All Pinoy Travel Playlist

I came across this Travel Playlist by the infamous travel blogger Jonas Roque in spotify. Also my good friend Ren Barco of the LostIn.Ph has his own version on itunes. I loved it. They missed a few of my beloved travel tunes though, so i thought i'd just create one myself. Of course it has to have an ounce of uniqueness in it so i am making it purely Filipino - not that i am dramatically nationalistic. But if in case you want to inject a soundtrack on that travel video of yours, you may want to consider OPM. Not only it is more appropriate, it also is less likely be bounded by SOPA. 

I wanted my list to be a little trivial - song that i feel like only exist in my playlist, but i still don't want to miss the "given" ones. So most likely, the obvious ones are there. 



You can follow it on Spotify directly, still here's a run down of the few songs i have included:



1. Overdrive
By Barbie Almalbis





Let's start things off with an obvious one. I guess it couldn't be as obvious as Overdrive. This song transcended generations and im sure the millennial kids won't have a hard time relating to our 90's spirit that is called Eheads.

As much as i love the original version, i am including Barbie's cover. Hers is just soothing that makes me want to just lay on the beach for hours after a long drive. Anyway, I am sure you'll crave for more Eheads tunes after that one song. 


2. Diwata
By Chito Miranda feat. Abra







I know there's "Swimming Beach" by Parokya ni Edgar. Don't worry it's in the playlist. But i bet you have never realized that this collab with Abra is perfect for that nature trippin you have. It has this feel good vibe that will always remind you of the trees, the mountains and that special  someone beside you, holding your hand. 

3. Pinas
By Young JV







I've known this song for quite a while now but i am still not sure if this was officially used for any local tourism campaigns. Suffice to say this song, much to this hip hop artist, has less popularity than they should have. It's classy, groovy yet very simple. Young JV's music is a great companion to those easy road trips, that bubble party  in Baler, that crazy street party in Mango, happy kulitans with your friends by the beach and a perfect soundtrack to that travel video you've been working on. 

4. Parachute

By Jar R





When Jay R moved to Homeworks and had his musical liberty, things had been magical in the OPM hip-hop scene. Gone are the heavy marketing, but also the cheeseballs wwere swiped off his music. I guess his most underrated song, for me is his finest yet. The funky beat turns your adventurous mood on. It sends a spiky energy down your gut  not only sending your body down to dance but rather makes you wanna run to the hills down to jump-start that para-glides,and finally brush off your feet above the clouds. 

Disclaimer: i don't think i can share this on spotify anymore. It only plays on my account.I am guessing Jar R is playing Tay-tay with spotify. 


5. Biglang Liko
By Ron Henley and Pow Chavez 




I know by now you know that despite the glaring travel-related lyrics, this Flip Music, is anything but related to traveling. You have to appreciate it being socially aware, however sick the message it has. Above everything else, you have to admit that  it's  really catchy and placed itself in a vital position in the local pop scene. The beat undeniably makes you wanna hit the road. Turn on your camera and do some 360 videos with your friends by the pool or by the beach. 

6. Halika Na
By Maja Salvador feat Abra




You've read it right. That's Maja Salvador. And i am including her music  in here. 

Before you turn down the idea instantly, (because you're a hater), you might want to check out my Siargao video. Now i accidentally heard this song on my way to Siargao from Butuan and it never left my consiousness the entire trip. I eventually made it the soundtrack of my Butuan-Siargao adventure. Until today, i have associated it with all my memories in north east Mindanao. 

7. Kilometro
By Sarah Geronimo




C'mon guys. The song's called "Kilometro". It has to be in the list. 

8. Manila

By Amber Davis




Another underrated artists, Amber Davis, produces fine dance songs that shouldn't be missed while travelling. And unlike some of the good-looking female singers i have in this playlist, this chick actually can sing. If you have not heard of her, and this song primarily, i just pity you. 

9. Edge of the World
By Josh Padilla and Yassi Pressman




After Maja Salvador and Amber Davis (heck. i even have Sam Pinto somewhere in the playlist), you know where i'm going with this. I now present you, Yassi Pressman. 

Again, don't ditch me too soon. Kudos to PhilPop 2015, this song really has what it takes to be the soundtrack of your little adventure in the mountains, or at sea. Or whichever your feet will take you next. Godless the autotunes!

10. Gusto na Kitang Makita
By Session Road





By the name of their band itself, they're bound to be in your travel playlist. They have the song roster that fits your lazy cozy afternoon in a high altitude view deck by Tagaytay, Baguio or Sagada. Or even just a background music for your nightcap with your friends out of  town.

