Singapore- Water World

Posted on October 28, 2011 by leawalkerblog
While I was browsing some pictures, I realized that I never posted about Universal Studio’s Water World show. It’s a pity because it was one of the best shows I’ve watched while we were in Sentosa, Singapore.
John and I were just wandering around Universal Studio when we saw flocks of people going inside a barn type structure. Wondering what was going on, we followed them and realized that more people are waiting inside, sitting on benches.
We found a nice spot on top and sat there. It’s a good thing that we did, because the waterworld actors started splashing water to the excited audience. 🙂
The show was a copy of the movie “Water World” starred by Kevin Costner. The setting is supposedly on a distant future, when the polar ice cap melted and covered all the land with water. Hence, the title Water World. Hmmmn… with all the floodings these days, I am wondering if this could possibly happen. Not a good idea for those who cannot swim, like me. huhu… Tsk.. tsk.. I guess, I need to start learning huh!
With a loud noise, the show started and the audience started clapping.
As the story continues to unfold, I was amazed by how good the actors were. It’s like watching Kevin Costner and Jeanne Triplehorn once again. Only this time, I felt like they’re just infront of me. hehe…
The stunts were astonishing. The actors were mostly in their 20’s. And I was amazed by the trainings they did before working in the show. Imagine doing the same thing several times in a day, seven days a week. Tiring huh? But their performance did not show such. Infact, they were all great!
The show really delivered. 🙂 With the boats, jet skis, the plane and the explosion at the ending, it was just amazing! Dumbfounded. Flabbergasted. Those are two of the words I could think of to describe how I felt. The rest of the audience probably felt the same way because everyone stood up and started clapping.
I am glad that I have this memory to cherish of, in one of our travels….
                                                        Lea C. Walker
                                                 leawalker.blogspot.com
                                               www.davaoproperties.com
Posted in My Travels, sentosa, universal studios, water world | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Tips on Travelling

Posted on October 25, 2011 by leawalkerblog
Most people think that when you travel, you’re rich. Or you have a lot of money. 🙂 Hmmm.. might be true for some, but any ordinary “Juan” , to borrow that word from Cebu Pacific, can now travel these days without spending too much.So with my limited experience, I am sharing with you my tips.

1) Plan Ahead.

     With John and I, we know which places we would like to see. So planning ahead gives us time to prepare. Not just the financial part of the trip. But all the details we need. It took us one year of planning for the South East Asian trip we did last August. I paid everything months before our trip. So we don’t have to think of unexpected expenses while travelling.

2)  Book A Ticket:

       I signed up an online membership with Cebu Pacific. So before their promo comes out, I get an email from them ahead of time. Plus I wake up really early (before the roosters, remember? haha) so I have time to scout for cheap tickets , air promos , etc.  You know, a P99 ticket to Manila, for instance. That’s a big saving  already right? For those who can afford to splurge, do it if it makes you more comfortable. 🙂 My opinion is that, if I can travel the same way, without spending too much I would take the opportunity so I can use the money for our other businesses. But then again, that’s the “kuripot” me talking.  Cebu Pacific does not have much of a leg room. So John and I realized something during one of our trips. I usually pay for an advance seat booking when I buy a ticket online. John told me one time, why do you get these seats always when you can get the front row seats or the seats beside the exit door. And I thought, hmmm.. you’re a genius! That means, I am not so bright for not thinking that in the first place. LOL  (You would have to excuse me though because I do this normally around 4 or 5 in the morning. I think I was still half asleep then. hehehe.. Nice excuse right?!) Seriously, if you can get those, travelling would be a lot better because of the bigger space. 

3) Research On Line:

