Category: Luzon
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My Magnificent Stay at the Sofitel Manila
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The red and yellow mood lights and the glittering crystal chandeliers created a perfect ambiance that enhanced the artful interiors of the newly unveiled iconic design of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila‘s Grand Plaza Ballroom. The last time I was in this hotel was earlier this year when I attended a…
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Visiting some Heritage Sites around Metro Manila
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Heritage sites are aplenty in Metro Manila. The various towns and cities within the National Capital Region trace their roots since the 16th century so it’s no wonder that one can find many old buildings and structures around the metropolis. While there are very popular heritage sites in Metro Manila…
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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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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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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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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 inĀ BinondoĀ 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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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 Balerās 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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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 GiganteĀ 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 theĀ Festival de la Paella Gigante. It was the perfect…
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Manila Eateries: Interesting Dining Places in the City
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Manila eateriesĀ have a way of turning an ordinary night into a memorable food adventure. This week, my evenings revolved around friends, conversations, and three very different dining experiences. Each place had its own personality and specialty. Together, they felt like a delicious journey through Korea, Japan, and the Philippines without…
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Le Bistro D’Agathe: French Dining Within the Neighborhood
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Almost everyday, I pass by this corner house with red door and artsy walls in my neighborhood in Makati, Philippines. A signage states “Le Bistro D’Agathe“. Though I lived within the area, I’ve never actually tried the place. I was more familiar with the old restaurant housed in that corner…
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Tagaytay: Taking a Pilgrimage at Nature’s Scenic Splendor
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As a Christian nation, the Philippines regard Holy Week as an important part of the calendar. On a Black Saturday, my friends and I embarked on a short pilgrimage to the city of Tagaytay. Because of its cool weather and relaxed setting, Tagaytay has become a location of choice of…