Scattered on the shoreline of Valugan Boulder Beach were bigger and bolder versions of the sedimentary rocks found in Mabua Pebble Beach in Surigao City. In lieu of powdery sands, these large stones spewed by the ancient-time eruptions of Mount Iraya spread across the coast of this tiny part of Basco, Batanes fronting the Pacific Ocean.

On a normal day, I was displeased dragging my body out of bed at four in the morning, especially after sleeping soundly in the Manor at Camp John Hay. Not that particular morning, though. The reason being the destination we were going to would give me an opportunity to literally and figuratively pause and smell the flowers. Being able to travel for the first time since the March 2020 lockdown, the trip to Northern Blossom Farm in Atok, Benguet opened a door to rekindling my love affair with traveling—with precious moments of introspection to boot—in the company of the great outdoors.

Home to a magnificent set of picturesque highland countryside, the region of the Cordillera featured an abundance of wonders. From its cool weather all year long to its majestic set of nature, fascinating culture, and mouth-watering local cuisine, an all too familiar feature of the region was gaining much-needed attention. These were the fruit and vegetable farms of Benguet and Mountain Province.

Fresh from binge-watching “The Haunting of Bly Manor” a week prior, it was understandable why I initially likened the feel of The Manor Hotel to the haunted series’ mansion. Take out the strange ghostly apparitions, and you would see a charming property laden with fancy landscaping and fascinating architectural patterns.

Waking up to a rainy and foggy morning had me entertaining the idea of staying in until lunch, curled up on my bed. Appealing though the thought was, the opportunity to see another UNESCO World Heritage site prevailed, proving to be motivation enough to make me stand up, stretch my arms, and face the window to announce to myself, “Good morning, Vietnam!”

Situated within the old city of Jaipur near the City Palace and Hawa Mahal is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jantar Mantar. Named after the words yantra, which in Sanskrit means “instrument,” and mantrana, meaning “to calculate,” Jantar Mantar is an equinoctial sundial engineered to measure local time and track the declination of the sun alongside the wider celestial sphere.

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

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 was not one to easily shell out money on tour packages, but I figured I could 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 did not have a local SIM card. Fortunately, my hostel—Da Lat Homestay—offered 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.

As a frequent guest of Azalea’s Baguio property, I already had an inkling of what to expect at their Boracay location. Still, upon our arrival, I was taken aback by the niceties of the layout that blended perfectly with the vibe of the island. The wide entrance highlighted by the globe fountain and centerpiece quickly arrested my attention. The available space created an additional charm befitting the post-modern architecture of the five-story establishment bursting with appealing lines and patterns.

“Every lake belongs to the quietness desired by the swans,” poet Munia Khan wrote. Her description mirrored what we collectively sense about these bodies of water existing under the shadows of big-swell oceans and streaming rivers. Lakes dished a different vibe far from the seas we were accustomed to visiting in our geographically gifted, archipelagic country. The stillness of their natural pools of freshwater provided a tranquil atmosphere coupled with the lush greens that usually surrounded them. Therefore, if you were wandering around the Philippines, a jaunt to one of these lakes would instantly give you a memorable travel experience.

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

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

After our friends from Philippine Airlines, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and fellow travel bloggers/vloggers departed for Manila, the three of us—myself, Karla, and Coleen—extended our stay for a few more days. Doing so, we got to experience more of the city, including seeing it above the roof of a thirty-five-story building. How did we do it without breaking and entering? Let me take you back to a little flashback.

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

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

The future of traveling faced uncertainties brought on by the “new normal” or, as aptly put, the "temporary abnormal," until global medical health frameworks stabilized. Until then, travelers expected travel to become heavily reliant on strategic precautionary measures such as social distancing. Overcrowded tourist destinations would—for the meantime—be out of travel plans. This, however, challenged travelers to be extra creative in exploring alternative locations. Great news, though: beachgoers did not need to worry. Because in a country blessed with more than 7,000 islands, there were a lot of beach choices that perfectly met the criteria for wide-open spaces. Here were some of them.

Blame western pop culture pandering outsiders for coining a needless also-known-as name for this jaw-dropping place in Batanes. Racuh a Payaman, as the locals referred to it, sounded more faithful to its appearance: rolling hills showcasing the wealth of nature. It took a while before one's amazement was mellowed down by its spellbinding landscape stretching as far as the eyes could see. I missed out on going to that part of the island during my first visit there 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.

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 alongside New Delhi and Agra, the city draws travelers eager to experience an environment teeming with palaces, temples, magnificent forts, colorful bazaars, and, of course—plenty of roaming cattle. All these, combined with stunning architecture, rich culture, and a lively culinary scene, make what is widely known as “the Pink City” an unmissable destination in India.

Hearing about Taipei's street food scene went way back to my mom's solo trip to Taiwan in the late nineteen-sixties. Although my mom was not adventurous when it came to food, she would later tell me when I started traveling that I had better try as much local food as possible when I got the chance. Indeed, I did just that in Thailand, Vietnam, India, Hong Kong, and the rest of the countries I had visited thus far.

Rambling mindlessly around Tokyo in random directions took me to Ueno Park, where I stumbled upon an interesting-looking brick-faced building. Upon closer inspection, I learned that it was the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Despite my novice knowledge of art, I welcomed the serendipitous chance for some artsy-fartsy exploration and hurriedly walked in.

