This year marks the 12th anniversary of my travel blog, iamjosemanuel.com. To commemorate this special milestone, I am listing down the best and most memorable cities that I’ve visited so far. I already lost track of the number of cities I’ve been to; probably more than a hundred, including domestic.
I’m limiting this list to five favorite cities outside the Philippines. No doubt, old-world Architecture plays a major influence for me to form this list; my love affair and fascination with the ancient times.
1. The Uniquely-Beautiful Venice, Italy
Venice is heaven for ‘Old-world’ enthusiasts. Venice’s well-preserved architectural style is uniquely defined by a hybrid of Gothic Italian and Islamic elements, since this city has also been under the rule of Muslim/Turks back in the days. The vibe of Venice, hindi exactly the same as what you see in Milan, Rome and Florence. Kakaiba. Unpolished.
I’ve stayed in Venice for 3 days. I did not take any arranged tour, I just glided my way through its maze-like streets. When I say, maze-like, ganito yun.
There’s something unique about a city floating in water, and the gondolas swaying their way through the canals and lagoons. I clearly remember getting lost during a late afternoon stroll, nakarating ako sa isang empty neighborhood of old buildings. Walang tao dun, tas’ biglang umulan. Found shelter at a random roofed hallway, and stayed for around an hour. Naka-idlip ako nun. Scary din to a point, but sobrang memorable. After the rain, it took me a while to find my way back. Inabutan ako ng dilim. See more of Venice in this 2015 blogpost link.
2. Florence, Italy
Ok, bias kase more than one entry from Italy, but the old-world charm of Florence is impossible to not talk about. Florence to me boasts the most well-preserved “Italian Renaissance” era there is. Those treasured artworks, sculptures and the perfectly-maintained Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo de Firenze) are worthy of all the admiration its been getting. Compared to Venice, Florence is more on the polished, expensive vibe, where everything is manicured and well-maintained; and I love them both.
Sali ko na ang Leaning tower of Pisa sa entry na ito, since it was just an hour away from Florence. Florence and Pisa are easy to navigate, relaxed and less crowded compared to Rome and Milan. See more on this link.
3. Cusco, Peru
Cusco is more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu. The romantic,old-world charm of this well-preserved Latin City is a beauty on it’s own. Kaso sobrang layo nya sa Pinas. But if I’d be given a chance to go back to a destination in Latin America, definitely, I am choosing Cusco in a heartbeat. Sobrang ganda, especially Plaza de Armas and the overlooking view of San Blas.
Japan has a lot of amazing cities, but Kyoto is definitely on top of the list. Kyoto is known for its profound serenity and timeless charm. A bit touristy, but indeed, there’s so much to see (if you prefer exploring Old-world Japan). I think Kyoto is one of the most photogenic, if not the most photogenic place I’ve visited so far. Sakto din siguro I visited during autumn when everything was golden.
Kyoto is also a good base city to explore Central Japan. Nara and Himeji are easy day trips from Kyoto.
5. Bagan, Myanmar
Last on my top five is Bagan.
Bagan in Myanmar is an ancient city, a historic capital, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its thousands of temples and pagodas. If you are into mysterious/elusive, old-world vibe, then truly, Bagan offers exactly that experience.
Sobrang photogenic, yet somewhat out of radar, because it is difficult to get to, even if nasa Southeast Asia lang din sya. Truly, my trip to Bagan is one for the books. And if given a chance, I’d definitely return in a beat; and I’d love to take you guys with me.
Cheers to more aspirations to fulfill, and making sure our bucketlist of new things to dream about remains filled for a long, long time.
Now is the time to celebrate and remember to have fun.
Cheers to this new milestone in our lives! This is our moment to go further out of our zones and fully live our authentic selves wholeheartedly.
Even if it’s a little harder now to tie our own shoelaces in the morning kay medyo naga sakit-sakit na ang tuhod, at least it reminds us that we are still here.
Laban ra!
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Photos taken during my staycation at Nustar Resort & Casino, Cebu City.
