If you haven't watched Heneral Luna, then you should. At the very least, it is a piece of cinematic art we Filipinos could be proud of. Speaking of something to be proud of, my article about native trees has recently went viral. And the comments it received were quite amusing – the Filipinos' deep-seated colonial mentality making an appearance in some of them. Don't believe me? Read them for yourself: 9 Philippine Native Trees Better Than Cherry Blossoms.

At any rate, this BuzzFeed article really hit my funny bone. As a result, I decided to put my own spin on it, making it relatable for travelers. So, #relate na!

1. The Seat Sale Struggle

2. The Seat Sale Struggle 2.0

Read Also: Spend Under 10K for 7 Days in Batanes

3. It's the Barkada Outing Cycle all over again

4. You know what's fair, buddy

5. Your barkada managed to break free from the vicious Barkada Outing Cycle... without you

6. Show 'em who's the real boss

Dear Celine,

I am telling you now: there will be disappointments. There will be heartaches. You will lose sight of who you are. You will lose your Signal Fire. Your sorrow will be so great, it will cripple you and render you useless. Soon, for the first time in your life, you will face your greatest demon. Whatever you think or do or say, you will not be prepared. 

The hard days will make your existence seem tiring. You will grow weary. But you are young, Celine. You must remember that. You will be dealt with your share of pain and loss. You will cry a storm of tears and your soul will never be the same again, but never ever let your dark thoughts win. Do not succumb. Listen to your friends, to those who love you. They will lead you out. Believe me, one way or another, you will endure.

You are allowed mistakes and second-guessing. People might be expecting perfection from you, but you don't have to comply. You set the bar too high, it's true, but the only measure that matters is the one you define. Whatever your heart tells you, follow it. Good days will come. 

Soon, you will look at yourself and see purpose. You will face a hard choice. Have courage. Trust yourself to do what is right and necessary. You will. 

The void in your heart will always be there but all that you broke and is broken will be mended. You will find your core, your anchor. It will come with a price but you will be able to pay it. As a result, you will be more present, no longer caught between a long-gone past and an uncertain future. You will be more here. 

The changes will surprise those who are closest to you. But you will be the most surprised of them all.

My dear Celine, in time, your bushy hair, your bulbous nose, your thick thighs, flabby arms and all your nameless fears and insecurities – you will find a way to make them work. You will get over yourself and you will be kinder. 

Go with your instinct. I cannot say this enough: follow your heart. Do not let your dreams and passion die. Nourish them. Let them guide your every choice. Do what you have to do.

Everything will work out, I promise. 

With so much love and hope,

Celine

--------

Lately, I'm finding myself more and more interested in trees. And no, that wasn't a metaphor. I literally am interested in trees – in love, even. When I'm walking 'round town or whenever I ride my bicycle, I'd stop just so I could inspect trees, especially if they're flowering. I have this desire to accurately recognize trees on sight, so much so that I've decided I'd take up Forestry as soon as I have money to spare. But for now, I'd have to make do with what I read on the Internet and in The Shrub Identification Book  I'd scored from a book sale. (If you have any tree-related book you're no longer using, can I have it?)

At any rate, while many in the travel community rejoiced at the news of a soon-to-be cherry blossoms park in Benguet, my reaction was, "Whaaaat the heck?" and a face-palm. Now I'm no expert and I'm not claiming that I am (just in case the first phrase wasn't clear enough), but from what I know about trees and biodiversity, introducing exotic flora is almost always (not always, but almost) bad for the environment. See, planting trees isn't enough. The "endemicity" of the tree species must also be considered. This means that whatever is planted should be native to the area, it should already be growing there. You ask, why is this important?

Everything is connected. Every action, even the tiniest ones, reverberates across and affects everything. Flora depend on fauna and vice versa. So, if you plant an exotic tree, it would have no ecological significance and would only compete with the native flora for nutrients – the former completely overpowering the latter in most cases. Haplessly introducing a species to an area could make it a dead zone. As my Biology-major friend noted, "The intention [behind the cherry blossoms park] is good, but in an ecological perspective, just no." 

Read Also: You Call Yourself a Traveler? Then Don't Litter!

So, to stay true to my advocacy of raising awareness, and promoting responsible travel and love for the environment, let me present to you this list of some of the many trees that are so much better than cherry blossoms. They are better for the sole reason that they are native to the Philippines; they are our own. They are vital to maintaining ecological balance, and make up our natural heritage. Remember: "support local" does not only apply to local products and domestic travel.

