Sole Sisters: August 2011

These Women Will Make You Pack Your Bags and Leave!

What in the world is Poorpacking?

This is a new kind of travelling – flying in the face of conventions, traversing all kinds of boundaries, making journeys to little-known places away from the tourist treadmill. The Sole Sisters went in search of other worlds that appear both familiar and different, building bridges across seemingly divided worlds.

They did not travel across countries, rather they travelled into them – into their societies. They did not have a fixed itinerary but respected the natural evolution of the journey, guided by events, curiosity, intuition. And as they travelled in their independent, resourceful, open way with the freedom to imagine – what they dub “poorpacking” – they created a wonderful collection of subjective impressions, through images and the written word.

The Exhibit

The Sole Sisters present "From Glampackers to Poorpackers", a travel photography exhibit that chronicles their 6 month backpacking trip in India and across Southeast Asia. On display are 45 photos from all the countries they have visited and videos that recap their journey. This event aims to empower Filipinos by encouraging you to travel and choose your own adventures.

The Travel Talks

The exhibition opens on Saturday, Sept 10, 2011 at 5pm at the R.O.X. Fort Bonifacio High Street with Travel Talk. The Sole Sisters will share their travel stories and learning along with other travel bloggers. The topics to be presented are:

Image Credit: Ron Cruz of Flip'n Travels

Chichi Bacolod: How Travel Changed My Life
Is it possible to reform a self-confessed shopaholic into a poor backpacker? Chichi Bacolod talks about how her love and passion for travel changed her physically, emotionally and mentally.

Chichi is the co-founder of the travel site www.wearesolesisters.com. Both Chichi and Lois decided to quit their jobs to pursue their lifelong dream of travel earlier this year.

Lois Yasay: Why Travel?
Why do people leave their comfort zones for strange cities and exotic lands? Lois Yasay explores this question and answers them with 5 stories from her recent adventures.

Lois is a trainer by profession and a traveler by passion. In 2008, Lois quit her job in Manila to pursue a life in New York City and in Europe. She came home in 2010 and a year later, embarked on 6-month backpacking trip around India and across Southeast Asia. She is slowly realizing her dream of making a living by doing what she loves.

Nina Fuentes: Start Wandering
Always wanted to travel but keep making excuses on why you can't? Nina Fuentes shares how she started from a simple goal of "travel more" in 2006 to traveling at least once a month in 2010.

Nina is a traveler and multi-awarded travel blogger. She is a Lonely Planet Featured Blogger and her blog justwandering.org was recently awarded the Best Travel Blog by the Philippine Blog Awards 2010. In 2006, Nina made a life changing decision. While her peers are busy climbing the corporate ladder, getting married or popping out their third child, she decided to go out and travel. Since then she has been to Batanes, El Nido, Laos, Myanmar and Australia.

Monette Fernandez: Traveling in Tutus
Is solo female travel as crazy and dangerous as it's hyped up to be? Monette Fernandez walks you through the life of a female traveler on a more colorful road beyond the shades of pink and pastel.

Monette is a literature graduate turned corporate training manager slash travel blogger. She started backpacking in 2008 and sees no end to this perpetual love affair. Monette writes and travels with Ron and they have been to Macau, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia. They

travel the world one payslip at a time and share their experiences on flip'n travels.

Our host for the evening is Karen Rigoroso of Shiny Happy Karen and Bob Montano.

Have we convinced you to pack up and go yet? Sign up for this Travel Talk session here.

This event is in partnership with Recreational Outdoor Exchange (R.O.X.) and South East Asian Backpacker Magazine.

Our sponsors are Headware, Lifestyle Creatives and Paccube.

Check out the full details of this event as well as other travel talk sessions here. Please share this with the world by clicking on the buttons below.

Can't wait to talk travel with you,
Sole Sister Lois & Chichi

*Big thanks to Harry Kawanda who created the 'movie poster' image.

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Travel + Volunteering: Going the Extra Mile

I recently had a serious talk with a friend that ended in a bit of a debate. I couldn't figure out why she had such a negative impression about my thirst for travel and adventure. After a few minutes of going back and forth, the truth suddenly came out. She told me:

Some choices you've made and the path you follow are seemingly selfish and self-centered.

I was taken aback by her reasoning. How dare she call my ~~addiction~~ passion for travel pure selfishness? I am enriching myself by seeing new places and learning new things. I meet interesting people and I'm loving my life. I feel empowered by my adventures.

See how many times the word "I", "my" and "myself" have appeared in the previous paragraph? Hmm... maybe my friend does have a point. Maybe traveling is a wee bit selfish. But how can we turn it around?

