Museums, like what candy stores are for kids, are a haven for my never-ending curiosities. Whenever I travel to a new country or city, I always look forward to visiting one. Imagine my astonishment when I finally stepped foot inside a museum in a country whose ancient civilization made substantial contributions to world history, literature, writing, religion, art, architecture, science, and so on.

Me in front of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo

The last leg of our post-PHITEX’s Nature and Adventure familiarization trip took us to Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal, where we soaked ourselves in local culture and gastronomic fare and had some much-needed R&R in the great outdoors. 

Getting ready to spot some giant clams

There’s always something about old houses transformed into bed and breakfasts or restaurants that piques my fascination. If given a choice between a post-modern establishment or a repurposed heritage home, I’ll pick the latter any day.

The Camiña Balay nga Bato - an important cultural property

There’s only one option when going to Bukidnon from Cagayan de Oro, and that is the scenic route. Knowing about this from earlier visits to the province, I tried my hardest staying awake throughout our ride.  As soon as I saw the mountain ranges leading to the summit of Mount Kitanglad, I knew we were close to breathing the cool air and smelling the fragrant pine trees and the rest of the verdant Bukidnon forest.

The woven works of the Tagolwanen weavers mirrors the vibrant culture of Bukidnon

Negros Occidental is home to another destination held up as an exemplar of ecotourism and community development, much like Danjugan Island in its southern part. Sagay City, perched on the northern tip of the province like an ice cream cone overlooking the Visayan Sea, is home to a number of eco-tourism hotspots that does wonders for both its community members and its natural environment.

Carbin Reef

After getting a glimpse of the province last year when I visited Ticao Island for a couple of days, I immediately regarded Masbate as vastly underrated despite its central geographical location as gateway to Luzon and Visayas. That brief tryst had me making a vow of returning soon. As good fortunes had it, I was able to go back recently for a more extensive journey that took me to the mainland of Masbate, Burias Island and at Ticao once again.

Animasola Island is formed like a fortress with a triangular sandbar

Unbeknownst to many, the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), has been conducting workshops on marketing enhancement with community-based tourism (CBT) stakeholders from several communities nationwide.

Some of the CBT participants with TPB's Alberto Gadia Jr.

I’ve been fortunate to have stayed in two amazing properties during my previous trips to Samal Island. Chemas by the Sea captivated me nearly 15 years ago with its bungalow accommodations surrounded by a well-kept garden, a tiny pool, and a private beach. Last year, Pearl Farm, one of the island's well-known resorts, satisfied my long-standing desire to experience its brand of hospitality. 

The layout of the resort appears like a Y from the air. You can go around the property on a golf cart.

After a late night of revelry to mark the conclusion of the 2023 Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), held in Cebu City over the course of three days, I awakened at first light on the day of our departure to get ready to leave the Fili Hotel at 6:30 am.

White water rafting is always the highlight of any CDO trip

If the walls of the gleaming convention halls at Fili Hotel at Nustar Cebu could talk, they would recount the incredible numbers that provide a vivid picture of the phenomenal success of the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX 2023) this year. There were 164 Filipino vendors, 88 international purchasers, 296,000,000 pesos in negotiated transactions, and unending, positive word-of-mouth praise for the Philippines.

Tabletop meetings resulted in record deals for both buyers and sellers

When discussing Philippine Festivals, several traditional revelries come to mind. These include the lively and energetic Sinulog in Cebu, the primal and rhythmic Dinagyang in Iloilo, the captivating drumming beats of Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, the vibrancy of Masskara in Bacolod, the flowery appeal of Panagbenga in Baguio, the cultural allure of Zamboanga's Hermoso, and the equally joyous celebration of Kadayawan in Davao, and the list goes on. However, upon further exploration, one can easily discover numerous jovial celebrations in smaller cities and even towns throughout the Philippine archipelago.

8 Contingents performed for the street dance competition

For over a decade, Epson, a global leader in innovative and sustainable technology solutions, has been organizing an annual thanksgiving gathering with members of the media — particularly those in the tech beat. This year, the 14th season of the brand’s Fusion event took place on Lagen Island in El Nido, Palawan.

This article first appeared on BusinessMirror

It has been over a decade since my ex-girlfriend, a friend, and I embarked on a memorable long weekend castaway trip to Calaguas Islands’ Mahabang Buhangin. During that time, the island was known only to avid backpackers. I vividly recall the confused expression on the fisherman's face when we approached him in the town of Paracale and shared our plan to journey to the island.

