Up North: When in Laoag

The Ilocos Region, especially Pagudpud, has been on my bucket list because I like the beach and a bit of  Spanish Era feels (and because of the pictures posted online!). And when Cebu Pacific had a sale I didn't think twice and booked our tickets for Ilocos to fulfill my bucket list. This will also be a celebration for my parents birthdays! We stayed in Ilocos Region for 4 days and 3 nights and I tried to squeeze in all tourist destinations of Laoag City and its surrounding towns, North and South Pagudpud, and Vigan! Whew, it was exhausting but it was all worth it!

around Aurora Park, Laoag City at night

FILIPINO STREET FOOD: INASAL, ISAW, and the many others

Wherever you go in the Philippines, hunger will always be satisfied. There are lots of sari-sari store, karinderia/turo-turo, local fastfood, and of course the never absent street food vendors. I myself love street food because it's more economical, fun, and admittedly flavorful. And take note, there are those inasalan who became well-known and are linked to a destination because of their tasty food.

Pork inasal and chicken skin

Campuestohan Highland Resort

Negros Occidental is known to be the "Sugarbowl of the Philippines", where sugarcane is planted and harvested in its rich and vast plains. The region is also blessed with mountains, and with these comes the many resorts which made the beauty of the mountainside accessible to those who want to enjoy the scenery. One of such resort is the Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City.

 

BALESIN ISLAND CLUB: Ultimate Indulgence

It's popular among the stars - numerous weddings, pre-nups, and maybe a quiet getaway, and recently this place has made headlines because of its "Yaya Meals". But one thing's for sure, once you've seen and experienced the beauty of Balesin you'll always be forever mesmerized and daydream about this place. I know because until now I can't get over this jewel of an island!

chartered plane from Alphaland's private hangar in Pasay

Rainy Dabaw: A 3-day itinerary

When Cebu Pacific had their seat sale, we grabbed the opportunity  to book and visit the most disciplined city in the Philippines, where else but Davao City. It was our family's first time in Mindanao and tough it was raining, our spirits weren't dampened. I tried to squeeze all the must-visit and must-do but alas, due to the rain and time constraints we weren't able to do all. It was so bitin! But still we had fun and memories (our favorite Tito was there to guide us). Check-out our trip for 3 days and 3 nights.

Davao's famous durian

SANDBAR RESORT: Back to basics

My sister was home and she wanted to go to the beach. It was (un)timely because the father of our cousin's wife E recently passed away and the wake and burial will be at Concepcion, Iloilo. And because the said place is home to some of the popular islands of Northern Iloilo, we headed to Sandbar Resort in Bolobadiangan Island to stay overnight and have a chance to attend the burial scheduled the next day.