Last month, I received a message from a Slovak travel blogger named Alex of crazysexyfuntraveler.com. She mentioned that she is currently exploring Southeast Asia and she’s planning to stay in the Philippines for three weeks. We’ve been commenting on each other’s blogs for quite sometime and for some reason, i didn’t have any hesitations when she asked if she can possibly stay here with us for two nights.
Apparently, she already made plans of visiting Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Cebu, Bohol and Boracay. Her only problem is the Manila leg, which is her first destination. I asked my grandparents if we can let her ‘couchsurf’ in the house. Glad they said yes as long as I am held responsible for everything.
It is my first time to host a foreign blogger and to be honest, I am not really sure on what to expect LOL. I am not used to having visitors at home especially touring them around Metro Manila. The best that I can do is do a ‘mall tour’ within the shopping malls accessible via the MRT line or a walking tour around Rizal Park. Alex mentioned that she is planning to stay in Luzon for a week and she’s asking for suggestions on where to go. Since I already had plans of joining Dong Ho’s Experience Batad-Banaue trip, I asked if she would like to go with me. I also thought of bringing her to Pangasinan, my hometown. It is more convenient for me and I know that she will enjoy it since she loves to eat LOL š
FIRST IMPRESSION
“WOW. YOU’RE TALL!” I said upon seeing her for the first time. I think she stands 5’11 or something. There’s a European model in the house ĆĀ š Even my grandparents were impressed when they saw her. She narrated the challenges she had to go through in Hongkong before she arrived here in Manila. Right after lunch, i suggested that we sleep first (I have a very bad sleeping pattern). We need to get some sleep for the party scheduled that night. I can say that Alex and I have a lot of things in common including the child-like personality and being hard-headed at times. It is much easier to spot the differences. Clue? It has something to do with dancing, food and boys š
Anyway, here’s a little preview on my week with the Crazy Sexy Fun traveler Alexandra Kovacova š
CAPTAIN MORGAN – Alex’ first night in Manila! Jerick invited us to the media launch of Captain Morgan. Together with co-PTB members Marky, Lauren, Monette and Marco, we partied like a rockstar and I think the presence of Brapanese hunk Hideo Muroaka made crazysexyfuntraveler’s first night in Manila a bit more memorable *winks*
BINONDO FOOD TOUR – Just like Alex, it is my first time to visit Binondo. Thanks to Journeying James for this sponsored trip! š We were able to explore some parts of Binondo although we didn’t really finish the whole Binondo Food Tour itinerary.
FORT SANTIAGO – Getting to know Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ National Hero more. Been to this historical place a lot of times already, but it is my first time to bring a camera LOL.
INTRAMUROS PHOTOWALK – Visited the churches, historical spots and the graffiti wall, which is now a popular hangout place of skateboard enthusiasts.
TOPLOADING (BANAUE-BONTOC) – Our first time to try toploading in the jeepney! Thanks to Dong Ho for this experience. Glad we managed to keep our balance and sanity even if we lacked sleep and the heat of the sun almost drained our energy. Atektek ak la.
Trekking Batad Village – Our trek to the Batad Rice Terraces (which lasted for two hours) is my most memorable trek so far (and i bet for Alex too!). Exploring the Batad Village is a rewarding experience for me. I admire the Ifugaos in this area, but that deserves a longer blog entry. We also met a lot of newfound friends. Meynteyn. Love it! (inside joke LOL)
Banaue Rice Terraces – Yehey! The Banaue Rice Terraces, the so-called ‘8th Wonder of the World’. I can’t believe that I finally saw the Banaue Rice Terraces in my own eyes. I’m glad the weather is good when we went there. I’m just amazed on how our Ifugao ancestors made this wonderful creation. This says a lot about our creative and hardworking ancestors.
FIRST NIGHT IN DAGUPAN CITY – Impromptu gimik night in Padis Dagupan City. It is my first time to visit the new branch of Padis Dagupan. I used to party in the old branch way back in high school with my classmates and my parents (just happy that i have cool parents hehe). Journeying James and Josh Uy (who turned 24 that day) joined us and my cousins Manuel and Melvin took care of everything upon our arrival. Thanks again, my awesome cousins!
