Naelah Alshorbaji Opens up About the Revolving Doors of Fate and the Commonalities of Her Syrian and Filipino Roots

July 08, 2023

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.

Sofia’s Lake Resort: A Quiet and Wonderful Nature Escape Not Far From Manila | Cavinti, Laguna

July 04, 2023

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.

La Palmera Mountain Ridge: This Nature-Sculpted Mountains is Something to Behold | Sultan Kudarat

June 12, 2023

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.

Beyond the Walls: Rediscovering Intramuros

June 09, 2023

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.

Witnessing the Week-long Bodong Festival Revelry in Kalinga

May 10, 2023
Luzon / Cordillera / Festivals

Witnessing the Week-long Bodong Festival Revelry in Kalinga

By Marky Ramone Go • May 2023

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.

Joining the Capiztahan Revelry in Roxas City | Capiz

May 05, 2023

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.

Naneng Heritage Village's Culture Trip and a Slice of Charming Small-Town Vibe | Kalinga

April 20, 2023
Unique Stays / Kalinga / Architecture

Naneng Heritage Village's Culture Trip and a Slice of Charming Small-Town Vibe | Kalinga

By Marky Ramone Go • April 2023

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.

The Ancestral Houses in Old Gapan | Nueva Ecija

April 18, 2023
Philippines / Central Luzon / Heritage Trails

The Ancestral Houses in Old Gapan | Nueva Ecija

By Marky Ramone Go • April 2023

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.

Visita Iglesia in Bulacan: A Pilgrimage Guide to Historic Churches

April 05, 2023

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.

Asik-Asik Falls’ Sprinkle of Wonder | North Cotabato

March 23, 2023

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.

Where to Stay in Albay: Casa Simeon Specialty Accommodations & Dining

March 07, 2023

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.

Manila Stays | Park Avenue Boutique Hotel 2443

March 03, 2023

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.

Meeting an Art Maestro in Sagay City | Negros Occidental

February 22, 2023

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.

Cotabato City’s Bangsamoro Museum: A Treasure trove of Historical Artifacts

February 04, 2023

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.

7 Options in Singapore for Quick but Satisfying Meals

January 10, 2023

 

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.


A Food Lover's Guide to South Korea's Culinary Delights

January 04, 2023

 

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.


Photo Credit: Culture Trip

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