Osaka, Japan

Osaka is like a fraternal twin of Tokyo. They are both charming to tourists in a different way. 

Tokyo is modern, sophisticated and urban while Osaka is a metropolitan with cultural traces of the old Japan. Most of the time, foreign tourists pick either of the two for their first time Japan visit. Lucky for some who can afford longer days of vacation  to check out both cities in one flight trip.

What's in Osaka?

Namba, Dotonbori and Shinsaibaishi are famous districts in Osaka for shopping and food. Various merchandise and shops are located on these areas. Ichiran ramen  and authentic Japan takoyaki is a must try for food enthusiasts. 

Siargao

Mindanao is close to my heart considering that both of my parents hail from this region. Thus, my travel bucketlist when it comes to beaches definitely includes Siargao.

Siargao is often featured in tv shows as a beach paradise and a favorite surfing destination. When airlines offered fare promotions for clark to siargao flights, I did not hesitate to book it immediately.

Considering that I have watched the Filipino movie Siargao before I went there, I have some preconceived idea that Siargao has a provincial vibe. Yes, the General Luna place (the touristy place in Siargao) is laidback but it is already progressive similar to Boracay establishments. There are various restaurants and establishments along the General Luna road and there are parties every night, be it an acoustic night or bar party. I was fortunate enough to experience the full moon night party in Siargao 😊

Surprise Bridal Shower for Katie

Katie is one of my college barkada in UP.  As part of the "Econ Girls" clique, we see to it that every year after graduation, we have catch-up sessions, we celebrate milestones and we travel together. Our friendship is inspired by Carrie's long term friendship with other ladies in the tv series Sex and the City.

Aside from being a friend, Katie is the one who inspired me to travel often and to be a travel blogger. As a hard core lady mountaineer and a beach lover, she always travels every weekend, exploring the beauty of new places: new mountains to hike and new beaches to explore. You may get to know more about Katie on her website: https://iwanderiwonder.com/. Lucky me, I get the chance to join her in some of her wonderful adventures.

Katie is the emergent leader of Econ girls=). She is also the organizer of our group travels, with a well thought itinerary and best laid out plans. The only thing you need to do is to bring yourself and your luggage, that's how efficient she is.  My travels in Boracay, Coron, Cebu, Calaguas, Bantayan Island, Batangas, Mindoro, Catanduanes, Marinduque, Masungi and even in Wensha Spa, I get to explore it having Katie as the lead of the pack.  My first travel abroad in Kota Kinabalu was also through her. I begin to appreciate more of God's wonderful creations by travelling...this is through Katie's influence on me.

#Elyureadyforme "La Union"

Sometimes, those spur of the moment travel decisions are the best triggers of excitement in your normal daily grind. Second time to visit the same place but travelling with different set of companions, makes your trip a whole new experience.

I came to know La Union (Elyu) for its surf and music festival events. This time around, Elyu offers a serene vibe and a laidback morning to beach goers. The hot surface of the sand that touches your sole will make you giddy to spend more time by the water.

Charlie's Hangar surf hostel is a good place to stay if you are a group of 8 pax.  There is a large aircraft outside the dormitory-like building which is instagramworthy shot for guests. How ironic since the room inside is like a shipping cabin in contrast to its name hangar. At night, the veranda is a good place for social gathering. For sure, most of the day time, vacationers will bask under the sun to enjoy the waves and the winds.

Tagaytay: Balay Dako and Calaruega

Tagaytay has been my family's favorite hub since it is few tumblings away from home. It has several food and coffee establishments you can visit every roadtrip. The cool weather entices you to try various restaurants particularly ordering the famous bulalo of Tagaytay.

Balay Dako

This elegant restaurant is conducive for diners in big group or family/clan celebrations. The 2nd floor of the restaurant has the nice overlooking view of Taal Volcano.

The stop-over won't be complete without ordering bulalo. The bulalo meat was cooked well for hours.

A must try also is the piyaya for pasalubong. The best!

Lucban Quezon

In the heart of Lucban Quezon stands the huge statue of Jesus "Kamay ni Hesus" similar to the Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. It is good to spend one weekend here and enjoy hiking all the way to the statue. It has several stops featuring the stations of the cross for believers. The Arc of Noah is also the primary feature of  the shrine with several stalls at the side offering crafts, souvenirs and delicacies of Quezon. 

You can also have a stop over at the Palaisdaan for fresh seafood and yummy gata viand.

Wonders of Catanduanes

In my spare time, I love watching Byahe ni Drew Youtube videos. Drew visited Catanduanes in one of his itineraries. I intentionally did not watch the Catanduanes episode prior to my visit so as not to pre-empt any expectations about the place. I watched it after I went there.

My trip was so memorable; it was my first time that the airline issued me a manual ticket  since I was not a registered passenger due to a system glitch.  My departure flight was in Clark and I had to go through all the hassles of a passenger with unregistered booking despite the confirmed online payment. My friends and I were only able to check in during the last onboarding call. Stressful as you can imagine, the silver lining of this flawed flight service is that it was all worth it when I saw the beauty of Catanduanes.

Catanduanes is still not so famous compared to its neighboring towns in Bicol region. For nature lovers and those who want a "probinsya vibe", Catanduanes is a must see. You'll enjoy the rolling hills, the cliffs and the side tours through the use of "habal-habal" motorcycle. There are hiking requirements but it will be an easy breezy one compared to actual mountain hikings.

Acuaverde Laiya Batangas

How I dream that I can bring "Marky" our pet dog in our travels....but Marky is not the tamed and behaved type of best friend, she can get excited outdoors and get anxious to run anywhere.

This time around, I want to try a beach that is dog-friendly. I may not be able to bring Marky but at least I can see various cute dogs lounging around the beach front. Acuaverde in Laiya is pet friendly and has old large trees making the place cozy during summer.

Bohol

It was in 2007 when I first visited Bohol; it was purely a "chillax" experience since we were enjoying the beach life for 2 whole days. We only have few pictures as souvenirs. We stayed at Dumaluan beach resort which is  adjacent to Bohol Beach Club, the most famous beach resort at that time. My vivid memories of Bohol beach is the crystal clear water with lots of fishes even at the swimming area near the shoreline. One can clearly see the fish above the water surface and even without goggles. I have been to more than 20 beaches and islands here in the Philippines (plus the Kota Kinabalu beach) and I could say that Bohol has the clearest crystal clear water based on my judgement.

This 2019, due to a company convention,I was able to go back to Bohol for the 2nd time around. Since I have not seen the famous Chocolate hills and the tarsier in 2007 due to my beach bum mode, I see to it that it will be part of my itinerary on my 3 days stay in Bohol.

Much has changed from 2007 to 2019 (after more than a decade), the water along the shore was not the same with how I described it way back years ago. Despite this change, I had a wonderful and unique experience with my officemates since we stayed a Hennan Resort. It is a premier 5 star beach resort which is the preference of local celebrities based on my instagram newsfeed.