The Travel Archives

Casa Loma

Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario and the most populous city in Canada, is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. From its world-renowned cultural attractions and delicious cuisine to its beautiful parks and scenic waterfront, there's no shortage of things to see and do in this exciting city!

I visited Toronto just before the pandemic (year 2019), yet I assure you that the tips I will be posting here will still be relevant for your travels this 2023 (or even in the next few years).

Hop on and read through my recos on the top things to do and see in Toronto for first timers:

1. One of the top attractions in Toronto is the CN Tower, an iconic landmark that offers incredible views of the city and lake from its observation deck. You might want to try the thrilling "EdgeWalk" around the tower's circumference, 116 stories above the ground. I didn't try this though. Just seeing the tower with my Tita was enough!

CN Tower

2. Other must-see cultural attractions include the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the historic Casa Loma.

We visited Casa Loma and toured the majestic castle. It was the private residence of Sir Henry Pellatt, that's now owned by the City of Toronto. The castle costs $40 per pax to tour. To learn more about it, visit their website at https://casaloma.ca.

Casa Loma

3. Foodies will love exploring Toronto's diverse culinary scene, which features everything from traditional Canadian dishes to international cuisines. Some popular local specialties include poutine (french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds), peameal bacon sandwiches, and smoked meat.

For a unique dining experience, head to one of the city's many multicultural neighborhoods, such as Little Italy or Chinatown, where you'll find a wide variety of authentic restaurants and food shops.

4. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the Toronto Islands, a group of small islands located just a short ferry ride from the mainland. The islands offer a peaceful escape from the city, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Other outdoor activities in Toronto include exploring the beautiful High Park, visiting the Toronto Zoo, and taking a stroll along the Lake Ontario waterfront.

5. No trip to Toronto would be complete without experiencing some of the city's vibrant nightlife. Whether you're looking for live music, comedy, or just a good pint of beer, Toronto has something to offer. Some popular nightlife hotspots include the Entertainment District, Kensington Market, and the Distillery District.

We did a quick street tour of Kensington Market in the morning, then passed by Graffiti Alley. It's a small street where you will find astounding street art that will delight artists and photographers.

Kensington Market

 

Graffiti Alley

Distillery District is also a unique and fun place to hangout. We, being Asians, tried sake and whisky tasting in some of their bars. You can also do some shopping there, and take lots of photos with its brick walls and lovely backdrops.

Distillery District

Overall, Toronto is a dynamic and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. I have more to share - but I'll do in another post - for this list of top things to do and see in Toronto will pretty much keep you happy and occupied, especially if it's your first time!

Enjoy!

 

It's the 19th of June, year 2021. It's been 1 year and 4 months since the global war against COVID-19 started. For 1 year and 4 months, movement outside our homes have been very, very limited.

We cannot go out for leisure, travel, and to live a healthy, balanced life is an extreme challenge. People have to be creative on how they can cope given the surmounting restrictions on all types of movement - be it actions related to business or personal matters.

As such, we cannot travel like we used to. Countries - even cities and provinces - have closed their doors to non-residents. The only recourse we have at the moment to connect with each other and with the world beyond our own homes is through technology - social media, video calls, travel documentaries.

But we all know it's not enough

I miss traveling. Our last trip overseas was in Japan, just before the pandemic officially started. We traveled Tokyo, Niigata, and Nikko. It was also the first time we tried snowboarding.

If we can't physically experience the world right now, I'll do so through my memories and through this blog while I still remember bits and pieces of it.

Cheers~

I am currently doing the chore I hate most - placing clean clothes in my cabinet. I hate it. I wish I have someone who can do this for me.

Then I realized, in a snap, how petty of a concern this is. Compared to the plight of around 90% of my countrymen right now, I am lucky because I'm home. I am lucky because I don't have to be in a hospital, healing people sick from the corona virus. I am lucky because I am not in the higher ranks of the government, stressing my butt off so I can protect and save my country, only to be faced with hatred and criticism.

I am lucky, most of all, because I am alive, healthy, and safe, just as my family and loved ones are. We have shelter, our own transportation, and I know we have food to eat today, tomorrow, and the next months.

In this time of turmoil and unrest, let us all live to be the best versions of ourselves. Let's celebrate the simple things that we often take for granted, help our elders and neighbors, and give our bodies the love and care they're due.

