Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Traveling around Philippines on a shoestring budget

Traveling around Philippines on a shoestring budget

You love to travel, your budget is tight, will it stop you to go on and see the best places this country has to offer??

Life & Style section of rappler.com just published a nice article about traveling without spending much. There are tips how to save some penny on your trips and how to enjoy vacation spending less. There are also some suggestions or ideas where to go in our 7,100 island country. Best places you've probably never been and may wanted (badly) to try to see and experience this summer vacation.

Including this picturesque (never thought we have) that I wanted to discover myself.

Tapiya Falls in Batad, Banaue

Sunday, March 4, 2012

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING WHEN TRAVELING WITH YOUR TODDLER


All the stuff you carried whenever you went out when your child was still an infant would be doubled or tripled this time. These means the amount of toys, clothes, gear and snacks you will need to bring to make your toddler comfortable and keep him entertained as well.

Below are the things you will need while on the road, and how to easily and efficiently pack them.

  • Diapers (very essential, thus bring some extra for emergencies or delays)
  • Baby Wipes
  • Diaper changing pad (either disposable or reusable for a quick diaper change)
  • Blanket/s (bring some for comfort and warmth)
  • Plastic Bags (carry different sizes for storing used diapers, clothes and garbage)
  • Toiletries and Hand Sanitizers
  • Tissues
  • Toys and Books (something that will keep him calm and entertained, make sure they are small and easy to carry)
  • Clothes, socks and shoes (warm and easy-to-wear clothes)
  • Bathing suit or swim wear (just be prepared)
  • Bibs (bring extra and should be washable)
  • Sunscreens and Sun hat (for heat and allergy protection)
  • Drinking Cups or Plastic bottle (make sure he drinks plenty of water aside to his milk to avoid dehydration)
  • Plastic feeding set (his own plastic plate, spoon and fork)
  • Portable high-chair or fold-able chairs (for feeding and rest)
  • Flashlight
  • Snack food (include his favorite snack)
  •  First aid kit (pain reliever and other supplies for treating minor injuries)
  • Insect repellant lotion or small mosquito net
  • Laundry soap (for washing clothes and bibs en route)
  • Car seat (if you’ll drive your own car)
  • Collapsible stroller (in case he get’s tired) 






How to pack?

- Prepare things and pack them days before your travel. Keep a checklist and post them at the dresser or a table so you could monitor what you already have and what else to bring. 

- Separate the baby’s stuff and clothes by using a diaper bag  and place it near you so you can easily find them.

- Bring your own extra like shirts and towels - just in case.

- Use reseal-able plastic for first aid kits and toiletries to avoid leaks.

- Have your own pocketbook or portable gadgets that you can use at night or when the child is napping. 

- Don’t’ forget your camera or a handycam (and it’s battery charger).

Thursday, March 1, 2012

How to Approach Stranger In Their Own Language/Dialect.

If you're wandering in a new place, enjoying your road trip or your vacays chances are you can never be completely spontaneous and will eventually find some answers about where, what and how. 

If you don't know which direction to take in an intersection or which one tastes better, red or green... remember that it's not illegal to ask a question. 

There are different ways to approach somebody and kindly say "Good Day. May I ask something?" 

-in our native tongue.
 
Tagalog:                  "Magandang Araw. Pwede (ho/po) bang magtanong?"


Ilocano:                   "Naimbag nga aldaw. Mabalinti Agdamag?"


Cebuano/Visaya:     "Maayong Adlaw. Pwede bang mangutana?"
                                "Maajong Adlaw. Mahimo bang mangutana?"


Bicol:                      "Marhay na aldaw. Pweding Manghaput?"


Ilonggo:                   "Maayong adlaw. Pwedi mamangkot/kapamangkot?"

Pangasinense:        "Masantos ya agew. Sarag toy mantepet?"

Ibanag:                   "Makasta nga aggaw. Wayya na mangiyevu? 

Kapampangan:         "Mayap a aldo. Pwede ku mangutang?"





- in an aliens tongue for "Good Morning, May I ask something?"


French:                    "Bonjour, peux-je demander à quelque chose?"

Italian:                     "Buon giorno, potrei chiedere qualcosa"

Spanish:                 "Buen día, me permito preguntar algo?"

Russian:                  "Dobroe utro, mogu li ya sprositʹ chto-nibudʹ?"

German:                  "Guten morgen, darf ich etwas fragen?

Thai:                       "S̄wạs̄dī txn chêā,s̄āmārt̄h c̄hạn t̄hām xarị bāng xỳāng h̄rụ̄x mị̀?"

Korean:                   "annyeonghaseyo, nan mul-eobolyeogo..."

Japanese:                "Ohayōgozaimasu, anata ni nanika o tazunete mo yoidesu ka?"

Chinese:                  "Zǎochen hǎo, wǒ kěyǐ yāoqiú mǒu shì?"




Reference: Google Translate, Yahoo! Babel Fish and Free Translation.