I first discovered the Philippines in 2008 while living in Tokyo. Although the food pales in comparison to its neighbors, Filipino people are some of the friendliest people in all of Southeast Asia. One of the most common phrases that I heard time and time again throughout the country is: “we may be poor but we are happy” 😃
Although I have spent a lot of time in the Philippines, most of it was spent in a relationship. As such, I’ve been to a few places there a lot of times, rather than a lot of places once — so much thanks to the guest authors who helped write all the travel guides, tips, photographs and stories found below.
2014 has been a fun-filled and food-filled year but not one without it’s share of trials and tribulations (case in point getting locked up abroad for 16 days and eventually deported because of a tweet). But through it all I’ve kept on the hunt for more tasty foods to try, whether strange or taboo or … Read more
Ask any Filipino what is on their bucket list and almost every one will mention visiting Batanes. Although tourism is a big part of what sustains these islands — life here is not cheap given the fact that everything has to be flown in from Manila — nearly all tourists are Pinoy. Perfect for me … Read more
New foods and traveling go hand in hand with each other. While meat lovers and vegans will never both agree on which foreign foods are delicious, everyone loves fruit. Plus it just so happens that the fruit you grew up eating are boring compared to the amazing, weird, exotic and delicious fruit in Asia that … Read more
The tiny village of Chavayan is located on Sabtang Island, part of the Batanes region of the Philippines and permanently locked in a time long since passed. There is just one long and lonely road in and out of the village, which helps keep the village isolated. It is nestled on a thin strip of … Read more
When visiting the Batanes island chain in the far northern reaches of the Philippines, one island in particular stands out: Sabtang. This island is only home to 1,500 people but is well-known throughout the country for its white sand beaches, old stone houses, and Mission-style churches. Sabtang Island northeastern coastline Thankfully the weather was … Read more
Batan Island is the central island in the Philippines northernmost province, Batanes, and is dominated by Mount Iraya, an active volcano. Visitors of the region will land in her shadow at Basco, the main town and home to all the hotels and homestays. The southern half of the island also has a volcano, although this … Read more
Just as 2013 went far from expected, so too is the start of my 2014. After six weeks in Jakarta trying to focus on work but instead spending most of my time hanging out with friends or making new ones, I’ve decided to cut short my stay in Indonesia…for now. Why? I’m not making much … Read more
All last month my fellow travel bloggers were sharing their top photos and recommended gift ideas for travelers. Never one to hop on an overcrowded bandwagon I decided to abstain from it all. Well that and most of my photographs are not that worthy of repeated sharing, although to be fair my photography skills have … Read more
That’s right, in just one month I will bid adieu to my house in Austin and embark on my longest and greatest adventure yet. No more ‘six weeks in this country’ or ‘six months on the road,’ this time it’s the infamous “sell all my possessions and buy a one-way ticket” scenario. The wild part … Read more
Welcome once again to the show that never ends! Hello boys and girls, pleased to be speaking with you all again, but even more pleased to announce that we have a fresh and even more engaging interview this week… That is right, every Friday when people are thinking about the weekend and busy sharing FriFotos, … Read more
Did you know that Europe is the only continent without a desert? Or that American Airlines saved $40,000 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first class? Throughout my journeys I have learned a lot of staggering travel facts that will blow your mind — and now I’m sharing them with you. Enjoy … Read more
My first year of trips back and forth to the Phils to be with my then girlfriend I always stayed at Mango’s Resort in Subic Bay. I did this for two reasons: 1) my friend Tom is the owner and I always get a discount on my room; and 2) my ex is the morn/early … Read more
