Category Archives: Philippines

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Top 10 Asian Aphrodisiacs

Embryo, testicles, stinky fruit…those Asians have an answer for everything.

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A Tropical Christmas Means White Sand Beaches

Journaling from Cebu, with my son. Three days, four beach resorts, plenty of fun.

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Eating Out in Manila

For Evenings Out You should know by now that there is more to Manila than Karaoke. Among other things, there is good food, good drinks, and amazing people. Here are a few close to my heart, and my tummy. 1.    Scarlet Wine Lounge (The Fort Strip, 1634; +632 28876838; barcraftconcepts@gmail.com) I just love the intimate [...]

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Mommy on the Road: The Smallest Volcano

Karsten and I just got back from a delightful weekend-long trip to Taal in Batangas, and Tagaytay, a cooler city just an hour and a half outside of Metro Manila. Known for its tiny volcano (the world’s smallest active one!), I had been there many times, and also with Karsten last year. But this time, [...]

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Interviewing Maria Aragon

Below is the full interview I had with Maria, now published in this month’s issue of Mabuhay magazine (Travel+Lifestyle Inflight on Philippine Airlines). Enjoy (Special thanks to Maria’s family for the interview.) Maria Aragon: Pint-Sized Ambassador (Mabuhay Magazine, September 2011 Issue) In this digital age of reality-TV celebrities and overnight YouTube sensations, one eleven-year-old is [...]

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Maria Aragon in Manila

(Photos of Maria by Mel Gatchalian)

Lago de Oro, the First Cable Wakeboard Park in the Philippines

Many wakeboarders come to the Philippines and go straight to Camarines Sur, known for its Wakeboard Park, Lago del Ray. And why not? The province is also full of beautiful, rugged beaches, mysterious caves and island secret spots (think Survivor series, because a few International ones were shot here), and easy to get to if [...]

Kayaking to Coron Island, surrounded by limestone cliffs and jade, still waters

Escape to Calamianes

The perfect getaway in the Philippines’ best islands, for our wedding anniversary.

Lee DeWyze Live

Shortly after moving into my new condo last month, Lee DeWyze, the winner of last Season’s American Idol, did a free concert just down the road from us. How cool is that! When we met backstage, he gave me a hug and said, “Mabuhay!” (Tagalog for hi or welcome) …you could tell he was still [...]

Six-Star Weekend!

(This is a delayed post, but I want to try to post more everyday things; bring you a little peek into life as a travel writer, and just all around fun stuff.) My husband was away for Valentine’s Day, and even though I wanted to plan something special, I always thought it was cheesy to [...]