Panagbenga 2012 Weekend – Part 2 of 2

Hi guys! Here are the photos I took during the recent Panagbenga Festival 2012 Eyegasm at its finest!!!

February 25, 2012 – Street Dance Parade

February 26, 2012 – Grand Float Parade

Street Dance Parade

There were lots of amazing group performances–from little kids, to high school students, to adults. Too bad, I would not be able indicate the names of these groups because I do not know. But really, hands down and hats off to all of them. They all did amazing! They walked a couple of kilometers under the sun, most of them barefooted. The weather was really warm that day. Their costumes are very beautiful with their bright colors and very intricate details, but I’m pretty sure that they were very uncomfortable to wear. So thanks, guys, for giving us, your audience, your 100%.

The parade was led by the Philippine Military Academy Band.

Philippine Military Academy Band

I must say that the Saint Louis University (SLU) marching band became the crowd favorite because of their shake that moves. They started with the Panagbenga song, then went modern to the tune of Party Rock. Their lead performer, Joshua Anthony Donida, a Mechanical Engineering student is very cute and bibbo too! I’m pretty sure that he gained a huge fan base after this event (mostly women. Naks!)

Joshua Anthony Donida | Photo by Amboy Guevara Jr

Saint Louis University Marching Band

Watch their performance at the Athletic Bowl here:

Lots of kid performers! A huge thanks to the people to trained them. They did really great! Congratulations, kids!!! You were all so cute and amazing.

Photo Set 1 - Kid performers!

Photo Set 2

Photo Set 3

Photo Set 4

I couldn’t imagine how everyone kept their energies at a very high level. They walked several kilometers and performed repeatedly while carrying those huge props!

Photo Set 5

Photo Set 6

Photo Set 7

Photo Set 8

What made everything really hilarious was we joined the parade. Yes, we were there at the end part behind those men who were handling the “END OF PARADE” banner. Hahaha! Did you see us??? We walked along session road and waved our hands at the people who were watching. What we did was actually not allowed but it’s not everyday that we get to join local festivals, so.. keber! We really had a lot of fuuun!

We joined the parade!!! Did you see us? Nyahaha

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Grand Float Parade

Two words: Eye Candy. All the floats are so beautiful and they look so sweet. I wanna eat them! Hahaha

The parade was led by cadets from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and some government officials.

Start of the parade

The floats look like candies!!! Imagine how hard it was to put those flowers together so they could come up with superb results.

CIty of Baguio Goverment - Angry birds inspired

Ahhh, they’re really cool!

Star Wars inspired

SM Baguio is already a Hall of Famer that’s why it wasn’t allowed to join the competition. They really held true to their title cos smoke was even coming out of the dragon’s mouth!

Hall of Famer - SM Float

Lots of sponsors joined such as Mang Inasal, Nestea, Seafood Island, Kaspersky, Smart, etc. Check out the photos below. You’ll love them!

Mang Inasal

Nestea

AMA Computer College Baguio

Seafood Island

Batangueno Float

Kaspersky

Nestle Philippines

Urdaneta City Float

ABSCBN’s favorite became the crowd favorite.

From the start, Vice Ganda, Jugs, Teddy, Kuya Kim, Coleen, Ryan and the whole Showtime team really gave it their best. Vice really entertained the crowd with his Super Bass dance. I heard na sa sobrang likot ni Vice Ganda, he fell off the float, pero all smiles pa rin after. They were very energetic energetic compared to the stars riding GMA7′s float, Marian and Dingdong.

ABSCBN Showtime Float

Hi guys! Meet Pia. The flowers are from Jugs with love :p

Aegis People Support

M. Lhuillier with Ms. Earth Beauty Queens

Waterlily Project by Cong. Cynthia Villar

Smart’s float was my most favorite. It looks so fluffy!!! Such an eye candy.

Smart

Philippine Tourism Float

R.O.X.

Abanao Square

Manila North Tollways Corp Float

Casino Femme

Even after all the fun and entertainment, kids get tired too Pero keri! We really had a great time!

1) Tired kid, 2) Ishi and Pia, 3) Sam and Joanna

Read about our other Panagbenga 2012 Weekend adventures here: Panagbenga Part 1 of 2

Turkey 2012: Nevsehir to Istanbul Flight

Our two-day tour in Cappadocia is already over. Our flight back to Istanbul was scheduled on our third day. The temperature was freezing cold that morning cos it snowed again the night before.

