Category: Mindanao

Unique cemeteries around the Philippines

Going out of your way to visit a cemetery (other than those where your loved ones are buried on All Souls’ Day) isn’t something most people would want to do during a holiday. Visiting crypts, graveyards and tombs don’t hold the same appeal for tourists compared to visiting beaches, waterfalls and other natural attractions. But around the Philippines, you can find hauntingly beautiful and bizarre cemeteries that have become tourist spots in their own right.

Here are just a few of the unusual burial grounds in the country worth visiting any time of the year.

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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines

Around the world, you can find landmarks and tourist spots that have that distinction of being called UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These spots are selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having high cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance, and become legally protected by international treaties.

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Lonely Planet Philippines 2024 guidebook is now available

If you got bitten by the travel bug before the digital era, chances are you’ve relied on Lonely Planet for your explorations.

For the past five decades, globetrotters have considered Lonely Planet’s classic guidebooks a “traveler’s bible” to help plan in-depth country trips and pick the best things to do, where to stay and where to eat in each country.

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Family-friendly holiday in Zamboanga City | Smile Magazine

The article I wrote about our family vacation to Zamboanga City was the cover story in the June 2024 issue of Cebu Pacific’s Smile Magazine.

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Magnificent mosques in Mindanao

Eid al-Fitr, which literally means the “Holiday of Breaking the Fast” is the first of two official holidays observed by Muslims worldwide. The holiday marks the end of the month-long fasting of Ramadan. In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is the ninth month of the year, and their holy month of fasting, which lasts from dawn to sunset. This year, Eid al-Fitr will take place on the evening of Tuesday, April 9, 2024 to Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the Philippines.

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Kilometer Zero markers and landmarks in the Philippines

We’ve all got to start from Zero. 

Sometimes, a visit to one landmark can spur you to get out of the house and give you a reason to travel somewhere. If you follow this blog, you know that I like to collect random things or visit specific reference points during road trips. One new travel quest I want to do in the future is to loop some of the many islands in the Philippines by motorcycle (the larger ones) or by bike (the smaller ones). And the best place to start in each island would be the Kilometer Zero markers on the road.

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3 stunning PH islands to visit this holiday season

With traffic building up and gatherings being held left and right, sometimes all you’re looking for at the end of the day is some peace and quiet. Luckily, living in a versatile country like the Philippines allows for loads of options for a quick and easy getaway from urban living. 

In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, the Philippines takes pride in its tranquil and picturesque provinces. Hidden among the bigger cities are sandy white beaches, fresh mountain trails, and crystalline bodies of water that are sure to ease your mind and settle your soul. With thousands of these gems tucked away all over the country, why not gift yourself and your loved ones a visit to one (or several) to relax and peacefully retreat to this holiday season. 

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Tours to BARMM, Spratly Islands up for grabs at the PH Travel Mart 2023

Looking for inspiration for your next local trip around the Philippines? Travel and tour packages from emerging destinations such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Spratly Islands will be up for grabs in the Philippine Travel Mart happening this weekend, from September 1 to 3, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. 

The event organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the 34th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) is the biggest and longest-running annual tourism fair that aims to promote popular and rising tourist spots in the country. 

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Travel Guide: Zamboanga City (2023)

Zamboanga City is one of my favorite destinations in Mindanao. With its stunning natural sights, vibrant culture, preserved history and amazing cuisine, it’s a place I don’t mind revisiting again and again. “Asia’s Latin City” is known for strong Hispanic and Latin influence. Zamboanga City is the center of economic activities in Mindanao, with its modern international seaport and airport serving as the entry point in the country to many destinations in Southeast Asia.

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Rainbow Mosque in Zamboanga City: Masjid Al-Islamia

When you think of Zamboanga City, the images of the rainbow-striped vintas immediately come to mind. But aside from the colorful sails of the outrigger boats, did you know you can find a colorful Rainbow Mosque in the city as well?

Masjid Al-Islamia, also known as the Rainbow Mosque, can be found in Brgy. Sta. Maria along Tumaga Road (Veterans Ave. Ext.) in Zamboanga City. The mosque was repainted sometime after the Marawi Siege in 2017 as a tribute to the fallen heroes. It was painted in vibrant colors as a call for peace and unity. 

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