Tag: History
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Peace Arch Park: We Planned a Vancouver “Farewell” Trip—And Ended Up at the U.S. Border
A Vancouver day trip takes us to the Peace Arch, a monument symbolizing peace between Canada and the U.S.. But this leads us to a tense detour into U.S. border control. Between bureaucratic checks and family reflections, the visit becomes a bittersweet reminder of connection, borders, and the threads that tie us together.
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Maragondon, Cavite: A Town That Saw Andres Bonifacio’s Last Stand
Maragondon, Cavite is the unassuming town where Andres Bonifacio faced his final reckoning. On a weekend, we visit the shrine near Mt. Magpatong, as well as the trial house, the riverside, and the centuries-old Jesuit church in the town center, confronting the Revolution’s questions.
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Tayabas, Quezon: A Heritage Road Trip and the Joy of Seeing Again
Through Tayabas, Quezon’s colonial streets, iconic basilica, and the timeless Puente de Malagonlong, we embark on a heartfelt road trip that becomes my mother’s first after cataract surgery. It’s a journey of healing, gratitude, and rediscovery through family and faith.
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Sariaya, Quezon: How a Forgotten Blog Led Me to the Town’s Heritage Houses
Beneath Mount Banahaw’s gaze, the heritage houses of Sariaya, Quezon, tell stories of a bygone era. Moved by a blog that fell silent years ago, I wander through the town’s Art Deco mansions, pondering how preserving heritage mirrors our struggle to keep meaning from fading.
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Quezon City Unfinished: A Day Exploring the Legacy of the Man Who Started It
Quezon City is defined by a grand vision that went largely unrealized. Despite that, it is still alive and evolving. I spend a day exploring parts of the city—from the anachronisms in Elliptical Road and Quezon Memorial Circle to the chaos of Cubao—tracing the ironies in Manuel L. Quezon’s ambitions and legacy.
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Pinsal Falls and Santa Maria Church: Exploring Two of Ilocos Sur’s Hidden Corners
The turquoise cascades of Pinsal Falls and the hilltop UNESCO-listed Santa Maria Church are just two of Ilocos Sur’s treasures beyond Vigan. On a scenic detour from Abra, our group visits the striking falls and heritage church, embracing the unhurried moments together. It’s a pleasant coda to an adventurous trip.
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Bukit Mertajam: Exploring Penang’s Old Town Beyond George Town
A trip through Bukit Mertajam uncovers the old-world charm of its shophouses, the spiritual calm of St. Anne’s Church, and the lively atmosphere of its markets and food stalls. Wandering the quieter streets offers a contrast to George Town, revealing a side of Penang that feels both authentic and unhurried.
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Penang Hill: A Forest Escape Above George Town
Nature and history intertwine on Penang Hill, Malaysia’s only urban UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. I stroll through The Habitat’s rainforest trails, cross the Canopy Walk, and take in sweeping island views from Curtis Crest. I also peek at colonial-era spots like David Brown’s for a glimpse of Penang’s past.
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George Town, Penang: What the Kids on a Bicycle Taught Me About Traveling at 40
In George Town, Penang, a mural of two children on a bicycle becomes a mirror into a journey of history, food, and reflection. From clan jetties to kaya toast, colonial forts to Peranakan mansions, I explore the city’s layered past and how modern travel shapes changing perspectives.
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Lipa City, Batangas: A Barako Coffee-Fueled Day Trip Through Culture, Lomi, And A Big Red Barn
Lipa City is often seen as just a stopover on the way to more popular destinations in Southern Calabarzon. On a weekend, we give it the attention it rarely gets, visiting its heritage structures, trying its barako coffee and lomi, and exploring its quieter pockets of nature like the scenic Old Grove Farmstead.
The Tourist Gaze 