SOCCSKSARGEN (the region in Central Mindanao that includes South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) and its prime products, culture, and tourist destinations were showcased in a travel and trade expo for the benefit of residents of Metro Manila and neighboring places. The Treasures of SOX: Travel and Trade Expo Year 4 was held at the Robinsons Place Manila in Ermita from April 25 to 28 with the goal to introduce SOCCSKSARGEN or also known as SOX, as the next promising regional tourism destination in the country.

Gone are the days when coffee was merely a morning pick-me-upper. Today, it is taken more seriously with the rise of what they call third wave coffee—a movement that aims to promote high quality coffee. Metro Manila is filled with cafes offering these specialty coffees, paying attention to every step of the process—from growing the plant to brewing. A lot of them are roasted on-site. A first of the series, we’ve explored some of Metro Manila’s must-try third wave cafes. Our first stop: Quezon City! Aside from being the largest in the region, it houses the most number of third wave cafes in the metro. Check some of them out:   Chapter Coffee Roastery and Cafe

Japan!

If there’s one activity that has put the province of Antique on the tourist map around the world, it’s the Kawa Hot Bath. This unique spa experience allows guests to soak like a special soup in a cauldron sprinkled with flowers and leaves over a hot fire. The large vats were originally used by the locals for cooking muscovado (brown sugar) but have now been repurposed as unique jungle hot tubs for outdoor spa baths, a sought-after attraction for tourists. There are several places around the province where you can try out this fun spa activity. But if you’re looking for something unique, Calawag Mountain Resort in Tibiao offers different flavors of the Kawa Bath, each with its own claimed therapeutic benefits.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BUJuALRBGja/   Salt Bath Salt baths have long been prized for their therapeutic qualities. Hippocrates (460-370 BC) first discovered the benefits of seawater and salt baths when he saw their healing effects on the injured hands of fisherman. To this day, salt baths are popular in spas and seaside health resorts.

Amid the tangle of buildings and roads in the ever-so-chaotic Metro Manila, you will find little pockets of green that won’t just give you a place to catch your breath in the urban jungle when you need it, but also a sliver of hope that somehow, there are still beautiful and tranquil green spaces in the metropolis for us to explore, enjoy, and protect. Here, we list down eight of our favorites:  

Arroceros Forest Park

Our country is so blessed.

Travel period is from Nov. 1, 2019 to Mar. 31, 2020!

Perfect for International Museum Day!

Going on a road trip to the Bicol region any time soon? Bicol may be known for its spicy and hot dishes, but they also have their fair share of cold concoctions. If you’re craving for something to beat the summer heat, look out for these coolers and drinks that offer a twist on Bicol flavors.

The answer might surprise you.