The province of Batangas has many beach destinations, and yet many still flock to the same beaches in Calatagan, Laiya, and Nasugbo. Did you know that there's a beautiful island called Isla Verde. It's a secluded paradise located between Luzon and Mindoro.

Described as center of center of the world's marine biodiversity, Isla Verde features crystal blue waters and powdery white sand dotted with some coconut trees. There’s something for everyone, be it diving, swimming, trekking, or camping. This secluded beach will surely bring you a good dose of vitamin sea.

There's no question that international travel can truly be a life-changing experience, and for people who add volunteering to that mix to make sure they're doing some good along the way, that impact can be even greater. What's better than seeing the world while also making a difference? 

Volunteering abroad has become an incredibly popular option for high school graduates wanting to take a gap year that looks good on the resume, college students wanting to make a difference while also having more world experience, or even individuals looking to make a difference and do something different for a while.

International travel can be an amazing and truly life-changing experience. Whether you are an experienced vagabond, a beginning nomad, or preparing for your first-ever trip, there's nothing quite like the excitement that comes before setting off on a brand new journey. International travel gives exposure to new cultures, new experiences, and the chance to make an array of memories that will truly last a lifetime.

However, there are plenty of issues that can crop up during a worldwide trip. While nothing will ever fully guarantee a smooth trip (and a few mini-adventures can make the trip), keeping the following travel hacks in mind will help increase your chances of having a great international trip whether a one-week vacation or the extended start of a life-changing experience.

Fiery Style recently opened its newest branch at Gateway Tower Mall in Araneta Center, Quezon City. This restaurant serves Mexican American cuisines (a fusion of Mexican and American cuisines ) like cheezy quesadilla, colorful nachos, juicy burgers, mouth-watering steaks,  flavored buffalo wings, and more.

In my recent visit to Fiery Style Gateway, I immediately noticed the restaurant's interior. From wall decorations, tables and chairs to its cozy bar, the whole place like an authentic Mexican restaurant. This place is perfect for anything from a family dinner to a casual dinner with a couple of friends who appreciate Southwestern food, and a venue to stop after corporate or business meeting.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the country’s only heritage resort by the sea which occupies the 400-hectare land in Bagac town of Bataan. This beautiful hotel features the best of Filipino heritage and culture through the colorful stories as retold by owner Jose “Jerry” Acuzar’s collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses.

In our recent visit to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, we're fortunate to be part of the launching of it's newest attraction called Historyland. It's an entertaining show that will bring life to iconic Filipino characters that played huge and nostalgic pieces of Philippine history. Here are some of the significant events that you will surely enjoy to watch in Historyland.

The Battle of Mactan

With the beautiful background of the sea, witness  the battle between the Flipinos headed by Lapu Lapu against the Spaniards. The fight was really intense. Some of them were fighting very close to the audience. No worries, it's only a reenactment and they're harmless. Expect to see the death of Ferdinand Magellan and feel the nationality through our blood and veins.

Execution of Jose Rizal

This is one my favorite scene in the Historyland. As we all know, Philippine national hero Jose Rizal lived his entire life to ignite change and inspire his countrymen.Though he lived his life quite short, his efforts to spark revolution and compassion towards the Filipino people and the country transpired to the freedom we enjoy today. Realize the contribution of our National Hero to the society and its impacts to the future by rediscovering the past.

The Cry of Pugad Lawin

During the show, I suddenly remembered my history subject when I was in grade school. The cry of Pugad Lawin is the event in the past I won't forget. Anyway, the tearing of cedulas is, more often than not, overlooked as far as our history is concerned. Know the significance of this action, from what encouraged Filipinos to finally fight for their country and the future battles that occurred.

Making of Philippine Flag

Before the start of the class in the morning, everyone should be in the school ground to sing the Philippine Anthem. Do you know who created our flag? Learning the depth of every symbolism in our flag requires thorough understanding. Each color represents a Filipino trait, creating a momentous design, which greatly speaks the collective stories of our ancestors. In fact, the Philippine flag we have today underwent a lot of revisions and HistoryLand will give us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the making of this authentic Filipino symbol.

Fight for Philippine Independence

Do you know when and where was Philippine flag first unfurled? The Filipino national flag was officially unfurled for the first time on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite which symbolized the Philippine independence. Experience this live and in flesh at the first ever history amusement park.

Ambiance Actors

One of the perks of joining on this activity is you can take pictures with El Katipuneros, Sisa, General Luna, Maria Clara and Friars. You will also learn a thing or two from these icons in our history.

