Summer (in the Philippines) is here and everyone is already excited to plan those much-anticipated vacations. Other than visiting the country’s breathtaking tropical islands, joining festivals is also one the country’s best highlights. So here are some of the local festivities to check out this season: Obando fertility rites May 17-19 | Obando, Bulacan Despite…

Now that it’s summer in the Philippines, everybody’s looking for a way to beat the heat. And apart from the exciting getaways and road trips, there’s this one treat everybody just can’t get enough of – the halo-halo. Halo-halo, in its English translation means mix-mix and rightly so. Others usually describe it as a fruit…

Gliding across the sea and passing by the picturesque St. Paul Mountain Range, its rolling terrain of lush forest and beautiful karst formations seem like a teaser to a movie as one journeys to the well-renowned Underground River (formerly known as the St. Paul Subterranean River) from the coastal town of Sabang. Excitement fills the…

It’s a wonder that the Philippines never runs out of interesting places to see. The profound natural resources and immaculate geographical beauty of this archipelagic island is home to a multitude of marine life and continue to gain popularity for having fantastic dive sites. Plunge deep into the wonders of the Philippine seas and be…

The Philippines has 7,107 islands, many yet undiscovered. When people say, nothing worth having comes easy, it holds true even with the best places on earth. So here are some off-the-beaten-path destinations for your next summer getaway that are worth seeing (and guaranteed to blow your mind): 1.  Biri Rock Formations Location: Northern Samar, Visayas…

The city of Makati is believed to be the busiest place in Metro Manila. However on weekends, the busy vibe of this city transforms into a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. And when in Makati, there are always new things to try. So here’s one! Every Saturday morning, everyone looks forward to one of the city’s…

CEBU, hailed as the Queen City of the South, is among the country’s most visited places. The main draw of this vibrant city is the harmonious co-existence of the vibrant urban lifestyle, and rich cultural heritage. However, Cebu isn’t just about the historic Magellan’s Cross or the lip-smacking lechon, but it is also a perfect…

Lush, towering pine trees and greens, an interesting culture, an abundance of flowers, fresh strawberries and delectable dishes – Baguio radiates a perfect blend of country and modern feel like no other and draws a large number of locals and tourists no matter what season the country is in. Aside from these, people come to…

His flexibility, artistic moves, and incredible stunts (rarely performed by other figure skaters) captivated the whole world. At age 17, he has just established his presence in the prestigious Olympic Games. Lone Filipino figure skater, Michael Christian Martinez, proudly represented the Philippines at the men’s figure skating at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia….

Scientific Name: Athyrium Esculentum Fiddlehead fern, locally called pako in the Philippines, is a vegetable fern. It is often listed among the several kinds of edible ferns mostly found in India, North America, China, Japan, Hawaii and Indonesia. Fiddlehead or furled fronds of young leaves are collected as vegetables and cultivated in a few countries….

Bright red lanterns, Chinese songs, lucky charms, lucky colors, assorted fruits and tikoy – these are just some of the elements that will give you a festive mood. The Chinese New Year, or as locals call it Lunar New Year, is usually celebrated on January 31. The festival usually starts with the new moon and…

for  two Filipinos – Koh and Franz, music is life; and they’ve found a brilliant way of sharing the passion for music through a bamboo. Yes, bamboo – grown and crafted by skilled Cebuano artisans. While taking a time off from their job, New York-based architect Franz Ignacio and Japanese-Filipino archaeologist Koh Onozawa were introduced…

Among the iconic elements that depict the rich culture and history of Manila are the ancient churches. These stunning creations dating back the early 16th century have become the country’s prominent treasures. One of the historical churches in Manila that exudes great beauty and architecture is located in Quiapo, Manila. The light blue-green basilica that…

THE holidays may be over but the excitement hasn’t died down, not for the Cebuanos. Just a few more days before the third Sunday of January, locals are already on their festive mood as they prepare for the country’s biggest and grandest festival in honor of the Santo Niño (The Holy Child Jesus) – the…

Policemen and other military personnel deployed throughout the streets of Manila are all set to ensure a safe and secure celebration. Medical teams and ambulance units are stationed in strategic areas within the procession route. And roads are closed to give way to the day-long march. Catholic pilgrims from all over the Philippines flock to…

Forget the resolutions list; instead, set intentions, commit, embrace the fullness of life and continue to grow into the person you want to be. Make 2014 brighter and better and welcome the New Year with a new outlook in life. Try something new. You have been meaning to learn Chinese. How exciting would it be…

It is definitely the most wonderful time of the year, especially when you’re spending it in the Philippines. This festive season is the longest and most-celebrated in the country with families and friends reuniting, sharing blessings and upholding traditions. The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the busiest and most exciting days of the holiday…

WHERE do you find the most celebrated Christmas spirit? Only in the Philippines! Christmas is the most awaited and lavish of all the Philippine holidays. The Southeast Asian country, whose prominent religion is Christianity, begins celebrating the Christmas season as early as September where towering ornamented trees, animated holiday lights and parols of different designs…

1. BIBINGKA is a popular delicacy in the Philippines that is composed of ground rice, sugar, coconut cream, placed in banana leaves and cooked in an oven. The rice cake is then topped with a spread of butter, shredded coconut meat, and muscovado or brown sugar before serving. A favorite holiday food, bibingka is traditionally…

Typhoon Haiyan, the world’s strongest typhoon ever recorded, lashed the Philippines and has caused massive destruction and a large number of fatalities. It has wiped out towns, destroyed homes, infrastructures and roads leaving thousands homeless and wounded. Survivors now face the aftermath of the typhoon’s wrath as they struggle to hold on for their own lives….

IN 1999, Vigan was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recently was hailed as one of the finalists of the New 7 Wonders Cities. Vigan, one of the country’s 16th century Spanish colonial villages, is a living museum of the country’s long and vibrant past. Renowned for its establishments that depict one-of-a-kind combination…

Undas, the Philippines’ celebration of All Saints’ and Souls’ Day, has become a significant part of the Philippine culture. And from preparations to practice, Filipinos have a unique way of spending this religious holiday like no other. Located in the area of Dimasalang, Sampaloc is Bulaklakan ng Maynila or popularly called Dangwa, a flower market…

THE vibrant past of the Philippines is among the many great things it is known for. As one of the most-visited destinations, it is home to a great number of historical attractions—from native houses and colonial establishments to former battlegrounds. Along with all these, one of the riches that Filipinos are genuinely proud of is…

VISITING different places have helped individuals expand their world. Getting away from the usual daily setting can be a good way to end a rough week and a great start for the new week ahead. Traveling has become a lifestyle for most people—both young and old. And in our culture, it is something we, Filipinos,…