Traveling is a lot like life.
You’ll hit unexpected bumps, carry a few scars, and face moments of doubt, discomfort, and detours.
But those challenges? They’re part of what makes the journey exciting, memorable, and most of all — worth it.
"We come to love not by finding a perfect person but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."
What is love?
How do you know if you're in love?
What does it feel like?
These are questions that followed me for as long as I can remember. I used to ask them during quiet moments, during lunch breaks with friends, and especially when I saw love playing out around me — in couples, in families, and in the little moments between two people who choose each other every day.
Coffee addiction is real — and I’m not even mad about it.
For many of us, coffee is more than just a drink. It’s a daily ritual, a source of energy, and a comforting companion during early mornings and long nights. Whether you're a casual sipper or someone who can't function without your daily cup (or three), you'll probably relate to my story.
Personally, I can’t go a day without coffee. At this point, it’s part of who I am.
If you’re planning a trip to Korea and looking for a peaceful, scenic escape just outside of Seoul, Nami Island (Namiseom) should definitely be on your list. When I visited the island with my friends, I completely fell in love with its picturesque tree-lined paths, charming cafés, and the romantic atmosphere made famous by the K-drama Winter Sonata. 🌸🍁❄️
The other day, one of our suppliers from the U.S. asked me a simple question: "What Filipino food should I try?"
I paused—and surprisingly, I couldn’t answer right away.
For someone who is a Filipino, you’d think I’d have an answer at the tip of my tongue. But I froze. I thought of Adobo, of course—it's practically our national dish—but then I remembered that Adobo also exists in Mexico. He pointed that out too, and I had to explain that since the Philippines was colonized by Spain, much of our food is influenced by South American and Spanish flavors.
After conquering Mt. Pico de Loro, treat yourself to a hearty and delicious meal! A popular stopover for hikers and road trippers is Mahogany Market in Tagaytay, famous for its bulalo and crispy tawilis.
I recently shared a blog on how to get to Marinduque
— but what about getting out?
Well, good news: getting out is a piece of cake. That’s because there’s only one main exit point — Balanacan Port.
🗿 A Quick Word About Balanacan Port
Outside the port, there’s a statue re-enacting the beheading of Longinus — a unique and powerful image that marks your departure.
Let me tell you why I truly love SM Aura in Taguig. Spoiler alert: it’s not because of the fancy supermarket or the high-end shops — they’re honestly a bit too pricey for my taste.
What makes me come back to SM Aura again and again are the thoughtful, community-centered features that most malls overlook. Let me walk you through the little things that make a huge difference.
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| “Conquer the Parrot’s Beak – One Step at a Time” |
There’s something wildly satisfying about standing on a
summit, hair whipped by the wind, sweat on your brow, and a 360-degree view of
the sea and sky in front of you. That’s exactly what Pico de Loro gave me — and
you don’t need to be a pro mountaineer to experience it. With a bit of prep and
a lot of heart, you can do this hike on your own, even as a weekend warrior.
Planning to conquer the famous Mt. Pico de Loro in
Cavite? Whether you're commuting or driving, here’s a clear and updated guide
on how to reach the jump-off point from Metro Manila:
🚌 By Public Transport
(Commuters)
Running errands has never been easier, thanks to the Government Offices located at the 9th floor of SM Aura Tower, right at the intersection of McKinley Parkway and 26th Street in BGC.
Whether you're a resident or a business owner, you can take care of essential documentation — all under one roof.
Here’s a handy guide to what services are available and how to reach each office:
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| View of Anawangin Island from Capones Island |
🌴Nature Escape with No Signal, Just Serenity"
Anawangin is my go-to spot when I need a digital detox. Picture this: a white sand beach made of volcanic ash, surrounded by pine trees, with no Wi-Fi and no stress. Just tents, stars, the sound of waves — and a series of hidden coves waiting to be explored by boat.
📍 Where Is Anawangin Cove?
Anawangin is part of San Antonio, Zambales, just 4–5 hours from Metro Manila. It’s only accessible by boat or by trekking — and that’s part of the charm.
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| Mount Pinatubo's Crater |
🚍 How to Get to Anawangin (DIY Style)
Step 1: Bus from Manila to San Antonio, Zambales
- From Pasay or Cubao, ride a Victory Liner bus to Iba or Santa Cruz, Zambales
- Get
off at San Antonio town proper
⏱️ Travel time: 4–5 hours
💸 Fare: ₱350–₱400
Step 2: San Antonio to Pundaquit
- Ride a tricycle (₱50–₱100) to Pundaquit Beach, the jump-off point for island hopping
- Buy supplies in San Antonio market before heading to the beach (there are limited stores on the islands)
Step 3: Boat to Anawangin Cove
- At
Pundaquit, rent a boat to Anawangin or for island hopping
💸 Boat Rates (good for 4–6 pax): - Anawangin only: ₱1,200–₱1,500
- Island hopping: ₱2,000–₱2,500 (includes Capones, Talisayen, Nagsasa)
🎒 Tip: Solo traveler? Ask other groups if you can join their boat to split costs!
