Philippine Daily Inquirer's 25 Things to Do in the Philippines

PDI posted an article back in 2010 which informs both locals and tourists about 25 things to do in the Philippines. Three years later and being the lakwachera that I am, I was surprised to see that I haven't been able to tick off everything in the list.

But that's not a bad thing, isn't it? It only means that I still have a lot more places to visit and more VLs to burn hehe.

So I would like to share with you PDI's article, adding my own experiences:

(Will also try to add some photos, some have yet to be scanned, for added proof)

25 Things to do in the Philippines Before Fantasizing about Exploring Other Countries

1. Go white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro.

January 2011 with Marv, Jobs, Ian, Toni, Marvin, Kit, & Reg

2. Visit Batanes.

3. See Mt. Mayon up close.

August 2012 with Marv, Papsie, Hannibal, Harkhey, Joan, Riza, Sherlie, Wilbelyn, Kuya Jun

4. Swim with the whale sharks in Donsol.

5. Climb Mt. Pulag and be awed by its sea of clouds.

6. Dive, swim and explore Palawan's underground river.

Wasn't able to dive and swim in the river actually because I was scared haha but hey, I explored it!

October 2007 with B-an

April 2010 with Marv

7. Hike and let the view of Mt. Pinatubo crater take your breath away.

8. Party in your bikini in Boracay.

November 2013 with Marv, Dana, Dinno, Gcell, and Alex

April 2005 with Xtin, Karl, Nix

December 2008 with Marv

September 2011 with Marv

9. Surf's up! Choose your wave: La Union, Zambales or Real, Quezon.

February 2010 in La Union with Marv, She, Gx, Nix, Hazel, Ron, Nico

I even added some more surfing places in the list.

May 2012 in Bagasbas, Camarines Norte with Marv, Migs, Chi

November 2012 in Baler, Aurora with Marv, Dana, Dinno

10. Missed out on the pristine beauty of Boracay 15 years ago? Visit Malapascua, Cebu.

11. Dive and see the rich marine life of Anilao, Batangas.

12. Travel back in time -- go to Vigan

April 2008 with Marv and his whole clan

December 2015 with Marv, Sheila, Neil, & Zoie

13. Let Bohol wow you with its many offerings: the Chocolate Hills, the tarsier, the Loboc River Cruise, old churches and the beach.

This is my province! This is where my relatives live and where my dad was born and raised.

May 2010 with Marv, mom, and dad

With my cousins in Balicasag Island

March 2015 with Marv and his family

14. Go high! Drive to the Mountain Province of Sagada. Check out the caves, the hanging coffins and enjoy the laidback lifestyle.

I have yet to go back to this place. My last trip was when I was still in grade school! Closest to Sagada is our trip to Banaue.

May 2014 with Marv and his parents

Marv went to Banaue in August 2012 with Hannibal, Harkhey, Kuya Jun, Joan

15. Grab a Viaje del Sol map, visit Ugu Binyan's pottery studio, eat at Kusina Salud and unwind at Casa San Pablo.

16. Spend an entire week up north. Take a road trip from Manila to Vigan, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Aparri and Isabela!

Did the North Loop for 5 days!

January 2015 in Ilocos with Marv, Dana, Dinno, & Sydney

January 2015 in Ilocos Sur with Marv, Dana, Dinno, & Sydney

January 2015 in Palaui, Sta. Ana, Cagayan with Marv, Dana, Dinno, Sydney, and Ate Milet

January 2015 in Sta. Ana, Cagayan with Marv, Dana, Dinno, & Sydney

January 2015 in Tuguegarao with Marv, Dana, Dinno, & Sydney

17. Try wakeboarding in Camsur.

18. Check out Malate, Old Manila and all their secret spots.

January 2015 in front of the Manila Cathedral with Marv

19. There are many reasons to love Davao. Kublai's artworks, its proximity to the beach, the tasty pastil and juicy suha. And did I mention that it?s a smoke-free city?

March 2014 with Claudia

20. Spend a weekend roughing it in Anawangin and Capones in Zambales.

Spent 4 days camping in Anawangin! Oh yeah!

April 2011 with Marv, Chino, Chaz, Jeff, Tsang, Tita A, Kuya Olan, Rachel, Kat, Tita Erika

April 2012 with Marv, Chaz, Jeff, Pepe, Jason, Joseph

Passed by Capones in April 2012

21. Check out our colorful fiestas and document them with your camera. Ati-atihan, Dinagyang, Masskara, Sinulog, Higantes, Panagbenga and more.

22. Pick your own strawberries at the Strawberry Fields in La Trinidad, Benguet.

23. Go to Pampanga for sisig.

Tried the Original Sisig from Aling Lucing's in August 2011 with Marv

Went on a food trip as well in Abe's Farm, Pampanga in August 2011 with Marv

24. If it's too hot in Manila, grab a few friends and take a quick trip to Tagaytay.

Cannot count the number of times I've been to Tagaytay but these are my favorite Tagaytay visits.

February 2009 with Marv, April, John