Island Hopping and Seafood Feasting Our Way Through Masbate

May 05, 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

The Nature-Sculpted Mountains of La Palmera is Something to Behold | Sultan Kudarat

April 12, 2023

 

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. 


Anne Eliz Gumiran
Nature's work of art indeed

Witnessing the Week-long Bodong Festival Revelry in Kalinga

April 03, 2023

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.


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

Asik-Asik Falls’ Sprinkle of Wonder | North Cotabato

February 07, 2023

 

Even before the two dogs moonlighting as our unofficial hiking guides plodding the muddy trail, paused, and looked back at me, I already figured out what they wanted to tell. Surely if they could talk, I'd hear them tell me, "here we up, look up." Taking cue from their excited body language, I directed my eyes upwards. A massive wall covering the length of my vision revealed an unimpeded view of Asik-Asik Falls.

Marla Espina
Soaking the view before taking a dip

BidiBidi Enterprise and the “Buhimian” Weavers of Buhi | Camarines Sur

January 11, 2023

 

I first heard of the creations of BidiBidi when I was given an embroidered face mask featuring a beautiful portrait of a woman on one side and a woven pattern on the other. If there's one good thing to come out of the pandemic, it’s the use of fashionable face masks, and the one created by BidiBidi tops all I've worn.


Camarines Sur Travel Guide
One of the women weavers in Buhi showing us a sample work of hers

2022 Shariff Kabunsuan Festival: Showcasing Bangsamoro’s Storied History and Colorful Culture

December 19, 2022

 

Every year, Cotabato City honors the life of the man credited with bringing Islam to Mindanao with a week-long festival. Shariff Kabunsuan, to whom the celebration is named after, was an Arab-Malay from Johore, Malaysia who led an expedition to the islands of Lanao and Maguindanao in the early 16th century to preach Islam.


April Enerio
A fluvial parade of Guinakit boats was held as the finale of the festival

Ticao Island: of baby sharks, a unique waterfall, and pristine waters | Masbate

November 09, 2022

 

Incredibly surreal, I think to myself as we glide over the choppy waters off Bicol Peninsula towards the island of Ticao. My excitement at finally making it to Masbate, the 77th province I've visited in the Philippines, was palpable as our boat inched closer to the isle's powdery shores.


Isabela Barrios
Catandayagan Falls. All drone photos by Milet Miranda of Project Gora

A Memorable Surf and Glamp Experience in Zambales

November 08, 2022

 

Every time a road trip plan is pitched, I always suggest heading to Zambales. What’s there not to like? Although, it takes up to 3-5 hours to get there, the drive is done over smooth roads laden with bucolic scenery. Once you reached the first town of the province, you begin to smell the scent of the ocean. Driving through a series of quaint towns, you get to choose from a smorgasbord of charming seaside escapes. 


Karla Ramos
#SurfGlampZambales

The Historic Citadel of Jahangir Mahal | Orchha, India

November 03, 2022

 

Built between 1605 and 1626 upon the command of Vir Singh Deo to commemorate Mughal Emperor Jahangir's first visit to Orchha (father of Shah Jahan- architect of Taj Mahal), Jahangir Mahal is considered as one of the best representations of classic Indo-Islamic Architecture. Marvelous sculptures, hanging balconies, delicate trellis and chhatris, topped domes, etc., are all examples of the building's exceptional architectural brilliance.


Heidi Manabat
The many domes of the palace arrest your attention

Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide: a 4-day Itinerary for Long Weekend Travelers | Malaysia

November 02, 2022

 

Kuala Lumpur holds a particular place in my memory. My very first air voyage was to this city more than a decade ago, just when low-cost carriers like Cebu Pacific Air began to offer fares that regular Juans like me could afford. In retrospect, my trip to Malaysia's capital city sparked my wanderlust. Hundreds of travels later, I was delighted to return to KL to reacquaint with old haunts and explore new things about this bustling metropolis of cuisine and culture.


Kate Alvarez
The rainbow-ish steps of Batu Caves