YEAR-END SPECIAL: 8 Travel Resolutions You Should Consider this New Year

Batanes

New Year's resolutions usually represent changes that we want to make in the coming year. To some, it's losing weight, quitting a bad habit, trying out a new sport, saving money, or even shifting to a new career. For travelers like me or for someone who just love to travel, making a list of travel resolutions are to take steps that will lead to an adventurous and memorable trips. Isn't exciting? Here's a list of what we could work for this new year.

TRAVEL GUIDE: Dipolog and Dapitan - Things To Do, Tourist Spots and Attractions, How To Get There, Where To Stay, Where To Eat, Itinerary, Expenses and Contact Persons (Zamboanga del Norte)

Relief Map of Mindanao in Dapitan City

Dipolog and Dapitan in the province of Zamboanga del Norte offer historical sights, beaches, islands and other man-made and natural wonders. There are a lot of tourist spots and attractions to enjoy and activities to do in Dipolog and Dapitan. This travel guide will provide you with basic information on how to get there, things to do, where to stay, where to eat, suggested itinerary, estimated budget and contact persons that will help you plan your visit.

DIPOLOG TOURIST SPOTS: The Century-old Dipolog City Cathedral (Zamboanga del Norte)

Dipolog Cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. Located along Padre Ramon St., it was built by the Spanish friars sometime in 1894. The current church is a mix of both modern, and old architectures. The facade is made of yellowish cream brick stones which I think was added in recent decades. It is dominated by a huge arch leading to the church's main door and a central belfry above the massive structure.

THINGS TO DO IN DAPITAN: Historical Walking Tour in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Walking tours are my favorite introduction to a city. It's a great way to discover the place I'm visiting, see its sights, learn about its history, architecture and to meet people. After visiting Dakak Beach Resort and Rizal Shrine, I went back to Dapitan City center to walk around and do a walking tour. Dapitan City is declared a "Heritage Zone" in May 24, 2011 through the National Historical Commission of the Philippines' Resolution No. 03, s. 2011 in commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

EAT-tinerary: Montaño Spanish Style Sardines, the Best Pasalubong from Dipolog City

When it comes to food, the City of Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte is known for its Spanish Style Sardines. It is one of the things that travelers and tourists visiting the city are looking forward to bring home as pasalubong. It is one of their thriving industries which is evident in the many bottled Spanish sardines producers that can be found in the city. One of the most popular is Montaño's Spanish Style Sardines, "the home of the Best Spanish Sardines in Dipolog City".

Philippine International Balloon Festival (PIBF) 2014 on April 10 to 13, 2014 in Lubao Pampanga (UPDATED)

Last November 28, 2013, I posted a news about the cancellation of the annual Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHBF) for 2014. It came to me as a surprise considering that the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is one of the most awaited festivals in the Philippines. But wait, there's a piece of good news that came to me just now. As an answer to the public's clamor for an aviation event, the Department on Tourism announced that they are spearheading a new hot air balloon festival called "The Philippine Friendship Balloon Festival 2014".

Traveling in Comfort with Isarog Bus Lines' Sleeper Bus

I've been to Legapi City for 4 times already. On all of those trips, I flew in via Legazpi and flew out from the same airport or via Naga City. This time, I wanted to try something new. I flew in via Legazpi City airport, and traveled by bus on my way home. I wasn't really sure if I could endure the 12-hour land travel, but I have to give it a try. I am not into long bus rides as I have this congenital back problem called "sacralization of the L5 on S1" which makes me prone to back pains if I am seated for such a long time. Good thing the bus we took on our way back to Manila is a sleeper bus.

YEAR-END SPECIAL: "Don't just Dream of Getting to your Dream Destinations, MAKE IT HAPPEN!"

Eleven months ago, on January 17, 2013, I wrote an article entitled "Things I Want to Accomplish on my 5th Year of Traveling around the Philippines". It accounts all the things I want to achieve this 2013. Barely 5 months after I quit working professionally as a computer programmer, it was the time that I am still uncertain and unprepared for what to expect this year. But I pushed through with being a full-time travel blogger and dared to do what I love most - "to TRAVEL".

WHERE TO EAT IN LEGAZPI CITY: Jasmine Restaurant at The Oriental Hotel Legazpi

The Oriental Hotel Legazpi offers not just great accommodations, but also a superb dining experience with their in-house restaurant - The Jasmine Restaurant. Located at the ground floor, the restaurant is known for their scrumptious home-grown favorites, as well as delectable international cuisines. The dining area is quite huge, it could actually sit up to 220 guests and also has 3 private rooms with a capacity of 20 persons each for private and exclusive dining. It is well lit and presents a very cozy and luxurious feel featuring modern fixtures and amenities.

Year in Review: Top Travel Trends for 2013 according to Skyscanner (Press Release)

Boracay Island

Skyscanner, the world’s fastest growing global travel search site releases its annual Travel Trends report revealing Asian countries are still popular travel destinations, with Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan making it to the top five outbound summer destinations for 2013. The Travel Trends list based on actual flight searches conducted on the travel website and its mobile apps this year revealed that the top ten outbound destinations visited by Filipinos in 2013 were Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Canada.

