In what has become an annual tradition between technology giant Epson, a renowned global leader in innovative and sustainable technology solutions, and members of the media covering lifestyle and technology beats, this year's 15th edition of Epson Fusion saw us enjoying three days of fun under the sun in Shangri-la Mactan in Cebu, a property teeming with verdant foliage and surrounded by clear blue seawater.

The 15th Epson Fusion is the second one I participated in

Despite being politically autonomous from the province of Pampanga, where it is geographically located, Angeles City preserves every bit of Kapampangan culture, tradition, and history, as well as the famed cuisine that has made the province a top foodie destination in the Philippines.

Sumptuous lunch spread at Apag Marangle,

Cutting through the mountains and hillsides of Samar from east to west, the 90-kilometer Ulot River, the longest river in Samar, is a thing of beauty. Surrounded by verdant forest and limestone karsts featuring dramatic rock formations, clear cascading waters stream through a setting that conceals a vast network of cave systems, including the Langun-Gobingob Cave, widely regarded as the biggest in the country and itself, the river once known as a distribution channel for illegal logging has now become an emerging adventure tourism destination.

Group shot at Deni's Point of Ulot River

Returning to Romblon with warm recollections of my first visit a decade ago had me on the verge of excitement. Instead of the stomach-churning 12-hour ferry voyage from Batangas, I'm flying with Air Swift this time.

The jaw-dropping sand bar of Cresta de Gallo

The scene was reminiscent of a disaster movie, with gloomy skies, heavy rain, and dozens of us huddled together on a floating jetty made of plastic pontoon cubes, waiting for our boat. Everything I imagined from experiencing a pleasant morning on the island seemed to have a near-zero chance of happening.

The island covered by towering Agoho trees and surrounded by snaking sandbars

Walking thousands of steps in the midst of a sunny afternoon would be taxing under normal city conditions. Well, up in the highlands of Ifugao and in the middle of Mayoyao's rice terraces, this kind of undertaking looks like something out of a well-shot film.

During sunrise in Mayoyao, Ifugao

When my fascination with India began piquing my curiosity during my college years, I'd come across the name of Rabindranath Tagore, who, like his contemporary, our very own Jose Rizal, was born in the same year in 1861, and together, they also shared the distinction of being a writer, poet, and social reformer.

Wearing a Jose Rizal shirt when I visited his contemporary Rabindranath Tagore's house in Kolkata

Lake Holon, with its picture-perfect backdrop and spectacular natural features carved by Mother Nature over millions of years, is without a doubt one of Mindanao's, if not the Philippines', most beautiful destinations.

On a sunny and bright day, the view of Lake Holon becomes clearer here on the viewdeck coming from Kule trail

Having celebrated its 400th anniversary this year, Tainan continues to hold dear the ancient culture of Taiwan. It is the country's oldest city and once served as the capital of Formosa, the previous name of Taiwan, for 260 years spanning the rule of the Dutch, the Kingdom of Tungning, and finally, the Qing Dynasty.

The mountains of Guanziling in Tainan is known for their many mud hot springs

Imagine Taipei, but more relaxed. That is how I would describe Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second-largest city. Despite being laid-back, the city has evolved into a thriving metropolis brimming with modern living necessities such as charming cafes, walking paths, cycling routes, outdoor parks, museums, jazz bars, art districts, and more, all surrounded by adjacent beaches and expansive, lush, forested mountains.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Cagayan, situated on the northern tip of Luzon, typically gives visitors second thoughts due to the 12-hour or longer land journey from Manila. Doubt no more, wanderers; there are daily direct flights from Manila to Tuguegarao, the province's capital city, and the plethora of attractions — natural, cultural, and cultural landmarks — make a long-distance trip to Cagayan well worthwhile for those who choose to drive.

