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.