CELINE'S NOTE: Golden Shower (Cassia fistula) is an introduced species and is not native to the country. Acacia (Samanea saman) was introduced in about 1860 from tropical America. The Palawan Cherry or Balayong (Cassia nodosa) is also prehistorically introduced. Fire Trees (Delonix regia) are from Madagascar. Caballeros (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) are also an introduced species. In other words, all these trees are not native to the Philippines, hence the exclusion.

1. KATMON (Dillenia philippinensis)

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

via tropical.theferns.info

Katmon is found only in the Philippines, being common in forests of low and medium altitude throughout the islands in primary and secondary forests. It can also be used for urban greening and is a favorite among garden enthusiasts.

via seventeeneightyfour.blogspot.com

The fruit of Katmon, whose acid is mixed with sugar to make a traditional cure for cough,  is known as elephant apple. The fruit is edible with a flavor similar to a sour green apple and is used to make sauces, jams, and flavoring for fish. Katmon's flowers are large, white, and are about 15 centimeters in diameter with reddish pistils and stamens. This evergreen tree can grow as high as 15 meters and its wood is suitable for furniture. When quartered, the wood has a beautiful silver grain similar to a quartered oak, whose features are suitable for furniture and cabinet making. 

2. MOLAVE (Vitex parviflora)

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

via tropical.theferns.info

"Molave forests" can be found all throughout the Philippines. It is common in both secondary and open primary forests at low altitude. Aside from the Philippines, Molave is also native to Indonesia and Malaysia.

via Fredd Ochavo

Molave can grow up to 30 meters and its wood is one of the hardest. It is used in railroad ties, ship-building, and high-grade construction where strength and durability is necessary. The flowers are purplish, numerous, in clusters at the end of small branches. Its leaves, resistant to fungal, termite, and lyctus beetle attack, are used as fodder. Molave is also often used in reforestation projects in the country.

3. BANI (Milletia pinnata; syn. Pongamia pinnata)

--------

I hate litterers. They're the worst. I say that because the motivation behind littering is lost to me. Why won't you throw that in the trash can? Oh, there's no trash can? Why couldn't you keep the rubbish in your person in the meantime until you find one? See? It's absurd. It becomes even more ridiculous when you realize that not littering is as straightforward as it gets: don't throw away your trash whenever, wherever. Period. I know we have a natural aversion to dirt and junk but you, as a human being, appearing to be free of trash doesn't equate to you being decent. It's been said many times albeit in different forms: actions trump appearances. Listen, people, the "out of sight, out of mind" mindset when it comes to trash has got to stop. Throwing candy wrapper willy-nilly just to keep your pockets garbage-free doesn't make you a "clean" person – it just means you badly need lessons on respect, responsibility, and discipline. What's so hard about proper waste disposal? I repeat: not littering is as simple as it gets. 

Travel, as an experience, is inherently mercurial. It is transient and never takes on a shape twice, but the feeling it evokes is always the same: yourself in tune after a while of being so out of sync. That's what makes the whole process of traveling so addicting – that the details, upon recall, are not necessarily accurate yet the soul somehow thrives in spite of. There are moments, however, that capture the beautiful transience of traveling, a bit of it at least. Only stepping out of our comfort zones would have created these memories, which are now part of who we are, and are no doubt worth repeating. You already know about that time we had an airplane to ourselves and that one when I missed my flight. So, here are five more of my most memorable travel experiences:

1. The Goats Who Did Not Want to Be Ran Over

It was a day in early October. The post-dawn sky was overcast and the Batan air had just a hint of rain in it. Dennis and I had a breakfast of meatloaf and Pancit Canton, (incredibly healthy, I know) and were geared for a day out in the sun. Nanay Cita, the kind and warm owner of the lodge we were staying at, had arranged beforehand a motorcycle for us to use the whole day. We were to ride around mainland Batanes. I was the driver, Dennis riding pillion.

We started riding at around 8:30 AM, later than what we'd initially planned, but it didn't really matter. In Batanes, Time is never an issue, for everything is beautiful at every hour. Even the suddenly bright, clear, melanoma-causing skies did not faze us.

At any rate, we traveled at a leisurely pace, stopping here in there to take photos and to enjoy the magnificent vistas. When a stretch of the ocean and a length of rolling hills take turns to form a roadside, it's hard to just keep going. Yet there was one incident that had stolen the spotlight from the scenic views. 

