ARMIE YUSON (Happy Loner Traveller’s Journey To The Philippine Blog Awards 2011)

 

 

 

           I discovered my passion for writing at the age of 9 years old and I discovered my thirst for travelling and extreme adventures at the age of 22. I’ve been touring around the Philippines, from Batanes to the southernmost tip of Mindanao for 5 years already and I have seen, felt and experienced a lot. Mostly, what our fellow Filipinos have been going through in terms of poverty. So I have built my advocacies through the shout of our fellow Filipinos, I condoled with their calling to our government. And I used what I already have, which is my love for writing, movie making, photography and travelling, I came up with my 3 missions in life and that is to promote Philippine tourism, so that I could allow more job opportunities in the tourism industry to open for our fellow Filipinos in dire need of a livelihood and to teach everyone to protect and conserve our Mother Earth & its dying Natural Resources. For more than 2 years, I’ve been blogging about my advocacies, exploring and featuring off the beaten track Philippine Destinations that would add new flavors to Philippine Tourism. And also in between, I share my personal struggles and achievements in life so that I could somehow inspire my readers that behind every pain, misery, cruelty, heartache and mistakes in our lives, there is always hope, joy, love, positivity and acceptance. I guess, Life is really like that, you always have problems, but what’s important is how you remain to stand, fight and take the challenges of those problems and when we win? There’s nothing sweeter than a Big Knockout Victory!

           So I’m thanking God for finally giving all my 2 year hardwork the recognition it deserves, because God knew all the effort I gave to built my world on what it is today ARMIEYUSON.BLOGSPOT.COM. Finally, my voice have been heard after 2 years of blood, sweat and tears. Philippine Blog Awards 2011, the most prestigious award giving body in Philippine Blogging has given me a news that would literally make me cry and jump for so much joy! And that is after 5 months of waiting, I was announced to be a finalist in 6 awards. And that is in the Reader’s Choice Award 2011, Blogger’s Choice Award 2011, Travel Category 2011, Lifestyle Category 2011, Podcast & Videocast Category 2011 and Top Single Podcast & Videocast Category 2011. Praise God!!! Just being a finalist feels like a winner already because hundreds of thousands of entries were nominated and it faced 3 gruesome processes just to be cutdown to the finalist part that comprises of 5 to 10 contestants only. It’s already a Big privilege for me just to be included in the list of the Top and Elite Bloggers in the Philippines.

           So I dressed my best and attended to the biggest event of my Life. It was held at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium RCBC Plaza, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines at 6 PM. When I arrived at the event, I was just so excited to meet all of my co-bloggers and witnessed how popular they were in the blogging world. I was just a newbie here starting to make my own name. So the program proper started and everytime I see my blogsite on the screen and hear my name being called by the hosts when they were recapping the Finalists, I was just plain nervous with a little expectation that my name would also be called. With me vying for 6 awards, I prayed to God that he would just let me win even with 1 award only because this has been my dream for 2 years and an award is an embodiment of me being officially announced as the best blogger in the Philippines. However, I didn’t bring home any awards, I felt a little sad but after a shortwhile I was okay again, because I realized that being a part, a Finalist in 6 awards of this National Event is already a Big Gate for opportunities, this has allowed and inspired me to keep doing what I love to do and that is to keep changing people’s lives and giving them hope. This Awards night has also given me hope to work harder in giving truthful and amazing stories that would make a difference in this world, stories that would touch lives and stories that would allow strangers to carry “Me and My World” with them. I also realized that maybe I didn’t win right now is because I was built for a Bigger purpose, it all comes with God’s plan… I already won because I won the hearts of my readers who became my dear friends. That for me, winning the hearts of my readers is the greatest and priceless award in my Life and there is no sweeter victory than that…

           So hopefully, with God’s grace again, I could be nominated on July and be included in the Finalist on late November and be announced as the Winner in December of next year in the next Philippine Blog Awards on 2012… I just would like to say thank you to the 680 people who supported & voted for me in the Reader’s Choice Award 2011 Category. To all the people who shared the voting site especially to Samuelle… I also would like to say thank you to the Board Members of the Award Giving Body for placing me in the Final list of the 6 Categories. And thank you to Kathrine Ibal for accompanying me, being my photographer and capturing memories of the most important event of my Life…

