POTIPOT ISLAND, ZAMBALES (Updated Travel Guide)

There are a lot of gorgeous beaches in Zambales, one of these is Potipot Island, an islet situated in Brgy. Uacon, Municipality of Candelaria; a few hours land travel from Manila. Before the coves of San Antonio were discovered, this island was first hailed as one of the finest gems of the province because of it's fine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and relaxing ambiance. Since it is separated from the mainland and it is on a remote area, a few visitors can only visit.

BACOLOR CHURCH, PAMPANGA

Bacolor Church or the San Guillermo Church in Pampanga is considered as the Cagsawa of the North. More than twenty years ago, Mt. Pinatubo erupted and many municipalities were left devastated, including Bacolor. This church was built in 1576 and was named after their patron saint San Guillermo Ermitaño. Destroyed by earthquakes and fire then was rebuilt in 1886. CLICK TO WATCH MY VLOG

 

BORAWAN ISLAND, QUEZON PROVINCE (2021 Travel Guide)

Borawan Island, a small island with a stretch of fine white sand shoreline, surrounded by crystal clear waters, cool and relaxing ambiance and amazing rock formation. It's name is the combination of Boracay, for its fine white sand, and Palawan because of the rock formation. A few years ago, this island once became a phenomenal island in the province because of its beauty. CLICK TO WATCH OUR QUEZON VLOG

 

CALLAO CAVE, CAGAYAN VALLEY

In Tuguegarao City, we chartered a tricycle to one of the famous caves in the Philippines. Callao Cave is a seven chamber cave in Cagayan where scientists and experts discovered a 67,000 years old fossilized remains of a Callao Man in 2007, that's thousand years older than the Tabon Man in Palawan. This cave is situated on the Northern foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Peñablanca, the name of the municipality, is a Spanish word which means white rocks because of the limestone present in the area.

AGUINALDO SHRINE AND MUSEUM, CAVITE

Ang mansyon ng mga Aguinaldo o Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine sa Kawit, Cavite ay isa sa mga lumang istruktura na aking gustong maabot at ngayong araw, naabot ko rin ito sa wakas. Galing ng Baclaran, ang probinsya ng Cavite ay halos isang oras lamang  na biyahe dahil sa Cavitex na nagpagaan ng trapiko sa lugar. Sa post ko kahapon, ipinakita ko sa inyo ang maaliwalas na bakuran ng mansyon. Ngayon, loob naman ng mansyon ang aking ibabahagi.

CEBU METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, CEBU CITY

The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is the center of the Archdiocese of Cebu City.  It was established as a diocese on August 14, 1595 and became the metropolitan archdiocese on April, 28, 1934, with its first archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes. The construction of the structure was interrupted due to the lack of funds and other circumstances. The facade features a trefoil-shaped pediment decorated with floral carves.

HERITAGE OF CEBU MONUMENT, CEBU CITY

Heritage of Cebu Monument is situated at the original Plaza Parian.  It occupies a triangular portion near the end of Colon Street. This Monument showcases the significance and symbolic events in history of Cebu during the reign of Rajah Humabon.  It was a work of art by the National Artist Edgardo Castrillo on July 1997 in cooperation with Mayor Alvin Garcia and was inaugurated in December 8, 2000. CLICK TO WATCH MY CEBU VLOG

MAGELLAN'S CROSS, CEBU CITY

Magellan's Cross is Christian cross made up 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 one of the most prominent tourist spot 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 were deteriorated because the people were chipping some parts and making it as a souvenir in the belief that it's miraculous. CLICK TO WATCH MY CEBU VLOG

BASILICA MINORE DEL SANTO NIÑO, CEBU CITY

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño or Minor Basilica of the Holy Child is one of the minor basilicas in Cebu City. It is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country. Its current structure is situated on the same spot where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565 by the Spanish explorers led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The said statue is the same with 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, MASBATE (BURIAS UPDATED TRAVEL GUIDE)

Tinalisayan Island was our second destination during our adventure from the Alibijaban Island to Burias Islands. Traveling from Animasola Island to this island takes an hour, but among the three islands we visited, this is irrevocably number one. When I jumped off the boat and landed on the shallow crystal clear water, I easily felt the relaxing feeling because the water was really cool, a 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 a fine and powdery  white sand, with the other visitors on their colorful swimming attire, was just awesome! This long sandbar always greet the visitors with breathtaking beauty. CLICK TO WATCH MY VLOG

ZAMBOANGA CITY TOURIST SPOTS + UPDATED TRAVEL GUIDE

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

THE RUINS, TALISAY CITY (from BACOLOD)

I was at the entrance The Ruins, in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, when I saw its artistic and gigantic shadow. With my backpack, of course on my back, that’s why it’s called backpack because it’s really on my back, right? Upon paying the entrance fee, I headed to the fountain area, sat on the bench and was staring at the structure for 20 minutes. The ambiance was relaxing because the area is surrounded by gorgeous landscape. Below are the facts written on the printed materials on the wall - courtesy of the Management.

