Potipot Island – Travel Guide, Budget Tips, and How to Get There

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About Potipot Island

Potipot Island is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Candelaria, Zambales. Known for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a perfect weekend escape for those looking to relax away from the crowds. Before the coves of San Antonio were discovered, this island was first hailed as one of the finest gems of the province because of its beauty. Also, since it is separated from the mainland and is in a remote area, few visitors can visit.

Bacolor Church – History, Travel Guide, and What to Expect

Jump to: About Bacolor Church | Historical Significance | How to Get There | What to See | Travel Tips | Nearby Attractions

About Bacolor Church

San Guillermo Parish Church, commonly known as Bacolor Church, is a centuries-old church in Bacolor, Pampanga. Despite being buried by lahar during Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in the 1990s, it remains a powerful symbol of faith and Filipino resilience. Having said that, it is considered the Cagsawa of the North.

Borawan Island – Budget Travel Guide, Activities, and How to Get There

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About Borawan Island

Borawan Island is a hidden gem in Padre Burgos, Quezon. The name comes from “Boracay” and “Palawan” — suggesting that it has the powdery white sand of Boracay and the rock formations of Palawan. It’s a great weekend escape for nature lovers and budget travelers. It is a small islet with a stretch of fine white sand shoreline, surrounded by crystal clear waters, and a cool and relaxing ambience. A few years ago, this island became phenomenal in the province because of its beauty.

Callao Cave – Travel Guide, History, and How to Get There

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About Callao Cave

Callao Cave is one of the most famous limestone caves in the Philippines, located in Peñablanca, Cagayan Valley. Known for its seven-chamber cave where scientists and experts discovered 67,000-year-old fossilized remains of a Callao man in 2007, which is a thousand years older than the Tabon Man in Palawan. Callao Cave is definitely the top tourist attraction in Peñablanca, Cagayan. This cave is situated on the Northern foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. By the way, Peñablanca, the name of the municipality, is a Spanish word that means white rocks because of the limestone present in the area.

Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum – History, Location, and Travel Guide

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About the Aguinaldo Shrine

The Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum is a historic landmark located in Kawit, Cavite. It was the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines, and the site where the Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898.

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral – History, Mass Schedule, and Travel Guide

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About the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Angels and of St. Vitales, is one of the oldest and most important churches in Cebu. Located near the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, it serves as the ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Cebu.

Heritage of Cebu Monument – History, Location, and Travel Guide

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About the Heritage of Cebu Monument

The Heritage of Cebu Monument is a massive sculpture located in the historic Parian district of Cebu City. It showcases key events and figures from Cebu’s history in one stunning visual masterpiece, making it a must-visit landmark for culture and history lovers.

Magellan’s Cross – History, Significance, and Travel Guide

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About Magellan’s Cross

Magellan’s Cross is a historical landmark and the most visited tourist spot in Cebu City. It is a Christian Cross made of wood erected by Ferdinand Magellan (a Portuguese explorer) during his exploration in Cebu, Philippines, on April 21, 1521. This Cross can be found inside an octagonal chapel in front of Cebu City Hall and beside Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. This is one of the most prominent tourist spots in Cebu. But, the current Cross is a tindalo wood where the splinters of the original Cross were encased. The wood of the original Cross deteriorated because the people were chipping some parts and making it as a souvenir in the belief that it was miraculous.

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño – Cebu’s Oldest Church and Historic Landmark

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About the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, located in Cebu City. It is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country. Its current structure is situated on the exact spot where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565 by the Spanish explorers led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The statue is the same as the statue given by Ferdinand Magellan to the wife of Rajah Humabon 44 years later as a gift during their baptism on April 14, 1521, at the exact location of Magellan's Cross today.

Tinalisayan Island Travel Guide – Sandbar, Crystal Waters & Tips

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About Tinalisayan Island

Tinalisayan Island was our second destination from Alibijaban Island to the Burias Islands. Traveling from Animasola Island to this island takes an hour, but this is irrevocably number one among the three islands we visited. When I jumped off the boat and landed in the shallow, crystal clear water, I easily felt a relaxing feeling because the water was really cool, contrary to the heat and UV rays from the sun. Our boat was parked by the tip of the sandbar, so walking on the long stretch of fine and powdery white sand, with the other visitors in their colorful swimming attire, was just awesome! This long sandbar always greets visitors with breathtaking beauty.

