Pagsanjan is known for its waterfall. But my friends & I wanted to discover sceneries other than what people could see in social media posts. So just an approximately 15-minute drive from the arch is this raw scene (plus owners of small privately-owned cottages are willing to share their piece of the view with just a small fee)

Since living independently, I have been practicing a shoestring-budget lifestyle, and Nadjeha's is my favorite shop. It is an expansive store occupying a corner block from the main street of Calamba, Laguna, Philippines. Its rusted roof gave away its age. Nevertheless, your eyes will feast on cheap goods from a 20-PHP (0.36 USD) bucket to a 300-PHP (5.42 USD) multifunctional wardrobe. What's interesting in the picture is that the two-story replica of an old upper-class Filipino house painted Caribbean green opposite the store is the Museum of Jose Rizal, the Philippines' national hero.

📍Dubai, UAE

Behold the famous Burj Khalifa in the frame. I haven’t been to Europe parts yet, but Dubai has been by far the most magnificent city I visited! So many stores, kiosks, towering buildings, and people! The number of spices in sacks and buckets, multicolored handwoven fabrics, glittering gold, and ambrosial perfumes from souks one can see is simply overwhelming! 🫣 Additionally, the Al Baik Chicken here from Dubai Mall is a must-try! — non-greasy, crispy, juicy chicken and it's served with the best garlic sauce! 🤤 (When I visited it two years ago, it had been recently opened, so the queue was tiring. I wonder if it's still the same now.)

It's your turn! Please share your pictures with us, and let’s travel across the globe with your photos as a bridge! 📸

📍Baclayon Church, Bohol:

As Filipinos, we always are mesmerized by our religious heritage. We respect the Church. This church is one of the most beautiful churches I have visited. It's enormous, and the expansive field where it stood was a place of strolling. Just outside the church were vendors of Filipino food you could try from stalls and karinderya. Since this place is Bohol, I recommend trying their exceptional food: chorizo, calamay, and ube pulvoron!

📍Unisan Beach, Quezon Province:

This beach was different from other beaches I've been to. The white sand and blue water are a given. But this particular beach was "not stringent" when it comes to fun. They allowed us to create bonfires, have our overnight campings, and provide us with grilling equipment. The hosts were very warm and kind. I would go back here, given a chance. So if you want to fully enjoy the best of yur beach experience, give this place a try!

📍 Calayo Beach, Batangas:

It's always uplifting to see the sunset. The rocky terrain with the sun setting and casting its last light was just simply mesmerizing. We did snorkeling and free diving here. The different fish and blue waters remind you how amazing the Philippines is! 

Gwanghwamun Gate is spiritually significant in Korean culture due to its association with the historical and cultural heritage of the Joseon Dynasty. The gate is often used as a venue for traditional ceremonies and events, reinforcing its spiritual and historical importance in connecting with Korea's cultural identity and traditions.

What's truly impressive is that this full-day tour offers a delightful and budget-friendly experience!

I ate too much "tteokbokki," which are spicy stir-fried rice cakes. It's a popular and flavorful snack found on many street corners and markets just near this gate

Taal Volcano, nestled within the confines of Taal Lake, holds the distinction of being the Philippines' smallest active volcano. Recently, local authorities issued a warning to nearby residents, urging preparedness due to minor ashfall sightings and potential hazards.

Historically, Taal Volcano has been shrouded in mystique. Folklore weaves a tale of an ancient sage who safeguards the land. It is said that eruptions occur when this sage's patience wanes, in response to human disregard for nature. The volcano spews forth "ta-al" (meaning "as high as the sky") lava, serving as a reminder to cherish and protect the environment.

Even today, the community pays homage to Taal through the traditional "subli" dance, seeking to appease its fiery temperament and maintain harmony with nature.

Paoay Church, also known as the Saint Augustine Church, is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. This historic church is renowned for its unique Baroque architecture, featuring massive coral stone walls and 24 carved buttresses. It's a must-visit for enthusiasts of history and architecture.

When exploring Ilocos, make sure to try some local delicacies such as empanada, a deep-fried pastry filled with a mixture of vegetables, longganisa (sausage), and egg. Bagnet is another delicacy – it's crispy fried pork belly that's incredibly flavorful. These dishes are not only delicious but also offer a taste of the region's rich culinary traditions.