jeremysdrWORLD's MOST VIEWED POSTS
-
NOTE: Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, there may be some changes in VISA processing. Please refer to Canadian Embassy to the Philippines website ...
-
Masbate is an island between Luzon and Visayas and Burias is one of the major islands in Masbate. The island has 2 municipalities: Tic...
-
NOTE: Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, there may be some changes on the VISA processing. Please refer to Korean Embassy to the Philippines websi...
Vigan is a World Heritage Site located at the main island of northern Luzon, in the province of Ilocos Sur. The place is well known for its cobblestone streets, and a unique architecture of old houses way back during Spanish era in the Philippines.
The main attraction in the area is the Calle Crisologo where the well-preserved houses was still erected up to this date. Also, the sumptuous food like Ilocos Empanada, bagnet and the best seller vigan longanisa is all over the place.
So the next time you consider to visit the northern region of the country, try Vigan City. For more information, go to their local website for more information.
The main attraction in the area is the Calle Crisologo where the well-preserved houses was still erected up to this date. Also, the sumptuous food like Ilocos Empanada, bagnet and the best seller vigan longanisa is all over the place.
So the next time you consider to visit the northern region of the country, try Vigan City. For more information, go to their local website for more information.
![]() |
St. Augustine Parish Church near Bantay Bell Tower |
![]() |
The Bantay Bell Tower |
![]() |
The famous Calle Crisologo at dusk |
![]() |
This greatest landmark is now famous with its night market and restaurant with their local products. |
![]() |
Calle Crisologo at night |
![]() |
St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral |
![]() |
The mini "I love Vigan" marker |
Masbate is an island between Luzon and Visayas and Burias is one of the major islands in Masbate. The island has 2 municipalities: Ticlao and San Pascual. Last Friday (June 1, 2018), we visited the province of Burias to experience its majestic view and clear water beaches.
It's almost a 12-hour adventure ride from Manila. You can take a bus that will take you to Naga City (9 hours). A good catch is a Premium bus of PeŃafrancia Bus Liner in Cubao but for a cheaper option, there are available buses in Pasay City. From Naga City, you can take a UV Express to take you to Pasacao Port (45 minutes). From Pasacao Port, take a boat ride going to Burias Island (2-3 hours). The rough ride worth it all when you finally reach the Burias Island and our photos and videos will tell it all.
![]() |
Pasacao, Camarines Sur. |
![]() |
A 2-3 hour boat ride to Burias Island from Pasacao Port. |
![]() |
Make sure that the life vest is within your reach. Just to be sure. |
![]() |
Burias Island port. |
![]() |
Our first island stop is the Sombrero Island. The nearby resort was closed because of some violation. |
![]() |
Though the resort is closed, you can still enjoy the white sandbar in the area. |
![]() |
At the side of the island are the stone piles. And at the right side of the island is an islet similar to the shape of a hat or "sumbrero". |
![]() |
Next island is the Tinalisayan Island |
![]() |
Tinalisayan offers white sand beach and a great sandbar view. |
![]() |
Again, stone piles are in the area. |
![]() |
The beautiful Tinalisayan Island that complements the boat view from afar. |
![]() |
Burias Island is also the home of balinsasayaw or swiftlets. |
Balinsasayaw house was built in 1991 and since then, it bacame a tourist spot is Burias Island
Balinsasayaw's saliva are so expensive which can be harvested and be a main ingredients for Nido Soup. A kilo of Balinsasayaw's saliva can be sold for as much as 20,000 PHP per kilograms or 380 USD.
It's time to wrap up our day and we're going to settle in Atlaza Resort in San Pascual, Burias Island. From Burias Port, it's a 30-45 minute tricycle ride with a mixture of smooth and rough road.
![]() |
The Atlaza Resort marker and bonfire place. |
![]() |
The refreshing view of sunrise from Atlaza Beach Resort. |
![]() |
Next island is Animasola Island in San Pascual, Burias. |
![]() |
Animasola is known for its spectacular rock formations |
![]() |
My favorite part of Animasola Island is the Mermaid's Lair. It's like you are bathing in a pool-like sea. |
![]() |
It's clear water is a great swimming experience. |
![]() |
Ernest Point in San Pascual is a cliff diving spot in the area. You can choose from level 1 and level 2 cliff. |
![]() |
After you take the plunge, enjoy the cool water with a great view on Mayon Volcano from Bicol and nearby islands. |
So the next time you think of summer escapades, consider the majestic island of Burias in Masbate. Never mind the time-consuming ride and enjoy your stay because Masbate is a must.
Dios Mabalos!
NOTE: Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, there may be some changes in VISA processing. Please refer to Canadian Embassy to the Philippines website for updated details.
When it comes to job opportunities, Canada is one of the prime destination for Filipinos. But we can't deny that Canada also offers many places to visit for short vacation or trips.
As a Filipino citizen with Philippine passport, we are required to secure a Canadian visa in order to visit Canada. This guide aims to help you secure a Canada tourist visa. As Canada offers different types of visa, this guide is focusing only for tourist visa application. For more information about the other types of visa that Canada offers, refer to the Canadian embassy website.
STEP 1: Complete the Requirements
1. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
2. Duly accomplished IMM5257 or the Application for Visitor Visa Form. This can be filled up digitally.
3. Duly accomplished Form 5645 or the Family Information Application for Temporary Resident Form. This can be filled up digitally.
4. 2 passport-sized photo. Frame size must be 35mm x 45mm and should be taken not more than 6 months old. For more photo specification needed, go to this link.
5. Proof of income and/or Proof of Financial Capability. This includes your current Income Tax Return, Certificate of Employment, Personal Bank Certificate and/or four-month worth of payslip (optional).
