Romblon Travel Diary: Binucot Beach

When my grandma told me we'd go on a vacation in the middle of nowhere, the idea sounded straight out of a horror movie. Gladly, the islands of Romblon, Philippines proved otherwise. It was this untouched and beautiful paradise, far from the noise and pollution of the busy metropolis. There wasn't even any (consistent or strong) internet service! Social media detox anyone? But I digress. Romblon was the perfect escape and one day we decided to spend an afternoon at the Binucot Beach, frolicking by the shore and drinking/eating coconuts freshly plucked from the tree!

Puerto Galera Travel Diary: Tamaraw Falls

In a country where it's almost always hot and humid and you can sweat buckets just by literally sitting down for a whole day, I've come to adore the relief that cool fresh water brings. And for a ₱30 entrance fee, you can enjoy this perfect respite alongside a majestic view of the Tamaraw Falls in Puerto Galera. Not bad huh?

Puerto Galera Travel Diary: Virgin Island

The best thing about living in an archipelago is that you never really run out of beaches. They're pretty abundant and one lifetime isn't enough to see all of them. That and they come in many forms too. The powder white sands are no doubt a tourist favorite but for some reason I like the ones where black and white sands meet. They look so magical to me. But Virgin Island in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro serves up a different charm and one that satisfied me nonetheless.

How to Travel Without a Passport

Itching to travel but don't have the bucks to get your passport tattooed? Me too! *ugh* But as what I'd like to tell my friends, you don't have to burn through your bank account to have an adventure of a lifetime. There are ways for us to travel without having to cross continents or carve a gaping hole on our wallets. Curious yet? I've got some tricks! (Stay till the end for a surprise.)

Puerto Galera Travel Diary: Mangrove Conservation and Ecotourism Area

Every time I hear the word "mangrove", I think of "mandrakes". You know the ones that shriek so loud they could melt your earwax? Ew. (If you're a muggle, you won't get that reference. Oops!) The Mangrove Conservation and Ecotourism Area was the second stop in our Puerto Galera day trip and for some reason it brought me back to my high school days when we'd go on mangrove planting trips as a class. That and I got to pretend I was in a real life version of Temple Run sans the scary creatures.

Puerto Galera Travel Diary: Mangyan Village

We didn't pre-plan out trip to Puerto Galera down pat. We just kind of winged it and hopped on a boat. (Looking back I think this is the most YOLO-ing I've done in my life. LOL. I've always been a planner but I wanted to let loose sometimes and here's the chance.) We thought we'd figure things out when we reach the island. If not, we can always waste our time by the beach which is already pretty inviting on its own. Luckily, Ate Tessie, the caretaker of the unit we rented, was one jolly fellow and she told us about the different places we could go to. She even helped arrange a land tour for us. It included a jeepney that can fit around 20 people and a driver who'll take us to 5 destinations we choose and we can spend as much or as less time on each as we please. Our first stop? Puerto Galera's Mangyan Village!

Puerto Galera Travel Diary: White Beach

I have never traveled so far to see the beach. Growing up in Cebu, it was always just a half or an hour away by car. Moving to Manila made me realize that it was something I apparently missed. I've always said I was no beach bum and maybe perhaps I still am more of the mountain lover but there's a certain charm that the salt water brings especially when it presents itself in various shades of blue. Puerto Galera's White Beach was 3 hours away by bus and another 2 hours by boat. Was it worth the trouble? Definitely.

7 Must-See Places in Puerto Galera + Vlog, Itinerary, Budget and Lodging

One thing's for sure. The tropics never disappoint and Puerto Galera is no exception. I can barely remember the last time I went on vacation and recently I was reminded of how travel can nurture the soul and the mind. Would you believe that I even managed to write a poem on a boat? But that's not what this is about. That'll be a post for another day. I'm here to share something I've been wanting to go back to for so long: videos!

5 Fun and Free Christmas Thrills

The holidays are upon us once again and everything seems to be basked in light, warmth and cheer. Well, except for your wallet. Whether you've spent your entire bonus buying gifts for everyone or you're simply being practical, here are 5 fun and (almost) free activities that you can do this Christmas. Memorable holidays doesn't mean you have to break the bank.

Bengal Brew + Wolf and Bear Cafe

Wagging tails. Furry paws. Gentle eyes. Ready to go giddy all over? Pets are my absolute weakness, perhaps next to ice cream. When my best friends from Cebu came over to visit, I gave them quite a tour. As we traveled back to the city after a day trip in Tagaytay, we decided to rest and relax at this pet cafe we spotted in Cubao: Bengal Brew + Wolf and Bear Cafe.

