The year 2013 looks very promising for the Philippines in terms of tourism. Why not? DOT did an amazing job in launching and promoting the "It's More Fun in the Philippines" tourism campaign in 2012. It's no wonder that the country is recently getting the limelight it deserves as major international publications agree that Philippines is one of the top destinations in the world for 2013.
If you've been checking out my Travel Photo Friday series, you'd know I love to capture sunrise and sunset photos. But this, I think, is one of the most awesome sunset moments I've seen.
Posted by Gabz Labels: Liwliwa, San Felipe, San Felipe surfing, Sitio Liwliwa, sunset, sunset at San Felipe, sunset at Zambales, surfing in Liwliwa, surfing in Zambales, Travel Photo Friday, Zambales
The Coffee Shop Restaurant in Olongapo City, Zambales is famous not for its coffee but jumbo tacos. This is probably the biggest taco I've ever seen and tasted, hence, their tagline "Home of the Jumbo Tacos".
Posted by Gabz Labels: best taco, giant taco, Jumbo Taco Salad with Sour Cream, jumbo tacos, Olongapo City, Rooftop Hotel, Subic, The Coffee Shop Restaurant, Zambales
While researching for a budget-friendly accommodation in Coron, Palawan, I stumbled upon the name of Patrik & Tezz Guesthouse from Pinoy Exchange forum. By budget-friendly, I mean cheap hotel that costs only about P600 and less per night. I didn't hesitate to book with them after learning that their cheapest room only costs P450 a night for two persons.
Posted by Gabz Labels: Busuanga, cheap Coron lodging, Coron, Coron budget accommodation, Coron hotel, Palawan, Patrik and Tezz Guesthouse
Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon is famous for its dual zipline which is said to be the longest in Asia at 840 meters long. So when we decided to take a trip down in Northern Mindanao, we made sure to include it in our list of must-do activities. I'm actually not a fan of ziplines simply because I have a fear of heights but the little daredevil in me said that I should do it. Besides, I didn't want to go home as a loser without trying the Asia's longest!
Posted by Gabz Labels: Bukidnon, Dahilayan Adventure Park, longest dual zipline in Asia, longest ziplines Philippines, Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, ZipZone
Finally, I get to share one of my unforgettable and exciting trips last year which was visiting Mindanao for the first time. We experienced a series of misadventures but Northern Mindanao gave us loads of fun, surprises and adventures that we don't mind coming back again.
From our accommodation at Jaydees in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, we walked down to Lucap Wharf hoping to see some beautiful scenery to photograph at dawn. We woke up very early but did not really expect the sun rises in this part of Pangasinan.
Posted by Gabz Labels: Alaminos City, Hundred Islands National Park, Lucap Wharf, Pangasinan, sunrise, Travel Photo Friday
Unknown to many tourists, found in the northern part of El Nido in Palawan is one of the best beaches in the country I've seen, the Nacpan and Calitang twin beach in Barangay Bucana. It's one of the many off-the-beaten-path destinations you will find in El Nido that's worth a visit. It's isolated, scenic and breathtaking that it truly defines paradise.
Posted by Gabz Labels: Bucana, Calitang beach, El Nido, Nacpan beach, Nacpan Calitang twin beach, Palawan
If you're looking for accommodation in Cagbalete, there are only three resorts found in the island namely, Pansacola Beach Resort, Villa Cleofas and MVT Sto. Niño Resort, so there's not much of an option basically. I've first heard about Pansacola and wanted to stay there but their accommodation is quite expensive for solo travelers. Between the remaining two, Villa Cleofas got more good feedback although I was pretty much interested to check MVT when I get there as well.
Posted by Gabz Labels: Cagbalete, Cagbalete Island, Mauban, MVT Sto. Niño Resort, Pansacola Beach Resort, Quezon, Quezon Province, Villa Cleofas
One of my solo trips this year was going to Cagbalete, a remote tropical island in Mauban, Quezon Province. I've been reading a lot about this place from various blogs for quite some time and after being convinced that it can be done solo, I finally decided to visit the island in March. Cagbalete Island is famous for the occurrence of low tide where water can recede up to one kilometer from the shore, exposing its compact white sand, corals and rocks.
Posted by Gabz Labels: Cagbalete, Cagbalete Island, low tide at Cagbalete, Mauban, Quezon, Quezon Province, Villa Cleofas