Mika Santos is a Manila-based travel and lifestyle writer who believes the best adventures begin with curiosity and a packed backpack. From hidden waterfalls in Mindoro to art cafés in Kyoto, she writes about meaningful journeys that connect culture, food, and community.
On Bakasyon.ph, Mika focuses on practical trip planning: realistic itineraries, transport choices, weather-aware backup plans, food and culture, and calmer ways to explore the Philippines and nearby destinations.
Editorial approach: Bakasyon.ph guides may combine firsthand observations contributed from family travel with independent research from official tourism, transport, weather, and local sources. The byline identifies the site author and editorial voice; it does not imply that every observation on every page came from one person. Time-sensitive details such as fares, schedules, fees, and operating rules should always be checked close to travel.
Follow the scent of cane vinegar, smoke-cured meat, and hot wok comfort as this feature guides you through Ilocano, Cordilleran, and Pangasinan heirloom dishes—plus where to try them and how to travel respectfully.
This Iloilo heritage travel guide moves like a real walk—river breeze first, then old downtown shadows, Calle Real details, a heritage house stop, and a museum anchor—so you can do a meaningful DIY day without rushing.
When life feels loud, an island can feel like a soft restart button. This nature travel reset guide explains why coastlines and forests calm the mind—then gives you a gentle, low-effort routine for real trips, not perfect wellness itineraries.
Siquijor is best done slowly—salt air, shaded roads, waterfall mist, and folklore told with respect. Here’s a first-timer-friendly loop guide with calm itineraries.
Public transport in the Philippines can feel like organized chaos—until you learn the terminals, the “punuan” rhythm, and what to say. This guide makes it simple.
Zambales island camping is the kind of reset you can pack into a weekend: a banca ride, pine-like trees by the shore, simple meals, and nights that feel quieter than your inbox. Here’s how to do it right.
Mindanao isn’t one cuisine—it’s many tables, many histories, and many ways of welcoming you to eat. Here’s a respectful, sensory food-and-culture journey across regions.
Leyte is where forest roads and wartime history share the same horizon. This guide curates lakes, waterfalls, and memorial paths into a gentle route—safe, respectful, and unrushed.
Travel journaling isn’t about perfect handwriting or documenting every stop. It’s about noticing what moved you—then saving it in a way you can return to. Here’s Mika’s simple system.
Guimaras is the kind of island that feels like an exhale—short ferry hop, gentle roads, sweet mango moments, and quiet beaches you can actually linger on. Here’s how to do it slowly and well.