The more I travel, the more I realize that the best journeys are not measured by how many places I visit, but by the people I meet along the way.

Through my travels, I have seen different sides of the Philippines. I've learned from coffee farmers in Davao, experienced community-based tourism in Mayoyao, and visited mountain communities where traditions remain part of everyday life. 

Davao Coffee Tour

Mayoyao

Through Trails to Empower Kids (TREK), the volunteer organization I co-founded nearly two decades ago, I've also experienced voluntourism and seen how travel can create opportunities for underserved communities.

TREK Kibungan

These experiences taught me that tourism is not just about visiting beautiful places. It is about supporting local businesses, respecting culture, and helping communities grow. Sometimes, the most memorable destinations are not the most popular ones. They are the places where every meal is cooked by a local family, every guide proudly shares stories about their hometown, and every visitor helps create livelihoods.

That is why sustainability and inclusivity matter so much.

Sustainability means protecting the places we love so future generations can enjoy them too. It means caring for nature, preserving heritage, and supporting businesses that give back to their communities.

Inclusivity means making sure tourism benefits everyone. It gives emerging destinations, Indigenous communities, local artisans, and small businesses the chance to share their stories and welcome more visitors. Tourism should create opportunities not only for famous destinations but also for places waiting to be discovered.

Sustainability and Inclusivity are just two of the four pillars, or the 4Ps, that guide PHILTOA's NextGen Tourism campaign. The other two are Health and Wellness, which encourages travel that helps people reconnect with nature and themselves, and Digitalization, which uses technology to make travel easier while helping even small tourism businesses reach more travelers. 

I'm glad PHILTOA has chosen these priorities because they reflect the kind of tourism I hope to see more of in the Philippines. They are also at the heart of this year's 37th Philippine Travel Mart, happening from September 4 to 6 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

PHILTOA has long promoted domestic tourism while encouraging travelers to discover destinations beyond the usual favorites. I had the privilege of joining one of its familiarization tours to Misamis Occidental, where I experienced firsthand how community-based tourism can create opportunities for local businesses and residents. 

I was also fortunate to attend the Philippine Travel Mart press launch at Lakbay Museo at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. The museum brings together the country's festivals, famous landmarks, traditional houses, and cultural icons in one interactive space. It was the perfect venue because it reminds visitors just how diverse and colorful the Philippines really is.

During the launch, PHILTOA President Maria Lourdes Flor "Malou" Japson described the event as a preview of what visitors can expect at this year's Philippine Travel Mart. Carrying the theme "Nurturing NextGen Tourism," the travel fair continues PHILTOA's campaign of promoting tourism that is sustainable, inclusive, digitally empowered, and focused on the well-being of both travelers and host communities.

PHILTOA President Maria Lourdes Flor "Malou" Japson

For 37 years, the Philippine Travel Mart has encouraged Filipinos to explore the country. This year, visitors can once again expect exclusive airfare, hotel, tour, and destination deals from tourism stakeholders across the Philippines. More importantly, it offers the chance to discover new destinations, support local communities, and meet the people behind the country's tourism industry.

This year's Philippine Travel Mart brings together close to 300 exhibitors from 15 regions, including Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative Region, BARMM, and local government units from Agusan del Sur, Batanes, Camiguin, Capiz, Laguna, Palawan, Kalibo, Malay, Ilocos Norte, and Cotobato City. 

The event encourages Filipinos to discover destinations through experiences that are responsible, meaningful, and rooted in local communities.

Visitors can explore destinations beyond the usual tourist circuit, discover unique local experiences, and connect directly with tour operators, hotels, airlines, attractions, and tourism enterprises from across the country. For many emerging destinations, the Philippine Travel Mart is also an opportunity to introduce themselves to a wider audience.

There will also be seminars, certification programs, educational forums, and industry dialogues under its 4Ps Program. These initiatives help tourism stakeholders become more professional, innovative, and globally competitive while strengthening collaboration across the industry.

