PhilippinesBlogs we like

  1. Update from the Field: Translation Follies, Contemplating Kindness and Comfort and KF Cribs

    Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 21 May 2012

    Compiled by David Gorgani | KF17 | Dominican Republic This week's stories from the field span topics ranging from ill-equipped law enforcement to the "luxurious" living places of Kiva Fellows.

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  2. Update from the Field: Thoughts on Wealth, Religion and History, Foods from the Field, and a Day in the Life of a Fellow

    Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 7 May 2012

    Compiled by David Gorgani | KF17 | Dominican Republic As our fellowships wind down and as the first batch of KF17 fellows packs up to head home, the time has arrived to reflect on our experiences in the field and on the realities faced on a daily basis by the people living in the countries in which we've spent t

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  3. First-time in Mabuhay Palace

    Blog: First-time Traveler - 6 May 2012

    “We’re on the road We move from place to place”   It was labor day. One must have minded working on a holiday. I would have. But since it was field work and I would be working with a Filipino music icon, I jumped out of my bed and proceeded to Manila Hotel, one of … Continue reading »

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  4. First-time in Forest House

    Blog: First-time Traveler - 6 May 2012

    “Can you take us to that restaurant with a good overlooking view?” one of my colleagues asked my officemate who grew up in Baguio City. And with a snap of a finger, Forest House came to mind.   After some take-home shopping at Mines View Park and the Good Shepherd and road trip around Baguio’s … Continue reading »

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  5. Sweet Deliciousness

    Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 4 May 2012

    Compiled by Michael Slattery | KF17 | Togo Despite the often upbeat tone of fellows’ posting on the blog, I’ll be the first to admit that the position entails some universal hardships.  There is the occasional social isolation that leaves you Saturday night at home with a book and bottle of the local plonk, despite apparently [...]

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  6. Getting to Palawan – the Philippines Tropical Paradise

    Blog: Vagobond.com - 4 May 2012

    If there is any Philippine destination that can be truly called a “tropical paradise,” it is Palawan. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more!

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  7. Cast Away on the Private Island of Sumilon, Philippines

    Blog: WildJunket - 3 May 2012

    fter three weeks of traveling around the Philippines, we simply wanted to kick back for a few days in Crusoe-esque splendor – and on Sumilon Island we did just that. Located 10 km from Cebu island, it might be just a hop away from civilization but it sure felt like a world apart.

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  8. Finding Ninong in Baguio

    Blog: First-time Traveler - 1 May 2012

    “Ninong” is a Filipino endearment for a godfather, which usually connotes a person who generously gives out gifts, especially during the Christmas season. This is another alias that was recently added to boxing champ Manny Pacquiao because of his television show that awards fabulous prizes. He was the reason why I, along with some colleagues, … Continue reading »

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  9. Scuba-diving off Negros, Philippines

    Blog: WildJunket - 1 May 2012

    ou can’t come to the Philippines and not go scuba diving,” said American dive master Gary Finney.

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  10. A Food Tour of Manila’s Chinatown

    Blog: WildJunket - 25 April 2012

    ilipinos have always bonded through food,” said Ivan, “The best deals have been settled on the dining table.” With that, we began our journey into the Philippine culinary world.

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  11. Tracing the Philippine Tarsier on Bohol Island

    Blog: WildJunket - 24 April 2012

    he air was thick with humidity. We followed the trail that snaked through the dense tropical foliage, pushing past thick molave leaves as we ventured further. “Shhh…” Our 18-year-old park ranger, Ijie, stopped us in our tracks and pointed at a branch hanging above our heads.

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  12. Behind Masskara’s Smile

    Blog: First-time Traveler - 24 April 2012

    I wrote this post for the blog, PositiveEnd.com, of my friend Koleen Davila-Palaganas (@koleendavila). Her blog evokes positive things of people, organizations, and cultures. You can read the entire post here – Positive Philippines: Behind Masskara’s Smile. I was eight years old and I was standing in front of my mother’s office right across the city … Continue reading »

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  13. Slowing Down in Cebu City, Philippines

    Blog: WildJunket - 20 April 2012

    This is the first edition of an ongoing series of reviews on properties (budget hotels and hostels) we’re staying at during our travels in Asia, as part of our partnership with HostelBookers.com.

