We took a break from our usual rustic weekend getaways and headed to Sofitel Philippine Plaza at Roxas Boulevard, Manila. D and I haven’t really been keen on staycations in Metro Manila hotels because our city apartment is in the heart of the Makati CBD, and we thought it would not feel much of a… Continue reading Manila Staycation Part I
Tag: Travel
Abungan Falls
When D and I recently visited Dingalan, Aurora, we consulted the owners of the resort where we stayed at, Pacific Buddies Beachfront Resort, of activities or tours that most of their guests enjoyed. They recommended a day tour to Abungan Falls. We asked if we could walk all the way there from the resort and… Continue reading Abungan Falls
Roadtrip to Dingalan, Aurora
The last time we drove to the province of Aurora was in 2018, and it was high time for a visit. Back then we drove to Baler, famous for its surfing spots. This time, our destination would be municipality of Dingalan, and we would be passing through the province of Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon.… Continue reading Roadtrip to Dingalan, Aurora
Heritage Houses in Sariaya, Quezon
The province of Quezon is a couple of hours’ drive away from home. Back when I was in the university, I commuted a couple of times to some municipalities in Quezon to conduct research for my thesis, where I interviewed farmers for my data. I’ve always been keen on going back to have a proper… Continue reading Heritage Houses in Sariaya, Quezon
Ataalaya Farmhouse
Over the first half of the year, Tagaytay, a known travel destination south of Metro Manila, was our go-to for staycations. It was after all just a few hours’ drive away from home, and the view of Taal Volcano was something we would never tire of. D suggested checking out the municipalities closer to the… Continue reading Ataalaya Farmhouse
Punto Spring Farm
Punto Spring Farm was a hidden gem we were lucky to have discovered when we were in Magalang, Pampanga. This was when we were taking a quick break from the summer heat at Kaffe Uno one recent Saturday afternoon. I was checking Google Maps for nearby attractions, and found this place. What intrigued me to… Continue reading Punto Spring Farm
Magalang, Pampanga
Our recent overnight staycation at Abe’s Farm is still fresh in my mind, as it was the trip that introduced us to the charm of the municipality of Magalang, Pampanga. We brought our bicycles during that trip, in the hopes of being able to explore the area more quickly. I read that the Banal na… Continue reading Magalang, Pampanga
Mt. Arayat and Abe’s Farm
Since I was a child, whenever we drive up to the north of Luzon in the Philippines, Mt. Arayat, never fails to capture my attention. Until now, I have snippets of memories of me looking out the window of my grandma’s van while we drove on towards the province of Bataan (or perhaps to Pangasinan)… Continue reading Mt. Arayat and Abe’s Farm
Palacio De Memoria
We recently visited the Palacio De Memoria, a restored pre-war mansion that stands prominently along Roxas Boulevard in Paranaque City. It was built in the late 1930s, and was originally a seaside two-storey building. Its first owners were Don Antonio Melian y Pavia, and Dona Margarita Melian y Zobel de Ayala. The Battle of Manila… Continue reading Palacio De Memoria
Visita Iglesia 2022
Holy Week in the Philippines makes one of the longest weekends, and many use this time to go back to their hometowns or head to the beach. I remember when I was a child, I always wished the Holy Week could go faster and I couldn’t wait for Easter. Back in the 80s through early… Continue reading Visita Iglesia 2022
Weekend in Buceo, Anilao
The Philippines is blessed with several great beaches. While most of my favorite ones are a plane-ride away from Metro Manila, the country’s capital, there are also a good number of locations that are a few hours’ drive away from our city. Anilao, located in Mabini, Batangas, is anout two hours’ drive away, and is… Continue reading Weekend in Buceo, Anilao
Mt Talamitam, Revisited
The summer heat is on! Luckily, D and I managed to squeeze in a climb of Mt Talamitam in Nasugbu, Batangas, a couple of weeks ago. It was my second time to hike this mountain, and it’s been seven years since the first time. I can’t believe I haven’t had a proper climb since 2015.… Continue reading Mt Talamitam, Revisited
Heritage Tour, Malolos Bulacan
This is an overdue post about out halfday heritage tour of Malolos, the capital city of Bulacan. Bulacan is a province located in Central Luzon, a few hours’ drive from Metro Manila. Malolos played a big role in Philippine history, and it was once was declared capital of the Philippine Republic post the Spanish colonization.… Continue reading Heritage Tour, Malolos Bulacan
First Vacation of the Year
Finally, we got to go to Panglao, Bohol! We booked our trip last year and had it rescheduled twice because cases soared just in time for our supposed flight. In December we rebooked for a third time and you know what they say about third time’s a charm. Even though it’s a domestic flight, due… Continue reading First Vacation of the Year
Quick Trip to Tagaytay
I can’t believe the cooler months are saying goodbye for now. I thought we still have a couple if weeks in February, but these past two days have been hot here in Metro Manila. During the months of December through February, a trip to Tagaytay or Baguio is highly sought after by folks like me… Continue reading Quick Trip to Tagaytay
Living Free and Making a Difference 