The Queen's Escape

Storie of connection from the summits to under the seas.

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  • Aerial view of Itaytay Beach, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines

    2026 PORT BARTON SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN DIY TRAVEL GUIDE

    January 1, 2026 / 2 Comments

    Every town in Palawan has a distinct charm that is incomparable to the other. I beg not to compare them as they are indeed special in their own ways. This just shows how Palawan could make you fall in love in in its various faces and ways, too. Recently, I set foot in one of the tourist hotspots of this blessed province – Port Barton. I’ve always been curious about it since the foreign tourists that I met in El Nido would never miss it in their short stay in the country. I came with no expectations but this small and quiet village in the town of San Vicente has…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    Freediving in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

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

    April 30, 2021

    DIY Intramuros Tour with Bambike 2023

    February 28, 2021
  • An aerial view of a white sand beach called Babu Santa

    ULTIMATE SAMAL ISLAND DIY TRAVEL GUIDE 2026 (Budget + Itinerary)

    January 1, 2026 / 1 Comment

    While the Philippines is renowned for its islands featuring long stretches of bone-white sand beaches fringed with towering coconut trees, it is still quite a surprise to be captivated by the same scene in a different one. This was precisely how I felt about Samal Island. I honestly thought it would be just another island but it wasn’t. For some inexplicable reason, it exudes a unique captivating charm and atmosphere that sets it apart from the others I’ve visited in the past making our experience truly distinctive. If you also wish to explore the island garden city and a true gem in Davao region, here’s an ultimate Samal Island DIY…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    January 20, 2024

    CAMIGUIN DIY TRAVEL GUIDE 2025 (Itinerary + Budget)

    January 3, 2025

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  • Bukidnon DIY Travel Guide cover

    2026 Bukidnon DIY Travel Guide (Budget + Itinerary)

    January 1, 2026 / 2 Comments

    Bukidnon is one of those places I never thought would leave such a lasting impression on me. It was only recently that I finally set foot here, and I must say—it was a kind of delayed gratification I never saw coming. Back then, Dahilayan was the only place people talked about, but after the pandemic, more and more hidden gems started to unfold, proving that Bukidnon is so much more than just one destination. I wandered, got lost in its beauty, and felt completely in awe. The next thing I know, it’s a place I could not stop talking about to people. Traveling solo and DIY made the experience even…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    La Palmera Mountain Ridge: A Captivating Gem of Sultan Kudarat

    January 19, 2024

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    September 9, 2020
  • 2026 Romblon Island DIY Travel Guide

    January 1, 2026 / 4 Comments

    After basking in the sun on the stunning island of Cresta de Gallo in Sibuyan Island, we boarded the ferry the following morning bound for our next stop — Romblon Island. It was around this leg of the trip when we learned about Bon Bon beach, a sought-after destination in the island, landing on the 45th spot in the best beaches in the world in 2024. As we explored the island further, we realized that it offers much more than just its renowned beach. This considered as an off-the-beaten path destination in the Philippines is truly underrated. To walk you through the gems this province holds, here’s a detailed Romblon…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    CABONGAOAN BEACH + DEATH POOL 2025 DIY TRAVEL GUIDE

    January 2, 2025

    La Bella Tagaytay: A Santorini-Inspired Hotel and AirBnB in the South

    March 18, 2018
    Ilocos Norte Travel Guide cover photo with wind mills

    2026 DIY ILOCOS NORTE TRAVEL GUIDE

    January 1, 2026
  • SOCCSKSARGEN DIY Travel Guide 2026 for Backpackers

    January 1, 2026 / 4 Comments

    Missed flights, four backpackers down to three, unexpected inclement weather, no concrete plans, closed tourist spots without prior notice; yet we managed to pull it off. These misadventures actually made us consider this trip to be among our top favorites and the most epic. We sure felt like freewheeling backpackers in dealing with these mishaps and it was liberating – like how traveling is supposed to be. We’re glad that it happened in in this region which made it easier for us to turn it all around: thanks to its stunning sceneries, diverse, well-preserved culture, extraordinary hospitality and exhilarating adventure! If you also look forward to experiencing these, here’s a…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    January 15, 2024

