When I visit Baguio, I look for spots that truly make me feel like I’m in Baguio. Not just any city in the mountains, but the Baguio I fell in love with on my very first trip. I want to breathe in the scent of pine trees, feel the cool mountain air, and stay somewhere that looks and feels like a proper log cabin in the woods.

That’s why The Manor and The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay have always been my favorites. Both properties feel like mountain lodges straight out of a storybook. Stone walls, wooden beams, Cordillera art pieces, and cozy fireplaces give them a warm and elegant charm that never fades.

Recently, the two hotels were rebranded under new management. The Manor is now called The Garden Stay, and The Forest Lodge is now The Forest Stay. Together, they are now known as John Hay Hotels under Landco Lifestyle Ventures. The names may have changed, but the magic remains.

I spent the weekend with friends at The Garden Stay. I joined a bit late, since I had just come from the HOKA Run Club relaunch and the Clifton 10 launch at Ayala Triangle Gardens. I took the midnight Victory Liner sleeper bus and arrived in Baguio just before sunrise.

At the entrance to John Hay Hotels, a sign greeted me with the words “New Vision, Timeless Charm.” It felt exactly like that.

Since it was still early and I didn’t want to wake my roommate, I decided to explore the garden of The Garden Stay. Not long after, a few other early risers from our group joined me. We watched the sun rise together, saw the horizon change colors, and took photos while the light was warm and golden. Then we headed straight to breakfast.

I’ve always loved Baguio for its food, and my first meal on this trip was a buffet breakfast that did not disappoint. I usually skip breakfast, but with the cozy ambiance and good company, I couldn’t resist. I had a full meal with rice, bacon, eggs, salad, and a strong cup of coffee. It was a slow breakfast with a view of the garden, the morning sun gently pouring in, and the cool breeze reminding me exactly where I was.

Camp John Hay was once a rest and recreation facility for American soldiers. It has managed to preserve its old-world charm, and I’m glad it has. Many places in Baguio no longer feel like Baguio. There is traffic, too many roofs on what used to be forested mountains, and more modern structures than ever. But Camp John Hay still feels like a true escape.

The Garden Stay has 158 rooms, while the neighboring Forest Stay offers 163 rooms and suites. Both properties feature spacious, clean rooms with comfortable beds. More than that, they offer the kind of quiet that only comes when you are surrounded by trees.

We stayed in a room with two double beds, a spacious bathroom with a walk-in closet, and a plate of fresh strawberries with dip waiting for us.

That day, our group visited the newly opened Mount Camisong Forest Park and Events Place, which features a beautiful glass walkway. We followed it up with lunch at Café Stella Baguio, a lovely spot for good food and long conversations.

There were more activities in the itinerary, but I chose to return to the hotel with a smaller group who wanted to take it slow. I wanted to walk the trail just behind the hotel, something few hotels in the Philippines can offer.

The Camp John Hay Forest Bathing Trail, also known as the Yellow Trail, starts near the Picnic Area and runs about 5.2 kilometers. It is an easy out-and-back path through pine trees and gentle slopes. It usually takes under an hour to finish, but we took our time. Despite forecasts of rain, we were lucky with clear skies and cool weather.

It was a little sad to see some of the former attractions no longer in operation, like the zip line we had enjoyed on past visits. But walking through such a beautiful trail made up for it, and that alone was more than enough.

After the hike, we stopped by Choco-late de Batirol for thick hot chocolate. Another classic Baguio experience.

For dinner, we went to another favorite, Amare La Cucina. I finally got to dine at their branch on 22 Outlook Drive, which is usually fully booked whenever I visit. We had appetizers, salad, pasta, and Neapolitan pizza cooked in a wood-fired brick oven. Everything was delicious.

The following day was slow and simple. We heard Mass at Baguio Cathedral, did some souvenir shopping, and started the trip back home.

Baguio continues to evolve, but there are still places that hold on to its soul. John Hay Hotels is one of them. It’s the Baguio I always come back to and always will.

