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

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

Aboard a van running at moderate speed, we reached the municipality of Estancia, the ideal jump-off point for Sicogon Island, an hour after leaving Roxas City Airport. As we waited for our speedboat at the port, I ventured into the fish market and marveled at the vast array of dried seafood being sold across numerous stalls. Our guide Melanie Ortega informed me that Estancia is renowned as the hub of commercial fishing in the country, drawing comparisons to Alaska in the early 1900s due to the extensive fishing activities in the area brought about by the large presence of marine life in the waters of Visayas Sea.

Home in the island: Huni Sicogon with Mount Opao in the background

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

Cutting through the mountains and hillsides of Samar from east to west, the 90-kilometer Ulot River, the longest river in Samar, is a thing of beauty. Surrounded by verdant forest and limestone karsts featuring dramatic rock formations, clear cascading waters stream through a setting that conceals a vast network of cave systems, including the Langun-Gobingob Cave, widely regarded as the biggest in the country and itself, the river once known as a distribution channel for illegal logging has now become an emerging adventure tourism destination.

Group shot at Deni's Point of Ulot River

Most of us, perhaps unknowingly, catch a glimpse of New Manila from the window of LRT line 2 as it passes by Gilmore station. Then teasers of it until the next two, when we hear the catchy announcement of "paparating na sa Betty-Go Belmonte," which marks the boundary of the former Mariana administrative division in Metro Manila, the Magdalena Estate, and now New Manila.

The eerie Villa Caridad ruins

The town of General Nakar is a place that most people may be familiar with but likely have limited knowledge about. This rings true in my case. As I packed my stuff for the trip, I took a peek at its location on Google Maps and observed that it faces the Pacific Ocean and runs parallel to Polillo Island. Studying its position and knowing the geography around, it struck me that this town likely boasts a wealth of outdoor attractions, nestled as it is in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range. 

River tubing in General Nakar, Quezon can get wild and so much fun

In what has become an annual tradition between technology giant Epson, a renowned global leader in innovative and sustainable technology solutions, and members of the media covering lifestyle and technology beats, this year's 15th edition of Epson Fusion saw us enjoying three days of fun under the sun in Shangri-la Mactan in Cebu, a property teeming with verdant foliage and surrounded by clear blue seawater.

The 15th Epson Fusion is the second one I participated in

Despite being politically autonomous from the province of Pampanga, where it is geographically located, Angeles City preserves every bit of Kapampangan culture, tradition, and history, as well as the famed cuisine that has made the province a top foodie destination in the Philippines.

Sumptuous lunch spread at Apag Marangle,

Returning to Romblon with warm recollections of my first visit a decade ago had me on the verge of excitement. Instead of the stomach-churning 12-hour ferry voyage from Batangas, I'm flying with Air Swift this time.

The jaw-dropping sand bar of Cresta de Gallo

The city of Iloilo is likely home to the most number of museums in the country. Within its roughly 79 square kilometer area, one can find several museums that will satisfy one's curiosity about arts, heritage, and history. These include the Museo Iloilo, the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Philippine Economic History, the National Museum of Western Visayas, the Museum of Philippine Maritime History, and even the University of San Agustin campus in the city, has its own archives and museum.

Originally the Ayuntamiento or town hall of Iloilo, it became part of the UP Visayas campus in 1947.

The scene was reminiscent of a disaster movie, with gloomy skies, heavy rain, and dozens of us huddled together on a floating jetty made of plastic pontoon cubes, waiting for our boat. Everything I imagined from experiencing a pleasant morning on the island seemed to have a near-zero chance of happening.

The island covered by towering Agoho trees and surrounded by snaking sandbars

When my fascination with India began piquing my curiosity during my college years, I'd come across the name of Rabindranath Tagore, who, like his contemporary, our very own Jose Rizal, was born in the same year in 1861, and together, they also shared the distinction of being a writer, poet, and social reformer.

Wearing a Jose Rizal shirt when I visited his contemporary Rabindranath Tagore's house in Kolkata

Walking thousands of steps in the midst of a sunny afternoon would be taxing under normal city conditions. Well, up in the highlands of Ifugao and in the middle of Mayoyao's rice terraces, this kind of undertaking looks like something out of a well-shot film.

Waking up to this view of the rising sun

Lake Holon, with its picture-perfect backdrop and spectacular natural features carved by Mother Nature over millions of years, is without a doubt one of Mindanao's, if not the Philippines', most beautiful destinations.

On a sunny and bright day, the view of Lake Holon becomes clearer here on the viewdeck coming from Kule trail

Having celebrated its 400th anniversary this year, Tainan continues to hold dear the ancient culture of Taiwan. It is the country's oldest city and once served as the capital of Formosa, the previous name of Taiwan, for 260 years spanning the rule of the Dutch, the Kingdom of Tungning, and finally, the Qing Dynasty.

The mountains of Guanziling in Tainan is known for their many mud hot springs

Imagine Taipei, but more relaxed. That is how I would describe Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second-largest city. Despite being laid-back, the city has evolved into a thriving metropolis brimming with modern living necessities such as charming cafes, walking paths, cycling routes, outdoor parks, museums, jazz bars, art districts, and more, all surrounded by adjacent beaches and expansive, lush, forested mountains.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Cagayan, situated on the northern tip of Luzon, typically gives visitors second thoughts due to the 12-hour or longer land journey from Manila. Doubt no more, wanderers; there are daily direct flights from Manila to Tuguegarao, the province's capital city, and the plethora of attractions — natural, cultural, and cultural landmarks — make a long-distance trip to Cagayan well worthwhile for those who choose to drive.

