Biodiversity on Wheels goes to Tandag, Surigao Del Sur

Marky Ramone Go December 27, 2018

Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Haribon Foundation conducted a series of teaching sessions focused on spreading biodiversity conservation and preservation to students in Surigao Del Sur.

Because of the province’ geographical position facing the mighty Pacific Ocean, surf-worthy waves pound the shorelines of Surigao Del Sur all year round. For many, this becomes a good reason to get stoked in the province. Conversely, the gift Mother Nature brings to this sea doesn’t end there. Beneath the mammoth swells hides an underwater gem teeming with some of the healthiest coral reef in the country.

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Relishing the Sweet Sunshower in the Islands of Bulalacao | Oriental Mindoro

Marky Ramone Go December 15, 2018

The first time I cruised aboard an inter-island ferry boat was many years ago. Our destination was Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Wide-eyed with wonder, I found myself swimming in crystal clear waters and frolicking over white sandy beaches for the first time in my adolescent life. Sandwiched in our ocean fun spree was a hiking trip to Mount Malasimbo. A year after that, I returned with my mates from the UST Mountaineering Club for our induction climb to Mount Halcon.

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7 Reasons Why Danjugan Island is a Model of Nature Conservation

Marky Ramone Go December 08, 2018

Off the coast of Cauyan in Negros Occidental, situates a 45-hectare islet teeming with a rich set of biodiversity. Danjugan Island as it is called, is home to a diverse range of wildlife species most especially; the rare Philippine scrubfowl. One would say, “We’ve heard this story before” – of an island in our country swarming with nature gems only to see it destroyed by misguided development. The case with Danjugan is entirely different. Thanks to a conservation program, this 1.5 kilometer long island that was once threatened by illegal fishing, is now a protected marine sanctuary and has become a model for nature conservation.

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Where to Stay in Ortigas | Jinjiang Inn: More than a Business Hotel

Marky Ramone Go December 03, 2018

Situated right smack at the center of Ortigas Business District—Jinjiang Inn—is a modest six-story property stripped of the imposing grandeur of a bigger hotel, but maintains a comfortable and laid-back sense that appeals to both business and leisure travelers. In the world of always-on-the-move travelers, an accommodation providing great bang for the buck is always a source of gratification.

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Local Products Perfect as Christmas Gift This Holiday Season

Marky Ramone Go November 30, 2018

“It’s the thought that counts” as the old saying goes whenever we give and receive gifts from our family and friends during the holiday season. This however, doesn’t mean we would just slack off when choosing the gifts we will buy for our love ones. Because, out there beyond the reaches of the usual giant malls, are awesome items being sold online by various groups of people and communities all over the country. These are local products that are not popular yet as a gift idea – but appears to be the perfect ones to give out this Christmas season.

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Bandung, Indonesia | Tracking Nature Prints of Volcanoes and Heritage Trails

Marky Ramone Go November 05, 2018

“I come with the rain,” I muttered to myself while I watched the last sheen of daylight give way to dark clouds, casting over the countryside and heading to Bandung. I spent the three-hour train ride from Jakarta uneventfully fighting off sleep as I opted to stare at the passing lush scenery as much as I can.

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Things to do in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand

Marky Ramone Go November 03, 2018

When one think of places to see in Thailand outside of Bangkok, most people would cite Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket and Pattaya as just some of the most popular locations. Almost no one will mention a hidden gem of a place called Nakhon Phanom.

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Shopping & Food Exploration at Ratchada Train Night Market | Bangkok, Thailand

Marky Ramone Go November 01, 2018

Taking over the place of an abandoned railway station in the Chatuchack district of Bangkok, the Ratchada Train Market spreads out on an open-air field dotted with colorful tents selling the top of the pops of Thailand's street food culture, along with clothing items and an endless array of fascinating trinkets to fill up your suitcase — or if you're like me, your backpack.

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Where to Stay in Dumaguete | the Flying Fish Hostel

Marky Ramone Go October 25, 2018

Whenever I travel solo, I heed my own wallet’s calling so I always end up staying in hostels. Even though traveling around the Philippines may present a challenge, since most cities still do not have hip hostels that are easy on the pocket. In recent years however, I’ve seen a steady increase in this type of accommodation fitting the budget of backpackers in many locations.

