Category: Philippines

I was slowly drawing out my left foot that was stucked in the red mud when I smelled a rancid odor. It was a hydrogen sulfide-adulterated smoke that tried to escape from the earth fissures. Though dog-tired, it felt like a thorn was being pulled out of my throat. “Yes!”, I exclaimed, “I am close!”. I could see the resting huts uphill, the summit of Taal Volcano Crater. Regular Tourist Trail vs Kalawit (Calauit) Trail It was my second time to trek to the main crater of Taal Volcano but I really couldn’t resist exhaustion. Disappointed, but I did have ... Read more

If your going to Vigan, don’t forget to include Father Burgos Museum in your itinerary. The museum is located beside Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol and is few minutes walk from Kalye Crisologo, Vigan Cathedral, or Plaza Salcedo. The Museum is also declared as a satellite museum of the National Museum. Inside the museum are historical dioramas, portrait exhibit of Ilocos influential personalities, archaeological and historical artifacts, collection of Father Burgos memorabilia and photographs, family antiques, and jewelries. Father Burgos’ quarters and a mini library containing his student Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere are also showcased in the museum. Below are ... Read more

I spent some of my afternoon in Paoay at Malacañang of the North. Below are the photos taken during during my visit. Malacañang of the North Front Area Malacañang of the North living area Malacañang of the North Stairway Dining Area of Malacañang of the North Inside Malacañang of the North (2nd Floor) Inside Malacañang of the North Family Area Inside Malacañang of the North Malacañang of the North Paoay Lake wing Malacañang of the North bedroom [one_half] The Portrait of Ferdinand Marcos displayed is the main Living area of Malacañang of the North [/one_half] [one_half_last] The Portrait of Imelda ... Read more

The first day of my Ilocos adventure was spent in Paoay. It was 2PM when our flight from Manila arrived in Laoag but it was already passed 3PM when I checked-in to my accommodation. After a very short rest and settling my stuff in place, I headed to a Paoay-bound jeepney terminal. I arrived in the Municipality of Paoay passed 4PM  then rode a tricycle going to Malacañang of the North. The tricycle terminal is just behind Paoay Church but roving trikes are also available. I took some photos of the palace interiors and had some relaxing walk on its garden and ... Read more

My 4-day Ilocos Tour started in Paoay and ended in Laoag City. I didn’t take a travel agency and I visited most of Ilocos tourists spots by commuting. Below is my quick Ilocos itinerary. Day 1: (Laoag South, Paoay, and Batac) 02:00PM – Arrival in Laoag City (Flight 5J 404) 02:30PM – Hotel Check-in 03:00PM – Commute to Paoay 03:45PM – Arrival in Paoay and take some photos of San Agustin Church 04:00 – 06:00PM – Trip to Malacañang of the North, Paoay Lake View Deck, and Sand Dunes (Tour Cycle Fare is PhP 200.00) 07:00 – Arrival in Laoag ... Read more

I spent the third day of my Ilocos Tour in the north of Laoag, Ilocos Norte. That includes the towns of Bangui, Burgos, and Pagudpud. The Laoag-Pagudpud v/v terminal is located near the corner of Gen. Antonio Luna and Gov. Julio Agcaoili Streets (back of Ilocos Norte Capitol). First Trip leaves at 8AM, travel time is 2 hours, and costs around ₱60. Make sure to prepare the exact fare, bus conductors don’t usually return your change when you don’t ask for it especially when they know you’re a tourist. Pagudpud Tour Cycle Rates I took the first trip, and the arrived ... Read more

CCP Complex is the home of the Philippines premier venues and theaters like the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Folk Arts Theater, Aliw Theater, the Philippine international Convention Center (PICC), the Coconut Palace, and the 5-star, Sofitel Philippine Plaza. The complex also houses entertainment and recreational centers like Star City and Harbour Square. CCP is joggers favorite The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) The Coconut Palace Sofitel Philippine Plaza The Folk Arts Theater There are different reasons why people keep on coming in CCP complex. Religious activities are held in Folks Arts Theater, word-class plays and musical shows ... Read more

One great location to visit and reflect this Lenten season is Inday Nelly’s Mystical Cave in Antipolo City, Rizal.  This 8-level deep cave attracts both tourists and devotees because of the holy figures and biblical images naturally formed or carved to its walls. This also draws the interests of researchers because of its stalagmites and stalactites formations.  It was Palm Sunday when I visited the cave alone. From Antipolo City, I rode a tricycle to the site. Special trip costs Php120.00 but since I travelled along with 3 passengers who were dropped along the way, I only pay PhP60.00. The ... Read more

Negros Oriental’s beauty remained a secret to the rest of the country. While most of us flocked to the most popular yet hackneyed destinations, the province’s frontiers were less occupied. The locals are randomly coming back and forth to those remarkable sceneries, yet they remained unknown outside the province. Only just recently, through the efforts of the provincial government, when the province launched a tourism campaign with a tag, “Negros Oriental: fun starts here, naturally”. However, the launch was made only in the Dumaguete, which, I believe targeted only the local market. Negros Oriental Tourism Campaign Banner as shown in Robinsons Dumaguete ... Read more