🇵🇭 PHILIPPINES • Philippine Summer: A Season for Town Exploration

"My summer town exploration was concentrated in the Cordilleras and to some towns of the northernmost coasts of Luzon."

So you want to go off-beat during rainy season? Then go! But you can't compel me to do it because I would prefer summer to do town hopping or town exploration, to some degree. Chase the rain and I'll chase the sun. Anyways, any will do, as long as you are comfortable with it.

The towns and destinations I am going to feature in this post will just be the highlights of my recent summer escapades and a separate post is reserved for each. Anyway, I'll compile it here as a teaser. Let us start with the town of...

SAGADA (March & April)

So the first town is Sagada

#Sagada | Mountain Province | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: This is a tourist mountain town with rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. It is the home of Hanging Coffins and an extensive cave connection. / Photo: Sunrise watching at the Kiltepan Peak in #Sagada. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib . For this year's summer, I went to Sagada

#Sagada | Mountain Province | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: This is a tourist mountain town with rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. It is the home of Hanging Coffins and an extensive cave connection. / Photo: Sunrise watching at the Kiltepan Peak in #Sagada. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib twice. The first was before the peak season and for the second time, after the peak season. I wanted to get rid of the crowd and would you believe that Sagada

#Sagada | Mountain Province | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: This is a tourist mountain town with rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. It is the home of Hanging Coffins and an extensive cave connection. / Photo: Sunrise watching at the Kiltepan Peak in #Sagada. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib 's popular caves get crowded during the Holy Week? It is hard to enjoy if that is the case for me. The highlights of my Sagada

#Sagada | Mountain Province | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: This is a tourist mountain town with rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. It is the home of Hanging Coffins and an extensive cave connection. / Photo: Sunrise watching at the Kiltepan Peak in #Sagada. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib tour are the following:

1st photo | Kiltepan Peak on a high noon: I have climbed the Kiltepan Peak twice--during high noon and before sunrise. When I and my brother climbed it during high noon, our clothes got wet, thus, the half-naked photos. We didn't bring extra clothes. 

2nd photo | Bokong Falls (Small Falls): Part of our Sagada

#Sagada | Mountain Province | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: This is a tourist mountain town with rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. It is the home of Hanging Coffins and an extensive cave connection. / Photo: Sunrise watching at the Kiltepan Peak in #Sagada. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib / 4-hour adventure (more details of this 4-hour spontaneous adventure for the upcoming post) is Bokong Falls. It is the most accessible waterfalls in Sagada from the town center. This is not microscopic but definitely, it is small.

3rd photo | Sumaguing Cave: I entered the Sumaguing Cave without a guide. Call it suicide, then I have to agree. Details will be discussed for my upcoming Sagada #TownExploration Series where I used a small flashlight that can not even beat the flashlight of a Nokia 1200 phone.

4th photo | Lumiang Cave: This cave is sacred for the people of Sagada because it is the burial ground of their ancestors. It is mind-boggling how those coffins made of pine wood were placed at the edge of the cliffs inside the huge cave opening. Well, they might have employed a technology unrecorded in history?

5th photo | Kiltepan Peak before sunrise: They say the best time to climb Kiltepan Peak is during sunrise. But for me, it is just a hype. It depends on what you want to look for. If you are fascinated with sunrise, then go for the sunrise. But if your are sunrise-ophobic, then why go with the hype? The view you'll see during high noon would be a different worthy experience as good as, or could be better than the  sunrise.

6th photo | Sagada Orange Plantation of Rock Inn. Rock Inn (I think is the nearest restaurant-hotel from Kiltepan Peak) manages an orange plantation. I was able to see an orange tree for the first time here. Unfortunately, it was not a season for picking.

7th photo | Hanging Coffins at Echo Valley: Probably the most popular destination in Sagada, the hanging coffins of the Echo Valley are those that you can visit up close. There are other hanging coffins, but you can not see them as easy and smooth close as those at the Echo Valley.

8th photo | Latang Underground River: Latang underground river has a wide opening with a cave ceiling of hundreds of meters thick that hotels and gasoline stations can be established at the top without making a chaos inside the cave. I also discovered that this underground river and cave is a good place to belt a Michael Bolton song with a touch of Gary V's dance moves. Your voice will reverb like a concert auditorium can offer.

