Someone like me who's been house-hunting can't help but toy with the idea of living in the great suburbs. Condos and other developments in the heart of Manila are definitely out as an option for me; it makes me cringe that building permits for new high-rises are being issued without regard for urban planning and the over-congestion already taking place. In all possibility, I will be buying a home in the outskirts because I still want my garden, a view of trees and a white picket fence. The suburbs may be a long drive if you work in Manila but it pays to fast-track ... Continue Reading...

us-usan sandbar Gadling has a report on the world's best islands based on " activities, beaches, culture/sites, lodging, restaurants and scenery." As our pessimistic mind expected, the Philippines was not on the list. Here's a list of those exotic-sounding getaways which made it: * Bali * Kauai * Maui * Cape Breton, Nova Scotia * Mount Desert, Maine * Tasmania * Hawaii * Galapagos * Santorini * Santo Stefano * Phuket, Thailand * Thatch Cay * Blue Lagoon * Grand Bogue Caye * ... Continue Reading...

sagada_cave. rafting. Another friend, Jesus Casabar (who is contributing the photos in this page) recommends a road trip in the Philippines' great North for a complete, all-in-one taste of the country's varied natural and cultural offerings. Among these are the mountains of the Cordillera with their amazing rice terraces; the limestone caves of Sagada with their hanging coffins; the old Spanish towns of Vigan; Laoag in Ilocos Norte with its Fort Ilocandia , scenic Paoay Lake and its Malacanang of the North; the pristine beaches of ... Continue Reading...

calaguas island. (Note: Beginning with this post, Writings on the Wall will be featuring uncommon places and extraordinary experiences as seen and felt by my acquaintances and friends who have, at times, scoured the islands more than city-bound me. The idea is to uncover and discover hidden spots in the Philippines to guide us on our next trip. Do watch this site for more updates. Thanks :P ) There is obviously more to Bicol than its spicy food and the Mayon Volcano. The region hosts a bevy of old ruins and churches as well as a host of natural ... Continue Reading...