Before I end, I'd like to thank our countrymen from the medical field and the government, and those in essential industries like food and drinks, medicine, water, electricity, banks, and so on. You've all been working so hard to keep us alive.

I'm giving the gift of awareness this Christmas. No actually, it's a call to action for us to live smarter... For us to consider our purchases, lifestyle, and the way we do things every day.

If you think about how polluted our city, seas, or even your home is; how animals die because of our irresponsible use of plastic; the reality that Manila will be under water by 2050, and that Greenland's ice sheets are melting 7x faster than in the 1990s (So what? Read here.)... Wouldn't these rattle you to think of something to help extend the life of our dying world?

How will your sons and daughters survive, thirty years from now?

I hope we can act on this pressing issue the best we can. Probably the easiest and most practical way is to consume the least amount of waste and energy possible each day.

I'm not a saint and I'm having a hard time living sustainably as well, but I'm trying. I hope you can also start (or continue what you've already been doing).

Here are 12 practical ways to help you start living smarter:

1. Act as if there's water shortage everyday.
2. Place your purchase/s in your bag or pocket instead, if you can. Or just carry it with you, if feasible. Tell the cashier that you don't need a plastic or a paper bag anymore.
3. Have an ecobag with you each time you go out. You'll never know when you'll need it.
4. If you don't need new clothes/gadgets/things, don't buy.
5. Bought a piece of clothing online that's packaged in plastic? Reuse that plastic!
6. Buying coffee outside? Bring your tumbler. Other cafes offer discounts when you use your own glass.
7. Simply avoid straws. You can drink from the glass instead (if the glass is clean).
8. Using Ziploc in storing toiletries in your travels? Reuse that Ziploc! I've used mine for more than 3/4/5x already.
9. Save on your day-to-day energy usage. Turn off the lights and unplug your devices when not in use.
10. Don't waste food... There's more to your leftovers than you think.
11. Stuck in line or in traffic? Educate yourself instead of browsing through Facebook/Instagram. Here's a good website to start. Or this. Or this.
12. Be a good example and spread the word. There is an impact on every little thing you do.

Can you commit to at least 3? Make it a habit, then commit to another 3? This would be one of the best Christmas gifts you can give to your child.

Merry Christmas. :)


PS: In case you're thinking about it...this post is NOT sponsored by any business or website.

Budget travelers get horrified by the thought of paying for accommodations in first world countries like the United States. But with the myriad of options nowadays in Airbnb, and the rise of hostel-type accommodations all over the world, renting out a temporary space in first world cities wouldn't really cost you as much.

We visited Chicago, USA a few months back and found a gem of a hotel called Freehand Hotels. It's a hip hotel that offers private rooms and dormitories for travelers. It seems to target the younger crowd (travelers, backpackers, young professionals), but I assure you, even your cool aunties would love it there.

We discovered the place through Booking.com. We read that Freehand Hotels in Chicago offer:

• Affordable prices
• A very strategic location
• Clean accommodations
• Security
• Complimentary WiFi
• A restaurant, cafe and bar
• Loads of free stuff during breakfast (the early bird catches the worm!)

And most of all, they have very high ratings from their prior clients.

This led us to their website, found very convincing photos of the place, and ended up booking with them (via Booking.com).

I booked the dorm-type room, which Booking.com calls "Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room". It costs about P1,600 per night per pax. This is inclusive of:

• Air conditioning
• Private bathroom
• Complimentary WiFi
• Seating area
• Private restrooms with heating
• Towels
• Toilet paper
• Breakfast (toasts with butter and jam, cereals, fruits, juices, coffee, yogurt - help yourself!)

I was lucky as I had the room to myself during the first 2 days. On my third day, a student joined me. We talked a bit and went on minding our own business afterwards. My companion, who booked a space in the 4-bed male dormitory room, shared the space with 2 people. One was a graduate student visiting his girlfriend, while one was an Asian on a business trip. He had the opportunity to get to know them a bit.

The room was spacious enough, in my opinion. (Compare it to Japan's accommodations, and you won't be disappointed.) It was carpeted, the bed and sheets were very clean and comfortable, and I had a good view of the city. The restroom was sparkling clean as well. The space for the shower was a bit tight, but no big deal.



Their bar called the Broken Shaker also serves very good cocktails. It was fully packed by 9PM (if I remember the time right). It clearly is the perfect place to recap your day with good lively music and a drink on hand.