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    January 20, 2024

    The Ultimate Mindanao Philippines Bucket List

    September 9, 2020
  • Budget-Friendly 3-Day Da Nang and Hoi An Itinerary

    December 31, 2025 / 2 Comments

    I first set foot in Vietnam back in 2018. It was a quick visit to Ho Chi Minh City—or Saigon as many still call it. While it introduced me to the country’s rich culture and bustling urban energy, I knew there was more waiting to be discovered. For years, I kept my eyes on Central Vietnam, particularly Da Nang and Hoi An. I was drawn by the golden bridges in the sky, colorful lanterns on quiet rivers, and the peaceful coastal charm that seemed so different from Saigon’s buzz. This year, I finally made it happen. The best part is that, I didn’t have to worry about planning a thing.…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    February 11, 2025

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    May 6, 2026

    How to Apply for a Chinese Visa for Filipinos: Complete Guide, Rates & Requirements

    February 12, 2025
  • An aerial view of Pujada island with text overlay

    2026 Mati Davao Oriental DIY Travel Guide (Itinerary+Budget)

    December 28, 2025 / 0 Comments

    After exploring the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte, we headed down to the south-eastern side of the region next for some more tropical respite. I’ve always been excited about visiting Mati and I’d say, the anticipation has been well worth it. This once-quiet town has recently become a buzz in the tourism scene, and it has a lot of exciting things to discover. If you’re curious about what Mati has to offer, here’s a Mati Davao Oriental DIY Travel Guide to help you plan your trip out! About Mati, Davao Oriental In the southeasternmost part of the Philippines, you’ll find a hidden gem, likely ranking among…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    Places to Visit in SOCCSKSARGEN text with an aerial view of the pier in Isla Jardin del Mar in Glan, Sarangani

    Top 11 Places to Visit in SOCCSKSARGEN (Mindanao)

    January 14, 2024

    DIY Travel Guide to Sta Cruz Island: Pink Beach of Zamboanga

    January 1, 2026

    CAMIGUIN DIY TRAVEL GUIDE 2025 (Itinerary + Budget)

    January 3, 2025
  • Romblon Ferry Schedule

    2026 Complete Romblon Ferry and Boat Schedule

    December 25, 2025 / 26 Comments

    Romblon is an archipelagic province in Region IV-B also known as MIMAROPA (Mindoro Oriental and Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan). Its main islands namely Tablas, Sibuyan and Romblon, are among the main entry and exit points out of the 20 islands for discovering the province. Hence, it’s quite important to carefully plan the points of entry and departure for your journey to maximize your experience in the province. To help you with, here are the latest Romblon ferry and boat schedule (as of June 2025) that you should know! Understanding the Ports and Romblon Ferry Schedule As mentioned, Romblon province has several entry and exit points. Some of these islands…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    Break Free with Pico Sands Hotel

    February 20, 2022
    Aerial view of Itaytay Beach, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines

    2026 PORT BARTON SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN DIY TRAVEL GUIDE

    January 1, 2026

    Noon Cafe: Minimalist Coffee Shop near Tagaytay

    December 27, 2021
  • Best Dive Sites in the Philippines That Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List

    September 27, 2025 / 2 Comments

    With over 7,000 islands scattered across turquoise waters, the Philippines is nothing short of a paradise especially for those of us who live and breathe the ocean. Whether you’re just starting your underwater journey or have long been chasing bubbles around the world, the Philippines will leave you in awe with its shipwrecks, drop-offs, thriving reefs, and rare marine life you didn’t even know existed. In this post, I’m sharing some of the best dive sites in the Philippines that I’ve either explored or dreamt of diving into. These are the places that constantly come up in conversations with fellow divers: sites that have left lasting impressions on so many…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    La Palmera Mountain Ridge: A Captivating Gem of Sultan Kudarat

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    Lenovo EdVision: First-ever Virtual Summit

    March 14, 2021

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    January 1, 2026
  • PADI Women’s Dive Day 2025 at Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort

    July 21, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Each year, divers around the world come together to celebrate a movement that goes beyond just exploring the ocean depths, PADI Women’s Dive Day. Launched in 2015, this global initiative began as a way to encourage more women to try diving and create a more inclusive community underwater. Over the years, it has transformed into a powerful day of action, awareness, and celebration of women divers who are actively contributing to ocean conservation. In 2025, this spirit was proudly brought to life in the Philippines through PADI Women’s Dive Day at Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort. Pushing Through with Purpose at Casalay Boutique Villas Set against the lush, tropical…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    January 2, 2025

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    March 18, 2018

    Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros, Manila

    March 1, 2020
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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.

Recent Posts

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