I’ve had a few attempts to visit Catanduanes, but something would always come up, usually work. This time, I finally made it. And yes, the stories were true. It’s beautiful. Rugged, wild, and breathtaking.

The trip was for the 18th Luzon Summit of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines (MFPI), the umbrella organization of major mountaineering and outdoor clubs in the country since 1979. MFPI holds regional gatherings like the Luzon Summit, Visayas Mountain Festival, and Mindanao Summit, along with national events such as the Annual Congress, Midyear Congress, President’s Meeting, and the All Women’s Climb, an event I joined last March for Women’s Month.

After that climb, I already had my eyes on the Luzon Summit. But I hesitated. I worried that work might get in the way again, like it did during the Midyear Climb in Bohol last year. I had booked and planned, only to cancel last minute because of a work commitment in Manila. I didn’t want that to happen again.

It took me a while to decide. Ironically, it was work that finally pushed me to go this time.

One of my clients, Teva, a pioneer in the sport sandal category, expressed interest in supporting the event. Teva was born when a Grand Canyon river guide strapped his flip-flops to prevent them from floating away during river trips. Then HOKA, another client under MAP Active Philippines, came in as well. Known for their cushioned running shoes, HOKA is now reconnecting with its roots in the mountains through its expanding line of hiking and trail footwear. It was a natural fit for the summit crowd.

That sealed it. I was going.

By the time I finalized everything, Cebu Pacific fares had already hit sixteen thousand pesos roundtrip. I almost backed out again. But I knew I’d regret missing the chance to reconnect with MFPI friends, be part of the summit, and finally see Catanduanes.

The summit was hosted by Leaflife Outdoor Adventure, an MFPI member club based in Virac. The main events were held at Punta del Mar, a beachside venue in Barangay Agojo, San Andres. Since I decided late, all the climb slots were already full. There were no more open slots for the climbs to Mt. Lantad, Mt. Sadab, and Mt. Pacogon. The slots for the Happy Island 360 tour and the overnight hike to Catanduanes’ most popular attraction, Binurong Point, were also already full.

I arrived on the second day. From the airport, we had lunch in Virac, then headed to Emmalyn’s Paradise Resort, which would be our home for the next few nights. At this point in my life, when there’s an option to stay somewhere clean and comfortable with its own bathroom, I take it. I still love sleeping in tents, but comfort has its perks.

After settling in and saying hi to friends also staying at Emmalyn’s, we took a tricycle to the campsite. We went straight to where the Basic Mountaineering Course was ongoing. A lot of our friends were instructing, and this BMC was made even more special by the presence of Sir Boboy Francisco. He co-founded the UP Mountaineers and MFPI, and helped design the BMC framework that many clubs still follow today. He shared how happy he was to see the community grow and encouraged everyone to complete the course and stay true to the spirit of responsible mountaineering.

While the BMC was ongoing, other participants joined the mangrove planting activity. Giving back is always part of MFPI events, and this one also included a beach cleanup organized by the hosts.

That afternoon, we returned to Virac to explore and eat. 

The next day, we visited some of Catanduanes’ most popular attractions. On the way, we dropped by Bato Church, a beautiful stone structure that opens to a view of the ocean. It’s one of the most picturesque churches I’ve seen in the country. 

We then spent time at Puraran Beach, a well-loved surf haven known for its golden sand, strong waves, and dramatic rock formations.

After soaking in the coastal views, we made our way to Binurong Point, where a short and easy trail led us to rolling hills that end in majestic cliffs overlooking the crashing sea below.

When we got back to the campsite, the closing program had just started. It was the summit highlight and a chance to celebrate with friends. When we arrived, fellow member Camby was performing on stage, and the girls I climbed with in Cebu were dancing in front of the crowd. It rained a little, but no one seemed to mind.

I-riepublic got everyone dancing. And then came Coffeebreak Island, a band I hadn’t seen live in years. They closed the summit with a set that brought back so many good memories. It was truly a night to remember.

