Sunday

Armie Yuson of Manila, PHILIPPINES

9. Featured Traveller 
(Manila, Philippines)

Armie Yuson
Pharmacist/Businessman ~ Model/Actor ~ Writer/Blogger
       
       
"Seize every opportunity as if it is your last, because you will only know in the end that it is already too late

Hi, I am your friend Armie Lawrence Leyva Yuson. Whenever I go to a place, I usually go alone and never feel sad. On the contrary, I am happy because I could discover things and understand more of myself, it's like I am with Me, trying to get to know myself better and discover my own secret and purpose in life.

I would just pack my bags and leave without anyone knowing. I just go where my feet takes me.


It all started when I want to go to Boracay in the Philippines and no one is available to join me. It is my dream to visit Boracay, so I tell myself that even if I am alone, I will try to enjoy the place, which I did.


It became so addictive and I realized that I want to discover and explore more of the Philippines, learn its hidden mysteries, captivates the off-the-beaten-track, and uncover the richness of the unspoiled and unseen natural gems. I began travelling alone in 2006 and from then on, the name "Happy Loner Traveller" was born.

I discovered my passion in writing when I was nine years old and discovered my thirst for travelling and extreme adventures at the age of 22. I tour the Philippines from Batanes to the southernmost tip of Mindanao for five years and I have seen, felt and experienced the destinations that I always dream of.

I have three missions in life about tourism.

First and foremost, I want to promote Philippine tourism. This will create more job opportunities to my fellow Filipinos in the tourism industry.


Secondly, I want to guide and teach them how to protect and conserve our environment and natural resources. I am doing this through blogging, particularly the off-the-beaten-track that will add new flavours to Philippine tourism.

Thirdly, I share my personal struggles and achievements in life.  I do this to inspire them that behind every sacrifices and mistakes in our lives, there is always hope, joy, love, positivity and acceptance.

I learn to appreciate the gift that God gave for our eyes to see and that is the beauty of the world. I want to start in my own country, share my personal experiences through pictures with the hope of inspiring those who like and appreciate them. I must tell you that, as a travel and tour organizer, I visit most of the destinations more than once. Each of these trips are equally exciting. Please join me in my journey as you read and experience my travels.  This time, I do not want to be alone.

Bohol, the Philippines

One good example is my countless visits in Bohol. I find  peace and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  I stay at a resort in Panglao Island on all my visits.  Its a long stretch of beachfront of fine sand that just by walking into it makes my soul feel at ease. Kayaking on the beach here calms me down. Obviously, their specialty are seafoods that is served in their two restaurants.

The Bohol Beach Club is my favourite resort of all time. The staff are so accommodating that I feel like coming back again and again. To fully enjoy the many tourist attractions in Bohol, a week stay is needed. Attractions like the Loboc River cruise, the visit to the popular tarsiers, the architectural beauty of the old churches and the most famous Chocolate Hills are on top of the list.


Negros Oriental, the Philippines

Negros Oriental has numerous activities to offer.  My first stop is the capital city of Dumaguete, known as the "City of Gentle People".  What amazed me is the Visayan version of the Manila Baywalk where nightlife take its course. Tourists and locals alike come together for a night of festivity. While here, you will see a historic landmark, the Old Bellfry Tower. The Casaroro waterfall is situated in the town of Valencia.

You may want to take a dip and refresh yourself in its 100-metre cascading water. Beside it is another waterfall called Pulang Bato Falls (meaning Red Rock Falls).  Twinlakes and the Sandbar are the other attractions in the northern part of Negros Oriental.  To top it all, the city is full of remarkable, easy-going, kind-hearted people who would offer a warm welcome to their admirable neighbourhood of tremendous natural sceneries.


Ilocos Norte, the Philippines

It is my first time to go to Ilocos region.

I started my tour in the famous Vigan. Though I arrived late at night, I did not waste time and headed to the heritage site, the Calle Crisologo where you will see the many preserved Spanish houses. I took a bus the next day for a two-hour trip to the city of Laoag and another two-hour travel to Pagudpod. The landscape along the way to Pagudpod is amazing with its  rich green vegetation. The Blue Lagoon Beach is a favourite of mine.  There are many attractions to see along the way from Pagudpod to Blue Lagoon Beach.

You will see the Kaibigan Falls, Patapat Viaduct, a zigzag coastal bridge and the Aqua Grande where the freshwater meets the seawater. The Bangui Windmills is another famous tourist spot that you do not want to miss in Pagudpod.

I went back to Loaog City to discover what it has to offer. I checked in at Hotel Tiffany and headed to Paoay Church, a 30-minute ride from the city. I visited the other places one after the other; Fort Ilocandia Beach resortIlocos sand dunes, the Malacanang Palace of the northMarcos museumSinking Bell tower and the Ilocos Norte museum. The local dish is one thing that I did not want to forget. I did try PinakbetLauyaBagpet, and Bagnet to name a few.


