preferred address for discerning homebuyers and investors seeking refined everyday living in the southernmost city.

To learn more about Vista Land and its developments nationwide, visit www.vistaland.com.ph and follow @VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial for news and offerings.

NUSTAR HOTEL CEBU EARNS MICHELIN GUIDE HONORS

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NUSTAR Hotel, the first ultra-luxury hotel in Cebu recently earned a place in the coveted Michelin Guide list of recommended hotels this 2025. 

This distinction places NUSTAR Hotel among an elite collection of hotels worldwide, each recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide for excellence in design, architecture, service, personality and exceptional guest experiences. 

Michelin Guide inspectors are themselves seasoned travellers and experts in design, service and hospitality.  They travel the globe and inspect hotels anonymously to ensure an unbiased evaluation.  Hotels are assessed based on these five criteria and those which excel are recommended for the Michelin Key, a distinction that recognizes exceptional hotels.

A Landmark Moment for Cebu and Philippine Tourism

The addition of the NUSTAR Hotel into the 2025 Michelin Guide Hotel List marks a major achievement for the Philippine hospitality industry, which has long been dominated by international hotel brands.

“The NUSTAR Hotel’s presence in the prestigious Michelin Guide is a proud and significant milestone not just for NUSTAR Hotel, but for Cebu and the entire Philippine hospitality industry,” said Sean Knights, Chief Operating Officer of NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu. “This recognition affirms our unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional hotel product, allowing us to promote world-class experiences that celebrate Filipino culture, elevate service excellence and redefine the boundaries of luxury in the region.”

Along with the Fili Hotel which opened earlier in 2022, the NUSTAR Hotel opened in 2025 as the second of three hotels rising above the NUSTAR Resort & Casino, a prominent icon on the southern coast of Cebu City.  The integrated resort complex is operated by Universal Hotels and Resorts Inc. (UHRI), the hospitality and development arm of Gokongwei Group.  Since opening, the hotels have distinguished themselves as hallmarks of modern Filipino hospitality at its finest, blending premium accommodation, world-class service and deep cultural identity.

The NUSTAR hotel has 223 spacious rooms and suites and three expansive sea-facing villas.  A defining feature of hotel is personal butler service, provided by a team of butlers trained by Heilbron Hospitality, one of the world’s most respected institutions in hospitality training.

This recognition by the Michelin Guide resonates beyond the hotel itself, heralding a breakthrough for Philippine tourism and the country’s confidence and readiness to welcome discerning luxury travelers seeking authentic and meaningful travel experiences delivered with genuine Filipino warmth.

More information and reservations are accessible from the hotel website http://www.nustar.ph or thru the Guest Services Center (+63 32 888 8282).

About NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu

NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu (stylized as NUSTAR), the Philippines’ first and only premier integrated resort in the Visayas and Mindanao region, offers world-class entertainment, luxury accommodations, diverse dining, and curated retail. Owned and operated by Universal Hotels and Resorts, Inc. (UHRI), NUSTAR is home to the region’s largest gaming floor, The Mall – the first and only luxury shopping mall in the area, Fili Hotel, The Boardwalk, and the ultra-luxury NUSTAR Hotel. Explore our offerings at www.nustar.ph.

Say it with food: This Father’s Day, foodpanda Delivers the Love

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Not everyone finds it easy to say “I love you”, especially to Dad. But this Father’s Day, foodpanda reminds everyone that you don’t need the perfect words; just the perfect meal.
Sometimes, the right meal at the right moment is the most meaningful gesture.
From his favorite ulam or a classic comfort, foodpanda helps everyone show love to the dads in their lives in the most Filipino way possible: through food.

Love, Delivered

Some bonds are built on big laughs, and others on quiet gestures. With fast, reliable delivery, flexible scheduling, and countless options, foodpanda makes it easy to say “mahal kita.” Because sometimes, the aroma of his favorite dish arriving at the door is all it takes to warm his heart.

Bridging Distances with Every Order

For many, living far from their fathers means shared meals aren’t as easy as they once were. Whether you’re miles away or right around the corner, foodpanda helps make Dad feel celebrated by bridging the distance by delivering thoughtful surprises and delicious meals to let him know you’re thankful for everything he has done.

Meals that Matter and Savings that Help

Treating the dads that mean the most doesn’t have to be complicated or costly, and with foodpanda, those moments can come with a little extra value. Families can enjoy Php555 cashback on food delivery using the code LOVEYOUPA, on Father’s Day weekend from June 13 to 15.

To unlock more discounts, users can subscribe to pandapro—a subscription that offers exclusive perks like unlimited free food delivery, pickup discounts, special deals on groceries, and more. Enjoy 15% cashback with code PROCB, and 30% off a 12-month plan with code GORPRONA.


Whether it’s our dads, lolos, titos, stepdads, kuyas, or anyone who’s stepped in to be that steady, fatherly presence, this day is about them, and foodpanda is here to help you honor them with love that goes beyond words.

About foodpanda.
foodpanda is an on-demand food and grocery platform, dedicated to helping customers get their tasty favorites fast. Since its creation, it has grown to more than 170,000 partner restaurants in more than 400 cities across 10 Asian markets. foodpanda is a subsidiary under Delivery Hero, a worldwide leader of the food delivery industry.
foodpanda Philippines is dedicated to bringing food lovers their favorite meals from curated local restaurants in the Philippines. It currently operates in 150 cities and municipalities across the country and is continuously expanding. For more information, visit http://www.foodpanda.ph.


How it works.
Through the foodpanda website or via the new iOS and Android apps, customers can enter their address and view a curated list of restaurants and shops serving their neighborhood. Once they have found their choice, they can place an order in the comfort of their home or office, paying online through foodpanda’s secure platform or via cash-on-delivery. The order is then carefully prepared by the restaurant or shop, picked up by the foodpanda delivery partner and delivered straight to their doorstep.