       Once you know where you’re going, then start researching online. Specially about VISAs and stuff. There are countries who have Visa On Arrival facilities. But with most western countries, you need to get a visa. Tsk..tsk.. did that before with the US embassy, but luck wasnt on my side that day. So I got declined, without the consul,  looking at my documents. Sucks right? 😦  But from what I read from fellow bloggers, with Canadian and European embassies, they let you submit the documents and those will be properly inspected. That should give anyone the chance to prove yourselves.
      During our South East Asian trip, the time I spent researching on a place , its people, culture, places to go, what to do, etc. really paid off. It made travelling a lot easier for both John and me. Except at the boundaries of Thailand and Cambodia. Gawd, that was such a mess! (Tip: if you want to go to cambodia, take a plane and land at Siem Reap Airport. Lesser stress that way. You’ll understand if you read my story about that last August. )
4) Book A Hotel in Advance:
     The website, www.agoda.com, has an extensive list of really nice hotels at a cheap price. Just type your destinations and date, then voila! A list of the hotels which come with photos, customer comments, prices, etc. will automatically be presented to you. Booking was safe and my stay with the hotels were really memorable. Choices from hostels to high end ones are available. You just have to choose what fits your needs and budget.
5. Money Exchange:
       If you’re going abroad, the first thing you will need outside the airport is fare money. So be prepared. Go to a money exchange center and make sure that you have the  local currency of the country you’re visiting before leaving yours.
        Arriving in a foreign land is stressful enough, so make sure everything is ready before you leave. That way, you’ll have time enjoying the little things while you’re there. 🙂
6) Make A List:
     Of what to do before you leave, ie: make sure that cellphone roaming is activated. Note: I was probably the only one who didn’t know that smart will charge you for received calls while abroad. Really stupid of me huh? For not knowing it, that is… But yes they do, so if clients call you, be aware that charges run expensively by the minute. hu ..hu.. That was an expensive lesson learned.
     Of what to bring, ie: cellphone charger, extra battery for the camera, sunblock, mosquito repellent (this is a must in any Asian trips. Being tropical countries, mosquitoes abound. So if you don’t want to get malaria or dengue fever, bring the mosquito lotion!). When we got back from our trip, I looked almost black. I did not know that mosquito repellent and sunblock lotion don’t go well together. hehe… So my skin got burned. But I got home safely. So between Dengue and a burned skin, i’ll take the latter anytime. 🙂
7. Bring “baon” :
       If you’re on a road trip in the Philippines, chances are you will be exposed to mostly mountains with no stores in between. So bring your own baon. (BYOB) .. Per experience, fried chicken and beef steak last longer than most. Bring bread, water, rice, etc. It’s cheaper and home cooked food is better , anyway. Right? 🙂
8. Bring a Bag…    That has a long strap. So you can put it  on your shoulder and hold it infront of you, specially when there’s a thick crowd. Why? So it’s difficult for the thieves to steal it. I’ve heard and read about these things when you’re travelling. So before we left for our South East Asian trip, I bought a new bag with a very long strap.

Taken in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The bag I’m using when we were travelling was a big help. John had his own backpack –  for water , towels and other stuff.

9. Shopping

     I don’t normally shop when we’re travelling. Why? Because it’s expensive! duh.. Specially in Singapore. That’s an expensive country. So I just buy souvenir items like : ref magnet, scarf, tshirts with the country’s name in it. More than that, nope. I have to discipline myself and ask if I need it or not. Most often, the answer is no. Besides, airlines charge expensively on excess baggages these days. So it’s really not advisable to shop abroad unless of course, you don’t mind the expense.

10. ATM Withdrawals:

When you withdraw abroad, it comes with a fee in US dollars. 😦 And it is not cheap. So make sure like I said above, exchange your currency to US dollars or the country’s local currency. And make sure that you bring enough. To avoid additional expense.

11. Keep track of your budget:

      During vacations, it’s easy to splurge because you’re having a good time. But life goes on after that. And if we’re not careful, we’d end up paying more than what we can afford. So make sure that your expenses are recorded so you stay within your means.

These are just my practical tips based on personal experiences. What about you? Do you have something more to add? 🙂

Lea C. Walker
leawalker.blogspot.com
www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in agoda, cebu pacific, cheap tickets, hotels, My Travels | Tagged | Leave a comment

A Day of Respite.. at the foot of Mt. Apo. :)

Posted on October 22, 2011 by leawalkerblog
Much have been said and written about Kapatagan. Camp Sabros for extreme zipline adventure. Lake Mirror for a mountain resort. The Art of Kublai which is nestled on top of a valley. Mine is probably the boring one. haha.. But it’s memorable to me because we witnessed the wedding of a family friend.
I woke up around 4:30 in the morning and prepared our breakfast. We were told that we had to leave early because Sta. Cruz road is being repaired and we might get stuck for a long time.

Freshly baked biscuits, bacon, egg and orange juice – prepared by yours truly. 🙂

So by 7am, we were already on the road to Digos. Contrary to what we expected, it did not take us long to pass through Sta. Cruz. True, the road is being repaired. But traffic was moving fast.

