The Philippines (Third of Three Parts)

The Philippines

THIRD OF THREE PARTS: Focus on The Visayas

1. Cebu and Bohol

Without a doubt, Cebu and Bohol are the best diving destinations in the country in terms of accessibility, practicality and safety, and there are plenty of dive sites to choose from. There are waterfalls, white sand beaches, and exotic offshore islands to explore. Cebu is your international gateway to the Visayas. It is historic and cosmopolitan. Bohol is equally welcoming and boasts of the world famous Chocolate Hills, an astounding natural wonder. By boat, the two islands are an hour away from each other.

2. Boracay

It is the best beach in the world. The powdery white sand, the crowd, the vibe, it’s electrifying. The western side contains the beaches and banana boat rides and sailing, while the windy east is best for the serious wind and kite surfer. The sun coming down and setting under the sea mellows the place a bit as everybody gets awed, but it gets vibrant again by nightfall with fire dancers swaying to the beat of live music from beach clubs. Boracay is your definitive beach experience. Book domestic flights from Manila or Cebu.

3. Dumaguete and Siquijor

Dumaguete is your city by the bay. It has a unique charm that lures visitors to come back for more. Silliman, a reputable university is the heart of the city, pumping new blood in, keeping it vibrant, trendy and forever young.

Pack and go!

Siquijor is wrapped in witchcraft, so they say. It is full of witches flying around at night on broomsticks. Boracay maybe the best white sand beach in the world but you will hate the packed crowd on peak months. Siquijor is your Boracay sans the crowd. It has the same powdery white beach quality. By boat, it’s just an hour away from Dumaguete. There are regular flights to Dumaguete from Manila or Cebu.

Pack and go!
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An alternative way to travel or part of your travel itinerary is joining a workcamp from a few days to three weeks depending on the project duration and description. It’s a fun way to know a place and it’s people (anywhere in the world) and it doesn’t cost much. As of the moment there is no active workcamp organization in the Philippines but if you intend to travel within Asia, there is plenty to choose from. Contact NVDA to direct you to the right workcamp organization in your country of choice. For workcamps in Asia, click here. For workcamps in Europe and anywhere else in the world, click here. Book a cheap flight to the Philippines and remember to always travel light.

The Philippines (Second of Three Parts)

The Philippines

SECOND OF THREE PARTS: Focus on Mindanao

1. Siargao and Lanuza

Siargao and Lanuza are both in the Caraga region of Northern Mindanao. International surfing competitions are held here regularly. Surf lessons and equipment rentals are available. It’s surfing at its best and more - this is the place for nature lovers. The seascape, the caves, and mountain passes are breathtaking. Most of those who came return, but some came, stay, and made it their home.

More info on Siargao. Pack and go!

More info on Lanuza. Pack and go!

2. Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro

Camiguin is paradise island. No pun there. It’s just what it is. The landscape will blow you away. It’s prehistoric, volcanic and literally smoking hot. Dip in one of those hot springs and you will know what I mean. If you want to experience paradise, click here.

Pack and go!

People flock to Cagayan de Oro for adrenaline-pumping white water rafting by the Cagayan river. There are sections for beginner rafters, advanced, and for athletes seeking the fastest rapids. Night rafting can also be arranged. More info on Cagayan de Oro.

Pack and go!

3. Davao

Davao is your international gateway to Mindanao. It’s home to the Philippine Eagle, largest in the world. Samal Island is a must-see site for beach goers. If you’re the sporty kind, hike up Mt Apo, the country’s tallest peak with it’s one of a kind natural pygmy forest – overgrown by leprechaun-size trees. For more info on Davao click here.

Pack and go!
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An alternative way to travel or part of your travel itinerary is joining a workcamp from a few days to three weeks depending on the project duration and description. It’s a fun way to know a place and it’s people (anywhere in the world) and it doesn’t cost much. As of the moment there is no active workcamp organization in the Philippines but if you intend to travel within Asia, there is plenty to choose from. Contact NVDA to direct you to the right workcamp organization in your country of choice. For workcamps in Asia, click here. For workcamps in Europe and anywhere else in the world, click here. Book a cheap flight to the Philippines and remember to always travel light.

