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A Surfing Adventure in Siargao, Philippines

man carrying surfboard on beach

Riding the Waves

by Chris Baroro

I couldn’t help but sense a rush of eagerness and excitement as I stood on the beautiful sandy sands of Siargao, a paradise recognized as the surfing capital of the Philippines. The sun’s warm rays embraced my skin, while the gentle breeze whispered promises of exhilarating adventures on the waves that awaited me. This was the moment I had been waiting for – my surfing adventure in Siargao.

The province of Surigao del Norte’s little island of Siargao is a tropical paradise known for its gorgeous beaches, turquoise oceans, and, of course, its world-class surf breaks. It’s a place where nature’s beauty collides with the thrill of riding mighty waves, creating an experience like no other.

Surfing at Cloud Nine

Equipped with my trusty surfboard and a heart full of determination, I made my way toward Cloud 9, the island’s most famous surf spot. Even just the term conjured up a sense of intrigue and appeal as if it were the key to discovering the ocean’s hidden mysteries. The journey to Cloud 9 was like stepping into a dream – palm trees swayed in rhythm with the ocean’s melody, and the scent of salt and adventure permeated the air.

As I arrived at Cloud 9, my eyes widened in awe. Nothing less than amazing could adequately describe what I saw. Towering waves crashed against the wooden pier, creating a symphony of power and beauty. Surfers from all corners of the globe dotted the lineup, waiting eagerly for their chance to dance with the waves. The search for the ideal ride and a mutual love of the water brought together this dynamic and varied community.

man surfing

With my heart pounding in anticipation, I paddled out, feeling the water embrace me as I entered the vast playground of the sea. I was in awe of the ocean’s unbridled strength as the sound of waves smashing became louder and masked all other sounds. Each wave that approached held its own story, and it was up to me to become part of it.

My body experienced an adrenaline rush as I rode my first wave. Time seemed to stand still as I glided effortlessly along the face of the wave, the cool water rushing beneath me. The world around me blurred, and for those few precious moments, it was just me, the board, and the wave. I felt a deep connection with the elements, an indescribable harmony that can only be found when riding the waves.

Days turned into weeks as I immersed myself in the vibrant surf culture of Siargao. I explored other surf breaks such as Stimpy’s and Jacking Horse, each offering its own unique character and challenges. I made friends with other surfers who delighted in the excitement of being a member of a close-knit group united by a common interest. We swapped stories of our own exploits and tips and techniques.

catamaran boats on shore

Beyond the exhilaration of surfing, Siargao offered so much more. I discovered hidden lagoons where time stood still, lush mangrove forests begging to be explored, and stunning coral reefs teeming with marine life. The island’s warm hospitality and rich local culture added an extra layer of magic to my experience, reminding me that there’s more to a destination than just the waves.

I couldn’t help but think back on the life-changing trip I had started as my time in Siargao was coming to a close. Mastering the art of riding the waves imparted wisdom beyond mere surfboard balance; it revealed to me the invaluable lessons of perseverance, composure, and the exquisite harmony found in embracing the ocean’s cadence. It taught me that sometimes the most spectacular events were waiting for us to step outside of our comfort zones.

I have lots of moments to share and I’m happy that I had taken a lot of videos and photos during my trip. I can’t wait for it to be edited and make a video clip using a video editor and compress it on an mp4 compressor to make sure the quality of my video clip is great. I am excited to upload my photos, compress them with a GIF compressor and share it on social media platforms and share my experiences with people who have similar interests. I also love teaching anyone who is interested in surfing new skills and sharing my expertise and experience. I firmly think that learning should never cease, particularly when it comes to something as fascinating as surfing.

Siargao had stolen a piece of my heart like my last travel in Europe and I cannot wait to be back here, and I knew I would forever carry the spirit of the island within me. A daily reminder of the power of adventure and the limitless possibilities that await us when we dare to follow our passions, the memories of those beautiful days spent chasing waves and immersing myself in nature would remain carved in my spirit.

