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.

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Travel Lokal in the ‘New Normal’

Marky Ramone Go July 12, 2020

Despite more than two months of community quarantine and minimal venturing into the outside world—mostly on supply runs—majority of us are fighting cabin fever humoring our predicament and making the most of our downtime. In our minds, we are still living out our wanderlust through reading books, binge-watching, learning online courses, writing and whatever that may stir the pot of our creativity.

Can't wait to hit the road? You shall be back on the road soon (On a bus somewhere in Southern, Cebu)

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Afternoon Ramble at the Grassy Knoll of Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Country) | Batanes

Marky Ramone Go June 25, 2020

Blame western pop culture pandering outsiders for coining a needless also-known-as name of this jaw-dropping place in Batanes. Racuh a Payaman, as the locals refer to it, sounds more faithful to its appearance; of rolling hills showcasing the wealth of nature. It takes a while before one's amazement is mellowed down by its spellbinding landscape stretching as far as the eyes can see. I missed out on going to this part of the island during my first visit here in 2014. On the morning when we were supposed to head to Racuh a Payaman, my friend Audrey suffered an accident. A tidal pool pulled her into the rocky bed while she was standing on a rock formation at one of the viewpoints situated along the road.

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Places to See in Jaipur: The Pink City | India

Marky Ramone Go June 10, 2020

As the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is one of India's most popular cities among tourists. Part of the so-called "Golden Triangle" with New Delhi and Agra, travelers come to Jaipur to experience a city teeming with palaces, temples, magnificent forts, colorful bazaars, and of course—lots of cows. All these plus stunning architecture, culture and a lively culinary scene all combine to make what is also known as "the Pink City" a can't miss destination in India.

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

Marky Ramone Go May 26, 2020

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. As I boarded my bus from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An, I already pictured a lovely age-old town awaiting for me.

To make your journey back in time more worthwhile, here are other things to do in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An.

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Admiring the Fine Architecture of the Chhatris of Orchha | India

Marky Ramone Go May 05, 2020

I was roused from my sleep as soon as I feel our Mini-bus rolling into a bumpy off-road trail. I opened my eyes into a view of the Betwa River and its murky waters. From the corner of my eye I catch a glimpse of a towering structures with arresting looking tips.

Our guide then hollered and pointed to us "that is the Royal Chhatris of Orchha". Still reeling from my brief slumber, I said “what” meaning to only address myself. Our guide heard me and so he offered aloud a brief explanation. “These are actually the cenotaphs dedicated to the Bundela Kings of Orchha and some members of their families”

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Save a Prayer at Sigiriya Rock | Sri Lanka

Marky Ramone Go April 25, 2020

Despite missing out on Duran Duran's peak of popularity, their music videos still left a valuable mark in my consciousness. One of it was their song "Save a Prayer". Shot on location in Sri Lanka, it features intoxicating scenes of temples, golden beaches and ancient ruins. One particular part of the video stood out for me; it's the scene where Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes are performing the song on top of a massive boulder surrounded by what look like a set of ancient ruins.

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The Mesmerizing Architecture of Taj-ul-Masajid Mosque | Bhopal, India

Marky Ramone Go April 18, 2020

I was feeling benumbed when I stared out the window of the bus and saw the sky reddened with strokes of sunrise. “Dawning of a new day” I told myself and instantly, burst of excitement shot up my body as this meant a new opportunity to explore. It was the first morning of the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart where I was invited to cover. Before the event started, the organizers took our group of travel writers for a short incursion to the city’s landmark known as the ‘Crown among Mosques’—the biggest mosque in India, the Taj-ul-Masajid.

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Traveling with a Disability: 5 Tips for a Smoother Trip

Marky Ramone Go April 16, 2020

Having a disability makes it a little more difficult to get away. It’s necessary to plan more and cater to your specific needs (every disability is different) to make the trip a smoother one.

A Walk Along the Streets of Tokyo (part two)

Marky Ramone Go April 09, 2020

After spending the first couple of days under the mercy of a gloomy sky, the sun finally appeared in all its shining glory on the third day. The bright daylight coupled with the wind of the autumn season made for a perfect brisk walking condition—and walked I did—for miles and miles over sidewalks and subway floors. Every thump of my feet got audibly in harmony among the multitude of Japanese commuters’ rickety medley of footsteps, that sounded like an orchestral beat box.

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Pench Tree Lodge: A Quaint Den for Nature Lovers | India

Marky Ramone Go April 08, 2020

It took me almost a day of traveling—including a long layover in Kuala Lumpur—before I landed at Nagpur Airport from Mumbai. Upon arrival, I immediately rendezvoused with my friend Karla at her hotel. Wasting no time, me met our driver from Pench who was already waiting in the lobby to drive us on a three-hour ride to Pench in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh.

Karla and myself were invited to attend and cover the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Summit happening a week later. Fortunately, the good people from Pench Tree Lodge and Pugdundee Safaris invited us for a complimentary stay and to experience a safari tour inside Pench National Park.

Where to stay in Madhya Pradesh Read more

Things to do in the Sacred Town of Pushkar | India

Marky Ramone Go March 22, 2020

Pushkar is a small town near Ajmer in the desert state of Rajasthan. Daily life and other activities here—including religious ceremonies and rituals—centers on Pushkar Lake, a sacred Hindu Site. Surrounding the lake are more than 50 Ghats where Pilgrims bathe and the nightly aarti are held. Narrow alleyways lined up with bazaars housed in centuries old havelis (traditional Indian mansions) and hundreds of temples surround this small town. Brimming with a rich history, colorful culture, savory cuisine and revered religious events—more than a charming town—Pushkar still hid many gems every traveler would delight in discovering.