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Twitter: foodpanda_ph
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Fun and Free Things To Do Around Singapore

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Yes, yes. Singapore is known to be expensive. But with the right research and preparation, there are actually a lot of great things that tourists can do, without spending a dime on entrance fees.

The secret to maximizing your Singapore trip: The Singapore Tourist Pass and an ample amount of Data to stay online.

THE SINGAPORE TOURIST PASS– buy this at Changi Airport and you get unlimited train and bus access around the whole Singapore within the desired number of days. I bought the 5 days pass for 45 SGD, but there are 2 and 3 days package as well, for less. I also downloaded the SG MRT (Train) app. The bus routes, I checked from time to time on google. As such, staying connected is necessary. I purchased a LOCAL DATA SIM (Singtel) via KLOOK, which I conveniently claimed at Changi airport upon arrival. The Klook lady at Changi T2 assisted me re the sim registration. The Singtel Sim only cost me less than 400 Pesos, and 100 GB yun ha. Na-appreciate ko gid ang Klook ba.

So yun pag tourist ka and first timer, syempre aaura ka dun sa Merlion and the Marina Bay area, which I also did. The whole of Bay area and Singapore Central Business district is actually very interesting to see. Importante lang gid may data ka.

Marina Bay Sands, Fullerton Hotel, Old City Hall, Clark Quay and all those colorful buildings along the way. Walkable ito lahat.

Visit the NANYANG TECH UNIVERSITY. Madami interesting Architecture sa loob ng campus. And these buildings area free to visit naman pero wag ka na pumasok sa mga lecture floors ha. Baka mapreso ka. Matagal ko na pangarap magvisit sa campus. In fact, I once aspired to study here, kaso the financials will not work for me. The piled-up circular building below is known as The Hive. It is one of Nanyang Tech’s marvelous architectural feature.

To get there: PIONEER Mrt then take the Bus 179 na iikot sa buong campus. Dami din cheap eats around, kasi nga students ang market ng area.

Another architectural marvel that I did not miss to visit was The Geneo Mall at Kent Ridge Park. It is one of Singapore’s newest mall na palaban ang interiors, featuring engineered wood arches, glass louvers, lots of indoor greens and an ample skyklight to brighten up your day. Char. Bsta maganda ito and the Mall is directly attached to Kent Ridge Metro Station.

To get there: Kent Ridge MRT.

At syempre colonial mentality tayo, I also made time to see the Newest Starbucks in Singapore sa Chinatown, malapit sa Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. They also say this is SG’s prettiest Starbucks and I will not argue with that. This store is set up in an old colonial/heritage house. If you are a Starbucks merch collector, this branch has the most SG items available.

How to get there: Chinatown MRT or Maxwell MRT (which is harap lang ng Buddha temple). And while you’re there, mag Maxwell food center na din kayo mga auntey.

Explore Little India. Little India is also a very interesting district to explore, kase sobrang unique at foreign din ng vibe nya. Yes, madami po Indians sa Singapore, so much that they were able to form a dedicated area. I posted several tiktok videos of me exploring Little India. Check nyo sa link dun sa dulo ng article na to.

No secret, Little India din ang cheapest area in SG to stay and for foodtripping. I swear, sobrang hefty ng meals dito.

How to Get there: Little India MRT station and explore on foot. If you can, go to Mustafa Center for cheap shopping. The Cheapest in the island, legit.
You’ll find the colourful House of Tan Teng Niah in the heart of Little India – it’s a fav with the instagrammers! 😍 Also pag nahanap mo na building na ito, the food center in front of this serves the best Chicken Biryani and Masala in my opinion.

Another interesting place to see in SG are the well- preserved Peranakan Houses at Joo Chiat, malapit sa Old Airport Road. Peranakan Houses are colonial Portuguese-Chinese residences of the earlier days, owned by the Mestiso Chinese of the middle to upper middle class.  Very Vibrant ng area na to, fit for pictorials and all that kineme.

Hot to get there: Bus lang po. I remember 154 basta google mo nalang. Also madami din Vietnamese restaurants na affordable dito na area, aside sa Chinese restaurants, of course.

And while in Peranakan, I looked for this Ay Yeeh Soon Kueh, a traditional Chinese-Singaporean food stall that is often visited by locals. Nasa likod lang ito ng Peranakan Houses. Naenjoy ko din ang vegetarian (bamboo shoot) dumplings at sticky mushroom and rice. Affordable also.

Ok pag sawa ka na sa view from the ground, try mo naman ang panoramic view of the Marina Bay from the 51st floor of CAPITA SPRING BUILDING. As much as gusto ko e-gate keep, pero eto na. Free ito ha. Wag kayong ano. May bar/Cafe din kase sa taas. mag chill ka dun. cool siguro din dito pag gabi. no?

How to get there: Walk2x ka lang sa Central Business District. Pangitaa!

Gardens by the Bay is also worth visiting, especially at night. The front area is a public (Free) place naman, you only pay the entrance lang pag papasok ka. Ok na ako sa labas, kapoy na din.

And to cap the night, see the Fountain Show at the Marina Bay Sands. I attended the 8pm show. this is free for all.

Cheap Eats : skip the malls and fancy restaurants. Go for Hawkers Center and Food Courts. Happy na ako dun. Promise.

Featured meals below : Masala Chicken Biryani Rice from the food court in Little India, the Old Airport Road Wanton Noodles and the Laksa meal I had from the foodcourt at Pioneer Station on my way to Nanyang University. Mura ito lahat. 5 to 8 dollars.

Bonus Ganap: Experience the Suntori Robot Barista at Duty Free Departure lounge of Changi Terminal 2. Free lang ito din. Surprise nga ako nahanap ko to. Go check out the Robot Barista on my Tiktok here.

Where I stayed: Spacepods at Paya Lebar, near the Singapore National Stadium, because I watched Lady Gaga Live in Concert. See Snippets of Mayhem Singapura here. I will post about concert preparations separately. Dami ko din tikal about that.

Ok yun lang, bye!

