Regret came with every step—at least in the beginning. Between the biting cold, the thin air, and the early, early morning darkness, the hike up Mount Pulag in Benguet was a shock to the system for those who, like me, do not usually climb mountains “for fun.” But, as it is with this kind of...
Category: Travel
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Dalipe River: Antique’s case for tourism without development
PANDAN, Antique—In a province known for its rugged coastlines and rising ecotourism spots, one inland destination continues to stand out by remaining largely untouched. Dalipe River in Barangay Guia in the municipality of Pandan offers a quiet alternative to the more frequented attractions in the area. Free from commercial development and large tourist crowds, it...
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Fukushima presents lessons for the whole world
FUKUSHIMA, Japan—Here, in the course of three weeks at the height of winter, I visited the area where the earthquake struck, the coast where the tsunami hit, the nuclear plant where the “accident” occurred, all in a prefecture that still grapples with the memory of a disaster that happened 15 years ago. For those of...
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Chasing Mount Mayon
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...
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In Sagada, there’s still a chance to avoid the madding crowd
SAGADA—Not only tourist testimonials but also stories in various media (like the films “Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising” and “That Thing Called Tadhana”) and even that eponymous song have drawn folks to this misty town in the mountains. Many have returned several times; others are so enamored by the place and its people that they now...
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Making memories in the heart of Shibuya
TOKYO—The Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu right above the Shibuya Mark City Mall that is connected to the Shibuya Station is near two of the district’s most iconic landmarks—the Hachiko Statue and the Shibuya Crossing. It was perfect for our three-day vacation in central Shibuya. My younger sister Kristine, who loves traveling to Japan which she calls...
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Deep in the mountains, giving thanks for the harvest
LUSOD, Kabayan, Benguet—On Nov. 12, my heart sank when I received word from Lilia Waclin that Supertyphoon “Uwan” had triggered landslides that wiped out not only the roads but also the crops. How different it was when I traveled to Lusod on Oct. 25. I heard the gongs long before I saw any of the...
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Planning a family trip? Let Melai show you how
BUSAN, South Korea — To inspire Filipino families to explore Korea’s coastal charm, what can be better than an autumn familiarization tour led by the popular Filipino TV personality Melai Cantiveros-Francisco? Melai and her family enjoyed the tour, titled “Family Fun in Korea” and hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization, on Oct. 15-19. It’s part of...
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Sensing Hong Kong: Some art and culture pivots
HONG KONG—It wasn’t my first time in Hong Kong. But prior opportunities to visit had been sporadic, brief and few. My memories of the city consist of one trip in my childhood, one during my twenties, and a particular journey where—in an effort to recreate an extremely budgeted version of “The Amazing Race”—my friends and...
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Want more tourists? Fix the airfare and infrastructure problems first
A recent article in Esquire Philippines attempted to settle the debate on whether travel to and in the Philippines is more expensive than elsewhere in Southeast Asia. The Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) defended local pricing, saying hotel rates reflect the high cost of doing business in the country. There is some truth to...