Je t'aime Paris

Paris, France has always been one of my "must-visit" places. Aside from the many sights I would see, it will also be an opportunity for me to practice French. So when James asked me to tag along with him when he goes there for business, I really got excited. Then came the visa application. As I recently resigned from my work at the Embassy, getting my Schengen pass was a challenge. I initially got refused but got a reconsideration a few hours before our departure on October 29, Monday. Whew! You could just imagine the anxiety I felt during the weekend while waiting for the office to open on Monday morning. Everything was so positive that morning. I even had a chat with Ms. Pilita Corales (yes, the Ms. Pilita Corales) at the waiting room of the French Embassy. I felt more than happy when I got my visa.

When I got into the plane, it finally sunk into me. My dream trip to Paris became a reality. Allow me to walk you through the 5 days I spent in Paris with James and his associates. These were as much as we can do during our stay as the boys got some work to do.

Day 1 October 30, 2007

6:10AM (local time): The group arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport via Cathay Pacific. It was a 12-hour flight from Hong Kong. We encountered slight delays with the random questioning from some French Immigration staff. The CDG airport was not that big and organized as the one in Hongkong.

We were picked-up by Antoine, our host company's representative. Antoine is a Vietnamese who migrated to France with his family several years ago. When the group got out of the airport, it became clearer to us that we were actually in Paris already. The temperature was at 6 degrees. We got into the van provided by the hotel and got a taste of French driving. Who said that Filipinos are not disciplined drivers? We were amazed as how our driver suddenly swerved from the 4th lane when he almost missed an exit.

After a 16-hour trip from Manila, we can't wait to freshen up. Unfortunately, we had to wait for another 4 hours before we could check-in. Some of us strolled along the neighborhood while waiting. It's interesting to see how the locals live their life. Working parents bring their children to school before going to work while we have school buses in the Philippines. They also walk in a faster pace appearing to be always in a rush to get so many things done in one day.



After the much-awaited shower and late lunch, we had our money changed to euros. The group decided to go to Pantheon. We took the metro going there. The French metro system appears complicated with the many loops and transfers, but once you get the hang of it, taking the metro is the easiest way to move around.

Pantheon: The crypt of Pantheon, which occupies the highest point on the Left Bank, houses the tombs of Louis Braill, Victor Hugo, Jean Jaures, Jea-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire, ad Emile Zola. The building's other attraction is Foucault's Pendulum, which proves the rotation of the earth.

We had dinner at Chinatown then some of us proceeded to Eiffel Tower. It was amazing to see the Eiffel Tower with its many lights. It was a romantic sight to see. We got there at 915PM and the last trip going up is 9PM. I don't think we would want to go up still with the cold wind catching up on us.

Day 2 October 31

The boys went to do the plant visit and attend a series of meetings while the girls went to Cathedrale De Notre Dame De Paris. The 12th to 14th century cathedral is one of the world's most famous and beautiful examples of medieval architecture. The miniature version of the cathedral in wood carving placed inside a glass case in the cathedral is amazing. The cathedral grounds is also a sanctuary for pigeons. Amariz and I enjoyed feeding them with bread and kernels with the help of an old French guy who seems to be a regular of the cathedral grounds. We had some drinks at one of the cafes and went shopping for trinkets and hats at the shops surrounding the cathedral. Across the Cathedral grounds is a quaint street where more souvenir shops and cafes thrive. We had a 4.50 euro worth gyro from Maison de Gyros.




We then proceeded to Champs Elysees where most of the designer shops are located. The Arc De Triomphe at the end of the long street added a distinctive look for Champs Elysees distinguishing it from the others. Napoleon commissioned the Arc to honor his Grand Armee.

In the evening, we were treated by our host to a sumptuous dinner at the 54th floor of the La Fayette Tower where we had a good view of the Eiffel Tower.

