Bohol is known for it’s tarsiers, chocolate hills and beaches but, unfortunately, these are concentrated only in specific areas, the usual tourist route. Now, Tubigon in western Bohol opens up to offer water fun and adventure in its many islets, sand bars, coral gardens and mangrove areas that only locals know.

The hotel and casino business in Macau looks tough with each establishment trying to outdo each other. One way to attract people and money is to offer multimillion dollar shows that lasts within 30 minutes and can go on and on throughout the night.

I liked it here. The ruggedness, the rundown atmosphere that are patronized by the locals. When I first saw this, I didn’t quite believe it but there it was, a reality check in this gambling eden.

If I had my way, I would have stayed longer at the Camoes Garden, Macau’s biggest park and just enjoyed the scenery, the sound of birds and sauntered along its shaded pathways, listened to an aspiring chinese opera singer or just jogged its trails and had my own spot for stretching.

Sex sells. No question about it and for Macau’s fast lane, glitzy spectacle and a gambler’s eden, the world’s oldest profession isn’t far behind. Familiar bedfellows so to speak.

The brief stay in Flower Island with its short trails, white sand beaches, good food, great company with other visitors including two Japanese friends was just unforgettable!

It’s flaky, tasty and unforgettable. Melts in your mouth goodness the way egg tarts should be. But it’s not from Lord Stow’s Bakery but from arch competitor and ex-wife’s Margaret’s Cafe e Nata. It’s dessert with its share of intrigues.

In the 17 March 2011 issue of the Cebu Daily News, under BLISS, I was one of three bloggers featured including Daphne Osena.

A-ma Temple is one of the popular religious sites located at the southwestern tip of Macau dedicated to the goddess Mazu or Matsu, the patron of fishermen and seafarers and protector of the sea. It is also one of the oldest, built in 1488, predating the Portuguese arrival.

San Jose in Occidental Mindoro is not known for its tourist spots. For visitors, it’s mainly a transit point to Sablayan a few hours up north. But it does have its own attractions which can be done in two days. Instead of going to the islands, I stuck to the land.

It was my first time to watch Chinese opera and I had the fortunate advantage of also going backstage during a performance at a local festival. The colors, the costumes, makeup and sounds were something memorable.

Guia Hill is Macau’s highest point and it is the location of the Fortaleza da Guia (Guia fortress), chapel and a 19th century lighthouse. These were erected in the 17th century after a failed Netherlands seige. The area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site under the Historic center of Macau.

I’m on the road again, this time, in the north of Luzon for the second leg of Lakbay Norte 2, the yearly media familiarization tour around the region. Last year was a bit hectic but this time, its more relaxed as we are only covering Cagayan and the Ilocos provinces.

I was in awe with its antiquity. The moon doors and gates, that lead to different spaces in the abode. There are intricate woodworks and carvings, interesting tiles and gourd shaped windows that gives a peek to the sapling at the center of the courtyard. It is an intriguing and beautiful house.