Zamboanga City Travel Guide – Things to Do, Tips & Itinerary

Jump to: Overview | How to Get There | Things to Do | Food to Try | Travel Tips | My Solo Backpacking | Cheap Hotels

Overview of Zamboanga City

"The Latin City of Asia" was given to Zamboanga City because of its language, called "chavacano," similar to Spanish. The city is situated on the Southern side of the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Northern side of Basilan. Aside from their language, the city is also prominent with its "vinta," a colorful and stunning sailboat or watercraft that is usually used by the locals. Using Google Maps, had a walking tour of their top tourist spots and destinations.

The Ruins, Talisay: Travel Guide to the Taj Mahal of Negros

Overview of The Ruins

The Ruins is located in Talisay City, and it was the largest residential mansion built then. This mansion belongs to sugar baron Don Mariano “Anoy” Ledesma Lacson (1865-1948). Built after the death of his wife Maria Braga (1911), and served as the residence of their unmarried children. But, in the early part of World War II, USAFEE and then guerrilla fighters built this mansion to prevent the Japanese forces from making this structure their headquarters. It was burning for three days, leaving no traces of its glorious past, but still, the effort of the workers paid off because its gorgeous ruins are still standing and part of our today.

Mt. Mantalingahan: The Highest and Most Sacred Peak in Palawan

Mt. Mantalingahan measures 2,086 MASL and is located in Rizal, Palawan. It is a mountain that is a bit challenging, but you will be rewarded with amazing views from the summit, cool weather, and a remarkable experience. Others call it Mt. Mantalingajan, or Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape. Traveling to its jump-off is more than 4 hours of land travel from Puerto Princesa City, and it's situated in a secluded municipality. Having said that, its beauty remains hidden from many hikers. Thus, its richness is well preserved.

Molo Church: The Feminist Gothic Church of Iloilo City

The Molo Church is located in Molo District, Iloilo City, and it is commonly known as the St. Anne Parish. This historical church was built in 1831 by the Ilonggo artists with a touch of Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Take note, is the only one outside Manila, so it's proof that the locals are really great in terms of the arts. It is made from coral stones with egg whites mixed with sand for some parts. On August 4, 1886, Dr. Jose Rizal visited Manila from exile in Dapitan to pray, and he saw the gorgeous paintings (today, they no longer exist).

Jaro Cathedral: Iloilo’s Iconic Roman Catholic Landmark

The Jaro Cathedral is located in the Jaro District, Iloilo. It is another example of the country's historical church with baroque architecture. Built in 1864, the cathedral was erected by order of Mariano Cuartero, the first bishop of Jaro. In 1948, this structure was destroyed by an earthquake and was restored in 1956 by the order of the first archbishop, Jose Ma. Cuenco. The famous orator Graciano Lopez Jaena was baptized in this church. In 1976, the National Historical Institute proclaimed this church a Historical Landmark.

Sulu Museum: Discover the Rich Culture and History of Sulu

The Sulu Museum is a two-story building that houses the relics, documents, paintings, and other historical memorabilia of Sulu. Previously, this building housed the Library of Sulu. What's interesting inside are the Chinese wares and documents, such as the 1878 Land Lease Agreement between the Sultanate of Sulu and British North Borneo Chartered Co. The Photo above is some of the works of Abdulmari Asia Imao, a National Artist for Sculpture.

Bangui Windmills: The Iconic Wind Farm of Ilocos Norte

The Bangui Windmills is a place that converts wind energy into electrical energy, yet it is one of the top tourist attractions in Ilocos Norte. This wind farm has 20 units of 70-meter-high wind turbines, stretching along the 99-kilometer shoreline of Bangui Bay and facing the West Philippine Sea, and each of the turbines is 326 meters apart. Read my Ilocos Norte Travel Guide to know how to get here and a list of the nearby tourist spots.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation - a stunning place in Ilocos

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is another stunning place in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It is a limestone formation curved by the pressure of the waves and the acidity of the water; the limestone by the hill was shaped into something artistic. Read my Ilocos Norte Travel Guide to know how to get here and the nearby tourist spots.

Guimbal Church: A Timeless Heritage Landmark in Iloilo

The Guimbal Church is located by the highway of Guimbal, Iloilo, and can easily be recognized because of its unique façade. After I visited Miag-Ao Church, I traveled for around 30 minutes to this church. According to my research, this historical church is also known as the St. Nicholas of Tolentino Church and doesn’t have any record of when it was erected or established. However, it was completed between 1769 and 1774 under Friar Juan Campos. In 1893, it was further enlarged but was later destroyed by fire during the Revolution from 1896 to 1898.