Joanna and Mafe while waiting for our flight back to Istanbul

Kat, Maf, Tin and I while waiting for our flight back to Istanbul

Our flight got delayed for 30mins. But it didn’t bother us that much cos my colleagues are very creative. The VisMin team played Pinoy Henyo, while the boys played cards.

Flight delayed for 30mins. What to do? What to do?

Finally, we boarded the plane already. Ucagimiza Hos Geldinz!!! Leaving Cappadocia, Nevsehir felt kinda sad in a way because it became our home for two days. I got so attached already! We had wonderful memories there which would really last a lifetime. But at the same time, it felt great cos today is Istanbul’s turn to amaze us

See you in an hour, Istanbul!

With plane seatmates, Mon and Wilfred

As usual, I’m happy with our meal during the flight Thanks, Turkish Airlines!

Meals during flight

Panagbenga 2012 Weekend – Part 1 of 2

I’ve been to Baguio several times, and I have always considered it as a homey place. This year, I’m really glad that my friends from work were so game to travel. We were able to witness this year’s Panagbenga Festival! Check out my separate entry about it here: Panagbenga Street Dance and Grand Float Parade.

Panagbenga Festival 2012 Schedule | Screenshot from http://irpex.blogspot.com/2011/11/panagbenga-2012-schedule-of-traditional.html

We stayed at El Cielito Inn. Very convenient place to stay in because they have relatively affordable rates (comes with a buffet breakfast) and the rooms are decent. It’s also near the intersection of North Drive and Session Road (where the parade starts), and SM Baguio.

My major, major concern though is that they do not have elevators. Yes, elevators matter to tourists with huge bags! It was helluva tiring to go up and down from the third floor ha!

Good morning, Baguio! 1) El Cielito Inn, 2) Buffet breakfast, 3) The tourists (Joanna, Pia, Ishi and Sam)

After the parade, we decided to go around the city. Sam has never been to Wright Park, so we went there after watching the Street Dance Parade. We really had fun laughing and goofing around. See our “lakas maka-turista mode” photos

Wright Park

Lakas maka-turista mode!

It was our first time to eat at 50′s Diner. All of us. It’s actually a popular choice among tourists. When we arrived, we had to wait for our turn before we got a table.

50's Diner

Our version of Man Vs Food

Man Vs. Food

1) Heavy combo meal at Php144, 2) Chili Con Carne Burger with Fries at Php105. Sulit!

Hi guys! Meet Justin, a cutie patootie dog at Mine’s View Park. Eto yung raket nila na Php10 per shot. I also wanted to take a photo with the famous Douglas Jr. but he was taking a nap when we came. Anyway, as I make my ever pa-tweetums pose and smile, there he goes showing off his very fierce pose! Mala-America’s Next Top Model! This dog really knows how to work iiiit.

Photo with Justin at Mines View Park

In the evening, after a few moments of deliberation, we finally decided where to eat. Bilang walang SM at wala ring Max’s sa Manila, sa Max’s SM Baguio kami kumain! Four orders of Platter Meal please!  But seriously, we really wanted to go to Camp John Hay to search for some restos we haven’t been to, but the day really drained our energy so we just settled for the most convenient location. SM Baguio is just walking distance from El Cielito.

Dinner at Max's SM Baguio. Wala kasi nito sa Manila!

Some group shots before I left for Pangasinan the next day. Self timer for the win! Bench billboard ang peg

Group Shots ala Photo Booth Self timer for the win!

Tips:

1) TRANSPORTATION: If you are from Manila or from other places far from Baguio, just commute and use the public transportation such as buses. Do not bring your own vehicle. Bus ride from Pasay to Baguio City only costs Php420 (Victory Liner, one way). It is not ideal to drive around Baguio City when there are huge events or festivals such as Panagbenga because the city gets really congested. Very heavy traffic plus the major roads are usually closed. This year, there were over a million (yes, I really made a head count! ) tourists who visited the place to witness this fantastic event.

There are cabs 24/7 that can bring you almost anywhere you want. Transferring from one place to another is actually very light on the pockets because the flag down rate is just Php35 and every patak ng metro is just Php2.00 (as of this writing). Mas sulit pa when you travel in groups cos you could share! Should you want to spend your money more wisely, there are also jeepneys that go around the city. There are routes to almost every popular destination. I was able to familiarize myself more with the place when I took the public transportation.

