Postcard Series: Waiting for Sunset in Nakhon Phanom | Thailand

June 26, 2018



After getting settled in my hotel fronting the Mekong River, I took a stroll along the lengthy river walk in the city center of Nakhon Phanom. Passing by cajoling but polite street vendors, meditating monks and local families on long walks, I caught a cinematic sight brewing across the river. Arresting my attention, was how the disappearing gleam of the setting sun, reveal the spectacular silhouette of the saw-toothed hilltops in Laos.

Levy Amosin in Nakhon Phanom

Clarin House of Suman | Misamis Occidental

June 19, 2018


In a country where rice is life, it comes as no surprise that arguably the Philippines' favorite snack is the suman, a hand-rolled sticky rice cake usually wrapped in banana and palm leaves. Like most Filipinos, I’ve come across different varieties of suman all over the archipelago. There’s the Tupig in Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan, Suman Pinipig in Bulacan, Suman Moron and Budbod in Visayas, and Pintos in Mindanao—just to state a few—all differing in preparations, sizes and certain ingredients added.

sikwate and Clarin’s House of Suman
Suman always goes well with a hot cup of Sikwate - a Filipino chocolate made from tablea (ground cacao beans)

7 Reasons Why You Should Witness the Panaad so Negros Festival Next Year

June 04, 2018


Festivals or Fiestas have become an important part of life in the Philippines' many provinces. These celebrations not only highlight local traditions, but also provide an opportunity for local residents to showcase their talents in cultural performances. Festivals also bring together residents and visitors from all over the world to celebrate life and promote local culture. The Panaad sa Negros, which began in 1993, is one such festival that everyone should attend.

Panaad so Negros

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

June 01, 2018

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.

Air Asia flies to Pattaya