I was in high school when I first went up Pandan Hill. The only memory I had then was the wide horizon and passenger ships that line it. I never thought that I would go back there again. Twenty-six years later, I went back and was surprised that nothing much has changed from how I…
Tag: tourism
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…
Contrast in tragedies define men
In a span of 48 hours, my beloved Philippines took a one-two punch from two contrasting but equally tragic incidents. One was dreadful — the other one, amusing. Yesterday, August 23, a former police inspector took foreigners hostage inside a tourist bus. For about 10 hours, the drama unfolded right before the world’s shocked eyes….
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…
beingKirei 