Best Travel Blog in the Philippines

Mission: Sirang Lente, one of the Best Travel Blogs in the Philippines

Meym Dharzie, thirty-ish, Romblon! Previous part-time movie extra and full-time in BPO. I love historical sites, nature and outdoor activities like hiking and camping. At home, watching documentaries and Korean Dramas are my interests.

Why Sirang Lente?

Sirang Lente is a Filipino word which means “a defective lens,” pertaining to my camera lens. I know you’re thinking why I'm writing and proud having such a defective lens, correct? Here’s the reason: it was in 2012 when I started hiking and backpacking. That time, I don’t have anything expensive, like DSLR cameras, to capture high quality photos or even a knowledge in photo editing. What I have were old 5 megapixel Digital camera and a smart phone with 3.2 megapixel camera. They both have cracks on the LCD so I was thinking that they have defective lenses, but upon transferring the photographs to my laptop, images were beautiful. That's when I realized that there could be beauty in defects, it all depends in perspective.

 

I created this blog to list down the beautiful tourist attractions, tourist spots, tourist destinations in all the provinces I visited, upload great photos (must be raw and may not be in high quality) and tell my stories. I may not have perfect grammar but I do believe that: “learning is constant and practice makes permanent!”

For travelers, like me, Social Media is now considered as one of the must haves. Social media platforms, such as twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Google Plus and many other social media sites and apps are best and simplest way to share your stories, travel itinerary and gorgeous photos to others. They are also being used to promote and inspire others to do the same.

CLICK HERE TO HOMEPAGE: LIST OF ALL PROVINCES

VISITA IGLESIA: 9 HISTORICAL CHURCHES IN METRO MANILA

Guadalupe Church, Makati City - it’s a 400 years old structure with an amazing facade. Founded by the Augustinians, the construction of its foundation was laid in 1601 and was finished in 1629. Some parts of this church were rebuilt several times because of the earthquakes; and in 1880 the masonry roof collapsed because of the earthquake so it was rebuilt in 1882 by Rev. Jose Corujedo O.S.A. Later, this structure was burnt during the fight between Filipinos and Americans on February 1899. It was reconstructed and re-opened to the public in 1983.

Catanduanes Tourist Spots

During our backpacking in Bicol, Catanduanes is the hardest province to penetrate because it's an island province. Dubbed as "The Happy Island," the province hides a few spectacular and breathtaking tourist spots and destinations which can make you "happy" and stunned. Lately, the province is getting more attention in social media sites because of stunning photos of Binurong Point, Puraran Beach, and the other attractions.

Siquijor Tourist Spots

As you visit its top destinations, you will be under a spell of its beauty. Siquijor Province is known as the "Esla del Fuego" or the "island of fire" because of the mystical fireflies. It is believed that if you see these luminous lights, it is an indication that a magic is taking place. By the way, if the province of Capiz is known for their "aswang" and "manananggal," this province is commonly known as "Siquihorror" because of the shamanism and witchcraft. Regardless if it's true or not, I was enchanted by this mystical province.

Backpacking Guide and Tourist Spots in Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes

To complete my Region 5 league, I made a backpacking itinerary for Albay, Sorsogon and Catanduanes Island. Initially, it was a solo backpacking, but Tin, my friend joined me. Traveling via land from Manila to this region can take 12 hours, a bit challenging, right? As I always say, time is just a number, in exchange, you'll be rewarded with the stunning tourist spots and destinations of Albay, Sorsogon and the province of Catanduanes. CLICK HERE TO WATCH MY TRAVEL VLOGS

BACKPACKING: Tourist Spots in Cagayan, Apayao, Isabela

The provinces of Cagayan and Isabela are part of Region 2 while the province of Apayao is part of the Cordillera Administrative Region. Though, these provinces are part of Luzon, due to its location, it's really hard to experience and discover the gorgeous tourist spots and destinations. Just recently, we visited Cagayan, Apayao, and Isabela and now sharing the most and updated itinerary.

Top 5 Cagayan Valley Tourist Spots

Cagayan Valley has the top tourist destinations in Luzon. Palaui Island is one of the virgin islands situated in the municipality of Sta. Ana, Cagayan province. It became prominent because it was the location where the two seasons of Survivor, a hit US TV reality show,  were held. Palaui is a small island but has a lot to offer such as the historical Cape Engaño Lighthouse, the artistic rock formation of Dos Hermanas Island, the fine white sand of Mabolbol Shore and the flora and fauna along Siwangag and Lagunzad trails. Of course, the serenity and the breathtaking beauty are well preserved - fewer visitors due to its topographical location.