I hope more Filipinos take the time to explore our own country, not only for its beautiful destinations but also for the communities that make every journey meaningful. The upcoming Philippine Travel Mart is a great opportunity to begin that journey with purpose.

I've been fortunate to travel to many parts of Mindanao over the years, but it's such a vast region that I know I've only scratched the surface. There are still so many places I want to visit, and Misamis Occidental had long been one of them. So when the opportunity came to join the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) familiarization tour, I didn't think twice.

Located in Northern Mindanao, Misamis Occidental stretches from the shores of Iligan Bay to the slopes of the Mt. Malindang Range. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm happiest in the mountains or by the sea, and Misamis Occidental gave me plenty of both. But the province also surprised me with its well-preserved heritage sites and pilgrimage destinations. In just three days, we explored historic churches, drove through cool mountain roads to waterfalls and crater lakes, and capped the trip with island hopping along the coast.

Lake Duminagat

We then made our way to Ozamiz City, where history took center stage. We explored Cotta Fort, a Spanish-era fortress that once protected the city from seaborne attacks, before visiting the nearby Immaculate Conception Cathedral, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.

No trip to Misamis Occidental would be complete without trying its local delicacies. In the town of Clarin, we stopped by Clarin House of Suman, where we sampled some of their famous rice cakes. With more than 14 varieties to choose from, we couldn't resist trying the ube, chocolate, and pineapple flavors, best enjoyed with a warm cup of sikwate.

The day ended in the heritage town of Jimenez, where we visited the Saint John the Baptist Parish Church, a National Cultural Treasure. Built in the late 19th century, it is considered one of the finest preserved Spanish colonial churches in Mindanao. Inside, you'll find a beautifully painted ceiling, an antique wooden altar, and a historic pipe organ, making it one of the province's most important heritage sites.

Our second day took us to the cool highlands of Don Victoriano, often called the summer capital of Misamis Occidental. The drive itself was part of the experience, with winding mountain roads and refreshing scenery all the way to Piduan Falls. Known as the "Curtain Falls" because of the way the water flows across a wide rock wall, it's one of the province's most impressive natural attractions and surprisingly easy to reach.

From there, we continued to Lake Duminagat, tucked deep within the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park. Surrounded by lush forests inside an ASEAN Heritage Park, the emerald-colored crater lake remains one of the province's most peaceful places. It is also considered sacred by the Subanen, the indigenous people of Misamis Occidental, who have long regarded the lake as an important part of their culture and traditions.

In the afternoon, we explored the municipality of Sapang Dalaga. We visited Sapang Bato Falls, enjoyed fresh seafood at the local market, and made our way up to Caluya Shrine. Perched on a hill overlooking Casul Bay, the shrine is home to a towering 45-foot Christ the Redeemer statue by renowned Mindanaoan sculptor Kublai Millan. Aside from being an important pilgrimage site, it also offers beautiful views of the coastline below.

The morning of our third day was spent exploring the waters of Sinacaban. We boarded a boat for an island-hopping tour that took us to Sperm Island, known for its distinctive shape when viewed from above and its powdery white sand. Not far away is Ovum Island, another small island that perfectly complements the experience and adds a fun conversation starter to any trip. Spending the morning surrounded by clear waters was a relaxing way to end our adventure in Misamis Occidental.

Throughout our stay, we were based at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Aquamarine Park (AMORAP) in Sinacaban. Often referred to as the "Maldives of Mindanao," the resort is still refining its facilities and guest experience, but its potential is already easy to see. Floating cottages, turquoise waters, expansive mangrove forests, and marine conservation areas make it one of the province's most ambitious tourism developments. It also serves as the gateway to the island-hopping destinations we visited on our final day.

The trip concluded with a business-to-business session between PHILTOA members and the Asenso Misamis Occidental Travel and Tour Operators Association (AMOTTOA). Local tourism stakeholders showcased their accommodations, attractions, and tour experiences, laying the groundwork for future partnerships that will hopefully make Misamis Occidental even more accessible to travelers.

