The MRT Itinerary in Metro Manila

A first-time tourist in Manila may enjoy going around the city by the traditional jeepney. But smog and traffic can probably make you think twice before loading the jeep. Getting around Manila with all its traffic jams, especially on rush hours, can sometimes become a bane. So why not try taking the route of its …

2011 Travel Highlights

While excitement at work kicked in pretty hard for me in 2011, it also hindered me to do a lot of exploring outside of my job description and workplace. It’s a good thing though that despite the demands of my job, I was able to do a bit of traveling last year. First off, I did …

Three-hour drive to Baguio

Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines and located in the mountainous region in the north, is a favorite destination of residents of Manila and nearby towns. It is about six hours from Manila by private vehicle or non-stop bus, and can even exceed if one will ride the regular bus routes. I recently went …

First-time in Kanlaon

Mt. Kanlaon is shrouded in mystery. I grew up hearing tales of hermits, fairies and other enchantments that happen around the tallest peak in the island of Negros. This same volcano divides the eastern part of Negros from its western counterpart, represented by the two provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, creating two worlds …

First time in Casablanca

It’s neither the one in Morocco nor the hotel in New York. It’s not even the movie. It’s the private resort along the National Highway of Tagaytay City, the Philippines that has a breathtaking view of the smallest volcano in the world, Taal. The infinity pool gives a visual effect of extending towards Taal Lake. …

Travelers and their “Firsts”

It has taken me a few more days to put this together due to some late submissions and my increased work load in my day job. I couldn’t accommodate more submissions though because I have set a deadline. I hope you enjoy whatever I have compiled in this blog carnival for blogcarnival.com. What does it …

Lonely Planet Bloggers 1st E-Book Launched!

Two Filipinas are part of this initiative! Blogging started out for me as a passion for writing. Since travel is what I love most, I focused on writing about my trips and travel experiences. Little did I know that one day, my blog will become part of the Lonely Planet Blogsherpa Program. “In late 2008, …

Unique, varied observance of Holy Week in the Philippines

Below is a News Release of the Philippine Department of Tourism. Lent in the Philippines is usually observed through weekly fastings and abstinence, penitence as well as the traditional passion plays or senakulo, panata, via crucis, visita iglesia and the pabasa in most barangays or villages in every town and city.  At its culmination, there are …

Lessons in my Malaysian trip

My recent Malaysian trip was all about letting go of control. I’m obsessed of doing background research on a particular destination, making itineraries, and budget. So, I went ahead and browsed on some hotels, not even checking its location, but only considering its rate. I was set on not becoming my control-freak, time-conscious, organized self …

Travel to Change

My friends and I were touring Bohol, visiting the famous Chocolate Hills, Lobok River, and the Tarsier Sanctuary. We were wide-eyed as we took in all the beauty around us. But as we were interacting with the locals we learned so many things; like the tarsiers, which have been considered extinct, should not be publicly …

Corregidor

First-time to walk in darkness

Nothing can compare to my walk in pitch black darkness. Going back to Corregidor Island five months after visiting the island may not hold any novelty to it. But I guess this historical landmark never failed to amaze me. Our trip was something different. I was with several travel bloggers hosted by Sun Cruises, represented by …

Bloggers for Habitat

First-time in a Habitat Bloggers Build

I missed the first two Bloggers Build with Habitat for Humanity. To think that I work for this non-profit organization. Finally, I was able to be at the site when a group of bloggers once again took a morning off and traveled for almost two hours to the quiet town of Calauan in Laguna, south …

Bale Dutung

First-time in Bale Dutung, Pampanga

Lechon Menu Ensaladang Pakô (Fiddle head fern salad) Piniritong Lumpiang Ubod sa Claude’9 Oriental Sauce (Fried all vegetable spring roll with lemon coriander Thai basil sauce) Inasal na Manok at Claude’9 Talangka Rice (BBQ chicken wings with lemon grass marinade and crab fat rice) Talangka Sushi Hito at balo-balo Sushi (Sushi of crab fat and …

Ligligan Festival

First-time in the Ligligan Festival

Apart from exploring the entire stretch of the Philippine archipelago, one thing I also want to fulfill is to witness the various festivals in our colorful and culture-rich country. This year, I can tick off another Filipino festival, called the Ligligan Parul, or the Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando, Pampanga. Together with an American …

Christmas in the Philippines

10 Reasons Why Spend Christmas in the Philippines

If you happen to visit the Philippines during the Christmas season, don’t be surprised to find the country abuzz with so much celebration. Being the largest Christian-dominated country in Asia, the Philippines start the season as soon as the calendar hit the “-ber” months. So, as early as September, the countdown to Christmas begins, Christmas …