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| Remnant of the 1991 Volcanic Eruption |
🏕️ Where to Stay in
Anawangin
This is camping country! No hotels, just beach camps.
⛺ Camping Options:
- Bring your own tent or rent on-site (₱300–₱500 per night)
- Entrance fee to Anawangin: ₱100–₱150
- Campsites usually offer:
- CR/shower access
- Small sari-sari stores
- Grilling areas
- Bonfire spots
🔦 No electricity at night — bring power banks, flashlights, and extra water.
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| Shore of Capones Island |
🗺️ Island Hopping Spots (DIY Tour)
🏕️ Anawangin Cove
- Unique pine trees by the beach
- Great for sunrise walks, chill dips, stargazing
- Go trekking up the viewpoint for IG-worthy shots
🏝️ Nagsasa Cove
- Quieter and more remote than Anawangin
- Perfect for peaceful swimming and kayaking
🏖️ Talisayen Cove
- More serene, fewer tourists
- Great for couples or solo travelers looking to write, paint, or reflect
🌄 Capones Island
- Famous for its lighthouse and rocky shores
- Perfect for photo ops and short hikes
- No overnight stays, just a day visit
🍳 Food & Essentials (DIY Hacks)
- Bring your own food and water (cheaper and safer)
- Or buy fresh fish/ingredients at San Antonio Market before heading to Pundaquit
- Some camps offer cooking services (₱100–₱200) or meals for ₱150–₱200
- Bring snacks, rice, canned goods, and drinking water
🧭 Suggested Overnight Itinerary
Day 1
- Early morning bus to Zambales
- Buy supplies in San Antonio
- Head to Pundaquit & ride boat to Anawangin
- Set up camp
- Swim, trek to viewpoint, chill
- Bonfire & stargazing
Day 2
- Sunrise walk
- Island hopping to Capones, Nagsasa, Talisayen
- Head back to Pundaquit by noon
- Late lunch in San Antonio or Olongapo
- Travel back to Manila
📌 What to Bring for DIY Anawangin Camping
- 🏕️ Tent, sleeping bag/mat
- 🍱 Portable stove, utensils, cooler, food
- 💡 Flashlight/headlamp, power banks
- 🧼 Towel, toiletries, tissue, alcohol
- 🧴 Sunscreen, insect repellent
- 🧢 Hat, shades, extra clothes
- 🛟 Dry bag & waterproof phone case
- 🧻 Eco-friendly trash bags (Leave No Trace!)
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| Dolphins Show at Ocean Adventure |
💬Anawangin isn’t about luxury — it’s about disconnecting to reconnect. It’s where I go when I need to remember that the best moments are the simple ones: watching the waves roll in, cooking over a fire, sleeping under pine trees.
🌊 If you’re craving something raw, real, and refreshing—this is your sign. DIY your escape to Anawangin.
Growing up in Marinduque, I always felt a special connection with Quezon Province — it’s practically a sister province, serving as the main gateway from Manila to my hometown via the port. Back in high school, my knowledge of Quezon and Mindoro came mostly from radio broadcasts. While Manila was familiar territory to many, as a country girl, my heart was drawn to these quieter provinces. I’ve only been to Manila once as a child, so I barely remember it, which made the call of the provinces even stronger.
Think you know the world? Think again. From countries with square flags to places where unicorns are real (sort of), these jaw-dropping facts will change how you see the globe. Whether you're a trivia lover, a geography geek, or just here for the bizarre and delightful, there's something in this list for everyone.
Whether you're a jet-setter, armchair adventurer, or trivia junkie, these travel facts will surprise, delight, and maybe even inspire your next trip. From time zones to cruise ships, here's the ultimate collection of weird, wonderful, and wow-worthy facts about travel and the world.
🚘By Car / Motorcycle / Taxi
- Address: SM Aura Tower, McKinley Parkway corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
- Landmarks Nearby: Brittany Hotel, Market! Market!, Serendra
- Parking: Paid parking available at SM Aura Premier. For government transactions, park near the Brittany Hotel for closer access to the business tower lobby.
🚍By Public Transport (Jeep/Bus)
- From EDSA/MRT Ayala:
- Take a BGC Bus (West Route) from Ayala Terminal.
- Get off at Market! Market! or SM Aura stop.
- Walk towards the SM Aura Tower, right beside the mall and Brittany Hotel.
- From Guadalupe (Jeep):
- Ride a jeepney to Market! Market!
- Alight at Market! Market! then walk 5-10 minutes to SM Aura.
- From Taguig / Pasig / C5 Areas:
- Ride a bus or jeep bound for Market! Market! or BGC
- Walk towards McKinley Parkway and enter via the business lobby near Brittany Hotel.
🚲By Bike / E-Bike
- Free bike and e-bike parking available beside Brittany Hotel entrance.
- Don’t forget your valid ID — you’ll be issued a numbered tag.
🏢How to Enter the SM Aura Business Building
- Use the Brittany Hotel entrance side of SM Aura.
- Look for signage leading to "Government Service Express Center".
- Proceed to the elevator to 9th floor.
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For now, sailing remains the primary option, as no commercial airlines currently operate in Marinduque.
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