cyndymc's VirtualTourist Home Page

When I first registered with VT, my objective was only to gather data for our forthcoming DIY trip to Bohol. After I posted my experience on Bohol, messages from strangers poured in, asking for tips/info. Then, I received emails asking for more info about other areas in the Philippines, so in a short span of time, I found myself making travel pages on other places I've been to.

I didn't realize VT would give me a new circle of friends. These new friends have written me, asking for info about myself and family, and urged me to make even a short intro in my homepage so other members would get to know me.

Thank you for the warm welcome. Thank you for the friendship.

Why do I travel?

I travel primarily to...

have bonding time with my husband and family;
commune with God and nature;
hone my photography skills;
discover/see first-hand what my country can be proud of to the world;
bring some friends and relatives to the beautiful places in our country.

Why do I write travel guides at VT?

Facing the computer to type in thoughts and feelings, and post pictures is not quite easy for me, but I find time to slowly build up my travel pages to...

document our travels through tips and pictures;
make it easier for other travelers who plan to go to the same place;
lessen confusion of travelers by posting travel guides in the
proper/correct geographical location;
share to the world what our country has to offer;
actively campaign for ways to improve neglected aspects in local tourism,

I didn't know anything about rankings and ratings, so it was a pleasant surprise to receive a Rookie & VT Rank and ratings from unknown sources... Then on March 19,2009, I thought of opening my console on VT Notices, as I haven't viewed it for some time (I was still recuperating from asthmatic bronchitis, a complication of influenza I got after a series of road trips). To my surprise, my name was included in the February Top Tip Poster and Top Video Poster. This news is an unexpected but very welcome acknowledgement of my contributions as a rookie.

Thank you very much, especially to those who encouraged me to keep on posting. I slept late to post my videos on: Rizal's waterfalls, namely Hinulugang Taktak in Antipolo and Batlag & Daranak Falls in Tanay; Avilon Zoo in Montalban; Balauarte in Vigan; Bangui Windmills in Ilocos Norte; Sunrise in La Luz Beach Resort in San Juan, Batangas; Sunrise in White Coral Beach Resort in Morong, Bataan; Hot Air Balloon Festival in Angeles City; Balite Falls in Amadeo, Cavite; and Chinese New Year Celebration in Manila and Pasay City.

Then, I received another good news from Stephanie! I was among the top video posters for March. Most of my March videos were on the Panagbenga Fesival of Baguio City, but I also hav a video on Taytay Falls in Majayjay, Laguna.

Stephanie once again made me very happy with the good news that I was among the top video posters for April. This time, my videos were on Anawangin, Capones & Camara Islands and Pundakit in San Antonio, Zambales and Subic.

Last May, our planned travels to Ifugao & Sagada, Coron & Camarines Sur were cancelled because our maid of 14 years had to go on indefinite leave to take care of her ailing mother, and there was no one to watch the house and take care of our pets:-( We only went for road trips that enabled us to return home in the evening. I felt sad that there wasn't much to share at VT...but an email from Stephanie brought a smile to my face, and greetings from Norman (jumpingnorman), Penelope (Penelope4) and Barbie (barbie_sunrise) in my Home Page confirmed that I am among the May Top Video Posters. I guess slowing down on my travels last May was a blessing in disguise, as I had time updating travel guides by posting videos on Bohol, Lucban, Los Banos and Pasay City.

My, oh my! I feel so happy with the VT community, but at the same time, I feel pressured to go to places my friends would like to go to, so they can read my tips and view my pictures and videos on said places

After my husband,Willy retired from the corporate world, he has focused his time on travel and photography. We enjoy going on road trips to go to different tourist destinations, explore mountains/ waterfalls and other natural formations, go to places with nice sunrise/sunset shots, and do photoshoots with special interest in architectural photography (esp. centuries-old churches and other heritage sites) and human interest "photologues".

My husband usually travel with the whole family. This picture was taken at Mag-aso Falls, Bohol by hubby so he is not in the picture.

From left: My eldest daughter Kathrynn Joyce, grandson Dean Markley, me & youngest daughter Aileen Rose.