The Philippines

100 Islands National Park, Pangasinan, Philippines

One of the main attractions in the city of Baguio is the Philippine Military Academy, modeled after West Point. For some reason, cadets around campus saluted me even though I hadn't cut my hair in months. Maybe I do have command presence!

The farming terraces of Benguet. Known as the "Salad Bowl of the Philippines", this region accounts for 80% of the country's vegetable production. Shot taken about an hour north of Baguio.

The Hanging Coffins of Sagada. The native Igorot believe this "burial" style allows your spirit to roam freely. The bodies are in the fetal position because they also think we should leave this world the way we entered it. China and Indonesia are the only other places in the world where hanging coffins can be found.

Sunrise from a cafe in Sagada

A shot of Manila. It was rainy season while I was there.

Taken from the outside of Intramuros, which translates to "within the walls" in Spanish. This city-within-a-city housed the colonial government for over 300 years.

The Manila Cathedral, where my cousin got married

An exhibit in the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila. Some scholars dispute the theory that Enrique was Filipino. Magellan's chronicler, Pigafetta, states in his journal that Enrique was from Sumatra and spoke Malay. As that was the trade language of the region, it would have afforded the Spanish and natives only limited communication; Pigafetta also writes that Enrique had trouble speaking to the natives. That said, there are still Filipinos, like Lapulapu, who undeniably belong in this story.

The José Rizal statue in Manila. Considered a national hero, Rizal's writings inspired the Philippine Revolution.