Snippets from Mayhem Singapura

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Still stuck in my post-concert blues! It’s been days since the opening night of Mayhem Singapura, and I am still at high that I finally experienced Lady Gaga, live!

MAYHEM SINGAPURA 5.18.2025

The pre-game. Met some fellow little monsters in SG. Shout out, Dan Dale! 🙂 We went to Singapore National Stadium around 4PM. It was way too early for the 8 pm show, but a time well-spent to see and mingle with fellow monsters who flew to SG from as far as China and Australia. The pre-show vibe was all fun and costume-quirky. I low-key regret not wearing one.

Stadium Security was strict. I brought with me a small bagfor essentials and a clear water bottle. It’s good to know that water is refillable inside the stadium for free. Snacks and light meals at the booths rage from 5 to 14 SGD.

As per my seat, I purchased a CAT1,PA6, which is relatively close to the stage (approx 25 to 30m away). This is already a good seat, considering the 50,000 seating capacity of the venue. I purchased my ticket straight from ticketmaster.sg website. No agents fee or mark up whatsoever. Everything was DIY.

The best stage design inspired by  the Phantom of the Opera. Huge stage prod, typical of Lady Gaga extravagance.
The “Mayhem” show is a theatrical experience that brings Lady Gaga’s new album “Mayhem” to life. Killer choreography, a spectacular stage setup with multiple props and costume changes, and a night of singing, dancing, and fun, elevating the traditional concert format.
Mayhem show is an artistic masterpiece. This photo was taken when LG performed ‘Paparazzi’
Act 4. Best part of the show, IMO.
Lady Gaga in her raw form, just being her undecorated self, with her piano and a voice full of love.
The  world stood still when Lady Gaga sang ‘Shallow’.
‘Bad Romance’ as the finale number. The show lasted 2 hrs.
Full house 50,000 pax. And I am proud to be part of this assembly
MRT Station after the show.
On Full packed

Still on high whenever I recall moments from the Mayhem tour in Singapore, and seeing Lady Gaga  perform and actually connect with us, the audience. At some point, I stopped recording and just enjoyed her music and presence. Gaga has, and will always have a place in my heart.

Paws up, little monsters. 🖤❤👑🕶

See more concert snippets on my tiktok https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSkha1sdX/

Gensan Food Reco: Cruisechef Cafe

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A gem of a restaurant along Guinto Street, Purok Malakas (Brgy. San Isidro).
A family-run resto, CruiseChef Cafe offers fave Asian-fusion recipes in an intimate dining atmosphere.

I’ve ordered several food trays na here before, from Pasta to Biryani to Lo Mien noodles, and I am highly satisfied.
For this dinner, we ordered Filipino staples. See photos below.

Chef’s Own Chicken Inasal.
One of the best here in Gensan.
Not the usual inasal very tasty and fragrant.
Traditional Sotanghon. I like mine with Coriander\Yan Sui leaves with it. Very fragrant.
Mexican Nacho platter. Generous serving.
Pasta Fra Diablo. Tomato-based. Spicy. A personal fave.
It is usually topped with sauteed gambas but I like this set better with chicken fillet.

A must try. Pasta Fra Diablo. Tomato-based. Spicy. A personal fave.
It is usually topped with sauteed gambas but I like this set better with chicken fillet.

A must try.
Fried rice platter paired with grilled tuna panga. A Gensan staple.

Also commending the photo quality of TECNO Mobile Philippines Camon 40. Hawod by default. Video quality is superb, too.

Get in touch with Cruisechef Cafe on FB. E-Food tray\platter levels mo na. Pwede man pud yata arranged delivery via app. Try the Pasta Fra Diablo (Gambas,Tomato-based sauce, Linguine). I reco. Just let them know your preferred level of spicy.

GenSanCity #gensanfoodtrays #incrediblegym

Cake Para Kay Mama

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Last minute gift for mother’s day? Have #FoodpandaPh deliver it for you.

🩵 Get up to P555 cashback on food delivery and grocery with the code: LOVEYOUMA . Promo code is usable til May 11,2025.

🧡 PandaPro members can use the code PROCB to receive 15% cashback on orders from your favorite restaurants/grocery.

Check your foodpanda app now!

#FoodpandaPh #davaobloggers #dbstheBest #LoveYouMa

Los Angeles Blog

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What to do on a 3 days lay-over in Los Angeles. No intro needed. We go straight to the essentials.

Getting Around : Flyaway bus from LAX Airport to Union station and back. 12.75 USD per way. Union station connects passengers to the city’s Metro Train. Train stations in LA are fairly easy to navigate. And for convenience, I purchased a TAP card at the station as my mode of fare payment, instead of cash. Unlimited Train fare package can be purchased at 7 USD/day or 25USD for 7 days use. Check nyo nalang google for more info.


Where to Stay: Choose Hollywood Blvd. It’s where the magic happens (for tourists). Hollywood is considered the heart of Los Angeles due to its strong association with the American film industry and its status as a major entertainment hub. The area’s iconic landmarks, like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre, draw tourists and are symbols of the city’s rich cinematic heritage.

I Stayed at Samesun Hostel, which is conveniently located at the front of Hollywood Highlands Metro Station. Pricewise, this hotel is very much justifiable. The famous Hollywood Walk of Fame is just outside of the hostel, as well as the TCL theatre. Any hollywood movie fan will enjoy this area. Price per night is around 2,200 Pesos (backpackers/dorm type). Room is pretty spacious to share with 5 other guests. Quiet din ang place, and legit malamig ang AC, malinis, and bathroom/toilets were good. Light continental breakfast is included with the stay; oatmeal bars,cereal, bagel, creamcheese, butter, apple, orange and hot drinks. Generous nga eh. Also, may drinking water for free, 24/7. Wifi din.

In all honesty, I find LA cheaper and more likeable than NYC. and mas chill.

Fun things to do:

Star hunting at Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre. Free activity ito. Walking by the star markers and hand prints is the closest that we can get to our favourite hollywood stars. On special days, we also get a chance to see (or at least get a glimpse) of the stars themselves on special events at the TCL theatre.

