Destinations
Pearl Farm Beach Resort: Spelling luxury in Mindanao
Paying a visit to – arguably – the most high-end venue in southern Philippines, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, where bliss can be had for the taking.

You may not be the most fervent believer of traditional healing practices – for instance, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that special points in the body (usually at the extremities) correspond to other (usually more vital) parts of the body, so that (as an example) applying pressure at the space between the thumb and the pointer finger could relieve pail (headache, stomachache, and so on).
But after an activity-filled day (island-hopping, snorkeling, road-tripping and the likes) at the Island Garden City of Samal, no matter your way of believing (or seeing), every pressure given by the deft hands of the masseuse/s on the body delivers… relief. While lying on a cushioned white mat, facing Davao’s sea slowly get swallowed by darkness, such is the pleasure derived at the Pearl Farm Ylang Ylang Spa – Pearl Farm Beach Resort’s health and wellness center.
Not that any less ought to be expected, considering that the place’s offerings are (in a word) pricey. Heck, just about everything in this place is pricey.
But in this way, Davao’s Pearl Farm Beach Resort spells luxury in these parts of southern Philippines…
STAYING THE NIGHT
If your concept of “tropical paradise” is Station 1 of Boracay, NOT Stations 2 and 3, then Pearl Farm Beach Resort should satisfy.
Note that – even if it is being sold as in Davao – the resort is actually not in Davao City proper. Instead, it is located in a small island cum province across the strait, poetically called the Island Garden City of Samal. Going to the resort, therefore, takes from 30 minutes (of ferry ride) from the Sasa Wharf on Davao City’s ferry terminal at the Davao Waterfront Insular Hotel.
By the way, don’t expect to see gardens – there aren’t any; but the name is supposed to encapsulate the beauty that can be found in the island.
The Pearl Farm Beach Resort actually housed a farm for the south sea pearls (thus the name). In the 1990s, however, the owners converted it into the luxury resort that it is now.
It is popular to day guests who head to it to swim at its (somewhat small) swimming pools, or take a stroll around the vegetation in the 11-hectare complex, or take a dip at the white sand beach. This day trip is affordable – only costing approximately P2,500 per person (including a meal a boot).
It is when staying over for the night that the resort’s luxe image is highlighted.
There are actually various room types available, ranging from hilltop rooms to those in houses on stilts. If sleeping lulled by the sounds of singing crickets is what’s desired, the former is a must-consider. But for those who want to be pacified by the sound of the waves gently crushing against the rocks, then the latter is recommended.
As for the room rates? The Balay (a.k.a. hilltop) rooms cost from P8,550 per person (single occupancy); the same price charged for the beach-side (yet located far from the main receiving area) Samal House and Mandaya House. Prices fall (a little) from P6,700 per person for those considering sharing. The prices of the rooms in the houses on stilts start from approximately P9,700 per person per night (minimum of two persons).
These prices come with welcome drinks; one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner; complimentary use of swimming pool, beach area, mini gym, basketball court, badminton court, tennis court and game room; and roundtrip boat transfers.
AMENITIES GALORE
As befits its luxury tag, Pearl Farm Beach Resort has various offerings that will suit various demands. There’s an Aqua Sports Center, where guests can rent out speed boats and outrigger boats for cruising; jet-skis; banana boat rides; kayaks, hobie cats; and snorkeling gear. It also has certified instructors for wind-surfing, water-skiing and scuba diving (the place has two sunken World War II Japanese vessels awaiting discovery). There are the aforementioned (not too big) outdoor swimming pools. There is a tennis/basketball/badminton court. There is a game room. There is a conference room for up to 70 pax. There is a souvenir shop (called Butik). And there is even the Mandaya Weaving Center, where Mandaya tribeswomen skillfully weave their traditional fabrics (called dagmay) and other ornamentation.
But if you’re just looking at spending the days lazy, sipping drinks while enjoying the breeze and getting lost while looking at the distance may be had at Parola Bar (that offers views of the distant Mt. Apo), Maranao Restaurant (offering Filipino and international cuisines, with seafood specialties), or Malipano Gazebo (in a nearby, yet separate island).
JUST TAKING IT SLOW
And it is actually taking it slowly that is what’s best done in Pearl Farm Beach Resort.
So that the stress-busting treatments at Pearl Farm’s Ylang Ylang Spa are worth considering.
The men’s “stress buster”, priced at P1,000, is a combo of Chinese, Swedish and deep tissue techniques. Hilot, priced at P1,250, gives the traditional Filipino massage a twist with the use of heated banana leaves and your choice of VCO, tanglad oil, or Ylang-ylang essential oil. The “Pearl Farm Royal Massage”, priced at P2,500, is a two-our session that makes use of special oil blends as mood therapy. And then there’s the warm stone massage, priced at P1,500, that makes use of (this should be quite obvious) hot stones as tools for the massaging.
For the not-that-adventurous, you can go “common”, by availing of the Swedish oil massage (P1,000), Shiatsu (P1,000), or the Ventosa (P1,625).
Other treatments include: body scrubs (from P1,250), foot treatment (from P875), facials (from P1,000), and hair treatments (from P1,000).
It was, in fact, while getting my feet massaged by the pool that I got to appreciate this place’s (let’s say enduring) appeal. Getting pampered, while taking in the sights and sounds – of the vast blue sea that seem to connect with the infinity pool; and of the insect sounds from the thick foliage enveloping the resort – is how I imagine being blissful to be. And this, truly, may be one of the best ways to achieve that while in these parts of the Philippines.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort is located at Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines. For more information, contact: (+6382) 2351234, (+6382) 2351235, or (+6382) 2351236.
Its Davao sales office is located at 3/F Abreeza Ayala Mall, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. For more information, call (+6382) 2850601 or (+6382) 2850876; or email kadizon@anflocor.com.
Its Manila office is located at Ground Floor ANFLOCOR Building, 411 Quirino Avenue corner NAIA Road, Tambo Parañaque City 1700. For more information, call (+632) 8552741 local 207 and 208, or (+632) 8547892; or email: fslebris@anflocor.com, gbdichosa@anflocor.com, or eftuanio@anflocor.com.
Destinations
Religious tourism in Bulacan via the shrine for St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon
Religious sites as tourist destinations? In #Bulacan, check Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon.

