Blog / Philippines

My first Uber experience in Manila, Philippines

November 5, 2015

I'm now in Manila, Philippines, and just like in most other big cities, taxi drivers here get a bad reputation. I actually try to avoid taxis in most cities unless I have no other option. Last time I was here was almost 3 years ago and have only used the taxi a couple of times and it was fine. But I've heard enough stories of taxi drivers refusing to use the meter or having a …

The Banaue Rice Terraces

February 23, 2013

After a 10-hour, uncomfortable bus ride from Manila, we finally reached the town of Banaue. The town is known for its over 2,000-year-old terraces built by the Ifugaos. We spent the next two days here exploring the different terraces in the region.

Getting there from Manila

The only bus that goes to Banaue from Manila is by Ohayami Trans, located in Sampoloc, Manila. The bus terminal is about 30 minutes to an hour from …

Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin

February 7, 2013

I flew in to Cagayan de Oro from Davao City last week and decided to stay a few days there before heading to the island of Camiguin. It’s a nice, laid back, city. Also, the only main city I’d been to so far where I didn’t see a lot of old western men with very young Filipina companions (I have nothing against it, by the way, just an observation).

Cagayan de Oro city is famous …

Exploring Bohol, Philippines on a Budget: Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Conservation Area, and Loboc River in One Day Using Public Transportation

January 26, 2013

When I was in Bohol a few weeks ago, I checked out some packaged day tours to see the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Conservation Area, and the Loboc River but found them very expensive, especially since I’m by myself. Most tours also require at least 2 people.

Fortunately, exploring on your own is easy and a lot cheaper using public transportation than taking the tour. Plus you’re on your own schedule, you can spend as …

Stay for 1 year in the Philippines with a free ‘balikbayan’ visa (for former Filipino citizens)

December 24, 2012

Most foreign visitors in the Philippines get a 21-day tourist visa for free. I was born in the Philippines but now a US citizen (Philippines didn’t allow dual-citizenship until 2003). I was looking online on how to extend my visa as I’m planning on staying here for at least a month, then I found out about the balikbayan visa which applies to me since I was born in the country.

I actually just checked my …

Older