Added knowledge: Parasocial relationships—the relationships that people have with media figures such as actors, celebrity influencers, or even television characters

Hollywood Wax Museums: Madam Tussaud is the most popular. Some of the statues are set up at the lobby. Free photo op for all. Horror Museums can also be experienced if that is your thing.

Universal Studios: The Amusement park complex is a bit of a walk up from the metro train station, but there’s a free shuttle bus that can take you to the front of the park. Free Photo outside and the mall side of USH is open to all.

The original Jacket used by Uma Thurman for Kill Bill movie, the original Captain America shield are on display at USH mall, among other memorabilia.

Griffith Observatory: Free activity din. Griffith Observatory is southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Visitors may look through telescopes (for Free), explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Griffith is situated up the hill, but there are DASH buses from the Vermont/Sunset metro station for only 35 cents.

Got to see a closer look the moon and planet Jupiter with this power telescope, for free!

Architecture Appreciation: A stroll around downtown LA is a feast for the eyes of lovers of architecture. I visited Disney Concert Hall, the Broad Modern Art Museum, among others. The best spot for modern LA is around the Grand Metro Station.

Santa Monica State Beach: The public beach famous for the Baywatch Series. This beach can easily be reached via the Metro Station with the Tap Card. Aside from the beach view, there’s also the iconic Santa Monica Pier with its own amusement park, equipped with the world’s only solar-powered Ferris Wheel and a roller coaster.

As I observed, Food choices and hostel stay are relatively cheaper in LA than in NYC. Based on my trip preparations din, plane tickets to the US from Ph are the cheapest when LA is the chosen point of entry. Gusto ko sa LA. I am definitely going back.

As for the US Visa details, to follow na lang! ems.

BAMBOO BOOTCAMP BLOG

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Sharing random photos and memories from my short/crash course with Bamboo Bootcamp. Bamboo Bootcamp is a 10-days immersive workshop, exploring specific areas of interest in bamboo such as Propagation, Carpentry, Treatment, Design and Build. The bootcamp starts with lectures and discussions presented by various speakers in the field of bamboo farming, to usage of the material, as well as environmental impacts of this industry. On most days, we did hands-on works such as general construction, weaving (we made kalakat), as well as furniture design, which was my favourite part of the experience. The organizers are based in Davao City, but the workshop venue shall be set up at varying provinces in the Philippines, depending on the schedule and season. My batch was hosted at Bukidnon.

The bootcamp enrollment package is all inclusive; workshop, materials, tools (since we did our own carpentry works), food and lodging for 10 days + 1 rest day. On our rest day, we toured around private farms in the area that cultivates other agri-products like coffee and adlai/barley grain. I had a pretty good time during my stay, as the venue was set at a farmhouse surrounded by bamboo plantation, as well as fruits. Aside form the learning opportunity, I took this experience as a retreat, sort of a rest and time away from the hectic work schedule. Food was great, by the way. With buffet 3x daily, the extra kilograms cannot be denied. Course is open to anyone who is interested with the bamboo crafting. Design/construction background is not required, but is an advantage. Get in touch with Bamboo Bootcamp organization for schedules. Click Link here.

EL Salvador Blog

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“Parang Pinas lang,tih!” Yan gyud una ko naisip nung naglakad2x na ako around San Salvador City.

In a good way though, kase saktong kaulion napud ko ato na time. Running 30 days na ako sa travel, I needed something familiar and San Salvador gave me that. First thing, parang Pinas lang ilang main road. Parang Davao. Parang San Pedro Street to be precise, with Palengke sa dulo and Church naman sa kabila, with road repairs din, Ukay2x stores and BBQ kiosks everywhere. Tas yung mga sound system na stores, naga loop play ng Blackpink playlist. Oh di ba?

Here below features a karinderia-like set up along the street. oh diba parang Pinas lang? katulogon pa si Anteh.

Many of the food choices are also quite familiar, with obvious Hispanic influence. Madaming dishes na masarsa at ginisa. Afritada is a common thing, as well as chorizo. Compared sa Mexico na mas common ang tacos at corn tamales at bread/tortilla, mas ramdam ko ang rice supremacy dito sa Central America.

Never ako nagutom sa San Salvador (in fact, sa buong Latin America naman). Food is affordable.

They also have Leche Flan. lol

San Salvador also uses a Jeepney-like vehicle as mode of transportation. They call it chicken bus. If this is not your thing of transport, Uber app naman is reliable sa El Salvador.

More views around San Salvador, the Capital City of El Salvador.

The main cathedral of San Salvador City, opposite the National Palace and public park.

During my visit, San Salvador was busy doing retrofits and beautification of their colonial district, in preparation for the Miss Universe Pageant. This was from November 2023, during Michelle Dee’s time.

I didn’t get to see the girls though. Pero ramdam ko ang Miss Universe fever. The El Salvadoreans are soo into it.

Here’s something fun and new (at least para sa akin). They sell purified water on plastic pouches. Complete with brand and all. Plastic was quite tough to tear. More environmental? You tell me.

I’ve also noticed the adoration of El Salvadorean to their current President/First Family. Dun lang ako nakakita ng ref magnets with the face of President Nayib Bukele. Perhaps we can make something like this for BBM as well?

Pasalubong purchases. Dito ako sa San Salvador Namili ng most of the food that I can take back home. Mura Sa El Salvador. Presyong Pinas, in my opinion. They use USD as Currency so no need to exchange na din. I bought nuts, as well as lots of Tablea (Hot Choco). 1 Dollar lang eh.

I stayed in San Salvador for 3 nights. It was my last latin city stop before I headed back to the US. Supposedly may Guatemala pa, which is only 4 hours from San Salvador by bus. Kaso the time I went, nagkaroon ng people power o civil war of some sort. As advised by some friends, kinancel ko na ang Guatemala leg of the trip, and spent more days na lang in Los Angeles, which is up next.

