My Travel Buddies: Meet Ada Lajara of Adaphobic.com

“Is Ada going with you?”. That is one of the frequently asked questions whenever i blog or tweet about a plan of going out of town. Ada Lajara of Adaphobic.com is one of my closest friends online and offline. We started traveling together in mid-2009 and we got addicted to it. I feel blessed that I get the chance to travel with someone who is as crazy as my ‘badet’, as we fondly call each other. Co-bloggers usually remember us with our high jumpshots and we have a dose of fun yet real stories to share.

Ada Lajara of Adaphobic.com in Ilocos (Photo by Jeck Simbulan)

It’s been a tradition in some travel blogs to feature fellow travel bloggers. I would like to add a more personal touch by featuring some of my travel companions since i usually go on trips with friends. For the launch of this new segment, I’m proud to present Ada Lajara!

Mica and Ada in San Juan, La Union (August 2009)

When was our first out of town trip together? Describe it.

Ada says : That first trip was in La Union way back in August 2009, a surfing event. So you really want me to describe it. You were always falling off from the surf board and couldn’t manage to stand up even for a second. LOL Mica, you really look funny!!! You chose to sunbathe instead.

Mica says: Hahaha that was frustrating! I tried my best, but i guess my best wasn’t good enough LOL. Add the fact that The Luke Landrigan is laughing his heart out with my ‘ayoko na, give up na ako!’ antics =)) Must go back to La Union and try again!

What are the Top 3 Destinations we’ve been to together that you consider the most memorable? Discuss why 😛

Ada says: It’s hard to answer this one. Well I consider all of our trips memorable kasi. Okay, in no particular order:

Lazy Photo Morning at Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa (March 2010)

a. Our trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan without itinerary as in no idea where to go. Hotel hopping, restaurant hopping, island hopping, monitor lizard catching. One of our trips that is very relaxing. No hassle or whatever. Just relax. I just loved it. Also, our karaoke moments with the song “Luha” made this trip indeed very memorable.

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Fighting in Guimaras LOL (November 2010)

b. Our trip to Iloilo and Guimaras like lost children. This was memorable to me as we explored the town on our own asking strangers from to time just to get to that destination. Plus, we just came from Coron, Palawan. I will never forget how badly you want an air-conditioned room rather than a fan room when we were in Guimaras. I admit my head ached because I was trying to save my money. I only have P700 that time plus we have to pay for our Island Hopping and some transpo fee going back to the airport which made me problematic. But in the end, since Google just blessed you, I don’t want to end our trip without talking to you, so I voluntarily offered to transfer to another room lol. I’m thankful to this trip because we’ve known each other better which made the trip memorable for me. 😉

Mirror Mirror

c. Pangasinan. The tour that you and Anton arranged and organized. I can’t explain why, but this was the first trip that I felt very very light, comfortable, and laid back. I don’t know, but that’s what I felt in this trip, I find it hard to explain, but I really liked it. It’s like a month trip but in fact, it’s only a 4-day trip. Maybe because of the company we are with, even though we just met some of them for the first time, I felt like we’ve known each other for long.

Mica says: I agree with you on that! All of our trips are memorable. We have the same choices of destinations too not only because of the place, but more on what we’ve learned on those trips. Friendship tried and tested Hihi. And hey, I’m willing to stay in that room, but you also gave in when you saw the common toilet 😛

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Always bring your backpack and camera with you (Fisherman's Wharf, Macau - April 2010)

What’s the worst event that happened in any of your travels? How did you manage to surpass that challenge?

Ada says : OH LOL. Worst ever was when I forgot my backpack on the bus when we arrived in Macau. Literally, my life was in that backpack. My passport, camera, IDs, HK dollars! I even have this hope to catch that bus up — ran to the next bus stop, but failed. Jenny Villarama and I then headed to the nearest police station and reported the incident. I almost knelt on the ground knowing that my backpack was recovered and all things are intact. I LOVE MACAU. They have honest bus drivers.