2) FOOD: If your budget is really tight and the hotel where you’re staying is near SM Baguio, you’ll survive. But if you agree with the line “Why go to Baguio and eat at McDonald’s?”, visit Go Baguio‘s site. She has her list of Best Homegrown Baguio Restaurants. I will visit them next time!

3) HOTEL ACCOMMODATION: Reserve your rooms ahead of time. Don’t be a daredevil who will go to Baguio with no sure place to stay in during the peak season. The Panagbenga is a whole month celebration. Just choose which among the activities you would like to witness and research the schedule (definite dates) online. The major highlight out of all the activities is the Grand Float Parade. Click this link to learn about the other points to consider when selecting the right accommodations.

4) WHAT TO BRING: Travel light! This one never fails. Only bring what you need. You do not have to bring very thick jackets as well because the weather is just cool in the morning, not cold (at least during the month of February). It the evening, it’s cold but bearable still. As much as possible, leave your valuables at the hotel should you plan to go to very crowded places.

5) WHERE TO WATCH: Spot a location that’s not being directly hit by sunlight. You wouldn’t want to wipe the sweat off of your face while watching the program. I suggest that you watch the parade at the area near SM Baguio or at the intersection of North Drive cor. Session Road. That’s where the program starts and there are less people in the area compared to the other parts of Session Road and Burnham Park area.

6) THINGS TO DO:  I really suggest that you visit this site cos the blogger seems to really have a very vast experience in Baguio: http://www.gobaguio.com/recreation.html. You may choose from the following classifications: Romantic, Kiddie, Sporty, Cultural and Party.

These are some of the popular places I’ve visited so far

• Mines View Park
• Philippine Military Academy
• Burnham Park
• Wright Park
• The Mansion
• Lourdes Grotto
• Ukay-ukay stalls along Session Road

Kindly let me know should you have suggestions so I can go there next time.

I made a short video of this quick escape from the life in Manila. Pardon the bumble bee in me here. Malikot na bata! My friends (Pia, Sam and Ishi) are natural actresses. Patching up the clips has been really easy because of their winner lines and hirits.

Read Panagbenga 2012 Weekend – Part 2 of 2 here.

Turkey 2012: Ice Cream and Hills Covered with Snow

Mete (our tour guide) brought us to his favorite place. He said the he likes this area most cos he finds it very relaxing there. The temperature was still very lowww and the wind blew really hard that afternoon. Lamiiig!

With Sir Laurence and Sir Jun

There was a stand wherein gelato-ish  ice cream was being sold. I asked the manong sorbetero to strike a pose and he was really game. Haha! Each cone is being sold for 3 Turkish Lira Php 75) for each cone. Kinda pricey and weird to eat ice cream on such a cold weather, but it was worth it!

Mado, the mamang sorbetero (No, his name is not Mado, but I wanna call him that cos it rhymes with sorbetero :p)

Joanna Armendez with the Manong Sorbetero. He's ze man!

GT Peeps - Mafe, Joanna, Mon and Kat

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Our tour guide brought us to another location where there was a nice view of rock formations and hills covered with snow. Our team went up a hill and had some photos taken before going back to our hotel FUN!

The team on top of a mountain | Photo by Pio Gutierrez

Joanna Armendez, Mitch Muassab, Mafe Ramos, Mariz Cinco and Gia Fortun

With the Demand and Logistics Team

With Jake. Dapat yung pose natin kaselos-selos! Hahaha!

Rock formations covered with snow <3

Amazing rock formations

Cappadocia, Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Turkey 2012: Carpetium in Cappadocia

Our next stop is at Carpetium in Cappadocia. According to our tour guide, Turkey manufactures the best carpets worldwide in terms of quality and style. It was really nice to learn more about it because this represents their country’s traditional art even from way back.

Carpetium Goreme, Cappadocia, Turkey

On their site, it says

“Our store in Cappadocia is located near Ortahisar. In our complex we can show our visitors all the process of carpet making from spinning wool to obtaining silk from cocoons.

In the first room, we show our visitors how villager ladies weave rugs with Turkish double knots by using their hands.

Then we continue to our section in which we dye the yarns with natural plants etc.

Next room is the one in which we demonstrate obtaining of silk from cocoons and twisting of silk.

