Vienna Kaffeehaus: A Taste of Austria in Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City may not be a popular food tripping destination but believe it or not, the city harbors some great themed restaurants that will surely satisfy your cravings, among them is my favorite Vienna Kaffeehaus. This Austrian inspired restaurant located along Don A. Velez-Chavez Street in CDO’s Divisoria district offers a taste of Europe with it’s European... Read More

Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church of Miag-ao

Iloilo Province, in the Visayan Island of Panay, is home to some of the oldest Catholic Churches in the Philippines. It is one of the most important provinces during the Spanish colonization of the country. South of the province, in its largest town of Miag-ao, is the pride of the town – the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church or popularly know as Miag-ao Church. Miag-ao Church... Read More

Sagada Favorite: Yoghurt House

A Sagada trip will never be complete without a moment at Yoghurt House. For years this decent and cozy restaurant has been synonymous with great food experience in this remote town, thus establishing itself as one of Sagada’s landmarks. Mama Sagada I’m coming home! Situated a few meters from the Municipal Hall, on the boundary of Barangay Poblacion and Dagdag, along... Read More

In Focus: Manila, Our Manila

When I was a kid, one of the first books I owned was Nick Joaquin’s “Manila, My Manila: A History for the Young“. Being the foremost chronicler of 20th century Manila, Joaquin dedicated his life to the city. To describe Manila more than how he vividly chronicled the city is hard to accomplish, and I cannot think of ways to match his writings. At my very young age,... Read More

I Fell in Love with Alma Jane

The first time I saw her, alone and merely a silhouette from afar, my heart anxiously beat fast. The urge of seeing her up-close, touching and feeling her grew stronger. Excited as a child, I hurried up until she was real and in front of me. In an instant, I fell in love. She is Alma Jane, lying eternally in the cold water of Sabang, Puerto Galera, dressed in corals and adorned... Read More

Ten Things To Do in Sagada (for Newbies)

It is not a secret that I love Sagada, in fact I have been to the Philippines’ version of Shangri-La six times already since 2008. This highland town of temperate weather, lovely people and good food, is also one of the best places in the Philippines to experience culture, nature and adventure. Surprisingly, the place remains unknown to many, so for those who are clueless... Read More

Swim with Millions of Non-Stinging Jellyfish in Tojoman Lagoon

A placid lagoon surrounded by green islets and home to millions of brown non-stinging jellyfish. If you think it can only be found in Palau, think again. The Sohoton Cove also known as Bucas Grande Group off the coast of Surigao del Norte boasts of islands and limestone islets rested in calm water of the Philippine Sea. The place is home to beautiful caves, white sandy beaches with... Read More

Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor)

In 1966, a shrine was commissioned to be built on the summit of Mt. Samat to commemorate the heroic Filipino and American soldiers in Bataan who fought the Japanese Imperial Army in 1942, in what is known toady as Battle of Bataan. Located in Barangay Diwa, town of Pilar, the shrine with a land area of 73,665 hectares, was designed by Lorenzo Castillo and landscaped by Dolly Quimbo-Perez.... Read More