nineteen of my most memorable trips in 2010

the year 2010 was another great year in travel with a mix of a visit to nearby countries of Singapore, Vietnam and Japan while not missing out some of my best experience of our country. the experience of great culture and exploring islands along with travel buddies always makes it memorable. here to share nineteen of my most memorable trips and experience in 2010. cheers to another great year ahead!

[19] Charm of Caracol Festival (Makati City, Metro Manila)though this festival is nestled in an urban setting and does not often lead the audience to participate and take part like the other festivals in the country, the costumes are colorful enough to attract photo enthusiasts to test their gears for festival shots. beyond that, i personally am attracted to Caracol because of the smile that comes out naturally from the participants.
Caracol Festival 2010

[18] Chinese New Year in Binondo (Manila, Metro Manila)might not even be too close to what one can experience the Chinese New Year in Beijing yet it's that special time when one gets to enjoy food trip and celebration of dragons and lion dance in one place. this year, i had with me some bloggers who were as excited to experience both.
Everything Red, Gold and a Lumpia to Crave
Chinese New Year
Te Ya Kong Temple
Seng Guan Temple
Dong Bei Dumplings
Binondo Food Trip

[17] Day Trippin Laguna (Paete, Laguna)
one of those few just-go day trips along with travel buddies Lawstude, Roadworthy and Lantaw can sometimes be too memorable. it led us to dropping by the towns of Paete, where wood carvings are at its best, and Caliraya, where a view of the lake and a walk around a Japanese garden can be so relaxing.
Three Stop - Laguna

[16] Visiting Tumaini Church (Tumaini, Isabela Province)i've been longing to see this church for quite some time and on that day when Pacquiao was putting down Margarito, i was right infront of this church while the people were cheering inside the big gym which was right infront the church. the church remains to be one of the most interesting churches as its bricks were placed in intricately in sequence and an unusual white painted bell tower.
[not yet posted]

[15] Remembering the Churches North of Cebu (Danao City, Cebu)the churches North of Cebu are rarely visited by tourists as it is often overlapped by the famous Basilica de Sto Nino. the towns of Danao and Liloan has churches built on lime stones. the next time you go to the beautiful islands of Bantayan, Malapascua and Camotes, drop by these towns and explore the churches.
[not yet posted]

[14] Pagbilao Beach Escape (Pagbilao, Quezon)
if my love for the beach triggers, Pagbilao's beach remains to be my favorite. a day trip to this hidden beach has always been memorable. this year i brought along friends who were among the funniest group that i've been with to celebrate with me my 2010 year-ender beach trip. it started and ended perfectly experiencing both the hot sun and the cool rain.
Escape Pagbilao

[13] Return to Capones Island (San Antonio, Zambales)
a return to one of my favorite islands in the country brings back the memory of the near-death experience that we've had when we were crossing to this island. this time, we simply enjoyed the beach and the crowd did not lessen the beauty of the island. almost picturesque from any perspective of this rocky island.
A Return To Capones Island
Camara Island

[12] Southernmost Gumasa Beach (Glan, Sarangani)
on that very short time that we were on the beach, we knew that it's one of the most beautiful beach in the country. sand was white and extra fine which can definitely be compared to that of Boracay and Bantayan. commuting to Gumasa includes a van from General Santos City and an exciting and rough habal-habal or a motor-ride that can be unforgettable.
Gumasa Beach

[11] Celebrating Kalilangan Festival (General Santos, South Cotabato)
a side trip to the Tuna capital of the Philippines on an unintended timing to its annual Kalilangan Festival. though participants were few compared to the other festivals that i've been to, the sequence of participants roaming around the wide Pioneer avenue did not make it any less than the other festivals. the Gen San bloggers who hosted us made us feel that this is a city in Mindanao one shouldn't miss out.
Kalilangan Festival
Around General Santos
Piyesta's Kurat Sticks

[10] Parasailing in Boracay (Boracay, Aklan)
Boracay did not escape from my list of places visited in 2010 as it seems like there's always something new to experience every time one would return to the island. whether it's a new resort or a new activity that you haven't done last time you visited this party island. this year we were hosted by Alta Vista de Boracay which included one of the best water activity there which is parasailing. this, i highly recommend those who visit the island at least once in your life.
Parasailing Boracay
Atis of Boracay
Morning in Puka
Alta Vista de Boracay
Night Buffet at Waling Waling

[9] Singapore by Night (Singapore)
Marina Bay Sands and Unviersal Studios were not yet open when i went there. so i visited the usual spots and a taste of the street ice cream sandwiched with wafer or bread and a taste of Singapore sling at Long Bar was my favorite. the cruise along its river was also good and definitely better than the Singapore Flyer.
A Monument, An Island and a Sling
Singapore River Cruise
Esplanade by Night
Central Singapore and the Merlion
Multi-culture Singapore
Singapore Changi Airport