After showing those, we start delivering a lecture about carpet weaving and its cultural aspects while showing our finished fine rugs in our showrooms. We have totally 5 large and 5 small showrooms; each large one can accommodate minimum 60 guests. A small one will be large enough for minimum15 people. One of these showrooms is a kilim and another one is a silk room.

In our collection we have totally 4000 finest silk, rare antique, oversize rugs and Anatolian kilims.”

Carpetssss overload!!!

The staff of Carpetium showed us how they make carpets. They told us about the materials that they are using, the different kinds of knots, how long it takes to make a carpet, etc.

The ladies of Carpetium showed us how they make the carpets

In this video, Alex showed us how they get the silk from cocoons. So cool! He showed us how strong silk is. So strong, you couldn’t break it by pulling the ends apart. So strong, it breaks itself.

They did lots and lots of detailing: material, kinds, from regular to premium.

Alex of Carpetium

Watch this video by Rick Steves

Carpets with various designs.

More carpets!!!

They served us tea and food. They’re very flavorful and spicy. And by spicy, I meant that they put lots and lots of spices. The bread tastes nice, especially the ones on the right. It had cheese inside. I’m really not fond of eating vegetables and onions though, so I had some leftovers.

Free Food from Carpetium

The carpets are very lovely and the intricate details make them look more royal. We weren’t ready though to buy that time cos buying those would make us exceed our baggage limit on the plane. But two thumbs up still to their selling skills!

Turkey 2012: Kaymakli Underground City and Goreme Onyx Jewellery

KAYMAKLI UNDERGROUND CITY

After our hot air balloon ride, we were brought to our next stop which is in Kaymakli Underground City in Goreme. Read about it here: www.goreme.com

Kaymakli Underground City | In these photos: Joanna Armendez, Gia Fortun, Kat Mangubat

Photo by Joanna Armendez

Watch this video and take a quick tour!

 Outside the cave, there are lots of shops and souvenirs to choose from. You must not be shy and use your negotiation skills when haggling. Tumawad ka na parang nasa Pilipinas. Haggle like a boss!

Lots of great finds!

Stores outside the Kaymakli Underground City

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GOREME ONYX JEWELLERY

Our third stop for the day is at Goreme Onyx Jewellery. We were welcomed by their staff and did a lot of sales talk. They explained where turquoise are from, how to identify whether one is authentic or fake. Some of my female colleagues bought expensive jewelries, as well some of the men for their wives. Sweet! Just a tip: Don’t be shy to haggle

Visit their site here: Goreme Onyx

Goreme Onyx Jewellery | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Goreme Ony Jewellery

Goreme Onyx Jewellery

Goreme Onyx Jewellery

Goreme Onyx Jewellery

Goreme Onyx Jewellery

Goreme Onyx Jewellery

Photos by Joanna Armendez

Goreme Onyx Jewellery

The rings!!!

Goreme Onyx Jewellery

Goreme Onyx Jewellery

Thanks to Karl Gumapac's participation at the back

This is Osman Toruko. I think he's the most handsome Turkish man we met during our trip

Turkey 2012: Arrival, Bindalli Restaurant & Goreme Open Air Museum

Day 2, February 13: On Cappadocia Adventures

It was a one hour flight from Istanbul (Ataturk Domestic Airport) to Nevsehir (Kapadokya Havalimani Airport). I took some aerial shots of my view outside the window. Lands were covered with snow. Some bodies of water were frozen! Well, we have been warned before we left Istanbul. Nevsehir temperature is below zero: -7C ! ! ! Brrrrr

Here we come, Nevsehir!

Meet our tour guide, Mete Muatlay. He was the one in charge of our entire stay in Turkey.

Mete Muatlay | Photo by Marc Manalastas

Check In Time!

After 23hours of connecting flights and layovers, I’m really glad that we were given the time to freshen up before starting with the tour. One day of no shower makes my hair icky oilyyyy! We stayed at Dedeman Cappadocia Hotel and Convention Center for 3 days and 2 nights. Five star, a first class delight! It is 35km away from the Nevsehir Airport. Find out Dedeman’s rates and other details here.

Dedeman Cappadocia Hotel and Convention Center

First Stop: BINDALLI RESTAURANT

We kind of lived on airplane food for a day already, so it’s time for some real food experience. Mete brought us to Bindalli Restaurant for our buffet lunch. It costs $20 per head or Php840 (hope my memory serves me well).  It is located at Uchisar near Pigeon’s Valley. Should you want to make a reservation, here’s their telephone number: 0384 219 2690.

