A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

The title sounds cliche, but the experience I had in this picture was far from being that. It was taken in Kinigi, Rwanda, during my three-week trip to East Africa in July of 2006. I had always wanted to write about the wonderful, eye-opening experiences I had there. It's been more than two years, but it feels just like yesterday that I was dancing with the Batwa in Rwanda. Most people have only heard of the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, especially after relations between the two exploded into the horrific 1994 genocide.

More than a decade later, Rwandans are still trying to heal from this tragedy. Despite all they've been through, some Rwandans have chosen to feel the pain of their past treating it like an open wound. Not because they're masochists, but because many believe it's the only way to make sure something like this will never happen again. Our tour operator Greg Bakunzi told us he believes it's important for Rwandans to talk about what happened and to tell visitors the truth, not only because it's cathartic, but it's also a way of facing mistakes of the past head on without denial.

My visit to Rwanda may have only lasted 3 1/2 days, but I felt so connected with the people I met there. Most of all, as the picture of me dancing with the Batwa may not fully convey, I felt alive and filled with hope. If Rwandans can survive such a painful past, my heart is hopeful that the rest of the world can one day be at peace. But what do I know...I'm an eternal optimist =).

Visual Aid: Keeping Art Alive

What do you get when you combine fine art and philanthropy? You have non-profit organizations like Visual Aid who have been reaching out to artists with life-threatening illnesses and helping them carry on their work as professional artists. It was founded in 1989 to help the Bay Area arts community which suffered a devastating blow by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The organization stepped in to provide assistance – both financial and emotional – to the artists affected by the disease and continue to do so today. They’ve expanded their mission to help not only artists impacted by HIV/AIDS but other illnesses as well, including cancer, hepatitis C and other serious diseases.

In November 2008, I covered Visual Aid's 15th Annual Big Deal Fundraiser for a piece I wrote, shot and produced for San Francisco IAM.com. More than 600 pieces of art were either sold or auctioned off at the fundraiser. What was amazing about this event, and other grassroots efforts like it, is the outpouring of community support. Artists donated the work for the sale and auction. Volunteers built the spaces where the art was displayed and also worked at the event from start to finish. Everyone involved was passionate about the cause.

In a world full of harsh realities, it’s heart-warming to know that people are still willing to dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others. My story went behind the scenes to show how volunteers and art enthusiasts made this event happen. Check it out and you can also visit Visual Aid’s website to learn more about their wonderful work.

Correction: Balitang America Travels Segment on Airplane Precautions aired on January 23rd

Oops, I originally posted that my segment about airline precautions would air on Monday, January 26th on ABS-CBN's The Filipino Channel, but it was actually a part of the Friday newscast on January 23rd. In the segment I interviewed Captain Bob Norris, a former commercial airline pilot who was employed with a major carrier for 30 years. The piece did talk about the harrowing US Airways landing made by pilot Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger (whom Katie Couric will interview for a 60 Minutes piece slated for February 8) in the Hudson River, but that wasn’t the focus. I didn’t want to sensationalize the piece or scare people with a dramatized story on how to survive a crash. Instead, the segment aimed to remind travelers about the importance of knowing airline safety measures.

Norris said too often frequent flyers dismiss the pre-flight safety demonstration given by the flight attendants. He pointed out not all airplanes are designed exactly alike: things like the operation of the exit doors and safety rafts can differ, as well as the flotation devices. Yes, there are flight attendants who are trained to take the lead in an emergency. But in a life or death situation you never know what can happen because people panic, and if that's the case, you may need to help yourself.

Norris highlighted the following as being the most important things travelers should keep in mind:

- Identify your exits and how to operate them (even if you’re not seated in an exit row). All of this can be found on the safety cards inside the seat pockets.

- Pay attention to the flight attendants during the safety briefing.
For frequent flyers, it may sound like a broken record, but you’ll be better off knowing all the particular aircraft’s safety features.

- Remember to leave everything behind in an emergency landing. Flight attendants and crew are trained to get everyone off the plane in 90 seconds. Why 90 seconds? It’s the amount of time it takes for a fire to engulf a cabin. In a panicky situation, people can drop bags or items, which can end up blocking the evacuation path, potentially causing a human pile up and endangering lives. In addition, there may not be room for extra weight or baggage on a life raft full of people especially in a water landing. What’s more important: your bag or your life?

