Marcos Ancestral House, Ilocos Norte

Marcos Ancestral House
When I entered the Marcos Ancestral House, the first thing that caught my attention was an old wooden staircase, right side of the ground floor, because it was covered with a red carpet. On the left side is the presidential table, with three armchairs. The management then provided monoblock chairs in front of the wide screen showing the history of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Then, the whole second floor was divided into different panels.

Pabua's Cottages, an affordable place to stay in Camiguin

Stunning image of Pabua's Cottages in Camiguin.
We stayed at Pabua’s Cottages for 1,500 pesos overnight. The room is wide, with a clean toilet and bath, a TV with cable, a terrace, and three queen-sized beds. Since we were on a tight budget, we went to the market and bought our supplies. Cooked, served with happiness, and then rested. You can contact them at 09064152557 or 09173210449.

Catbalogan City's Manaragat Festival was spectacular

Image of Manaragat Festival.
Manaragat Festival is an annual festivities celebrated for the whole month of August to pay homage to their Patrol Saint - Senyor Bartolome, whose feast day falls on the 24th of the mentioned month. Catbalogan City celebrated its more than 400 years of establishment as the capital of the whole island of Samar; from a small fishing village in 1616 to a promising city in Eastern Visayas. Most of all, this festival is an ongoing call for people to remain resilient despite the odds and to keep moving forward.

Things You Need to Know about Balay Negrense

Image of Balay Negrense.
Balay Negrense is a century-old house in Silay City owned by Victor Fernandez Gaston, the eldest son of a prominent sugar baron Yves Leopold Germain Gaston and Prudencia Fernandez. It was built between 1897 and 1901, abandoned in the mid-1970s, repaired by the government, and inaugurated on October 6, 1990. This heritage house is just one of the century-old houses along Cinco de Noviembre Street in Silay City. This street is remarkable because of the historical value that transpires to the people. By the way, its name is a Hiligaynon phrase; Negrense refers to the people living in the province of Negros and Balay or a house.

Kawa Hot Bath, a relaxing destination in Tibiao, Antique

Image of Kawa Hot Bath in Antique
It is an old style of warm bath that uses a “Kawa” or a gigantic wok that serves as a bathtub. Instead of a heater, wood is used to create a fire to heat the water and then sprinkled with ornamental and medicinal plants for a relaxing experience and fairer skin. La Escapo Mountain Resort is the perfect spot to experience this because of its geographical location.  Kawa Hot Bath is prominent and one of the must-tried in Antique. Most mountain resorts offering this service are situated in Tuno, Municipality of Tibiao, 30 to 40 minutes travel from Culasi, Antique. Not only that, extreme water tubing can also be tried.

Manggahan Festival, stunning costume and performance

Stunning image of Manggahan Festival, Guimaras
Guimaras is one of the small island provinces in the Philippines, but with a huge and vibrant culture, breathtaking tourist attractions, and world-class mangoes. Having said that, the province created the Manggahan Festival every May to showcase their gift. In this presentation, Binagtong, which means anything that is wrapped by a katsa or patadyong, will be featured to show its usefulness as an accessory to export mangoes and other products by using this piece of cloth in the hands, shoulder or head. To be included in the presentation are the unique and exciting countryside experiences for tourists – from agri eco-adventure parks to bike circuits, historical sites, religious events, and other cultural activities. Info from Aliwan Fiesta Website.

Apo Whang-Od Tattoo Design

Image of Apo Whang-Od Tattoo Design
A lady named Apo Whang Od (locals pronounced it as Fang Od) is 103 years old and she's the oldest mambabatok from the Butbut tribe in Buscalan, Kalinga, Philippines. The tattoos on her skin prove how powerful she was during her time.

Got my First Tattoo from Apo Whang Od

Image of Apo Whang Od.
In this generation, most people think a tattoo has a negative connotation. It can even affect your career, regardless of the talent and education you may have. My eagerness to get inked started in October 2014 at the Philippine National Museum when I saw a portrait of an old lady with tribal tattoos all over her body. In National Geographic, several documentaries featured how significant tattoos and pierces were, especially for people in ancient times. Tattoos and pierces prove a tribe recognizes a person’s accomplishment, mostly in battles. There are several ways of tattooing worldwide, depending on their geographical feature and culture. In the Northern part of the Philippines, in Buscalan, Kalinga, they call it Batok. It is an ancient/tribal form of marking (tattooing) a warrior after successful combat or ladies who brought pride to the tribe.

