Sirang Lente is a travel-related website that showcases stunning photos, updated travel itineraries, backpacking ideas, and hiking guides.
The San Juanico Bridge is the most visited tourist spot in Samar and Leyte. A few years ago, the province captured the world's attention because of the devastation brought by Typhoon Yolanda. But did you know that Samar also hides something in their mountainous and forested areas? These are breathtaking and definitely a splendor of nature’s beauty that needs to be discovered. Some of Samar Island's must-visit tourist spots and destinations are historical landmarks, waterfalls, and caves.
This island is one of the must-visit gems of Northern Samar. This island municipality can bring you back because of the famous century-old lighthouse and church. If you’re into outdoors, you can explore the hidden and majestic caves or hop on and off the rock formations by the shore; it’s your choice. If you just want to relax, no worries. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters and the continuously blowing cool fresh air. The coconut and other trees create an amazing backdrop by the shore, which is highlighted by the white sand beaches.
The McArthur Landing Memorial Park in Palo, Leyte, is one of the most visited landmarks in the Province or even in the Philippines; this is to commemorate the historical landing of General Douglas MacArthur. The actual landing in October of 1944 was the start of the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese occupation – the Second World War. The statues were created by Anastacio Caedo. The significance of this park can be read on the historical markers placed in front of the park.
Biliran has a lot of stunning tourist spots and destinations to offer. Ulan-Ulan Falls and Tinago Falls are famous and majestic waterfalls hiding in the Province's mountains. Naval, its capital, is now highly urbanized, making it easy for travellers to discover and experience what they have. Since it has many mountainous areas, nature's magnificence is still waiting to be discovered. Not only that, they also have stunning beaches, great products, and friendly people.
Commonly known as the Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva is an old baroque church in Iloilo. Miagao Church is one of the world-famous baroque churches in the Philippines, and it has become one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The construction of this church began in 1787 while Fray Francisco M. Gonzales. O.S.A. was the parish priest of Miag-ao, and Domingo Libo-on was the Gobernadorcillo. The Church was completed in 1797 and served as the fortress against the Muslim Raiders. In 1898, this church was destroyed during the revolution, but it was rebuilt.
Guimaras will definitely be brought up on the topic when we talk about mangoes because they are said to have the “Sweetest Mango in the Philippines.” With that, their local delicacies, with mango, are just mouth-watering. The residents must be proud of their breathtaking and stunning beaches, historical sites, and other activities. They also have the Manggahan Festival, an annual festivity to thank for their bountiful mango harvest. It is a small island province that can be visited for the whole day, but they can offer a lot to visitors.
Roxas City is the capital of Capiz Province – the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” in Western Visayas. If you are on Panay Island, it is highly recommended that you visit this rich city to witness and experience the heritage sites of the modern generation. Also, the province has the most controversial and awaited annual festivity in the Philippines – the “Aswang Festival.” Politically, the city is prominent because it is the hometown of the late Philippine President Manuel A. Roxas.
 |
| A photo of Apo Whang Od while tattooing a tourist. |
Apo Whang Od is an indigenous tattoo artist from Kalinga province who uses an old style of tattooing called "Batok," or traditional hand-tapped tattooing. She became prominent because she has been featured on local TV shows, international documentaries, magazines, and others.
This event was an urgent decision. We met at Victory Liner Bus Terminal in Cubao and rode in a bus bound for Baguio. From Baguio City, we chartered a jeep to Bakun, Benguet. Travel time was within 4-5 hours. But before reaching our destination, we passed by different landmarks of the North, one of which was the Highest Point (photo above). The entire travel period was an adjustment period for our group and other participants.
Kaparkan is a paradise where crystal clear and cool water is free-flowing on terraces. Thus, social media sites and travel blogs helped it to become one of the top destinations in the North. According to the tsimis, there are a total of 200 terraces from the top to bottom. Each of the terraces or pools is filled with water, overflowing and creating a relaxing sound. Plus, it is really safe to walk on the surface of the pools because they are covered with minerals.