Nagka-LBM ako sa Nicaragua

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If there’s one core memory I got from my quick stay in Managua, was that nag-tae2x ako dun. Read on.

In all honesty, there’s nothing much to see in Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua. As other travelers mentioned, the vibe of Nicaragua is found not in the city, but with the small colonial towns located along the beach/coast, to which are not part of my itinerary. I merely passed by Nicaragua on my way to El Salvador where I took my flight back to the United States.

Pansin ko lang din sa Managua ha, wala silang Government-run Tourist Center where I can buy souvenirs. Managua is the only capital city where I had difficulty finding a quality moulded/3d fridge magnet (I collect this, btw). I walked around and happen to pass by the city’s tourism office, gi-tanong ko tlga. They said that there is none, and only offered me some local delicacies and a printed souvenir. So I settled for that nalang.

To give a picture, Managua is like Davao City. Ganun. Actually sa tingin ko mas progressive and mas busy pa ang Davao. Though Managua, as the nation’s capital city, maayos at maalaga sila sa palace nila, where the government seat resides. Maganda, malinis at malawak ang roads at landscaping. Though compared to it’s neighboring countries, Managua has very little preserved colonial/historic areas to offer.

Anyways, share ko some memories and snapshots I took during my stay in Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua.

The National Palace of Nicaragua

Some cool installations at the park facing Lake Xolotlán, walking distance from the National Palace

The contemporary-designed Metropolitan Cathedral of Managua. Notice the ceiling composed of multiple domes na oculus/skylight hole sa kada gitna. It’s how the lit up the interior of the Cathedral during daytime, kaya maaliwalas. From the outside, it looks like dozens of white siopao.

It was the first time I had pulled pork bbq sandwich from Mcdonald’s in Nicaragua. We rarely get pork menu from Mcdonald’s, so this meal is quite an experience for me. The cheesecake is also a bomb!

fun fact, whenever I travel to a foreign land, I always make a point to visit a Mcdonald’s branch and check the entries in their menu that are inspired by local flavours. I already have a handful of interesting meals from different countries, I should blog about this soon.

Here are some other cute menus that I found from random restaurants while walking. Interestingly, they call pansit/noodle dish as Chop Suey. talking about language barrier. lol

Accommodation for backpackers are quite limited in Managua. I stayed at Sam’s Travel (located at the second floor of a travel agency). It’s the only place I found that is relatively near TICA bus terminal, where I took my onward bus to Honduras. The hostel do not accept card payment and were also quite skeptic with the cash I used to pay. Kalat daw kasi fake bills dun. So, this is also something to check on. Though ako, sa land border crossing na ako nagpapalit ng local bill before I entered Nicaragua. along the road lang na tao offering exchange. Quite shady to be honest, but I still took the risk.

Sabi sa akin mataas daw crime rate sa Nicaragua. However, Ok naman stay ko dun. I felt safe walking around, kahit gabi. Though I observed na wala masyadong police presence. As for transportation, Wala pang Uber dun when I visited. I used InDrive App. cashless payment din.

Lastly, memorable sa akin ang Tica Bus terminal ng Managua, dahil inatake ako ng LBM dun. To add to the inconvenience, WALANG DOOR INSTALLED sa toilet partition ng terminal like WTF. However, di ko na kinaya ang sakit ng tiyan so deadma na sa ganap. Tumae ako in an open cubicle while other men came in and out. Good thing they did not mind my situation, except for that kid, may batang lalake na around 7 years old na pabalik2x and giving malicious glance like jusko di siguro sanay makakita ng Asian Dude, moreso, tumatae pa in public. Oh well. One for the books! Backpackers tayo eh.

Interested sa Border Crossing details in Central America? — check out this link.

Highlights of Zhangjiajie  (China)

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Some months ago, me and my  travel buddies packed our luggages for a quick 4-days getaway to Zhangjiajie City, in Hunan Province of Central China. This trip was like out of the blue. ‘Nagkayayaan lang sa groupchat’, so to speak. Jhov found an affordable pre-arranged tour to Zhangjiajie for only 599 USD, inclusive of airfare,tours*, hotel and full board meals. We only had around 45 days prior to departure. Pero ok lang kase packaged travel na ito. Pack and go na. The agency also facilitated our Chinese Visa. Will be sharing the agency details at the end. But before that, here are some info’s and  highlights of the trip.

My first to fly with Royal Air (Chinese Airline). There were only around 25 pax sa flight

First stop, the Glass Bridge. A bit foggy when we went.

Zhangjiajie has the longest Glass Bridge with the highest altitude in the world. The sky glass bridge is constructed between two peaks, spanning the entire Grand Canyon. It was composed by steel structure and glass. This well designed Glass Bridge is 430 meters in length with the main part of the bridge to be 375 meters.

Featuring Ate Jhov

On our day 2, we went to the Avatar Mountain Nature Reserve, which was the highlight of this  packaged tour.  The park’s unique landscape inspired the floating “Hallelujah Mountains” in James Cameron’s movie Avatar.

Syempre madami ako selfie. Blog ko to eh. Bakit ba?! Ems.

Day 3, Tianmen Mountain. Famous for the keyhole (as part of a cave on top of the mountain), which can clearly be seen from afar. Kahit from the airport pa lang upon landing.
Also known as Heaven’s Gate, this rock formation  is a natural wonder and a symbol of a passage to the heavens.
The place  has cultural significance in Chinese history and folklore.

Tianmen Mountain for me is the highlight of the trip. Bata pa lang ako, nakikita ko na ito sa Chinese movies we watched at home. Betamax pa panahon na yun ba! And yung moment na kaharap ko na yung mountain in actual, grabe, surreal.

The way to go up Tianmen Mountain is by  Cable car, which is  claimed by  tourist publications as the “longest passenger cableway of high mountains in the world”, with a total length of 7,455m and ascent of 1,279m. The highest gradient is 37 degrees.

Zhangjiajie City itself is also very charming and laid back. Maliit na city lang ito, with just over a million residents. The  industry is fueled  mainly by  tourism. Gustong gusto ko ang city na ito on both day and night.