What we did not expect was how bad the road to Kapatagan was. There’s a stretch of more or less 8kms of their  road that is being repaired from the highway to Brgy. Soongon. So it is torn to pieces. John had to drive 30kms per hour to avoid mishaps.
Finally we found the concrete one. And then the rough one. And the concrete road once again. hehe.. For an hour or so, that’s what we experienced. Suffered the bumps and the shaking in silence. John jokingly said -“are we ready to go back yet?” .. Which Mama, Nanay Ligaya and I replied with “nope” in a chorus.
Kapatagan is actually 38 kms only from Digos City. Travel time just takes longer because of the road condition. But we didn’t mind it because we were entertained with the mountain views.
As we continue to go up, the temperature changed. The breeze became cooler so John turned off the aircon of our Starex van. Opened the windows , felt the cool air and inhaled the fog. Yes, it’s still foggy on top even at 9 in the morning…
For me, everything stopped for awhile. It’s a far cry from the city’s hustle and bustle. I thought, if I was in Davao, I’d be stressing with work… 🙂
I was amazed that water glistened and trickled down from the mountain beside the road. No wonder the people living there have flowing water in their houses.
Finally, we reached Kapatagan center. We were met by Dandan because we didn’t know where the church was. The wedding was at 10 a.m. I am glad that we were just in time. 🙂
Pearlie, Ruben and my 3 nephews left one day ahead because they had to take care of the balloons, the flowers, etc. I told her through text the other night that I envied her because she had the time to experience Mt. Apo during sunset. She told me that it was so cold, smoke come out of their mouths, everytime they speak. haha.. That reminded me of a hollywood movie during winter time. Or the picture which my sister Daisy sent me last December, while playing with the snow at her father inlaw’s farm in Tokyo.
Of course, it wasn’t as grand as that… But the people there told Pearlie that sometimes it’s so cold the mist would turn to droplets of ice. That sounded like hail? Pretty amazing to be living at the foot of Mt. Apo huh! 🙂
Wedding Memoirs:

John and Blaire.

The couple, Ronald and Shiela , being blessed by the priest.

The couple and the little kids … 🙂

John and Me, infront of the church.

The party planner, Pearlie and Ruben with Wemce.

I love their church. It’s open and it’s surrounded with huge trees so there’s no need for an electric fan anymore. There’s free cool air, all around. And their sound system was not so loud, it made the wedding ceremony very solemn and holy….

After the lechon filled lunch at the reception, I walked around the neighborhood. I saw earlier a garden full of “sayote”. So I looked for the owner and asked if we can buy the fruits. I was told that it’s only P1.00 / each. So I told her that I’ll take 20 pcs. I love sayote, I just don’t know why. hehehe.. Plus of course, there’s Nanay Ligaya. Mama. Pearlie loves it too. So 20 pcs were just enough for us. haha

My favorite – “sayote” …

Under the Sayote garden. 🙂  Mama, the neighborhood kids, Nanay Ligaya and Lynette.

The garden at the back of our friend’s house.

I would live there, if I could. Think of the fresh fruits and fresh vegetables I could get there. Then, the view of Mt. Apo and the hills, and the valleys… The cool air, the mist and the fog on my skin.. That sounds like a dream to me..

I am glad that I experienced Kapatagan, not as a tourist but as one of them. 🙂 Thank you to the newly weds, Ronald and Shiela. If not for them, I wouldn’t have experienced a beautiful day of respite and fun!

Lea C. Walker
leawalker.blogspot.com
www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in Davao del Sur, Digos, Kapatagan, My Travels | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Tinuy-An Falls

Posted on October 18, 2011 by leawalkerblog
Tinuy-an Falls is located in Bislig , Surigao Del Sur. It can be reached by bus or passenger vans from Davao City via Compostela Valley and Agusan. The trip takes at least 6 hours. But in our case, it took us a day to reach Mangagoy because we went through the whole East Coast first. I blogged about it here –https://leawalkerblog.com/2011/06/27/davao-east-coast/
This majestic waterfalls is more or less 15kms away from Mangagoy, the town center where hotels and other commercial establishments can be found. The road to the falls isn’t concrete but it is well-maintained by the local government since it is their main tourist attraction in the area.
The trip to Tinuy-an, for me , is already a treat. Mainly because of the view. Ricefields abound with giant trees all around. The lake and the river, on a rainy day looked foggy but enchanting and mystical..
The falls is enveloped by a thick forest with century old trees, making it a wonderful sight to behold.

John, Ruben, Pearlie and Matthew – when the rain stopped. 🙂

I trekked towards the main waterfall on a wet and slippery pathway. Then, the rain started again. But it didn’t stop me from taking another picture of it.  I stood in awe for awhile, thanking God for this magnificent beauty.
Tinuy-an Falls, tagged as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines , has a 55 meter height and 95 meter width. There are at least 3 cascades from the top to bottom which gives ample space for swimming in between.  Entrance Fee: P20.00 per head.
How To Go There:
From Mangagoy, there are tricycles or motorcycles, going to the area. It’s better if you have your own car though if you’re in a group. Our nissan van comes in handy during road trips because it can accomodate at least 12 people.
Where To Stay:
There are so many hotels and inns in Mangagoy. But make sure that you have a booking, specially if you go there on a holy week. It’s packed with tourists during that time. So it’s all fully booked.
     Paper Country Inn
     Address : Post I, Tabon, Mangagoy, Bislig City

Telephone : +63 (086) 853-3079
http://papercountryinn.byethost4.com/

* PCI is a little expensive but it’s a comfortable place to sleep in.

