Sweet Siem Reap Experience

Siem Reap had always been in my bucket list, so when I was able to find a cheap flight, my only hesitation is to find a travel buddy for I never intended to explore the ruins alone. I am not here to discuss the history of the Khmer as there are many reference books available. I am here to let the world know that travelling to this Cambodian Province is a good way to have one of the best times of our lives.

Just a quick information:

• You will land via air at Angkor International Airport
• Establishments accept USD currency
• Mode of transportation are usually by tuk-tuk 
• We traveled in January so temperature reached only the highest at 32 degrees Celsius while at night it's around 19 degrees Celsius. 

1. Hotels are cheap, clean and comfortable

We stayed at Mudra Angkor Boutique hotel. Our room only cost 20 USD a night with complimentary breakfast. They also have a one way free shuttle to the airport. The hotel is of three to four star quality. They could also arrange your tours. We arrived at around 10:30 PM already, but the receptionist is patient enough to discuss how we could arrange our tours through the next 4 days of our vacation. They are also flexible to reschedule tours that could fit our time.

2. Awesome and Breath-taking temples

• Angkor Wat Complex - artistically and visually beautiful. Suryavarman II constructed this temple for the Hindu God, Vishnu. This is the first temple we visited and we spent half a day here studying the engravings and architectural designs. 

• Bayon Temple - The giant stone faces of Bayon have become the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. We were given a limited time to explore the temple, so what we did is to ensure that we covered most of the grounds. I consider this as one of my favorite temples as the less complex designs make it more recognizable.

• Ta Keo - it's plainly decorated but it's massive and towering. I remember that I chickened out to climb the stairs to the top. I am really not that conditioned to do such temple climbing. It was also mentioned that this temple is dedicated solely for Shiva and it's the first one to be constructed wholly by sandstone.

• Ta Phrom - this is where the tomb raider was shot.  The temple is surrounded by gigantic trees giving it a jungle feels. We were observing the majestic artistry when we realized that it's so hard to navigate ourselves through the rubble. 

• Banteay Kdei - this temple resembles Ta Phrom. Since this was our last stop for the day, we haven't explored the area much because of exhaustion. I later learned that inferior sandstone were used here so deterioration of the structures could be very visible. 

• Bakong - it is the most catchy temple of the Rolous group. We were fortunate enough to climb up and enjoy the view.

• Preah Ko - also part of the Rolous Group tour. There were actually 6 towers displaying in the platform. We were too busy to block off people so we could have a good shots. The structure displays the use of stone instead of bricks. 

• Lolei - last on the Rolous group that we visited. There's a pagoda constructed in the area as the 4 towers are undergoing restorations. We were actually not able to have a look at the area as it is not accessible.

• Pre Rup - this temple has a very complex design and it is artistically superior to the other ones. We observed that it's also highly preserved compared to the other ones we had visited

• East Me Bon - my personal favorite maybe because the clouds were in good combination with the structures during our visit. It has 5 towers that are well preserved. We had a great time exploring the surroundings.

• Ta Som - the Bayon style is visible in the architecture. It also resembles Ta Phrom as trees grow within the ruins.

• Neak Pean -  the small island temple. We haven't observed it right away but there are serpents coiled around the structure.

• Preah Khan - the last on our list. It is a huge temple that is through and through. It has a lot of detailed wall carvings. It has also a similarity to Ta Phrom.

3. Most Exhilarating Sunrise

We managed to wake up early just to witness this! Lots of tourists were also ready to witness this beauty so photo ops not that recommended. Just live the moment! :)

4. Watching an Apsara Dance Show made me feel cultured

One of the things I love about traveling is the thought of learning a country's culture. It amazes me that despite of being colonize by the French, Cambodia still manages to uphold its traditions.

