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Actually, our beaches are sooo much better. But the infrastructure in Bali is decades ahead of us. So much to do there. Not just the beaches, but the mountains, temples, culture, white water rafting.... in 8 years, I went to Bali more than a dozen times. Never staying in the same hotel twice. For first timers, choose Kuta. But you can also opt for stays in Nusa Dua, Lovina, Manjangan Island, Ubud...just to name a few. And one thing about the AUTHENTIC Balinese (not the Javanese who go there for business) is that Balinese never take advantage of others, especially tourist. Balinese is predominantly Hinduism. And they believe in Karma.

The key to finding bargains in HK is research.

Know what you want to buy -- the model, style, price in the Philippines, and prices on the internet.

In general, I always buy what is made in that country.

Hence, when I go to Thailand and look at sports clothes, I check the NIKE label and make sure it is "made in Thailand".

Same thing with HK, if it's not made there or "made in China", you can be sure it will be expensive.

But the sales in HK can be generous. Buy "off season" -- swimsuits when autumn has began. Winter clothes at the start of spring.

Unless you want to be trendy. There are several outlet stores, Citygate being one of the biggest.

Just remember, just because it is in HK, it is not cheap. They just might have the latest styles and models -- which will take 3 to 4 months to find its way to the Philippines.

I always book on the internet.

I compare prices with my 3 favorite sites : agoda,asiatravel, and asia rooms.

I don't think travel agents can compete anymore unless it is a full package from the airline.

You won't go wrong with most of the hotels in Singapore.

Just plan your trips carefully. Check your budget and where you plan to spend of most of your time.

You may save on the hotel, but you might lose out on the "travel time" and fares on the subway/train or taxi.

But generally public transport in Singapore is super safe, and you can ask for a receipt from Taxis.

Melatonin works. But you also need to find the root cause of your insomnia.

Maybe getting a better bed, or pillow will help.

Making sure the room is a pitch black as possible is a big help.

Blackout/Dark curtains help. Or eye mask (but can be warm).

Thinking too much about work, or other stress sources.

Not giving yourself a chance to slowly wind down.

Reading a book, not watching an action movie, is much better.

Far Away, Nickelback

I enjoyed it last year in April. Sorry, but I forgot the name of the company we used. A friend just booked us the package. But there is a lot of room for improvement. I hope the CDO guys don't mind my saying. Or maybe pass on the feedback to the rafting companies.

I tried the white water rafting in Bali. The pre-rafting instructions in Indonesia were way way better preparation for us than what we had in CDO, despite the broken english. First of all, the instructions were given by raft, and not to the whole group. So, the guide/handler of the raft gave it just to his passengers. We had instructions not just on rowing. We also had a small drill on leaning to the left, and to the right. We also had instructions on "brace", and over all, more instructions on safety. As a matter of fact, our guide in CDO took a turn way too fast and when we "kissed the wall", the raft had a tear on the front. It was a good thing that it was towards the end of the ride and no one was injured or I would have been really pissed.

Still overall, because of the company of friends and the scenery, we enjoyed the ride. But there must be away to monitor the quality of the guides.

cellphones

wallet with cash and credit cards

watch

pen

car keys

boxer briefs by SKINWEAR. Found them in KL in 2000. I always buy a few sets whenever I get to KL.

i use my rolex GMT master II as a daily wearer. it is elegant yet rugged and tough and wont be out of place in shorts, jeans or a suit. Once on a business trip in bangkok, as we were going out at night, my customer noticed i had changed into my timex (something i used to do for security). he commented: in bangkok there are so many fake rolexes, they don't bother robbing you if you were a rolex - they just might waste their time. so, whatever it i am wearing on a trip, i don't change over.

got 3 automatic watches, and a few quartz watches. anybody knows where i can find a good automatic watch winder that can hold 3 to 4 watches. i have my eye on a fourth auto. saw in shangrila plaza but too expensive.

best pizzas IMHO:

Grand Modesto's in KL, Malaysia

Guiseppe in Cebu.

Both are cooked in wood-fired ovens. Nothing like it.

Gusto ko simple lang ang pizza - not the fancy flavors...four cheese or pepperoni..

happy! had a super long yet productive day!

I close my eyes. Put myself in a relaxed posture - sitting, standing or lying down, as circumstances allow. Concentrate on my breathing. Quiet my mind...and then I am where I need to be.

a girl asking: do i look good in this dress?? (when she doesn't)

The opportunity has come several times. But so far, I have not been ready to take up the offer. Yes, too much is at stake. "Secret" and "love" don't seem to go together. "Secret" and "lust" would be more like it - what we now call a FUBU. I cannot be secretive about loving someone. Love, when it is genuine, is best lived under the light. Lust, on the other hand, occurs in darkness.