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Three-hour drive to Baguio
Blog: First-time Traveler - 10 November 2011
Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines located in the moutainous region in the north, is a favorite destination of residents of Manila and nearby towns. It is about six hours from Manila by private vehicle or non-stop bus, and … Continue reading →
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Update from the Field: Expanding the Reach of Microfinance, Downsizing Development + Why We Kiva
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 31 October 2011
Compiled by Kathrin Gerner, KF16, Rwanda This week, you have no fewer than 14 new articles to choose from on the Kiva fellows blog: Let the fellows take you along on borrower visits across the world. Learn how Kiva field partners expand the reach of microfinance in Rwanda, fill the microfinance donut hole in Sierra Leone and improve social performance in Uganda. Find out what poverty is like in urban Tajikistan and rural Burkina Faso. Get inspired by one of the creative ways to bring renewable energy to the developing world in the form of a soccer ball.
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10 Mouthwatering National Dishes from Southeast Asia
Blog: GoBackpacking - 24 October 2011
1. Indonesia - Nasi Padang Due to the vast spread out archipelago of Indoneisa, it’s almost impossible to label a real national dish for the entire country. I’ve just gone ahead and mentioned a normal everyday meal of Nasi Padang that consists of a plate of rice topped with a choice of dishes. When I was [...]
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Girlie’s Peanut Butter: Borrower Verification in the Philippines
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 24 October 2011
By: Jill Hall, Manila,Philippines As I stepped out in the oppressive humidity of a Manila morning, my spirit was excited and ready to leave the protection of CCT head office's wonderful air conditioning because this was the day I got to do another borrower verification.This day’s journey is particularly exciting because the reward at the end of the two-hour bus side in Metro Manila traffic, is Caloocan City, a place where nature begins to meet houses and instead of high rises and smog you plunge in to lush green hills and palm trees.
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First-time in Kanlaon
Blog: First-time Traveler - 13 October 2011
Mt. Kanlaon is shrouded with mystery. I grew up hearing tales of hermits, fairies and other enchantments that happen around the tallest peak in the island of Negros. This same volcano divides the eastern part of Negros from its western … Continue reading →
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Work is cancelled: Typhoon Day
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 2 October 2011
“To Luzon (Head office, NCR, C.Luzon, Rizal, Laguna-Cavite, Batangas) staff: Due to heavy rains and strong winds brought by Storm Pedring, management advised to stay at home. Work is suspended today. Kindly monitor our communities if help is needed. Ingat mga kapatid. God’s protection be upon us all!” This was the text message I received [...]
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The Circle of Life; Filipino Style
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 9 September 2011
The phrase “The Circle of Life”, for individuals of my age demographic, typically conjures up images of Timon and Pumba. Hopefully I did not pull you into this blog under false pretenses but unfortunately the title is the only relation to the famous Disney movie. My hope is that you will continue reading in order to find [...]
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First time in Casablanca
Blog: First-time Traveler - 14 August 2011
It’s neither the one in Morocco nor the hotel in New York. It’s not even the movie. It’s the private resort along the National Highway of Tagaytay City, Philippines that has a breathtaking view of the smallest volcano in the … Continue reading →
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Updates from the Field: Roads, Remittances + the “Little Paris” of Togo
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 27 June 2011
Last week our internationally-scattered Kiva Fellows introduced us to some of the men and women that compose the sixty countries in which Kiva works.
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Long Distance Relationships: Remittances in the Philippines
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 22 June 2011
By Allie Cook, KF15, Philippines There are currently an estimated 10 million Filipinos currently working abroad, about one-tenth of the population. They are called Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs. OFWs generally see their families, including children, once a year. ASKI, the microfinance institution (MFI) where I am currently based, is working on an innovative initiative to support OFWs.
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Carnival of Cities for 1 June 2011 – from Abu Dhabi to Athens
Blog: Sophie's World - 1 June 2011
Welcome! I’m happy to host this edition of the Carnival of Cities! After publishing the 18 May 2011 edition on Perceptive Travel Blog, Sheila Scarborough handed the baton to me....Carnival of Cities for 1 June 2011 – from Abu Dhabi to Athens is a post from Sophie's World
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Philippines: A Few Reasons Visitors Can’t Get Enough Of It
Blog: Vagobond.com - 25 May 2011
The Philippines contains exotic cultures in an enchanted land. Every year millions of tourists travel to the Philippines. Some for business others for pleasure, but one thing is for certain. They keep coming back, and here’s a few reasons why.
