An archipelago of 7,641 islands, there’s something magical about traveling across the Philippines. Beyond the beaches and lush mountains lies a rich story of heritage, hospitality, and heartfelt encounters. Over the past year, I've had the joy of discovering some of the country’s most memorable destinations—each offering not only beautiful scenery but also a taste of the Filipino spirit.

Today, with my husband Ed, son Ted, and Justice Lolit Dumlao, we are on our way home from an incredible visit to Butuan, the “Timber City of the South.” Ed’s UP law classmates, Atty. Rene and Justice Zeny Corpus, and their son Raymundo, were our gracious hosts. This reunion, full of fun and memories, brought back our past trip to Albay hosted by Congressman Edcel Lagman, where we visited Mayon Volcano, enjoyed laing and pili treats, and had a great time.

Last year, we visited Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte, the hometown of former Finance Secretary Nitz Amatong and Congressman Ernie. The Amatongs, including former Governor Isagani and his wife Nita, were the epitome of hospitality. Nitz is the producer of my favorite comfort food, “NITZ sardines.” It was a beautiful get-together with TSPI board members Luz Planas, Kune Gison, Ric Lazatin, Toto Malvar, and Executive Director Alice Cordero. We visited Dapitan, where Jose Rizal was exiled, explored local markets, and ate sweet lanzones and lechon daily.

During the Christmas holidays, the family headed to Dumaguete, the “City of Gentle People.” I love their seafood and special suman, “budbud kabug,” especially the birdseed variety. We had a good visit with Marietta Montebon of Plantasia Park. A ferry ride brought us to the “Mystical Island” of Siquijor, known for its folklore and healing traditions. The popular Cambugahay Falls was a big hit with the kids. We explored the island with Jeremy Perez, the musical director at La Consolacion College, and met new friends: Father Marcelo Kinilitan of Siquijor’s San Isidro Church and Lazi Convent Museum, and Liezl Fua Mirasol, who treated us to a delightful merienda of native delicacies in her beautiful home, showcasing the warmth of Siquijor hospitality.

In early January, the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) Board held its meeting in Batanes, the “Home of the Winds.” Batanes was pure and natural, reminiscent of the rolling hills of New Zealand and the dramatic cliffs of Ireland. With no malls and breathtaking views, it retained its untouched charm. Former PNB Capital Executive Jojo Abad gave us a personal tour of the famous Fundacion Pacita, with its captivating scenery of the mountains and the sea. Batanes is a place where you can see and feel God’s presence.

In mid-January, it was a fantastic family bonding day trip to Roxas, the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines,” as former SEC Commissioner Blas Viterbo and his wife Maritess, a “horse whisperer,” hosted our balikbayan cousins Bee Madrid and Mye Gana. The food spread was incredible: fat alimango, big prawns, diwal shells, etc. After brunch, a boat ride took us past Plantanan’s Park, which features an outdoor exercise area and an Olympic-grade running track. It also has a mall where the group enjoyed Max’s freshly cut fried chicken and Miguelito’s sugarless fruit ice cream. Dinner was seafood galore again, with a big basket of fresh seafood to take home. We will be back—and overnight next time!

In March, I joined PNB Chairman Ed Cua, President Doy Casuela, and the Board of Directors at the PNB customer appreciation events in Iloilo, the “City of Love,” and Bacolod, the “City of Smiles.” This coincided with the BAIPHIL convention, where we met with past presidents Racquel Manago and Agnes Santos. PNB Bacolod Area Head Russel Lau treated us to camachile and abiu, fruits rarely seen in Manila, while PNB Iloilo Head Tracy Sio ensured authentic batchoy was available.

In late February, I was honored to speak at the 8th Philippine Farm Tourism Conference sponsored by the Intl School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) of Mina Gabor, held in KCC, General Santos City, the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines.” My topic was “The Secret is in the Soil”: how healthy soil is the key to healthy plants, healthy people, and a healthy planet. I was privileged to have dinner with KCC’s Rey Chiang at his home, along with my husband Ed and Bukid Amara’s Mike Caballes. Ed and Mike enjoyed an early trip to the Fish Port market to bring home fresh fish. Aromatic coconut and grape seedlings were my Gen San “souvenirs.”

Sharing meals, telling stories, discovering local crafts, renewing old friendships, and meeting new ones—touring the Philippines is beautiful and heartwarming. Let’s support domestic tourism! I am looking forward to the next trip!

Ms. Tarriela is a banker by profession and an environmentalist/gardener.