It’s been over a year since the Marawi Siege, the longest urban battle in the modern history of the Philippines. No doubt, you’ve seen the images online of the capital of Lanao del Sur in the Southern Island of Mindanao during and after the conflict. Continue reading “#ForMindanao: Hope for Marawi”
Category: Mindanao
Travel Guide: Zamboanga Sibugay
Zamboanga Sibugay is one of the newest provinces in the Philippines. It’s the 79th province created in the country, with territories carved out from the third district of Zamboanga del Sur in 2001. Located in Region 9 or the Zamboanga Peninsula in Mindanao, this area lies smack in the middle the road traversing from Zamboanga City to Zamboanga del Sur. But what can you do there? I was curious about that myself. Most destinations have a clear identity or something they’re known for. You immediately think of vintas when you think of Zamboanga City and the steep inclined tricycles when you think of Pagadian, but this province is a bit more obscure and mysterious.
10 Extreme Things to Do in Bukidnon
Bukidnon is a province in the Philippines located in Northern Mindanao. Despite being the third largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction behind Palawan and Isabela, this province remains still a bit off the tourist radar. Many travelers have yet to explore the province’s amazing attractions.
Surf Spots in the Philippines
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is blessed with beach breaks along both the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea, as well as reef breaks throughout the archipelago. For surfers, this means that there are numerous surf spots around the country to check out.
Revisiting Siargao after Six Years
A lot has changed in Siargao since the fist time I visited in 2012. The quiet island where I found peace and serenity during one of my first memorable solo trips felt uncomfortably crowded. Despite it being the lean season, direct flights have made the island more accessible to international and local tourists. Tourism is booming in General Luna.
Continue reading “Revisiting Siargao after Six Years”
Travel Guide: Once Islas, Zamboanga City
Most tourists associate Zamboanga City with Sta. Cruz Island, famous for having a pink sand beach. But there’s a new eco-cultural tourism destination that you can check out in the area: Once Islas.
This cluster of eleven mostly uninhabited islands and islets belong to the remote villages of Panubigan and Dita in Zamboanga City just recently opened to the public in July 2018. These unspoiled islands are ideal for low-impact activities like swimming, kayaking and trekking.
Continue reading “Travel Guide: Once Islas, Zamboanga City”Maranao Palapa: Condiment(ly) Beautiful with a Heart
INGREDIENTS: ginger, sakurab (white scallions) and sili (native chili)
PREPARATION: Chop one part scallions, one part ginger and one part chili peppers into small pieces. Crush ingredients finely and pound everything together with a mortar and pestle. As soon as it is blended, the palapa can already be eaten in its raw form.
Fresh palapa is intense, spicy and exotic. For the uninitiated, it will draw tears and one will most likely have to chug down a glass full of water or a mouthful of steamed rice to drown out the fire after a spoonful. But the Maranaos relish this simple concoction which is deeply rooted in their culture.
Continue reading “Maranao Palapa: Condiment(ly) Beautiful with a Heart”
Fat Pauly’s Taproom + Pub, Iligan City
Fat Pauly’s Hand-crafted Ales & Lagers is one of the first craft breweries in the Philippines and currently the only brewery based on the large island of Mindanao in Southern Philippines. This proud local brand established in 2010 makes fresh home-brewed beers using the finest imported brew grade malt and local indigenous ingredients like Timoga Spring waters and wild Putyukan Honey.
Weaving for Dreams: Maranao Collectibles, Marawi City
One of the things I like to collect from different provinces I visit are native weaves and textiles. There are many rich weaving traditions in the different parts of the Philippines and the fabrics often make more unique souvenirs compared to mass-produced ref magnets, mugs or keychains. With every distinct pattern are threads of culture and heritage from different tribes and the skillful artists who weave them. Each piece of cloth tells a different story.
In Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, we came across the langkit, a traditional Maranao weave made with a backstrap loom in the shop of Salika Maguindanao-Samad and Jardin Samad of Maranao Collectibles, who are working to creatively revive the vanishing art of weaving. Continue reading “Weaving for Dreams: Maranao Collectibles, Marawi City”
10 Things to Do in Siargao
Siargao is a top tourist island in the province of Surigao del Norte in the Philippines. The island’s coastline is marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white, sandy beaches. Best known for being “The Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” Siargao has attracted local and international surfers over the years for annual sports events and competitions.
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