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, 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 Great Biking Destinations in Luzon

Manila is not the most bike-friendly city in Asia. But if you venture a little further from the metro, you’ll be surprised to find that the Philippines actually has some pretty spectacular mountain biking destinations. Ok, so it may take a little bit of time, effort and resources to get there, but for cyclists looking for bucketlist-worthy places to bike in the country, I think we have a few that we can be proud of.

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Travel Tips for the Rainy Season

Most people prefer to travel and go on adventures during the summer months when it’s sunny. However, you may find yourself having to travel during the monsoon months. While travelers need to take extra care as the rain may bring landslides and floods to many areas, the rainy season shouldn’t stop you from having fun. Here are a few travel tips to make the most of the rainy season in the Philippines.

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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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The Legacy Trail at Masungi Georeserve

Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area and karst rock garden hidden in the rainforests of Baras in Rizal. I’m sure by now, most tourists are familiar with the giant hammocks, rope bridge courses and spiderweb-like view deck, which are the highlights of the Discovery Trail. For those who would like to delve deeper into the forest, engage with the local community, and make a difference somehow, the park just launched a new trail called the Legacy Trail.

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Travel Guide: Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal

Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area and karst rock garden hidden in the rainforests of Baras, Rizal. Its name comes from the local term “masungki” which translates to “spiked” – describing the jagged limestone landscape found here. The discovery trail offers a unique outdoor experience where visitors get to hike through karst landscape, with limestone formations, sinkholes, caves and natural trails and forests. The geological park has eco-friendly conservation areas, rest stations and obstacles including hanging bridges, rope ladder descents, view decks, and a giant hammock where you can enjoy views of the amazing natural landscape.

masungi-georeserve-travelup-hammock-cover

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Romblon Ride: Looping the Island by Motorbike

Romblon Island is the smallest of three major islands (the other two being Sibuyan and Tablas) that make up the province of the same name in the Philippines. Known for being the country’s leading producer and exporter of high-quality marble, this peaceful and laid-back island is pretty compact, with a circumferential road of just under 50 km. In fact, you can circle the island by motorbike in just a couple of hours.

After spending the morning on a boat island-hopping around Cobrador, Alad and Logbon, I decided to spend the afternoon on land, looping the island starting counter-clockwise from San Pedro Beach Resort.

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Romblon island-hopping: Cobrador, Alad, Logbon & Bon Bon Beach

When you think of beach destinations in the country, the most popular islands that immediately come to mind are Boracay, Cebu and Bohol. But aside from these three spots, there are many other hidden gems that remain (and I hope will remain) untainted by commercialism. I was amazed to find some of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen in the country in Romblon, a province made up of a cluster of islands lying in between Luzon and Visayas.

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Romblon Ride: Getting to Romblon Island

Romblon Island is the capital and the smallest of three major islands (the other two being Sibuyan and Tablas) of the province of Romblon in the Philippines. If you are traveling by air or have limited time, it can be pretty tricky trying to visit all three islands, since getting around requires boat travel with limited trip schedules, going from port to port, and limited public transportation options.

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Hike to Binurong Point, Catanduanes

Ang sarap siguro mag motor dito. All the time I was in Catanduanes traveling by van with fellow travel bloggers, I couldn’t help but think how great it would be to go on a motorcycle tour of the place.

While visiting the various tourist spots in this island province in the Bicol region, we passed through long coastal highways devoid of traffic and off-road areas zigzagging through the mountains, only to reach stunningly beautiful spots with amazing views. Our hosts saved one of the best for last in our itinerary: Binurong Point.

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