Walking the streets and alleys in Old Macau is perhaps one of the most rewarding things to do in this territory. Not only that you get to get familiar with the way of life of most Macanese, you also get a glimpse of its old soul.

This ain’t a fair world, really. There are just some doors open to those with the right credentials. In Macau, there’s a particular portal that is reserved for the ultra rich and high rollers. Piles of money that they can afford to burn in a night.

It’s wiry frame, thin pieces of metal assembled together with wheels whizzed passed me as its driver pedaled, carrying his passengers to their destination. I smiled, happy to see these contraptions, attesting to the Filipino’s ingenuity, feeling the familiarity of being in a small sleepy town.

Largo do Lilau (Lilau Square), an old quarter, is part of the Historic Center of Macau, inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, rows of Portuguese style houses in pastel colors give the place an old world feel.

Mornings at the Embarcadero are beautiful especially on a clear day with beautiful views of Mt. Mayon. In the late afternoon, especially a lazy one, a stroll along the promenade near Legazpi’s port is just as beautiful.

The coastal breakwater near the Embarcadero, that hip night spot cum mall at the base of Kapuntukan Hill aka The Sleeping Lion in Legazpi City not only provides a good view of Mt. Mayon and the port but is also a haven for joggers and early morning denizens.

The late afternoon light was just so beautiful and the participating contingents during the opening of Albay’s monthlong fest, the Magayon Festival, were all assembled, waiting for their turn to perform, just added to the color. And of course, there were lovely ladies in the crowd

Bohol is known for it’s tarsiers, chocolate hills and beaches but, unfortunately, these are concentrated only in specific areas, the usual tourist route. Now, Tubigon in western Bohol opens up to offer water fun and adventure in its many islets, sand bars, coral gardens and mangrove areas that only locals know.

The hotel and casino business in Macau looks tough with each establishment trying to outdo each other. One way to attract people and money is to offer multimillion dollar shows that lasts within 30 minutes and can go on and on throughout the night.

I liked it here. The ruggedness, the rundown atmosphere that are patronized by the locals. When I first saw this, I didn’t quite believe it but there it was, a reality check in this gambling eden.

If I had my way, I would have stayed longer at the Camoes Garden, Macau’s biggest park and just enjoyed the scenery, the sound of birds and sauntered along its shaded pathways, listened to an aspiring chinese opera singer or just jogged its trails and had my own spot for stretching.

Sex sells. No question about it and for Macau’s fast lane, glitzy spectacle and a gambler’s eden, the world’s oldest profession isn’t far behind. Familiar bedfellows so to speak.

The brief stay in Flower Island with its short trails, white sand beaches, good food, great company with other visitors including two Japanese friends was just unforgettable!

A-ma Temple is one of the popular religious sites located at the southwestern tip of Macau dedicated to the goddess Mazu or Matsu, the patron of fishermen and seafarers and protector of the sea. It is also one of the oldest, built in 1488, predating the Portuguese arrival.

San Jose in Occidental Mindoro is not known for its tourist spots. For visitors, it’s mainly a transit point to Sablayan a few hours up north. But it does have its own attractions which can be done in two days. Instead of going to the islands, I stuck to the land.