Nustar is the first 5-star Filipino hospitality brand in the Philippines and the first integrated resort in Cebu;boasting luxurious rooms, exceptional dining options, full-service spas, concierge services, and other premium amenities.
The smallest cafe in Fukuoka, located in the Daimyo district. It’s described as being about the size of a walk-in closet and offers takeaway beverages and desserts with outdoor seating.
OK, step by step guide on how to apply for Tourist VISA to the USA. I’m making this post as simple as possible, with screenshots, so you know what to expect. DIY po itong application ko. I did not apply through an agency.
Disclaimer lang muna. First, this process is as of July 2025. There may be updates in the future, along with the transitioning of the US Administration. Second, this guide solely gives light on US Tourist Visa Application for Filipinos living in the Philippines; Non-immigrant po at walang plano mag TNT. To be specific, B1,B2 ang term nila for regular tourist visa. Lastly, this guide does not guarantee your approval. Depende po sa ganda. Charot! Pero di nga, if you find visa application overwhelming, mag agency po tayo for more chances of winning. ems! If mag agency po, please check on reviews first kase dami scammers today.
My application in a gist:
Magpapicture ng 2×2
Accomplish the DS 160 Application form online (For tourist B1,B2)
Pay the Visa fee
Schedule Appointment for Photo & Biometrics at VAC, then for Interview at the embassy
Personally attend the scheduled Photo/Biometric and interview
First step: Magpapicturesa studio. inuna ko ito kase the softcopy/jpeg file is needed during the second step. You will also submit 2 copies of this during the interview at the embassy.
Photo requirement: 2 x 2 inches, square, without borders. The applicant’s head (measured from top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) must measure 25 mm to 35 mm (1 inch to 1 3/8 inch); the applicant’s eye level must be 28 mm to 35 mm (1 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inch) from the bottom of the photo. NO EDITING OF ANY SORT. NO EARRINGS FOR MEN. You will need both the printed copy 2×2 and the raw file to upload. A US visa photo must be a JPEG (.jpg) file, 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, with a square aspect ratio and a file size no larger than 240 KB.
Second Step: Accomplish the DS 160 Application form online. Log in at ustraveldocs.com , choose Philippines as base and non-immigrant Tourist B1/B2 as visa type. You will be asked to create an account before proceeding. Sign up with your valid email, contacts and assign verification questions. For Reference, ganito to ang look ng site.
After signing up, you will automatically be redirected to the DS 160 page, as shown below. (https:// ceac.state.gov/genniv/). After sign up and all, select “Start an application” and you will be given a unique Application ID. Take note of this so you can retrieve your application if mag close. Note that you don’t necessarily have to accomplish this form in one seating. Pwede naman po save2x.
Ok, this is the part where you will give personal information, travel plans, work, education etc. See the screenshot below, ito po ang starting page. Mahaba po ito pero basic questions lang naman, just like any other visa application. Answer truthfully. Re the travel plans, not necessary naman po may return ticket na or what. Just give your intended dates and what you want to do.
You have to declare everything that’s being asked. Your income, profession, your previous jobs, including the name of you ex-boss or HR, your travel history the last 5 years (if any), and yes po, DECLARE all SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS set on public mode. I submitted my Facebook, IG, Tiktok and this website that you are currently at.
DS 160 will also ask you for a contact person in the US. Friend, relative or what. Needed po contact and address niya. I was told na may cases, tinatawagan po ang declared contact for verification. Though hindi po tinawagan akin. You also have to declare the organizations you belong to.
Here are some other questions that you have to address. Answer truthfully lang po.
After completion, upload the 2×2 photo file, then review muna. Edit if you have to. Make sure kaya mo mapanindigan all the declared info, as these MAY be asked again during the personal interview.
After submission, you will be given a CONFIRMATION LETTER. ganito yun.
Overwhelming ba mag DIY Application? oh mag agency ka na. If ok pa, the read on.
Third Step: Payment of Visa fee before you set the interview appointment. This is done at another website —> usvisascheduling.com. See screenshot below. Sign in with your valid email and contact, log in, then start new application for interview. You will be asked to encode the application number that was given to you with the submitted DS 160 form kanina; nasa upper right side ng confirmation letter.
