featured photo: credits to Project Brew Butuan city. This small humble corner of Butuan has since been a familiar comfort for me. Like visiting a relative or a family member- a friend. Only fitting, this joint is unassuming. But has a lot to offer. Let me walk you through this review post and give you…
Category: travel stories
Our MSC Orchestra Mediterranean Family Cruise Itinerary
Rome • Valencia • Barcelona • Marseille • Genoa • Florence • Pisa • Livorno • Castel Gandolfo Our Mediterranean adventure aboard the MSC Orchestra took our family of four through three countries, historic cities, colorful neighborhoods, beautiful coastlines, and unforgettable family moments. From the ancient streets of Rome to Valencia’s Mercado Central, celebrating Easter…
Vibrant Guatemala and a family adventure
Cover photo: Iconic, vibrantly painted “chicken buses”— rugged American school buses reborn for the chaotic dance of public transit—gracefully weave through narrow, hard-hewn stone streets, embodying the raw spirit and rich tapestry of local culture. We rented an SUV for five days, weaving our way through the vibrant tapestry of Guatemala City, Panajachel, and Antigua….
Experience Flamsbana with children; the most memorable train journey in Norway
Cover Photo: The Flam line, only 20 kilometers (about 13 miles) long, is a popular rail adventure in Norway. The Flamsbana train ride takes about 1 hour and offers stunning views on the journey from Myrdal to Flam and back, making it one of the best train rides in Europe. We had the privilege of…
2 days in Budapest with kids. The history, culinary and Goulash!
cover photo: budapesti belvárosi ferences templom. The Baroque-style Inner-City Church of the Franciscans, a beautiful view from our hotel suite. Shot at f/11 at 2 sec. Fuji xpro-1, Fuji 16 mm f/2.8. The two-day visit in Budapest with the family was more than a tour of the grand architecture, intricate castle and the stunning hillside…
A family adventure to Czech, Slovenia, and Hungary; learning history and the cadence of public transportation
Cover photo: India posing along romantic cobble stone pathway. Prague is known for its magical and romantic atmosphere at night, with the illumination of historic landmarks casting a soft glow on the cobblestone streets, enhancing the feel of walking through a fairy tale. The enchanting sound of music wafts through the air from nearby cafes…
Family-Friendly Travel Guide: Tuna Landing in General Santos (GenSan)
General Santos City has been called the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” due to its impressive total daily catch of tuna that exceeds any other fish ports in the country. This vibrant city not only boasts a rich marine biodiversity but also plays a vital role in the local economy, providing countless jobs and livelihoods…
A family guide to experience world-class gestures of Mindanao’s Grand Mosque and its nearby Pink Mosque
Cover Photo: The pink Mosque of Mindanao, or Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, is an architectural gem renowned for its vibrant color and intricate designs. Serving as both a place of worship and a cultural landmark, it reflects the Islamic heritage of the Filipino people. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, its unique pink hue symbolizes peace,…
Discover Dapitan, the shrine City of the Philippines
Cover photo: Rizal’s letter to Fr. Pablo Pastells: “I consider myself happy to be able to suffer a little for a cause I believe to be sacred | itinuturing kong maligaya ang makapagtiis nang kaunti alang-alang sa isang layunin initnuturing kong banal.” A blend of historical importance and a true retreat plots Dapitan as an…
24 hours in Boston, a family adventure
Boston and the IT outage; How a canceled flight turned into a family adventure. Let’s take you to our canceled flight turn family city adventure. After a restful sleep, my family and I headed to the dining hall. All our luggage are infinite in their final fit. All I needed now was a cup of…
How to find Isak Heartstone
Who is this beautiful Giant in the woods? Isak Heartstone is a 15-foot tall wooden troll sculpture on the Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge, Colorado. Isak was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo for the annual Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA) in August, and he is known for promoting recycling by making art from trash….
