Featuring Zamboanga Sibugay - Solo-Backpacking in Mindanao

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.

Solo Backpacking in ZamBaSulTa, Region 9, Misamis Occidental

What is ZamBaSulTa

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.

Negros Museum

Table of Contents:

• About Negros Museum
• History
• Museum Opening Hours
• Entrance Fee
• Guided Tours
• How to Get Here
• Final Thoughts

About Negros Museum

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.

Important Details About San Jose Church, Iloilo City

San Jose Church is the first church in Iloilo, built by the Jesuits around 1607.  But, on April 29, 1617, the Augustinians established San Jose, a house of the order. It was saved from being bombed by the Americans during World War II.  As the years went by, some renovations were made. READ: Location, How to Get Here, My Solo-Backpacking in Negros Occidental and Iloilo

Cinco de Noviembre (Silay City Travel Guide)

Cinco de Noviembre served as the drugstore and a hideout where Negrense Revolutionaries secretly helped plan the revolution against the Spanish Colonial Forces on November 5, 1898. Today, it is a small landmark in Silay City, but before, it played a huge part during the revolution. This is the perfect location where Negros Republic was created.

Important Details About Tigbauan Church

It is believed that there had been no parish priest when Tigbauan Church was established, but it could be between 1575 and 1580 when F. Luis de Montoya was assigned as Prior. This church underwent a lot of repairs because of natural disasters like earthquakes. The repair was done by different people who served as church leaders. After Miag-ao and Guimbal, around 6 PM, we passed by this historical church. I had already paid my fare to Ilo-Ilo City, but I was amazed by the church's facade, so I immediately got off the jeepney and had a very short visit. In front is an open plaza just a few meters from Tigbauan Municipal Hall.

Laki Beach and the Five Fingers, Bataan

Jump to: About Laki Beach | How to Get There | Things to Do | Itinerary | Budget and Expenses | Where to Stay | Travel Tips

About Laki Beach

Laki Beach is one of Bataan’s hidden gems, known for its white sand shores, turquoise waters, and mountain backdrop. Tucked in the coastal town of Mariveles, this privately owned beach offers a serene escape with no resorts—only camping, nature, and clear saltwater.

Best Places to Relax in the Philippines (By Region)

When COVID-19 was declared by the World Health Organization as a global Pandemic, we were hiking Mt. Hamiguitan, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Davao Oriental. It was our second day when we passed by a small spot, along the trail, with a low reception but able to receive messages. Though we were still connecting the dots due to the lack of complete details because of the slow connection, one thing was precise: the president had already declared the lockdown of the NCR. Instead of enjoying the beauty of Hamiguitan, we were silently walking on the trails, and our minds were focused on going back to Manila. After the tiring and expensive travel to reach Clark Airport, we surpassed all those emotional struggles, and today is Day 11 of the community quarantine. Below is a list of stunning tourist destinations to visit in the Philippines.

Marcos Ancestral House, Ilocos Norte

When I entered the Marcos Ancestral House, the first thing that caught my attention was an old wooden staircase, right side of the ground floor, because it was covered with a red carpet. On the left side is the presidential table, with three armchairs. The management then provided monoblock chairs in front of the wide screen showing the history of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Then, the whole second floor was divided into different panels.