Author: Kara Santos

Travel Guide: Once Islas, Zamboanga City

Most tourists associate Zamboanga City with Sta. Cruz Island, famous for having a pink sand beach. But there’s a new eco-cultural tourism destination that you can check out in the area: Once Islas.

All drone shots courtesy of Escape Manila

This cluster of eleven mostly uninhabited islands and islets belong to the remote villages of Panubigan and Dita in Zamboanga City just recently opened to the public in July 2018. These unspoiled islands are ideal for low-impact activities like swimming, kayaking and trekking.

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Review: 2-in-1 Travel Pillow + Hammock from Hammock Republic

Everyone loves lounging in a hammock. It’s so much more satisfying taking an afternoon nap on the beach to the sound of the waves or waking up a view of the the mountains on a hammock than from inside a hotel room after a long road trip. Especially here in the Philippines where many beach destinations are just ideal for lazing around.

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The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Manila 2018

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a global motorcycle event for a cause. This unique themed event held on the last Sunday of September each year sees thousands of riders dressed in their best while riding classic and vintage styled motorcycles to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer and male suicide prevention.

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10 Things to Do in El Nido, Palawan

El Nido is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. This coastal town in Palawan is renowned for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and stunning limestone cliffs. Composed of 45 islands and islets, each with its own unique geological formations, El Nido consistently ranks as one of the best island destinations in the Philippines – and the world.

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10 Things to Do in Macau

Macau (officially Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China) is an autonomous region on the south coast of China. A Portuguese territory until 1999, Macau is a melting pot of diverse cultural influences. It lies just a mere 62 km across the Pearl River Delta from the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong and is easily accessible by direct flights or ferry, making it a popular day trip or overnight side-trip.


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Travel Guide: Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro

Most people associate the province of Oriental Mindoro with Puerto Galera. This party beach has long been a favorite summer destination for those based in the metro because of its proximity to Manila. While Puerto Galera is located at the northernmost tip of Mindoro island, down south on the opposite end lies a destination that will appeal to those looking for quiet and secluded spots for quality beach-bumming minus the crowds – Bulalacao.

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10 Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand

For international travelers, Auckland, the largest city on North Island is the main entry and exit point to New Zealand. Traveling from Manila, Auckland was our first and last stop during our family trip / backpacking tour in 2016. This diverse and multicultural city is home to the largest Polynesian population in the world. It’s just one of the amazing places in the sovereign island country of New Zealand located in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean, which I consider one of the best places I have ever visited in the world

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Maranao condiment ‘Palapa’ offers hope for Marawi women

INGREDIENTS: ginger, sakurab (white scallions) and sili (native chili)

PREPARATION: Chop one part scallions, one part ginger and one part chili peppers into small pieces. Crush ingredients finely and pound everything together with a mortar and pestle. As soon as it is blended, the palapa can already be eaten in its raw form.

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3 Springs Mountain Park in Tanay, Rizal

Growing up in the province, my childhood friends and I used to enjoy camping sleepovers. On hot summer nights, we’d haul out banigs, folding beds and foam mattresses on the grass and “camp out” in our garden under a makeshift tent sewn together from my parent’s old protest streamers.

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HK Brewcraft, Hong Kong

The craft beer scene is booming in Hong Kong and it’s always good to sample the local brews when you travel abroad. I really wish I had more time to go on a proper brewery tour there, since I read that there are many amazing local breweries that have popped up all over the city from Kwai Chung to Kennedy Town.


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