When I first began traveling, I was drawn to the sheer visual spectacle of a destination—the more picturesque, the better. I believed that dramatic landscapes alone could capture the spirit of my journey, with each frame giving me a postcard-worthy memento. But as I pursued the craft of travel writing more seriously, my perspective evolved. I came to realize that a place is more than its scenery; I discovered that a great deal of a destination’s soul rests in the stories of its people. By putting more focus on the locals, I witnessed how their traditions, heritage, and daily rhythms weave a richer narrative, thus transforming every visit into a deeper, more meaningful experience that lingers long after I leave.

The "Binanog" is a courtship dance of the Panay-Bukidnon that imitates the movements of a hawk.

Anyone who has entered an old house, especially a well-preserved ancestral home, can compare the experience to visiting a museum. As one observes a piece of furniture, a painting adorning the wall, or an eye-catching design detail, including the very architecture itself, a rich narrative unfolds—one that stretches across decades and, in certain instances, even a century.

The ancestral house of Dr. Luis Santos in Malolos is just one of several heritage houses in the city's Kamestisuhan District.

Adam McManus is a Canadian university student who balances his studies with his passion for scuba diving. A PADI-certified diver, Adam’s greatest love is exploring alien, underwater worlds that few people ever get to see.

Peacefully tucked in the lush highlands of South Cotabato, about a thousand feet above sea level, Lake Sebu, with its calm waters and towering waterfalls, provides guests with more than jaw-dropping natural attractions.

The Late Lang Dulay of South Cotabato. Photo Credit: NCCA

In a country where bus terminals often appear rundown, characterized by sparse benches, a solitary ticket counter, and a parking lot crowded with buses, certain ones, like Victory Liner's in Baguio City, distinguishes it among the rest through ample space and thoughtful design that caters to the needs and comforts of travelers.

Artist Francis Dravigny unveils his creation

Argao, a charming coastal town surrounded by the endlessly choppy yet turquoise waters of Cebu Strait, might not be on the radar for many travelers journeying to the southern reaches of Cebu. Upon a deeper exploration however, and a few days immersed in the local scene, one will surely uncover a treasure trove of insights, especially after combing the municipality's trio of cherished traditions that all start with the letter "T": Tela (hablon cloth), torta (sponge cake), and tsokolate.

The 18th-Century Church of Argao

Long before the movie "That Thing Called Tadhana" influenced many from the younger generation to see Baguio City as a destination for broken-hearted people, the City of Pines has attracted a diverse range of individuals from various backgrounds for a multitude of purposes. For artists, the cool atmosphere of this mountaintop town fostered creativity, leading to a flourishing artist community over the years, which resulted in the creation of the Baguio Arts Guild, a prominent organization of artists founded by National Artists Kidlat Tahimik and Benedicto Cabrera aka BenCab, along with the late Santi Bose in 1987.

Woven baskets by Rovilyn Mayat-an

Pardon me for initially thinking when I first heard the phrase “Slow Food” that it was the Ayurvedic way of consuming food literally in a slow and calm manner. I have heard the term "Slow Food" numerous times since I first encountered it. While it shares similarities with the Ayurvedic approach, emphasizing a healthier approach to food consumption that maximizes the benefits of natural ingredients, it also means something else, a movement where at its heart, is the advancement of local foods, traditional gastronomy and organic food production.

Terra Madre Visayas is held in Bacolod City for the 2nd time

Witnessing the raw beauty of the Dinagat Islands left me completely in awe, despite being at odds with how I would perceive the backwardness of the province in terms of infrastructures. As a potential eco-tourism destination, its rugged and bare surroundings can be a boon, but they could also be a bane, as other provinces have simply left it behind in terms of development. This leaves the province in an ideal situation as it has the opportunity to opt for a development suited for sustainable tourism, which will put more emphasis on taking care of the province’s natural gifts.

The mystical Lake Bababu

Third time's a definite charm. Having visited Gigantes a couple of times before, I've come to the delightful conclusion that its lure never fades. The islands scattered here boast crystalline waters and powdery white sands, making them a perfect backdrop for enjoying a delightful lunch featuring an array of fresh seafood, including the popular scallops and wasay-wasay shells.

Cabugay Gamay Island

As the year 2024 arrived, there were still a few Philippine provinces I’ve yet to visit: Apayao, Sulu, and Dinagat Islands. Out of the three, the latter is the one I knew the least about. Ever since it gained independence from Surigao del Norte and established itself as a separate province in 2006, information about this island province has been scarce. However, there was one particular parricide case that captivated the nation and also the one that first caught my attention about the island in the early 2000s.

What an impressive view