Chasing Philippines Turns Three!
Chasing Philippines Turns Three!

Chasing Philippines Turns Three!

Whoa! Time flies so fast, Chasing Philippines has been up and running for 3 years now. Oh yeah! It was around 3 am in the morning of March 25, 2010 when I skipped my lunch at work and started thinking… hmmm… “Why not create a travel blog?”

Believe it or not, my sole purpose was to remember the details of my trips. I got a short memory and I felt like I wanted to remember the beautiful places I visited; all I really wanted that time was to remember how I got there, how much I spent, what happened, etc. Then came the first comment – that was the only time I realized, “Oops, I really didn’t know people can read my travel blog. I should be responsible. I should be blogging about facts, I should be blogging about what I really experienced, I should be blogging how they can make their trips cheaper and happier.” And the rest is history. =)


Disclaimer: I really do not know how to write a Blog Anniversary post (as what they call it). But maybe it can go something like this…

3 Most Favorite Philippine Destinations:
1. Baguio
2. Calaguas
3. Caleruega

3 Most Commented Blogposts:
1. Don’t Tell My Mom How I Got to Mount Pulag
2. Calaguas, the Paradise Island
3. The Road Not Taken to Pagsanjan Falls (Cavinti Route)

3 Most Commented PTB Blog Carnival Entries:
1. 2012 Travels: Chasing Places Like It’s the End of the World
2. Defying Gravity & Heartbreak at the Plunge Danao
3. 10 Rules to Win a Traveler’s Heart: A Confession of a Hopeless Romantic, No More

3 Most-Emo Posts:
1. Marry Me in Sabang: A Silent Reverie of the Heart Plus Some Random Thoughts & Fantasies of a Girl in a Quarter-Life Crisis
2. A Weekend Date with God at Caleruega
3. Goodbye Nicky: A Eulogy to My Favorite Travel Buddy

Top 3 Lagot Ako sa Nanay Ko Pictures (sssshhh):
1. Pics riding a vegetable truck to Baguio, Pics at the Summit of Mt. Pulag

2. Pics of my “The Plunge” experience

3. Topload Pics in Benguet and Ifugao

Indeed, sharing my travel stories and itineraries have been so fun and fruitful for the past 3 years. So, as my way of saying “Thank You” to everyone who have been reading this travel blog of mine, I will be giving away the following:

3 Winners of an Overnight Stay in Ramon’s Native Homestay (Batad, Banaue, Ifugao)
– If your barkada wants to experience the real Ifugao Culture, you can sleep in one of those Native Ifugao Huts (aka no-nail house) at Ramon’s. This also includes free tour to the Highest Point of Batad and to Tappiya Falls. Enjoy a bottle of Maphod Agi Ifugao Rice Wine over a bonfire session at night while listening to stories of Ifugao local practices. (Each winner will have the chance to bring 3 more persons, transportation from Manila-Batad-Manila is not included.)

3 Winners of travel-themed accessories from Hodge Podge
– Each winner will be getting 1 Keep Calm & Travel On keychain, 1 Vintage Camera necklace, and 1 Philippine Flag magnet.

3 Winners of travel organizers and packing solutions from Travelites
– Travelites aims to help travelers to travel light. Their products can definitely make your trips easy, comfortable, and hassle-free.

3 Winners of Pinoy-themed wallets from PiTAKA

1 Winner of Human Nature Products from The Bonenica Shop

1 Winner of Black Hummer Series Backpack from North Peak Adventure


This Giveaway runs for 2 weeks from March 25 to April 8, 2013 11:59 PM Manila Time. Giveaway is open to all Philippine residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Goodluck to everyone and let’s keep on Chasing the Philippines!

74 Comments

  1. My top three destinations?Cagbalete – the beautiful island is peaceful, clean and very relaxingBoracay – many activities na pwedeng gawin at masaya ang nightlife!Ilocos Norte – historic at vintage look…:)

  2. i had also started to blog to record my travels and food adventure as well as share to others who might be interested in going to the same places i've been through.of all the places in the philippines i've visited to, the top three are (not in any particular order):1. palawan (puerto princesa city, el nido and coron) – too much to see, too little money, ha ha ha2. bohol – lots of things to do and see3. bantayan island – i so love the sea even though i do not know how to swim, he he he

  3. My top three Dream Locations will be:1. Benguet – location full of stories! from Mt. Pulag – “seas of cloud” to Batad primitive way of living. (I'm actually been there to Mt. Pulag, but sadly we're not able to trek due to bad weather) :(2. Camarines Sur – location full of surprises! Different Islands will just make you speechless! 3. Batanes – location the will make you proud as Filipino! 🙂