MT. MANTALINGAHAN, PALAWAN

Mt. Mantalingajan or Mantalingahan is situated in Rizal, Palawan, more than 4 hours travel from Puerto Princesa City. Since Manta (another name given) is located on a secluded municipality, its beauty remains hidden to many hikers, thus, its richness is well preserved. A few hikers I met said that it is a combination of Mt. Halcon in Mindoro and Mt. Guiting-Guiting in Romblon. CLICK TO WATCH MY VLOG

MOLO CHURCH, ILOILO

Molo Church or the St. Anne Parish is situated in front of the town plaza.  Molo is actually one of the seven districts of Iloilo City which formerly called Parian (Chinatown) because the residents here were mostly Chinese. Then it was changed into Moro because of the frequent arrival of Muslim pirates from Mindanao, but later evolved in this name – Wikipedia.com.

JARO CATHEDRAL, ILOILO

Jaro Cathedral is another example of the historical baroque architectures in the country. Built in 1864 by the order of Mariano Cuartero, who is the first bishop of Jaro. In 1948, this structure was destroyed by 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, this church was proclaimed as Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute.

SULU MUSEUM

Some of the works of Abdulmari Asia Imao, a National Artist for Sculpture.

The provincial museum of Sulu 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. CLICK TO WATCH MY VLOG

BANGUI WINDMILLS, ILOCOS NORTE

Bangui Windmill is the place that converts wind energy into electrical energy situated in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. This wind farm has 20 units of 70-meter high wind turbines, stretching along the 9 kilometres shoreline of Bangui and is facing the South China Sea. Each of the turbines are 326 meters apart. CLICK TO WATCH MY ILOCOS VLOG

KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION, ILOCOS NORTE

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a limestone formation located along Bangui Bay. Because of the pressure of the waves and acidity of the water, the limestone by the hill was shaped into something artistic. Today, is one of the famous landmark and attractions in in Ilocos Norte.

GUIMBAL CHURCH, ILOILO

Guimbal Church is situated by the highway of Guimbal, Ilo-Ilo, can easily be recognized because of its unique facade. After my visit at Miag-Ao Church, I traveled around 30 minutes to Guimbal. According to my research, Guimbal Church or St. Nicholas of Tolentino Church  doesn’t have any record to when I was erected or established, however, it was completed between 1769 and 1774 under Friar Juan Campos. In 1893, it was further enlarged but later destroyed by fire during the Revolution in 1896 to 1898.

PACO PARK AND CEMETERY, MANILA

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 is to be a municipal cemetery for the influential and aristocratic Spanish families living in Manila and Intramuros but also served as the peaceful dwelling place for those victims of the cholera epidemic.

FORT SANTIAGO, WORLD TOURISM DAY

This is part of Celebrating the World Tourism Day 2017 in Intramuros; Fort Santiago was my first destination. Walking beside this gigantic wall is absolutely remarkable as it embarks the significance of the past to current. Just by reading on the writings placed by the management in different corner, you can foresee what have transpired inside this wall centuries ago. Also, we can distinguish who are the prominent people imprisoned and tortured here, like Jose Rizal. Photos below will give you more excitement.

SAN SEBASTIAN CHURCH, MANILA

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 a 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 was destroyed again by fire and earthquakes.

MANILA CATHEDRAL, INTRAMUROS

Manila Cathedral or the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica is situated in the district of Intramuros in 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

San Agustin Church in Manila is considered as the oldest church in the Philippines, recognized by the NCCA and UNESCO historical landmark. Like the other old churches in the Philippines, this church 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. The same spot, a new structure was built and was made of wood. In 1586, a new structure made of adobe stone was constructed, lead by the Augustinians.

