Category: Uncategorized

Gear Guide: Motorcycle dress code in the Philippines 2023

If you drive or ride a motorcycle in the Philippines, you probably know that the Single Ticketing System (STS) is now in effect. Starting May 2, 2023, new guidelines have been put in place to harmonize existing laws on traffic enforcement and management in Metro Manila. This includes standardized fines and penalties for common traffic violations. 

The new system is currently being rolled out in 7 cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), namely Manila, Parañaque, Caloocan, Quezon City, San Juan, Muntinlupa, and Valenzuela.

One of the key violations under the system is “Dress Code for Motorcycle Riders” which has a penalty of P500 (first offense), P750 (second offense), P1,000 (third and subsequent offenses).

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Where to eat in Maginhawa: Top 10 restaurants to try in 2022

With everything happening in the world, sometimes you just have to count your blessings. And one of the things I feel thankful for is that we live in a great neighborhood with lots of good food options.

Unfortunately, the pandemic has left some casualties in the neighborhood Maginhawa restaurant scene. Sadly, the beloved watering hole Tomato Kick has closed down, with a modern new structure currently being built in the place where the old house used to stand. Maginhawa icon Van Gogh is Bipolar also closed its doors amid the lockdown.

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Outdoor dining and al fresco restaurants in Marikina

Since the pandemic started, people have opted to stay safe indoors and get food delivered at home instead of dining out. But for those who are out on errands or bikers on exercise rides looking for a bite to eat, the safest option for dining in is at al fresco restaurants with outdoor seating. Dining with members of your own household offers a relatively safe option compared to dining in mall-based and enclosed indoor establishments.

Here are just a few restaurants with al fresco dining and safety protocols in place where you can enjoy a pleasant meal in Marikina.

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Kaulayaw Café: Coffee & craft beer with a view in Antipolo

Antipolo has its fair share of restaurants and cafes that offer stunning views overlooking the city. Kaulayaw Café is one of the newest dining destinations along the Antipolo ridge, specializing in locally sourced coffee. Because of the ongoing pandemic, open-air dining destinations with nature views are much more preferable for dining out rather than enclosed indoor restaurants in malls.

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Biking in Bohol: Panglao Island Loop

Bohol is an amazing destination for bikers. Panglao Island, in particular, the main tourist area on the island province, offers a great place for leisurely bike rides. Aside from all the water-based activities like island-hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving and dolphin watching, bikers can easily enjoy exploring the land-based attractions on two wheels. There’s no better way to appreciate the charm of island living than by hopping on a bike to bask on the white sand beaches and pass through small towns.

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Tipsy Tales: Portal to Pinoy Folklore

Have you ever wanted to step into a Fairy Tale storybook or enter the hidden realm of mythical creatures? How would you react if you came face to face with a dwende or a kapre? You can do that in Tipsy Tales, an immersive theatre featuring tales from Philippine folklore right in the comforts of Eastwood Mall in Quezon City.

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Ibalon Craft Brew: Bicol’s First Craft Beer

There’s craft beer in my hometown Naga City!  Ibalon Craft Brew is introducing to Naga City the first craft beers in the Bicol region. I’m so happy that folks in Bicol now have more beer options and can enjoy something new and different compared to the usual commercial beers served in most stores, bars and restaurants in Naga City.

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Travel Guide: SuperStar Virgo Cruise from Manila

Last May 2017, I went on a 6-day-5-night cruise aboard Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo, the first cruise ship to homeport in Manila. Compared to my usual DIY backpacking trips, this was an amazing hassle-free vacation that I got to enjoy with my mom and nephew. Going on a luxury cruise is something I’d never thought I’d get to do. It’s a unique type of travel experience worth saving up for and ticking off your bucketlist!

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Mainstream Beer in the Philippines

Whenever I travel abroad, I always make it a point to try the most popular beer from other countries. I’ve been documenting the growth of the craft beer in the Philippines, but I’ve never written about the country’s mainstream or commercial beer brands. Mainly, it’s because I feel like all Pinoys know these beers already. I mean, beer drinking is considered a national pastime! But I realize that foreign backpackers and first-time visitors to the country may not be familiar with these beers yet, so I’m listing them down for reference.

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How you can help in #YolandaPH relief efforts

It’s hard to just go about our lives with the widespread devastation left by super typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. The catastrophic typhoon battered many provinces in the Visayas region including Tacloban, Samar, Bantayan, Camotes, Negros, the Calamianes group of Islands and Panay. While it may take weeks to get an accurate tally of the devastation, it’s widely believed that thousands perished in the storm.

Photo: (c) 2013 REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

I know that for many people who are safe at home in Manila and elsewhere in the world, seeing the photos online is just overwhelming and we all want to do something concrete to help. I’m really thankful for the outpouring of support from other countries and from fellow Filipinos eager to do something to help. Aside from donating cash and relief goods to major disaster relief agencies, here are some creative ways and suggestions I’ve seen online from fellow travel bloggers and groups in my network how we can help in our own way. Continue reading “How you can help in #YolandaPH relief efforts”