Discover the Heritage, Nature & Food of San Juan, Batangas

Posted on June 5, 2023

Most people traveling to San Juan, Batangas – just a three-hour drive south of Metro Manila – simply head straight to Laiya Beach, one of the most popular weekend beach destinations from the Philippine capital. The famed coastline is dotted by beach resorts and, just 10 km away, Solmera Coast complements the town’s seaside attractions with a beachfront condotel development by DMCI Homes Leisure Residences at Barangays Calubcub II and Subukin. The sprawling property is a great spot to swim, bike,Read More→

El Camarín de la Virgen: Hidden Cultural Treasure of Santa Ana, Manila

Posted on June 2, 2023

Most of the well-known heritage gems of Manila are concentrated in the historic walled district of Intramuros, but the neighborhood of Santa Ana in the southeast portion of the city, near the Makati City border, hides a exceptional heritage structure also worth visiting. Constructed from 1720 to 1725, the Santa Ana Church – officially the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned – stands out among other Spanish-era churches in the country – for having the Camarín de laRead More→

Villa Nueva B&B: Cozy Vacation Home in Tagaytay City, Cavite

Posted on May 27, 2023

Perched atop a ridge overlooking the picturesque landscape of Taal Lake and Volcano, the cool-weathered city of Tagaytay in Cavite province is one of the quintessential getaways from Metro Manila. It’s only a two-hour drive away from the capital. If you’re looking for a spacious vacation home to rent over a weekend — or longer — for family or a group of friends, I highly recommend Villa Nueva B&B, a two-bedroom vacation home tucked away in a quiet residential areaRead More→

7 Amazing Reasons to Stay at Siama Hotel in Sorsogon City

Posted on May 22, 2023

One of the chicest stays in the country is nestled in the unassuming countryside of Barangay Bibincahan, Sorsogon City – only an hour’s drive from Bicol International Airport. Siama Hotel is a boutique garden resort where nature meets style, offering a lush and luxe escape you won’t forget. Here are seven amazing reasons to book a stay at Sorsogon’s premier accommodation: 1. Secluded location Tucked away amidst a 10-hectare coconut plantation in the outskirts of Sorsogon City, Siama Hotel guaranteesRead More→

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: Liveaboard Diving with M/Y Narayana

Posted on April 25, 2023

After an unexpected postponement three years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I finally ticked off one of my dream dive destinations this summer! Last March 17 to 23, I joined the season’s first trip of M/Y Narayana liveaboard to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, the crown jewel of scuba diving in Philippines. Consisting of reef-fringed atolls in the heart of the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha is an isolated dive destination that may only be safely visited by more than a dozenRead More→

Fort San Antonio Abad: The Hidden Spanish Fort of Manila

Posted on April 20, 2023

Fort Santiago, the Spanish-era fortress of Intramuros, is one of the top destinations in the city of Manila. No tour of the Philippine capital is complete without exploring this famous landmark and heritage site. But did you know that Fort Santiago isn’t the only colonial-period fortress in the city? Another one stands in the district of Malate, outside the walls of Intramuros, albeit hidden away within the central bank complex. Fort San Antonio Abad, also known as Fort Malate orRead More→