If memories could be bottled, Sicogon would taste like salt air, improvised halo-halo, mountain sweat, sunset colors, and the sound of friends laughing somewhere in the distance.
And honestly, that’s a pretty perfect recipe.
Read more "Twilight at the Summit: Adventures in Sicogon Island, Carles, Iloilo"Sometimes, the most memorable trips aren’t about ticking off landmarks or grand adventures. They’re about the simple act of being there for each other, of finding joy in shared moments, and discovering that the best kind of company makes any destination feel like home. And in Bacolod, amidst the scent of grilled chicken and the echo of a distant concert, we found just that: cherished company, a fulfilled craving, and a memory etched with warmth.
Read more "A Concert, Chicken Inasal, and Cherished Company: Our Whirlwind Bacolod Trip"Honestly, Cambugahay Falls isn’t just a stop on your Siquijor itinerary; it’s a highlight, a core memory waiting to happen. It’s the perfect place to cool off, unleash your inner child, and simply enjoy the incredible natural beauty that Siquijor has to offer.
Read more "Diving Deep into the Magic of Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor Island"From the laid-back charm of Kaohsiung to the misty magic of Chiayi and Nantou, and finally to the pulsating energy of Taipei, Taiwan had captivated us at every turn. We hiked mountains, explored temples, devoured endless street food, and made memories that will last a lifetime. Our hearts are full of gratitude for the people, the culture, and the breathtaking landscapes of this incredible island.
Read more "From Chiayi’s Charm to Taipei’s Urban Beat: The Grand Finale of Our Taiwan Adventure"Alishan completely blew us away. It was incredibly clean, so organized, and the air was crisp and refreshing. But the real showstopper? We saw sakura trees for the very first time!
Read more "From Cityscapes to Mountain Dreams: Our Taiwan Adventure Continues in Chiayi County!"Yogyakarta is perfect for wandering. The charming streets, hidden alleyways, and unexpected local finds made for a great, slow-paced day. I also took time to browse batik shops, which are everywhere. Whether you’re looking for wearable pieces or souvenirs, this city offers some of the best authentic batik in Indonesia.
Read more "Wonders of Java: A 5-Day Adventure from Iloilo to Yogyakarta"Kaohsiung truly surprised and delighted us at every turn. It’s a city that effortlessly blends a laid-back, welcoming vibe with modern comforts and exciting attractions. You can enjoy the profound peace of a magnificent monastery in the morning and be in the heart of a bustling art scene or a lively night market by afternoon.
Read more "Kaohsiung: The Perfect Kick-Off to Our Taiwan Adventures!"As we packed our bags and reflected on our time in Hanoi, it became clear that sometimes, the best adventures aren’t just about the grand sights, but about the unexpected detours, the shared laughs with friends, and the simple joy of soaking in a culture that truly embraces life on its streets. These are the moments that truly enrich the journey.
Read more "Hanoi: Vietnam’s Northern Charm"Honestly, Da Nang blew us away! Every day was an adventure, filled with delicious food, breathtaking sights, and many laughs with the best squad ever. We’re already dreaming of going back!
Read more "Da Nang, Vietnam: A Dazzling and Dreamy Destination"Siargao, you were more than just a destination; you were an experience. A whirlwind of stunning landscapes, delicious food, and most importantly, unforgettable moments shared with our amazing squad. We came seeking the secret of your allure and left completely understanding the enchantment.
Read more "Falling Into Siargao’s Spell"Then, the unthinkable happened. Our guides were enthusiastically snapping photos of our beaming faces with someone’s iPhone…
Read more "When Fun and Fear Collide: Adventures in Tibiao, Antique"Siquijor, for us, wasn’t about spooky tales or mythical beings. It was about the warmth of the people, the breathtaking landscapes, and the simple joy of experiencing something new and wonderful with the people we care about most. We came to demystify the island, and in doing so, we discovered a different kind of enchantment – the magic of friendship and the beauty of shared adventures. And that, we realized, is the most potent magic of all.
Read more "Demystifing the Enchanted Island of Siquijor"We sat on the porch of our hut, sipping hot coffee, watching the rain pour down, and laughing about our foiled swimming plans. The truth is, we had already gotten what we came for – a break from the city, fresh air, and most importantly, quality time spent with good friends.