Explore Paco Park in Manila – History, Tips & How to Visit

The Paco Park is a recreational garden area and served as Manila's municipal cemetery during the Spanish colonial period. This structure was built in the 18th century and was completed in 1822. Its original design was to be a municipal cemetery for the influential and aristocratic Spanish families living in Manila and Intramuros, but it also served as a peaceful dwelling place for those victims of the cholera epidemic.

Fort Santiago during World Tourism Day

The Fort Santiago was my first destination as part of Celebrating the World Tourism Day 2017 in Intramuros. Walking beside this gigantic wall is remarkable as it embodies the significance of the past to the present. Just by reading the writings placed by the management in different corners, you can foresee what has transpired inside this wall centuries ago. Also, we can distinguish who the prominent people imprisoned and tortured here, like Jose Rizal. The photos below will give you more excitement.

San Sebastian Church, Manila Travel Guide

The San Sebastian Church or Basilica Minore de San Sebastian is a Minor Basilica in the City of Manila. The very first structure of this church is situated on land donated by Don Bernardino Castillo, a devotee of Saint Sebastian, in 1621. It was made up of wood, but was burned in 1651. So it was then replaced by a structure made of bricks, but it was destroyed again by fire and earthquakes.

Manila Cathedral, Intramuros Travel Guide

The Manila Cathedral, or the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica, is situated in the district of Intramuros, Manila. Originally, this church was the "Church of Manila," which was established and under the management of the Diocese of Mexico in 1571, but later in 1579, it became a separate diocese.

San Agustin Church, Manila Travel Guide

The San Agustin Church is a historic site in Intramuros, Manila. Also known as the Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Agustin, it is considered the oldest church in the Philippines, recognized by the NCCA and a UNESCO Heritage Site. Like the other old churches, it faced several natural disasters, like earthquakes, and was burned several times. The very first structure was built in 1571, made of nipa and bamboo, but was destroyed by fire during the invasion of Limahong, a Chinese pirate, in 1574. In the same spot, a new structure was built and was made of wood. In 1586, a new structure made of adobe stone was constructed, led by the Augustinians.

Burgos Lighthouse, Ilocos Travel Guide

The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is also known as the Burgos Lighthouse, a 66-foot-tall octagonal stone tower on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill with an overlooking scene of the cape. It is one of the historical landmarks and a cultural heritage erected during the Spanish era in the Philippines. This lighthouse was first designed by Magin Pers and Pers in 1887 and finished by the Lighthouse Service under Guillermo Brockman.

Sto. Niño Cold Spring, Camiguin Travel Guide

The Sto. Nino Cold Spring is located in Catarman and is one of Camiguin’s top tourist destinations. By its name, you can easily expect fresh and cold spring water. I had no plans to get wet, especially with the cold temperature of the water, but because of its super-duper clear water, I dipped into the water and experienced how great this cold spring is. I was also stunned by the bottom of the pool, there is no silt because it is made of concrete.

Bura Soda Water Pool, Camiguin Travel Guide

The Bura Soda Water Park is located in Catarman, Camiguin. It has a swimming pool with crystal-clear water with a taste of soda, and that's the reason why they call it that way. According to the caretaker, the water coming out of this spring tastes like a soda, and it is safe to drink. The atmosphere in the area is relaxing because it is surrounded by hardwood trees and flowers. The air is absolutely clean and refreshing. Cottages are available for rent and you can order food from the pool attendant.

Guiob Church Ruins, Camiguin Travel Guide

The old Guiob Church is located in Camiguin. It was damaged by the volcanic eruption that happened centuries ago, damaging the other structures on the island. What's unique about this structure is the meter-wide walls and huge columns that are made of coral stones. Today, it's covered with mosses and plants.

Calle Crisologo, Vigan's Historical Street

The Calle Crisologo is located in Vigan City, Province of Ilocos Sur. It is also called Mena Crisologo Street, named after Mena Pecson Crisologo, who is the most respected son of Ilocos. He wrote Mining wenno Ayat ti Kararwa, which is compared to Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere; he is also the author of Don Calixtofaro de la Kota Caballero de la Luna and Codigo Municipal. With these stunning heritage houses, Calle Crisologo is definitely the top tourist attraction in the city.

