[Updated since March 2025] Since 2007, I've tried to explore a new part of the world each year. This personal goal has led to a collection of unforgettable experiences, driven by my deep desire to see new places. To share snippets of my adventures, here’s a rundown on the 14 countries that I’ve been to (mostly visa-free for Philippine passport holders) for the past 18 years.
I’ve always been a light packer. I like to travel without having to think about carrying too many useless items. That’s why I load my things in an organized manner, so I don't forget anything before leaving for a trip. I also consider other factors when I arrange my things like my bag size, the number of days I'll be on the road, my destination's climate and the activities that I plan to do. The process might sound challenging for some people. However, packing my travel necessities into just one bag is quite doable. You can learn more about how to pack light by reading my tips below.
Are you looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle? We recently stayed at Hotel Casiana in Tagaytay, lured by the promise of a relaxing weekend and, of course, that heated pool they offered.
Life, as they say, throws curveballs. Our actual 8th wedding anniversary was spent supporting family, as my husband's father was in and out of the hospital. It was a challenging time, but family comes first, always. We postponed our celebration, promising ourselves a special trip when the time was right. That time finally came last October, and Boracay, with its famous beaches and breathtaking sunsets, beckoned.
The first half of 2024 had been a whirlwind, so my husband and I desperately needed a quick escape. Serendipitously, the Big Bad Wolf book fair landed in Alabang, providing the perfect excuse for a much-needed staycation. We snagged a fantastic deal on Agoda – a one-night stay at Acacia Hotel Manila for under Php5,000. The proximity to the book fair was a major draw, but honestly, pure relaxation was the real agenda.
Our family vacation in Tagaytay last July 2024 was relaxing, thanks to our stay at Via Appia Tagaytay. They made it easy for us to unwind and enjoy quality time together. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the amenities and the friendly, accommodating staff.
2024 was a year of stark contrasts. It was marked by profound loss and unexpected joy, by heart-wrenching grief and newfound hope. It was a year that tested our resilience, deepened our love, and reshaped our understanding of life.
If you're dreaming of an escape where you can reconnect with nature, share laughs with friends, and enjoy serene views—all with that special Bali vibe—Happy Farm Villas in Bay, Laguna is the place to go.
Tucked away from the bustling noise of the city, this tranquil retreat offers a cozy yet spacious setting, perfect for a mini-getaway with friends, family, or both.
After months of navigating the whirlwind of attending to a loved one's medical needs, I found solace and rejuvenation in an almost month-long trip to Roxas, Capiz. This journey, filled with moments of tranquility and excitement, was the perfect antidote to the exhaustion that had accumulated over time.
In the heart of Hanoi's old quarters, our senses were awakened by the tantalizing aroma of beef pho, welcoming us to a city that would soon become our culinary playground. Our decision to embark on this 3-day adventure last month was serendipitous, fueled by the allure of inexpensive roundtrip flights that promised a year-end escape.
As the year ends, I can't help but reflect on the incredible adventures and experiences that filled my 2023. This year has been nothing short of a whirlwind, with travels taking me across Asia, each destination offering a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and unforgettable memories.
November marked a significant milestone for me as I celebrated my 40th birthday in the vibrant and bustling city of Hong Kong. From indulging in mouthwatering burgers to shopping sprees and breathtaking views, each day brought a new adventure and a reason to cherish this special occasion.
March marked the beginning of our unforgettable 11-day journey through the Land of the Rising Sun, with the first leg of our adventure unfolding in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Despite our late arrival on the first day, the city wasted no time enchanting us with its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Mabini, Lilom Resort and Gallery Cafe proved to be the perfect escape for a week of relaxation, sun-soaked days, and impeccable hospitality. What made our stay at this hidden gem even more magical was that it was my birthday week, and Lilom went above and beyond to make it an unforgettable celebration.
Birthdays are a time for celebration, reflection, and rejuvenation. As I turned 39, my husband and I embarked on a week-long retreat to Lilom Resort in Mabini Batangas. Little did we know that this enchanting destination would give us a perfect balance of work, relaxation, and delightful experiences. Join me as I take you through the magical moments we cherished during our stay.
