Fishes of various colors and sizes swarmed around us as my friends threw in bits of bread into the sea. It was delightful to be in their midst, some of which kissed my fingers, hoping to get some food from there. This is Anilao, Batangas, home to many underwater species in the Philippines. Yet, my …
“We’re on the road We move from place to place” It was labor day. One must have minded working on a holiday. I would have. But since it was field work and I would be working with a Filipino music icon, I jumped out of my bed and proceeded to Manila Hotel, one of the …
“Can you take us to that restaurant with a good overlooking view?” one of my colleagues asked my officemate who grew up in Baguio City. And with a snap of a finger, Forest House came to mind. After some take-home shopping at Mines View Park and the Good Shepherd and road trip around Baguio’s winding …
“Ninong” is a Filipino endearment for a godfather, which usually connotes a person who generously gives out gifts, especially during the Christmas season. This is another alias that was recently added to boxing champ Manny Pacquiao because of his television show that awards fabulous prizes. He was the reason why I, along with some colleagues, …
There’s something about Donsol that wants you to come back. So, after seven years of taking pleasure on its natural attractions, I’m back with a few friends. It’s a long drive, so think before embarking on this trip. If you take a vehicle, better hire a van with a driver so you can take a …
After a gruelling 18 hours on the road, including several stops for breakfast, sightseeing, shopping, and lunch, arriving at Vitton Beach Resort was a welcome respite from the long land trip from Manila to Donsol, located more than 500 km south of the capital. A replica of the whale shark greeted us at the resort’s …
A romance to remember. Tiny bits of light glitter in a synchronized manner as if a Christmas song is played in the background. But these are not Christmas lights but a colony of fireflies taking residence in one of the trees along the riverbanks of Donsol River. One of the many things a traveler to …
“Look down!” our guide shouted. There he was, in all his splendor and beauty, with his white spots that marked him distinctly as a whale shark. The whale sharks, or butandings, were discovered to have frequented Donsol, a quiet town in the province of Sorsogon at the Bicol peninsula, in 1997. The son of a …
Thanks to the new Cavitex, getting to the historic town of Kawit, Cavite from Makati, the commercial business district of the capital, takes only less than an hour. As soon as we exited the expressway, we immediately saw the residence of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first and youngest president of the Philippines. Although I have …
Calauit seemed to be a forgotten island. It had its share of fame during the Marcos administration when it was developed as an animal sanctuary. Yes, animals roam freely here and they have a Savannah where they can gather during the day. It’s a long boat ride to this island and not many animals are …
Not everyone knows where it is. It’s not a public place but some events do happen here. For those holding office at the Enterprise building along Makati’s Ayala Avenue, the Sky Garden must be something they’ve heard of. It occupies the rooftop of the lower tower of Enterprise. I came to know it because of …
I have watched several fireworks display before — be it during the New Year celebrations, festivals, or the weekend mall attractions. Yet, the 2012 Philippine International PyroMusical Competition seemed to have gotten the best of me. It’s the 3rd time that the Philippines is doing this competition, bringing in the fireworks makers from countries around …
Resorts World Manila is that beautiful complex across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 that has a mall, a theater, hotels, condominiums, and a casino. I must say that it is the emerging entertainment center of the capital that offers world-class performances and standard of service. I’ve watched a movie in their theater, shopped …
I remember the time when I was called to a meeting for a big project to be initiated by young people. We just finished the Jimmy Carter Work Project in 1999 that garnered a huge number of volunteers and partners. We had to keep the excitement building…or in building (homes). It was then when we hatched …
A first-time tourist in Manila may enjoy going around the city by the traditional jeepney. But smog and traffic can probably make you think twice before loading the jeep. Getting around Manila with all its traffic jams, especially on rush hours, can sometimes become a bane. So why not try taking the route of its …