Road Trip Guide: Mindoro Loop

Mention Mindoro and most people immediately think of Puerto Galera. This party beach that’s easily accessible by sea travel from Batangas Port is one of the most popular weekend destinations for those based in the metro. But that’s literally just the tip of the island. The rest of Mindoro has much more to offer. Mindoro is actually the seventh largest island in the Philippines and is composed of two provinces: Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro.  

Mindoro is home to majestic Mount Halcon and Mounts Iglit–Baco National Park, a protected area and ASEAN Heritage Park. It’s the only place in the country where you can find the critically-endangered tamaraw (Mindoro dwarf buffalo). Mindoro is also the home of the Mangyan, eight distinct indigenous groups with their own tribal language, ancient script and customs.

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Travel Guide: Antique

Antique is a province of the Philippines located in the region of Western Visayas. Just a couple of hours away from the gateway to Boracay, the country’s most famous beach party destination, Antique offers a different kind of getaway. “Off-the-beaten-path” is the description that immediately comes to mind. This laid-back province comprised of 18 municipalities (no cities!) has a lot to offer for those looking for raw and rugged adventures.

They’ve got it all for you, including riverside jungle hot tubs, beautiful uncrowded beaches, rice terraces hidden in remote mountain villages, multi-level waterfalls, clear rivers and springs, mountain highlands and stunning karst cliffs.

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Where to Stay in Antique

The province of Antique in Western Visayas has a lot to offer for intrepid travelers. With all its natural attractions, the province is really best enjoyed outdoors. Don’t expect to be holing up in luxury hotels with high-speed WiFi during your stay. Most of the accommodation options remain rustic and not suited for finicky travelers. Take the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the simple life away from urban comforts, reconnect with nature and spend quality time with family or friends.

If you’re traveling to Antique anytime soon, here are some of the inns and resorts you can choose from located in the different towns.

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Travel Guide: Camiguin

Camiguin is an island province in the coast of Southern Philippines. Dubbed “The Island Born of Fire,” the island’s volcanic origins and eruptions have brought forth an abundance of natural sites. It’s currently the second smallest province in the country after Batanes. But despite its compact size, this lovely island has a lot of natural sites to offer from sea to summit and all around the island.

Drone photos courtesy of Rhonson Ng

Camiguin is the type of place you wouldn’t mind going back to again and again. Aside from the natural attractions, it’s the friendly vibe and local hospitality that will keep you coming back.

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Hotel Guide: Where to Stay in Baler

Looking for a road trip destination with friends and family this Holy Week and summer season? Baler, the capital of the province of Aurora is becoming increasingly popular. This chill coastal town offers accommodations for every type of traveler from budget-friendly digs to more luxurious resorts.

We personally got to stay, eat and visit different inns, hotels and resorts in Baler during the #LakbayNorte8 media tour earlier this year. If you’re looking for places to stay in the area, here are some of the establishments you can choose from.

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Road Trip Guide: Baguio – Sagada – La Union

Sagada is a scenic town nestled in the Mountain Province in Northern Luzon of the Philippines. For those coming from Manila and the rest of Luzon, it’s one of the best destinations you can travel to purely by land (no air or sea travel involved). The roads leading up offer the most spectacular view of mountains and cliffs. Once you get there, you can enjoy the cooler climate because of its high elevation and soak in the well-preserved culture of the Cordillera region.

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10 Things to Do in Marinduque

Drone cover photo by Ironwulf

Mention Marinduque and most people immediately think of the Moriones Festival. This island province is best known for the folk-religious festival celebrated during Holy Week where men and women in masks and costumes replicating the garb of biblical Roman soldiers, roam the streets.

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Craft Beer in the Philippines

The craft beer scene in the Philippines is really booming. In the past few years, I’ve seen a rise in the number of microbreweries and locally-brewed beer being offered not just in Metro Manila, but around the country. One of the things I try to do when I travel is to check out these local microbreweries and taprooms and hunt for unique craft beer.

The widest variety can be found in craft beer bars in Manila (mostly concentrated in the Poblacion area of Makati) and several notable places in Cebu City in Visayas. You can also find other small bars scattered in different parts of the Philippines that are worth seeking out. Here’s a Craft Beer Map of the Philippines I made that might help you out in your beer-ventures. Click each icon on the map to get the exact location and other details.

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Holy Week Rides & Road Trips near Manila for Bikers

The Holy Week exodus has started, with thousands of Filipinos heading from Manila to their home provinces and popular vacation destinations around the country this Lenten Break. With the streets in the metro practically empty, this is the perfect excuse for cyclists and riders to gear up and ride to churches and pilgrimage sites. 

Here are a few suggestions for religious-themed rides and notable pilgrimage destinations relatively near the metro that you can ride to.

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10 Youngest Provinces of the Philippines

Most provinces of the Philippines have a unique identity. The older, more established ones usually have a rich history, distinct cuisine and well-known tourist spots featured in postcards and calendars. Something immediately comes to mind when you mention certain places. For instance, most people think of Magellan’s Cross and lechon when you mention Cebu. Iloilo brings images of La Paz Batchoy and Miagao Church to mind. You immediately associate Albay with Mayon Volcano and spicy Bicol Express. You get my drift.

Older destinations usually need no introduction. They all have direct airports and good road networks, so they’re relatively easy to visit and explore. Chances are, you’ve been there already.

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