We were expecting a delightful restaurant with a stunning view of the seashore. We didn’t get that. We got something else. And we’re content. Tucked in a quiet barangay in Nasugbu, Batangas, Kainan sa Dalampasigan is still a delightful seafood restaurant but we did not get the view of the sea. Instead, this authentic Batangueno gastronomic paradise lies in a [...]

Movie production trucks and service vans lined up in the area beside the Cape Santiago Lighthouse like giant wheeled gates that separate us from this towering structure. Apparently a horror film by Regal Entertainment was being shot when we arrived and the lighthouse had been closed. It was already late afternoon and according to some of the residents watching the [...]

My grandfather used to call it Balayang. “Balayan po,” I would always correct him. He wouldn’t budge. No matter how many times my cousin and I told him that the town is called Balayan and not Balayang, he would insist that the town’s name was Balayang. Now that I’m a grown-up, I learned that my grandfather wasn’t that wrong after [...]

Taal used the be the capital of the province of Batangas. It used to be located in present day San Nicolas but the whole town was forced to move to a safer elevated location, farther from the Taal Volcano after the disastrous 200-day 1754 eruption (May 15-December 1, 1754), the biggest eruption of this small volcano in recorded history. The [...]

One hundred and twenty five steps. Yes, we counted. Coming from the Taal Basilica, we passed by several ancestral houses to reach the San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps, which led us to the Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay. This giant staircase conncects the Caysasay Shrine to the center of the town. Originally made of adobe stone, these steps were replaced [...]

Madam Maria Espiritu was tasked by the parish to take care of a small image of the Virgin Mary. She had an urn made where she kept the image. It wasn’t long until Madam Maria noticed that every evening the urn turned empty and the image missing. As if that wasn’t odd enough, the image would return, back in the [...]

A giant scaffolding made of bamboo rose right before the basilica’s altar at the point where the nave and the transept meet. Apparently, the church’s interiors were undergoing a minor renovation. The top of the scaffolding reached to the ceiling of the dome which was being painted. I could not imagine how difficult it was for the painters given that [...]

It was the best halo-halo that I ever tasted in my life. The Poor Traveler and his poor friend stared at each other as we had our first spoonful. And with the kind of smile that cut across our face, we knew having a stopover at Casa Rap for breakfast was totally worth all the time and the trouble. Casa [...]

Darkness was slowly blanketing when we emerged from the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Batangas City. The rain had just ceased but the city continued with its active business. Just when we thought the day had ended as soon as darkness fell, the Plaza Mabini and its surrounding streets came to life anew as street food vendors sprung out, [...]

Prince Harry stood by the entrance to a dainty cafe at the heart of Batangas City. Well, it wasn’t really Prince Harry but a life-size standee that seemed to welcome visitors. Beside him was a faceless bride that can be anyone who wishes to take a picture beside the wooden, inanimate prince. If that wasn’t quirky enough for us, we [...]

A young boy and a young girl lit candles as they stood in the middle of the candle racks. They then closed their eyes, said a silent prayer, walked towards the series of pews that filled the nave of the basilica, and joined their parents who were both deep in prayers of their own. The Poor Traveler is not really a [...]

I didn’t spend a dime on this trip. Or maybe I did. I remember buying a piece of kiping, a local delicacy made from ground cassava, for P10, bottled water, and fresh buko juice. But other than that, I just enjoyed the 3-day 2-night tour without spending on anything. This tour was a birthday gift to me from a not-so-poor [...]

Disappointment was painted all over my face when I found out that the room we got was not facing the sea. Not that I am a sucker for beachfront rooms but the view of White Island lying just a few kilometers from the shore would have been the icing on the cake. Regardless, our 2-night stay at Paras Beach Resort [...]

Constant fear is probably what one who resides near an active volcano has to love with every day. That’s especially true when one is in the company of seven volcanoes. Perhaps for the people of Camiguin, though, it has become part of their everyday lives. After all, danger is everywhere no matter where we are and the best way to [...]

Laughter filled the air as little children ran around the Old Guiob Church Ruins while pushing their toy wheels with a wooden stick. It was a delightful, charming sound. It reminded me of my own childhood days when small toys and games were everything that mattered. It reminded me of the past. But this place has a past of its [...]