  4. MY top three Places in The Philippines I've Visited, are the following:1. Benguet – Had my 1st topload ride! I was able to appreciate the beauty of mother earth from the top! <3 it!1. Batangas – Many mountains to trek (I've been to Mt. Batulao, Mt. Taal, Pico De Loro 🙂 3. Albay – proudly Bicolano – Mayon Volcano is breathtaking! 🙂

  5. My Top Three Dream Destination1. Mt. Pulag- Here I experienced the ever famous topload. Even though there's no clearing when we reached the summit, the thought that I climbed the highest peak in Luzon and 3rd in the country is such a wonderful experience. 2. Encounter with the gentle giants of Donsol Sorsogon – Who says non-swimmers like me can't witness how gigantic and beautiful Butanding is. Thanks to my guide! ;)3. Cebu City – My most favorite travel destination last year because this is my first time to travel with my mom. She just finished her 6 sessions of chemotherapy that time so as a gift, I booked a flight and hotel accommodation excitedly. We visited beautiful churches around the city.

  6. TOP 3 DESTINATION FOR ME**i love water, i love beach..** 1. PALAWAN- PLACE IS SO BEAUTIFUL FOOD IS FRESH ESP. SEAFOOD2. BOHOL- “VIRGIN ISLAND” WHITE SAND, PEACEFUL SARAP MAG SWIM. PLACES SOBRANG GANDA ESP YUNG CHOCOLATE HILLS, LOBOC RIVER SOBRANG LINIS. 3. ANAWANGIN ZAMBALES- WHITE SAND / BEST FOR CAMPING

  7. TOP 3 DESTINATION FOR ME**i love water, i love beach..** 1. PALAWAN- PLACE IS SO BEAUTIFUL FOOD IS FRESH ESP. SEAFOOD2. BOHOL- “VIRGIN ISLAND” WHITE SAND, PEACEFUL SARAP MAG SWIM. PLACES SOBRANG GANDA ESP YUNG CHOCOLATE HILLS, LOBOC RIVER SOBRANG LINIS. 3. ANAWANGIN ZAMBALES- WHITE SAND / BEST FOR CAMPING

  8. TOP 3 DESTINATION FOR ME**i love water, i love beach..** 1. PALAWAN- PLACE IS SO BEAUTIFUL FOOD IS FRESH ESP. SEAFOOD2. BOHOL- “VIRGIN ISLAND” WHITE SAND, PEACEFUL SARAP MAG SWIM. PLACES SOBRANG GANDA ESP YUNG CHOCOLATE HILLS, LOBOC RIVER SOBRANG LINIS. 3. ANAWANGIN ZAMBALES- WHITE SAND / BEST FOR CAMPING

  9. TOP 3 DESTINATION FOR ME**i love water, i love beach..** 1. PALAWAN- PLACE IS SO BEAUTIFUL FOOD IS FRESH ESP. SEAFOOD2. BOHOL- “VIRGIN ISLAND” WHITE SAND, PEACEFUL SARAP MAG SWIM. PLACES SOBRANG GANDA ESP YUNG CHOCOLATE HILLS, LOBOC RIVER SOBRANG LINIS. 3. ANAWANGIN ZAMBALES- WHITE SAND / BEST FOR CAMPING

  10. The top 3 destinations I have been to already are: Mt. Bulusan lake. Mt. Pinatubo crater. White Island in Camiguin. I like them all for their unspoilt beauty and serenity, no hustle and bustle.My dream destinations would be: Underground River, Mt. Pulag and Oslob.

  11. deym it's hard…top 3 destinations:1. palawan – my gulay, this place is still unexplored and adventures could be discovered from left to right! and awesome beaches!2. cebu – being the center of the Philippines geographically, it has access to the neighboring provinces that has great marine life! including itself!3. siargao – the place is just bliss. beach bumming, surfing, and the island life is just the bomb!

  12. TOP 3 DESTINATION FOR ME**i love water, i love beach..** 1. PALAWAN- PLACE IS SO BEAUTIFUL FOOD IS FRESH ESP. SEAFOOD2. BOHOL- “VIRGIN ISLAND” WHITE SAND, PEACEFUL SARAP MAG SWIM. PLACES SOBRANG GANDA ESP YUNG CHOCOLATE HILLS, LOBOC RIVER SOBRANG LINIS. 3. ANAWANGIN ZAMBALES- WHITE SAND / BEST FOR CAMPING

  13. TOP 3 DESTINATION FOR ME**i love water, i love beach..** 1. PALAWAN- PLACE IS SO BEAUTIFUL FOOD IS FRESH ESP. SEAFOOD2. BOHOL- “VIRGIN ISLAND” WHITE SAND, PEACEFUL SARAP MAG SWIM. PLACES SOBRANG GANDA ESP YUNG CHOCOLATE HILLS, LOBOC RIVER SOBRANG LINIS. 3. ANAWANGIN ZAMBALES- WHITE SAND / BEST FOR CAMPING

