Cha Cha's Beach Cafe: Boracay Breakfast Done Right!

The best way to start your day in Boracay is, of course, having a great breakfast. Between the beach, narrow alleyways, and countless hotels, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to wholesome and hearty ways to start your day.

Cha Cha's Beach Cafe in Coast Boracay

The tropical vibes of Cha Cha's Beach Cafe

One place that had us at "Good Morning" was Cha Cha's Beach Cafe.

Kamay ni Hesus: Lucban's Iconic Pilgrimage Site

For many Filipino Christians, a pilgrimage to the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is an experience that enriches their relationship with God. It is therefore not a surprise that in 2018 more than 2 million devotees visited and made it the Philippines' most popular Holy Week pilgrimage site. While in Lucban, we couldn't let the chance to visit this sought-after sanctuary slip by. So a day after we checked out Villa Elma, we set out to Barangay Tinamnan to see the shrine. 

The iconic 50-foot statue of the Risen Christ in Kamay ni Hesus

From Lucban town proper, we drove for just under 15 minutes to reach the gates of Kamay ni Hesus. We came inside and was surprised to find out the entrance to the site is free of charge. However, if you are bringing your car just like us, prepare PHP30 for the parking fees.

Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel: Lucban's Refreshing Destination

Sure, hiking through Villa Elma or Kamay ni Hesus is rewarding. You know - great exercise, fresh mountain air, epic views, and peace and quiet. But there is nothing more rewarding than a hike that ends with a dip in a cold mountain spring. And with Lucban being situated at the foot of Mount Banahaw, several spring resorts have sprouted up all over the town. You can drop by one of these resorts after your pilgrimage. 

The lagoon of Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel

One resort where Juans will surely enjoy the cool, relaxing waters and the lush beautiful landscape is Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel. 

Clear spring waters fill the pools of Batis Aramin

Here's what you need to know about this nature and spring resort.

Villa Elma: A Beautiful Pilgrimage Site

Upon arrival in Lucban, we immediately asked around to get insight on places to visit. One suggestion was to visit Villa Elma, said to be an alternative pilgrimage site to the popular Kamay ni Hesus. So we set out, excited to be heading into the foothills of Mount Banahaw into what we hoped would be a quieter and less crowded place.

The beautiful Villa Elma at the foothills of Mount Banahaw

Leaving the town proper behind, we drove for just under 15 minutes to reach the gates of Villa Elma. We came inside and settled the entrance fees of PHP100 per person. We were told we can also dip and swim in the cold mountain stream for another PHP100 but we opted out.

The conspicuous sign outside the resort

Lucban: A Travel Guide for First-Timers

With just a few days left before the Holy week, everyone is already busy preparing to make the most out of the long holiday break. However, if reading this just reminds you that you still haven't figured out where to spend the Holy Week, there is no need to worry. The Two Juanderers recommend visiting the town of Lucban in Quezon. Aside from being close and accessible to Manila, Lucban offers many notable spots to relax and to embrace the days of Lent. 

Lucban is a popular pilgrimage destination south of Luzon

Find out more about seeing Lucban with Two Juanderer's beginner's guide for travelers to this beautiful pilgrimage destination.

The Town
Lucban is an inland town at the northwestern border of Quezon province. It is nestled at the foot of the majestic and mysterious Mount Banahaw. It stands at an elevation of 1,500 feet above sea level. The town enjoys gentle, cool mountain breeze and experiences pleasant temperatures throughout the year. As such it is sometimes dubbed as the Summer Capital of Quezon.

Villa Elma in Lucban with views of the majestic Mount Banahaw

Star City: Tips to Getting the Most Out of Your Day!

Update: Star City was hit by a major fire on October 2, 2019, which burned down about 80% of the park. The management announced plans for rehabilitation in 2020. Stay tuned for announcements on its reopening. 

The good thing about Star City is that it's a theme park for all ages. There is an array of indoor and outdoor attractions to captivate every Juan, from the young to the young at heart. 

The Star City marker

But before you visit, check out some of these tips to help you maximize your day and find the fun as soon as you walk into the park.

Get There Early?

