While travelling is now allowed in certain countries and cities, there are still a lot of restrictions in place, especially for those where lockdowns are enacted now and then. But if you feel too overwhelmed being cooped in your home for over a year or several weeks and months, one option is to have a …
At this time when travelling has many restrictions and requirements, my easiest and safest bet as destinations are those within the island of Negros and across the sea to Iloilo City in Panay Island. That’s the beauty and, at the same time, the challenge of living in an archipelago. I’ve been wanting to ride the …
As a former volunteer of the Wikimedia Foundation’s Philippine Heritage Mapping project, I have visited a number of Art Deco structures in Metro Manila and found such historical buildings interesting. For years, I have longed to see the interiors of the Art Deco heritage house of the Villanueva family along Burgos St. Finally, I had …
I have not blogged so much in 2020. Not a good time for a travel blog, I guess. But is it really the end of it? My sister and I were supposed to take a vacation in Singapore around April last year when all of a sudden the world came to a standstill and everyone …
It was a warm afternoon when we arrived at the Phaya Thai Palace or Phya Thai Palace in Bangkok’s Ratchathewi District. It plays a significant part in the royal family of Thailand as it was a Royal Residence during the reign of King Chulalongkorn or King Rama V. When we got there, there were only …
Siargao island is no longer the secluded haven it once used to be. Over the past few years, it exploded in popularity among local and foreign tourists alike. Luckily, this beautiful island is quite big, so even though the main tourist area (General Luna) can get a bit crowded at times, there’s still plenty of …
When it comes to interesting places to dine and roam around at night, Bangkok offers a wide array of choices for locals and travelers alike. If you want to feast your mouth on a variety of food and feast your eyes to beautiful sights, then the Chocolate Ville in Bangkok is something you might want …
Call me a late bloomer, but it was only a few years ago when I started binge-watching Korean TV shows, K-dramas included, with a preference on variety shows with travel themes. It may be many years too late, as I’m no longer in an industry where I get to see them in person whenever they …
“Welcome to the Jim Thompson House,” our lovely Thai guide said in her deep British accent voice. This tourist destination was a place I wanted to visit during my recent Thailand trip because it sounded new to my ears. I’ve seen it listed in many must-visit lists when in Bangkok and it surely piqued my …
As our bus entered the compound of the wat, rows of men in various fighting positions filled both sides of the road at the entryway of the temple. And when I thought it was an ordinary temple like the ones I have previously visited, it turned out that Wat Bang Kung or the Thai Boxing …
Floating markets are not uncommon in Thailand. While I’ve been to this Southeast Asian country several times, visiting a floating market is something that remained unchecked in my must-do-in-Thailand list. This time around, I made sure that I visit a floating market, so my sister and I booked a tour to the Amphawa Floating Market …
Snaking through the crowded narrow alley, we braved the early afternoon heat at the Maeklong Train Market where shops are found on both sides of the train tracks. Thanks to the tarpaulins over us, they were screening us against the sun. But when the train arrived, those tarpaulins vanished in a split second to give …
Bacolod City confers Dr Andrew L Tan as Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor of the city during Bacolaodiat Festival The Chinese tradition is probably one of the oldest cultures in the world that continues to thrive from generations to generations. Many of them have also migrated and settled in other parts of the globe for …
Smörgåsbord. It is a word we often hear that is associated with having so many food preparations where you can enjoy a lot of choices. Merriam-Webster defines it as “luncheon or supper buffet offering a variety of foods and dishes (such as hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold meats, smoked and pickled fish, cheeses, salads, and …
During my first trip to Thailand in 2001, Ayutthaya was one of the places we visited. It was an extremely hot day and I could remember seeing ruins, stupas and chedis. But digital cameras and smartphones were not yet common at that time and all I have are a few film photos in my album. …