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	<title>Happy Steps travel blog</title>
	<link>http://www.happysteps.net</link>
	<description>going places, seeing the world one happy step at a time!</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:38:19 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>If I were to go on a vacation somewhere in Asia Pacific…</title>
		<description><![CDATA[…I would choose Auckland in New Zealand! Or maybe Sydney, Australia. Or Hong Kong perhaps? My mom and I have been considering a trip to Hong Kong though, especially since my big bro who’s working in China can meet us up and tour us around. I’ve also wanted to go to Disneyland Hongkong after seeing [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/06/23/if-i-were-to-go-on-a-vacation-somewhere-in-asia-pacific%e2%80%a6/</link>
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		<title>Philippine Airlines online booking: Read the fine print before you purchase!</title>
		<description><![CDATA[My bro-in-law in Prague recently purchased a ticket for Mom’s trip from Bacolod to Cagayan de Oro via Cebu. The trip itinerary is Bacolod-Cebu-Cagayan de Oro and Cagayan de Oro-Cebu-Bacolod going back. Since Mom’s trip was decided upon few days before the flight, we can’t find available flights via Cebu Pacific which usually has cheaper [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/06/19/philippine-airlines-online-booking-read-the-fine-print-before-you-purchase/</link>
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		<title>Studying abroad: An attractive option nowadays</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Traveling to the US, Canada and the UK and pursuing studies seems to be an attractive and practical option for Chinese students nowadays according to a China.org report. This is because of less strict requirements for admission. It has also become less expensive as foreign currencies have depreciated in comparison to their local currency, the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/06/16/studying-abroad-an-attractive-option-nowadays/</link>
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		<title>On business travel and technology</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Traveling for business purposes is often a must for a business/man or woman. Thus small and medium traders, while they travel from one place to another to pursue business connections or to supervise the branches of their businesses, they carry with them a laptop or a notebook, to be able to work through the internet [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/06/16/on-business-travel-and-technology/</link>
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		<title>Microsoft’s Bing Travel features airfare &#038; hotel tools plus expert editorial content</title>
		<description><![CDATA[When it comes to searching the web, Google still rules. Microsoft is not content about this though, and now it has recently launched its search engine simply named “Bing” (www.bing.com) to compete with Google. 
The first thing site visitors would notice is the visually attractive home page background with a featured random photo from all [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/06/13/microsoft%e2%80%99s-bing-travel-features-airfare-hotel-tools-plus-expert-editorial-content/</link>
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		<title>Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center: Scenic views from the lobby</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Continued from Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center: EcoTourism Park in Negros Occidental
These are some scenic views overlooking nearby areas in Negros Occidental, as seen from the lobby of the lodge at the Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center. 
It was drizzling as we had our lunch, and the views were initially hazy with cloudy [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/06/12/rafael-salas-park-and-nature-center-scenic-views-from-the-lobby/</link>
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		<title>Travel insurance tip: Are you heading off to hurricane-prone areas this summer?</title>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s the hurricane season again. From June until November, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that there will possibly be 9 to 14 named storms, and 4 to 7 hurricanes, with about 1 to 3 hurricanes reaching Category 3 status. While the Caribbean and some parts of Mexico are dream destinations for tropical vacations, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/06/05/travel-insurance-tip-are-you-heading-off-to-hurricane-prone-areas-this-summer/</link>
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		<title>Manhattan Beach CA fun activities and outdoor recreation</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Tourists have a lot to explore in Manhattan Beach, California. Fun things to do such as surfing, biking, kayaking and other water sports, are just some of the outdoor recreation activities to be enjoyed making it as a known tourist destination. In addition, travelers have many options for a Manhattan Beach accommodation or hotel depending [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/31/manhattan-beach-ca-fun-activities-and-outdoor-recreation/</link>
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		<title>Dreaming about a Rome vacation</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I always get email alerts from an airline company about discount roundtrip tickets or cheap flights to Europe and the curious me would eagerly read to see the rates they offer, after which I would sigh and go on a dream trip mode. Even if I’ve been to Europe twice already (first travel was courtesy [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/27/dreaming-about-a-rome-vacation/</link>
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		<title>Beach vacations: sky, sea, sand and…sunburn!</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I love going to the beach and getting soaked for hours in the sea, but I hold back my excitement to eagerly head on to the blue waters when the sun is high. For me, the best time to bathe with less skin damage and sunburn is early morning and late afternoon, although the tide [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/25/beach-vacations-sky-sea-sand-and%e2%80%a6sunburn/</link>
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		<title>Will the recently concluded 1st Chicken Inasal Festival make it to Guinness?</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Mmmmm…!!! Something’s cooking at the parking lot! 
