The famous Ysalina Bridge, or commonly called the Carmen Bridge, is the first bridge in Cagayan de Oro built around the 1930s.

There are places you visit because they are beautiful, places you return to because you had a great experience, and then there are places that will always feel like home no matter how far life takes you. For me, that place is Cagayan de Oro City. I may be based in BGC, Taguig today, surrounded by skyscrapers, busy streets, restaurants, offices, and the fast-paced lifestyle of Metro Manila, but a big part of me still belongs to CDO. I completed my schooling there, from elementary to high school and eventually college, so when I think about Cagayan de Oro, I am not simply thinking about a destination on a map. I am thinking about the place where I grew up, made memories, met people who became part of my life, and slowly became the person I am today.

Fare may be what gets a Davaoeño to open a ride-hailing app but it is rarely what gets remembered. Ask commuters in Davao City about the rides that stayed with them, and the conversation always turns into something else: hospitality.

Whether it's catching an early flight from Francisco Bangoy International Airport, heading home after work in Bajada, braving Kadayawan traffic along Roxas, or meeting friends at Roxas Night Market, the journeys Davaoeños remember are often defined by something much less measurable: how they made them feel.

Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) Terminal 2

Arrival in Taiwan: A Fresh Start

The moment I landed, everything already felt efficient and seamless. From immigration to baggage claim, the process was smooth and organized—something Taiwan is known for. But what really caught my attention wasn’t just the efficiency, it was the atmosphere: clean, calm, and welcoming.

First Glimpse of the City

On the way into the city, I noticed how Taiwan effortlessly balances modernity and nature. Even urban spaces feel breathable. Buildings don’t overwhelm you, and there’s this sense of order that makes everything feel easy—even if it’s your first time. But I didn’t want to waste time. After settling in, I headed straight to one of Taipei’s most famous districts.

HSR View

Ximending: Chaotic, Colorful, and Completely Alive

If you want to feel Taiwan’s youthful energy right away, Ximending is the place to be. The moment I stepped into the area, it felt like I walked into a live-action collage—bright billboards, street performers, endless food options, and crowds moving in every direction. It’s chaotic, yes—but in a way that feels exciting rather than overwhelming. Massive anime murals tower over the streets, colorful ads compete for your attention, and every corner feels like a photo spot waiting to happen.

Ximending 西門町

One of my favorite moments? Standing at a rainbow-painted pedestrian crossing, surrounded by towering buildings covered in art and advertisements. It felt like I was inside a moving postcard—urban, vibrant, and unapologetically bold.

Rainbow Six in Ximending, Wanhua District

The historic Red House Theater in Ximending

Street Food & That First Sip of Taiwan

Of course, you can’t walk around Ximending without trying something.

I grabbed a cup of milk tea—actually, two—and just stood there in the middle of the crowd, soaking everything in. There’s something oddly satisfying about that simple moment: holding a cold drink, watching people pass by, and realizing you’re part of the scene now. Street food here isn’t just about eating. It’s part of the experience. The smells, the queues, the quick exchanges—it all adds to the rhythm of the place.

Xing Fu Tang  | No. 101號, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District

The Vibe: Why Ximending Hits Different

What makes Ximending special isn’t just the visuals—it’s the energy. It’s where locals and tourists blend seamlessly. Where fashion, food, and pop culture collide. Where you don’t really need a plan—you just walk, explore, and let the place surprise you.

It reminded me that travel doesn’t always have to be structured. Sometimes, the best experiences come from simply being present.

Ending Day 1

By the time I wrapped up my first day, I was tired—but in the best way possible. Day 1 in Taiwan wasn’t packed with a strict itinerary, but it didn’t need to be. It was about arrival, adjustment, and letting the city introduce itself naturally.

And if this was just the beginning, I already knew: Taiwan was going to be unforgettable.

Travel Tips for Your First Day in Taiwan

If you’re planning your own trip, here are a few things I’d recommend:

• Keep Day 1 light – Give yourself time to adjust and explore casually
• Visit Ximending early evening – Best time to see it come alive
• Try street food right away – It sets the tone for your trip
• Bring comfortable shoes – You’ll walk more than you expect
• Stay curious – Taiwan rewards spontaneous exploration

Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle |  No. 8-1號, Emei St, Wanhua District

Day 1 is always special—it sets the tone for everything that follows. And in Taiwan, it doesn’t take long to realize you made the right choice.

More stories coming soon. Thank you for reading. Catch you in the next one!

Metrobank, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, and Mastercard® have introduced the new Toyota Platinum Card, a credit card designed for the everyday Filipino motorist, helping them save on recurring financial responsibilities of owning a car, while earning rewards from their everyday expenses.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our network strategy and, more importantly, the partnerships we’ve built with our airport partners and stakeholders. It’s a meaningful reminder of our commitment to accessible air travel and expanding our presence across key regional markets,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer.

In 2024, the airline added 28 new routes, 19 local and 9 international, linking travelers to popular locations including as Chiang Mai, Kaohsiung, and Sapporo. In addition to its core hubs in Manila, Cebu, and Clark, new hubs in Davao and Iloilo have been constructed, improving connectivity.

