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Archive for the ‘Sights’ Category
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Turtle Tales from Anvaya
“Would you like to join us at Anvaya Cove?” Anton’s aunt Lisa asked me in February. “We’re releasing baby pawikans into the sea.” Distracted by a to-do list at that time, I turned down her invite.
When I later …
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Old World Dining
In the 19th century, a wealthy couple living in the San Miguel District of Manila was known for throwing unforgettable dinners. Dr. Alejandro Legarda (a.k.a. Don Alejandro) and Doña Ramona Legarda (a.k.a. Tita Moning)’s sumptuous cooking and luxurious dining rooms …
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Swimming in Soda
My first time in Hidden Valley Springs in Laguna, Philippines, was back in the ’90s. The sheltered little city girl in me hated that there was too much nature. Fast-forward to 2012 when I’ve grown into a more seasoned traveler …
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Yoga For a Cause
How serendipitous that I chose to stay at The Farm on November 6 to 12. Not only was I there in time to celebrate The Farm’s 10th anniversary and the opening of their new Narra Villas, I was also there …
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My Farm Story
There’s a scrapbook at the reception area of The Farm at San Benito where guests are free to jot down comments, thank you notes, and other thoughts before they check out.…
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Phantom in Manila: Backstage Access
My extensive coverage of Phantom of the Opera’s run in Manila is one of my highlights of the year. I was at the press launch on Aug. 13 in Diamond Hotel, the technical dress rehearsal on Aug. 24, the press …
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The Grass is Greener at The Farm
I’ve been a pesce-pollotarian since 2005 and a yoga practitioner since 2007, so I thought I knew what to expect by going on a vegan holiday. Little did I know that booking a trip to The Farm at San Benito, …
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Phantom in Manila: Highlights
The Manila run of Phantom of the Opera officially begins tonight, but I was fortunate to be one of the journalists invited by Concertus Manila to watch the exclusive technical dress rehearsal last night.
Seated in the middle of row …
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Most Photographed Location in Vigan
I’ve lost count of the bridal photo shoots, magazine spreads, and Filipino movie scenes I’ve seen that used Calle Crisologo as the backdrop. I visited Vigan for the first time this month, and I finally understood why tourists and artists …
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Surf’s Up—Water Not Included
If you flip through travel magazines that talk about the top things to do in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, you’ll most likely see Paoay Sand Dunes on the list. One of the place’s selling points is that a number of movies …
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Manila Music Festival: My Top 5 Highlights
At some point, I had to stop getting jealous of all those Coachella galleries online. I had to stop fantasizing that the Philippines would come up with its own version of Woodstock. I opened my eyes and realized that …
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Earth Day Jam ’12: Snapshots
I’ve been attending the Earth Day Jam in the Philippines for the past five years, and the event is usually comprised of three main parts: 1.) a list of local acts—mostly rock bands—perform a free concert for the masses in …
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Alternative to Luneta Park
I did a TV commercial for Buddy Crackers in May last year. The venue was Makati Park and Gardens, and although I consider myself a Makati dweller, I needed to check Google maps because I had never heard of …
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Time Travel in Silay
The charm of ancestral homes is that each has frozen a moment in time, back when the residents of the house once filled every room with their memories, emotions, and energies.
Negros Occidental is filled with such heritage homes, from …
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A Wedding In Ruins
“This is the best wedding I’ve ever attended,” I proclaimed to my friend and fellow journalist, Jayvee Fernandez, during his wedding reception on March 3.
“Really? Give me three reasons why,” Jayvee said.
“Well,” I began. “#1—The venue is …
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Peanut Trail
It all started when I purchased a limited edition Peanuts 2012 planner from Moleskine over the holidays. The cover design of Charlie Brown by cartoonist Charles M. Schulz made my weekly planning and note taking a little more fun. For …
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Crash Course in Taoism
After making plans to spend Chinese New Year’s Eve strolling around Binondo, Manila’s famous Chinatown, my uncle Joeboy told me about his personal experience there during last year’s celebrations. He jokingly likened the congested streets of Binondo to a war …