Pamper Time at Pretty Tipsy Nail and Waxing – Right after our trekking weekend activity in Banaue-Batad and Photowalk in Dagupan, i think we deserve some pampering, right? We had our nails done at Pretty Tipsy Nail and Waxing while watching the Justin Timberlake-Mila Kunis rom-com movie ‘Friends with Benefits’. Girl bonding ftw! Thanks to Kreme Seen for this pamper treat! š
OVERNIGHT STAY at THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – Brought James and Alex to Lingayen, Pangasinan so that they’ll experience the laidback Pangasinan life within the Lingayen Capitol Area. We stayed at the historical The President Hotel, where the Ramos Ancestral House marker is located. Some of the rooms of the hotel are named after the Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines. I enjoyed our dinner especially the Pinakbet dish. I missed it much!
MORNING SWIM at LINGAYEN BEACH – The Lingayen Beach may not have the white sand attraction, but that didn’t stop first-timers James and Alex in taking a dip! This is Alex’ first beach experience in the Philippines.
TIME TO CATCH UP WITH ONLINE WORK – Just like any other travel blogger, we all need to work on our online tasks. For that afternoon, we decided to relax a bit in a coffee shop. Whew, finally!
It’s fun to think about the week that passed. I can’t help but laugh when she mentioned that she also owns the ‘No Boyfriend, No Problem‘ shirt, which was my favorite many years ago. What i like about Alex is that she is game with everything – except in certain types of food LOL.
She is currently in El Nido, Palawan as I type this entry. I can’t wait to blog about our adventures (and misadventures) in detail. I am hoping that soon, we’ll see each other and gallivant once more – preferably in London, Spain or in Slovakia! Yes? YES!
Photo Credits: Alex Kovacova, Theo Relevo and Kreme Seen
It was so fun! Thanks a lot for everything. Hope to see you again very soon š
Thanks too, Alex! I learned a lot from our trips hehe come back soon! š
I wish I could come back right now haha … We have so many things in common, and so many secrets already, too haha … Anyway, was a lot of fun and I’m so happy I met you and all the other people over there as you just confirmed my opinion that the Filipinos are the best š
So does that mean that we finally beat the equally-friendly and nice Mexicans? š
haha not sure about that one, you are at the same level with the Mexicans for me š
Woowww!! I am missing soo much when I started working lol. Looks like Alex is really having a blast here. I’m sure she’s being fascinated with the beauty of El Nido right now. Though H hope I had the chance to meet her when she was here in Manila. Woot!
I miss you too, Badet! The Corregidor Day Trip is our one and only trip for this year LOL. Stop working! Haha just kidding š
It’s always great meeting bloggers in your host country or in the country you’re visiting. You showed what hospitality and friendship through our connections are all about, Senoyrita! Glad you both had the chance to meet and after reading this, I am definitely looking you up when I visit Manila next spring.
Awww thanks Fidel! Just inform me in advance š Will you push through with the Cebu Trip for New YeaR?
whoa. fun-packed. i’m sure Alex had a blast, you were such a generous host. It’s impressive how you were able to bring her so many people and introduce to a handful of other travel bloggers in such a short span of time. ikaw na ang ambassador ng Luzon tourism š
Thanks Rain! Kahit ako i can’t believe it hehe i’m just glad na our co-PTB pals are generous and my cousins as well LOL š Naks, dati Pangasinan spokesperson lang. Ngayon Luzon na rin hehe š
wow! what a fun experience! I’m sure Alex had wonderful time š
Yey thanks Kate! š
it was indeed fun fun time with you and alex. too bad though that i have to as much as possible mingle with the others. the topload was fun. after the first one i thought no one will do it again but surprisingly the next day majority still chose to be on top.
saya. it was a jam packed week for alex.
Thanks for the wonderful experience, Dom! Kaaliw din pala mag-topload kahit masakit sa pwet hehe š I think this is the highlight of Alex’ Luzon trip š
Toploading was the best! I only got rid of the bruise from it a couple of days ago š
saya nman nyan.. dami nyong napuntahan.. sobrang fun and adventure.. š
Thanks! Medyo bitin pa nga eh hehe our country has a lot to offer talaga š
Buti pa si Alex, nakasama ka na sa lakwatsa , I’m still waiting for our escapade together, hopefully next year na š
Hahaha oo nga eh š Sana soonest pero mukhang malabong makapag-Australia ako next year not unless we meet somewhere before i go back to UK š
That is awesome! We hosted a fellow blogger who we met at TBEX in the summer and had a blast. I love meeting people in real life and seeing if they act the way I felt they would from their blogs! super fun.
