Sailing Soon in the Philippines: Things to do Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas

Soon to hold regular cruising schedule in Manila, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas – which is also the biggest luxury ship to sail the waters of Asia, has already given a hint of what’s to come for Filipino travelers willing to get a taste of high sea living. After making numerous port of calls in Hong Kong, Ovation of the Seas made its double maiden call in Subic and Manila on June 8 and 9, 2018. Although Ovation of the Seas’ upcoming cruises will cover nearby countries like Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and even Australia, it will be just a matter of months before they call Manila a regular home port.

Spending a Dark Night inside Langun Gobingob Cave in Samar

I awoke, disoriented from a deep slumber. I looked up, expecting the sight of scattered stars. Instead it was pitch black. Slowly, it dawned on me that I was sleeping in a hammock inside a cave, where the ceiling rose as high as 200 feet.

I checked my watch and it said 6:35 a.m. It was daytime outside, but inside the cave, it was always dark night. I stood up and packed my things as we prepared for breakfast before making our way to the exit at the other end. Excited, I prepared mentally for the rigorous routes that awaited us in the many chambers of Langun Gobingob.

Witnessing the Ethnic Kaamulan Festival in Malaybalay, Bukidnon

The Araguaney tree blooming with yellow leaves behind me provided a vibrant prelude to what I was about to witness. As the marching drums of the twelve participating contingents in the street dance competitions, starts to pound foot stomping beats, I can feel the vibe of Kaamulan Festival becoming more electrifying.

Celebrating the indigenous culture of Bukidnon, the festival highlights the dynamic enactments from the province’s seven ethnic groups; Manobo, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Talaandig, Umayamnon, Matigsalug and the Tigwahanon – into a yearly occurrence showcasing their traditions, rituals and way of life.

Things to do in the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Hoi An, Vietnam

While time travel will always be a leading emblem of science fiction, it doesn’t restrict us from getting a peek and a feel into the world of the yester-centuries. The Ancient town of Hoi-An in Vietnam possesses an olden vibe dating back to the 15th century. Highlighted by its well-preserved structures that have shaped a storied past of a former Southeast Asian trading hub, it has become a major tourism draw in Central Vietnam.  Going back in time doesn’t need to come in the form of a capsule machine, a walk through the old streets of Hoi-An might just do the trick. To make your journey back in time more worthwhile, here are other things to do in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi-An.

Adventure Cometh and Then Some, Beyond the Red Lights of Pattaya

Pattaya is one of those places that radiates an aura of mystique to travelers such as myself - who first learned about this resort city through tales of debauchery, mayhem and smut. It was - as suggested by my preconceived notion – as a place composed of organized chaos of neon lights, lavish adult clubs and endless cabaret shows that last through the morning.