MALIBCONG (Late February)

During this recent summer, I went to another town in Cordillera

Cordillera Administrative Region | Philippines

FAST FACTS: C.A.R. is a region in the Philippines nestled in the Cordillera mountain ranges of Luzon island, Northern Philippines. It is composed of the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province. / Photo: The Batad Rice Terraces is Cordillera's Cultural Treasure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in #Banaue, Ifugao / Copyright: Edmar Guquib called Malibcong

#Malibcong | Province of Abra | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: The town is an ancestral domain of 3 tribes. As of 2007, it has a population of 3,354 tribal people - Mabaka, Banao and Gubang on which each tribe also speak their own sub-dialect. / Photo: The Banagan River is located in Gacab Village. It is a source of irrigation and hydro-power. It has clean cool waters and natural lagoon suitable for swimming. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib. So where in the world is Malibcong? Malibcong

#Malibcong | Province of Abra | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: The town is an ancestral domain of 3 tribes. As of 2007, it has a population of 3,354 tribal people - Mabaka, Banao and Gubang on which each tribe also speak their own sub-dialect. / Photo: The Banagan River is located in Gacab Village. It is a source of irrigation and hydro-power. It has clean cool waters and natural lagoon suitable for swimming. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib town is the terminus town of Abra

Province of Abra | Philippines

FAST FACTS: Abra is a landlocked province and a home to Itneg people with 12 sub-tribes, although majority of the residents are Ilocanos. The capital town is #Bangued. / Photo: The provincial capitol is located in #Bangued, the capital town. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib to the east. One of the most remote towns I have ever been so far. This town is an ancestral domain to 3 mountain tribes. The following are the highlights of my Malibcong summer town exploration, although there will be more when I'll begin my Malibcong series.

1st photo | Malibcong Welcome Arch: The town's welcome arch is a must-stop. Why? Because this part of the town is one of the highest and definitely one of the most scenic spots. You'll be able to see the winding Kalinga-Abra road via pine-clad mountains to the west. The air here is a winter-chill. Bring jackets or sweater.

2nd photo | Sunset over the mountains: I left Malibcong

#Malibcong | Province of Abra | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: The town is an ancestral domain of 3 tribes. As of 2007, it has a population of 3,354 tribal people - Mabaka, Banao and Gubang on which each tribe also speak their own sub-dialect. / Photo: The Banagan River is located in Gacab Village. It is a source of irrigation and hydro-power. It has clean cool waters and natural lagoon suitable for swimming. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib before dark (I won't advise you to do this if you ever plan). The prize for this is the ability to witness the dramatic sunset over the mountains of the neighboring town of Licuan-Baay

#Licuan-Baay | Province of Abra | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: The town is rich in Gold deposits extracted by the town folks through small-scale mining. / Photo: Mt. Capcapo has been deformed due to small scale mining activities. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib. This view is taken from the Malibcong Welcome Arch.

3rd photo | Banagan River: This river is located in Gacab, a tribal village of Malibcong. It also has a natural lagoon where you can dip your lower extremities up to thigh level. Some parts could be chest deep.

4th photo | Thrill Riding: Aside from the great natural wonders and amazing rice terraces of Malibcong (which I didn't see), this town could be a haven for thrill-riders whether you use a mountain bike, motor bike, trail bike or your 4X4. I don't advise low-clearance cars when going here if you don't want to cry over spilled milk thereafter.

5th photo | Experience the culture of the Itneg tribes: The hospitality of the Itneg tribes in this ancestral domain will make you appreciate the countryside way of living (remote town category). Here, they prepared a food for us that's why I witnessed the process on how they kill a wild or native pig before it will be cooked for a meal. That was a good experience.

DAGUIOMAN (March)

Daguioman

#Daguioman | Province of Abra | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: This town is a tribal town. It is the home of the Banaw (aka Banao, Ban-ao) Tribe. Wild deers and wild boars still freely roam around the communal mountains and parts of the town. / Photo: The Banaw tribe performing their "Tadek" Dance during an occasion in town. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib is home to the Banaw Tribe. Banaw tribe inhabit this town, some parts of Malibcong and Balbalan in Kalinga

Province of Kalinga | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: Kalinga is the land of tattooed tribesmen. Tattooing is a tradition linked to beauty and headhunting. / Photo: A Kalinga woman in Bugnay Village, #Tinglayan shows her tattoo she got back when she was still a teen. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib. This town is home to wild deers hunted for their delicious meats.