72 Strange Buildings, or 72 Wonder Towers in Zhangjiajie is the Guinness World’s Highest Stilted Building at a height of 109.9m.
Street market finds

Overall, the trip to Zhangjiajie was very pleasant. Magaganda din ang hotels that was pre-arranged for us. 4 stars rating.

Pero yun best part ng trip para sakin was the FOOD. Promise, sa food, we never felt tinipid. To think affordable ang tour na ito ha  compared sa ibang packages. Oh heto some of the meals that we enjoyed. Di ko na matandaan pangalan ng each, basta authentic Central China dishes. Walang lumpia at pansit guisado dun. At madami gulay, which I like.

This tour to Zhangjiajie was arranged for us by Uno Turismo Travel Agency, which is based in Quezon City. Go find them on Facebook.

Shout out ko na din si Natalie, who is also from Davao. bigla kami nag kita sa isang restaurant dun sa Zhangjiajie.  Grabe ka random maka-bump on old friends during a trip overseas.  😅

As me if I want to join again this pre-arranged tour to Zhangjiajie? DEFINITELY. Pagkain pa lang sulit na. Tara sa Autumn 2025? 🇨🇳♥️  

Sapporo In My Mind

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Reminiscing my adventurous travel days in Sapporo (2018). 
✔️first  snowfall  experience
✔️temp. as low as -7 °.

My wanderlust soul is screaming to see Sapporo again this year. Hit me up if you wanna tag along.

Cebu Pacific Air NOW flies direct from Manila to Sapporo, thrice weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).🇯🇵⛩️🏯🗼

CEB’s Manila to Sapporo route is the airline’s longest narrow-body flight, operated by the 186-seat Airbus A320neo.

Manila-Sapporo takes 5 hours and 10 minutes, while the return is slightly longer at 5 hours and 55 minutes due to strong headwinds heading south.

𝐃𝐁𝐒 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 2024

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Here are some snapshots from our recently concluded Davao Bloggers Christmas gathering.

A big thanks to the organization’s partners – Cebu Pacific Air, Foodpanda Ph, Nustar Resort, PLDT Home, Starbucks, Metrobank, Barracks Barbers, Glow Authority and other guest brands for making this event memorable.

Most especially, warmest thanks to our lovely officers, headed by Pres. Gem Tadefa, for everything!

Here’s to more memories and celebrations together.

DBS members showcasing their unique take on modern Filipiniana fashion.
This year’s party is extra special, as I celebrate my 10th year with the Davao Bloggers Society.
With the DBS officers 2024
The traditional group photo.

Cheers! And to more Christmas memories with you. 😘

Milestones of 2024

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2024 has blessed me so many reasons to be thankful.

First of, my professional accomplishments. In 2024, I was able to fully bounce back at work in the field of Architecture, overcoming the minor downtime I experienced during pandemic years. Truly, God provides those who perseveres.

Next of, this fruitful year has rewarded me with two major milestones as a travel enthusiast. 2024 started with a good news, as my application to join the Circumnavigators Club has been duly accepted. The Circumnavigators Club is an international organization of travelers, founded 1902, with the headquarters based in New York City, USA. With the acceptance, I was among the applicants who were featured in The Log Magazine, Issue One of 2024. As of now, there are still certain steps for me to accomplish, to fully become an official member, hopefully before summer of 2025.

To be considered, one must have circumnavigated the globe, crossing every meridian of longitude in the same direction. I was able to achieve this during my month-long backpacking journey to the Americas last year. The Route: Manila > westwards to Riyadh,Saudi Arabia > New York,USA (East Coast) > Toronto,Canada > Cancun, Mexico > Cuzco,Peru > Rio de Janeiro,Brazil > Bogota,Colombia > Costa Rica > Nicaragua > Honduras > El Salvador > Los Angeles,USA (West Coast) > Singapore > return to Manila.

And to cap off this blessed year, my blog, Biyahe ni Josemanuel, has been recognized during the recent Davao Blog Awards 2024, as the Cebu Pacific Davao Blogger of the Year. Truly, this recognition is the cherry on top of my year and I am over the moon for this honor.

I started blogging the year 2013, sharing personal travel memories and experiences, as well as other defining moments in life that I consider milestones. Though with flaws and all, my blog has survived the years and remained steadfast along with my mother blog org, the Davao Bloggers Society (DBS). Today, we celebrate the 11th year of Biyahe ni Josemanuel, as well as my 10th-year membership with the DBS.

To the DBS organization, thank you so much for the recognition, and most especially, for keeping me under your wings since 2014. To all the sponsors of our DBS org, we are truly grateful for the support. And to enthusiasts and bloggers\vloggers I follow, who keep pushing boundaries in travel, thank you for the inspiration.

Cheers! To to more travel kwentos with you. 🩵🧡

Body Wash Obsession

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Low key loving these new shower products from Dr. Coco. The body wash smells so fresh, and long-lasting. Suits me well, since I have always preferred using body wash over traditional soap.

Product benefits:
👉Packed with CocoMCT (a key ingredient from coconuts that carries all the benefits of coconut oil)
👉Kills 99.99% of bacteria and germs up to 4 hours
👉Hydrates and maintains skin moisture

Available at any Robinsons supermarket nationwide.

Continue reading “Body Wash Obsession” →

Celebrating Floral Life and Love:昙花一现

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Our Tan Hua flower once again gave us blooms this year. We never really took care of it, yet it gave us blooms, 2 years in a row na. If you are familiar with Asian myths, you will also acknowledge the value of this flower. Tan hua is appreciated for it’s beauty, rarety and fragrance. As fragile as it is, Tan Hua only blooms at night, stays up for a few hours, and wilts before dawn.

Metaphorically, this flower represents things that are short-lived or a flash in the pan, which is why it should be cherished and celebrated while it lasts, just like life and love. The Chinese proverb tan hua yi xian (昙花一现) describes it in this way.

