Leo Oracion may have climbed Mt. Everest but am off to trek the great Banaue Rice Terraces this weekend, also known hereabouts as our Eighth Wonder of the World. ... Continue Reading...

Trappist monastery scenes It seems I forgot to mention that Guimaras mangoes are the best, sweetest-tasting on the planet!! But somehow, I wasn't able to have a photo of them in bundles. Didn't even bring 'em home for fear that it would destroy my "travel light" philosophy.Anyhoo, another destination in Guimaras is the Trappist Monastery. It's a sprawling, idyllic compound ably run by the Trappist monks. They have a nice church here and a store oozing with pasalubongs.I bought some rosaries which the priest was only too willing to bless. ... Continue Reading...

Island scenes They call it Us-usan Island and it was something I haven't heard about or seen in any of those Philippine tourism guidebooks. Us-usan is a long stretch of beach which possesses the most magnificent sandbar I've seen. Yes, even better than the White Beach in Camiguin which I last saw 10 or 15 years ago. Our guide said Us-usan's sandbar changes with the tide which made it even more amazing. ... Continue Reading...

Costa Aguada scenes Costa Aguada must have been the largest resort I have seen in my entire travelling life, though much of it is still undeveloped. It also lies in the middle of nowhere, being situated in what is called Inampulugan Island in the province of Guimaras. To go here, you have the choice to either pass by Bacolod or Iloilo. Even then, it is still a good 30 to 45 minute trip by boat. Not to worry because the ride rewards you with the scenic view of the sapphire blue ocean and the adjoining lush islands, exactly as you see in those postcards. ... Continue Reading...