Turista Boy’s Best of 2025!

Blog Updated on December 30, 2025 by Aldrick ‘chiki’ Agpaoa

2025 is a year full of unexpected detours and adventures. This is also another year of visiting new provinces, new cities, new faces, and new cultures, not only in the Philippines but also in neighboring countries. 2025 is a whirlwind of experiences for me. This year I have visited 38 Provinces (13 New, 25 Revisited), 46 Cities, 69 Municipalities, 2 New Countries, and 2 Festivals. Here are some of my travel stories!

JANUARY 2025

Camp Utopia (Kapangan, Benguet)

Read also: Camp Utopia (Badol Camping Grounds): Kapangan’s Nature Escape

I started 2025 with a hike from one of the up-and-coming camping sites in Kapangan, Benguet – the Badol Camping Grounds a.k.a. Camp Utopia. This year-opener hike was organized by Kuya Arvin of The Northern Nomads and is a good way to start the year. This hike involved a minor to standard 2 to 3 hours hike going to the campsite, pitched our tents, and enjoyed the bonfire night with some stories under the stars. Badol Camping Grounds is really a ‘hidden gem’ of Kapangan.

Ati-Atihan Festival 2025 (Kalibo, Aklan)

Read also: My Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival 2025 Experience

Considered to be the Mother of all Philippine Festivals, Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival is the main festival in the province of Aklan paying homage to the Child Jesus. It is my first time celebrating Ati-Atihan and it involves more of the community as its merrymaking activities are something new to my eye (as a tourist). It is definitely a must-visit festival as it is the first festival (in a series of festivals) to celebrate the Feast of the Child Jesus.

Antique (Province 67)

Read also: Mararison Island Travel Guide

If you are wondering where to find the original “Kawa Bath,” the province of Antique will surprise you. Its famous kawa bath was popularized by the Calawag Mountain Resort in Tibiao. When I visited Antique, I also got the chance to explore Malalison (Mararison) Island, one of the more famous tourist spots in the province!

FEBRUARY 2025

Isabela (Province 68)

Being the second biggest province in the Philippines, Isabela Province was also full of surprises when I visited. From the biggest “butaka” (rocking chair) to the famous Magat Dam, the province still has secrets waiting to be discovered! I will be back here definitely soon for sure!

12th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (Pasay City, NCR)

Read also: My 12th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition Experience

The 12th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition is my second time watching the event. Since then, it has become bigger, better and more exciting! I was there during the opening and closing exhibitions and the fireworks show was the best I have seen so far!

Panagbenga 2025 – The Baguio Flower Festival (Baguio City, Benguet)

Read also: My Panagbenga 2025 Experience

Of course, the crowd-drawing Panagbenga Baguio Flower Festival 2025 is always on my travel list as it is one of the grandest festivals in Northern Luzon and in the Philippines. Celebrated every February in Baguio City, this festival always highlights culture, tradition, and thanksgiving.

Aw-Asen Falls (Sigay, Ilocos Sur)

Read also: Aw-Asen Falls DIY Travel Guide

An early kick-off to my 2025 adventures was an excursion to Aw-Asen Falls in the municipality of Sigay and Sangbay Ni Ragsak Falls in the municipality of Suyo. This twin-falls tour is worth it as it is tucked in Ilocos Sur’s farther towns and the views are just better when you experience it yourself!

MARCH 2025

Onok Island – Balabac, Palawan (Province 69)

Read also: My Balabac, Palawan Experience

I celebrated my 33rd birthday in the idyllic island of Onok (Onuk) in the municipality of Balabac in Palawan. This island is just surreal and just gives a pure “island vibe.” We also explored the nearby islands of Mansalangan, Candaraman, and Canibungan.

APRIL 2025

Japan

Read also: My Expo 2025 Experience

Going to Japan is a dream come true as I also witnessed the opening of EXPO 2025 in Osaka. This quinquennial event was previously held in Dubai in 2020-2021 and will happen again in Riyadh in 2030. Japan’s culture is just amazing and I was just in time for the sakura (cherry blossom) season. This is a country I will definitely visit again.

MAY 2025

Cebu

Read also: Cebu Province Ultimate Travel Guide

Going back to my very first province in my personal #Project82PH is always an adventure. This time, my Cebu trip was personal and is my first time doing it on my own. I have also visited some sites for the first time (many more to come) and just collected memories. It really is a must-visit province.

Bohol

Read also: Bohol Travel Guide

Being the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol is my second province in my #Project82PH. In my recent visit, I explored “The Plunge” of Danao Adventure Park in the municipality of Danao and the “Sikatuna Mirror of the World Park” in the municipality of Sikatuna. I also went back exploring Panglao Island and Tagbilaran City!

JUNE 2025

Agusan Del Sur (Province 70)

Read also: Agusan Del Sur – What to explore in and around

From wonderful falls to mysterious cave connections, Agusan Del Sur is a surprise for me and is one of the must-visit places in Mindanao. When I visited my 70th province, I explored one of the more popular falls in the province, Bega Falls! Right after, I went into an adventurous spelunking adventure in Puting Buhangin Cave, where I encountered a lot of bats and spiders. Hahaha!

