Wandering Soul Travel E-Diary

19/07/2026

Back in the Heart of the Philippines - Marinduque Province!

This marks my second visit to the beautiful island province of Marinduque, fondly known as the “Heart of the Philippines.” Beyond being located near the geographical center of the Philippine archipelago, Marinduque is also believed to resemble the shape of a human heart on the map—a fitting symbol for the warmth, hospitality, and charm of its people.

This trip was a perfect blend of mainland exploration and island hopping, where every destination showcased breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and crystal-clear waters. From landmarks and scenic countryside to beautiful beaches and pristine waters, Marinduque truly offers an experience that captures both the heart and soul of every traveler.

Thank you so much Gala Ph with javee and n**s for hosting this weekend adventure and for allowing us to experience the very best of Marinduque.

Until the next island adventure!
Prince A-j Añavesa

11/07/2026

SUBIC YACHT SUNSET CRUISE EXPERIENCE

My fifth visit to Zambales gave me a completely different experience from all my previous trips. This time, instead of exploring by land or island, my family and I rented a private yacht for a sunset cruise around Subic Bay.

As the yacht sailed through the calm sea, we enjoyed the breathtaking sunset, the refreshing ocean breeze, and a wonderful dinner onboard. But beyond the stunning views, this trip was made even more meaningful because it was our family’s way of celebrating a major milestone—my niece’s graduation from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a BS Chemistry degree, Cum Laude. We couldn’t be prouder of her hard work, perseverance, and achievement.

Some trips are about discovering new places, while others are about celebrating life’s greatest moments with the people who matter most. This journey was both. Congratulations once again Wela, and here’s to many more adventures and milestones together!

28/06/2026

Ayos!

PLANNING A TRIP SOON? 🛫

Travelers may pay lower airfares in July after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) reduced the fuel surcharge collected by airlines to its lowest level since oil prices surged amid tensions in the Middle East.

Check comments for the story.

14/06/2026

QUEZON PROVINCE, ROUND 3!
Featuring Jomalig Island

Third time in the Province of Quezon, but this trip hits different—exploring the raw beauty of Jomalig Island, one of the gems of the Polillo Group of Islands.

What really amazed me the most? The golden sand beach.

I’ve been to so many beaches around the Philippines—white sand beaches, black sand beaches, and even pink beaches—but this was my first time seeing a beach with such beautiful natural golden sand. Grabe, ang ganda din!

And Jomalig has more to offer. The island also has white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, rock formations, and sunsets that are simply breathtaking. Ang sarap lang tumulala at mag-admire sa beauty ng island.

The trip became even more fun because of our little adventures—especially the banana boat ride, paddle board experience, meeting new friends, and witnessing the release of a rehabilitated sea turtle!

Another unforgettable addition to my travel journey across the Philippines—one island, one story, one memory at a time.

Thank you TravelYah thru Maam Ernalyn Doctolero and sir -ar Ponla for this exclusive-like tour with only five joiners!

📍Places Visited:

- Curacdang Beach (also called Little Boracay)
- Burungawan Cove (also called Little Batanes)
- Pawikan Rock Formation / Turtle Rock Formation
- Salibungot Beach (the island’s most famous golden-sand beach)
- Kanaway (Pulo Liit & Pulo Laki) → Kanaway Beach / Kanaway Island
- Jomalig Sandbar or Kanaway Sandbar
- Puno na Walang Forever

📍Some info about Jomalig Island:

Jomalig is an island municipality located in the eastern part of Quezon Province. It is part of the Polillo Group of Islands, which also includes the municipalities of Polillo, Burdeos, and Panukulan. It is politically subdivided into 5 barangays.

The history of Jomalig, like many places in the Philippines, is deeply rooted in its indigenous culture and colonial past.

Jomalig Island is best known for its golden sand beaches, remote island charm, and relatively untouched natural beauty in Polillo Islands, making it a destination for tourists seeking natural beauty and tranquility.

The golden-yellow sand is due to the abundance of specific coral fragments and minerals (such as Acropora caroliniana) that wash ashore.

Despite its remote location, efforts have been made to improve infrastructure and tourism facilities to accommodate visitors while preserving the island's unique charm and ecosystem.

Source: https://sp.quezon.gov.ph/municipalities/view-municipality/82c65860-3bf3-4b34-8369-1c19ae985062

📍Getting There:

Part of its appeal is the journey itself. Reaching Jomalig usually involves:

1. Travel to Real Port in Real, Quezonn
2. 4–6 hour boat ride to the island (depending on sea conditions)

Because of this, many consider Jomalig a destination for travelers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures.

07/06/2026

Weekend roadtrip while chasing sunset…

24/05/2026

Birthday swim at Kandiwata Rock Formation
Daram, Samar

Thank you Aris for making this plan a reality.

03/05/2026

CAGAYAN PROVINCE, ROUND 2!
Featuring Babuyan Group of Islands

Second time in Cagayan, but this trip hits different—exploring the raw beauty of the Babuyan Islands, especially Calayan Island and Babuyan Claro Island.

Very far from Leyte (14 hours land travel from Manila to mainland Aparri), and it takes around 6 hours by boat from Aparri—but every hour is worth it.

Remote, rugged, and absolutely worth it. 🇵🇭✨

Thank you GalaPH!

