Helpful Tips to Create a All for Free website

I am no expert in creating the best website in the world. When I made mine, I started from scratch. From reading books in Kindle to watching videos on Youtube, I also found other sites online that helped me along the way in order to create http://lingzilifelessordinary.blogspot.com.

The first thing to do is think of a good URL or simply the address of your web page. From there, you can choose a domain host. There are a lot of them available online wherein you will need to pay every month once you register and choose one of their plans. I was able to try this before but found it costly and not practical for me so I revived this travel blog I created almost 5 years ago.

Guess everyone knows about Blogger. Everything works with this tool and you can publish your site for free in less than 5 minutes. Aside from Blogspot, you can also manage your free website or blog through Weebly, wordpress.com and many others.

Then once you have a free domain host and website builder, you are now almost ready to publish your first post. However, you may also wonder if there are other things you need to know in order to create a successful blog or website. I never knew all of them before if not because of my eagerness to learn the dot com world.

Here are some:

Logomakr. Yes without the 'e'. This is where you can customize your logo and it's all for free if you'd like to put one in your browser. This is very helpful for someone like me who's not really good at making digital logos.

Unsplash. This is where you can get free high resolution photos plus you can do whatever you want with them. There's no need to ask permission. Isn't it cool? One disadvantage for using photos from this site is that you might see the same photo on other people's blog.

Niftybuttons. Nowadays, social media is a key driver to gain traffic in any pages especially if you are monetizing your site. Well, Niftybuttons will make it easier for you to embed free social media icons or buttons on your website. There are social buttons that require a small donation if you'd like to get a complete set. I am trying to maintain an 'all for free' site so as you can see my social media buttons are not complete but still served it's purpose once you click each of them.

Olark. For me, this is a very good tool if you want to have visitors on your site to leave questions easily or when you want to interact with your readers and followers every time you are online.

Paint.Net. If you can't have Photoshop, then just go to getpaint.net. This is a free software that you can download for digital image and photo editing for Windows OS users. Very useful if you want to put watermark on pictures you want to publish online to prevent someone from using your personal photos. I just knew this recently so as you can see, I don't have watermark on all of my photos.

Powtoon. Do you want to put animated videos or add unique visuals on your site? All you have to do is sign up with Powtoon. It's also for free plus they have a free mini-course tutorials to guide you.

I'm sure there are still a lot of sites and information out there that I haven't discover up to this time. I've been blogging for years now but I still consider myself as a newbie and I will not get tired of learning everyday.

Do you know any sites or applications like those mentioned above that will help one to create a all for free website? I would appreciate if you can share them.

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Corregidor a.k.a the Rock

Mile Long barracks ruins

It was sometime in February this year that I had a solo trip to the Island of Corregidor. Corregidor is also known as 'the rock' due to its rocky landscape and fortifications. The six hours (approximately) trip was all worth it amidst the heat of the sun on that day.

I have been looking forward to see the island, the old buildings destroyed by bombs, those giant cannons, the ruins and everything war remains. Felt like I'm just inside a time machine hearing the history and at the same time seeing the spot right where it happened. Thanks to our tour guide for detailing the history of Corregidor. I took a lot of photos and here are some of my favorites.

Malinta tunnel- the fact that it has played a very important role during the World War. This is where Phil Army 3rd Lt Norman Reyes said the lines: 'Good evening, everyone, everywhere...This is the voice of Freedom broadcasting from somewhere in the Philippines. Bataan has fallen.' he quivered amid the crackling static...April 9,1942. 

I can't believe that during that time there exist a massive indoor swimming pool that's all dried up now. Anyone can't also leave the island without taking some photos of the giant cannons.

And the most moving part of my trip was...remembering the brave soldiers during the war and how they fought hard for the freedom that we have today. I do have a brother who's a soldier and I can't imagine the hard life he has to survive every day just to fulfill his duties.

The circular altar above can be found in a dome at the Pacific War Memorial, through which light falls during daylight.

Which of the photos above do you think is my Photo of the trip?

To Conquer Corregidor you may check the site: http://www.corregidorphilippines.com

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ACE Water Spa discounts

Before I was able to sign up for a VIP card, I used to go to Ace Water Spa using a voucher from Metrodeal paying P349 instead of the regular rate P550 for adult. They are still offering the same service at the same price thru Metrodeal from time to time. I even gave some vouchers to my mom who really enjoyed her time at the spa in every visit. She said it's worth it than the 1 hour massage voucher I gave her before.

I am glad I found a spa like the Ace Water in Pasig as it is not very far from where we live. I like how the hydrotherapy spa is set up plus the entire place is well maintained. When one of my closest friends from abroad arrived, I did recommend the place and she said that she would definitely want to go back. Of course we were able to get discounts using my existing VIP card.

ACE VIP Card is Php 999.00 and it is valid for one year. But the perks that you can get is more than twice the price of the membership fee you paid for.

