Why Travel?
At one point in your life you will feel exhausted, bored and tired of your routinary life. When that day comes, just step out of your comfort box, move away from your usual self and see your life from different perspectives. Travel! Head out to the endless horizon and discover the world, go places and meet new faces, explore to understand new cultures, get lost to find yourself. In the end you will realize that traveling is not only about learning new cultures or meeting new friends or discovering new places, it also lets us discover our own culture, our limits, ourselves. It is a personal journey to self-discovery, because after all, it is only from the outside that we can look back in.
Who is Lakwatsero
Angel Juarez is a backpacker, adventure seeker, son of a beach, hobbyist photographer, scuba diver, aspiring marine conservation biologist, environment advocate, runner, mountain biker, budget traveler, seasonal mountaineer and newbie surfer. An Information Technology Analyst on workdays who speaks languages that only computers understand, but on weekends and holidays he is most probably underwater, on the saddle or out-of-town. He started chasing sunsets, waterfalls, lighthouses and extreme adventures as soon as he finished college and started blogging in May of 2006 under the web name Bleue. He decided to focus on Travel in March of 2008. He dreamed of documenting and sharing his adventures to the world, thus he created www.lakwatsero.com.
Angel and his works and photos have already been featured and published in various websites and publications including Yahoo, Skyscanner, Choose Philippines, Spot.ph, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Magazine, Cebu Pacific’s Smile Magazine, Lonely Planet Magazine, Health and Home Magazine, and Travel+Leisure Magazine.
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thelakwatsero
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thelakwatsero
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thelakwatsero
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelakwatsero
Accomplishments/Recognition
2020
- Finalist: De La Salle Araneta University’s Gawad Lasallianeta – Most Outstanding Instagram Influencer
2019
- Finalist: Village Pipol Choice Award 2019 – Travel Infuencer of the Year
2018
- Finalist: Nuffie Awards 2018 – Travel / Lifestyle Category
- Finalist: Promocode Travel Blog Awards 2018
2017
2016
2015
- Winner: Go Desti Best Asian Travel Blog of 2015
- Finalist: Philippine Blogging Awards 2015 (Bloggys 2015) – Travel and Places Category
2013
- Winner (International) : Skyscanner International Travel Blog Oscars 2013 – User’s Choice
- Winner (Philippines): Skyscanner Philippines Travel Blog Oscars 2013 – User’s Choice
- Finalist: Hostel World Travel Story Awards 2013 – Photo Essay Category
- Shortlisted: Hostel World Travel Story Awards 2013 – Story Teller of the Year
2012
2011
- Winner: Cebu Pacific Wandering Juan Travel Blog Awards – Sports and Adventure Category
2009
- Nominee: Philippine Blog Awards – Best Travel Blog
2008
- Finalist: Philippine Blog Awards – Best Travel Blog
Citations
- Traveloka: 10 Filipino Travel Bloggers You Should Follow On IG
- The Culture Trip: 11 Filipino Instagrammers You Should Follow Right Now
- Team Manila: 8 Instagram Accounts People Who Love Philippine Travels Should Follow
- Team Manila: 10 Local Travel Instagram Accounts You Should Follow Today
- Spot.Ph: 10 Instagrammers That Will Make You Want To Travel
- Buzz Feed: 25 Filipino Travel Bloggers Who’ll Inspire Your Inner Wanderlust
- Buzz Feed: 30 Pinoy Instagram Accounts That’ll Add Beauty To Your Feed
- Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Magazine: Instafave (June 2015)
- Viral Kollective: 7 Instagram Accounts to Follow if You Want Scenic Philippine Sites on Your Feed
- Philippine Beaches: 20 Instagrammers Who Prove It’s More Fun in the Philippines
- Destination Cebu: 10 Instagram Accounts to Follow If You Like to Travel
- Travel Book: 10 Must-Follow Travel Bloggers on Instagram
Mission
Lakwatsero.com is guided by the following missions:
- To help tourists by providing information about different destinations
- To guide budget travelers by providing cost-effective travel advise
- To promote the Philippines by showcasing its different scenic spots
- To document the Philippines and the world by capturing its beauty in stills and in narratives
Expect this site to feature not only photos and destinations where Lakwatsero have been to but also food, adventures, events and everything about life that is worth blogging.
For your comment, inquiries, suggestion or other concerns, you may email me at angelcjuarez[at]gmail[dot]com or just leave a message at the comment section below.
About Lakwatsero.com
Lakwatsero.com, a partnership jointly owned by Angel Juarez and Kerwin Uy, is duly registered in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) of the Philippines.
Hi Lakwatsero,
I’m a natural-born Pinay who now lives in Sweden and one of my passions is to travel. I stumbled upon your website when browsing the net.
Just like to say that I love your site and made me more proud of my native country.
I would soon be visiting Pinas again this year March-April. Would be in Panglao, Bohol, Santander, Cebu and Dauis in Negros Oriental. I would like to go whale-shark & dolphin watching. Can you recommend where’s the best place to do this? I’ve heard of “chasing” instead of watching and I absolutely doesn’t want to be on this “chasing” agenda.