We were inside the North Wing of SM City-Bacolod last Tuesday and the smoke wafting in as people came through the doors was enough to awaken our curiosity (and appetite) to see what the buzz was all about. It was the highlight of the 1st Chicken Inasal Festival [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/23/will-the-recently-concluded-1st-chicken-inasal-festival-make-it-to-guinness/</link>
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		<title>Online travel community sharing the best travel deals</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Don’t all travel bugs like to get the best deals for an upcoming vacation or trip? If possible, they would inquire about discount packages from their travel agents, or browse the net for big savings on round trip flights, hotel accommodation, day tours, local shows or car rentals. 
Personally, I’m always on the lookout for [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/23/online-travel-community-sharing-the-best-travel-deals/</link>
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		<title>Bacolod-Cebu and Cebu-Bacolod Ceres Bus rates and schedule as of April 2009</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Thanks to Myles for being helpful enough to provide the bus schedule update! 
Please note that due to weather and other travel conditions, the bus schedule and rates posted here are subject to change anytime by the Ceres Liner management. The best way is to confirm the schedule ahead at the Ceres bus terminal. Bacolod [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/22/bacolod-cebu-and-cebu-bacolod-ceres-bus-rates-and-schedule-as-of-april-2009/</link>
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		<title>Buying a waterfront villa for tourism investment</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Who would not want to experience this? 
You wake up to the sound of the waves splashing below, your eyes taking in the stunning view of the ocean from your bedroom’s sliding glass doors. Few steps from your comfortable bed, the balcony awaits, a nice place for you to do some morning stretches out in [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/22/buying-a-waterfront-villa-for-tourism-investment/</link>
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		<title>Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center: EcoTourism Park in Negros Occidental</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Continued from Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center: Going there
Because of its proximity to Mount Kanlaon, an active volcano in the Negros Island, Bago City is blessed with natural attractions such as waterfalls, streams, springs and abundant vegetation. Some areas have sloping terrain with cool atmosphere and breathtaking mountain views such as the Buenos Aires [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/16/rafael-salas-park-and-nature-center-ecotourism-park-in-negros-occidental/</link>
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		<title>Home and office security while on travel</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Unless you have a heavily guarded residence and a trusted caretaker, one of the immediate concerns for those planning a family vacation is home security. “Who will take care of the house?” This would usually be my Dad’s ready reply when we bring up another vacation plan. Thankfully we have relatives and friends whom we [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/13/home-and-office-security-while-on-travel/</link>
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		<title>Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center: Going there</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Continued from Buenos Aires Mountain Resort, another tourist destination in Negros Occidental
“Huh, is this it?” My sis and I wondered if we passed by a different route. The skies were gloomy and about to rain as we arrived at the Buenos Aires Mountain Resort. It was already high noon and our tummies were grumbling. Some [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/12/rafael-salas-park-and-nature-center-going-there/</link>
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		<title>Creating your own custom travel postcards or greeting cards</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Most travel bugs are fond of sharing their ongoing or latest vacation whereabouts to their family and friends. Some would spend time checking out the local bookstore for postcards to send. Isn’t it truly heartwarming to receive postcards from abroad, seeing a nice photo about the place together with a short message from a loved [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/12/creating-your-own-custom-travel-postcards-or-greeting-cards/</link>
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		<title>Buying airline travel ticket from Cebu Pacific website failed transaction a phishing trick?</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I certainly hope not! That’s what I told techie bro when he raised the possibility of a phishing trick after I unsuccessfully tried many many times to purchase online for Mom’s Bacolod-Manila round trip ticket via Cebu Pacific Air’s online ticketing system last week. I already used two Visa Electron cards and one MasterCard but [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/05/buying-airline-travel-ticket-from-cebu-pacific-website-failed-transaction-a-phishing-trick/</link>
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		<title>Educational travel and tour programs</title>
		<description><![CDATA[As St. Augustine said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.” So true, isn’t it? 
Travel is a good learning experience and it’s the best way to understand the history and culture of another place. This is why educational trips are very much part of school curriculums. [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/04/educational-travel-and-tour-programs/</link>
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		<title>Bacolod-Cebu and Cebu-Bacolod Ceres Liner bus routes</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ceres bus trips from Bacolod in Negros Occidental to Cebu City in Cebu Province and vice versa pass through different routes among many cities and municipalities so they could pick up passengers along the way. 
