Travelling as a 'backpacker' in the early 90's was just a way to get out of Manila, an adventure I never expected I would enjoy and continue doing for the past 20yrs now. Foreign friends taught me how to backpack, take my bags and just GO! I was hard to convince knowing my fears on deep water or dangerous sports that I may face or my fear of being lost somewhere without any money or nobody I know in the area. I became a pro after my 3month (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao) backpacking around the Philippines with friends in 1995. Without coming home for 3 months made my mother worry until I reached the island of Iloilo that she realized that I am just enjoying and exploring my country. I am no longer a 'backpacker', I have reached this age wherein my choices are different, my kind of adventure are subtle. Convenience, simplicity and affordability are my travel key words.
Despite all the negative reports on the world news, its economic crisis, embarassing politicians and political stories, polluted, over populated city of Manila, slums and poverty, my country remained beautiful for people like me who have the privilege to see and experience the best beaches or islands a country can offer to tourists. Photography is a hobby and I am sharing this photos, a proof of how beautiful Philippines is.
The Virgin Island near Bohol Island, Pristine white sand with no inhabitants. the locals would come here on 'low tide" to sell fish, shells, souvenir items to earn money for their families. An island where you can walk on a bowl shaped sandbar....indeed an experience!
The amazing sandbar
T
This island is 15mins away from Panglao island with rooms for rent
 |
| Panglao Sunrise |
Panglao at sunset time
Travelling alone in 2012, I decided to visit Bohol for the second time. A 14 days Retreat on a December. The first was in 1994 when Panglao was a very quiet beach with 3or 4 resort hotels only. Now, the beach is full of restaurants, cottages and hotels. Less crowded during months of january to June and August to October. Panglao is in the central Visayas, part of Bohol province. A big island with lots of historical sites and tourists attraction. A must see for families and lovers.
 |
| The spectacular sunset of Boracay |
Boracay will always be special. I am a frequent visitor. Nothing beats the powdery sand of Boracay. Not even the beaches in Thailand or Indonesia. This is the island where everything and anything is available. From fresh seafood, high end low end resorts/hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, street food, fastfood, original designers clothes, ukay ukay, branded eyewear, shoes, bags, swimsuits etc etc. This is the haven of Swiss and German tourists. They live here for 6months and work in their country for 6months. Its the island that never sleeps, always busy and full of life.
Building a business here on 90's was a good decision and buying properties as well. A lot of investors made huge amounts of money on this island but when
real estate was a hot issue in the government in 2005, a lot lost their money or pulled out businesses. No one has a land title but only tax declaration!
Only an hour by plane to Caticlan airport! The best time to go to the island are months of Oct-November, January -March when its less crowded and you can enjoy the beach. Two things you cant miss on sunset ....paraw sailing and preparing your table for sunset drinks!
 |
| The small island called Malapascua situated in the northern part of Cebu The island is not well developed and has a few resorts offering rooms/accommodations at a reasonble rate. Perfect for those who want to stretch their budget and stay very close to the beach |
 |
| My nipa house for 2 weeks |
 |
| Sunset in Malapascua |
 |
| Lovely Sunset |
First time was 1994 when there was no elecitrity and 2nd time in 2004. I was surprised that it actually did not change so much. a few resorts and nipa huts but no huge hotels. The rates were a little more expensive but still a quiet place to stay at. Divers from around the world come here to experience following and swimming the white sharks of the island.
Taking photos of fishermen every morning and kids who visit me regularly was a hobby.
 |
| Bantayan beach |
Bantayan Island is on the Northwest of Cebu and is a big island with a population of 150,000. I found out about the island in the 90's but never had the chance to check it out till I decided to take the boat from Malapascua Island to Bantayan in 2004. It took us an hour and 20mins by boat. I wanted to check the whole island but I dont even know how to ride a motorbike! I asked a new friend to join me. We found out that there is a huge poultry on the island where most of the eggs we buy in Manila came from. Nowadays, people would rather buy organic or they call it "free ranged" chicken eggs.
The fishing port was a good place to check out, the people, the variety of things you can buy at a very cheap price. You can eat seafood every meal!
 |
| Apulit Island Palawan is a small island with a high end resort known as Club Noah Isabelle |
 |
| Stilts made out of wood overlooking the sea, a peaceful getaway for those who are willing to spend an expensive vacation and privacy |
7days in Coron was a total relaxation. It was exactly the time when 'tsunami' hits Phuket, Thailand. I was having late lunch with friends when I received a call from Manila.
I left Boracay taking the ferry "Coco Explorer" to El Nido -Coron. It was a nightmare riding on a small ferry at night time with 20 different tourists. The waves were too strong and water was coming into the cabin. We had to stay on the upper deck bed and put our backpacks on the lower bed. Thank God we survived the night and the sun came out at 7 am.
 |
 |
| MoalBoal Beach is very closed to Alcantara, Badian and Pescador island |
 |
| Known for divers from different countries in the world |
From Mactan island to Badian island is a 3hr drive to the south of Cebu. Badian is "pricey" but the service and the facility is just perfect for a weekend getaway. A total rejuvenation, seclusion and privacy. For backpackers/divers Moalboal is just 20mins away.
The Badian Spa special treatments using natural oils and scrubs was a daily ritual. I was a spa addict then and that was the reason why I decided to put my own spa in 2005 in Boracay. The first spa situated at the beachfront with natural nipa, bamboo cabanas and structures. 
5days in Mactan, Cebu and 7days in MoalBoal/Badian on a December was a perfect treat for myself, exactly the time when the mutiny in Manila Peninsula happened. I was enjoying the beach!
 |
| Badian Island |
 |
| The beach area |
 |
| Regatta is a favorite sport in this area |
Driving to Subic on a weekend to relax was my getaway from the busy Manila. This was a trip with friends and good beach for the family. A small island with cottages. The accommodation is quite expensive considering the status of the rooms and the security of the place. The facilities are old but kids who love to swim, jetski and play outdoors, this is good enough.
 |
| On daytime |
Stilts, Calatagan beach is a 3hr drive to the south of Manila!
 |
| The beach of Calatagan |
Surprisingly, the beach is clean, the rooms are also clean with nice bathroom that can accommodate 5-10 people depending on the house you choose. Only 3.5 hrs drive from Manila passing through Tagaytay down to Batangas. This place is private and they have a restaurant poolside and a recreation area. a perfect place to unwind, perfect for writers and artists.
 |
| Sunset time |
Pls do not reproduce these photos without permission from the owner.You may contact the author of this blog or you may send an email.
Pls check this link for further reference:
http://www.maps.nfo.ph/philippines-administrative-divisions-1993/
