Mount Makiling is an ASEAN Heritage Park rising to 1,090 MASL in the CALABARZON region. Managed exclusively by the UPLB Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME), the standard 2026 hike requires a mandatory guide (PHP 1,200), strictly enforced cut-off times, and a physical ID for entry. The Mariang Makiling Trail (MMT) is a 4/9 Difficulty minor climb, taking 5-7 hours to complete. Rising like a sleeping giant over the Southern Tagalog … [Read more...]
Trail-Proofing Your Best Friend: The Realities of Rugged, Off-Grid Adventure with a Dog
The idea of exploring remote trails with your dog sounds like the perfect adventure. Fresh mountain air, winding forest paths, and the quiet of landscapes far from crowded cities create an experience that many travelers dream about. But when you bring a dog along for these off grid journeys, preparation becomes essential, and many hikers now rely on tools like gps collars for dogs to keep track of their four legged companions when trails … [Read more...]
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp: A First-Hand Journey Through Nepal’s Heartland
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp By Sunita Khadka The alarm went off at 4:30 AM, waking me up from a restless sleep 3,700 meters above sea level. My head hurt a little, which was a sign that the air here doesn't have as much oxygen as I'm used to. But when I unzipped my sleeping bag in the cold, dark teahouse, the thrill of it all made any discomfort go away. I would finally get to Annapurna Base Camp today, after six days of … [Read more...]
Which business class seats are the best?
Airlines across the globe have been improving their business class experience. Whilst this covers everything, from check-in to lounges, and then the planes themselves, the biggest improvement can be found in the seats themselves. What used to be a bigger, more plush economy seat is now much closer to what you’d expect (and get) in First Class. Seats have become suites, complete with walls, and drinks cabinets, large TVs and massage … [Read more...]
Mississippi Delta Culture and African American History
CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI–MARCH 2026–For more than 150 years, Coahoma County has been home to vibrant Black communities that have been central to the development of the Delta. They played key roles in the farms that were the engine for region’s the economy, in transforming the music that created Clarksdale’s lore as “ground zero” for the Blues and in the Civil Rights Movement that changed America. Clarksdale, Mississippi, is in Coahoma County, … [Read more...]
Louis Potenziano (Bangkok Louie), Expat Restaurateur and Irish Pub Owner
Louis Potenziano, also known as Bangkok Louie, is an American expat who has been living in Bangkok for over 6 years. He owns O’Leary’s Irish Pub (Soi 15, Sukhumvit), Louie’s on 15 Bamboo and Bourbon, a Thai European restaurant in the same area. Before moving to Bangkok, he worked in Doha on a hospital project, where he led a team installing integrated low-voltage security and communications systems. Q. How did the name ‘Bangkok Louie’ come … [Read more...]
48 Hours in Oslo, Norway: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
Oslo in winter doesn’t try to impress with postcard-blue skies. It seduces with low grey light, the smell of woodsmoke drifting over the fjord, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing the city was built for this season, not in spite of it. Two days is barely enough to scratch the surface, yet it’s perfect for feeling the vibe, and slipping into the rhythm of a place that treats darkness like an old friend. I have escaped to Norway twice, … [Read more...]
Beyond the 19th Hole: The Cultural Significance of the Thai Caddie
In several parts of the world, golf means a quiet, solitary walk punctuated by the occasional clatter of clubs. However, in Thailand, the game is a shared, vibrant social ceremony. The moment you step onto the grass, you are joined by a partner in a wide-brimmed hat who knows the break of the green better than the laws of physics. While many of you might see them as a luxury perk, the Thai caddie is actually a profound symbol of Thailand’s social … [Read more...]
Missouri: Gateway to Adventure and Sports Travel
Missouri ranks as one of the most exciting and well-rounded destinations in the U.S., offering a unique blend of outdoor exploration, rich cultural landmarks, and high-energy sports environments. From the banks of the Mississippi River to the rolling beauty of the Ozarks, this is a state that never relies on one dimension to impress. Sports fans, nature lovers, and history buffs can all find experiences built for them across Missouri’s vibrant … [Read more...]
Where luxury and history blend to create something rather special
Nestled high on the 500-acre Farncombe Estate above Broadway – Dormy House Hotel forms part of a trio of distinctive properties, alongside The Fish Hotel and Foxhill Manor, each offering a different expression of the estate’s countryside hospitality. Luxury and history blend seamlessly to create the perfect luxury getaway at the charming Dormy House Hotel and Spa - a rather special haven that offers the ultimate in opulence. The … [Read more...]