Stinky Tofu, Tanghulurs, and Other Street Food in Taiwan

When a self-confessed foodie goes to a new place, of course she's going to Google what kinds of foods to eat there.

My siblings and I went to Taiwan just before 2016 ended. It was an adventure of many firsts—first time for all of us to go to Taiwan, first time for two of my siblings to be out of the country, first time for all of us to travel somewhere without our family, first time for some of us to experience a weather colder than the usual 26-28 degrees Celsius we have in Manila.

Of course, we Googled where to stay, where to go, what to do, and most importantly, what to eat. Taiwan, apparently, is one of the best food trip destinations, with all their famous street foods and night markets We didn't get to eat all that we wanted to, but these are some of the best and tastiest street food we got to try.

Why Davao Has Become a Home in the South

I like diversity. I like changes in scenery. I like long, winding roads and forest trails; I like beaches and infinity pools. I like mountains and hills, valleys and rivers.

From the mountains to the beaches

They say that one of the best things about Davao is that you can go from the mountains to the beaches and back again in one whole day. If you are looking for a variation beyond nature trails and winding mountain paths, you can take a quick drive down to the beach. Boats are available for rent, as well as snorkelling gear. Soon, you will feel the salty spray of the sea and smell the summer ocean breeze, touseling your hair and warming your face.

Five Things That Made Me Fall in Love with Ilocos

There are some places that, when you visit them, you fall in love with them and leave a part of yourself behind. Maybe because of the experience, because of how it looked, and how it felt. Maybe because of its history or its scenery. When I went to Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur last month, the tour package included a lot of stops in different places, but there were certain places that I liked the best and would love to visit again should I find myself once more in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur someday.

Adventures in Palawan Day 1: The Importance of Being Flexible

I had it all planned out: fly out to Puerto Princesa in the morning, check in at the hotel, grab a quick lunch, proceed to tour museums and other nearby areas until dinner time, before heading back to the hotel for an early bedtime because the next couple of days were bound to be jam-packed with activities.

Of course, not everything always goes as planned, starting with our flight being delayed for about three hours, till I was living in fear and cold-sweat that it would be canceled completely. (Thankfully, it wasn't.)

When we (FINALLY!) landed in Puerto Princesa, we were picked up by the van from where we stayed, Casitas de Az Pension. (Shoutout to them—everyone was so nice and friendly and accommodating. I peppered them with a thousand questions before booking with them.)

No Place Like Manila

Manila Post Office

Wended my way through the streets Manila this morning. Sometimes, it's hard to believe that those worn-out buildings used to house the biggest offices, that Manila used to be the business capital of the Philippines. What perhaps was once the bustling part of the city is now quieter and a little more deserted. Sometimes, it's hard not to resent Makati and her modern, high-rise buildings of minimalist structures. Where are the kalesas? Where are the peddlers, crying out their wares in the streets? These are part of what captures what it means to live in the Philippines.

A Visit to Ongpin (Chinatown)

It's been some years since I found myself traipsing along the streets of Chinatown. Nevertheless, it is one of my favorite places, partly perhaps, due to the fact that I am half-Chinese. There is just always so much to see. The place is rich with the Chinese culture, and a lot about it reminds me of Hong Kong (which I find myself missing dearly from time to time). Perhaps this is where the major difference between the Chinese and the Filipinos lie. The Filipinos adapt to whatever culture they are in, the Chinese bring a bit of their own for everyone to experience. They say that in every country (and perhaps major city) in the world, there is a Chinatown.

Next Destination: Hong Kong

In a couple of weeks or so, I'll be wending my way through the streets of Hong Kong. Not for the first time, though. I recall—in a very hazy frame of mind— making a couple of posts (culture customs, etiquette, etc.) about the country before going there last year. I recall coming back hoping to make a couple posts or so about my adventures there. Unfortunately, life often turns out like nothing at all planned. (Sigh.) And now I am going back and I have not yet ever posted anything about my first trip.

Adventures in Palawan: City Tour

Palawan. They call it the paradise of people who love swimming and snorkeling. It is rich with diverse marine life, rich with places to sight-see and visit, rich with tourist spots, islands, and adventure. Palawan is where the Underground River—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—is.

I got to visit Puerto Princesa for the first time (yay!) last November for a team building. Our first day was spent on a city tour. We visited Mitra's Ranch, Baker's Hill, Binuatan Creations, and the place to buy pasalubong before having dinner in one of the Chicken Inato restaurants.

Hundred Islands in the Philippines

The Hundred Islands is located in Pangasinan, one of the provinces in the Philippines. It is a well-known tourist spot, attracting visitors the whole year round. I had the opportunity to go there for the first time last November 2011.

In order to explore the Hundred Islands, you have to rent a boat in Alaminos, one of the towns in Pangasinan. Some tourist packages include a tour guide and lunch.