Ready for a virtual trip around the Philippines? For this month’s Tutor Spotlight, we asked five of our amazing tutors to spill the secrets on their hometowns, from hidden island escapes to the ultimate road-trip snacks. Here are the local trivia and treats you need to know about!

 

Tutor May.PU’s Island Escape & Teaching Journey (Leyte)

 

Let’s kick things off with Tutor May.PU, who invites us to the pristine province of Leyte. “Are you dreaming of clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and the kind of peaceful island life that feels untouched by time?” she asks. Tutor May.PU highly recommends skipping the crowded tourist spots and heading to Cuatro Islas (Four Islands), a beautiful group consisting of Digyo, Apid, Mahaba, and Himokilan. It’s a raw, natural paradise where you can hop from one island to another, snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, or simply disconnect from stress under a coconut tree with fresh buko juice.

 

 

 

If there’s one pasalubong I would proudly recommend from Leyte, it’s binagol from Tacloban— a sweet, warm, and nostalgic delicacy that perfectly captures the island’s rich flavors and traditions. Made from mashed taro (gabi), coconut milk, brown sugar, and sometimes chocolate or peanuts, binagol is steamed inside a real coconut shell and wrapped in banana leaves. Even before you taste it, the aroma alone feels like home.

 

What makes binagol special is not just its creamy, sticky sweetness but the experience of eating it. You scoop it straight from the shell, sharing it with friends or family, making it both a treat and a memory. It’s uniquely Leyte, something you won’t easily find elsewhere, so bringing one home lets visitors share a piece of the island’s culture. More than just a souvenir, binagol is a heartfelt taste of Leyte that stays with you long after the trip ends. — Tutor May.PU

 

 

 

 

For Tutor May.PU, being featured this month is a deeply personal milestone. She shares that being an online ESL teacher has been a place of immense personal and professional growth. It has taught her how to build confidence, create impactful lessons, and connect with people from entirely different cultures. “Being featured would feel like a celebration of the small, everyday efforts I put into each class and the relationships I’ve built with my students over time,” she warmly shares.

She is thrilled to share her hometown with her Japanese ESL students at RareJob. Many of them are curious about her life, and she wants them to discover Leyte’s beautiful islands, warm people, and unique local delicacies. It’s her way of sharing a piece of her culture beyond the classroom, helping her students feel closer to her not just as an educator, but as a person.

“More than anything, I hope my story can inspire both students and fellow tutors—that even from a small island, we can connect with the world through education,” Tutor May.PU proudly states.

Tutor May.PU isn’t the only one bridging distances through her love for her roots. Joining her in this month’s spotlight are four more tutors ready to take us on a journey through their own hidden gems, starting with a breathtaking escape to the south.

 

 

Tutor Tina.MS’s Waterfall Wonders (Tubod, Lanao del Norte)

 

Next, Tutor Tina.MS is showing off Tubod, a place that perfectly blends nature and culture. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, she suggests checking out Cathedral Falls in Kapatagan.

 

Why the name? Tutor Tina.MS explains that the waterfall is “surrounded by stone formations resembling cathedral pillars.” Standing at a massive 80 feet high and featuring powerful water flow, it’s a breathtaking spot that allows visitors to truly unwind and connect with nature.

 

 

 

Tutor Wella.CN’s Golden Parks & Sweet Treats (Cagayan de Oro City)

 

Welcome to the City of Golden Friendship! Tutor Wella.CN says that to truly understand Cagayan de Oro, you have to visit Gaston Park. Nestled right across from the historic St. Augustine Cathedral, Tutor Wella.CN notes that “strolling around the park will give you a glimpse of the local culture.”

 

And you definitely can’t leave CDO empty-handed! Tutor Wella.CN insists you try Pastel, a famous local souvenir. This soft bun is glazed and stuffed with a rich, sweet custard filling that she promises “never fails to paint beautiful smiles on your faces.”

 

 

 

Tutor Evelyn.VC’s Bridge of Progress & Fresh Catch (Lanao del Norte)

 

Tutor Evelyn.VC is incredibly proud of her province’s coastal beauty, especially the Panguil Bay Bridge, the longest sea-crossing bridge in Mindanao! For her, it’s more than just a great place to watch the sunset; it “represents progress and connection” for the local community.

 

 

 

Because the bay is so rich in marine life, Tutor Evelyn.VC’s ultimate food recommendation is the local Alimango (mud crab). Whether you eat it fresh or grab a jar of processed crab meat to take home, she says it perfectly “captures the true taste of the area” and serves as a delicious reminder of the hardworking coastal communities.

 

 

 

Tutor Freej’s Agricultural Hub & Classic Pie (Nueva Vizcaya)

 

Finally, Tutor Freej takes us up north with some fun local trivia! Did you know Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya is home to the largest agricultural trading post in the Cagayan Valley? It’s called the NVAT, and it is the bustling hub for the region’s fresh mountain produce.

 

 

 

With such great farming roots, the local snacks are unbeatable. Tutor Freej highly recommends the famous G&B Special Buko Pie. “Indulge in the creamy goodness… made with fresh buko and a perfectly flaky crust,” he says. Whether you are on a road trip or looking for a perfect pasalubong, it hits the spot every time.

 

 

 

Tutor Annarizza’s City Lights & Durian Delights (Davao City)

 

Finally, let’s head down south to the vibrant Davao City! Tutor Annarizza shares that her hometown is packed with amazing sights. For nature lovers, she recommends Eden Nature Park for fresh mountain air, or visiting the conservation center to see the giant Philippine Eagle. If you prefer the lively city center, she suggests taking a stroll through the beautiful gardens of People’s Park or heading up to Jack’s Ridge to take in the historical sights and gorgeous city lights at night.

 

 

When it comes to food, Tutor Annarizza says Davao is absolutely amazing. “You must visit the Roxas Night Market for street food,” she insists, recommending the grilled fish and fresh tropical fruits. And of course, no trip to Davao is complete without the ultimate pasalubong—Tutor Annarizza reminds us not to forget to buy some famous durian candy at Apo ni Lola before heading home!

 

Where to next?

That wraps up our February Tutor Spotlight! Our tutors continue to prove that the Philippines is full of wonderful surprises, both in scenery and in flavor. Why not ask your fellow tutor about their hometown? You might just find your next travel destination!