Photo credit: Daryl Bonquin
Hola, Amiga!
Mexico is known as one of the sister country of the Philippines. We both shared similar history, culture and traditions, and of course we both love tacos and chili, and the same PESO currency (well except its actual value).
And one of its beautiful place is the city of Guadalajara.
Situated at the heart of Jalisco state, the birthplace of tequila and mariachi, Guadalajara is not only Mexico's second city, it's also just about as authentically Mexican as you can get. It is sunnier and less overwhelming than Mexico City, while offering better value for money and a more “Mexican” experience than gringo-orientated resorts of the Yucután peninsula.
Yet too many visitors overlook this big city with small-town charm and youthful appeal.
However, this young Filipino instagrammer / jetsetter Daryl Bonquin is making us want to pack our suitcase, ready our passport and camera, and head to Guadalajara. Here's some top reason why Guadalajara is your next destination.
Learn Guadalajara's rich culture and history
Strengthen your faith.
Philippines and Mexico are both catholic countries and visiting many churches is always a must. If you are into a faith tourism, you shouldn't miss visiting the Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento, catholic church dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The church is of neo-Gothic style and is considered the greatest work of its kind in Mexico.Enjoy a stroll along the streets of Tlaquepaque.
Tlaquepaque (Tla-keh-pa-keh), a municipality of Guadalajara, has always enjoyed popularity not least due to its reputation as an important pottery town which makes and sells beautiful, hand-painted, distinctive artesanías. Given its proximity to Guadalajara, this quaint little municipality makes for the perfect day trip during your stay in the Jalisco capital. Watching the mariachi playing at El Parían is one of the unmissable Tlaquepaque experiences in which you must partake.Artesanías are everywhere in Tlaquepaque and make excellent souvenirs to decorate your home or as Mexican gifts for friends and family. You cannot leave Tlaquepaque without having bought some of the pottery for which it is so known. A good place to start is the Mercado de Artesanías, which despite not offering the lowest prices, will allow you to get a feel for the type of souvenir you’re searching for. Afterwards, head further afield to make the purchases.
Learn the art of genuine tequila making.
They say that a true gentleman knows his drinks, and what could be the best way to learn this trick than learning from the PRO. To have the best of tequila experience, you must learn how it from the genuine makers. You should never miss to book a tequila tour at Hacienda Jose Cuervo, which shows you the plantation-to-mixing tequila experience. Book your tequila tour here.Enjoy your palate with Guadalajara's authentic local cuisine.
The best way to understand the people is by enjoying their local food! If you aren't into spicy then this is the perfect moment to learn and savor the experience.Do we need to say more?! It's time to check our remaining vacation leave and save it for Guadalajara sojourn!
xoxo, Blair
The colors and patterns in the buildings, food, art, etc. are so inspiring and really make me want to get out there and explore and create art!
ReplyDeleteWow thank you Sarah!
DeleteAll of the colors are amazing, these shots look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI agree! It reminds me of that movie Coco :D
DeleteVery cool. I've been to Mexico but I never considered visiting here. It's something to think about now. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh you must Dominique! And never miss the mariachi band :D
DeleteI did not know about being Mexico being the Philippines sister country. What beautiful pictures! I want to visit!
ReplyDeleteI know right?! Back in the days, we are sisters and our mother is Spain! Years have been passed but still at heart, we are family :D
DeleteThese are some great reasons to visit Guadalajara. I absolutely love Mexican food. I am sure, I would love to visit even just for that.
ReplyDeleteThat is exciting Tara, and hope you could share your adventures to us :D
DeleteThese photos are amazing! Guadalajara looks like a beautiful cultural experience <3
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel! I personally want to explore the agave farm, and stumble cute agave farmers hahhahaa
DeleteThe pictures were stunning. I never knew that Guadalajara had such beautiful architecture, which is one good reason to travel and see the world for yourself.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! Hope you visit this place. Guadalajara is stunning!
DeleteSuch a beautiful place, I was there a few years ago and loved every moment of it. I could live there!
ReplyDeleteOh that's amazing! Which part of Guadalajara is your favorite?
DeleteWell I would love to visit for some of the reasons stated above but not for faith reasons. The food is a yes!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dear! There are many reasons of course, and this post shares how we Filipinos shares the same faith with Mexico, and I understand its not for everybody :D
DeleteI would love to go visit Mexico one day and see this city. The churches look beautiful and that food!! Wow. I think of all the things you've mentioned I would most want to go see how Tequila is made. That's really cool.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Even I'm not a religious person, but admiring its architecture is way beautiful! Ahh the foods as well are mouth watering!
DeleteWhat an awesome time visiting and touring around Guadalajara. I love authentic Mexican food, would love to visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tara! Let's go to Guadalajara!
DeleteWhat a beautiful and fun place to visit! I want to take the tequila tour. I always enjoy experiencing how food/drinks are made and then tasting them on-site. It makes me oh so happy!