Taking the Self Out of Travel

Remember why I didn't see a single tarsier in Bohol? It was part of a travolunteering trip with the K.I.D.S. Foundation. We went on a medical mission that reached out to the Eskaya tribe in Sierra Bullones, Bohol. K.I.D.S. Foundation is a group of selfless volunteers who share a common passion for the great outdoors and for helping Filipino children from all walks of life.

This year, you also get the chance to have a more meaningful travel experience by joining the next trek. K.I.D.S. Foundation, Inc. will have its 8th A TREK TO REMEMBER (Medical-Dental Mission) in Aklan from Nov 11-15, 2011. They're inviting medical practitioners, doctors, dentists, nurses, nature lovers, travel geeks, or simply those young at heart to embark on a memorable trek while getting a chance to know 3,000 children ages 0-17 of Bukidnon tribe & locals of nine (9) remote barangays of Madalag, Aklan.

A Trek To Remember is a bi-annual trek of the K.I.D.S. Foundation that distributes books and school supplies for public schools in far flung areas. This trek-for-a-cause brings the traveler back to nature and assures the participant of a different kind of high that one can only feel when one shares. This November, they're inviting you to continue this journey and trek to two (2) barangays; Galicia and Medina that will serve the nine (9) barangays: Galicia, Medina, Dit-ana, Mamba, Maria Cristina, Mercedes, Panipiason and Talangban. You may also explore Boracay in Malay, Aklan and Jawili beach and falls in Tangalan, Aklan after the medical mission (whole day of Monday and Tuesday).

Registration fee is Php3,500.00 (inclusive of meals, transfers & accommodation). You may register today until Oct 10 and deadline for payment is on Oct 24. Join K.I.D.S. for this travolunteering experience by emailing: rt_oquendo@yahoo.com. You may also call K.I.D.S. Office at (02) 708-KIDS (5437), (02) 348-2109 or 0922-854-3733 for questions or clarifications. Look for Ms. Rox Oquendo.

Ms. Rox will also be present for Travel Sharing Night on Sept 18 to talk about the foundation and the trek. You may also sign up for the trip then.

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”-Miriam Beard

Hoping for more selfless travel experiences,

Sole Sister Lois

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Who Guessed Right on Guess Where Fridays Week 4?

Last Friday, the Sole Sisters posted this photo on their Facebook wall.

First person to guess where in Southeast Asia this photo was taken wins some travel goodies

We're happy to announce the ~~lucky basterd~~ winner is

Onie Tadlas

who correctly guessed this photo is from Amapura, Myanmar

Onie wins a Jewelry/Accessories case from Travelites

Your one stop shop for functional and stylish travel accessories and packing solutions

Next Friday, we're giving away our Grand Prize from Roomarama:

You can win US$75 worth of Roomorama credit!

Watch out for that!

We love giving away freebies,

Sole Sister Lois & Chichi

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Cambodia By The Numbers

We've seen crickets, frogs and cockroaches on the dining plate instead of being shooed away. We've come face to face with the horrors that one man could do to an entire nation. We've seen first-hand the suffering and pain that the Khmer Rouge have brought upon their own countrymen. We also bore witness to the resilience and indomitable spirit of the people of Cambodia that made them rise above its gruesome past. We stared in wonder at the ancient Khmer skill that made the majestic Angkor temples.

We've spent the shortest time in Cambodia yet we felt that we have felt and experienced more than we expected. We felt almost like receiving a payday loan. Ah Cambodia! You have smitten the Sole Sisters in such a short time.

And now, here we are again. It's that time of the month. (No, not that time!) It's time we get crunching with numbers!

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Win Some Freebies to Keep Your Valuables Safe While Traveling

It's Guess Where Fridays Week 4!

The Sole Sisters will be posting a photo every Friday on their wall

First person to guess where in Southeast Asia the photo was taken wins a prize

We will announce the ~~lucky basterd~~ winner every Monday

Strictly one guess per person per photo

We would love to have everyone join-

But due to shipping restrictions, we can only award prizes within the Philippines

All you need to do:

-Like us on Facebook

-Make a guess by commenting on the Guess Where Friday photo of the week

Please indicate city/province and country (guesses with only country will not be considered)

-See if you've won on Monday

It's that simple!

Prizes for this week are from Travelites

Your one stop shop for functional and stylish travel accessories and packing solutions

The winner for this week's promo will win a Jewelry/Accessories case!