Three days hardly felt enough, but they were enough to convince me that Misamis Occidental deserves a spot on anyone's Mindanao itinerary. More importantly, the trip reminded me that no matter how many times I return to Mindanao, there's always another province, another community, and another story waiting to be discovered. That, for me, is what makes exploring this part of the Philippines so rewarding.

When people think of long-distance pilgrimages in Europe, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the Camino de Santiago in Spain. But after walking the final 133 kilometers of the Via Francigena from Montefiascone to Rome, I can confidently say there's another pilgrimage route that deserves far more attention.

I arrived a day before starting my Via Francigena and stayed at I Love Host 24. My only goal that afternoon was to secure my Credentiale, or pilgrim passport, and collect my first stamp. With the help of the tourism office, I was able to do both with ease.

Stage 1: Montefiascone → Viterbo (18.6 km)

The first stage began with an easy descent out of Montefiascone and into the countryside. Along the way, I admired the impressive dome of the Basilica of Santa Margherita, one of the largest church domes in Italy, passed the Rocca dei Papi or Fortress of the Popes, and enjoyed sweeping views of Lake Bolsena.

From there, the trail crossed open plains and agricultural fields, with patches of colorful wildflowers brightening the landscape. I also passed a thermal spring, a popular stop for pilgrims, but with temperatures already rising, I decided to continue walking.

After nearly seven hours on the trail, I arrived in Viterbo, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Lazio. Known as the site of the first papal conclave, the city is surrounded by imposing walls and filled with cobblestone streets, stone palaces, and centuries-old churches.

For the night, I stayed at Casa per Ferie Il Villino, managed by the Sisters Adorers of the Blood of Christ. While it is located a little off the Via Francigena route, it provided exactly what I needed after an 18.6-kilometer walk: a quiet room and a good night's sleep.

Stage 2: Viterbo → Vetralla (21 km)

The following day, I set out for Vetralla. Before leaving, I spent some time exploring parts of Viterbo that I had missed the day before. Soon, the trail led me into the forest.

I immediately felt at home.

Much of the route passed beneath a canopy of trees, with sunlight filtering through the branches and long stretches of silence surrounding the trail. I was grateful for my years of mountaineering, which made me comfortable walking alone through forests. It took quite some time before I encountered other pilgrims.

One of the highlights of the day was San Martino al Cimino, a fortified medieval village that seemed frozen in time. I stopped there to rest, have a meal, and enjoy the atmosphere before continuing my journey.

It was there that it finally dawned on me: I had made it to Italy, the country my great-grandfather came from, and I was exploring it on my own.

After San Martino, the trail returned to the forest before eventually opening up to the roads leading into Vetralla. The ascents were manageable, and the views along the way made the effort worthwhile. 

I spent the night at Albergo Da Benedetta, a family-run accommodation popular with pilgrims.

Stage 3: Vetralla → Sutri (24 km)

The third stage, from Vetralla to Sutri, was one of the longest at around 24 kilometers.

The trail crossed the Monti Cimini region, winding through forests, streams, and quiet rural landscapes. 

Along the way stood Torri d'Orlando, the ruins of an 11th-century tower and monastery that serve as reminders of the route's long history.

One of the day's highlights was Capranica, a beautiful medieval town perched on a ridge. Like many settlements along the Via Francigena, it felt almost untouched by time. Stone houses lined narrow streets while views stretched across the surrounding countryside.

After Capranica came my favorite section of the entire pilgrimage.

The trail entered a moss-covered forest that followed a stream. Wooden bridges and rustic walkways crossed the water several times. There was no mobile signal and no sign of modern life, only the sound of flowing water and birds hidden among the trees.

Hours later, the forest gave way to views of Sutri, perched atop a ridge of red volcanic tuff. From a distance, the town looked like a fortress overlooking the countryside.

I spent the night at Hotel Sutrium, located in the heart of town.

Stage 4: Sutri → Campagnano di Roma (24.8 km)

By the fourth day, the landscape began to change. Forests gradually gave way to farmland and open countryside. Leaving Sutri meant passing some of the area's most important archaeological sites, including the Etruscan Necropolis and the Roman Amphitheater carved directly into the rock.