They served a lot of veggies, pasta, bread, lamb chops, sweets, and more veggies. My gulay! In fact, we were not able to eat pork, beef nor chicken during our entire stay in this country. The food were so colorful and looked oh-so-yummy. As for me, I focused all my energy on the lamb chops and pasta cos I was never a fan of veggies. Eeeep. Patay tayo diyan!

Buffet Lunch at Bindalli Restaurant. Cost should be $20/head

Healthy Buffet at Bindalli Restaurant

After recharging all our energies with the heavy lunch, we were given some time to enjoy the view outside the restaurant. Please excuse the photo dump. As I’ve said, this is a trip of a lifetime so I really took as many photos as my camera can. Documentation at its finest! Plus it was my first ever experience of snow and I think the desire of creating a snow ball is a natural feeling. *wink*

That’s me playing and smiling like a kid. I was so fascinated. I couldn’t wipe the bungisngis smile off of my face.

Can I make snowcones out of these?

Amazing view outside the restaurant. I love it!!! <insert music> Walking in the Winter Wonderland

View outside Bindalli Restaurant

There were lots of stalls selling souvenir items everywhere. You can buy coin purses at 1TL/each (Php25). Ref magnets are a bit pricey at 4TL/each. Medyo napaakbay si kuyang tindero sa akin after I bought 20pcs of coin purse. Hahaha!

Souvenir stalls/ stores everywhere!

Picture taking after our heavy lunch

Second Stop: GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM

This is one of the most famous sights in Cappadocia region. Entrance fee is at TL 25/head (Php625 or USD 15). According to Mete, Goreme Valley holds the region’s best collection of painted churches (which are inside caves). We were not allowed to take photos inside though. Though their beauty is still apparent, many of the frescoes were already badly damaged. Mete still shared the history behind them nevertheless. But please don’t expect me to remember! Please research about it online na lang should you want to find out more about it. I was so fascinated by the beauty of the place that’s why I lost focus when he was discussing. Palusot!  The best-preserved frescoes are in the Karanlık Kilise (Dark Church), which is subject to an additional admission fee of TL 12. Read more about this tourist attraction here.

I took a lot of photos and I want to share them with you. Please excuse that kid in a green coat. She was so kilig, happy, fascinated and all that’s why she posed and took a photo at almost every location with every person that she could pull. Hahaha!

Goreme Open Air Museum

What a beautiful sight! (Minus the tourist mode pose of mine. Ang saya saya ni 'teh!)

Hello, world! I would like to introduce my hunky bosses and teammates. From L-R 1) Jet and Don (South boys), 2) Sir Pio (coolest boss), 3) Father Mon (he’s so fluffy like Santa Claus!), 4) Sir Jun (my direct boss and mentor in sales), 5) Sir Laurence (Mafe’s father)

GMA/ South Luzon Boys

I love this team photo! “One Team. One Unit” -Castaneda, 2012

If you would notice, all of my teammates have three-lettered nicknames. So from now on, please call me Joe. I don’t wanna get kicked out of the team because my name doesn’t fit. Hahaha!

GMA/ S.Luzon Boys and Girls

Thanks to the Filipina who took this group photo for us. I think this is our only complete group shot.

GlaxoSmithKline Philippines Turkey 2012 (Photo from Sir Pio's camera)

More GSK Cx Team Group Shots minus Sir Marc cos he was the kind one who took these.

Photos by Marc Manalastas

1) With Kat (my partner throughout the trip), 2) WIth Yem and Maf. Our outfits say “Merry Christmas” 3) Sir Vikash with a cute dog, 4) With VisMin boys Tons, Ferdie, Ryan and Luis

Here comes the solo shots! Nyahaha ) Thanks to Mafe for taking these

Solo shots at Goreme Open Air Museum. NYAHAHA

We transferred to another spot before the sunset. I don’t know what this place is called. But the view was also really nice and it was freezing cold. After Kat took this very happy photo of mine, I slipped! Thanks to my teammate, Don, for helping me. If it wasn’t for his assistance, baka nasa kabilang bundok na ko. Chos!

SNOOOOW! Then after this shot, I slipped!

