People go to Dumaguete for different reasons. I wanted to travel solo and Dumaguete felt like a place I can explore on my own. And so, armed only with a small backpack, three days’ worth of pocket money, and lots of courage, I flew to Dumaguete, with only my usual travel buddy Kitteh to keep me company.
The year 2016 was eventful for me in terms of trips. By my last count, I’ve managed to go to nine different places last year, each one endearing its own way.
Because it is so easy to buy cheap airline tickets these days, many Filipinos now have more opportunities to visit other countries. Many of these countries require a visa, and I’m sure most travel enthusiasts have heard of at least one horror story of a visa application gone wrong.
For this blog’s first guest blogger, my friend and co-owner of What’s In Your Cup?, Iya, took it upon herself to make a quick guide for anyone interested in visiting a country with visa requirements.
A trip to Iloilo is not complete without sampling their famous dishes and delicacies. Whether you’re into sweet or savory dishes, below are the top 5 foods you need to try at least once during your Iloilo trip:
I never did enjoy packing for a trip. It’s hard for me to decide what clothes to bring, or how many books I can stuff in my luggage (yes, that’s a real concern). Oftentimes, because I’m so caught up trying to fit everything in one bag (I never liked checking in baggage so I usually just hand-carry my stuff), I forget to pack the obvious and end up regretting it.
If you’re like me, this list should help. Here are top 5 essentials that every traveler must have, but often doesn’t:
Guimaras should be in the list of every traveling Filipino, and not just because its mangoes are to die for. This small island between Panay and Negros boasts of pristine white beaches and clear blue waters, making it a favorite destination for both local and foreign tourists in the archipelago.
The Alubihod Beach is a popular starting point for tourists who plan to go island hopping in Guimaras. My family headed straight to Raymen Beach Resort, which was recommended by the tourism office at the port. The resort charged us an entrance fee of P25 per person, and then waived it when we availed of its Guimaras island hopping package. One 10-seater boat is priced at P500 for the first hour and P150 for every succeeding hour, which is relatively cheap, compared to boat rentals in other, more commercialized, beaches.
Raymen’s Guimaras island hopping package has a set itinerary, which the boatmen would then adjust, depending on how much time you have left. To give you a bit of control over your trip, talk to the boatmen before you set off, and tell them which islands you want to prioritize. This way, you can budget your time properly and make the most out of your tour.
To help you decide, here are five things you should definitely do during your island hopping spree:
