THINGS TO DO IN BONGAO, TAWI-TAWI: Roaming Around the Town of Bongao

Walking tours are my favorite introduction to a city or town. It's one of my favorite activities when traveling because it lets me discover the place, see its sights, enjoy its tourist spots and attractions, learn about its history and architecture, try its local delicacies and meet the locals. So after climbing Bud Bongao and eating Malaysian food for lunch, we decided to roam around the town center of Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-tawi.

Cleaner Toilets for Better Tourism

Cleaner Toilets for Better Tourism

Although endowed with many fine beaches and a growing tourism industry, for the tourism in the Philippines to really flourish, we should recognize the need for better infrastructures, roads, airports, seaports, quality accommodations and the involvement of the people in promoting and preserving our tourism sites. But one thing that we miss is having decent and clean public toilets in many of the tourist spots and attractions in the Philippines.

How to Get to ENCHANTED RIVER in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Is it real, is it real??? Yes it is! Enchanted river, one of the most famous rivers in the Philippines is located at Barangay Cambatong in the town of Hinatuan, in the province of Surigao del Sur. Only discovered in recent years, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Surigao del Sur and the rest of Mindanao. Known for its clear, shimmery and turquoise blue water, the Enchanted River provides an enchanting and somehow "out of this world" scene that keeps tourists and visitors at awe by the river's unexplainable beauty.

WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE SEBU: Punta Isla Lake Resort, "Nice and Affordable Resort in Lake Sebu"

Lake Sebu is fast becoming one of the most visited tourist destinations in South Cotabato. The increasing popularity of its three lakes, the majestic seven waterfalls, zipline adventure, its T'boli tribe and T'nalak cloth, makes it a top choice among tourists visiting this part of Southern Mindanao. If you're planning a visit and wondering where to stay in Lake Sebu, there are a number of hotels and resorts that you could choose from. One of the most popular is Punta Isla Lake Resort located at the tip of Sitio Toku-ful, Brgy. Poblacion, Lake Sebu.

The Filipinos' Guide to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the kind of destination meant for exploring. It takes just about an hour to fly to Hong Kong from the Philippines. There are a large number of regular flights to Hong Kong from major destinations in the Philippines such as Manila and Cebu, and there are often special deals and discounts to take advantage of, especially if you book in advance.

LAKE SEBU: Lang Dulay, her T'nalak and the T'boli Dreamweavers

Your visit to Lake Sebu in South Cotabato wouldn't be complete without getting acquainted with the T'boli tribe. One of the best ways to learn more about them is to meet Lang Dulay, one of the Philippines' National Living Treasures. For her contribution in the preservation of the T'boli culture and for her fine craftsmanship of the delicate abaca ikat cloth, Lang Dulay was awarded by the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA), a "Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA)" award in 1998.

Experience the Warm Filipino Hospitality. Travel with Locals!

Having fun with the local kids in Maimbung, Sulu

Before I visit a certain place, I make sure that I research about it. One way is to connect with the locals living in the destination I am visiting. The locals know more about their place and the hidden destinations that only a few have visited. This way, I know I'll get to see, learn and experience something new and unusual. Traveling with the locals will get you to "off the beaten destinations" and get a chance to explore the unexplored that most travel guide books won't tell you.

GET STOKED: Surfing in Gubat, Sorsogon (with How to Get There, Rates and Contact Details)

Gubat, Sorsogon is now emerging as one of the newest surfing destinations in the Philippines. The sandy bottom of the beach along Gubat Bay makes it an ideal spot to learn surfing for those who wants to experience how is it to ride the waves. For the experienced surfers, the huge waves become their "playground" as they enjoy the ride with swells peaking to over 6 feet. Facing the pacific, the surf break along Gubat Bay produces waves all year round with consistent major swell during the surfing season of October to March.

A Refreshing Afternoon at Lemon Baby™ in SM City Bacoor, Cavite

With the unbearable summer heat that we are experiencing right now, who doesn't want to have an iced cold drink? Earlier this week, me and my brother went to SM City Bacoor to check out one of the newest beverage shops in Cavite, Lemon Baby™. Originally from Shanghai, China, it is one of the newest brands in the growing beverage industry in the Philippines. Their first branch opened late last year at Aseana Power Station, Macapagal Boulevard in Parañaque City; then in February this year, they opened their 2nd branch in SM City Bacoor.

RESTAURANTS IN BAGUIO: Pizza Volante at Ayala Technohub inside Camp John Hay

When in Baguio, as much as possible I try only the local restaurants. Those that you can only see in Baguio. One of a must-visit is Pizza Volante, a home-grown restaurant that is considered as one of the best Italian restaurants in Baguio city. They offer freshly made and delicious Pizza and Pasta dishes that has been known for years among local residents and tourists visiting Baguio City.

Let's Join Domex Philippines' "One Million Clean Toilets Campaign" to Educate Public on Basic Toilet Hygiene

I am a kind of traveler that is not so picky in terms of accommodation. As long as it's safe, clean and comfortable, I'm okay with it. But in terms of toilet and bath, it is very important to have a toilet and bathroom that are clean and well organized. From the sink to the toilet bowl, to the shower area, I want it to be all clean, well-kept and smelling fresh.

WHERE TO EAT IN BAGUIO: Rasa Pura Singaporean Seafood Restaurant

Rasa Pura Singaporean Seafood Restaurant is the first and only Singaporean restaurant in Baguio City that offers authentic Singaporean cuisines. Their kitchen is headed by Singaporean master chef Joseph Teo, who uses imported spices from Singapore to assure the authenticity in taste and flavor of their dishes. "Rasa Pura" which literally means "City of Taste" reflects the evolution of Singapore's food culture. Dining at Rasa Pura felt like I was instantly transported to Singapore with their mouthwatering and delectable Singaporean dishes.