I have to admit I’m a nervous flyer. One very bad plane ride is to blame. Not just bad turbulence but a sudden dip that sent a male flight attendant, who was easily 250 lbs., flying upward and smacking his head up against the aircraft ceiling; secured containers in the galley flew out of cabinets and landed with a bang leaving the floor a mess. So, yes, when a major airline incident happens my mind wanders, and I find myself visiting sites like Popular Mechanics which has an article on how to survive a crash.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a person who dwells on doom and gloom. I know flying is statistically the safest mode of travel, but I also recognize that accidents happen. All I can say is being aware of all safety measures makes you better prepared to deal with an emergency situation.

Curious about what some say is the safest place to sit in an airplane? Check out this article or take a look at a video of a mock evacuation. Also, here's a recent Time Magazine piece with additional tips on how to cope in an airplane emergency.

Travels is a weekly TV segment written and produced by Christi Morales. It airs every Monday during Balitang America's (News in America) 5:30pm PST newcast on ABS-CBN Global's The Filipino Channel (TFC). Balitang America can also be seen on KTSF Channel 26 at 6:45pm PST in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Scouting Out Travel Deals at the Bay Area Travel Show

Longing for a vacation but not big on researching destinations or seeing what’s out there? Well, if you live in the area, you may want to check out the Bay Area Travel Show where local, national, and even international travel companies are sharing the lay of the land on deals and destinations. I attended the show today to interview some travel experts and professionals for my Balitang America Travels segments.

While I’ve never been a fan of going to trade show-type events, I found that many of the exhibitors had good information to share. Not only about their services, but also about the resources available to help travelers find that perfect vacation. Speakers like European travel guru Rick Steves and Bay Area Backroads’ Doug McConnell are on hand to share their experiences and give people ideas on everything from budget travel to itineraries.



It’s a buyer’s market right now and travel agencies, outfitters, cruise lines and the like are working in cahoots trying to get your business: partnering to create packages and prices that will entice people to book that trip. And, maybe that’s not so bad because in the end the consumer wins. You name it: upgraded rooms, amenities, bundled services, discounted prices are up for grabs. All because the sluggish economy is cramping the travel industry’s style.

Oh, one more thing: it’s only $6 if you buy the ticket online ($12 at the door) and parking is free. Tomorrow (Sunday) is the last day. You can catch Rick Steves or Doug McConnell who will be giving talks starting at noon. For a full schedule, visit www.bayareatravelshow.com.

Hike, Bike or Take in Magnificent Bay Area Views on San Bruno Mountain

It was great while it lasted – the warm San Francisco Bay Area weather that is. It’s back to the usual late winter rain and gloom for the rest of January. Boy, am I glad I got to enjoy the sun. That’s just what I did on MLK day, Monday. My husband, Darren, and I decided to enjoy the great outdoors with a hike. We didn’t want to drive too far, so we were delighted to discover nearby San Bruno Mountain State and County Park.

Ever notice the radio and microwave towers between San Francisco and South San Francisco when zooming down 101? Well, they're sitting on San Bruno Mountain, an urban oasis located in the city of Brisbane about seven miles south of San Francisco. The park features 2,750 acres of rugged landscape surrounded by lush vegetation, rare species of flowers and eucalyptus trees among others; I’m not into botany, so can’t really comment on the plants, but I do appreciate being around such natural beauty.



Darren and I ventured up the mountain on the Summit Loop Trail and caught breath-taking views of the urban sprawl below. On the way up, there were several vista points where we stopped to gaze at the sights. Atop the summit at 1,314 feet is a panoramic view featuring a stretch of the Peninsula to the south, the deep blue ocean to the west, as well as views of San Francisco and even a glimpse of Mount Diablo off in the east. We also hiked a small portion of the Ridge Trail and the Bog Trail, but by far the Summit Loop was the most scenic. There are eight trails total ranging from easy to moderate with the Ridge Trail being the most strenuous.



