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Boracay Blog Episode 2: Adventure Begins in Boracay Island (Day 1)

Tuesday, February 10, 2026


Many Transfers of Transports

Today was the start of my adventure going to Boracay. I didn't expect it to have a lot of transport transfers going to the main island of Boracay. 

Airplane to bus. Bus to tricycle. Tricycle to boat. Boat to tricycle. That was a lot and tiring. Yes, I was tired. But I had hope; it was all worth it. 


Caticlan Airport was a small airport, and it had a manual conveyor belt for all the checked-in baggage. It was a curious aspect of the airport, and I shouldn't be surprised, given that it was a relatively small airport.  

I met another Filipino traveler on my tricycle ride going to the ferry terminal. I remember he had been to Boracay more than once, probably three or four times. It was nice to meet a fellow traveler on a trip. He gave me some heads up on what to expect on the island, and helped me through the registration process and payment at the tourist center. I admit that I didn't expect a lot of fees as a local tourist of my own country, but I guess that's how the economy was built on the island. 


After paying all the fees for environmental protection and more, it was time for the ferry ride. I was excited to see my accommodation at Shoretime Dormitel. Here I come, Boracay!


Food trip at Shortime Dormitel & Angol Beach

I was hungry, and I needed something to fill my grumbling stomach. But I was really careful not to trigger my stomach sickness and migraine. I tend to vomit and have a headache if traveling on a red-eye flight, and that happened too during my Taiwan trip. Thankfully, I prevented the same unpleasant experience from drinking warm water. 


Breakfast was hearty at Shortime Dormitel restaurant. They offer sumptuous silog breakfast meals and light sandwich snacks, and I enjoyed them. 


Angol Beach was a sight, a breathtaking place worth visiting! It was also one of the reasons why I chose my accommodation, since Shortime Dormitel was within walking distance of Angol Beach. It was still a bit of a walk, and I considered it as part of my exercise routine. 



Previous: Boracay Blog Episode 1: Airport Ganap Day 0 | arlene manocot


Next: Boracay Blog Episode 3: Boracay Island Hidden Adventures Unveil | arlene manocot
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Boracay Blog Episode 1: Airport Ganap Day 0

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Boracay beach is a famous beach among Filipinos and foreigners. It had always been on the travel bucket list. I heard that going on a trip to Boracay was expensive, and they were not wrong. Again, I booked a round-trip ticket via the Trip.com app. So far, it is my trusted app for flights. You can use my code.

Use my code: 5DG4H9
My expenses:

RT Plane Ticket - P2,986.50 ($54.30)
Shortime Dormitel (3 nights) - P997.83 

Total is P3,984.33


I am sharing with you my journey from waiting for the bus to spending the night at Terminal 2 before my early morning flight to Boracay. I talk about the quiet atmosphere, my impressions of the terminal, the challenge of printing my boarding pass, and how I pass the time with snacks while feeling sleepy yet excited for the trip.

While waiting for the bus, I sat inside the car waiting for the “ube car.” I noted the last bus leaves around 9 p.m., and it’s cold, so I wore a jacket. Upon my arrival at Terminal 2, I was amazed by the structure and roof design. I headed to the AirAsia counters, thinking Royal Air is located there. I noticed it felt quieter compared to Terminal 3.


To make sure I won't be late for my early flight, I spent the night at the airport. My flight is at 5:15 a.m. tomorrow. Since there were no P2P buses at dawn, I arrived early. I enjoyed the calm atmosphere with fewer people around. I had trouble printing my boarding pass when I realized there were no kiosks available for self-printing. I asked for help and was directed to Counter 4. I prepared to check in with Royal Air.

Snacks are always a must during travel, so I made sure I had some with me during my trip. Food can be more pricey in a commercial or touristy area. I ate Nissin butter coconut biscuits and hazelnut milk chocolate. I had to admit I was sleepy and even had a slight headache. I planned to brush my teeth and rest before the flight.

My Day 0 captures my anticipation, small struggles, and little joys as I prepare for my Boracay adventure. Would you like me to continue the story in Episode 2, where I start the actual journey with multiple transfers on the way to Boracay?



Next: Boracay Blog Episode 2: Adventure Begins on Boracay Island (Day 1)
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Book Read: God Will Carry You Through by Max Lucado

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

God Will Carry You Through is one of the few books I have read by Max Lucado. Ever since I got to read my first book from him, 365-Day / Everyday Devotional, he has been one of the Christian authors I'm keen on, too. 
What is the book about?

When life is falling apart, God will carry you through.

It has been said that everyone is either entering, in the midst of, or just exiting a trial. Popular author and pastor Max Lucado has discovered that at any given point, almost everyone is dealing with something. Whether the loss of a loved one, marriage issues, illness, job loss, or the stress of everyday life, people everywhere need the assurance that God will carry them through.