Why so pretty?

The 11th Regional Travel Fair held this year in Cebu has put to rest any doubts about the current state of tourism in the country. It surpassed pre-pandemic sales, indicating a strong recovery in the travel sector.  The event lasted for three days, from July 21-23, 2023, and was held at SM Seaside Cebu City. During this time, more than 70 exhibitors, including travel agencies, hospitality brands, provincial tourism offices, and attendees seeking affordable and high-quality holiday packages and other tourism-related services, generated a total of 110 million pesos in actual and negotiated sales.

There's something special about historic residences that have kept their elegance over the years, or in the case of Casa Gorordo, decades. The lower floor of this ancestral property not only preserved its basic architectural form intact, it also serves as a museum housing antiques from the glory days of Cebu's Parian neighborhood, where it is located.

A lovely garden welcomes visitors to Casa Gorordo

As I pace the rhythm of my steps, having stumbled into a serene trail that ultimately led me to a breathtaking panorama of the sun-kissed shores adorning the island’s eastern flank, my attention is abruptly arrested by a signpost bearing the inscription "Baluarte (watchtower) 250 meters."

View of the island’s eastern side from a hiking trail leading to the watchtower

In a country where memes associate community mothers with marites culture, a pun on the phrase "mare, anu latest?" when neighbours catch up on each other with up-to-date news and communal gossip, we frequently overlook that if given the opportunity to thrive on something else, these same mothers can instead weave a different kind of narrative; one that is full of inspiration, empowerment, artistry and craftmanship.

Learning Lab founder Moha Barakat and the mother weavers

Watching Naelah Alshorbaji effortlessly charm the camera with her graceful presence and natural movements, one would believe everything is fine and dandy in her life at that moment. Unbeknownst to the team working on her cover shoot, the 2021 Miss Earth Philippines was carrying an immense weight in her heart.

It’s about time that you reward your hard work by going on a nature escape with your loved ones at some posh hideaway that ticks all the boxes for a leisurely getaway. Get up close and personal with Mother Nature by communing with the picturesque Lake Lumot and engaging on a variety of water activities during the day, then embrace quaintness beneath the stars before capping the night with a soothing massage and a rejuvenating Kawa hot bath come. Exciting activities and moments of tranquilly abound in this outdoor oasis, which provides excellent value for every peso spent.

This article first appeared on Spot PH

I concur with Scarlet Letter author Nathaniel Hawthorne when he wrote, "Mountains are Earth's undecaying monuments." As proven by my travel recollections, images of the highlands usually conjure an impression of pristine time and wonder. It's as though the mountains were the first to rise from the sea as the Earth gradually transformed into a habitable world. 

Nature's work of art indeed

Although I've visited Intramuros multiple times — excluding the time I was baptized at the Manila Cathedral — I've never gone on a thorough loop exploring its every nook and cranny. Once, I biked to Papakape, an artisan coffee shop inside Fort Santiago, Another time, I indulged in the flavors of several spirits and whiskey at the Destileria Limtuaco Museum, while the other times, it was on a date to Museo de Intramuros and attending a friend’s wedding at San Agustin Church. I’ve never really explored the whole Intramuros like a curious tourist before.

Admiring the thick walls of Baluarte De San Diego in Intramuros

Though I may have been too young to fully comprehend the Doña Paz tragedy at the time, subsequent news stories about it left an indelible impression on me. I grew up rationalizing that sea travel is a perilous undertaking — particularly in a country where antiquated vessels are commonplace.

2GO MV Masagana

I have this image I play in my mind over and over when I think of Kalinga. Apo Whang Od applying a batok (hand-tapping) traditional tattoo on my arm while I regale at the presence of a Dangal ng Haraya awardee. That is how I envision my first visit to the province of Kalinga would be.

The street dance competition started around 9am and was done by 11pm

Contemporary and traditional elements fuse together during Roxas City's Capiztahan Festival. The streets come alive with colorful dances and parades that pay homage to the province's illustrious past and the city’s most notable son. Amidst the celebrations, both residents and tourists enjoy an array of cultures, seafood specialties, and the everlasting joie de vivre the Capiznons are known for.

