Tours to BARMM, Spratly Islands up for grabs at the PH Travel Mart 2023

Looking for inspiration for your next local trip around the Philippines? Travel and tour packages from emerging destinations such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Spratly Islands will be up for grabs in the Philippine Travel Mart happening this weekend, from September 1 to 3, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. 

The event organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the 34th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) is the biggest and longest-running annual tourism fair that aims to promote popular and rising tourist spots in the country. 

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#ForMindanao: Hope for Marawi

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”

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.

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