If you’re ever looking to do a day hike, San Bruno Mountain is a great spot. There are also places in the park to ride a bike or jog. And, if you’re not big on any of those activities, you can just drive up to the summit. I promise it will be worth it.

No Balitang America Travels Segment on January 19th

I didn't have my usual Monday travels segment on Balitang America for a good reason. The newscast was devoted to stories about Martin Luther King Day and preparations for Barack Obama's inauguration. The travels segment, which was originally scheduled for January 19th, will air this coming Monday, January 26th. Keep an eye out for it. I interview a former commercial airline pilot who shares some practical airplane safety information.

Travels is a weekly TV segment written and produced by Christi Morales. It airs every Monday during Balitang America's (News in America) 5:30pm PST newcast on ABS-CBN Global's The Filipino Channel (TFC). Balitang America can also be seen on KTSF Channel 26 at 6:45pm PST in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Wine and Dine in Elegant San Francisco Restaurants...without paying an arm and a leg!

Ever wonder what it would be like to dine in a fancy-schmancy restaurant in San Francisco? Well, this is your chance because the city kicks off its 8th Annual Dine About Town 2009 event on Thursday, January 15th (until Saturday, January 31st). Choose from more than than 100 restaurants and get a specially-prepared three-course lunch for $21.95 or dinner for $34.95.

Sure, the rib-eye steak or prime rib won't be part of the menu, but many of the places offer delectable options. Don't forget many of these restaurants are some of the best the city has to offer with a few of them landing a spot on the San Francisco Chronicle's Top 100 list. Not all establishments are participating for both lunch and dinner, so check the list and also see if you'll even be able to get in.

Many of the restaurants allow you to make reservations through Opentable.com; otherwise, you have to call them directly. So, get out there and embark on your own culinary journey...I know I'll be out there.

Balitang America Travels: New Year Airfare Sales

It's time to start thinking about that next vacation! But you better be quick because "winter airfare sales" will be over soon. The skinny on these deals was part of my recent travel segment that aired Monday, January 12th, on Balitang America's 5:30pm newscast. Below are highlights of some of those hot deals arranged by the dates that the offers end, and keep in mind these are one-way prices (but even then, it's still a bargain):

- Jet Blue: West Coast escapes for $39 (ends Jan. 14)

- Air Tran: Fares for as low as $39 to select U.S. cities (ends Jan. 15)

- American Airlines: Fares starting at $39 (ends Jan. 16); international fares to popular spots for as low as $90 (ends Jan. 16); European sale includes destinations like London for only $168 (ends Jan. 21)

- Southwest Airlines: Fly for $49 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and $59 on other days (ends Jan. 19)

- Virgin America: West Coast flights for $59 and transcontinental routes for $139 (ends Jan. 20)

- Alaska Airlines: West Coast routes starting at $59 (ends Jan. 24)

Most of these airfare specials are good for travel through Spring and some even until early Summer. This is just a partial list as many airlines have promotions right now. Typically, airlines offer lower prices around this time, but the industry is making an extra effort because of the economic slowdown. However, even if we're in a recession don't expect to see killer deals throughout the year.

In my segment and interview with CEO Beatrice Tarka of Mobissimo.com, she said airlines will be reducing the number of planes in their fleets to cut costs. Translation: deals will be scarce. If you find a really awesome deal now for Spring or Summer vacation, grab it!

Here are some great sites that track airfare and travel deals:
Mobissimo.com
Fare Compare.com
Farecast.com

Travels is a weekly TV segment written and produced by Christi Morales. It airs every Monday during Balitang America's (News in America) 5:30pm PST newcast on ABS-CBN Global's The Filipino Channel (TFC). Balitang America can also be seen on KTSF Channel 26 at 6:45pm PST in the San Francisco Bay Area.

New Year, New Blog

It's out with the old and in with the new...old outlook that is. I'm kicking off 2009 with a new blog which will include a different range of topics including things I've covered as a freelancer. I have found that there's usually much more information to share, but not enough space to include it all in my professional pieces. Then I thought to myself: why not share the rest of these helpful tidbits online? So, that's what I've decided to do. Stay tuned...