The Philippines (First of Three Parts)

The Philippines

FIRST OF THREE PARTS: Focus on Luzon

I know this place very well. It's my home country. The Philippines is an archipelago of 7107 islands, grouped around the 3 main islands of Luzon, Visayas and Minadanao. The official languages are English and Filipino, which are spoken widely all over the country. It is home to the 2^nd happiest people in Asia and among the happiest in the world.

There are 5 sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List: 1. Baroque Churches of the Philippines, 2. Historic Town of Vigan, 3. Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, 4. Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and 5. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Below are personal suggestions when traveling in Luzon:

1. Manila: Manila is your gateway to the Philippines. It’s historic; it’s cosmopolitan, and has all the amenities of big cities. Must see sights include the world famous Manila Bay Sunset, the “Walled City” of Intramuros and your 24-hour flea market shopping at Baclaran. More info here.

2. Tagaytay: It’s your quick and easy getaway from the hustle and bustle of Manila. It’s in a high elevation so the weather is cooler. There’s plenty of restaurants and the view of Taal volcano is spectacular and it’s possible to come to the volcano’s crater on horseback. More info here.


Pack and go!

3. La Union: It’s for the surfing enthusiast and beach lover. It’s a 6-hour bus ride from Manila. Since there’s heavy daytime traffic, I suggest you travel at midnight to be there by 6am. There’s plenty of hotels by the beach or you can rent a room from local houses. Surf lessons and equipment rentals are available. There’s more info of and around the area here.


Pack and go!

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An alternative way to travel or part of your travel itinerary is joining a workcamp from a few days to three weeks depending on the project duration and description. It’s a fun way to know a place and it’s people (anywhere in the world) and it doesn’t cost much. As of the moment there is no active workcamp organization in the Philippines but if you intend to travel within Asia, there is plenty to choose from. Contact NVDA to direct you to the right workcamp organization in your country of choice. For workcamps in Asia, click here. For workcamps in Europe and anywhere else in the world, click here. Book a cheap flight to the Philippines and remember to always travel light.

Go Travel

The best travel experience starts with a good research about the place to visit. Before going be sure to know a word or two of the local language, and yes, travel light; your baggage usually doubles in size with souvenirs by the time you’re ready to go home.

Get A Guidebook. I highly recommend Lonely Planet, Frommer’s and Fodor’s. Choose one that fits you best.

If you want to go the extra mile, learn a new language online for free. A good place to start is http://www.fodors.com/language/; check also this online tutorial http://www.learnalanguage.com/; useful info can also be found here http://www.omniglot.com/language/index.htm.

An alternative way to travel or part of your travel itinerary is joining a workcamp from a few days to three weeks depending on the project duration and description. It’s a fun way to know a place and it’s people (anywhere in the world) and it doesn’t cost much. For workcamps in Asia, click here. For workcamps in Europe and anywhere else in the world, click here.

What's Coming

Iceland, a land borne of fire and ice is far, it’s in the Arctic, but it’s second best country to live in the world according to the United Nations Human Development Index in 2006. But in 2008, it’s government went bankrupt. At the time I don’t know what it meant so I asked Oscar and Antonio, friends who live there.

When an armed conflict erupted between Georgia and Russian forces near the South Ossetia border, I messaged Shorena, an acquaintance in Paris. She’s a native of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital city.

On July 9^th 2011, owing to ethnic conflict and civil war, a new country came to be – South Sudan. But before it declared independence, I had inside information from my friend Kostas who’s volunteering with Doctors Without Borders in Africa.

The way we communicate in real time and draw information through cutting edge technology thoroughly fascinates me. As shown above, I have the privilege of being in touch with friends all over the world and thru this network of friends and acquaintances, I share my knowledge and experiences with the world. So this blog will be dedicated to giving inside information on current events and historical facts as well as travel tips and friendly advice from local people of places I have visited and those I will be visiting.


Some stories may touch on politics and strife and internal struggle but they will be more focused on the richness of the cultural experience, must-see sights list and tips on how to comfortably mingle with the local people, each piece designed hopefully to make you want to come visit and then, to make you want to come back for more.