6. Travel history (stamps) and valid or expired visa from other countries.
7. Purpose of Travel indicated all of the information about your planned trip to Canada. You can take some ideas on this link.
8. Affidavit of Support or Invitation letter if someone else is shouldering your expenses for your Canada trip. You can take some ideas on this link.
9. Cover letter of your intent/explanation regarding your visit to Canada. This is an optional requirement.
Scan and/or take a photo of all the collected requirements from Step 1. Make sure to include all the multiple page requirements in one file. For example, the Travel History and Proof of Financial Capability must be included in one .DOC, .PDF or .DOCX file. Make sure the size must not be exceeded to 4MB.2. Duly accomplished IMM5257 or the Application for Visitor Visa Form. This can be filled up digitally.
3. Duly accomplished Form 5645 or the Family Information Application for Temporary Resident Form. This can be filled up digitally.
4. 2 passport-sized photo. Frame size must be 35mm x 45mm and should be taken not more than 6 months old. For more photo specification needed, go to this link.
5. Proof of income and/or Proof of Financial Capability. This includes your current Income Tax Return, Certificate of Employment, Personal Bank Certificate and/or four-month worth of payslip (optional).
6. Travel history (stamps) and valid or expired visa from other countries.
7. Purpose of Travel indicated all of the information about your planned trip to Canada. You can take some ideas on this link.
8. Affidavit of Support or Invitation letter if someone else is shouldering your expenses for your Canada trip. You can take some ideas on this link.
9. Cover letter of your intent/explanation regarding your visit to Canada. This is an optional requirement.
STEP 2: Scan or take a photo of all the requirements
STEP 3: Apply online and upload the requirements.
1. Create an account to CIC Canada website. Then create an account using GCKey. Click the SignUp button. Accept the terms and conditions and fill-up the required fields like fullname, desired username and etc.2. Choose the "VISITOR VISA, STUDY AND/OR WORK PERMIT" button. There are series of questions that need to answer in order to validate your eligibility to obtain a visitor visa.
3. Upload your collected documents. Only .DOC, .PDF, .JPG, .PNG, .TIFF or .DOCX document types are accepted. Make sure that your files are not exceeding 4MB in size and each supporting documents must be attached as one file. Keep in mind that you have 30 days to complete and submit your application.
STEP 4: Pay the Visa Fee using credit card or debit card.
All major cards are accepted most notably the following:• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
The amount for tourist visa is 100 CAD or ~4000 PHP.
STEP 5: Wait for the status on the CIC website.
You will know if there's an update on your application from time to time via email and SMS. You don't need to check the CIC website too often. When you are requested to submit your passport, your application is probably approved. But when your application is denied, there's nothing left to do but to reapply.Walk-in Application
You can also apply in-person and submit your documents/requirements personally at VFS Global Office. You can refer on this link for more details.FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is the Canadian Embassy office in Manila?
- The Canadian Embassy is located at this address:
- Level 6-8, RCBC Plaza Tower 2 1200, 6819 Ayala Ave, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila, Philippines
- But Canadian Embassy designated an authorized travel agency to process all of it's visa concern, and it is the VFS Global Visa Application Center which is located in this address:
- Mezzanine Floor, Ecoplaza Bldg.,, Don Chino Roces Ave Ext, Makati, Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
- How much is the cost of applying for visa?
- The Canadian tourist visa is 100 CAD or ~4000 PHP.
- How long will it takes to process the visa?
- It's a case-to-case basis. Here is the timeline of my application.
Timeline of Application
May 1 - 11, 2018 - Completion of Requirements.
May 14, 2018 - Submission of Online Application
May 15, 2018 - Acknowledgement of Online Transmission
May 16, 2018 - Received an email regarding updates in my application
May 24, 2018 - Received an update that my application is approved and to submit passport to VFS office.
May 25, 2018 - Submitted passport to VFS office.
June 1, 2018 - Personally picked-up the passport.
May 1 - 11, 2018 - Completion of Requirements.
May 14, 2018 - Submission of Online Application
May 15, 2018 - Acknowledgement of Online Transmission
May 16, 2018 - Received an email regarding updates in my application
May 24, 2018 - Received an update that my application is approved and to submit passport to VFS office.
May 25, 2018 - Submitted passport to VFS office.
June 1, 2018 - Personally picked-up the passport.
Visa Guide: South Korean Visa Application Through Designated Travel Agencies
By Jeremy - Thursday, May 31, 2018
NOTE: Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, there may be some changes on the VISA processing. Please refer to Korean Embassy to the Philippines website for updated details.
There you go. Starting July 1, 2018, South Korean Embassy will partially close it's doors for walk-in applicants and now open designated travel agencies to process visa application for those who wish to visit the beautiful country of South Korea.
With over 350,000 visa walk-in applicants from 2015 to 2017, it's a welcome change for those visa applicants to stay away from the tiring long queue. However, the embassy will allow walk-in applicants for spouses and children of Koreans, government employees with business trip and with humanitarian reason to expedite the visa process.
Here are the Designated Travel Agencies with their contact numbers:
Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines' website for more information.
Featured Travel
Throwback: Borawan Island
Borawan Island is located at Padre Burgos, Pagbilao, Quezon. It is a camping haven for "barkadas" who want to experience an over...
>> READ MORE <<

jeremysdrWORLD's MOST VIEWED OF THE WEEK
-
NOTE: Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, this promotion may or may not be available. Please refer to Korean Embassy to the Philippines website for u...
-
In this time of uncertainty and sickness, I would like to drop this space to remind you to #StaySafe and #StayAtHome. We will g...
-
Vigan is a World Heritage Site located at the main island of northern Luzon, in the province of Ilocos Sur. The place is well known for...