While there are only two Philippine regions that I haven’t been to, I cannot fully say that I have seen my country. There are 7,107 islands that make up this archipelago, and it’s quite unfortunate that some, while majestic, take a lot of effort to reach and explore.

I was told recently of a soon-to-air show on National Geographic Channel called Islands Insider, which will “feature six episodes that seek to reveal the cultural and historical bases of some of the most compelling sites in the country.” Their episodes will focus on Batad Rice Terraces, Coron in Palawan, Taal and Anilao in Batangas, Siquijor, and Mt. Pulag in Benguet.

Aside from the fact that I haven’t been to most of what they will feature, I am excited on what the show will bring forth  because it promises a deep understanding and appreciation of the sites. Watching a couple of episodes that showcase impressive cinematography, we saw a different perspective from its host Ginggay Hontiveros—one that is revealing of culture and history but not merely of the destination. Supported by the Department of Tourism, Islands Insider also strongly underscores preservation and conservation.

Islands Insider will air on National Geographic Channel starting June 2012. Check out their Youtube channel for trailers and previews, and follow them on Facebook.

Kuta in South Bali is often skipped in traveler itineraries, as it is dismissed to be chaotic for the swarms of tourists scattered on its streets. On the other hand, it is also renowned to surfers for its beach fronting the Indian Ocean. It was more than that, though. Read more…

That morning, we were just dreaming about going to Bali, so we were shocked when my name was announced as one of the winners of the Philippine Airlines Rally to Bali Twitter contest held at the SM Mall of Asia. By a stroke of luck, I amazingly won third prize after being randomly drawn from some 130 prequalified aspirants. Read more…

Less than a month before its opening, Uniqlo Philippines is making its eager fans more excited by introducing its cast consisting of four bankable celebrities. Their different backgrounds and personalities prove that Uniqlo really is made for all. Read more…

Summer maybe almost over, but Ipanema Philippines just launched a collection that is fierce enough to be worn at an urban setting. Fortunate I am to finally own my first-ever pair of Ipanema flip-flops that I’m pretty sure I’ll still be wearing even after summer. Read more…

I was unaware that there was a concealed heritage gem just across Malacañan Palace until I was invited to it. Casa Roces, after all, was a private abode. But you see, the same house, with its grand colonial charm, saw an illustrious family as its residents once. Read more…

I’ve been wearing Havaianas ever since 2006, and I’ve owned so many pairs. I’ve worn my pairs around the country and even brought them to my trips abroad. Thus, I was ecstatic to be invited to Make Your Own Havaianas 2012 at the Rockwell Tent in Makati. Read more…

Even in Manila, I’ve been a fan of GoHotels in Pioneer, Mandaluyong. I like the room, the concept, and its value-for-money price. When I went to Palawan, I had the wonderful chance to stay at GoHotels Puerto Princesa, one of the newcomers in the area. Read more…

Photo credit: Jorge Diaz

Awesome new carrier AirAsia Philippines will fly from Clark to Kuala Lumpur daily starting June 9, 2012. To celebrate their first-ever international route, they are holding a sale on their fares for only 799 PHP all-in. Booking period is from May 9 to 13, 2012, while travel period is from June 9 to November 30, 2012. Seats can be booked at AirAsia.com or via the AirAsia app available for BlackBerry, iPhone, and Android smartphones.

The Clark-Kuala Lumpur flight leaves Clark International Airport daily at 3:15 PM, while its return flight leaves Kuala Lumpur International Airport LCCT Terminal at 7:50 PM. The flight complements AirAsia Malaysia’s existing Kuala Lumpur-Clark schedule, and it will be operated by AirAsia Philippines entirely with its brand new Airbus 320 and its own well-trained crew.

The route aims to target business travelers, overseas Filipino workers, and leisure travelers who would want to take advantage of AirAsia’s extensive international network, which is accessible in Kuala Lumpur. More importantly, AirAsia Philippines intends to attract foreign tourists to our wealth of natural wonders in Puerto Princesa, Kalibo, and Davao.

Get the lowest fares to Kuala Lumpur and other red hot destinations at AirAsia.com. For the latest promos and updates, join the buzz on Facebook and Twitter.

I’ve never been island hopping at Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa City. Boats require quite a number of people, and I’ve heard people say that it’s underwhelming. We did finally go, however, the morning after our inaugural flight with AirAsia Philippines. Read more…

I love Uniqlo and its heat-friendly shirts. When I was in Singapore and Hong Kong, I made sure that I drop by each Uniqlo store I see. I’m not going to those countries anytime soon, so I am very excited about Uniqlo Philippines coming finally to Manila. Read more…