San Guillermo Church, Bacolor, Pampanga

There are days when I really feel the urge to connect: to my roots and my religion. And there's nothing more calming than praying inside a Church where its peaceful and quiet so I go places whenever I have the chance.

Bahay Na Bato, Luna, La Union

"Bahay na Bato" (Stone House), a house made of stone is located in Luna, La Union. Ate Jean, our former dorm mate in Ortigas who now lives again in La Union thought we might enjoy the place, especially me given my line of work. With elements of major stone and wood art + beach scenery. I hope you guys appreciate it as much as we have.

Having personally experienced extreme heat emitted from the sun, the stones and the pebbles in the summer, I'm very confident to suggest it as a tourist destination even during the rainy season. Why? Because its shore is basically made up of pebbles. Therefore, they balance the temperature in the area as the stones and pebbles emit stored heat to combat the cold air brought about by the season.

Fun Baler Itinerary: Jampacked 2D1N Stay!

Let the surfing frenzy begin! It's true what they say, you can't brag that you've been to Baler unless you've danced with the waves! If you don't already know, the best time to surf is before or after every storm when the winds and current are strong.

Cagsawa Ruins and Patio De Cagsawa, Daraga, Albay

Once a glorious church peacefully overlooking the beautiful Mayon Volcano was a Franciscan church built in 1724, now widely known as Cagsawa Ruins.

All You Need To Know About Trekking Mount Pinatubo

For the first time in my 20+++ years of existence, I and my friends finally dared to sweep the infamous "Pinatubo Trek" off our bucket lists. I believe we discussed it months before we finally decided to get through with it December last year, 2013 on the 7th to be specific.

Barcelona Church and the Ruins of Presidencia Building, Sorsogon

Barcelona Church. As the Spaniards found its panoramic view of the coastal area similar to their hometown, they named the place Barcelona as in Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. It took us about 10-15 minutes travel time from Gubat beach to Barcelona Church.

Exploring Sorsogon

I never actually knew a place called Gubat my whole life, 'found it funny the first time. To pronounce correctly the word Gubat here, you'd have to stress it with the second syllable "Gu-Bat". It is part of Sorsogon, Bicolandia found in the South-eastern part of Luzon along the coast of the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Dambana ng Kagitingan (Mount Samat Shrine), Pilar, Bataan

I didn't quite know how to go about with this post at first. My thoughts when I was taking photos: appreciate art, nature, the good weather, most especially the moment and stepping my foot on an icon of history where I became more proud being a Filipino. And so it came to me, history as it is, shall be shared to repeatedly pay respect and be proud of the heroes that sacrificed their lives in order to free us from Imperial Japanese invasion in the 1945 Battle of Bataan.

Guys, I'm eternally proud to present to you our Shrine of Valor, more commonly known as "Dambana ng Kagitingan" or could also be referred to as "Mount Samat Shrine" to locals.

Historic Camalig Restaurant, Angeles City

This year's valentines was a wee bit cold but memorable nonetheless. I believe I spent more than two valentine dates here during high school, college and now as a working professional. A place I'm fond of visiting over and over again 'cause of it's laid back and historical atmosphere. "Historic Camalig Restaurant" It speaks for itself.

Chinese New Year in Binondo

Still a Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone! I'd like to share this moment while it's still fresh. I really had a blast on Chinese New Year, spending 9 full hours in Binondo's famous streets, worship temples/churches, shops and food spots. It was my first time to experience "Chinese Style" new year in this place. It was quite a sight at every corner.

I've only seen these in movies and photos my whole life, now I got to see them live with my own two eyes with firecrackers here and there.

Fun Couple Moments at Shiphaus, Bohol

Fresh from the Chocolate Hills, we now pay one of Bohol's uniquely themed house, Shiphaus. It's been added to travel itineraries of tour packages in the island and have also been featured in local and nationwide TV shows before.It also accepts lodging for tourists at very competitive prices.

Shiphaus from accross the street

The Ultimate Time Travel at Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar

For my year-end post, it definitely has to be the grandest and the best place I'll saunter with you all this year: Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar. A massive monumental display of 27 (and counting) Spanish Colonial palacios salvaged from all over the Philippines then rebuilt in exactly the same fashion, with the exact original pieces of every mansion you'll witness within the next few minutes.

