A travel & adventure blog by Kara Santos
There’s something about the sunset in La Union. No matter how many times I’ve been here, walking barefoot on the sand, watching the fiery orange glow sink into the horizon, and listening to the sound of waves, it always feels like coming home after a long day.
I’ve watched the sunset on various visits to the surf town over the years, but it felt even more meaningful as I watched a clutch of baby sea turtles scurrying across the sand to the ocean for the first time.
La Union is famous for its surf scene, but foodies know that it’s also a great place to go on a food trip. You can find a variety of Filipino and international cuisine here catering to all kinds of travelers, from weekend warriors on a budget, barkadas in the mood to party, and families with the whole clan in tow.
Last Sunday (January 21, 2024), we joined a group ride to Binondo with cycling advocacy group Firefly Brigade and went around Escolta afterwards to check out the newly opened Pasig River Esplanade. This area behind the Central Manila Post Office right next to Jones Bridge is set to be the newest tourist attraction along the river.
As the world’s oldest Chinatown (established in 1594), Binondo in Manila is a well-known cultural and foodie haven. Here, you can find lots of authentic hole-in-the-wall establishments serving everything from flashy Cantonese-themed lauriat meals to homey Hokkien-style Tsinoy cooking. However, there are over 100+ restaurants in the area, so it can be quite overwhelming to decide where to eat.
After almost two years of being stuck at home and riding only to nearby areas because of the pandemic, we decided to go on a motorcycle road trip right before Christmas last December 2021. Social gatherings were still limited, checkpoints in some areas were still strict, and borders to select destinations were just easing up. At the time, Dingalan in Aurora was one of the few places accepting tourists from other provinces and Metro Manila without a lot of requirements.
Planning to travel to Bicol anytime soon? Train trips from Naga City to Legazpi City are back! In case you missed the news, the state-owned Philippine National Railways (PNR) has finally resumed operations along the Naga-Legazpi rail line on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, after six years.
Looking for fun indoor activities for the whole family this holiday season? Or maybe you’ve been tasked to organize your barkada reunion, entertain balikbayan relatives, or come up with suggestions for team-building office parties. In case you’re looking for an alternative to holding a formal dinner event, eating out at a restaurant, or hosting a party at home, mall-based attractions can provide hassle-free entertainment for guests of any age.
The first time I visited Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan, it felt like I went back in time. The destination Bagac is known for salvaging heritage houses from ruins from different parts of the country and renovating them all in one place.
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.
Continue reading “3 stunning PH islands to visit this holiday season”You know how hard it is to plan trips with friends. With everyone’s busy schedules, work conflicts, and adult responsibilities, another year goes by and you haven’t had a chance to catch up over coffee or have drinks. Sometimes, planning a staycation in the city can be an easier and more relaxing alternative to out-of-town trips.
You must be logged in to post a comment.