The Santo Niño in a pagan ritual

I was planning on going back to Kalibo for this year’s Ati-atihan festival, but I had to go somewhere else for work. I’m reposting this old blog entry instead.   Kalibo’s ati-atihan festival has got to be the wildest fiesta celebration honoring the Santo Niño. I caught the last three days of the celebration, which…

Puka Beach: the untamed side of Boracay

Most people would think of only one place when they hear the name “Boracay” — the White Beach. But there’s more to Boracay than the commercially abused White Beach side. There is also the untamed side called Puka Beach — home of the popular Puka shells. Escaping from the crowded White Beach, we set out…

Illustrious Ilocos Norte

Rough ride aside, my trip to Ilocos Norte was absolutely memorable! It didn’t matter that our designated driver took no mercy on road bumps (if I were pregnant, I would have given birth in transit). He drives fast, much to the chagrin of my travel buddies. To be fair, I liked that he drove fast…

Revisiting Vigan

Three years ago, I went to Vigan for an official trip. I immediately fell in love with the place. I can’t quite put my finger on why I did. Was it the comfort of nostalgia? The warmth of the people? The laid back atmosphere? When I went back this year, the feeling is still there,…

Bicol — coco and spice, and everything nice

“Halos lahat ng pagkain dito, may gata (almost every dish we prepare has coconut milk)”, says our gracious host, Ate Eben, as she sets down a bowl full of laing. I never ate so much laing in my life! We had it for two meals (dinner and lunch the following day), but I craved for…