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2018 Mekong Tourism Forum | Sustainable Tourism, Exciting Start-Ups and Role of Influencers

Marky Ramone Go October 22, 2018

People often associate Mekong River exclusively to Vietnam. Unbeknownst to many, the mighty Mekong stretches a long distance and drawn-out amply forming a sub-region inside the vast Asian continent. The countries of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and even China, are all needled together by Mekong River.

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Where to Stay in Manila | Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle

Marky Ramone Go October 22, 2018

I used to think Hotel Benilde was simply a high-rise playground building of culinary and HRM students of College of Saint Benilde. I am guilty of downplaying the establishment as merely having the basic necessities needed for elevated education yet still not up to par with industry standards. Oh man, how mistaken I was—when after stepping foot inside its lobby—I quickly noticed how everything is ran professionally, just like other fancy hotels I’ve been to.

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#ForMindanao’s Peace Educators in Lanao Del Sur

Marky Ramone Go October 10, 2018

We have been navigating the highway out of Marawi City passing by fertile fields for almost a couple of hours when we turned to a narrow road leading to a small town. Eerie silence reigned over our group, as our van rolled in front of a Mosque riddled with bullets. “We’re almost here” I heard someone exclaimed. I looked out the window and I immediately saw a group of teachers amiably welcoming us.

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Post-Marawi Siege Projects of #ForMindanao

Marky Ramone Go October 05, 2018

Over a year since the end of Marawi siege has passed and most of the residents of Lanao Del Sur are still reeling from the effects of the five-month battle between government forces and the ISIL terror group composed of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Salafi jihadist groups. While the long road to recovery is expected to take years, there are organizations stepping up to the cudgel to help in the rehabilitation of those affected by implementing and supporting various livelihood projects.

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Laos | Luang Prabang’s Laid-back Lure and Rich Heritage

Marky Ramone Go September 16, 2018

I remember sitting inside a cramped van negotiating the snaking countryside road of Laos, feeling very excited as I reached my next destination. My high anticipation stems from the desire to unlock the truth behind the prevailing word-of-mouth on Luang Prabang. “The place is so laid-back,” fellow travelers would often rave. As simple as it may be, that description is music to my ears. Throw in the heritage structures and rich culture of the city, my giddiness got the best of me for the rest of my ride.

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Day Hike and Dip at Mt. Mamara and Tinipak River | Rizal

Marky Ramone Go September 10, 2018

We were locked up on summiting Mount Daraitan on this beautiful sunny day. However, while fueling up with a hot bowl of lomi at Brgy. Daraitan, a guide from the tourism office suggested Mt. Mamara. “The hike is easier but the view is equally spectacular as in Daraitan” he told us in Tagalog. While I was silently considering his advice, I waited for my friends Christine and Ferdz’ decision if we would take a vote on what mountain to day-hike. There was silence—except for the sound of our slurping—for a few seconds before Christine made a final decision for our group, “Mt. Mamara it is then”.

Marky Ramone Go standing on top of Mt. Mamaru

On top of the 1,200 feet plus Mt. Mamaru

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PAL’s Flight to Bangkok got even better with the Tri-Class Airbus A330

Marky Ramone Go September 07, 2018

Philippine Airlines is continuing to step up the quality of service and comfort level of its short haul international flights with the introduction of the Airbus A330. Today, PAL passengers can now enjoy a very convenient 4-hour journey to Bangkok with the help of the cool features of the A330. This Airbus model is normally used by most airlines on long-haul flights that spans at least 8 hour of travel time. By opting to fly this dandy of a state-of-the-art plane on a brief hop to a city like Bangkok, it only show how serious Philippine Airlines when it comes to providing more value for airfare to its passengers.

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Thailand | Family-Friendly Destinations in Bangkok

Marky Ramone Go September 05, 2018

Bangkok has been synonymous to shopping, food tripping, temples and the wild night parties – especially at the infamous Khao San Road. Most often than not, parents would leave their kids at home when visiting Bangkok because of fear they will get bored as opposed to traveling to Hong Kong and Tokyo, where the worlds of Disneyland abounds.