Just go through the steps until you reach the payment interface. Yes po, payment muna before you get an access to available dates for interview.
The cost of Regular Tourist Visa B1/B2 is 185 USD or 11,100 Pesos as of July 2025. After this, you will be prompted with a Slip/Notice of payment with instructions on how and where to pay. Download and print this slip and submit nyo po sa teller, as they will need to encode also your details at time of payment. Sa RCBC po ako nag-pay, over the counter cash deposit. I also brought with me sa bank my passport at yung DS 160 confirmation letter, just in case. The slip looks like this.
After payment, sabi you have to wait 24 hours for validation. As in my case, I paid at the RCBC Branch nearest sakin at 9 am, and I had my payment reflected na sa website by 10 am. You can check this sa USVisadocs.com account ninyo.
Fourth Step: Select appointment date for Photo and Biometric (fingerprint scanning), and a separate date for interview with the embassy.
Yes po, two appointments: one for Photo/biometrics enrollment and the other for the interview at the embassy.
Previously, the collection of biometrics is done on the same date as with the interview at the embassy. But with the new visa application system, you are required to schedule a separate appointment to the newly launched Visa Application Center (VAC) at Parqal Mall in Parañaque (Manila) for your biometrics enrollment. I read may Visa Application Centers na din daw sa Cebu at Davao that accepts this step. Google nyo na lang. As with my case, Manila po ako nag-process.
To schedule, log in again on your USTravelDocs.com account. Once the payment has already been reflected in your account, you may now proceed with the scheduling. You will first select a date for the biometric, then afterwards, the site will lead you to the available dates for interview.
IMPORTANT: The date of biometric and the interview could be one week apart to a month. That is why it is crucial to apply for visa early, if meron po tayong fixed date or event kailangan mapuntahan sa US. I say 6 to 10 months prior to your desired date of flight.
Overwhelming na ba ng todo? again, pwede po mag hire ng agency to assist you.
After selecting the dates and respective time slots, you will be given slips with your details. Download and print this along with other documents necessary to submit.
Fifth Step: Attend to the scheduled appointments. Yes po, ako na taga Gensan, lipad po tayo to Manila on the dates, and mindful tayo sa timeslot assigned.
Photo and Biometrics Address: US Visa Application Center (VAC). Third Floor, Parqal Mall Building 8, Parañaque, Metro Manila. Phone: (02) 7792 8988. Pretty straight-forward transaction here.
Interview: Embassy of the United States of America. 1201 Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila.
My interview was scheduled at 8 am, but I was already outside the embassy as early as 5:30 am. Mainit po around 6:30 na. FYI. Pipila po tayo sa labas tlga under the harsh environment. Madaming checking at stages before makapasok sa building mismo.
Essential Documents na dinala ko, as specified in the confirmation letter:
Current-valid passport
previous passports with travel history.
DS-160 Confirmation Letter: (DS-160). Color-printed. US Letter-sized paper
Appointment Confirmation Slips. Color-printed. US Letter-sized paper
Photographs: Dalawang 2×2.
Visa Fee Payment Receipt: Deposit Slip. Photocopy and original.
Supporting Documents na Dinala ko din: PSA Birth Certificate, Valid PRC IDs, Latest ITR ko, at latest bank statement with average daily balance; pero itong bank statement, hindi na po ito hinanap ng interviewer.
If you are employed, needed po to bring your company id and certificate of employment. As per my case, practicing professional po ako. So i brought my PRC ID and the ITR.
I highly suggest you place all your documents in a clear plastic envelope.
Nagdala din po ako black ballpen. I noticed madami nagbebenta ballpen sa labas for 50 pesos.
Hindi po ako nagdala ng Cellphone. Bawal po. Iniwan ko po sa hotel. Bawal din water or food.
The procedure inside the embassy: may initial validation with a filipino employee ng embassy. Parang front desk. Then after this, pasok po sa isang bigger room with windows for the interview proper.