Shiela’s Pensionne House
     Espirito Street, Mangagoy, Bislig City
Telephone +63 (086) 853-1510

St. Francis Pension House
     Espiritu Street, Mangagoy, Bislig City.
     (086) 853-2106 and 628-2107

Lea C. Walker
leawalker.blogspot.com
www.davaoproperties.com

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Things To Do In Cambodia

Posted on October 18, 2011 by leawalkerblog
Cambodia isn’t just about its famous Temples at the Angkor Archaeological Park. I’ve experienced so much more and I loved every bit of it!
FISH SPA: (My most unforgettable experience… hehe)
I found this type of spa really fun. The fee is $4.00 inclusive of a back massage and one can of beer. I’m not into drinking but the combination was relaxing for me. The moment I sat down at the aquarium, I couldn’t stop myself from giggling. The little fish eating a part of your feet is really a weird sensation… You just have to try it to experience it. ha.. ha..

It took me a long time to put my feet in the water.. ha ha.. It was such a weird feeling.

ANGKOR NIGHT MARKET:

If you’re in Siem Reap, never miss this! I’ve seen a lot of paintings there that are priced so cheap. What I love the most was the sunrise picture of Angkor Wat. The painters there really got talent. Other than that, they have scarfs made of really good materials, polo made of cambodian silk, etc. With all the products I’ve seen, if passing through Customs isn’t such a hassle, I would probably try selling them here. hehe…

THE MUSIC:

I was first introduced to Cambodian music when we were in the bus on the way to Siem Reap. I didn’t understand the lyrics but the melody was so nice. Then, when we were at the temples, I’ve seen the landmine victims playing their music for a small donation. So John and I sat there just listening to them.

THE LOCAL PEOPLE:
The best way to enjoy the place is to mingle with the local people.
I found it interesting that like Filipinos, some of the Cambodians are rice farmers too. 🙂

Then, I met those who are making sugar blocks made of palm fruit.  That was really cool! 🙂

THE PLACE:
The Angkor Archaeological Park is such a beautiful forest. Aside from the temples, what makes it a place to remember is the park itself. With the motes and the trees surrounding it, if you stop and take a breath, you would enjoy nature at its best…

THE LOCAL PRODUCE:

I saw this display on the way to Banteay Srei.  I did not see these products at the Night Market.

TUKTUK RIDE:

Tuktuk is like a tricycle in the Philippines. I loved riding in it on our way to Angkor Park because I could feel the fresh air touching my face. The park was surrounded by century old trees that once the leaves sway, you’d think they’re singing because of the relaxing sound and the breeze it brings… Beautiful experience..

CHILLAX…

At the Resto Bar called “The Barrio”. It’s just across the street from Somadevi Angkor Hotel and Spa. It’s owned by a French national. The food was really tasty and the price is just right…

THE APSARA SHOW:

Ahh.. this is one of my favorite experiences in Siem Reap. I love the dancers who elegantly showed their culture through their dance. Tip: eat somewhere else. 🙂 The buffet dinner was not good. Sorry.


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Ho Chi Minh Tours

Posted on October 12, 2011 by leawalkerblog
Since John and I had limited time in Ho Chi Minh City, we decided to just join the city tour. I coordinated with the staff at Sanouva Hotel and after a few minutes, it was agreed that we will be picked up by the travel company at the hotel. I paid $16.00 each, which included lunch.
By 7am, the tour guide came for us. And after picking up other guests from their hotels, off we went to the city tour.
We passed by HCMC people’s park. From there, I noticed several older women doing the “Tai-chi”. It reminded me with Magsaysay Park. I remember, we have chinese-filipinos do the same thing there every morning. I wonder if they still do that now?
Vietnam will not be Vietnam without the motorcycles right? 🙂 So I took photos of people going to work using their motorbikes. We were told by the guide that there are millions of them in the city alone. Mostly from China because it’s the cheapest.
Then we reached our first destination.
WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM:
This was the least of my favorites during our South East Asian trip. That’s why, it took me forever to write about Vietnam.
This museum showcases the remnants of the war between Saigon and the US. It was suffocating seeing all the pictures and the remains of the war. But here they are anyway…