Parade of History

This is the main highlight of this attraction. Get a once in a lifetime experience with HistoryLand’s historical figures in a 30-minute Meet and Greet! The characters that are part of HistoryLand will walk through the aisles of Las Casas to have a parade for everyone to witness.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is must-visit destination in the Philippines. From beautiful structures, natural landscapes to entertaining Historyland, Las Casas is perfect destination for those who want to experience a one-of-a-kind travel to the past.

WEEKDAY WALKING TOUR
Have a closer look at bits and pieces of our country’s rich history through an immersive interactive walking tour.
Monday to Friday – PHP1,500

WEEKDAY PREMIERE HERITAGE TOUR
Get the opportunity to experience history first hand as our tour guides let you in on the stories of each structure.
Monday to Friday – PHP1,850

WEEKEND WALKING HERITAGE TOUR
Marvel at the striking design each structure and see history from a different perspective and make your weekends more exciting.
Saturday & Sunday – PHP2,500

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is open Monday to Saturday, from 8:30AM to 6:00PM. For day tour and room rates, you may contact the hotel at  (02) 833.3333 loc 141-42 and 145 ; Mobile No.: 0917.872.9361

HOW TO GET THERE:

By public transport – From Cubao, take a bus bound for Balanga, Bataan. Travel time is 2-3 hours. Fare is P200-P250. Bus companies (Bataan Transit & Genesis Transport) serving this route have daily trips that leave hourly. From Bataan Transport Terminal, take a another bus bound for Bagac Travel time is around 45 minutes and fare is around  P50. From the town proper of Bagac, hire a tricycle that will bring you to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Travel time is around 10 minutes and fare is P10/pax.

By private car – (Via NLEX) From Manila, Bagac is a 3-hour drive via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Exit at San Fernando (P157 toll fee). Take the westbound side of Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Gapan-Olongapo Road), heading towards the towns of Bacolor, Guagua, and Lubao in Pamgpanga. Upon reaching Dinalupihan, turn left at Roman Superhighway. Once in Balanga City, turn right at Gov. J.J. Linao National Road. Drive along the scenic route at the foot of Mt. Samat (where you can see the Dambana ng Kagitingan) until you reach the town of Bagac. Follow the road markers that point to Las Casas.

For inquiries and reservations, call 0917.872.9361 or visit our website at www.lascasasfilipinas.com.

Boracay is the most famous white beach destination in the Philippines. It features powdery white sand beaches, turquoise waters, calm atmosphere and rich biodiversity. This paradise also features several accommodation, from high-end resorts, transient homes to budget friendly hostels, you can surely find the perfect hotel  within your budget.

In my recent trip to Boracay, I noticed a lot of changes in the island. The long white coastline is overwhelming clean. Cabanas, beach beds, bean bags, wooden tables and chairs are gone near the shoreline. Smoking, drinking, eating, massage service, and hawking are also prohibited in the beach area.. Aside from that, water activities can be done only on the different side of the island.

La Union is our alternative destination if we are looking for a great place to chill and unwind. Now it's raining season, this is the best time to surf in Elyu. The waves are freaking high which can go up to 8 feet.  I'm not really good in surfing but I'm trying my best to learn and enjoy it.

Dubbed as the "Surfing Capital of Northern Luzon", this laid back province offers a lot of beautiful places and fun outdoor activities. I must say, La Union is a year-round destination. You can do a lot of things here even it's raining or sunny day.

Kota Kinabalu is one of the budget destinations in Asia. It offers wide array of beautiful attractions over the city, powdery-white sand beaches, tropical rain forests, historical sites, amazing landscapes and its main jewel, the Mount Kinabalu. This simple city is also a famous getaway for tourists and the primary entrance to Borneo Island and Sabah, Malaysia.

Most of international tourists and locals call Kota Kinabalu as KK. Well, it's easy to say and to remember. KK has a lot of things to offer for every types of travelers. From shopping centers, beaches, forests to mountains, you would surely enjoy your stay in Kota Kinabalu. I have listed below travel tips and some of the best places that you should visit in KK.

The province of Capiz is well-known for its freshest and most affordable seafood in the country. It features wide powdery gray-sand beaches, historical sites, eco-tourism destinations and a lot more. This simple province will surely give you a unique travel experience.

Capiz is located in the central section of the Philippines at the northeastern portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan to the north, Antique to the west, and Iloilo to the south. Capiz faces the Sibuyan Sea to the north. Roxas City serves as the provincial capital and Capiznon and Hiligaynon are the two main local languages.

Guisi Lighthouse is one of the main attractions in the province of Guimaras. It is the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines (next to Cape Engano Lighthouse in Palui Island, Cagayan). This 18th century Spanish-colonial lighthouse is just beside the beach and 40-minute away from the Jordan port.