The route to Campagnano di Roma felt distinctly rural. Fields stretched toward the horizon while tractors worked in the distance. I passed through Monterosi, another small and quiet village, where I stopped for coffee and lunch before continuing toward the Treja River Valley, a protected regional park.

I also passed Monte Gelato Waterfalls. Although it is one of the best-known attractions along this section of the Via Francigena, I decided to simply enjoy a snack nearby before continuing on my way.

The final climb into Campagnano proved more challenging than expected. The hills seemed endless. Still, seeing the medieval town come into view made the effort worthwhile.

Stage 5: Campagnano di Roma → La Storta (22 km)

Stage five was the toughest day of the pilgrimage.

Crossing Veio Regional Park meant tackling a seemingly endless series of ascents and descents. None of the climbs were particularly steep, but together they added up.

The scenery, however, made up for it. Ancient Etruscan history lingered throughout the landscape. The ruins of Veio, once one of Rome's greatest rivals, lay hidden among the hills. Formello, another ancient medieval town, provided a welcome stop before the trail continued through forests and open countryside.

Late in the day, I reached Cascata della Mola. The small waterfall may not be among Italy's most famous natural attractions, but after more than twenty kilometers on foot, it was the perfect place to rest. Fellow pilgrims convinced me to soak my feet in the cool water, and the relief was immediate.

From there, I climbed up to La Storta.

That evening, I stayed at Casa Nostra Signora, another religious guesthouse. One thing I appreciated about the Via Francigena was the number of religious accommodations available to pilgrims. If one was fully booked, they often helped connect pilgrims with other options nearby.

Stage 6: La Storta → Rome (21 km)

The sixth and final stage felt different because Rome was finally within reach.

Much of the day involved walking on urban roads, although there were still stretches of nature. The route passed through two protected areas: Insugherata Nature Reserve and Monte Mario.

Insugherata covers around 740 hectares and serves as an important green corridor within Rome. Monte Mario is smaller, but it is home to one of the most significant viewpoints on the entire pilgrimage: Mons Gaudii, or the Mount of Joy.

For medieval pilgrims, this was the first view of Rome after weeks or even months on the road. For me, it was one of the most memorable moments of the journey. The city stretched before me, and somewhere within it stood St. Peter's Basilica.

The final kilometers passed quickly. Soon I was walking through the streets of Rome, entering St. Peter's Square, and finally approaching the basilica itself.

After 133 kilometers, I had arrived.

Showing my Credentiale allowed me to use the pilgrim entrance rather than joining the regular visitor queue. Two volunteers welcomed me warmly, offered me a place to rest, pointed me toward water and the restrooms, and helped process my Testimonium.

Afterward, I entered St. Peter's Basilica, where I was able to go to confession, attend Mass, and pray at the tomb of St. Peter.

I spent the next two days exploring Rome, including attending the papal audience.

The Via Francigena may not be as famous as the Camino de Santiago, but it offers something different. The route is quieter, sees far fewer pilgrims, and passes through parts of rural Italy that many travelers never experience.

For me, the walk to Rome was not just about reaching St. Peter's Basilica. It was also about discovering forests, medieval villages, nature reserves, and landscapes that reminded me that sometimes the best way to experience a place is on foot.

Laguna’s historic towns offer more than lakeside views; they hold centuries of faith and devotion.

On the Third Sunday of Lent, I joined Bajo Las Campanas for a pilgrimage across seven historic churches in the central-eastern part of the province, following communities that grew along the shores of Laguna de Bay. It was my fourth time joining them, and once again the journey became both enriching and personal, especially with several churches along the route offering opportunities for plenary indulgence.

Our first stop was Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church in Alaminos.

The town was originally devoted to St. Joachim, but its spiritual focus shifted after an ivory image of the Virgin Mary was reportedly discovered in a local well. Since then, the town has honored Nuestra Señora del Pilar, whose devotion has deep roots in Spain.

