Kanazawa Travel Guide

Kanazawa was not on my radar when I booked this trip to Japan, I originally intended to go to Takayama after my stay in Tokyo  and neighboring places like Kamakura, Nikko and Mt. Fuji. I learned about this place when I was researching for budget passes and thought to myself that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to see one of Japan’s renowned garden. However after exploring Kanazawa, I think this city has so much more to offer and is surely worth a visit.

A Unique Tokyo Cultural Experience at Kagurazaka O-edo Street Tour

I realize I haven’t seen festivals as much as I wanted to,especially during some of my longer trips outside the country. For this trip to Japan, I have more than enough time to spare a day or two to attend some local events, and what a perfect timing that on my seven-day stay in Tokyo, there was a small event that I could go to. I wouldn’t have known about it if I hadn’t done some last-minute research before I left the country so it really pays to do a quick google search, don’t you agree?

A Glimpse of Traditional Tokyo at Asakusa and Kagurazaka

There’s definitely more to Tokyo than tall skyscrapers, impressive subways and modern fashion. It’s so easy to be absorbed by all these innovations that one might think it will be difficult to find a slice of traditional Japan in this huge metropolis. Not in Tokyo, though. There are plenty of neighborhoods where you can still observe old traditional sights that most people tend to miss out when they draft their Tokyo itineraries.

Dempoin Street at night

More of Western Tokyo: Shinjuku and Harajuku

I admit I only had my eyes set on the usual spots in Tokyo such as Shibuya that I had no idea there are equally awesome districts that were out of my radar. Even though I used to watch animes when I was younger and have still some exposure to their TV shows, it was not enough to prepare me for the overwhelming feeling of being in this huge metropolis. I also thought I was already battle-tested having previously visited other impressive capitals in East Asia such as Seoul, Beijing and Taipei, but each has their own charm, especially Tokyo.

neon signs in Shinjuku

Reliving my childhood dreams at Odaiba, Shibuya and Central Tokyo

My childhood was formed watching all those Japanese travel shows on IBC Channel 13 (Pinoys would get this) and all the coolest anime TV shows. I have different interests now, but the fascination with Japan never really dialed down. My trip started in Tokyo, a city so diverse and jam-packed that one could spend a week or two, even more, and not still be able to see everything it has to offer. However, I only decided to visit its highlights, most places that the 15-year old me would have wanted to see. This is a way of saying thanks to her being patient and believing that she can make the “impossible” come true.

trying out the ultimate "japan japan" pose the younger me would have done in all if I went years earlier

3 Days (or More) in Tokyo for Frugal First Timers

I used to daydream about Tokyo, especially during my teenage years. I even went as far as announcing to all my classmates that I was going to Japan after graduation. I am true to my word, I made this happen… 10 years after. Back then, my interests were mainly focused on anime shows and gadgets. I enjoyed watching travel shows about Japan, but didn’t really appreciate the deeper roots of its culture. Years have passed and I can say I have matured (a little, yes) especially with my attitude towards traveling. Despite that, the need to see Tokyo didn’t fade one bit, so I finally got myself flight tickets to Japan! I based myself in the capital of the country for six more days, three of those spent seeing the highlights of the big metropolis that is Tokyo.

16 Days of Solo Travel in Taiwan – Itinerary, Budget and Tips!

I’m glad that Taiwan is getting the fanfare it deserves right now especially with Filipinos. It wasn’t that much of a popular destination until recently due to relaxation of visa applications. I have found out how this is one of the cheaper and easier countries to visit in East Asia, despite the language barrier.

Wulai and Bitan Scenic Area

Everything looked sad and bleak on my last day in Taiwan. I certainly hope it would be sunny this time at least, but I didn’t want the gloomy weather to dampen my mood, so it’s still up to me to liven up my day. In times like this, I would usually just curl up in my bed with a book, but not today. As hard as it was, I prepped to do some light walking in the laidback district of Wulai in New Taipei.

Beitou and Tamsui – Your New Favorites in Taipei

For my last five days in Taiwan, I decided to explore cities around New Taipei like my previous hike around the mountainous area of Daxi, Dali and Fulong. My agenda that day were the popular cities of Beitou and Tamsui, situated up north of Taiwan. These places are usually visited together due to its proximity to each other.

City Guide to Artsy Kaohsiung

I only have myself to blame. Like on my first morning there, I had no idea why I was even in this city. I remember I had the idea of going here because of some blog, but I needed some time to look up things to do that fits my preference (except for the usual night markets of course.) Anyway, I digress. It was still a blessing in disguise, as I finally got to see more modern Taiwan art, or just more artworks for that matter. I’ve never been to a museum for a while so I finally got to in Kaohsiung.

Kaohsiung's Lotus Lake

Jampacked Day of Fascinating Sights in Tainan

I always enjoy strolling around small heritage cities, that’s why when asked about travel suggestions, I always mention places like Gyeongju in South Korea, Pingyao in China, Melacca in Malaysia and of course, Vigan in the Philippines. So it was a must for me to go to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city.

