Category: Philippines
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Batanes: Northern Frontier
It’s early morning. Coming out of our guesthouse to look for a place where we can have breakfast, a laid-back vibe fills the surprisingly warm air. As we navigate the relatively narrow streets of the town, a man on a bicycle greets us. Around us the rustic houses bathe in sunlight as they stand along…
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San Fernando Crucifixion Rites: A Good Friday Tradition in Pampanga
Every Good Friday, San Fernando, Pampanga, becomes the center of intense devotion as penitents reenact Christ’s suffering through self-flagellation and actual crucifixion. Witness this controversial tradition, its history, and the debate surrounding it.
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Surviving Pulag
At Grassland Summit, close to 3,000 feet above the rugged terrains of Northern Luzon, the first positive development of the evening comes in a thick French accent. “Dinner is ready!” calls Mister Tee, our group’s organizer for this climb. Being called for dinner late in the evening – past seven, to be exact – would…
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Thank You, Camiguin
I’m walking along a rocky shore with Sir Boyet, gazing at the boulders painted gold by the late afternoon sun. A pair of high school teens in festival costume pretend they don’t notice and try to pass us by on their way to the covered basketball court for their dress rehearsal. Sir Boyet asks them…
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Mt. Pinatubo Trek: A Firsthand Experience with a Local Guide
“And now we walk,” Wilson says, jumping from the back of the 4×4 truck where he is seated. Our vehicle is on a wide clearing, parked with other 4x4s. The passengers of the other vehicles are slowly getting down as well. It’s a beautiful morning and the early rays of the sun have arrived. Occasional…
The Tourist Gaze 