Kara Santos

Top spots to visit in Bali, Indonesia

Bali, known as “the Island of Gods,” is regularly ranked among the world’s top travel destinations. Of all destinations in Indonesia, Filipino travelers are especially attracted to Bali for its distinctive blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. In terms of vibe and cuisine, Bali feels comfortingly familiar, yet the spiritual atmosphere sets it apart.

The first time I visited Bali almost two decades ago, I was amazed at how such a vibrant tourist hotspot could simultaneously embrace modernity while remaining deeply rooted in culture, spirituality, and respect for nature.

LIST: MICHELIN Guide to the Philippines | Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026

The MICHELIN Guide has finally arrived in the Philippines, with nine restaurants in Manila and Environs & Cebu earning prestigious Stars, including one earning Two MICHELIN Stars in its debut year. The first Philippine edition for 2026 includes 108 establishments, including 90 across Manila and Environs and 18 in Cebu.

Two MICHELIN Stars: 1
One MICHELIN Star: 8
MICHELIN Selected: 74
Bib Gourmand: 25

This is a huge deal for the Philippine food scene. Whether or not you agree with the selection, if you like eating out, you’re probably curious to try some of the restaurants that were recognized and wondering where they’re located.

Scroll to the end for a savable and shareable list on social media for easy reference.

UNESCO Creative Cities in the Philippines

Originally published March 2024, updated November 2025

The Philippines now has five cities that are part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Dumaguete City has been designated Creative City of Literature, while Quezon City was named Creative City of Film, following its application to the UNESCO Creative City of Film Network in 2023.

Previously, Iloilo was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2023, while Cebu was given the title of Creative City of Design in 2019. Baguio City was the first Philippine city to join the UCCN network, having been named a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2017.

Must-visit free museums around Metro Manila

Looking for free museums to visit around Metro Manila? While there are a lot of different museums and art galleries you can visit around different cities catering to different niche interests, not all museums are free to visit.

Since October is Museums and Galleries Month, we thought we’d compile some of the best free museums we’ve personally visited around Metro Manila where visitors can learn about the history of the Philippines and appreciate the country’s art and culture.

Harley Davidson 2025 cruisers now in PH: Launch, prices & dealerships list

The 2025 Harley-Davidson Cruiser 117 lineup is now available in the Philippines.

The iconic American motorcycle brand unveiled six new cruiser models, namely the Street Bob, Heritage Classic, Fat Boy, Low Rider S, Low Rider ST, and Breakout cruisers in an exclusive event launch.

CHINA | Inside the world’s deepest subway station: Hongyancun, Chongqing

Did you know the world’s deepest subway station is roughly the equivalent of a 40-story skyscraper? Hongyancun Station in Chongqing, China is a whopping 116 meters below ground and we got to ride a train from it!

On a recent trip to China, we made it a point to check out and ride a train from the world’s deepest metro station, although it wasn’t part of our tour.

Pinto Art Museum: What’s new in this contemporary art museum in Antipolo?

Pinto Art Museum is an art museum in Antipolo that showcases some of the best of the Philippines’ contemporary artists. This lovely museum is one of the top spots to visit in Antipolo, a hilly city just east of Metro Manila.

With art galleries housed in Mediterranean-inspired villas, sprawling gardens, and modern Filipino art exhibits, Pinto Art Museum offers a unique mix of art and culture in a secluded space just an hour or so from the busy city.

Bahay Modernismo: New museum in Quezon City

Looking for a new museum to visit in Quezon City? Check out Bahay Modernismo, a house museum devoted to Philippine modern heritage inside Quezon Memorial Circle. This unique space offers a glimpse into mid-20th-century Filipino life and architecture.

Coffee & bar crawl spots in Poblacion, Makati

Looking for the best coffee shops and bar crawl spots in Poblacion, Makati?

Whether you want to start your day with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or are planning a night out filled with beer, wine or craft cocktails, Poblacion has become one of Metro Manila’s top destinations for café hopping and nightlife.

Oldest restaurants and bakeries in Metro Manila

When I’m not traveling, I like eating out and trying different restaurants in the city. One of my self-imposed personal side quests is to visit and dine in the oldest restaurants in Metro Manila that are still operating today. It just felt like a fun thing to do since a lot of older establishments are overlooked compared to the trendy new spots.

Below are just some of the oldest food establishments established in Metro Manila, including the oldest restaurants and oldest bakeries (some of which have cafes) where you can dine or buy food in Metro Manila. For the purposes of this list, I limited it to establishments that are more than 50 years old and the ones where I have personally eaten or visited.

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