Read more "Our Sweet Escape to Malumpati, Pandan, Antique: Sometimes, Less is Truly More"The beauty of these trips with friends isn’t always about the grand sights (though Bagong Sipol is undeniably stunning). It’s in the little things. It’s the shared struggle of setting up our makeshift picnic table, the impromptu karaoke sessions with questionable harmonies (but maximum enthusiasm!), and the comfortable silences as we watched the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues.
Read more "Salty Hair and Happy Hearts in Bagong Sipol Island, Concepcion, Iloilo"The next few days were a blur of pure, unadulterated joy. We spent our mornings swimming in the crystal-clear waters, snorkeling amongst the vibrant coral reefs, and marveling at the schools of colorful fish that seemed unafraid of our presence.
Read more "No Worries, Just Waves: A Carefree Island Trip to Nasidman, Ajuy, Iloilo"Buruanga is not for those seeking the dazzling nightlife or the adrenaline-fueled activities of a bustling tourist destination. It’s for those who appreciate the quiet beauty of a less-traveled path, the authentic connection to local culture, and the simple serenity of island life. It is a reminder that true paradise can often be found in the understated, gentle rhythm of a place that welcomes you with open arms and a peaceful heart.
Read more "Buruanga, Aklan: Finding Paradise Beyond the White Sands"Mayon Volcano has always been one item in our ultimate checklist of places to visit in the Philippines. We had only once stared at her beguiling beauty on the pages of our age-old HeKaSi books back in our elementary days. So when the chance to see her in person came, we didn’t take any chances and immediately said a resounding Yes!
Read more "Roaring at the Foot of Mayon Volcano in Albay"If there’s one thing that this surprised trip of ours to Caramoan gave us, it was the unexpected friendships we made in the course of our tour. New friends, new connections, and new travel buddies. Not so bad after all.
Read more "Unexpected Journeys to the Pristine Islands of Caramoan in Camarines Sur"It cannot be denied that the world today has never been demanding. Pressures from family, colleagues, and work are always present. Sometimes, you only need a weekend getaway that allows you to get away from it all for just a few days. We were lucky to live close to the charming island of Guimaras, where […]
Read more "Lusay Beach in Guimaras Island- A Compelling Getaway"Mt. Napulak has taught us one important life lesson: you can only see the interconnectedness of things all around you when you start paying attention. It is a kind of attention that lets you see the ants crawling on small branches of the trees carrying a day’s load of food, the subtle changes of the sunset’s hues from tangerine to mauve to amber, and the little beads of sweat falling from the forehead of the person next to you.
Read more "Mt. Napulak in Igbaras, Iloilo: Where Heaven and Earth Collide"We woke up to the song of forest birds welcoming the gentle sunlight that heralded the start of a brand new August day. We checked the temperature outside our tent, and it was a slightly freezing 14 degrees Celsius. Steam blew out of our mouths every time we spoke, and our feet were beginning to […]
Read more "Dahilayan, Bukidnon: The Little New Zealand of the Philippines"As we come to the end of our journey, we realised that our minds have been opened to new realities, opportunities, and possibilities. It broadened our perspectives to the the different and unique realities of other people around the world and of the human race in general. It was absolutely good to see places not all people can afford and have the opportunity to see but what’s important for us is the realisation that us being part of the one, great human family, we are fundamentally one and the same. At our core, we share the same composition, same feelings and emotions, and the same dreams and hopes; to live peacefully and progressively with the people that matter to us.
Read more "Pattaya City, Thailand: Backpacking Indochina The Finale"We may have missed setting foot in the steps of the Wat Arun leading to its top terrace yet we found one treasure within ourselves: that is we always find the silver lining every time we fall into a setback. We still enjoyed each other’s company, together we laughed at ourselves for our foolishness, and we never blamed each other for that mishap.
Read more "Lost in Bangkok, Thailand: Backpacking Indochina Part 8"Perhaps the fact that this temple was built on top of a hill is a reflection of man’s attempt to get closer to the skies and reach the distant heavens, for in the firmament we believe the gods dwell. For once, humanity succeeded and the temple of Phnom Bakheng is a standing testament to that.
Read more "Phnom Bakheng Temple in Siem Reap: Man’s Attempt to Reach the Heavens (Backpacking Indochina Part 7)"If there’s one important thing that the Bayon Temple imparted us, it is the possibility of choosing tranquility and calmness in the midst of chaos.