Manila Ocean Park: Sharks and Rays Encounter

The most random and unplanned adventures can sometimes be the greatest and that's regardless of how grand or simple the trip was. A few months back, my uncle and cousin decided to treat the whole family (read "barangay") to a buffet lunch. Coincidentally the tickets they got came with a free entrance to Manila Ocean Park's Sharks and Rays Encounter so we thought, why not bring out our inner child and go visit?

Cebu Taoist Temple

Have you ever tried cleaning up your room and finding treasures in the process? Think about diaries, old photographs, childhood toys and the like. I've been doing some cleaning too but this time with my computer. While backing up my files, I realized that there have been a couple of photographs that I haven't shared and I thought what a waste it would be if I left them hidden in my hard drive. Now, enough with my whatsits. Have you heard about the Cebu Taoist Temple?

Quezon Memorial Circle: Boating and Speedway Fun

If I were to list down the reasons why I love Manila, it'll surely include its parks. Sure there's traffic and pollution that people often whine about but if we look at the brighter side, the capital city surely has its charms. The  Quezon Memorial Circle (aka QC Circle) included.

Hundred Islands of Pangasinan

Hot and humid. The sun may be scorching down the Philippine archipelago come summer time but Mother Nature made sure to make amends by blessing the islands with beautiful sights, majestic mountains and of course pristine beaches. Case in point, the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos Pangasinan. 

Azure Urban Resort and Residences Staycation

Travelling is an art. You see, you don't necessarily have to go somewhere far in order to travel. You can stay within your city and be able to satiate your thirst for wanderlust. Case in point, staycations. When I won a contest earlier last year for a piece I wrote, I wanted to spend it on a grand vacation of sorts but budget-wise it wasn't practical. Also, I just recently moved to Manila then so I decided to get to know more about the area and its metropolitan charms. Luckily I found the perfect place: Azure Urban Resort and Residences.

Out and About Manila Part 3: Fort Santiago and Jose Rizal Museum

I've always had a knack for old cities and structures. I guess much of it has to do with being an old soul lost in a digital jungle. There's a certain enigma that draws me to places that hold so much history in its walls. I like it when the air breathes stories left untold and secrets that will forever be locked up in memory. I initially asked my uncle for a tour in the entirety of Intramuros but hopping from Pasig City to Divisoria to Manila Chinatown to Manila Cathedral ate up way too much time, he decided to bring us instead to the infamous 16th century citadel within the walls of Intramuros: Fort Santiago and the Jose Rizal Museum that it housed within its brick barriers.

Out and About Manila Part 2: Manila Chinatown

Chinky-eyed and thrifty. These two perfectly define me so I guess it wouldn't be a complete surprise if I had an ounce of Chinese blood in my veins. My maternal grandmother's side of the family has a one syllable three letter family name. Majority of the family is chinky-eyed too with eyes tending to thin out as we smile or laugh. Alas, no one knows how to speak Mandarin. Lost in translation perhaps? I don't know really but I'll stop these random bits of whatnot and get this introduction over and done with. In my previous post, I mentioned that we had this little jaunt around some of the sights and places to see in Manila. This is part two. Behold Binondo aka Manila Chinatown!

Out and About Manila Part 1: Binondo Church

I was born in Manila but growing up and living in Cebu left me curious about my birthplace. There was so much of it that I haven't seen. I wanted to experience it and breathe history and culture sans the pollution. There was this craving that I had to feed otherwise my mind would explode with questions and what ifs left unanswered. Unlike others, I prefer old city charm and culture whenever I travel. Call me weird or old-fashioned but I'm an old soul lost in a digital jungle. So when my dear uncle (Hi Tito Bob!) asked me where I wanted to go, I screamed Chinatown and Intramuros without batting an eyelash! This was the first stop to our trip. Behold the Binondo Church.

Wanderlust: Glamping in Europe

I should be sleeping as I type this in but I got caught up in a heavy daze of wanderlust. I have always wanted to travel and see the world unfold before my very eyes. There's a certain charm and magic to it that's simply hard to define. I believe there's no adjective good enough to describe the enchantment that it brings. It's like waking up to a beautiful sunrise with the smell of brewed coffee and pancakes in the air combined with this feeling of home fused with a sense of adventure for something exciting and unknown. You see, I want to make memories all over the world. It's a vow that I have taken upon myself.

Papemelroti Gift Shop and Going Artsy-Crazy

The smell of paper excites me. I like its texture, the smoothness or the roughness that go with each page. I love its color, the shades that go on and on in a rainbow that never ends. Paper compels me in a way. You know, the kind of compulsion that "fictional vampires" have the capability of. I know it sounds weird and cray but it's a hundred percent true. Blame my love for books and crafts for this addiction. Now, imagine my elation when I first stepped into Papemelroti last year all thanks to my cousin Ryche. I vowed to come back should I visit Manila again and I promised myself I'd snap photos too! And so I did.