The Queen's Escape

Storie of connection from the summits to under the seas.

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  • The view at Santelmo Cove's view deck

    Break Free with Pico Sands Hotel

    February 20, 2022 / 0 Comments

    The past two summers only got us wishing for days where we could freely bask in the sun, feet buried in powdery white sand or maybe sipping fresh juice straight out from the coconut. With the universe’s grace, for the first summer time in pandemic, we could finally hit the beach and let the waves take away all the stress it has caused us. The good news: we’re just a dose or two of COVID-19 vaccination away from breaking free. If you have decided to go and you want to spare yourself from the stress of planning for your idyllic getaway, here’s a perfect summer package that would make you…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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  • Santelmo Cove

    Santelmo Cove: An Idyllic Summer Destination in the Philippines

    February 11, 2022 / 0 Comments

    We’re enjoying the last of the cool breeze right now and before we know it, it’s the summer time again. Most of us might be planning our reunion with the sand and the sea for our getaway. Though different attractions and provinces have finally opened up to welcome tourists from different regions, these are still not enough to hold the surge that would crowd it. Thus, if you’re also into places that you wish to enjoy and relax in all by yourselves, here’s an idyllic summer destination that you may want to visit soon. Meet Santelmo Cove! About Santelmo Cove Santelmo Cove is one of the string of thirteen untouched…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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  • Life Lessons I learned from a seasoned solo traveler

    Life Lessons from a Seasoned Female Solo Traveler

    February 4, 2022 / 0 Comments

    A gracefully thin woman in her white summer dress looked up to me as I spoke gleefully of our dive session. She was seated at the dining area, her eyes hidden behind the curtains of her curls examining us, shifting her gaze from one diver to another. The lady looked sophisticated. She has been quiet since we came then she spoke a word or two to the staff in our silence. She just doesn’t look sophisticated, she also sounded sophisticated. Should I greet her? Just then, I happened to hear that she is rather a female solo traveler who, like us, was also just visiting Puerto Galera. In awe, I…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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  • Dine Under the Stars at Taal Vista Hotel

    Dine Under the Stars in Tagaytay City by Taal Vista Hotel

    February 1, 2022 / 0 Comments

    There are two things about Tagaytay City that the tourists love the most: the view of Taal volcano and lake and the chilly weather. In the day, they would crowd those places by the ridge to get a good view of it. There really are lots of places to be and activities to do around in broad daylight as one enjoys that majestic view. At night, on the other hand, they would enjoy the cool breeze and the city lights from below. There’s not a lot to do but let time pass by in oblivion while exchanging stories and food in one’s favorite café or restaurant. Just recently, we found…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    North Luzon Loop Road Trip Travel Guide 2023

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  • Taal Vista Hotel's view of the lake and volcano

    Top Reasons to Stay in Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City

    January 29, 2022 / 0 Comments

    I’ve been living in this city for years; hence used to the view and weather that a lot would endure long hours of drive and traffic jam for. Believe it or not, I often find myself literally lost for words when asked with, “Where’s the best place to eat or stay in Tagaytay City?” Given a chance to experience and stay at Taal Vista Hotel, I saw my city through fresh eyes and just found out about an answer to the question I’ve always been asked. Three days in this hotel made me realize that there are several reasons for you to experience it, too. With that, here’s what you…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    Bubblemaker Dive and Beach Resort: A Water Fun Hub in Mabini, Batangas

    April 30, 2021

    Tanaw sa Anilao: A Native Filipino Beach House in Mabini, Batangas

    September 5, 2021
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    Balai Lawom: New Freedivers’ Chill Hub in Mabini, Batangas

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  • a female freediver underwater

    Best Dive Sites in Batangas 2023

    January 19, 2022 / 0 Comments

    It’s undeniable – a lot has been into freediving lately. The ocean and the activity itself is inviting for a million reasons. To start with, it provides stillness, silence, focus and calmness for everyone. As a sport, some would take it as a competition tracking his or her own progress and development paying attention to the longevity of apnea, distance (for dynamics) and the depth. As a recreational activity,  some would go and search for fascinating creatures and vibrant, awe-striking reef beneath the scintillating surface of the vast ocean. Once introduced to this sport and recreation and with the appropriate gear, the next thing that divers think about is the spot…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    Balinmanok Cove: Home of a Shipwreck in Pangasinan

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  • back of a brick old church with stairs

    Calvary Hills Iguig Cagayan 2023 Travel Guide

    January 18, 2022 / 3 Comments

      Every time I travel to a province, I always see to it that I’ll be able to visit a religious site or a church. Since Cagayan is one of our destinations in our North Luzon loop road trip and backpacking, we decided to visit Calvary Hills Iguig Cagayan after traveling to Callao Cave. Calvary Hills, Iguig, Cagayan – the History   Calvary Hills is a popular destination of Catholics most especially during the Lenten Season or the Holy Week. It is located in a sprawling eleven-hectare of rolling hills overlooking the Cagayan River which resembles the world-renowned Jordan River. It has a stairway at the back of the church…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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  • Masasa Beach Travel Guide 2023 (Where to Stay, Budget + Itinerary)

    January 17, 2022 / 5 Comments

    Imagine yourself passing through a vast rice field with an array of towering coconut trees at the other side. As you approach the end of the green vastness, eye candy shades of clear blue skies and turquoise waters meeting at a horizon and a stretch of fine grayish white sand will welcome you. All the vibrant summer shades come into life under the bright sun. Let this be an imagination no more as Masasa Beach can give you this vibe in no time. About Masasa Beach Masasa Beach is located at Tingloy – a municipality that is separated from the main land, situated off the coast of Anilao, Batangas. It…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    Panag-apoy: A Night of Remembering the Dead in Sagada

    November 5, 2022
  • Best Underwater Photographers from the Philippines that You Should Follow: Freedivers Edition

    December 27, 2021 / 0 Comments

    Admit it or not – you’ve gone through their photos but you just couldn’t get enough. Their underwater photos and videos challenge you to do this and that, too! But it’s not just what the models do that keep you glued to it. It’s the style and colors that a lot would love to achieve. Indeed, it’s a talent! You might have seen the works of your top favorite photographers but you may still want to explore and check on the others you might have not come across with! With that, here are underwater photographers from the Philippines who freedive that you should check out and follow! The Best Underwater…

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  • Noon Cafe: Minimalist Coffee Shop near Tagaytay

    December 27, 2021 / 0 Comments

    In a pursuit of a pretty space with coffee for some catching up, my best friend and I looked for a local coffee shop away from the touristy parts of the city since the traffic in here is honestly worst on holidays. Despite the fact that I’ve been based in Tagaytay City for several years, I could still hardly answer the questions like “Where is the best place to eat in or near Tagaytay?” and “Where is the best place to get some coffee?” Having no answers to these most of the time, I then searched on the internet for a nearby coffee shop. That’s when we found out about…

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THE QUEEN’S ESCAPE

Hi! I’m Queenie Anne Gumiran, the storyteller behind The Queen’s Escape, a Philippine travel and diving blog that celebrates wanderlust, culture, and sustainability. I started this space to share stories that go beyond pristine beaches and scenic peaks — from hidden islands and local eats to my adventures in scuba diving, freediving, and sustainable travel. Through every post, I hope to inspire you to explore the Philippines meaningfully, fall in love with its underwater and island beauty while protecting them, one escape at a time.

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