Author: Giovanni Carlo Bagayas

Giovanni Carlo P. Bagayas is a seasoned travel guide, passionate explorer, and proud cat lover from the Philippines. Born in Cebu City and raised between Cebu and Dumaguete City, he now resides in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur — where he spends his days writing about the Philippines and tending to his thriving collection of koi fish, guppies, tilapia, and a crayfish farm.With years of experience uncovering the hidden gems of his homeland, Giovanni has dedicated his career to showcasing the beauty, culture, and adventure that the Philippines has to offer. As the author of Best Philippines Travel Guide, he combines his expertise and love for travel to provide insightful tips, detailed itineraries, and captivating stories for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences in the Philippines.When he's not exploring a new destination or writing a guide, you'll find Gio feeding his koi pond, caring for his cats, or checking on his fish farm. Giovanni's mission is to inspire wanderlust and help visitors — and fellow Filipinos — discover the true essence of their vibrant country.

Where to Spend Christmas in the Philippines (2026): Best Christmas Destinations & EventsWhere to Spend Christmas in the Philippines (2026): Best Christmas Destinations & Events

The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga, the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas, born in Cebu City · Updated October 28, 2026 This guide contains Klook affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Philippines Travel Guide may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Event dates […]

Post title (H1): Tinola Recipe (Tinolang Manok): Easy Filipino Chicken Ginger Soup (2026)Post title (H1): Tinola Recipe (Tinolang Manok): Easy Filipino Chicken Ginger Soup (2026)

Tinolang manok: chicken, ginger, green papaya and malunggay. Photo: Giovanni Carlo Bagayas. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas, born in Cebu City · Updated October 29, 2026 Quick answer Tinola (tinolang manok) is a Filipino chicken soup with a clear, gingery broth, cooked with green papaya or sayote and finished with malunggay or chili leaves. To make […]

Dr. José Rizal: Biography, Timeline, Works & Rizal Sites to Visit (2026)Dr. José Rizal: Biography, Timeline, Works & Rizal Sites to Visit (2026)

Dr. José Rizal (1861–1896), writer, physician and national hero. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas, based near Rizal’s exile home in Mindanao · Updated October 29, 2026 This guide contains Klook affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Philippines Travel Guide may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Quick answer Dr. José […]

Philippine Travel Tax 2026: How Much, How to Pay Online & Who’s ExemptPhilippine Travel Tax 2026: How Much, How to Pay Online & Who’s Exempt

Sort out your travel tax before you reach the airport. Illustrative image. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas · Updated October 28, 2026 · Rates checked against TIEZA’s official travel tax page This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Travel tax rules are set by TIEZA under Presidential Decree 1183, as amended, and can […]

Dapitan City & Dakak Travel Guide (2026): Rizal Shrine, Top Tourist Spots & How to Get ThereDapitan City & Dakak Travel Guide (2026): Rizal Shrine, Top Tourist Spots & How to Get There

The Rizal Shrine, where Rizal lived in exile from 1892 to 1896. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas, based next door in Zamboanga del Sur · Updated October 28, 2026 · Fees and hours from official and recent 2026 sources This guide contains Klook affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Philippines Travel Guide may earn […]

Bukidnon Travel Guide (2026): Dahilayan, Pineapple Fields, Top Tourist Spots & Highland StaysBukidnon Travel Guide (2026): Dahilayan, Pineapple Fields, Top Tourist Spots & Highland Stays

The Communal Ranch in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas, a Mindanao-based travel writer · Updated October 22, 2026 · Dahilayan rates checked against official 2026 prices This guide contains Klook affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Philippines Travel Guide may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rates change […]

Guimaras Manggahan Festival (2026–2027): Dates, Mango Eat-All-You-Can & Travel GuideGuimaras Manggahan Festival (2026–2027): Dates, Mango Eat-All-You-Can & Travel Guide

Sweet Guimaras mangoes at the Manggahan Festival. Illustrative image. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas, raised in the Visayas · Updated October 22, 2026 · Festival details from the Guimaras provincial government and 2026 news reports This guide contains Klook affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Philippines Travel Guide may earn a small commission at […]

Camiguin Travel Guide (2026): How to Get There, Things to Do, Fees & 3-Day ItineraryCamiguin Travel Guide (2026): How to Get There, Things to Do, Fees & 3-Day Itinerary

White Island, Camiguin’s famous sandbar. Photo: Lancegio2020, via Wikimedia Commons. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas, a Mindanao-based travel writer · Updated October 22, 2026 · Fees and transport checked October 2026 This guide contains Klook affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Philippines Travel Guide may earn a small commission at no extra cost to […]

Tortang Talong Recipe (Filipino Eggplant Omelet): Easy Steps, Variations & 2026 CostTortang Talong Recipe (Filipino Eggplant Omelet): Easy Steps, Variations & 2026 Cost

Tortang talong with rice and banana ketchup. Illustrative image. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas, born in Cebu City · Updated October 22, 2026 Quick answer Tortang talong is a Filipino eggplant omelet: whole eggplants are grilled until smoky and soft, peeled, flattened into a fan, dipped in seasoned beaten egg and pan-fried until golden. It takes […]

Kid-Friendly Resorts in the Philippines (2026): 8 Best Family Resorts, Water Parks & TipsKid-Friendly Resorts in the Philippines (2026): 8 Best Family Resorts, Water Parks & Tips

Pool time at a family resort in the Philippines. Illustrative image. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas, a parent who travels the Philippines with his family · Updated October 22, 2026 This guide contains Klook affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Philippines Travel Guide may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. […]