Category: Travel

Vietnam is a fascinating country. This narrow strip of land in Southeast Asia is home to some 90 million people and it boasts mountains, dense forests, tropical beaches and bustling metropolises. It’s no wonder then that the nation is such a popular holiday destination. The mainland undoubtedly has lots to offer. However, if you want to see a different side to Vietnam, you can step off the more traditional tourist trail and venture to the country’s islands instead. Here is a brief guide to some of the very best. Qui Nhon beach, Vietnam (Photo Credit: Loi Nguyen Duc, on Flickr) ... Read more

Looking a quick weekend getaway? There are some interesting beaches in Quezon province that you can check. Borawan, Dampalitan, Puting Buhangin (with Kuwebang Lampas) offer pampering white sand, appealing backdrop, and noteworthy beach camp. These beaches may not be as enchanting as Calaguas, Boracay, and Palawan, but they can offer equally memorable experience if you make the most of your stay. Bring with you your awesome friends. Borawan Howe to Commute From Buendia in Pasay or Cubao in Quezon City, take a bus to Lucena. Fare starts from ₱210 and the travel time is 3-4 hours. Get off at Lucena Grand Terminal and ... Read more

Sagada is one of the few places in the Philippines that preserved indigeneity. Pre-Spanish burial customs; freakish way to remember the dead (panag-apoy); barter change; strong influence of the local tribal leaders called Dap-ay; and strange planting, harvesting, and wedding ceremonies – all these are still part of the ways of life of Sagada people. Located in the central Cordillera Mountain Range, reaching it is…a bit of a challenge. But don’t think about the butt-numbing ride because an awesome adventure is waiting on the other side. Here’s a list of those interesting things to do in Sagada. Squeeze, Lift, Climb, and Swim During the Cave Connection Exploring ... Read more

Baler is one of the awesome places that can easily be accessed from Manila. Yeah – it has a reputation of being a great surfing haven, however, it offers a lot more than that. To summarize, I have listed interesting things to do in Baler. Surf or Learn Surfing First in the list is surfing. Well, a large chunk of tourists visit Baler for that purpose. Professional or not, there are waves suitable for you. If you do it the very first time, do not worry, there are trusted surfers who can assist you, but, of course, for a fee. Rush guards ... Read more

From Kamay Ni Hesus, I took a tricycle to Lucban Church (a.k.a Church of Saint Louis of Toulouse). It was already past 6:00 in the evening, but I still wanted to see the church and try pancit habhab, a local delicacy. I never thought of the last public transport schedule to my next stop. All I have in mind that time was to complete my three objectives in Lucban. In a blink, I found myself beside the church. I immediately positioned myself to get a good angle of the stunning facade which got even more majestic at night with the glow ... Read more

From the moment I saw the photos of Alibijaban from Manong Unyol, I always to wanted to visit the island – even if it means going alone. I made several attempts the past weekend, but a lot of things happened that eventually delayed my trip. So I marked Alibijaban Island an elusive destination. Last Saturday, I pursued my Alibijaban conquest. I boarded a Lucena-bound Jac Liner Bus in Buendia and then transferred to Barney Auto Lines in Lucena Grand Terminal. Exactly 06:00AM the following day, I arrived in San Andres, the dropoff point to Alibijaban Island. From the bus terminal, I ... Read more

Without any plans in mind, I boarded a bus to Lucena one Saturday night. From Lucena, I took another bus to San Andres in Quezon province. I was alone and had no contact person at hand. All I wanted that time is to experience Alibijaban first hand. Luckily, the trip wasn’t a mess. I will tell my story on my next article. For now, let me start with a do-it-yourself (diy) travel guide to this very enchanting island. To those of you who are planning to get to Alibijaban, this article is for you. The resident’s frontyard in Alibijaban How to Get ... Read more

There are few people who are gifted with faith healing – one of them is Rev. Fr. Joey Faller. Father Joey is the brainchild of Kamay ni Hesus, a shrine that houses a convent-like building for religious activities, a chapel, a grotto, a replica of Noah’s Ark, mini representation of the Garden of Eden, life size statues of Saints, and gigantic status of Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. Kamay ni Hesus Grotto I am not a follower of Father Joey but when I saw the compound, I would like to know what he was thinking. I wanted to know how and why ... Read more

Vigan is one of the most interesting cities in the Philippines. It does not only features ancestral houses dated a way back the colonial period but also allows you to experience some bits and pieces of the modern world. Vigan moves through time and it carried everything it has from the past to the contemporary times. Though a city, Vigan emanates a rustic vibe contratry to major urban centers in the country. Ironic, isn’t it? By the way, Vigan is currently making a name in the list of the New 7 Wonder Cities. It is one of the 21 finalists which fame ... Read more