BACPACKING: How to Get to NAIA Terminal 3

Our airplanes are the flag carrier of the Philippines and the airports serve as the main gate where locals and tourists checks in and out. These places should have extensive security protocols to protect thousands of people. MANILA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT or NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (NAIA) is one of the famous gates in the country. But, how to get to the airport?

Solo-Backpacking: Tourist Spots in Negros Occidental, Iloilo

After my successful Cebu Solo-Backpacking, another solo-backpacking in the Visayas was planned - this is it, a solo-backpacking in Western Visayas. Language barrier wasn't a problem because Hiligaynon has similarity to our native language in Romblon. During my travel, I found out that the Negrenses are really accommodating and has a good sense of direction. In a simple question like: "where is it located?" they provided me a detailed instruction. In general, Negros Occidental and the province of Ilo-Ilo are Must Visit provinces in the Philippines. Sorted according to my itinerary, historical, heritage and tourist spots below were my destinations.

Boracay Island, Backpacking and Commuting Tips

From the NAIA International Airport, take a flight bound for Kalibo International Airport, the travel time is about an hour. Beside Kalibo International Airport, there are different modes of transportation that you can choose to go to Boracay Island via Jetty Port. Instead of booking private transport, I asked the guards or sales ladies at the airport about the public utility vehicles to Jetty Port. As instructed, I rode in a van bound for Jetty Port for 200 pesos and the travel time is about 2 hours. On the other hand, another option is via Batangas Port where you can board with 2Go Ferry to Caticlan, travel time is within 7-9 hours.

SOLO-BACKPACKING: ZamBaSulTa, Zamboanga Provinces and Misamis Occidental

ZamBaSulta is an acronym given to Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi - the normal route, however, I made a twist and created ZamTaSuBa. Let me make it more extreme, my solo-backpacking includes Region 9: Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Misamis Occidental part of Region 10. Details below is my actual itinerary for 9 days that cover 7 Provinces and the independent City of Zamboanga.

9 DAYS SOLO-BACKPACKING: Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguidanao, North Cotabato, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Sur

MY MINDANAO ACTUAL TRAVEL GUIDE AND ITINERARY:

COVERED 8 PROVINCES: SARANGANI, SOUTH COTABATO, SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO, NORTH COTABATO, SURIGAO DEL NORTE, DINAGAT ISLANDS, AGUSAN DEL SUR

EXPENSES WITHOUT AIRFARE: 18,486 Pesos
AIRFARE: 2,235 Pesos Back and Forth

TOTAL EXPENSES: 20,721 Pesos

SOLO-BACKPACKING: Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Davao City

CASH ON HAND: 10,300 PESOS
SUB-TOTAL EXPENSES WITHOUT AIRFARE: 9,464 PESOS
AIRFARE: 2,189.84 PESOS
TOTAL EXPENSES: 11,653.84

 

Backpacking Guide: Tourist Spots in Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Bohol

MONEY ON HAND: 10,424.00
TOTAL EXPENSES: 11,015.84 PESOS
EXPENSES WITHOUT AIRFARE: 9,175.4 PESOS
Flights via Cebu Pacific: MNL-DGT - 627.84 Pesos. TAG-MNL: 1,212.60 Pesos

Backpacking Guide: Tourist Spots in Capiz, Antique, Guimaras, Ilo-Ilo

From Roxas Airport, I rode in a tricycle to my first destination - Panay Church. Travel Time: 23 minutes. Fare: 200 pesos. ETA: 7:30 AM. Upon arrival, I easily felt the cool and fresh air blowing. Also, noticed an event banner hanging by the side of the church, thus, as a respect, I did not check the entire part of the Panay Church, including the largest bell on top. However, I stayed in the area for an hour and thirty minutes. Had my breakfast at 7-11, in front of the church, while starring on its gorgeous facade.

Alibijaban and Burias Island Contact

Alibijaban Island and Burias Island is really a paradise! It's been three weeks when we visited these islands and I still can't move on and forget its beautiful landscape. Traveling and backpacking was remarkable because it's really long and tiring, but you will be rewarded with a picture perfect and breathtaking place. Please see photos below because  I am lacking descriptive words.

Top Tourist Spots in Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Camiguin: Backpacking Guide

Our original plan is to hike Mt. Dulang-dulang and Mt. Kitanglad, but because of the question: “gusto nyo ba?” it was changed to backpacking in Northern Mindanao. It happened for a very very short time. So from Malaybalay, Bukidnon, we rode on a bus with Cagayan signboard and alighted at Agora Terminal. At the terminal, we rode in a bus with Butuan signboard and alighted at Butuan Terminal. Then, another bus ride to Mangahoy, Bislig, Surigao del Sur. Here are some of the Mindanao’s finest, from days 1 to 5.