Pinoy Blog Machine (Beta)

When I attended the 19th Philippine Travel Mart for 2 consecutive days last week, I noticed the booth of the company called Balikbayan Gear in the middle of the hustle & bustle of the busy hotel, airline and other travel booths. I know that I have seen their products before featured in a lifestyle television show so I was curious on what they are offering.

Not only balikbayans can benefit from their products but also they are targeting jetsetters and the humble backpackers like you and me. Who would know that the ubiquitous balikbayan box has now a cover to protect it from the rain and wear and tear (genius indeed!). They even have a “jewelry wallet” for the lady travellers out there which will secure all your earrings, necklaces ang watches.

I got myself their belt bag called “Travel Hip Pack” which I intend to use to keep my passport, ticket or even my cellphone safe and within reach.

For all the backpackers they have many designs of tote bags and backpacks for your handcarry and even contain pockets for water bottles or other accessories. According to their company literature, their products are available at SM, Rustan’s, Tesoro’s and other retailers in the metro and beyond.

These pictures were taken while I was on board a Mandala Airlines flight 565 bound for Jakarta from Bali. I am going back to Jakarta after a very wonderful vacation in the island of Bali but the flight had a 30-minute layover in Surabaya to drop-off and pick-up passengers. I took the pictures about 10 minutes before landing at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya when the captain announced that a volcano is erupting, luckily I was seated on the left side of the plane where I can witness the splendor and perils of mother nature. This is my first time to see an erupting volcano and I can say that it was totally cool!

Eventhough the pilot is speaking in English I cannot fully understand his Indonesian accent plus I was so preoccupied setting my camera to take some photos so I blew the chance to know the volcano’s name. I asked a flight attendant for the volcano’s name but I guess she didn’t totally comprehend what I said. If you look closely at the second photograph it looks like Mt. Fuji of Japan because of the white to greyish thing enveloping the volcano’s mouth.

I have also a very “cool” bird’s eyeview picture of our very own Mayon Volcano which I took several months ago on my flight back to Manila from Legazpi City. Well, I like my erupting volcano photos more than the gentle, smoke spewing Mayon volcano

top view of Mayon volcano

the picturesque Legazpi Airport in Albay