The usual advice we get about visiting popular attractions is to arrive early. Is it a big deal for Star City? 

If you are visiting on a weekend or a holiday, it will be so much better to arrive early than to arrive late and get in line behind everyone else. Stand by times to the rides tend to get longer over time. We suggest arriving at least 15-30 minutes before the park opens. By arriving early, this gives you enough time to make your way to the entrance and buy tickets.

The carousel was surprisingly empty on a weekday visit

If you are visiting on an ordinary weekday, your time of arrival won't really matter since it will be relatively quiet. We arrived late in the afternoon but we were still able to get on and off the rides and experience more of the park in less time.

Star City: A Guide to Exploring the Park

Update: Star City was hit by a major fire on October 2, 2019, which burned down about 80% of the park. The management announced plans for rehabilitation in 2020. Stay tuned for announcements on its reopening. 

If there's a birthday, a free weekend day, or even just a few hours in the afternoon, you'd definitely think of some family-friendly fun activities to do. A theme park visit has no doubt crossed every Juans' mind at some point during these occasions. After all, it strikes a perfect blend of fun, entertainment, and thrill that every Juan seeks on a hangout day. Amongst the most popular hangout places in Metro Manila, Star City takes a spot as an option.  

Star City is one of the hangout places in Metro Manila

Star City is considered as one of the Philippines' pioneer theme parks. It was established in 1991 as an offshoot of the Toys and Gift Fair that was popular in the late 1970s to 1980s. Although it has been almost three decades since it's first opening, the park has expanded through the years and continues to delight millions of visitors. 

Food Trip: Islas Pinas Food and Heritage Village

Are you growing tired of the usual food courts? We've got some great news. Things are looking up in the food court industry. Some food courts are now becoming restaurant type of experiences rather than just places for quick bites. These have been turned into places to hangout and enjoy the atmosphere. 

One such place is Islas Pinas in Pasay City. Dubbed as a food and heritage village, this indoor dining hub is a collaboration between the Double Dragon Group and Chef Margarita Fores. 

Islas Pinas is a new food hub in Metro Manila

Islas Pinas is an expansive 2,500 square meter food hub that features various flavors from the different regions of the Philippines. It also features a picturesque interior design showcasing the country's most popular landmarks. There are recreations of the old-town charm of Vigan's Calle Crisologo and the breathtaking Ifugao Rice Terraces, and re-imaginings of the Chocolate Hills, the Palawan Limestone Cliffs, and the enormous walls and buttresses of Paoay Church. 

Baclayon Church: Beauty in Faith

Most tourists may be drawn to Bohol by dreams of seeing its natural wonders and beautiful white sand beaches but unknown to some, Bohol holds some of the oldest churches in the Philippines that are steeped in history. Central to these churches that date back to the early years of the Spanish colonization is the Baclayon Church. 

The beautiful Baclayon Church

Baclayon Church was built in 1595 and is regarded as the second oldest stone church in the country. It took more than 200 local laborers and at least 10 years to complete the construction of the church. It was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1994 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2010. It was heavily damaged in the earthquake of 2013 but was later restored in 2017.

Here's what you need to know about Baclayon Church.

Location
The Baclayon Church is located in the coastal town of Baclayon in the southeastern part of Bohol. It is a heavy-set stone church that lies along the main highway and overlooking the sea. It is approximately 6 kilometers from the provincial capital, Tagbilaran City. 

Bohol Bee Farm: What's The Buzz About?

As our world becomes busier, we tend to yearn for escapes. We long for settings that are entirely different and more scenic than the daily chaotic urban culture we are part of. It is no wonder then that agritourism has started a fad of its own. Agritourism sites offer an escape to the countryside, away from all the hassle and bustle of city life to simpler, greener, healthier, and sustainable spaces. These sites also offer amazing and unique learning experiences, whether it's nature walks, plantation tours, fruit harvesting, organic cooking classes, or wildlife exploration. 

The Philippines, traditionally an agricultural country, has no shortage of sites thriving because of this new tourist interest in farms and eco-tourism havens. One such destination is the Bohol Bee Farm, a beautiful agricultural haven best known for bee cultivation and organic farming. 