– If your application is approved, they will take your passport. – If your application is rejected or denied, they will tell you right away.
The Interview proper took only five (5) minutes sa case ko, o less pa. It’s very quick because most probably, applications have been evaluated even before the interview. Likely, they already have a tentative decision prior to your appointment, and the interview is just for validation/consistency of declared details as per your DS 160 form. As per my experience, I was only asked what my job is and the purpose of my travel to the US, which I answered “just for vacation/holiday”, and done!
So yun po ang process ng application ko. I clearly remember na generous yata sila sa pag-grant during our date. Lahat kami sa line, magkasunod na approved.
Formula to get an approval? Prove your ties with the PH. As per my case, I feel that my job as a Licensed Architect here for several years already, gave them an impression that I have no plans of finding work in the US, and that my job is stable. My travel history probably gave a good impression as well. Financial situation? I don’t think so, as the officer never asked me to show any document pertaining to that. Baka lucky day ko lang din gid.
In doubt with your chances? I say again, go get an agency to assist you.
Davao City, Philippines — ilaw atbp., the country’s leading name in lighting solutions, recently celebrated the first anniversary of its first branch in Mindanao. Opened on July 30, 2024, the Davao branch represents a significant milestone in ilaw atbp.’s 26-year journey.
More than just a retail store, it’s a symbol of the company’s ongoing commitment to bringing innovative, high-quality lighting solutions closer to more Filipinos across the country. “Expanding in Davao was a necessary and meaningful step in our mission to light up more Filipino spaces, not just with fixtures, but with lighting that’s designed for each client’s unique needs and vision,” shares Edwin Pimentel, President and CEO of ilaw atbp. “With our own manufacturing facilities and strong relationships with both local and international partners, we’re able to offer exceptional lighting solutions that can be customized for any project.”
(left to right) Edwin Pimentel- CEO and President of Ilaw atbp., Trish Fajardo- Marketing Head, Aldwin Pimentel- Partnerships and Innovations head
The Davao branch, located near Davao International Airport, brings the full ilaw atbp. experience and expertise to Mindanao, starting with LitesPlus, the company’s in-house brand that offers a wide range of high-quality lighting solutions.
Ilaw atbp.also carry proudly Filipino pieces that highlight local artistry and craftsmanship, alongside the latest in smart home systems and energy-efficient technologies.
One of many handcrafted pieces of ilaw atbp., created in collaboration with Artisans from different provinces of the Philippines
Clients can enjoy personalized consultations with in-house interior designers, access to bespoke lighting design services, and custom lighting solutions tailored to residential, commercial, and large-scale developments. Since its opening, the Davao branch has become a trusted partner to architects, designers, developers, and homeowners, helping transform and elevate everyday spaces. As the brand continues to grow, one thing remains clear: the mission to brighten lives and bring world-class lighting solutions to every corner of the Philippines continues with passion and purpose.
ABOUT ILAW ATBP., CORP. ilaw atbp. is a premiere lighting and electrical solutions provider in the Philippines. For over 25 years, ilaw atbp. has been trusted by businesses, developers, designers, and homeowners to bring their spaces to life through expertly designed lighting solutions.
NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu proudly sets “Rhythms of Wellness,” a month-long celebration throughout September 2025 dedicated to holistic well-being. With the vision to establish NUSTAR as a leading wellness and lifestyle destination and a key driver for sports tourism in Cebu, this campaign aims to unite Cebu’s diverse wellness, sports, and lifestyle communities through meaningful partnerships and experiences.
“The theme ‘Rhythms of Wellness’ reflects how wellness takes many forms,” said Mr. Sean Knights, Chief Operating Officer of NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu. “Some days call for stride and energy, others for stillness and reflection, and others for strength and perseverance. Each weekend in September highlights a different rhythm, giving guests the chance to explore activities that match their own pace and path to well-being.”