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Eye-Trick Pony at the 3D Art in Paradise | Bangkok

Marky Ramone Go September 05, 2018

French philosopher Voltaire once said that “illusion is the first of all pleasures”—and one of its finest form is the trickery of our visual sense. Bangkok’s 3D Art in Paradise does just that, through its artworks daubed vividly on the walls and other installations conveying images of a different realm.

Inception, you say?

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Postcard Series: Ground Zero | Marawi

Marky Ramone Go August 27, 2018

If seeing the images on news TV isn't bad enough, the moment we walked inside the Marawi siege’s 'ground zero’, reality shook me real bad. Tilted buildings plastered with bullet and rocket holes, homes beyond recognition and personal stuff strewn on the road—clothes, suitcases, stuffed toys—left by fleeing civilians, are too much to process. Outside ground zero, we met some survivors eager to tell their stories. After losing everything, all they have now are narratives of survival. I took a few photos and with each click of my camera, I feel the grim scenes stabbing my heart.

a stuff toy remains in Marawi's Ground Zero

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Postcard Series: Marantao | Lanao del Sur

Marky Ramone Go August 16, 2018

The town of Marantao, which is almost next to Marawi is a picture of quaint countryside life. It was also here where we visited a demo farm program of the Peace Crops in cooperation with #ForMindanao. I was glad to learn about the many livelihood projects and community empowerment being implemented all over Lanao del Sur by various volunteer groups, as part of the many positive responses to the Marawi siege

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Black Pencil Project Celebrates 10 Years of Sheer Volunteerism with TPB

Marky Ramone Go August 15, 2018

I was sitting atop our jeep staring at the spectacular landscape of Ifugao when we came to an abrupt halt. A single roar of the engine gave it a kick a few inches forward, followed by complete standstill. Deep mud had accumulated on the dirt road where a few meters away, large boulders from a landslide occupied half of the passage. What was a minor roadblock in our journey back happens to be everyday occurrence for people living in the village of Cambulo in Banaue, Ifugao.

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On Travel Assignment | 2018 Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart

Marky Ramone Go August 14, 2018

Another thing I dig about being a travel writer is the opportunity of being invited to various conferences about the travel industry. In the last couple of years, I have covered some of the biggest travel-related symposiums and talks such as the 2017 World Travel and Tourism Global Council, the 2017 ASEAN-INDIA Summit, both of which were held in Bangkok, Thailand and this year’s Mekong Tourism Forum held in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand.

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Sailing Soon in the Philippines: Things to do Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas

Marky Ramone Go August 01, 2018

Soon to hold regular cruising schedule in Manila, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas – which is also the biggest luxury ship to sail the waters of Asia, has already given a hint of what’s to come for Filipino travelers willing to get a taste of high sea living. After making numerous port of calls in Hong Kong, Ovation of the Seas made its double maiden call in Subic and Manila on June 8 and 9, 2018. Although Ovation of the Seas’ upcoming cruises will cover nearby countries like Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and even Australia, it will be just a matter of months before they call Manila a regular home port.

Levy Amosin in Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas

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The Neolithic Rock Art Petroglyphs of Angono | Rizal

Marky Ramone Go July 25, 2018

When Benelyn and I was planning our mini road trip in Rizal, we came up with a handful of places to visit. I pitched the Wind Mill Farm in Pililla while she suggested the Petroglyphs in Angono. “You haven’t been?” I asked her in a surprised tone since she live in the same town. “Never been” she answered me. “Great, same here”, I told her. Problem solved. Ditching spontaneity, we now have a road trip destination.

The Petroglyps of Angono was included in the 1996 World Monuments Watch

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Reveling Holi: the Festival of Colors in Jaisalmer | India

Marky Ramone Go July 22, 2018

I remember the sheen of the rising sun lighting up an ember at the edge of the hills of sand dunes. It is the first thing I saw from where I laid out on a mattress in the open desert. A few feet away from me, I noticed a black scorpion struggling to crawl away. I look up at our guide with a smile on his face. “Close call” he tells me before breaking into a grin. “They are poisonous but they don’t kill people” he adds. That prevented me from thinking the night we spent at the desert of Jaisalmer was a life-threatening one.

