So, you already know that I’m clearly obsessed with this little corner of paradise in the Philippines called El Nido, right? Think of your idea of an island paradise—turquoise, glistening waters, white sand, limestone karsts and cliffs carved to perfection, amazing beaches and lagoons—yes, that’s El Nido! Just when I thought I couldn’t be floored even more, El Nido surprised me (yet again!) on my third visit. ...

  Travel Truths is a series about facts, practical tips, awesome advices, and plain truths I know of a place based on first-hand experience. Judging from the love letter I have written for El Nido, you must have known by now how crazy I am for this little corner of paradise. Simply put, this place wowed me to the core! I was blown away the first time I went there in 2012. Fast forward to 2014, on my third visit, nothing has changed—I’m still completely awe-struck about El Nido. That thing they told you about a place losing its magic after your first visit? This holds no truth about El Nido (at least in my case and that of many others). ...

Dear El Nido, As I write this, I am in my office desk, in front of my laptop and piles of papers, about 260 miles away from you. I may be here physically but my heart is beating for you. No one and nothing prepared me for your breathtaking beauty. I first laid eyes on you in 2012. Two years, two succeeding epic trips, four butt-numbing, 6-hour bus rides and a thousand infinite moments after, I’m still on a high about you. You blew my mind like nothing else did. Two different moments. One fleeting feeling. Photo on the right was taken during my first visit to El Nido in November 2012. The other one was in July 2013. ...