View from the Cape Engaño lighthouse

When one mentions the word lanterns, understandable concerns about the environment usually follow. Where would the lanterns land? Who would clean up the debris? Questions regarding the environmental impact of the recent Lantern Festival in Tainan, a city in southern Taiwan, should be put to rest. The festival is now in its 35th year and is staged as part of the sustainable tourism program run by the Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA). Instead of sending lanterns soaring into the sky, the Lantern Festival features a variety of colorful, designed, and LED-lit lanterns that remain fixed on land — and displayed throughout the festival's duration from February 24 to March 10, 2024.

Colorful lanterns of various figures, designs and sizes wow'ed the crowd.

To sum it up, it's one glittery, eye-catching extravaganza.

As Philippine festivals go, the bigger and brighter, the better. That rings true for popular ones like the Sinulog in Cebu, Dinagyang in Iloilo, Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Pahiyas in Lucena, and Panagbenga in Baguio, just to name a few. Unbeknownst to most, several locations across the archipelago are staging their own little-known festivals that are equally well worth the effort to witness.

The street dance competition was held on a stage set up in front of the San Pedro Bautista Parish Church

It was an eye-opener to experience the Ati-Atihan for the first time. That was the case back in 2012. The second time in 2015 was a glorious return, capped off by drinking a Red Horse beer poured over a still-unused toilet bowl plunger (thank God). The third one in 2018 was, without a doubt, a charm, celebrating it with my friends Karla and Erica. When the opportunity to attend the Ati-Atihan for another time came about, I expected it to be a toss-up between me experiencing a case of the "same-same" or having a great time.

The  Santo Niño is the centerpiece of the Ati-Atihan Festival

When I signed up for this trip, I expected to explore the Caraga region that includes the five provinces of the Sur and Norte parts of Surigao and Agusan, as well as Dinagat Island. Little did I know that in the province of Davao Oriental, there is a municipality also called Caraga that claims its name from the word kalagan, which in native language refers to a "spirited person.”

A typical shoreline in Caraga.

A few years ago, when typhoon Odette pummeled southern Philippines but luckily spared parts of Northern Palawan, we found a pleasant refuge and downtime at Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (SETIR) on Culion Island during the tail end of our Coron, Palawan trip. We eventually made it to Culion after two days of island hopping and getting holed up in another Sunlight property in Coron town hotel while weathering the storm.

The new Salepan Villas of SETIR numbers around 30

Kilyawan Farm Resort, named after a bird commonly observed on the property in Ibaan, Batangas, is bathed in natural light and surrounded by verdant greens teeming with farm-to-table produce, which complements its ecologically constructed cabins radiating with earth tones.

This resort is the ideal mindful wellness vacation destination

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a stunning journey around the world's eighth highest peak, Mount Manaslu (8,156 meters), located in the remote Manaslu region of Nepal. The trail traverses a diverse range of landscapes, from lush green valleys and terraced fields to rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and high mountain Larke passes. You'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, including Manaslu itself, as well as Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli (known as Peak 29), and Ganesh Himal. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your adventure:

Nomadic Experiences contributor Arianne Andia shares her Manaslu Circuit Trek travel guide

Traveling is more than just visiting new destinations; it's about collecting moments that linger in our hearts long after the journey ends. While the allure of exotic locales and thrilling adventures often dominates our travel aspirations, the memories we create along the way are the true treasures of exploration. However, in the hustle and bustle of globetrotting, these precious memories can easily slip through the cracks of our minds, fading into obscurity over time. That's where the art of preserving travel memories comes into play—a craft that ensures these invaluable moments remain vivid and tangible for years to come.

Introduction: Nestled in the northern reaches of Vietnam lies a fascinating border town that serves as a gateway between two distinct cultures – Vietnam and China. This town, with its rich history, vibrant markets, and unique blend of traditions, offers travelers an unforgettable experience. In this article, we will delve into the charm of Vietnam's border town and explore the possibilities of a day trip to China, immersing ourselves in the cultural tapestry woven by these two neighboring nations.

A shop located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An