When we travel, the things we look back on the most are how each place we visited made us feel. Think back on the people you met along the way and how much of the area’s culture you managed to take in. Recalling our recent community-based tour in Northern Mindanao with the Tourism Promotion Board of the Philippines, we can’t help but feel the positive vibes from the locations and people we met during our trip. Here are some stops worth visiting if you ever find yourself in the area, so you can feel the same joy we did at these locations.

To watch a master weaver at work fills one with respect for the handicraft that goes into creating such intricate patterns. During our stop at the Tagolwanen Women Weavers Association in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, master weaver Rosie showed us how she makes mats. Using a special type of grass grown in rice fields, known as sudsud, Rosie tied each strand with ease. It’s the result of years of training, with most weavers learning how to craft at a very young age. Some begin learning at the age of nine. To complete one mat, it takes even the most skilled of weavers one week to create. Seeing the lengthy process that goes into creating what seems like simple mats puts a newfound respect toward the craft.

If you’ve ever wondered how the food on your table finds its way there, consider stopping by Alomah Place and Nature Farm in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. BenJohn Mahistrado takes pride in being the caretaker of this agri-tourism destination. He and his wife, Grace, have put hard work into making sure their farm can thrive over the past decade. Aside from trying the fresh produce and learning how it's grown, visitors can also go for horseback rides and go camping in the property. Don’t leave without trying their homemade vinaigrette, paired with salad fresh from the farm.

Travelers seeking a more spiritual journey can make their way to the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. You’ll likely marvel over the unusual pyramid-like shape of the church, a design choice by National Artist Leandro Locsin. Time your visit in the afternoon, and you’ll be able to join the monks in singing the daily praises. Worth checking out as well is the Abbey Cafe, where you can try the Monk’s Blend coffee for your daily caffeine fix. We find it best paired with the Baked Siopao. You can also drop by the Museum of Liturgical Vestments, which features over 50 vestments owned by Dom Martin “Gang” Gómez, OSB. There are also paintings by local artists on display, as well as a painting by former President Corazon Aquino herself.