Binondo

Ongpin Street still remains the best destination for tourists looking for the amalgamation of Chinese and Filipino culture. The same blend of cultures can also be found in the gustatory offerings of the eateries — the Binondo Tour is beyond the usual tour with the Pasig Ferry River Ferry Ride ending in Escolta station, and visits to streets such as the aforementioned Ongpin, Escolta, and Tomas Pinpin. Of course, it wouldn't be much of a culinary tour without food; Mabuhay Guides will take you to the best eateries in Binondo, some of which not even the locals know about.

Bohol

Famous for the sumptuous looking Chocolate Hills, all 1, 268 of them, Bohol offers both history and modernity. Side by side with  16th century watchtowers and Jesuit Baroque mission churches is the Danao Extreme Adventure park where tourists can enjoy spelunking and rappelling. The more courageous of heart can also try the more extreme canyon plunge and see what it feels like to be a human pendulum. If you're in for something more tame, visit the peaceful tarsiers at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation.

Cebu

Magellan made history when he first stepped foot on the island but where he got off is not the only place in Cebu that's worth the history books. The old towns of Carcar, Argao, Baljoon, and Bantayan all boast of old churches still standing strong and beautiful, as well as sprawling ancestral homes. Cebu island also has some of the best diving spots in the Philippines, with waters up to 150 feet deep, for those so inclined. The government of Cebu has also come up with the Paseo sa Kabilin, Cebu's version of the city heritage walk. Cebu is said to be where it all started — it's also one of the best places to end up in.

Intramuros

The city within the city is the heart of Manila, suitably enough. The Walled City, Intramuros, the Spanish capital of Manila—by any other name, this city would remain one of the most famous sites in the Philippines, steeped as it is in the history of the country. The horse-drawn carriages take you from one end of the city to the other, the length of which is a parade of old churches, and colonial houses. Fort Santiago, Palacio del Gobernador, Casa Manila and San Agustin stand stalwart inside the still-standing walls of the old city.

Laguna

Laguna is a place of art and history — in Paete, export-quality wood carvings are available for those looking to take back a piece of the Philippines. Pakil, on the other hand, is home to the San Pedro de Alcantara church where the Virgin of Turumba was enshrined in 1788.

The town is also known for its wood-shaving products.Liliw has a flourishing chinelas & shoe industry.  Finally, in Pila, the Spanish heritage of the Philippines is kept well and alive. Spanish colonial town planning makes up the heart of Pila.

Pampanga

Famous for their own take on Filipino staples sisig and tapa, Pampanga offers an entirely new perspective to Filipino cuisine. The Pampanga culinary tour will have you stepping outside of your comfort zone and tasting cuisine that you won't find in your everyday menu. Despite its name, Everybody’s Cafe will have you hesitating about going back to your normal everyday fare. The turones de casoy and sans rival of Sta. Rita and the pastillas de leche of Magalang will have you wanting to stock up on the fare for you to give to your friends and family back home, and of course, for yourself to enjoy.

Subic

This former US Naval Base has everything for the leisure & adventure traveler: hotels, restaurants, beaches, jungle trek, Ocean Adventure, Zoobic Adventure, Canopy Walk. And with the new SCTEX highway, travel from Manila has been immensely shortened.

"Probably the more extensive and most intense educational training I've received. It's with great honor that I learned from national artists and the very best in their fields."

-Dustin Arnold Ancheta

Coming this January:

Banaue

The Banaue Rice Terraces have been called the Eight Wonder of the World. A UNESCO heritage site, it was carved out of the hillside about 2000 years ago, quite some time before the dawn of machines, by Ifugao tribes people. The steps, which provide an irrigated area to plant rice, are still being utilized today and, as a result, has turned into a symbol of sustainability in the country. It was awarded the "International Historic Engineering Landmark Award" by the American Society of Civil Engineers and still continues to garner much admiration from all around the world.

Puerto Princesa

The St. Paul’s Subterranean River National Park in Puerto Princesa recently made waves when it was nominated as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Apart from visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one can also go island hopping at Honda Bay, known for its dive sites and white sand beaches. Panglima Reef, where coral boulders and gray reef sharks may be found, is there for the diving enthusiast. Snake Island, so named because of the sinuous shape the sandbar makes against the sea, is best for snorkeling and swimming, apart from being a treat for the eyes. Bat Island, on the other hand, literally houses thousands of the eponymous creature.

"At the end of the day, when a Filipino feels better about being a Filipino or when a foreigner walks-off my tour with a better understanding of my people... I can consider my job well done."

-Helen Grace Aranda