1st, 2nd, 3rd photos | Banaw Tribe Experience: Another tribe I met in the Cordilleras is the Banaw Tribe.  They have their own dialect although they are a sub-tribe of the larger Itneg tribe. Lucky me, they offered their beautiful dances and hit their traditional gongs. Chills to the bones. This experience was crazily awesome.

4th photo | "Insert Pronoun Here" Chapel: I don't know the name of this chapel but it is interesting because it changes the landscape of the town. I rarely see chapels like this in this town.

5th photo | Off-road backriding: Because unofficially I am the president of hitch-riding society, I hitched on that pick-up to see this remote town that only has a jeepney route once every other day. So how's that hassle? Riding at the back makes you enjoy the view. Note: Use sunblock, however, dust might replace your sunblock later.

BUCLOC (March)

Bucloc

#Bucloc | Province of Abra | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: This small town is blessed to be located on a river valley. The river has been a big help in watering their fields. Rice terraces are also plenty along the river. / Photo: There are long array of rice terraces in this town. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib is a rice terraces town. The road leading you to this town will offer you a scenic river valley and an array of rice terraces that continuously follow the rough road.

1st photo | Bucloc Rice Terraces: The town of Bucloc has a long array of rice terraces that follow the river. You can see the beautiful view along the road.

2nd photo | Off-track hitch riding: Ok let's stop this fuss. I forgot to tell that summer is officially my season for hitch-riding.

BANAUE (April)

Banaue

#Banaue | Province of Ifugao | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: #Banaue is known for its famous rice terraces listed as a world heritage site by the UNESCO. It is said that if all the rice paddies are joined from end to end, it could encircle half the globe. / Photo: The Tappiyah waterfalls in Batad Village is 2 hours of trekking from the Batad viewpoint. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib town in Ifugao

Province of Ifugao | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: Ifugao is the home of the famous rice terraces that start from the base of the mountain ranges and soar to thousand feet up above. / Photo: Foreign tourists trek through the Batad Rice Terraces in #Banaue. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib is famous for its towering rice terraces, the result of resiliency and ingenuity of the Cordilleran people. The rice terraces of Banaue are world heritage sites.

1st and 2nd photos | Banaue-Bontoc Road: This road is undoubtedly breathtaking. The road is carved at the slope of these steep Ifugao mountains. The road has minimal view-obstructing concretes. I think it is best to drive a motorbike here.

3rd photo | Batad Rice Terraces: Reaching Batad Rice Terraces requires lung and heart endurance. 2 hours of walking, hiking and trekking are required. Also called the "Amphitheater Rice Terraces," this man-made wonder is an engineering marvel that soars to thousand meters high.

4th photo | Tappiyah Waterfalls: Another 2 hours of hiking, trekking and walking from the Batad Viewpoint is the Tappiyah Waterfalls. The effort is sure, worthy.

LUNA (March)

Luna

#Luna | Province of Apayao | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: #Luna is the seat of the provincial government of Apayao though #Kabugao is the capital. / Photo: The Capagaypayan Subterranean River is just one of the underground river systems in town. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib is the emerging political and commercial center of the province of Apayao

Province of Apayao | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: Apayao's native tribe is called Isneg or Isnag whose ancestors are believed to have been the proto-Austronesians who came from South China thousands of years ago. / Photo: The provincial capitol of Apayao is located in #Luna, although #Kabugao is the capital town. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib. Luna town has cave systems and underground rivers.

1st photo | Capagaypayan Underground River: This underground river system has branches in Capagaypayan, a barangay in Luna. Above this subterranean river is a public park with a hole at the middle, an outlet of the cave.

2nd photo | Apayao Sports Complex: This sports complex was constructed when the province hosted the Cordillera Regional Athletic Meet.

3rd photo | Bat Caves of Luna: According to my research, there are 7 guano-filled bat caves in Luna. With a guide, we tried to look for the 7 but it was not easy. Also, some of the cave openings have been almost obstructed by soil. Some of the caves are not just suitable for spelunkers.

