Chema's by the Sea | Travel Blog Ep 5 🇵🇭

Date: July 19, 2024

We started the day at our Airbnb, waiting for our VIP car to pick us up. 

The plan was to head straight to McDonald's, but first, Kimchi bought me some boat-sickness medicine at a small shop beside McDonald's. We decided to stay at McDonald's for a bit, filling up with pancakes and burger meat (the kind with syrup on top – sounds strange but tasted great!).

After eating, we took a walk to our next stop. On the way, I spotted three interesting trees: one was flat and unusual, another was a huge mango tree, and the third was a cute, small tree.

Eventually, we reached a place where we had to sign our names before boarding the boat.

I expected to ride one of those traditional big Filipino boats, 

While walking, I came across a seller, but I didn’t have my money ready since it was all in my wet bag, packed for the boat trip and not for shopping. I was also in a hurry to catch the boat, so I had no time for shopping.

To my surprise, instead of the traditional old boat, we boarded a speedboat that was docked right next to it. It was my first time riding a speedboat, and it was pretty cool!

After a quick ride, we arrived at Chema's by the Sea. 

When we arrived at Chema's by the Sea, a staff member welcomed me, saying, "Welcome to the vlog!" I met some really friendly staff, and we quickly found our seats at the resort. We realized we were almost the only people there since it's a private resort, meaning only a limited number of guests can be there at once.

We sat down to take in the view when I noticed a big banana spider hanging nearby. It looked cool, but I wasn’t sure if it was poisonous, so I kept my distance!

I walked alone to the bar, and as a person with agoraphobia, I felt less nervous going there alone with my camera. I asked for a mocktail, but they didn’t have one, so I grabbed a Coke Zero. A staff member opened it for me and exclaimed, "AHH!" I replied, "Always Coca-Cola," referencing the ad, and we all laughed it created such good vibes!

I walked back to my seat with my Coke Zero, enjoying the nice view as I sipped my soda.

After that, I walked with Kimchi to look for the pool area, and we met a nice lady who was cleaning. We asked her where the pool was, and she pointed, saying, "Up that way." While we were talking to her, I noticed a cool Buddha sculpture that had the same nose as me!

and even some chickens wandering nearby.

When I got to the pool, I saw a very cool artwork of Buda. If you look closely, you can see mist in the background that resembles a scary demon. It reminded me of Episode 2 when I was in Devil City, where it was very misty. I started to think that the mist might represent demons, hmm? But that's just my theory; I don’t really know the story yet because I can't find anyone who knows the history behind Buda.

I quickly realized it was too cold for me to enjoy, so I just sat there freezing while Kimchi had fun in the water.

 After a while, we decided to head down to the beach, which was much warmer. Unlike the others who wanted to stay by the pool, I was perfectly content hanging out on the warm beach.

After that, I went up to explore and filmed some more chickens along with a Buda sculpture.

Then I walked back to the beach. As I sat there, I noticed that my glasses were making everything look cold and dull. When I took them off, the colors around me felt so much warmer, quite the revelation!

When it was time to eat, we enjoyed a variety of different foods.

before Kimchi went back to the pool to play while I sat there freezing again (haha).

It was time to pack up and get ready to board the speedboat again.

Then it was back to Davao City, where Episode 6 will continue.

Watch the Video of Ep. 5

See you in the next episode of the Davao series!

Culinary and Artistic Gems of Sarpsborg, Norway

Experience the Art and Flavor of Sarpsborg!

If you find yourself in Sarpsborg, Norway, you absolutely cannot miss out on the head sculpture in Sarpsborg, known as "Hode." This striking contemporary piece by artist Per Ung features a large, abstract human head that symbolizes the connection between humanity and nature. Its smooth surfaces and unique design invite contemplation, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. A must-see when exploring Sarpsborg!

While you're in the area, be sure to check out the playful monkey sculpture, "Healthseeker II," by local artist Petter Hepsø. This whimsical piece adds a touch of fun to the surroundings and encourages dialogue about health and wellness.

Weltschmerz - Sarpsborg: This poignant sculpture captures the essence of melancholy and reflection, portraying a dog in a thoughtful pose. It adds a unique touch to the artistic landscape of Sarpsborg, inviting viewers to contemplate its deeper meanings. A must-see for art enthusiasts!

After taking in the art, head over to Stay Premium Burger! This spot is a true delight for burger lovers. From the moment I walked in, the staff welcomed me with genuine warmth and professionalism, instantly making me feel at home.

Now, let’s talk about the burger it was simply one of the best I’ve ever tasted! Juicy, perfectly seasoned, and bursting with flavor, every bite was pure bliss. The onion rings and bacon potato fries were just as impressive, perfectly complementing the meal.

