OFW travelling back to Philippines for a holiday? Do these 5 secrets

ORMOC: Travelling back to Philippines for a holiday? It has been 9 years that I am in and out of the country as an OFW. As usual, I spend most if not all of the allocated money before our vacation is over and then I entered into the common syndrome of not to do the same next time but still keep doing it. Very few are lucky to have left a savings on their last days on a holiday. It would be naive to say that I have marginal improvement financially and would be humbled if someone would tell that I have accumulated a fortune. But I tell you, it is not all about the money that can keep us going and growing. 

With the increasing the number of OFW and improving economy, prepare for delayed flights on domestic travels

1. Share the Good news 

Upon our return, many of our family, relatives and friends eager to hear good stories to outside the country or how nice it is to work as an OFW. We all wanted to have that long holiday on a secluded places with our spouse and children where we can have the very rest we need, after all we deserve that break. Our family cultures is centered into gatherings, telling stories of how life has been after we've been away that long.

More of the financial stuffs, you can share the unforgettable experience or how easy it is to navigate the airport this time around or how well we have have performed in our workplace. Save the emotional ones to the people that is very close to you, preferable to the those that have touched your life before you were called OFW. Certainly, thye can give you a lift as they did before.

First meal upon arrival is shared best with your immediate family

On the other hand, it is an opportunity to hear as well their side of the stories. Those unforgettable childhood moments, or crazy highschool stuffs that you can't imagine you have done before. Everyone is unique and has his own happiness index and you will be surprised how little financial status counts. More importantly to our parents who have prayed for us that we all be safe and away from harm. They too wanted to know how well we have lived in a foreign country.

Not all toxic drinks are made for cheers, this refreshing lemongrass drink made by Aunt Norma is a sure thirst quencher.

Tapoctaporcs in Batangas City celebrating Raven's birthday

I got the chance to visit 2 of my cousins who are my first career mentors and bear witness of my success. I am happy to know that I have turned their advices into something useful many folds than their expectation. I also have reconnected to the medical staffs who was there during the troublesome delivery of our first born child. They were astonished as to how time past and to hear a 3 year old maturely joke with them.

2. Make Children Laugh

Remember those times when our relatives coming abroad and throwing a party for us? It is your chance to let the children feel the excitement, laughter and inspire them of your success. You don't have to limit your charitable act to members of your family, there are many opportunities into places that you least expected. One time, we attended mass to see an obviously struggling mother who still nursing her youngest son. We spend a little more than five minutes to get to know her life story how she left with no choice. Extending some help and giving new clothes to her children made her treat us life we descended from heaven and heard her prayer, the smile on the child's face can't be painted.

57th birthday of Mama Maricor with here grandchildren

Disneyland is not the happiest place for children, but a body of water where they can run and swim

Size of a house doesn't matter for a family celebration

3. Visit New Places

How often do we wonder how fast the days went during our vacation and even hadn't spent a day for ourselves? We deserve our piece of the the hard-earned money. It is time to explore places that are showcased in social media or attractions that are in your bucket list. It doesn't have to be a lavish resort published by commercially driven websites or travel magazine. So long as it is your first time, you will have that experience just as it as the first time you boarded an airplane.

Where can this be?

 This year we went to Iloilo to visit some old friends who happen to work also in Muscat. Just as Ilongos are proud of their island as so as to their local food. We have many first time dishes prepared from the home of Limosos, the looks of the food is familiar but the taste in unique probably due to the herbs used that are native to this island.

Native delicacies are best enjoyed with friends from the local community. Have you tried authentic batchoy?

Little did we know that our very accommodating host is taking us to what the province is noted for and is a UNESCO heritage site. Miag-ao church stands tall and proud for over 200 years, the most solid-built church I've seen.
  

4. Invest

The best value of an OFW is materialized when an investment is made and is making positive returns, this is how also our family knows that we care for their financial security. Whether building that dream home, buying that dream car, starting up a business or expanding an already existing enterprise, so long as it is a tangible asset. I am into stock market but when it comes to securing our family's future, I still prefer a financial structure where I can physically touch. We all wanted to retire, let the money work for us and dictate our own time. 

