The Tourist Gaze

The Tourist Gaze

A Traveling Outsider Looking In

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  • Bud Bongao: We Conquered the Highest Peak of Tawi-Tawi and Here’s What It Taught Me

    Bud Bongao: We Conquered the Highest Peak of Tawi-Tawi and Here’s What It Taught Me

    Bud Bongao is the highest peak in Tawi-Tawi, known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking views. I and a group of fellow travelers set out to conquer the mountain. Along the way, we face (minor) challenges, witness unique wildlife, and discover valuable lessons that go beyond the summit.

    jayexiomo

    May 9, 2025
    Philippines
    Adventure, Bangsamoro, Frontier Travel, Hiking, History, Joiner Trip, Mindanao, Mountain, Nature, Outdoors, Tawi-Tawi, Tawi-Tawi 2025, Trekking
  • Bongao, Tawi-Tawi: Exploring the Gateway to the Philippines’ Southernmost Frontier

    Bongao, Tawi-Tawi: Exploring the Gateway to the Philippines’ Southernmost Frontier

    Bongao provides visitors with first impressions of Tawi-Tawi’s coastal beauty, history, and culture. During our stay in the town, our group hikes Bud Bongao, visits mosques, and savors local flavors from Maggi Kari to native coffee. We also explore Badjao weaving traditions and relax by the quiet shores of Bihing Tahik Beach Resort.

    jayexiomo

    May 6, 2025
    Philippines
    Adventure, Bangsamoro, Beach, Bongao, Culture, Frontier Travel, History, Joiner Trip, Mindanao, Nature, Tawi-Tawi, Tawi-Tawi 2025
  • Sunrise Calm in the Coastal Trails: A Morning Walk Through Dampalit, Malabon

    Sunrise Calm in the Coastal Trails: A Morning Walk Through Dampalit, Malabon

    A peaceful early morning walk along the coastal trail of Dampalit, Malabon allows me and two colleagues to discover its charm. This quiet side of the city invites us to slow down with some riverside coffee to witness the sunrise.

    jayexiomo

    April 26, 2025
    Philippines
    City, Malabon, Musings, Nature, Ocean, Outdoors, Walking
  • From Word of Hope to Manam at SM North: Post-Graduation Musings on Failures and Redirections

    From Word of Hope to Manam at SM North: Post-Graduation Musings on Failures and Redirections

    A few days after our school’s first-ever senior high graduation, a friend and I have lunch at Manam in SM North. The meal turns into a moment of musings on failure and redirection, and how the path we take isn’t always the one we planned.

    jayexiomo

    April 20, 2025
    Philippines
    education, Graduation, Life, Musings, Quezon City, Restaurant, School, SM North EDSA, SPCS, teaching, writing
  • Wawa Dam: Modeling in Montalban’s Scenic Beauty

    Wawa Dam: Modeling in Montalban’s Scenic Beauty

    Local model April poses for pictures at Wawa Dam, framed by waterfalls and towering limestone cliffs. Her birthday photoshoot sets the stage for a closer look at the Pamitinan Protected Landscape, an underrated natural and historical treasure tucked into the rugged mountains of Rizal.

    jayexiomo

    April 10, 2025
    Philippines
    Nature, Outdoors, Photography, Photoshoot, Rizal Province, Wawa Dam
  • Estancia de Lorenzo, San Mateo, Rizal: Midlife Bachelors on a Post-Wedding Staycation

    Estancia de Lorenzo, San Mateo, Rizal: Midlife Bachelors on a Post-Wedding Staycation

    Attending a wedding reception at Estancia de Lorenzo in San Mateo, Rizal, makes me reflect on being single in my 40s. Over some wine and poolside conversations, I have some realizations on why I don’t regret taking the path I am in.

    jayexiomo

    April 1, 2025
    Philippines
    Events, Friendships, Musings, Rizal Province, San Mateo, Staycation, Wedding
  • Silingan Coffee: This Cubao Expo Café Remembers Lives Lost

    Silingan Coffee: This Cubao Expo Café Remembers Lives Lost

    Silingan Coffee pays tribute to the victims of the war on drugs. Run by the families left behind, this hidden gem in Cubao Expo serves coffee with a cause, providing a sense of community for the victims’ kin and a refuge for those who resist injustice.

    jayexiomo

    March 17, 2025
    Philippines
    Coffee, Cubao, Cubao Expo, Culture, History, Quezon City
  • Women of Malolos: Tracing the Trail of Courage and Empowerment

    Women of Malolos: Tracing the Trail of Courage and Empowerment

    Who were the Women of Malolos, and why does their fight still matter today? As we explore the historic streets of Malolos—tracing their footsteps through heritage homes, historical markers, and iconic landmarks—we bring their legacy to life through a photoshoot.

    jayexiomo

    March 8, 2025
    Philippines
    Bulacan, City, Culture, History, Northbound Quickies, Photoshoot, Women's Month
  • San Fernando, Pampanga: A Road Trip with My Dad Through Heritage, Food, and Fun

    San Fernando, Pampanga: A Road Trip with My Dad Through Heritage, Food, and Fun

    My dad and I go on a road trip through San Fernando, Pampanga. We stop at heritage sites, enjoy delicious Kapampangan food, and experience SkyRanch thrills. Here’s how we spent a day exploring this lively city.

    jayexiomo

    March 1, 2025
    Philippines
    Food, History, Northbound Quickies, Pampanga, Road Trips with Dad
  • Starry Night: Celebrating Our Graduates at Casa de Polo, Valenzuela City

    Starry Night: Celebrating Our Graduates at Casa de Polo, Valenzuela City

    It was a night of elegance and celebration as our school held its first-ever Graduation Ball at Casa de Polo in Valenzuela City. The historic venue, once a hacienda house, became the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening of joy and reflection on the students’ future.

    jayexiomo

    February 22, 2025
    Philippines
    History, School, SPCS, Valenzuela City
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