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Travelers and their “Firsts”
Blog: First-time Traveler - 19 May 2011
It has taken me a few more days to put this together due to some late submissions and my increased work load in my day job. I couldn’t accommodate more submissions though because I have set a deadline. I hope … Continue reading →
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How Volunteering Can Lead to Extraordinary Travel Experiences
Blog: GoBackpacking - 16 May 2011
Volunteering is one of the best ways to experience another country.---------Join Travel Blog Success today and learn to build a better travel blog. Membership includes 27 tutorials, personal and private support forum, expert audio interviews, and much more.
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Jeepney and Spanish Church on Bohol – Have You Been Here?
Blog: Vagobond.com - 9 May 2011
The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon is considered to be one of the oldest churches in the Philippines.
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Lonely Planet Bloggers 1st E-Book Launched!
Blog: First-time Traveler - 4 May 2011
Two Filipinas are part of this initiative! Blogging started out for me as a passion for writing. Since travel is what I love most, I focused on writing about my trips and travel experiences. Little did I know that one … Continue reading →
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Cost of Travel: Manila & The Philippines
Blog: GoBackpacking - 2 May 2011
The most expensive part about traveling to the Philippines is the initial flight to get there.---------Join Travel Blog Success today and learn to build a better travel blog. Membership includes 27 tutorials, personal and private support forum, expert audio interviews, and much more.
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Update from the Field: Earth Day, Celebrations + Exceeding Expectations
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 25 April 2011
Compiled by Alexis Ditkowsky Kiva Fellows observed Earth Day by sharing projects initiated by their partner microfinance institutions and host countries and by celebrating Kiva.org's first batch of "Green Loans". The upbeat mood also extended to anniversary parties at MFIs in Jordan and Armenia, enthusiastic endorsements to travel to Colombia, and reporting on a great opportunity for Kiva clients in Mongolia. Fellows also visited with borrowers in the Philippines, South Africa, and Armenia, and took us on a typical commute in Mexico City.
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Unique, varied observance of Holy Week in the Philippines
Blog: First-time Traveler - 25 April 2011
Below is a News Release of the Philippine Department of Tourism. Lent in the Philippines is usually observed through weekly fastings and abstinence, penitence as well as the traditional passion plays or senakulo, panata, via crucis, visita iglesia and the pabasa … Continue reading →
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Lessons in my Malaysian trip
Blog: First-time Traveler - 22 April 2011
My recent Malaysian trip was all about letting go of control. I’m obsessed of doing background research on a particular destination, making itineraries, and budget. So, I went ahead and browsed on some hotels, not even checking its location, but … Continue reading →
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Time, Love, Money & Energy
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 19 April 2011
By Kaajal Laungani, KF12 Philippines During our discussion, Mike mentioned something that I had thought a lot about prior to applying to the Kiva Fellows Program – the concept of being satisfied and feeling grateful. When he would ask his audiences if they had enough time, money, love or energy, most would flatly respond with a NO. I had observed similar sentiments through my interactions with people back home in California. When I returned to Bohol, I thought it would be interesting to see how Kiva clients responded to the same questions.
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Travel to Change
Blog: First-time Traveler - 11 April 2011
My friends and I were touring Bohol, visiting the famous Chocolate Hills, Lobok River, and the Tarsier Sanctuary. We were wide-eyed as we took in all the beauty around us. But as we were interacting with the locals we learned … Continue reading →
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The big move!
Blog: First-time Traveler - 2 April 2011
I have transferred my blog to a new domain. Thanks to all the help of WordPress. You can now read my new posts from here on at http://firsttimetravels.com (there is no longer a”wordpress” in it and I have added an “s” at firsttimetravel). Keep reading!
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Going Back – Lonely Planet Blogsherpa Carnival #21
Blog: No Beaten Path - 1 April 2011
Some great posts about going back and visiting somewhere you have been before.
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All-New Filipino Con Artists in Saigon: The Pham Ngu Lao Gang
Blog: Fish Egg Tree - 27 March 2011
The Photos below are of well-known Filipino con artists who have been stalking tourists in Saigon for several years. This is the first time many of them have been photographed, however. These photos are taken from their regular morning gatherings in the part across from the intersection of Pham Ngu Lao and De Tham Streets in District 1, HCMC. Disturbingly, security guards are usually standing right next to them.
