Slideshow: The Serene Beauty of Hambil

Despite it’s proximity to the crowded Boracay Island of Aklan, Hambil Island offers a contrasting ambiance. Also known as Carabao Island, in the town of San Jose, Rombon, Hambil offers sun, sea, sand and serenity where climbing the bent coconut trees, watching the sun rise and listening to the waves are some of its simple pleasures. Time passes unnoticed in this tropical paradise of serene beauty. Make Hambil Island a part of your memory. Experience a virgin paradise, only... Read More

Snapshot: White Sand Beach of Carabao Island

The fine white sandy shore of Hambil Island, also known as Carabao Island, in the town of San Jose, Romblon is always being compared with Boracay, which is only an hour away. But Hambil offers a contrasting ambiance, a quiet and uncrowded beach that is ideal for quality “me” time. Enjoy the simple pleasures of the island by letting the time pass while staring at the sunrise; sitting on the beach while listening to the sound of nature; or just climbing the bent coconut... Read More

Weekend Bliss: Return to Apo Reef

It was a last minute decision and it seemed like a coincidence that Gael’s feature on Apo Reef was just published in Yahoo!Travel. Reading her piece along with some of my photos made me missed Apo Reef even more. Perhaps it was the sign. After all, if there are places worth coming back over and over again, Apo Reef is surely one of them. So for third year in a row I went to this paradise off the coast of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro and once again had a great time in this... Read More

Travel Guide: Calaguas Islands

On the northernmost part of Bicolandia is an unknown paradise that can rival the white sand beach of Boracay and the serenity of Pagudpud, still virgin and unspoiled- the beautiful and enchanting islands of Calaguas. Calaguas is a group of islands in the Pacific under the jurisdiction of the town of Vinzons, Province of Camarines Norte, a merely two hour boat ride from the mainland. It boasts of powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled natural resources,... Read More

Bulalacao’s Tambaron Uncovered

Tambaron Island Once in a while, it is best to deviate from where the crowd is going, explore the road less traveled and venture into the unknown to find your cradle of solitude. Whatever in store there is a sure piece of heaven. Along with my TFMWPP friends who love to explore the off-the-beaten-tracks, we explored Tambaron and its neighboring islands and islets in Oriental Mindoro. Located off the coast of Bulalacao, the southernmost town of the province, it is a place waiting... Read More

Agutayan Island, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental

Off the coast of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental is a small island, virtually a sandbar, surrounded by green waters that is rich with marine life – the Agutayan Island. It is located in Macajalar Bay, five kilometers from Jasaan’s Poblacion. Crescent moon in shape and uninhabited, Agutayan Island has 5,000 square meters of white sand that sits on a 3-hectare marine sanctuary that serves as breeding ground of endangered giant clams. The giant clams are products of successful... Read More

Palawan’s Apulit Island Resort is Among Asia’s Best

Britain’s The Sunday Times named Apulit Island Resort as among the best in Asia in their articled entitled “Asia’s Greatest Island Getaways”, written by Susan d’Arcy. The article featured the best new destinations in Asia including those in Bali, Indonesia and Phuket, Thailand, and other resorts in Cambodia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Singapore. Palawan’s Apulit Island Resort is the only Philippine spot that made it to the list. Located in Taytay Bay, Apulit Island... Read More

More of Malapascua: A Walk, A Beach and A Lighthouse

Good morning Malapascua! I woke up on a sunny Saturday morning with my DIY Coron travel buddies and friends. It was amazing that from our room’s terrace at Blue Coral Hotel, we have a fantastic view of sunrise and sunset. Good morning Malapascua sunrise! We were very thankful for the sun, it was raining hard in the city when we arrived in Cebu, the rain followed us in Malapascua. But the blue sky and the sun showed as we were starting to explore the island. A Walk We had... Read More

Top Picks: Five Best New Destinations of 2010

I already revealed my Five Best Dives and Five Best Beaches of 2010, it is now time to divulge the new places and spots that top my  list last year. These are the places I have never been before that struck me the most in 2010. Lakwatsero’s Best New Destinations of 2010 Apo Reef, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro Apo Reef, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro June – The lighthouse, the great view of sunset, the white sand beach and the best snorkeling ever – Apo Reef was more... Read More