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Gina
Hi Gina. Thanks for the kind words 🙂
Dolphin watching really depends on luck, as these dolphins love to move and swim around, so your boat will definitely have chasing times. Same for the whaleshark, although I heard that the whalesharks in Oslob are more confined in specific spots unlike in Sorsogon, which means less chasing 🙂
Enjoy your coming visit and keep on traveling 🙂
Hi Lakwatsero,
I would definitely go to Oslob then and see the whalesharks. And thank you for the enlightenment about the chasing.
Thank you again and keep on travelling, too.
Hey there,
Just to let you know, it has been a bliss to read about your travels. Shared a link to your blog through my own about Cuyo islands, hope it is ok.
Creetings from Cuyo, moving on soon.
Katja
hello,lakwatsero! i just graduated college,last march and passed the board last n0vember.i‘m thinking of getting a job so0n but i saw your page about travelling..it seems like i want to be like you,could you please help me on how to make travel n0t to spend a lots of money?then how can i make money in travelling,without asking for my parents money?im looking forward for you to help me with this.anyway,visit palanan isabela,and if you dont mind,sama mo ko 🙂
hi, thank you for featuring my beloved Albay. Your blog is so great and it also helped me a lot in making my articles. Keep it up Mr. Lakwatsero. Looking forward to read more about your travel adventure.
Thanks Mel. I am half Bicolano too. My dad is from Ligao, Albay 😀
Your welcome Mr. Lakwatsero. oh, really? it’s nice to know that you are a Bicolano too. I see your from Ligao City, quite far from Legazpi 🙂
Angel,
You are doing a great job. Congratulations. Unlike many others who are content with words, I would to know how we can do collaborate. In particular, I am interested to know how I can help you with your advocay.
I have been in tourism and travel, too. I started the Boracay project in the late 80s for DoT. Then organized The Travel Club of Manila in 1999. I would like to go back to travel and tourism next early next year. In fact, I am starting this late November 2012.
Cheers and Mabuhay.
Rick
P.S
Kindly email me directly.
Hello Angel,
I would like to know if is it possible to allow to put our ads in your page your page featuring Caramoan preferably in the top-center of the page?
If it is possible please let me know and I am looking forward that we could both arrive in terms.
Thank you very much and Godbless.
Emilio Victor B. Avila III
09293362773
Hi Mr. Lakwatsero,
im a wannabe travelblogger, you’re blog is an inspiration, and such a very informative., ive been following your blog for a quite sometime now, and really impressed me.. i love ur DIY travel budget tips..
Hi Rezzie! Thanks so much! Keep traveling 😀
hi angel!
awesome awesome website! very helpful!! thankssss for all the info!!
Thanks Bea 🙂
Hi Angel!
We will be honeymooning in Basco, Batanes in late November/early December. No kids, just my bride and I. Any tips for making our honeymoon a treasure to remember will be much appreciated!
You are blessed!
Roger
Wow! Stay at Fundacion Pacita!!! 😀
Hi Angel!
Ayos! We are staying at Fundacion Pacita for one week! Salamat!
You are blessed!
Roger
hi angel. i love to travel but most of the time, its hard for me to find someone who shares d interest as mine. can u recommend a group/organization that i can join to so i can explore d philippines like u do?many thanks!!!
What I did in the beginning was I joined package tours on my own, travel groups like Travel factor, DIY Philippines and the like. From there I gained a lot of friends and travel buddies and we travel together up to now. At least we all are on the same wavelength, we all love to travel. Try also checking out travel forums in Pinoy Exchange or Female Network, there are lots of open travel invitations there which is a good way to find new travel friends. lastly, do not be afraid to travel alone, I’ve met a lot of travel friends along the road while traveling solo 🙂
Check out this post on how I win friends while traveling solo 🙂
https://www.lakwatsero.com/others/travel-solo-and-win-friends/
Hello ya..
IT Analyst ka pala? Galing!
I was a bit shock kasi IT din ako (1yr plang sa work) and I am dreaming to be a travel blogger! Kaya nga nagpa-assign ako sa Bicol kahit taga Davao ako.. Para maka-explore 🙂
I will follow your blog posts para makakuha ng tips!
Godbless.
_ai
Wow! Thanks Ai. Just keep on traveling and blogging 😀
Ayos a, marine biologist ka pala.
for now, aspiring to be one 😛
but soon :))
Well, I would just like to commend you for the blog which has proved helpful. Also, good luck on your quest for the conservation of marine wildlife. I, too, believe that it is a worthwhile and noble cause.
Quick question while I have you: I’ve been looking at your entries re: Anawangin. I’m pretty interested and I have just have 2 concerns that I hope you can help me with.
1. Anawangin Bangkeros mentioned in a comment that the boat ride (1500) is for 4pax. Paano po kung dadalawa lang kami? Meron kayang chance na makapaghintay ng dalawa pang turista para makihati sa pamasahe?
