A trusted Philippine travel blog with detailed guides, hidden gems, and cultural stories from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s 82 provinces.
Casa Gorordo Museum is a beautifully preserved Spanish-era house located in the Parian district of Cebu City. It showcases traditional Filipino-Spanish architecture and offers a glimpse into Cebu’s colonial past. Originally owned by the Gorordo family, it has been transformed into a cultural museum featuring furniture, artwork, and heirlooms.
Jump to: About Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House | History & Architecture | How to Get There | What to See Inside | Entrance Fees & Hours | Travel Tips
The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is one of the oldest surviving residential structures in the Philippines. Built in the late 1600s, this bahay-na-bato reflects a mix of Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino influences. Located in Cebu City's Parian District, it offers visitors a glimpse of life during the Spanish colonial period.
The Cebu Cathedral Museum is a treasure trove of religious heritage, showcasing centuries-old artifacts, sacred relics, and ecclesiastical architecture that highlight Cebu’s rich Catholic history. Located near the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, this museum offers visitors a glimpse into the deep spiritual traditions and artistry that shaped the province’s cultural identity.
Jump to: Who Was Rajah Humabon? | Baptism and Alliance with Magellan | Legacy and Historical Impact | Where to See Rajah Humabon Today | Travel Tips | FAQs
Rajah Humabon, also known as Hamabar, was the ruler of Cebu when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines in 1521. He was one of the most powerful native leaders in the Visayas, known for his influence in politics and trade, especially with other regions like Borneo and Siam. As a descendant of the Sri Lumay dynasty, he ruled over a prosperous settlement in the heart of Cebu Island.
My first destination in Region 9 was the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, 3.5 hours by land travel from Zamboanga City. Ipil, its capital, is the usual stopover for buses heading to the cities of Dipolog, Pagadian, and even Cagayan de Oro. Like other municipalities, it's a center with big business establishments and busy streets. However, as a busy area, it hides something unique and is an Instagram-worthy tourist spot and attraction.
ZamBaSulta is an acronym given to Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. That's the usual route; however, on this journey, I made a twist and created ZamTaSulBa. I even made it more extreme by including Region 9: Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Misamis Occidental, which is part of Region 10. Details below are my actual itinerary for 9 days, covering 7 Provinces and the independent City of Zamboanga.
The Negros Museum in Bacolod City is more than just a gallery—it is a cultural treasure that tells the story of Negros Island’s vibrant history, heritage, and artistry. Housed in a repurposed provincial capitol building, the museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and contemporary artworks that highlight the island’s rich sugar industry past, indigenous culture, and evolving creativity. A visit here offers a deeper understanding of Negros’ identity beyond its famous food and festivals.
