Ride for a Cause

A couple of weeks ago, I guest rode with a group of bikers on their ride for a cause to Chosen Children Village, an orphanage in Silang, Cavite for mentally and/or physically challenged children. Aside from being a great early Holy Week ride (which later ended up in Tagaytay and Batangas) it was a very meaningful trip.

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Need for Speed: Go-Karting in Tarlac

Imagine being stuck in slow-moving traffic on the streets of Manila. The cars are jammed bumper to bumper as far as you can see. Huge trucks and buses flank you to either side. It seems like an eternity for the light to change from red to green. You seethe in fury as the cars crawl a few inches forward before the light switches to red again. Now imagine being able to speed away with no cares in the world. If you want to try living life in the fast lane, try go-karting. Continue reading “Need for Speed: Go-Karting in Tarlac”

Chasing Waves: Kayak Surfing in Camarines Norte

I’ve always had the impression that kayaking was a relaxing sport. Maybe it’s because I’ve  always tried it on still waters before – like rivers or really calm seas. But for some people, the point of kayaking is to chase the waves.

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Beach Wedding in Batangas

Exactly last year (3.21.11), my cousin Ria exchanged vows with Web at a gorgeous all-white beach wedding in Laiya, Batangas. They’re now blessed with a beautiful and healthy baby named Alon (such a cool and fitting name!). Here’s a look back at some of the wedding snapshots I took during the event.

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Spelunking in Pinagrealan Cave, Bulacan

The beams of flashlights cast flickering shadows across the damp rock surface of the cave. Once in a while, a blinding flash would go off as someone took a photograph. Then, it was back to the gloom as our group stumbled through the winding caverns. Continue reading “Spelunking in Pinagrealan Cave, Bulacan”

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.

Sunset at Pantabangan Dam, Nueva Ecija

A few bare branches stick out from the dry earth, swaying with the ferocity of the breeze. The wind whips half-hearted waves and sends a spray onto the shores of the embankment of Pantabangan Dam where I stand. Loose earth crumbles beneath my feet and I walk back towards the gravel lined path near the center of the hill to admire the view. Continue reading “Sunset at Pantabangan Dam, Nueva Ecija”

Board to be Wild

While they’ve been around for awhile, board sports like surfing, sandboarding and stand-up paddleboarding are quickly gaining popularity here in the country. If you’re based in Manila, you don’t even have to book an expensive flight to another country to try these out. You can actually try all three board sports up North in Ilocos Norte, which I’ve found is a haven for some of the greatest outdoor adventures.

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Lakbay Norte 3 Itinerary

Lakbay Norte 3, the 8-day media tour of the Northern Philippines was a blast! Gorgeous weather, great food, generous hosts, and a group that was willing to try all the crazy extreme activities thrown our way. It’s going to take a while to write about all the places, activities, food stops and hotels. Am currently sorting through close to 2,000 photos. In the meantime, here’s a quick look at the jam-packed itinerary we had. Continue reading “Lakbay Norte 3 Itinerary”

5 Tips for Long Road Trips

Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of long road trips. My family and I used to regularly drive from Manila to Naga and back for summer and Christmas breaks, which is a trip that lasts from 8 to 12 hours long (one way) depending on our pace. Last year, I also went on several long land trips as a driver (car/motorcycle) and as a passenger (van/bus/car/train). I’d like to share with you a few helpful pointers to survive these road trips.

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