After getting a glimpse of the province last year when I visited Ticao Island for a couple of days, I immediately regarded Masbate as vastly underrated despite its central geographical location as gateway to Luzon and Visayas. That brief tryst had me making a vow of returning soon. As good fortunes had it, I was able to go back recently for a more extensive journey that took me to the mainland of Masbate, Burias Island and at Ticao once again.

Animasola Island is formed like a fortress with a triangular sandbar

When discussing Philippine Festivals, several traditional revelries come to mind. These include the lively and energetic Sinulog in Cebu, the primal and rhythmic Dinagyang in Iloilo, the captivating drumming beats of Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, the vibrancy of Masskara in Bacolod, the flowery appeal of Panagbenga in Baguio, the cultural allure of Zamboanga's Hermoso, and the equally joyous celebration of Kadayawan in Davao, and the list goes on. However, upon further exploration, one can easily discover numerous jovial celebrations in smaller cities and even towns throughout the Philippine archipelago.

8 Contingents performed for the street dance competition

For over a decade, Epson, a global leader in innovative and sustainable technology solutions, has been organizing an annual thanksgiving gathering with members of the media — particularly those in the tech beat. This year, the 14th season of the brand’s Fusion event took place on Lagen Island in El Nido, Palawan.

This article first appeared on BusinessMirror

It has been over a decade since my ex-girlfriend, a friend, and I embarked on a memorable long weekend castaway trip to Calaguas Islands’ Mahabang Buhangin. During that time, the island was known only to avid backpackers. I vividly recall the confused expression on the fisherman's face when we approached him in the town of Paracale and shared our plan to journey to the island.

Why so pretty?

The 11th Regional Travel Fair held this year in Cebu has put to rest any doubts about the current state of tourism in the country. It surpassed pre-pandemic sales, indicating a strong recovery in the travel sector.  The event lasted for three days, from July 21-23, 2023, and was held at SM Seaside Cebu City. During this time, more than 70 exhibitors, including travel agencies, hospitality brands, provincial tourism offices, and attendees seeking affordable and high-quality holiday packages and other tourism-related services, generated a total of 110 million pesos in actual and negotiated sales.

As I pace the rhythm of my steps, having stumbled into a serene trail that ultimately led me to a breathtaking panorama of the sun-kissed shores adorning the island’s eastern flank, my attention is abruptly arrested by a signpost bearing the inscription "Baluarte (watchtower) 250 meters."

View of the island’s eastern side from a hiking trail leading to the watchtower

It’s about time that you reward your hard work by going on a nature escape with your loved ones at some posh hideaway that ticks all the boxes for a leisurely getaway. Get up close and personal with Mother Nature by communing with the picturesque Lake Lumot and engaging on a variety of water activities during the day, then embrace quaintness beneath the stars before capping the night with a soothing massage and a rejuvenating Kawa hot bath come. Exciting activities and moments of tranquilly abound in this outdoor oasis, which provides excellent value for every peso spent.

This article first appeared on Spot PH

I concur with Scarlet Letter author Nathaniel Hawthorne when he wrote, "Mountains are Earth's undecaying monuments." As proven by my travel recollections, images of the highlands usually conjure an impression of pristine time and wonder. It's as though the mountains were the first to rise from the sea as the Earth gradually transformed into a habitable world. 

Nature's work of art indeed

Although I've visited Intramuros multiple times — excluding the time I was baptized at the Manila Cathedral — I've never gone on a thorough loop exploring its every nook and cranny. Once, I biked to Papakape, an artisan coffee shop inside Fort Santiago, Another time, I indulged in the flavors of several spirits and whiskey at the Destileria Limtuaco Museum, while the other times, it was on a date to Museo de Intramuros and attending a friend’s wedding at San Agustin Church. I’ve never really explored the whole Intramuros like a curious tourist before.

Admiring the thick walls of Baluarte De San Diego in Intramuros

Though I may have been too young to fully comprehend the Doña Paz tragedy at the time, subsequent news stories about it left an indelible impression on me. I grew up rationalizing that sea travel is a perilous undertaking — particularly in a country where antiquated vessels are commonplace.

2GO MV Masagana

I have this image I play in my mind over and over when I think of Kalinga. Apo Whang Od applying a batok (hand-tapping) traditional tattoo on my arm while I regale at the presence of a Dangal ng Haraya awardee. That is how I envision my first visit to the province of Kalinga would be.

The street dance competition started around 9am and was done by 11pm