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Work and Play in Paradise for the Summer

Moving to Oahu, Hawaii can be an exciting adventure! Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian islands and is known for its beautiful beaches, surfing, hiking, and diverse cultural experiences. Here are a few things to keep in mind when moving to Oahu: Cost of living: The cost of living in Hawaii, and Oahu in particular, is generally higher than the mainland US. Housing, food, and transportation can be expensive, so it's important to plan and budget accordingly. Climate: Oahu has a tropical climate, which means it's warm and humid year-round. The island does have a rainy season from November to March, but the weather is generally mild and pleasant. Culture: Oahu is a melting pot of cultures, including Native Hawaiian, Asian, and Western influences. It's important to respect and embrace the local culture and traditions, including the Hawaiian language and customs. Traffic: Oahu has a high population density and limited infrastructure, which means that traffic can be a challe...

Running the Average Joe 5K Race

The "Average Joe 5K Run" is a fun and inclusive event that encourages people of all fitness levels and abilities to participate. The name "Average Joe" emphasizes that the event is not just for elite runners, but for anyone who wants to challenge themselves and have a good time. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, the "Average Joe 5K Run" provides a supportive and encouraging environment for you to set and achieve your personal goals. So come on out, lace up your sneakers, and join the fun!

Running Mitchell Thorp 5K Race

The Mitchell Thorp Foundation's 5K run in Carlsbad is a charity event to raise awareness and support for families with children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. The event took place on February 4, 2023. 5K Race Results

Exploring Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination located on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, including: Beaches: With its location on the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta has a number of beautiful beaches, including Los Muertos Beach, Conchas Chinas Beach, and Mismaloya Beach. Water activities: Visitors can go snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, and deep-sea fishing. Cultural experiences: The city has a rich cultural heritage and is home to a number of museums, art galleries, and cultural events, including the Vallarta Nautical and Cultural Festival. Nightlife: Puerto Vallarta is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Outdoor activities: There are many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, zip-lining, and horseback riding in the nearby mountains and forests. Food: Puerto Vallarta is famous for its delicious cuisine, which combines tradition...

What's in Store for 2023?

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season and fully recharged to face the new year. It's that time of year again, reflecting on goals that are designed to improve my well-being and social-being for the new year 2023. These goals are in the form of activities, tasks, or habits that are fun, measurable and feasible (don't boil the ocean) to achieve for a given period of time. "If you don’t take care of your mind and body now, by the time you’re 40 or 50, you’ll be like a car that can’t go anywhere." Warren Buffet said. I recently have started taking classes in Aviation, a beginning of my journey to becoming a private pilot. For 2023, I signed up for two more classes designed to provide hands-on operation to single engine airplane, including ground operations, flight maneuvers, airplane control, flight by reference to instruments, navigation, emergency procedures, and communications. Moreover, I've been spending more time learning and deconstructing Gaddang, the...

Exploring the Algrave Region, Albufeira

Albufeira is a beautiful coastal town located in the Algarve region of Portugal. It is known for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some activities that you can do to explore Albufeira: Visit the Old Town: The old town of Albufeira is a charming place to explore. It is full of narrow streets, traditional houses, and beautiful churches. Make sure to visit the church of São Sebastião, which dates back to the 18th century. Spend time on the beach: Albufeira has several beautiful beaches such as Praia dos Pescadores, Praia da Oura, and Praia do Castelo. Spend some time sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the views of the Atlantic Ocean. Take a boat tour: There are several boat tours available in Albufeira that will take you along the coast and to nearby caves and grottos. These tours are a great way to explore the coastline and see the stunning cliffs and rock formations up close. Enjoy the nightlife: Albufeira is famous for its lively nightlife, wi...

Savoring the Slowness: Discovering Life in Southeast Asia

Sometimes, all it takes is a change in pace—and place—for life to feel brand new again. In July 2017, we stepped away from everything familiar and landed in Thailand, eager for something slower, simpler, and more soulful. What followed was not just a trip across five countries—it was a journey inward. A gentle unraveling. A rediscovery of presence. Thailand: Where the Journey Found Its Rhythm In Central Thailand , Bangkok dazzled like a mirage in motion. We floated down the Chao Phraya River, past glittering temples and golden shrines, watching the city unfold in layers—ancient, electric, alive. The street food, the incense, the skyline at dusk—it all pulsed with energy. Then in  Hua Hin , we exhaled. Life softened here: slow strolls along quiet beaches, salt air in our lungs, and sunsets that asked us to pause and simply watch. Northern Thailand  awakened something deeper. In  Chiang Mai , we rode red and green songthaews, zipped through alleys on a rented scooter, and p...

Long Weekend Escape to South Carolina

Before the sun had even begun to rise on Thursday morning, we packed our bags, loaded the car, and hit the road—determined to get ahead of the Washington Metropolitan Area’s notorious rush hour. An hour later, the city's chaos faded in our rearview mirror, replaced by the open road stretching ahead. With every passing mile, we left behind the relentless hustle and slipped into the promise of a slower, more scenic adventure in South Carolina.

From Silicon Valley to NOVA: A Journey of Exploration and Discovery

In 2014, we left Silicon Valley, leaving behind family and familiarity for an exciting new opportunity in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Living in Northern Virginia (NOVA) offered us the unique advantage of being within close proximity to several neighboring states, making weekend explorations both convenient and irresistible. Over the course of three unforgettable years, we embarked on countless adventures, discovering the beauty and diversity of the East Coast. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the serene shores of the Outer Banks, each destination left a lasting impression. We wandered through the iconic landscapes of Central Park, soaked up the sun at Myrtle Beach, and hiked the scenic trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cape Henlopen State Park introduced us to Delaware’s stunning coastline, while Baltimore’s rich history and vibrant harbor provided endless charm. We also explored the cultural heartbeat of Washington, D.C., and ventured into the rolling hills of...

Visiting Families in the Philippines

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...