This past summer, my son and I packed our bags for an adventure that took us across Tokyo, the Philippines, and even Taiwan. While our trip didn’t start out as smoothly as planned—thanks to long delays at LAX—we made the most of it. The original plan was three days in Tokyo, but because of the setback, we only had two. Still, we packed in as much as we could before heading to the Philippines for six unforgettable weeks.

And because I’m all about making the most out of travel, we turned what could have been just a layover into another mini adventure on the way home: a stop in Taiwan. (I’ll dive deeper into my “layover adventures” philosophy in a future blog.)

Exploring the Philippines

The heart of our trip was the Philippines—and it didn’t disappoint. We experienced so much:

  • Mall of Asia – One of the biggest malls in the world, full of energy, shopping, and great food.
  • Taal Volcano – A breathtaking site that reminded me of the raw power of nature.
  • Fort Santiago – A historical gem in Manila that brought history to life.
  • Batangas & Cavite – Relaxing spots with charm and culture.
  • El Nido, Palawan – Paradise. Crystal-clear waters and postcard-perfect views.
  • Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig – A Venetian-inspired experience with colorful photo ops, music, and entertainment.

One of the wildest highlights? Riding ATVs during an actual typhoon. Crazy, right? But honestly, it was the best experience of the trip. You can check out a short video here: Watch the ATV ride.

Food That Stole the Show

Food is always part of the journey, and the Philippines didn’t let us down.

🍝 My son’s favorite? Carbonara.
🥢 My obsession? Lumpia Shanghai—crispy perfection.
🔥 My go-to dish? Pork Sisig.

One thing I noticed: eating three meals a day there actually made me feel better—and I even lost a few pounds! The food just seemed fresher, with fewer processed ingredients than what we’re used to in the U.S.

Travel Lessons & Takeaways

This trip reminded me why I love traveling with my son. We laughed, explored, ate well, and created memories that will last a lifetime. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful—my trips are budget-friendly but always full of value.

We had such a blast that we’re already planning our return—for Christmas in the Philippines. 🎄

📸 Highlights from Our Trip

  • Day 1in Manila
  • Venice Grand Canal
  • Venice in Taguig
  • ATV
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