Day 3 Nov 1

Like most countries in the world, November 1 is a holiday in France. There were a lot of tourist and locals in the city so we decided to go to Euro Disney. To go there, we had to take the metro and the RER to Marne-la-Valee-Cheesey. Total travel time to get there was almost an hour by train. We didn’t know that we should purchase a different ticket for the RER, so when we got there, we could not exit using our cards. Filipinos are known to be resourceful so we found a way to get out without the required tickets. Our three companions who followed were fined 24 euros each for not purchasing the right tickets.




It was my first trip to Disneyland and I hate to admit but it was by far one of the most enjoyable things I did in Paris. I have always wanted to go to Disneyland when I was a kid. When most of my classmates spoke about their trip to Disneyland at the start of classes after summer vacation in grade school, I settled to listening to their stories. Mickey Mouse and the rest of the gang were characters I only see on TV at that time.

It must be the child in me that made me teary eyed as I watched the “Once Upon a Dream” grand parade. The whole place exuded a happy and childlike aura. It seems to me that all my problems drifted away as I entered the park. Very superficial as it may appear, but that trip to Disneyland reminded me that dreams do come true and that it’s a small world after all.


Day 4 Nov 2





Our day started early and we were brought by our host to Versailles by bus. Louis XIV, the Sun King, built and held the court at Versailles’ extraordinary palace. The chateau embodies the extravagance of the Old Regime. The place is filled with grandeur. We took the mini train to see the vast palace garden but due to time constraints we were not able to explore the garden more. It was interesting to know that the petit trianon was given by King Louis VI to Marie Antoinette in these terms: “Since you love flowers I am offering you a bouquet”. I wonder if there are still men out there who could profess his love in that manner.

It was already past 3PM when we left Versailles. We dropped by Eiffel Tower for some photo ops and then headed to Louvre. We had our late lunch at a Japanese Restaurant in the area as most of the people in the group craved for rice. I didn’t realize that I had been eating bread since Day 1. Some opted to shop after diner, while some of us opted to go to Louvre, the Da Vinci Code’s setting. The museum houses many masterpieces and allotting a few hours is not enough. We entered through I.M. Pei’s stunning glass pyramid. There are four areas to explore but we headed straight to the Denon side where the Mona Lisa is housed. I have not seen so many paintings and sculptures in my life. All the pieces have a distinct beauty of its own. Judging from the number of people in the hall where Mona Lisa is located, I would say that it is really one of the famous paintings in the world. But I would also admit that I was disappointed to see that the famous Mona Lisa is only a 3 by 4 feet painting enclosed in a glass. People are not even allowed to see the painting closer. It must be the story behind the painting and the identity of the model used for the painting that made it one of the most viewed paintings in the world.

We got out of the Louvre at 830PM and Coy, Tess, James, and I headed to Champs Elysees to do some last minute shopping. When we got there, most of the shops were closed already. We settled for the shops that were open. After an hour, we decided to go back to the hotel. At the taxi stand, we saw this new Mercedes Benz taxi in queue. We thought that since we will be spending anyway, might as well spend it at a nice cab. The Benz was the fourth in line so we stayed at a bench near it. When it became available, a couple got there ahead of us. We proceeded the to another taxi stand and saw another Benz that was available. Since there were four of us, we were charged extra for the fourth person seated in front. Paris is really very expensive place to go to. Everything you do has a fee. Bottled water that costs 20 pesos in the Philippines would costs 120 pesos there. We planned to try the Parisian night life but was so exhausted to even lift a leg.

Day 5 Nov 3

I woke up early as James promised to spend early breakfast with me at a street café before we depart for the airport. That was our only time spent alone and it was also the first time we met a very friendly and accommodating French café staff. I enjoyed our petit dejeuner at Pasteur Café. We walked back to the hotel at 9AM and almost everyone was ready.




I was not able to explore Paris as much as I would want to. I know that Paris has a lot to offer to its visitors that are worth seeing but I had conditioned myself that this trip was not purely for pleasure and that I had to “work” as well. Aside from the sights I saw, it was the company of the people I was with that I enjoyed. I know that I will have another opportunity to visit Paris and other cities in Europe next time. When that time comes, I will make sure that I would have sufficient time and money to spend to explore what Europe has to offer. Like most of my travels, I learned a lot from this trip. But the most important thing I realized is that nothing is impossible if you work hard to make your dreams a reality.