Mica says: Hahaha =)) I remember your reaction when we stepped out of the bus. ‘I left my bag in the bus… I LEFT MY BAG IN THE BUS!!!’ and how you and Maki started chasing the bus while Jenny Villarama and I waited for you two then rain starts to pour in. You went back to our position then we had this quite embarrassing moment in Grand Emperor Hotel. Another lesson learned: ‘Grand Emperor Hotel’ is different from ‘Emperor Hotel’! Glad you had your stuff back. I Love Macau!

Mica and Ada in a Hammock (Photo by Josh Uy)


Describe me as a travel buddy.

Ada says: You’re a traveler who can’t easily give up comfort. You prefer comfort, relaxation, safety, when it comes to choosing the right hotel or itinerary. When it comes to planning travels, you tend to be realistic. I admit, we’re a little opposite in that part, well just a little. I can sleep anywhere as long as the air is neat. I don’t mind waking up nude. But there’s this one thing I admire about you the most — you can easily blend with the locals.

Mica says: I will not deny that safety and comfort is at the top of my list when looking for a place to stay especially when I don’t know anyone living in that area. I can easily adjust, but i will never ever risk my safety. I can easily adjust though especially if i have limited funds. The last part made me smile hihihi *blush* landi =))

What are the three things you can never live without when you’re on a trip?

Ada says: My lipbalm, camera and toothbrush.

Mica says: And i know you value your present camera more *winks*

Name three of the best hotel/resort accommodations.

Ada says: Three of the best accommodations that I’ve been, Fort Ilocandia Resort in Laoag, Hotel Salcedo De Vigan in Vigan, Puerto Del Sol in Bolinao, Pangasinan.

Mica says: Puerto del Sol! <3

Name three of your favorite restaurants

Ada says: Can I just give one? La Terrase Restaurant in Puerto Princesa. Elegant service na swak sa budget!

Mica says: And i think i know what made it extra special 😛

Any funny stories that you want to reveal that happened during one of our trips?

Help me! I can't surf! Waaaah!!!

Ada says: A lot! Some I couldn’t even explain!  But good thing there isn’t most embarrassing moment yet like we stepping on a popped while traveling, or walking without knowing you have a booger sticking outside your nose. Seriously, that picture of you trying to stand up on the surfboard is one of the funniest haha! 😀

Ada after her first Zorb experience

Mica says: For me, our dragon ride in Davao City last year is the funniest =)) Too bad I wasn’t able to capture your moment LOL! Also in our Singapore trip when you and Hannah laughed out loud that i went to the men’s room and i wasn’t even drunk =))

Did we have any misunderstandings while we’re on the road? HAHAHA

I guess that Guimaras part. Read back number 2.b. Hehe.

Do you have any ‘holiday romance’ story to share?

Ada says: Of course yes! YAYAYAYAYAYAY! I abandoned my hellish work just to experience that “holiday romance.”

Mica says: Mind to share more information? Hehe just kidding 😛

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Sunset @ Guimaras (November 2010)

Where are you planning to go next?

Ada says: As i write this, I’m preparing for a trip to Cebu this Saturday right after my work to meet the Tom Cruise of my life. On November, I have a ticket to Coron, Palawan, yes I’m going back there together with my sister and her boyfriend. I’m really looking forward to seeing Maine and Japan. You know what I mean.

Mica says: I support your urge to go to Japan! If only i can sponsor a plane ticket for you. I need to buy a lotto ticket first.

Me and Ada at my surprise McDo Kiddie party prepared by the Nyoks on my 23rd birthday

Message to the readers of my blog… a message to me too 😛

Ada says: Senyorita.net is one of budding Travel Blogs in the Philippines. When reading her blog, you can’t help but to envy her adventures and travels. She will absolutely leave this statement on your mind after reading her travel blog, “I want to go there too!” or “I’ll be traveling there as well..”  Thus, she’s unconsciously promoting the place. She writes from the beginning until the end of the trip,  as narrates exactly what happened to the entire trip. Not too much information, but rather a highlight of what has really happened on that trip, WHAT made that trip memorable, and WHY you should visit that place as well. She’s also a talented photographer.

