Blogs from Romblon, Philippines, Asia

The Philippines is becoming a top tourist destination as recognized by various travel websites. Recently, the country was listed as one of the popular destinations in the Lonely Planet Traveller's Choice 2013. In particular, Boracay Island was also voted as one of the best beaches in Asia 2013. Even before that, Boracay consistently made it as second in the best beaches in the world awards. On the other hand, Boracay is not the only islet in the country, but there are other more beautiful, stunning and unexploited places with crystal clear water and white sand beaches that both local and foreign tourists could enjoy. Crista de Gallo (aka Isla) in Sibuyan (Romblon) is on top of the list! Isla as commonly known by the locals, the islet can be reached by motor boats from the mainland ... read more

For both of us this was to be our first Christmas outside of Europe and, from the moment this trip was conceived, we have been incredibly excited by the prospect of spending it on a beautiful white-sand beach in the Philippines under a perfectly blue, tropical sky. Unfortunately, the weather and the Lonely Planet conspired to somewhat ruin those romantic plans of ours. We chose to spend our Christmas at San Pedro beach on the island of Romblon, due entirely to the glowing testimony it received in the Lonely Planet that described the beach as "a beautiful little white-sand beach". After spending two days travelling from Pandan island by assorted jeepneys, trikes, buses, ferries and bangkas, the last of which was a two hour crossing in some very heavy seas which, due to the small ... read more

We begin this blog by expressing our grief and condolences at the shocking news of the tragedies visited upon the Philippines by Typhoon Fengshen. Scores of people died just off the coast of Sibuyan when a boat capsized. Islands like Illoilo, Sibuyan and Romblon suffered devastating damage to homes, farms and livestock. We feel the pain. The indomitable people of the Philippines will remain in our thoughts and prayers. For the record, our visit was pre-Fengshen. Spur Of The Moment It was eerily quiet outside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. But, then again, it was only 5:45 am. A guard, with a welcoming smile, pointed out the way to public transportation and we headed off. Clambering into the ‘jeepney’ after us was Raymond, a Ghanaian. He, like us, had no idea where he was ... read more

Here you go!... read more

Hello! Lucas and I are visiting Romblon town on Romblon island about a forty minute boat ride from San Agustin. There has been so much happening that I am not quite sure if I can get it all down, but I will give it a shot starting with last night. Scott, Lucas and I came over to this island in the afternoon yesterday and we met up at the local deli with the other volunteers and a New Yorker named Carlos. It seems where ever we go the alcohol flows; it's cheaper than water and their rum is the smoothest I have ever tasted. So people just keep pushing drinks at us the entire night and we have to fight them off as they balk at our low tolerance excuse. So we continue to chat, drink ... read more