Cape Santiago Lighthouse in Calatagan Batangas, "A Beacon of History with Over a Century Worth of Stories to Tell"

Another must-see attraction in Calatagan, Batangas is the century-old Cape Santiago Lighthouse. So after spending almost the whole day in Burot Beach, we drove southwards to where Cape Santiago Lighthouse is. Also known as Punta de Santiago or Faro de Punta Santiago or simply Calatagan Lighthouse, Cape Santiago is an imposing 51-foot tall white and red brick lighthouse that was built in the late 1800's to guide seafarers passing Verde Island passage, San Bernardino Strait and the Manila Bay.

BATANES: Basco Lighthouse at Naidi Hills

Basco Lighthouse

Basco Lighthouse is located in the town of Basco in the province of Batanes. Perched on a hill called Naidi, the place offers one of the most picturesque sites in the island of Batan. Naidi is an old sitio from the Ivatan words, "Na" which means past and "Idi" meaning settlement. The hills affords a spectacular panoramic view of Baluarte Bay, Basco town, Mount Iraya and the rolling hills of Batan Island. The lighthouse can easily be reached by foot via a 1.2 kilometer hike from the Port of Basco.

THINGS TO DO IN BATANES: Batan Island South Tour - "Amazing Places to Visit, Tourist Spots and Attractions in Mahatao, Ivana and Uyugan"

As one of my ultimate dream destinations, I expected Batanes to be "heaven on earth" because of the rave reviews of those who've been there before. The truth is, it exceeded all my expectations in every sense of the word. Still can't get enough of the province, we spent our third day in Batanes visiting the different tourist spots and attractions in the southern part of Batan Island, the second largest island in the province of Batanes. This whole day tour filled with amazing sights and activities includes a visit to the towns of Mahatao, Uyugan and Ivana. Taralets! Let's explore Batanes!

THINGS TO DO IN BATANES: Sabtang Island Tour - "Amazing Places to Visit, Tourist Spots and Attractions in Sabtang, Batanes"

We woke up early on our 2nd day in Batanes. From our accommodation, we were fetched by Ryan, our tour guide and brought us to the port in the town of Ivana where we will be riding the boat going to the island of Sabtang. Batanes is known to have strong waves, and I've heard a lot of stories from friends about how enormous the waves. Their motorized boats are locally called "faluwa", which are boats designed to withstand the strong waves. These boats don't have a "katig" or outriggers as it would only be crashed by the strong waves while at the sea.

THINGS TO DO IN BATANES: Batan Island North Tour - "Amazing Places to Visit, Tourist Spots and Attractions in Basco, Batanes"

On new year's day, I asked my readers "What is your ultimate dream destination this 2014?" and around 80% answered Batanes! Indeed, this province in the northern Philippines is (almost) everybody's dream destination. I, myself had been dreaming for quite some time to visit this so-called paradise. I thought it will remain as a dream, but on May 6, 2013, the long-time dream became a reality as I finally set foot on Batanes, my 79th province! Our packaged group tour started after our hefty lunch of Ivatan specialties at Pension Ivatan Restaurant. I must admit, I am so excited to explore and experience Batanes' breathtaking sights, beaches, centuries-old churches and other man-made and natural wonders.

Cagayan - Conquering the Picturesque Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island

Inspired and envious by the photos I saw on the internet, I quickly said "yes" to an invitation of a friend to explore the island of Palaui. Why not? The island's dramatic coastlines, lush scenery, with rolling hills and jagged cliffs jutting out from the Pacific Ocean are enough reasons to convince me to endure the long travel to Sta. Ana, Cagayan, the jump-off to Palaui Island.

ILOCOS NORTE TOURIST SPOTS: Bangui Windmills, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Burgos Lighthouse and Bacarra Church

After thanking Ate Cathy and her family for a great stay in their home stay facilities, I hopped into the tricycle that I rented for my tour around the towns of Bangui and Burgos. I met Kuya Rene, the tricycle driver, he will be my tour guide for the rest of this tour. On my itinerary for today are Bangui Windmills, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Burgos Lighthouse and Bacarra Church.

When in Pagudpud, there are 2 options to explore, the north and the south tour. Due to limited time, I opted to do the south of Pagudpud tour which includes a visit to the Bangui Windmills in the town of Bangui, the Kapurpurawan rock formation and the Bojeador lighthouse both in the town of Burgos.

Top Thing to Do in Mindoro Occidental - Amazing Sablayan!

We're going to Sablayan
After finishing all the things we need to do in Sta. Cruz, we took an ordinary bus bound for San Jose. It took us around 2 hours before we reached the town of Sablayan. One of the biggest towns of Occidental Mindoro and boasts to be the top "tourist destination" in the province.

Bus ride to Sablayan
Seated at the heart of Occidental Mindoro, Sablayan is a town gifted with nature's blessings. It is home to Apo reef - the largest atoll-like reef in the country and probably in Asia. They are also proud to have fine beaches and shorelines ideal for swimming, kayaking and snorkelling; they also offer activities such as picnicking, bird-watching, trekking, camping, tamaraw herd-watching and more.

Where is Sablayan?
The 2-hour bus ride from Sta. Cruz is bumpy but fun! You'll get to see beautiful landscape of mountains, hills and rice fields.

Guimaras - Guisi Point Lighthouse and Guisi Beach in Nueva Valencia

Once we have settled at Raymen Beach Resort in Sitio Alubihod in the town of Nueva Valencia, we asked our driver/guide to bring us to Guisi to see the Lighthouse and take a dip in the beach. We have agreed for an additional 150 pesos for our rent on his tricycle. Travel time is around 20-25 minutes.