11. Sa Piling Mo
by Silent Sanctuary




Here's another local band perfect for your weekend adventures and getaways. Although i have to admit, they're a hit or miss with their songs. I usually find myself clicking next when listening to their album. But hey, they're one of them bands that relaxes you stressed minds. And with that violin on your background, your weekend will definitely be as sweet as you can imagine. 

12. Ilog
By Rico Blanco and Kitchie Nadal




Two powerful names - Rico Blanco and Kitchie Nadal. You know you're in goods hands. I've always find their voices so passionate. Powerful and energizing. I would always imagine being next to a ridge mountain high with their music.This song may not be appreciated by the pop culture but listening to it's poetic flow, would remind you that art, ain't always for everybody. 

13. Tabing Ilog
By Kulay





From one ilog to another. 

You know Barbie Almalbis' version. We all love that version, don't get me wrong. But you have to hear Kulay. The retro 90s band. 

This music is raw it almost is indie. And  what better music to accompany you in the middle of a rain forest, serenaded by the  sound of shallow waters in the river bed. 

14. Agos
By Hans Dimayuga


It's down dirty indie. Songs that no one has ever heard of. And that facts makes this song so pure and passionate. Above the tons of possible #hugot songs you needed for your travels, this one definitely pinch your heart and draws emotion down your tear-ducks. 

15. Sana
By Up Dharma Down


Speaking of #hugot songs, what better way to smooch that travelling heartache but with Up Dharma Down. This is one band i can listen to for the entire trip. Heck i listen to them whatever.  The sophistication of this band's music can be taken everywhere and be in your background wherever you are. 

16. Labyu Langga
By Jerika Teodorico





I barely know Cebuano. But that's a language i have associated with perfect beaches, awesome adventures, sumptuous food, and cheerful friends. i can go on and on. This music brings me back to all those memories i had while visiting the regions down south - from the cliff jumps i had in Siquijor to the street dances i did in Sinulog, all those are relived. 

17. Salbabida
By Kyla




I wouldn't say this is on top f my list on my travel songs. However, the song's just powerful and convicted that i can't help but imagine those rough hiking times. As i kept on listening to it over and over, i know that these kinds of music will give hope, perseverance and strength as not all travels, much like in life, is not always of placid lakes. 

Disclaimer: i can no longer share this on spotify. I guess Universal PH moved it over to spinner. 

18. Teka Break
By Sam Concepcion




Like Salbabida, this is another epic song from the master composer Jungee Marcelo. Thus the very catchy tune and overwhelming positive vibes. If there's one song that can equate to fun, this is it. It's basically pleading for you to go on vacation. 

19. Jeepney
By Kala



There's Yeng Constantino's Jeepney Lovestory, Spongecola's Jeepney and quite a few more. But i am choosing this one from Kala. They mix their narrative lyrics to that funky, retro and a bit jazzy alternative-pop music. I love how intricate their music is. And oh, do i have to really explain why this song should be in everyone's travel playlist?

20.  Susundan
By Callalilly





Don't you just love those guitar solos during your 4x4 drives on the rough? Born in the golden days of alternative OPM, Callalilly's musics has proven it's worth and has lived on. They have blended their alternative music to pop matched with intense, but simple lyrics.I've always imagined this song being played while you enjoy that Ilocos sand dunes, or that ATV ride in Mayon, or that heavy rough road trip to the jump-off of your mountain. 

10 Silly Things i Did This Year

I know i've had more than 10, also sillier, but imma give you just the, uhm, photogenic ones.

10. We braved a storm in El Nido. 
























OK so the trip had not been what we expected it to be.  But If not for the gale warning that kept us from the island hopping, i would not have met this twin beach. i mean, c'mon. 2 beaches facing each other. That's like every man's fantasy. *wink*wink*

9. We stayed in a high end resort in Batangas for a night, or at least what's left of it. 




























Yes. The pegged Greece of the Philippines - The Fortune Island. I could not believe my eyes how storm aftermath can be this beautiful. 

8. Bora with my family.


























So that's Bora minus the night life. silly right? But this is one of the best moments of my life. I've been meaning to explain to them why do i have this itchy traveling feet.i kinda let the arguably best beach in world do the talking. 


P.S. i will so do this again, so, ipon ipon muna. 

7. i slept on the sands of Calaguas





























Finally, after so many years of attempt, i set foot at the best beach of the Philippines, according to some very reliable resources.I mean, i can't blame them thinking such. 


