Racuh A Payaman Ranch

In Marlboro Hills, Batanes - with the lush view of refreshing green hills, gentle cows, serene mountain, and deep blue ocean - time stands still... beautifully.

7’8

Naseer Soomro: Pakistan's tallest man

Fundacion Pacita

From afar, it looks like a little palace nestled atop rolling hills. But for me it is a home to die for – for its charm and surrounding beauty.

Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge may be the most expensive yet the best place to stay in Batanes. It was once the home studio of internationally-acclaimed artist Pacita Abad. It was lovingly refurbished by her brother, former Congressman and DepEd Secretary Butch Abad, who envisioned the nature lodge to provide peaceful accommodations amid a lush garden. Every room was designed to resemble a gallery, with the walls adorned by masterpieces of both well-known and up-and-coming artists.

A stay in Fundacion Pacita goes beyond the rejuvenating views of the province's breathtaking scenery. It also supports two things close to Pacita's heart: Batanes and art. Proceeds fund the education of young Ivatan artists, as well as heritage conservation projects in Batanes.

The Wind Farm of Bangui

Since I grew tired of the chase
And search, I learned to find;
And since the wind blows in my face,
I sail with every wind.
- Nietzsche

Armani Code Summer Gift

Rainy days are here again
but I still smell of sweet summer.

Kapurpurawan

Burgos’ best kept secret, Kapurpurawan’s stunning limestone hill and rock formations was formed by strong winds and waves over millions of years. Kapurpurawan came from Ilocano word “puraw” which means white.

You say forever, I say Batanes

In life, we all have
an unspeakable secret,
an irreversible regret,
an unreachable dream
and one unforgettable love.
- Diego Marchi

How could I ever forget Batan with its breathtaking “Sound of Music” rolling hills, Sabtang with its pristine white sand beaches and “once upon a time” old villages, and Itbayat with its scenic sharp cliffs and charming stone houses? How could I ever forget my one great love?

Losing My Way

There’s got to be a heaven somewhere…
Can you save me from this hell?

Aliwan Festival 2009

The truth is that existence wants your life to become a festival...because when you are unhappy, you also throw unhappiness all around.

The Philippines is known for its many festivals and fiestas which are celebrated in its 7,107 islands. Since it’s hard to keep track of all these festivals, some people thought that it would be a good idea to have one big festival that brings together all these festivals. Thus, the Aliwan Festival, dubbed as the mother of all festivals, was born in 2002.

More than 3,000 dancers, musicians, craftsmen, and acrobats competed in this celebration for streetdancing, float design, and the search for Reyna ng Aliwan in their colorful costume and beautiful smile. The following are the contingents in the Aliwan Festival 2009:

Lakbayaw of Tondo, Manila
Pakalog Festival of Santolan, Pasig
Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City
Pamulenawen of Laoag City
Ibon Ebon of Candaba, Pampanga
Disposorio Festival of Hagonoy, Bulacan
Luyang Dilaw of Marilao Bulacan
Boling Boling Festival of Catanuan, Quezon
Fiesta de Toros of Nasugbu, Batangas
Lapay Bantigue Festival of Masbate City
Pulang Angui of Polangue, Albay
Sinulog Festival of Cebu City
Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City
Kasag Festival of Banate, Iloilo
Karatong Festival of Dulag, Leyte
Buyugan Festival of Abuyog Leyte
Kadayawan Festival of Davao City
Tuna Festival of General Santos City
Halad Festival of Midsayap, Cotabato
Kalilangan Festival of General Santos City
Buklod Festival of Parang, Shariff Kabunsuan
Kalilintad Festival of Mamasapano

Too bad, my hometown Kalibo (home of the famous Ati-Atihan Festival) did not participate in the celebration.

Sweet Antidote

Love is the sweetest thing on Earth.
And so is halo-halo.