Tag: Philippines
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Bacolod: A Quick Tour of the City of Smiles
Almost all trips in Negros Occidental start and end in Bacolod, the province’s capital. It’s the political, economic, and cultural epicenter of the province (though because of the Philippines’ confusing politics, it’s administratively separate from the province), and it’s worth at least a day staying here to get a glimpse of what makes Negrenses in…
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Danjugan Island: Negros Occidental’s Ecotour Paradise
Danjugan Island, a sliver of island off Negros Occidental, is an ecotourist’s paradise. Protected and maintained by the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, the island was first opened opened as an ecotourism site in 2006. Since then, it has become one of the province’s best-kept secrets, drawing not only tourists from Negros island and…
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Manalakaran: Riding the Pink Wave
The final crowd count was both surprising and a cause for hope. For the past six years, especially the last two during the pandemic, the Philippines has been mired by bad governance. This has been exacerbated by a spate of corruption issues, a misogynistic culture, and increasing hostilities against individuals with opposing political beliefs and…
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Weekend in Quezon: Tayabas-Lucban Road and Food Trip
Quezon Province, with its charming towns and stunning views of Mount Banahaw, is a treasure trove of cultural, historical, and culinary delights. Whether you’re visiting for a short weekend or an extended getaway, this province offers plenty of must-see destinations. On a February Sunday, after checking out of our hotel in Lucena, my family and…
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Weekend in Quezon: Swimming in Pagbilao and Love in Lucena
Spending an afternoon on a beach in Pagbilao, Quezon is a refreshing escape from the usual tourist-heavy coastal destinations near Metro Manila. It’s around 3 in the afternoon, and I have spent the last half-hour alternately dipping myself in the ocean water and walking along a pebbly beach. My parents, my sister, my brother, and…
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Dine In: Small Talk Cafe
Bicolano cuisine is one of the most popular regional cuisines in the Philippines, so part of the fun of going to the Bicol region is getting to sample its dishes. One of the most famous restaurants serving Bicolano fare is Small Talk Cafe in Legazpi, Albay. This cozy little place in the heart of the…
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Legazpi City: More than Mayon
Back in Legazpi City, I immediately resume my walking tour, this time walking to Ligñon Hill from the main highway. However, it turns out that the park is closed due to renovation. All’s not lost, though, as I am rewarded with this shot of Mayon as it starts to hide behind a blanket of clouds:…
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A Magayon Start to 2022: Exploring Daraga and Mayon Volcano
January 2022 was supposed to be when I would resume international travel. Unfortunately, I had to postpone the trip because, well, pandemic. My plan B was then to go to Siargao, but since the province is still reeling from last month’s Typhoon Odette, I switch to Plan C. Unfazed with the heightened restriction alert due…
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2021 Yearend: A Road Trip to Southern Rizal
Southern Rizal province at 60 kilometers an hour whizzes by like a highlight reel for a classic provincial road trip: mountains, rice fields, an auspiciously blue sky, and an empty highway. It’s a sunny December afternoon, and my parents, having had experienced a couple of road trips to Tagaytay the past few weeks, wanted another…
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Panglao Island: Downtime by the Beach
I spend the rest of my time in Bohol just lounging around Panglao Island, dividing my time between Dumaluan Beach and Alona Beach. My resort, the Marilou Resort is in the former. It’s a budget resort with a great beachside location and clean, spacious rooms. It’s also beside Bohol Beach Club, a more expensive resort,…
The Tourist Gaze 