5. Phare the Cambodian Circus was way beyond I anticipated

When I though of Circus, I am guilty that I relate it to live chicken eating person, but the circus that we watched in Siem Reap was way different. It's entitled "Sokha". It shows the life of Sokha - how she managed her destructions by the Khmer Rouge into reconstructing social arts through using art as a form of healing.

6. Shopping is oh so cheap at the night market

Be it key chains, ref magnet or tshirt - everything is cheap here. You could still haggle with the price.

7. Khmer cuisine is a must try!

Since Cambodia used to be a French colony, breads are an integral part of the menu. Tonle Sap Lake is also around the area, so fresh fish are served in the restaurants. This is our lunch at Angkor Cafe.

An authentic fine dining was our experience at Barbe-Q. It's too much for two persons. Flavors are so rich that we cannot finish our meals.

Our hotel's complimentary breakfast. The one that I really love was the fried rice. It is so delicious and tasty.

Another lunch that we had during our temple tour - Chicken Satay. They have big servings so my friend and I decided to share this one.

Our last meal before flying back to Manila - Early dinner at Riverside Garden Hotel. I tried their homemade ice cream. It's rich in coconut.

8. Trying to learn the Khmer cuisine is a way to help the locals

We decided to try new things by enrolling into a cooking class. Upon researching, we learned that some of the proceeds are used for the improvement of the surrounding communities.

For the cooking experience, we enjoyed it so much that even if we had burnt our desserts, we still have our smiles in our face. We cooked some chicken curry, fried fish in sugar cane and fried pancakes.

9. Pub Street is good place to hang out.

Even if we weren't able to party hard in Angkor What and Temple Bar, we enjoyed the booze in more chill out setting at Red Piano and the bar across it (which we managed not to get the name)

10. Good company equals best vacation ever!

Bringing your best buddy in this trip is a must! To witness those breath-taking views would be 10 times happier if you are seeing it with a good friend. I am so thankful that Har joined me in this trip.

Last but not the least, the trip was way way happier because of the plane ride with this guy and the time we spent during the vacation. Who would have thought? :)

Wrapping up 2014 - A Lovely Journey

I had learned to value memories - may it be small or big as these are the reasons why I am what I am now. 2014 had been fairly one of the best year I ever had. It is time I reflect and look back to all the blissful events and some shortcomings that I had for this year.

Journey to Self-Discovery

After trekking Taal volcano in 2009, I summon my courage to hike Mt. Pico de Loro (trail difficulty: 4/10) which posed quite a challenge since I was not that fit. There were various times that I want my friends to leave me somewhere in the middle of the mountain for I cannot continue anymore. Reaching the last base camp before the summit was already an accomplishment for me.

No matter how steep and complicated the road might be, the endpoint will always be worth it. I may not be that brave to attack the summit nor climb the monolith, but being able to go out of my comfort zone by hiking Pico de Loro is something I will always be proud of.

Challenging myself did not stop. I knew that surfing could be a dangerous sport, but sometimes we really have to try things first so we could evaluate if we will enjoy and love them. Waves weren't that high during our visit so it's perfect for beginners. I learned that listening to the smallest details from my instructor played an important part why it was so easy to surf.

Beach Bumming will be 100 times happier and enjoyable when shared with your friends. I was very fortunate to have visited few of the best beaches in the country this year. My experience became a lot better because of the companies of great people.

Jump shot and Sunset view at Burot Beach in Calatagan, Batangas 

 By far the best KEM05 experience at Calaguas Virgin Beach in Camarines Norte

Finally some quality out of town trip in La Luz Beach Resort in Laiya, Batangas with my best college girl friends

Break from our stress in Boracay Beach. Such a calming view to keep our mind off work!

Journey to Nature and Cultural Appreciation

Maybe it comes with age that I have this fond of loving the beauty of mother Earth. I was so happy to be able to see the perfect cone of Mayon Volcano, to witness the wonders of the Chocolate Hills, to view the majestic Tumalog Falls, and to appreciate the habitat of Tarsiers in Bohol and Butanding in Oslob. Nature has its way of awing you in so many ways. 

