It’s an unusual partnership. MTV is known for its hip culture, a youth “institution,” and has a target audience you really wouldn’t expect the Department of Tourism (DOT) would bother with. But, as DOT Secretary Ace Durano explained, this hip, new tourism campaign has a long-term goal—”catch them young,” as he put it.

Last week, Marc and I were lucky enough to be part of Awesome Philippines‘ unveiling. Apart from finally meeting travel bloggers I only see online, DOT and MTV Revelations showed us a preview of their campaigns both online and offline. More…

Right along the commercialized main road of Sucat in Parañaque is an oasis not many know it’s there. Its facade is typical of Bio Research pet shops—you’d think the place is just one huge pet warehouse—but inside is a four-hectare garden of plants and animals.

I first heard of Lost Eden from my friend Jayvee, a fellow animal-lover. I honestly had a few reservations about going all the way to Parañaque to check out the place. Unlike him, I’m not an avid fish hobbyist (I prefer animals with fur, specifically dogs). But my husband Marc is. So together with our friend Juned (who also happens to be a huge fish fan like the two), we set forth on a day of nature tripping and pet shopping in the South’s hidden oasis. More…

Before the Caticlan airport opened, going to Boracay took a long time. Upon touchdown to Kalibo, one must take land transportation going to the Caticlan jetty port—which was usually more than an hour away. But smaller planes landing on Caticlan now makes it possible to get to Boracay sooner—15 to 20 minutes tops.

From the Caticlan airport, the jetty port is just less than 5 minutes away. Hotels and some guesthouses provide “airport transfers” which include the boat ride going to Boracay for a fee, though South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) provide their passengers complimentary shuttle ride from the airport to the jetty port and a boat ride to Boracay Island. More…