heritage village

Unraveling Abra

Posted on July 20, 2011

“A tourist sees a place, while on the other hand a traveler seeks,” a friend of mine recently posted on Facebook. True enough, more than visiting popular spots, what excites me more about travel is discovering off-the-beaten track sort of places. Colonial edifices, like this one in Tayum, are some of the architectural heritage of Abra During a trip along Ilocos region’s northern coast, fellow travel blogger Gael of The Pinay Solo Backpacker and I detoured southward to avoid anRead More→

Puerto Galera: A Quick Manila Getaway

Posted on November 3, 2010

Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro has been a quick getaway for Manileño divers, party animals, and beach bums for years. Despite its (in)famous reputation, the place still redeems itself if one looks beyond the Sabang streetwalkers and rowdy White Beach touts. Fortunately, there are still areas where one can experience relative peace and quiet, especially during off-peak season: soaking up the sun at uncrowded Aninuan and Talipanan beaches; learning how the native Mangyan tribespeople weave nito basketry at the IrayaRead More→

The Historic Town of Vigan: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Posted on August 25, 2010

Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia. www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/vigan.html HOW TO GET HERE: Manila-Laoag buses pass by Vigan (7 hours). A Partas deluxe bus costs PHP 621 – Cubao Terminal: Tel. +632 7257303. Or flyRead More→