After a month away, I made my way to Iloilo, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, to indulge in the Filipino food I had been missing.

This gastronomic adventure was organized by the Iloilo City Mayor’s Office for Culture and Heritage and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo. It was made possible by Clark International Airport and Cebu Pacific Air, which flies to Iloilo four times a week from Clark.

Breakfast at Richmonde was a full buffet feast, complete with bacon cooked two ways. 

From there, we headed to Uswag Agri-Nursery. Iloilo’s UNESCO recognition is linked to its culinary heritage and its innovative urban farming projects. These farms support local food security and sustainability while keeping traditional Ilonggo flavors thriving.

Farmers welcomed us with rice cakes, fresh fruits, and the comforting classic KBL, made with kadyos, buko, and langka. Chef Cidj Jalandoni, who I know first as a runner, demonstrated a simple ensaladang talbos, one of our favorite salads at home.

Since it was still early and we already had two breakfasts, we made a quick stop at Casa Mariquit, a beautifully preserved bahay na bato built in 1803. Located in Jaro, it is considered the oldest existing heritage house in Iloilo.

We then walked to Biscocho Haus, which is now celebrating 50 years. Established in 1975, it continues to delight visitors with its signature pasalubong items, including Biscocho, Butterscotch, Merengue, Toasted Mamon, Galletas, and other local favorites. 

I also made a nearby quick stop at Panaderia ni Pa-a, a brick-oven bakery established in 1896, to grab my mom’s favorite pasalubong.

Of course, no Iloilo trip is complete without a stop at Roberto’s for their legendary siopao. Many would argue these are the best in the country.

Lunch was at Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant. It has been serving authentic flavors for more than four decades and remains a favorite for its grilled chicken and seafood.

My personal favorites came later in the afternoon.

We went to Happy Ending, one of the stalls at Molo Mansion. The creators of Happy Ending are geniuses for transforming Ilonggo flavors into ice cream. The KBL flavor blends kadyos, buko, and langka into something refreshingly familiar. The batwan cheesecake turns the region’s sour fruit into a creamy, tangy treat. The baye-baye highlights the soft, toasted rice delicacy that Ilonggos love, now in ice cream form.

We then visited one of the many stalls of Jo-Anne’s famous fishball. These are far from the typical store-bought kind, and the mango sauce in three spice levels makes them even more special. I really wish we had this in Manila.

We also visited Panaderia de Molo, the oldest panaderia in the Philippines, established in 1872. Their banyadas, biscocho príncipe, galletas, hojaldres, and other pastries trace their origins to the Jason sisters of Molo. When Molo Church was rebuilt in stone in the late 19th century, egg whites were used to bind the slabs together. The leftover yolks were turned into heirloom biscuits based on old Spanish recipes.

Before winding down, we had drinks at The Urban Table. Their cocktails were inspired by Iloilo, including the Guimaras Highball, Pinasugbo Daiquiri, and Tablea de Biscocho made with products from Destileria Limtuaco. We also learned that Chef Luigi Muhlach helped develop their menu.

The day ended back at Richmonde with a feast that felt like a love letter to Ilonggo cuisine. 

Iloilo offers different types of food tours, such as heritage, chef’s picks, and sustainable eats. I was lucky to join one that combined two of my favorites, street food and panaderia culture. I will admit that I missed a few personal favorites during this tour, but Richmonde made sure we still got the full experience.

They set up interactive stations where we could make our own batchoy, molo soup, kinilaw, okoy, and even tiramisu. Each bite was packed with rich, authentic flavors that felt straight from Iloilo’s kitchens. It was a feast of Ilonggo favorites under one roof and the perfect, unforgettable way to reconnect with the flavors I had been missing.

From heritage bakes to street food and creative cocktails, my day in Iloilo was a feast for the senses and a reminder of why Filipino cuisine is world-class.

There are many ways to describe Istanbul, a city that bridges two continents, once hailed as “the capital of the world” and the seat of three great empires. I had always been curious about Turkey but never had the chance to visit. Thanks to Turkish Airlines, I finally saw Istanbul, even if it was just for a day.

My original trip was for the Camino, and Turkey was not part of the plan. When our travel agent told us about the complimentary Istanbul city tour offered to international travelers with a layover, we immediately said yes. In that short visit, I fell in love with Turkey.

The complimentary Istanbul city tour is available exclusively to international travelers with a layover at Istanbul Airport. Passengers with Turkish Airlines tickets, a transfer time of 6 to 24 hours, and flight schedules that match the tour can take advantage of this service. Economy passengers may even get a free overnight stay, though we did not have time after traveling almost a month from Portugal, across Spain, to Morocco. 

We met up with the group at the Tour Istanbul desk at the airport. We registered and received our IDs, then waited for the tour guide, who led us to the bus. Our group tour was conducted in English.

Our first stop was Tepe Restaurant Lounge, perched above the Bosphorus in the Baltalimanı and Sarıyer area. The main attraction was the panoramic view. From the terrace or patio, we could see sweeping views of the Bosphorus and the bridges connecting Europe and Asia. 