I have watched many OFW that goes broke after their stint because of their extravagant spending, enter into gambling, lured by cons or lack of financial literacy. How would you answer this question, "What have I done today and will do continuously for the next 10 years so that I can go home in time and spend the rest of my years enjoying the fruits of my labor?".

5. Pay religious homage 

Whatever your religion, it pays lot to visit the very church where you grew, or knelled to ask for blessings. It has a psychological sense of a successful OFW because the mere fact that you are there and of different status. After all, if it is not because of the power of prayer and faith in the Almighty that we all will realized our dreams.

Jaro Cathedral Church, Iloilo CIty

Basilica del Sto. Nino, Cebu City

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Cebu City which happens to be the 35th wedding anniversary of our parents.

Tell me, which of these make sense to you? What did you do differently on last vacation?

We are but only care takers of this world...

Don't forget to smile, everyday is a blessing.

Mabuhay!

5 Great Surprises in Wadi Shab

SUR: The coastal region of Sur in Sharqiyah Governorate of Oman in host to a distinctive wadi experience. The most frequented site is Wadi Shab due to its forgiving terrain and the all family experience. Just under 2 hours drive from Muscat, the trip to this place is rather enjoyable as the contrasting elements of Oman presented. My Omani friends even have their action term for it, "wadi shabbing".

Worry not for the "call-of-nature" during the long walk, these boulders will shield you from possible on-lookers.

As the temperature sets little below 30 degrees Celsius, this place starts to witness a flock of tourist from varying nationalities. Here you can also find a number of respectful Omani that will greet you with a pleasant smile as they tend to their bbq session. As a virtue of courtesy, don't hesitate to take their offering of "mishkak" or bbq of meat because that might be the tastiest you have ever tasted. And then you just experience the true Omani hospitality. So, here are my top 5 great surprises that await you in Wadi Shab:

The grand entrance to Wadi Shab

1. The Cave

Have you been to the cave inside? This is definitely the most frequently asked question when you tell someone that you've been to Wadi Shab. There must be something there, right? The entrance to the cave is narrow and the only way-in is to swim, be prepared. If you are an average swimmer, I recommend bringing personal floating device as some current may just be too strong. Otherwise, you can just glide along just as we did while holding on the sides of this wall. 

Inviting isn't it? Take extra care because this are for those capable swimmers only.

The last time I visited in 2007 we have to swim underneath the cavern, but this time it much easier. My preference of entering the cave was to have my back facing the cave and swims in supine position for the prime reason of surprise and second is for smoother swim. Just as we enter this passage, I can hear the rush of waterfall increasing and condition my mind to be ready for the dividends of a long walk. When I am inside, I felt I have had a romantic time with nature. The only way to the top is through the rope that runs along the falling water. Of course, a more interesting story about the cave is the experience of jumping in the Turquoise Blue lagoon.

Nothing beats this dividend of a long walk.

2. Three colors of water 

Yes, you heard me right. Wadi Shab has these 3 colors of waters. You will mistake it of using it in your art session of ready to use water-color. Shortly after the 15 minute walk, these emerald green waters emerge in site. What makes it green are the different debris of trees, clay, sand and gravel at the bottom. I came to know this when I jumped and had my butt touched the bottom and they are stuck inside so I have to wash them-off. As we move forward on the next 15 minutes, this crystal clear water are so inviting for a stopover. The looks are so clean that we were encouraged to splash our feet. It looks for drinking but I would not recommend it. This crystal clear water comes in pools as we approach the base of the cave. We saw tourists basked themselves in the sun just as it is in the beaches of Oman. And of course, the blue turquoise water in the cave is the third and most unique about Wadi Shab.

Mirror on the water

Oman is an open and welcoming country. Feel free to wear what comforts you most on a long walk.

3. YOLO Jump

Wadi Shab hosted the 2012 Red Bull Cliff Diving competition. You can still experience the thrill by doing Only Live Once (YOLO) jump. The platform is not there but you would need a lot of courage jumping just on the hiking path. My tip is not to stare longer on the water below because it will just discourage you from jumping.

