The Island Explorer

Among all the islands of the Visayas, my most least explored is the island of Negros. Usually, when I'm in Negros, I just devour in Bacolod or passby in Dumaguete. I have been to most cities and towns, but mostly for work, so I haven't gotten enough time to really discover new places. So, after another business trip to Bacolod, I took three days to explore, and my choice was the town of Sipalay and its surroundings.

Let's go back the Philippines once again, and head for the beach! One of my newest destinations is also one of my most surprising beach destinations. Can you guess where this beach can be found?

Located at the heart of the cosmopolitan district of Xinyi, the W Taipei is one of the trendiest hotels in the city. Aside from its central location, the W has also become a popular hot spot for the social set of Taipei, making it the most hip and happening hotel in Taiwan. 

I can't stop raving about Taipei's night markets. So far, they are my favourites in Asia (haven't been to Japan and Korea yet though). There is something in these night markets that breathe life and it's certainly addicting.

I didn't get up early for Day 3, since after that trip to Hualien, I sort of partied the night at a local bar. It was also a cold and damp morning, so it was just irresistible to stay in bed (even if my bed wasn't comfortable). At around 10AM, I pulled myself out and headed to the North Bus Station, just beside the Taipei Main Station. 

Day 2 of my Taiwanese escape began early. I woke up at 5AM to catch at 6AM train to Taroko National Park in Hualien, in eastern part of the country. 

It still surprises me that even though Taiwan is just 2 hours away from Manila, it was my first time to be here this year. I mean, I've heard a lot of good stuff about this small country, but I never managed to step foot on it. I didn't set any expectations when I arrived though, so every experience was a pleasure indeed.

General Santos has grown over the past years. When I first visited the city 7 years ago, Manny Pacquiao was not the attraction here. I passed by the city again two years ago, and was amazed at how much the city has transformed, and how the Pacquiao name is synonymous already with the city. This year, I made it to the southernmost city in the Philippines, the tuna capital and discovered a new resort that got me really excited.  Situated on top of a hill, providing commanding views of the Saranggani Bay, the Sarangani Highlands resort is one of the more popular destinations in the General Santos. Although it is located 30 minutes away from the city center, you will see a lot of balikbayans visiting the place for a day, or just simply to have lunch or dinner in.  I was pleasantly surprised when I entered the resort. After ascending in a dirt path, I was expecting to be in the middle of nowhere. I couldn't figure out what the resort will look like given the surr...

The Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa is one of the most desirable resorts in La Union. I mean, it is the choice resort of celebrity surfers and the jet set crowd in popular San Juan beach. Hence, when I was on a roll in La Union, I just needed to find out for myself if the saying is true - that Kahuna is the best accommodation in La Union (even better than Thunderbird according to some colleagues).

San Fernando La Union is not known for its beaches. So it was surprising that there was one beach resort tucked away beside its airport that was as popular probably as Thunderbird. Welcome to Sunset Bay Beach Resort.

A visit up north to La Union usually comes with a stopover in the province's most prestigious resort complex - Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point. With an impressive view of the South China Sea, its notably Greek architecture and design stands out among the rest of resorts in the region.