I had a good experience at Freehand Hotels. It allowed me to easily access Chicago's tourist spots. It's in the heart of Michigan Ave., walking distance to Shake Shack, Portillo's Hotdogs, Eataly, and a lot more restaurants and cafes. The train station is within 100 meters as well (a very short walk!).

Freehand also has hotels in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Enjoy!!!

My home, Metro Manila, the Philippines' capital, is currently experiencing water shortage. I don't know what the real cause is -- mismanagement on the side of our water provider, government corruption, or the environment getting back at humanity's irresponsible acts.


Whatever it is, there is no turning back from the crisis we're facing. All we can do now is to help solve the problem, whichever way we can. Here are some practices all of us can apply wherever we are in the world:

• Just use what you need, even if you're not in your own homes. Being in a hotel doesn't mean you can consume excessive amounts of water... Sure, you're privileged to use all the water that you want, but it's your duty, as a citizen of this world, to conserve our finite resources.
• Report leaks when you see it (or try to fix it, if you can). Don't be shy -- ask the guard or the housekeeping crew for help. They'll be more than willing to attend to your needs.

I'd like to say I'm smart and wise on matters involving spending and saving -- be it on money, electricity, or material things. On most occasions, I don't over-consume. I know how to balance my expenses, necessities, and indulgences.

But this problem were facing made me wiser, not just in my consumption of water but other life-sustaining resources as well. It grounded me more, taught me to cut down on some luxuries, and to only consume what is needed in my daily life. Here are some scenarios which I hope would inspire you to do the same:

• We were at a restaurant awhile ago, and while I can afford to buy an extra dish that I was sort of craving for, I chose not to because I'm 101% sure we've already ordered enough.
• About 2-3 months ago, I gave (and threw) out a lot of clothes, accessories, and things that have no use in my life anymore. But this morning, as I opened my cabinet, I found more clothes that I wanted to let go. They are still in good quality, but I felt like giving them out because I haven't worn them for more than 3 months already. I made a mental checklist to donate these to people who might need them more. I'll update you on my progress.
• I remembered this product I used 2 weeks ago. It's a bag from EcoNest that looks like plastic, but it's actually not. It's made from cassava plants, and will decompose after 180 days. I tried it out, brought it with me to my recent travels to Florida, and served as my go-to bag for spontaneous trips to the beach. I used one bag more than once, got it wet from my beach wear, and noticed how different it was from plastic. The bag stretched out a bit and its prints quickly faded away. It also retained some moisture from my wet clothes, which, I think, means that there's really no plastic content in it. It felt good to use something which I knew would just decompose back to the soil after 180 days... This clearly reduced my plastic footprint, and if everyone would do the same, imagine how much it will impact the environment. (Thanks, EcoNest! Click here if you want to learn how you can reduce your plastic footprint too.)

Our current crisis on water gives us the right to rant all we want, but I hope we can spin something better out of it too. The problem already occurred, so what's left for us to do is to help solve it in our own way, and practice a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle to hopefully prevent further shortages in the future.

And I found that Spirit Airlines had the cheapest airfare, and its flight schedule fit mine perfectly. It had a direct flight to Orlando (from Chicago), while others had 2-hour or even 5-hour layovers in other states.

1. Delayed and/or cancelled flights. Others missed a number of days from their vacation due to flight delays and cancellations.

8) Make sure to have a credit card with you during check-in or bag drop.

Our plane from Chicago (ORD) to Orlando (MCO). Flight took less than 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Tortuga is your newest island getaway in the jungle of Poblacion, Makati City. It is a Caribbean-inspired restaurant-bar that offers really tasteful dishes, cocktails and lots of tequila shots in a cool, artsy, tropical ambiance. If you want to travel somewhere new in the vicinity of the city, Tortuga's a definite must-try.



Yuppies, corporate workers around Makati's business district, millenials fresh from college, backpackers, and even expats frequent the place. Tortuga in Poblacion officially launched on November 29, 2018, and they're expecting an even bigger crowd and client base that spans even the older generation of foodies and party-goers.



Tortuga opens its doors at 6PM. This is the perfect time for a mouthwatering dinner in their relaxed, air-conditioned dining space. Their Jungle Pumba and Jerk Chicken are definite must-try's. They ooze with flavors from the Caribbean, and will seriously leave you wanting for more.


Pair these mains with Pork Skewers as your starter, or for fun bites in between.



