Guide to Lake Holon Hiking and Camping | South Cotabato
Lake Holon, with its picture-perfect backdrop and spectacular natural features carved by Mother Nature over millions of years, is without a doubt one of Mindanao's, if not the Philippines', most beautiful destinations.
On a sunny and bright day, the view of Lake Holon becomes clearer here on the viewdeck coming from Kule trail |
Tainan, Another Southern Surprise | Taiwan
Having celebrated its 400th anniversary this year, Tainan continues to hold dear the ancient culture of Taiwan. It is the country's oldest city and once served as the capital of Formosa, the previous name of Taiwan, for 260 years spanning the rule of the Dutch, the Kingdom of Tungning, and finally, the Qing Dynasty.
The mountains of Guanziling in Tainan is known for their many mud hot springs |
Discovering Kaohsiung's Many Charms | Taiwan
Imagine Taipei, but
more relaxed. That is how I would describe Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second-largest
city. Despite being laid-back, the city has evolved into a thriving metropolis
brimming with modern living necessities such as charming cafes, walking paths,
cycling routes, outdoor parks, museums, jazz bars, art districts, and more, all
surrounded by adjacent beaches and expansive, lush, forested mountains.
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum |
Cagayan Travel Guide: Nature Spots and Other Places of Interest
Cagayan, situated
on the northern tip of Luzon, typically gives visitors second thoughts due to
the 12-hour or longer land journey from Manila. Doubt no more, wanderers; there
are daily direct flights from Manila to Tuguegarao, the province's capital city,
and the plethora of attractions — natural, cultural, and cultural landmarks —
make a long-distance trip to Cagayan well worthwhile for those who choose to
drive.
View from the Cape Engaño lighthouse |
Taiwan’s Lantern Festival Transforms Tainan into a Wonderland of Lights to Welcome the Year of the Dragon
When one mentions
the word lanterns, understandable concerns about the environment usually
follow. Where would the lanterns land? Who would clean up the debris? Questions
regarding the environmental impact of the recent Lantern Festival in Tainan, a
city in southern Taiwan, should be put to rest. The festival is now in its 35th
year and is staged as part of the sustainable tourism program run by the Taiwan
Tourism Administration (TTA). Instead of sending lanterns soaring into the sky,
the Lantern Festival features a variety of colorful, designed, and LED-lit
lanterns that remain fixed on land — and displayed throughout the festival's
duration from February 24 to March 10, 2024.
Colorful lanterns of various figures, designs and sizes wow'ed the crowd. |
To sum it up, it's one
glittery, eye-catching extravaganza.
Little-Known Candle Festival in Candelaria, Quezon Wows Crowd
As Philippine
festivals go, the bigger and brighter, the better. That rings true for popular
ones like the Sinulog in Cebu, Dinagyang in Iloilo, Ati-Atihan in Kalibo,
Pahiyas in Lucena, and Panagbenga in Baguio, just to name a few. Unbeknownst to
most, several locations across the archipelago are staging their own little-known
festivals that are equally well worth the effort to witness.
The street dance competition was held on a stage set up in front of the San Pedro Bautista Parish Church |
Ati-Atihan in Kalibo: Boogey-ing and Rocking to its Raucous Beat Once Again
It was an
eye-opener to experience the Ati-Atihan for the first time. That was the case
back in 2012. The second time in 2015 was a glorious return, capped off by
drinking a Red Horse beer poured over a still-unused toilet bowl plunger (thank
God). The third one in 2018 was, without a doubt, a charm, celebrating it with
my friends Karla and Erica. When the opportunity to attend the Ati-Atihan for another
time came about, I expected it to be a toss-up between me experiencing a case of the "same-same" or having a great time.
The Santo Niño is the centerpiece of the Ati-Atihan Festival |
Discovering Caraga’s Bounteous Nature Sights and Fascinating Culture| Davao Oriental
When I signed up for this trip, I expected to explore the Caraga region that includes the five provinces of the Sur and Norte parts of Surigao and Agusan, as well as Dinagat Island. Little did I know that in the province of Davao Oriental, there is a municipality also called Caraga that claims its name from the word kalagan, which in native language refers to a "spirited person.”
A typical shoreline in Caraga. |
Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (SETIR) Expands with Maldives-Inspired Salepan Villas | Palawan
A few years ago, when
typhoon Odette pummeled southern Philippines but luckily spared parts of Northern
Palawan, we found a pleasant refuge and downtime at Sunlight Ecotourism Island
Resort (SETIR) on Culion Island during the tail end of our Coron, Palawan trip.
We eventually made it to Culion after two days of island
hopping and getting holed up in another Sunlight
property in Coron town hotel while weathering the storm.
The new Salepan Villas of SETIR numbers around 30 |
Exploring Vietnam's Border Town: A Day Trip to China
Introduction:
Nestled in the northern reaches of Vietnam lies a fascinating border town that
serves as a gateway between two distinct cultures – Vietnam and China. This
town, with its rich history, vibrant markets, and unique blend of traditions,
offers travelers an unforgettable experience. In this article, we will delve
into the charm of Vietnam's border town and explore the possibilities of a day
trip to China, immersing ourselves in the cultural tapestry woven by these two
neighboring nations.
A shop located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An |