Little-Known Candle Festival in Candelaria, Quezon Wows Crowd

February 10, 2024

 

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.


Festivals in the Philippines
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

February 05, 2024

 

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.


Things to do in Kalibo
The  Santo Niño is the centerpiece of the Ati-Atihan Festival

Discovering Caraga’s Bounteous Nature Sights and Fascinating Culture| Davao Oriental

January 31, 2024

 

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.”


Fen Valentino
A typical shoreline in Caraga. 

(Half) a Day at The Egyptian Museum in Cairo | Egypt

December 19, 2023

 

Museums, like what candy stores are for kids, are a haven for my never-ending curiosities. Whenever I travel to a new country or city, I always look forward to visiting one. Imagine my astonishment when I finally stepped foot inside a museum in a country whose ancient civilization made substantial contributions to world history, literature, writing, religion, art, architecture, science, and so on.


Marky Ramone Go
Me in front of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo

I Kid you Not, Bukidnon is Another Underrated Province

November 11, 2023

 

There’s only one option when going to Bukidnon from Cagayan de Oro, and that is the scenic route. Knowing about this from earlier visit to the province, I tried my hardest staying awake throughout our ride.  As soon as I saw the mountain ranges leading to the summit of Mount Kitanglad, I knew we were close to breathing the cool air and smelling the fragrant pine trees and the rest of the verdant Bukidnon forest.


Sarah Aldana
The woven works of the Tagolwanen weavers mirrors the vibrant culture of Bukidnon

Sagay City's Eco Destinations Shape Nature Conservation and Community-Based Tourism

November 10, 2023

 

Negros Occidental is home to another destination held up as an exemplar of ecotourism and community development, much like Danjugan Island in its southern part. Sagay City, perched on the northern tip of the province like an ice cream cone overlooking the Visayan Sea, is home to a number of eco-tourism hotspots that does wonders for both its community members and its natural environment.


Krisma Rodriguez
Carbin Reef

Island Hopping and Seafood Feasting Our Way Through Masbate

November 06, 2023

 

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.


Monina Sanchez
Animasola Island is formed like a fortress with a triangular sandbar

Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines Conducts Community Based Tourism Workshop for Weavers in Ilocos Norte

October 24, 2023

 

Unbeknownst to many, the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), has been conducting workshops on marketing enhancement with community-based tourism (CBT) stakeholders from several communities nationwide.


Some of the CBT participants with TPB's Alberto Gadia Jr.

Where to Stay in Samal Island | Discovery Samal

October 10, 2023

 

I’ve been fortunate to have stayed in two amazing properties during my previous trips to Samal Island. Chemas by the Sea captivated me nearly 15 years ago with its bungalow accommodations surrounded by a well-kept garden, a tiny pool, and a private beach. Last year, Pearl Farm, one of the island's well-known resorts, satisfied my long-standing desire to experience its brand of hospitality. 


Cola Nievera
The layout of the resort appears like a Y from the air. You can go around the property on a golf cart.