6. I went to Siquijor alone. On a full moon. 



























It's like proving to myself that my life i everything but boring, i circled the isla del fuego. The infamous island of witchcraft and the supernatural. Well if they mean supernatural beauty, then i'm out of quips. 


5. i swam with whale sharks in Oslob.





























Snorkeling with these bus-sized sea creatures is indeed scary and so much exhilarating. For someone who loves the ocean so much, this is just so awesome. Add the fact that Oslob is just pure love. 


4. i cliff jumped my heart out in Siargao.





























I wont tell you about it being the Mecca of Surfing in Asia. I mean, everybody knows that already. imma tell you about the wonders of Magpupungko and Bucas Grande. This place is really a gem. 


3. I think i caught a stomach flu from Kanlaon. 





























The virus' origin can't be determined for certain but my doctors are convinced it's from my stupid trail waters from Kanlaon. I don't actually believe that but It's just that i don't have much on that case. If the reason why i was hospitalized, which by the way is the very first time in my life, is this mountain? i'd say no regrets. 


2. i tore my trekking shorts butt-crawling the knife-edge and kiss-the-wall trails of Guiting-Guiting.





























I never thought that this year will be the year i'll finish the hardest and most dangerous hike in the Philippines. Heck, it'snot even in my wish list. And looking back, it was stupid. I mean this is one of the most beautiful mountains i've seen and probably will ever see in my life. So guys, tune up, fear down - and have this mountain in your list ok?

1. i went lighthouse hopping in Batanes. 





























Well i kinda braved those raging waves (with unfashionable loaded sick bags), and trashing winds of the top most part of every Pinoy traveler's local destination.  For what? Well, just for the view. nah. That's Batanes. i don't feel the need to explain further.  





So above all these silly things i just want to thank the Lord for all the blessings this year. My life is far from ideal, nor even close to something i want but the friends i have, and the family that i love, are just too much for me not to be greatful everytime. So, till next year of more silly things eh?


Oh, before i forget, happy birthday to me. :p 

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Tour Guides and Contacts

So it all started when a friend asked for a contact in Pagudpud but turned out that i gave him my contact for Caramoan. Then i knew that this Database is overdue. 

DISCLAIMER: Though this so sounds like i am giving them this advertisement, i do not intend to make money out of this. Just plain sharing of my experiences. Feel free to express your quips or nods in the comments below. 

PAGUDPUD (updated November 2014)
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Tryc Tour Guide Arnel Aguila - 0926 588 0666
Van Rental - Alvin Porameng - 0928 428 9346

Ilocos Norte is my very first solo backpacking trip.So imagine the bond i made with Kuya Arnel, my tryc guide. Kuya Alvin, his cousin,owns a van for group tours for a little price compared to established tour providers in the province. They can also take care of your accommodation needs. Heck even food trip recommendations. 

Glenmark Homestay - 0928 609 9699
Kapuluan Vista Resort - 0920 952 2528

Glenmark Homestay in Mairaira Beach (Blue Lagoon) is clean,cheap and nice for budget travelers. Kapuluan is for those who have a little  more money to spare. They're the first to introduce surfing in the area, not to mention one of the very first hotel resorts in the area. 

BATANES (updated July 2014)

Tour Guide Romy Merida - 0938 159 2721
CMJ Basco Lodge - 0999 990 7548
Pension Ivatan - 0919 211 7378
BATODA (Basco TODA) - 0929 703 8404

There's always Mr Ryan Cardona, the famous Batanes Tour guide from the provincial tourism office, but i also have Kuya Romy Merida whom i met in Sabtang Island when he gave us a free ride to the other side of that island paradise. Months later i saw him on TV as the local tour guide when Drew Arellano visited. Was like, yeah that's what im talking about. 

CMJ is one of the newest additions to the cheap homestays in the provincial capitol.I can say they're the warmest and kindest people, but it's just how every Ivatans are. 

CARAMOAN (updated March 2014)

Tour Guide Roy Barbin - 0919 534 5552
Isla Magayon Inn and Restaurant - 0908 191 9863

You will surely enjoy kuya Roy's company. He's an Elementary teacher in a nearby town and moonlights as a guide in Caramoan. He does packaged tours in which he'll take care of your accomodations,island tours, transfers, and food based on what your budget is. If you're not in the posh hotels, food is a little harder to find in the shores of this hungry town.  Case in point is Isla Magayon Inn of Marites Realce, who once owned an Inn that they turned into  a resto since, as she said, "wala pong kainan dito."

