Category: Philippines

After lounging on my comfy bed at Buddha’s Surf Resort, I thought of just “staycationing” instead of going out for island hopping. But upon thinking for the main reason why I went to Siargao, I did stick to the itinerary. If only we caught the last departing boat from Surigao City to Siargao Island the day before, we could have plenty of time lurking in the corners of our spacious cradle. We went out late in the morning and waited for a habal-habal to the town proper. Since it wasn’t a regular taxiway, we found it hard to find one. Hence, we decided ... Read more

I still had a worn-out look when we approached Buddha’s Surf Resort. We got no chance to tidy up a bit nor a moment to wipe the sweaty faces of ours before meeting the manager of the hotel we’re staying. Thanks to the extra long navigation from Surigao City to the Municipality of  Dapa, the 30-minute cramped tricycle transfer from Dapa to General Luna (GL), and the nasty habal-habal ride from GL town proper to the resort. If you want to avoid all these road hassles, contact the resort days prior and arrange a pick-up transportation of your choice. If you’re ... Read more

Roxas City, aside from being the center of commerce and capital of the province of Capiz, it is also the seafood capital of the Philippines. Well, I’m sure that you won’t argue with me if I say that one of the most exciting things to do in Roxas City is to savor its fresh marine catch. Try the Flavor of the City’s Pride Barangay Baybay, where the People’s Park and the famed Baybay beach is located, offers plenty of options for your cravings. Choose your favorite seafood and have the vendors cook it fresh for you. A beautiful sunset at the People’s ... Read more

Roxas City in the Province of Capiz is nicknamed as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines. I never thought that I would change my plan on my last minute in Boracay. Instead of paying for another night of stay at Frendz Resort, I headed to Cagban Jetty Port and boarded a pumpboat to Caticlan. From Caticlan, I took an Iloilo-bound bus and paid a route to Sigma. From Sigma bus stop, I took another bus to Roxas City. Using a not-so-reliable mobile internet, I searched for interesting places in Roxas City and found Santa Monica Church, a 3-century old church in ... Read more

The original structure of Santa Monica Church in Panay, Capiz was built in 1774 by Fr. Miguel Murguia. However, it was heavily damaged by a typhoon that struct the province last January 17, 1875. The church was rebuilt in 1884 under the supervision of Fray Jose Beloso, OSA. The church stands until today. By virtue of the National Historical Institute Resolution No. 3, the church was declared as a national historical landmark in 1997 and on July 31, 2001, Sta. Monica Church was declared as a national cultural treasure by the National Museum. Santa Monica Parish Church in the Municipality of Panay, Province ... Read more

The water was rough one February morning when we visited El Nido‘s Hidden Beach. The waves weren’t cooperative either and the rocks below it were as sharp as newly whetted knives. Out boatman, Captains Jones, advised us not to proceed. Though I am willing to take the risk, as few others did, my companions were reluctant, hence, I agreed to skip it – with regrets, of course. Tapiutan Strait Captain Jones slowly navigated to Tapiutan Strait were the sea is calmer. That time, I promised not to skip any spot within the placid channel between Tapiutan and Matinloc islands. Matinloc ... Read more

Thinking for a place to contemplate this Lenten season? Why not try visiting the Walkway to the Old Volcano in the island province of Camiguin. The place features a traditional Stations of Cross (Via Crucis) which stops are spread across a trail of average steepness. They said that the total length of the trail is 8 kilometers but it seemed shorter during our visit. The early part of the trail, probably up to the fifth stations (if I remember well), is pave with concrete stairs. The remaining portion of the pathway is somewhat a little penitence. This very spot is ... Read more

Calaguas, A tropical beauty How was/is your first love? I guess, he/she was/is the person you could hardly forget the most (if you’re no longer together) or the person that you cherish and love the most (if you both enjoy the married life). Love is at its sweetest if you are each other’s first. I know you can remember well the very detail of your first date, your first kiss, or even your fist sex (Oh, don’t raise that brows to me!). I bet you agree that your first was you most remembered and your most talked about? Seeing Calagaus, ... Read more

The Risk-takers I returned to Calaguas, and I couldn’t wait for my sunburn to heal for me tell you what transpired. Would you know why? Because it was another life-threatening adventure. We sailed in a raging sea again, with waves large enough to consume the precious lives of ours. It may not be as huge as the waves we encountered in Anawangin last January 2013, but still, it did give us the same eerie feel. A friend of our companion offered us to cook for breakfast and had it ready upon arrival in Paracale, Camarines Norte. While waiting for the meal ... Read more