Lilit Reyes

San Francisco is a daytime spot. New York’s nightlife is none like other. But the clean city of SanFran, with colorful Victorian-inspired houses is a photographer’s delight. The people are friendlier than when you’re in New York. The BART train is like first-class New York subway train. You feel safer, too!

Unlike the flat topography of Manhattan, SFO is hilly. You’ve got your beach, and your big park, too. You reach the highest peak, feel the cold air of Twin Peaks, and go on a side trip to a lighthouse on a hill.

OK, OK, get your picture taken with the Golden Gate Bridge at the background, just so you can say you were in SanFran. You’re forgiven for doing the most touristic obligation. But hey, the bridge does look great!

Haight and Ashbury is like travelling back to Woodstock or the 60’s. Yes, you can even smell pot in the air! While you’re here, go to AMOEBA for the best used-DVD’s collection. Lots of rare art films!

The Francis Ford Coppola district is a must-see. There’s the City Lights bookstore on one corner (marvelous!) and the Scientology center on the other (surreal experience, I went inside and they toured me around and showed me some videos on Hubbard’s philosophy!). Of course, the wine bar of Coppola shouldn’t be missed.

Castro, the much-touted gay district was o.k., but still too touristy.

Fisherman’s Wharf is expensive but indeed, it’s worth the trip for the clam chowder alone. Birds landing on your chowder adds to the excitement, although they’re out to steal your food!

If you’re daring enough, scour through the streets of Mission district, and you’ll find the most interesting murals in the world. It’s like being in another country because the language you hear is Spanish in this area. Even McDonald’s has its own Hispanic mural on its walls!

The shopping district is stylish and suave. (Powell/Union Square)

The food is fresher than what you eat in New York!

Sadly, expenses are also almost, if not as high as New York.

The art scene is great. Check out Embarcadero cinemas, too, because they show independent films, so you’re not stuck with moneymaking Hollywood’s formulaic viewing.

It’s a breeze to be in SanFran. It’s not crammed. You won’t feel claustrophobic. The air is cleaner. The sun shines in San Francisco, but there’s nothing like “getting caught between the moon and New York City.”

Boracay is fine, probably the best kind of sand your feet will land on. But it is too commercialized, in fact, it’s like a city already with sand.

But Camiguin has kept its rustic and natural charm. You’ve got an active volcano, natural hot spring bath, a cold spring bath, sunken cemetery, the luscious fruit called “lanzones”, sleepy towns, a white sand bar where there are still colorful fishes around when you snorkel. It has a majestic waterfall. And keeping the Catholic faith alive, you climb a mountain with one “station of the Cross” each as a stopover. Life-size statues re-enacting Jesus Christ’s passion and death.

It’s not a party place. But it’s a worthwhile experience. Solace and old rural setting. It’s a rarity on the Philippine map!

Tip: It’s easy to go to the beach anyway. But for the best place to stay while in Bohol, go to Bohol Bee Farm. Well-designed “houses.” The owner attends to you, personally. The food is healthy, and yes, you get to eat flowers as a salad.