Shameless self-promotion

Hello gals. So sorry for this blog's hiatus.

I was quite busy with my newly launched travel blog called BackpackingPinay and of course, working for bread and butter.

BackpackingPinay chronicles my travels with Gabriela Fire around the Philippines. Join me and Gabriela Fire at BackpackingPinay as we backpack around this archipelagic country–known to have more than 7,000 islands.

Don't worry. I'll update this blog still from time to time.

What it's like to travel as an out lesbian couple?

June 17, 2009 1:19 PM, Anonymous commented on the Sitangkai "Venice of the South" blog post: "as travelling to this place without a male companion is taken as something out of this world, i am wondering what it's like to travel there as an out lesbian couple?"

That was such an important comment/question. Here is my reply: "Everything about our travel to Sitangkai was pleasant. Thus, we encourage you ladies to travel to this beautiful place. Like any travel though to off the beaten tracks, travel to this place should be planned--research, research, precautions, precautions.

"In travelling to Sitangkai, we recognized the sensitivity of the locals to women travellers. Recognizing this, we did not further challenge them on a further sensitive issue--that of lesbianism; thus PDA (public display of affection) was a no no then. It's a tough world, indeed. But, hey, let the locals be used to women travellers. Hopefully in time, the world would turn around and lesbian travellers would just be an accepted occurrence to them."

Travel Destination: Sitangkai "Venice of the South"

It's my job to travel around the Philippines. Don't ask me why. In my many travels, one travel destination happens to be most memorable. This is Sitangkai town in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

Sitangkai is known as the "Venice of the South" due to the use of boats as primary transportation. The floating market of Sitangkai where locals sell fresh catch such as giant squid, tuna, sting ray is something to behold.

I travelled to Sitangkai with my partner. To travel to Sitangkai without a male companion, is something that the locals can't comprehend. But they'll admire you for visiting their place. "Matatapang na babae (Brave women)," one local told us.

We had a splendid time in Sitangkai.

Travel Destination: Camiguin

One of the travel destinations that I keep coming back to is Camiguin. Why do I keep coming back to this paradise?

I'm lucky I live near Camiguin, thus travelling there is not that expensive. Least expensive way to reach this island is via boat. Gazing from the boat, there's something about this island, from its beaches to its volcanic mountains that makes me a appreciate life more--glad that I'm alive.

Best activity in Camiguin is biking around the island's 64-kilometer circumferential road. It took me 13 hours the first time around, including the pit stops to enjoy the view--well, mostly to catch my breath.

Most of the lovely beaches in the island are not crowded. Under a great coconut tree shade, one can spread a towel on the sand, sleep on it or read a book. Then, just jump into the sea for a swim. That's paradise for me. What's your paradise?