Located in the town of Nueva Valencia, Guisi Lighthouse will bring you in the past. You can find here an old damaged walls, a rusty lighthouse and a new solar-powered lighthouse. There's another lighthouse which can be found behind the ruins.

Since I started working in the BPO Industry while doing my online task as a lifestyle and travel blogger, I can't start the day without drinking a coffee. It boosts my energy while at work and it helps me relax while at travel. With all the works and deadlines, drinking coffee makes me more productive.

Most of the time, I sit in a coffee house with a nice hot brewed coffee or cold frappuccino. A coffee shop with good ambiance is still the best place to meet with a client or to talk with a friend. From fresh brewed coffee, pastries, pastas, to refreshing beverages, a cafe has something to offer to different types of customers.

Maybe it's weird for some to see people taking a dip into a large clay wok with flower petals and leaves. This is not new in the Philippines especially in the province of Antique. A lot of local and international tourists are visiting the province to experience this unique spa experience. It's called the "Kawa Hot Bath".

The Kawa Hot Bath is one of the famous activity in Antique. Most of these can be found in the quiet town of Tibiao, which is the first and the most popular place for kawa hot baths. The giant wok (vat or cauldron), or kawa (tagalog word), traditionally used for cooking muscovado sugar which is now converted to a hot tub.

The kawa takes some time to prepare. They filled it with water and strewn with flower petals and herbal leaves. They burn up wood to heat up the water to your desired temperature. You can to tell to the staff of  the resort if the water is already warm so they can stop the fire under the "Kawa."

The warm water with flower petals and leaves was very relaxing. It removed the stress of my aching body after the long day tour around the province. I highly recommend to put the Kawa Bath Experience at the end of the tour. The rate is P300/ head for 30 minutes.

If you want to stay overnight near the Kawa Hot Bath, there are available budget-friendly accommodation around the area. Most of these resorts are just beside the river. Room rates start from at P300 / head standard fan room.  There are also available air-conditioned rooms for P1000 per head  depending on the season.

During my stay in Antique, I stayed  in Kasa Raya Inn. This charming stilt-house is located along the main road in Tibiao which is the jump off point for travelers who want to visit  the Kawa Bath,  Seco Island, Malumpati Cold Springs,  Bugtung Batu Falls, Malalison Island, and other destinations in Antique.

Kasa Raya Inn offers simple yet clean rooms with comfy beds, meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner and Antique package tours with a friendly tour guide.

Aside from Kawa Hot Bath, other activities that you could enjoy include swimming, kayaking, chasing water falls, water tubing, hiking and a lot more.

If you are in Antique, don't forget to visit some of the best places in the province including Mararison Island, Seco Island, Nogas Island, Malumpati Cold Spring, Bugtong Bato Falls, Igbaclag Cave / Stone Castle, Patnongon Ruins, Bantayog ng Wika and a lot more. 

There are several ways to reach the province of Antique. There are terminals in Kalibo, Aklan and Iloilo City that will bring you directly to Antique.

How to get to Antique 

From Clark, take a flight going to Antique. Philippine Airlines (PAL) recently launched direct flights from Clark in Pampanga to San Jose de Buenavista, the provincial capital. The aircraft leaves Clark at 6:00 AM every Sunday and Tuesday, arriving in San Jose de Buenavista at 7:20 AM. The return flight, PR2206, departs Antique 20 minutes later at 7:40 AM, arriving in Clark at 9:00 AM.

Other options

(From Boracay, Aklan) From Manila, take a flight going to Aklan. Airlines such Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly daily to Aklan.  From Kalibo, take a tricycle to the Kalibo bus terminal and ride a Ceres Bus to Antique. From Kalibo, buses ply the route to Pandan and San Jose de Buenavista. Travel time to Antique is 2-3 hours from Boracay or Kalibo.

(From Iloilo) From Manila, take a flight going to Iloilo City. Airlines such Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly daily to Iloilo City. From the airport, take a van to Molo Terminal (P50). Then take another van (P110) or jeepney to Antique. From Iloilo, buses and vans take two main roads: the mountain and coastal road. Travel time to Antique is 3-4 hours from Iloilo. Travel time to Antique is 3-4 hours from Iloilo.

For hassle-free tour, you may contact Las Islas Travel & Tours. It offers package tour inclusive of accommodation, transportation to several destinations, all entrance and environmental fees and friendly tour guide. This local travel agency also handles tours all around Panay Island including Capiz, Aklan, and Iloilo.

Las Islas Travel & Tours

Address: 2nd Floor, Bancal Commercial Building, Bancal Port, Carles, Northern Iloilo, Panay Island, 5019, Philippines
Contact Number: : +63 0995-335-7310 / +63 0929-595-8870 / +63 34 445 1346
Website: http://lasislas.ph/ Email : info@lasislas.ph