Watching Naelah Alshorbaji effortlessly charm the camera with her graceful presence and natural movements, one would believe everything is fine and dandy in her life at that moment. Unbeknownst to the team working on her cover shoot, the 2021 Miss Earth Philippines was carrying an immense weight in her heart.
It’s about time that you reward your hard work by going on a nature escape with your loved ones at some posh hideaway that ticks all the boxes for a leisurely getaway. Get up close and personal with Mother Nature by communing with the picturesque Lake Lumot and engaging in a variety of water activities during the day, then embrace quaintness beneath the stars before capping the night with a soothing massage and a rejuvenating Kawa hot bath. Exciting activities and moments of tranquility abound in this outdoor oasis, which provides excellent value for every peso spent.
I concur with The Scarlet Letter author Nathaniel Hawthorne when he wrote, “Mountains are Earth's undecaying monuments.” As proven by my travel recollections, images of the highlands usually conjure an impression of pristine time and wonder. It is as though the mountains were the first to rise from the sea as the Earth gradually transformed into a habitable world.
Although I've visited Intramuros multiple times—excluding the time I was baptized at the Manila Cathedral—I've never gone on a thorough loop exploring its every nook and cranny. Once, I biked to Papakape, an artisan coffee shop inside Fort Santiago. Another time, I indulged in the flavors of several spirits and whiskey at the Destileria Limtuaco Museum, while at other times, it was on a date to Museo de Intramuros or attending a friend’s wedding at San Agustin Church. I’ve never really explored the whole of Intramuros like a curious tourist before.
Though I may have been too young to fully comprehend the Doña Paz tragedy at the time, subsequent news stories about it left an indelible impression on me. I grew up rationalizing that sea travel is a perilous undertaking—particularly in a country where antiquated vessels are commonplace.
I have this image I play in my mind over and over when I think of Kalinga: Apo Whang-Od applying a batok (hand-tapped) traditional tattoo on my arm while I marvel at the presence of a Dangal ng Haraya awardee. That is how I envisioned my first visit to the province of Kalinga would be.
Contemporary and traditional elements fuse together during Roxas City's Capiztahan Festival. The streets come alive with colorful dances and parades that pay homage to the province's illustrious past and the city’s most notable son. Amidst the celebrations, both residents and tourists enjoy an array of cultures, seafood specialties, and the everlasting joie de vivre the Capiznons are known for.
Having no idea of the place we were heading to beforehand, the scenery of rolling mountain ranges rising parallel to the mighty Chico River and expansive farm fields gave me hints of what to expect.
During our Visita Iglesia in Bulacan and Pampanga, we also stopped by two churches in Nueva Ecija: St. John Nepomucene in Cabiao and, before returning to Manila, the National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora in Gapan. This brought the number of churches we visited that day to sixteen. After observing the preparations for the Maundy Thursday Blessed Sacrament procession, we wandered the streets of Old Gapan.
Bulacan boasts some of the oldest churches, dating back centuries, and it remains one of the most popular Visita Iglesia sites during Holy Week. So, if you're headed north of Luzon for the conclusion of the Lenten season, make a stop in the province of Bulacan to complete your Visita Iglesia for Holy Week.
To help you plot your route, here are seven churches that you can easily pass by since they are within municipalities and cities located adjacent to each other.
Visita Iglesia is a long-standing Catholic tradition observed during Holy Week, particularly on Maundy Thursday, where devotees visit seven or more churches for prayer and reflection. Beyond its religious significance, it also provides an opportunity to appreciate centuries of Philippine history, architecture, and local culture.
Even before the two dogs moonlighting as our unofficial hiking guides plodded along the muddy trail, paused, and looked back at me, I had already figured out what they wanted to say. Surely, if they could talk, I would hear them tell me, “Here we go, look up.” Taking a cue from their excited body language, I directed my eyes upward. A massive wall covering the length of my vision revealed an unimpeded view of Asik-Asik Falls.
I was swept up once more into the vintage atmosphere of Casa Simeon, as if my return were a physical embodiment of my manifestation to return here and spend the night rather than merely dining in—which was all I did during my first time here. Wasting no time after a bit of downtime from exploring numerous spots in Albay, I walked barefoot across the polished wooden floor of Casa Simeon, marveling at the various architectural marvels and delicate details that set it apart from more contemporary lodgings.
After arriving from Cotabato, weary from a weeklong festival coverage, I made my way to Park Avenue Boutique Hotel 2443, a heritage bed-and-breakfast tucked along a gated street in Pasay. Newly reopened following the completion of a five-room expansion, the property is a seamless blend of history and thoughtful renovation. Original elements—narra headboards, kamagong tables, capiz windows—have been refurbished and carefully integrated, preserving the soul of the ancestral home while adapting it for modern hospitality.
Malaysia is a memorable country for me because it was where I took my first international trip—and my first airplane flight. Yes, I was a late bloomer in terms of air travel, only able to afford it after entering the corporate world.
Through the years, I've hung out with a handful of artistic souls, most of whom were around my age or even younger. Although on one occasion, I caught a glimpse of Kidlat Tahimik at his enchanting Ili Likha Artist Village—where gastronomy intertwines with awe-inspiring art installations in Baguio City—as he sat at a neighboring table.
I first heard of the creations of BidiBidi when I was given an embroidered face mask featuring a beautiful portrait of a woman on one side and a woven pattern on the other. If there's one good thing to come out of the pandemic, it’s the use of fashionable face masks, and the one created by BidiBidi tops all I've worn.
Visiting a museum is another way of learning more about a place, which is why I look forward to stepping into one every time I travel to a new destination. Having been to the biggest museums in the country, such as the National Gallery, the National Museum of Natural History, and other National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) sites, I usually taper my expectations when I stumble upon smaller ones.
Being one of the most remote safari locations in Africa and with no fences in between, Botswana offers a pure adventure in the wild like no other on the continent.
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| Zebras at the Okavango Reserve |
Singapore is known as one of the best food and travel destinations in Asia, promising tourists a unique culinary experience as they explore various dining options—from Michelin-starred hawker stands to world-class restaurants. The vibrant city-state has thus deservedly earned a reputation as a culinary powerhouse, boasting dishes that blend Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences. If you're a foodie looking for a place to have a good time while eating good food, Singapore should be at the top of your travel list.
If you have a passion for gastronomy and are eager to embark on a culinary adventure like no other, then South Korea should be at the top of your travel list. Bursting with a vibrant food scene, this East Asian gem offers a range of delicious dishes that will tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, let’s get started with this food lover’s guide to South Korea’s culinary delights.
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| Photo Credit: Culture Trip |