WHERE TO EAT: Restaurants in Baguio City (PART 1)

Baguio City is a top tourist destination in the Philippines because of its all year-round cool and temperate weather. Its accessibility from Metro Manila, makes it a favorite among local and foreign tourists seeking for a quick getaway. Aside from Baguio's endless tourist spots and attractions, it is also a foodies' haven, with its numerous restaurants, cafes and dining places offering wide array of food options featuring the city's freshest produce of fruits and vegetables that will surely stimulate your taste buds. So if you're looking for good places to dine, where to eat and what to eat, check out this list of restaurants in Baguio that I have personally tried.

Holiday Picks: Be the Best Gift-giver this Christmas, Give your Friends and Loved Ones a "My Philippines Lifestyle" Apparel!

Ho ho ho!!! It's few days to go before Christmas, a season of giving and receiving gifts. Have you bought your Christmas gifts for your friends and loved ones? Not yet? Oh, you better hurry up! Everyone's hitting the shops searching for the perfect gifts and presents this Christmas. Why not give them something they could wear and be proud as a Filipino? Check out My Philippines Lifestyle apparels, I'm sure they will be very happy to wear one.

WHERE TO STAY IN LEGAZPI CITY: Tyche Boutique Hotel, "The First and Only Boutique Hotel in Bicol Region"

Tyche Boutique Hotel's Superior Room

Tyche Boutique Hotel in Legazpi City, Albay is located right in the middle of the city's downtown area. It is the very first and only boutique hotel in the entire Bicol Region. Situated in the heart of cosmopolitan Legazpi, it is only a few minutes away from Legazpi City Airport and other business and entertainment centers. Food chains, Internet shops, shopping centers and other business and commercial establishments are just a few meters away. If you plan to roam around the city, public transportation is readily available just outside the hotel.

New KakaoTalk Features make Location Sharing and Events Planning Easier!

Sometimes when I'm on long bus ride during my travels, when friends ask me where I am, I cannot give them my exact location. It usually happens when I'm traveling at night or when it's my first time to take that road. What I usually do is check my Google map to see where I am. Describing and telling a friend you're exact location can be especially difficult. Good thing that KakaoTalk, the No.1 Social Networking App in the iOS App Store, now offers a Location Sharing feature, which reduces the hassle of giving my accurate updates on my current location.

DAPITAN TOURIST SPOTS: Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

Who haven't heard about Dapitan? Almost every Filipino knows that Dapitan played a significant part in our history as this is the place where our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled during the Spanish rule in the Philippines. But not everyone knows where Dapitan is. It's actually located in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. That's why during this trip, I made sure that I visit this place after my day tour in the luxurious Dakak Beach Resort. From the resort, I took a habal-habal to Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City to have a piece of history and to know the place where Rizal spent four years of fruitful exile before he was executed in Bagumbayan.

TRAVEL TIP: How to Get to Banaue from Manila

Banaue is one of the major tourist destinations in Ifugao province. It is the main jump-off point for various tourist spots and attractions in Ifugao and Mountain Province. Travel time from Manila to Banaue is about 8 to 9 hours via North Luzon Expressway, then passing through the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya. Most of the buses leave at night, bus fare is around 450 to 500 pesos, depending on which bus company you're taking. How to get to Banaue? It is very easy, here are your options.

Negros Oriental - Wellness Massage at Islands Touch Chic Spa in Dumaguete City

On our 2nd night in Islands Leisure Boutique Hotel and Wellness Spa in Dumaguete City, we were treated with a very relaxing one-hour massage at their wellness spa. Located near the hotel's pool, Islands Touch Chic Spa is designed for guests and visitors seeking for ultimate relaxation, wellness and rejuvenation experience. Inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies, they offer treatments that are based on the principles of restoring balance and harmony to mind and body.

Pinoy Adventurista's 2013 Christmas Wishlist

Christmas is in the air! I could already feel and smell the Christmas breeze. Oh well, I have a few items on my wish list for 2013. It's actually pegged on what I want to do in 2014, which is to get fit and do more outdoor activities (I also wish I could do it! Hahaha). I really do not mind if I get them or not, but who knows, my friends and family (including readers! hahaha) might be able to see this and surprise me with the gifts! *grins* Anyway, here's a travel blogger's Christmas wish list for 2013!

TRAVEL TIP: How to get to Baguio City from Manila and Vice Versa by Bus and by Private Car

Commuting from Manila to Baguio and vice versa is very convenient; thanks to the excellent service of Victory Liner and Genesis Bus companies. Victory Liner buses bound for Baguio can be found at their bus terminals located in Pasay (EDSA), Cubao (Quezon City), or Monumento (Caloocan). While Genesis Bus Terminals can be found in Cubao (EDSA cor. New York Street) and Avenida (Doroteo Jose cor. Oroquieta St.). If coming from Baguio, Victory Liner Bus Terminal and Genesis Bus Terminal is easy to find as they are just within walking distance from SM City Baguio.