Continue sharing your travel stories on Senyorita.net, Mica! Continue making your readers drool as you travel. Most especially the Philippines. I can’t wait to travel with you again soon. 😉 You’re still my best travel-buddy and roomie ever!

Mica says: You’re still my best travel buddy and room mate too! I’m hoping that someday, we visit Guadalajara, Mexico and take loads of jumpshots together. I miss you!   Quit your job! LOL i kid 😛

~0~

Read more of Ada Lajara’s travel adventures at Adaphobic. She loves to take pictures but sorry guys, Ada is happily taken 😛

38 Comments

  1. Marky said:

    The Pangasinan trip was also memorable to me because of the presence of you two. Great to know you both find a willing travel buddy and a close friend with each other, traveling provides a wonderful experience and its best when shared with people you really care and are fond about. So keep traveling together, before Ada relocates to Japan or Maine, and Mica to Croatia or London again.

    August 1, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Thanks Marky! Glad you accepted my invitation to join the Pangasinan trip. I guess that trip started it all. Ngayon tuloy tayo-tayo rin madalas mag-travel together hehe 😀

      August 2, 2011
      Reply
  2. Sabrina said:

    Aw, my sister… Thanks for sharing this story. What a happy trip with this little BRAT when you’re traveling 😛

    August 1, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Hello Sab! Hoping to travel with you rin soon 🙂

      August 2, 2011
      Reply
  3. chyng said:

    minsan it’s not all about the destination, but it’s who you are with.
    cheers to your girl bonding mga badet! =)

    August 1, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Thanks Chyng! Badet power! Chos!

      August 2, 2011
      Reply
  4. supertikoy said:

    nasa kasama mo talaga nakadepende kung magiging memorable ang isang lugar or trip na pinuntahan nyo. cheers to you and ada!

    August 1, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      I agree! Your companions can either make or break your happiness sa trip. I’m glad my badet is awesome hihi

      August 2, 2011
      Reply
  5. Traveling with friends is lotsa fun and traveling with a travel blogger friend is even more exciting. Glad I was able travel with Ada once, a friendly and very down to earth girl. (Tayo kaya Mica, kelan na ang meet up natin? 🙂

    August 1, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Tama! Ada said na relaxed ka raw kasama sa trip. Ine-enjoy mo raw talaga ang moment hehe sayang hindi ako nakasama that time. I’m hoping to travel with you soon din. Kelan ka ba uuwi ng Pinas? Mas ok siguro kung ako na lang ang pumunta dyan sa Australia hihi

      August 2, 2011
      Reply
  6. darwin said:

    Yeah! ada is such a good travel partner. I will never forget my first ever trip sa Norte, Pangasinan, she’s my kasabay going there. and when we came back last month, sya uli kasabay ko.

    August 1, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Pangasinan bus ride partners na talaga kayo! Hehehe 😀

      August 2, 2011
      Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Thanks Andi! 🙂

      August 2, 2011
      Reply
  7. marco said:

    naks nman..hansaya saya naman ng mga adventure..sama namn ako dian minsan hehe

    August 2, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Sure! 🙂

      August 2, 2011
      Reply
  8. josh said:

    kayo na ang magbespren 😀 babanat sna ako medyo pormal, kaya lang nahiya na ako sa comment ni marky,hehe pero sna sumama ka talaga sa Bolinao, niyayanig ang mundo pag magkasama na kayo ni guadz 😀 next time ah….

    August 2, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Haha ok lang yan kay Marky noh 😛 Sayang nga yun, pero alam niyo naman si lolo priority ko 😛 Next time let’s go out of town together!

      August 2, 2011
      Reply
  9. What a great idea to feature your travel friends. I often backpack solo but it’s such a treat to travel with your friends when possible.

