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A Maundy Day Trip to Laurel, Batangas
Laurel, Batangas, is an underrated day trip destination from Metro Manila. This lakeside town has great views of Taal Lake, cozy cafés, and peaceful resorts.
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Wondering about the Ghost from Tarlac City
I’ve been wondering. About life, about myself. About you. I’m not even sure how to begin, except to say that the drive to Tarlac City is an escape — a chance to clear my mind amidst all the drama and uncertainties. The city, and the province of Tarlac in general for that matter, isn’t even…
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Downtime at Puraran Beach and L’Astrolabe
After the tricycle tour, I decide to recharge my weak social battery and enjoy the serenity in Puraran Beach. The golden sands and rhythmic waves provide the perfect backdrop for introspection and let me appreciate the beauty of the island at my own pace, an ability I’ve lacked since becoming involved in school operations. Puraran…
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A Sunrise-to-Lunch Tricycle Tour of Baras and Gigmoto
Before the first light of morning breaks on my second day in Catanduanes, I find myself aboard a tricycle, the go-to ride for cruising around these island roads. I’m getting a ride from Kuya Erap, whom I’ve hired to show me around the sights in Baras and Gigmoto. He’s about to show me some of…
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Virac: A Primer of Catanduanes
There was a time, and not long ago, when Catanduanes to visitors was all about the surfing in a little stretch of beach in the municipality of Baras, just an hour’s drive from the capital Virac. But the least explored province in the Bicol Region has quietly grown into an invigorating destination of its own.…
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Extended Weekend in La Union: Side Tours to Ma-Cho Temple and Baluarte Watchtower
La Union is often known for its beaches and surf culture, but the province has more to offer beyond the saltwater and the waves. I’ve been to the province twice before, but I’ve never had the chance to explore outside San Juan, particularly Urbiztondo Beach. Thus on this particular trip, we do a couple of…
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Extended Weekend in La Union: Beachside in San Juan
As the school year dragged on, my craving for the beach intensified, leading me to planning a trip to La Union province during a recent long vacation. I, together with my sister and two of her former colleagues, spend three days and two nights in this province in northern Luzon. It’s all about relaxation. We…
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Starting a Long Weekend in Tagaytay: Charting an Unexpected Pathway
Remember my unexpected journey to a career as a financial advisor? Here’s an equally (if not more) unexpected 2023 plot twist: I’m now co-running the operations of a school. It’s a looooooong story, one that I’m not sure I want to tell the details of at this particular time. But yeah, my sister and I…
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2023 Halftime Break at Club Laiya
A day in a beach means relaxation punctuated with a chance to get some of the new members in my professional circle. Though my original plans for this year were thwarted due to unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances, I have been trying to focus on silver linings the past couple of months, punctuated by me enjoying…
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Unforgettable Waves of Love: Celebrating 40 Years of Togetherness in Baler
With the sea breeze brushing against us and the sound of waves crashing all around, we’re hanging out at the shores of Baler, a chill spot famous for its awesome surf and laid-back atmosphere. This weekend is going to be something special; we’re celebrating love and commitment as we head out to honor our parents’…
The Tourist Gaze
A Traveling Outsider Looking In
The Tourist Gaze 