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A Dark Night inside Langun Gobingob Cave | Samar

Marky Ramone Go July 21, 2018

I awoke from a deep slumber, disoriented. I looked up at the darkness above me, hoping to see trails of scattered stars to help me figure out where I was. Instead, all I saw was pitch-black darkness. It gradually dawned on me that I dozed off the night before on a hammock inside a cave where we had gone the day before for an overnight spelunking expedition. A cave with a ceiling as high as 200 feet. I looked at my watch, and it shows 6:35 a.m. It was daytime outside, but it was an infinite evening inside this cave. As we prepared for breakfast before crawling our way out the other end, I stood up and packed my belongings. I mentally prepared myself for the rigorous routes that awaited us in the many chambers of Langun Gobingob.

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Postcard Series: Travel Bloggers in Nong Khiaw | Laos

Marky Ramone Go July 14, 2018

From left to right: Laugh Travel Eat, Kat Pegi Mana: Where Is Kat Going?, Global Gallivanting, Orange Wayfarer, No Mundo da Paula, Explore with Ecokats and myself.

Not in this photo are (they're probably napping at this time): a couple traveler from 🇦🇺, a legendary Man On The Lam, another couple traveler Wanderers & Warriors and a kabayan Out & About in Southeast Asia.

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Beer the Blues Away: a non-alcoholic’s guide to befriending beer during tumultuous times

Marky Ramone Go July 12, 2018

I consider alighting from a breakup as a badge of honor akin to surviving a deadly war battle. I say this without pissing at the memories of the young men and women who fought during World Wars I and II. Mine was a figurative shot through the heart. Still, I felt pain after numerous romantic fragmentation I underwent. Each time I manage to get out of it a stronger person. I pick up the pieces as I labored on with life. Painfully, but not totally lost. Thanks to a new friend who came in with varying taste and alcohol level.

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Witnessing the Ethnic Kaamulan Festival in Malaybalay, Bukidnon

Marky Ramone Go July 01, 2018

The Araguaney tree blooming with yellow leaves behind me provided a vibrant prelude to what I was about to witness. As the marching drums of the twelve participating contingents in the street dance competitions, starts to pound foot stomping beats, I can feel the vibe of Kaamulan Festival becoming more electrifying.

Celebrating the indigenous culture of Bukidnon, the festival highlights the dynamic enactments from the province’s seven ethnic groups; Manobo, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Talaandig, Umayamnon, Matigsalug and the Tigwahanon – into a yearly occurrence showcasing their traditions, rituals and way of life.

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Postcard Series: Waiting for Sunset in Nakhon Phanom | Thailand

Marky Ramone Go June 26, 2018

After getting settled in my hotel fronting the Mekong River, I took a stroll along the lengthy river walk in the city center of Nakhon Phanom. Passing by cajoling but polite street vendors, meditating monks and local families on long walks, I caught a cinematic sight brewing across the river. Arresting my attention, was how the disappearing gleam of the setting sun, reveal the spectacular silhouette of the saw-toothed hilltops in Laos.

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Clarin House of Suman | Misamis Occidental

Marky Ramone Go June 19, 2018

In a country where rice is life, it comes as no surprise that arguably the Philippines' favorite snack is the suman, a hand-rolled sticky rice cake usually wrapped in banana and palm leaves. Like most Filipinos, I’ve come across different varieties of suman all over the archipelago. There’s the Tupig in Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan, Suman Pinipig in Bulacan, Suman Moron and Budbod in Visayas, and Pintos in Mindanao—just to state a few—all differing in preparations, sizes and certain ingredients added.

Suman always goes well with a hot cup of Sikwate - a Filipino chocolate made from tablea (ground cacao beans)

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7 Reasons Why You Should Witness the Panaad so Negros Festival Next Year

Marky Ramone Go June 04, 2018

Festivals or Fiestas have become an important part of life in the Philippines' many provinces. These celebrations not only highlight local traditions, but also provide an opportunity for local residents to showcase their talents in cultural performances. Festivals also bring together residents and visitors from all over the world to celebrate life and promote local culture. The Panaad sa Negros, which began in 1993, is one such festival that everyone should attend.

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Adventure Cometh and Then Some, Beyond the Red Lights of Pattaya

Marky Ramone Go June 01, 2018

Pattaya is one of those places that radiates an aura of mystique to travelers such as myself - who first learned about this resort city through tales of debauchery, mayhem and smut. It was - as suggested by my preconceived notion – as a place composed of organized chaos of neon lights, lavish adult clubs and endless cabaret shows that last through the morning.