The province of Capiz's folk dances takes centerstage during the Capiztahan

Having no idea of the place we’re heading to beforehand, the scenery of rolling mountain ranges rising parallel to the mighty Chico River, and expansive farm fields gave me hints of what to expect.

A drone's lens view of Naneng Heritage Village

During our Visita Iglesia in Bulacan and Pampanga, we also stopped by two churches in Nueva Ecija: St. John Nepomucene in Cabiao and, before returning to Manila, the National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora in Gapan. This brought to 16 the number of churches we visited that day. After observing the preparations for the Maundy Thursday Blessed Sacrament procession, we wandered the streets of Old Gapan.

The ancestral home of Eula Valdez' great grandparents is this corner house.

Bulacan boasts some of the oldest churches, dating back centuries, and it remains one of the most popular Visita Iglesia sites during Holy Week. So, if you're headed north of Luzon for the conclusion of the Lenten season, make a stop in the province of Bulacan to complete your Visita Iglesia for Holy Week.

To help you plot your route, here are 7 churches that you can easily pass by since they are within municipalities and cities located adjacent to each other.

The Barasoain Church in Malolos is always a must-include Visita Iglesia destination

Even before the two dogs moonlighting as our unofficial hiking guides plodding the muddy trail, paused, and looked back at me, I already figured out what they wanted to tell. Surely if they could talk, I'd hear them tell me, "here we up, look up." Taking cue from their excited body language, I directed my eyes upwards. A massive wall covering the length of my vision revealed an unimpeded view of Asik-Asik Falls.

Soaking the view before taking a dip

I was swept up once more into the vintage atmosphere of Casa Simeon, as if my return were a physical embodiment of my manifestation to return here and spend the night rather than merely dining in — which what I only did my first time here. Wasting no time after having a bit of downtime after exploring numerous spots in Albay,  I barefooted across the polished wooden floor of Casa Simeon, gaping at the various architectural marvels and delicate details that set it apart from the more contemporary lodgings.

It was great coming back here

Malaysia is a memorable country for me because it was where I took my first international trip—and my foremost airplane flight. Yes, I was a late bloomer in terms of air travel, only able to afford it after entering the corporate world.

The scenic cable car ride to Genting Highlands

Through the years, I've hung out with a handful of artistic souls, most of whom were around my age or were even younger. Although one time, I’ve caught a glimpse of Kidlat Tahimik at his enchanting Ili Likha Artist Village, which is where gastronomy intertwines with awe-inspiring art installations in Baguio City, as he sat at a neighboring table.

Maestro Nune seems pleased in seeing us visit him

I first heard of the creations of BidiBidi when I was given an embroidered face mask featuring a beautiful portrait of a woman on one side and a woven pattern on the other. If there's one good thing to come out of the pandemic, it’s the use of fashionable face masks, and the one created by BidiBidi tops all I've worn.

One of the women weavers in Buhi showing us a sample work of hers

Visiting a museum is another way of learning more about a place, which is why I look forward to stepping into one every time I travel to a new destination. Having been into the biggest museums in the country, such as the National Gallery, the National Museum of Natural History, and other NHCP museums, I taper my expectations when I stumble upon smaller ones.

These limestone burial jars wow'ed me immediately

Singapore is known as one of the best food and travel destinations in Asia, promising tourists a unique culinary experience as they explore various dining options—from Michelin-starred hawker stands to world-class restaurants. The vibrant city-state has thus deservedly earned a reputation as a culinary powerhouse, boasting dishes that blend Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences. If you're a foodie looking for a place to have a good time while eating good food, Singapore should be at the top of your travel list.

If you have a passion for gastronomy and are eager to embark on a culinary adventure like no other, then South Korea should be at the top of your travel list. Bursting with a vibrant food scene, this East Asian gem offers a range of delicious dishes that will tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, let’s get started with this food lover’s guide to South Korea’s culinary delights.

Photo Credit: Culture Trip

With indomitable ambition, redefining innovation, and deep respect for tradition, Dubai has surpassed all the expectations of global tourists for a wonderful vacation. With its futuristic skyscrapers, innumerable shopping, indoor and outdoor attractions, entertainment options, and golden desert sands, Dubai impresses every traveler. Whether you’re armed with a sense of adventure, craving to explore diverse cultures, luxury, or a peaceful escape, your vacation in this crown city of UAE will be memorable for sure. Here are Dubai’s top attractions from the downtown to the desert that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.

The scenic desert landscape of Dubai