Kaitulari

First-time in Kaitulari Resort, Philippines

Before it’s name came about, it was only referred to as “Kay To(to) Larry”, which literally means “Larry’s Place” or “Toto Larry’s Place”, with “toto” as a form of endearment to men in the Hiligaynon language.  Thus, the resort became popularly known as “Kaitulari” and the name stuck. Kaitulari is a resort tucked in the …

Ruins Talisay

First-time in the Ruins, Talisay

I went home last Christmas with a mission: to visit another tourist spot in my own province. It helps to know what’s going on in my own backyard, figuratively speaking, so that when I travel, I also get to talk about interesting things about my hometown.  Being away from home for 11 months in a …

Los Angeles, USA

Highlight of 2009: My first-time travels

Watching travelers in an airport coffee shop while waiting for my flight, I couldn’t help but wonder what 2010 has for me when it comes to traveling. Of course, 2009 was a good one. I have covered almost 20,000 miles, visited four countries, and enjoyed several beaches and landmarks. It was my first time to …

Calauit

First-time in Calauit Island

As Alex the lion, Melman the giraffe, Marty the zebra, and Gloria the hippo escaped to Madagascar and to Africa, we also had a little escapade of our own into a small island in the Calamian group in Palawan, called Calauit. It’s a wildlife sanctuary created by the Philippine government. Since we had to catch …

Coron

First-time in Coron

Coron is one of the must-see places in my list of destinations within my home country, the Philippines. Together with Busuanga, Culion, and several islands, they form the Calamian group of islands in the northern tip of the Philippine province of Palawan. Though not as hyped as Bali or Boracay or Phuket or any beach …

Tagaytay

First-time in Tagaytay

This weekend I went to Tagaytay. I frequent Tagaytay a lot that I have lost count how many times I have returned since the first time I visited this city. That was in college when we stopped by to marvel at the views as we were passing through towards Batangas. Tagaytay City is about two hours from …

Antipolo

First-time in Antipolo, Rizal

Antipolo is one of the cities in Rizal, a nearby province from the Philippine capital, Manila.  Situated in the hilly part of the province, it has a vantage point that overlooks the whole Metro Manila. Because of its proximity to the capital, most people frequent Antipolo. I went there this weekend and I tried to …

Davao

First-time in Davao City

Davao is a place where fruit and seafood are delightful treats. Geographically, it is the largest city in the Philippines, with its hills stretched over the expanse of the city. However, the main commercial district is just a small area where the malls, offices, shops, and hotels are located. Davao is also the home of …

Bicol

First-time in Albay: A Volcanic Wonderland

Albay is not your usual tourist destination. Located at the Bicol peninsula, about 460 km or 287 miles south of capital Manila, there are so many things that remain undiscovered in Albay. Albay came from the word Albaybay which meant “by the bay”. The first thing people picture when in Albay is the cone-shaped Mayon …

Cebu

First-time in Cebu City: The Queen City of the Philippines

With a stroke of imagination and a palette of vibrant words, let me paint for you the sprawling canvas of Cebu City. Imagine a tapestry woven from the threads of rich history and pulsating modernity, where the skyline dances with skyscrapers, and colonial remnants stand proudly as testament to bygone eras. The streets are the …

First-time to volunteer vacation in Oriental Mindoro

The eastern side of the Mindoro Island—Oriental Mindoro—is known for the white sand beach at Puerto Galera. Apart from Boracay, it is one of the most sought-after beach destinations in the Philippines because of its proximity to the main island of Luzon. Despite its popularity, this writer, unfortunately, has not ventured anywhere this famous beach. …

Bacolod City: A Vibrant Destination for Food and Festivals

As you step into Bacolod City, a wondrous realm unfolds before your eyes. It is a place where happiness swirls in graceful pirouettes, emanating from the genuine smiles that grace every face. The air carries whispers of a city that has been shaped by a rich tapestry of colors, each thread woven with passion and …

Anawangin

First-time in Anawangin: A Coastal Wonderland

More and more Filipino and foreign tourists are finding themselves on the road towards the exquisite beach called Anawangin. A hidden gem in the province of Zambales, Anawangin is about three to four hours from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It was a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred, where nature …

Metro Manila: The Urban Symphony of Endless Adventure

Metro Manila is the beating heart of the tropical paradise, called the Philippines. It blends concrete jungles with endless opportunities. Picture this: a symphony of neon lights, mouthwatering street food, and a cultural fusion that’ll make your head spin. The Metro Manila skyline stretches to the heavens, while jeepneys weave through the urban frenzy. Brace …

First-time in Caramoan: Unveiling Nature’s Hidden Beatitudes

Tucked away in the province of Camarines Sur in the Philippines, Caramoan is the ultimate hotspot that wows wanderers with its mind-blowing beauty and unspoiled vistas. This off-the-charts destination is a magnet for nature nuts, thrill chasers, and sun worshipers, thanks to its epic beaches, crystal-clear waves, and lush greenery that’s straight out of a …