Davao De Oro (Province 71)

Read also: Ultimate Davao De Oro Travel Guide

One of the adventures I did this year was to visit Davao De Oro (formerly Compostela Valley) and explore its highlands. I spent a night at Calamba Farm Sea of Clouds in the municipality of Maragusan and did an excursion in Awao Falls in the municipality of Monkayo. There are still a lot of places to see and experience in Davao De Oro and I cannot wait to come back!

JULY 2025

Camarines Sur (Province 72)

What destination comes to mind when visiting Camarines Sur? – it is Caramoan! I did an island-hopping tour in one of the Bicol region’s famed tourist destinations. Roughly about 4 hours from Naga City (by bus), the laid-back town of Caramoan is a no-brainer. This place is recognized as one of the most beautiful places in CamSur.

Camarines Norte (Province 73)

This quiet province of Camarines Norte is known as the site of the very first Rizal Monument built in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal in 1898 in the capital town of Daet. When I come back, I will make sure to visit Calaguas Island, too!

AUGUST 2025

Oriental Mindoro (Province 74)

Exploring the land of tamaraws can be quite intimidating but can also be fun! I started my journey to Oriental Mindoro with a boat ride from Batangas Port and heading straight to the capital city of Calapan where I immediately liked the vibe as it was slow paced and the people were all welcoming and smiling. The trip would not be complete without visiting the popular town of Puerto Galera and its white sand coastlines and discovering more about the province’s rich history.

Occidental Mindoro (Province 75)

Surprisingly enough, the province of Occidental Mindoro has a lot of adventures waiting to be discovered. Aside from the Agbalala Falls in the municipality of Abra de Ilog, I also experienced riding the longest inter-island zipline in Southeast Asia in Sablayan Parola (Presing) Park in the municipality of Sablayan. It was a good 3-minute ride and the journey was just perfect!

SEPTEMBER 2025

Catanduanes (Province 76)

Read also: Catanduanes Travel Guide

It was the monsoon season when I visited the happy island of Catanduanes but the adventure did not stop me! This island province is home to some of the best views of the Pacific and rock formations that are worthy for the gram! The main highlight of my trip was an excursion to Binurong Point in the municipality of Baras – one of the most popular rock formations in the province.

OCTOBER 2025

Leyte

Going back to my 34th province of Leyte in my personal #Project82PH has been more memorable this time. I have now visited the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park in Palo as it was under renovation when I first visited in 2019. I also got to see the New Provincial Capitol of Leyte in the same town of Palo. Would love to explore more of the province soon when I do my Round 2!

Eastern Samar (Province 77)

Read also: Canhugas Nature Park Travel Guide

My short and sweet trip to the province of Eastern Samar was rainy as there was a typhoon approaching when I visited. Luckily enough, I was still able to visit the famed Canhugas Nature Park in the municipality of Hernani and got to see the unique rock formations and crashing waves before the rain struck so hard. I will have to explore more of Eastern Samar soon!

Biliran

Read also: Sambawan Island (Maripipi, Biliran) Travel Guide

Paying a visit again to my 35th province has been more peaceful this time. As I visited Biliran Island on a weekday, there were literally no tourists when I explored the island and when I visited Sambawan Island in the municipality of Maripipi. I first visited Biliran in 2019 and it was equally perfect. I hope to visit the island again soon!

NOVEMBER 2025

Thailand

Sawasdee Ka! It was my first time visiting Thailand and it was memorable in every bit and piece. I explored the vibrant atmosphere in Bangkok and got the chance to see the  Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai! If you get to visit Thailand, do not forget to explore its food scene and the countless temples scattered all around the country! I will definitely be coming back!

DECEMBER 2025

Albay

Read also: Albay Province: Things to see in Bicolandia

Exploring Albay in December is quite a hit or miss. Unfortunately during my revisit, it was rainy and gloomy and Mount Mayon did not show its entirety as it was capped by clouds. The best time to really explore the province is during the Dry Season (from March to May) to see the entirety of the volcano – as it is the province’s centerpiece. Will explore other vantage points soon, too!

Sorsogon

Going back to Sorsogon is a bit of a surprise for me. It was my first time to visit the Sorsogon Rompeolas (“breakwater”) and try some local food during my short-and-sweet stay. Can’t wait to come back and explore the province more!

Northern Samar (Province 78)

Read also: Biri Island Travel Guide

One of the highlights of my 2025 travel series was my trip to Biri Island in the province of Northern Samar. These prehistoric rock formations have been silent witnesses to the history of the Philippines as the first explorers who set foot in the country passed through its waters – as evidenced by the 3 anchors displayed in front of the Tourism Office of Biri. There are around 6 to 7 rock formations you can visit and it is best to explore the area during sunrise and sunset!

Samar (Province 79)

Capping off my 2025 travel series is a short tour of the capital of Samar, Catbalogan City. I originally intended to stay in Calbayog City but since their zipline is only open during weekends, I will just have to come back. This vibrant city is full of life (and tricycles) and is one of the cities I will explore more once I will do a Samar Island loop!

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2025 is a year full of lessons and experiences. As I reach my final turn on my personal #Project82PH, let 2025 be a reminder that everything is possible when you travel! ‘Til next year!

We’re born to travel!