BATANES ISLANDS – What’s It Like Up There

It was at the edge of the closing of summer when I flew to this enchanting island group found at the northern-most tip of the Philippine Archipelago.  I’ve heard so much about this quaint province, small at it may seem, but with a big heart. Onboard an early morning Philippine Airlines flight from NAIA’s third…

TAMBOBONG BEACH, DASOL, PANGASINAN – The Comfort Of Strangers

Whether it was my unwavering optimism or my obstinate belief that there is a way and that I can make it, I found myself ala-Amazing Race towards Tambobong Beach, Dasol, Pangasinan from Dingalan, Aurora.  It was a race from the east to the west coasts of Luzon Island.  What made it a lot more exciting…

DINGALAN, AURORA – That Elusive Destination

I frantically searched for a midnight bus to Cabanatuan City, hoping that I will be able to catch the first bus towards Dingalan, Aurora.  Based on my internet research, trips to this sleepy eastern town, which is a part of Aurora Province, come far in between.  So what’s there to do but be early as…

CAPUL ISLAND, NORTHERN SAMAR – The Acapulco Connection

With a unique dialect (Abaknon or Inabaknon) far from the Waray Region where it belongs, a history entwined with the centuries-old Acapulco Galleon Trade, a land blessed with natural wonders, Capul Island is a treasure trove for tourists. From the capital town of Northern Samar, Catarman, you take a one-hour jeepney ride to the port…

JOMALIG ISLAND, QUEZON – To The Far Reaches Of Quezon Province

Camping is something foreign to me.  Doing it alone is even an unthinkable thing to do. But that was only until the early summer of 2016.  Armed with the urge to find a secluded beach, away from what Boracay Island has become of late, I scoured the archipelago for a place far from the glaring…

FORTUNE ISLAND, BATANGAS – Man-Made Fantasy/Nightmare

There was no time to get some sleep.  Meeting time was at two in the morning at the Shell Gasoline Station at the corner of Buendia and EDSA.  The hired van was already filled up when I arrived.  And after buying some last-minute purchases at the 24-hour convenience store we were driving along EDSA towards…

DAVAO – Amidst Nature And Good Food

*Featured Image was borrowed from Mr Henrylito D. Tacio/Rappler It was right smack in the middle of summer when I took my first trip to the largest city (by land area) in the Philippines – Davao City.  It was my first time to try Air Asia Philippines (formerly Air Asia Zest a marriage between Air…

BOHOL – Beauty & Wonder In A Nutshell

  Short and sweet was my trip to Bohol.  Filled with good memories, this island never failed to take my breath away. It was a mad rush flying to Cebu to catch my friends who flew in a day ahead of me.  A quick breakfast and a trip to the port area and we were…

SAN JUAN, LA UNION – Surf’s Up

If only I had more than enough time, I would’ve been able to explore Laoag City and what it has to offer to its visitors like me.  The only time I can spare was my transit time between Pagudpud and Metro Manila.  Yes I am on my way back home already after a few days…

PAOAY & PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE – Of Religiosity And Reflection

*The borrowed header photo is taken by Mark Anthony B. Togonon from his blog togiexplorer.com. Since Paoay, Ilocos Norte is nearby Vigan (where I just stayed for two nights – see my Vigan Series), I decided to drop by for a few hours before pushing north to Pagudpud Beach. I made a detour for Vigan’s…

VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR – Down The Street Where You Live

On my way back to the city center, I dropped by the public market to buy myself a pair of black rubber slippers.  It was after an hour when I finally got to give myself some rest in my bed at the Vigan Hotel, where I am staying. After a quick shower and tv time,…

VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR – The Search For The Hidden Garden

Armed with a full tummy, I started my long and arduous walk in search for my next goal.  This garden actually blipped in my curiosity radar just early this morning while I was surfing the internet at the bus terminal.  It was described as a garden brought about by the requests and clamour of its…