Romance and Beauty at The Ruins

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The Ruins in Talisay is one of the world's most fascinating ruins

On a rainy Friday afternoon in Talisay, my friends and I found ourselves at The Ruins, one of the 12 Most Fascinating Ruins of the World. It's considered as the Taj Mahal of Negros Occidental due to its beautiful structure and the equally beautiful love story behind its construction.

The Manila Transitio 1945: A Dynamic Celebration of History

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Statue of King Carlos IV of Spain at Plaza de Roma,  the Palacio del Gobernador in the background

The only celebration I recall  in remembrance of  World War II in the Philippines is "Araw ng Kagitingan" or "Bataan Day", which commemorates the surrender of American soldiers and Filipino troops to the Japanese army after a five-month heroic defense of the Bataan Peninsula.  Thus, Carlos Celdran's (of the famed Walk This Way tour) 3rd Manila Transitio 1945 was a much-welcomed opportunity to commemorate the  66th Anniversary of the Battle for the Liberation of Manila.


Wow, Wao!

Scenic drive to Wao

I couldn't help but exclaim a big "Wow!" while on a road trip to Wao, Lanao del Sur, in Mindanao, Philippines. Situated near the provinces of Cotobato and Bukidnon, the municipality of Wao, Lanao del Sur stood out for its outstanding natural beauty. 

Tips on Talking to the Locals (Updated 5/2/11)

How do you break the ice when talking to locals? 

Everyone says that when you travel to another country, you have to "Do what the locals do." But how is that possible when you find it difficult to talk to them?  Aside from knowing a few basic phrases in the local language, Lonely Planet shared other tips that can help break the ice when you are in another country.

How about when traveling to the Philippines? Do the same tips work?