- Happy Loner Traveller

A Traveller’s Zoobic Experience (Tiger Safari Of The Philippines)

                I have been around the Philippines and I can honestly say that the most hospitable and accommodating people are found in the staffs of ZOOBIC SAFARI located in Subic Bay Freeport Zone Zambales, for they treated me with the utmost care that I have never imagined someone would do to me in a million years…

                It all started when my friend/supporter Aprilyn Esposo who is a staff photographer there invited me to go back to Zoobic Safari for they have launched their latest unique offering found only in their Zoo all over the Philippines and that is NIGHT SAFARI held only during Saturdays from 5 PM to 10 PM… So I decided to give a visit to Zoobic Safari and to her as well.

                When I arrived at Subic Bay Freeport Zone, I went straight to Zoobic Safari. As I entered Zoobic Safari, I saw a jumping joyous and blissful staff holding an SLR Camera on her hand, right away I knew that it was Aprilyn Esposo. She was at work at that time so she endorsed me to a group day tour at Zoobic Safari and I was shocked because it’s Free! So I started doing my usual “Happy Loner Traveller” works. After the day tour, I went back to check on Aprilyn Esposo again, she just got out from her work, I rested for a while and she accompanied me to tour Zoobic Safari once more but this time, the NIGHT SAFARI tour which is a separate payment from the day tour and shockingly, I got it for Free again! Aside from the Night Safari group tour guide, Aprilyn Esposo was my own personal tour guide and photographer. The nicest thing about what she did for me when I was there was eventhough her shift from work is over, she still stayed and accompanied me all throughout my NIGHT SAFARI tour. After the NIGHT SAFARI, I got again, a Free Buffet Dinner. I’m getting used to Freebies and I’m beginning to love the feeling! But the most surprising thing that the staff gave me is I got a Free Accomodation at CROWN PEAK HOTEL with Breakfast! This is the time that I really felt the most touching gesture that these people have let me experienced. I never spent a single peso on my trip here in Zoobic Safari and I really felt their hospitality, they treated me as if I am a Celebrity! An unending Thank you to Ms. Aprilyn Esposo, Ms. Elizabeth “Betchay” Alvarez, Mrs. Agnes Payad and the rest of the staff of both Zoobic Safari and Crown Peak Hotel… I will never forget your kindness to me, it’ll all be forever cherished in my heart’s memories.

                It’s my second time in ZOOBIC SAFARI, the last time I went here was 3 years ago. When I came back to ZOOBIC SAFARI, many has changed, it has improved a lot, they added more attractions, more free & exciting gimmicks and more Animals that would really make you come back here for so many times and never let you get tired from their Zoo Experience! For 2 and a half hours, you could experience 13 unforgettable attractions which are the Zoobic Park, Rodent World, Serpentarium, Savannah, Forbidden & Zoobic Cave, Animal Muzooeum, Aeta’s Trail, Zipline, Croco Loco, Animal Show & Parade, Close Encounter (with Tigers & Lions) and their 2 main offerings, the Tiger Safari Ride and the Latest NIGHT SAFARI!!!

                You can also ride their Zooper Train, buy at their Zoovenir Shop or have a photo with their Tiger Cubs or other Animals at their Zoombic Foto, a definitely unbelievable souvenir like no other! You can also visit their Animal Care Center and witness how they prepare the Animal’s Foods, how they treat Animals at their clinics and their nursery & hatchery section! You can also have their delectable and savory Aeta-inspired EAT ALL YOU CAN cuisines at Buho Grill.

                My Personal best adventure here is my favorite Tiger Safari Ride, it’s a 10 minute episode where you can witness and imagine how they live in their natural habitat, the Wild! You will be locked in a customized jeepney where the Tigers are the ones who will come to you. A really worthwhile event! You can even feed them chickens and you can observe their large teeth!!! It’s just so amazing! I’ve tried this 3 times already and the only thing that I can say about it is that YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH! You would want to repeat it over and over again!!!

