Tag: Philippines
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Jordan, Guimaras: Mango Island
IT’S THE PLACE OF MANGOES. The fruit is what gives fame to Guimaras, an island 16 kilometers off the coast of Iloilo City. The island has a number of secluded beaches and some great islands that beg for exploration, but it’s the mangoes that set it apart from the other provinces. Like most visitors, my…
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Panay, Capiz: (Almost) Viewing the Country’s Largest Church Bell
Just outside Roxas City lies another religious structure that’s been synonymous with Capiz. The Panay Church in the municipality of Panay (not to be confused with Panay Island, which refers to the whole island in which Capiz belongs along with the provinces of Iloilo, Antique, and Aklan) is home to the Santa Monica Parish Church,…
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Roxas City, Capiz: No Aswangs, Just Lots of Fish
“ALEX, ARE THERE ASWANGS HERE IN CAPIZ?” the American woman asks. Alex, who is sitting behind the wheel of the van, stares at the road ahead, smiles, and then just lets out a frustrated laugh – the kind that betrays the fact that he’s heard this question many times before and probably has expected it to be asked…
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Bayombong: A Quick Lesson on Nueva Vizcaya’s History
What is Nueva Vizcaya known for? This province is famous for its rich history, indigenous heritage, and natural wonders like Mapalyao Falls and Capisaan Caves. Explore Bayombong’s historic sites and learn why it’s the heart of Nueva Vizcaya.
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Mapalyao Falls, Nueva Vizcaya: A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers
Planning to visit Mapalyao Falls in Nueva Vizcaya? This guide covers how to get there, what to expect, and tips for your trip, including costs and transport details.
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Sablayan: Apo Reef Natural Park
What’s coming will come, and we’ll meet it when it does. -Hagrid Sometimes life surprises you. I didn’t expect to be here in Apo Reef, but sometimes, the universe just works its magic. I had booked a tour through a Facebook group, but when Cess, the organizer, told me that the batch was full, I…
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Tinglayan: The Mambabatoks of Kalinga
For a long time, Kalinga was overlooked compared to its more famous neighbors in the Cordillera region, such as the rice terraces of Banaue, the hippie vibe of Sagada, and the urban attractions of Baguio. However, recent years have seen a surge in tourism in Kalinga, driven primarily by its rich tribal traditions and unique…
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Bat-ongan Cave: An Off-the-Beaten-Track Masbate Adventure
Bat-ongan Cave in Mandaon, Masbate, is a hidden gem for adventure seekers. Explore its unique rock formations, local legends, and how to visit this lesser-known attraction in Masbate.
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Milagros, Masbate: The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Moo-sic
About an hour ride away from Masbate City and the lackluster qualities of a provincial capital gives way to spectacular scenery. The town of Milagros about an hour drive south is what I’ve always imagined Masbate to be – a large patch of a deep verdant, green carpet, surrounded by rolling hills and peppered with…
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Masbate City: Before the Cowboys Come
The cowboys are not here – at least not yet. I have arrived a week early in Masbate City for the annual rodeo festival, which was moved to give way to the Holy Week, so instead, the spacious arena beside the airport is ghostly quiet, with only the occasional tricycles and motorbikes passing through the…
The Tourist Gaze 