Author: Kara Santos

Travel Up in Going Places Magazine

As a freelance writer and travel blogger, I usually write about destinations or other people. Last month, I was asked to go in front of the camera for a photo shoot and short video feature for Going Places Magazine, the monthly travel magazine of Manila Bulletin Publishing. First published in 1999 as Cruising, this is one of the longest-running magazines in the Philippines.

The editors chose to put the spotlight on “People of Travel” sharing features on Filipino bloggers and digital influencers who are changing the travel scene.

Continue reading “Travel Up in Going Places Magazine”

Travel Guide: Isabela (Mainland)

The province of Isabela in the Cagayan Valley is usually overlooked as a tourist destination. While it’s second largest province of the Philippines and the largest in Luzon in terms of land area, not many tourists would go out of their way to spend a vacation here.

Continue reading “Travel Guide: Isabela (Mainland)”

Ride & Camp at Daraitan

If you’ve ever played an RPG, you know that sometimes you just have to go back to a place you’ve already visited because you missed something very important. Maybe your skill level wasn’t enough yet to handle the obstacles or maybe the time just wasn’t right to visit a certain destination. Or maybe you just like the place so much that you want to visit it again. That’s the case for me with Daraitan, the scenic village nestled in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges between Tanay, Rizal and General Nakar, Quezon.

Continue reading “Ride & Camp at Daraitan”

Off-Road 101 Training in Taytay, Rizal

I encounter a lot of rough roads when I travel around in different provinces. Over the years, I’ve had a few spills while driving a motorcycle. In Sagada, I fell off an embankment when my tires skidded on loose gravel on a slippery wooden bridge. When we rode from Coron to Calauit Safari Park, we encountered dirt roads that got progressively worse as we drove on. While driving from Koronadal to Lake Holon in South Cotabato, I got stuck in a rut and the bike fell on me while I was trying to drive uphill a trail normally reserved for hikers.

During these instances, medyo napasubo ako kasi wala akong choice. I was driving somewhere and just wanted to get to a certain destination instead of turning back. But somehow, these rides that take you off-the-beaten-path always turn out to be the most memorable and awesome adventures.

Continue reading “Off-Road 101 Training in Taytay, Rizal”

Masungi Georeserve’s New Trail Features

Masungi Georeserve, a conservation area and karst rock garden hidden in the rainforests of Rizal, aims to protect the natural landscape through sustainable and responsible tourism. Since they opened to the public about a year ago, they’ve become a much sought-after weekend destination for those based in the metro. The Discovery Trail has visitors passing through caves, rope courses, hanging bridges, relaxing on a giant hammock and getting stunning views from a spiderweb-like viewdeck.

Continue reading “Masungi Georeserve’s New Trail Features”

Siama Hotel: A nature-inspired boutique hotel in Sorsogon

If you’re on a road trip in the Bicol region and looking for a place to stay in Sorsogon City, Siama Hotel, a charming nature-inspired boutique hotel, is a great option. This hidden gem celebrates the beauty of Bicol’s natural materials in a contemporary artistic setting. Prior to my visit, I had already seen various photos of Siama Hotel online and was intrigued by the place. During a summer visit to Naga City, I convinced my parents to take a road trip to Sorsogon for a quick family vacation. 

Continue reading “Siama Hotel: A nature-inspired boutique hotel in Sorsogon”

If I could fly for free, where would it be?

The more I travel, the more my bucket list grows. I tick off one place only to add two more. There’s just so much to see in the world, and so little time. But before I explore outside the country, I want to see as much of the Philippines as possible.

Continue reading “If I could fly for free, where would it be?”

The Character of Custom Bikes

Motorcycles have distinct personalities. Stock underbones and scooters are your dependable workhorses, the best when it comes to the daily grind. Except for a few high-end brands, most are pretty average-looking. Everyone has them. They blend in with the crowd and they get the job done, especially when it comes to snaking through the city’s gridlock. Custom bikes have a bit more character.

But what owners of custom bikes will probably not tell you is that they can be very moody. After a month of using Fenrir, my Final Fantasy-inspired bike, I started to realize that about him. And I say him, because motorcycles seem to take on a life of their own. I usually think of the motorcycles I ride as either guys or girls depending on how they feel. Fenrir is definitely a guy. A very emo one at that.

Continue reading “The Character of Custom Bikes”

Middle-Earth Magic: Hobbiton in New Zealand

Every fan of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films dreams of going to New Zealand. In fact, the movie trilogies directed by Peter Jackson based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels have spurred a rise in Tolkien tourism. Many fans of the LOTR fictional universe travel to significant filming locations based on the books.

The best place you can experience Middle-Earth magic is the Hobbiton Movie Set, a sprawling farm complete with hobbit holes, gardens, bridge, mill and souvenir shops. My favorite part of Hobbiton is The Green Dragon Inn, a real pub where you can sample beers traditionally brewed in the Shire, the home of the hobbits!

Continue reading “Middle-Earth Magic: Hobbiton in New Zealand”

Why Frequent Travelers Use Traveloka App to Book Flights

Frequent travelers are always looking for ways to cut costs when they travel. And the two most expensive costs of travel are usually airfare and hotels. There are various ways you can travel on a budget such as availing of seat sales, staying in cheap hostels or couchsurfing. But sometimes, you’re faced with last-minute trips where you need to make airline and hotels bookings quick and fast.


Continue reading “Why Frequent Travelers Use Traveloka App to Book Flights”