The island-province of Batanes was created by a series of volcanic activities and other geologic forces millions of years ago.

The province is home to the famous Ivatans who are nationally acclaimed as the True Insulares. The Ivatans are of Malay stock, tracing their roots to early immigrants from Formosa, Taiwan as well as Spaniards who came to the island in the 16th century. Being an insular people, the Ivatans have kept the purity of their gene pool through time.

Learn more about Batanes Cultural Travel

LakbayPilipinas.com started providing travel guides and features to its readers since 2002. Among more than a hundred of islands and destinations I have visited, I can say that Batanes is the best destination I have ever been to in the entire archipelago.

More here >> http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/blog/

I usually ride kalesa whenever Im having a hard time flagging down a cab or when some areas in Manila are flooded. Last Friday, I went to SM Manila to get my business cards printed out and to have a late lunch. Since the sky was gloomy I decided to go home after running my errand but it was too late, the rain started to pour and all the commuters scattered as they frantically tried to catch an available cab. Kalesa has always been my lifesaver specially during times when I’m rushing home since most taxi’s are busy choosing their passengers or demanding for additional fee before rendering their service.

read my kalesa experience here

The image of Our Lady, which was then called Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, was brought to the Itawes region from its church in Lal-lo, then the seat of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia, in 1620 to settle the conflict between the Christians and the Itawes tribe.

Her coming brought peace and in no time at all, her small chapel in Piat, where the present church now stands, became a place of worship for both Catholics and the Itawes.

Obando Fertility Rites is a Filipino dance ritual. Every year, during the month of May, to the tune of musical instruments made out of bamboo materials, the men, women and children of Obando, Bulacan, Philippines wear traditional dance costumes to dance on the streets followed by the images of their patron saints San Pascual Baylon (St. Paschal), Santa Clara (St. Claire) and Nuestra Señora de Salambao (Our Lady of Salambao), while singing the song Santa Clara Pinung-Pino.

More : Obando Fertility Rites

Baguio City Cathedral is a majestic church built on top of a hill, and is seen from many parts of the city. On the right side of the cathedral is Session Road. It is the main avenue of the city and is its commercial center. Along the main street and side streets are numerous shops, restaurants, and billiard and duckpin bowling alleys. Session Road is also the place visited by foreign tourists who wish to enjoy the city’s nightlife.

A Calesa Parked in front of Malate Church

Flowering Plants for Sale in Tagaytay

Samal Buenavista Island, originally uploaded by MeloVillareal.

Most renowned as a first class, private island resort, one can reach Buenavista Island (locally Ligid Island) by boat thru Ana Marina Resort’s pier from across Samal Island. In many cases, a speedboat brings the guests over where one can rent the whole island to oneself, and live a luxurious, exclusive stay of pampering away from civilization.

more text here : http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2005/10/03/feat/buenavista.pleasures!.html

This beautiful island is part of the locality of Santa Ana in Cagayan Valley. Palaui Island is surrounded by beautiful beaches and wide coral reefs. In this Island Paradise you can find the old Spanish-built Light House Cape Engaño. With the unspoiled white beach of Anguib, comparable to that of Boracay and El Nido Palawan, and the fine black sands all over the coast. Sta. Ana is the Game Fishing Mecca of the Philippines. It has hosted for two consecutive years the international decathlon, where athletes run through the rugged terrain of Punta Verde to Cape Engaño, then dipped in the crystal clear water of the Philippine Sea.