“I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Cebu Pacific for its invaluable contribution to enhancing connectivity and tourism in Davao. As one of the leading airline carriers in the Philippines, Cebu Pacific has played a pivotal role in making Davao more accessible to both local and international travelers, significantly boosting the region’s economic and tourism landscape,” said Tanya Rabat-Tan, Regional Director of the Department of Tourism XI. 

 

The Philippines' Top 20 Most Popular Tourist Destinations:

1. Quezon Memorial Circle
2. Magellan's Cross
3. Temple of Leah
4. Cagsawa Ruins
5. Chocolate Hills Complex
6. Loboc River Cruise
7. Twin Lakes Tagaytay
8. The Ruins
9. Lion’s Head
10. Alona Beach
11. Hinagdanan Cave
12. Bangui Windmills
13. Cambugahay Falls
14. Heritage Hill and Nature Park Garden (Old Diplomat Hotel)
15. MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park, Palo
16. José Rizal Monument
17. Cloud 9 Surfing Area
18. Calle Crisologo
19. City of Naga Boardwalk
20. Intramuros

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Thanks for reading and see you in the next one!

Lime Resort El Nido

When discussing paradise, El Nido in Palawan frequently comes to mind first. From April 5–9, 2024, I had the honor of visiting this magnificent location, made possible by Cebu Pacific, Davao Bloggers Society, and Palawan Content Creators and each time I think about my experience it is like entering a dream. This little piece of heaven was just as lovely as I had imagined, with its breathtaking limestone cliffs and crystal-clear blue waters. Allow me to take you on a tour of the things that made this vacation so special.

First Impressions: The Gateway to Paradise

When I arrived in Palawan and made my way to El Nido, I was immediately captivated by the natural beauty around me. The air was fresh, the sky was a dazzling blue, and the landscape seemed to spread indefinitely in all directions. The trip to El Nido, flanked by lush flora on one side and the huge ocean on the other, set the tone for an unforgettable few days.

The village of El Nido greets you with its quaint, relaxed atmosphere as soon as you arrive. It's a quiet, charming village where life goes more slowly and peacefully rather than a busy metropolis. The streets are alive with the warmth of the inhabitants, who welcome you with smiles that quickly make you feel at home, while small boats line the coast, ready to take visitors away on island-hopping adventures.

Pristine Beaches and Crystal-Clear Waters

Perhaps El Nido's most well-known feature is its breathtaking beaches. For example, Nacpan Beach is a lengthy stretch of golden sand with a gentle water lap along the beach, making it the ideal place to relax and take in the beauty. You may just lie down there, observe the waves, and let all of your troubles melt away.

An afternoon at Lime Resort El Nido as pictured above, was one of the highlights of my trip. The resort was bathed in a mystical glow as the sun began to set, turning the sky into a canvas of gentle pinks and blazing yellows. One of those times when I stopped to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of nature was while I was watching the sunrise and enjoying the gentle air.

Sibaltan Kite Boarding and Island Hopping

Island-Hopping: A World of Wonder

Island hopping is one activity in El Nido that you simply must not miss. As you venture out to discover the numerous islands dotting the blue waters, El Nido's full enchantment becomes apparent. Every island possesses its own appeal, ranging from secret lagoons to immaculate beaches that resemble postcards.

One of my favorite stops was at Sibaltan, Sibaltan, a beach community on El Nido's eastern shore, has long been a haven for backpackers, a hidden gem for those who want to get away from the crowds, see a different side of El Nido, and go even further.

Sibaltan is an El Nido barrio located roughly 45 kilometers or one (1) hour drive from the town core. It is an idyllic and laid-back community with stunning views of the sunrise, rich waters, and a panoramic seascape. There is no easy way to travel to Sibaltan, but the extra work will be rewarded with more miles and an amazing experience.

Canopy Walk and Dreamcatcher by El Nido Via Ferrata

Lush Forests and Limestone Cliffs: Nature at its Finest

El Nido is home to breathtaking scenery of verdant forests and sheer limestone cliffs in addition to its beaches and islands. One of the region's defining characteristics is the cliffs. The jagged edges of these magnificent rock formations, which rise sharply out of the sea, contrast sharply with the calm, gentle seas below.

One morning, I hiked up Taraw Cliff, which was a difficult but very worthwhile experience. It felt like we were climbing a sheer rock face at one point since the ascent was so steep. However, the view was well worth the effort once we arrived at the summit. From the top, you had a broad view of El Nido below, with the town, the islands, and the ocean all illuminated by the gentle morning light. Standing there and admiring the majesty of the surroundings was an experience of sheer awe.

El Nido Zipline

Leaving El Nido: A Bittersweet Goodbye

I found myself hesitant to depart as my stay in El Nido drew to a close. It's a location that makes a deep impression on your heart, where the splendor of the natural world connects you to something far greater than yourself. With a strong sense of appreciation for having visited such a location, I vowed to myself that I would return someday.

El Nido, Palawan, is a nature lover's dream come true in every manner. It provides an experience that is nothing short of amazing, from its immaculate beaches and glistening waters to its verdant forests and striking limestone cliffs. You won't regret visiting if you ever get the chance.