The Bohol Bee Farm in Panglao

Here's what you need to know about Bohol Bee Farm.

Location
The Bohol Bee Farm is located within a wooded coastal enclave on the southern side of Panglao Island. It is approximately 8 kilometers from the New Bohol Panglao International Airport and 9 kilometers from the famous tourist strip, Alona Beach. It is near the Panglao Island Circumferential Road so it is easily accessible via public transportation. If you're on a packaged tour or a private van service, you can ask your driver to include Bohol Bee Farm in your itinerary for the day.
     
The Farm and its Features
The farm began in the early 2000s as a one-hectare vegetable garden with a few bee colonies. The owner, Victoria Wallace, sold vegetables, homemade breads, and honey in little glass bottles. Finding a market, she soon opened a restaurant in a cottage and a modest-two room vacation inn. Here she showcased the recipes for her pastries, spreads, and other food items made from ingredients in her organic garden. 

Chocolate Hills: A Stunning Natural Wonder

Beyond the capital city of Tagbilaran, much of Bohol remains refreshingly rural, an island province endowed by nature itself with spectacular beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, forest-fringed rivers, countless caves, vast mangrove reserves, and a rare double barrier reef regarded as the cradle of ocean biodiversity. However, the otherworldly landscape of the Chocolate Hills is quite unlike anything else in the world. As such it is one of the places you really should not miss.

The otherwordly landscape that is the Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills is composed of more than 1,700 nature-perfected conic hills. The hills are scattered over an area covering the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan. There are several popular legends of the origin of the hills. In one story, the hills grew from the tears of Arogo, a giant who had been heartbroken from the death of his love Aloya. In a second story, the hills were the result of the mess brought by two feuding giants who hurled boulders at each other for days. In a third legend, the hills were dried feces of a giant carabao who plagued the town by eating everything on its path. 

Bohol: A Travel Guide for First-Timers

Visayas may be the smallest of the three Philippine island groups but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in sights and tourist destinations. Home to many natural wonders, beautiful countryside, a seemingly endless scattering of stunning beaches, historical structures, and colorful cultural traditions, it's easy to understand why the Visayas is the country's top tourist destination for both locals and foreigners alike. 

Nestled within the center of Visayas is the province of Bohol, aptly called the "Heart of the Islands". Over the years, Bohol has emerged as a prized destination worth discovering. In 2017 alone, the province has welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors. 

The famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol

Most tourists may be drawn to Bohol by dreams of seeing the Chocolate Hills but there's much more to this central Philippine province than the 1,260 nature-perfected conic hills. Outside these hills are white sand beaches, exotic wildlife, verdant forests, pristine rivers, adventure parks, centuries-old churches, and historical landmarks all just begging to be explored and will entice anyone to keep coming back for more. 

Find out more about seeing Bohol with Two Juanderer's beginner's guide for travelers to this beautiful island province.

The Province
Bohol is an island province within the Central Visayas region. It is located southeast of Cebu and southwest of Leyte. It is composed of an oval-shaped main island and 75 surrounding smaller islands. It has a land area of 4,821 square kilometers and a population of about 1.4 million. 

High-Flying Fun at Tree Top Adventure Baguio

Have you ever stepped outside your cozy home and ventured into the forest to experience nature and to take in its beauty? Many would say that they have already taken a walk through the forest or have done mountain hiking. Imagine, however, if you could witness nature from a different perspective - that instead of walking through the woods looking up at trees, you look down on them and cross through getting a bird's eye view of the forest.

Tree Top Adventure Baguio Signage

Baguio's Tree Top Adventure gives Juans a new perspective on nature and all its beauty. To see trees and the surrounding mountains from at least 100 feet above the ground is an experience that is refreshing, exciting, and absolutely memorable. 

Here's what you need to know about Tree Top Adventure Baguio.

Seoul: A Travel Guide for First Timers

South Korea has become one of the top travel picks for Juans, thanks to the Korean wave that has swept across Asia in the past few years. Korean mobile phones, beauty products, pop music, movies, and television dramas have become so popular that travelling to this country is now a hip thing. 