Not many people may know this, but the Province of Bulacan has 22 religious sites recognized by the local government unit (LGU). That’s 22… although there may be more because what are usually popularly advertised are venues only of Roman Catholicism.
All the same, this should highlight to all that, when you’re a tourist in the Province of Bulacan, you may want to focus your tours to churches, churches and more churches. Yeah, natural offerings like caves and falls are there; but infrastructure issues make them hard to access. Water parks are often overcrowded. And the malls… well, they’re just malls that make oligarchs richer. The churches, though, they abound.
This is how – after aimlessly wandering for hours – we discovered the Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon.
@outragemag Religious sites as tourist destinations? In #Bulacan, we #LGBT checked the Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon
Now… this will sound like a religious history lesson, but here goes, anyway.
This place in Bocaue, Bulacan has various names – e.g. as the Parish of Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, and as the Diocesan Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon, though people just call it as the “Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim”. This is a Roman Catholic church under the Diocese of Malolos.










Nasa name naman that the patron saint of the church was the first Korean Christian priest and then a martyr, Andrew Kim Tae-gon. Born in the 19th century, Kim actually lived as a seminarian in Lolomboy in Bocaue. In Joseon, he was with a group of French missionaries who converted Korean people to Christianity. He was eventually arrested and then executed in 1846. Pope Pius XI beatified him in 1925, and Pope John Paul II canonized him in May 1984.
There are various buildings in the Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon, which was completed in 2015. The main building has a chapel and a room containing info and artifacts related to the namesake patron saint. There’s another chapel beside the main building, and then a walkway leading to a mini-park, gazebo, and the convent of the Sisters of St. Andrew.
If you’re religious… or at least spiritual, this may be an okay alternative place for you to worship.
But this place may be said to also show the challenges of keeping the faithful… faithful. As the caretaker/parking aide/security guard/vendor for the day of our visit stated: “Walang pera.” And so the existing buildings aren’t well-kept, with signs of neglect actually apparent; and there are incomplete buildings here, as if waiting not to be finished, but be swallowed by nature.
Now… if you’re in Bulacan and are keen to see non-traditional Roman Catholic churches, then a visit to the Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon may be worth it. Not much to do here, truth be told, but… yeah, at least you can tick this off na sa list of Bulacan’s religious sites for you to visit.







