Our DIY day on Guimaras Island started with a classic travel mishap—going to the wrong port—but quickly turned into an unforgettable adventure once we embraced the unexpected. Skipping structured tours, we rented a motorbike and explored the island on our own terms, passing on crowded attractions in favor of authentic experiences like a private, impromptu visit at Kokomojo Mango Farm, where we learned about the island’s famously sweet mangoes, beekeeping, and enjoyed fresh local treats. The day continued with a misdirected attempt to reach Natago Beach, leading us through rocky paths and low-tide boatyards before a chance encounter with a local named “Little,” who ultimately took us by boat to the secluded beach. What began as a series of wrong turns became the perfect reminder that the best travel moments often come from going off-script.

2 weeks, 7 districts, countless meals, and some of the kindest people we’ve met in Iloilo City. For the first time in months, we slowed down. What we found wasn’t just a destination, but a rhythm.

From morning walks along the esplanade to late nights filled with karaoke, live music and eating; life here revolves around connection—family, friends, and food. Always food. 🍜

Manila (and the Philippines) is totally underrated. It has the potential to be the pacific hub and gateway to the rest of Asia, but it’s somehow not. Although, if it were, we couldn’t afford to thoroughly enjoy this 5-star luxury experience we’re having before we head to Malaysia!

Curious to challenge our own assumptions about Filipino cuisine, we set out on a culinary journey through Iloilo City—recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy—eager to experience the depth of Ilonggo food beyond familiar Filipino staples like adobo and lumpia. What we found was a rich, historically layered cuisine shaped by diverse cultural influences, featuring comforting, savory, and often tangy dishes built around local ingredients like seafood, coconut, and batuan fruit. From standout meals like KBL and chicken binakol to iconic eats such as La Paz batchoy and halo-halo, our adventure was filled with both delightful surprises and a few personal misses. Along the way, we navigated communal dining customs, bold flavor profiles, and our own evolving tastes—ultimately gaining a deeper appreciation for the complexity and character of Ilonggo cuisine.

Hidden on the quiet northern coast of Panay Island lies Pilar, Capiz—a humble fishing village where life moves with the tides and the sun. What began as a long-promised visit to friends turned into a few days immersed in seaside simplicity: sunrise walks along tidal flats, rows of fish drying in the salt air, and the glow of the famous capiz “windowpane” oyster shells that gave the province its name. Between dusty strolls into town, unexpected café discoveries, moonlit seafood feasts, and even whispers of a mischievous tree-dwelling troll, Pilar revealed itself as a place full of character and small surprises. It’s not a typical travel destination—but that’s exactly what makes the story worth telling.