Island Hopping: Dampalitan, Borawan and Puting Buhangin
Hiking Mount Tarak (Bataan)
Mount Tarak is one of the mountains in the Philippines which is in debate if it’s a major or a minor climb; major because of its long trail and altitude and minor because of its trail class. Tarak is situated in Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan, three hours travel from Manila. This mountain has an amazing and cool ambiance because of its rich forest areas.
Odiongan, Romblon: Revisiting my Hometown
How to Commute to NAIA Terminal 3
Airplanes are the flag carrier of the Philippines and the airports serve as the main gate where locals and tourists check in and out. How to Get Here: From where I live in Cainta, Rizal, travelling to the airport in Pasay City can cost more than 500 pesos and for a backpacker, like me, this amount is too high. Aside from that, slow-moving traffic during rush hours is bad which can cause more damage if you're late.
Orchids Resort Boracay
At first, when I booked my flight for Boracay Island on a Piso sale, I was hesitant because I was unsure about my schedule and had no idea about the budget. As part of that nerve-wracking feeling, a week before my trip, I posted on Facebook and asked my friends about the cheapest resort on Boracay Island, and the result was positive. A friend of mine referred her friend, who works at Orchids Resort. And there, my mind was at peace!
Mt. Gulugod Baboy
It is one of the hiking destinations in Batangas with gorgeous slopes and a relaxing ambiance on the summit. Mt. Gulugod Baboy became famous because of its proximity and beauty. Its name literally translates to "pig's spine" in English and was given because of its slopes and shapes that are similar to the pigs' spine. If you’re starting to explore the richness of the Philippines at a higher altitude, then this mountain is your perfect start.
HIKING GUIDE: Mt. Pundaquit, Zambales
Hiking Mt. Pundaquit is the perfect way to visit Anawangin Cove, well for trekking enthusiasts. While walking on the flat surface at the entrance of the mountain, you can see its gorgeous scenery that awaits to be discovered. The mountain's entrance is just ten minutes from the shoreline of Brgy. Pundaquit and its trail starts by passing across the grass and shrub lands.
Angeles Church
The first chapel of this church was established in 1812. However, the current Renaissance-style structure was built through "polos y servicios," or forced and unpaid labor under the supervision of the Spanish government from 1877 to 1896. Dubbed as "Pisamban Maragul," a Kapampangan phrase for "big church" because it was the tallest church in Pampanga during that time. By the way, it was evening. We were heading back to Manila when we passed by this church, and we thought that this was stunningly beautiful. So, we parked and explored the area.
Crystal Beach Resort
This resort became prominent because of its golden and stunning sunset, cool sea breeze, and relaxing ambiance. Although it's a 3 to 4 hours land travel from Metro Manila, you will be rewarded with a long fine sand beach that is absolutely good for camping and playful waves, perfect for surfing. Well, the area is surrounded by pine trees that cover the camping area from the UV rays which also provide a relaxing camping experience. Having said that, the Crystal Beach Resort is one of the top destinations in Zambales.
Puraran Surf Beach Resort
Catanduanes is an island province in the Bicol region. Thus, it is surrounded by magnificent beaches and resorts. Puraran Surf Beach Resort is one of the cheap resorts in Baras where you can enjoy crystal clear and calm water, cool and fresh sea breeze, and emerald seas. The resort is surrounded by greens such as coconuts, bananas, and other ornamental plants. For accommodation, there are quaint cottages that are also Instagram-worthy.