Before our buffet dinner at the hotel which is at 6:00PM – 9:00PM, Gia, Sir Marc, Randy and I went on some adventure for the search of drinking water. I learned that in most European countries, drinking water is a bit pricey. You must not drink tap water or you’ll end up staying in the bathroom for hours. You know what I mean. So to avoid getting a diarrhea, we walked 10km away from our hotel to buy a few bottles at a convenience store at a gasoline station. One liter costs TL 1. We laughed when we learned that the hotel just sells it at TL 2 (Php25 difference lang pala!), but it was worth the adventure of walking along the Cappadocia streets at night

Gia, Joanna and Randy | Photo by Marc Manalastas

To be continued…

Turkiye 2012: On Airports and Plane Rides

On airports, plane rides and intense excitement

The farthest place I’ve gone up north is Baguio, and Legazpi, Albay at the south, both reached by land transportation. I’ve never went on a trip out of the country, neither experienced an airplane ride. That’s why when I received an email with the subject Mükemmel Performansı, Büyük Ödül (Great Performance, Great Rewards) from our General Manager, I was not able to contain my excitement and jumped repeatedly with joy as I shared the news to my family.  Hurray, we are going to TURKEY! TUR-KEY-YEAH! This is it, pancit!!!

From Google Images

The 6-day trip was really amazing, fantastic and unforgettable. Truly, a trip of a lifetime. Some places we visited are already parts of Europe. EURASIA! Hanep! This is like hitting two birds with one stone. Thank You, Lord, for blessing the team with this wonderful reward!

Dear readers, let me take you through the experience. I’ll be sharing lots (as in LOTSSS) of photos for the benefit of those who I’m not contacts with on facebook. I’ll try reducing the length of the entries about this trip, though I think that’s hardly possible because as of this writing, the experience is still very nostalgic. I can’t wipe the wide grin off of my face. Haha! Excuse the post trip excitement.

Plane tickets and Visa. Turkiye, here I come!

Since it was my first time to ride an airplane, it deserves much highlight on this entry. We left Manila last February 12, 2012. What made the “Cookie’s First Airplane Ride” really memorable was I didn’t only ride one airplane. I rode three airplanes in 24hours!

PAL flight to HKG with seatmates Kat and Acey

Manila to Hong Kong (via Philippine Airlines) – 2 hours

Layover: 6 hours

Hong Kong to Istanbul (via Turkish Airlines)- 12 hours

Layover: 2 hours

Istanbul to Nevsehir (via Turkish Airlines)- 1 hour

HongKong International Airport: 6-hour Layover

Ze Cookie's first time at HKIA

We did not get bored at all during our 6-hour layover at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) while waiting for our flight to Istanbul, and even when we were waiting for our flight back to Manila. There’s a lot to see inside the Hong Kong International Airport. Designer clothes, bags, shoes, jewelry, eyewear, gadgets, books, accessories, souvenirs, food, even exhibitions, etc. It’s like a shopping mall inside an airport!

Six-hour layover. Goofing around while waiting for our flight to Istanbul

How HKIA makes it more convenient to customers:

Self Check-in: Use a convenient self check-in kiosk for selecting your preferred seats from an interactive seat map and printing your boarding pass. I was able to select a seat beside the window. Yahoo!

Self Check-in Kiosks at HKIA

Aside from that, there are

• Over 13,000 public seats
• 60 toilet blocks
• Drinking fountains
• Parking spaces
• Walkalators and elevators
• Trolleys
• Internet access throughout T1 and T2

1) Station where kids can watch TVs, 2) Ms. Luz posing at an exhibit

What amused me most is they have a train inside which transfers passengers from Terminal 1 to T2 and vice versa.. Their airport is that huge and walking from one terminal to another will take you some time.

Train Ride inside HKIA

Find out more about HongKong International Airport here.

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HongKong to Istanbul

After waiting for 6 hours, we finally boarded our plane to Istanbul. This is it!!! After 12hours, we shall be in Turkey. Wait. Twelve long hours??? Thought I was gonna be restless and bored during the flight, but I got so amused by the plane’s features. And their food.

Flight from HKG to IST via Turkish Airlines. In this photo: Kat Mangubat and Poch Ballesteros

The entire ride was very comfortable. I was able to sleep when I wanted to. There were lots of movies, games and music to choose from. I watched Crazy, Stupid Love again and Black Swan on our way to Istanbul and Ever After during our flight back home.  I’m also amused at myself cos I really made sure that I’m awake whenever the cabin crews are about to serve the meals. Yung tipong papalapit pa lang sila, magigising na ko. Saktong sakto. Walang mintis! Hahaha!