The heritage town of Hoi An in Vietnam possessed a vintage charm dating back to the fifteenth century. Punctuated by well-preserved structures that shaped the storied past of that former Southeast Asian trading hub, it stood as a major tourist draw in Central Vietnam. Stepping back in time did not require a time machine; a stroll through the ancient streets of Hoi An achieved this beautifully. As I boarded my bus from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An, I had already pictured a beautiful, age-old town awaiting me.

The last several years had seen the city of Angeles in Pampanga shed its red-light reputation by showcasing its rich culinary culture and heritage. The result was a newfound interest among tourists in exploring many of its nooks and crannies to satisfy not only the appetite for food but also for historical curiosities. One of the popular places to visit in Angeles City’s heritage district was the Pamintuan Mansion.

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

Located on the beautiful island of Panay, the province of Antique tended to get overlooked by tourists heading to Iloilo City down south, to Caticlan in Boracay up north, and to Gigantes Island in the east. Thanks to some travelers who wound up in Antique, word-of-mouth was spreading, raving about how that province teemed with wonderful destinations set across all types of terrain: mountains, forests, rivers, islands, and even quaint seaside towns. If you needed more convincing on why you should visit Antique, here were several things to do and places to visit.

Despite missing out on Duran Duran's peak popularity, their music videos still left a valuable mark on my consciousness. One of them was for 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 to me; it was the scene where Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes performed the song on top of a massive boulder surrounded by what looked like a set of ancient ruins.

I was feeling benumbed as 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, a 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 which I was invited to cover. Before the event started, the organizers took our group of travel writers for a short excursion to the city’s landmark known as the ‘Crown among Mosques’—the biggest mosque in India, the Taj-ul-Masajid.

After spending the first couple of days at 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 perfect brisk walking conditions—and walk I did—for miles and miles over sidewalks and subway floors. Every thump of my feet became audibly in harmony with the multitude of Japanese commuters’ rickety medley of footsteps, sounding like an orchestral beatbox.

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, we 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.

Pushkar was a small town near Ajmer in the desert state of Rajasthan. Daily life and other activities there—including religious ceremonies and rituals—centered around Pushkar Lake, a sacred Hindu site. Surrounding the lake were more than fifty Ghats where pilgrims bathed and the nightly aarti ceremonies were held. Narrow alleyways lined with vibrant bazaars, housed in centuries-old havelis (traditional Indian mansions), and hundreds of temples surrounded that small town. Brimming with a rich history, colorful culture, savory cuisine, and revered religious events, Pushkar was more than just a charming destination—it still hid many gems that every traveler would delight in discovering.

Rishikesh, also known as the "Gateway to the Himalayas" and the "Yoga Capital of the World," was one of the Hindus' holiest places. It was a pilgrimage site dotted with centuries-old temples. The River Ganges, which was considered sacred in India, began its flow in the state of Uttarakhand, where Rishikesh was located. Made famous when the Beatles visited in the winter of 1968, Rishikesh had become a place where one could find spirituality, tranquility, adventure, culture, good food, and more. Here were some things to do and places to see in Rishikesh to learn more about it.

Arriving from Bandung, I headed straight to Wonderloft Hostel, where I had reserved a bunk bed for one night before flying back home to Manila. I originally planned on catching up on sleep, but when I learned from the receptionist that the hostel was just a few steps away from the historic Kota Tua Jakarta, I ditched rest in favor of the chance to explore more.

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 summed up the ultimate desire of modern-day travelers: to learn and discover whatever exists outside our comfort zones.

Did you know that staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the best ways to fight the virus? Healthcare workers referred to people staying at home as “our wartime air and artillery support. The more people who stay at home, the more chances we have to contain and fight the virus.” Stopping the spread of that deadly disease meant pushing the pause button on daily lives. It was a sacrifice everyone had to make to “flatten the curve” of infection. However, and understandably so, many suffered anxiety because they could not go out and help. Unfortunately, as the virus continued to spread, leaving home only invited more risk than it produced much-needed help for the public.

Not far from the frenetic streets surrounding Connaught Place in Delhi, an ancient subterranean marvel possessing a fascinating history remained in an almost Zen-like condition. For the believers of mystical tales and legends, this was also where strange occurrences happened and ghostly demons plotted curses. The Agrasen Ki Baoli was an ancient water reservoir common all over India of the olden times. Descending to a total of one hundred eight stone steps, it had three levels all lined up with arched niches on both sides.

Slept on an airport floor. Been there, done that. During my previous red-eye flights to Kuala Lumpur, I remembered dozing off in several carpeted areas of Kuala Lumpur International Airport T2 (KLIA2) as I awaited my connecting flight the next day—a few times to India and another to Sri Lanka. However, on my last trip to India, I found cozy and affordable accommodation located right inside the KLIA2 terminal. Aptly called "Capsule Transit," it served its core function perfectly: providing just enough space for transiting passengers who did not have the time or money to head into downtown Kuala Lumpur to look for a hotel.

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 the San Juanico Bridge on foot. I had 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.

During the first night of our #LakbayNorte8 in Pampanga, we were taken to a lawn-covered ground surrounded by towering trees in Clark. “We’re going to go glamping,” our host told us travel writers and vloggers as we got out of our chartered bus. Surveying the scene, I immediately saw the rows of tents pitched for us and a wooden table full of charcuterie boards screaming of an incoming feast.

It might have felt 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 remained an enigma of an architectural wonder lording over the skyline of Taipei. Standing one thousand six hundred sixty-seven feet with one hundred one floors, Taipei 101 held the title of the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2010.