Jomar and I decided to do what most tourists do when they visit British Columbia - go to Whistler. I decided to pay Landsea Tours for bus transportation going to and from Whistler. It will be a day trip.
It's our first "vacation" trip EVER as a married couple (not counting going back to the Philippines).
On the way to Whistler Village
We started the day by walking to Park Inn & Suites by Radisson. It's the closest hotel to our place and is our designated pick-up point. We arrived an hour early and had breakfast at Tim Hortons across the street.
Tim Hortons breakfast
Our bus arrived with Mickey is our tour guide and bus driver for the day. It's a full bus. We picked up more tourists around Downtown, Vancouver. Then, we started our journey.
Empty bus (for now)
We were rewarded with a beautiful view of Howe Sound as the bus driver through the Sea to Sky Highway. My photos did not give justice to the beautiful view, so here's a short video and a glimpse of what's outside the window (with background narration from Mickey).
Watch in 4K Quality (if possible)
Shannon Falls and Stawamus Chief
On the way to Whistler, we stopped by for like 20 minutes at Shannon Falls. It is the 3rd tallest waterfall in British Columbia. While on the bus, we saw Stawamus Chief. It is the second biggest granite monolith in North America (at least, that's what Mickey said).
Shannon Falls
Stawamus Chief
Squamish Adventure Centre
After a 10-minute drive, we made a quick stop at the Squamish Adventure Centre. It's a cool looking building and usually a starting point for hikers and adventure seekers.
It's my first to see a taxidermy bear.
Tantalus Lookout
The last stop before we get to Whistler Village is Tantalus Lookout. It gave a magnificent view of the Tantalus Range. It's the peak of summer, and the mountain peaks are covered in snow and glacier.
Tantalus Mountain Range
4-hours at Whistler Village
We arrived at Whistler Village 5 minutes before 1 in the afternoon. Jomar and I decided to start our "tour" at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
I learned so much about first nations while in here. Their way of life and the different nations like the Squamish and Lil'wat. I'm an immigrant, and I have a lot of respect for Canada and the first nation. I wish the same respect is given to the "first nation" of the Philippines. We had lunch at SLCC in Thunderbird Cafe. The salmon chowder is so delicious. I highly recommend it.
Salmon Chowder
Upper Village and Fitzsimmons Trail
After an hour at Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, we walked around the Upper Village, admiring the magnificent mountains and beautiful hotel. We were reading the maps to make sure we're going the right way through Fitzsimmons Trail to the Village Centre.
Village Centre
We walked around the Village Centre to see many hotels and shops. We started at Mountain Square walked to Village Square. Then, to Village Common. We crossed a "bridge" to Village North.
Village North
We took pictures of the Town Plaza and Gazebo before heading to the Olympic Plaza, where the Olympic rings are. We walked to the Market Place and admired the shops. We end up at Florence Petersen Park and just sat there under the trees enjoying all the sounds.
Town Plaza and Gazebo
Olympic Plaza
Looking up from Peterson Park
We went to the Whistler Museum and thoroughly enjoyed the history of Whistler and the 2010 Winter Olympics. Heading back to the Village Centre, we stopped by Inukshuk Statue to have our photos taken.
Our time is almost up, and we decided to line up at COWS to buy ice cream. We, then, waited at the Whistler Bus Loop for Mickey and our bus.
My only regret is that I forgot to buy a fridge magnet and keychain.
Going back to Vancouver
On our way down to Greater Metro Vancouver, we stopped by Porteau Cove, which is located in Howe Sound. It was beautiful. I don't think any of my photos or videos did justice to the water, mountain, and islands that can be seen from Porteau Cove.
After taking a nap, we're back in Metro Vancouver. We had a great time. Landsea Tours and Mickey are fantastic!
Jomar and I will have our Philippine Catholic wedding in July. To enlighten those who want to have their Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the beautiful and historic Manila Cathedral, I will share with you how much it cost. Why did we pick Manila Cathedral? I want to say that because it's historic and beautiful. But honestly, it's because Manila Cathedral has relevant information on their website for a couple like us living and already legally married abroad. Ms. Donna also responds to our emails and calls promptly. The bonus is it's historic and beautiful. According to one of my Ninang, " ang haba ng walk down the aisle mo ." I didn't think of that. I'm not sure if I like it. LOL. They also have a dashboard where you complete the forms, and it lists what you need to submit and when. It's pretty impressive. Wedding Preparation Step 1. Reserve a wedding date The first thing you do is go to their
It was my first time in Mindanao last weekend. I went to the Land of the Champions and Land of Tuna, General Santos City, Philippines. It was a fantastic experience! Day 1 - Magandang GenSan! Jomar, Mam Chelle, and I left Makati around 6:00 am for our flight at 7:20 am. After rushing through the airport and paying the terminal fee, the plane took off at around 7:45 and we arrived at the General Santos City International Airport at about 9:30 am. Upon deplaning, we met with Ms. Aileen and her son, Miggy, and Vincent. All of us rode the van waiting for us from the East Asia Royale Hotel. We left our things and rest for a while in our rooms. After a few minutes, we went to Ranchero's Grill and Restaurant for lunch.
Jomar and I have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation which is a requirement to receive the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. At the recommendation of Manila Cathedral, we looked at both Quiapo Church and National Shrine of Saint Michael and the Archangels (NSSMA). We decided to go to NSSMA for confirmation the day after we arrived from Canada. What to prepare? Bring the original and a photocopy of your Baptismal Certificate Wear a white shirt with a collar Be ready to donate Php 650.00 Talk to friends to be your Ninong and Ninang (Godparents) and yes, you need a pair. What to expect? We arrived there at 7:30 am because jetlag is real and we were awake by 4:00 am. There were around 13 people waiting. At 7:45 am, the security guard started giving out forms which we had to complete. Then, at around 8:00 am, he started giving out numbers. Later on, they started giving both the form and number at the same time. The office opened shortly after 8:00 am. Confirmati
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