5 Best Places to Observe Holy Week in the Philippines

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This could also be: Holy Week. More fun in the Philippines.

Do not be surprised if you find a lot of locals and tourists in ports, terminals and tourist attractions this week.  Holy Week in the Philippines is an important celebration observed by many Catholics in this country. Government offices as well as most business and commercial establishments close early or cease operations during Holy Week, especially from Maundy Thursday until Black Saturday.  And for this year, most offices (including museums) are closed until April 9 (Monday) since it's Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, a national holiday.

Ilocos Virgins: A 3-Day Travel Itinerary

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Recently, I have been getting a lot of inquiries about traveling to Ilocos. I don't know if this has something to do with the launch of the Paoay Kumakaway tourism ad or that music video for a telenovela which features Ilocos region's scenery. Perhaps, it's simply because it's summer in the Philippines.

Laoag City is the gateway to Ilocos Norte.

#FriFotos: Going Through Doors

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The doorway to life is always open; with welcoming arms she calls you in. Some doors are large and some are small, but no matter the size they have one thing in common. The large ornate doors of The Lacson Mansion are long gone. Now called The Ruins of Talisay,  the mansion was burned during World War II to prevent Japanese soldiers from using it.

#FriFotos: A Luxury That Can Cause a Heart Attack

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Today's #Frifotos is about luxury. Merriam-Webster defines luxury as something that adds pleasure or comfort, but not absolutely necessary. Fashion icon Coco Chanel seems to support this definition by saying that "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury." Others believe luxury is an indulgence, something that is desirable, yet difficult to obtain. If I go by the last definition, then I consider this one a luxury:

Ilocos Bagnet from Saramsam Cafe 

Sand, Surf, and Swim: Beaches in the Philippines

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This week's Travel Talk on Twitter focused on beach travel. Reading the tweets as heavy rains battered Manila, I couldn't help recall the joys of walking on the sand, swimming on turquoise waters, seeing amazing sea creatures, and doing some crazy water activities. In short, I missed the beach! While it's way too early for the next summer season, today's just as good as anytime to have a peek of the fantastic beaches of the Philippines.  By the way, I am no multimedia expert. My only wish is that this video slideshow will inspire you to relax and head to beach on the next sunny weekend. Happy viewing!

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Video features the beaches of Palawan, Davao, Ilocos Norte, La Union , Bohol and Boracay. What's the best beach you've been to? Tell us about it! 

The Giants of Bangui

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Shadow of a giant

This seemingly ominous shadow was cast by a white, man-made giant:  A windmill.  It's one of the 20 wind turbines at the Bangui Windmill Farm at Bangui, Ilocos Norte, after the town of Burgos. 

Not Borobudur. It's Paoay...

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The imposing buttresses of Paoay Church

....Or to be more specific, the buttresses of the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Also known as the Paoay Church, its design is a fusion of Baroque, Gothic and Oriental elements. Paoay Church's massive buttresses, which appear like the Borobudor's stupas up-close, were made to help the church withstand quakes. Thus, the church's architectural design is referred to as Earthquake Baroque. However, the use of coral blocks and stucco-plastered bricks in its construction makes Paoay Church standout from other Baroque churches.