Located southwest of Taiwan, Tainan is a well-known destination for its temples and ancient buildings that has been a witness to almost 200 years of history. What makes it attractive to travelers like me is its rich culture that can be observed through the colonial buildings scattered around the city and its variety of snacks and street food.

Good morning from Tainan!

Two Days of Art and Flower Power in Taichung

My main objective in Taichung was to see the amazing sea of flowers at Xinshe Flower Festival, it’s also the most convenient gateway for travelers going to Sun Moon Lake or Alishan, but not knowing much about this city didn’t stop me to see what it has to offer. Taichung is pretty laid back, yet packed with interesting things to see that I really wasn’t able to cover much during my two-day stay.

Downtown Taichung by night

Colorful Taiwan – Taichung’s Rainbow Village

I haven’t met any traveler in Taichung who hasn’t been to the Rainbow Village. It’s just too interesting to skip. I had troubles figuring out how to go to this place at first (given that this city doesn’t have subways) and it’s located outside Central Taichung, but that is also how I eventually discovered the beauty of Google Maps (blessing in disguise, I guess). So, let me do the honor of showing you this imaginative place called the Rainbow Village.

tropical feels~

Your Two-Day Introduction to Taipei

I hate to admit it but I wasn’t so enthusiastic about Taipei when I landed at Taoyuan Airport. The capital city of Taiwan will be my first destination for this trip. I am not big on cities and probably enjoy it the least, that’s why I thought I’d explore it first because I adhere to the saying, save the best for last. As I got to know Taipei bit by bit, I started to fall in love with its amazing sights, affordable yet unlimited choices in food, accessibility and its people.

Alone in Singapore - A Trip of Many Firsts

It was my first payout from my first work out of college. Wow, I was finally earning my own money and I just turned 20 then so I was still feeling giddy and just excited to reach a new milestone in my life. 2010 was a good year for me, so I decided to treat my family by booking a trip to Cebu, and also treat myself with a trip to Singapore. I really didn’t think this through because I thought I would be able to have a friend tag along, after all it would only be my second time abroad after Hong Kong (which was organized by a travel agency), so I was still clueless when it comes to planning a DIY trip. My plan was to arrive at Singapore right after Christmas and leave after New Year, and with Filipinos wanting to spend the holidays with the family, it was inevitable to hear them say no, so this trip turned out to be my first ever solo trip!

P.S. Might be a long post since I am writing everything in one bulky entry, bear with me :)

Holy Week Penitence and Crucifixions in San Pedro Cutud, Pampanga

Spending the Holy Week in the Philippines can be a colorful and almost as festive as the major holidays in the country. Lenten traditions that have been passed from different generations are still practiced, making this season not just religious but culturally relevant as well. One province in the Philippines that surely has an interesting Easter tradition is Pampanga. It annually gathers thousands of local and foreign tourists for an event that literally shows true Filipino sacrifice and "blood". This is a famous sacred practice in the country that is mentioned in almost every travel guide about the Philippines.

Five Day Excursion to South Cotabato and Sarangani: Itinerary, Guide, and Travel Expenses

Ever since I have read an article from a famous travel blogger about his trip to Lake Sebu, I had been telling my friends about it and asked them to go with me. I could have risked going solo, but I hesitated every time I try to book that trip. It is Southern Mindanao after all, hearing bad news every day on the television about the region and officemates telling me stories about how they know someone having a bad experience traveling there, you couldn’t really blame someone who has lived at Metro Manila for so long to not be in doubt with their safety when in Mindanao. I knew I just had to have someone accompany me on my first trip to this part of the country. Luckily, I was able to convince a good friend to go, and like me, she got excited when I showed her pictures of Lake Sebu and Enchanted River (which we also visited on the first part of our trip. I knew then that finally, this trip will push through.

Celebrating T'boli Hospitality by Music, Dance and a Homestay Experience

I have always been curious and interested with the different ethnic tribes that reside in the Philippines, that's why I was very excited on going to South Cotabato because this means I would finally be able to meet one of the most colorful indigenous communities in Mindanao best known for their intricate weaving and bead works, the T'boli tribe.

the colorful T'boli scarf mostly worn during dance performances

Hiking Mt. Melibingoy/Mt. Parker and Smiles from T'boli locals of Sitio Nabol, South Cotabato

We woke up early in preparation of our trek up to Lake Holon, one of T'boli's prized tourist destination. I originally saw it featured at Pinay Travel Junkie's page and so we really meant to visit the place before heading to Lake Sebu. It was said that Lake Holon is Philippines' cleanest lake and seeing images of the pristine lake from those blogs, I couldn't resist to grab the chance to see its beauty with my own eyes!

traditional T'boli house - notice some differences to the nipa hut?