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.

On a day trip from Tacloban City to Basey, Samar, I visited Sohoton Cave - the most beautiful and well-preserved cave system I’ve visited across the Philippines, so far.

In Catbalogan City, I visited the weekly market next to the Provincial Capitol. This was a city where local delicacies reigned. Forever known as the day I ate (at least a good chunk of!) all that kakanin.

From the mainland port in Allen, Northern Samar, I made my way to Biri Island. There really is no substitute for seeing the striations in the rock up close, standing on those cliffs, feeling the wind whip you with fierceness when it wanted.

From Matnog, Sorsogon, I took a boat to Capul Island, halfway across the channel - an island so well documented along the galleon route for good reason. Watching waves from the Pacific crash into the Philippine seas, from a lighthouse looking over San Bernardino Strait, was like a scene from a dream.

On a day trip to the island of Bagatao, I visited the marker for a 16th-century astilyero, where galleons that sailed across the Pacific were built by local carpenters.

A cabin by the beach, on a cove that opened into Ticao Pass, was everything I wanted.

In the town of Donsol, I swam with whale sharks and watched incredible sunsets.

From pandesal carts to fancy restaurants and local chains, definitely a variety of places to eat in Naga!

In Naga, I delved into the classics - Bicol Express, laing, kinunot, kinalas. Naga People’s Mall is easily one of my favourite markets!