[8] Road Tripping Ifugao and Mountain Province (Ifugao/Mountain Province)right after a storm hit the Cordillera region, most roads were closed due to the damage done by the landslide. but that didn't stop us from exploring the often missed out town of Poitan which has a charm of a small community isolated from the usual touristy spot in Banaue. our trip to Bontoc led us to the awesome display of art over vegetable paddies on the town of Bayo.
[not yet posted]

[7] Magnificent Palaui Island (Sta Ana, Cagayan)one of the final trips that i had schedule for 2010 was also one of my most memorable with a visit to Palaui island. the big waves coming from the Pacific on the last minutes of the one hour boat trip almost led us not to proceed. the view from the lighthouse, the rock formations similar to that of Batanes and the green plains is stunning. now this island was added to my list of most beautiful islands in the country.
[not yet posted]

[6] Island Paradise of Puerto Princesa (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)
whether its the creatures of the sky, the land or the underwater, the island paradise of Palawan is awesome. it holds numerous towering karsts and unspoilt beaches as well. this year, we were hosted by Microtel Palawan which also brought us to the underground river and Honda Bay along with other travel bloggers. a sighting of a rare blue peacock which is one of Palawan's symbol made it more memorable.
Puerto Princesa - A Guide
Honda Bay - Island Hopping
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa's Towering Karst
Three Stop 1 - Puerto Princesa
Three Stop 2 - Puerto Princesa
Microtel Palawan
Microtel Palawan Sunrise

[5] Exploring Alibijaban Island (San Andres, Quezon)
exploring an almost forgotten or not so known island is one of this year's highlight. i found Alibijaban when i was searching for an island with a nice beach through Google Earth's satellite views. later did i knew that it is a sanctuary of many mangroves and sea creatures and beyond this the notable friendliness of the locals in the island. it felt like i was in my home island.
Alibijaban Island
What You Need To Know About Alibijaban
The Quezon Less Seen

[4] Pho Pho and Beyond (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam)
i can't remember the many times i've said Xin Chao when i went to Ho Chi Minh with friends Melissa and Nadz. the Pho tastes really good from almost anywhere along the streets of Saigon. the experience of crossing the streets among the flow of motorbikes was crazy and a ride with this motorbikes is fun while exploring the many pagodas of the city. the trip there won't be complete without visiting the site of the famous Cu Chi Tunnels which we were really impressed.
Twelve Things I'll Never Forget About Vietnam Cu Chi Tunnel Vhin Ngiem Pagoda
Vietnam Pagodas
Bike City
De Tham Backpacker's District Notre Dame Church
Vietnam Night Market
War Remnants Museum
Reunification Palace
Hu Yen Si Church
Three Stop Ho Chi Minh
Good Morning Vietnam
Entering Ho Chi Minh

[3] Adventure Davao (Davao, Davao del Sur)
Davao is a region of adventure. we were not mistaken when we chose Davao to be a summer-opener for the year 2010. the white water rafting experience was the highlight on this trip. other adventure activities one can consider includes zipline, snorkeling, scuba diving, trekking to waterfalls and even wakeboarding. with the help of Davao bloggers, we had our chance to try out Maxima Aqua Fun which was exciting. the next time i'll visit Davao, i want to trek to the country's highest peak Mt. Apo.
All Set and Ready
White Water Rafting
River One Adventure Team
Maxima Aqua Fun Samal Island
Paradise Resort Samal Island
Hagimit Falls

[2] The Great Calaguas Group of Islands (Vinzons, Camarines Norte)
its clear and crystal clear waters, fine white sand and isolation makes this group of islands to be on top of all the islands that i've been to around the country when it comes to the beach. visiting it twice this year explains it. when you visit Calaguas, take note that it's not just the coast of a great beach shore, it's a group of islands that you need to explore. trek its hills and drop by its other islands which i did and you'll definitely be in awe of what the island holds. you can check out the guide that i made on how you can maximize your Calaguas experience.
Ten Reasons Why I Love Calaguas
Calaguas Islands - A Guide
Mahabang Buhangin Central Beach Area
Mahabang Buhangin Rocky Side
Islands of Calaguas
Maculabo Island
Pinagcastillohan Island
Calaguas Uphill
Trekking Tinago Hills
Mangkawayan Village Calaguas
Ending A Day In Calaguas
Paracale - Gateway to Calaguas
To The Island

[1] Yokoso Japan (Japan)
my trip to the Japan was definitely my most memorable trip for 2010. a lot of surprises came out while i was there exceeding my expectations of a country so beautiful. my chance to visit the capital city of Tokyo, the booming city of Osaka, the busy streets of Nagoya and its Northermost island of Hokkaido was a way to understand the Japanese culture. a mix of modern and old traditions gives this country a great character. as one would see the high tech Shinkansen trains, you'll also notice that the people still loves to bike and walk. it is truly amazing to have seen a country like Japan.
Senso-ji Temple Asakusa Tokyo
Hozomon Gate Asakusa Tokyo
Tokyo Tower
Nakamise Asakusa Tokyo
Kaminarimon Gate Asakusa Tokyo
Tokyo Subway
It Ain't All In Japanese After All
[Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido - not yet posted]