A bien tot!

Ging Masinda
05 November 2007

(http://angelfish5877.multiply.com/photos/album/15/La_tour_de_Paris for more photos)

I came, I saw, I conquered Mt. Kinabalu

When my dragon boat team decided to compete in the 22nd Sabah Dragon Boat Race in Kota Kinabalu held on June 17, the idea of climbing Mt. Kinabalu came up. I was able to climb some of the mountains in the Philippines in the past and reaching the summit of the tallest peak in Southeast Asia would be something else. I brought up the plan to James, as usual he was hesitant as he insists that the trip to KK is supposed to be for the dragon boat race and not to climb mountains. Nonetheless, he was convinced to join. Two other teammates, Bimbo Andrade and Edsel Segovia, informed me that they are doing the climb as well. With barely a month before the scheduled trip, getting a booking at the Laban Rata Resthouse was a challenge. We tried every trick but Sutera Sanctuary Lodges were elusive. Reservations are usually made at least 6 months before the scheduled trip. Thanks to Bimbo’s persistence, he was finally able to get a booking when he mentioned about the Ministry of Tourism’s recommendation.

Sabahan’s Hospitality

Our team arrived in Kota Kinabalu on June 15, 2007 at 7PM. The race organizers were there to welcome us together with some Sabahan dressed in their colorful national costume. We felt really special. A fancy bus took us to our base hotel for the next days in KK, the Kinabalu Daya Hotel. Our bus marshall and number one fan, Philip, gave us some historical info about the places we saw along the way. The next day, we had our team practice at the posh Sutera Harbour Resort and had a feel of the heavy paddles provided by the organizers. Water was rough and any extra movement on the boat would make it capsize. Though the paddles were heavy, the boat is lighter than the ones we use here in Manila. We were able to move the boat but since most of us are not used to the heavy paddles, there is added effort in lifting the paddle. The oversized life jackets also caused blisters on our skin surrounding the armpit area. That’s when we decided to use the sleeved top to lessen the friction effect on our skin during the race. A cocktail dinner, sponsored by Sabah Tourism Board, was held at Tanjung Aru for the participants in the late afternoon. A cultural show that highlighted the participation of the guests in some of Malaysia’s traditional dances was showcased. We headed back to the hotel for the much needed rest for the race the next day. Some of our teammates who were not able to join us on the Friday flight arrived past midnight as their afternoon Saturday flight was delayed for five hours.




A Well-Fought Battle

The 22nd Sabah Dragon Boat Race was held at Likas Bay, KK. Traditionally held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese Calendar, the race is also held in conjunction with the Duanwu Festival, a time to honor the spirit of the dragon, which represents unity and working together as a team to one common purpose. Our team competed in the men’s and mixed crew category. We would have had big chances in the mixed crew category if not for the heavy paddles and miscommunication. The go signal was relayed in Malay language and some of the teams started to paddle even without the starting gunfire. There was confusion during the finals that cost us the trophy. We ended up placing fifth in the mixed crew category. For the men’s category, there was only one heat as there were only seven teams including Brunei Darussalam’s National team. It was a disappointing finish but the team accepted the fact that training harder is the key to bringing back the old Drago glory. Despite the not-so-good results, Drago still managed to party back in the hotel. Room 904 was transformed into a bar. Everyone had a great time and the pictures would clearly show it.


Climbing the Majestic Mt. Kinabalu

The cab driver we arranged to bring us to Kinabalu Park was on time. The four of us left the hotel at quarter to 8 and arrived at Kinabalu Park around 10 AM. We didn’t expect that climate would be cold in Kinabalu Park. I started to worry as it might be colder up the mountain and I did not bring enough warm clothes. We registered, got our climbing permit, bought our 16RM packed lunch, met our guide Mercel, and was driven to Timpohon Gate. We initially felt a little uncomfortable with the assigned guide as he seemed to be indifferent. But Mercel eventually loosened up after a while. The game plan was to climb up to Laban Rata Resthouse, which will be our base camp, then do the summit assault early dawn the next day.




