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.

Cost of Living in the Philippines 2026: Monthly Budget, Rent & Prices + Free CalculatorCost of Living in the Philippines 2026: Monthly Budget, Rent & Prices + Free Calculator

By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas, a Filipino living in Mindanao · Updated October 11, 2026 · Prices from 2026 Numbeo/Wise data, Meralco and LTFRB 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. Dollar and pound figures are approximate […]

Ifugao Rice Terraces Travel Guide 2026: UNESCO Clusters, Batad, How to Get There & ItineraryIfugao Rice Terraces Travel Guide 2026: UNESCO Clusters, Batad, How to Get There & Itinerary

The rice terraces of Banaue, the gateway town to Ifugao’s UNESCO-listed terrace clusters. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas · Updated October 11, 2026 · Sources include UNESCO and the Ifugao Archaeological Project This guide contains Klook affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Philippines Travel Guide may earn a small commission at no extra cost […]

Best eSIM for the Philippines (2026): Globe vs Smart vs Travel eSIMsBest eSIM for the Philippines (2026): Globe vs Smart vs Travel eSIMs

Install your eSIM before you fly and you can book a Grab or message your hotel the moment you land. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas · Last updated October 11, 2026 · Prices checked on official Globe and Smart pages This guide contains affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Philippines Travel Guide may earn […]

Dumaguete Tourist Spots 2026: 10 Best Places to Visit + 3-Day ItineraryDumaguete Tourist Spots 2026: 10 Best Places to Visit + 3-Day Itinerary

Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete’s seaside promenade and the easiest first stop in the city. By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas, raised between Cebu and Dumaguete · Updated October 11, 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 […]

Best Time to Visit the Philippines (2026): Month-by-Month Weather & Season GuideBest Time to Visit the Philippines (2026): Month-by-Month Weather & Season Guide

By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas · Updated October 11, 2026 · Season data based on PAGASA, the Philippine weather bureau 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 The best time to visit the Philippines is […]

Island Hopping in Cebu City: The Complete GuideIsland Hopping in Cebu City: The Complete Guide

Quick Answer The best island-hopping destinations near Cebu City are Malapascua (thresher sharks, white sand beaches), Moalboal (sardine run, Kawasan Falls canyoneering), Camotes Islands (lesser-known, serene beaches and caves), and Bantayan Island (laid-back beach getaway). Best visited November-May for calmer seas. For the diving-specific breakdown of these same islands, see our complete scuba diving spots […]

Davao Tourist Spots: The Complete GuideDavao Tourist Spots: The Complete Guide

Quick Answer Davao is the largest city in Mindanao and home to Mount Apo (the Philippines’ highest peak, 2,954m), the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, pristine Samal Island, and the iconic durian fruit. Climbing Mt. Apo specifically requires a permit and a mandatory accredited guide — a “no permit, no climb” policy strictly enforced since 2026. […]

Vigan Philippines: The Complete Heritage City GuideVigan Philippines: The Complete Heritage City Guide

Quick Answer Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ilocos Sur, famous for its intact Spanish colonial architecture along Calle Crisologo. Best visited November to April for cooler, drier weather, with 2-3 days ideal for exploring heritage sites, trying Vigan longganisa and empanada, and visiting nearby Mindoro Beach — a genuinely unusual black-sand beach […]

The Best Scuba Diving Spots in the PhilippinesThe Best Scuba Diving Spots in the Philippines

Quick Answer The Philippines’ top scuba diving spots span the Visayas and Palawan: Malapascua (daily, year-round thresher sharks — one of the only places on Earth with this), Moalboal (the famous sardine run), Dauin and Puerto Galera (muck/macro diving), Panglao and Apo Island (coral reefs and marine sanctuaries), and El Nido (limestone cave diving and […]

Hotels in Dumaguete City: A Real Guide by BudgetHotels in Dumaguete City: A Real Guide by Budget

Quick Answer Dumaguete has real options across every budget: Go Hotels Dumaguete (~$24/night) for budget travelers, Asia Novo Boutique Hotel (~$25/night) and Coco Grande Hotel for boutique charm near Silliman University, and UNWND Boutique Hotel (~$73/night) in nearby Sibulan for something more upscale. Stay near Rizal Boulevard or downtown if you want walkable access to […]