Tag: philippines

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.

Continue reading “10 Youngest Provinces of the Philippines”

Travel Guide: Catanduanes

Catanduanes is an island province of the Philippines, located in the Bicol Region. In the past, the province was known as the “Land of the Howling Winds” because typhoons would made landfall here before hitting the rest of the country. It’s second claim to fame was purely as a surfing destination. A more fitting tagline is its moniker now, the “Happy Island.”

Continue reading “Travel Guide: Catanduanes”

Road Trip Guide: Bicol Highlights

Over the years, I’ve gone back and forth from Manila to my hometown Naga City in Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region. I’ve also gone on road trips with the family to nearby provinces of mainland Bicol: Camarines Norte, Albay and Sorsogon. The Manila to Bicol route passing the Asian Highway 26 (AH26), also known as the Pan-Philippine Highway or Maharlika Highway, is a major road trip route on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.

I’ve been getting inquiries from people planning to drive this route whether by car or motorcycle (and even a few long-distance bikepackers), so I’ve decided to compile a suggested itinerary covering the essentials and some travel tips. 

Continue reading “Road Trip Guide: Bicol Highlights”

Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, Cebu

Canyoneering seems to be one of the most popular activities to do in South Cebu these days. While the naturally beautiful Kawasan Falls has been drawing tourists for years, the whole area has become even more popular ever since canyoneering tours were introduced. The extreme sport also known as canyoning involves walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, rappelling and swimming through a river either upstream or downstream. It’s one of the most fun and unique outdoor activities you can do in Cebu.

kawasan canyoneering cebu group shot travelup
Group photo with Angela, Ivy, Pax, Apple and Heizel. Thanks for the photos and for letting me join your group! 🙂

Continue reading “Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, Cebu”

Gear Review: Lakhambini Shoes

One of the things that I look out for when I travel around the Philippines are items made from native weaves or indigenous textiles. Underneath the motifs and patterns are beautiful stories of culture and heritage from different tribes and the skillful artists who weave them.

lakhambini shoes philippines banig yakan textile basket tote bag itsmorefuninthephilippines
Continue reading “Gear Review: Lakhambini Shoes”

Rizal Wind Farm Loop Ride

Since I blogged about my previous rides to the Wind Farm in Pililla, Rizal, I’ve been getting inquiries from riders and bikers on the best route to take. Over the past few months, I’ve visited the Rizal Wind Farm a total of five times, usually on solo weekend rides. On previous rides, I was always stopped at either the Pillilla or Sampaloc entrance and told that that I couldn’t go in because of ongoing construction, so I usually ended up taking photos just near the entrance.

01. rizal wind farm philippines travelup motorcycles

Continue reading “Rizal Wind Farm Loop Ride”

Travel Guide: Corregidor

Corregidor is one of the most important historic and tourist sites in the Philippines. This island located at the entrance of Manila Bay in the southwestern part of Luzon played an important role during the invasion and liberation of the Philippines from Japanese forces during World War II. Because of its historic value and close proximity to Metro Manila, visiting Corregidor is a good option for foreign or local tourists who want to go on a day trip or stay overnight.

corregidor island philippines ruins

Continue reading “Travel Guide: Corregidor”

Just Ride

There’s always this strange mix of uncertainty and purpose whenever I ride. I may be at the mercy of the elements and of the terrain, but I am still in control of my fate. I come to a fork in the road and it’s always my decision where to go. If a path scares me, I can either turn back or go forward. There are no boundaries except my own limitations.motorcycle marilaque road Continue reading “Just Ride”

Amélie Hotel Manila

Amélie Hotel Manila is a charming new boutique hotel that captures the bohemian spirit of the old-world neighborhood of Manila in a contemporary setting. Everything about the place — from the graphic art deco details of iconic landmarks to the warm and sincere service — makes the hotel stand out from the typical business hotels in the area. The hotel was formally launched amid Chinese New Year festivities last February 19, 2015 to signal the start of a prosperous life in the heart of the city.

amelie hotel manila lobby

Continue reading “Amélie Hotel Manila”

Cafe Racer Diner, Cebu

For some reason, my Facebook newsfeed kept getting images of a concept diner in Cebu called Cafe Racer. I blame their targeted advertising, but the photos of cool motorcycles parked outside the cafe, chairs made from oil drums and different motoring murals made me just want to book a ticket to Cebu. As a rider, I just wanted to see the place for myself. Thanks to a work trip for another assignment, I got a chance to check the place out last January 2015.

cafe racer cebu philippine sign travelup

Continue reading “Cafe Racer Diner, Cebu”