Tan Hua flower has always been celebrated in Buddhism belief.
In China and in India, watching the flower bloom is considered a sacred experience that brings luck and prosperity to the family.

The tan hua flower was featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians, based on the book by Kevin Kwan.

IAM WORLDWIDE ANNOUNCES JI CHANG-WOOK AS ITS NEWEST AMBASSADOR

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IAM Worldwide, a Filipino-owned brand known for its portfolio of everyday health products and supplements, announces the appointment of South Korean actor Ji Chang-wook as their newest international ambassador.

The handsome star is known for his breakthrough roles in popular Korean Dramas such as “Empress Ki” (2013), “Healer” (2014), “The K2” (2016), “The Sound of Magic” (2022), “The Worst of Evil” (2023) and “Welcome to Samdal-ri” (2024).

Next up, he is set to star in the series “Gangnam B-Side” as an outlaw who will put himself in the list of suspects involving a case of mysterious disappearances. The drama airs November 6, 2024 on Disney+.

“Ji Chang-wook is a dream come true for IAM Worldwide,” says co-founder and President Allen Marvin Yu Eder. “In line with our company’s objectives to enrich the lives of our customers and wholesalers by bringing them world-class quality products and offerings, we are very pleased to announce that Ji Chang-wook has joined the IAM Worldwide family as a brand endorser.”

“We are very thankful to Ji Chang-wook for choosing IAM Worldwide as his preferred health and wellness partner in the Philippines,” adds Aika Lorraine Uy, co-founder and Vice President. “His mark of approval recognizes our efforts and gives us confidence in continuing our commitment to better the lives of those we serve. Gamsahamnida!”

Meanwhile, General Manager Joanna Mañego has this to say: “As an avid fan of Ji Chang-wook, having my all-time favorite K-Actor is truly an honor for us. We cannot wait to welcome him back to the Philippines. Mabuhay ka, Oppa!”

IAM Worldwide is known for its “Amazing” line of Organic Barley Drink and Choco Barley, Acai Berry Extract with Collagen, Grape Juice with Garcinia Cambogia, and health supplements such as Immunergy. Products can be purchased through its authorized network of direct distributors not just in the Philippines but also overseas.  

Ji Chang-wook is the recipient of multiple acting trophies including Best Actor in the 2019 Asia Artist Awards for his role in “Melting Me Softly” and the Next Generation Award during the 2023 ASIAN Film Awards.

Following his announcement, fans of the star are already anticipating Ji’s return to the Philippines and to grace another event organized by the popular health and wellness brand.

IMAGE CREDITS. IAM Worldwide / Spring Company (Korea) / PUBLICITYASIA

Foodie Moments in Latin America

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As a certified foodie, sampling on local dishes is something I look forward on every trip. Here are Five hefty and memorable local meals I had from my recent trip to Central and South America. All cheap and casual.

Carne Mechada Casado (Costa Rica)

    Casado is a traditional complete meal in Central America, consisting of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, a tortilla, and a protein. I had this at a food court inside public market in San Jose. Their public market is probably the cleanest, most well-maintained public market in any third world country.

    Bandeja Piasa (Bogota,Colombia)

    I had this hefty plate of Bandeja Paisa, so i can try various dishes in one seating. Bandeja Paisa is a traditional Colombian dish that contains beans, rice, arepa, traditioinal chorizo, plantain, chicharrón, avocado and marinated ground beef (like arroz cubana). I’ve noticed that Latins serve avocado as a side without any sweeteners; in contrast to us who only appreciates the fruit when it’s mixed with something sweet and creamy.

    Trusca Frita (Ollantaytambo,Peru)

    One of my fave set meals in Peru. trusca\trout is a local\Peruvian freshwater fish. Taste is very comparable to our local bangus, except that trout isn’t as boney. Speaking of fish, Peruvians are also popular with their Ceviche (raw fish salad), but for this trip, I had to pass on it. I avoid raw fish dishes whenever I can.

    Trusca is usually served with Quinoa Sopas. Originating from the Andes Regions of Latin America, quinoa is a common and cheap carb consumed in Peru. Meanwhile, quinoa is quite expensive here in Ph.

    Peruvian Chicken BBQ (Cuzco,Peru)

    The Butterflied chicken, marinated with vinegar and spice rub, slow-cooked on the grill and served on a bed of brown rice and Salsa. Not in photo, but this is served with traditional Aji Verde or the spicy green sauce.

    Street Tacos (Cancun, Mexico)

    Taco is probably one of Mexico’s greatest contribution to the world. I had great tacos from random vendors, di ko na na-document lahat. Mahal dito sa Pinas pero street food lang talaga ito sa Mexico. Saya!

    The Different Types of Tamale in Latin America. Tamales have a long history in Latin America, dating back to ancient civilizations and playing a central role in culture and religion. Tamales were originally created as a packed meal for hunters, warriors, and travelers. They were also considered sacred and were offered to the gods in rituals and feasts.  Tamale is Latin America’s answer to our very own Pastil of Mindanao.

    Tamale of Colombia. I’ve had different types of Tamale during my travel, but Bogota gave me the best one. It’s packed with fragrant yellow rice and corn combination, carrot slices and chunks of braised pork rib and chicken, plus complimentary bread and coffee. Mura lang ito, around 100 pesos if converted.

    Tamale from Yucatan, Mexico. Yucatecan tamales can be prepared baked, steamed, or even buried, and are wrapped with different leaves, such as banana, almond, and holly leaf (hoja santa). Unlike Colombia’s rice-based pack, the Mexican tamales use corn dough as carbohydrates, then filled with pork or chicken, egg, ground pumpkin seed, chaya, or xpelón, which is a type of bean from the region.

    Sweet Corn Tamale, Cuzco, Peru. I also tried tamale at its simplest form. This steamed pack is just filled with corn dough and sweet corn bits, wrapped with corn husk.

