Our final destination was Baker Hall. This imposing building was used by the Japanese as a garrison for American and Filipino soldiers during World War II. A number of them were executed there. Ironically, its most famous victim is a Japanese officer - Tomoyuki Yamashita also known as the "Tiger of Malaya" and whose name lives on through the legendary Yamashita Treasure. Yamashita was convicted by a US military court of war crimes and sentenced to die by hanging. Yamashita’s trial, however, ... Read More

Umali Auditorium is flanked by two bridges. A few feet on its left is the taken-for granted Palma Bridge. To many, it’s just a bridge. But I have always been fascinated by its charming pre-war old-world flavor. It is also said to be haunted by a headless priest - beheaded by the Japanese during the Second World War - that appears after midnight. The specter was not confirmed by my guide, but then again he doesn't' wait around for it, either. Further ... Read More

Above: Forestry campus I have a friend who has a friend who has a friend who has a friend who sees dead people. Naturally, I had to meet this guy with the third eye and a self-proclaimed ghost-magnet. He told me he started seeing ghosts at an early age but only when his parents (both “seers”) were around. His ability to see spirits on his own, however, surfaced fairly recently and he still finds apparitions quite disturbing. So disturbing, in fact, I had ... Read More

Above: San Isidro de Labrator In a country like the Philippines, Land of 1001 Fiestas, town fiestas tend to become indistinguishable from one another. The brass marching band, the buntings, the greased pole, and the buffet tables creaking with food. Lukban, on the other hand, managed to elevate their fiesta into a certified cultural icon. I have heard so many things about Lukban’s fiesta -celebrated every 15th of May - and I have seen its images on magazines. It was even ... Read More

Above: The Buko Pie When anyone passes by Laguna on their way from Batangas or Tagaytay and elsewhere, they can’t help but think of buying Buko Pie. Laguna’s finest Buko Pie are situated along side the road where travelers go their way to and fro and you’ll hardly miss it. There are a variety of Buko Pies to choose from. There’s Buko Pie of Collete’s, The Original Buko Pie, there’s El Mare and Lety’s Buko Pie. To answer which is the best Buko Pie ... Read More