The million star accommodation in Joshua tree National Park
The stargazers haven and the rock climbers playground. This unique landscape is an iconic midwest setting. It is known for its natural beauty, artistic community, and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from around the world. It has long been a source of inspiration for artists, musicians, and writers, drawn to its serene beauty and otherworldly…
Explore Sedona; a four day excursion with children
An oasis in the dessert, teaming with vibrant rock buttes, surrounding itself with new age art galleries, sophisticated food entries and who can deny the mild weather, setting Sedona a destination for all seeking both inspiration and luxury in the dessert. This was a perfect getaway for my family and my two young children who…
Ilocos reflections; a recollection. A reverence to my roots through the eyes of my children.
A journey; a self reflection | A road trip to the ilocos region, Philippines. At the break of dawn Joycee and I headed down quaint Crisologo street. The cobbled stone pathway is the most authentic at this hour with the dark blue moonless sky and the ambient tungsten light illuminating the picturesque 17th century structures….
Big Sur’s Ventana campground; the window to the pacific coast
How we spent the weekends camping in the redwoods to plug in to nature connected us to pure solitude and the very charming pacific coast. The Pfeiffer forest, the ocean and rolling hills collectively brought us to a peaceful retreat enjoying every element as we bonded together as a family. prelude to Autumn The cooler…
The road to salvation, an afternoon stroll with young children
Have you ever been in a place so desolate, uninspiring, neutral? We all have been to that daily mundane routine in life. Where part of us is a desert- our thoughts wander like the tumbleweed in the vast and open dry land. No growth, just stagnant air. Leonard Knight: The artist heart The war in…
Children and the Culinary World in Travel
opening image: the kids enjoying an authentic virgin pina colada (non alcoholic ofcourse) from a local vendor in labufadora in Ensenada, Mexico. This is a great way to enjoy the easy nice walk while shopping along a street full of vendors slowly descending down on top of a hill overlooking the pacific ocean down to…
Escape Manila’s bustle and experience Baclaran’s redemptorist church; the Baclaran phenomenon
One should not discount the facade of the Baclaran church in comparison to the Duomo Milano in Milan, or the Cologne cathedral in Germany, or even the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona because of its deep rooted faith and the gravity of penitence that the Milieu of the Filipino people share. It is a common…
Simple minivan conversion for a weekend camping trip with the family
The ticking sound that changed the course of time I love camping and the outdoors. I have always been fascinated in buying a transport van and converting it into a functional living space enjoying the luxury of camping and the outdoors with the family. In 2017 we bought our minivan when my daughter India was…
Photography in travel and the candid reminders of children at play
When words become obsolete and distant, the world of travel turns to capturing raw images of uncomplicated forms and reflections. It is an extension of a new dimension untapped to the human psyche, but sustained in the art and form of candid moments. Photographs. Still images. Raw, unedited frame of existence; Of one’s mind and…
A peek inside an annual pass holder at Legoland, California
Building Lego(s) nurture the active and physical mind. It forms and build an inner creative process in a way that shelter the imagination, produce a self reflected satisfaction; Confidence within one’s inner child, over time build a concrete- stable judgement that can be applied to the everyday adult life, with a hint of a few…
7 helpful tips while traveling on Public Transportation with Kids; Europe edition
Welcome to adventure, the most memorable part of the destination Our most recent travel to Central Europe opened up new ideas into a few more helpful insights in how we can safely and efficiently use public transportation for our future travels. Traveling on public transportation with children can be a manageable and exciting experience. Here…
Unforgettable Maui experience with young kids
Because of the recent wildfire that’s devastated Maui, I want to extend my family’s prayer for all who are affected. May this island recover in the boldest of what Hawaiian’s are always viewed as- the beautiful gesture of Ohana. This was our humble trip with family friends just a month before it leveled most of…
Mindanao’s Britania and its inspirational charm with children
Ate Lourdes Ate Lourdes sits on a shaded part of the island surrounded by pristine blue waters against white sandy beach shorelines. The calm breeze inviting a slow morning crawl of tiny crustaceans and pulsating waves. She hand picks sea urchins in a bucket. Next to her, a pile of seaweeds and few fresh catch…
Carnival Radiance cruise with children
Ensenada, Mexico Featured photo at the Plaza Civica de la Patria with the Bust of Benito Juarez. He was a Mexican Liberal lawyer and statesman who served as the 26th president of Mexico. Benito pursued constitutional reforms that helped establish a democratic federal republic. Thing one and two, a carnival cruise experience for you It…
As we lay here in the cabin
Rest, as illuminated in scripture, unfolds with a sacred rhythm that beckons us to pause and remember His promises, compelling us to lean into His unwavering provision. It is a powerful, intentional break in the chaos of our daily lives, urging us to reflect deeply on the overflowing blessings we often take for granted. In…
we are the banyan tree
A welcome note Let me introduce you to the framed line of this photograph, the becoming of a curious mind and the vertigo of a wanderlust mother. Let me become anonymous and paint you a raw unedited version of my family. It is in those playful coffee hour of the tungsten lit room where Joycee…
Come again to Camiguin Island; A three day family trip packed with adventure
Our 2022 Mindanao road trip brought us to this wonderful finale of a retreat in the intimate and quaint Island of Camiguin. A wonderful family vacation Island you’d want to visit if you want to feel a private tropical welcome away from the busy crowd. Immerse with the locals at every town, drive with the…
Our journey to beautiful Alberta with a one year old.