    Kwentong Border Crossings – Central America

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    As backpackers, we like to tick as many countries as we can off our travel bucket list. Personally, gusto ko ng land travel kasi it’s cheaper, and I get to see more and eat more sa mga stops. Though crossing land border between countries is quite a challenge and scary compared sa airport set ups, I still wanna do it anyways. Ibang level of excitement, tbh.

    This was my route: Costa Rica – Nicaragua – Honduras – El Salvador for 8 days. Supposedly kasali pa Guatemala, which should have been my last stop. But that time, major political rallies happened, that resulted to border lockdowns, as it was unsafe. I was forced to cancel my ticket from Guatemala to Los Angeles,USA, and instead booked a last minute flight from San Salvador,El Salvador. Around 25% of my unused ticket was refunded by Avianca Airlines.

    Things to research on and prepare before travelling around Central America by land:

    • Visa Requirement
    • Travel between countries by land with Tica Bus Company
    • Land Border Crossing scenario with lots of small dollar payments and LANGUAGE BARRIER GALORE

    Visa Requirement:

    As far as I know, Philippine passport holders can enter Central America Visa-free only in Costa Rica. However, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico MAY allow Filipinos to enter their territory without a pre-approved travel visa, provided, you have a VALID and CURRENT US/American Tourist Visa. Though this policy may change, check updates nalang. During the time I travelled, my valid US Visa gave my weak Ph passport some added power, so to speak, in the Latins.

    Upon my arrival in Costa Rica (by plane), not a single question from the immigration. Go lang ako ng go. Sabi ko nga on my previous post, PARANG PINAS LANG ANG COSTA RICA. The succeeding crossings however, ibang kwento na.

    Travel between CA countries by land with Tica Bus Company:

    Tica Bus is our Friend.

    During my travel, I visited 4 Central American Countries. If i had the luxury of time, I would have visited more. I could have started my journey in Panama, then travelled by bus to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, then proceeded to Guatemala, Belize and Mexico. These united Central American Countries are well connected by Tica Bus Company.

    Added tip, I did a lot of readings and tanong-tanong on Tica Bus, to the point na I opted to choose a hostel that is relatively near the Tica Bus Terminal. FYI, iba ang Tica Bus terminal sa public bus terminals. Tica Bus, i feel is more oriented towards serving tourist.

    Yes, possible na today to Reserve Tica Bus ticket online on this link. Just change the language to English sa top right corner. Website is pretty straight forward. Paid by card and reservation vouchers and receipt were emailed to me. The terminal locations are also given sa website.

    Border Crossing Costa Rica to Nicaragua:

    I took the 7:30 am bus from San Jose, Costa Rica to Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. Arrived in Managua at around 7pm na din. The border crossing came out OK. Though it required some few minutes of walking between border controls, thank God it did not rain. Bus fare: 33 USD

    I paid an Exit fee of i think 7 USD at the Costa Rican Exit border control. Yes, may ganun. Kahit Visa Free supposedly for Filipinos, plot twist, may exit fee pala!

    At the Nicaraguan entry-border control, I showed my Philippine Passport with Valid US Visa, so I was asked to line at a different booth. My passport was passed on by several officers. After a few minutes, I got it back. I paid a mandatory 10 USD for Tourist Card, which serves as my entry ticket to CA-4 countries (Nicaragua,Honduras,El Salvador and Guatemala). If I did not have a Valid US Visa, i will not be allowed to do such privilege, and would have to go through the embassies of each countries prior to my arrival. On top of this, I also paid 1 or 2 USD for whatever fees nun. Language was also challenging at the Nicaraguan border, though the driver of Tica bus assisted us on this.

    BTW, At the border, there were freelance folks that offer change in money/currency. Though it is not advised but I changed 50 USD to Nicaraguan Cordoba. Money was authentic. I did not encounter any problem using it. Managua landmarks on photos below.

    Border Crossing Managua to Honduras then to El Salvador:

    From Managua, i took the 2 AM Tica Bus to San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. Bus Fare: 63 USD. This took around 14 hours travel. I remember arriving at San Salvador pass 4 pm. The Bus route passes through Honduran Territory, as such, may border crossing moment ulit. This was actually the most difficult for me, among the land border crossings I did during the trip. Super Shady ng perimeter ng building nila. The Honduran officers never exerted any effort to speak English while talking to me. NGANGA moments. At the Honduran entry-border control, I was passed on by different officers. Most of them speak loudly, borderline shouting. I also paid a few dollars at the office, I remember paying 1 USD just to enter the border control building. Plus I think 2 USD more for Municipal Fee. As advised, BRING A LOT OF SMALL US DOLLAR BILLS when crossing borders of third world nations. We just passed through Honduras. Nag lunch lang ako dun. Di ko na nga maalala kung may mga exit fees pa nun; likely minimal though.

    At the El Salvador entry border control, things went pretty straight forward na. All officers spoke English well. My passport took some time though. As the only Asian in the bus, I was asked to go to a different office. Again, my Valid US Visa was reviewed. The officer did a quick explanation though, which is nice. I paid not more than 10 USD to enter. I forgot what that was for. They provided receipt and ticket. At the El Salvadorean territory, you will definitely see and feel the upgrade on infrastructure. US dollar is also used as the national currency of El Salvador. Sobrang convenient nung arrival ko, as the San Benito Terminal of Tica Bus is just at the front of my Hostel.

    Photo below is the room I was brought for some payments and waiting time. All other passengers (Local, American and Europeans) waited for me at the bus for almost 30 minutes.

    My Central American travel ended in El Salvador. If not for the political rallies, I would have proceeded my land trip to Guatemala, which should have been the highlight of all these. I’ve always wanted to visit Guatemala City and Antigua. Oh well, in God’s time.

    All in all, ok naman border crossings ko. Very few reference lang available for Land Border Crossing in Central America, especially for Ph passport holders. Big thanks to Escape Manila for all the tips, since he also did the same route, before me.

    Will upload more for each CA cities I’ve visited, plus the hostel where I stayed. For now, dito muna. 🙂