What to See in Sipalay

Sipalay City is the southern gem of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. This used to be a mining town is now a tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and floating islets. It’s about four hours from Bacolod City, the provincial capital. Its airport, used to be the Maricalum Airstrip, now serves …

First-time in Danjugan Island

First things first. Danjugan Island is not a resort. Let’s get that elephant off the room so we can go straight to describing what this lush beauty is all about. Located in Negros Occidental, Philippines, Danjugan Island has caught the eye of travelers and environmental advocates. Home to almost a thousand animal species, Danjugan Island …

The Festivals of Negros Occidental: a fusion of color

Negros Occidental, a province located in the Philippines, is renowned for its vibrant and diverse festivals that offer a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of its people. These festivals serve as colorful showcases of Negros Occidental’s unique identity, captivating locals and visitors alike with their exuberant celebrations, captivating performances, and profound …

Batu Caves

First-time in Batu Caves

In my last trips to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I spent more time in the central area. I never got the opportunity to visit Batu Caves, which is just very accessible from KL Sentral. It’s a distinct landmark with the huge golden statue of the Hindu god, Lord Murugan, and the long steps towards the cave in …

#makeITsafePH: No to Cyberbullying

Prevention is better than cure. Stop cyberbullying while in the early stages. Imagine this. Your friend posted something on social media. You commented, agreeing with your friend or presenting a different perspective. Suddenly, someone you do not know or not even a social media contact of your friend replied to your comment and “trash-talked” you. …

10 Things To See and Do in Singapore

Singapore is one of the popular destinations in Southeast Asia. This rich tiny nation-state is a hub where most flights make a stopover and many businesses put their regional offices. Small as it is, Singapore has many attractions that can get visitors get a blend of Asia, a bit of nature, and so many modern …

A Night at the Gardens by the Bay

When I visited Singapore in 2013, I have seen the Gardens by the Bay from afar. It has opened only over a year, but I didn’t have the opportunity to step foot in this popular Garden City. Returning to Singapore for another trip, this destination was at the top of my must-visit list during a …

5 Ways to Enjoy a Premier Cinema Experience

There are times when you want to go out and explore, whether it’s just within your own locality or somewhere else. There are also times when you just want to have a slow time where you can just sit back and relax. In Bacolod City, I found a new place to unwind — the CityMall …

Jurong Bird Park

First-time in Jurong Bird Park

Having traveled to Singapore several times, I only had the opportunity to visit Jurong Bird Park during my last trip to this Southeast Asian city-state. It’s one of the largest bird parks in the region. Like a kid that is excited about her next excursion, I looked forward to going to Jurong Bird Park after …

Melaka

First-time in Melaka, Malaysia

“Selamat Datang/Welcome. Melaka World Heritage City. Declared by UNESCO on 7th July 2008.” These are the words I saw on a wall as we entered the central part of Melaka. Malacca, a historic state in Malaysia, used to be a Sultanate which was conquered by the Portuguese in 1511. It was later under the Dutch …

Haw Par Villa

First-time in Haw Par Villa Singapore

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 good thing about visiting this place is that entrance is free. So if you are in Singapore on a shoestring budget, this is one attraction to consider. I haven’t heard …

5 Ways to Take a Breather from the Holiday Shopping Frenzy

Christmas is definitely in the air and the shopping frenzy is present in markets and malls. Whether you are in your hometown or in another place traveling, buying a lot of things for you and your loved ones is a fun thing to do. However, there are some things you have to bear in mind …

Taman Mini Indonesia

First-time in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Would you believe that in my seven months of living in Jakarta (READ: First-time in Jakarta and 10 Things to See in Jakarta) I haven’t set foot in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah? I’ve spent most of my time in the central and northern part of the city and missed out a lot on the southern, …

10 Reasons to Settle in Bacolod City

I have written before why retirees, balikbayans and expats consider Negros Occidental as a place to settle and enjoy life in my blog post 10 Reasons to Acquire Real Estate and Settle in Negros Occidental. While the laidback ambiance of the province is an ideal attraction for those who are planning to migrate, its busiest …

Rotary Day Care and Community Center

Rotary colors Day Care and Community Center in Bacolod

Coming from my previous article “Can You Make a Difference while Travelling?” you will read that one of the ways of making a difference while in another place is through volunteer work. With my career spent mostly working as a full-time staff in non-profit charities like international organization Habitat for Humanity, Points of Light Foundation …