So, if you ever find yourself yearning for an unforgettable surfing adventure, let Siargao be your compass. Let the waves be your guide and the island’s enchantment be your muse. A great connection to nature and a profound respect for the beauty that surrounds us may be found while you ride the waves, in addition to the excitement of conquering the ocean. Siargao is waiting for you, prepared to go on a trip that will make a lasting impression on your heart and spirit.

Browse Siargao Tours Now Available

About the author:
Cris Baroro is currently working in VEED.io as a Search Engine Optimisation Specialist. He is a tech enthusiast who loves traveling and capturing photos and videos. He loves technology and can do video editing, programming, QA system testing, and writing.

 

Tagged With: Philippines travel, Siargao attractions Filed Under: Asia Travel

Intramuros, The Walled City in the Philippines

Intramuros Philippines

The Philippines is not just any country in Southeast Asia. This archipelagic country is made up of more than 7000 islands, the largest of which is Luzon. Its capital city, Manila, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. And smack dab in the middle of this chaotic and overpopulated metropolis lies a remnant from a different era – Intramuros, The Walled City.

Intramuros is a district in Manila that used to be enclosed by massive walls. This was built during the Spanish colonial period. It served as the seat of government and center of religion in the Philippines until 1945 when it was destroyed during World War II. Today, Intramuros is a popular tourist destination because of its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture.

Some of the most fascinating historical sites in the Intramuros that will take you back in time:

Manila Cathedral

The first stop was Manila Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church built in 1581 during the Spanish colonial period. It has been rebuilt several times due to earthquakes and war damage – most recently after World War II when it was completely destroyed except for its facade. The cathedral is beautiful from the outside, but even more so from the inside. The stained-glass windows are stunning and the ceiling is adorned with gold. There is also a large pipe organ that was built in the 1800s.

San Agustin Church

The next stop on our tour of Intramuros is the San Agustin Church. This imposing church was built in 1571 by the Spanish Augustinian friars and is considered to be one of the most prominent religious buildings in the Philippines. It is also one of the oldest churches in Asia as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Many interesting features distinguish this church, including its architectural style, which draws inspiration from European Renaissance and Baroque styles.  It also has Filipino artisans who were involved in its construction at that time.

Plaza de Roma

We then moved to Plaza de Roma, which is a plaza located in front of the San Agustin Church. It was built by the Spanish in 1599 and is named after Rome, the capital of Italy. The plaza is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax and take in the beauty of Intramuros. It’s also a pleasant place to meet up with friends or just people-watch (Filipinos are known to do this a lot).

Fort Santiago

Next on our list was Fort Santiago, which is one of the most famous historical sites in the Philippines. It is a fortress built by the Spanish in 1571 to protect the city of Manila from attack. It was used as a military base and prison during the Spanish colonial period. It was also used as a prison during the American occupation and World War II. Today, Fort Santiago is a popular tourist attraction. The fortress contains the Shrine of San Diego de Alcala and the Rizal Park. This park bears the name of an important Philippine national hero, José Rizal. There are also several museums located in the fort complex.

Casa Manila

Another stop is in Casa Manila. This reconstructed Spanish colonial mansion is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, and for a simple reason – it’s beautiful. The architecture and decor are straight out of old-world Spain, making it a unique and interesting place to explore. Plus, the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of Casa Manila, so be sure to ask them for some interesting facts.

Baluarte de San Diego 

After Casa Manila, we made our way to Baluarte de San Diego. Another attraction in Intramuros that shows the picturesque facade of this walled city. This fort was built by the Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno in the late 1580s and served as a drowning chamber during the Spanish era. Today, it is surrounded by lavish gardens with lush plants, pathways, and fountains. There are many special occasions held there, such as weddings, parties, and other big events.

La Cathedral Cafe

Our final stop is La Cathedral Cafe, the most convenient place to refuel after a day of sightseeing. It is known for its delicious pastries and coffee, which are perfect for a quick pick-me-up or leisurely dining. The atmosphere inside La Cathedral Cafe is very laid-back and tranquil. The cafe is inspired by Spanish architecture, with white walls adorned with paintings in various styles. It also has a small balcony where you can enjoy your meal while gazing at the surrounding views of Intramuros.

