25 Things to do in the Philippines

Inquirer Lifestyle recently came out with an article on 25 things to do in the Philippines. To my joy, I have already done 12 things out of the 25 recommended activities.

Below is the 25 must-do things. I have included those that I have already finished:

1. Go white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro.

February 2009, my first extreme adventure!
(Prudence, Jacs, me, Ian, Bill)

2. Visit Batanes.

3. See Mt. Mayon up close.

4. Swim with the whale sharks in Donsol. - This is next on the list.

5. Climb Mt. Pulag and be awed by its sea of clouds.

6. Dive, swim and explore Palawan’s underground river.

7. Hike and let the view of Mt. Pinatubo crater take your breath away.

8. Party in your bikini in Boracay.

New Year 2009. I wasn't in my bikini but I definitely partied at Hey Jude's annual New Year White Party. This is my second White Party. The first time was in 2007 with my sister, Prudence. In 2009, I went with my ex-travel buddy, Ian, and Prudence.

9. Surf’s up! Choose your wave—La Union, Zambales or Real, Quezon.

10. Missed out on the pristine beauty of Boracay 15 years ago? Visit Malapascua, Cebu.

2007. Played frisbee and got drunk in Malapascua with Bigfoot friends.

11. Dive and see the rich marine life of Anilao, Batangas.

April 2009. This is in Anilao but I'm not counting this since we just went there to eat lunch. I don't dive but I want to eventually learn how and Anilao will, definitely,  be on the list of dive sites I want to try.

12. Travel back in time—go to Vigan.

13. Let Bohol wow you with its many offerings—the Chocolate Hills, the tarsier, the Loboc River Cruise, old churches and the beach.

March 2009. We went to Bohol to shoot a pilot episode of Dive the World with Cathal Twomey. Our location were the four dive spots around Panglao Island, Loboc River, Chocolate Hills, Bohol Bee Farm and Tarsier Conservation Center

14. Go high! Drive to the Mountain Province of Sagada. Check out the caves, the hanging coffins and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.

March 4, 2011, Sumaging Cave. This is the most amazing experience. It's scary, dangerous, and thrilling at the same time. This is definitely a once in a lifetime experience for me.

15. Grab a Viaje del Sol map, visit Ugu Binyan’s pottery studio, eat at Kusina Salud and unwind at Casa San Pablo.

16. Spend an entire week up north. Take a road trip from Manila to Vigan, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Aparri and Isabela!

17. Try wakeboarding in Camsur.

18. Check out Malate, Old Manila and all their secret spots.

June 2008. Riding the kalesa in Intramuros.

June 2008. The first of many nights I will be spending in Malate
(Me, Ivan, Jacs, John, Ian)

19. There are many reasons to love Davao. Kublai’s artworks, its proximity to the beach, the tasty pastil and juicy suha. And did I mention that it’s a smoke-free city?

January 2011. At Davao's Crocodile Farm.

20. Spend a weekend roughing it in Anawangin and Capones in Zambales.

November 2008. Roughing it in Anawangin with Ian. This is definitely something I'll never forget.

We went to Capones Island the day after.

21. Check out our colorful fiestas and document them with your camera. Ati-atihan, Dinagyang, Masskara, Sinulog, Higantes, Panagbenga and more.

January 2008. You can't live in Cebu and not experience Sinulog. Viva Pit Senyor!
(with Ryan)

October 2010. I wouldn't be a true Ilongga if I have not experienced Masskara! Kari na!

22. Pick your own strawberries at the Strawberry Fields in La Trinidad, Benguet. - We could have stopped in Benguet to check Strawberry Fields but we weren't able to do it due to lack of time. This is another reason for me to go back North.

23. Go to Pampanga for sisig.

March 21, 2011. Business and pleasure at the same time. I went to Pampanga to visit our satellite office and rewarded myself with this super delish plate of sisig.

24. If it’s too hot in Manila, grab a few friends and take a quick trip to Tagaytay.

November 2008. We went to Tagaytay Highlands when Ryan came to visit.
(John, Ryan, Me)

25. Enjoy a food trip in Iloilo. You’ll never go hungry in this city.

2009. While waiting for my La Paz Batchoy order at the original resto of Deco's at La Paz Market, Iloilo City. Ian and I went to a cultural trip to Iloilo and included food in the itinerary.