Monday, September 19, 2011

Lessons Learned from Travel Bloggers

Mikey and I attended WeAreSoleSister's talk last Thursday night at R.O.X. High Street.

(was supposed to attend the Travel Factor thing at Cubao X since the venue was on the way home...but Lo and behold, Mikey is friends with these two lovely ladies - Chi chi and Lois and he invited me to attend their Travel+Photo talk. Plus, the idea that we can giveaway Cebu Pacific Cards to the attendees..= FAIL. Oh well.)


I overheard someone calling me a "ChiChi-fan" Lols. I do look like a Chichi-Fan here.


Lesson Learned # 1: 
Couchsurfing

James of JourneyingJames asked the audience, "Who are members of couch surfing here?"
I was like, Say what??? "Mikey, ano daw?"
Mikey: "Ewan ko. Ano ba yun?"
Then JourneyingJames went on and on about this couch surfing thing.

Couch surfing is a volunteer based worldwide network connecting travelers who offer free accomodation.

Remember the movie, The Holiday?

Cameron and Kate Winslet enlisted their homes to Couchsurfing and swapped homes in each other's countries...??? Havent watched this yet? You shoud.
Couch surfing is similar to that.. you can either swap homes or be the host of a total stranger. It's becoming a trend y'all...
( I can hear my Mom and Melissa screaming in my head right now: NO FREAKIN' WAY!)




Lesson Learned # 2
Never Take Photos between 10-2pm
for a dramatic effect...that is, according to famed photographer Estan Cabigas.

Why? Hmmm....I'm sure it has something to do with the lighting.
Guest photographer Estan showed us some of his pictures from his travels out and about Philippines. and, true enough, his pictures after 2pm are way way better.
Mental note: should get that 50% discount on Photography Workshops. Dad would major major-ly approve!

Lesson Learned # 3
Kuripot Tips and Travelling Light

such as:
Bring your own 3-in-1 coffee
Bring your own waterjug
Go for $2 buffet- it will last you for two days!
Do not Backtrack. <-- backtrack countries, that is.
Get a Map for chrissakes! and Use it!
Pack your stuff in a bag, then take them out, remove half of them. That's all you're going to need. <-- I thought this was crazy. But I've already done this a few times.



Chi Chi and Lois of We Are Sole Sisters
ChiChi and Lois quit their jobs to go an epic adventure, travelling 9 countries in 6 months! and, to top that, they have spent less than 100,000 pesos. I.AM.AMAZED. These two girls have really inspired a lot of people who want to go on an adventure and just follow their passion to travel. Read their stories on their blogsite: wearesolesisters.com