Tag: Beach
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Coming Full Circle in Zamboanga City: Reflections Over a Knickerbocker at Paseo del Mar
Returning to Zamboanga City after a decade, I reflect on how the place and I have changed. From youthful wonder to a more subdued appreciation, I reflect on the deeper, subtler joys of coming full circle. Zamboanga City’s familiar streets greet me with new eyes and a deeper gratitude.
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Panguan Island, Tawi-Tawi: We Reached the Edge of the Philippines and Were Surprised by What We Found
Panguan Island lies at the southernmost tip of the Philippines near the Malaysia border. Visiting there, we discover more than just a remote frontier. From pristine beaches to a resilient community and fascinating local culture—with stops at nearby Mardanas and Bulu-Bulu Islands as well—the journey proves well worth it.
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Island Hopping from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi: Panampangan, Simunul, and Sangay Siapo
From the long sandbar of Panampangan to the historic mosque of Simunul and the rising resort charm of Sangay Siapo, island hopping from Bongao reveals Tawi-Tawi’s diverse seascapes and stories. We share seafood lunches, stroll sunlit shores, and reflect on the beauty of this southern frontier.
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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.
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Dad’s 70th Birthday: To the Infinity Pool and Beyond
I’m lounging on a poolside chair by an infinity pool that overlooks the beach. My dad swims nearby, his strokes steady and strong. The sky is painted with warm hues of orange and pink in the golden hour. My sister relaxes at the edge of the pool, taking a timelapse shot of the impending sunset.…
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Taba Heights: An Elegant Pilgrimage Break
If you’d asked me just a few weeks ago about Taba Heights, Egypt, I wouldn’t have known what to say. I might not even have been able to find it on a map. But after a lengthy yet mostly smooth crossing across the border from Israel to Egypt and about two hours more on the…
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Floating in the Silent (and Salty) Waters of the Dead Sea
The golden-brown sands of the Judean Desert engulf our bus in a dusty cloud as we wind our way along the highway to Kalia, south of Jericho. Glimmers of shimmering blue water emerge into view across the otherwise arid landscape that defines most of this wilderness. Located more than 400 meters below sea level, the…
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A Second Tour of Guimaras
It’s been six years since I’ve last been in Guimaras, and the island still feels as familiar like I’ve been here just last year. The women’s group my mom is with wants more adventures, so today we’re doing this road trip in this island off the coast of Iloilo City. Aboard three vans, we’ve ridden…
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Boat Trip with the Alliance Women to Gigantes Islands
With the conference concluded, my mom and the women’s group she is with have scheduled two more days in Iloilo City for a couple of day trips. The first of which is the island hopping tour in Gigantes Islands. Situated off the coast of Carles town in northern Iloilo, the Gigantes string together a cluster…
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Australia 2024: The Great Ocean Road Trip
Snaking through the southeastern cost of Australia, the Great Ocean Road offers one of the most scenic drives in the country. We’re traversing this road, driving westward on a day tour from Melbourne, about to squeeze what I’m expecting to be a relaxed road trip into less than 12 hours. I would’ve wanted to drive…
The Tourist Gaze 