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 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.

During a hot afternoon while in Bato, Catanduanes documenting an old church, a trip to Maribina Falls provides a welcome respite, the perfect way to cool off and cap a brief stay in this province.

Do it slow. Don’t rush. Don’t mind the sand getting into your feet, thighs and hair. Just let people stare and look. The important thing is, you enjoy it very much.

I admit it. I was wrong about Boracay and first impressions don’t always last. You see, my first time visit almost three years ago left a bad taste in my mouth. Now that I spent three days and three nights in this beach mecca, I take back what I said!

The next time you go to Boracay? Head to Bulabog Beach and just learn to ride and master the wind through windsurfing and kite boarding in one of the best places to do these stuff here in the country and around the region.

The Ruins of St. Paul is one of Macau’s top tourist drawers and, if not, the most iconic of all the territory’s landmarks. An imposing, well appointed facade rich with details that is a blend of the West and the Orient.

Perhaps one of Macau’s iconic landmarks, the Largo de Senado or Senate Square is often depicted, along with Ruins of St. Paul, in countless photos. The area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Centre of Macau.

There’s a marked contrast. A glaring showcase of opposites. Shabby apartment buildings, tiled roof traditional houses, century old churches and government buildings at one end. Then you have glitzy high rises, skyscrapers filled with lights and neon marquees dancing on a foggy night at the other end. Macau’s old meets the new.

I trekked up Mt. Iraya in Batanes to ponder on my past, my present and my future as a was crossing a major life milestone and I came down humbled and confident.

I know nothing about Macau except for a few things or what I think I knew of this place and I am open to what this place has to offer, good or bad. I am always receptive to something new: food, places, structures and probably culture and people. I’m ready to be surprised

It wasn’t in the plan but my friend, Raegan, world authority on Philippine Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) invited me for a trip to the hinterlands of Marilog District to see Epol Waterfalls and check out the beetles found in this area.

A trip around North Luzon is a sojourn that is best described as AWESOME! From the central plains of Pampanga, the rugged Cordilleras, the beaches of Ilocos and important heritage, culture and adventure spots proves to be a very interesting trip for whoever is brave enough to embark on this multi day journey.

I was but a tiny entity, a speck, in the caverns of Callao Cave in Peñablanca as I was dwarfed amidst the stunning stalactites and stalagmites as among unusual rock formations that made me oohed and aahed.