The next day, we moved to a hotel in Virac, attended Mass at the Virac Cathedral, and dropped by a small post-event gathering with friends before calling it a night. We had an early flight the following morning.

It took a while to get here. But I made it.

Catanduanes was worth the wait.

Most weekends, I’m either out of town or out of the country. But when I’m home in Metro Manila, I keep it simple. Just me, the couch, and my dog. So when I saw a Facebook post from Don’t Skip Manila about a special Manila Day cruise aboard a modern-day replica of the ancient balangay, I almost scrolled past. Almost.

The balangay is an ancient Filipino boat, traditionally made of wooden planks fitted edge to edge and fastened with dowels. It dates back to at least the 4th century and is considered one of the oldest watercraft found in the Philippines. The name comes from the Austronesian word barangay, which also refers to a community, likely because early Filipino settlements were formed by families who traveled together in these boats.

Recent articles have brought renewed attention to the brilliance of early Filipino navigation, and the balangay remains a living, floating reminder of that legacy.

So I signed up. I figured I needed to hit my 1,000 steps anyway. I could take the train, walk to and from the dock, and enjoy the bonus of a balangay ride and a Manila Bay sunset.

That’s exactly what I did.

It was a very hot afternoon. The meet-up was at 2:00 PM, and I arrived early enough for cold drinks at Starbucks. After that, I followed Google Maps and walked to the dock.

There she was. The Florentino Das. A vessel that blends old-world craftsmanship with modern features. It is the country’s biggest and so far only motorized balangay. It is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and an engine. Named after Florentino Das, a legendary Filipino yachtsman who famously sailed solo from Hawaii to the Philippines on a 27-foot homebuilt sailboat, this boat carries his name and spirit. 

Last year, this very vessel reached Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea to conduct a medical mission, asserting our presence in contested waters surrounded by Chinese vessels.

Our orientation was led by former DOTC and DENR Usec. Art Valdez, the expedition leader of the First Philippine Mount Everest climb and the Voyage of the Balangay. It was an honor to meet him and hear stories of adventure, of sailing, and of that historic journey to Pag-asa.

Anne of Don’t Skip Manila also gave a short talk, and something she said stayed with me. She shared how they started Don’t Skip Manila to encourage people to see and appreciate the city, instead of overlooking it in favor of more popular destinations outside Metro Manila.

The wind was not in our favor that day so we cruised using the engine. Still, they raised one of the sails just enough to give us a glimpse of what it might have been like to sail the bay the way our ancestors did.

We set off from the Manila Yacht Club, passing the reclamation areas of Manila Bay, heading toward the port, the dolomite beach, and the skyline along Roxas Boulevard. From a distance, Manila looked beautiful. Of course, the environmental impact of the dolomite beach is another conversation altogether.

The sunset was stunning. The wind, the colors, the sail, everything came together. From a distance, we could see Bataan. We took photos with the balangay's sail as our backdrop and the city behind us. In that moment, I felt it. The quiet but powerful pride of being Filipino. Of knowing we come from a lineage of dreamers, explorers, and builders. Of sailing forward together.

Just before dark, we returned to the dock. I walked back to the train station and in less than an hour, I was home.

What a beautiful Saturday.

Mention May 15, and one province instantly comes to mind. Quezon.

Every year, Quezon comes alive with festivals in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. These include the Anihan Festival in Mauban, Agawan Festival in Sariaya, Arañat Baluarte Festival in Gumaca, Mayohan Festival in Tayabas City, Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Pabitin in Catanauan, and Sabugan in Agdangan.

I hadn’t attended these festivals in years, so when I saw a post by Bajo Las Campanas, a group I had already joined twice before and had great experiences with, I signed up again. This trip featured three of the most vibrant celebrations: Mayohan in Tayabas, Pahiyas in Lucban, and Agawan in Sariaya. 