Seoul, being the capital city, is probably the easiest and most ideal destination for first time travelers to South Korea. So if you are planning to visit Seoul, it's best to know a few of the basics. Here's our beginner's guide for travelers to this vibrant city. 

Seoul as seen from the top of N Seoul Tower,
distance to Manila is printed on the glass 

The City
Seoul has long been the political and economic capital of South Korea. It has a history of two thousand years through the period of the Three Kingdoms, Goryeo, and Joseon. As an ancient city, Seoul is where history and traditions live on. 

Today, Seoul is the country's world city and one of East Asia's financial and cultural centers. As a modern city, it offers cutting-edge technology, vast nightlife districts, trendsetting culture, and extraordinary architecture. 

Seoul is truly a fascinating blend of the old and the new. 

A fascinating blend of the old and the new

Travel Requirements
Any foreign visitor in South Korea must have a valid passport and a visa. There are two types of entry visas - single entry visa that allows one-time entry and multiple entry visa that allows entry to Korea two or more times. Only citizens of a country under the visa exemption agreement with Korea are permitted to enter without a visa. Unfortunately, Filipinos are still required to get a valid visa prior to entering the country.

Read our guide: How to Apply for a South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos

For more details, visit the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines here.

Time Zone
Korea Standard Time is nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +9). This means that the time in Seoul is 1 hour ahead of the time in the Philippines. Make sure to adjust your watch to ensure you do not miss your scheduled tours and return flight.

Tacloban: A Travel Guide For First-Timers

Typhoon Yolanda has made Tacloban "ground zero" of the strongest storm ever known to make landfall. 

It's easy to look at the aftermath of the typhoon in Tacloban, the economic and administrative center of Eastern Visayas, and wonder if it can recover. But the city didn't stay as a wasteland. Four years after, Tacloban has been almost restored. The mountains of wreckage and debris are gone and it's hard to imagine the destruction that once smothered the city.

Tacloban is once again welcoming visitors and guarantees the same warm hospitality the Filipinos are known for. Here's our guide to visiting this gritty city.

The beautiful Leyte Provincial Capitol in Tacloban

Getting the Flight

Three airlines fly direct to Tacloban from Manila - Philippine Airlines, Air Asia Philippines, and Cebu Pacific. Flight duration is 1 hour 20 minutes.

We booked our flights a year in advance, thanks to Air Asia's Red Hot Piso Sale back in June 2016. We got our round trip flight for only PHP219.04 per person. Bulk of this amount went to the passenger service charge while base fare was only at PHP1. 

Tips on how we snagged this really really low fare: 

1. Subscribe to the airline's newsletter to keep yourself updated of upcoming promotions. 

2. Book on the first day. The key is to always book early.

3. Be flexible in your travel dates and be patient enough to go through different dates to check for seat availability. 

4. Be decisive. Book the flights quickly when availability shows up. Sometimes you just have to chase and book that cheap fare and the rest will follow. 

Where to Stay
With several hotels to choose from, it is unlikely for visitors to encounter problems in choosing the accommodation that suits their budget and needs. Here's a list of our recommended Tacloban hotels to choose from:

1. Go Hotels Tacloban
This hotel caters to the budget-conscious. It's because Go Hotels adheres to the limited-service concept by offering no-frills accommodation and providing only the basic necessities. This lowers the price of the rooms. And just like budget airlines, guests can avail of "add on" services and features for an added charge.

What we like about this hotel is it offers modern and comfortable rooms with practical amenities. Perfect if you're the type of traveler who spends most time out of the hotel exploring the place and its tourist attractions.

Go Hotels Tacloban

Go Hotels, modern and functional rooms

Go Hotels Tacloban is a mere 10-15 minute drive from the airport and is conveniently located beside the biggest mall in the city, Robinsons Tacloban. Rates range from PHP588 to 1,488++. 

Queen sized bed inside the room

The bathroom

For bookings and more details, visit the hotel's website here.

2. Hotel XYZ
This is a mid-range hotel; not exactly budget yet still affordable. It offers beautifully designed rooms furnished with modern amenities that will guarantee a rewarding hotel experience.