We enjoyed a traditional Turkish breakfast with cheeses, a selection of olives, fresh bread such as simit or pita, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, and butter or cream with honey or jam.

After breakfast, we visited the Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, in the Eminönü district near the New Mosque and the Golden Horn. Built in the 1600s, it is one of Istanbul’s most famous and historic markets. 

Inside, the market was lively, busy, and full of energy. Stalls overflowed with bright spices, dried fruits, roasted nuts, and Turkish Delight. And I had my first authentic Turkish Delight.

Next, we went to Hagia Sophia, the famous historic church turned mosque turned museum, now a mosque again. I have always wanted to see inside, but that was not on our agenda. Instead, we explored the castle beside it, Topkapi Palace, a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s grandeur. 

Built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II shortly after the conquest of Constantinople, it served as the administrative center and royal residence for nearly 400 years. The palace spreads across four main courtyards and numerous smaller buildings, featuring ornate pavilions, lush gardens, and stunning views of the Bosphorus. It combines Ottoman architecture, Islamic art, and opulent decoration, with intricate tilework, gilded rooms, and delicate fountains. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Istanbul’s top attractions. 

I wanted to explore the Imperial Harem and the Treasury with priceless jewels and artifacts, but the line was too long. 

From the palace, our tour guide led the group to Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel for a complimentary buffet lunch.

After lunch, we walked to Sultanahmet Square in the Fatih district. This area was once the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the chariot-racing stadium of the Byzantine era. 

Here we saw the Obelisk of Theodosius, an ancient Egyptian obelisk originally erected for Pharaoh Thutmose III and later moved to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius I in 390 AD. It stands on a marble pedestal with carved reliefs and remains one of the most prominent monuments at the Hippodrome site. 

Nearby, the Serpentine Column, originally a bronze tripod dedicated at Delphi after the Greek victory at the Battle of Plataea, was brought to Constantinople by Constantine the Great around 324 AD. Today only the intertwining serpents remain, while the original serpent heads and golden bowl are lost. 

We also saw the Walled Obelisk, a late-antique monument repaired by Constantine VII in the 10th century. Its original bronze cladding is gone, but the stone core still marks the southern end of the Hippodrome.

Our final stop was the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Built between 1609 and 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I to rival Hagia Sophia, it is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. The mosque is famous for its six slender minarets, large central dome, and interior adorned with over 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles, which give it its popular nickname. 

After visiting the Blue Mosque, we returned to Istanbul Airport and waited for our flight back to Manila. Even in just a day, Istanbul left a lasting impression, and I am grateful to Turkish Airlines for making this unexpected stop possible.

As someone who grew up in a country surrounded by water and with no land borders, crossing one has always felt like a big deal. I’ve done a few before, but this trip easily takes the top spot. Not only did we cross country borders, but we crossed continents, from Europe to Africa.

After Spain, my travel companions suggested Morocco. I immediately said yes, The Alchemist came to mind, and it would be my first time in both Morocco and Africa. From Seville, we took a bus to Tarifa, then a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, where we spent a night. From there, we took a train to Casablanca for another night before heading to Marrakesh for two days, finally flying back home via Turkey.

Tangier

In Tangier, we stayed at Socco Hotel in the heart of the medina. Walking from the port was easy, though the crowd of tourists nearly threw me off track.

The old medina is a maze of white-washed alleys, centuries-old walls, and lively squares. After settling in, we explored the vibrant streets. Traditional music filled the air as kids played football, tourists wandered about, and food stalls offered everything. 

After indulging in tapas in Spain, I welcomed the change. I had sardines for a late lunch and early dinner, followed by a sweet dessert. A chicken stand with a long queue caught my eye, so I grabbed some to eat back at the hotel.

Our sunset was spent on the hostel rooftop, with panoramic views of Tangier bathed in golden light, a perfect end to our first night in Morocco.

Casablanca

After a Moroccan breakfast at our hostel, we walked out of the medina and took a cab to the train station. A few hours later, we arrived in Casablanca.

We stayed at Syracuse Hotel and took a brief walk to a nearby park, but the heat drove us to Rick’s Café, our main agenda in Casablanca. 

Rick’s Café recreates the iconic scenes from the movie Casablanca. I had lamb paired with Casablanca beer, and of course, we snapped photos in this highly photographed spot.

It is cozy and elegant, with warm lighting, dark wood furnishings, Moroccan tiles, and vintage décor that transport you to 1940s Casablanca. The bar, piano, and intimate tables complete its timeless, cinematic charm.

Later, we walked toward Casablanca’s medina and saw the old walled town along the way. It wasn’t as authentic as I expected, so we returned to our hotel to rest.

Marrakesh

The next day, we took a train to Marrakesh and stayed at Riad Babouchta & Spa in the medina. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house built around a central courtyard or garden. The riad’s architecture, carved wood, zellige tiles, and intimate courtyard made it a beautiful choice.

We booked a day trip to the Agafay Desert, just 30–40 km southwest of Marrakesh. Unlike the Sahara’s towering sand dunes, Agafay is a rocky, moon-like desert. We rode ATVs across the rugged landscape, then later took a camel ride. I wish I could call it relaxing, but for me, it was thrilling from start to finish.

