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Visiting Mt. Maculot: A Shared Journey to One of Batangas’ Most Beloved Peaks

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When we talk about quick escapes from the city that still offer breathtaking views, rich local character, and a sense of adventure, Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas always comes to mind. This mountain has long been a favorite among hikers, day trippers, photographers, and even first-time climbers—and after visiting it ourselves, we truly understand why. Mt. Maculot is not just a mountain; it is a collection of experiences that allow us to reconnect with nature, challenge our bodies just enough, and reward us with unforgettable scenery. Mt. Maculot is actually composed of several hiking destinations, the most popular being the Rockies, Grotto, and Forest Trail. Among these, the Rockies is the most visited due to its iconic view of Taal Lake and Volcano. From the very beginning of our climb, we already feel that Mt. Maculot is welcoming. The jump-off point is accessible, the trail is well-established, and local guides are readily available for those who want extra assistance or local insi...
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A Cozy Baguio Favorite: Dining at The Grumpy Joe Restaurant

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When you think of Baguio City — cool mountain breezes, pine-scented streets, and cozy cafés that beckon you in from the cool air — it’s no surprise that one restaurant consistently gets buzz from locals and tourists alike: The Grumpy Joe. On our recent trip with my fiancé and three friends, we carved out time to experience this iconic eatery that every Baguio food lover seems to mention. Spoiler: the food lives up to the hype — and yes, it’s pricier than many places in the city, but in our experience, it’s worth every bite. How to Get There: A Little Adventure in Baguio We were staying near Burnham Park, the heart of Baguio, and getting to Grumpy Joe was part of the fun. By Jeepney: From Burnham Park, we hopped on a jeepney bound for Mines View or Scout Barrio. These routes pass near Upper Session Road — just tell the driver you’re headed to Grumpy Joe and they’ll let you off close by. It’s easy, cheap, and gives you a little city tour along the way. By Taxi or Grab: If you prefer co...
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A Serene Escape Above the Clouds: Our Experience at Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa in Antipolo, Rizal Philippines

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There are places that instantly slow your breathing, calm your thoughts, and remind you how beautiful it is to simply pause. Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa is one of those rare places. From the moment we arrived, we knew we were stepping into something special—an elevated sanctuary, quite literally, perched on the hills of Antipolo with a breathtaking view that feels worlds away from the noise of the city. Our journey began with a scenic drive that already hinted at what was to come. As we ascended the winding roads, the air felt fresher, cooler, and lighter. When we finally reached the entrance of Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa, we were greeted by lush greenery, warm smiles from the staff, and an atmosphere that whispered relaxation. The spa’s Mediterranean-inspired architecture immediately caught our attention—earthy tones, stone pathways, and open spaces that blend seamlessly with nature. What truly took our breath away was the view. Standing on the terrace, we found ourselves gazin...
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Cafe by the Ruins: A Timeless Stop for Coffee, Culture, and Comfort in Baguio City

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Baguio City has always held a special place in the hearts of travelers. Its cool climate, pine-scented air, and slow, soulful rhythm make it a natural refuge from the rush of city life. On one of our recent trips, my fiancé and I decided to revisit a place that locals and tourists alike often speak of with nostalgia and affection—Cafe by the Ruins. Tucked in the heart of the city, this café is more than just a place to eat and drink; it is a living piece of Baguio’s history. How to Get There Cafe by the Ruins is conveniently located along Shuntug Street, just a short walk from Session Road and Baguio City Public Market. From Session Road, we simply walked downhill toward the market, passed the City Hall area, and followed the signs pointing to Shuntug Street. The walk took us about five to ten minutes, depending on our pace and how often we stopped to admire the surroundings. For those commuting, jeepneys heading to the public market or city hall will drop passengers nearby. Taxis are ...
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Foam Coffee in Baguio City: A Cozy Brew Above the Pines

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Baguio City has always been synonymous with cool weather, pine-scented air, and a café culture that feels both comforting and creative. Among the many coffee spots scattered around the City of Pines, Foam Coffee stands out as a place we kept hearing about from locals and fellow travelers. Curious about what made it special, we decided to include it in our Baguio itinerary—and it turned out to be one of the most memorable coffee experiences of our trip. How We Got There Foam Coffee is conveniently located along Upper General Luna Road, a well-known stretch in Baguio that is dotted with cafés, restaurants, and small creative spaces. From Session Road, the city’s main commercial artery, getting there was easy. We took a short jeepney ride heading toward Camp 7 or Scout Barrio, then got off near Upper General Luna. For those who prefer walking, it’s a manageable uphill stroll from Session Road, especially if you enjoy sightseeing and don’t mind a bit of a climb. If you’re commuting by taxi...
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Ugbo 2.0: Our Street Food Odyssey in Sampaloc, Manila Philippines

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When we first heard whispers of FUSION ALLEY Food Park Sampaloc, famously dubbed “Ugbo 2.0,” we were in different parts of Manila—some in the University Belt, others just passing by on errands—but all of us curious about the hype. The original Ugbo in Tondo had long been a food pilgrimage for adventurous eaters and night market lovers alike, with its endless rows of stalls, grilled skewers, exotic soups, and cheeky sweet treats. Now, this spirited concept has been reimagined closer to campus life, right between P. Noval and P. Campa streets in Sampaloc, just a short walk from UST and the rest of the academic hustle. From the outset, Ugbo 2.0 felt like a celebration of Filipino street food culture—but with its own Sampaloc personality. The streets come alive as the sun dips below the Manila skyline, and the aroma of sizzling grills and sweet fruit shakes fills the late-afternoon air. The first thing that strikes us when we walk along the vendors’ lane is the diversity of offerings: fami...
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A Cozy Escape at Valley Bread Cafe: A Taste of Comfort in Baguio City

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Baguio City has always been our go-to destination whenever we crave cool weather, pine-scented air, and a break from the rush of daily life. On our most recent visit, we decided to explore beyond the usual tourist spots and cafés—and that decision led us to one of the most comforting discoveries we’ve had in the City of Pines: Valley Bread Cafe. How We Got There Getting to Valley Bread Cafe was part of the experience itself. From the city center, we took a short jeepney ride followed by a leisurely walk. As we moved farther away from the busier roads, the noise slowly faded, replaced by the calming sounds of nature. The walk felt refreshing, with tall pine trees lining the streets and cool mountain air brushing against our faces. The route was easy to follow, and even as first-time visitors, we didn’t feel lost—only excited. When the café finally came into view, it felt like we had stumbled upon a hidden gem. Nestled in a quiet area, Valley Bread Cafe immediately welcomed us with its w...
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Lost in Creativity: Our Quiet Escape to Ili-Likha, Baguio

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The first time we visited Ili-Likha Artists Village in Baguio, my Fiance and I didn’t expect to be completely drawn into its quiet magic. Baguio has always been known for its cool weather, pine trees, and nostalgic charm, but Ili-Likha offered something deeper—something soulful. It wasn’t just a place to visit; it felt like a place to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with creativity and calm. How We Got There Getting to Ili-Likha was surprisingly easy, even for a first-timer. We started from Session Road, Baguio’s bustling heart. From there, we walked toward Assumption Road, passing cafes, bookstores, and the usual city noise. At first, we thought we might be lost because there were no flashy signs pointing to a tourist spot. Then we noticed a small, artistic entrance tucked quietly between buildings—almost like a secret doorway. That’s when we realized we had arrived. If you’re commuting, jeepneys going toward Aurora Hill or Trancoville can drop you near the area, and from there it’s...
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