Header photo: Tayid Lighthouse in Batanes

While we have all travelled in some ways, there are trips that ultimately hone us as persons which make our passion for travelling ignite further, which opens our eyes to the realities on ground, or which makes us change how we see a destination. This month, we asked some of our employees on what is the trip that changed how they see the Philippines. Check out some of their reflections:

In photo: Bancas in El Nido, Palawan

“When I was younger, I believed the world’s greatest wonders existed somewhere beyond the Philippines. I spent years dreaming of traveling abroad, convinced that was where the most unforgettable experiences could be found. Then I visited El Nido. Standing before its towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters, surrounded by amazing coral reefs, sea turtles, colorful fish, and countless marine species, I realized that I had been searching too far. El Nido changed how I saw the Philippines; it showed me that our country isn’t just beautiful–it’s extraordinary. It taught me that sometimes, the place that changes your perspective isn’t abroad, but the home you’ve yet to truly discover.” – Karen

In photo: Apo Island in Negros Oriental

“Among the different islands in the Philippines that I have visited, I will never forget my experience visiting the laidback Apo Island. This trip was an eye-opener into the rich marine biodiversity of the Philippines – the close encounter with the turtles was an extraordinary experience and swimming by the colorful coral formations tops the cake. This made me want to visit more islands and swim by different colorful coral reefs across the country, which the Philippines is well-known for. I will definitely go back there and also discover more of Dumaguete and the rest of Negros Island (until I reach Bacolod 😁).” – Bernyce

In photo: Miagao Church in Iloilo

“One of my first leisure travels in the country changed how I see the Philippines. It was more than a decade ago when I had more liberty on spontaneously booking trips; a friend and I decided to book a trip for Bacolod-Iloilo-Guimaras because we felt like these are good destinations. And our gut feeling was right! It was the trip which made me understand Filipino hospitality much better– it was kindness without conditions; where if you ask people, they would go beyond their way instead of just stating an answer. They would even suggest and recommend better routes, where to go for more yummy food, or even what to add in your itinerary. It was also a trip where I saw the beautiful lives of the Filipinos, where joys are found even in the simplest of things. This trip left me wanting more to discover, and wanting more stories to tell.” – Anne

In photo: Kalanggaman Island in Leyte

“The most memorable travel experience for me was exploring parts of Eastern Visayas, particularly the provinces of Samar and Leyte. The entire journey captivated me from the rich historical stories and how the “bayanihan” continues to thrive despite devastating calamities that hit the province. The region’s unique cuisine is also another highlight, especially those made from coconut into a wide variety of dishes. Beyond the culture and food, I also experienced Forest Bathing in Burauen Leyte, a refreshing swim in Kalanggaman Island, and exploring the caves of Samar. This trip made me realize that the Philippines has so much to offer and is waiting to be discovered. I got to say that Eastern Visayas is truly an all-in-one adventure destination, offering unforgettable experiences that will leave you wanting to come back and explore even more.” – Venice

In photo: A child helping to moor a banca in Balabac Island, Palawan

“I’ve seen many places in the Philippines, especially the ones most local and foreign tourists frequently visit, but what stood out to me the most was Balabac Island in Palawan. It is a hidden and quaint wonderful destination in the westernmost part of the country. This trip changed the way I look at the country because it made me realize that there’s a lot more that we can offer to the world. Right now, it is getting some attention in social media and there is a fear in me that future developments might destroy its breathtaking beauty, but I’m hoping that their local government will implement strong measures to protect it from the negative impacts of tourism. To add why this island is stunning, the locals living there may have been accustomed to its simple yet rich customs and traditions that separates them from people in highly urbanized cities, but what connects them to us is their natural warmth that we Filipinos are known for. They would love to welcome us to their little paradise and I hope that we’d be more respectful as we visit them. 😊” – Lone

In photo: TAO Expedition boat

“Although I’ve traveled to many provinces across the Philippines, nothing compares to my experience on the TAO Expedition (El Nido–Coron route). Exploring remote islands that are far from the usual tourist destinations revealed a raw and authentic side of the country, making me appreciate the Philippines beyond its famous attractions. This trip reminded me that the Philippines’ true beauty lies not only in its landscapes but also in its simplicity. Living without gadgets or the internet helped me appreciate nature, meaningful connections, and the present moment. Sometimes, disconnecting from the world is exactly what we need to reconnect with ourselves.” – Joshua