To learn more about Pushkar, here are some information you can use to help you plan your trip to this fascinating town someday.

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Things to Do in Rishikesh, India: The Yoga Capital of the World

Marky Ramone Go March 20, 2020

Known as the "Gateway to the Himalayas" and "Yoga Capital of the World", the city of Rishikesh is considered as one of the holiest places to Hindus. As a pilgrimage site, it is dotted with centuries-old temples. The River Ganges—considered as sacred in India—starts streaming in the state of Uttarakhand, where Rishikesh is located. Made famous when the Beatles came to visit in the winter of 1968, the city of Rishikesh has now become a place where one finds spirituality, tranquility, adventure, culture, good food and then some. To discover more about this place, here are some things to do and places to see in Rishikesh.

Lakshman Jhula Bridge

Yoga Read more

Travel Books to Ignite Your Wanderlust

Marky Ramone Go March 12, 2020

Describing the abundant advantages of travel, Saint Augustine was quoted in John Feltham’s English Enchiridion (1799) as saying “the world is a great book, and none study this book so much as a traveler. They that never stir from their home read only one page of this book”—an evocative passage that sums up the ultimate desire of modern-day travelers; to learn and discover whatever exists outside our comfort zones.

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Covid-19 Pandemic Volunteer Outreach Groups You Can Support

Marky Ramone Go March 01, 2020

Did you know that staying at home during this Covid-19 pandemic is one of the best way to fight the virus? Healthcare workers refer to people staying at home as “our wartime air and artillery support. The more people who stay at home, the more chances we can contain and fight the virus”. Stopping the spread of this deadly disease means pushing the pause button in our daily lives. It is a sacrifice we all must do to ‘flatten the curve’ of infection. However, and understandably so, many people suffer anxiety because they cannot go out and help. Unfortunately, as this virus continues to spread, going out of our homes will only invite more risk than produce much-needed help to our fellowmen.

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Woven PH: Weaving Change in the Lives of Women Artisans of Basey, Samar

Marky Ramone Go February 10, 2020

I first came to learn about the banig weavers of Basey, Samar many moons ago when on a pre-Yolanda morning, I explored the entirety of San Juanico Bridge on foot. I arrived in Samar with no destination in mind until a local I encountered pointed me to a fascinating place. “You can go to Basey, it is a small town not far from here. There’s an old church there and a cave where you will see women weavers making beautiful banig”, he told me in Tagalog.

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High-rise Observation and DTF in Taiwan 101

Marky Ramone Go February 03, 2020

I mean DTF as in ‘Din Tai Fung’

It may have feel like eons ago when Taipei 101 stood as the tallest skyscraper in the world when it first opened in 2004. Ten taller buildings later—led by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa—Taiwan’s tower of power, remains as an enigma of an architectural wonder lording over the skyline of Taipei. Standing 1,667 feet with 101 floors, Taipei 101 held the title of the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2010.

Notice the architecture resembling a stack of Chinese food take-out boxes

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5 Ways to Spend More Time in Nature at Home and Abroad

Marky Ramone Go February 01, 2020

Being outdoors has indisputable benefits. Improvements in mood and mental health, as well as healthy doses of vitamin D, are just a few positives that you can gain from spending time in nature. Unfortunately, many of us lead hectic schedules, so if you are working long hours at the office and need an escape, here are a few things you can do to spend more time in nature both at home and overseas.

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Best Travel Destinations in The United Arab Emirates

Marky Ramone Go January 19, 2020

The United Arab Emirates, or the UAE, is a major tourism hub in the Middle East that offers a lot of attraction for travelers looking for an enchanting mix of wonderful sights and colorful culture. Consisting of seven emirates, each with its own distinct character and attractions, any visitor to the UAE will have an abundance of exciting destinations to choose from. With almost all the world’s airlines flying to Dubai, booking a flight (حجز طيران) is very convenient.

4 Ways You Can Feed Your Passion for Travel While in Lockdown

Marky Ramone Go January 14, 2020

As large portions of the world and its population are currently being placed in lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19, it’s only natural that people are starting to go stir-crazy. It sounds simple enough - “stay home and flatten the curve” - but after a few days with the kids and your significant other, it can all be a bit much. If you happen to have a passion for all things travel-related, being stuck indoors can be even tougher. There’s a good chance you’re busy daydreaming about all the travels and adventures you’d rather be having.

Stay at home right now, sit on a tree real soon. We will get through this

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Traveling from Koh Samui to Khao Lak | Thailand

Marky Ramone Go January 07, 2020

Thailand, as a treasure of Southeast Asia remains as fascinating and as popular as it has ever been. The kingdom has always been attractive to those wishing to experience the mysteries of the East and to live a little in a tropical paradise, and the Land of Smiles has always given the traveler sand, sunshine and much, much more.

Explore Busan City’s Vibrant People, Heritage, and Culture

Marky Ramone Go January 05, 2020

You may not be familiar with Busan. It is among the most urban and modern cities in South Korea. The city’s vibe is vibrant. Individuals who like exploring culture and heritage can fancy this alternative destination to Seoul. It is a destination to visit the mountains, beautiful scenery, beaches, shopping centers, restaurants, and festivals.