The torture chamber…

                                    I’ll just let you use your imagination, as to what this is for….
I decided not to see the 3rd floor anymore, after seeing the displays on the 1st and 2nd floor. I found it revolting. If you ask me, I think wars are stupid. Nobody wins in it. Except those who earned out of it at the expense of the innocent civilians.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE:
The lanterns on top have prayer requests on them. Once lit, it stays for 2 weeks. So it’s like being prayed for continously everyday for the next week or so. When you go to HCMC, try it. I realized that most of what I prayed for was granted.
                                                       I got that for me and John. 🙂
CHO BINH TAY MARKET
This is like Divisoria in the Philippines. They sell everything there from flowers to textiles, silk and a lot of other give aways.
While everybody was shopping, John and I decided to go to the KFC place across the market. We figured that since the ones in  Davao are ok, it would be the same there, if not better. But i’m sorry for saying this, the place was a dump. They need to clean it more and have the ants and cockroaches treated.. 😦 Plus it was so loud, I feel like my ears are still ringing , everytime I remember it.
John and I were laughing when we remembered that we had a free lunch. It turned out to be a really good one. It’s just too bad that I forgot to write down the name of the restaurant. But it was just walking distance from our hotel.
REUNIFICATION PALACE:
We were told that this used to be the residence of the President. I’ve never been to Malacanang Palace in Manila. So I thought, maybe it’s more or less, the same. LOL
NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL: (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica (Vietnamese: Vương cung thánh đường Đức Bà Sài Gòn or Nhà thờ Đức Bà Sài Gòn), officially Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception (Vietnamese: Vương cung thánh đường Chính tòa Đức Mẹ Vô nhiễm Nguyên tội) is a cathedral located in the downtown of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Established by French colonists, the cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880. It has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters (190 feet).
The church still looks so beautiful considering that it was built in the 1800’s..
POST OFFICE:
I was surprised to learn that they have shopping stalls inside their post office. I know, right?!  And yes, our post office is way behind than theirs. LOL
                                                            Lea C. Walker
                                                    leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                  www.davaoproperties.com
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Life Begins at 40!

Posted on October 10, 2011 by leawalkerblog
October 11, 2011
Davao City, Philippines

Another chapter of my life begins today… My record says the 12th because someone messed up my birth certificate when I was born. And so to avoid the hassle of changing it in court, we chose to follow what was written there. But really, I become 40 years old today!

