Mindanao

Marveling at Rafflesia schadenbergiana – one of the world’s largest flowers – in Lantapan, Bukidnon

Posted on August 29, 2022

Ever since I read about Rafflesia in science books as a child, I’ve been fascinated by this strange and uncommon genus of parasitic plants found only in Southeast Asia. Over the years, I’ve hiked to see different Rafflesia species in the rainforests of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Lacking leaves, stems and roots, these alien-looking plants infect and thrive within woody jungle vines. It takes several months for their cabbage-like buds to mature, before bursting open into vibrant, leathery bloomsRead More→

Mount Hibok-Hibok, Camiguin: Amazing Volcano Hike via Itum Trail

Posted on April 16, 2022

Rising 1,332 meters above sea level, Mount Hibok-Hibok – also known as Catarman Volcano – is the most active of at least 14 volcanoes found in the Philippines’ second-smallest province of Camiguin. It is a hiking paradise within Mounts Timpoong–Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument (MTHNM).

Birdwatching in Camiguin: Spotting Rare Birds at Mount Hibok-Hibok

Posted on January 7, 2022

After driving up a dark, winding mountain road on a scooter for half an hour from Mambajao town proper, I was relieved to reach our destination safely with fellow travel blogger Elal Lasola on back ride. A day before our Mt. Hibok-Hibok climb, the Camiguin Tourism Office arranged for us to experience birdwatching (ie. birding among serious enthusiasts), the newest eco-tourism activity on the island.   We arrived at 5:30 am at the Mounts Timpoong–Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument (MTHNM) – VisitorsRead More→

5 New Places to Eat & Drink in Camiguin

Posted on January 4, 2022

Now serviced by twice-weekly flights from Manila and Cebu on Cebu Pacific Air, the picturesque island of Camiguin has reopened to fully-vaccinated domestic tourists since October 25. Aside from revisiting its volcanic peaks, white-sand islands and historic ruins, one must check out the newest restaurants, too. Several dining establishments are centered around Barangay Yumbing in Mambajao, where most of the tourist-oriented accommodations are located. But if you venture off the beaten track, you’ll find some memorable eats like fern-topped pizza,Read More→

Cebu Pacific relaunches flights to Camiguin from Manila & Cebu

Posted on January 2, 2022

Finally! After nearly two years of staying home in Cebu due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was thrilled to fly again and enjoy my first vacation outside my home province. With the peace of mind of being fully vaccinated, I was really looking forward to revisit destinations that were reopening to domestic tourists with fellow travel blogger Elal Lasola.  Cebu Pacific Air — the largest airline in the Philippines — sponsored our flights to one of my favorite destinations inRead More→

Discovering the Off-the-Grid Dive Sites of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental

Posted on June 18, 2019

Despite the short notice, I jumped at the opportunity to join Sawom Dabaw, a two-day dive festival organized by Department of Tourism – Davao Region, Visit Davao Summer Festival, and the Provincial Tourism Office of Davao Oriental, held last June 14 to 15, to introduce the newly discovered dive sites in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental (pronounced he-ne-ro-so) – the southeasternmost corner of the Philippine archipelago. Participated by 21 scuba divers, the event was co-sponsored by AirAsia, which runs frequent low-costRead More→