Caramoan in photos (A Blog Action Day 2010 post)

Going to Caramoan, in the province of Camarines Sur in the Philippines, is like going through time to an age when the simple joys of life mattered, when a clear ray of sunlight and the blue waters of the sea were enough to make one smile and feel content. It's like going to a place that city dwellers now only know from books: abandoned islands of white sand and coconut trees, fresh fish for lunch and dinner, miles and miles of clean water that sustained life in the municipalities that surround it.

With its ragged beauty and simplicity, Caramoan has been a favorite destination for Filipinos in search of some R&R. It caught international attention, however, when several seasons of the reality show Survivor from various franchisees the world over came to shoot here. Caramoan, after all, is one of the few remaining frontiers of this once lush archipelago.

There has been a very noticeable increase in local tourism in such a way that there have been talks about building an airport and improving the condition of the roads, something that the impoverished communities in this part of the Philippines could benefit from.

And the challenge now is this: the island withstand the influx of tourists and preserve the very attractions that brought them in in the first place? An answer in the affirmative will be very much welcome.

IN PHOTOS: Singapore

Singapore is different from its Southeast Asian neighbors for having many things that are typically Western. Still and all, Singaporean charm is best felt in its many multicultural enclaves all throughout the city that show that this small country is indeed a slice of Asia.

IN PHOTOS: Barcelona, Spain

I spent my first Christmas away from home in Barcelona, Spain in 2005. Although the following pictures were taken during my second visit to this lovely place about a year after, the vibrant city scene in this capital of Catalunya always amazes and attracts. I wouldn't mind spending the holidays here again.

IN PHOTOS: Pagudpud, Philippines

While most international tourists in the Philippines go to Boracay for some fun and relaxation with the sun and the sea, locals know that Boracay can be very overrated and teeming with tourists. If you're like me and you hate truckloads of tourists, a good alternative will be Pagudpud, a coastal town in Northern Philippines, about 12 hours from Manila if you drive or an hour by plane. Within Pagudpud itself, you could go the extra mile and visit the secluded beach of Malingay.

IN PHOTOS: Assisi, Italy

Assisi, a quaint and idyllic town in the Umbrian region of Italy, has been transformed over the years into a favorite destination for tourists and pilgrims. Other than the distinctly Franciscan air that hovers over town, the peace that seems to envelop Assisi is an added reason for people to go there in droves and, like St. Francis, see the glory of creation in its splendid surroundings.

IN PHOTOS: Florence, Italy

A year ago, around this time, I was preparing for my crash course on the Italian language in Florence, Italy. I had been in this citadel of Italian Renaissance before but just for two days, so you could just imagine the excitement (and the anxiousness, of course) that I had in doing the new course. But my short stay in Firenze was amazing and I keep on telling everyone that I have left a chunk of my heart in the city.

IN PHOTOS: Santiago de Compostela, Spain

As Christendom celebrates the day of St. James the Great, W.A.M. brings you pictures from Santiago de Compostela, Spain, a city that combines folklore with modernity, a city steeped with a rich Jacobean tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages.

IN PHOTOS: Paris, France

The magic of Paris, France is so powerful that it can be sensed even in photos. I have repeated many times that one doesn't even have to enter any place to feel its power. The streets of Paris, its many buildings and spires, and the venerable Seine that dissects the city speak of why this City of Lights is special for many people the world over.

IN PHOTOS: Lisbon, Portugal

I've written some time ago that Lisbon (Lisboa), Portugal is a home away from home. The reason is simple: the Portuguese are a lot like Filipinos and one cannot help but remember quaintness of Manila when he strolls down the Lisbon's shore. It's one of those places where I've said to myself, "I wouldn't really mind living here."

IN PHOTOS: Pamplona, Spain

I am sure that as early as now, there are a lot of people in a mad rush to reserve flights, train rides and cheap accommodation in Pamplona, Spain for the Sanfermines. Although I wasn't in there during the annual running of the bulls, my impression of the city is one of efficiency, hospitality and culture.

IN PHOTOS: Bruges, Belgium

Bruges (Brugge) might be unfamiliar to most Filipinos but this very idyllic city in the north of Belgium, in the Flemish region, has been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. On a more personal note, I am always reminded of the warmth and the homey atmosphere the city offers, a fitting wakerupper especially during one's low moments.