Standing outside the fog-covered ruins of the Old Diplomat Hotel, I find the eerie vibe hard to ignore, as I picture a cinematic vision of a sequel to The Haunting of Hill House and of Bly Manor. For all its paranormal tales of housing wandering spirits, the history of this rundown charming architectural remains, provides a fascinating backdrop to any 8-episode horror series.

First constructed in 1915 on a 17-hectare expanse of land on top of a hill, the original building was designed by Fr. Roque Ruaño—the architect who designed the main building of the University of Santo Tomas—and first opened as a retreat house of the American friars of the Dominican Order. Taking advantage of tax exemptions, it was briefly converted into a seminary called Colegio del Santissimo Rosario.

If you think ghosts of dead priests walking the hallways is good enough horror tale fodder, wait till you learn about what transpired inside the walls of the former Dominican Hill Retreat House during the height of World War II. With Baguio being the site of one of the most hard-fought theaters of war in Luzon—next to Manila, Bataan and Corregidor—the property wasn't spared from the invading Japanese who tuned it into a garrison.

It was here where the secret police of the Japanese Imperial Army called the Kempeitai imprisoned Filipino prisoners of war and detained and interrogated suspected Guerilla members. Doing so, the Kempeitai was believed to have committed many violent acts through torture and even raping and murdering civilian refugees.

During the liberation of the Philippines in 1945, as the American forces inches closer, a batallion of Japanese soldiers committed hara-kiri in the building's right wing.

The ghost tally of the Dominican Hill Retreat House just increased hundred-folds after the war.

After decades of neglect, the local government of Baguio converted it to become the Diplomat Hotel. After undergoing remodeling phase that constructed a total of 33 bedrooms, but still retaining the original architectural features, Diplomat Hotel operated from 1973 until 1987.

During those time, unconfirmed stories of several mysterious deaths of hotel guests added to the horror lore of the property.

If the rumors of hotel guests’ demises are to be believed, then the Dominican Hill Retreat House turned Diplomat Hotel has again increased its ghost tally in the 1980’s.

Today, the Old Diploma Hotel still evokes much of its original architecture elements while earning a newfound appeal attracting artists, tourists and paranormal junkies alike. Declared a National Historical Site after the city government of Baguio acquired ownership of the property in 2005, it is now used for certain events and functions as well as an artist haven. If one is not busy ghost-hunting inside, one can easily spot some interesting mural arts on the walls of the building.

During our visit, a bus load of young students—probably on a field trip—were also visiting the abandoned hotel. Despite a lot of people on site that day, I still found myself entering bare rooms by myself. Inside, I saw traces of the old hotel interior through a decrepit bathtub and touches of the former Dominican Retreat House through its olden walls and mossy-covered courtyards.

By embracing its haunting atmosphere straight out of a Stephen King novel, the Old Diplomat Hotel is one of the most stimulating places to visit in the City of Pines. History, check. Good architecture, check. Heritage, check. Ghost? Uhm, I’d rather not find out myself.

As a traveler, I strive to take trips to locations I've never been before. This rule, nevertheless, comes with a few exceptions. Bagan, Myanmar, was one of the places I returned to sooner than I expected. After my first trip there in March 2013, I always felt like I had unfinished business when I returned home. This is why, exactly three years later, I set out on another journey to this ancient city. This time around, I arrived as a lone tourist armed with more days exploring this historic city teeming with centuries-old temples and pagodas.

Riding an electric bike in the hot sun of March, I travelled far and wide, capturing the magnificent images of millennia-old ruins of the Pagan Kingdom. Much of my time here was spent marveling at the magnificent and timeless vibe that persists in this city, populated by some of the warmest and nicest individuals I've encountered. All of it added up to yet another unforgettable collective incursion to this city.