4th photo | Lovers Lane: Still, I don't know why they called this place as a lover's lane. They say, there is a lagoon down. Unfortunately, I never saw it.

PUDTOL (March)

The town of Pudtol

#Pudtol | Province of Apayao | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: Pudtol is subdivided into 22 barangays, 2 of which are the location of Spanish Fortress Church Ruins, one in Mataguisi and one in Emilia. / Photo: Pudtol town hall. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib is also in Apayao famous for its ruined Spanish fortress church. The town is located south of Luna. The town has two ruined churches, one in Brgy. Emilia and one at Mataguisi.

1st photo | Welcome Arch: Yes, I make it sure not to miss every welcome arch as much as possible.

2nd | Pudtol Ruins at Emilia: Once a Spanish fortress church, now turned as a ruined structure. However, a new church has been built beside this one.

3rd photo | Swan Ogee Dam: I was intrigued by the name at first. It could be strange for a town like Pudtol. And one thing more, I saw real "swan" around when I went here.

SANCHEZ-MIRA (March)

The town of Sanchez Mira

#Sanchez Mira | Province of Cagayan | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: Sanchez Mira is a coastal town in Cagayan named after Manuel Sanchez Mira, a Spanish Brigadier General assigned in Cagayan Valley. / Photo: Fishing boats at the coast of Brgy Masisit. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib in Cagayan

Province of Cagayan | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: Present day chroniclers say that the name was derived from the word “tagay,” a kind of plant that grows abundantly in the northern part of the province. Thus, “Catagayan” which means a place where the tagay grows abundantly was shortened to “Cagayan,” the present name of the province. / Photo: Sentinela beach in #Cleveria is located at the northwestern coast of the province. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib Province may not be unique and appealing but in case you are looking for places to visit here without expecting too much, then check this out...

1st photo | Sanchez-Mira Parish Church: I visited this town on a Maundy Thursday and I witnessed how religious are some of the people here. Beside this church were carrozas of the saints' images ready for the procession.

2nd photo | Mascoop Resort: When I asked a police officer what place can he recommend me to visit in this town, he told me "Mascoop Resort." Well, not an exceptional resort but it can always give your leisure time a bang-for-the-buck. Located on a beach, you can enjoy the sunset here or simply go swim to the beach, though, there is a huge swimming pool inside the resort.

CLAVERIA (March)

Claveria

#Claveria | Province of Cagayan | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: #Claveria is said to be the tip of Luzon (the largest island in the Philippines) since its poblacion is the northernmost poblacion to appear in latitude. / Photo: Taggat Lagoon in Brgy Taggat has rocky coasts and stunning rock formations. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib town, the northernmost town in Luzon (based on the location of the poblacion) is my new favorite. It is a home to secluded beaches, and many natural attractions. It is also a gateway to the Babuyan Group of Islands. Claveria is also one of the reasons why my summer escapades this year is so complete. I reiterate, this is just a teaser of the highlights since there will be a more detailed and more insightful Claveria #TownExploration series for the upcoming weeks.

1st photo | View of the bay in Claveria: That view was taken from the Claveria view deck. A beautiful vantage point of enjoying this magnificent wonder.

2nd photo | Sentinela Beach: Seeing this beach for the very first time made me believe that the saying "Love at first sight" is oh-so-true.

3rd photo | Taggat Lagoon: Another love at first site, my heart is full of love in Claveria. Yes, I Love Claveria.

4th photo | Baybay Beach: Near this beach is the house of Journeying Pinay, a fellow travel blogger who calls Claveria as her hometown. When I went here, the beach is full of action. I also met a Belgian tourist here.

TINGLAYAN (April)

Tinglayan

#Tinglayan | Province of Kalinga | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: #Tinglayan is the town of Fang-od or Whang-od, a 92-year-old (as of this writing) tribal tattoo artist who still uses the traditional method of the past without using eyeglasses. / Photo: The road leading to the northern parts #Tinglayan with Bugnay Rice Terraces at the right. Chico River is at the middle. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib town is the most memorable place for me this summer of 2013. I have done agaw-buhay adventures here I thought I can never do. There are about 10 stories pending for my Tinglayan series, but for now, I will just give 2 photos. Please do watch out for the series

1st photo | Bugnay Rice Terraces: Bugnay is the first ever village I stepped onto in Kalinga province. This village is also the village wherein I first saw a Kalinga tattooed woman. Whew!