Read Also: Spend Under 10k for 7 Days in Batanes

After we stopped at Alapad Pass and the Deadman's Curve in Uyugan, a light drizzle had started pouring. The sky was still bright, though, so we pushed on. We were passing through a slightly inclined road flanked by grasslands when the drizzle stopped, the petrichor making the scene of a variety of livestock grazing even cozier. When the road leveled, we saw a flock of goats all poised to cross the road. One of them hurriedly retreating upon hearing engine noise. Naturally, I put on the brakes. The goats just stood there, staring at us with their beady black eyes. It took me several seconds before I realized we were waiting on each other. So, as kind of a joke, I did what considerate motorists do when pedestrians hesitate while crossing the road: I signaled the goats to go ahead. And, to both Dennis' and my surprise, they did. All of them. Like a bunch of smart no-nonsense human pedestrians.

Those are them. The goats we humans could all learn from

2. I Don't Know What You're Saying But Let Me Help

We often hear stories of kindness on the road. And it's true, especially if you believe in the inherent goodness of people. I've experienced this towards the end of my first solo travel in Mindanao for my birthday. 

I'd just got back from Gumasa. It was a little past noon. My flight back to Manila was at 5PM. I was thinking of grabbing takeout lunch at the nearby KCC Mall when I remembered I still had bread and Cheezewiz, so I decided to head straight to the airport instead. Better early than miss my flight again. So, I hailed a tricycle and told the driver to take me to the General Santos Airport. I didn't know how to get there from KCC Mall and had forgotten to Google it. Fortunately, the driver nodded his head yes. I was his lone passenger and he struck up a conversation. He spoke in Bisaya, judging from the pathetically few words I could recognize. I managed to communicate that I was traveling solo and that I'm scheduled to go back to Manila. He managed to tell me how brave I was. There was silence after that. Several passengers got on the tricycle and I couldn't see any hint that I was nearing the airport.

Read Also: I Spend My Birthday in the Mountains

When most of the passengers got off, leaving me alone with the driver, he spoke again. It sounded like a question but, try as I may, I couldn't understand what he was saying. I kept telling him in Tagalog that I needed to go to the airport lest I miss my flight. After at least 15 minutes of gesturing and grave head-shaking and nodding, we came to the following conclusion: a) he finally realized I could barely understand him, b) he didn't want to tell me his name; c) he misheard me and thought I was going elsewhere (where, I didn't understand), d) the airport is still far and no tricycle from the KCC Mall would take me there directly; e) cabs rarely go where we were currently at (I don't know where it was, but it was all residential houses and roadside stalls); and f) he'd take me somewhere I could get a ride to the airport. And so, he took me to a tricycle terminal, then motioned for me to stay seated while he proceeded to talk to another driver. My driver pointed to my backpack and made airplane motions, certainly just to assure me, probably because I was starting to look worried. The other driver nodded and got back to calling for other passengers. My driver walked back to me and gestured that all was settled. I reached for my wallet but he gently pushed my hands away and shook his head. I insisted and fished a Php500 bill. He vigorously waved a hand and instead hauled my backpack to the other tricyle. I followed him and tried to force the bill into his hand but he kept pulling away. I sighed and spread my arms, hugging him instead.

During traveling, there are some parts when all we do is sit around, like during a long bus ride. While looking out the windows and taking in the passing scenery may be enough for some (or some time),  others get restless from being still for a long time (like me). So don't waste a moment and put in a bit more dose of laughter, learning, and good vibes to your trips with these 7 fun games to play while on an adventure:

1. SOS

What It Is

Or Sketch-O-Sand. Like Pictionary or Guess-a-Sketch except on sand. 

Best Time and Place to Play It

On the beach

What You'll Need

- A tiny portion of the beach

- A stick or any "sketching" implements. You can use your hands

- At least three categories e.g. Places, Food, Movies

How Many to Play

At least two

How to Play and What You'll Win

A player chooses a category and decides on a word or phrase related to it. The same player then announces only the category he or she has chosen. In 60 seconds, the player "sketches" on the sand a picture that represents the word or phrase he or she picked. No letters allowed. The others will then guess the word or phrase. The first person who guesses correctly gets a point. Players then take turns on sketching. The person who makes the least correct guesses will cook or pay for the next meal.

Read Also: Gumasa, Glan: The White Sand Beach You Most Likely Never Heard Of

2. CHUBBY HIKER BUNNY

What it is

Exactly like the Chubby Bunny game except the stakes are higher.