Ardent Hot Spring, Camiguin Travel Guide

The Ardent Hot Spring Resort is located at the base of Mt. Hibok Hibok.was our last destination during our backpacking in Mambajao, Camiguin.  it has a wide land area composed of trees, plants, cottages, and other structures. Tourists usually make this relaxing resort their last destination to soothe their tired muscles, and it is true. I spent an hour here and felt relaxed while my body was submerged in the warm water.

Colon Street Cebu – The Oldest Street in the Philippines

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About Colon Street

Colon Street, located in downtown Cebu City, is recognized as the oldest street in the Philippines. It was established during the Spanish colonial period and remains a bustling commercial center filled with local vendors, old movie houses, and historical landmarks.

Malamawi Beach, Basilan Travel Guide

The Malamawi Beach is a hidden paradise and the top tourist spot in Isabela, Basilan. It is a privately owned resort with a long stretch of fine white sand shoreline. The resort has a wide area with open ground covered with grass, coconuts, and other trees, maintaining a relaxing ambience. There are cottages for rent and a function hall. A store and canteen are available inside the resort premises. Also, parking areas are available.

Featuring La Union (8 Best Tourist Spots)

The Province of La Union is the surfing capital of the North. The gigantic yet friendly waves make this place a paradise for surfers, well, let's include those beach addicts. The beach has a long stretch of fine grey sand with a clear view of the golden sunset. The sand has a mixture of shells and colorful corals. For people who are afraid of the waves, like me, having a wide view of the emerald water with surfers dancing on their boards is just amazing.

Taal Basilica

The Taal Basilica is also known as the Minor Basilica and Parish of Saint Martin of Tours and is considered the largest church building in Asia, standing 88.6 meters (291 feet) long and 48 meters (157 feet) wide. I am eager to visit this old church because an earthquake hit the province and it created a crack in its wall.

National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History, located in Manila, recently opened with a bang! They open their doors, cases, and glass cabinets to everyone, offering extremely rare items that can only be found here with no entrance fee. The museum staff and researchers exerted their effort to preserve and keep these items for the next generation. It is my and your wealth! So, what are you waiting for? Tara na!

Chinese Garden, Luneta, Manila

The Chinese Garden is located in Luneta and is one of the tourist spots, attractions, and destinations in Manila. This garden can give you an amazing feeling of what's inside a typical Chinese park and temple. I was searching for the National Museum Planetarium, but Google Maps gave me an idea about this place. When I saw its entrance, I was amazed by the artistic and colorful gate, with Chinese characters.

National Museum Planetarium, Manila

Just a few days ago, the National Museum Planetarium in Manila opened its door to the public for FREE until April 30, 2017, so money is not a problem to see and appreciate the wealth inside its dome. By the way, there are daily presentation showing the facts about planets, satellites, stars, sun, milky way, galaxy, solar system and many other things around the sun that will definitely wake up your sleeping interest about celestial bodies and Science and Technology.

Cattleya Resort, Antipolo

The Cattleya Resort is situated in Antipolo City and is one of the best resort spots in Rizal Province. Its location faces the vibrant lights of Metro Manila, the breeze is cool, the air is fresh, everything is calm, and it has a homey feeling. The area is also surrounded by plants with an artistic landscape, and the pool has a unique shape filled with crystal-clear water. Not only that, the sound of the lashing water on the pool added a relaxing feeling during our stay.

Baluarte de San Diego

Baluarte de San Diego is a historical site and the oldest stone fort in Manila. Built in 1586, it was called the Nuestra Senora de Guia designed by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno. Fell into disrepair and was renovated in 1593. Incorporated as part of the walls but later abandoned due to its unstable foundations. The new structure was constructed with orillons (curved corners) masking cannons on the flanks. Destroyed during the British invasion in 1762. Repaired and renovated in 1764. American Army ordinance section was built on-site during the American occupation. Destroyed during World War 2 and is now a major tourist attraction of the Intramuros Walled City.

Fort Santiago, Manila

Fort Santiago is one of the historical landmarks inside Intramuros. It's a fortress that is a part of the structures of the Walled City. This historical structure was first built by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi for the newly founded City of Manila. This fort is the most important historical sites in Manila as Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned here before he was executed in 1896.

