Category: Philippines

How adults celebrate their birthday? Well, if you are single and miles away from your family, then you celebrate it alone. Since college, I have always been celebrating solitary birthdays. Last year, I got a chance to go on a solo tour in Ilocos while for this year, I decided to go south to see Mayon. Actually, I had the choice to book a flight to Dumaguete and treat my family, but my urge to visit places I’ve never been is too strong – like an addiction I couldn’t resist. Alos, I’ve been treating my family the whole year so I think ... Read more

June this year (2013), I was looking for a place that’ll spare me from the usual dousing on the feast of St. John the Baptist. Getting wet is fun but I wanted something that is different. So I googled for some other things to do and I stumbled to this kind of festival celebrated in a remote town of Nueva Ecija, the Taong Putik Festival. Learning this, I boarded a Five Star bus bound for Cabanatuan City the day before the actual event. I had to be in the town really early so I can witness how people do the ... Read more

Built way back the Manila – Acapulco galleon trade era, the Calle Crisologo houses in the city of Vigan continue to subsist. Thanks to the efforts of the local government, the National Historical Institute, and some concerned citizens in preserving these extant architectures – which allows the current, and I hope the future generations, to personally behold these pieces of history. Though there are traces of degradation, since some of its materials are made of wood which wither in time, I still wish that these wonders will endure another century. These edifices made Vigan to the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, ... Read more

You cannot proudly say that you’ve been to Camiguin if you hadn’t visited the Sunken Cemetery once. Its most notable landmark is the big cross which was erected few meters from the shore. The cross wasn’t part of the remnants of the submerged cemetery caused by the eruption of Mount Vulcan in 1871, but was built (in 1982) as a marker of the graveyard. Sunken Cemetery Stairway It was one gloomy afternoon when we visited the site. Tired and exhausted, the group seemed unimpressed at first. While deciding to proceed to the marker or not, two guys called us out ... Read more

Aside from beach bumming and other water activities, you can also do sunset watching and star gazing in Burot beach. Being located in Calatagan, Batangas that is facing exactly west, it showcases one of the most beautiful, panoramic sunset. It is also tucked away from the bright lights of the city, thus providing you clear view of the galaxy at dusk. Just be there when the weather is favorable. August this year, we successfully carried out the first leg of PH Trails tours, the Camp and Delve: Burot Beach, with six guests; Ken, Analyn, Christian, Clarice, Erwin, and Victoria. At 6:00AM, ... Read more

As Islas de Gigantes rises to popularity, you may be curious and would like to set foot to these island groups. So, to ease the pesky travel preparations, I have prepared a quick guide on how to get to Isla de Gigantes. Tanke, a Saltwater Lagoon The main gateway to Islas de Gigantes is the town of Estancia and you can get to Estancia via the following: Via Iloilo City Take any Philippine major airline to Iloilo International Airport. From the Airport, take a van to SM City Iloilo. The fare is ₱50.00 and the travel time is 30-45 minutes. ... Read more

Currently nominated to the Top 10 Philippine Gems, Camiguin is undeniably one of the face of Philippine tourism. With that being said, you may be planning to see some of its popular spots, such as the Sunken Cemetery and the White Island. And so, I have prepared a list of Camiguin hotels for you to choose from. Remember, accommodation is one of the first items to secure when preparing your travel itinerary. Balai sa Baibai Resort Balai sa Baibai Resort offers classy and elegant villas with own private pool, mini bar, kitchenette, a separate dining area, lounge, microwave, refrigerator, complimentary drinking ... Read more

Sitting in the northeastern tip of Panay Island, Islas de Gigantes is making a buzz among backpacking enthusiasts—seemingly inclining its trend towards popularity. The once unknown is making its name to the list of Philippine scenic destinations—competing with other new comers on the rise. I can’t say its virgin since the locals had long been scouting its beautiful territories before any outsiders do. Islas de Gigantes is comprised of two main island groups namely: Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur. The lighthouse erects in Gigantes Norte and is the home to Baquitan and Baquitan Cave, Langub beach, and Gigantes National Museum. ... Read more

We stayed at Gigantes Hideaway Resort during our tour in Gigantes Islands. For 200 pesos a day, we were nested in a nipa hut accommodation (good for 3) with comfy bedding (but don’t expect too much) and a common CR/bathroom. We are talking about rural accommodation here, so expect mosquitoes to ruin your sleep (you know what to do to counter them). Brgy. Aluman’s shore is covered with scallop shells instead of sand or pebbles. Aside from the island’s main attractions such as the island and beach hopping, spelunking, lighthouse viewing, etc, the other thing that we enjoyed during the ... Read more