                So now, to see their latest temptation, the NIGHT SAFARI, it’s the same itinerary but this time it’s where most animals are active like the Big Cats of the Jungle, the Crocodiles, the Owl and other Nocturnal Creatures plus with an additional attraction which is the Greyhound Walk, it allows you to have a 15 minute walk in a real live Rainforest at night with just a Greyhound on your side without lights but only pure darkness and echoes of the Jungle. How cool is that?! You will get to have the distinct feeling of being so close to the Jungle… Only seen in ZOOBIC SAFARI! The Main Event of the NIGHT SAFARI is their Night Safari Show & Parade, where you can witness the simulated & rehearsed parade and talents of our Animal Friends together with the Theatrical Presentations of their staff alongside with my favorite breathtaking Aeta’s Performances by playing Fire with their hands and mouth… Their Fire-breathing Masterpieces just literally took my breath away… To put it simply, just WOW!!!

                I am glad to meet and get to know the Aetas working here in Zoobic Safari, 30 percent of the staffs here are Aetas and I’ve learned a lot from them and their cultures. I am glad that our Government gives Free Scholarship Educations to our Ancestral Forefathers and I met one who is a graduate of AB Political Science but instead of practicing his degree, he came back to his village and gave awareness to his co-Aetas that they have a lot of great privileges offered by the Government, they just have to be open minded about it which slowly they are now. I’ve also talked with one of the elder Aetas and he said that if I comeback, he would make me a Free Blow Gun which they are using to hunt for birds or wild boars, I am deeply touched with what he said, that it’s not about the money but what’s important for him is the deep relationship formed between brothers, the appreciation that we learn from it…

                I’ve been to many Zoos, even from the Zoos of other countries like Ohio Zoo in the U.S but what is unique about this Zoo that no other Zoo in the world has, is the feeling that you are one with the Animals. As I was observing everyone who’s going in and out of Zoobic Safari, I have sensed their fulfillment that they have gained to appreciate our Animal friends, that they have learned to protect and care for them already. That is why this is the only Zoo, not only in the Philippines but in the World that has “Real Audience Interaction” especially with the kids. And one more thing, they have the only WHITE TIGER in the Philippines!!!

                I am guilty that this is the BEST Experience of my Life, with our Animal friends and Staff’s excellent and superb hospitality, who wouldn’t want to come back to ZOOBIC SAFARI everyday!!!

                Thank you Aprilyn Esposo for opening my eyes again to the continued beauty of ZOOBIC SAFARI!!! I definitely and strongly recommend that you must visit ZOOBIC SAFARI at once!!! Let us Learn from these Animals, it would help us open our eyes to love again our dying nature…


- Happy Loner Traveller

A Traveller’s Wild Encounter (Zoobic Safari And Ocean Adventure)

                Subic Zambales is a former military naval base of the Americans during World War II but as time ensues, it has been slowly converted into shipping ports, resorts and various tourist attractions.

                My Wildlife Encounter started when I stayed at Camayan Beach Resort which is inside Subic and owned by the same company who owns Ocean Adventure Park. It is a Beachfront resort where you can do kayak. And it’s just a 3 minute walk to Ocean Adventure Park where you can witness performing Dolphins, Sea Lions, and False Killer whales. I also visited ZOOBIC SAFARI, which is a mini-zoo and their main attraction here are Tiger encounters, Yes! You’ve read it right! They will place you inside a secure transportation and you will enter into their natural habitat. It’s a different approach and it is the first here in the Philippines. You can feed them fresh chicken, they can jump on top of the jeep and you can witness and have an idea of their natural killer instincts. It’s different when you see them locked in the cage of the Zoos because what you will experience here is an unusual one. You will be the one who will be placed in a cage and they are the ones who will come near you. It’s an awesome and definitely a must try experience… You can also take pictures with these amazing loveable animals, my favorite is me carrying a 6 month old heavy cub on my lap!!! It’s a photo to cherish for a lifetime!!!