By taking off-the-beaten-path routes, I was able to see some of the most obscure temples and pagodas while covering more land than on my last trip. Bagan is an iconic historic city in Myanmar's Mandalay Region. The ruins that today rest scattered across its golden powdery plains are from kingdoms that existed from the 9th century until the 13th century. At the time, it served as the capital of the Country of Pagan - the first kingdom to unite all of Myanmar under one control. More than 10,000 Buddhist pagodas, monasteries, and temples were erected on the immense Bagan plains during the sovereignty of this dynasty. Over 2,200 pagodas and temples still survive today as majestic ruins and a striking reminder of that illustrious history.

Slowly opening up to tourists, Myanmar has managed to position the Bagan Archeological Zone as its principal visitor draw and is now regarded by many as equivalent to Cambodia's Angkor Wat complex. As an old-city junkie, I can state that Bagan can hold a candle on its own by possessing a powerful magnetism that appeals to people like myself seeking historic ruins with breathtaking landscapes to photograph.

To let the images, speak for itself, here are some more photographs that best exemplify Bagan as a place of timeless beauty.

These are just a few of the photos I wanted people to see whenever they ask why I went back to Myanmar. I traveled from Bagan to Mandalay and then returned to Yangon. Two weeks is a short time to truly absorb Bagan and the rest of this lovely nation; perhaps after reading this essay, you will be motivated to travel to Myanmar and see the timeless old city of Bagan.

Mandalay was a place I regretted not seeing during my first visit to Myanmar in 2013 with friends. Things were different during my return trip in 2016, when additional days worked on my side. After almost a week of exploring the vast plains of Bagan aboard an e-motorcycle, I made the half day land trip to the former royal capital of Myanmar.

Dizzy and tired from the sleeper bus journey, I relaxed for a few minutes at my fine accommodation—the Hotel by the Red Canal—before setting out to explore the food scene of the city.

In stark contrast with Old Bagan, the streets of Mandalay slightly mirror the bustling local scene of Yangon with motorcycles, automobiles and public buses coming at you from all directions and blaring horns at each other. I spent the rest of the afternoon walking around downtown Mandalay before taking a short nap back in my room. Come sunset, I once again went out not only to sightsee more but also to meet a Filipina expat in Mandalay I matched through the ever-reliable travel app, Tinder.

While walking to the meeting place I set up with Rhodora, I caught a glimpse of the spectacular sunset lowering over the fringes of Mandalay Hill and appearing stunningly on the pond of Mandalay Palace. Cliché as it sounds, it was one of the most arresting sunsets I’ve seen.

Since I was still early for our planned dinner, I stayed a bit at the park where I watched dozens of locals do various exercises. I thought about running one or two laps around the oval path but decided against it—since I can’t be drenched in sweat meeting a new friend.

An hour later I found myself seated on a table of four people enjoying some of the finest Mandalay dishes and engagring in a lively conversation about expat life in Myanmar. Rhodora brought along a couple Filipina English teachers Mileth and Rose. Among the three, Mileth has been in the country working the longest.

She described how Myanmar was like before hordes of tourists started arriving in the country prior to opening its doors to mass tourism more than a decade ago. We capped our engrossing dinner with a karaoke session at the city’s lone Karaoke bar until midnight.

The next morning, I woke up a bit buzzing from the previous night’s fun meet-up with new friends. After a full breakfast and a brief tour of the property of Hotel by the Red Canal, I borrowed one of their bicycles to explore the city.

Although, I have ample time to tick off most places listed on “Places to see in Mandalay” listicle articles, I decided to spend most of the day on a chill bike ride around town. My first stop was Mandalay Hill, which stands 240-meter high, and where the Sutaungpyei Pagoda sitting on top dishes a splendid panoramic view of Mandalay.

Smaller pagodas and monasteries are also situated on top of the hill, making it a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists for almost two centuries. After parking my bicycle, I went to climb the covered stairway snaking around from different directions of the hill.

At the peak, I met some local kids who asked where I came from and witnessed a small procession highlighted by children dressed up in vibrant costumes. Someone told me that this was a "Shinbyu" or a novitiation ceremony—a Theravada Buddhism tradition celebrating the monastic ordination of a young boy.

Followed by several long-tails macaques, I walked towards a small terrace and sat idly for an hour just staring at the bustling streets of Mandalay from below. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed with blues at that time as I was only a few months removed from a romantic break-up.