Start planning your trip

Intramuros is a place where history and culture meet. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just someplace new to explore, this old city has something that will suit your needs. If you’re a vlogger, you could create a YouTube video about this place and promote it as it is engaging and would make relevant content for your audiences that love to travel. Additionally, if time permits, don’t forget about all of Manila’s offers – there’s plenty here worth seeing and doing.

About the author:

Hannah Angni is a passionate content marketer from VEED with an insatiable appetite for travel and adventure. Her passion for travel and learning different cultures helps her share them with others as an expert content creator.

Photo Credit: Image By Sheila Mae Capul from Pixabay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tagged With: Intramuros attractions, Philippines travel Filed Under: Asia Travel

Philippines: A Culture That Marked History

People from Luzon

by Patrick Del Rosario

Are you planning to visit the Philippines for a vacation or for business trips? There are some things you should know about Filipino culture and how they treat tourists in order for you to maximize the excitement and fun you can experience on your stay in the Philippines. Here are some of the most popular aspects of Filipino culture that you will encounter on your visit.

Filipinos love exotic foods

Balut eggAll tourists visiting the Philippines must have been asked about eating Filipino foods like balut, which is sold in every areas of the country. It is like an initiation ritual for tourists that dates way back, maybe even before the World War I and is part of the contemporary Filipino culture today.

Balut is an 18 day old duck chick that is still contained within the egg. Balut vendors normally come around during late hours of the day looking for Filipinos who are searching for a hot, midnight snack. The sight of seeing beaks, feet, wings, and short feathers may probably dishearten others to continue eating it but most would agree that it really tastes delicious. Buy one for yourself when you visit the Philippines.

Filipinos are fond of holding or attending parties

Another thing about Filipino culture is how they like to celebrate occasions. Filipinos rejoice about anything that makes anyone glad or any sort of success. It is part of Filipino culture to revel in cold months and celebrate Christmas from as early as September until January. Natives from the Philippines begin hanging Christmas decors in their homes months before the traditional holiday date.

Aside from Christmas and New Year celebrations, Filipinos have “fiestas” that happen once every year where they prepare sumptuous cuisines to celebrate a patron saint of the city. Traditionally speaking, “fiestas” are conducted to give praises and thanks to the saints for a good harvest. But, in contemporary towns such as Manila, people celebrate almost everything, from high school graduations, successful board examinations, christenings, hiring and promotions at work, and many more.

White men means people from abroad

buses in ManilaSomehow it has become tradition for the Filipinos to treat every white man as a foreigner. Americans, Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans are among the usual travelers in the country. It’s quite hard for the Filipinos to distinguish between Europeans and Americans. There are no specific explanations why Filipino citizens think this way, so it is not surprising at all if they would readily perceive that you are from America.

Knowing a bit about the Filipino culture will help you enjoy your stay in the Philippines. These three common Filipino cultural traits are almost always experienced by travelers from all parts of the world. Several other things can be learned and enjoyed from visiting the country. Filipinos are among the most hospitable men, and it’s great to discover more about the country’s history and culture.

What are you waiting for? Plan a trip to the Philippines soon and have a merry vacation!

If You Go:

Information about the Philippines
Travel information
Department of Tourism

Philippines Tours Available Now:

Philippines at 4 Provinces-Cebu-Bohol-Camiguin-Siquijor

Island-Hopping Day Tour in Cebu

From Bohol to Oslob Cebu Whale Shark Experience


Couples Retreat Spa Package in Boracay

About the author:
Patrick is a travel blogger from the Philippines. He is now based in California, USA.

Photo Credits:
Luzon people image by giulianabencovich from Pixabay
Balut egg by Marshall Astor from San Pedro, United States / CC BY-SA
Manilla buses by gloverbh222 from Pixabay

 

 

Tagged With: Philippines travel Filed Under: Asia Travel

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