Keep your pretty things safe,
Sole Sister Lois & Chichi

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Sole Sisters' Travel Photo Exhibit + Travel Talks

Vivid Travel Photography

Travel Tips

Freebies
Americano Dance Craze

Inspiring Travel Stories

Meet & Greet with Sole Sisters + Fellow Travelers

Door Prizes

These are just a few things you can expect from this event. You've probably heard the news, the Sole Sisters are back! The Sole Sisters present "From Glampacker to Poorpacker", a travel photography exhibit that chronicles our 6 month backpacking trip in India and across Southeast Asia. On display are 45 photos from all the countries we have visited and videos that recap our journey.

We aim to empower Filipinos by encouraging you to travel and choose your own adventures.

The exhibition opens on Saturday, Sept 10, 2011 at 5pm at the R.O.X. Fort Bonifacio High Street (click here for directions). The show runs until Sept 18, 2011.

What is Poorpacking?
The Filipino mentality on travel is geared towards glamor and luxury. We would rather spend $300 on a weekend beach holiday than spend the same amount of money for a month in a developing nation like Laos or India. The Sole Sisters want to introduce another side of travel. Independent, budget and adventure travel or poorpacking. This way of travel can create a deeper and more meaningful travel experience.

We will also be running a series of travel talks with well-traveled bloggers:

09.10.2011 5PM

Chichi Bacolod: How Travel Changed My Life

Lois Yasay: Why Travel?

Nina Fuentes: Start Wandering

Monette Fernandez: Traveling in Tutus

Full details on these talks here.

09.15.2011 7PM

Chichi Bacolod: How to Plan Your Epic Adventure

Lois Yasay: How to travel for 6 months with 100,000 Pesos or less

James Betia:10 Tips for Backpackers
Estan Cabigas: Travel Photography

Sign up for this event here.

09.18.2011 5PM

Traveler's Sharing Night: "What's Your Travel Story?"

We will have open mic, games and prizes will be given!

Sign up for this event here.

Help us rock this event? Here's how:
- Be a partner or sponsor

- Help us organize, set-up and document this event

- If you're a blogger, kindly reblog this post

- Share this post to the world by clicking on the share buttons below

- Post it on facebook, twitter, tumblr and other social media

- Shouting it from the rooftops help too!

Email us at solesisters.weare(at)gmail.com to participate in this sharing and empowering event.

This event is in partnership with Recreational Outdoor Exchange (R.O.X.) and South East Asian Backpacker Magazine.

Our sponsors are Headware, Lifestyle Creatives and Paccube.

Watch this page for updates!

Glam to Poor Artwork by Freedom Muceros & Jepren Solis. Check out their awesome work here.http://mannaofficialsite.tumblr.com/

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Who Won on Guess Where Fridays Week 3?

Last Friday, the Sole Sisters posted this photo on their Facebook wall.

First person to guess where in Southeast Asia this photo was taken wins some travel goodies

We're happy to announce the ~~lucky basterd~~ winner is

Naomi Alipio

who correctly guessed this photo is from Vang Vieng, Laos

Prizes for last week's contest are courtesy of PACCUBE

PACCUBE was created from passion for the outdoors and love for travelling

It's for people who love to explore different places and are always on the go

Naomi wins a SET OF PACKING CUBES

Take the stress out of your travel by using our simple and easy to use travel organizers

PACCUBE products are designed to make packing easy and organized

Want to check out more PACCUBE travel products?

They're also on multiply: http://paccube.multiply.com/

Next Friday, we'll be giving away even BIGGER PRIZES!
Watch out for that!

Thanks for all the blog lovin',

Sole Sister Lois & Chichi

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Who's the Tourist Now?: Intramuros with an Indo

"Travel opens your eyes. You start to notice things you haven't before. The mundane, the ordinary becomes fascinating. The world suddenly becomes the subject of insatiable curiosity."
-Me

I'm a big believer of how travel changes a person. But I've never believed it so much until I came back to the Philippines after a 6-month long backpacking trip.

I came home a month ago with a friend in tow. Harry from Indonesia decided to come with me after we met him and backpacked through Myanmar together. (Chichi had decided to extend her stay in Kuala Lumpur.) You might recognize him from the Americano Dance Craze that spread like wildfire recently. Harry had stayed in the Philippines for almost 21 days and it was time to renew his Philippine Visa. So we had to the Department of Foreign Affairs to get it done.

After he got his visa extension, we decided to walked around the neighboring area. It had just rained and the cobble stone streets were sparkling in the afternoon light. We followed the old structures until we got to the entrance of Intramuros by pure chance. I didn't even know it was right around the corner from the DFA!

I then realized I had never been here before! (Shame on me.)

It was a slice of Spain in this godforsaken city. I was impressed by old buildings, the street signs and how well-preserved the Walled City was. Harry and I couldn't stop ourselves from acting like total tourists and walking around the place with childlike wonder.

