"Mitch Albom’s For One More Day, Nicholas Spark’s A Walk to Remember, and Jenny Han’s To All The Boy I’ve Loved Before are some of my favorite books.

As a bookworm, there’s something about the smell of freshly opened (brand-new) books. As you flip through each page, there’s a scent that lingers at the tip of the nose, which is subtle but kind of addictive. This mundane experience is actually as pleasurable as getting immersed in the content of a good read.

Having said these, you’d have a clue that my favorite shopping place is a bookstore. This one (Biblio) in Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange is my recent find. I come across this little store in one of my travels, and since then, I always drop by whenever I wait at the terminal for my bus going home to the Bicol region"

Many city dwellers travel to the province of Rizal to escape the hustle and bustle of the metro life. Since it is within a 2-hour drive, it is an ideal destination for a quick morning brunch, an afternoon cafe-hopping adventure, or a nightcap. This place is known for its relaxing hangout nooks with overlooking views of the Metro Manila cityscape.

While there are plenty of cafes with magical views of Metro Manila in the province, one of my most favorites is Art Sector Gallery & Chimney Cafe 360 in Binangonan, Rizal. It is a cafe, a gallery, and generally a place to relax. It offers views of Metro Manila skyline, Sierra madre mountains, and Laguna Lake. The sunset scenery there will take your breath away.

This is the newest branch of Wild Flour Bakery + Café Corp restaurants, and it is definitely one of the most Instagram-worthy. Located in upscale Greenbelt 3, this place offers an elaborate menu, with appetizers, lunch bowls, steak, and more. Drinks vary from coffee to cocktails. They also have a Happy Hour. Be sure to try their Mimosa and Aperol Spritz. 

Naga City has many great hotels, but for me, I think most of the good ones are kind of dated. If you are the type of traveler who likes modern accommodations, The Litton Hotel is perfect for you. If you're not staying, you can just check out their on-site dining, which has a posh design ideal for Instagram-savvy tourists and meticulous travelers. The food is great too and plated generously, but you have to be prepared cos it is pricier than most dining spots in the city. 

Henann Resort Alona Beach, Bohol. When we went to Bohol this summer, we made sure to pick to best resort. Our criteria included easy access to the beach, an Instagram-worthy setting, on-site dining, and evening happenings. At Hennann Resort Alona Beach, all these items are ticked. This beachfront resort also has a very stylish pool and beach area. There are several dining options, including a beachside/poolside bar with entertainment at night.

Although it's been years since I last went to Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar, I'm still in awe of its beauty and magic. This place boasts one of the most splendid settings in the country, thanks to its pastel-colored intricate colonial architecture, vast ocean for a backdrop, and spectacular sunset/moonrise views. It is a place foodies must visit, as well. You can savor delicious Spanish and Filipino food, with several dining options.

I think the best time to visit is pre-summer because when we visited in Feb 2020, the place was not as crowded. And we got our room at a discounted price when we booked online months prior. Plus, we got upgraded when we arrived. Also, we had the perfect weather for swimming, alfresco dining, and touring. It wasn't that hot and it wasn't pouring, as well. 

Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City was planted in 1521, this cross is the most iconic symbol of Spain’s colonization of the Philippines. The explorers planted the cross upon their arrival in Cebu, and since then it has become a representation of their Catholic influence on the country. While there are many bad sides to colonization, Catholicism is not one of them. In fact, even long after the Philippines’ release from the cruel grasp of Spain, it has retained and maintained the faith.

Apart from the actual cross, many travelers come here to admire the mural on the ceiling. It tells the story of Rajah Humabon’s (and his family’s) baptism into Catholicism and Magellan’s planting of the cross.