Why Help Our Local Farmers?

Marky Ramone Go October 07, 2020

It isn’t a question of “Why?” anymore. Rather, “How?” as in how we can help our farmers more? should be the fitting query. Fortunately, a long overdue response to the plight of our farmers is now taking shape. Thanks to small entrepreneurs like the Local Goodness PH, local produce from far communities are finding its way straight to the doorsteps and into the table of new consumers. Suddenly, the concept of farm-to-table is slowly becoming a reality.

Farmers in a vegetable farm in Mountain Province gathers their day's fresh produce

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A Guide to Calayan Island in Northern Philippines

Marky Ramone Go October 01, 2020

Part of the isolated cluster of Babuyanes Islands, this offbeat Island boasts of a bounteous set of rugged nature.

Despite living in an archipelago boasting some of the finest beaches and islands in the world, I still find myself dropping my jaw at a sight of a marvelous island setting. Such is the effect Calayan Island had on me the moment I first laid eyes on it. As the only municipality among the group of Islands of Babuyan—a cluster of pristine isles situated several miles off the northern tip of Luzon, Calayan appears so remote and full of raw beauty.

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The Local Goodness PH: Bringing Fresh, Local Produce Straight to your Table

Marky Ramone Go September 01, 2020

Technology has linked the divide between manufacturers, food producers and consumers by mere clicks of a button. The quick expanding economics of delivery has made it possible for consumers to purchase goods expediently—a convenience highlighted more during this pandemic.

Nanay Teresa and her fellow turmeric tea farmers

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A Surreal Moment at the Great Pyramid of Giza | Egypt

Marky Ramone Go August 21, 2020

"Forward! Remember that from these monuments yonder 40 centuries look down upon you", Napoleon Bonaparte declared to his troops as they geared for the Battle of the Pyramids on July 1798. Indeed, the history of the great pyramids goes back to one the earliest civilizations on Earth. This fact made my experience of being there feel more surreal in real life. I remember looking at the pyramids with wide-eye wonder while standing motionless, as I lost myself in a spectacular now kind of moment. There is no better way to cap our Holy Land trip than a chance to see the Great Pyramid of Giza up close.

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The Chiseled Wall and Gushing Curtain of Pongour Waterfall | Da Lat, Vietnam

Marky Ramone Go August 20, 2020

As I was walking around downtown Da Lat, I picked up a flyer about an Easy Rider tour taking travelers on a motorcycle exploration of the countryside. I’m not one to easily shell money on tour packages, but I figured I can easily sightsee the outskirts of Da Lat as a passenger on the back of a Vietnamese Dennis Hopper. I couldn’t text the number as I don’t have any local sim card. Fortunately, my hostel—Da Lat Homestay—offers the same tour. Along with the other guests, who all turned out to be Israelis, I signed up for the Easy Rider the next day.

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Places to see in Mumbai | India

Marky Ramone Go August 09, 2020

Previously known as Bombay, Mumbai—aside from being the country's most populous city—is India's center of financial and commercial activities. Founded on an ancient settlement, its name was derived from the local goddess Mumba, a type of Parvati, the consort of Shiva and one of the main deities of Hinduism.

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Busig-On Festival: A Retelling of an Epic Bicolano Tale | Camarines Norte

Marky Ramone Go July 24, 2020

As a spectator many times over of numerous Philippine festivals in the past, I still overflow with enthusiasm each time I witness a new one. After experiencing the Ati-Atihan three times and the Sinulog twice already, I’ve had more than enough dose of fun from those twin-festivals honoring the Sto. Niño. However, I’m always game to immerse in the different vibe of other lesser-known festivals in the country. Camarines Norte’s Busig-on Festival isn’t just previously unknown to me, it also has an interesting backstory involving a widely retold local story. Therefore, during my 8-hour bus ride to the province, I already visualized the kind of frenzy atmosphere that awaits me.

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A Purposeful Trek to the Sacred Bud Bongao Mountain | Tawi-Tawi

Marky Ramone Go July 19, 2020

I remember being envious of my then-girlfriend years ago, when she went on a solo backpacking to Tawi-Tawi and hiked the Bud Bongao. Not only is the mountain located in the southernmost province of the Philippines, it is also considered as a sacred peak. Two preachers mentored by Karim ul-Makhdum–the Arab missionary who brought Islam to the Philippines in 1380–are said to be buried in Mt. Bud Bongao in a location called the Tampat Rocks.

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Beaches in the Philippines Perfect for Social Distancing

Marky Ramone Go July 14, 2020

The future of traveling is facing uncertainties brought on by the “new normal” or as aptly put: the "temporary abnormal", until a vaccine for Covid-19 is discovered. Until then, expect travel to become heavily reliant on precautionary measures such as social distancing. Crowded tourist destinations will—for the meantime—be out of our travel plans. This however, shall challenge travelers to be extra creative in exploring places. Great news though, beach-goers need not worry. Because in a country blessed with more than 7,000 islands, we have a lot of beach choices that meet the criteria for proper social distancin. Here are some of them.