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.

Fruits in Davao City? You name it! From durians, to mangosteens to pomelos, rambutans and marangs. There are lots to chose from. But there is another one, strange looking, small, and rather curious and fleshy: the yellow dragon fruit (Selenicereus megalanthus) is sweeter and better tasting than it’s red/pinkish cousin (genus Hylocereus). This, I’ve found only in Davao City.

Simple. Fly or travel to Davao and upon arriving stuff your nose with the smell of durian. During the months of August – October, the air in Davao is perfumed with this fruit. It’s all over the place. From parks, to malls, to streets. It might be a stinking city for the uninitiated but for durian lovers, it is heaven.

It wasn’t in my plan but the moment I saw the restaurant’s marquee, Kusina Davao, a flood of memories came rushing in. Wow, pork with salted egg siopao and I can almost savor the hot steaming white bun before me.

I needed a jolt, a caffeine kick that will really convince me that I’m indeed back in Davao City. Not just any kind of drink but one that is spiked and infused with, some say, a malodorant that is sure to assault the olfactory senses. I just have to give in and surrender.

I’ve checked my travel history and guess what!? I need to tick off Basilan off my list of provinces that I haven’t visited yet. And that includes seven others before I can complete all provinces visited in the Philippines. I’m planning of striking all off the list before the year ends.

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.

For the past few weeks, it’s all been a blur. Shuttling to and fro, here and there either for work or for leisure but mostly on the former. Got an assignment for a magazine, around three articles in one issue. I got invited to a resort up north where for the next two days I pigged out and enjoyed the local sceneries and spots.

The Pinacanauan River is no tongue twister and it is one of those bodies of water that I would not mind cruising often. Stunning vistas, ancient cave complexes, a natural dusk flight attraction as well as spectacular limestone walls make this route memorable.

While it was a few months ahead of the semana santa, we did a visita iglesia during our North Luzon tour visiting nine churches of which 6 are colonial era while two are contemporary churches.

Imagine, having lunch or early dinner outdoors. But not just an ordinary open air venue but one where you’re surrounded by spectacular mountains, crisp and cool air, with a waiter dressed in tux decanting wine while a chef in toque and all, whipping up your dish. This in the great Cordilleras of Benguet.

Away from the standard karting circuit, Bokod in Benguet provides a worthwhile diversion for the karting aficionado while riding on a rough road and stunning mountain backdrops.

From a distance, Ambuklao Dam in Bokod, Benguet looks like a mirage. An apparition amidst the ruggedness of this part of the Cordillera. But it’s thunderous waters crashing below the dam’s gates nudges you back to reality.

The beautiful Capitol of Lingayen in Pangasinan, built in 1918 during the American colonial period, is an outstanding piece of neoclassic state architecture that has survived the ravages of World War II.

Binungey or binongey is a rice delicacy in Pangasinan which is malagkit (sticky rice) soaked in coconut extract and steamed in bamboo over fire. It comes from the Pangalatok word nungey, meaning, cooked in bamboo. A unique take that got my interest.

The Hundred Islands off Alaminos in Pangasinan is one of the Philippine’s major and famous natural attractions that is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

Halohalo, that Pinoy iced dessert popular during the hot summer months take on an interesting form in the highlands of the Cordilleras with different ingredients not used in the lowlands.

Surfing in La Union is ideal. It’s the closest one to Metro Manila, ample public transport system, good roads and the waves caters to all levels from beginners to well seasoned pros. It even has an inviting night life.