Author: iAn L.

The sun was almost touching the horizon. Its angle had caused the trees to cast stretched shadows on the surface. It radiated less heat. The alternating shade and exposure gave me a comforting mix of chill and warmth as I traversed the highlands of Candijay on a motorbike. The setting sun seemed conducive to a long, uncovered motorcycle ride. However, despite the favorable condition, I couldn’t not rule out the possibility of running out of time. I have three destinations on my list: Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, Can-Umantad Falls, and Canawa Cold Spring. I was afraid that I could not cover ... Read more

When I set my eyes on something, I’ll make sure to do everything to achieve it. I will only stop if pursuing is really impossible and life-threatening, especially when it comes to travel goals. That was why, when I set my course to Matalom, Leyte, I set my expectation pretty clearly—that before I cross to Canigao Island, I should experience Hitoog Cave and Karap-agan Falls first. That was the only viable option then since we had to return to Hilongos early the following day to catch our ferry back to Cebu. While I was securing our return ferry tickets, my ... Read more

Dining is a social event. We want to share the moment with family, friends, and acquaintances. We wanted it intimate with our special someone. Most of us dine as a reward to ourselves for a job well done or a completed milestone. For many, dining is a way to celebrate. Solo Dining However, in some cases, we love to eat alone. Probably to vent out our sorrow, to spend a me-time, to self-reward, or to simply avoid the long hours of chitchat associated with group dining. When we talk about dining alone, only fast food chains come to mind. The ... Read more

That elusive photo chasing a sardine run, that priced selfie with a marine testudine, and that noteworthy beach camp gracing the sunset are just few of the expectations listed on every Moalboal goer. Moalboal, a once sleepy town seating 90 kilometers southwest of Cebu City, offers a laid-back vibe. Stunning white strips adorn its edges, where clear and calm ripples regularly wash off the shore. Panagsama Beach, Moalboal Beneath are unassuming underwater wonders. Sea turtles are frequently seen feeding on seaweeds, not minding the snorkelers hovering over as they search for nutrition. A bit further is a conglomeration of coral blooms, resembling an underwater meadow. ... Read more

We’d barely slept the night before. A friend and her daughter missed their flight so they had to re-book an alternative route. Aside from the extra chunk of cash that they needed to shell out for re-booking, the hassle of transferring to another airport and the struggle to get a seat at the busiest time of the busiest day at Cebu South Bus Terminal was a hell of peskiness. I could understand the troubles of the mother trying to secure her child a comfortable journey while keeping all the cumbersome backpacks. While the first batch arrived early in Oslob, where ... Read more

Leaving Sipalay was heartbreaking. We could have stayed longer if time permitted. Due to the uncooperative weather condition, we missed some of its priced natural attractions, which made us feel that the trip was incomplete. Also, I will surely miss the acquaintance I made, especially the staff of Easy Diving and Beach Resort, who had been very helpful. The receiving hall and restaurant in Moray Lagoon To negate the sadness, I thought of good memories and better pictures of what lies ahead of our adventure. Danjugan Island was our next stop. The stunning photographs of its lagoons and surrounding beaches ... Read more

Sipalay was a long ride from Cebu City. I had to wake up around one at dawn to hop on the 2AM bus that travels to the southern tip of Cebu Island, and then catch the earliest ferry ride to Dumaguete. Despite leaving early, it was already 5PM when I reached Sipalay City proper. That included my 2-hour stopover at our humble abode in Siaton. I actually celebrated my birthday on the road. Solitary and hungry. Because of the long trip, busy holiday traffic, and jam-packed terminals, I skipped some meals just to keep my travel arrangements and schedule. Sipalay ... Read more

When I was a kid, all I heard about Siquijor were tales of sorcery and witchcraft. Thus, even though we were almost a stone-throw away from the island and despite having close relatives residing in one of its growing communities, I never asked my parents to pay a visit. When the child’s mind has become mature and the adventurous genes are getting dominant, those stories have become a weaker hindrance. Just recently, I visited Siquijor all by myself. The beach near Siquijor Port Siquijor bestows an exquisite charm. Despite being a popular destination, the island retains the rustic ambiance and ... Read more

A marquee of ultramarine and viridescence rolls like phantasms. Images of sandbars, islets, foliage, water cascades, and streams are flashing back and forth, teeming my imagination. They are like unachieved dreams that toy with you every time they come to your attention. I could not help but to give in to the mystifying call of conquest, a call to find the underrated destination of the Philippines. Kansalakan Enchanted River in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental My itchy feet and thirst for adventure brought me to Guihulngan. I did not invite a friend to travel with. It was completely random, and I ... Read more