They served bread, fruits, vegetables, pasta, eggs, cheese, wine, several flavors of fruit juice, and more vegetables. Yes, I mentioned that twice cos they served a lot of veggies. But no meat! NADA. WALA. ZERO. But I loved it nevertheless. Two thumbs up for their pasta dish

Pretty and yummy airplane food The one at the lower left corner was served by PAL

Another source of entertainment for me was Turkish Airlines Flight Safety Film. I really never got tired of watching it while on board. It’s great and very funny! “We are Turkish Airlines. We are globally yours.” Learn more about Turkish Airlines here.

I was so thrilled and entertained by the experience. Then I just noticed, we were very near our destination already. Twelve more minutes and we’re landing to Istanbul! What used to be 12 hours is now just 12 minutes

Landing in 12 minutes. We're almost there!!!

To be continued via next blog entry…

Read Part 2 of 4 (Day 2: Cappadocia Adventures) here.

Valentine’s Day 2012 – Hot Air Balloon Ride

Day 3, February 14, 2012: Valentine’s Day 2012

I’ve never had an eventful and memorable Valentine’s Day experience. No, I am not an NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth) naman. Taon-taon, lumilipas na lang yung araw na ‘to na hindi ko namamalayan. Wala. Zero. Nada.

Hot Air Balloon Ride - Valentine's Day 2012

I never saw it coming though that this year would be a whole lot different. I missed the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark, Pampanga.. FOR THIS. An hour of Hot Air Balloon ride in Cappadocia, Nevsehir! Glad we went there during the winter season cos the snow made the sight more beautiful (at least for me who just experienced snow for the first time )

We all agreed to be ready by 5AM that day so we could fly early. The flight gave me such an amazing and magical feeling! Truly an unforgettable experience. I consider this as one of the most beautiful mornings in my life. The sight was so spectacular that’s why I’m pretty sure that my colleagues were hoping that they’re with their husbands/wives/girlfriends and boyfriends on this special day for lovers.

Hot Air Balloon ride costs $240 (Php10,080) per head and it’s really worth it!

Amazing shots! | Photos by Marc Manalastas

First everrr Hot Air Balloon Ride

V-Day 2012 with colleagues

Photos by Marc Manalastas

Up, up here we go!

I took a lot of photos of the beautiful sight. The rock formations, the snow, the other Hot Air Balloons.. Ahh. They’re truly AMAZING!!! Hope you guys enjoy!

My most favorite shot!

Cappadocia, Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Cappadocia, Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Cappadocia, Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Cappadocia, Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Cappadocia, Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Cappadocia Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Cappadocia, Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Cappadocia, Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Very nice weather

Cappadocia, Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Cappadocia Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Cappadocia Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Cappadocia Turkey | Photo by Joanna Armendez

Photo by Joanna Armendez

V-Day 2012 Hot Air Balloon Ride

They served us wine and cake after the amazing ride

Photo in the middle and at the right by Marc Manalastas

Left - With our pilot Mustafa | Right - With our tour guide, Mete

We were given our flight certificates after.

Butterfly Balloons Flight Certificate

I bought this cutesy souvenir shirt from another location for only TL 15 (Php375)!

Cappadocia, Turkey Souvenir Shirt

I found vids on youtube. I regret that I was not able to record videos during the ride!

 

Read more about my Turkey 2012 trip here:

Part 1 of 4

Part 2 of 4

Merhaba, Turkiye! (Teaser)

Turkey 2012 Teaser Photo

Hi folks!!!

I am very excited to create a post about my recent out of the country trip–which was in fact my first ever out of the country trip. The destination? TURKEY!!! Turkiye is among (if not the only) the few countries  which fall under the Eurasia (Europe and Asia) category. Meaning I’ve been to two continents in one trip! Just like Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore) in A Walk To Remember. Nyahaha. Lucky me!

However, in as much as my fingers are already itching to type and create the post, my mind then reminds me that I should set my priorities straight. I really have to pay full attention to my job first and foremost. Wag makulit, dear self!!!

So in the meantime, I’m posting this teaser collage. If we are contacts on facebook, you might have already seen the album I uploaded right away though I became sorta bed-ridden (haha) when I got back. Jetlaaag! I am really excited to share stories about this once in a lifetime experience care of COMPANY X.

But at least for now, Türkiye’ye hoş geldiniz!  (Welcome to Turkey)

Cheers!

Joanney the Cookie