Words and Photos by Upper Viceo

Dicalubuan Island, Coron, Palawan

It’s once again the beach season! I’m pretty sure most of you are planning the ‘must-see’ summer getaways to destress from school and work! If you’re a Boracay fan, I’m sorry to burst your bubble but I’m not including it in the list. Forget Boracay. The Philippines, with its 7,107 islands, has so much to offer aside from the famed party island! I present you some of my most favorite island beaches in the Philippines!

Calaguas in Camarines Norte, Bicol

Forget resorts or cottages as you unwind in Calaguas. Camp out and be one with nature!

Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach) in Calaguas, Camarines Sur, Bicol. Raw beauty at peace.

An eight-hour road trip or a 45-minute flight to Daet plus a two-hour boat ride will get you to this island, but nonetheless, it truly is a slice of nirvana. There are no resorts here, so better bring your own camp essentials and travel toys if you want to wind down here.

Calaguas is in fact a group of islands, where you can go island hopping for a day or two. But it’s known for Tinaga Island, or commonly called Mahabang Buhangin (or Long Beach) by the locals. It is the biggest island in the the area. Powdery white sand, serene ambiance, clean waters and a breathtaking sunrise views–what a perfect way to destress but to stay here for quite some time! There you have it, your secluded nirvana far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Read the rest of this entry »

Words by Kath Alvey and Bim Legisniana
Photos courtesy of Team Never Run Alone

Most experienced runners aim for a marathon finisher’s medal while beginners race to shed some pounds in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. A few don racing bibs to inspire.

In 2009, while strolling around the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Kevin Fernandez—a 19 yr-old who has been diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and autism when he was still a kid—excitedly gestured to people running around the Academic Oval.  Vlad, Kevin’s father, after seeing the excitement on his son’s face immediately thought of joining running events with him.

This began the inspiring father-son duo known as Team Never Run Alone (TNRA) which has since joined numerous running events in the country from 5K to full marathons. Their first race was the Botak Paa-bilisan Road Race in November 2009 for the 5K category then gradually advanced to marathons in December 2010 at the 2^nd Quezon City International Marathon. A marathon is a 42K running event which is typically joined by experienced runners. Vlad and Kevin clocked 5 hours and 18 minutes—quite good for first-time marathoners. Read the rest of this entry »