Rhythm of Stride: NUSTAR Run Club
The wellness activities taking place over the month open on September 7, 2025, with the launch of the NUSTAR Run Club, the integrated resort’s running community set to create a new pace — and space for fitness and fun. The inaugural activity will be for the first two sign-ups. Runners will experience scenic coastal paths in and around the resort, with opportunities to connect over post-run coffee and enjoy an upbeat day-club atmosphere with music at the Lighthouse.
Rhythm of Stillness: NUSTAR Serenity in Motion
The second weekend shifts the focus inward with NUSTAR Serenity in Motion, happening September 12–14, 2025 in partnership with Dawata Wellness. Dawata is a highly regarded and widely popular yoga and wellness community, known for its expertise and commitment to holistic well-being. This three-day retreat is designed to promote mental wellness through guided activities. Guests can take part in tea rituals, meditation circles, sunrise yoga, sound baths, group healing workshops, and ocean breathwork paired with an ice bath experience and more. Participants who register on or before August 15, 2025, can take advantage of an Early Bird rate of ₱1,750 per day. Starting August 16, regular rates will apply: ₱2,000 for the first and third days, ₱2,500 for the second day, or a special bundled rate of ₱5,000 for full three-day access, per participant.
Rhythm of Strength: NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta
The month concludes with a show of teamwork and endurance at the NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta 2025 on September 20–21, 2025. In collaboration with Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) Foundation, the regatta will feature a 200-meter course set along the NUSTAR Boardwalk. Teams will compete in a range of categories, welcoming paddlers of all levels at a registration fee of Php2,500 per person. Another NUSTAR Signature, this event aims to support and promote Sports Tourism here in Cebu.
“Wellness means something different for everyone and that’s why we created Rhythms of Wellness,” said Ms. Katrina Mae de Jesus, Assistant Vice President for Business Development of NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu. “It’s about offering choices, from active pursuits to quiet retreats, so guests can engage in the way that suits them best. As a premier destination, we strive to innovate ethically, engage our communities meaningfully, and design events and activities that not only entertain, but endure.” NUSTAR aims to set the tone for wellness-centered events in Cebu by combining world-class facilities with strong community partnerships. This September, NUSTAR invites everyone to discover their own rhythm of wellness. For more details, visit http://www.nustar.ph or contact (032) 888 8282.
About NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu NUSTAR Resort & Casino Cebu (stylized as NUSTAR), the Philippines’ first and only premier integrated resort in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, offers world-class entertainment, luxury accommodations, diverse dining, and curated retail. Owned and operated by Universal Hotels and Resorts, Inc. (UHRI), NUSTAR is home to the region’s largest gaming floor, The Mall – the first and only luxury shopping mall in the area, Fili Hotel, The Boardwalk, and the ultra-luxury NUSTAR Hotel. Explore our offerings at www.nustar.ph.
The Classic Yufuin No Mori sightseeing train pass through the farmlands and mountains at a slower pace.
The main street in Yufuin is called Yunotsubo Kaido. It’s a charming, pedestrian-friendly road known for its shops, restaurants, and scenic views of Mount Yufu.
Tenso Shrine is probably the most visited shrine in Yufuin. It is located on the banks of Lake Kinrinko, a very popular scenic spot in Yufuin.
The village is inspired by the Cotswolds region of England, famous for its ancient stone houses, with a distinctive honey-yellow colour.
Of all cities I’ve visited in Japan, Nagasaki is probably the most straight forward with what it has. In fact, the city’s main mode of transportation (Street car) is designed in a relatively simple North-South Line, making it manageable and easy to navigate for tourists.
Nagasaki is located northwest of Fukuoka, around 1.5 hours by train, usually with a stop/change train at Saga City. It’s set on a large natural harbor, with buildings on the terraces of surrounding hills. It is synonymous with hard times during World War II, after suffering an nuclear attack in August 1945, after Hiroshima. The event is memorialized at the city’s Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park.
This overlooking view above shows the part of Nagasaki that was previously bombed, Nagasaki Peace Park and Hypocenter Park. These locations offer a vantage point to reflect on the atomic bombing and its aftermath.