So I would like to thank God for my life. If not for the works of his hands, I will not be here. No matter how small I am, I am big in his eyes. And I will tell you why…
The Past
I grew up in a tiny town in Davao Oriental. We had to walk about 3 kms to and from school when I was in Elementary. I remember, I always looked forward to seeing my Uncle Eddie on the road, because he used to give me “baon”. 🙂
I have always been an early riser. That time, I had no choice. We had to go to a place called “pasto” to buy vegetables for resale before going to school. As I grew older, I learned most of the barrio fiestas, because this is when we sell ice candy to the basketball players, the barrio visitors, etc. On weekends, we sold boiled eggs, banana que, orange (not the fruit but the softdrink), “whatever have you’s” at the bus terminal. You would think that it was difficult, but for a kid that was fun. I remember, I had to be extral careful not to be ran over by the bus. Even then, the drivers drove like crazy!
I finished Valedictorian in my class. That paved the way for my scholarship in High School. That was a big help to my parents because it meant that I can go to school for a lesser expense. But since the school is far from our house, I had to take a jeepney. That’s the reason why, I washed dishes in one of the “karinderyas” in our place for fare money.
My life may sound difficult, but no matter how poor we were, my sisters and I always had fun. I remember our friends making “double body” for us. And then, every afternoon we would go to the hill at the back of our house and slide from top to bottom. Oh we hit a lot of coconut trees along the way, but it didn’t stop all of us from having fun! haha..  I also remember, getting sacks of firewood with my best friend Ibing, taking water from a “poso” where the handle is bigger than us, it looked like we were in a see-saw as we try to get water from the well. haha..  In between those things, we had time to play bending, “lastiko”, jack stone, etc.
Christmas time, this is when I remembered feeling sad. Mama and papa had to work extra hard so they can buy us something for our school party. Sometimes, that’s just impossible. So I went to those with old clothes and shoes. One time, I sat outside our house as 12 midnight came. I could see our neighbors having a feast. But we had nothing like that. We had dinner earlier and that was it . Then, Manong Ladie, our neighbor, came over and gave me one peso. That action may be very small to him but it was a big thing to me. In our poorness, somebody came to give me a gift. Looking back now, I realized that it was God’s way of telling me that I’m special. (This is the reason why for almost 10 years now, I try to give a little to the people of Buda. I wanted to help others, specially the kids so they will also feel special on christmas day. Maybe someday, when I am gone, they will continue the work that I’ve started).
Then we moved back to Davao. My scholarship then was sponsored by the Rotary Club. That was when I was able to join conventions with other Rotary Scholars for free. And that was when I started knowing that I loved to write. Thanks to my teacher, Mrs. Montebon, who gave me the chance to be a part of the school paper and to join the contests as well. I still cherish the memory of going to Cantilan, Surigao Del Sur for the Regional contest. I did not win but I loved the trip. hehe.. For the first time, I saw the river inside a cave in Surigao. I think that has something to do with my wanderlust spirit now…
I graduated with honors in High School.  And again, it paved the way for another scholarship in College. I worked during daytime. And went to school in between till 9:30 in the evening. So yes, I’m used to working.
With what I’ve been through, I don’t believe when people say that nothing happened to their life because they were poor. Poverty is never a hindrance to success. It is God’s way of training us to become a better person. And it is up to us to shape our future through it.
The Present
Looking back now, I have no regrets. Our being poor was the best thing that ever happened to me. It gave me the opportunity to appreciate my parents more and the things they’ve done for me and my sisters. It shaped me to who I am today.
If not for the selling experiences I had when I was growing up, I probably would not be an effective Real Estate broker now. 🙂  If I was a rich kid, I probably would not have learned what hard work and responsibility meant.
And then, I would not be managing our own business now.
So today, I would like to thank God for everything.
For giving me John, my funny and wonderful husband.
For my family, specially mama and papa, who have been with me through thick and thin.
For my friends: Ibing (BFF), Marlic, Beng (who’s like me in so many ways because we have the same birthday).
 Ma’am Kayking (who was God’s instrument that I became a Licensed Broker),
My classmates in High School and college.
Manong Danny and Manang Alot. Lola Nene, Lola Lucing, Nanay Ligaya, Auntie Elsa and Nanay Rose. You know what you all did for me. Thank you. 
And my two sisters: Pearlie and Daisy. You two are my super best friends. We have our differences, but then again , everybody does. I love you both. Life wouldn’t have been beautiful and fun without the two of you.
And to my nephews, Matt, Blaire, Marco, Franco and Wemce. I love you.
To all the people who became a part of my life, personal or business-wise the past 40 years,  thank you!
Salamat, Lord.  Again, for everything!
The Future:
I don’t know what the future holds. But as I said, I am big in God’s eyes. 🙂 So I believe that he has something better in store for me. So as I face the 2nd chapter of my life, I pray for more happiness, love, good health and wealth.
The things that I would like to do: (now till I’m 90, hopefully I get to live longer… )
   a) Visit my parents-inlaw and the rest of John’s family. People from the US embassy, please be nice
        and help me make this happen. 🙂
  b) Trip to europe.  (dream big right? who knows, God will grant this! 🙂
          You’ll think me crazy but when we pray, we have to be specific right? So I asked God in 2003 that since I’m done with family obligations, maybe it’s my time to get married already. (My 2 sisters got married first, you see). I specified what I wanted in a husband and the last thing I remembered saying – “Lord, one more thing, please do not forget – gwapo ha”.  🙂 In 2005, I got married to my gwapo husband indeed. See, I told you I am big in God’s eyes. 🙂 Prayer request, granted!
   c)   More business for www.davaoproperties.com . 🙂 We have to earn  you see. hehe.. So please bear with me. 🙂
   d) Baby?! – We would love to if it’s God’s will.. 🙂 Hopefully before I get old enough that people would think I’m taking my grandchild to school. hahaha
   e)  Meet Vice Mayor Rody Duterte in person. – What can I do, I admire the man! If not for him, Davao will not be as safe and developed as it is now.
I think I’ll stop here. I’m giving God a lot of work to do already. hehe..  Thank you Lord and happy birthday to me!
                                                        Lea C. Walker
                                                  leawalker.blogspot.com
                                              www.davaoproperties.com
Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

