Author: Claire Algarme
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Taking the RORO: A Road Trip from Manila to Bacolod
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It was an epic road trip that I have taken ever — a road trip from Manila to Bacolod via RORO, bringing my car with me in this whole adventure. This one took me to four major islands in the Philippines and six ports. More importantly, it was a road…
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Romblon: the Journey to Romblon Island
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It was a bright morning as we packed our stuff, left the Sanctuary Garden Resort and headed to the pier en route to Romblon Island. The sea was calm. Yet, without any gush of wind and the sun rising up high, the morning heat was slowly becoming unbearable. Even when…
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Romblon: the Journey Around Sibuyan Island
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Sibuyan Island is a picturesque and relatively unexplored island located in the province of Romblon in the Philippines. Known as the “Galapagos of Asia” due to its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem, Sibuyan Island is a hidden gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers. But before we could get there,…
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The story of the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium
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Having worked in the city of Manila, I have passed by the Rizal Memorial Stadium several times without even glancing at the old structures of the complex. I have watched several sports events in this same complex, but I was more engrossed on the game than on my surroundings. Not…
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Feature: Global Help Swap Interview About Their Travels
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This is the first time that I am featuring authors of a travel site. You see, traveling and community service are some of the passions I have. Browsing through the worldwide web for leads that can somehow help me fulfill these passions, I chanced upon the site Global Help Swap,…
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Visita Iglesia in Bacolod and Bago Cities, Negros Occidental
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No longer familiar with the city where I grew up, I relied on my sister and Google in plotting our Visita Iglesia, or the traditional church visitation every Holy Week, around Bacolod. Since we have not visited that many churches in our own hometown, we thought of going to churches…
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Traveling around the world by collecting postcards
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I recently brought with me to my home province my vast collection of postcards. As I opened the container where I kept all my postcards, I remember the places I have visited and those which I yearn to visit one day. Many of the cards were bought in places where…
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Preparing for a grand #RoadTrip2Home
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This year, I will be taking one of the greatest travel challenges I’ll ever have in my lifetime. It is what I call my #RoadTrip2Home. After so much prayers, spiritual discernment, consultation, and self-reflection, I have come to accept that for me to embark on a life abroad I need…
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Great Travel Initiative in Asia: Spending Time With The Locals
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Ever overheard a conversation between travelers? It’s usually what they experienced or encountered when they travel that made its mark. It becomes clear within minutes that the most popular stories revolve around “having dinner in a local family’s home” or “discovering the hidden gems away from the beaten track”. When…
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Binondo Walk: A Lucky Chinese New Year Adventure
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Some trips happen because of careful planning. Others unfold because everything seems to fall perfectly into place. Our Chinese New Year adventure in Binondo felt exactly like the latter. Many friends warned us about the crowds. They reminded us to expect traffic, packed streets, and endless lines. Some even advised us to…
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Encountering The Trails of General MacArthur in the Philippines
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I first encountered General Douglas MacArthur in the pages of history books. As a celebrated World War II hero, he played a major role in Philippine history. He led American and Allied forces against the Japanese army. However, I never paid much attention to his life and experiences on Philippine soil. That…
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Our post-Typhoon Yolanda Volunteer Trip in Tacloban and Basey
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It was a memorable post-Yolanda Eastern Visayas trip and and unforgettable journey through Eastern Visayas after the devastating Typhoon Yolanda. However, our group of 17 Hands On Manila volunteers embarked on this post-Yolanda relief trip to help affected communities. Moreover, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the generous donors…
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First-time in the Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum
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The Sto. Nino Shrine was not the first thing that caught my attention when we arrived in Real Street in Tacloban. Instead, I noticed the palm trees. Their trunks stood battered and bare, with only a few leaves clinging to them. They looked like silent witnesses to the fury that had…
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First-time in Tacloban City, Leyte: In The Aftermath of Yolanda
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I have never expected that the almost year-long anticipation of my first trip to Tacloban would change at the last minute. Yet, it was for good, because with the recent onslaught of typhoon Yolanda that ravaged Tacloban and other parts of the Eastern Visayas region, it would be hard to…
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Volunteer Vacation in Tacloban & Basey: A Mission to Help
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Sometimes, a trip begins with a simple plan but ends up becoming something far more meaningful. That was exactly what happened when our planned getaway to Tacloban and Basey turned into an unexpected Volunteer Vacation after Typhoon Yolanda devastated Eastern Visayas. It was March when a fellow volunteer from Hands On Manila…