A kalesa (calesa in Spanish) is a horse-drawn carriage which used to be one of the main modes of transportation in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. Introduced in the 18th century, the kalesas are used mainly by the illustrados, high-ranking officials and noblemen; they are the only ones who can afford to ride…
The Philippines’ version of Chinatown is located in Binondo, in the downtown part of Manila. Coming from the Intramuros area, you will immediately know that you are in Chinatown once you arrived in the area. Restaurants, banks and other commercial establishments have Chinese characters in their signs. Bright red and yellow lanterns hang on the…
Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan is a group of small islands considered as some of the most beautiful in the Philippines. The bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Palawan, with its clear waters, astonishing variety of marine life and the endless stretches of pure, sugary white sand. Puerta Princesa is…
Puerto Galera is often hailed as “The Poor Man’s Boracay,” because the accommodations in Galera are definitely cheaper than the ones in Boracay. But this does not mean that staying in this tropical gem in Oriental Mindoro is less satisfying. On the contrary, Puerto Galera became one of the most popular beach spots in the…
The Chocolate Hills is the most famous tourist attraction in the province of Bohol. More than 1,200 perfectly-shaped cone hills are scattered around the municipalities of Batuan, Carmen and Sagbayan, the hills range from 40 to 120 meters in height. The hills are covered in green grass which turns to brown during summer. This is…
The Manila Hotel is not just a luxurious, five-star hotel; it is also a historical site going way back in World War II. The sprawling property is near the Rizal Park and boasts magnificent views of the Manila Bay and its surrounding areas. It is famous for being the residence of General Douglas Arthur from…
Mount Makiling in Laguna is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Philippines. This inactive volcano stands 3576 feet and takes around four to five hours to reach Peak 2, the summit. The mountain is placed under the care of the University of the Philippines, Los Banos. The legend behind Mount Makiling is…
This pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern coast of Mindanao is a land of unspoiled beauty. Unlike the popular beach destinations in the Philippines, Camiguin is not yet destroyed by real estate developments that dominate practically every beautiful spot in the country. Everything in Camiguin seems virginal and pristine. The island is widely regarded as…
This coastal resort town in Ilocos Norte is a haven for tourists who prefer to steer clear of crowded, commercialized beach resorts. Pagudpud’s postcard-pretty sceneries give the town its quaint charm; it’s beauty is not yet marred by rampant real estate developments, unlike other popular beach destinations in the country. Pagudpud is often called “The…
Mount Banahaw, which rests on the boundary of Laguna and Quezon, is known not only for its majestic beauty but also for its sacredness to Filipinos. The grandest of the mountains in Southern Tagalog, this inactive volcano is considered as a holy mountain, and draws thousands of visitors and climbers every year. Some even made…