Not all evenings in foreign countries have to be a big night out. The most gratifying travel experiences occur during the less busy times, as the day-trippers have retired to their houses, and the metropolis begins to seem more like your place. Are you free in the evening at a new location? Here is how you can spend your time. Take a Slow Evening Walk Something about the fact that you are just wandering through a new city at night and have no … [Read more...]
Mt. Makiling Hiking Guide 2026: The New Rules, Limatiks, and the “Paved Agony”
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...]
Bacolod: The City of Smiles
At first glance, Bacolod might seem like just another bustling Philippine city, but beneath its modern veneer lies a sweet soul that earned it the moniker "City of Smiles." As our plane descended over sugarcane fields stretching to the horizon, I began to understand why this capital of Negros Occidental province has become a vital stop on the Filipino food trail. The city's connection to sugar runs deep – quite literally. For generations, vast … [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...]
Why Egypt Should Be Your Next Vacation Destination
When you think of Egypt, what comes to mind? The towering pyramids? The vast, mysterious desert? Maybe the iconic Nile River? Whatever it is, there’s no denying that Egypt has a magnetic pull that draws travelers from around the globe. It’s a country steeped in history, culture, and adventure—offering something for everyone. If you’re thinking about where to go for your next trip, here’s why Egypt should be at the top of your list. Explore … [Read more...]
Zamboanga City: Asia’s Latin City
The morning sun cast golden rays across the waters of the Basilan Strait as our ferry approached Zamboanga City's port. Known as Asia's Latin City, this historic settlement on the southwestern tip of Mindanao held the promise of a unique cultural tapestry woven from Spanish, Muslim, and indigenous influences. My journey began at the iconic Paseo del Mar, where the salty breeze carried whispers of the city's maritime heritage. Local families … [Read more...]
A guide to the best things to do in Montego Bay
Montego Bay is more than just a picturesque spot on Jamaica’s north coast. This vibrant city actually breathes life into your vacation with its endless white-sand beaches, lush hills, and a local culture that's genuinely inviting. It’s the sort of place where you’re as likely to hear reggae rhythms drifting on the breeze as you are to watch the sun dipping behind palm trees. If you crave a mixture of serene days by the sea and bursts of … [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...]
A Food Lover’s Guide to the Galapagos: Exploring Local Cuisine on the Islands
The Galapagos Islands are famous for their unique wildlife, pristine beaches, and dramatic landscapes, but the local cuisine is an adventure in itself. With an abundance of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and locally-sourced ingredients, the islands offer a diverse and vibrant culinary scene that reflects the region's history, natural abundance, and commitment to sustainability. Whether you're a foodie traveling to experience new flavors or … [Read more...]
Some great offline smartphone games to travel with in 2026
For most travelers, leaving a smartphone device at home isn’t an option. Alongside reading interviews with the coach and posting short clips of their escapades on Instagram, many adventurers rely on their modern-day phones to book hotels, find nearby restaurants, and purchase cheap flights. Additionally, some people can’t resist tucking into a mobile game or two when boredom inevitably sets in at times. However, with a reliable internet … [Read more...]