The parish maintains strong spiritual ties with the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, Spain, the shrine associated with one of the earliest Marian traditions in Christianity. 

According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared in 40 A.D. to St. James the Apostle on the banks of the Ebro River while she was still living in Jerusalem, making it a rare example of bilocation. 

During my Camino Portugués last year, on our way to the Cathedral dedicated to St. James, we prayed daily to her for guidance along the journey.

As a sister parish of Zaragoza, the spiritual graces and indulgences associated with the Spanish shrine are extended to this parish as well. To symbolize this relationship, the Cathedral-Basilica in Zaragoza gifted a mantle (manto) of Our Lady of the Pillar to the parish in Alaminos.

From Alaminos we traveled to San Isidro Labrador Church in Calauan. The town’s history is often overshadowed by a notorious crime associated with a former mayor who ironically played a role in rebuilding the church.

Local historians say that the name Calauan comes from the “rusty” (kalawang) water that appeared during the construction of the church and the discovery of a stone cross.

The church is dedicated to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, reflecting the town’s deep agricultural roots.

Our next stop was San Antonio de Padua Church in Pila, a place that also brought back personal memories. Growing up, my mother would always pray to St. Anthony whenever something went missing. I also never forget his feast day because it falls on the same day as my father’s birthday, June 13.

The church in Pila is widely believed to be the first church in the Philippines, and possibly in Asia, dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. Because of its historical importance and long-standing Franciscan presence dating back to 1578, the church was eventually elevated to the National Shrine of San Antonio de Padua.

Pila itself is equally remarkable. Known historically as La Noble Villa de Pila, the town preserves one of the most intact Spanish-era plaza complexes in the country. The church, municipal hall, and surrounding ancestral houses still follow the original Spanish town layout.

The shrine also maintains a spiritual connection with the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua in Italy. A first-class relic was gifted to the shrine, symbolizing this relationship. Because of this link, pilgrims who visit Pila may receive the same plenary indulgences granted to those who travel to the basilica in Padua.

From Pila, we continued to Immaculada Concepción Church in Santa Cruz.

The church honors the Immaculate Concepcion as its principal patroness, with the Holy Guardian Angels serving as its secondary patron.

Our pilgrimage then brought us to Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church in Pagsanjan, the first shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Philippines.

In 1938, Pope Pius XI issued a pontifical decree granting the canonical coronation of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe of Pagsanjan, making it the first Marian image in Laguna to receive a papal bull for coronation. The ceremony never took place after the original church and image were destroyed during World War II, but the rediscovered decree confirms the image had technically been “coronada all along.”

Next we visited San Sebastian Martir Church in Lumban, located in what is widely known as the Embroidery Capital of the Philippines.

Historically, Lumban played a central role in the evangelization of Laguna. Established in 1578, it was the first Franciscan mission in the entire province. Because of its importance, it originally held jurisdiction over neighboring towns such as Santa Cruz, Pagsanjan, and Cavinti before they became independent parishes.

The church also shares a historical connection with the Minor Basilica of San Pedro Bautista in Quezon City through their founder, San Pedro Bautista, a Spanish Franciscan missionary and martyr.

For the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis, which commemorates the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death, plenary indulgences are granted to the faithful who visit Franciscan churches or places connected to the Franciscan family. Both Lumban and Pila, because of their Franciscan heritage, are among the places associated with this spiritual privilege.

Our final stop was perhaps the most unexpected for me: San Antonio de Padua Church in San Antonio, in the town officially called Kalayaan.

I probably would never have discovered this place if not for the Bajo Las Campanas tour.

The church sits in a quiet town nestled between the foothills of the Sierra Madre and the shores of Laguna de Bay. The road leading there offers a scenic ascent, with stretches of forest and occasional bird’s-eye views of the lake and surrounding lowlands.

After a full day of visiting historic churches and learning about their stories, arriving in Kalayaan felt like a peaceful closing to the pilgrimage.

Seven churches, seven towns, and countless stories of faith and history, all in one Lenten Sunday along the lakeshore of Laguna de Bay.