Author: Claire Algarme
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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…
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Eat is Bacolod! Must-visit Restaurants in the City of Smiles
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Bacolod: the City of Smiles; the capital of the sugar bowl of the Philippine province of Negros Occidental. It offers many sweet delicacies and great eats. In this beautiful city on Negros Island, Bacolod holds smiling people, pastries, and delectable food. [UPDATE 2023: Some of the restaurants listed here have…
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Campuestohan: A Christmas Adventure in the Highlands of Talisay
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Yes, Christmas is for children. But sometimes, it is also the perfect excuse for the children at heart to have some fun. Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, was where our family decided to spend Christmas Day, turning the holiday into a fun-filled highland adventure. Our group included my grand…
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Baler: Exploring Aurora’s Waterfalls, Rocks and Hills
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Baler is a place of mystery and adventure. I stepped my right foot between two rocks. They were not visible to my eyes as the raging water covered everything beneath my feet. After walking through a narrow pebbled pathway and crossing three flimsy bamboo bridges, we faced the river. Land…
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Costa Pacifica: A Rainy Welcome to Baler’s Beautiful Coast
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Costa Pacifica greeted us with a light drizzle when we finally arrived in Baler, Aurora. After a tiring seven-hour drive from Manila, the cool weather almost made us wonder if rain would ruin the rest of our day. Normally, the journey to Baler takes about five hours. However, traffic and road…
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Baler, Aurora: Chasing Waves, History, and Adventure
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The first rays of sunlight slowly pierced the morning sky as our van climbed the winding roads toward Baler. Below us, a thick blanket of white clouds covered the villages, creating a dreamlike valley that seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon. I wanted to capture the breathtaking view with my…
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Bantayan Island After Yolanda: A Place of Hope
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Bantayan Island, Cebu had long lived in my imagination as a picture-perfect paradise. Picture pristine white-sand beaches, clear blue-green waters, fresh sea air, and a warm, friendly atmosphere. I watched friends post photos of their vacations there. For years, I dreamed of taking my own spot under the sun. I never…
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5 Favorite Travel Accessories That Come in Handy
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Travel accessories may seem like small details, but they can make a big difference when you are constantly on the move. I try to travel light, yet a few trusty companions always find their way into my bags. These are the things I reach for when I need convenience, organization,…
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Visiting 5 Pilgrim Churches in Metro Manila
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While scrolling through Facebook one evening, I came across a notification from a friend with a link from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila website, where Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle designated five churches in the city as Pilgrim Churches for the Year of Faith. Pilgrim churches are sacred places…
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My 5 best first-time travel experiences
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Travel brings a world of joys and delights, igniting a sense of adventure and opening doors to new experiences. It is a catalyst for personal growth, broadening our perspectives and deepening our understanding of different cultures. The thrill of exploring unfamiliar landscapes, tasting unique cuisines, and connecting with diverse people…
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Festival de la Paella Gigante: A Spanish Feast
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Paella Gigante was the star of a rainy Saturday afternoon that turned into an unforgettable Spanish feast in Manila. I did not know a typhoon was beginning to make its way toward the country. Fortunately, I chose to spend the afternoon at the Festival de la Paella Gigante. It was the perfect…
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A Mother’s Day in Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park
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August is a special month for the Thais. On August 12, in particular, Thailand celebrates its Mother’s Day in time for the birthday of the Queen. Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park has a way of celebrating this special occasion. As a tribute to the moms working in its Heart of…
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First-time in Legoland Malaysia: From Toy Blocks to Theme Park
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Lego is a global brand that is popular with children and adults alike. This popular toy blocks that are being put together trace its roots from Denmark and has made its way all over the world for over 80 years. Now, the Lego brick builds not just a small house…
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River Safari and Singapore Zoo: Re-discovering Wildlife
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The River Safari was where my long-running quest to see a giant panda finally came to an end. The attraction, now known as River Wonders, forms part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The reserve also includes the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and Bird Paradise. I had already experienced the Night Safari. However, this was my first chance to…
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Your Story: Tips on Making a Family Trip for All Ages to London
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Holidaying with your parents and kids is a dream, which you may want to fulfill. Going on a vacation with your whole family serves two purposes. First, it creates beautiful memories for you to cherish for a long time. Second, the bonds between the family members are strengthened as you…