On peak travel season, passengers from other municipalities station themselves at least an hour earlier before departure time at the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/05/01/bacolod-cebu-and-cebu-bacolod-ceres-liner-bus-routes/</link>
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		<title>Travel promo for car racing enthusiasts</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The 2009 Formula One season has already kicked off last month with its first round at the Australian Grand Prix. This racing event is the 60th FIA Formula One World Championship season which consists of 17 rounds of races to be held in series in different countries. So far, Jenson Button from England has the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/04/28/travel-promo-for-car-racing-enthusiasts/</link>
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		<title>Sky-high amusement rides at the Crown Regency Hotel &#038;Towers in Cebu</title>
		<description><![CDATA[At 40 stories high in Fuente Osmena, Cebu City, the Crown Regency Hotel &#038;Towers stands out not just as another high-rise building. What makes it unique is not only the breathtaking city view it offers but its exciting sky-high amusement rides for thrill seekers as well. Aside from being recognized as a towering hotel among [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/04/23/sky-high-amusement-rides-at-the-crown-regency-hotel-towers-in-cebu/</link>
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		<title>Travel insurance as an option for budget domestic flights</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I recently booked a ticket online for a domestic flight from Bacolod to Manila via budget airline Cebu Pacific and was amused to be presented with many additional flight options. Aside from the no-baggage option which lets you save Php200 off the normal fare if you only have handcarry baggage, there’s also an option for [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/04/22/travel-insurance-as-an-option-for-budget-domestic-flights/</link>
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		<title>Scenic city views of Bangkok from Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Thailand’s tallest building</title>
		<description><![CDATA[There’s something magical about being high on top of a building and viewing the world below, seeing things so small, observing life from a towering perspective. Tall buildings stand proud among their neighbors and they usually offer observation decks or revolving floors for visitors to get beautiful cityscape views from above.

Bangkok’s cityscape as viewed from [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/04/17/scenic-city-views-of-bangkok-from-baiyoke-sky-hotel-thailand%e2%80%99s-tallest-building/</link>
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		<title>Designer clothing and accessories for fashionable travel bugs</title>
		<description><![CDATA[“Look your best. You never know who you’ll run into.” This is a catchy statement in one of those advertisements on TV and I know most fashionable travel bugs couldn’t agree more. Thus, whether it’s just a short trip to the mall, an NYC sightseeing tour or a long haul flight to London, dressing smartly [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/04/14/designer-clothing-and-accessories-for-fashionable-travel-bugs/</link>
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		<title>A virtual Visita Iglesia (church pilgrimage during the Holy Week)</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
The season of Lent is here again, and this means a week of reflection and meditation which starts from Holy Monday to Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and finally Easter Sunday. Whew. 
There’s been a lot of traveling going on in the Philippines this Holy Week since most offices are [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/04/08/a-virtual-visita-iglesia-church-pilgrimage-during-the-holy-week/</link>
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		<title>Scenic views from the Vyšehrad Castle in Prague</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Continued from Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at Vysehrad Castle, Prague

View of the Vltava River as seen from Vysehrad Castle.
Walking along the grounds of an ancient castle such as Vyšehrad in Prague, one can’t help but imagine its glorious past when royal families used to make this as their residence. The castle complex is [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/04/03/scenic-views-from-the-vysehrad-castle-in-prague/</link>
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		<title>Buenos Aires Mountain Resort, another tourist destination in Negros Occidental</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Another notable tourist destination in Negros Occidental is Buenos Aires Mountain Resort located in Brgy. Ilijan in Bago City. Going there from Bacolod City would usually take about 45 minutes but for our group it took more since we were disoriented about the route (it was our first time without any guide!) and we had [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/04/01/buenos-aires-mountain-resort-another-tourist-destination-in-negros-occidental/</link>
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		<title>Airport security check: Items allowed for handcarried baggage (liquids, aerosols and gels)</title>
		<description><![CDATA[During our recent trip to Cebu, my uncle asked me if he can bring his perfume on his handcarry bag. I told him if it’s less than 100 ml, it’s fine. I gave him one of my Ziploc bags so he can seal it in as well. My reply to him was just based from [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.happysteps.net/2009/03/25/airport-security-check-items-allowed-for-handcarried-baggage-liquids-aerosols-and-gels/</link>
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