As the night nears 10PM, you'll notice the place getting more crowded. By 11PM to 12AM, expect it to be jam-packed with party goers -- a young and vibrant crowd. You'll also see shots of tequilas being served from table to table. Well, why not, when each Jose Cuervo shot costs only P50 from 9PM to 11PM! They also have affordable Don Papa Cocktails at P100 per glass from 7PM to 12AM.



Aside from this, Tortuga also serves tiki-inspired cocktails to complete your island beach vibe. Try their best-selling Espaniola and Sol Swizzle! Each carefully-prepared glass costs P240.




They also have a lot of interesting cocktails in their menu, such as the Sneaky Tiki, an island style sweet tea infused with vodka, bourbon, and raspberry.



Of course, your drinking session won't be complete without your good-old finger food. Tortuga offers Nachos, Jamon Croquetas, and of course, their best-selling Chicken Skin. Their Chicken Skin is savory and crisp, with just the right balance of umami.



Tortuga used to be located in Katipunan Avenue, home of the Philippines' most exclusive schools. Currently, this hip Caribbean-inspired restaurant-bar conveniently sits in the heart of Poblacion, Makati's newest and hippest haven for foodies, backpackers and party-goers. (A good move, we must say.)

So if you feel like you're missing out on some sun, sand and sea; if you want to air your stress out with sights of relaxing tropical greens; if you're craving for flavorful Caribbean meals; if you want to dance to some good music with a tasteful cocktail on-hand, you'd definitely want to visit Tortuga.

Tortuga is located at the 2nd Floor of Lokal Hostel, Ebro St., Makati City. They're open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 6PM to 2AM. Follow @tortugaph on Instagram for their latest updates -- especially now that they're revamping their menu with dishes that are better than ever. You may also check them out on Zomato by clicking here.

Nagoya isn't a very popular tourist destination in Japan and is voted the most boring city according to some surveys, yet it is the "biggest money-making region" in the country. They say that Nagoya does not have the cultural appeal of Kyoto and the sophistication of Tokyo, and they only have Nagoya Castle to look forward to. We met a Taiwanese traveler in our hostel and he also said that you only need to stay overnight to enjoy Nagoya; otherwise, it'll bore you out.

Such negative light has been put into this city, but for a traveler like me, it wasn't that big of a deal. Due to our cancelled flight back home, I had the chance to stay another night in Japan and tour Nagoya for a day - a sweet bonus to a 12-day trip.

Here's how it went:

Day 12, Tuesday: Hello Nagoya

• Arrived 9:30 PM at Nagoya from Kyoto via the JR Bus. The trip took us 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Walked and checked in to our pod at Guest House Wasabi. It's conveniently located near the bus station, as well as the train station that'll lead us to the airport the next day.
• Late dinner
• Chilled at the outdoor area of the hostel. They have free, unlimited tea and juice you can enjoy.

Day 13, Wednesday: Nagoya Castle, Goodbye Japan

• Checked out from our pod before visiting Nagoya Castle. We left our luggages there for a minimal storage fee.
• Breakfast at Little Mermaid Cafe. I noticed that the food was cheaper here as compared to Osaka and Kyoto. I'm not sure if it's generally more affordable in Nagoya, or was it just Little Mermaid Cafe?
• Nagoya Castle. The main tourist destination in Nagoya. We traversed this via their subway lines. You may also reach the castle via bus. Just open Google Maps from your smartphones and it'll easily give you the proper directions.
• Soba for lunch, since we haven't tried legit Japanese soba yet.
• Nagoya is famous for tebasaki, or fried chicken wings! You may also try it out at the recommended restaurants in this link.
• Visited Don Quijote to see what the hype is all about (and shop for stuff to take back home). It's where Filipinos or tourists usually buy "pasalubongs."
• Went back to our pod to get our luggages, walked a few meters to the station, and boarded the train to Nagoya airport.
• We then returned our very reliable and affordable pocket WiFi from KKDAY upon arrival at the airport. (DON'T FORGET THIS!)
• Our last Japanese treat was in this restaurant called Tonkatsu Wako. We thought we were done with the culinary goodness of this country, but Japan showed us this last meal that gave us a harder time saying goodbye.

To see the first part of our itinerary (Osaka for 2 days), click on this link.
For the second part (Himeji, Kobe, Nara for 2 days), click here.
To learn more about the third and longest leg of our travelogue (Kyoto), click here.
To see our introduction which states our general tips, click here.