As the coronavirus pandemic continues to pester the country, travel restrictions in the Philippines have started to ease after months of lockdown, and one of the popular local destinations to reopen is Siargao, widely known as the surfing capital in the Philippines. Flights to Siargao have already resumed operations last December 1, 2020. Airlines are now allowed to have one round-trip commercial flight per week, per route. Albeit the local destination has eased travel restrictions, some health and safety protocols are still need to be followed. There are also travel requirements visitors have to comply with before going and present...

2020 has caused us to become deprived of things that we wanted to try. And this year, as things are slowly getting back to normal — with the help of the COVID-19 vaccines — there’s no stopping us to go out and try outdoor recreations. Mountaineering has undoubtedly captured the hearts of this generation when not too long ago, this active recreation was even considered uncommon, or in the Philippines at least. But these days, with our generation being more into travelling and exploring — or into “soul—searching”, we can hear most of us say that mountains are here to...

Being one with the nature has been proven cathartic and blessedly escapist, as it’s one of the best ways in order for us to release stress and respite from the busy and hectic life in the metro. But due to the existing threat of the coronavirus pandemic, there are things that we need to follow and consider for a safe and responsible outdoor adventure. Medical experts actually said that hiking is safe during the pandemic as long as you do it alone or with someone at a trail or park that isn't crowded. For those who intent on travelling and...

During the Yuletide season, borders in the country will still remain closed to foreign travelers until further notice, according to the Bureau of Immigration. While Filipino nationals, spouses or children of nationals, and residents returning from abroad are exempted from the entry ban, and may be subject to quarantine for a maximum of 14 days or COVID-19 testing upon arrival. They should also have pre-booked reservations to a quarantine facility and pre-booked testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at a laboratory operating at the airport. These costs shall be covered by passengers, and everyone must fill out a Case Investigation...

  This year has utterly embezzled the fun from us — and while Christmas is just around the corner, there’s no reason for us to cancel the celebration and excitement during the Yuletide season. In fact, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said on Tuesday, December 1, that he sees no need to place the region under a “more stringent lockdown” during the Christmas season. He instead told the public to continue following minimum health standards. Although the Octa Research Team has warned of a possible rise of COVID-19 infections during the holiday season, as people are expected to gather for parties...