Three festivals in one day. We did it, and it was unforgettable. And all are held in towns whose churches are designated Jubilee churches for the 2025 Jubilee Year.

We started the morning with breakfast at Rodillas, a homegrown favorite known for its Yema Cake. I had Lucban longganisa with egg and rice. Heavier than my usual breakfast, but the day called for it.

Our first stop was the Minor Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, also known as Tayabas Basilica. It’s the biggest church in the province, shaped like a key, which is why it’s called the “Susì ng Tayabas.” Its 103-meter aisle is one of the longest among Spanish-era churches in the country. 

While Saint Michael is the town’s patron, Tayabas also honors San Diego de Alcala and celebrates San Isidro Labrador every May 15.

As with every Bajo Las Campanas trip, we began with a prayer, a group photo, and a short history briefing from Lorenzo Bukas, the group’s founder and the man behind Libreria Filipiniana, an online bookstore specializing in Philippine titles.

Then we set out to admire the baliskog, the intricately designed welcome arches made from local materials like rice, coconut, rattan, bamboo, and flowers. 

The highlight of Mayohan is the hagisan, where sumans are tossed into the crowd. Sumans are steamed glutinous rice cakes cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves. Unfortunately, the hagisan was scheduled in the afternoon, and we had to move on.

We then headed to LK Farmcation in Lucban to try making kiping, the colorful leaf-shaped rice wafers that define the Pahiyas Festival. Made from glutinous rice, kiping is both decorative and edible. You can grill or fry it and enjoy it with sugar or vinegar.

Lunch was also served at the farm. We had Pancit Habhab, a Lucban staple. It’s rice noodles served on a banana leaf and traditionally eaten without utensils. You grab the leaf and slide the noodles straight into your mouth. Best with a drizzle of cane vinegar.

Next was the most popular May 15 celebration, which is Pahiyas in Lucban. 

The van dropped us off a bit far from the festival zone, but the walk was worth it. This was my second time at Pahiyas, and it was just as beautiful as I remembered. The houses were bursting with colorful displays of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and kiping. The streets were packed with people admiring the artistry.

We met up at the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish Church, also known as Lucban Church. While it is dedicated to San Luis Obispo, many also show devotion to San Isidro Labrador and his wife Beata María de la Cabeza.

A highlight of Pahiyas is the Kalas procession, where people grab produce from the decorated homes. It’s a joyful kind of chaos, but we missed it because of our tight schedule.

From Lucban, we made our way to Sariaya to catch the Agawan Festival. Just when we thought we had missed it, locals guided us through a back route of the church to witness the final stretch of the happy pandemonium.

Agawan is exactly what it sounds like. People snatch treats off the streets or from bagakay, bamboo poles strung with goodies like candy, fruits, kiping, money, and more. Residents also throw treats from their windows. The town is decorated with buntal hats and curtains made of string beans. It’s wild, colorful, and rooted in the tradition of generosity.

We ended the day with a visit to the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church, also known as the Diocesan Shrine of Santo Cristo de Burgos. This centuries-old church houses a miraculous image said to have survived disasters and invasions. Legend has it that one day, the image became too heavy to carry, which was taken as a sign to build the church where it now stands.

Dinner was at Buddy’s, another well-loved restaurant that started in Quezon. The perfect ending to a day filled with culture, faith, food, and festivities.

Mark your calendar for next year. On May 15, Quezon proves once again that culture, devotion, and community spirit are very much alive.

For my Holy Week Visita Iglesia this year, I decided to join Manilakad’s tour. I knew I could have done it on my own, as I’ve done in the past, especially since it wasn’t my first time visiting most of the churches. But knowing Manilakad’s Jing Ordona, whose tours I’ve joined several times before, I was sure this one would be more special and that I’d walk away learning something new.