                There is a growing number of new attractions in Subic. We now have the Treetop Adventure, a Zipline experience and the JEST Camp which gives a jungle survival experience with the Aetas. This is good for our country, that our demand for tourism is increasing and I’m happy coz’ it’s going to the direction which my advocacy was created for…

- Happy Loner Traveller

Get FREE “HAPPY LONER TRAVELLER” T-Shirts!!!

                Have you seen the shirts that Armie “Happy Loner Traveller” Yuson is wearing on his Photos & Videos? Do you want to have one too? Well, it’s just plain EASY! Just like my Facebook Page FACEBOOK.COM/ARMIEYUSONOFFICIAL and be an ACTIVE USER to my Page (Likes, Comments & Shares) and randomly I will select one ACTIVE Facebook User EVERY MONTH to have my FREE “HAPPY LONER TRAVELLER” T-Shirt! As simple as that! So, what are you waiting for, LIKE and be ACTIVE on my Facebook Page FACEBOOK.COM/ARMIEYUSONOFFICIAL… Always Visit my sites ARMIEYUSON.BLOGSPOT.COM & HAPPY LONER TRAVELLER & THE LIFE OF ARMIE YUSON!!!

- Happy Loner Traveller

A Traveller’s Act Of Compassion (A Helping Hand)

                The last time I’ve visited Cagayan De Oro was last January 7 of 2011 and I had a blast with its extreme adventures like the White Water Rafting, as well as its delicious mouth-watering grilled foods in the street party held every weekends. Cagayan De Oro gave me a unique journey where no other place in the Philippines can make you experience, people’s golden smiles have also warmed my heart, it’s as if I am one of them… So in the later part of 2011, I heard a very heartbreaking news, that Typhoon Sendong, the last typhoon to hit the Philippines on 2011 has left nothing but a tremendous catastrophe to the people living in Cagayan De Oro especially to those near the Cagayan De Oro River where the popular White Water Rafting is held. Typhoon Sendong washed out the entire village and killed an estimated 2,000 people and it really broke my heart coz’ a place that was once dubbed as the City of Golden Friendship has been totally destroyed and the most painful thing is, it happened just a few days before Christmas. They said that it just happened overnight, people from their houses were already resting until an unexpected flood with a strong current carrying large logs that were cut off by illegal loggers just splashed on and hit every household and people within it. Just imagine that there was a sudden 20 feet high elevation of the water from the river with strong currents that you can’t swim against with plus big logs just hitting every part of your body especially your head and you can’t see it because there was no electricity and it's dark, no doubt even the most alert and trained person couldn’t escape death. They said that the flood and logs came from its neighboring province Bukidnon. I was shocked and sympathetic, I felt the sadness brought about by this tragedy, I even imagined myself in that situation, thinking of ways on how to escape, or if I could even escape that dreadful situation.

                In one of my first articles written 2 years ago, I experienced a similar situation but a lighter one, but still I know the scenario of what happened there in Cagayan De Oro. And I wrote in my past article and even predicted that in the future stronger storms, earthquakes and other natural destructions will arise because of the consequences of our unthoughtful actions. We created all of these, there is no other to blame but ourselves and now, hard as it may be, we must face nature’s revenge to us and the only thing that we can do is not to cure our dying nature but to prolong its destruction. To act now to prevent the further annihilation of our world. Let’s increase our awareness, let’s make our voices be heard and let us make a difference… Let us not wait for the time that even us would lose our loved ones and would also feel the hopelessness that people from Cagayan De Oro Felt just because we didn’t do something about it. It is now time to start paying respect to Mother Nature.

                As a start of help, me, Armie “Happy Loner Traveller” Yuson together with my Vmobile Business Partners are already helping our brothers and sisters from Cagayan De Oro by giving boxes of goods for their needs… I am encouraging you to be one with us… Remember, that a Compassionate Heart will always be the greatest gift we can give to them…

- Happy Loner Traveller