Daraga Church

This is Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church, also known as Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church, commonly known as Daraga Church. Its structure has a Baroque design built by the Franciscan Friars in 1773. It served as the place of worship after the church of Cagsawa was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Mayon in 1814. Also, Daraga Church served as the station of Japanese soldiers during the Second World War in 1945. It was rebuilt from 1971 to 1973. By the way, we still wished that Mt. Mayon would show its perfect cone at our next destination. So, Kuya Lijong brought us to this historical church. The location is also a perfect spot to see the beauty of Magayon, who was playing hide and seek with us. The clearing was negative, so let's proceed to its history. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES

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Sumlang Lake

It's a beautiful and Instagrammable spot in Albay. Sumlang Lake has a stunning landscape, surrounded by trees, flowers, and other plants. It could have been perfect if a clear view of Mt. Mayon was on the backdrop; however, it was hiding during our visit. We waited almost an hour while enjoying the view and eating ice cream, but Magayon was still hiding. We were brought here after Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES

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Hoyop-hoyopan Cave

Its name was derived from their local dialect "Hoyop-hoyopan," which translates to "blow or blowing." The wind enters the cave opening, blows through the cave's cavern, and exits to the other side. That blowing wind is the reason why the ambiance inside the is cool and relaxing. Aside from that, there are a lot of artistic stalactites, stalagmites, and columns inside the cave. What's different than the other cave? There's a round concrete dance floor inside this cave. According to our guide, the locals created the dance floor to hide their party and gimmicks, which were not allowed before. After Cagsawa Ruins, Kuya Lijong brought us to this gorgeous cave. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES

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Mt. Mayon and the Cagsawa Ruins

Mt. Mayon is prominent worldwide because of its shape - a perfect cone; having said that, it's definitely the top tourist spot in Albay. According to its historical plate: "The spiritual administration of Cagsawa from 1587 to 1595 was under the Parish of Camalig. An early church was burned on 25 July 1636 by the Dutch, who ransacked the towns bordering Legaspi Bay. This church was built after 1724 by Fray Francisco Blanco. D.F.M. was buried by rocks and lava during the eruption of Mayon Volcano on 1 February 1814. The authorities of Cagsawa, meeting at Ligao on 6 July 1814, decided to incorporate their town as part of Daraga. The first centenary of the destruction of the church was commemorated on 1 February 1914, with a huge pilgrimage to the ruins where high mass was celebrated."

Albay Cathedral

Also known as the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great. According to its historical data, Albay Cathedral started as a chapel built in the 1580s by Spanish missionaries. The early structure was made from local products such as wood and nipa. Then, it emerged as a stone structure in 1800.  This Cathedral is one of the top tourist destinations in the province, and it was our first destination. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES

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Solo-Backpacking in Balut Island

Introduction

Creating an itinerary and traveling to Balut Island wasn’t easy because of its location. Also known as Malulong, this volcanic island in Southern Mindanao is definitely the top tourist destination in Davao Occidental because of its fine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and gorgeous landscape. Not only that, the people here are friendly and approachable. There’s a bit of a language barrier, nonetheless, locals can understand English, Tagalog, Bisaya, and I’ve heard some locals speak Indonesian. CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEOS

Casiguran, Aurora Tourist Spot

A perfect view of Dalugan Beach.

When we talk about Aurora Province, the first thing that comes to mind is Baler, the surfing capital of the North, but this province can offer a lot more. If you're looking for the best beaches, Casapsapan and Dalugan are just two of the must-visit. Its shoreline has a long stretch of fine white sand mixed with corals, colorful stones, shells, and living creatures such as crabs. The coconuts and trees create an amazing landscape perfect for your photo shoot while the cool wind blows. Of course, you can't resist the charm of the cool and crystal-clear water. Let's not forget the beauty possessed by Bulawan and Dialang Falls, visiting these waterfalls is one of the things to do in Casiguran.

MT. KASAHINGAN, NUEVA ECIJA

Mt. Kasahingan is the newest hiking destination in Nueva Ecija. It became popular because of its breathtaking beauty, relaxing ambiance, easy-to-moderate trails, gorgeous waterfalls, and pretty much accessible from Manila and other points in Luzon. Hiking this mountain can give you a rewarding experience and instagrammable spots.

Manila Cathedral in the dark

Manila Cathedral or the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica is situated in the district of Intramuros, City of Manila. Originally, this church was the "Church of Manila" which was established under the management of the Diocese of Mexico in 1571, but in 1579 it became a separate diocese. Been here several times, but it's my first time to see the stunning golden lights on its structure after dark.

Miss Philippines Earth Romblon 2016

I found love with nature and I found happiness with beauty pageants, combining these two and it's Miss Earth. Meeting Kattline Joy Eranes, from Looc, Romblon, the reigning Miss Philippines Earth Romblon 2016 was remarkable. Initially, it was a long chit chat and in the end, I was invited to join them for a shoot For a Cause. The photos below will describe Kattline's advocacy in society. By the way, Kattline is now one of the Official candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2016.