Siquijor, the Philippines

Siquijor is an island located in the Central Visayas region.

It is not scary in Siquijor as what people believes that it is a place of witchcraft and vampires. To me, it is one of the best places to visit.

Experience the Island of Fire with the rich population of fireflies blazing the mountain high.  Siquijor is filled with attractions that will excite you. Mountains, caves, beaches, old churches and the most famous Cambugahay Falls should be part of your itinerary. It has three levels of waterfalls, the top and the deepest is where you can jump. I did jumped twice on this 20-feet high with approximately 25-feet deep. It was exhilarating as I jumped and felt the gravity pulling me down to the water.


Guimaras, the Philippines

It is not only the sweet mangoes that makes Guimaras famous.

Both fresh and dried mangoes are local delicacies with high demand all over the globe. The popular places that you may want to join me are Guisi Old Lighthouse and BeachTrappist MonasteryMacopo FallsSadsad FallsMango Plantation farmsMountain Adventure park and my favourite is the Tatlong Pulo Island where you will find the best value of seafood.

I was accommodated at the Zemkamps Chalet owned by Engr. Eugene Palmes.  A big thank you goes to the hotel staff, Joanne, Raul and Teresa for the marvelous job that is beyond my expectation. They deserve a commendation.  My only regret to see in Guimaras is that it is an oil spill and garbage prone area. The local government must create a program to protect its beautiful environment as soon as possible.











Cebu, the Philippines

I am revisiting Cebu, the Queen City of the South.

The Sky Experience adventure is the first and only in the Philippines at the Crowne Regency Hotel & Towers.  A 400-feet high Skywalk Extreme allows you to walk on a path around the 37th level outer-rim and the Edge Coaster at the 38th level outer-rim.

While in Cebu, I took the chance to stay overnight at the Tambuli Resort in Mactan Island in Lapulapu City with elegant pools and white powdery sandy beachfront.

There are many more destinations in the Philippines that I like you to discover.  Contact me if you please and I am more than willing to guide and create your itinerary.  Please find more photos below.

From the desk of: 
Freddie Miranda
A blogger and a Canada-based freelance writer. He shares the value of his travel experiences and discoveries with his friends and fellow travellers. Share your passion, join and visit him. Send a message @ fromatravellersdesk(at)gmail(dot)com

Some destinations are:



Siargao, Surfing Capital of the Philippines 

 

Sohoton Cove, Surigao del Norte



Pebble Beach in Surigao City



Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur



Davao Adventure



Boracay, the Beach Capital of the Philippines



Volcanic Crater of Mount Pinatubo in Zambales




The Mountains of Bukidnon



Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Eastern Mindanao



White Water Rafting in Cagayan de Oro City



Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure in Subic, Zambales



Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte


Guyam Island, Siargao, Surigao del Norte

See more of Armie Yuson by visiting his travel blog: Happy Loner Traveller





Countries in Armie's wishlist to be visited in the future: France, Italy, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Ireland, London and Brazil.

Countries that Armie has visited outside the Philippines: Canada, U.S.A., Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China (including Hong Kong).

* * * * *

Are you a traveller who would like to share your travel story with our blog and our readers?  Then, I'd love to hear from you! Please email me at fromatravellersdesk@gmail.com

Watch for these blogs! 

They all have been travelling for many years and I can guarantee that all of them have travel tips that all of us can learn and benefit from.  I have to thank all other fellow travellers who have responded to my invite.  I will definitely publish your stories as soon as I have completed the details.

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9 comments:

  1. That was a great post from you Armie. Patriotic as you are, may you continue promoting our gold old Philippines! Will be visiting your blog site too, very soon.

    Cheers!

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  2. wow this guy is awesome! I admired the Philippines more. been there once to boracay but never thought there are other wonderful places in the Philippines. thanks for this, better get back to the Philippines! great job!

    ReplyDelete
  3. On behalf of Armie, I want to thank you for your nice comment about him and the Philippines. It is very much appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you Steve. I appreciate your joining me via GFC. See you around.

    ReplyDelete
  5. you seemslots of fans Freddie,happy to see that, we should exchange our konwleage of how to attract people to visit our site ,my english is poor ,hope you can understanding chaowei^^

    ReplyDelete
  6. The Philippines look beautiful! Thanks for the contribution.

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  7. Thank you for your comment Terry. Your postings are equally interesting and easy to understand. I can feel your sincerity and that is the reason why I am one of your fans.

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  8. Thanks Noreen for your support. Philippines is one of the Asian countries that I want to visit again and again. This country is very close to my heart.

    ReplyDelete

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