Read more "The Many Faces of Bayon Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia: Backpacking Indochina Part 6"Again, what really happened to this temple built 1,000 years ago no one knew exactly. Archaeologists and ecologists agree, however, that it was most likely an accumulation of environmental factors otherwise known as “climate change” that brought this template dedicated to the Buddhist god of Wisdom to its doom. The unpredictability of the monsoon rains and a seemingly eternal drought overwhelmed those amazing water management system employed by the ruling classes of the Khmer Empire.
Read more "The Haunting Reminder of the Ta Prohm Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia: Backpacking Indochina Part 5"In a way, Angkor Wat is a standing monument of an eternal and universal truth that nothing lasts forever. Anything subjected to time and space eventually fades into oblivion. But if Angkor Wat could speak, perhaps it would say, “Shine while you have light, soar while you have wings, sing while you have voice, dive while you have gills. Live while you are alive.”
Read more "The Lost Glory of Angkor Wat in Cambodia: Backpacking Indochina Part 4"After our excursion to the Mekong Delta and the twists and turns we did in the streets of Saigon, it’s time to leave the “Land of the Blue Dragon” and continue our expedition to the “Land of Wonder,” the Kingdom of Cambodia. From Saigon, we booked a one-day bus ride with Giant Ibis Transport to Phnom Penh, […]
Read more "15 Hours in Phnom Penh City, Cambodia: Backpacking Indochina Part 3"“There are streets to enjoy, there are streets to wander aimlessly and also there are streets to contemplate!” a Turkish poet, Mehmet Murat Ildan, once said. In Saigon, we enjoyed, we wandered aimlessly, and we contemplated! All at once!
Read more "Crisscrossing the Streets of Saigon in Vietnam: Backpacking Indochina Part 2"“DREAMS DO COME TRUE! THEY REALLY DO!”
Those were the words we joyfully said to each other after passing the sphinx-like presence of the immigration booths at NAIA Terminal 3 in Manila.
Read more "Kicking Off Our Indochina Expedition with a Mekong Delta Tour: Backpacking Indochina Part 1"“Just follow the birds, just follow the birds!”Those were the mantric words we chanted as we trekked the jungles all the way up to the peak of Mt. Agua Colonia and Bato Dungok in Alimodian, Iloilo. Words that when we repeated together, fueled our desire to put our aching foot forward one more time, gave sustenance to our hypo-oxygenated lungs, and kept our spirits high during a 4-hour traverse of the thick forest of Mt. Agua Colonia.
Read more "The Thrill of the Trail: Trekking Mt. Agua Colonia and Bato Dungok Peak in Alimodian, Iloilo"Yato is a small island located off the coast of Cabalagnan in the town of Nueva Valencia in the island of Guimaras. Although this island hasn’t received much exposure in social media and even in the local tourism advertisements, Yato Island is one of those islands whose beauty and charm lies in the visitors very acts of exploring its hidden allure and having the eyes of finding the beauty of things in its very existence alone.
Read more "Yato Island: A Charming Little Island off the Coast of Guimaras"My visit to Surigao City was short, sweet, and surprising. In just a few hours, I was able to see the best that the city has to offer. The “sweetness” of the locals’ hospitality is overwhelming and always something to be proud of. And in the few hours that I stayed in Surigao City, I was surprised by the unusual things I’ve seen and the peculiarity of the place I never knew existed.
Read more "Surigao City, Surigao del Norte: Short, Sweet, and Surprising"In all the things I saw and knew, I felt privileged and honoured to be one of the rare few people he opened his life to. This does not happen everyday- when someone takes you to their homes and show you how beautiful and how wrecked their lives are.
Read more "Dinagat Islands: The Long Road Home"I felt lucky to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. I gave my police friend a snappy salute and boarded the bus without saying goodbye. Our silence said it all.
Read more "Beside the Dazzling Town Hall of Carmen, Agusan del Norte"The Christmas symbols of Tangub City became the symbol of the falling of scales of my biased and stereotypical views about Mindanao and its people. I was thankful to that one dark and chilly night in Tangub City because that darkness allowed me to see the true, eternal, and shining light: the light we carry in each of us, the light of goodness, of love, and of peace.
Read more "One Dark and Chilly Night in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental"For constant travelers like us, we are left with no choice but to wait for several months until the skies clear up and so we can hit the road again. But the rainy season, we realized, should not hinder us from enjoying our travel buddies’ company; it even presents interesting opportunities to strengthen our relationships and improve our traveling experience.
