PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is our home. It’s where we were born and raised and where we presently live. The Philippines boasts an abundance of natural beauty and is frequently lauded for having the best islands and beaches in the world.

Cozy Reef: Your Own Mini Dive Resort in Anilao, Batangas, Philippines

Batangas / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 3, 2020 JB & Renée Macatulad

Located in Anilao, Batangas, Cozy Reef is a 5-bedroom property that you can rent off AirBnB. It's a private house, not a commercial resort, but it's marketed as "your own mini dive resort" because the vast majority of people who go to Anilao do so to dive.

City Garden Grand Hotel: Where to Stay in Manila, the Philippines

Metro Manila / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Oct 15, 2017 JB & Renée Macatulad

City Garden Grand Hotel in Poblacion, Makati is a great choice of hotel for business and leisure travelers to Manila.

The 12 Most Beautiful Unspoiled Islands of El Nido

Palawan / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Aug 19, 2016 Carmela Alvarez

12 stunning unspoiled islands of El Nido as described by Carmela Alvarez of Let's Palawan. Palawan wasn't named the world's best island for nothing!

Welcome to Sundang Island, the Island near Manila You Can Rent off AirBnB

Laguna / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Mar 9, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

How often do you come across an island you can have all to yourself for less than a hundred dollars a night? Isn't that everyone's dream, to own their own island?

Go Stand Up Paddleboarding and Mountain Biking at Loboc River in Bohol, the Philippines

Bohol / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Feb 22, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

Before stand up paddleboarding became popular, the riverboat lunch cruise was basically the only way tourists could enjoy the Loboc River. It takes you up and down the river in a floating restaurant that serves mediocre lunch and bad karaoke.

The Countryside Tour: Your Ticket to Bohol’s Top Tourist Attractions

Bohol / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Oct 16, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Bohol has many interesting attractions, but they're scattered throughout the island so getting to them on public transportation takes time and planning. Which is probably why this Countryside Tour has become an essential activity to first-time travelers to Bohol. It makes it easy.

On Chasing Dolphins, Turtles, and a Pop-up Seafood Bar in Bohol, the Philippines

Bohol / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: May 31, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Like a jolt of caffeine, it reminded us why we had gotten up so damn early to begin with. It reminded us that we were here to see dolphins. And that was something to get really excited about.

Bohol Bee Farm: Where to Eat in Panglao, Bohol, the Philippines

Bohol / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Aug 10, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Tthe idea of sustainable agriculture is appealing to more and more people these days which is why places like Bohol Bee Farm are becoming so in vogue.

Panglao Homes Resort & Villas: Where to Stay in Panglao, Bohol, the Philippines

Bohol / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Feb 22, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

A secluded resort just 2 km from bustling Alona Beach, Panglao Homes Resort & Villas gives you peace and quiet whilst still keeping you close enough to the chaos to have options.

Pearl Restaurant at Linaw Beach Resort: Where to Have Dinner on the Beach in Panglao, Bohol, the Philippines

Bohol / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Aug 10, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Saving the best for last. This was to be our last meal in Bohol so I made the reservation several days in advance to make sure we got a table. They gave us the best one, right on the beach with an unobstructed view of the sunset.

L’ Elephant Bleu: Where to Eat in Panglao, Bohol, the Philippines

Bohol / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Nov 14, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

As we've seen in places like Boracay, with the influx of foreign travelers comes the proliferation of restaurants serving non-native cuisine.

Sunset Grill Authentic Mexican Food: Where to Eat in Panglao, Bohol, the Philippines

Bohol / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Aug 10, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

We're hardly experts but Ren and I spent many years in California so we're no strangers to good Americanized Mexican food. Thanks to this young Mexican-American, that's exactly what you'll find here at Sunset Grill.

Giuseppe Pizzeria & Sicilian Roast: Where to Eat in Panglao, Bohol, the Philippines

Bohol / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Aug 10, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

You don't often find Italian restaurants of this caliber in the provinces of the Philippines. Manila perhaps, but not Bohol.

Take your Pick at Hole in the Wall, an Uber Trendy Food Hall in Makati

Metro Manila / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Nov 30, 2017 JB & Renée Macatulad

So nice and polished is this place that the term "food court" doesn't do it justice. Like "third wave" to describe artisanal coffee, "food hall" would be more appropriate.

Filipino Food Guide: 14 Delicious Things to Eat in the Philippines (from a local)

FOOD GUIDES / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 17, 2020 JB & Renée Macatulad

Filipino food may not be as pretty as other cuisines like Japanese or Korean, but what we lack in presentation we more than make up for in flavor. Bottom line, our food is damn tasty.

Z Hostel: Where to Stay in Manila, the Philippines

Metro Manila / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Aug 10, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Z Hostel is a great place to stay at in Manila. It's clean, convenient, reasonably priced, and centrally located. The staff is courteous and well-trained, plus it's got an awesome vibe.

Fish Tank to Table Dining at the Seaside Market on Macapagal Boulevard

Metro Manila / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Mar 5, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

If you like seafood and don’t mind the soppy, fishy, often stinky conditions of an authentic wet market, then a visit to a dampa in the Philippines is a must.

Touring Intramuros on Bamboo Bikes with Bambike Ecotours!

Metro Manila / PHILIPPINES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Nov 14, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Without a doubt the premier tourist attraction in Manila, I came to Intramuros today expecting a fun day cruising around on bamboo bikes. Little did I know that I would also leave with a more profound appreciation of this historical place, and my city.