View from the Cape Engaño lighthouse

When I signed up for this trip, I expected to explore the Caraga region that includes the five provinces of the Sur and Norte parts of Surigao and Agusan, as well as Dinagat Island. Little did I know that in the province of Davao Oriental, there is a municipality also called Caraga that claims its name from the word kalagan, which in native language refers to a "spirited person.”

A typical shoreline in Caraga.

When one mentions the word lanterns, understandable concerns about the environment usually follow. Where would the lanterns land? Who would clean up the debris? Questions regarding the environmental impact of the recent Lantern Festival in Tainan, a city in southern Taiwan, should be put to rest. The festival is now in its 35th year and is staged as part of the sustainable tourism program run by the Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA). Instead of sending lanterns soaring into the sky, the Lantern Festival features a variety of colorful, designed, and LED-lit lanterns that remain fixed on land — and displayed throughout the festival's duration from February 24 to March 10, 2024.

Colorful lanterns of various figures, designs and sizes wow'ed the crowd.

To sum it up, it's one glittery, eye-catching extravaganza.

As Philippine festivals go, the bigger and brighter, the better. That rings true for popular ones like the Sinulog in Cebu, Dinagyang in Iloilo, Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Pahiyas in Lucena, and Panagbenga in Baguio, just to name a few. Unbeknownst to most, several locations across the archipelago are staging their own little-known festivals that are equally well worth the effort to witness.

The street dance competition was held on a stage set up in front of the San Pedro Bautista Parish Church

It was an eye-opener to experience the Ati-Atihan for the first time. That was the case back in 2012. The second time in 2015 was a glorious return, capped off by drinking a Red Horse beer poured over a still-unused toilet bowl plunger (thank God). The third one in 2018 was, without a doubt, a charm, celebrating it with my friends Karla and Erica. When the opportunity to attend the Ati-Atihan for another time came about, I expected it to be a toss-up between me experiencing a case of the "same-same" or having a great time.

The  Santo Niño is the centerpiece of the Ati-Atihan Festival

A few years ago, when typhoon Odette pummeled southern Philippines but luckily spared parts of Northern Palawan, we found a pleasant refuge and downtime at Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (SETIR) on Culion Island during the tail end of our Coron, Palawan trip. We eventually made it to Culion after two days of island hopping and getting holed up in another Sunlight property in Coron town hotel while weathering the storm.

The new Salepan Villas of SETIR numbers around 30

Caravanning offers a unique freedom to explore the outdoors, but with that freedom comes the responsibility of protecting your caravan from the elements. A caravan cover might seem like a simple addition, but it provides essential benefits, including the benefits of caravan covers for adventures, that can help maintain your caravan’s longevity and overall condition. If you’re planning to head out on your next adventure, it’s worth considering how a cover can protect your vehicle from wear and tear.

Photo credit: Pexels

Kilyawan Farm Resort, named after a bird commonly observed on the property in Ibaan, Batangas, is bathed in natural light and surrounded by verdant greens teeming with farm-to-table produce, which complements its ecologically constructed cabins radiating with earth tones.

This resort is the ideal mindful wellness vacation destination

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a stunning journey around the world's eighth highest peak, Mount Manaslu (8,156 meters), located in the remote Manaslu region of Nepal. The trail traverses a diverse range of landscapes, from lush green valleys and terraced fields to rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and high mountain Larke passes. You'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, including Manaslu itself, as well as Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli (known as Peak 29), and Ganesh Himal. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your adventure:

Nomadic Experiences contributor Arianne Andia shares her Manaslu Circuit Trek travel guide

Organizing a yacht party offers an exciting opportunity to merge luxury, adventure, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s for a special occasion or an intimate gathering, focusing on the planning essentials for a yacht party helps ensure the event runs smoothly. Below is a step-by-step guide to organizing a memorable experience on the water.

Asia, with its rich cultural tapestry, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offers travelers a plethora of unforgettable experiences. From the serene beaches of Bali to the bustling streets of Singapore, each destination promises unique adventures that cater to various interests. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious getaway, an adventurous trek, or a cultural immersion, an Asia tour can fulfill every traveler’s desires.

Boracay Island in the Philippines

Introduction: Nestled in the northern reaches of Vietnam lies a fascinating border town that serves as a gateway between two distinct cultures – Vietnam and China. This town, with its rich history, vibrant markets, and unique blend of traditions, offers travelers an unforgettable experience. In this article, we will delve into the charm of Vietnam's border town and explore the possibilities of a day trip to China, immersing ourselves in the cultural tapestry woven by these two neighboring nations.

A shop located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An

So, you’re dreaming of El Nido, Palawan—the sparkling turquoise waters, the towering limestone cliffs, the secret beaches calling your name. It’s paradise, no doubt. But here’s the million-peso question: which island-hopping tour is the best?

Taraw Cliff overlooks the Bay and El Nido Town

I am a mountaineer, and I have climbed several mountains till date. However, a year ago I met with an accident and was on complete bed rest. Doctors advised me to quit climbing as my legs were not strong enough for it, they said.

It was impossible for me to quit climbing before I achieved my goal to climb Mount Everest. I recovered fast and within a year I could do everything a normal person can. I even joined a gym to gain my strength back.

Oktoberfest, the world-renowned beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany, is widely known for its massive beer tents, iconic steins, and lively atmosphere. While drinking beer is certainly a big part of the celebration, the festival offers much more in terms of Oktoberfest cultural traditions and unique experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or planning your first Oktoberfest adventure, there’s so much to explore beyond just enjoying a cold brew. This blog will take you through some of the fascinating cultural traditions of Oktoberfest, highlighting what to expect if you’re looking to experience more than just drinking.

Munich Oktoberfest. Photo credit