The highlight of our short walk was San Agustin Church. Harry couldn't keep himself from blurting out loud: "Is this a church or a palace?" It was so rich and massive and we couldn't contain our amazement.

This side trip with Harry opened my eyes to the many places I have yet to visit in Manila. It's such a shame I have explored so much of other countries and yet seen so little in my own city. I'm thinking of making more impromptu trips in the future to get to know Manila a little bit more. Walk with me?

What new places have you discovered lately in your own backyard?

Still finding new places,

Sole Sister Lois

This is our entry to the August 2011 Blog Carnival of the Pinoy Travel Bloggers titled “Manila in Focus” hosted by Angel Juarez of Lakwatsero.com

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5 Things The Famous Guidebook Doesn't Tell You About Angkor Wat

1 Sunrise and sunset can sometimes disappoint

I've played this scene many many times in my head when we planned our Southeast Asian jaunt. The Angkor Wat temples silhouetted against the backdrop of a mesmerizing play of light. The red mingled with the orange like wild fire from the heavens. Deep blue hues were hovering underneath. The pink dancing around shyly to paint a picture perfect sunrise.

Photo Credit: MikeBehnken

It was much more beautiful in my mind.

The reality just didn't live up to the fantasy. The 2 days we visited Angkor Wat, sunrise and sunset were a no-show. It was too cloudy and hazy in the morning. And sunset at Phnom Bakeng? Well, we never made it there because of some bike tires popping. Which leads me to...

2 Angkor Wat complex is not ~~bike-able~~ biker-friendly

Disclaimer: Unless you've competed in Ironman, have superhero abilities or have been making a living as a rickshaw driver since you were 10.

Angkor Wat is about 1 square kilometer in size. Within the outer wall is an enclosure 820,000 square meters in size. This is equivalent to more than 200 acres of land. I was lost in those numbers myself, but I'm warning you, your friendly tuktuk driver is your best bet. If you do attempt to bike around the temple complex, take heed to these advice:

Check your bike- many times. Make sure the brakes works, you have enough air in the tires and the locks are in place. Or else, you'll be sorry!

Wear appropriate attire. (Hint: short skirts and dresses make for glam pictorials but may cause involuntary flashing).

Hydrate all the time. Make sure you carry your own water bottle. Buying water at the temples will cost you a dollar per pop. It suddenly feels like New York City, doesn't it? Unfortunately, your rfid credit cards won't work in this part of the world.

3 The Cambodian sun is merciless (even for sun-worshippers like us)

You've seen photos of those model-like creatures posing around the temples looking matte and fresh before haven't you? It's as real as any Photoshopped magazine editorial! The oily truth is that you will be sweating and getting darker faster than you can say Farmer's Tan! Unless you've had permanent skin whitening through Magic Potions of course. Even though Chichi and I love basking in sunlight, before midday we had to take shelter underneath the enormous trees of Bayon. Sole Sister's tip: Bring sunblock, sunglasses and bottles of water!

4 Angkor Wat is a glorified (yet tantalizing) tourist trap
Everywhere you go, you will be offered things that can cost you an entire week of your backpacker's budget. From maps to visors that read THAILAND to photo books that you will most probably end up leaving somewhere for lack of space in your backpack. (You reading this, Chichi?)

The same goes for your lunch. Make sure you've had your breakfast before going. Or pack some sandwiches and fruit with you. There are some well-hidden cheap spots to eat. (Hint: Follow the locals by lunchtime.) We found some roadside stalls after biking for half an hour. Just don't ask me where they were. I was too famished to keep track.

5 Your visit may not give you the epiphany you were hoping for

I don't want to sound like a hater, but I just didn't get any mouth-agape-speechless-spiritual-moment while going around Angkor Wat. I'm not sure if it was the fickle weather, bad lighting conditions or my all too high expectations, but I certainly wasn't Taj Mahal wowed. Okay, perhaps it's not fair to pit World Heritage Sites against each other. But my point is, don't pressure yourself to have that enlightened moment when you're just as happy taking 'catch the sun' shots like this guy.

Our 30 before 30 list reads:

4. Go biking around Angkor Wat then watch the sun set from the temple towers.

We all know the 2nd part never happened. Because we failed to accept the reality that Angkor Wat just wasn't biker friendly. To recap, Chichi got a flat tire and we never made it to Phnom Bakeng in time. But I did try to make it there. And all I got was this shot en route:

It may seem like it's from a different place entirely. But this was my magical moment. I stayed there for a few minutes just soaking in the golden aura. I was witness to this magnificence. And for me, that was enough.

What things did you discover for yourself in Angkor Wat?

Still waiting for that WOW moment,
Sole Sister Lois

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