Ilocos Sur is a province where the past lives on through cobblestone streets, ancestral homes, and centuries-old traditions. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture seeker, or simply someone who loves scenic landscapes, this northern gem offers a well-rounded experience. From strolling down the iconic Calle Crisologo in Vigan to witnessing the craftsmanship behind Abel Iloko textiles and hand-molded pottery, each stop is a glimpse into the soul of Ilocano heritage.
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So I ditched the spreadsheets and joined a group tour instead — and spoiler alert: it was one of the best travel decisions I’ve made.
🏕️ Anawangin & Capones Islands: My First Camping Trip, Real Talk & Tips
When I first visited Anawangin and Capones Islands, I joined a group of mountaineers my work friend knew. I was young, open to adventure, and didn’t think twice—even after being told there would be no phone signal, electricity, or proper toilets. That didn’t bother me at all. I grew up with none of those luxuries, and I could live without them again. The bonus? We had a car—so transporting all our camping gear wasn’t a problem.
Kalibo isn’t just a gateway to Boracay — it’s a hidden foodie town with delicious surprises at every corner. From street-side inasal stalls to cafés with freshly brewed native coffee, there’s always something good simmering nearby.
When I first visited Kalibo, I honestly thought it was just a stopover. But one stroll near the plaza changed my mind — the smell of grilled pork, the sight of pancit steaming from a karinderya, the sound of someone slicing ripe mangoes for halo-halo. I knew I had to stay and eat. (Spoiler alert: I ate too much. No regrets.)
I had no idea that Brunei wasn’t exactly a popular destination. Not because it lacks beauty — it’s clean, peaceful, and quite regal — but because it’s not very tourist-friendly in terms of transportation and accessibility.
🌄 A Quick Guide to Getting Around Sagada
If you're headed to Sagada in Mountain Province, one of the Philippines' most scenic highland towns, you might be wondering—how do I get around once I’m there?
The good news? Sagada may be small and walkable, but it still requires a bit of planning when it comes to transportation, especially if you're visiting major spots like Bomod-ok Falls, Sumaguing Cave, and Marlboro Hills.
🥢 Where to Eat in Brunei: From Hawker Centres to Fine Dining
If you're visiting Brunei and wondering where to eat, you'll be surprised by the variety! From street food and hawker stalls to stylish international restaurants and cozy cafés, Brunei offers something for every kind of foodie. Although I only managed to try a few during my short visit—a local hawker centre, a casual Asian restaurant, and a homey café—I gathered this list to help you explore the local food scene better than I did!
Planning a trip to Brunei? Don’t forget to check their public holidays and national events! While they do celebrate Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year like other countries, Brunei also honors unique Islamic and national observances that can greatly affect your travel plans.
📍 Welcome to Brunei-Muara
Brunei has only four districts: Belait (largest), Tutong, Temburong, and Brunei-Muara (smallest but mightiest). I only visited Brunei-Muara, but don’t be fooled by its size—this is where Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city, is located. It’s the heart of commerce, culture, and politics. 🌆🇧🇳
🌄 Ngong Ping 360: Top Attractions in Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Lantau Island is the largest of Hong Kong’s islands — almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. Located just 10km west of Central and stretching 25km in length, it’s home to dramatic peaks, lush greenery, and spiritual retreats. One day is not enough to see it all, but a visit to Ngong Ping 360 gives you a taste of its rich natural and cultural offerings.
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🇵🇭 The Heartbeat of Filipino Culture
As a Filipino, I’ve grown up with a deep love for celebrations. If there’s one thing we know how to do, it’s how to throw a party—and fiestas are the ultimate proof of that!
Whether you’re dancing in the streets of Bacolod or feasting in a sleepy town’s barangay, fiestas are woven into our national identity. They’re colorful, musical, spiritual, and undeniably joyful.
🏖️ My First Time at Laiya — Why I Fell in Love with La Luz
Laiya in San Juan, Batangas has long been one of my favorite beach getaways—especially back when spontaneous weekend trips didn’t break the bank. Its fine white sand (made of crushed shells) makes the shoreline feel soft under your feet, though the water gets rocky and dips unexpectedly.
