First-time Travels

Through the eyes of the uninitiated.

Discover your untapped potential and become the hero of your own narrative, where every day is an opportunity for a new, epic adventure.

Haw Par Villa Singapore

First-time in Haw Par Villa Singapore: A Fantasy World

Colorful sculptures and scenes depicting Chinese folklore, mythology and life activities fill the 3.2-hectare area of the Haw Par Villa theme park in Singapore. The[…]

Kumarakom: Life in a Kerala Village

The kids were intently watching our group — mostly foreigners — wandering in one of the backyards in their village. One shyly peeked through the[…]

Bacolod

First-time Travel Guide: Bacolod City, The City of Smiles

A Travel Guide for First-time Travelers to Bacolod Bacolod City (10° 40′ 12″ N, 122° 57′ 0″ E), known as the “City of Smiles”, is the capital of the province of Negros[…]

Sinulog sa Kabankalan, Negros Occidental: A Festival with Deep History

Kabankalan City is where I spent the early four to five years of my life. It was still a town then and we lived in[…]

First-time in Malalison Island: Rolling Hills and Sand Bar in One

Lush, breathtaking hills one end and exquisite sand bar on the other. This is the beauty of Malalison Island, or more often referred to by[…]

First-time in Tibiao, Antique: Where it Feels Like Home

Tibiao came into view as we crossed from Iloilo into Antique, the road winding through Panay Island’s western countryside. Rice fields stretched on either side,[…]

A Road Trip to South Iloilo and Antique

I opened my 2017 with an adventure through the southern part of Iloilo to Antique, particularly in Malalison Island (often called Mararison Island), a road[…]

Brunei

Food Trip in Brunei: A Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures

When traveling, especially to a foreign country, local food is one of the things I always try. Eating in restaurants and eateries of different types[…]

First-time in Qing Yun Rest House, Brunei

We climbed a few steps along a narrow stairway to the entrance of Qing Yun Rest House in Block I of the Abdul Razak Complex[…]

Victorias City Organic Market and Pasalubong Center

Victorias City opened its Organic Market and Pasalubong Center

Victorias City, known as The Sweet Green City, located in the northern part of Negros Occidental, Philippines, is strengthening its organic farming industry with the[…]

Brunei Darussalam

15 Places to Visit in the Brunei-Muara District

Bandar Seri Begawan or BSB, the capital of Brunei, is the main hub of this small wealthy nation. It is located in the Brunei-Muara District.[…]

Chino’s Deli at MassKara Festival

Since this is the longest celebration of MassKara Festival, the Bacolod City Public Plaza is now teeming with food stalls since it started in October[…]

Brunei

First-time in Brunei: A Sparkling Jewel in Southeast Asia

It was a spur of a moment decision and about a month to prepare. It all started with a simple inquiry of a friend about[…]

MassKara Festival 2018 Schedule of Events

It’s this time of the year once again when my city is alive with colors, songs, and other attractions. Yes, October is MassKara Festival in[…]

Lakawon Island

First-time in Lakawon Island: Tales from an Idyllic Retreat

As the sun painted the horizon in vibrant hues of gold and crimson, casting a mesmerizing glow upon the rippling waves, a sense of anticipation[…]