  14. TOP 3 DESTINATION FOR ME**i love water, i love beach..** 1. PALAWAN- PLACE IS SO BEAUTIFUL FOOD IS FRESH ESP. SEAFOOD2. BOHOL- “VIRGIN ISLAND” WHITE SAND, PEACEFUL SARAP MAG SWIM. PLACES SOBRANG GANDA ESP YUNG CHOCOLATE HILLS, LOBOC RIVER SOBRANG LINIS. 3. ANAWANGIN ZAMBALES- WHITE SAND / BEST FOR CAMPING

  15. TOP 3 DESTINATION FOR ME**i love water, i love beach..** 1. PALAWAN- PLACE IS SO BEAUTIFUL FOOD IS FRESH ESP. SEAFOOD2. BOHOL- “VIRGIN ISLAND” WHITE SAND, PEACEFUL SARAP MAG SWIM. PLACES SOBRANG GANDA ESP YUNG CHOCOLATE HILLS, LOBOC RIVER SOBRANG LINIS. 3. ANAWANGIN ZAMBALES- WHITE SAND / BEST FOR CAMPING

  16. TOP 3 DESTINATION FOR ME**i love water, i love beach..** 1. PALAWAN- PLACE IS SO BEAUTIFUL FOOD IS FRESH ESP. SEAFOOD2. BOHOL- “VIRGIN ISLAND” WHITE SAND, PEACEFUL SARAP MAG SWIM. PLACES SOBRANG GANDA ESP YUNG CHOCOLATE HILLS, LOBOC RIVER SOBRANG LINIS. 3. ANAWANGIN ZAMBALES- WHITE SAND / BEST FOR CAMPING

  17. Because I'm a beach bum, my top 3 destinations would be:1. Boracay – this is my happy beach2. Ilocandia – Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur are amazing3. Puerto Princesa – love the place, the beach and the food

  18. My top 3 destinations are:Puerto Princesa,Palawan – I wanted to witness one of the 7th wonders of the world;Bohol – I always love going back to Bohol, almost every year they are discovering different escapade and the people are welcoming;Boracay – I've never been to this place, I wanted to experience their White Sand Beaches

  19. Wow I love your travel photos! :)) I want to travel too, but that takes a lot of money and I can't afford yet. Haha.I also noticed your top three destinations. Been to Baguio and Caleruega already and I must say those are such beautiful places to go. But of course, my top 1 would be Bohol, my parents' hometown. :)I'll be joining the giveaway in a while. The rafflecopter loads slow. Haha.

  20. What's your Top 3 Philippine Destinations? Why?I want to go to..1. El Nido, Palawan, super good place daw2. Boracay, white sand :> I love beaches3. Ilocos, I wanna see windmillsThe Queen Says It Allwww.aleckzandrapalisoc.blogspot.com

  21. Anonymous

    My top three destinations so far would be: 1. Siquijor because of its laid-back atmosphere.2. Bantayan Island, the best beach I've been to so far. Powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. 3. Guimaras for it made me fall in love with solitude.

  22. Anonymous

    My top 3 destinations are:1. Palawan – Really beautiful place with simply breathtaking beach!2. Bohol – Must-see tourist spot! Visiting he chocolate hills should be included in your bucket list.hehe2. Siargao – I highly recommend this place! Also, for beach lover like me 🙂

  23. 1.Cebu- Sinulog Festival & their Food especially the Cebu lechon. 2.Bagio- LOve the weather,& their Ukay2x & also their strawberries .. :)4.Subic- Ocean Adventure & their Beaches,Great place to unwind..

  24. Anonymous

    My top 3 destination in the Philippines:1. Palawan (I never been there but I want someday!)2. Bataan (Hearing so many good things about this province.)3. Davao

  25. My top 3 Philippine Destination are:1) Baguio – I love its perpetually cool weather, perfect to escape the summer heat! :)2) Batangas – Endless experience in the beach – diving, wake boarding, snorkeling, and other beach activities are usual! I love Taal! 3) Banaue – This summer, my dream is to go here! I wanna explore and relax to this place! https://twitter.com/melancholysweet

  26. My top 3 destinations1. Batanes (I plan to visit this place someday; I want to experience the province's rustic charm)2. Palawan ( I want to experience those beautiful sights in Coron, Caluit, Puerto Princesa, etc.)3. Sorsogon – this is my hometown and I love to visit it again and again (Donsol's butandings, the province's white sand beaches, caves, hot springs, and of course, the food!!! pinangat, hinagom, laing, pili products, etc.)

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