Hobo Lolo

Getting There . We booked a flight from IAD (Dulles International Airport) to Bay Area to meet up with my parent a day before our trip to Philippines. The following day, we all flew together from San Francisco to Manila via Taipei, Taiwan on EVA Air. Getting Around . We used a family van which easily fits 8 passengers to go around town, from airport pickup to family visits. Schedule Day 1, Jan 16 (Mon) We arrived in Manila around noon via Taipei. My auntie and cousin who travel to Manila from the province the day before our arrival was already at the gate waiting for us. Completely drained from the flight, my auntie took us to her usual restaurant nearby the airport before retiring at Eleganza Apartelle in Quezon City, this location gave us a head start the following day on our trip to my hometown, Bayombong. Day 2, Jan 17 (Tue) Today, everyone woke up early to get ready for an all day ride to Bayombong. My auntie and uncle whom I have not seen for a while joine...

Pawak Elementary School is the home of 98 aspiring young students (52 girls and 46 boys) ranging from Kindergarten to Grade VI. As most of these children come from a family who rely on the farm and livestock, they go to a great length just to attend elementary education, helping their parents tend their livestock before walking miles of dirt and treacherous trails to reach the school ground. Because of its remote location, the school does not usually get the government funding and attention it deserve. It relies mainly on the kindness and generosity of outreach programs. "Chalkboard" was one of those program. In October 2016, a Crowdfunding program called "Chalkboard" was launched, the goal was to raise enough funds for basic essentials- backpacks, raincoats, notebooks, pens and snacks. In less than a week, through Social Media, generous donors answered the call, raising $600 in total.

Getting There   Our adventure began with a cross-continental journey—first flying from Northern Virginia to the Bay Area, where we met up with my parents-in-law. From there, we embarked on a long-haul flight to Hokkaido via Taiwan, departing from San Francisco International Airport. Though the trip was long, the excitement of the adventure ahead kept our spirits high. What to Bring Exploring Japan by car? Don’t forget an International Driver’s License! Car rentals require it, along with your regular driver’s license. Even though our rental car came equipped with a navigation system, nothing beats the convenience of Google Maps on a smartphone. Late October in Hokkaido brings crisp air and chilly temperatures, often dropping to freezing. A winter jacket is a must to stay warm while enjoying the stunning fall scenery. Schedule Day 0, Sun Oct 16 We kicked off our journey with a reunion in the Bay Area before boarding our flight from SFO to CTS via TPE the next day....

Our journey through Taiwan was nothing short of spectacular. With seven of us—my parent-in-law, my brother, Michelle’s aunties, and ourselves—we embarked on a week-long adventure, weaving through Taiwan’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and mouthwatering cuisine. With a private van and driver arranged by Michelle, we explored at our own pace, making unforgettable memories along the way. Schedule Day 1 (Sun Oct 23): Arrival in Taipei & A Night Market Feast After flying in from Sapporo, we landed at Taoyuan International Airport, where our private van whisked us away to Ximen, Taipei. That evening, we kicked off our Taiwan adventure with a food lover’s dream—Shilin Night Market. Every bite, from sizzling scallion pancakes to juicy Taiwanese sausages, was a celebration of the island’s rich street food culture. Day 2(Mon Oct 24): Northern Taiwan’s Coastal Wonders The next morning, our van picked us up for a breathtaking coastal drive north of Taipei. We wandered ...