I ♥ Macau

Last year (2013) Dan and I were fortunate to have traveled to three Philippine destinations: Boracay, Bohol and Cebu. We wanted to go around the country on our first year of marriage and we both confirmed how beautiful the Philippines is. This year, we opted to visit nearby Asian destinations to immerse ourselves in different cultures with the hope that we will learn to appreciate our own culture more.

We have made an agreement that every time we go out for a holiday, we will go DIY (do-it-yourself). Although there were times that I have been tempted to get tour packages offered by trusted agencies, the idea of exploring a foreign land with just a map and my ever-reliable instinct on hand proved to be more appealing.

Our first trip was in Macau, dubbed as Asia's Gambling Capital. But more than the numerous casinos that are found practically everywhere, this Chinese territory, once colonized by Portugal, has so much more to offer.

The hotel where we stayed was only a 10-minute walk to the city's famous landmarks such as Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul and the casino strip. I don't remember taking any public transport on our first day. We did a lot of walking but we never felt tired a bit.

Senado Square at night. We found Senado Square serendipitously as we were trying to look for a nearby money exchange. Hailing a cab to get to the Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul and the casino strip was no longer an option. Good thing, it's a walking-friendly city.

Senado Square.

I always make it a point to check out the street food of the place I visit. This one is not for the fainthearted. Their fare is a little too spicy for my palate.

Getting cozy at St. Paul's Ruins.

We also did casino-hopping, NOT to play but to check out its grand interiors. And boy, we weren't disappointed!

Our first stop was The Venetian.

I ♥ Cebu

Our trip to Cebu on October 2013 was made possible (again!) by a promo fare that I couldn't resist. I booked it right away without asking Dan if he was up for it. I was thinking, there was no way he would refuse it, especially since we won a free hotel accommodation at Crown Regency Towers, which by the way has a great view of the Queen City of the South. And anyone who has traveled would agree that a huge chunk of the travel expenses goes to accommodation. Good thing, we have one item crossed out from our list of expenses. Anyway, matipid naman kaming maglakwatsa. We always stick to the budget, no matter what. Kung di na kayang kumain, i-tubig na lang ang gutom, haha!

Unlike our Bohol trip, we didn't have to hire a tour guide in Cebu. Dan's two teenage nephews, Emerson and Remson, were gracious enough to drive us around the city. Plus, our high school friend Mariegen with her friend Haide also happened to be in the city, which means, we would have decent pictures together! That has always been a struggle. When it's just the two of us, we have no other choice but to take selfie shots which turn out horrendous because of angle issues.

Here are some photos we have taken from our trip.

Cebu lechon was a priority for this trip. As soon as we landed, we asked Emerson, Dan's nephew, to take us to a local restaurant that serves the famous Cebu lechon. Our first gastronomic fill was at CnT Lechon. The following day, we tried Zubuchon.

Dan and I make it a point to try something new in the places we visit. We did that in Bohol when we had the firefly tour. It was something that I wouldn't normally do but I'm glad I did. This time in Cebu, we couldn't miss the Sky Adventure in the Crown Regency. Definitely, this is not recommended for the fainthearted. It took a lot of convincing for me to finally give it a try. I can do the Skywalk and Zipline all over again, but I would never have the Edge Coaster for a second time. It was like facing death head-on, I swear.

And of course, the mandatory city tour.

Daghang salamat, Cebu!