10 Must Visit Places in Siquijor
I have a confession, and a stupid one. Just before I went to Siquijor, my limited knowledge of that place had been nothing more than an island where "barang," shamans and love potions are everywhere....
View ArticleZamboanga City: Vintas, Knickerbockers and Fort Pilar
I caught myself gasping for air as the small boat slices through the calm waves. Must be excitement, must be nostalgia. In front of me, I see patterns of hues fluttering and dancing with the gentle sea...
View ArticleBecause change is good... go backpacking Pilipinas!
"Life is like the surf, so give yourself away like the sea." - Y Tu Mamá TambiénI feel an unbearable lightness these days. Changes are unfolding. Brilliant ideas are pouring in. Backpacking Pilipinas...
View ArticlePHOTO BLOG: Apo Reef is God's Magnificent Underwater Garden
I’m having a serious case of writer’s block today. I'm eternally stuck in the first paragraph that I've been so achingly composing for about an hour now. I want to scold myself because I shouldn't be...
View ArticleApo Reef Series: A DIY Guide to and around Sablayan
I was caught off-guard when my friend told me that we’ll go camping in Apo Reef. I was unprepared for a tent accommodation since I thought we would just go snorkeling and beach bumming there. Who goes...
View ArticleMerry Christmas!
It's Christmas! I just want to say "Thank You" to all of you who've been sharing with me this small space in the world wide web. You are all awesome! May you and your family have a wonderful time...
View ArticleDear Ivana
A Letter to My Future DaughterTomorrow is my 29th birthday, my child. I’ll have another candle to blow, another white hair to grow, and another year to look forward to. But before I get caught up too...
View Article2013: Go Somewhere You've Never Been and Do Something You've Never Done
"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw...
View ArticleApo Reef Series: A Love Affair with Diving and Snorkeling
I grew up in a beautiful island where we live 10 minutes bike-ride away from the beach. But truth be told, I don't know how to swim. I've developed a certain animosity towards swimming after an...
View ArticleNotes, Lyrics, and the Road: My Travel Playlist
In a race to tick off six provinces from my 80 before 30 list, I'll be on a five-day adventure around Northern Luzon in a few days. It's going to be a long road trip, and I know exactly what my friend...
View ArticleUNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Four Baroque Churches of the Philippines
Of the many beautiful Roman Catholic churches I've visited so far, four made it to the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS). These are the Church of San Agustín in Paoay, Ilocos Norte;...
View ArticleSorsogon's ParaParaParadise: Subic Beach and Tikling Island
There's more to Sorsogon than just Butanding (whale shark) watching! This province in Bicol offers a plethora of awesome sights and adventures. From trekking to surfing; island-hopping to...
View ArticleBookSail Update: Plates for Books happening tonight!
Tonight, all roads will lead to BookSail's event -- Plates for Books! :)Some 70+ awesome people (ahem! ^_^) will be meeting up tonight, February 23, 7p.m., at St. Honore Clubhouse in Quezon City, for a...
View ArticlePhoto Blog: BookSail's Plates for Books
Food, music, people, and a worthwhile cause. What a fun and wonderful night it was!Seventy seven beautiful people attended Plates for Books, a benefit dinner for the 333 schoolchildren of Palumbanes...
View ArticleThe Rugged and Rustic Charm of Catanduanes
The placid Bato RiverAn island facing the mighty Pacific Ocean. A destination oft heard but seldom visited. A place where the resilience of the people is mixed with warmth and smiles. A gem beautifully...
View ArticleSurf's Up Pilipinas!
I'm not a pro-surfer, not even close to being one. I've tried surfing several times, but my rides end up mostly in heartbreaking wipe outs and no more than five successful rides each session. I also...
View ArticleSummer Series: Top 5 Reasons to Love Bohol
I was going through my files and realized that there are a lot of past travels that I haven’t really blogged about. One of which was my adventure-filled weekend in Bohol with my sister, Cha. As I was...
View ArticleOn Chasing Dreams and Impacting My World
There's something about 20s that's both bitter and sweet. I personally have experienced days filled with disquiet, restlessness and rage. But on some really fine days, my thoughts blossom with colorful...
View Article80 Before 30: Featured on Primetime News
It's not everyday that I get to wake up to a call for an interview to be featured on TV. I'll figure in a national primetime newscast for the very first time! Ok, as you can imagine, I was very...
View ArticleSummer Series: How to Spend a Day in Cebu
Cha and I boarded the first Cebu-bound ferry from Tagbilaran City in Bohol. The challenge was to explore the Queen City of the South for a day. And despite time constraints, we were up to the...
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