We started the trek up the mountain at 12 noon. Every step seemed to get heavier as we went higher. I started to doubt the reliability of the trip advisory about Mt. Kinabalu as I do the climb. Information on the net mentioned that you need not be an experienced climber to be able to climb Mt. Kinabalu. I beg to disagree. Mt. Kinabalu is not for the weak and unfit. Rain shower started to pour as we reached the 2-kilometer mark. I regret having brought my 10-kilo backpack. It never occurred to me that I would not be needing my vanity kit and other non-essential clothes when I get to the top. I forgot my Mountaineering 101, that is to pack light. Despite the heaviness I felt, I refused to succumb to having my bag carried by Mercel, our guide. Powered by pride, so to speak. But with 1 kilometer left to goand another hour or so, the hell with pride, I can’t take a step further with my backpack. I finally gave in and asked for Mercel’s assistance. Mercel obliged but of course for a fee. Porters are common in Mt. Kinabalu and it is amazing when you see them carrying four to five bags at a time. I wonder how they do it but at the same time pity them looking at their bent backs as they ascend the mountain. Soaking wet from the rain and mist, we finally arrived in Laban Rata after six grueling hours of climbing. The resthouse was filled with noisy tourists of different races and background sharing their experiences with fellow climbers. We shared the room, with six bunk beds, with two English girls, Chrissy and Michelle. The common bathroom for the gentlemen became a unisex bathroom as the ladies room was not working. The water heater seemed to be not working but we didn’t have much of a choice. After a cold shower, we gorged into the buffet table. The food was not superb but we need the nourishment for the next day’s summit assault. You would understand why food are priced as they are in Laban Rata when you see the locals trek up the mountains with LPG tanks and cooking materials on their back. James expressed his intention of not joining the summit assault the next day. His lower back is killing him already and the chilling climate might make it worse. I told him to think about it as we are almost there. We hit the sack early that night given the fatigue from the day’s climb.



The Summit Assault

We woke up at 2AM and got ready for the early climb. At 8.7 Celcius registered in the thermometer, we left the hut at 2:45AM. James was still hesitant to join but came with us anyway. It was freezing cold. We were not prepared for it and tried to make do with the clothes we brought. I put on several layers of clothes. Almost forty climbers trekked to the summit at early dawn. Each equipped with a torchlight and warm clothing, the ascent was easier for the others while it was a challenge for us as we dealt with the cold and inadequacy of a light source. An hour passed and James informed us that he is going back and would not want to continue anymore. I tried to convince him but he said that he made up his mind already. Disappointed, I gave him the other bottle of water and some energy bars for his trek down to the base huts. Edsel, Bimbo, and I continued with the ascent. I really felt disappointed with James’ decision as I pictured us holding our hands together up high in the air when we reach the summit. I was feeling low already when suddenly Bimbo said that James was just a few steps behind us. Yes, James followed us. I don’t know if it was the darkness and the thought of going back alone that made him continue with the climb (LOL) or he was merely motivated to proceed. I felt so happy seeing James again. I stayed with him and saw how he struggled going up. He was feeling really cold already and went down a few times due to pain in his lower back. We reached the 8KM (3,994 meters above sea level) and decided to stay there. James was already chilling and on the verge of suffering from hypothermia. We could see Low’s Peak from there as we were only 700 meters away. The view from where we were was magnificent. The fulfillment of getting that far elated us. As the cliché goes, nothing beats the natural high of reaching the top of a mountain. It was simply amazing. We didn’t stay long as it was really cold. We started the descent and reached Laban Rata at 8:30AM. We had breakfast, rested a bit, and started the descent to Timpohon at 10:30AM. Naturally, the trek going down was faster but it was harder for our legs and knees. In my case, I lost a toenail….sniff. I guess, it’s about time to retire my six-year old ACG shoes too. I should really have gotten one size bigger when I bought it.