Our evening ended with Moroccan cuisine, live music, and a fire dance. I must admit, Moroccan tour guides know how to get everyone dancing and enjoying the night.

Back in Marrakesh, we explored the medina’s famous markets. Each souk has its specialty. Souk Semmarine sells leather goods, Souk Ableuh has olives and spices, Souk Haddadine is known for metalwork and lamps, Souk Chouari for wooden crafts, and Souk des Teinturiers for colorful textiles. The narrow, winding alleys are alive with artisans, shoppers, and the scents of spices and leather, offering a truly immersive experience.

We also visited Dar Cherifa, one of the oldest houses turned restaurants in the medina. Dating back to the 17th century, it retains its riad charm with carved wood, zellige tiles, and a central courtyard. It serves Moroccan cuisine and tea and often hosts art exhibitions and live music, making it a cultural as well as culinary stop.

Another highlight was the Centre de la Femme Artisane, a women’s artisan center supporting local female craftspeople. Here, artisans create and sell traditional Moroccan handicrafts such as textiles, embroidery, pottery, and jewelry. Visitors can watch demonstrations, shop directly from the artisans, and even take short workshops. It is both a cultural and socially conscious experience.

It feels like we just whisked through Morocco, and we really did. It was just an afterthought this time, but I already know I need to go back to truly soak in more of its colors, flavors, and vibrant culture. Next time, Morocco will be the agenda.

The name Montserrat means “serrated mountain” in Catalan, a tribute to its jagged peaks. Legend says angels carved them with a golden saw to create a throne for the Virgin Mary. Another tale claims the Holy Grail, long sought by kings and mystics, is hidden here. The mountain also inspired Antoni Gaudí, and its shapes and energy can be seen in his designs, especially the Sagrada Família.

Yet despite all the stories that swirl around Montserrat, my reason for visiting was simpler. It is home to a Benedictine monastery, perched on a hill that looks otherworldly, and it offered another chance for a hike.

We booked our tour online and met the group early at a bus station in Barcelona. From there, we were taken to a small train station where the real ascent began. The rack railway climbed steadily, revealing spectacular views as we gained elevation. Soon we were surrounded by jagged rocks while the entire region spread out beneath us.

The first thing I did was browse the souvenir shop to claim our free cookies and wine. Then we boarded the Sant Joan Funicular. In only five minutes, it carried us higher until we reached a viewpoint. We did a bit of hiking afterward. Mist curled around us as we walked, soft and cool, giving everything a dreamlike quality.

On the way down, the skies suddenly opened. It rained hard, and we were completely drenched by the time we reached the rest of our tour group. We were soaked as we made our way toward the heart of Montserrat.

The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat has stood here for nearly a millennium. Today, around 70 monks live in the community. The monastery sits sheltered by natural stone walls and appears cradled halfway up the mountain. The monks also run a boys’ choir school devoted to the study of sacred music, one of the oldest in Europe.

In the monastery’s atrium lies a circular black-and-white marble design that has become famous among visitors. Many New Age and spiritual travelers consider it an energy point or vortex. They believe that Montserrat is crossed by powerful telluric energy lines and that this exact spot holds a concentration of heart chakra energy. It is common to see people standing in the center barefoot, or with their arms extended, hoping to feel a wave of healing or clarity.

We continued toward what many consider the soul of Montserrat, the statue known as La Moreneta. The 12th-century Romanesque wooden sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child. Its dark color gave rise to its affectionate name, The Little Black One. She is the patron saint of Catalonia and is honored not only by Catholics but also by non-Catholics who see in her echoes of ancient mother goddess traditions.

According to legend, shepherd boys discovered the statue in a cave around the year 880. They were guided by mysterious lights and heavenly music. When church leaders tried to move her downhill, something strange happened. The statue grew heavier with every step. This was taken as a sign that she wanted to remain on the mountain, so the monastery was built on that exact spot.

Through the centuries, pilgrims have claimed healings and miracles through her intercession. Walls filled with ex-votos, or tokens of gratitude, testify to her influence. In 1881, Pope Leo XIII officially declared her the patron saint of Catalonia. She has remained a symbol of protection for the region and even survived the turbulence of the Spanish Civil War, when she was hidden for safekeeping.

After visiting The Black Madonna, we made our way back to the basilica. The Basilica de Montserrat features a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. It was heavily damaged during the Peninsular War and later rebuilt in the 19th century.

Inside, we experienced Lux Splendens, a 360-degree audiovisual show created for the millennium anniversary of the abbey. The production weaves imagery, music, and light into three movements that explore Creation, the Virgin Mary, and Christ. 

The symphonic-choral soundtrack is inspired by the Virolai, the hymn of Montserrat. The immersive visuals transform the basilica, making the space feel alive and filled with meaning.

After a long and wonder-filled day, we walked back toward the bus station, stopped at a small market, and then boarded our ride home. I fell asleep almost immediately on the way back to Barcelona.

Montserrat is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Its combination of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, spiritual energy, and enduring legends makes it a destination unlike any other.