The ambiance of the restaurant is modern and clean, creating a super inviting atmosphere that makes you want to linger. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Stay Premium Burger is the place to be for a fantastic dining experience!

Bukidnon: Cowboy and Tribal Locations | Travel Blog Ep 4 🇵🇭

Date: July 18, 2024

Exploring Bukidnon: A Journey Through Mountains, Ranches, and Local Delights

After gifting the jungle family in Ep 3, our journey continued to Balai Dahilayan to explore the stunning region of Bukidnon. The day was filled with scenic views, funny moments, and memorable stops along the way.

Sharing Norwegian Candy with Kuya

To kick off our adventure, I introduced Kuya, our driver, to some Norwegian candy I had brought from home. This particular candy was half berry, half licorice, and coated with a sour layer.

Kuya’s reaction was priceless—his face showed complete shock! But after the sour taste faded, the candy turned sweet, and he ended up enjoying it. 

Kimchi also gave it a try, but I suspect she wasn’t a fan and might have discreetly spit it out while pretending to finish it! A hilarious moment for sure.

Revisiting Atugan Bridge and Tribal Sculptures

Our next stop was a revisit of Atugan Bridge, which we previously featured in Ep 2. To give you a better view, I zoomed in on the bridge through my video editing software, so you can appreciate the details.

We then arrived at the Impasugong Tourism Center, where we were greeted by impressive tribal sculptures, capturing the essence of the local culture. One of the sculptures even depicted a man riding a buffalo or a cow (I wasn't entirely sure which one), adding to the authentic feel of the place. The artistry and craftsmanship in these statues were truly amazing.

A quick stop at 7-Eleven for drinks and ice cream for the crew

Next we headed to Lovers Lane Impasug-ong, where we were treated to more breathtaking mountain views. 

Driving further, we crossed the Atugan Bridge once again and made our way up the hills toward Communal Ranch Bukidnon. The long, bumpy road led us to a cowboy-style ranch surrounded by vast mountain scenery. It felt like stepping into a Western movie!

While there, I picked up a few souvenirs, including a tribal wallet and a nice magnet to remember the experience. From the ranch, 

we passed by the Malaybalay City Hall, a government office, before stopping at Kuya’s favorite gas station, Jetron.

Satisfying Our Sweet Tooth at Pineapple Road

After another long drive, we stopped at a roadside shop selling fresh pineapples, three for only 100 pesos!

Not long after, we found a place selling coconuts at DAA Pitstop Grill & Restaurant. I tried eggplant with egg but didn’t like it much, so I gave it to Kuya.

The restaurant was full of cats, and I couldn’t resist sharing a fish bite with them!

The highlight was a massive halo-halo coconut, packed with sweet treats.

After enjoying the massive halo-halo coconut, I made sure to tip both the restaurant staff and the talented makers of the dessert. Their hard work and the delicious treats really added to the experience, so I wanted to show my appreciation for their effort. It’s always nice to give back to those who make these moments special!

It took a while to finish, and I even had to pour the rest into a cup to enjoy it in the car.

Funny Moments and A Snake Prank

As Kuya went to the restroom, I overheard him practicing karaoke with his portable speaker. Unfortunately, I missed the chance to record it, but the fun didn’t stop there. Later on, as we continued our journey, Kuya broke into song again in the car, though I couldn’t include the full clip in the video due to copyright concerns.

After another long stretch of driving, Kimchi and Julie fell asleep, and we finally arrived at the Overview Park. There, I bought a few gifts for my mom, including a back scratcher and a massage tool. I also handed some coins and my YouTube card to two Kids we met.

And then came the prank: I had bought a fake snake at the park, which I used to scare Kuya. It was hilarious! Although he looked a bit annoyed afterward, we’re still friends to this day. At the park, we also saw more sculptures that reflected the rich tribal history of Buda.

After pulling off the prank on Kuya, I found a cool tribal shirt that I just had to get. It had a unique design that really captured the local culture, making it the perfect souvenir to remember the day.

Wrapping Up the Day

On the way home, we made a quick stop at a Buda vegetable stand, where I picked up some bananas and veggies. Our journey took us through misty rain, and as darkness fell, we arrived in the city to drop off Julie. After one last stop, I gave Kuya a special gift—PHP 3,000 as a token of appreciation. 

He was thrilled and later told me he used the money to buy new shoes!

If you enjoyed this adventure and want to see more content with Kuya in the future, let me know in the comments below! Would love to hear your thoughts on what we should do next! 😄

 I hope you all enjoyed this adventure as much as I did. Stay tuned for more exciting journeys in the next episode!

Watch the Video of Ep. 4

See you in the next episode of the Davao series!

more exciting journeys in the nex