Everyone living in the Great White North would want to have a break from the gloomy, frosty winter months, most especially people who grew up in tropical countries, and us Filipinos are no exemption. We will always have some sort of attachment to the heat and the sun even if we have gotten accustomed to the cold.

If you are a diving or snorkeling fan, you may have heard of Puerto Galera, the diving centre for the island of Mindoro, south of Manila. Because of its proximity to the mainland of Luzon, Puerto Galera has become a popular recreational spot, and its beaches busy and overpopulated.

After retiring and travelling to numerous destinations including Venezuela, Costa Rica, Tahiti, and Mexico, as well as Caribbean cruising, it’s become clear to me that my preferred holidays are ones where I can shop at local shops, take the local buses, and meet local families.