En Route to Ho Chi Minh City

Posted on October 7, 2011 by leawalkerblog
The final leg of our South East Asian trip last August, was a visit to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Since it was my first time in HCMC, I made up a list of places we would visit once there. I’ll blog about that soon. 🙂 But for now, I will share about the trip per se, going to HCMC.
HOW TO GO THERE:
From Siem Reap, John and I took a bus trip via Phnom Penh, Cambodia through Mekong Express. We bought our bus tickets two days ago for $23 / each. We were told that we will be picked up at Somadevi Angkor Hotel (where we were staying) at exactly 7:00 a.m.  So we checked out around 5:30a.m. Had a sumptous breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant and waited at the lobby. True enough, the driver arrived at exactly 7 in the morning.
We were picked up by a small and old bus, I feared that it will fall into pieces if you put more stuff in it. hehe.. I wondered “HOW and IF” it would make it to Ho Chi Minh. Soon enough, I realized that they just use it to ferry people from their hotels. The real Mekong Express Bus was waiting for us at the bus station. 🙂
Finally, we were on board the big bus. Their seats had a tall back support, making it a little comfortable while travelling. I wished though that it was wider so there’s room for movements. The lady guide gave us wet tissues and snacks which consisted of 2 breads and 1 mineral water, per person.
The trip from SR to Phnom Penh was uneventful. The countryside was filled with rice fields mostly. We have those all over the Philippines so it wasn’t that interesting for me anymore.
We reached Phnom Penh after lunch. Unlike Siem Reap, I noticed that PP is dirty. I saw litters all over the place. 😦 I thought that Davao is so much cleaner than this city. Tsk..tsk..
I liked the view of the mighty Mekong Delta beside the road.
                                             Phnom Penh Park, overlooking the Mekong Delta.
A few minutes later, we were at the Ferry wharf. While we were boarding, I couldn’t help but notice the vendor selling spicy crickets. I know, a lot of people are into eating exotic food, but I am glad that I don’t have to do that. It looked so disgusting, I don’t think I’ll have the stomach to try it.
                                              Spicy Crickets.. 🙂 It looked like cockroaches to me.
ACCORDING TO WIKIPEDIA:
“The Mekong Delta (Vietnamese: đồng bằng sông Cửu Long “Nine Dragon river delta”) is the region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southwestern Vietnam of 39,000 square kilometres (15,000 sq mi).[1] The size of the area covered by water depends on the season.
The Mekong Delta has recently been dubbed as a ‘biological treasure trove’. Over 10,000 new species have been discovered in previously unexplored areas of Mekong Delta, including a species of rat thought to be extinct. “
The Mekong Delta reminded me of Bankerohan River in Davao City,  on a rainy season. A friend of mine, Mita described it like this – “think of coffee with creamer” . LOL
My experience was far from that of River Monster’s host, who rides in a very small boat, trying to catch a ginormous fish. But still, I was happy that I was given the chance to visit the place in my lifetime. 🙂
We arrived Ho Chi Minh City around 6 in the evening already. We were dropped off at the park in downtown area. From there, our hotel was less than 10 mins away. But since we were new to the place , (obviously) , we got ripped off by a very “helpful” driver.
Before we left Davao, I went to Aldevinco to have some  pesos exchanged into the local currencies of Thailand , Cambodia and Vietnam. It’s mainly for airport fees, taxi fees , etc.
So when the taxi driver started the meter, I was not worried. I have millions of Vietnam Dong. 🙂 Yes, I was a millionaire in Vietnam. hahaha…  Anyways, the sad part was that the taxi meter reached 450,000.00 dong = $22.50 dollars.  Not knowing that we were being ripped off, I paid and said thank you. lol
Only to find out later that the fee from the airport (about 30mins travel) to Sanouva Hotel in downtown HCMC is only $7 dollars = 140,000.00 vietnam dong.  huhu…
So yes, take note of this when you go to vietnam.
Our hotel room in Ho Chi Minh City:    http://sanouvahotel.com/en-US/zone/557/item.cco
It’s a small but new hotel. So the room and bathroom was very clean. Our booking included buffet breakfast. Their food is good so if  we ever go back  to Vietnam, we will stay there again. (To the staff: Thank you for your assistance. )
OTHER INFORMATION:
On Vietnam Visa:
    Filipinos are allowed to enter Vietnam without a Visa. So I just presented my passport and voila, here I come Vietnam! 🙂
    With John, it’s a different story. Being an american, he had to get a visa before entering Vietnam. There’s no Vietnam Embassy in Davao. But there’s one in Manila. We found that a hassle so we opted to get one in Thailand. Details can be found here – (http://leawalker.blogspot.com/2011/08/bangkok-day-1-and-2.html )
Mekong Express – Siem Reap
   # 14 Sivutha St., Siem Reap
   Tel. No. (855-63) 963662   or (855-12) 315858
Mekong Express – Phnom Penh
   87 Eo, Sisowath Quay, Sangkat Wat Phnom
   Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh Capital,
   Tel. No. (855 23) 427515 / 426425
Mekong Express – Ho Chi Minh
   275H Pham Ngu Lao, Dist 1 Ho Chi Minh,
   Tel. No. (+848) 8373917
                 (+84) 935507894
                                                   Lea C. Walker
                                            leawalker.blogspot.com
                                          www.davaoproperties.com
Posted in Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh City, My Travels, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Vietnam | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Of Sunrise and Sunsets

Posted on October 6, 2011 by leawalkerblog
This is just a compilation of the sunrise and sunset photos I’ve taken over the years.

1. My first sunset in our new house. Taken on February, 2011.

2.  This sunset was taken at Magallanes Condominium.

3. Still at Magallanes Condominium. This unit was facing Mt. Apo.

4. Sunrise taken at Nova Tierra, Davao City.

5.  I found this sky really weird. A colorful burst of different hues made the sky interesting that day. Taken at Priscilla Estate, Cabantian, Davao City.

