Tag: Philippines
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First-time in Sarangani
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What’s good about business trips is that you get the chance to visit places at short notice. The downside is that you spend most of your time doing work that you get no chance to fully enjoy the place. It was a day trip to Sarangani, home to the magnificent…
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First-time in Star City
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Colorful shapes, fun games, and guiltless pleasures – this is the magic of childhood. And so I found my feet leading me to Star City, to revisit my childhood, along with cousin and aunt who was in town for medical purposes. Amidst the slight drizzle and heavy traffic, we headed…
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Tagaytay: the City I Love
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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…
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Slow & Easy in Anilao
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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…
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Ostrich and Roasted Pig in CDO
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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…
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First-time in Mabuhay Palace
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“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…
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First-time in Forest House
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“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…
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Finding Manny Pacquiao in Baguio
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“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…
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Travel to Learn English
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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…
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Behind Masskara’s Smile: The beginnings of MassKara Festival
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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…
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First-time in Panaad sa Negros Festival Part I
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“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…
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First-time in Panaad sa Negros Festival Part II
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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…
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First-time in Mambukal Resort
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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…
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To Donsol and Back
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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…
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First-time in Vitton Beach Resort
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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…