Truly, this is a day to remember. For this was the day I walked on homes, mansions, buildings, whatever you'd like to call them, that paved history of my country as well, some of these were once inhabited by Teodora Alonzo, our national hero's mother and even former president Manuel Quezon himself graced presence within the walls of one of these Casas.

La Bella Teodoro: Italian Restaurant (Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar)

Just another feel-good afternoon, fresh from a historical morning tour at Las Casas. It was a bit of an exhausting tour, just because it was hot and humid plus my eyes wandered nonstop enjoying and savoring the views. Even after the tour ended, I was still so excited to be in Las Casas. 

There were two main restaurants offered in Las Casas: Spanish and Italian. Our taste buds craved to go Italian this trip, and so we chose La Bella Teodoro.

This was the rest of the restaurant, us being seated at the middle of this thoughtfully designed restaurant from ceiling to floor. Vintage items are also seen everywhere. My mind blasts away, so quaint this restaurant fits perfectly suits me!

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Welcome to the Chocolate Hills! 

Location: Bohol, Philippines!

Probably counting as many as 1,700+ hills, they rank as one of the original Seven Wonders of the Earth!  As a first timer, you might wonder how they got the name. Generally, they are covered in green grass, but during the dry season, the grass naturally dry up and turn brown, hence the name "Chocolate Hills" would be an obvious yummy name.

Baclayon Church, Bohol

It truly is an honor to step foot on one of the oldest Churches in the Philippines & in Asia Respectively. Baclayon is in fact, the second oldest stone Church in the country & the oldest Coral Stone Church in the region, being built in 1595 by Spanish Jesuits. In 19th century however, a group of Augustinian priests added additional stone structures that surrounded the building, and a modern facade. 

Sandugo a.k.a Blood Compact Shrine, Bohol Philippines

Nature has it's own way of teaching us lessons everyday. We may often take things for granted as we move about our present day, so I guess the recent tragedy that hit Bohol last month on October 15, 2013 was a major reminder that we should protect our National Treasures to keep them intact for generations to come. Just like how the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy have been stabilized and reinforced to prevent it from further fall down, to withstand time and possible unwanted natural calamities. 

I've not even started to publish any of the many places I've visited in my favorite Island during my blissful visit last February this same year, 2013. This is one of those times when I am ever so grateful that I have witnessed such beauty before mother nature took away some of my country's best kept heritage sites. :(

Experience Asian Buffet Dinner at ABC Hotel, Angeles City

Another get together night celebrating the Christmas season in 2012. This particular night, we chose to put on some casual clothes and dine in a lavish hotel at Angeles Beach Club Hotel, more commonly known as ABC Hotel for locals.

Note: Vari Asia isn't usually packed but you might want to make a reservation if you're planning to dine here on holidays, else you might end up frustrated. Be sure to have your second option if plan A doesn't work out. 

Caleruega Church, Nasugbu, Batangas

Finally! Romantics and soul searchers this one's for you! A candidate for the most favored wedding destination in the Philippines or simply one of the most sought-out pre-nuptial shoot location because of its refreshing beauty of commingled influences in Architecture. This multi-function complex also serves as a sanctuary for families and friends. Although it takes a bit of effort to reach its best kept secret at the top, it's all well worth the hike!

I know, this is not located anywhere in Tagaytay, but it pretty much is along the boundary between Tagaytay and Batangas and is in proximity to most of the places I've shown you in the previous series. 

Pink Sisters Monastery, Tagaytay City Blogseries 2 of 7

Indeed a blessed morning at Pink Sisters Monastery, a holy place visited by pilgrims and tourists each day worshiping our Lord God. Before heading off to a long day, we put God first in our itinerary, and this actually turned out to be one of my favorite mornings of the year. 

Abe's Farm: A Paradise in Magalang, Pampanga

It makes me happy and proud whenever I feature events and places from my very own state. And one my recent favorite restaurant in Pampanga is Abe's Farm.

Abe's Farm opened to the public in 2008 and has been a favorite of travelers and food enthusiasts since then. The thing I love most about this place is that it gives me a peaceful and tranquil feel - consistently anywhere I laid my eyes on this inland paradise. 

The Capampangan word "Abe" means companion or a friend in English. In Filipino culture, people would call you by how they know or recognize you. The farm is a tribute to Mr. Emilio Aguilar Cruz, father of Larry J. Cruz. In his time, Mr. Aguilar was called "Abe" by his friends, and so, this haven was named Abe's Farm or simply, Friend's Farm.