6.  Samal Island, Philippines.

7.  Also in Samal Island.

8.  Kaputian Beach Park, Island Garden City of Samal.

9.  Kaputian Beach Park, Island Garden City of Samal.

10.   Valle Verde, Panacan , Davao City.

11. Taken in Camiguin, April 2008.

12. Sunrise at Olman’s Seaview Resort, Bohol, Philippines. July 2011.

13.  Olman’s Seaview Resort, July 2011.

14.  I took this photo  of Davao City Port while waiting for the ferry boat in Samal.

Posted in bohol, Camiguin, davao city, philippines, Samal Island | Leave a comment

Maramag, Bukidnon

Posted on October 5, 2011 by leawalkerblog
Since John and I had to work that day, we just followed my family to Maramag, Bukidnon. They left early that morning so the kids will have more time to enjoy the resort they found online.
We left Davao around 2 in the afternoon. The trip to Maramag is more or less 3 hours passing through the winding road of Bukidnon – Davao, famously known as Buda. I love the place because of its cool weather. Thick fog would envelope the road which makes it difficult to traverse if you’re not using fog lights in your car. The first time I saw that, we stopped on the road, and just felt the cold breeze in my face. The cool sensation washed away the stress and tiredness from my body and brain. I wanted to shout and just let the sound echo in its mountains and hills. But of course, I didn’t.  🙂
Foggy Road in Buda, Philippines.

John and I took our time cruising the road. Most people think that Davao, being a part of Mindanao, is dangerous. I can’t help but laugh when I hear that. Well, it is frustrating for us Davaoenos. But we’ve learned to accept that we cannot please everybody. As far as I am concerned, Davao is safe. Even if you’re up in the mountains. We’ve travelled this road several times in the last 10 years, day or night until mid-dawn. But we have never experienced an untoward incident, to date. We pray before we leave so I believe, that’s why we’ve always been protected.

We arrived in RR Spring Resort just before sunset.

My nephews ran towards us, shouting Tito John and Mommy Inday. 🙂 They were so happy that we made it. We were led to our cottage by no less than the 3 kids. Explaining to us that they’ve spent a lot of time at the pool. Several pools, actually. That there’s a fishpond. And that our room is nice… Imagine, 3 kids excitedly talking about those all at the same time. lol

RR SPRING RESORT:

The entrance fee for daytours is Php10.00 per head. They have several swimming pools with various sizes. The pool water comes from a spring. So it’s clean and free flowing. The cottage cost is Php2,500.00 per night (good for 4 people) with hot shower, refrigerator and aircon. They also have a dormitory which can accomodate 20 people which costs Php2,500.00 also. Double deck beds with mattress are provided for by the resort.
They have a kitchen so you have an option to cook. Or just buy food from their restaurant. In our case, we opted to cook because we’re in a group. As usual. 🙂

PHOTO GALLERY:

The Cottages.
Matt and Blaire. 🙂

Around 5 in the morning the next day, we went to Maramag Public Market, which is more or less a 10 min – ride from the resort. We thought of grilled pork and fish, that’s why we were so glad that the market vendors were there already. We were able to buy a hot “pan de sal” also from a nearby bakery. 🙂 I don’t know why but I love going to the market… Weird right? lol

FUNNY STORY:

While the vendor was busy chopping the porkchops we ordered, I asked the other customer there. (You know that I’m a photography addict right? But he didn’t… So I understand where this guy is coming from. )
Me            :  What time is the sunrise here? (a perfectly innocent question, right?)
Customer :   He looked at me as if he didn’t know what to say. Finally, he said ” I think , soon”.
Me            : Talking to my sister. “Pearl, let’s go. It’s sunrise in a few minutes.”
Customer :  (looking seriously bewildered, he asked my brother inlaw, Ruben.. ) “Why? Are you scared of the sunrise?
We all burst out laughing when we realized that he  actually thought,  we’re some kind of dracula who are afraid of the sunrise.  ha..ha.
I explained to him that I  wanted to take pictures of the sunrise. That’s why we had to leave and find a good location for it. 🙂
He was still chuckling when we left. That was the funniest experience, ever. LOL
That’s why I love going to places. If I was stuck in Davao working that day, I wouldn’t have encountered a man who thought of me as a vampire. hahaha…
On our way back to the resort. Photo courtesy of my brother in law, Ruben.
It took us forever to get over what happened at the market.  We would burst out laughing until now, everytime we remember that joke. Or should I say, serious thought of that customer. hehe…
And no, I did not get a good sunrise that day. It turned out to be cloudy. But it’s ok. I got a beautiful view of the lake instead. Which more than compensated for the sunrise photo I missed. 🙂

HOW TO GO THERE:

Maramag can be reached by bus or van, via Buda highway. If you’re coming from Davao, the Terminal is in Ecoland. There are public transportations also from Cagayan City to Maramag, Bukidnon.

                                                                 Lea C. Walker
leawalker.blogspot.com
www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in buda, bukidnon, maramag, My Travels, philippines, RR spring resort | Tagged , , | 1 Comment