Top 10 Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

1. Boracay Island

Today, just noticed that the weather is changing from cool to warm, humid air - proof that summer is almost here. To help you, I listed the 14 best and must-visit destinations in the Philippines. First, the world-famous Boracay Island. It is listed as one of the best beaches in the world according to travel agencies, websites, blogs, magazines and other people’s reviews. The shoreline has fine white sand, the waters are crystal clear, cool and fresh air, and there are a lot of activities to choose from. Continue Reading >>>

Backpacking Guide and Tourist Spots in Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes

This includes the detailed and updated backpacking guide to complete my Region 5 league which includes an itinerary solely for Albay, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes. Initially, it was solo backpacking, but Tin, my friend, joined me. Traveling via land from Manila to this region can take 12 hours, which is challenging. As I always say, time is just a number; in exchange, you'll be rewarded with the stunning tourist spots and destinations of its 3 provinces.

Backpacking Guide in Cagayan, Apayao, and 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 updated itinerary.

Best Island to Visit Near Manila

 

1. Apuao Island

It is situated in Mercedes, province of Camarines Norte, an 8 to 9 hours land travel from Manila and another 15 to 30 minutes boat ride to the island. It's better to take a rest while on the road because when you're on the island, you will definitely be busy enjoying its wealthy surroundings. Apuao has a long stretch and shapeless white sand shoreline. The white powdery sand has a mixture of shells, pebbles, and other crustaceans running back and forth. This island cannot be completed without a cool sea breeze and crystal clear waters. If you prefer an overnight, no worries cottages or camping by the beach are the choices. Sari-sari store, toilets, and baths are available on the island.

Inside the Walls of Intramuros

You might be thinking about the location where this photo taken from; I have no money to travel abroad so it's not from the ancient Greece or Rome. It is one of the tourist spots and must visit attractions in Manila. Okay, it is from Intramuros or the "Walled City" one of the sites that has significance in Philippine history. I was captivated by the Intramuros Open House in Celebration of World Tourism Day. Entrance fees are for free on three of the must visit spots inside the walled city; these are Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, and Casa Manila. Not only that, there are free bicycle tour at Plaza Roma, and picnic with performance grounds, food and art at Baluarte de San Diego.

VIETNAM: TOURIST SPOTS AND TRAVEL GUIDE

As what I have mentioned in my Aliwan Fiesta 2017 posts, Thes, ang maganda kong pinsan (medyo napilitan ako sa statement na yan), borrowed my DSLR for her Vietnam tour. In return, I'll publish some of her photographs here so we can have a glimpse of this South East Asian country and their tourist spots and destinations. By the way, every time I hear Vietnam, I am always think of the Vietnam War and Leah Salonga performing Miss Saigon. Let's see and widen our minds with the photos she captured at the Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon.

BALITOK TI ALICIA, Isabela

Balitok in Ilocano means gold, from which the festival Balitok ti Alicia drew inspiration  as they gratefully celebrate the golden era of the town of Alicia, Isabela.  Being one of the prime palay producers of the province, the festival honors rice as the  golden grains that helped this humble town, formerly called Angadanan Viejo, to become a prominent business hub in Central Isabela. It shows how its hardworking people put their heart in the tedious, muscle numbing work in the fields for the golden grains to be served on the tables for the whole year. Info from Aliwan Fiesta Website

NIYOGYUGAN FESTIVAL, Quezon Province

From the words, “niyog” and ”yugyog,” the Niyogyugan Festival combines all the colorful fiestas of Quezon Province like the “Pahiyas” of Lucban, “Arana’t Baluarte” of Gumaca, “Tagultol” of Atimonan, “Maubanog” of Mauban and others. A province-wide celebration that celebrates the “Tree of Life,” Niyogyugan pays tribute to the coconut industry’s glorious past, which bore fruit in the form of lambanog distilleries, oil millers, heritage houses, and vast resort plantations. This amazing festival was created to move, shake, and bring back the vigor and dynamism of the industry and to promote the products, places, talent, and creativity of Quezonians. Info from Aliwan Fiesta Website.

Aliwan Fiesta: Meguyaya Festival from Maguindanao

Meguyaya is a Teduray term for thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest. The Creator blessed blessed them with fertile soil and great climate making them to produce tons of corn. This annual festivities includes street dancing competition showcasing different culture of Teduray, Muslim and Christian celebrated every December in Upi, Maguindanao. One of the most awaited event is a long stretch of corn grillers placed by the roadside where everyone enjoys roasting, a symbol of togetherness and feasting. 

BEST REGIMEN: Kalamansi for Pimples Marks

Pimples or acne on the face is one of the most common problems that teens and even other adults are facing. In my case, this problem started when I was twenty one years old and I thought it was a problem with my beauty regimen. Since pimple is usually caused by bacteria, I changed everything, including pillow cases and towels. Consulted 3 dermatologists, applied everything they suggested but still the same. For three years, I was singing: "mga tagyawat sa ilong, at sa pisngi, at sa noo, at sa batok, at sa baba......."