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Relishing the Olden Vibe of the Ancient City of Sukhothai

Marky Ramone Go May 20, 2018

Seven hours after leaving the city of Bangkok at the stroke of midnight, I found myself on the main highway of Old Sukhothai – under a drizzly sky. With a throbbing head and the effects of intermittent sleep, I located my hostel, which, to my surprise, is nestled within a boutique resort complex. “Our Dorm of Happiness – as we call it, is located on the second floor. Come follow me” the receptionist told me. She then directed m to my bunk bed inside one of the rooms at the old cream colored wooden house fronted by a picturesque courtyard.

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The Off-the-Grid Quaintness and Charm of Sapang Dalaga | Misamis Occidental

Marky Ramone Go May 19, 2018

Less than 50 kilometers away from Dapitan City in Dipolog, a quaint place called Sapang Dalaga radiates more than enough charm worthy of a visit.

Under the outstretched arm of a Jesus Christ statue perched atop a hill, I scrutinized the magnificent view of the twin bays of Casul and Murcielagos against the sheen of the setting sun. From the gleaming waters, I trailed my sight to the rolling mountain slopes circling back 180 degrees and leading my eyes again to the towering figure of Caluya Shrine – a 45-feet doppelganger of Rio de Janeiro’s Jesus Christ the Redeemer.

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Bali | Indonesia: Witnessing Primate Goofing at Ubud Monkey Forest

Marky Ramone Go May 07, 2018

If gazes could talk, you’d instantly hear the surrounding eyes mouthing off intentions of mayhem. A bedlam not equating to violence, rather through mischievous actions of the more than 700 long-tailed macaques who calls this place as home.

A primate habitat known as the Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana or otherwise referred to as the Ubud Monkey Forest, is another popular tourist destination in Bali. Home to more than 700 long-tailed Macaques, it is tucked deep in the forest covering approximately 10 hectares with a labyrinth composed of zigzagging water streams, hilly slopes, sheltering towering trees – of around 115 different species, and three sacred Hindu Temples.

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The 19th-Century Baroque Architecture Jimenez Church | Misamis Occidental

Marky Ramone Go May 05, 2018

On our way to Sapang Dalaga in Misamis Occidental, we stopped by Jimenez Church—a late 19th-century Baroque Church—or also known as the San Juan Bautista Parish Church located in the town of the same name.

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Stories from the Seas: Panampangan Island | Tawi-Tawi

Marky Ramone Go May 01, 2018

Everyone was silent as our speedboat slices through the calm waters of Celebes Sea. Under the brilliance of a full sun and unmindful of the burnt sense of my golden skin, I savored the eerie stillness cruising over a body of water once known as the most dangerous backwater in the world. What used to be a violent playground of pirate ships committing sea robbery and during the worst of times; the sailing route of Abu Sayyaf militants preying on civilians to kidnap—the waters approaching Panampangan Island is now a picture of unruffled nature haven.

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Food, History and Culture Tripping in Taipei

Marky Ramone Go April 30, 2018

When you successfully mix history, culture and food tripping, that’s another level of wanderlust high. Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is just the ideal place to take your wanderings into another height of discovery, learning and fun.

As a tiny nation, it is surprising to discover that Taiwan possesses an abundance of destinations for explorers of all sorts: foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, shoppers and even arts, history and architecture junkies alike. Spending a week might be too short to cover the whole country, but the good news for time-pressed wanderers, the capital city of Taipei can offer you a wonderful glimpse in just a couple of days, thereby giving you ample opportunities to sample its savory cuisine and colorful history and culture.

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Tawi-Tawi Travel Guide | Places to See and Other Things to Do

Marky Ramone Go April 16, 2018

As the southernmost province in the Philippines, Tawi-Tawi boasts of a number of destinations still considered to belong along the off-the-beaten path. Home to diversity and a colorful culture that has flourished and preserved for hundreds of years, visitors to this province are sure to be gifted with a memorable experience. Previously overlooked and unreasonably associated with security concerns, Tawi-Tawi is quickly becoming a favorite option for travelers in search of a place teeming with cultural wonders and unforgettable sights. To the lucky and adventurous traveler willing to explore Tawi-Tawi, here are just some of the many places worth visiting.