Binondo is a vibrant district in Manila and is the world’s oldest Chinatown. This historic Chinese quarter is known for its affordable eats, heritage sights and rich culture. While the place itself is very interesting, getting to and from here and finding a space to park is usually not that pleasant when you have to drive. The traffic in general and congested alleys makes Binondo one of the most difficult places in Manila to drive a car. If I have to go here, I’d rather commute or take a motorcycle instead. But a few days before Chinese New Year, I found myself driving through Binondo’s streets and actually enjoying it.
Category: Published Work
Bali’s Temple of the Holy Water
Pura Tirta Empul or Bali’s Temple of the Holy Water is regarded as one of six most important temples in Bali, Indonesia. Located in Tampak Siring, a town in Central Bali, this temple is known for its sacred spring that is believed to have curative properties.
An Off-Road Spa Adventure: Puning Hot Springs
Our 4 x 4 vehicle thudded along the scorched gravel road, forcefully freewheeling its way over the uneven terrain. The landscape was a sea of sunburned land and hills of towering ash set against a backdrop of a perfect blue sky. Continue reading “An Off-Road Spa Adventure: Puning Hot Springs”
Real Life Counterstriking in Baguio
The bullets whizzed above my head and tore into the shrubs and tree branches as I slowly raised my head from the tangle of grass to seek out the rest of my companions. I knew the situation was dire, but I had no inkling it was practically hopeless.
I realized I was on my own, the last person standing (or rather crawling) from our team of 10 who set out to test our airsoft mettle against Baguio’s veterans of the game. Continue reading “Real Life Counterstriking in Baguio”
Cruise Control
I’m on the cover of Cruising Magazine’s March 2012 issue!
The cover story by Julius Vicente features Lingayen, Pangasinan. Cover photo was taken in El Puerto Marina Resort by Rudy Liwanag. Lingayen was also previously featured in Manila Bulletin last year.
Snapshots: Lingayen, Pangasinan
This time last year I was on my first trip of the year to Lingayen, a coastal town in the province of Pangasinan. Below are a few of my favorite photos of the town dubbed as one of “the most romantic places in the Philippines.”
"Hassle-to-bring-Home" Pinoy Pasalubong
Updated September 2014
I was at my desk at work when Arvin, an officemate, arrived carrying a long bulky item wrapped in brown cardboard and masking tape.
“Ay naku, galing akong Baguio nung long weekend. So syempre may nagpabili ng walis.” (I just came from Baguio during the long weekend, so of course someone asked me to buy a broom).
This scenario got me thinking of items that are really such a hassle to take home as pasalubong (souvenirs), but we still buy for the sake of friends and family when we travel.
BAGUIO BROOMS
Postcards from Waterworld
A photo essay I did for the Asian Center for Journalism (ACFJ)’s photojournalism course is currently featured in ANINAG.org.
The online photo magazine ANINAG (which means to see, to be visible) was formed by Filipino photographers Estan Cabigas, Buck Pago and Gigie Cruz under the guidance of veteran photojournalist Jimmy Domingo. According to the founders, while documentary photography has long been a tradition in the Philippines, opportunities for publication and exhibition of such works remain limited.
The idea of forming a platform for Philippine Documentary Photographers came independently to yours truly and Buck. Both recognize the importance of internet communications technologies that can be utilized to showcase the works of Filipino photographers as well as to encourage documentary photography in the country. – Estan Cabigas, Aninag.org
Check out the gallery of previous work, which shows rich documentary stories like Estan’s dwindling flagellants of Infanta, Brad Feliciano’s portraits of gay senior citizens living in a “Home for Golden Gays” and Cheryl Baldicantos’ closer look at the dancing prisoners of Cebu.
7 Budget Travel Tips & Tricks
Check out today’s issue of Sunday Inquirer Magazine for the full article on budget travel tips. Some of the tips are a bit extreme for first-time travelers (ex. hitchhike on a truck full of goats), but am sure a lot of people will find the tips useful.
Here’s a shout out to all the cool backpackers and budget travelers of the Pinoy Travel Bloggers (PTB) who shared their tips. Check out their individual blogs below (in alphabetical order):
Backpack Traveler / RV Escatron
Budget Travel Tip: TRAVEL BY BIKE OR MOTORCYCLE
“There are some hostels in Cambodia which offer complimentary use of bicycle. At the very least, a minimal rental fee. I grabbed this chance. Whenever I can, I rent a motorcycle wherever I go. I tried this in Chiang Mai and in Siquijor. For an average of P500/day, that excludes fuel, I can explore places at my own pace.” Continue reading “7 Budget Travel Tips & Tricks”
Discovering Bontoc in Batangas
After covering a biodiversity expedition in the Verde Island for a news story, I got to visit this really cool diving resort called Bontoc in Batangas Bed and Breakfast (BBBB) to interview Romeo Trono of Conservation International. The cozy resort definitely warranted a feature of its own. For more information on the place itself, please read the feature published in Sunday Inquirer Magazine, Bontoc or Batangas? Both! Below are a few more photos of the place.
View of Mt. Gulugod-Baboy from the BBBB’s balcony Continue reading “Discovering Bontoc in Batangas”
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