In Nagasaki, Ground Zero, the point directly below where the atomic bomb detonated, is marked by a black stone monolith in Peace Park. The park also features a hypocenter monument and remnants from nearby locations like the Shotokuji Temple. The area, now a place for reflection, includes cherry blossom trees and other greenery, symbolizing Nagasaki’s resilience and the hope for peace.
A day trip from Fukuoka would be enough to see the highlights of Nagasaki. Read Fukuoka blog here.
From Fukuoka, I travelled south by train and spent one night at Kumamoto City. Kumamoto is centrally located in Kyushu, making it an excellent base when exploring the island. The city is located on a higher elevation, thus the coolgloomy weather. It rained the whole day I was there, so I only got to explore the city’s castle, which is actually one of Japan’s well-preserved and most complete. Here are some snapshots around Kumamoto.
Of all foreign countries I’ve visited, I think Japan is now my most explored, having visited around 15 cities/towns as of today; Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Himeji, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Sapporo, Furano, Biei, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Yufuin, Oita and Beppu. All thanks to the unlimited train pass from JR Rail.
Recently, I spent a day in Beppu City, in Oita prefecture, Kyushu; and I loved it so much, I had to write about it! Beppu is a relatively small city east of Fukuoka, with only around 120,000 in population. Though small in size, the city is greatly known as an onsen resort destination, with more than 100 public baths and spring resort-hotel and spa. ‘Onsen’ means hot spring, which is a big part of Japanese culture throughout their history. The word refers to the facility with hot bath houses (and sometimes with accommodation), that is built around the natural hot spring water source.
Apart from the hot spring resorts and spa, Beppu is also home to seven “Jigoku”, or “hells”, which are unique hot springs for viewing, (not for bathing). I enjoyed checking out the Hells of Beppu as they are certainly an interesting sight to see. Out of 7, I visited 2 that are nearest to the city center.
The Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), is known for its striking blue color. This deep turquoise-blue pond is one of the most iconic and visually stunning of the Beppu hot springs. The color is a result of dissolved iron sulfate in the water and the way sunlight reflects off it. It’s a natural phenomenon, despite the water’s high temperature (around 98°C or 208°F), making it far too hot for bathing.
The red “hell” in Beppu is called Chinoike Jigoku, also known as Blood Pond Hell. It gets its distinctive red color from the high concentration of iron oxide and magnesium oxide in the water and volcanic mud. This unique phenomenon makes it one of the most visually striking of the Seven Hells of Beppu.
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And since traveler tayo, I made sure to try the authentic japanese onsen experience. I chose to visit the oldest onsen in Beppu, the Takegawara Onsen, established in 1879. It’s known for its distinctive tiled roof and is considered a symbol of Beppu Onsen. The original building was rebuilt in 1938, but the current structure retains its historical charm, original stone-tiled floor and a high-ceilinged lobby made of solid wood.
Takegawara Onsen Entrance View
The Japanese government registered it as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan (a place or object of high artistic or historical value) and charms visitors with a facade reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away.”
Takegawara Onsen entrance fee only costs 120 Yen (around 50 Php). I don’t have any photos of the interior kase bawal po. I shared bathing with mostly local people. The place definitely gave an old world feels, as the tiles and the ceiling were century-old already.
Where I stayed: Beppu Rojiura. 1 street away from the main train station. Only around 12 USD (800 Php) per night.
One of the most memorable meal I had in Japan was actually this quaint cafe/eatery at the corner of Hotel Rojiura. Its a family-run business where locals go for casual lunch or after work meal. No english menu, I just pointed what the person next to me ordered. Communication was definitely a challenge, but overall a memorable experience. It came as a surprise to me that my order was actually fish fillet. A good one, though. And the tomato-based ramen soup that came with the set was seriously good.
This set only costs 1000 yen with hot tea. For a dine in restaurant in Japan spending 1000 yen is already a great deal.
Based on my observation, Beppu is among the few cities in Japan with very little foreigners. The language barrier was definitely a challenge, but I don’t mind going back.
Beppu is around 2 hours from Fukuoka City by JR Train. And Cebu Pacific has direct flights to Fukuoka from NAIA in Manila.
