Drew Arellano recommends: The best of ‘Biyahe ni Drew’

Planning your trips this 2014? Here are the veteran travel host’s favorites from a year of adventures.

Drew Arellano has been a travel host for eight years, sampling the best from different provinces and countries. In 2013, he faced a new challenge: searching for travel bargains as the host of “Biyahe ni Drew,” GMA News TV’s budget travel show.

Here’s are Drew’s favorites from a year on the job:

The best adventure rides



Which zip line is the best? “Ang mga zip line sa Pilipinas, nagsulputan na parang kabuti!” says Drew. “Nagkakatalo na lang sila sa haba, lula factor at ino-offer na view.”

Standouts are the zip line at Hannah’s Beach Resort in Pagudpud, which takes you on a kilometer-long ride over the open sea; and the one at the Tibiao Eco-Adventure Park in Antique, which offers a spectacular view of the Tibiao River.

Full itineraries: “Pagudpud for every budget” and “Adventures in Antique”



The unforgettable Plunge. In Bohol, we had to bully Drew into trying The Plunge, a 230-foot free fall into a forest ravine. After much hesitation and bargaining — Drew asked our segment producer and cameramen to jump first — he agreed to try it. While the drop itself was scary, he ended up enjoying swinging from the end of the safety cords. Full itinerary: “48 Hours in Bohol”

First time paragliding. Even after eight years as a biyahero, Drew still finds new things to try. His achievement for this year? Paragliding for the very first time in Sarangani. “It was just like I imagined. It’s like you’re flying, very peaceful,” he says. Full itinerary: “First time in Sarangani”

The best of nature
Coron. The Philippines has some of the best beaches in the world (we have 7,107 islands, after all) and some of the cleanest are found in Coron, Palawan. Despite being battered by typhoon Haiyan towards the end of the year, Coron is back on its feet and open to tourists once more. Full itinerary: “48 Hours in Coron, Palawan”

Hinatuan Enchanted River. For our very first episode, Drew visited Surigao del Sur, a province which isn’t overrun with tourists but is home to one spectacular work of nature: the Hinatuan Enchanted River.

The water is so clear that you see all the way down to the river bed, with the water reflecting a brilliant aquamarine blue. In the protected site, where fishing is illegal, the fish swim freely with travelers. Full itinerary: “A 48-hour budget travel itinerary to Bislig, Surigao del Sur”



Night diving and canyoneering. Sometimes, a different perspective is all that’s needed to rediscover a destination. In Sarangani, Drew recommends night diving at Lemlunay Resort; in Antique, he rappelled down the face of Bugtong Bato Falls.

Full itineraries: “First time in Sarangani” and “Adventures in Antique”

The best local food trips
“Kapag nasa bakasyon, kalimutan ang diyeta!” — Drew Arellano

Cebu Lechon. “Piyesta. Piyesta sa aking bibig!” says Drew. In Cebu, you’ll find several famous brands of lechon, but don’t be afraid to try unorthodox roast pigs. You might like them! We recommend the boneless lechon of Mandaue City and the lechonok (lechon stuffed with whole roast chicken) of Gogoes Lechon. Full itinerary: “Lechon-derful Cebu”

Not going to Cebu? Another option for crispy lechon is found in Leyte.



Fresh seafood. One thing we learned in 2013: Where there’s a beach, there’s usually a great seafood restaurant! Drew’s favorites: Coco Grove Salamandas in Siquijor, Hinatuan Fish Cage and Resort in Surigao del Sur, and the many tilapia dishes of South Cotabato.

“Noong naghulog ang kalangitan ng tilapia dishes, sinalo itong lahat ng South Cotabato,” says Drew. “Sisig tilapia, pinaputok na tilapia, daing na tilapia, chicharong tilapia, sweet and sour tilapia, tempurang tilapia!”

Full itineraries: “48 Hours in Siquijor”, “A 48-hour budget travel itinerary to Bislig, Surigao del Sur” and “48 Hours in South Cotabato”

Local specialties. If you’re up for some exotic food and interesting fusions, we’ve got plenty of stories for you! In Ilocos, you can try sinanglaw, a bitter stew made with bile and beef brain; in Davao, you can try ice cream made from crocodile eggs and a giant omelette made from ostrich egg.

If you’re looking for something that isn’t too far outside your comfort zone, try the bagnet and longganisa fusion dishes of Ilocos, where the signature ingredients are added to Italian-style pizzas and Japanese-style sushi rolls. “Ang bagnet, kahit saan mo ilagay, masarap!” notes Drew.

In Guimaras, you can try their famous mangoes even when they’re off season. Try the dessert-like mango pizza at Pit Stop Restaurant for a taste of summer!

Full itineraries: “48 Hours in Davao”, “To Vigan and Beyond: Ilocos” and “Mango-rrific Guimaras”

International trips
An international trip is a milestone for any traveler. Here are Drew’s itineraries for our out-of-the-country trips this year:
“Hong Kong on a budget”
“Five cities of Malaysia”
“48 Hours in Singapore”

We’ve got plenty more adventures coming your way this 2014. The question is — where do you want to go? —Cristina Tantengco/CM, GMA News