Perfect cone of Mayon Volcano

Exploring Bohol's Chocolate Hills with BFF Popples

Awesome Tumalog Falls

A sleeping Tarsier in a Sactuary in Bohol

Amazing experience in Oslob, Cebu with the Butanding. Truly one of a kind.

Churches aside for being a sacred place is also a venue where you could appreciate the architectural style of a specific era. I was very fortunate to see the oldest Basilica at the Queen City of the South and the destructed ones in Bohol affected by the earthquake in 2013. Art is indeed everywhere to entertain and amaze us.

Aside from the churches, I was also fortunate enough to have visited some of the nicest architectural works.

Journey to Job Maturity

I came to realize that having a job is like loving someone, commitment is very important and you must be passionate about it. Politics won't be out of  the equation so I must be strong enough to be motivated to still give my best on what I do. With all the storms I had encountered this year, I am glad that it made become a better employee.

This year was also the time I took more responsibilities at work. Accountability and Integrity are the two values I always honor, and I am trying my best that I always practice that. I was blessed to be assigned to work outside the metro and the country. It is such an honor to be trusted to work on projects that have a vision to improve our technology at work.

Hainan, Sanya, China 

Boracay Island

Journey to Bringing out the kid at heart

I had the solo trip to Hong Kong back in July to visit the happiest place on Earth. I just felt that I should find the things that make me happy - the magical world of Disney. Even the toughest person, has her soft spot.  

Journey to Staying Fit

I realized that it's time I took care of my body. Health is Wealth. The best motivation to stay healthy is to think of the future. Would I be one of those people who struggle financially because of all the maintenance medicine needed to stay alive? Would I not want to witness how my children grow up?

Journey to Loving my Family More

I had always been close to my parents and siblings. Every day of our lives just keeps getting better. Yes, there are days that obstacles face us. That is how life is supposed to be - spices make it challenging. At the end of the day, what is important is we value each other more and more.

Journey to knowing who your Real Friends Are

Being a sociable person, I never find it difficult to befriend others. That's why I used to get thousands of heartaches from people. I tend to always see the best in everyone but sadly that's not how life works. People will not be always good - no matter how much your try to understand them. A few of those so called friends will be considered genuine - the one worth keeping. Those who will have the courage to say straight to your face that you suck at something and still be there to support you in your deepest fall. Distance will never be a hindrance to the friendship and even if it takes only once in a blue moon moment for meets up and catch ups, you know deep inside that they are your treasures.

Journey to aiming for Higher Knowledge

I was also fortunate enough to pursue my dream on getting a masters degree in Environmental Engineering. I was able to enroll my 1st sem in my beloved university - UP Diliman. Going back to college was quite challenging having a full time job. Luckily, I was able to surpass my first semester. This is me taking small steps to reach my career goal. Knowledge should be constantly updated so you could become a competent individual.

Journey to knowing what your heart desires

When it comes to the matter of the heart, I think it is still a working progress. I am at the phase that I don't wanna play games anymore. It is true that I am still enjoying my single status, but I know deep inside that it's time I commit to someone who will compliment my personality. Someone I could share my fondness of travelling and eating out, someone I could share the laughter and tears. Someone who will appreciate me as who I am. 


Journey to dreaming what the future may hold

It just never stops - the vision of the future, my future. I am a planner. I used to write everything down and  figure out the steps and methods to execute my plan and achieve my goals, but sometimes spontaneity is what we need for a perfect ending. 

This year had taught me a lot about myself. There is still a long road for me to take to truly discover my capabilities. There might be detours and road blocks along the way. It is with my faith in God, support with my family and friends that I could surpass the journey and reach the pit stops of life smoothly.

2014 had truly been one of the best! Thank you for being part of my journey. I could not make it without you. I am claiming that 2015 to be more awesome than ever. Happy New Year! :)