After catching a glimpse of the elusive Mount Fuji in Japan last year, my husband and I had no idea that within months we would be setting our sights on another peak: Mayon Volcano. I remembered our brief encounter with Mayon when, early in the new year, I read reports of heightened unrest including rockfalls...
Author: Sharon Robas-Macawile
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Wonder and wistfulness in Japan, including a glimpse of Mount Fuji
“In a few minutes, we will be starting our descent…The weather in Narita is clear, with a temperature of 15°C.” As first-timers in Japan, my husband and I were more than thrilled to hear that announcement on the plane. We were so looking forward to experience what other travelers have been raving about: Japan is...
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Even on a short visit, there’s much to appreciate in Negros Occidental
The province of Negros Occidental has been on our “must-visit” list for some time, so that when a commitment took us to neighboring Iloilo, we planned a side trip to what’s known as the “Sugar Bowl of the Philippines.” After about an hour’s ferry ride, we reached Bacolod, Negros Occidental’s capital city. We rested a...
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Taiwan the second time around
Back in 2005, I flew to Taiwan with my then boyfriend Joel for his dragon boat team’s competition. It was our first trip abroad together, but we didn’t get the chance to explore the country as our movements were limited to leaving our hotel for the race site and going back to it. Fast forward...
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Philippine paddlers win in Dragon Boat World Cup
YICHANG-XINGTAI, China—Dagun Pilipinas Dragon Boat Team reaped several awards in two separate races held recently in the cities of Yichang and Xingtai in celebration of China’s Dragon Boat Festival. The Philippine delegation won four bronze medals in the 200-meter mixed 10-seater and 8-seater, the women’s 10-seater, and the 2000-meter mixed 8-seater categories at the 2023...