The European-style Boardwalk in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

~* This post is dedicated to my father:

the reason why I went to South Africa in the first place.*~

Since childhood, I rarely saw my father. His work as an electrical engineer in cargo ships means he's usually gone for most of the year. Whenever he came home, he just stays for two to three months until he's called to duty and had to leave again. When I was relatively younger, I would cry whenever he'd leave; this happened lesser and lesser as I stacked up on the years.

The balcony of Couples Marina 1.

Have you ever dreamed of spending your idle days in an island wherein hundreds upon thousands of specks of magenta-colored bougainvillea are accentuated by blue-capped cliff-side white buildings, with the commanding view of a teal-tinted crystal ocean surrounding a beautifully-shaped caldera? If Greece is where your soul yearns to stay but you find yourself tied to the Philippines by the many complicated things that come with being an adult, there's nothing to worry about. Recently, tons of local resorts are starting to emulate the signature appearance that made world-famous the pristine island of Santorini-- and in Pangasinan, the most famous among these resorts is Sundowners.

Old Heritage Houses standing on the edge of a canal in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.

There's something fascinating about old architecture.

I remember writing a 300-word essay explaining my stand on a question that went, "Should old heritage buildings be kept as they are or demolished to give way for progress?" It sounded like it was an easy question  wherein any immediate opinion could easily be formed, but it was not.

The wooden azotea of San Fabian PTA Beach Resort overlooking the picnic area and the ocean is where diners may indulge themselves in unlimited pork barbecue and bangus sisig.

D'you fancy sitting here, a cold drink in hand, while gazing at this lovely view?

Here in Pangasinan where I come from, tourists come for the infamous beaches for their amazing beauty and world-class quality. Think Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Patar Beach in Bolinao, and the surfers' favorite Lingayen Beach in the provincial capital.

Where better to celebrate your love for each other than in a Royal Caribbean cruise ship? (Photo courtesy of Root Photography).