We came, we saw, we conquered….

As Edsel put it, we may have lost the battle at the dragon boat race but we have conquered Mt. Kinabalu. We accept the fact that we underestimated the mountain. We went there exhausted from the race and dehydrated from the after-race party. Our gears were also not meant for Mt. Kinabalu. Climbing Mt. Kinabalu requires serious physical, mental, and emotional preparation. Nonetheless, we were still proud of what we have accomplished and experienced. Mt. Kinabalu have a lot to offer the climbers, from its diverse flora and fauna to extreme adventure for thrill-seekers. The next time we climb Mt. Kinabalu, we’ll make sure to be prepared. On that note, let’s continue to explore the depths and heights of our abilities. Life is short, make the most out of it.

Ging Masinda
22 June 2007

(http://angelfish5877.multiply.com/photos/album/6/Kota_Kinabalu_Adventure for more photos)

Amazing Cordillera!

April 1, 2007, 6PM, James arrived at my place. We’re off to do our much-awaited Cordillera road trip. Traffic flow in EDSA, northbound, was fast moving. We were already at the Shell Gas station along NLEX after only 40 minutes. That trip would normally take an hour and a half from Makati. We were supposed to grab a bite but could not fin any decent resto at Shell. I grabbed a road map of the Philippines and of Baguio from the Select store and we were set to go.

We exited at Sta. Rita and used the Nueva Ecija/Vizcaya route to Banaue. We were supposed to stop in Cabanatuan to rest and start traveling again the next day. But we decided to proceed as it was still early. It was only 10PM when we reached Cabanatuan. We arrived at Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya around 1:00 AM and found a relatively decent hotel, forgot the name, where we spent the night. It was cold and windy in Nueva Vizcaya, a refreshing change from the warm and humid climate of Metro Manila. With only five hours of sleep, we drove again and finally arrived in Banaue around 7:45AM. Our game plan was to leave the van and travel by jeepney to Batad junction. We found a safe spot for the van in front of a carinderia where we had coffee. James talked to the owner and asked permission to park the van in front of their store. The owner agreed without asking anything in return but we insisted on giving her a hundred peso. Manang gladly accepted the amount.

Looking for a ride to Batad is a bit of an adventure as most of the drivers we asked said that they’ll have to wait for the jeepney to be filled with passengers before they leave. That would be around 11AM already. We couldn’t wait that long so they suggested that we just hire the jeepney and pay Php 1,000 for the trip. Hmmmm, I knew there was another option. We tried to look for other passengers who would share the rental fee with us but there were no tourists bound for Batad at that time. We went to the tourist information center and there we met Mang Caloy, a man in his sixties who is into running marathon. He is there to check out Batad as he would have guests coming in the next few months. I would say, Mang Caloy is fairly fit for his age. He was also waiting for the regular trip to Batad junction. The lady at the center suggested that we take the tricycle instead. But she warned us that it would be a bumpy one-hour or so ride. We waited for a little while until a driver approached us and offered to bring us to Batad saddle for 100/person. He said he will be picking up some guests from the saddle so he might as well get passengers on his way there. So after almost 30 minutes of waiting at the Tourist Center, we are finally off to Batad.

It was a dusty, bumpy, and scenic one-hour jeepney ride to Batad saddle. It was a good decision not to take the tricycle or we will have to deal with sore butts and head at the end of the ride. Mang Caloy decided to join when we trek to Batad Village. It’s a 45-minute trek to the village. The trek was downward and while walking, I was already worried of our trek back up to the saddle the next day. But I couldn’t just ignore the magnificent view of the mountains and of the green rice terraces. Although the sun was up, the cold breeze kept us going.



