Category: Philippines

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”

Adventure in Adams, Ilocos Norte

Nestled deep in the mountains, surrounded by forests, streams and rice fields, Adams Village in Ilocos Norte is just one of those places that remind you of the rural town that most RPG heroes start their adventure from.

The community hidden from the world has all the elements of your basic mountain town – rolling hills, narrow dirt trails you can only navigate on foot, rickety bridges hanging over rivers, as well as the occasional wild beast blocking the path. Continue reading “Adventure in Adams, Ilocos Norte”

Revisiting Rizal Monuments in the North and South

To commemorate the 150th birthday of National Hero Jose Rizal on June 20, 2011, the Philippine Center for Photojournalism (PCP) contributed to a photo project of Interaksyon.com, TV-5’s website.

In order to show the importance given by a town, city or municipality of a tribute to the hero, they asked members to contribute one picture of a Jose Rizal street, avenue or plaza with his statue to show its current status. To add to the variety and get a nationwide scope, they asked photographers in Manila to contribute pictures from the provinces. Continue reading “Revisiting Rizal Monuments in the North and South”

A Garden Wedding at Casa San Pablo, Laguna

About a month ago, environmentalist friends Rina and Don tied the knot at Casa San Pablo in Laguna. I found their wedding venue so great that I ended up interviewing owner Boots Alcantara after the dinner reception for this article published in Sunday Inquirer Magazine.

It was our first time to visit Casa San Pablo, which is one of the destinations in the famous Viaje del Sol route, a popular art, culture and foodie destination tour. Continue reading “A Garden Wedding at Casa San Pablo, Laguna”

Eco-friendly Kapuluan Vista Resort in Pagudpud

Lakbay Norte 2, Night 3: Kapuluan Vista Resort

Our stopover in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte was Kapuluan Vista Resort (KVR), a laid-back resort owned by surfer couple Mike and Alma Oida. Everything about KVR was so cool and eco-friendly, that it was a pity we only got to stay one night.

KVR exudes an aura of ultimate relaxation and just all around happy vibes. Though it was far from beach weather during our stay, I could see that this is an ideal vacation spot not just for surfers, but for families and friends looking for a great place to stay. Continue reading “Eco-friendly Kapuluan Vista Resort in Pagudpud”

Visita Iglesia via Motorcycle

Holy week in Manila is great. There’s no traffic on the roads, making it an ideal time for road trips. This year, we decided to do a “Visita Iglesia” via motorcycle to several churches, targeting the Rizal/Laguna area.

The tradition of visiting seven churches on Holy Thursday is said to have originated in Rome when early pilgrims visited seven pilgrim churches as penance. The ride itself in the morning was pretty good, but towards noon, the scorching heat going back (especially through Cogeo and Marikina) did feel like penance. Continue reading “Visita Iglesia via Motorcycle”

On the Road to Ilocos Norte: Buguey and Claveria

Day 3: On the road to Ilocos Norte: Buguey and Claveria 

Our first stop on the bus ride from Cagayan to Ilocos Norte was at the coastal town of Buguey, also known as “the crab capital of the north.” We were warmly welcomed by our hosts with fresh buko juice and crab sandwiches as an appetizer to a sumptuous seafood feast at the El Presidente Beach Resort.

Continue reading “On the Road to Ilocos Norte: Buguey and Claveria”

Eastern Hawaii Hotel in Cagayan

Night 2: Eastern Hawaii Casino and Resort

Eastern Hawaii Leisure Co. in the CEZA complex in Sta. Ana is another option for those looking for a relaxing place to stay while visiting Cagayan.

Like Sun City, the hotel mainly caters to Chinese tourists who play in the casinos. Despite our brief stay, we found the service quite good and staff very friendly.

Continue reading “Eastern Hawaii Hotel in Cagayan”

Island-hopping in Palaui and Cape Engano Lighthouse

Day 2: Island-hopping in Palaui and Cape Engano Lighthouse

On the second day of the Lakbay Norte tour, we headed off to the port of San Vicente in Cagayan where boats were waiting to take us on our island-hopping trip to Palaui.

After a 40- minute boat ride through relatively mild waves, we made it to our first stop at Siwangag Cove, a marine sanctuary in the northwestern part of Palaui island. The rough sandy beach was covered with tiny white corals and hermit crabs.

Then, we boarded the boats again towards another island where Cape Engano, a Spanish lighthouse completed in 1892 stood majestically on top of a hill. This time, the waves were much stronger and the swells made our boats drift almost like a roller-coaster. At times, we lost sight of the boats in front of us. Continue reading “Island-hopping in Palaui and Cape Engano Lighthouse”

Cagayan Food-Trip + the Luxurious Sun City

Earlier this year, I joined the second leg of Lakbay Norte 2, a media tour around provinces in the North. The six-day tour, organized by the North Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB) took us to the provinces of Cagayan and Ilocos. I’ve written about the whole trip for Sunday Inquirer Magazine titled 10 Things to do in Cagayan and Ilocos so now I’ll be posting a series of blogs and more photos from the trip.

Day 1: Cagayan food-trip

A delay in our morning flight to Tuguegarao from Manila caused what was supposed to be a leisurely morning snack, lunch and dinner spread out during the day to be jam-packed into a series of meals after our mid-afternoon arrival. Continue reading “Cagayan Food-Trip + the Luxurious Sun City”