The modern and stylish rooms of Hotel XYZ

Hallways

Splazzh! The hotel's rooftop pool

Hotel XYZ is located along P. Zamora St., well within the downtown area of Tacloban making it accessible to tourist attractions, banks, supermarkets, bus terminals, hospitals, and government offices. It is also just 20-30 minutes away from the airport.

Must try Moron Ice Cream at Hotel XYZ

Rates range from PHP2,800++ for the Fine Room to PHP6,500++ for the Fabulous Room. 

For more information, visit the hotel's website here.

3. The Oriental Leyte
This hotel is one of the fanciest accommodation in Tacloban. It is a contemporary resort that is set on a sprawling 10-hectare beach.

After its renovation following the damage brought by Typhoon Yolanda, the hotel promises a better hotel experience for its guests. From its dashing interiors to its modern facilities, The Oriental offers an overall feel that is stylish, luxurious, and exquisite.

The poolside of The Oriental Leyte

Samsara Restaurant c/o The Oriental website

Premier Room c/o The Oriental website

The resort is located on Red Beach in Palo, the town next to Tacloban. It is adjacent to the MacArthur Landing Memorial site. From the airport, it is a mere 20-30 minute drive. 

The rates range from around PHP4,000++ for the Deluxe Room to PHP30,000++ for the Governor's Suite.

For more details, visit the resort's website here.

Getting Around
To get around the city, there is a variety of transportation that is available.

The jeepney is the main mode of transportation in Tacloban. Most areas in the city fall within the minimum fare radius so you only have to shell out PHP8. Just like in Manila, the jeepneys here use route signboards that indicate its destination. This can pose a problem for tourists who are unfamiliar with the places in the city. To avoid getting lost, ask the locals for directions and tell the driver to drop you off at your desired destination. 

An alternative mode of transportation in the city is the tricycle. Just like the jeepney, its minimum fare is PHP8. Tricycles' usual routes are the inner streets of Tacloban. However, they can also be contracted or "pakyaw", as locals call it, for tours and special tours. Fare ranges from PHP50 to PHP100. Just don't be shy to haggle with the friendly drivers.

Places to Visit and Things to Do
1. Leyte Provincial Capitol
Built in 1907, the Leyte Provincial Capitol or the "Pamunuan San Lalawigan Sa Leyte" is a neo-classical building reminiscent of American-era structures during the occupation. It is considered as one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the Philippines.

The all-white facade of the building

It has an all-white facade with two prominent bas reliefs on the sides. The left-wing depicts the country's first Christian mass held on the island of Limasawa in Southern Leyte. The right-wing depicts the historical World War II landing of General MacArthur in Red Beach, Palo, Leyte.  

The first mass in Limasawa bas relief

The Leyte Landing bas relief

The building also served as the Capitol Building of the Philippines from October 1944 to February 1945. On its steps, Sergio Osmena was formally proclaimed as the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

Briefly served as the nation's capitol building

Philippine flag displayed in front of the building 

The capitol grounds is open 24 hours and can be visited for free. 

2. San Juanico Bridge
The San Juanico Bridge is considered the longest bridge over water in the Philippines spanning a length of 2.16 kilometers. It was once called "Marcos Bridge" since it was built during the time of Marcos; and "The Bridge of Love" as this was a testament of the former president's love of Imelda. 

The stunning San Juanico Bridge

Vehicles passing through the bridge

San Juanico is a truss bridge

It remains to be one of the most picturesque bridges in the country with a beautiful arch-shaped truss design and with views of whirlpools and islets of the San Juanico Strait. 

The S-shaped portion of the bridge

View of Samar Island

Picturesque San Juanico Strait

Note: The bridge takes the shapes of letter "L" and "S", the first letters of the islands it connects, Leyte and Samar. 

The bridge is open 24 hours and can be visited free of charge. Vehicles are not allowed to stop or park in the middle of the bridge. Take pictures as your car climbs up the bridge or walk from both ends to experience the bridge and enjoy the stunning view.

3. Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum
The Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum is one of the many presidential rest houses built by Ferdinand Marcos. Located along Real Street in Tacloban, this mansion was a symbol of grandeur during the Marcos administration. Presently, it is under the requisition of the PCGG. But it is open to the public for viewing.

It houses a chapel dedicated for Sto. Niño, the patron of Leyte; 13 guestrooms, each with a unique theme representing different regions of the country; bedrooms for the former first family; a grand ballroom; and an Olympic size swimming pool. 

It also contains hundreds of beautiful artifacts, antiques, art works and collections from all over the world such as tiles and clocks from Italy, floor carpets from Argentina, dressers and cabinets from Korea, chandeliers from the Czechoslovakia, mirrors from Austria, porcelain jars and ivory collection from China, jade from then Burma, and paintings of Bebsi Brias for the Marcoses.

The museum is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and collects PHP200 entrance fee for a group of three and additional PHP30 for a still camera or PHP200 for a video camera.

4. Sto. Niño Church
Sto. Niño Church, also known as the Church of Liberation, is the home of the patron saint of the city. The Sto. Niño de Leyte is an ivory-made icon of the child Jesus said to be miraculous. 

The church started as a small chapel around 1596 and saw various changes in the order managing it: from Jesuits, Augustinians, Franciscans, and eventually to the Archdiocese of Palo. Although the church has a very long history, the present structure is less than 50 years old. This is because the previous structures were either destroyed by typhoons or earthquakes. 

Most recently the church has undergone renovation after it was severely damaged by Typhoon Yolanda. 

Pure white facade of the church

The golden retablo with the miraculous Sto. Niño

Curved and circular stained glass windows

The church serves as a symbol of the locals' resiliency and renewal despite facing various natural disasters over the centuries.

5. MacArthur Landing Memorial Park
The MacArthur Landing Memorial Park marks the spot where the American liberation forces landed during the Battle of Leyte in World War II. 

Entrance to the park

The park is 6.78 hectares and located in Palo, some 5 kilometers south of Tacloban. The main attraction of the park are the seven bronze statues on a man made pool depicting General MacArthur and his entourage during the historic Leyte landing. The statues were designed by scupltor Anastacio Caedo and was inaugurated in 1981.

Double life-sized statues of MacArthur's entourage

Statues installed within a shallow pool

The park is a declared National Historical Landmark

The park is open 24 hours and can be visited free of charge.

6. Watch the Pintados and Sangyaw Festivals
Tacloban hosts two festivals during the month of June - the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival and the Sangyaw Festival. 

First held on June 29, 1987, the Pintados Festival depicts the pre-Spanish history of the people of Leyte, including the local epics, folklores, and religions. The main attraction of the festival are the street dancers painted from head to toe with designs resembling the tattooed warriors of the past, also known as the "pintados". It also incorporates into the theme the locals' devotion and worship of Sto. Nino. Later in 1995, the Kasadyaan Festival was introduced by the provincial government of Leyte and merged into the Pintados Festival. Now, the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals bring together the diverse, colorful, and vibrant festivals from all over Leyte and Samar, making it one of the country's major cultural-religious celebrations.

This year's Pintados champion, the Buraburon Festival of Burauen
c/o the Facebook page of the Local Government Unit of Burauen

The Sangyaw Festival was first started by Imelda Marcos in 1974 but was discontinued many years later. It was revived by the city government in 2008 when Tacloban was declared a highly urbanized city. Now it is celebrated along with the Pintados Festival. The festival highlight is the Parade of Lights that features colorful and decorated floats, lights, and street dancers partying to the upbeat Sangyaw theme. Other activities include the Balyuan Rites which reenacts the historical exchange of the Sto. Nino image between Tacloban and Basey; the traditional fluvial and land processions; and the pontifical mass at the Sto. Nino Church.

Colorful Sangyaw floats

Colorful Sangyaw floats

Colorful Sangyaw floats

Sto. Niño in one of the floats

Sangyaw street dancers

Sangyaw street dancers

Sangyaw street dancers

Both festivals are celebrated annually towards the end of June. And you get to enjoy them for free!

So what do you think of our guide? Please leave your comments in the box below.