We arrived at the village and had the most magnificent view of the rice terraces. I have never seen the terraces like that before. The villagers call it the ampitheater. We registered at the tourist center and made a donation to the Batad Tourist Guides Association. We headed to Rita’s Inn. Nothing really fancy but the modest hut provided us a basic room, and a spotless common toilet and bath for only Php 150/head. We took the room fronting the ampitheater. Veggie rice became our staple and had a taste of the infamous Batad pizza. We trekked to Tappi-yah Falls walking on the rice terraces’s trail and passing by some traditional Ifugao houses. The trip to Batad would have been perfect had James not lost his one-month old Rudy Project shades when he left it at the falls. Our guide, Mang Romy, went back from it only to be told that the guy tending the store there had not seen it. We felt bad but we eventually let go realizing there is really no chance for us of getting it back. We woke up the next day with an amazing view of the terraces. After a hefty breakfast of veggie rice and sardines, we trekked back up to the saddle trying to catch the 9AM jeepney back to Banaue. We made it to the saddle just before the jeepney left.




Mang Caloy hitched a ride with us to Sagada. The road from Banaue to Sagada suffered so much from a number of landslides from recent months. It took us 5 hours and a half to get to Sagada from Banaue. I can’t wait to be in one of my favorite places in the Philippines. Sagada never failed to amaze me. The place, although very basic, has a number of interesting things to offer its visitors. We arrived in Sagada on a Holy Tuesday. We were fortunate to have made a booking at George’s Guest House a month before our scheduled trip. Getting an accommodation could get really tough on a Holy Week. The building is relatively new so the rooms are clean. All rooms have a veranda and a private toilet and bath. The guest house do not have its own restaurant so we really have to walk in order to eat. Good thing Yoghurt House is just a five-minute walk from our place. We were supposed to do the exploration of Sumaguing Cave with our friends but they arrived in Sagada seven hours delayed of their scheduled arrival. They were supposed to arrive at 1PM on a Holy Thursday but due to a long queue of tourists headed for Sagada at the bus terminal in Baguio, our friends arrived at 8PM. They stayed at Gecko Inn, a new place located almost 2 km away from town. They charged higher than George Guest House but you really don’t get value for your money. Aside from it isolated from the main town, they charge you for every single thing you request (i.e. towels, cellphone charging). Our four-day stay in Sagada couldn’t be any better. We were there just before the huge volume of tourists arrived. I would never really recommend going there on a Holy Week.





We headed for Baguio and stayed there for two days. I liked the bed and breakfast place where we stayed at. It’s called PNKY Home. The artsy-fartsy place is operated by the owner of PNKY Collection so we expect it to have a wide array of antique collections on display. The café also offers good gourmet food. The room is big and has one king size and one double bed. Traffic was bad and at that point our only consolation is our escape from the Manila heat wave. Since it was Black Saturday when we drove back, the trip back to Manila was a breeze.

This travelogue is two weeks delayed. And at the time of writing, an unfortunate event occurred in Batad Village. An American member of the US Peace Corps, Julia Campbell, was reported missing since Aprill 8. Her dead body was found on April 19 when a team of volunteers saw a set of female leg sticking out while most of the body was buried with soil. Forensic experts reported that she died of head injuries. I would say that this is an isolated case and should not discourage tourist from visiting Batad. When traveling, I suggest you travel with a companion and should keep your guards up at all times. Read about the place you are visiting and get a certified guide if you are not familiar with the place.

I learned a lot from this trip. James and I got to know each other better and found out that he could be one of my fave travel buddies. The adventures and (mis)adventures we had from this trip only made our relationship stronger.

The magnificent view from above the mountain gave us the natural high. Couldn’t get enough of the fresh air. The culture of the people from the Cordillera is very rich and I am hoping that they preserve it. I pity the old Ifugao folks who dress up in their traditional clothes for the benefit of the tourists’ camera. They should not be regarded as a tourist commodity but we as visitors to their land should accord to them the respect that they deserve.

Living the life as usual, until my next adventure.

(check-out: http://angelfish5877.multiply.com/photos/album/8/Cordillera_Road_Trip for more photos)

Ging Masinda
22 April 2007


Contact numbers:

George’s Guest House, Sagada: (0918) 480406 c/o Ate Dora

PNKY Home bead and Breakfast: Leonard Road, Baguio City
www.pnkyhome.com ; (+6374) 446-7094
(+6374) 444-5418