Budget Holiday Tips

Something that we all look forward to is going on a holiday, and what better way to do this than by a package holiday. Going for cheap package holidays means being practical. An exciting destination does not mean an expensive one.

BACOLOD HOTELS: Cheap Lodges, Rooms, Homestay, Pension Houses, Hotels and Resorts

This accommodation travel guide provides with useful information, reviews, and recommendations on Hotels, Cheap Lodges, Inns, Rooms, Hostels, Lodges, and Pension Houses in Bacolod City. Soon, this will also be updated with more accommodation options in Bacolod such as Resorts, Homestays, Transient Houses, and more!

Bacolod City has a wide array of affordable and high quality hotels, guest/pension houses and inns for you to stay in. Be it a high-end hotel, a mid-range pension house or a backpacker's inn, you'll definitely find one that will suit your budget and specific needs. So if you're looking for where to stay in Bacolod City, check out these accommodation options that I've personally tried.

RESORTS IN DAPITAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE: Dakak Beach Resort

I woke up early on my first day in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. Today, I'll be visiting one of my chilhood dream destinations - Dakak Beach Resort in Dapitan City! Yes, I am one of those "batang 90's" who grew up seeing that commercial of the resort in Eat Bulaga. Hahaha! Do you know that commercial too? Did you ever dream of going to Dakak when you were younger? Umamin na kayo! Hahahaha!

TUGUEGARAO ACCOMMODATION: Cheap Lodges, Rooms, Homestay, Pension Houses, Hotels and Resorts

Looking for cheap budget hotels in Tuguegarao City?

As Cagayan province's capital, Tuguegarao is the best place to taste the local delicacies and experience the city life. It is the most convenient point of entry to Cagayan's tourist spots and attractions. The progressive city of Tuguegarao has a lot of accommodation options to offer. Be it a high-end hotel, a mid-range pension house or a backpacker's hostel, you'll definitely find one that suits your budget. For tourists and travelers, there are many hotels, inns, hostels, pension houses in Tuguegarao that will fit your specific needs. So if you're looking for where to stay in Tuguegarao City, check out these accommodation options that I've personally tried.

DUMAGUETE CITY ACCOMMODATION: Cheap Lodges, Rooms, Homestay, Pension Houses, Hotels and Resorts in Dumaguete City

UPDATED: December 2017

This accommodation travel guide provides useful information, reviews, and recommendations on Hotels and Resorts, Cheap Lodges, Inns, Rooms, and Lodges in Dumaguete City. Soon, this will also be updated with more accommodation options in Dumaguete such as Homestays, Pension Houses, Hostels, and Transient Houses.

The bustling city of Dumaguete has a lot of accommodation options to offer. Be it a high-end resort, a mid-range hotel or a backpacker's hostel, you'll definitely find one that suits your needs. For tourists and travelers, there is a wide array of hotels, inns, hostels, pension houses in Dumaguete City that will fit everyone's budget. So if you're looking for where to stay in Dumaguete City, check out these accommodation options that I've personally tried.

Zamboanga Sibugay - The day I met Saudi Ahmad, one of "Mindanao's Greatest Living Painters"

On the 2nd of my 4-day Zamboanga Peninsula trip, Doc Wends, my host in Pagadian City told me we're going to Zamboanga Sibugay to visit a painter named Saudi Ahmad. I was asking myself, "Who is Saudi Ahmad? I am really clueless as to who he is. So, from Pagadian City, we took a bus bound for Zamboanga City and arrived in the town of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay 3 hours later. From the bus terminal of Kabasalan, we took a "padyak" and told the driver to bring us to the house of Saudi Ahmad.

TRAVEL GUIDE: 10 THINGS TO DO IN PAGADIAN (Tourist Spots, Attractions and Things To Do and Experience)

Pagadian City is a chartered city located in the province of Zamboanga del Sur and the regional center of Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) as well. It is the kind of place where you can enjoy a wonderful blend of urban development and countryside life. In Pagadian, there are business establishments you'll normally see in a bustling city, as well as nature spots where you could relax and unwind. You can find many places and do many things in Pagadian City. Here's a list of some of Pagadian City's tourist spots, attractions and things to do and to experience in the city.

Legazpi City - Relaxation goes further with a Relaxing Massage at the Oriental Spa in The Oriental Hotel Legazpi

As part of our overnight stay at The Oriental Hotel Legazpi, we were treated for a one hour massage at their Spa. Located at the hotel's basement, The Oriental Spa is the only first-class spa in Legazpi City. Designed for guests and visitors seeking for ultimate tranquility, wellness and rejuvenation experience, the Spa offers relaxing and quality massage with a high commitment to customer service from their professionally-trained therapists. This is indeed a perfect place to treat and pamper yourself to a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.