Mt. Tabayoc Travel Guide – Second Highest Peak in the Philippines

Mt. Tabayoc

Jump to: About Mt. Tabayoc | How to Get There | What to Expect | Suggested Itinerary | Travel Budget | Where to Stay | Travel Tips

About Mt. Tabayoc

Mt. Tabayoc is the second-highest mountain in the Philippines at 2,842 meters above sea level, located in Kabayan, Benguet. Known for its mossy forest, cold climate, and rich biodiversity, it is part of the Mt. Pulag National Park and sits beside the mystical Lake Tabeo. The hike is a combination of adventure and immersion in the Cordilleras’ untouched beauty.

Mt. Tenglawan (Hiking Guide and Itinerary)

Stunning image of Mt. Tenglawan.
Among the Bakun Trio mountains, Mt. Tenglawan is the most difficult to hike because of its long terrain and an assault, although its trail class and technicalities can be placed at a moderate level. This mountain might be a challenge for some hikers, yet it has an amazing shape from afar. Not only that, the trails are covered with luscious green, colorful ornamental plants, trees, and, more importantly, the birds were singing like they were part of a musical orchestra. 

Ilagan Japanese Tunnel – History, Entrance Fee, and Travel Guide

Ilagan Japanese Tunnel

Jump to: About the Ilagan Japanese Tunnel | Historical Background | How to Get There | Entrance Fee & Schedule | What to Expect | Travel Tips | Nearby Attractions

About the Ilagan Japanese Tunnel

The Ilagan Japanese Tunnel is a historic World War II tunnel located in Barangay Santo Tomas, Ilagan City, Isabela. It was used by Japanese soldiers as a shelter and strategic hideout during the war. Today, it's a preserved war relic and a must-see attraction in Isabela for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Lussok Cave Travel Guide: Spelunking in Apayao’s Hidden Gem

Lussok Cave entrance surrounded by lush greenery

Jump to: About Lussok Cave | How to Get There | Things to Do | Fees | Itinerary | Budget | Travel Tips | FAQs

About Lussok Cave

Lussok Cave is a multi-chamber limestone cave system located in Luna, Apayao. It's famous for its stunning karst formations, underground river, and boat ride experience inside the cave. As part of the Apayao eco-tourism zone, it's perfect for nature lovers and spelunkers.

National Museum of the Filipino People

Image of National Museum of the Filipino People.
I have been dreaming of visiting the Philippine National Museum since high school, but in 2015, that dream came into reality as they offered free admission for the whole month of October. I spent the whole day inside these historical buildings, from the Marikina Shoe Museum to the Museum of the Filipino People building.

The stunning interior of San Sebastian Church, Manila

Image of San Sebastian Church in Manila
After meeting up at TIP Manila for my cap distributed by Street Style Originals, I planned to visit Paco Cemetery, but due to unfriendly weather conditions, I chose to visit San Sebastian Church in Manila, just a few meters away. For the second time, when I entered the church, I was still fascinated by its uniqueness; from the walls, columns, floor, glass chandeliers, cabinets, and others parts look really stunning.

AMANDARAGA FALLS, EASTERN SAMAR: TRAVEL GUIDE, ITINERARY, BUDGET, WHAT TO DO, AND HOW TO GET

Amandaraga Falls 2020
Amandaraga Falls is the top tourist destinations in Lawaan, Eastern Samar. This majestic waterfall has an artistic rock formation on the side, the cool and pressure of the falling crystal clear water is the perfect for body massage. Not only that, the sound of the rushing waters preserves the tranquility with the help of the relaxing green surroundings - it is just breathtaking!

Sumptuous Lunch at Balaw-Balaw Restaurant

Image of Balaw-Balaw Restaurant
It is one of the must-visit or best restaurants to dine at if you are looking for exotic foods. I am not into cooking, but I love eating, so I would like to share our amazing encounter with exotic foods at Balaw Balaw Restaurant in Angono, Rizal. This happened after enjoying the famous Higantes Festival; while our clothes were wet, we headed to this special restaurant.