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  14. First-time in Panaad sa Negros Festival Part I

    Blog: First-time Traveler - 17 April 2012

    “Panaad” or in local language (Hiligaynon), it is about a vow and fulfilling it.   For 19 years, the province of Negros Occidental has been fulfilling its vow of celebrating its spirit of jubilation and friendship through the Panaad sa Negros Festival, highlighting the various products, attractions, history and culture of its 32 cities and … Continue reading »

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  15. First-time in Panaad sa Negros Festival Part II

    Blog: First-time Traveler - 17 April 2012

    Going around the Panaad Park, visiting the booths of all 32 local government units can be a bit taxing, though entertaining. But I decided to write a separate blog for the towns and cities south of Bacolod, which I frequented when I was still a kid.       Bago City   Bago City is … Continue reading »

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  16. Update from the Field: World Happiness, Food Aid + When Beauty and Poverty Collide

    Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 17 April 2012

    Compiled by Allison Moomey | KF16 & KF17 | Bénin Now there comes a time in every Kiva fellow's life when... he or she begins contemplating, analyzing, and trying to make sense of the past few months' experiences. We've learned how to navigate busy streets, seen joyful faces, and witnessed trials in the lives of clients.

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  17. Learning to Pound Rice in the Philippines

    Blog: GoBackpacking - 13 April 2012

    Mark takes us through the step by step process of learning to make rice in the Philippines.--------- Join Travel Blog Success today and learn to build a better travel blog. Membership includes 27 tutorials, 12 expert audio interviews, private support forum, and much more.

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  18. 3 Luxury Resorts of Ilocos Norte, Philippines

    Blog: Vagobond.com - 10 April 2012

    Sitting on the South China Sea and being one of the northernmost towns in Ilocos Norte, these fishing villages were developed not only to bring fresh fish but also as a destination for beach bums. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more!

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  19. First-time in Mambukal

    Blog: First-time Traveler - 9 April 2012

    Having visited Mambukal when I was still a toddler, I have so little recollection of what it’s like in this mountain resort. Everytime I go home to my province, I always wanted to visit Mambukal.   Mambukal lies at the foot of Mt. Mayon and is the gateway to the Mayon National Park. The resort … Continue reading »

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  20. To Donsol and Back

    Blog: First-time Traveler - 7 April 2012

    There’s something about Donsol that wants you to come back. So, after seven years of taking pleasure on its natural attractions, I’m back with a few friends. It’s a long drive, so think before embarking on this trip. If you take a vehicle, better hire a van with a driver so you can take a … Continue reading »

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  21. First-time in Vitton Beach Resort

    Blog: First-time Traveler - 7 April 2012

    After a gruelling 18 hours on the road, including several stops for breakfast, sightseeing, shopping, and lunch, arriving at Vitton Beach Resort was a welcome respite from the long land trip from Manila to Donsol, located more than 500 km south of the capital. A replica of the whale shark greeted us at the resort’s … Continue reading »

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  22. Twinkling Trees, Enchanting Fireflies

    Blog: First-time Traveler - 6 April 2012

    A romance to remember   Tiny bits of light glitter in a synchronized manner as if a Christmas song is played on the background. But these are not Christmas lights but a colony of fireflies taking residence in one of the trees along the riverbanks of Donsol River.   One of the many things a … Continue reading »

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  23. Be Gentle with the Gentle Giants

    Blog: First-time Traveler - 3 April 2012

    “Look down!” our guide shouted.   There he was, in all his splendour and beauty, with his white spots that marked him distinctly as a whale shark.   The whale sharks, or butandings, were discovered to have frequented Donsol, a quiet town in the province of Sorsogon at the Bicol peninsula, in 1997. The son … Continue reading »

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  24. Swimming with Whale Sharks in Cebu, Philippines

    Blog: WildJunket - 28 March 2012

    n the far distance came a spray of water and the faint outline of an enormous animal resembling a whale. We watched in awe as it glided gently by the bow of a small fishermen boat, following its circular motion.

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  25. My first mountain climb – Mt Hibok-Hibok in the Philippines

    Blog: Nomadic Notes Travel Blog - 28 March 2012

    I love a good walk. I can wander the streets of New York or London all day no problem. While I am at ease on flat urban terrain, I have never attempted a mountain climb before. On my trip to the Philippines I figured this was the ideal place to test my flatland legs on [...]My first mountain climb – Mt Hibok-Hibok in the Philippines from Nomadic Notes Travel Blog

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