Grapes Picking - A Remarkable Experience in La Union

You can't complete your La Union itinerary without visiting and tasting their locally produced grapes. Some of the farms opened their gates (for free, some are not) and started offering "grape picking," for tourists. Vineyards are surrounded by greenery, while the breeze is cool and fresh, so you will really enjoy your day here. Anyways, aside from the remarkable experience and gorgeous photos, of course, with grapes in the background, farm operators sell wines not just from grapes but also from locally harvested fruits such as Guyabano and Bignay.

Ma-cho Temple must be included in your visit to La Union

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Ma-cho Temple is one of the biggest Taoist temples outside China. With an elevation of 70 meters above sea level, this temple is located on the hill downtown with a perfect view of the West Philippine Sea. Its attractions include the Majestic Five-Door Gate, the Bamboo Garden, the Liang Thing Pagoda, 2 circular pools or ponds, the golden emblem of a dragon, the Bell Tower, and the Drum Tower. What's good about this stunning temple is that they are open to non-worshipping visitors.

Talikud Island, a stunning paradise in Davao

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Talikud Island is located on Samal, Davao del Norte. This is a paradise in the Davao region that bears fine white sand beaches and is surrounded by emerald and crystal clear water. On the other hand, the underwater world has a sanctuary of colorful flora and fauna. The shoreline is landscaped with trees and quaint cottages. The ambiance was made perfect because of the cool wind blowing. We didn't do anything for a couple of hours, just staring at its beauty and golden sunset. This paradise was our post-climb destination after the tiring hike on Mt. Apo.

SLT Homestay, Lake Sebu

School of Living Tradition (SLT) also offers homestay for travellers in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. I always wanted a unique experience, so I stayed here, just 5 minutes from the terminal. Its structure is based on the cultural wooden houses in the area; has a spacious interior, made of local and handcrafted products and musical instruments. Anything inside the house is unique. Maybe it's the reason why it was chosen as the place where Catriona Gray had her video shoot for Miss Universe.

Lang Dulay, a Filipino weaver from Lake Sebu

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A special visit to the house of Lang Dulay in Lake Sebu was epic. She's a former National Living Treasure Awardee for the T'nalak Weaving which whose designs were based on her dream, so she was called the "Dreamweaver." By the way, T'nalak is a traditional hand-woven fabric made from refined abaca fiber. This type of fabric got attention worldwide because it is done through a manual process, but the finished product has amazing and unique patterns. The picture above is Sebulan Dulay, the successor, with portraits of Lang Dulay.

T'boli Museum, Lake Sebu

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• About the T'boli Museum
• How to Get There
• What to See Inside
• Cultural Significance
• Nearby Attractions
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About the T'boli Museum

The T'boli Museum is a traditional house-turned-museum in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato that showcases the history, culture, and traditions of the T'boli people — one of Mindanao's most vibrant indigenous groups. The structure itself is an authentic Gono Bong (traditional T'boli house) made of bamboo and cogon, preserving centuries-old architecture and identity.

Lotus Farm, Lake Sebu

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• About Lotus Farm
• How to Get There
• What to Expect
• Itinerary
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About Lotus Farm

The Lotus Farm (aka Lotus Garden) in Lake Sebu is a breathtaking spot where thousands of pink lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) bloom on the lake’s calm waters at dawn. Paddling a traditional T’boli **owong** canoe while wearing authentic T’boli attire connects you to both nature and Indigenous culture.

Ozamiz Cathedral, Misamis Occidental

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The Ozamiz Cathedral houses the city's most significant relic and patroness - the Our Lady of Misamis, also known as the Virgin sa Cotta, The Blessed Virgin of Cotta, and Birhen sa Cotta. Initially, the statue of the patroness was set up outside the walls of Fort sa Cotta, but Fray Jorge Carcabilla moved it to this church. In 1975, the statue was stolen and returned on December 8, 2017. Also, Ozamiz Cathedral is the home of the second-largest bamboo organ in the Philippines, after the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ.

Ozamiz City Hall, Misamis Occidental

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Ozamiz City Hall is the seat of the local government in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. Strategically located near the city center, it serves as a hub for public administration and community services. The building showcases a blend of modern and colonial architecture, reflecting the city's rich history and progress. It is a common stop for locals and visitors alike who are exploring nearby attractions like the cathedral and city plaza. The hall also hosts official ceremonies, public events, and civic gatherings that highlight the city’s vibrant culture.

Fort sa Cotta - Top Historical Site in Ozamiz City

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Fort sa Cotta is one of the Spanish-built fortresses in the Philippines. The main purpose of this edifice is the same as the function of Fort Santiago in Manila and Fort sa Pedro in Cebu which is to protect the city/town against the attacks of the Moro pirates. This sturdy structure is made up of coral stones; thus, during World War 2, Fort sa Cotta served as a garrison, barracks, and storage area for the military. Today, it is one of the most popular historical sites and a landmark in Misamis Occidental and the entire Northern Mindanao region. During my visit, it was closed due to renovation.