Cebu Pacific’s Juan For Fun Backpacker Challenge 2013

by Gay Mitra - July 12, 2013August 12, 20146

It’s back! One big adventure. All for free. Once again, Cebu Pacific is looking for five teams (each team consisting of three college students) who are up for an adventure all over the Philippines. The challenge to the teams is to have the most number of fun activities within the duration of the trip (August…

Scratch Map Philippines Has Arrived!

by Gay Mitra - June 24, 2013August 12, 20140

Itching to escape the mundane? Go forth and scratch the itch! And while you’re at it, scratch all the places you’ve been off the new Scratch Map Philippines to remind yourself how far your adventures took you. Yes, Scratch Map Philippines has arrived (following the success of the world Scratch Map)! Designed by Luckies of…

Beach Therapy

by Gay Mitra - April 26, 2011August 13, 201467

“The cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea.” – Isak Dinesen The beach has healed much of my emotional wounds in the past. Mind you, without even the aid of alcohol. I regard such as utterly amazing. Each of us (some collectively) flock to heavenly shores under the command of…

Snapshot Saturday: Pink Summer

by Gay Mitra - February 26, 2011August 13, 201427

Pink Beach, ZamboangaA beautiful marriage of pulverized Red Organ-Pipe Corals and white sand. TweetShare This page was viewed times.

The Big 3-0: A Backpacker’s Flashback

by Gay Mitra - September 3, 2010August 13, 201413

I turned 30 yesterday. And nope, I didn’t throw a big party nor vacationed somewhere remote and exotic. I would have if I wasn’t 38 weeks pregnant – or more of, if our family elders didn’t disapprove it. My celebration was very boring simple. With a handful of relatives, we had lunch at a Chinese…

Zamboanga City

by Gay Mitra - September 16, 2009August 13, 20149

I wish I wrote more about Zamboanga when I visited this city summer of 2006. Now I can barely remember the places we went and the people who hosted us (such a shame I am not in contact with them anymore). Thank goodness we took photos (otherwise Zamboanga will just be a distant memory)! Here’s…

Don’t Tell My Mother I’m In Basilan

by Gay Mitra - September 15, 2009August 13, 201430

It is unfortunate that only the brave can travel this part of the country. I wouldn’t have dared too, if not for the Basileños I’ve befriended in Zamboanga. They said Basilan is not as dangerous as the media projects, so long as we stay away from certain unsafe, off-limits Abu Sayyaf areas. This was back…