Unexpected Recognition

I was pleasantly surprised on Thanksgiving Day when I was informed by Philippine Global Explorers (PGE) that I was nominated as one of the Most Impactful Globetrotters. PGE is a worldwide organization with some 1700 members. This is a huge recognition and I am truly honored. The basis for this nomination are my charitable works through my foundation, BalayniCharie School Supplies Program. The winner will be decided on December 6th at the organization’s annual party. As a nominee, I feel I’m already a winner!

I feel deeply honored to have been nominated by members of the Philippine Global Explorers as one of the Most Impactful Globetrotters and to be in the company of distinguished nominees. It is quite a huge responsibility to bear the title "Impactful Globetrotter" and something I cannot take lightly. Having the privilege to travel, I feel it is important to reach out to my community and share this good fortune. My work with providing school supplies to children in Capiz, Philippines these last 20 years has been made possible through the generosity of friends and family from around the world. I'm grateful to PGE for recognizing this effort and I hope this will give members and associates the motivation to do the same for people and cultures that have profoundly affected their travel experiences.

If you would like to find out more about BalayniCharie Foundation, please check this link: www.balaynicharie.blogspot.com.

Stay connected

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Images from Philippine Global Explorers

The Fairy Tale Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber has been on my travel bucket list for years. And I finally got there last November. It is an enchanting place. With its half-timbered houses, clock towers, colorful façades, schneeballs and beer steins, Rothenburg ODT oozes with medieval charm. It's no surprise that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I was partially filmed in Rothenburg ODT. This is a common dilemma in Rothenburg ODT. Which direction to take? It's hard to choose because every cobblestone street seems to be competing for the best dressed street award. And they are all winners in my book. After walking half a day, an inviting table for two with colorful flowers to warm a cold November day. I love how these two half-timbered buildings anchor a street that leads to another intriguing square. The Plönlein (Little Square) is the most photographed square in Rothenburg ODT. But I found more picturesque neighborhoods than this. That's ...

Midnight in Paris Movie Locations

It's not often I watch a movie but on a long flight home late last year, I had the chance to watch Midnight in Paris and was totally captivated by its plot. Can you imagine time traveling to the era of Fitzgerald and Hemingway, Picasso and Dali, Gauguin and Toulouse Lautrec? It was therefore such a treat to be in Paris and be able to see a couple of the locations from the movie. Had so much fun figuring out where the Peugeot came from to pick up Gil (Owen Wilson) and take him back to the Jazz Age. Rue Galande Rue Galande is a narrow street lined with boutiques with engaging window displays. Notice the giant flea sculpture above one of the shops. This location was shown at the beginning of the film. Interestingly enough, Rue Galande is a stone's throw from the bouquinistes along the Seine and across from the Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris. The Steps of St. Etienne du Mont This is where Gil was sitting, a little disoriented, when the Pe...

Casapueblo and Carlos Páez Vilaró

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