Best Time and Place to Play It

When you're on a hike and taking a food break

What You'll Need

- Marshmallow. Lots of them

- Water. Lots of it since you'll need to wash all that marshmallow after

How Many to Play

At least two

How to Play and What You'll Win

Players put a marshmallow in their mouths and try to clearly and audibly say the phrase "Chubby Hiker Bunny." Repeat. The person who says the phrase with the least marshmallows in his or her mouth is the loser and will pay the tour guide fee.

For residents of Montalban, Rodriguez, San Mateo and other nearby towns, you can now get your caffeine fix because Starbucks SM City San Mateo had just opened!

Located on the first floor, just beside the mall entrance, the newest Starbucks in Rizal has a spacious store complete with ambient lighting perfect for selfies and taking photos of your handcrafted beverage. It's not as cozy as other Starbucks out there, instead taking on a slick and professional vibe – perhaps a nod to the working millenials in the area.

So, if you're in the mood for some coffee right after a hike at nearby Mt. Pamitinan, head out to Starbucks SM City San Mateo!

background photo via acelebrationofwomen.org

Posting this because Philippines AirAsia will be flying directly to Shanghai from Manila starting June 10, 2016. You can all-in promotional fares for as low as Php2,888! How cool is that?

So, what to do in Shanghai? Well, aside from being the most influential city in China, the top food place next to Sichuan (eat Lumpiang Shanghai!), and the location of Disney's third largest property, Shanghai has other great destinations to explore. Here are five of them:

Stroll Down The Bund

A symbol of Shanghai’s colorful past and thriving future, this 1.5 km-long waterfront on the banks of Huangpu River is lined up with avant-garde buildings that are Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Classical-inspired. Across the river is an astounding skyline of Shanghai’s skyscrapers, including the famous Oriental Pearl Tower.

The Bund via mildchina.com

Souvenir Hunt at the Yuyuan Gardens

One does not think of tranquility when you come to the Yuyuan Gardens. A souvenir paradise, there are countless vendors surrounding the lively square amongst impressive classical Chinese architecture. Shop for jade, jewelry or handicrafts, or even splurge at the more popular brands within the gardens.

Yuyuan Gadens via e-pursputakaan.com

Read Also: 5 Must-Do's When You're in Angono, Rizal

background photo via mildchina.com

Philippines AirAsia will be relaunching their Manila to Shanghai flights starting June 10, 2016. You'll now get to explore China's "most influential city" for all-in promotional fares starting as low as Php2,888! Also, Celineism has more than 25,000 likes on its Facebook Page!

Read Also: 5 Must-Do's in Shanghai, China

To celebrate these awesome news, I bring to you Celineism's first ever giveaway! Read on for the details!

WHAT YOU'LL WIN

- TWO (2) Roundtrip Tickets from Manila to Shanghai via Philippines AirAsia and TWO (2) Shanghai Disney Resort tickets valid from June 17 to August 31, 2016 only

- Awesome Memories

HOW YOU'LL WIN IT

Part 1

Submission of Entry

- Follow Philippines AirAsia (FB: AirAsiaPhilippines; IG: @airasiaph) and Celineism (FB: Celinesim; IG: @celineism AND @thedennismurillo) on social media. You MUST follow all specified accounts above to qualify.

- On your own Instagram, post your best solo travel picture. In the caption, tell us who you're taking with you and why, plus why you like to go to Shanghai – as creatively as possible in a maximum of five (5) sentences.

- You must include the hashtags #WhereInShanghai, #AirAsiaInShanghai, and #Celineism in your entry's caption.

- Make sure to tag @airasiaph and @celineism on your entry so we can verify it.

- Only one entry per person.

- Deadline of submission: 12NN of June 5, 2016

Part 2

Contest Proper

- @celineism will comment on your Instagram post once your entry is verified.

- You must then send an email with the subject: "Where In Shanghai Entry" that includes a hi-res copy of your photo, caption, + the following personal details below to celinereyes@celineism.com before 5PM of June 5, 2016:

   • First Name and Last Name

   • City/Municipality and Province

   • Mobile Number

   • A copy of one government ID

- Your photo + caption will be uploaded on Celineism's Facebook page on or before 12AM of June 6, 2016 along with other entries for voting.

- One Like = One Vote

- The entry with the most votes by 12NN of June 10, 2016 will be the winner.

- The winner will be announced on Celineism's Facebook page on or before 12AM of June 11, 2016.

- The winner will then be contacted only by email on how to claim the prizes.

So go send in those photos! Good luck!