Manapla — Travelrags

National GeographicSep 24, 2026

Meet the Philippines' Islanders Reclaiming Their Heritage in the Visayas Islands

In the central Philippines, the Visayan Islands’ tropical beaches are a backdrop for deeply rooted communities who are working to preserve locals’ unique way of life — inviting visitors to share in ...

11 things in this story

Gaston Ancestral HouseSightintact home, living museum in Manapla
Elsewhere
Lanai by Fresh StartRestaurantBacolod, Philippinesorganic restaurant with hyper-local ingredients
National Museum Western VisayasMuseumIloilo, Philippinescelebrates local culture in Iloilo
Bacolod Central MarketMarketBacolod, Philippinessprawl of stalls under a corrugated iron roof
MasskaraRestaurantBacolod, Philippinescity's biggest festival with feather-framed masks
Tumandok Crafts IndustriesPlaceBacolod, Philippinesworkshop and store for local artisans
Purok BougainvilleaNeighborhoodSagay, Philippinescommunity tourism project by artist Nune Alvarado
Pinta BalayNeighborhoodSagay, Philippineshomes painted by artist Nune Alvarado
Kape AlbarakoRestaurantSagay, Philippinesbeachfront cafe with artist's signature colors
7 HectaresPlaceEnrique B Magalona, Philippinessustainable aquaculture plot and farm
LaswaRestaurantBacolod, Philippinesearthy Western Visayan vegetable dish

Read the full piece at National Geographic →