Faith in Baclaran

The Baclaran Phenomenon is, first and foremost, the incredible number of people who come to the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran every Wednesday to make the Perpetual Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. It is estimated that at least 100,000 devotees come on regular Wednesdays, reaching about 120,000 on the First Wednesday of each month.

Weekend Getaway in Islas de Gigantes

PROVINCE OF ILOILO—From afar, the majestic silhouette of Northern Iloilo’s little-known jewel radiates a feeling that somewhat a giant is waiting to be either conquered or explored. Braving the rough sea and the wild clash of the big waves, I managed to set foot at last in this province’s last frontier—Isla de Gigantes—which is brimming with natural wonders ripe for the world to see.

Lodged in the northeastern part of Panay Island, Isla de Gigantes boasts of pristine and raw beaches that are exuding charm and mystery. Legends and folklore immediately speak as I arrived in the island at night. Legends have it that the Gigante Islands are reigned with “giants” way back then, and this is supported with artifacts found in one of its many caves. I didn’t see real giants when I stayed there; what I saw instead are warm people standing tall and proud like a giant with their prized possession: the islands itself.

And this is where I experienced my first solo backpacking trip—in this little-known place and undoubtedly a hidden gem that’s poised to carve its name in tourism circles for its enchanting charm. 

One would surely fall in love with its group of amazing islands like the Cabugao Gamay which is my favorite. Here, you can climb in a rocky hill where you’ll have a fantastic vista of the whole island itself. Up there, the sight of fisherfolks resting on midday is a worthwhile experience while witnessing viewing the frantic union of the white sand and the blue-green water. This explodes into white foam as it reaches the shore. 

Traveling Louie on top of the Cabugao Gamay Island in Isla de Gigantes, Carles, Northern Iloilo.

Shot First, Eat Later: A Taste of LA Cafe

The usual traffic woes when you're in Metro Manila would surely bore you to death. Imagine this: it's 8:30 in the evening, and you still haven't eaten your dinner and you find yourself in the middle of a worst Friday Night rush hour. From the City of Manila, we traveled north, specifically in Quezon City, where it took us one hour and 15 minutes to drive--too far from the usual 30 minutes without the annoying traffic.

But never mind because I found out later that we were in for a real treat.

Our group chose to dine in probably one of the best restaurants I've been to: A Taste of LA Cafe. Located specifically in Roces Avenue. cor. Tomas Morato, Quezon City, this restaurant boasts of mouth-watering menu that had left me in eternal craving.

Appreciating History in Manila American Cemetery

Marble crosses standing silently amidst a well-manicured lawn greeted me upon entering a solemn gate east of Manila. Away from the annoying noise of the urban jungle, this place had become a shrine that reflected the deep historical ties that the Philippines and the United States share.

Having visited Metro Manila for many times now, I wonder if there are still known places I’ve never been to and it turned out that there are still places that ordinary vagabonds wouldn’t probably do: visiting memorials and cemeteries.

Located in Fort Bonifacio, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial resonates with solemnity. It is the largest cemetery site administered by the United States Government judging by the number of graves and of those missing whose names are recorded in the walls of the memorial.

Falling in love with Dahican

It was high noon when I arrived in the sun-kissed Dahican in the City of Mati in the picturesque province of Davao Oriental. The seven-kilometer shoreline bleeds with awesomeness and offers charm that will detach you from the hustle of the metro.

PARADISE would be a perfect word to describe Dahican in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines.

Wandering in Baní Falls in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato

The moment we started walking after that one-hour bus ride from Davao City that took us to the picturesque side of the Davao-Bukidnon Highway, I said to myself I’m in for a real adventure. It’s Sunday and the sun was on its mightiest, the blue sky hosted scattered clouds amidst a sea of green. Welcome to Arakan Valley, North Cotabato, where hills that seemed manicured greet you upon reaching this place that could only be described as paradise.

Arakan Valley is home to the majestic Baní Falls which, when seen from afar, is oozing with silky white hue that stands out amidst a green foliage. I was told that going there wouldn’t be easy, and it would require a lot of stamina and endurance since the site is abundant with cogon grass and with just few trees standing on its soil. That could only mean you have to walk under the heat of the sun since no shade of trees will give you respite on your long walk heading to Baní Falls. This prompted the Davao City-based Philippine Eagle Foundation to partner with the Bagobo tribe to come up with a greenhouse nursery, just one of the first steps in the reforestation efforts in that part of Arakan valley.

The 100-meter Bani Falls in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato

Feeling Good in Hijo Estate Resorts

At the heart of Davao Gulf is a place where coconut trees tower in rows, a sprawling forest remains untouched, and banana trees flourish. Vast lands lay between the quiet waters of Madaum and Tagum rivers, where local tribes share the riverbanks with white-collared kingfishers, each nourishing their home. A place where every morning is a view of the sun from the ocean's horizon, where nature and man commune, where everything is offered to your delight. ~ Hijo Estate resort brochure

The view from Lanikai, the heritage house of the Tuason Family.

Mention "Banana Beach" and good memories will surely play in my mind. My work in the Tagum City Information Office regularly brings me to this wonderful place and each time I set foot on its productive soil, new discoveries, adventures and memories are definitely made. The beach surely lets you go on a reflective break, providing you calm and serenity. Going through it means communing with nature in mere footsteps.

Feeling the Sun in Kopiat

White Sand Beach in Kopiat Island.

The past week has really been very busy and exhausting, so when we had some little opportunity to saunter into the island, we grabbed it. As I’m writing this post, I can feel the muscle pains I got from the very strenuous things I did during our very short trip. To give justice to the pains, here I am chronicling what went well and wrong during this trip.

I have a penchant for little-known or better yet, unexplored territories. And so out of nowhere on a very hot Sunday, me and my officemates ventured into a three-hour island hopping in one of Compostela Valley’s tourism gems: Kopiat Island.

Going Crazy in Governor Generoso

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
                                                              -Apple’s “Think Different” advertisement

Over the past two days, the setting has been so different. The sky was blue. The clouds were fat and were scattered on hills and mountains. There were no papers, news and speeches to write and a flickering computer screen. This is what is left: sky, hills, farms, open sea, lonely roads and a middle-aged man in a red short along the shore.

Our four-hour motorcycle ride led us to a place in what could only be described as a perfect gateway: Governor Generoso in the picturesque province of Davao Oriental. Oozing with its small-town appeal, GovGen (famously known as Sigaboy) boasts of the sight of a lighthouse standing tall and proud on top of an almond-shaped island, crystal clear waters, long stretch of white sand and a good spot to enjoy the splendid views of the sun.

Sigaboy Island in high noon