Scuba Diving with Manta Rays at Blue Corner Dive Nusa Penida

Posted on August 15, 2017

Manta photo by Jason Fondis On a recent family trip to Bali, I made a side trip to Nusa Penida, detouring to the largest of three islands 20 km southeast of the mainland, to check out the newest shop of Blue Corner Dive, who I dove with on my first visit in 2013 when I was covering a scuba diving story for an inflight magazine.  After opening two shops on the popular jumping off point of Lembongan island (Blue CornerRead More→

7 Secret Places to Discover in Batanes

Posted on July 25, 2017

Batanes may be the smallest province in the Philippines, but these remote islands provide a wealth of wonders for travelers. While most of its natural and cultural attractions are covered by packaged tours, rewarding surprises await those who venture off the beaten track. Here are seven secret places worth discovering on your next trip to the northernmost reaches of the archipelago: Nakamaya Burial Site The often-shrouded peak of Mt. Iraya greets plane passengers upon touching down at Basco Airport. BesidesRead More→

6 Best Things to Do in Perak, Malaysia During Ramadan

Posted on July 24, 2017

While Malaysia is a multicultural country, more than 60 percent of its population practice Islam – the country’s official religion. The most important celebration among Muslims, the fasting month of Ramadan is a solemn time to reignite the faith, a season of self-discipline, introspection and compassion for others. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar lasting at least 29 days, it commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. For visitors to the country, particularly in Perak, which is only aRead More→

Blood Red Clothing Opens First Concept Store in Cebu City

Posted on July 20, 2017

Ahoy there! The long wait is over. Sailing-inspired clothing brand Blood Red finally opens its first concept store in Cebu City on July 24 (Monday). While the brand has been sold nationwide through retailers in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand and Canada and via their online store, this is their first standalone concept store, since they started out in 2007. In celebration of this milestone, a big sale will be held on the store’s opening day – with 70% offRead More→

TRAVEL GUIDE | Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte

Posted on July 20, 2017

The revelry of the Sinulog Festival still throbs in our head as my friends and I board a pump boat in Palompon, a laid-back mangrove-fringed town, an hour’s drive northwest of Ormoc City. A rowdy weekend of partying has taken a toll on us, and we badly need a beach getaway — a healthy dose of “Vitamin Sea” so to speak — to recuperate from festival fever. The weather was inviting: the late morning sun beamed, accompanied by the saltyRead More→

The World’s Tallest Jesus Statue in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi

Posted on July 19, 2017

Our last day in Tana Toraja started with watching the sea of clouds in Lolai village, followed by breakfast at Toraja Heritage Hotel before checking out for our journey back to Makassar. Along the way back, we stopped by Makale, the capital of Tana Toraja regency and the commercial center of Torajaland (versus the cultural center of Rantepao, capital of North Toraja). Makale is also an important gateway to this region, since Pongtiku airport is located here. Lording over MakaleRead More→