In Bohol, I tasted ube kinampay and visited an Asin Tibuok salt maker - highlights of my year-long trip across the Philippines!

On a journey to Danjugan Island, I immersed fully in a landscape special in so many ways. This experience has a deep place in my heart!

On a day trip from Dumaguete City, I joined a boat tour to the Manjuyod sandbar, someplace I’d seen on social media. Swam in cerulean waters, had the freshest sea urchin ever from a fisherman’s boat. It was the perfect morning.

At the Dumaguete Cathedral, over 400 years old, I sat in the pews and watched the hum of a Sunday afternoon, people alone and in groups, stopping by in between errands.

All I knew was to expect the unexpected, and that some of the most amazing places had the power to shift your perspective.

Alone, again, I joined a group and set off for a canyoneering excursion to Kawasan Falls.

We started the day at a viewpoint that looked over a seemingly endless expanse of coconut trees, and ended at Sugba Lagoon.

I met a friend and flew to Siargao Island for a week in one of the Philippines’ most popular beach destinations today. Beyond excited!

Every day of this visit brought an unexpected, special experience that left its mark on me.

Spending several days in the Balabac Islands was a dream.

What I mainly knew about the Balabac Islands were that they were geographically closer to Malaysia than Palawan’s capital city of Puerto Princesa.

Would cross islands and cliffs in El Nido again, any day.

I took a ferry into El Nido, ready to see and experience more what I’d been dreaming of for so long. These landscapes are simply stunning!

My long-awaited trip to Palawan began in Coron and from that first view on the plane, I was hooked. And so began my first day of island hopping!

In the town of Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, I stayed at a dive resort along the shores of Sogod Bay.

Biliran Island, known for its waterfalls, has truly impressive natural landscapes.

Along the waterfront of Tacloban City, I visited the memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives to Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Of all the kinilaws I tried during my entire trip, my personal favourite, at an eatery at the local market - silky, creamy fish balanced perfectly with acidity and a splash of coconut milk.