A dreamy state of mind Have you awaken from a dream of pristine waters and un-ending stream of river that rest on a panoramic mountain rage of snow capped mountains? Captivating waterfalls and rolling hills of wild flowers and dramatic skies? Lakes that stretch for miles across vistas and evergreen that foil dramatic and ominous…
Enter the enchanting; A road trip to the Pacific Northwest with a toddler
Cover Photo Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S., located on the Olympic Peninsula in western Washington state. Celestial birthday, an introduction to our Pacific Northwest adventure. on my 33rd birthday I woke up extra early at 3 in the morning. I joined the early morning with a fresh aroma of…
Yellowstone and the Grand Teton in Autumn
Why a road trip through Wyoming is a great alternative to see the colors and foliage in the fall We all gravitate toward a selected ideas and places for inspiration. A book, a meditational or inspirational music, and travel, for many- including the whole family. The everyday mundane and the monotony of life can take…
A family guide to Mindanao’s stunning mountain resorts
The beautiful mountain ranges of Mindanao from Digos (Davao Del Sur) to Kitcharao (Agusan Del Norte) featured photo: Alicia’s ridge eco park in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte with India and cousin Tan Tan overlooking a vast mountain ranges of Buenavista covered in afternoon fog creating an atmosphere of flattering diffused light | 2022 The mountain…
Drive the beautiful 902 Surigao-Davao coastal route
Featured photo: A side trip off highway 902 to a stunning natural wonder in the Island of Mindanao, the Aliwagwag falls is renowned for its cascading curtain like beauty and lush surroundings. A quick photo with the family before continuing our coastal road trip to Davao City If you were thinking about a road trip…
bike the pacific coast with the kids
Southern California is definitely a warm welcome to families seeking to travel with multitude of activities in mind, from snowboarding the mountains of big bear lake to finding their way down the pacific coast just hours away- watching surfers riding a perfect barrel. Illuminated under the orange tinged pacific sun setting in the horizon is…
The children of Talaingod
After a recent completion of a paved road connecting Davao del Norte to Bukidnon, travel between the two cities have shortened the distance and time significantly. The two lane road run through the municipalities of Kapalong and Talaingod. What we have encountered here have been an eye opener- a life changer, perhaps with how the…
what’s your story? The fujifilm instax share sp-2
The magic of the moment cover photo with Joel and Ryan pose outside the Jardin de Senorita | Travel is nothing short of a breathtaking adventure! To share that adventure with the incredible people we encounter is truly a gift. Learning their stories, forging deep connections, and cultivating friendships, all while leaving behind a tangible…
Experience Siargao island’s charm with children
From the pristine beaches of Siargao Island, vibing with the locals, learning to surf, exploring the hidden waterfalls and secluded gems of Camiguin island, to the very peak of the Mindanao mountain ranges- a sweet serenade and early sunrise glow from the very mount Apo backdrop and trailing morning dew and fog. The newly opened…
Magical camping experience with family in San Diego’s Roar and Snore safari Park
A sleepover adventure in the San Diego Safari Park! October 2021 | Imagine a night that’s captured the intimate darkness, the late October sun not hesitating to delay and retire itself to pave the way to a clear autumn sky. The crickets chirp loud and clear this pandemic uncertainty. Everyone is just about in their…
Ha Long bay’s Orchid Cruise experience with young children
One night, two days, and a lifelong hospitality. Welcome to Luxury Orchid Cruises. Kuya Ronald comes around the corner to check on the guest at Dinh Vu port in Hai Phong City. He serves a welcome drink on this humid day as sweat drips down my forehead trying to contain the kids with a doodle…