The stunning and colorful Higantes Festival

Image of Higantes Festival.
Higantes Festival is an annual festivities held every November 23 in Angono, Rizal; its main purpose is to honor San Clemente, patron saint of the fishermen. His image is carried by male devotees during the procession, followed by the street dancers and participants. Higantes (Giants in English) is made up of paper mosaic handcrafted by the artistic minds of the people of Angono.

Animasola Island has a spectacular rock formation

Image of Animasola Island.
Animasola Island is one of the sun-drenched islets of the Burias Group of Islands in San Pascual, Masbate. We travelled 3 hours via motorized banca from Alibijaban Island to witness its grandeur. It's true, it's a gigantic rock perched in the water that looks beautiful because of its unique formation, curved by nature. Just the journey itself while crossing the sea, with the huge waves, was remarkable. Our motorized banca was like hopping on and off the huge waves. From afar, this islet looks ordinary, the same as with the islets we've visited; however, as we were getting nearer, the view was just astounding because of its unique formation.

Night full of colors at the Giant Lantern Festival

Image of Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga.
This is an annual festival held in December in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. The festival features a competition of giant lanterns. Because of the popularity of the festival, the city has been nicknamed the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines". The first Giant Lantern Festival was held to honor President Manuel L. Quezon. At that time, Quezon made Arayat his rest area and converted Mount Arayat into a tourist resort. As a show of gratitude to Quezon, the people of San Fernando held a Christmas lantern contest to honor the first family. Quezon himself donated the prize for his lantern contest, which was personally awarded to the winner by First Lady Aurora Aragon Quezon -WikiPedia.org

Maniwaya Island Travel Guide – White Sand Beaches, Sandbar, and Budget Itinerary

Golden sunset over Maniwaya Island beach in Marinduque

Jump to: About Maniwaya Island | How to Get There | Things to Do | Sample Itinerary | Budget and Expenses | Where to Stay | Travel Tips

About Maniwaya Island

Maniwaya Island is a hidden tropical paradise off the coast of Marinduque. Known for its powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and nearby Palad Sandbar, this off-the-grid destination is perfect for beach lovers, backpackers, and weekend warriors seeking peace and natural beauty.

Best Travel Destinations in the Philippines

Best Travel Destinations in the Philippines

Traveling to the best tourist attractions and destinations in the Philippines for the past twelve months is definitely rewarding. I was able to meet a lot of people from different provinces with different cultures and beliefs. The unique and explainable excitement that I feel every time I create my travel guide and itinerary always results in an exquisite experience. Thank you for all your support!

Rizal Visita Iglesia (Itinerary + Guide)

Rizal Visita Iglesia
I have been planning to visit the historical and century-old churches in Pasig and the province of Rizal and the plan became a reality after 11 months. Today is the perfect day and the perfect season because it is my Visita Iglesia in a backpacking style. My itinerary started with the oldest church in Pasig, followed by the Marian Church of Cainta, then, St. John the Baptist in Taytay, and the stunning Tanay Church. And to close my good Friday adventure, together with my friends, we visited the gigantic Pililla Wind Farm.

Laguna's stunning Bunga Falls

Stunning image of Bunga Falls.
During our Mt. Kalisungan and Mt. Mabilog hikes, Bunga Twin Falls was our side trip and post-climb destination. The ambiance in the area is cool and relaxing because it is surrounded by trees, coconuts, and other plants. Its name was derived from the "bunga" plant or "beetle nut" in English; that was many years ago, when the area was still abundant with this plant. Today, this twin falls is definitely one of the summer destinations in Laguna.

Romblon Travel Guide – Top Tourist Spots, How to Get There, Itinerary & Budget

White sandbar and turquoise water at Bonbon Beach in Romblon Island

Jump to: About Romblon | How to Get There | Things to Do | Sample Itinerary | Budget and Expenses | Where to Stay | Travel Tips

About Romblon

Romblon, dubbed as the “Marble Capital of the Philippines,” is a peaceful island province in MIMAROPA known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, unspoiled islands, and centuries-old churches. With fewer crowds compared to Boracay or Palawan, Romblon offers an off-the-beaten-path experience for backpackers, island hoppers, and culture lovers.