CAPE BOJEADOR LIGTHOUSE (Burgos Lighthouse), ILOCOS NORTE

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (Burgos Lighthouse) is situated in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.  It is a cultural heritage that was erected during the Spanish era in the Philippines.  It's a 66-foot-tall octagonal stone tower on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill with an overlooking scene of Cape Bojeador. 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

Sto. Nino Cold Spring is one of Camiguin’s top tourist destinations. By its name, you can easily expect for a fresh and cold spring water. I no plans to get wet, especially with the temperature of the water, it was really a NO NO. Because of its super dupper 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 are no silts because it is made of concrete.

SODA SWIMMING POOL, CAMIGUIN

Soda Swimming Pool is also by the highway. I know you're wondering why they call it Soda, correct? It is simply because the water coming out from this spring tastes like a soda and it is safe to drink. Like Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Soda swimming pool also has cool, refreshing and crystal clear water (photos below are proof).

OLD GUIOB CHURCH RUINS, CAMIGUIN

Another tourist destination in Camiguin is the Old Church Ruins (photo above). This church was damaged by the volcanic eruption happened centuries ago, damaging the other structures in Camiguin island. The ruin is composed of a meter wide walls and huge columns. These walls and columns are made of coral stones and are now covered with mosses and plants.

CALLE CRISOLOGO, VIGAN CITY: ILOCOS SUR TOURIST SPOTS

Vigan City is the top tourist spots and destinations in Ilocos Sur

Calle Crisologo or Mena Crisologo Street is name after Mena Pecson Crisologo who is the most respected sons of Ilocos. He actually 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.

ARDENT HOT SPRING RESORT: CAMIGUIN TOURIST SPOTS

Ardent Hot Spring was our last destination in Camiguin. Situated at the base of Mt. Hibok Hibok. Ardent has a wide land area composed of trees, plants, cottages, and other structures. Tourists usually make this hot spring as their last destination to soothe their tired muscles and it is really true. Spent an hour here and had a relaxing feeling while my body is submerged in the warm water. CLICK TO WATCH OUR CAMIGUIN VLOG

COLON STREET, CEBU CITY

Colon street is said to be oldest street and shortest road in the Philippines. It was name after Christopher Columbus who bears different names (Spanish: Cristobal Colon, Italian: Cristoforo Colombo, Protuguese: Cristovao Colombo.) It was established by the Spanish arrived in Cebu in 1565, led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi (a Spanish conquistador.) The local government erected Colon Monument in the intersection of the street. CLICK TO WATCH MY CEBU VLOG

MALAMAWI ISLAND, BASILAN (UPDATED TRAVEL GUIDE)

Malamawi White Beach is one of the hidden paradise and the top tourist spot in Isabela City, Basilan. It is a privately owned resort in the island with a long stretch of fine white sand shoreline. To see its beauty, from Zamboanga City port, I rode on a ferry to Isabela City. Then, a motorised banca to the port of Malamawi and a 20 to 30 minutes motorcycle ride to the white beach.

LA UNION: THE SURFING CAPITAL OF THE NORTH

Basilica of Our Lady of Charity - Agoo, La Union

While in the car, an old bell tower captured my heart and soul. According to wikipedia.org, this church as founded and completed 1578, by Franciscan friars Fray John Baptist Lucarelli and Fray Sebastian de San Francisco. The original church was destroyed by the 1892 earthquake and repaired in 1893. The present church was designed by Architect Ignacio Palma Bautista.

TAAL BASILICA, BATANGAS

I am eager to visit Taal Basilica or the Minor Basilica of St. Martin of Tours because an earthquake hit Batangas and it created a crack on the wall of this church. By the way, it is considered as one of the largest catholic churchs in Asia which measures 96 meters long and 45 meters wide, as per taal.gov.ph.

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, MANILA

Recently, the National Museum of Natural History just opened with a bang! Opening their doors, cases and glass cabinets to everyone with items that are extremely rare and can only be found here - absolutely for FREE. The National 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 sa National Museum of Natural History.

CHINESE GARDEN, LUNETA, MANILA

Chinese Garden is one of the tourist spots, attractions and destinations in Rizal Park, Manila. This garden can give you an amazing feeling of what's inside a typical Chinese parks and temples. I was searching for the National Museum Planetarium but Google Map 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 few days ago, the National Museum Planetarium 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 celetial bodies and Science and Technology.