This was my third jump. Yes, pinching the nose will prevent the rush of water unless you love sneezing all the way back home.

I hope Ministry of Tourism will not use this photo against me. I did not swim, I jumped!

Photo image by Anen Poras

4. Hiking Experience

The short 45 minute (one-way) up the stream is one of a kind. As the saying goes, it is not the destination that matters but the journey along the way. We meet people of all ages and of different ethnicity and all most of them are very courteous (do the same for them). The walk starts with normal gravel and on to these gigantic boulders as high as 2 story building. The best part for us is when we look up; it is amazing to see the contrast between these rugged mountains and the blue sky. If you are lucky to have clouds, one will have the nature’s way of playing a time-lapse video.

Behind us are ruins of the mud house, currently serve as shelter for the herds of goat.
Photo image by Anen Poras

5. The People

Wadi Shab is an experience for the whole family, equipped yourself with proper hiking gear when you are with kids. We are surprise how many children are there in the pools of water enjoying their family time. My daughter even refuse to go with me inside the cave as she was intimately playing with here new found friend.

My newly acquainted Omani on our way to the cave. Unknowingly, most of them are friends of my colleague in ooredoo

The superladies who drinks like a camel but brought more chips than water.

With my loving wife and adorable daughter Une Marchesa
Photo image by Anen Poras

The best way to end the Wadi Shab trip is to stop at this Fins beach, another camp site to visit in the near future.

Photo by Anen Poras

Mabuhay! 

5 Great reasons to visit Salalah

SALALAH: Have you heard from a friend, read from magazines or stumble upon websites describing how magical Salalah is? Believe me they are half-telling truth, because it is more than magical it is enchanting!

Salalah simply qualified to be covered photo's in a number of printed articles and websites.

Get your bearings

Salalah is the second largest city in the Sultanate of Oman, and the largest city in the Dhofar Province. It is the southern most region in Oman bordering to Yemen. Travelling by road from Muscat will take 10-12 hours and it almost traversing Oman territory in an about 1000 km journey. We took the plane as it is the most convenient mode of transportation and that we can enjoy the place as soon as we arrived.

A handful of colleagues hail from this place and they handed me a list of places of interest including those that are not in the tourism information. Exploring Salalah is easy going so we decided to divide the city to in 3 areas proportionate to spending a full day in each destination. Here are my 5 great reasons why you have to pack you bag and go.

1. Green Green Grass of Home

Despite the vast desert lands of Oman, this city turns into lushes of green sighting that reminds me back home. When the monsoon rain kisses this barren land, the leaves sprouts and eventually dressed this vast expanse of land. This season are famously celebrated as the Khareef festival. During this time the mountains around Salalah are rainsoaked and shrouded in fog and so flocks of tourist come especially on the hot summer months in the arabian peninsula.

The rains bring life to waterfalls, rivers, streams and wadis. Some referred this place as the Scotland of the Mideast, it called it home. Salalah is famous for its plantations of coconuts, papayas and small bananas native to this region. As you stroll around the streets of Salalah you will see plantations of coconuts, papayas and banana. To tastes the freshness of this fruit, we stopped at one of the may colorful stands. The sad thing though is that we rarely see an Omani selling their hard earned harvests, I just felt there is disconnect.

We were lucky to have rented a sun-roofed vehicle as it offers us the luxury of a safari experience.

2. Camels everywhere

Contrary to big cities like Muscat and Dubai, the camels in Salalah are herded not domesticated. Khareef season offers the camels bountiful of food and so are the camels are roaming everywhere from hills to the beach. We are lucky to see the sighting on our way to Wadi Darbat. A herd of camels were descending from the hills into their next field of grass. It was a rare sighting of a towering heads higher than the roof of our SUV.

Yes, camels are also fond of the beach.

3. Historical Tour

Yes, and frankly Salalah is second in my list of the most historical place in Oman. The main point of interests that we visited are Dawkah Frankincense Reserve, ancient site of Al-Baleed, and the archeological site of Queen of Sheba.

