Stories from the Islands
Travel stories, practical guides, and food adventures from 20+ trips across the Philippine archipelago.
These are our stories to you — from the places we've been, the food we've eaten, and the people who've shaped every trip. We'll keep them fresh, like the mangoes in the Philippines.
Global Entry and SENTRI: The Best $120 I've Spent as a Traveler
How Global Entry and SENTRI transformed our travel — from a denied application to walking past hour-long immigration lines at SFO and the San Ysidro border crossing.
Best Time to Visit the Philippines: A Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
When should you visit the Philippines? Our month-by-month breakdown covers weather, festivals, crowds, typhoon season, and the best travel windows for every region.
Philippines Packing List: What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
The complete Philippines packing list from 20+ trips — clothing, gear, documents, electronics, and health essentials with seasonal adjustments and activity-specific items.
Best eSIM for the Philippines in 2026: Stay Connected on Every Island
A practical comparison of eSIM providers for Philippines travel — Airalo, Holafly, Maya, plus Globe and Smart physical SIMs. Coverage, pricing, and activation tips.
The Ultimate 2-Week Philippines Itinerary: 3 Routes for Every Travel Style
Three tested 14-day Philippines itineraries with daily plans, real costs in PHP and USD, transport logistics, and hotel picks — from island hopping to adventure travel.
The Intangibles 101: Waking Up to the Heart of the Philippines
Jenice takes you on a journey through Filipino breakfast — from her grandmother's burned rice coffee in Bulacan to the Silog culture that fuels the nation every morning.
Why I Finally Got Travel Insurance (And Why SafetyWing Won)
I traveled solo for years without insurance. Now with a family, SafetyWing gives us peace of mind on every Philippines trip — here's what it covers and why I chose it.
The Tale of a Budget Traveler in the Philippines
Why the Philippines is a haven for budget travelers — from affordable living costs and group pricing to favorable exchange rates and world-class free attractions.
The Intangibles 101: A Way to a Traveler's Heart
From Chinese lumpia to Spanish lechon to Korean BBQ — Jenice explores how centuries of trade and cultural exchange shaped Filipino cuisine into one of Asia's most diverse food scenes.
Baguio City: The Mountain Escape That Doesn't Feel Like the Philippines
Pine-covered hills, colonial military history, the coolest climate in the archipelago, and longganisa worth a three-hour drive — here's what we discovered in the Summer Capital.
Palawan 2005: When the Underground River Still Felt Like a Secret
Our 2005 journey through Palawan — Honda Bay island hopping, the Underground River's ancient caves, camera-snatching monkeys, and the trip that connected us to the Philippines forever.
Boracay 20 Years Ago: Before the Crowds Changed Everything
What Boracay was like before the crowds — bangka boats, $100 resorts, fire dances on the beach, and a Robinson Crusoe experience we'll never forget.
The Intangibles 101: What You Can't Pack But Will Carry Forever
Jenice kicks off her new blog series exploring the intangible values of traveling the Philippines — starting with three gifts only an archipelago of 7,641 islands can give you.