Traveling around the world by collecting postcards

I recently brought with me to my home province my vast collection of postcards. As I opened the container where I kept all my postcards, I remember the places I have visited and those which I yearn to visit one day. Many of the cards were bought in places where I visited, because they’re handy …

Preparing for a grand #RoadTrip2Home

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 to go back to my …

Great Travel Initiative in Asia: Spending Time With The Locals

Ever overheard a conversation between travellers? It becomes clear within minutes that the most popular stories revolve around “having dinner in a local family’s home” or “discovering the hidden gems away from the beaten track”. When roaming the internet looking for nice travel initiatives, I came across this new website called Withlocals.com. I was quite …

A lucky Chinese New Year adventure

Four ladies decided to brave Manila’s Chinatown in Binondo, said to be the oldest Chinatown in the world that was established in 1594, for the Chinese New Year festivities. Some friends forewarned us that Binondo would be crowded and we have to stay away from firecrackers. But it was really our day. The first day …

The Trails of General MacArthur in the Philippines

General Douglas MacArthur was a celebrated World War II hero that played a significant part in Philippine history as he led the American troops against the Japanese army. I read about General MacArthur in the pages of history books but I haven’t so much paid attention to his life in the Philippine soil. But through …

Our post Typhoon Yolanda Eastern Visayas volunteer trip

It was a memorable post-Yolanda Eastern Visayas trip and and unforgettable journey through Eastern Visayas after the devastating Typhoon Yolanda. Our group, comprised of 17 dedicated volunteers from Hands On Manila, embarked on this post-Yolanda relief trip with a mission to make a difference in the lives of the affected communities. First and foremost, we …

First-time in the Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

The Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum, located at Tacloban’s Real Street, is one of the city’s jewels that houses the antiques and valuable collections of the Marcos family. It is also situated in one of the badly hit areas by typhoon Yolanda when we visited it during our volunteer trip to Tacloban. Almost lifeless …

First-time in Tacloban City, Leyte

I have never expected that the almost year-long anticipation of my first trip to Tacloban would change at the last minute. Yet, it was for good, because with the recent onslaught of typhoon Yolanda that ravaged Tacloban and other parts of the Eastern Visayas region, it would be hard to have an itinerary that entirely …

Tacloban

Volunteer Vacation in Tacloban & Basey

It was March of last year when I received a message from a fellow volunteer of Hands On Manila about a plan to go on a trip to Tacloban, Leyte in January 2014 through a seat sale promo by an airline. Tacloban is known for landmarks, such as the MacArthur landing site and San Juanico …

Italia Bacolod

Eat is Bacolod! Must-visit restos in the City of Smiles

Bacolod: the City of Smiles; the capital of the sugar bowl of the Philippines, Negros Occidental. It comes as no surprise to find so many sweet delicacies and great eats in this beautiful city in the Negros island because Bacolod is filled with smiling people, sweet pastries and delectable food. [UPDATE 2023: Some of the …

First-time in Campuestohan

Yes, Christmas is for the children. And also for the children at heart. So, on Christmas day, our family – from our grand aunt, uncle, aunt, cousins, nephews, and nieces – we trooped to one of the latest attractions in Negros Occidental, the Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City. But from our home, it was …

Exploring the Waterfalls, Rocks and Hills of Baler

Baler is a place of mystery and adventure. I stepped my right foot in between two rocks, not visible to my eyes as the raging water covered everything underneath my feet. After walking through a narrow pebbled pathway and crossed three flimsy bamboo bridges, we came to a point when land was no more in …

Costa Pacifica

First-time in Costa Pacifica Resort in Baler, Aurora

Our arrival at Costa Pacifica, a beautiful resort in Baler, Aurora, was greeted with a slight drizzle that threatened us to a day full of rain. The hot, citrus-flavored tea that Costa Pacifica offered as our welcome drink was perfect to ward off the cold and the tiring seven-hour drive (on normal times, Baler could …

First-time in Baler, Aurora: A Hidden Gem for Adventure and Relaxation

Nestled on the east coast of Luzon in the Philippines, Baler is a captivating destination in the Aurora province that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and thrilling experiences. Renowned for its pristine beaches, rich history, and exciting water activities, Baler has become a haven for adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike. In this …

The Adventure Traveler’s Handbook of @WildJunket

“Whether you are a first-time adventurer or a seasoned traveler looking for something different, I hope this book will encourage you to take a step into the world of adventure.” These are the words that struck me, igniting a longing hidden deep within me that has been dormant for years, yet threatening to erupt anytime soon. I …