This was my first Ibajay Ati-Ati in over twenty years, a triumphant return to my birthplace. A return that gave me so much insight on my roots, family ties, and the insatiable desire to always be the last man dancing. It was an ear-splitting, booty-shaking, lechon-feasting fiesta that only Filipinos could fathom. A town of… Read More The Best Of Ibajay Ati-Ati Festival 2019
The province of Aklan on the Philippine island of Panay is known internationally as the home of and gateway to Boracay. The Philippines’ most famous paradise island is understandably a much-desired holiday spot, with its crystal clear blue waters and powdery white sand spanning kilometers of beachfront. However, those who go from Kalibo or Caticlan… Read More Hiking Mount Balinsayaw in Aklan, Philippines
24 years ago, I was born in a little town about an hour away from the bustling town of Kalibo. My family moved to the United States shortly after. 24 years later, I came home to make it to one of the world’s most unique and colorful festivals. Every January, the Mother of all Philippine… Read More 2019 Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival Gallery
I really don’t know where to begin recapping these last few months. That is pretty evident by the fact that I’m starting with Johannesburg, despite it being my absolute last stop on the trip. What started off as a simple photo dump escalated into explosive photographic diarrhea. I clearly don’t have a beautiful way with… Read More 3 Epic Months in South Africa: The Recap
Yohhh… What a time. I had never been to a festival before and following the aftermath of Smoking Dragon, I might never go to another one again. According to my much more festival-seasoned friends, it doesn’t get much better than that. There is a sincere fear within me that all future festivals are going to… Read More Smoking Dragon Festival in Drakensberg, South Africa Guide
I’ve been away from the ocean for too long, I thought to myself as I nursed a post-festival come-down. Nestled deep in the countryside of KwaZulu-Natal, I was hours away from the nearest ocean. A cold swim and a fresh breeze would be undeniably stellar. So instead of doing the sensible thing and moving north… Read More Spending The Weekend in a Xhosa Village In Coffee Bay: Photo Gallery
Lion’s Head is one of Cape Town’s most iconic mountains. Aside from Table Mountain, it is the most recognizable part of Cape Town’s natural skyline. It towers over the city like a stoic lion, hence the name Lion’s Head. The rolling curves of Signal Hill serves as the lion’s majestic body, an image best seen… Read More Lion’s Head: Cape Town’s Best Sunset Spot in Pictures
Having been in Cape Town for nearly a month and a half now, I’ve practically started considering the city as a second home. However, looking back in my early days in Cape Town, I actually was very unsure about how I would eventually feel about this city. As a first-timer to Africa, there were glimpses… Read More Where To Stay in Cape Town For Backpackers
Let’s be honest. The over-saturation of generic tour companies have been played out for a while now. Travelers not only look for, but deserve, unique ways to experience the authentic side of a destination. Everyone desires to go beyond those overcrowded tourist attractions. As convenient as they are, those hulking, red, open-top hop-on hop-offers are… Read More Reveler Tours: Introducing A New Concept To South African Tourism
For most backpackers, traveling revolves around two things: budgets and beers. While London has absolutely no shortage of pubs and clubs, the budgeting part might get a little bit tricky. If you’re ballin’ on a budget, you’re going to need to make sure your money stretches out as far as it can. Logically, that means… Read More Where To Stay In London If You’re A Backpacker