2. I have a 1.8 yr. old son. Bibo sobra, and I know na maeenjoy niya. Recommended mo ba ang mga ganitong trips para sa ganun kabata? Ok kaya yung boatride para sa ganong edad? May bubungan ba yung bangka? Pinagpipilian ko Calaguas o Anawangin. Kaso parehong may boat ride. Kung hindi advisable para sayo, baka Dasol nalang kami.
Maraming salamat muli and may your tribe increase.
Thanks Paolo 😀
To answer your questions:
1. Yes that is possible, but perhaps you should contact the boatman ahead to merge you with the other group if possible. Kasi kung maghihintay ka ng kasama on that day without advance notice, walang guarantee eh.
2. I am sure your kid will enjoy the place as well as the ride, kids these days are medyo adventurous din naman. Sa Anawangin, as far as I can remember, depende sa boat. Yung iba meron, yung iba wala, I guess depende din kasi sa hangin. Tinatanggal nila ang trapal kapag malakas masyado ang hangin. Better ask na din in advance sa boatman.
When do you plan to go? I heard that may oil spill daw kasi from lumubog na Korean ship sa San Antonio, Zambales (Anawangin/Capones/Nagsasa area). About Calaguas, you will surely love it. The place is becoming popular (or already popular) now, so medyo hindi na sya ganun ka-unspoiled but it is still beautiful 😀
still there?
hello mam, SIGHTS AND SAND INN offers CARAMOAN TOUR PACKAGES also.. This is a new accommodation site in Caramoan and we would like to extend our wish for a possible collaboration with you in promoting our inn as well together with the other noted hotels and inn in Caramoan.
We hope to hear from you..
Thanks and more power!
Please do email me. My email address is published on the post above.
Hi Guys!
Please be informed that in Legazpi City, Albay there is a really beautiful place to stay and will offer you tour packages for you to explore the beauty of Albay. LAVA TOUR, MISIBIS BAY TOUR, CITY TOUR AND INTERACTION WITH WHALE SHARKS AT DONSOL WITH A VERY SATISFYING PRICE.
Hotel’s name is La Venezia Hotel and Spa Inc., 2mins away from the airport. You won’t be disappointed.
angel try mo naman bumisita sa mambukal sa negros…
salamat 🙂
Sir Angel,
im a newbie scuba diver (open and advance open water PADI). do u hav a dive sked this nov and dec? pwede makisabay sa inyo ni ms claudia? hehe…
for francis ian,
if i may comment, there’s no fixed schedule yet for november & december 2012. biri might be the next site to explore but not final yet.
Dear Angel Juarez,
Greetings!
We are writing to you with regard to a possible collaboration for the promotion of our hotel in Coron, Palawan. We have been following closely your travel blog, and we thought that it might be of interest to you to visit Coron again, and write on a different aspect of the place, especially the accommodation, the value for money experience and the warm hospitality of our people.
MyHometel Inc. is a hospitality management company, operating budget and boutique hotels in the Philippines. Currently, we are operating four (4) hotels: two in Cebu, one in General Santos and another in Coron, Palawan, which just recently opened two months ago. We are in the planning stages of developing two more boutique hotels in Panglao, Bohol and Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
For Coron, Palawan, we would like to host your 3 days 2 nights stay (for two) accommodation as well as tour package for free. Our interest is not only to promote Coron and our Hotel through your blog, but also provide insights or ideas to help us further improve our service to tourists. For your reference, you may visit our website, http://www.coronecolodge.com and Facebook page (Coron Ecolodge).
We hope to hear from you soonest. We look forward to a possible meeting to discuss the above matter in greater detail.
Sincerely,
Manny Paredes
Marketing
Hi Sir Manny, thanks for the offer. I will let you know whenever I am going to Coron. Cheers! 😀
The Philippines has many secrets waiting to be discovered. Opportunities for discovery are endless.
Where to start? How about uncovering the Treats of Charming Panay?
May we therefore interest you in providing your readers a glimpse into one of the country’s unheralded wonders? Visit Antique with us on the invite of the province’s Tourism department and discover its magical secrets in a brief but exciting weekend.
Hello…inquire lang po ako kung mga magkano ang budget ng 4days/3night niyo ng Camiguin, CDO and bukidnon (where Dahilayan Adventure is located, tama ba?) but not incuded the airfare. packages lang start from CDO? at ano po ung well known na Island beach resort sa camiguin na cheap? good for 2person(and more). thanks..
if you could reply back na lang sa email?
Hello,
ahh pwde po bang mang hingi ng tips. meron po kasi akong bisitang darating from canada i am planning and he also like to go baguio and 100 island tapos mag gagaling kame sa BATAAN gz2 ko sana from bataan my mga daan kameng mga tourist spot. paakyat ng baguio tapz paikot. help nman po thank you. newbies sa pag gala thanks more powers.
I like the website.