Even our daughter helped herself enjoying the cold and windy weather.

4. It is the Countryside

When we visit a country, we love to explore the country side for the prime reason that it reflects the tradition. Salalah is a sleeping city at night but an early riser, from fisherman to farmers. We have avoided overly courteous to locals are not as open as Omanis in Muscat 

Salalah also is along the path of the migratory path and they spend longer time during Khareef Festival. There are atleast 3 places where one can join dozens of bird enthusiasts

5. Travel while you can

Chartered flights from Europe are increasing year on a year and so are commercial airlines started to offer direct flights which on normal routes are transiting Muscat International Airport. Hurry while this place is not exploited yet and enjoy the virgin beauty of this enchanted territory.

This is Wadi Darbat during Khareef season. Isn't amazing to see green during hot summer months with temperatue averaging at 42 degree Celsius? oppps, there is an extra "s".

Big smiles after there was break in the herd as they got chance to fully stick their heads out in the car.

This place is not included in the tourism information but if you got chance, travel to Iftlqoot!

Have you explored other places in the Mideast with these greenery? Tell me about your experience...

Mabuhay!

Where to experience hiking in Muscat?

MUSCAT: Despite the rough terrain, hiking remains the best way to enjoy the Sultanate’s wonderful mountainous nature. One can make different excursions of varying degrees of difficulty. 

This weekend we tried the easiest of all, classified as Grade1. What that means is that we don't have to be an experienced hiker to complete the route. This path will take on average 2 hours But with a 3-year old preschooler that can extend up to 3 hours including the photos and breaks in between.

It just rained 3 days before our trek so this added color to our experience. Next time, I will definitely take a deep in this crystal clear waters.

It is obvious from the start that we are not experience trekkers and that includes myself! It is only halfway through that I realized that these painted striped of yellow, red and white are trek markings that will guide us through the trail, see the photo below. I thought in the beginning that these are one of the nationalities that has been here and thought that I might just make one for our beloved country, the Philippines.

Dangerously as it looks but it is more fun than it appears.

One can either start the route from Riyam Park or Muttrah. I recommend to start at Riyam park as you will be rewarded within 10 minutes of ascend. Follow the coloured markers from the parking area at Riyam. In the old days the only way to get to Muscat was by sea or over this path. Once you have reached the higher parts of the route, turn around to enjoy the amazing view over the coast and sea.

Breathtaking scenery of Riyam Park. The first step of the trail is just behind that beautiful yellow house.

These well-placed stone slabs leading up the hill have been used by countless generations of visitors from Mutrah and the interior, to help them climb the last hills before they entered the gates of Muscat. 

Few ascends and the magnificent view of the Muttrah corniche will unveil like a kingdom in bedtime stories. Upon reaching this point, take more photos as much as you can because the next course to follow is an unforgettable experience for the "acrophobics".

If not the best, it is the recommended spot that one have to spend most of the scenic reminiscing.

You might just be lucky to befriend some of the trekkers both young and old.

When you are hiking with your kids, I would advise that you do all the pep talk that can enable the children to cooperate. As for my case, I told my daughter that a pool of water was waiting for her to play.

Pep talk with my daughter just before we hit the wadis.

And just as you promised, give them the reward. Well, at least we were ahead of her mom otherwise, she would be the first one to object.

Une asking if I had brought with me her pair of swimwear.

Trekking along the wadi is the easiest part but most enjoyable as you have to navigate your way through the boulders. Ladies, let the gents head the pack as we are best at it :)

My born-ready wife in action.

Afternoon walk offers shady parts in this part of the trek

Enjoy the scramble that is sometimes necessary to pass the wadi leading to Mutrah. Take care to turn left when arriving at the graveyard just before Mutrah, otherwise you might walk through.

This is us and our 3-year old daughter overlooking Riyam Park.

If you are going to do just one walk in the capital area, this should be the one.

Oh look at that smile! How happy she was to be allowed to play in these waters.

These ladies are the toughest... at least in our pack. Well done girls! From left: Anen, Honey, Jan and Aching.

Would you consider bringing your kids on this type of trekking?


Mabuhay!