As FYI: the main gate of the shrine is closed, and the street signs will guide you how to go to the venue through a narrow road. Magdasal ka na lang na wala kang kasalubong, or else… good luck.
The Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon is at 623 Mendoza St., Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan. It is open from 8AM to 5PM every Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance fee is ₱20 per person; and parking fee is ₱20 for car and ₱10 for motorcycle. For more information, contact (+639) 334133957 or (+639) 275147365.
Destinations
8 Incredible places to visit in and around Chengdu, China’s city of pandas, hotpot and heritage

Once a hidden gem, Chengdu—the capital of China’s Sichuan province— is fast becoming one of the country’s most talked-about destinations. With an alluring blend of ancient tradition, fiery cuisine, and natural beauty (often showcased on social media), it’s no surprise that the city is a rising favourite, with pre-summer bookings up over 180%.
A notable rise in domestic and international flight routes, including greater connectivity via major hubs such as Shanghai and Beijing, is making the vibrant city more accessible than ever.
And as travellers seek deeper, more immersive experiences beyond the bustling megacities, Chengdu, the City of Gastronomy designated by UNESCO, is emerging as the perfect counterpoint—rich in culture yet refreshingly laid-back.
For visitors looking to explore the city’s most iconic experiences, here are a few highlights that stand out:
1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

No visit to Chengdu is complete without meeting its most famous residents. The research base offers a rare opportunity to see giant pandas and red pandas in a carefully designed environment that mirrors their natural habitat. Enjoy an intimate experience with over 100 giant pandas and meet celebrity pandas Hua Hua and Qi Yi. The best viewing spots are Villas 1 and 2, where you can watch these majestic creatures play and snack on their favourite snack, bamboo. An unmissable experience is the panda cub enclosure, where you can observe 3-month-old cubs play, nap, and explore their surroundings. Make sure to visit in the morning when the pandas are most active and adorable. Find out more here: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
2. Margo Manor Hotpot

Spice is a way of life in Sichuan province, and nowhere is it more memorably served than at Margo Manor. This impressive hotpot restaurant blends stunning architecture, performance, and fiery Sichuan flavours into one unforgettable dining experience. It’s a must for lovers of bold cuisine, local flair and spicy flavours.
3. Taikoo Li Chengdu
Blending ancient Chinese architecture with modern luxury storefronts creates a cosmopolitan cool. This open-air shopping and lifestyle complex in the city’s heart is a case study in how Chengdu embraces the modern without losing its soul. Expect designer brands like Alexander McQueen, Gucci and Versace among cutting-edge galleries, and some of the city’s best cafés and cocktail bars, including %Arabica and Wang De Chuan Tea Company. Shoppers can also enjoy tax-free benefits at the nearby IFS (International Finance Square)—a convenient bonus for international travellers looking to indulge and conveniently process their tax refunds immediately after shopping at participating stores.
4. Chuancai Museum

Located in the northwest suburb of Chengdu, this interactive museum is the first of its kind in China. Visitors explore the history of Sichuan cooking with a sensory overload. Take in the smell of Sichuan’s famous peppercorn, an intoxicating, earthy perfume scent like no other. Or dive in and sample delicious Sichuan delicacies, including Sichuan-style stuffed pancake, northern Sichuan-style jelly, Tofu pudding, and dumplings. Not only will you observe the local gastronomic history, but you can also enjoy the museum through taste and smell, sampling famous local foods. Guests can even try their hand at preparing local dishes alongside expert chefs, who will take you on a culinary journey of Sichuan province. Find out more here: Sichuan Cuisine Museum.
5. Chengdu Peoples Park
Chengdu Renmin Park is an essential stop for a taste of local life. This urban oasis allows visitors to experience the laid-back nature of the city from locals practising tai chi, families enjoying tea in open-air pavilions, and street musicians playing traditional instruments. Be sure to stop and sip on Chengdu’s famous jasmine tea, or even try the local tradition of ear-cleaning. A soothing experience that’s part cultural curiosity, part wellness ritual.
Side Trips Beyond the City
Thanks to Chengdu’s well-developed high-speed rail and domestic flight network, getting away from the city is easy and rewarding. Here are three must-see attractions, perfect for a day or weekend trip:
6. Jiuzhaigou Valley

On the edge of the Tibetan Plateau are the Min Mountains, which include the nature conservation site Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its crystal-clear lakes and lush wooded mountains. Jiuzhaigou is a nature lover’s dream. Spring sees the landscape in full bloom, making it a wonderful escape for hikers, photographers and anyone seeking peace in nature.
7. Mount Emei

