Year-end Special: Thank You 2012! My Most Travel-filled Year (yet...)

2012 is indeed my most travel-filled year (yet...). 39 new provinces. 19 provinces re-visited. 12 mountains conquered. 5 festivals attended. Countless plane, boat, roro, ferry, bus, van, jeepney, tricycle, trisikad and habal-habal rides. Numerous fun-filled adventures. A lot of new friendships built. Just 1 goal: "to inspire people to live their dreams, to travel and find their own adventure of a lifetime!"

Cavite - Maytinis Festival 2012, a Well-loved Caviteño Tradition

An old Caviteño tradition, the Maytinis Festival is an annual Christmas Eve event organized by the "Confradia de Sagrada Familia" in collaboration with the parish priest in the town of Kawit, province of Cavite. People from Kawit, other towns and visitors from nearby provinces, flock to this town to witness the event. The procession started with a fireworks display at around 6:00 PM in Aguinaldo Shrine.

Leyte - Palo Christmas Festival 2012

Here's another Christmas destination you shouldn't miss this yuletide season. The Palo Christmas Festival in Palo Leyte! Together with Eric of Byahilo.com, Ms. Ludette and Sir Gerry Ruiz of Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours, we attended the opening ceremony last December 14, 2012 held at the Palo public plaza in front of Palo Cathedral.

Cavite - Christmas Lights and Sound Show at Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite

The historic town of Kawit, Cavite holds a nightly lights and sound show at the mansion of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippine Republic. Every night, people from Kawit, nearby towns and even from Manila come to Aguinaldo Shrine to witness the spectacular display of dazzling lights that dance to the tune of Christmas songs.

Aklan - Arriving in Boracay, a Weekend Getaway with Friends

Boracay is probably one of the most popular beaches in the Philippines and a favorite leisure spot among local and foreign tourists. Located at the northwestern tip of Panay Island, its beaches were acclaimed as one of the best in the world. I've been to Boracay last February this year, alone. So when my friends planned a trip last October, I quickly said yes! Why? Because I know it will be a whole new experience with them.

Road Trips and Adventures, Spending Happy Times Together

As they say, Filipino families are one of the closest with each other. It is really important that you spend quality time with your family and have some time to bond with the people that matters to you most. We, as a family, see to it that we find time to spend with each other on road trips and adventures on a weekend with my brothers, cousins and relatives. This way, we get to talk, learn more things about ourselves and have better relationships.

Pampanga - Giant Lantern Festival 2012, a Spectacular Symphony of Lights!

Dubbed as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines", roads led to San Fernado City, Pampanga last weekend for the annual Ligligan Parul or the Giant Lantern Festival. Eleven barangays showcased their giant lanterns during the exhibition night at Robinson's Starmills Pampanga.

Zamboanga City - Pascua na Zamboanga, Christmas in Asia's Latin City!

Christmas is so alive in Zamboanga City! Families and friends flock to the City Plaza every night to watch the lights at the well decorated City Hall. The lights somehow dance to the tune of Christmas carols with bubble machines accentuating every blink of the Christmas lights. The adjacent parks were also decorated with Christmas lanterns, lights and a huge nativity statue.

Travel Tip: How to Get in and Out of Butuan (Bancasi) Airport

Butuan's Bancasi Airport is the gateway to the province of Agusan del Norte and the rest of the CARAGA Region. Daily flights to and from Manila, as well as to and from Cebu are serviced by major airlines. Unlike other airports in the Philippines, getting in and out of the airport is easy.

KALINGA TOURIST SPOTS: The Charm of the Sleeping Beauty

One astounding sight in Tinglayan, Kalinga that you shouldn't miss is the Sleeping Beauty Mountain. Also known as Mt. Patukan, it is a mountain ridge located between the municipalities of Tanudan and Tinglayan. It is called as such because it resembles to a sleeping woman lying on its back.

Win 2 Overnight Accommodation Vouchers at The Circle Hostel!

The Circle Hostel - Zambales
We stayed at The Circle Hostel when we went to Liwliwa, Zambales for a surfing weekend early this year. I made a review about it because we truly enjoyed our overnight stay at the hostel. I want you to experience the same unique accommodation they offer! In partnership with The Circle Hostel, I'm giving away two (2) vouchers for an overnight hammock stay at any Circle Hostel branches (Zambales or La Union) to one (1) lucky winner.