Bencab Museum and Cafe Sabel, "An Amazing Place to Appreciate Art in Tuba Benguet"

The BenCab Museum is one of the most beautiful museums I've been to. Located along Asin Road in Tuba, Benguet, it is a four-level building which houses our National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto Reyes Cabrera's (BenCab) art collections. BenCab Museum has nine galleries, a cafe and one function room for workshops, seminars and other art-related activities. From time to time, it also showcases exhibits from different contemporary artists from Manila and different parts of the country.

The Art of Bulacan Pastillas Wrapper Making (also known as "Pabalat" or "Borlas de Pastillas")

There are many versions of pastillas in the Philippines. But what sets apart the pastillas in Bulacan is how they wrap it in wonderfully made pastillas wrappers or locally called pabalat or borlas de pastillas. Through the years the "pabalat" making in Bulacan has transformed from a local, folk tradition into a popular art. I consider it a tedious art and perhaps a labor of love as it requires patience in making it.

Malolos Ensaymada and Inipit from Eurobake Bulacan

If there is one pasalubong that you shouldn't leave without when visiting Malolos, Bulacan, that would be their yummy ensaymada. I've been hearing about this famous old fashioned ensaymada from Eurobake - dubbed as the "Home of the Old-Fashioned Ensaymada Malolos and Original Inipit". That's why on our recently concluded Bulacan Food Tour last weekend, we made it a point to stop by Eurobake to buy some goodies.

Voluntourism: Habitat for Humanity Philippines' "Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!" Youth Build 2014 in Bohol

The Filipinos' bayanihan spirit continues to live on in Bohol! Last May 3, 2014, several thousands of youth gathered for this year's Habitat for Humanity "Youth Build" that happened simultaneously in four key provinces/cities in the country including Bohol, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga. I was fortunate to be part of Habitat for Humanity's Rebuild Bohol project with the theme "Tagbo. Tukod. Tana! (Let’s gather. Let’s build. Let’s do it!)", where some 5,000 youth gathered for the Youth Build 2014.

How to Earn Miles for Free Travel

The United MileagePlus® Explorer Card offer makes it easy for travelers to take advantage of an array of benefits and features. It is the ideal card for frequent travelers as it rewards them with bonus miles, access to the United Club VIP lounge, priority boarding, free checked bags, access to the Luxury Hotels and Resorts collection, no foreign transaction fees, introductory bonus reward miles offers, unrestricted access to rewards seats on points redemption, double miles on flights booked with United and much more. 



KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL 2014 - List of Winners, Schedule of Activities, How To Get There, Things To Do, Where To Eat and Where To Stay

Are you ready for this year's celebration of Kadayawan Festival? "Kadayawan sa Dabaw" is Davao City's most anticipated festival in celebration of life, culture and a thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest. Held annually on the third week of August, Kadayawan Festival 2014 is the biggest celebration in the whole of Davao region. It also happens together with the harvest season of local produce and the blooming of many flowers. Madayaw Davao!

WHERE TO EAT IN BULACAN: Bistro Maloleño Events Place and Restaurant in Malolos City

Malolos Bulacan takes pride in its rich historical and cultural heritage. It is popularly known for its historical sites, centuries-old churches, notable heroes, talented artists and influential people, but the province is also home to delicious and mouthwatering dishes. One of the must-visit restaurants in Malolos is Bistro Maloleño, dubbed as the "Home of Authentic Bulacan Heritage Cuisines". With the goal of preserving the traditional Bulacan dishes, Bistro Maloleño offers old-age Malolos recipes and heritage cuisines that will surely tickle every guests discriminate palate.

DTC Introduces Pioneer Brand Ambassadors in Contract Signing Event [Press Release]

Market-leading economy mobile device innovator DTC further solidifies its position in the global mobile industry as it unveils five key local professional basketball athletes as its first brand ambassadors in an exclusive media event at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. All renowned icons of their own league, DTC chose the quintet for their dedication, revolutionary style and powerful performance – similar traits shared by DTC.

BATANES: Vayang Rolling Hills in Basco, Batanes

Vayang Rolling Hills is one of the most recognizable spots in Basco, Batanes. Located in Batan Island, just a few kilometers away from the Poblacion, this is one of the best spots to enjoy a spectacular view of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and the Western parts of Basco, Batanes. The seemingly endless waves of rolling hills combined with the stunning seascapes are really jaw-dropping sights to behold.

WHERE TO EAT IN BAGUIO: Sage /saj/ Restaurant

Sage (pronounced as saj) is one of the newest restaurants in Baguio City. Located at 95 Military Cut-off Road, it's a bit far from the heart of the city yet offers an awesome dining place that is easily accessible by car or by public transportation. Opened just a year ago, Sage Restaurant promises to offer sumptuous meals that would tickle every guest's most discriminate palate.

Honesty Coffee Shop in Batanes: "A Store That is Too Small for Dishonest People"

Honesty Coffee Shop

"This store is too small for dishonest people". Honesty Coffee Shop is a store slash "coffee shop" located near the Port of Ivana, Batanes. It is owned by Ivatan couple Jose and Elena Gabilo which became famous worldwide for showcasing Ivatan's honesty. What makes this store one of its kind in the world and in the Philippines? There's no one manning the store. Instead, the owners rely on the honesty of the guests visiting the place.