Read more "7 Tips to Enjoy the Company of Your Travel Buddies During the Rainy Season"Camiguin Island is indeed blessed with overflowing natural beauties that a tropical island can have. White sand beaches, lush vegetation and forests, waterfalls and hot springs scatter all over the island. But in all its beauty and splendor, why is Camiguin not receiving the attention it duly deserves? The answer lies on the words of a local we had a conversation with.
Read more "Camiguin Island: The Quiet Confidence of the Island Born of Fire"There were no words to describe the beauty and atmosphere that envelopes the paved streets of the city’s arterial streets especially during the night. The sound of horses’ hooves and kalesa drown the conversations of people walking around to shop, eat, or drink. We went back to our inn in the wee hours of the morning intoxicated by the eternal beauty of Vigan’s historical heritage.
Read more "Byaheng Norte Part 2: History in Every Nook and Cranny That is Ilocos Sur"The region of Ilocos has always been one of the most intriguing places in the country for us. We learned in school that it is the place where the saga of Lam-ang took place as told by the epic poem Biag ni Lam-ang (The Life of Lam-ang). It is also the birthplace of some of the most controversial personalities in the history of the Philippines: talk about the Marcoses, the Luna’s (Antonio and Juan), and Chavit Singson, among others.
Read more "Byaheng Norte Part 1: Finding the True North"When we finally arrived at the cafe, we were shocked and frightened by what we saw. No light emanated from the building and the doors looked closed. Mist and clouds were so thick that we started to shiver in the cold and visibility is very poor. Did the staff trick us? We were about to find out. We called her up and we were even surprised when she asked us: “Are you the boyfriend, Sir?” What was she talking about?
Read more "Cafe in the Sky in Tuba, Benguet: On Unexpected Twists and Turns"A short visit to the Valley of Colors in La Trinidad, Benguet taught us one important lesson worthy to be brought home: that is if all members of a community put their hand together to give a helping hand, a piece of art and even more, can be easily achieved in no time.
Read more "Valley of Colors in La Trinidad, Benguet: A Feast of Color to the Eyes"Our visit to Basiao Beach in Ivisan, Capiz was unexpected but worthwhile, we would say. Basiao Beach may not be as touristy as that of Boracay in Aklan or Isla de Gigantes in Iloilo, it is, however, a gem in its own right. The calmness and serenity of the surroundings, the warm hospitality of the locals, and the unblemished, natural beauty of the islets when taken together make Basiao Beach worthy to be called “Capiz’s Hidden Gem.”
Read more "Basiao Beach in Ivisan: A Hidden Gem in the Province of Capiz"These two river tours do not only provide a livelihood for locals every day of their lives, but they are also testaments to the locals’ effort to promote their culture while taking care of Nature itself, the giver of all that sustains us.
Read more "Palina Greenbelt Ecopark and Cadimahan River Tours: Because Life is Better on the River"Whenever you hear the word Capiz, what are the first thoughts that come into your mind?
Let’s face it. Capiz is oftentimes associated with “aswangs” or shapeshifting monsters that possess a combination of traits of a vampire, a witch, a ghoul, a beast, or all of them combined altogether in one entity. But whether this folklore is true or not, Capiz is one the cities in the Philippine archipelago that always arouses mystery, intrigue, and sadly, even suspiciousness.
Read more "Pueblo de Panay: A Rising “City Within A City” at the Heart of Philippines’ Seafood Capital"Change is almost on the horizon in Olotayan Island but it should never forget to protect its natural beauty that captured our hearts and the hearts of those who set foot in that slice of paradise here on earth, in the land we call our home.
Read more "Olotayan Island: Where Horizons Are Never Far"Some people say we are crazy for spending what supposed to be our rest time, tiring ourselves with conquering mountains . Nevertheless, it’s a worthy sacrifice.
Read more "Happy Campers: Discovering Igcabugao, Igbaras in Iloilo"Because Roxas City is only a bus ride away from us, we thought we “knew” all about it already. But in this trip, we came to realize that every place on earth has always something new to offer, no matter how familiar you are of it.
Read more "5 Spots and an Island You Shouldn’t Miss Visiting in Roxas City, Capiz"Looking back from my own experiences while on the road, I came to realize that on top of all the breathtaking sceneries, wild parties, and exotic festivals I saw and be part of, it is the people I met and knew better along the way that made those experiences meaningful and unforgettable.
Read more "How Travel Changed My Life and How It Can Change Yours"I believe that everyone has their own fair share of “first times.” First kiss, first love, first heart break…and the list goes on an on.
Read more "The Last Time I Did Something For the First Time"
Lagawone PH 