**PERKS included**

1. Free 1 Ace Water Spa Adult Ticket
2. 1 Buy 1 Take 1 Adult Coupon
3. 1 Buy 1 Take 1 Kiddie Coupon
4. 1 Buy 2 Take 1 Adult Coupon
5. 1 Buy 1 Take 1 Set Meal at Ace Coffee Lounge
6. Free 1 Ace Water Spa ticket on your Birth Date
7. Additional 1 night room accommodation at Ace Hotel & Suite
8. Free Pitcher of Ace Punch for a KTV room booking
9. Free Bottle of Wine or Pitcher of Ace Punch (when you dine at Sky High Bar)

Find out more about them at http://www.acewaterspa.com.ph

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PLACES of My Year 2014

My year 2014 is inspired by the late 'Travel Time' host Maam Susan Calo-Medina travel stories. 'Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan' as she would always say. Since I am based here in Metro Manila, I made it a point to visit neighboring provinces and the island of Luzon has a lot to offer. I am more excited to see more places this 2015. Here are the places of my 2014 in photos...

Calle Crisologo Vigan 

near Muelle pier Puerto Galera

Station 2 Boracay Island

Mt Malarayat Golf and Country Club Lipa City

Holy Rosary Parish church Angeles City

Hike Climb Dive Puerto Galera

My views and understanding of Puerto Galera has changed when our team went there some few weeks ago. Some of my friends wouldn't recommend a trip to Galera because of the bumpy boat ride from Batangas pier to the island. And I was able to experience it when our team went to Galera for our Christmas 2014 trip. I enjoyed the ride though it's risky for those who are not as adventurous as me.

I was assigned to book our accommodation so I made it a point that it will be affordable for the team. Hotels near white beach are tempting but not budget friendly for us who are just going to stay there for a night. Good thing I've found one that has good value for money thru metrodeal.com. We stayed in Lucky Five Garden house- it is a residential house turned into a mini dorm. They have a free shuttle service to and from the guest house. I guess they partnered with Father & Son shipping lines, it's the company name of the boat we boarded from Batangas. The fee per person includes free breakfast for only Php600 but of course you'd get a discount if you travel by group.

@Lucky Five Garden house

We took advantage of one of their land tours and activities that they offered after lunch. Our group headed first to Tukuran Falls. The drive was quiet long but it's all worth it. I certainly enjoyed the hike as our tour guide made us walk for approximately 20 minutes (but I'm guessing 'twas more than 20) as we crossed 4 rivers and climbed through those big rocks just to see the very scenic Tukuran waterfalls. The experience took me down memory lane as I remembered my partner and I journey to Telaga Tujuh in Langkawi island four years ago. Our group also passed by at the hanging bridge and the Tamarraw falls on our way back and took some photos as souvenir.

The night life in the island is in what they called 'white beach'. It is the part of the island where you can see a lot of bars that offers their famous Mindoro sling. Lots of souvenir shops are also in white beach.

We had the best night after we exchanged gifts, bought some souvenirs and headed home tired but happy:-] Merry Christmas team!

Crossing one of the rivers going to Tukuran falls

Welcome to Tukuran falls-a hidden paradise!

My poster perfect photo of the trip. Do you agree?

Photo credits: Jonnathan Autor & Paula Navarro

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Revisiting the Yesteryears in Vigan

I have been planning to visit Vigan City with my son since last year but because it's raining almost every day in November, I decided to just postponed the trip and look forward to the next year.

So when Thanksgiving day of November 2014 came, my son and I are happily whizzing around the City of Vigan. The long wait is finally over! Since I've been to other UNESCO heritage cities in the South East Asia (Penang and Melaka), I was truly looking forward to see Vigan and its historic wonders. The City declared as New 7 Wonders Cities of the World at 3:00 AM Philippine time on December 8, 2014.

The bus trip from Manila to Vigan will last for 7 up to 8 hours. We traveled during the night (8pm departure time from Partas Bus Co. in Cubao) and arrived there at around 4am. I've been reading a lot of blogs to get good suggestions about how to go there, where to eat and of course the must see before our trip or should I say I have those information saved in my iPod notes since last year.

It was still early morning when we arrived in Vigan so we stopped by near Vigan Cathedral where you can also see the city hall. After breakfast, my son wanted to ride the 'kalesa' so we rented one to go around Vigan. You can see a lot of them parked just outside the Cathedral. We headed to Bantay bell tower first which according to Manong- the kalesa driver, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr shot one of the Panday movie scenes in that historic tower. You can also climb the tower to see the view of Vigan. Just outside the tower grounds is the very impressive St Agustine Church which looks modern outside but it's noted to be a very old church once you get to see the structures inside. We also visited Baluarte to see the Governor's tiger and of course walked around its cobbled streets- Calle Crisologo - considered as the major attraction with its pre-war beauty and old Spanish houses and shops. We never failed to try their famous empanada and watched how they make one from scratch until it's served and ready to eat. We also tasted the best of Ilokano dishes like their pinakbet (one of the best one so far) and longganisa at Kusina Felicitas for our dinner.

Calle Crisologo just in time for sunrise

front of St Augustine Church

Bantay bell tower

Featuring my infamous photo of the trip. Can  you guess where is this in Vigan?

UNESCO marker at night

We concluded our trip by watching the spectacular dancing fountain show (photo above). 'Twas really one of the grandest I've ever seen throughout my entire travel life here in the Philippines. The show is one of the things that would make me go back to Vigan again.


Have you been to Vigan? Share your stories and photo of the trip below.

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