MBSB contributor Charles Brandon Stauft's recent piece on the Indonesian martial art Silat inspired me to look into my archives and pull out some photos I shot while in Indonesia. I believe I spent approximately three weeks in Indonesia; the following photographs were taken while in Bali. In 2009 I received a message from a friend from Toronto. He was hanging out on the beaches of Bali with people he had met there. At the time I was living in Bangkok spending most of my days training muay thai at Chuwattana Gym and recovering from training alone in my room. No internet, no furniture (I slept on a mat), no air-conditioning and I shared a bathroom with two Thai … [Read more...]
Photo Series: The Ventura Coast, Ventura, California, USA
Ventura, California was the place where I first stayed after spending close to four consecutive years living in Thailand. I travelled from Bangkok to LA, then to the comfort of my brother's home (my brother may be found in the last photo of this series). Ventura was a weird place for me during this visit. I was experiencing an almost debilitating level of culture shock that I wasn't expecting. I spent much of my time in Ventura watching Western television, bundled in blankets and wearing sunglasses indoors; the bright light and glare I found in Ventura was close to being unbearable. Perhaps I wasn't used to being around that much glass and/or shiny objects. I have no … [Read more...]
Photo Series: Ventura, California, USA
I've travelled to Ventura on three separate occasions and every time I go, the experience is different. My last trip, as photographed below, was taken after spending 3.5 years training muay thai in Thailand and the last 2.5 years were spent living in Buriram. Buriram is located in Thailand's north east and lies in the countryside within close proximity to the Cambodian border. Making the transition from traditional, conservative, rural Thai culture to what I found in Ventura was unexpectedly weird. I was weird. Everyone around me was weird. I got hit hard with re-entry shock and couldn't write. As a result, almost two years later, I'm revisiting this post in an effort to give you … [Read more...]
A Taste Of Cookie: How I Overdosed In A Filipino Hospital
Written on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 This happened yesterday. The effects of my sickness have yet to wear off. Even the rhythm of the sea's waves as it reaches my ears causes nausea. I'm writing you from Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union, The Philippines. At this approximate time of 5:00 pm yesterday I was vomiting in a San Fernando hospital, less than a twenty minute drive away wondering if I had been poisoned. The day began with a late morning surf at the area known as Cement Factory which is a twenty-five minute drive in the opposite direction on the same stretch of highway leading to San Fernando. … [Read more...]
Where to Eat in San Juan, La Union: Angel and Marie’s Surfer’s Retreat
Opposite the Sebay Resort and resting on the McArthur Highway in the Urbiztondo beach stretch lies Angel and Marie's Surfer's Retreat; a warmly lit, engaging restaurant owned by an equally warm and engaging couple. The menu is varied, the food is fresh and if you're in search of large portions of vegetables, which can be a challenge in The Philippines, this is your spot. I tried a number of dishes on the menu, my favourite being the Blue Marlin Kilawen. In short, the food doesn't disappoint. My only complaint being that I wish I had ventured there sooner. Have … [Read more...]
Agos Pilipinas Rashguard Review
My introduction to Agos Pilipinas was during a surf tour with Surfista Travels to San Juan, La Union. Agos Pilipinas creators and Surfista Travels sponsors Andrea Sason Delos Santos and Mica Ferrer were among the group who were sporting the rashguards for our two day stay. What initially struck me was the subtle beauty of the design. The bright colour combinations popped on land and in the sea and the placement of the typography accentuated and enhanced the physique of the wearer. My eyes were naturally drawn to those who donned the rashguards amongst the crowded surf. Upon sliding into mine, I instantly responded to the luxurious feel of the fabric upon … [Read more...]
Diego Virata’s Vision Of Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan,The Philippines
I met Philippine native Diego Virata while on a Surfista Travels Tour to San Juan, La Union. Being kind enough to allow me to include a number of his pieces in my review of Surfista Travels, I thought I'd do a whole post on the man. The following are my favourite shots Diego took the two days we were on Urbiztondo beach. For San Juan hotel reviews and info, check out my post Surfing The Philippines. … [Read more...]
Surfista Travels Review
I found Surfista Travels by chance. A friend's recommendation to research San Juan, La Union, The Philippines led me to Facebook, which is where I eventually found the Manila based company. Generally put off by anything commercial and particularly with the word tour in it, I found myself deeply interested in the Surfista Travels website. I think it was something in owner and operator Elaine Abonal's tone on her Facebook posts that grabbed me. If memory serves correct, my initial impression was that her tone was genuine, not a mind numbing sales pitch. Shortly thereafter, I found myself watching two Surfista Travels YouTube pieces and I was sold. During the tour I was … [Read more...]
Landed: The Philippines
My interest in the Philippines can be traced back to, I believe, my introduction to corn nuts. It was pre grade six when a kid agreed to a lunch goody trade off. What did I give her? No clue, but I distinctly call to mind gleefully crunching on a Filipino corn nut variation that had traveled back with her from the islands that past summer. And so began my curiosity of the Philippines, which as the years passed was nourished by samplings of longanisa, steamed fish with eyeballs and tales of cheese ice cream. It wasn't soley about munching on things, however when I try to recall what initially got ahold of me...what zaps in my mind are memories of hanging in the … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: San Juan Surf Resort, San Juan, La Union, Philippines
The San Juan Surf Resort was the first establishment that emerged on Urbiztondo Beach, in San Juan, La Union. Currently it stands as a fully functioning resort equipped with a wide selection of accommodations, free WiFi, a restaurant, a surf school and surf shop. The Rooms I stayed at the resort on two separate occasions, initially sharing a room with two other people and later in a smaller room alone. The larger room was equipped with four beds / two sets of bunk beds and aircon; the smaller with a double bed and a mounted fan. Both rooms had television. Neither offered hot water. Although the smaller room lacked a window, the high vaulted … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: Lola Nanny’s, San Juan, La Union, the Philippines
Located steps from the sea along Urbiztondo beach, Lola Nanny's offers accommodation for the guest on a budget. At time of writing, a basic rooms with a fan, shared lavatories and an outdoor (no privacy) shower begin at 500 PHP (11.70 USD) at time of writing. Rooftop bungalows, meaning a bamboo thatched personal hut located on the roof of the main building begin at 400 PHP (9.36 USD). Rooms with aircon and private bathrooms are also available. I rented a 500 PHP room for one night. Basic? Definitely. Clean? No complaints. This includes the shared facilities. Lola Nanny's Bonus Points 1. The food. Worth … [Read more...]
Hotel Review: Hacienda Peter Resort, San Juan, La Union, Philippines
Of the more economical accommodations choices on Urbiztondo beach, Hacienda Peter isn't a compromise for the budget minded traveler. The feel of Hacienda Peter is warm without being intrusive, chill without being aloof. The horseshoe layout encourages community as guests can relax outside of their rooms. In addition, there are hang out spots that facilitate community. I stayed for over two weeks and was rarely wakened by the noise of others. Hacienda Peter is a spot where you are apt to find long-term surf enthusiasts. There's a quality to it that feels like someplace to stay for awhile. The Rooms Colourful, simple … [Read more...]