Mount Emei, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, offers spiritual tranquillity and dramatic mountain views. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is ideal for those up for a challenge; scaling its ancient stone stairways will ensure you’re standing on a sea of clouds, overlooking a breathtaking vista. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll along its cliffside monasteries and potentially encounter the monkeys that inhabit the mountain.
8. Leshan Giant Buddha

Just a short train ride from Chengdu, this 71-metre-high stone Buddha statue, carved over a millennium ago, is the largest of its kind in the world. Viewed by boat or from a hillside path, it’s a staggering testament to ancient ingenuity and faith.
More about Chengdu: The International City of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Chengdu isn’t just a side trip—it’s becoming the main event with its unique pace of life and an abundance of experiences in and around the city!
The return of the biennial Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival (ICH) from 28 May to 3 June is adding to the city’s allure. The ICH Festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional arts, music and heritage, and further highlights the cultural pull of the vibrant Sichuan province and the uniqueness of Chengdu. This year’s festivities were organised in partnership with Trip.com Group.

As part of the continued celebrations, Trip.Best Awards were also handed out: Trip.com’s AI-curated, expert-reviewed rankings, which spotlight the city’s must-see attractions, restaurants and hotels. For example, on the Trip.Best Chengdu list, local attractions include Wuhou Shrine, Sichuan Opera show and Chengdu Museum or find the best hotels in Chengdu.


During the evening award show, guests were captivated by an eye-catching drone light show which stylishly told the history of China and Chengdu, while lively folk music and dances added to the atmosphere.

Chengdu is part of a growing wave of cities benefiting from China’s broader inbound tourism push. New visa-free policies, expanded rail connections, and digital-friendly travel tools make multi-city trips across China even more seamless. If you find yourself transiting in China, travellers can benefit from some amazing express tours – a free half-day layover tour designed to allow travellers to explore the charm and traditions of Shanghai or Beijing. Find out more on the Trip.com website: Beijing Express & Shanghai Express.
For more travel inspiration, check out the Trip.Best Asia 100 list or dive straight into Trip.Best Chengdu list and start planning your trip to China.
Destinations
Tuna time via Tuna Republik
Looking for affordable #tuna meals? For this #LGBT trip, we tried Tuna Republik.

Yeah… there are lots of seafood restos, some even selling unlimited supplies (particularly shrimps, mussels, squids, oysters and, if you’re lucky, crabs and lobsters) for just a few hundreds of pesos. But the seafood offerings aren’t always complete since these restos do not always offer most of what’s good from the seas.
And so it is with interest that we dropped by Tuna Republik, which – basically – conceptualized tuna as fastfood.
@outragemag Looking for affordable #tuna meals? For this #LGBT trip to #Bulacan ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine
The branch in Pulilan, Bulacan only opened in January 2025, and… at least when we went there, it has yet to gain traction. Walang tao. Too bad, really, for a franchise that’s targeting the no-meat crowd.
Now… how was the experience for us?












Una, the venue is relatively new, and so everything here was… sariwa. The pitchers even had price tags pa. Spacious and airy, this place seems ideal for events.
Ikalawa, the staff were not noticeable. Yung pegis parang fastfood, so the people are there… but aren’t there. Servers lang.
Ikatlo, price-wise, affordable naman siya – e.g. they have rice toppings for those with tight budget, ranging around ₱100 lang, while the meals are around ₱200-₱300 naman. Presyong group eating for most of the offerings.
Ika-apat, taste-wise, most of what we got were better than okay.
- Sashimi (₱249) was good as it wasn’t malansa, and didn’t taste frozen and wasn’t flaky. But the accompanying toyo was… almost bland, so di nakatulong.
- Tuna Belly (from ₱350) was good, well grilled… albeit small ang size.
- Tuna Pancit (₱249) was quite good; it made me forget there’s no meat in it. Malasa, the sahog weren’t overcooked, di mamantika, and so on.
- Sizzling Tuna Sisig (₱199) was the one that disappointed. Walang oomph, so it tasted like fried fish flakes lang. Pretty when served sa carajay, but there’s not much of it, too.
Tuna Republik is like… a karinderya (local eatery) pretending to be a fastfood while offering tuna-centric food. Try to visit if you are willing to spend to get not-bad tuna-revolving offerings. Hindi naman siya disappointing. And that’s even if we have misgivings.
Otherwise… join us look for more lafangan venues.Tuna Republik Pulilan is located at 112 Plaridel-Pulilan Diversion Rd., Pulilan, Bulacan.
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