When we were planning our Ocean Park day, we knew one thing: we needed a hotel that was affordable, close to the park, and convenient enough for our packed itinerary. After hours of comparing options online, we finally booked L’Hotel Island South (now called Nina Hotel Island South)—tucked in Wong Chuk Hang, just minutes away from Ocean Park and the iconic Jumbo Floating Restaurant.
There’s something about the beach that makes me feel at peace — the kind that heals the soul and calms the mind. And that’s exactly what Laiya in Batangas does for me. It’s my “home away from home,” a place I return to when you need to reset, unwind, or just bask in the simplicity of sun, sand, and sea.
🚲 The E-Bike Boom in Metro Manila
Due to the pandemic and limited public transport, many commuters like me started looking for alternatives. Depending on your budget, options range from bicycles and scooters to electric bikes (e-bikes).
  Left: The line on our way back to the lower terminus | Right: Us with the Klook tour guide |
📍 Hong Kong Travel Tip | Personal Experience
When I was creating our Hong Kong itinerary, I stumbled upon this online ticketing site called Klook.com. At first, I was skeptical — like most people, I’ve heard horror stories about fake deals and shady travel vouchers. But their prices were just too good to ignore, especially for some of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions.
✨ A New Chapter for a Classic City
If you think you’ve seen Hong Kong, think again. In 2025, the city has taken its iconic energy and turned the volume way up—from reinvented theme park zones and futuristic museums to foodie hotspots that are trending on every travel reel.
✨ Maximize the Magic, One Day at a Time ✨
🏰 Your One-Day Magical Plan Starts Here
When I was planning our Hong Kong trip, I knew one thing for sure—we had to make time for Disneyland, even if we only had one full day. I read countless blogs, compared show schedules, and even mapped out the rides just to make sure we could experience as much of the magic as possible without feeling rushed.
For some time now, I’ve been on hiatus from writing and traveling — two of the things I love the most. Not being able to travel, even just once a year, makes me incredibly sad. Since I don’t travel as often as I used to, I find myself reminiscing about my past adventures, hoping and praying that I’ll be able to travel again soon.
Ever felt like the default Blogger labels just don't match your blog's vibe? 😅 I’ve been there too. When I first started customizing my Blogger layout, the Labels widget was one of the trickiest things to style. It looked too plain, and I wanted something more colorful, modern, and me. 🎨
"One Travel Habit You Should Know in Each Country"
As someone who loves getting lost in the winding streets of a foreign city or sharing stories with a stranger in a hawker stall, I've come to realize something: travel isn’t just about seeing places — it’s about respecting people. And respecting people often starts with understanding their culture.
💌 A Quick Note from Me Before You Go...
When I first traveled to South Korea, I didn’t realize how dynamic and fast-changing the entry rules and tourism landscape could be. If you are planning on travelling to South Korea, here's how to be prepared and inspired.
Traveling isn’t just about ticking places off a list — it’s about learning, connecting, and respecting the world around us. Whether you're navigating a night market in Thailand, attending a tea ceremony in Japan, or trying not to offend anyone with hand gestures in Italy, a little cultural awareness goes a long way.
✨ Why I Used Klook for Almost Everything in Hong Kong
When I found out that Klook was a legit ticketing site (with real discounts and skip-the-line benefits), I didn’t hesitate. I booked almost all our Hong Kong tickets there—Peak Tram Combo, Airport Express, and more. It made planning super convenient and, most importantly, cheaper.
✨ A Personal Way to Reconnect — One Church at a Time
Just in case you're in Cebu during Holy Week or planning to visit, and you're interested in doing Visita Iglesia, here’s a curated route based on the churches we visited during our trip to Simala.
🚉 Getting to Ocean Park Hong Kong is Now Easier Than Ever!
Gone are the days when we had to take a bus or haggle with a taxi just to get to Ocean Park. On our first visit, it felt like such a hassle—especially if you’re unfamiliar with Hong Kong’s bus system or short on time. But this time? It was a breeze!
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