    August 2, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Thank you, Sam! I’ll feature you here once you decide to pursue your trip to the Philippines hehe 😀

      August 2, 2011
      Reply
  10. Ada said:

    Ahaha!! Shet waaaa!! Namiss tuloy kita bigla! 🙁 Hahaha! Grabeh yung Davao Zorb lol, sa dinami daming funny moments, di ko na maisa-isa. hehe! Whaa shit, quit na ko sa work soon 😆 joke. SHETTTT sana magkita tayu sa Cebu sa Saturday hahahah! MUAAAHH Miss yah badet!!!

    August 2, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      I miss you too! Oo nga ang dami nating funny moments. Bawat trip meron basta magkasama tayo LOL. How i wish i can join you to Cebu this Saturday. Waaah libre mo ko ticket chos :))

      August 2, 2011
      Reply
  11. adventurousfeet said:

    i love it! girl bonding! when i first saw you too i was kinda impressed on your closeness, it’s as if you’re not just travel buddies but friends long time ago. more travel for you guys, invite nyo kame hihihi

    August 2, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Awww thanks CA! 🙂 Nasabi mo nga din yan after natin mag-Corregidor hehe. Lakwatsa din tayo soon! 😀

      August 2, 2011
      Reply
  12. pusangkalye said:

    eh kasi naman–isa si Ada sa mga pinakamasarap kasama,mapa-byahe yan,tsibugan,photowalk.walang kaarte-arte sa katawan at walang issues kaya masaya kasama.laging chill. Ada is Ada.lovable.fun and being missed. miss ka na namin ada!!!!

    August 3, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Tama! Bonggang-Bongga lang talaga kaya love na love ko ‘yan eh 😛

      August 5, 2011
      Reply
  13. Dana said:

    I hope we could go out of town as well with Lecel and Dave!

    August 4, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Planuhin na yan! 😀

      August 5, 2011
      Reply
  14. Ed said:

    waaa. nawala yung comment ko. parang andaming blogs na nakacategorize as SPAM ako. lol.
    anyway, nice feature ni Ada, Mica! Very personal nga tong interview session mo! at dahil dito, napressure kaagad akong ipost yung interview ko. hahaha!!! tapos na kami and inaayos ko pa ang file para mapublish ko na. Can’t wait to post them. Humanda ka ok? lol 😀

    August 5, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Handang-handa na ako, Ed! Go Go Go! 😀

      August 5, 2011
      Reply
  15. sana talaga sumama kayong dalawa sa Batad Sagada Trip by the end of October..

    August 6, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Naks 😀 Tingnan namin kung makakasama kami. Sana nga hehe 😀

      August 6, 2011
      Reply
  16. I guess everyone naman wants to travel with cute Ada! She’s full of life kase. Natatawa ako sa ILoilo nung nagtampururot ka. haha natakot tlga ako noon, pero si Ada kampante lang, kilalang kilala ka na nya tlga. sorry ha. hehe Scary naman yung nawala backpack nya sa Macau pero ang galeng no, as in nasuli ng intact. Ang honest nga ng mga drivers! Lucky Ada! I miss you both. Mica, sama ka na sa Sat phulease, I wish I can tell you why, basta sama ka na. hehe

    August 9, 2011
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Hahaha kayo kasi eh 😛 buti si Marcos naintindihan niya ako wehehe 😛 yep, Ada is full of life and love hihi. Hmmm… ano meron sa Saturday? will PM you now 😀

      August 9, 2011
      Reply
  17. Happy Sole said:

    that’s nice! a post about your travel buddy… parang testimonial lang. 🙂

    August 15, 2011
    Reply
  18. Ada said:

    Napadaan ulit ako hahaha! Namiss lang kita muwah!

    September 6, 2011
    Reply
  19. Sherry said:

    Ang saya basahin nitong blog entry na to. Naalala ko tuloy si Ada. Seatmate ko yan nung HS. Binubully lang ako nyan lagi pero ngayon bihasa na sa travelling. Penge naman ako itenerary, I need both of your bright ideas! 😀 Haha! Cheers!

    January 6, 2012
    Reply

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