However, that moment homered a realization that being alone isn’t such a bad thing. I recalled a quote from a movie I’ve seen years ago “the greatest of men are the loneliest”. Not that I see myself as someone remarkable, rather, it’s moments like this when I can explore and be curious about the world at a whim, that makes up the exquisiteness of being in a state of solitary.

Being married to the road sounds more like it. I’ll have another shot at feelings of amorousness but the desire to be on the road shall remain and forever accompany my thoughts and endless wonder.

Gathering my opinions about my life at that time, I also collected myself and started going down the steep stairway. I would spend the rest of the afternoon cycling to random corners before stopping by the Shwenandaw Monastery.

Situated near the foot of Mandalay Hill, this monastery is regarded with historic and religious significance by Buddhists. Built in 1878 by King Thibaw Min, it is known for its intricate teak carvings of Buddhist tales seen on its ceilings and walls. Designed with traditional Burmese architecture, it remains as the only original structure inside the Royal Palace.

A short distance away situates the sprawling Mandalay Palace, where other pagodas and former royal houses can be seen—all glossing a fine set of architectural details.

Before heading back to Bagan the next day, I once again met up with Rhodora and Mileth and for one last time, their company added up to my already wonderful experience in Mandalay.

The Philippines is easy to fall in love with because of its stunning natural beauty and genuinely nice people. Most visitors mistakenly believe that the Philippines is only about beaches, but there is much more. And, just as you'll fall in love with all you see here, you'll fall in love with the values of everyone you meet and the delectable cuisines they offer.

There are world-renowned natural wonders such as an underground river and rice terraces, incredible diving spots rich in biodiversity, colorful public transportation, unique cuisine, vibrant festivals that showcase the Philippines' colorful culture, and friendly locals regarded as some of the happiest in the world can all be found in the Philippines.

However, if you are planning to travel to the Philippines you must make sure that you opt for a comfortable airline like, Philippine Airlines that would make your travel experience worth it. Now let’s jump on to the reasons why you should travel to the Philippines.

Unlike other countries, a trip to the Philippines transports you to a paradise where you feel as if you've strolled into a postcard. The Rice Terraces of Batanes and Banaue are now open for business. Its lush vegetation, rolling hills, breathtaking sunset vistas, and crashing waves from the coast will steal your breath away. Then you'll be in a state of happiness in no time.

At the same time, the Philippines is mysterious, vast, and welcoming. This nation is wonderful from the perspective of a first-time visitor. So, if you had to sum up the Philippines in a single word, it would be stunning. Enough to persuade you that the Philippines is a better place to visit.

The Philippines' beaches and islands are undoubtedly among the most compelling reasons to visit the country. If you want to know what the Philippines is famous for, you could spend an entire day doing so.

However, its gorgeous beaches are one of the primary reasons why visitors from all over the world flock to the Philippines, and the top 10 nations that adore the Philippines rank the country among the greatest islands in the world.

Boracay is a sure-fire favorite with tourists and beach goers alike. Many people from all over the world like to visit this island. The great news is, Boracay is only one among more than a dozen of islands known for its beautiful white beaches, clear blue seas, chill atmosphere, and incredible water activities. The others are Palawan, Bohol, Catanduanes, Siquijor, Calayan, Romblon and the list goes on. 

Visiting the Philippines' beaches, which have towering waves and a plethora of marine life, is one thing that will convince you that it is more enjoyable there. Divers from all over the world rave about the amazing diving opportunities in the Philippines. Because of its tropical nature and reputation as a fantastic holiday location, several visitors travel to the Philippines to train or obtain their driving permits. Coron, Palawan; Apo Reef, Occidental Mindoro; and Monad Shoal, Cebu are also notable diving destinations.

Another factor that will persuade you that the Philippines is more enjoyable is that it has excellent surfing places! Some visitors come from all over the world only to experience the adrenaline rush of surfing in the Philippine waters.