A family road trip to the Yucatan Peninsula
A road trip to a lost civilization Spring 2016; Setting out early in our rental car- an avocado colored ford fiesta as our vessel, Joel is strapped in his car seat in the back at 16 months, his bottled milk ready for the trip, and we took off to our first family road trip adventure…
Family adventures in the Lone star state
Hold the fort. ‘Remember the Alamo!’ To where it stands now, unparalleled structures rise around, not a cast of shadow gloom over this historic land. Dwarfed building pave way to the Alamo as it hold its ground. The reminder to the very foundation of this land. From the Spaniard’s settlement and their missions- the origin…
Summer, coffee and play; a parents perspective traveling with young children
Summer Solstice; an introduction Ideally I would stow away the camera and claim a corner spot in the bed. This is usually when the coffee is just about digesting my breakfast I just consumed and conserving every calorie for the full day ahead. Cover photo: I saw this nice diffused light trying to encamp around…
Europe tour bus and the grand gesture of friendship through the eyes of children
GoeuGo bus tour with children | part II: On this journey we continue our travel to Germany, Amsterdam, Belgium and back to France. go to part I. Places visited: Bonn , Cologne , Amsterdam , Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof, Brussels, Paris. Day 3 Bus stop # 6 | The city of Bonn. The ex capital city of Germany before…
Europe tour bus experience and journey with young children
GoeuGo bus tour with children | part I: Welcome to our journey to seven beautiful places in Europe. Go to Part II. Places visited: Lucerne, Zurich, Rhine Falls, Titisee, Frankfurt. Prelude Travel re-kindles a deep passion for new ideas. A quaint place to reflect. It recharges the soul for new adventures and culinary experience. It…
The train to Paris, a family adventure with young children
cover photo: Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile soars 34 stories high, providing breathtaking views of Paris and its iconic monuments. Perfectly situated between the bustling business district of La Défense and the famed Champs-Elysées. View from our bedroom window. ‘It’s only a matter of time when the kids grow up and we can plan this trip…
Barefoot in London, a fond recollection and travel with an infant
Prelude: It has been four years since we made a bold decision to venture out to travel to Europe. We had a one year old and a three year old then. Tagging them along seven different countries in a span of eight days was incredible to say the least. I don’t know how we managed…
Florida keys with the family; the journey to mile zero
A road trip to the deep south | Part IV: a Florida birthday special The final part of this travel series to the deep south encompasses a magical journey to my daughter’s fourth birthday interlaced with Joycee’s birthday week make for a double celebration. It is a different charm the Florida keys bring when traveling with…
The southern welcome fragrance
A road trip to the deep south | Part III: springtime in Savannah Pulling up to a valet in the sidewalk on a warm and humid spring afternoon a nice gentle man greeted us a welcome note in a creole accent. The streets has soaked up tourist on this early afternoon while I scan for…
The road to sunny Auburn, a family journey to the historic south
A road trip to the deep south | Part II: the road to Alabama and Georgia. As I find my bearing and buried myself in mental preparation for the many miles ahead- I turned on the local radio listening to an opening piano piece and ensemble of wind and brass as it picks up to my…
The road to hospitality; The big easy for the little eyes.
A road trip to the deep south | Part I: A family adventure in New Orleans. Around every street corner a trombone catches a note of invitation along with the band bringing a pace of left, right and a thumb snap, maybe even a whistle, skip and tip toe if you like. Music and expressive…