Author: Claire Algarme
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Silay City Heritage Walk: Stories Behind Negros’ Historic Houses
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There I was again, walking through the familiar streets of Silay City, where ancestral homes and historic buildings stood as silent witnesses to generations of stories. Every structure seemed to carry memories of families, traditions, and a glorious past that shaped the identity of this charming city. Although I had explored…
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Taipei Street Eats: A Journey Through Best Local Food Finds
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Travel has always been about discovery, and for me, one of the best ways to understand a destination is through its food. While famous restaurants and carefully curated dining experiences have their charm, I often find the most memorable flavors in small eateries, neighborhood stalls, and street corners where locals…
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Taipei 101 at Night and Din Tai Fung: Taiwan’s Iconic Landmark
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Some cities become even more magical after sunset, and Taipei proved exactly that. As daylight slowly faded, my friends and I hurried aboard the MRT, eager to witness Taipei 101 transform from a towering daytime landmark into a glowing beacon that illuminated the city’s skyline. Although we had seen countless photographs of…
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Rau-Ram Café: A Taste of Vietnam Hidden in the Heart of the City
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There are restaurants that simply serve good food, and then there are those that tell a story. For me, Rau Ram Café Bacolod belongs to the latter. Although I never had the chance to visit its humble beginnings as the tiny Saigon Café tucked inside a residential neighborhood, I was fortunate enough…
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Taipei Zoo: A Journey to See Taiwan’s Beloved Giant Pandas
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Whenever I visit a new destination, I always look for experiences that I cannot easily find back home. In Taiwan, that mission became crystal clear even before we unpacked our bags—we were going to see the giant pandas. So, our first adventure in Taiwan naturally led us to the famous Taipei…
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Welcome Home Natural Garden Cafe: Supporting the Deaf Community
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Some cafés are memorable because of the food. Others stay with you because of the people behind them. Then there are places like the Welcome Home Foundation Natural Garden Café in Bacolod City, where every meal tells a story of hope, inclusion, and purpose. I came expecting a simple lunch. Instead, I…
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A Magical Sky Lantern Experience in Shifen, Taiwan
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Few travel experiences are as symbolic and unforgettable as watching your hopes and dreams float into the sky. While releasing sky lanterns has become increasingly popular in different parts of Asia—and has even started trending as a group activity in the Philippines—nothing compares to experiencing this tradition where it has…
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Exploring Jiufen Old Street at Taiwan’s Mountain Village
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Some places become even more magical when it rains. Jiufen, perched high on the mountains of New Taipei City, proved exactly that. After spending the morning exploring the fascinating rock formations of Yehliu, our guide, Peter, drove us through winding mountain roads toward one of Taiwan’s most iconic destinations. As…
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Yehliu Geopark Taiwan: a Gallery of Living Rock Sculptures
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Some places amaze you with towering buildings, while others captivate you with nature’s creativity. For me, Yehliu Geopark in Taiwan was one of those unforgettable destinations where imagination became just as important as sightseeing. Here, nature has spent thousands of years sculpting rocks into fascinating shapes that resemble mushrooms, candles, animals, shoes,…
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Dine Philippines 2015: Where Food Meets Opportunity
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Bacolod City has long been celebrated as one of the country’s top food destinations. So when Dine Philippines 2015came to the City of Smiles, it brought more than just well-known personalities in the culinary industry. It also served a generous helping of inspiration, innovation, and fresh ideas for everyone passionate about…
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Lost in the Clouds at Qingtiangang Grassland, Taiwan
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After exploring Xiaoyoukeng, our next destination took us deeper into the mountains of Yangmingshan National Park: the famous Qingtiangang Grassland. Although the two attractions were only a short drive apart, the scenery changed dramatically. By the time we reached the parking lot, the fog had grown so dense that it seemed to…
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Xiaoyoukeng, Taiwan: Walking Through Smoky Sulfur Vents
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The higher we climbed into the mountains, the more dramatic the scenery became. When we left Taipei earlier that day, the skies were bright and sunny. However, as our vehicle steadily ascended the winding roads toward Xiaoyoukeng, the weather changed almost instantly. Sunshine gave way to thick clouds, swirling mist, and…
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Sapori D’Italia: A Taste of Italy with a Bacolod Twist
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The flavors of Italy have found a new home in the City of Smiles. Sapori D’Italia, which literally translates to “flavors of Italy,” is one of the newest restaurants to open along Lacson Street in Mandalagan, Bacolod City. Located at O Residences, this Italian-inspired coffee and restobar adds another exciting…
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EcoArk at Taipei Expo Park: Made from Plastic Bottles
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Some travel destinations make it onto an itinerary because they are famous. Others earn a place because they spark curiosity. That was exactly how the EcoArk at Taipei Expo Park found its way into ours. One of our travel companions had seen this extraordinary building featured on television, a structure…
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10th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival in Bacolod
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Every year, when the Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival comes around, I always look forward to visiting the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Bacolod City. The festival transforms the area into a vibrant marketplace filled with fresh harvests, organic products, and stories from farmers who continue to embrace sustainable agriculture. Beyond the colorful displays…