CATTLEYA RESORT, ANTIPOLO CITY, RIZAL

Rizal is a neighbor province of Metro Manila; very accessible for commuters. Aside from Maytime Festival, kasuy and their local delicacies, they are also well known about their resorts with a gorgeous Manila golden skyline, others call it "overlooking." So, if you're planning to visit the City of Antipolo and looking for a place to stay, Cattleya Resort is a perfect place for you.

BALUARTE DE SAN DIEGO, INTRAMUROS, MANILA

This is part of Celebrating the World Tourism Day 2017 in Intramuros. From Manila Cathedral, I used Google Map to locate the exact location of Baluarte de San Diego, didn't notice that I already  passed by the gate of this historical landmark. Anyway, I planned to visit this side of the walled city but due to its entrance fee and I am in a financial hardship status, this plan didn't pushed through. But today, finally made it!

FORT SANTIAGO, INTRAMUROS, MANILA

Fort Santiago  is one of the historical landmarks inside Intramuros. It's a fortress which 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, MANILA

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

STA. CRUZ CHURCH, MANILA

Sta. Cruz Church or Our Lady of the Pillar Parish Church, situated in the Northern part of the city of Manila. It is said that the original structure of this church was built on the same area where the latest structure was built. This church was constructed by the members of the “Society of Jesus” or known as the Jesuits in 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 for the newly converted Chinese who lives in Manila, like Binondo Church.

MALATE CHURCH, MANILA

Malate Church or the Our Lady of Remedies Parish Church or Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is situated in Malate, Manila. When I saw the facade from afar and while crossing the street near Plaza Sulayman, I was really amazed because of its architectural design and the dark color. It looks like really old and here’s what I found.

STA. ANA CHURCH, MANILA

Sta. Ana Church or the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned was established 300 years ago. The cornerstone was laid in 1720. Sta. Ana 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 church goers saw hundreds years ago.

GUADALUPE CHURCH, MAKATI

Guadalupe Church or the Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church is a 400 years old structure with an amazing facade. Founded by the Augustinians, the construction of its foundation was laid in 1601 and was finished in 1629. Some parts of this church were rebuilt several times because of the earthquakes; and in 1880 the masonry roof collapsed because of the earthquake so it was rebuilt in 1882 by Rev. Jose Corujedo O.S.A. Later, this structure was burnt during the fight between Filipinos and Americans on February 1899. It was reconstructed and re-opened to the public in 1983.

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 this church was established in the area in 1587 by the Dominicans for them.

SABANG, PUERTO GALERA: 2021 TRAVEL GUIDE + DIVING + HOTEL

Our group, Batang Hamog Mountaineers, usually make sure to participate in any Freedom related activities to celebrate the freedom that was proclaimed on June 12, 1898. This year, just to be out of our comfort zone we organized a Freedom Dive held in Sabang, Puerto Galera, 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 are surrounded by water so scuba diving is just one of the must tried water activities.

SURIGAO DEL SUR TOURIST SPOTS | 2021 TRAVEL GUIDE

Surigao del Sur is a promising province in Region 13 because of its beautiful tourist spots and destinations. Here are 5 Things To Do in the province. ISLAND HOPPING ON BRITANIA GROUP OF ISLANDS: These stunning islets are situated in the municipality of San Agustin. Composed of Hagonoy  (photo above), Naked, Boslon, and Hiyor-Hiyoran islands, these islets have the same features, there's a white sand shoreline surrounded by crystal clear and emerald waters, artistic rock and limestone formations, there's a big picture of a golden and beautiful sunset. Plus, there's a wealthy flora and fauna underwater. READ MORE >>>
 

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL TOURIST SPOTS | 2021 TRAVEL GUIDE

Negros Occidental or Western Negros holds most historical sites of the region. Here is the list of what to do and list of tourist spots in the province. VISIT THE RUINS IN TALISAY CITY (Photo Above) | This mansion 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 is completed. It was the largest mansion built during that time, however, was burnt to prevent the Japanese forces making it as their headquarter during World War II. Because of the A-Grade mixture of concrete that were used, its ruins remains until today. READ: THE RUINS

ISLA RETA, TALICUD ISLAND, SAMAL | 2021 TRAVEL GUIDE

Isla Reta Beach Resort in Talicud Island, Samal 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 paradise in Davao region that bears white sand beach and an island that is surrounded with emerald and crystal clear water. And, underwater is a sanctuary of colorful flora and fauna.  CLICK TO WATCH MY VLOG