JAPAN | Guide to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, Osaka

Anyone who grew up playing old school video games dreams of visiting Super Nintendo World. This themed section inside Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is a geek-filled paradise where you warp right into Princess Peach’s Castle, punch question mark blocks in real life, and dine on cute Mario-themed food items.

After years of being stuck at home and escaping to virtual worlds, it felt great to get sucked into this immersive video game world in real life in Japan during a recent family trip. 

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JAPAN | Biking around Osaka

If you’ve ever been to Japan, you know that biking is a way of life there. While in the Philippines, biking for leisure and urban mobility has only caught on recently because of the pandemic, for the longest time, people in Japan of all ages, occupations, and classes can manage to bike around safely even in busy cities thanks to the country’s advanced infrastructure and the discipline of road users. On a recent trip to Osaka, my family and I all had a free day in between sightseeing tours to do whatever we wanted. So we combined the usual sightseeing and food trips with biking.

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JAPAN | Immersing in art realms at teamLab Planets in Tokyo

After traversing through a maze room of a twinkling crystals, I was surrounded by hundreds of multi-colored koi fish swimming around as I waded through knee-deep high waters. Moments later, I gazed into a field of falling flowers on the ceiling, the petals seemingly swirling all around in the air. For a couple of hours, it felt like I was spirited away into a magical wonderland.

teamLab, Floating Flower Garden; Flowers and I are of the Same Root, the Garden and I are One. © teamLab
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Common mistakes first-time overseas travelers make


Traveling abroad for the first time can be an exciting and enriching experience. It opens up new horizons and introduces you to different cultures and ways of thinking, ultimately helping you broaden your perspectives. However, it’s common for first-time travelers to make a few mistakes. At best, these mistakes can be embarrassing. At worst, they could be violations of local laws.

Making a few goofs is part of the fun when you travel. Luckily we’re here to make sure that you avoid some of the most avoidable gaffes. Here are several common newbie traveling mistakes that you should avoid.

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‘Love the Philippines’ is DOT’s newest tourism slogan

It’s no longer “more fun” in the Philippines. The Department of Tourism has unveiled “Love the Philippines” as the country’s latest enhanced tourism campaign. The new tourism slogan was revealed as the highlight of the Department’s 50th founding year celebration at the Manila Hotel, Tuesday (June 27).

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Rediscover Manila with Klook’s new Intramuros Pass

Tourists can discover the rich history, heritage, and old-world charm of the Intramuros in Manila more conveniently with fun new experiences and attractions. In case you didn’t know, Klook has launched a new Intramuros Pass, which gives access to the top activities in the walled city of Manila.

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La View Mountain Resort: Cabin-style cafe in Quezon

We first discovered La View Mountain Resort in January 2022. After trying to ride to Jariel’s Peak one weekend by motorcycles, we were forced to turn back because checkpoints and border restrictions going to Infanta, Quezon were still being enforced. 

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Sustainable summer travel essentials to bring on your next trip

During the pandemic, we made a few lifestyle changes for our health and the environment. We’ve been biking more regularly for exercise. We’ve cut out pork from our diet and are trying to adopt a more vegetarian / pescatarian lifestyle these days. We’ve also been frequenting more eco-stores and refilling centers in the neighborhood to get supplies and making sure our plastics are recycled properly.

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Travel Guide: Things to do in Subic Bay (2023)

The Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, simply known as Subic Bay, is a coastal northwest of Manila frequented by families and water sports enthusiasts for weekend getaways. Formerly the location of U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay before it was decommissioned in the early 90s, the area is now known for its beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and dive sites.

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Island-hopping in Zambales: Beach resorts in Anawangin, Nagsasa and Silanguin Cove (2023)

Friends who were fortunate to have traveled to Anawangin Cove and nearby spots like Nagsasa Cove, Silanguin Cove, and Capones years ago often talk about how the area was once a pure and raw area for camping and getting away from it all.

This area in a secluded part of Zambales facing the West Philippine Sea separated by mountain ranges from the mainland used to offer secluded spots for back to basics camping where mountaineers would head after trekking through by land. 

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