It’s been a while since we dined anywhere, let alone go on a buffet. It’s easier to eat out now that we’re fully vaccinated. But mind you, we still had COVID two months after our second dose, so we’re still careful about going out. Good thing, The Alley by Vikings in BGC had plenty of space for social distancing.
We’re almost two years into the pandemic, and everyone is still struggling at great lengths. It has been challenging that sometimes, feeling blessed makes you look boastful to others. Then again, I try not to think of what other people will say or think. I continue to look to God for forgiveness and guidance so that I can move forward.
It's been a long time since I've traveled around the Philippines since the pandemic. Finally, that day came, and I made sure to travel locally through food, thanks to Siglo Modern Filipino. Siglo came up in my searches when I was looking for new places to try for my birthday weekend in Tagaytay. They had excellent food reviews, and the ambiance just wowed me. My husband and I included it in our itinerary on our first day back in Tagaytay, and it did not disappoint.
Traveling for work (a first in a long time) got me a bit anxious, especially when we were requested to do an ocular in Tarlac. I had to wear my mask and face shield mostly the entire day. But I can’t complain. Work is work, and I'm grateful for it. But before we could even proceed to our ocular, our client required that my team undergo an RT-PCR test first. It wasn’t the first time that I was getting one (my first one was at NAIA 3), so I already knew what to expect. But of course, the experience was still the same - uncomfortable.
I’ve known Aph for several years now, and since our first meeting did I realize we were going to be fast friends and the biggest supporters of each other’s ventures. Fast forward to 2020, Aph launched another social enterprise she named Las Islas Lifestyle - a lifestyle brand of Las Islas Travel and Tours. It was born as a response, through a business pivot, to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying uncertainties.
Aph shared, “because of the pandemic, the global economy has gone down in record-low levels in history. Countries all over the world underwent lockdowns and quarantines, which affected the general demand for goods and services. Unemployment rates likewise increased, making it harder for people to get by. In the Philippines, among the most marginalized sectors in the local communities that were greatly affected are the traditional loom weavers of Antique and Iloilo in Western Visayas.”
At Las Islas Lifestyle, they believe in making a difference and changing the world in baby steps, which is why they thought of helping our immediate communities in Western Visayas at first. They are also looking into expanding their product portfolio and including artisanal items from all over the Philippines and are already in talks with suppliers from other parts of the country.
For Las Islas Lifestyle, they currently have on-hand the following products: Panay Hablon facemasks, shawls, scarves, Patadyong, bags, purses, wallets, polo shirts, cardigans/jackets, and handkerchiefs. They also have products made from Abaca Silk fiber like bags, table runners, and placemats. They already sell handwoven fabrics made from organic materials like cotton, silk, and piña. These materials are all locally sourced from Antique and neighboring provinces in Western Visayas.
Aside from these pre-made products, Las Islas Lifestyle also customize items depending on the client's specifications. "Our goal is to bring handcrafted products from Western Visayas and other Philippine islands straight to your home. Since travel is very limited, for now, allow us to bring Western Visayas closer to you," Aph said.
Being able to help the local community gives them a sense of purpose. And helping the community means they can make a difference in the lives of those around them. Through the products they create with their local partners like the loom weavers and seamstresses, they can help sustain their livelihoods and fuel the local economy. “A business without a sense of purpose has no direction. A business with no heart is not sustainable. At Las Islas, we always strive for purpose-driven and meaningful work. More than the income, it’s about the outcome. My ultimate dream for the Las Islas brand is to have our foundation/charitable institution/non-profit organization that would support our various advocacies in the community.”
You can help support our traditional loom weavers and seamstresses in Antique and Iloilo by purchasing their beautifully-made products from Las Islas Lifestyle. You can reach out to them via Instagram or Facebook.
Budget Biyahera is about finding fun and distinct food and destinations, accommodations, products/gears and activities that people can enjoy on a ‘regular’ person’s budget and schedule.