2nd photo | Meet-up with Fang-od, a Legend: The woman at the picture is Apo Fang-od or Whang-od. She is the last authentic tattoo artist of the Butbut tribe of Tinglayan, Kalinga. What is the reason she got those tattoos and why and how she perform tattooing? These questions will be discussed more in detail for my Tinglayan series. I am also making a simple video documentary about this 92-year-old woman and I hope I can finish it soon.

BONTOC (April)

As of this post, I am currently doing my Bontoc #TownExploration series. If you want to read the series now, click here

#Bontoc | Mountain Province | PHILIPPINES

FAST FACTS: The town is subdivided into 16 barangays. Founded in 1908, #Bontoc is the capital of Mountain Province. / Photo: Halsema highway connects Baguio City and Bontoc. It is also called Baguio-Bontoc Road. It is the highest highway system in the Philippines / Copyright: Edmar Guquib. But I would want to still include Bontoc here because this town is part of my 2013 summer escapades. My Bontoc series is actually composed of more than 10 articles but I will just place the highlights here.

1st photo | Alab Village

Alab Oriente, Bontoc | An Ancient Village with Sacred Grounds

ARTICLE PREVIEW: "Prehistoric mountain dwellers inhabited this place leaving a mark that became an evidence of their existence..." / Photo: The footbridge that links Alab Oriente to Halsema Highway in #Bontoc / Copyright: Edmar Guquib: Alab Village has a lot of things to offer. It is in fact a village with ancient past. My visit to Alab Oriente in Bontoc is the highlight of my Bontoc town exploration. It has interesting legends and burial caves.

2nd photo | Bayyo Rice Terraces:

Bayyo Rice Terraces and Waterfalls - Highland Paradise Living

ARTICLE PREVIEW: "The presence of the rice terraces is an evidence of an engineering expertise of the Igorot ancestors..." / Photo: Bayyo Rice Terraces as seen along Bontoc-Banaue Road with the village at the middle / Copyright: Edmar GuquibBayyo Rice Terraces in Bayyo, Bontoc is a worthy stop-over along the Bontoc-Banaue road. This breathtaking vista can be seen when going to Banaue from Bontoc. If you have your own car, much better because you can stop anytime. This view can be seen along the road. No need to hike or trek.

3rd photo | Bontoc Museum

Bontoc Museum and the Traditional Bontok Village

ARTICLE PREVIEW: "It is a place where I found the authentic answers to my questions..." / Photo: That house is called "ulog," a traditional dormitory for Bontok Igorot girls. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib: If you want to understand more of the beauty of the Igorot culture, go to Bontoc Museum, a 15-minute walk from the Bontoc town hall.

4th photo | Kadchog Rice Terraces: Kadchog Rice Terraces is located across the Chico River in Bontoc. This towering rice terraces is located near the town center to the south.

5th photo | Mt. Gotong: The villagers require that you must have a guide when climbing here. For newbie mountain climbers like me, this is a good start. There is a 1000-step stair that will lead you to the top. But of course, you also need to hike on dirty trails because that stairway is just a part of the whole trail.

6th photo | Palali Rice Terraces: This view is seen from the top of Mt. Data, another mountain you have to reach after the Mt. Gotong if you choose to ascend via the 1000-step stair (part of the 4-5 hours of trekking and hiking)

7th photo | Alab Petroglyphs: These are rock carvings at the top of the mountain that have been carved sometime in 1500 B.C.

8th photo | Ganga House: Ganga house is a mysterious stone house made up of massive stones with pointed top and a space of about 3 feet from the groud to the ceiling. 

9th photo | Ganga Burial Cave: Ganga Burial cave is probably the most interesting burial cave in the Cordilleras because of the presence of jars where the dead is placed. 

Summer Festivals (April and May)

Summer is definitely a festive season in the Philippines. I was able to witness 3 festivals up north this year's summer. In Vigan alone there are three. One of the reasons why usually, I just stay in Vigan during summer to witness its local culture.

