In the heart of Luzon are the provinces of Cordillera, famous for their unique architectural masterpieces that can be traced back thousand years ago - the Rice Terraces. These are carefully hand carved mountainsides that look like giant steps forming stairways to the sky. The most famous of them are concentrated in the province of Ifugao, and Banaue’s Rice Terraces, being accessible is the most popular of all.

Not so far from Banaue is the town of Bangaan, home of the Bangaan Rice Terraces cluster that was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1995 as a Living Cultural Heritage of the people of Cordillera.

From the top of the Bangaan Rice Terraces, one will witness the unobstructed view of the beauty of these hand carved mountains and the village below. Experience the surreal feeling of walking on one of the wonders of our modern world, trek to Bangaan Rice Terraces and Village and see the marvelous creation of the ancient Ifugaos.

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Coron, a second-class municipality in northern Palawan is a paradise blessed with rich marine life, endemic flora and fauna, and magnificent landscape. With its stunning limestone cliffs, pristine white sand beaches, picturesque lagoons and lakes, and wonderful underwater scenery, the place imprints an indelible beauty to everyone who fall to its distinctive charm.

It is among those few places declared as country’s marine reserve thus making the island and its surrounding a protected area. The island is also home to seven enchanting lakes which are sacred cultural sites of Tagbanuas. Of these seven lakes, only two are known and open to public - the Kayangan Lake which is named as the cleanest lake in the country for three consecutive years and the Barracuda Lake (the other five are known only to Tagbanuas).

Experience Coron - the jewel of the Calamianes group of islands, the picture perfect paradise. You will definitely keep on coming back.

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In celebration of the Manila’s founding anniversary, Lakwatsero is featuring my beloved city.

“When Manila sneezes, the Philippines catches cold.” - Nick Joaquin

The Philippine capital Manila is a unique blend of east and west. It is home to more than a million and a half inhabitants and is dubbed as the center of government, culture and education of the country.

The rich history of the city is dated even before the Spaniards came to the Philippines, but it was during the Spanish era (1571) that Manila was proclaimed as the capital of the Philippines thus becoming a center of transpacific trade for more than three centuries. The premier city of the Philippines celebrates its day every 24th day of June.

Lonely Planet describes the capital as a teeming metropolis, with huge tower blocks crowding the few remaining traces of colonial architecture that survived the bombing of the city during World War II (Manila is the second most destructed city during WWII, next only to Warsaw).

Today, the city is constantly evolving and coping to the development but still maintains its unique charm. From contemporary shopping malls to high-class seaports, remnants of its history to modern structures, the city got it all, enough reasons to keep you coming back to Manila.

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Culion, a fourth class municipality in Calamianes Group of Islands, located in northern Palawan is a quiet town with a history of continuous struggle. From being a former leper colony, Culion holds the promise of a brigther tomorrow with its rich past and breathtaking natural wonders.

Culion is slowly embracing Tourism. Unknown to many, aside from the remnants of its history, this town can boast of its natural attractions and great adventures - from diving and snorkeling to trekking and rock/cliff climbing. A stay in Culion, tourists will be treated to its rich history with a visit to its Museum, and a walk to the town where the evidence of it being a former leper colony still present with the old establishments and structures still in place.

Experience Culion, see its beaches, waterfalls, rice terraces, old church and fort, and explore its rich marine life. It is a town is waiting to be discovered.

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Nested in the mountains of Cordillera is the city of Tabuk, in the province Kalinga. It is 480 kilometers away from Manila and 10-12 hour drive from the Philippine capital. This remote highland city is a total contrast of an urban metropolis - no sckycrapers, malls, nightlife and crowded highways.

It is home to Chico River and its tributaries, the country’s longest river (from Mt. Province to Cagayan) and a popular destination for white water rafting in Luzon, with difficulty peaking at level 5 during rainy season. The river also serves as source of irrigation for ricefields of Tabuk (the biggest rice producer of the province), and the entire province of Kalinga.

Unexpectedly, Kalinga province has a lot of “not so popular” but definitely beautiful and natural attractions that are waiting to be explored. Tabuk, as it capital is the gateway to those. Experience Tabuk, where a quiet life awaits everyone in this mountain city.

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Callao Cave is perhaps one of the most popular caves in the Philippines (even more popular than the caves of Sagada) and the best known tourist attraction of the Cagayan Province. It is located in Barangays Parabba and Quibal, in the town of Peñablanca, a thirty minute drive from the provincial capitol Tuguegarao.

Unlike the caves of Sagada, Callao Cave is very easy to explore but requires little test of endurance as you go up the stair with close to 200 steps before witnessing the massive limestone and rock formations inside.

It is made up of seven chambers and various formations: the Column, Chapel, Skeleton, Elephant’s Head, Praying Angel, Rocket, Lion’s Head and Dog’s Head Formations. The Chapel, being featured in many tourism ads and postcards, is the main attraction of the cave (and of the whole Cagayan), it is a chamber turned into a cathedral by the locals. The place draws a dramatic picture as the skylight illuminates the hall through its opening.

While in the area, one must also try a wooden boat ride in Mororan (Minoran) River passing through small rainforest, a bat cave, scenic rocky cliffs and picturesque river banks with crystal clear water ideal for swimming.

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For love of Sagada, Lakwatsero is featuring this place:

Fifteen hundred feet above the sea is a small and tranquil town of Sagada in Mountain Province, 275 Kilometers north of Manila. A remote town with so much to offer to anyone who chooses to experience its distinct appeal. With its temperate weather, wondrous caves and cliffs, lofty rice terraces and waterfalls, luscious foods and delicacies, rich heritage and traditions, Sagada promises everyone an unforgettable and truly remarkable experience with nature and culture.

Sagada also embraces its visitors with the warm hospitality of the locals that complements the beauty of the place. Undoubtedly, the charm of this mountain town is still incomparable to most tourist destinations in the country, making it one of Lakwatsero’s favorite destination and thus calling it home away from home, like most local and foreign tourists do.

Whether you are a laid back traveler or more into adventure, young or old, Lakwatsero of any backgrounds and ages, you definitely have a place here.

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