BANAUE (updated August 2013)

Banaue-Batad Tour Guide Jim Bumakel - 0906 159 9666

How safe are you with Jim's escort? Well, he's a PO1. Thing is, as of writing, i may have not been updated of his whereabouts since it's possible he's elsewhere. Last time we chatted, he's on his way to Taguig for a licensure kind of an exam for POs. 

Well, he took care of almost everything we need from Banaue to batad and back. He's way into nganga, just like everyone else in there, but he's cool. 

BUROT BEACH (updated April 2014)
Burot Beach, Calatagan, Batangas

Chocks - 0918 494 3958

Chock owns a tricycle that'll take you from downtown Calatagan to Burot Beach. I knew him from way back April 2013 but still texts GMs months after, which i find weird for his age, well, and his gender. LOL

Don't get me wrong. He's cool. Although having a guide in Burot is not really a famous idea. 

PADRE BURGOS (updated March 2014)
Padre Burgos, Quezon

Irma Saniel - 0918 604 8601

This contact is basically based in Borawan Is. But of course, can  take care of Borawan-Dampalitan-Kwebang Lampas Island Hopping.

ALIBIJABAN (updated May 2014)

Jin Jin - 0910 762 9271

Ate Jin Jin is the wife of a brgy official. There had been reports or should i say "chismis" of unfortunate things that had happened to visitors here so our guide being a brgy official is a relief for my jitters. This is also most probably the reason why this paradise is unheard of. For once i though of not sharing this to others but the again, the family where we stayed are very generously accommodating and i dont think i am in the position to keep them from a few more bucks of earnings from tourism. If you got a hold of them, please be generous with your tips, it's District 12 out there.  

SIQUIJOR (updated November 2014)

Tour Guide Tata Kitkit - 0921 599 4152

I met Kuya Tata at the Siquijor Wharf and offered me his tryc tour of the island. There's always this option to roam around the island via scooter but i am choosing to be with a local since i was travelling alone. This guy i should say is a catch. He made sure i am safe of my whereabouts (and for those who know me, i am bit everywhere like a 5 year old kid would) even until im checked in. I know this for a fact since i've compared him to other guides of other groups i'm with during that island tours. 

OSLOB (updated July 2014)
Oslob, Cebu

Pearl Evans of Costa Bella Travel and Tours - 0915 725 8578 / 0922 472 4244

You can always tour Oslob your way. Stay in the cheapest rooms in Tan-Awan. But i highly recommend, to the point of begging, you stay in Costa Bella. It had been one of the best stay in all my travels. The warmth of these people is beyond compare, like, if in case i'll turn this travelling hobby into a full blown business, they will be my peg.

2013. The Year that was...

I know i haven't been a religious blogger as much as i want to but please let me take this one post (among the rare blogs posts.) to let you know how awesome my 2013 is.

1. It was the year i set foot on top of a very active volcano - Bulusan, Sorsogon. And not to mention travel 16 hours to the jump-off. It was one of the most amazing hikes ever. One that you wish you can do as often as possible. 



2. It was the year i climbed up the stairs to heaven, where the stairways are lush green. 



3. It was the year i survived Caramoan. Yes this bastard gave us a hard time but no it's not about that. i am just in awe with this place as much as, well, everyone else in the world. 



4. It was the year i learned to revenge mountains go back to the very same mountains just for the heck of it. i've heard once that you never climb a mountain the same way ever. true enough that every experience gives a very different and equally thrilling perspective.




5. It was the year of cliff dives.





6. It was the year i literally swam an island to another - Ave Maria Island to Turtle Island in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras - I'll never forget those coordinates. It was a bit scary, not to mention exhausting but it's one of those things that i sure will regret should i bailed out. i mean c'mon, it's just swimming in an open water to reach nearest island... how hard could it be. Michael Phelps be like, "yun lang pinagmamalaki mo na? Noobs!"






7. It was the year i finally set foot on Mindanao. Some people actually won't believe me that my trip 3Q this year is actually my first time in Mindanao. And boy, you know what they say the thrills of the first time. 

 




8. It was the year i discovered the amazing world underneath my beloved sea. Though i chose not to pursue certification,  these fun dives and free dives are arguably the best experience of my life.




9. It was the year i visited Palawan. i don't think iv'e to elaborate more on this.




10. It was the year i paddled, then pulled my chest upward, and finally stood up on top of the waves.



So there. Dormancy may have flushed my blog stats down but not the blessings for me this year. I am just immensely thankful for all these opportunity and gusto despite the very hard year that was. 

And oh, happy birthday to me. #Cheers


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