Jade, i agree with you! From the first time I stumbled upon Alex’ site, i knew that we’d really get along. She’s like a Slovak sister hehe š
It is great to read about Alex’s adventures in the world. I am very happy for Alex that you let her stay, Senyorita. She is an amazing girl whom I have known for 8 years and I must say she is special. Keep travelling, guys, and keep writing great articles. š
Thank you so much, Kami! We will keep on traveling and writing as it is exactly what we love to do š Wish to travel with you again to have fun like we did e.g. in Madrid going to Toledo š
Thanks Kamila and Alex! I would love to hangout with you both soon when it is my time to visit Slovakia š
What a delightful sounding week! Looks like Alex was lucky to have you as a guide.
Thanks dear! Wait till you read the rest of our adventures š
That’s great you were able to meet up for a fun time exploring together.
Met up with John and Andrea Spirov early this year when they swung through New Zealand so has been really interesting following where their travels take them.
Hi Jim! Alex and I also talked about the possibility of exploring New Zealand and Australia. Although it won’t happen soon, it is still listed in our dream destinations! š
Wow… Mukahang nag enjoy talaga…:)
Okay yung pic nyo na nasa taas kayo ng Jeep… cool…
Hehe salamat! Trip lang hehe š
Wow, looks like you had a great time! I need to go to Banaue next time, looks amazing!
You should! Just make sure you have all your trekking gears with you (or outfit at least hehe).
Was great meeting Alexa too and props to Mica for being the best host and other PTB’s like James, Dong, Monette, Lauren, Den and Josh (who accdg to Alexa was non talkative like me haha) for letting her experience the best of the Philippines.
Thanks Marky! Oo nga, hindi ka raw kasing-talkative as you are online LOL š
Hahaha yes, u Marky and Josh never talked to me in person, but online u can’t shut up š Still love u both š
What a fun experience! Ayos!
Thanks for visiting my blog.
Thanks Kat! No problem! š
very nice! i have never experienced hosting a foreign traveler to sleep in our house. and im sure i wont be comfortable to tour her around manila too, di ako familiar eh. haha
im glad Alex (and you ofcors!) joined the experience. more to come please! =)
Thanks Chyng! Actually, yun din reason why i asked James to come with us. Kahit siya rin medyo hindi siya ganun ka-familiar pero nakaya naman namin hehe š It is also the reason why i suggested na punta na lang kami ng Pangasinan hehe. Yep, more travel bloggers to come sana š
Alex is fun right? Too bad we didn’t have much time in KL, just a quick dinner and chat only. Maybe next time when Alex gets here, we can Parteee!
You’re right! The only thing not cool about Alex is she doesn’t dance LOL š I also want to explore Malaysia more like she did
Awe! Sounds (and looks) like it was a lot of fun with many different people involved. Hopefully, I’ll have as much friends to show me around when I land in the Philippines next year. But I’m staying for three months, so I’ll have to find ways to entertain myself. Did you enjoy the “BINONDO FOOD TOUR”? I love learning about food and eating it, too.
Hi Sherry! Just send me an email on when you’re coming and your itinerary. It’s good that Filipino Travel Bloggers are based on different parts of the country š
Yup, I did enjoy the Binondo Food Tour although ours was just short. I’m planning to go back soon and hopefully eat some more š
Alex asked me when I met her “What else has Mica told you about me?” hehe.
I forgot to tell her that I read this entry before meeting her. Bilib ako sa kanya, mas agresibo pa talaga kesa sakin sa pag-eaearn thru the blog. hehe
Hehe ano sinabi niya? O diba nakahanap ka rin ng katapat LOL š
hello kabaleyan! actually found you via Alex’s blog ( found Alex’s while looking for Bohol itinerary tips)… Both your blogs are awesome! and happier to know you also hail from Pangasinan! š started reading and already hooked! keep writing! š
Wow, ang saya naman… keep on blogging