Siargao, the country's surfing capital, Baler in Aurora Province, and La Union are all worthwhile surfing destinations in the Philippines. If these don't persuade you that it's more fun in the Philippines, we're not sure what will.

With over 7,000 islands and a long history, the Philippines offers its unique set of delectable cuisine. And Filipino cuisine isn't only about the mind-boggling balut (duck embryo). In terms of cuisine, the Philippines is recognized for its popular adobo and sinigang.

When visiting the Philippines, don't forget to try the famed adobo. Vinegar and soy sauce are used to marinade the pig or chicken meat. It's simple to make, thus it's quite popular throughout the country.

Lechon is also a delicacy worth savoring! The entire pig is roasted over coals, with the crisp, golden-brown skin being the most prized portion, served with liver sauce.

Filipinos take their gatherings and celebrations very seriously! Each province, in fact, has its own celebration. They're bright, vivid, energetic, and majestic.

These Philippine festivals highlight the country's culture as well as the ingenuity of its people. Colorful costumes, painted bodies, and extremely gorgeous street dance performances are included in many of them.

Tourists come to the Philippines not only to view its gorgeous beaches and magnificent scenery but also to participate in the country's great festivals.

When asked to describe the Philippines, contrary to popular belief, Filipinos are not dull and uninteresting. They know how to have a good time, too! In reality, the country is home to a slew of fantastic pubs that take the party scene to new heights!

Enjoy a pub crawl in Makati's Poblacion or in Bonifacio Global City or Ortigas for the greatest city views, breezy outdoor retreats, and stylish places where you'll be sipping and toasting all night.

One of a traveler's main concerns is the cost. It's a good thing that traveling in the Philippines is so inexpensive. For instance, there are several day trips that cost less than PHP1000 (USD20).

You'll find plenty of inexpensive lodging options in the Philippines, ranging from dorm-style hostels to bed and breakfast homestays, which are both ideal for budget visitors. Resorts provide a variety of price options for customers seeking a better deal. Package discounts are frequently available if you know where to search.

Food is also inexpensive in the Philippines. You may get a nice breakfast for approximately PHP100-150 (USD2-3) at a restaurant that serves typical Filipino food with coffee. Your lunch and dinner should be the same.

Scattered on the shoreline of Valugan Boulder Beach are bigger and bolder version 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 spreads on the coast of this tiny part of Basco, Batanes fronting the Pacific Ocean.

Going on a "walk along the beach" here means scrambling your way over the giant rocks of round, oblong and elongated shapes with smooth surfaces. On top of some, you would see Zen stones piled on top of each other.

On my twin visit here spanning my two journeys to Batanes, I made sure of enjoying myself some quiet time just by sitting on top of a random boulder to clear my mind as I listen to the sounds of the swells crashing on the rocky bed of Valugan.

While the water isn’t for swimming no thanks to the strong waves and current, Valugan Boulder Beach is a perfect place to just relax, take photographs and achieve a Zen state of mind.

Known to the locals as "Chanpan", it carried its new name of Valugan, which means "East", because of its location in Basco. The waters off the coast of Valugan is considered as a sacred fishing area of the Ivatan fishermen. A traditional fishing season called "faypatawen" is observed from March until the end of May every year.

The Ivatan people originated from an Austronesian-speaking ethnic group that sailed here thousands of years ago and became native to the islands of Batanes and Babuyan Islands.

The massive rocks piled on the shoreline of Valugan is said to have spewed from the mouth of Mt. Iraya during its series of volcanic explosions from 325 B.C. to 505 A.D. Initially, these rocks were characterized by rough surface that was smoothened over time by the relentless waves of the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea.

On my second time here in Valugan, I came with with fellow travel writers on a familiarity tour of Calayan Island and Batanes organized by the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines. After we posed for a photograph, I walked a further stretch of the shoreline over large boulders and in the process, the looming presence of Mt. Iraya caught my eye.

Realizing how these enormous rocks made its journey from the mouth of the volcano to where I stand, I could only shake my head in awe of how the great, yet catastrophic forces of nature can cause a bolder sight of wonderful nature.