Through decades of betrayal, abandonment, and false accusations, Joseph never gave up on God or His purpose. And Joseph continually trusted the sovereignty of God as Master-weaver of his life. In God Will Carry You Through, Max invites readers to do the same—to let God’s message through Joseph guide His children through tough times today. Laced throughout Joseph’s story are personal testimonies by everyday people who discovered for themselves that “God had carried them through” as well as quotes and Scripture passages for meditation. This book is rich in hope for finding peace and reassurance through whatever challenge you face.
I like that the book shares personal experiences of different people, which left mark of authenticity through the stories of Christians. Every page is a reminder of God's faithfulness in this life. The world can be cruel, and it can be lonely sometimes. It is reassuring that we are not alone in the struggle, that there are Christians out there who experience the same, and we can learn from them.

It was brave of those people to share their vulnerability and honesty through this book. I was glad I got to have a copy of God Will Carry You Through as I experience personal challenges too in my life right now. It is reassuring to know that God is working through these people and that in suffering He always there with us. 
Who is Max Lucado?

Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author who, in his own words, “writes books for people who don’t read books.” He serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and his message is for the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, and the discouraged: God loves you; let him.

As a writer, Max is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor. All of his trade books began as sermon series at Oak Hills Church, and his sermons all begin with Max asking himself this question: “What can I say on Sunday that will still matter on Monday?” He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today, and “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest.

Max’s books have sold more than 150 million copies in over 50 languages worldwide. He published On the Anvil, his first trade book, in 1985. His 46th trade book, What Happens Next, was released in August 2024. Max’s books regularly appear on bestseller lists, including The New York Times. His writing has also been featured in Bible studies, Bible commentaries, songs, greeting cards, and even plush toys. He is the recipient of many book awards and received the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry.

Max’s love for everyday people began during his childhood in the small town of Andrews, Texas. His father was an oilfield mechanic, his mother was a nurse, and Max spent a lot of his time either running from or running after his brother, Dee. Max grew rebellious in his teenage years, and after one specific drunken night, he began to wonder if there was more to life than parties and chasing girls. He now believes that if Jesus hadn’t found him and changed his heart, alcoholism would have been in his future.

After high school, Max attended Abilene Christian University and left with two degrees and a heart for following Jesus and helping others learn about him, too. He moved to Miami, Florida, and took a position as an associate pastor at a small church. This is where Max started writing about Jesus for the first time in the church’s monthly newsletter, and it’s where he developed his passion for people and ministry.

Florida was also where Max met his wife, Denalyn. Together, they lived first in Miami and then spent several years in Rio de Janeiro, helping plant churches. The newsletters Max wrote to family and friends while in Rio, along with the newsletters he wrote at his church in Miami, eventually formed the manuscript of his first book, On the Anvil.

Max and Denalyn now live in San Antonio, Texas. They have three grown daughters, three sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
This was a good read for me as I face my own struggles. I lose hope sometimes because everything isn't going right, and I feel like everything is failing before my eyes. I was losing hope, motivation in life bit by bit, and I could only hold onto God and believe that in the midst of suffering, God promises that He will carry me through. 

I hope you get a chance to read this book, and if you have read this, how was it? Did it help you, too?

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Travel Expenses: Taiwan Trip 2025 (3 Nights & 2 Days)

All along, I thought I had only spent more or less P10,000.00 for my July 21 to 24 Taiwan trip. Behold, let's reveal the accurate computation cost on this blog episode. 

Use my Trip.com code: 5DG4H9

I tried my best to remember some of my expenses during this trip and I just estimated some of the amount or prices. Below is the list of my expenses:
Day 0
Plane Ticket (RT) - P6,077.50 ($110.50)
Hostel (2 nights & 1 day) - P1325.50 ($24.10)
Bus Fare (to NAIA) - P300.00
Fruitas Smoothie - P200.00
Travel tax - P1,600.00

Day 1
Taiwan Fun Pass - P3,994.00
Bus fare - P 300.00
Food - P200.00 
Food - P1000.00 

Day 2
Food souvenirs - P1300.00
Food - P400

Day 3-4
Food souvenirs - P200.00
Express train - P210.00
Burger King meal - P378.00
Bus fare (to my hometown) - P300.00

Total is P17,785.00
I also used Google Sheets to present my expenses hoping it would present clarity. 


I think I went over my budget on this trip. Hopefully, next time I'll be able to spend less on my next trip.

Use my Klook code: 4FUKBM

Please use my Trip.com and Klook code if need to purchase anything on these travel apps. I hope this information is helpful if you are planning a trip to Taiwan. 

Do you think I spent a reasonable for this trip or not? 

Let me know what you think. 
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