1st photo | Binatbatan Festival

Binatbatan Festival Street Dancing 2013 (Photo Coverage)

ARTICLE PREVIEW: "For those who weren't able to watch the Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival 2013 Street Dancing, I was able to take some photos or the event..." / Photo: Street Dancers during the Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts 2013 which happens usually every May 2 of the year / Copyright: Edmar Guquib(May): Binatbatan Festival showcases the Ilocano fabric called "Abel."

2nd photo | Karbo Festival

Vigan Karbo Festival | Of Carabao, Glasses and Seeds

ARTICLE PREVIEW: "It is this heritage city's value for its rich culture and heritage that these events are happening..." / About the photo: Carabaos become living canvasses during the Vigan Karbo Festival / Copyright: Edmar Guquib (April): Another interesting festival of Vigan is the Karbo Festival. It showcases the heritage and culture in Vigan through Carabao painting and Boklan arts (seed mosaic).

3rd photo | World Costume Festival

World Costume Festival | Vigan Conquers the World

ARTICLE PREVIEW: "The heart and soul were poured to those costumes. Passion was indeed evident..." / Photo: Delegates of the World Costume Festival showcased their costumes as they parade around Vigan. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib (April): Vigan hosted this year's World Costume Festival wherein different costumes all over the world were showcased.

4th photo | Lang-ay Cultural Festival

Lang-ay Festival - Cultural Extravaganza in Mountain Province

ARTICLE PREVIEW: "...a lowlander can still witness their way of living, their traditions and everything a lowlander needs to know about their culture..." / Photo: An Igorot man dancing at the street during the Lang-ay Festival / Copyright: Edmar Guquib (April): A festival of the whole province of Mountain Province showcasing its unique culture and traditions.

So this is how I spent my summer this year.

This post is the #TownExplorer's entry for the Pinoy Travel Bloggers' (PTB) blog carnival for the month of May 2013.

Hosted and compiled by Jona Branzuela Bering of Backpacking with a Book under the theme: "Summer Epilogue."

Click the carnival logo to read previous compilations.

Articles posts filed under "Blog Carnival"

Cervantes, Ilocos Sur | Motorcycle Ride to the Great Wall (of Ilocos)

TEASER: This is a solo tandem motorbike ride to Cervantes, Ilocos Sur. This experience is one of the reasons why I started this blog. / Photo: Tagudin-Cervantes-Sabangan Road - I traversed this with a motorbike. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib

Traveling 4 provinces in PhP3,500 (for 3days and 2 nights)

TEASER: Learn how I traveled to 4 provinces with 3,500 pesos in my pocket by hitching a private bus. / Photo: A bay in Donsol, Sorsogon - This is part of the 3,500-peso hitch ride. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib

Date a Traveler, So Date Me (First Things FIRST)

TEASER: Hosted by Lauren of epicpotato.com, this entry is all about why you should date a traveler. Have fun and "walang kokontra." / Photo: Girlfriend searching... LOLS!. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib

Dream Destinations | Philippine Islands in Extreme Locations

TEASER: Hosted by Robbie of thetravellingdork.com, this entry is all about the places I am dreaming to visit." / Photo: Girlfriend searching... LOLS!. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib

When a Nurse Travels | The Life-Changing Moments

TEASER: Another blog carnival entry, I related my profession as a nurse to being a traveler. It is a leap of faith actually. / Photo: Mayon Volcano as seen inside the Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib

Edmaration.com | The Travel Blog that Started with a Motobike Joyride

TEASER: I discussed in this article the humble beginnings of edmaration.com. / Photo: With my motorbike in Daclapan Beach, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib

The Birth of 29 Travel Blogs | The Journey that Made Us a Travel Blogger

TEASER: I hosted this edition's PTB blog carnival for the month of June 2012 / Photo: Blog carnival debutants in this edition. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib

Top 12 in 2012 | A Year-End Post About 12 Beginnings

TEASER: This is my 2012 year-end post where I wrote my first time experiences in 2012. This is by far the largest blog carnival edition as of this post. / Photo: First time to do a river cruise in my entire life | Vigan City, Ilocos Sur | PHILIPPINES. / Copyright: Edmar Guquib