Stories from the Islands
Travel stories, practical guides, and food adventures from 20+ trips across the Philippine archipelago.
These are our stories to you — from the places we've been, the food we've eaten, and the people who've shaped every trip. We'll keep them fresh, like the mangoes in the Philippines.
Surviving (and Loving) Philippine Rainy Season: A Realistic June–November Guide
Should you visit the Philippines during the wet season? A realistic look at what June through November is actually like — what stays open, where the rain dodges you, the typhoon truth, and why low season can be the best time to go.
Ferries, Bangkas, and Domestic Flights: How Philippine Island-Hopping Actually Works
The Philippines has 7,641 islands and no single way to get between them. A practical guide to domestic flights, RORO ferries, fastcraft, and bangka boats — when to use each, how to book, and how not to miss a connection.
Siargao Beyond Surfing: Lagoons, Island Hops, and the Slow Side
Siargao is famous for Cloud 9, but the island's best days happen off the board — lagoons, three-island hops, rock pools, and a slow pace that makes you stay longer than planned.
Best Time to Visit the Philippines: A Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
When should you visit the Philippines? Our month-by-month breakdown covers weather, festivals, crowds, typhoon season, and the best travel windows for every region.
Global Entry and SENTRI: The Best $120 I've Spent as a Traveler
How Global Entry and SENTRI transformed our travel — from a denied application to walking past hour-long immigration lines at SFO and the San Ysidro border crossing.
Philippines Packing List: What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
The complete Philippines packing list from 20+ trips — clothing, gear, documents, electronics, and health essentials with seasonal adjustments and activity-specific items.
Best eSIM for the Philippines in 2026: Stay Connected on Every Island
A practical comparison of eSIM providers for Philippines travel — Airalo, Holafly, Maya, plus Globe and Smart physical SIMs. Coverage, pricing, and activation tips.
The Ultimate 2-Week Philippines Itinerary: 3 Routes for Every Travel Style
Three tested 14-day Philippines itineraries with daily plans, real costs in PHP and USD, transport logistics, and hotel picks — from island hopping to adventure travel.
The Intangibles 101: Waking Up to the Heart of the Philippines
Jenice takes you on a journey through Filipino breakfast — from her grandmother's burned rice coffee in Bulacan to the Silog culture that fuels the nation every morning.
Why I Finally Got Travel Insurance (And Why SafetyWing Won)
I traveled solo for years without insurance. Now with a family, SafetyWing gives us peace of mind on every Philippines trip — here's what it covers and why I chose it.
The Tale of a Budget Traveler in the Philippines
Why the Philippines is a haven for budget travelers — from affordable living costs and group pricing to favorable exchange rates and world-class free attractions.
The Intangibles 101: A Way to a Traveler's Heart
From Chinese lumpia to Spanish lechon to Korean BBQ — Jenice explores how centuries of trade and cultural exchange shaped Filipino cuisine into one of Asia's most diverse food scenes.
Baguio City: The Mountain Escape That Doesn't Feel Like the Philippines
Pine-covered hills, colonial military history, the coolest climate in the archipelago, and longganisa worth a three-hour drive — here's what we discovered in the Summer Capital.
Palawan 2005: When the Underground River Still Felt Like a Secret
Our 2005 journey through Palawan — Honda Bay island hopping, the Underground River's ancient caves, camera-snatching monkeys, and the trip that connected us to the Philippines forever.
Boracay 20 Years Ago: Before the Crowds Changed Everything
What Boracay was like before the crowds — bangka boats, $100 resorts, fire dances on the beach, and a Robinson Crusoe experience we'll never forget.
The Intangibles 101: What You Can't Pack But Will Carry Forever
Jenice kicks off her new blog series exploring the intangible values of traveling the Philippines — starting with three gifts only an archipelago of 7,641 islands can give you.