Tagaytay is a city like no other. No neon lights but only the stars in the sky. No towering skyscrapers but only houses on the hills. No subways but only horseback riding. Nature and serenity abound in this city. Situated at the elevated part of the province of Cavite and overlooking Taal Lake, Tagaytay City …
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 …
So, I had been travelling to and from Cagayan de Oro five times in 2012. And it was not yet even half of the year then. All these trips were business-related and not one was for leisure. The most leisurely thing I’ve done in this southern city in the Philippines was a haircut in one of the beauty …
“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, …
I recently read this infographic on learning English at the Kaplan International website. Infographic via the KIC Blog. The data is interesting. One of the reasons why foreigners prefer to travel to the Philippines is that majority of the Filipinos can easily converse in English. In fact, there are many Asians, Koreans in particular, who …
I was eight years old and I was standing in front of my mother’s office right across the city plaza watching with awe the crowd gathered along the side walk. I squeezed my tiny head in between two adults so I could get a glimpse of the MassKara Festival parade and street dancing. Men and …
Read more “Behind Masskara’s Smile: The beginnings of MassKara Festival”
“Panaad” or in local language (Hiligaynon), it is about a vow and fulfilling it. For 19 years, the province of Negros Occidental has been fulfilling its vow of celebrating its spirit of jubilation and friendship through the Panaad sa Negros Festival, highlighting the various products, attractions, history and culture of its 32 cities and municipalities. …
Going around the Panaad Park, visiting the booths of all 32 local government units can be a bit taxing, though entertaining. But I decided to write a separate blog for the towns and cities south of Bacolod, which I frequented when I was still a kid. Bago City Bago City is the home of Gen. …
Having visited Mambukal Resort when I was still a toddler, I have so little recollection of what it’s like in this mountain resort. Everytime I go home to my province, I always wanted to visit Mambukal. Mambukal lies at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon and is the gateway to the Kanlaon National Park. The resort is about …
It was only a small writing assignment that needed a little bit of research but it bloomed into a hunger to explore the world and find my way into this ultimate dream destination someday. I was working in a PR firm and I was writing an article on the special SMS service of a client. One of …
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 …