📍Places Visited:
- Calayan Town Hall
- Calayan Port WELCOME Marker & Plaza
- St. Bartholomew Parish
- Sibang Cove/Beach
- Caniwara Cove
- Nagudungan Hills & Lighthouse
- Bangaan Viewpoint & Tapwaken Cliff
- Babuyan Claro Island
- San Dionisio Chapel
- Babuyan Claro Volcano View (Mt. Pangasun)
- Askedna Hot Spring
- Askedna Boulders
- Tanap Communal Ranch
- Centro Kabarwan - Ibatan Ancestral Domain Welcome Arch
- Fuga Island

📍Some info about Babuyan Group of Islands:

The Babuyan Group of Islands is an archipelago in the Philippines located in the Luzon Strait north of the main island of Luzon and south of Taiwan. The archipelago consists of five major islands and their surrounding smaller islands. These main islands are, Babuyan Claro, Calayan, Dalupiri, Fuga, and Camiguin. The Babuyan Islands are separated from Luzon by the Babuyan Channel, and from the province of Batanes to the north by the Balintang Channel.

The whole archipelago is administered under the province of Cagayan, with Babuyan Claro, Calayan, Camiguin, and Dalupiri comprising the municipality of Calayan while Fuga is under the jurisdiction of Aparri.

Babuyan and Dalupiri are themselves individual barangays in Calayan municipality, respectively named Babuyan Claro and Dalupiri, while Fuga Island is also an individual barangay, also named Fuga Island, in Aparri. It is politically subdivided into 12 barangays with each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babuyan_Islands

📍Getting There:

Getting to the remote Babuyan Group of Islands, specifically Calayan or Babuyan Claro, involves a 12-14 hour land trip from Manila to Aparri or Claveria (Cagayan), followed by a 5-7 hour wooden boat ride (lampitaw) across open seas, usually from Calayan Port. Trips are highly weather-dependent, with no regular, daily ferry schedules, often requiring local boat hires.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-April to June is the safest time, when the sea is calmest.

24/04/2026

Laag-laag sa kahapunon nga duol sa Tacloban!

If you’re coming from Tacloban City and looking for a quick and relaxing getaway, this Pasqualino’s Ristorante Italiano, an Italian Villa Restaurant is a great choice. It offers good food and a peaceful ambiance.

After crossing the San Juanico Bridge, you’re already in Sta. Rita. Continue driving along the main road (keep left), and after a few meters, watch out for signs going to Pascualino’s. You can also ask locals for directions. Then turn into the access road leading to the restaurant.

They have an entrance fee of ₱150 per person, which is consumable, so you can use it for food orders. If you want to enjoy their pool, there’s a separate fee of ₱200 per person.

It’s a simple and refreshing place to unwind—good for food trips, chill afternoons, or a quick escape from the city.

05/04/2026

Back in the Province of Aurora — Round 2

My first visit brought me to Dingalan in 2017, but this time, the journey continued in San Luis and Baler — and it felt like discovering a whole new side of Aurora.

From history to adventure, this trip had it all:
📍San Luis Obispo Parish Church
📍Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon House & Museo de Baler
📍Ermita Hill
📍Ditumabo Falls (Mother Falls)
📍Diguisit Rock Formations
📍Hanging Bridge
📍Sabang Beach
📍Millennium Balete Tree
📍Baler 400 Years Monument
📍Aurora Provincial Capitol

From scenic hikes and refreshing waterfalls to rich history and coastal views — Aurora never runs out of reasons to come back.

Second time, same province… but a completely different adventure. And yes, super worth it gihapon ang biyahe. Looking forward for Round 3 in Casiguran, Aurora soon.

Thank you Aiza Gamboa and Gon Esguerra for facilitating.

📍Facts about Aurora Province:

Aurora is a province in the Philippines located in the eastern part of Central Luzon region, facing the Philippine Sea. Its capital is Baler and borders, clockwise from the south, the provinces of Quezon, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Isabela. Maria Aurora is the only landlocked town in the province and yet, the most populous. It is the only province in Central Luzon that has no chartered cities.

Before 1979, Aurora was part of the province of Quezon. The province was named after Aurora Aragon, the wife of Manuel L. Quezon, the president of the Philippine Commonwealth, after whom the mother province was named.

Aurora is politically subdivided into 8 municipalities, all encompassed by a lone legislative district.

Dilasag and Casiguran form the northern part of the province, while Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, and Baler (the capital) make up the central portion. The southern half of the province consists of San Luis and Dingalan. The 8 municipalities of the province comprise a total of 151 barangays, with Suclayin in Baler as the most populous in 2010, and Dibalo in San Luis as the least.

Source: https://www.aurora.ph/aurora-natures-masterpiece/

02/04/2026

VISITA IGLESIA (HOLY WEEK) 2026

A meaningful pause from the busy life to reflect, pray, and remember God’s love and sacrifice. Each stop was not just a destination, but a moment to offer prayers—for family, health, guidance, forgiveness, and gratitude.

📍1st Church: Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church)
Theme: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Gospel Reading (Matthew 26:36-39): "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as you will."

📍2nd church: Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church)
Theme: Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
Gospel Reading: (Matthew 26:59-63)
"They were looking for false testimony against Jesus... but they found none.”

📍3rd church: Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral)
Theme: Jesus Before Pontius Pilate
Gospel Reading: (John 18:37-38)
"For this I was born... to testify to the truth."

📍4th church: Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Consolación y Correa (San Agustin church)
Theme: Jesus is Scourged and Mocked
Gospel Reading: (Matthew 27:28-29)
"They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him... and mocked Him."

📍5th church: Minor Basilica of San Sebastian and Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Theme: Jesus Carries the Cross
Gospel Reading: (John 19:17)
"Carrying the cross Himself, He went out to the place of the Skull."

📍6th church: Our Lady of Remedies Parish (Malate Church)
Theme: Jesus is Crucified on the Cross
Gospel Reading: (Luke 23:33-34)
"Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."

📍7th church: National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (Baclaran Church)
Theme: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
Gospel Reading: (John 19:41-42)
"They laid Jesus there.”

Thank you Lord!
Thank you sir Espiritu for the car.