Tag: Nature
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A Quick Escape to Taytay Falls in Majayjay, Laguna
Having our fill of the decorated houses in Lucban, we set off for a quick side trip to Taytay Falls at the foothills of Mount Banahaw. Located in Majayjay, Laguna, this natural wonder is just a 15-minute jeepney ride northwest of Lucban, making it an ideal retreat for festival-goers looking to cool off. From the…
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Gasan: Unexpected Trek
A LONE NIPA HUT stands on a sweltering clearing, then the man by the fence greets the two men walking through the nearby trail. The man and the older of the two passersby momentarily converse in a deep southern Tagalog accent before going about their respective businesses. The scene is unfolding in the trails I’m…
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Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur: Hometown Visitors
“… FIFTY-EIGHT, FIFTY-NINE, SIXTY,” I count, then press the shutter button. The shutter clicks and within seconds the image appears on the camera’s sensor – a minute-long exposure of Joseph, Dave and Theresa sitting on a log by the beach. The night is silent, with only their conversations, the giggling of Theresa’s cousin, and my steady counting…
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Pagudpud: Northern Paradise
AS WE CONTINUE OUR NORTHWARD JOURNEY, the urban sprawl of the last municipality we pass through slowly gives way to rice fields that seem to stretch to the mountains in the distance. Our bus coasts through the highway, whizzing by tricycles, motorbikes, other buses, and the occasional private cars. I’ve been looking out the window for some…
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Burgos-Bangui: The Road to Pagudpud
FROM LAOAG ON, the road winds to Pagudpud, passing through towns with outstanding coastline. Burgos, in particular has a couple of sites that have made the town a usual stopover on many road trips to the northernmost town of mainland Luzon. Surrounded by picturesque views and perched on the Nagpatian Hill, the Burgos Lighthouse is one of Ilocos Norte’s most…
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Batad: Stairs of Wonder
The Batad Rice Terraces in Ifugao are a display of endurance and ingenuity by the tribespeople who made them.
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A Burned Out Grown-Up in a Youth Camp
I was sitting cross-legged on the grass with other teens eagerly talking about their life goals, which was not where I expected to be. In fact, I can say the same about my recent choices in life: I’m not sure where I expected to be. I tagged along our church’s youth camp in Tanay because…
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Kuta: Terima Kasih
I spend my final afternoon in Kuta Beach, the main tourist drag of Kuta in southern Bali. Heavy clouds drift overhead, casting a gloomy look on the long stretch of beach, though the general vibe of the area remains alive. I stroll along the dirty-white sand, passing a surfing school doing lessons with a few…
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Mount Bromo: Visiting Java’s Most Iconic Volcano
Mount Bromo is one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes, famous for its otherworldly landscape, sunrise views from Penanjakan, and crater hike. In this guide, I’ll share my experience visiting Bromo from Probolinggo, plus practical tips on how to get there, costs, and what to expect. It’s already dark when I reach Probolinggo, just like Desy…
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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…
The Tourist Gaze 