Philippine Travels

While I have been doing my research on other places to visit around the Philippines, I keep bumping into websites and blogs of others that inspire me to travel more around these islands. So this is a "Must do one day" type of post for me, So I hope you like it and maybe one day be inspired to visit too. I suppose its going to be like a bucket list, but hey thats what life is about, making bucket lists and ticking of as many as you can before you hit the ground and meet your maker. Note that I like to add the Tripadvisor links as I have found it to be a good way to weed out the places that are not so right to stay. Other travellers opinions count when it comes to accommodation and time spent and as we spend a lot of our hard earned cash to go to these places so we want it to be right. Whale sharks & other news from Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte, Philippines Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte offers probably the finest shore based diving and snorkeling in the Philippines with w...

One of my all time favorites,when fighting off the sweltering heat. When I pick up this chilling treat that will quench my thirst and satisfy my sweet tooth I can see why I have gained a few pounds in these months I have been here. The Filipino community is especially lucky to have and share a drink that doubles as a cold dessert: halo-halo is a Filipino dessert-drink that is part slushie and part sundae. Literally translated from Tagalog, halo-halo means “mix-mix”, and it is the perfect name for this distinctly delicious concoction. The basic foundation of halo-halo is shaved ice that is bathed with either evaporated milk or condensed milk. What differentiates this pairing from a snow cone is the inclusion of fruits (such as jackfruit, plantain, and coconut palm), beans (garbanzo, kidney, and red), and tapioca underneath the ice, as well as the leche flan (Filipino custard), pinipig (young crushed rice), and ube (purple yam) ice cream that is used to top the dessert. The ingr...

Going to give these guys a plug on the blog too, as its always cool to have a great place to hang at  the beach. We have had a few good nights here, all good.. Food, Music and Drinks.. what more could you want on a hot Philippines beach night. Flotsam and Jetsam hostel website https://www.facebook.com/flotsamandjetsamhostel Post by Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel . Flotsam Fun at La Union from Justine Galvez on Vimeo .

BIRI, Northern Samar  From afar, the rocks resemble walls protecting this island-municipality from the ferocious waves of the Pacific Ocean and the San Bernardino Strait. But up close, the unique Biri Island Rock Formation, composed of seven gigantic limestone rocks, reveals itself as an amazing natural wonder with perfectly carved forms that remind one of a towering tiger and honeycombs, among other shapes. The rock formation has been described as a result of the “battle of the gods” since whipping winds, the movement from tectonic plates, fierce storms, the heat wave and huge waves crashing against the rocks created its magnificent beauty. Adding to its natural attraction are the surrounding white-sand beach, a lush mangrove forest with dwarf mangroves and crystal-clear waters through which one can see live corals and a healthy sea-grass bed. No. 5 Philippine gem The Biri Island Rock Formation ranked fifth last year in the online Search for the Top 10 Philippine Gems ...

The good thing about traveling is meeting all the wonderful people along the way and sharing their dream places too. Over Christmas this year 2013, I was lucky to meet Bill and Maryann, a couple of local Biri expat crew that spend time back and forwards from Australia to their 2nd home in the islands and got to spend a day at their private little get away. They do have for it rental so if you have a group and just want to get away from it all, this could be a place to do it, also as a bonus, you can make your own music with a ready made band setup just ready to go. Also as a note is the snorkeling off the pier, the reefs are coming back due to the area becoming national reserves, so there is plenty of lively colourful fish to see when you want to do an afternoon in the water. https://www.facebook.com/cagnipa/photos

Well its been sometime since I had experienced such a long 6-hr trek (2-way) going to this volcano peak. I must say that one must be physically prepared before going here because aside from the bumpy 4x4 ride going to the foot of the volcano trail, you will experience rocky trek all the way to the volcanic crater. It is not advisable to bring heavy bag and pack light things that includes water, food and light clothing. Please wear comfortable trekking sandals because your branded sneakers will not last a day because of the rocky trail and ankle-deep waters that you will pass through. And make sure to do some stretching if you don't want to end up having a week of muscle ache. Once you see the volcanic crater it was all worth it. Going down to the foot of the volcano will be a breeze because you get to familiarize the way already but better stick closely to your group just to avoid getting lost. Best time to go here is summer months. ...

Some pretty cool videos from Justine Galvez "The red backpacker" Check her blog out, Love the energy she shows to her trips. www.theredbackpacker.com