True enough, I was right to sign up. I learned things I wouldn’t have caught on my own. Like how Saint Ezequiél Moreno y Díaz, the patron saint of cancer patients, once served as the parish priest of Santa Cruz Church. I also had one of those quiet “oh” moments. All along, I thought San Beda was just another name for Saint Benedict. I had no idea they were different saints. I also walked away with a new life goal. I want to be part of the Order of Malta. It’s a Catholic lay group. It doesn’t own land but is still recognized as a sovereign group.

The Visita Iglesia is a Filipino Catholic tradition during Holy Week. Devotees visit at least seven churches and pray the Stations of the Cross.

Our first stop was Binondo Church, also known as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint. Lorenzo Ruiz trained here before becoming a missionary in Japan, where he was later martyred. The church is also called Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish. It was founded by Dominican priests in 1596 to serve Chinese converts to Christianity.

After Binondo, we walked through Ongpin Street. Jing brought us to a small church tucked behind Binondo Church. It’s called Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish. It’s not big or famous, and I didn’t even know it was there. I actually thought we were on our way to Santo Cristo de Longos. We visited that too not long after.

Then we went to Santa Cruz Church. Its full name is the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. It is also called the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament. Pope Francis granted the image a canonical coronation in 2017. In 2018, Cardinal Tagle made it an archdiocesan shrine. Just recently, it became a Minor Basilica.

One thing I enjoy about Jing’s tours is how he adds little historical tidbits along the way. Like when he pointed out a marker beside Santa Cruz Church that marks the return of Manila to Spain after the British surrendered in 1764.

After Santa Cruz, we went to Quiapo Church, or the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno. It is the home of the Black Nazarene. Many believe, including me, that the image is miraculous.

The church was full of people that day, as always. You could feel the devotion in every corner. I was glad I stayed in Metro Manila this Holy Week. Watching the steady stream of pilgrims reminded me how deep and alive the faith still is in the city.

We took a lunch break at Wakilah Eatery, which has become quite popular lately. The cook was on break, so there was no roti that day. I settled for mee goreng, a glass of soft drinks, cold teh tarik, and a bottle of water. That’s how hot and parched I felt.

Next, we visited the Holy Face Shrine. My mom used to bring us there when we were kids. The shrine is run by the Sisters of the Holy Face of Jesus. 

Right in front of it is the headquarters of the Order of Malta. This was when I made that new life goal.

Jing said I needed to be filthy rich to join. By that point in the tour, we had already reached our fifth stop and had been walking for three hours. I was already filthy. Now I just need to figure out how to be rich.

The next stop was San Sebastian Basilica, just a few steps down from the Holy Face Shrine. It is also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It’s the only steel church in the country. It was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1973 and became a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.

Jing said the steel came from the same foundry as the Eiffel Tower. He also clarified that Gustav Eiffel didn’t build the church, even if many people think so. Still, San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful churches I’ve seen. Its design and details can match some of the grand churches in Europe.

By that time, the heat was too much. We took a tricycle to the Twin Churches of Sampaloc. These are the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto and the Shrine of Saint Anthony of Padua. I remember visiting them as a child. Many people like going here for Visita Iglesia because the churches are side by side.

Binondo, Santa Cruz, Quiapo, San Sebastian, and Loreto are Jubilee 2025 Pilgrim Churches. I brought my Luce figure with me and enjoyed photographing Luce in front of these churches. Luce is the official mascot of the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee. It means “light” in Italian. I also completed the mascot set in Binondo. Fe, Xin, and Sky were all with me. Sadly, Xin lost her walking stick in San Sebastian.

I was supposed to end my Visita Iglesia at the Twin Churches because I had another tour at 4 PM. But when I heard that San Beda was the next stop, I decided to go. I studied in St. Scholastica’s College, so Saint Benedict is also a patron saint. And I never leave home without my St. Benedict Medal. That was when I learned that San Beda and Saint Benedict are not the same.

San Beda Church is also called the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat. It is the main church of the Benedictine monks in the Philippines and was founded by Spanish monks in 1895. This is another lovely church.

That was the final stop for me. I said goodbye to Jing here and headed on to my next tour.