Quiapo Church

The Quiapo Church, or the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, is canonically known as Saint John the Baptist Parish, and it is one of the most famous churches in the Philippines. The first structure was made of bamboo and nipa palm and built by the Franciscan Missionaries. But in 1574, the pirates, led by Limahong, destroyed and burned the church. In 1588, Fr. Antonio de Nombella, a Franciscan friar, founded this church and declared it the Parish of St. John the Baptist. It was again burned in 1603 and taken over by the “Society of Jesus” or the Jesuits. In 1686, the full construction was initiated by Gov. Gen. Santiago de Vera.

Sta. Cruz Church, Manila

The Sta. Cruz Church, or Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, is situated in the Northern part of the city of Manila. It is said that the original structure was built in the same spot as the current structure. This was constructed by the members of the “Society of Jesus,” known as the Jesuits, from 1608 up to 1768. It is the first Roman Catholic church built in this area. Its structure is made up of blocks of adobe quarried from the nearby provinces. It was dedicated to the newly converted Chinese who lived in Manila.

Malate Church, Manila

The Malate Church, or the Our Lady of Remedies Parish Church, or Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, is situated in Manila. When I saw the façade from afar and while crossing the street near Plaza Sulayman, I was really amazed because of its architectural design and the dark color. When the British landed on the shores of Manila in 1762, they used this church as one of their headquarters. Because of its topography, the structure was damaged and rebuilt several times due to natural calamities like earthquakes and typhoons. During the battle in World War II, this church was destroyed by fire.

Sta. Ana Church, Manila

The Sta. Ana Church, or the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned, was established more than 300 years ago. The cornerstone was laid in 1720. It is also one of the churches spared by World War II, so most of what you see today, including the Camarin de la Virgen, was what churchgoers saw hundreds of years ago.

Guadalupe Church Makati – Nuestra Señora de Gracia Heritage Site

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About Guadalupe Church

Guadalupe Church, officially known as Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church, is one of the oldest churches in Metro Manila, located in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City. With its baroque architecture, stone walls, and historic charm, it remains a peaceful sanctuary amid the modern skyline of Makati.

Binondo Church, Manila

One of the famous districts in Manila is Binondo, it is also known because of the Filipino-Chinese communities in the area. Since this district is said to be one of the centers of the trade and industries centuries ago and even today, some Chinese businessmen were converted to Christianity during the Spanish era, so Binondo Church was established in the area in 1587 by the Dominicans for them.

Sabang, Puerto Galera

Our group, Batang Hamog Mountaineers, usually makes sure to participate in any Freedom-related activities to celebrate the freedom that was proclaimed on June 12, 1898. This year, to be out of our comfort zone, we organized a Freedom Dive held in Sabang, Puerto Galera, Province of Oriental Mindoro, which is one of the best diving spots in the Philippines. We all know that the Philippines is composed of more than seven thousand islands and is surrounded by water, so scuba diving is just one of the most tried water activities.

Backpacking in Surigao del Sur (5 Best Tourist Spots)

Our original plan was to hike Mt. Dulang-dulang and Mt. Kitanglad, but because of the question: “gusto nyo ba?” it was changed to backpacking in Northern Mindanao. It happened for a very, very short time. So from Malaybalay, Bukidnon, we rode a bus with a Cagayan signboard and alighted at Agora Terminal. Then, we rode another bus with a Butuan signboard and alighted at their central terminal. Then, another bus ride to Bislig, Surigao del Sur. Below was our 5-day backpacking trip in Mindanao covering Surigao, Agusan del Norte, and Camiguin.

Negros Occidental (7 Best Tourist Spots)

1. The Ruins, Talisay

Negros Occidental holds most historical sites in Western Visayas. The first attraction you should visit is The Ruins, a mansion that was owned by the sugar baron Don Mariano “Anoy” Ledesma Lacson (1865-1948). The construction of this mansion was non-stop until the entire structure was completed. It was the largest mansion built during that time; however, it was burned to prevent the Japanese forces from making it their headquarters during World War II. Because of the A-grade mixture of concrete that was used, its ruins remain today.

Isla Reta Beach Resort

Isla Reta Beach Resort is located on Talikud Island, Samal. It is a perfect island for retreat and relaxation, well, if you're just looking for a relaxing ambiance by the beach. This is one of the island paradises in the Davao region that bears a white sand beach and an island that is surrounded by emerald and crystal clear water. In addition, the underwater world is a sanctuary of colorful flora and fauna.