The Island Explorer

It is not difficult to tell if you are near the Forbidden City. Buses are lined up the streets, and a wall seemed to stretch the entire length of an avenue. And it doesn't end. You won't see much from outside, but once you step in, you enter an ancient world.

It was winter, and it was getting colder as the day progresses. After a satisfying lunch, we made a stopover at one of Beiing's top spots, its 2008 Summer Olympics village.

The next day was our tour of the city, and our first stop was the Summer Palace. As the rest house of the emperor of China, I knew we were in for another sort of magnificence.

I cannot express how much I love China. Coming from a previous unforgettable trip across the Chinese Southwest, I was left yearning for more adventure. So, 2 years after, I made my way back to China, but now to its heartland, the capital Beijing.

I hope it's not to late for me to present my wish list for this Summer of 2011. I have been seeking the best island escapes in the Philippines and South East Asia for 6 years already, and I have not been to these ones yet. I hope to make it before the rainy season begins. 1. Bukas Grande (Surigao del Norte) My number 1 choice is a place that I wasn't able to visit when i went to Siargao. I believe that the islands of Surigao (Norte and Sur) are the next hotspots - may I say the next Palawan. When Dedon Island Resort hopefully opens this June in Siargao, I will definitely make the trip. Photo by: siargaoislands.blogspot.com 2. Calicoan Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar I've always wanted to go, but its isolation meant I needed more time to get there and explore the place. But this picture of ABCD beach just makes me drop everything and leave. I'm not a surfer, but hopefully, I will be able to learn at the much talked about Surf Camp. 3. Bitaog Beach, Dinagat Islands

So I've been to Bohol several times, but I haven't been to this popular cafe till now. Cafe Lawis has always been recommended by my friends who have toured Bohol. Well, it's probably because I don't take the tours when I'm in Bohol.

I must admit, but when I was told that the La Mesa Ecopark was something worth visiting, I really didn't care much. Located at the outskirts of Quezon City, on the way to Fairview, the La Mesa Ecopark is an integrated resort of sorts, and a breath of fresh air in a bustling city.

The Bohol Bee Farm is a popular destination in Panglao Island. The resort and restaurant is located on the way to Alona Beach, so one can stopover for breakfast, lunch or brunch there.

Sumilon Island is one of my favorite places on this planet. I have been here 3 times already, and every visit still becomes a memorable one. As I get older and seek for more relaxing getaways, I see myself coming back to this wonderful island more often.

After spending a combined total of 6 days in Paris,  I was quite anxious to get out already. But we still had one more stop before we left the day: the Versailles Chateau.