ReplyDeleteI know right! I guess experiencing the tequila tour and have a authentic tequila party is more fun in Guadalajara :D
DeleteWow - so many amazing things and places to focus on. Totally incredible especially for a photographer.
ReplyDeleteI agree! He got a great eye on things :D
DeleteWow, Guadalajara looks like a beautiful destination to expore! The tequila tour would be something I would like to do when visiting this place!
ReplyDeleteI agree! Am curious how tequilas are made :D
DeleteI would love to go there one day. I love all of the bright, beautiful colors.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! They are so attractive!
DeleteSuch amazing pictures. I love the church! The stained glass artwork is just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI know right?! Less the religion, admit it the architectures are stunning.
DeleteOh wow this looks incredible! What beautiful photos and so many things to see and do! I would love to go, especially to take photos!
ReplyDeleteHis photos convinced us that this is the next summer destination. And travel like the kid in Coco!
DeleteI've never been to Mexico so enjoyed seeing all the photos which you and Daryl have shared here
ReplyDeletewww.yeahlifestyle.com
Oh thank you dear! We are excited to see more of his adventures.
DeleteWhat an amazing place and what gorgeous photos. Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento is stunning but in the same vein I'd love to check out tequila making too! LOL. I bet the food is great too. I'd be eating all day!
ReplyDeleteA huge OMG for the foods! Plus partying with the mariachi band.
Deleteoh my goodness. so many places to go for an adventure :) i love the photography <3 and architecture
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Nina!
DeleteI just love this! Wow, the architecture, colours, culture and food just makes Mexico a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow! This is gorgeous! I think I just may need to start a new vacation fund. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAdd Guadalajara to your travel list!
DeleteIv'e been to Mexico, it's such a beautiful country with really lovely people. I don't recall going here when we went but really want to go back so might to visit Guadalajara. Love the local cuisine it's yummy!
ReplyDeleteLet us know when you will be going to Guadalajara. We want to know your adventures.
DeleteI really love the church. I'd love to visit Mexico one day and tour the churches!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such a vibrant and fun place to visit. An instagrammers dream!
ReplyDeleteI know right?! Such a remarkable beauty!
DeleteSo much culture in this place! I would love to visit someday and would definitely enjoy checking out the Hacienda Jose Cuervo! What an amazing adventure!
ReplyDeleteI wish to visit that hacienda as well and learn from the farmers the right way to plant agave :D
DeleteGuadalajara looks like such a lovely place to visit. Aside from the photos of the town area which look beautiful, sampling the authentic Mexican food there would be a must. Plus the birthplace of Tequila? Another interesting fact and dimension there. Must make the effort to get here one day.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nicole! Only the media is making Mexico on a dark side. According to our jetsetter, Mexico looks like a true gem :D
DeleteI have never been to Mexico but I have always been fascinated with the culture, the food and their customs so I would definitely need to visit. The streets are beautiful and it has a beautiful range of religious buildings as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Oh I want to learn their fashion as well!
DeleteThis looks beautiful! I never heard about this place though. Love the colors! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Marlies :D
DeleteI had actually never thought about visiting Guadalajara before! It's definitely on the list now!
ReplyDeleteHope you will visit soon, Jacquelyn :D
DeleteOh my! I hope to visit one day! It looks wonderful, and the food looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! Hope you will also engage in learning to make your own tequila :D
DeleteSo many places for me to visit in Mexico and this is one of them. I love cathedrals and unique churches so that Gothic architecture is right up my alley. Beautiful pics!
ReplyDeleteYou can make your own church tour!
DeleteHow beautiful! I enjoyed all of these photots!
ReplyDeleteThe architecture and colours of Guadalajara are really mesmerising. If I can, I definitely want to visit Mexico one day!
ReplyDeleteLet's celebrate Mexico party!!!
DeleteI know the area is well known for gastronomy and wine! Lots of vineyards in that area I have heard
ReplyDeleteHope it will be your next destination Komal :D
DeleteGuadalajara is so rich in culture and architecture. Lovet! Yes, I would like to visit the place someday. :D Nice collab!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sigrid! Guapito rin sya :D
DeleteThese photos are wonderful. I've been to Mexico before but not yet in Guadalajara. I also love Mexican food!
ReplyDeleteYou should visit Guadalajara soon!
DeleteYes I think this will be a great place to visit!
ReplyDeleteThank you babe :D
DeleteMexico is our dream destination and Guadalajara looks like a must place to visit. So beautiful with a lot to explore. Thank you for sharing this unique destination!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are always welcome! Hit me up when you visit this city :D
DeleteGorgeous area, what looks like very delicious food. While i have no immediate plans to visit Guadalajara it may be a future thing!
ReplyDeleteI want to dance with the mariachi band!
DeleteMy office has a very strong tie with Mexico and I do hope that they will send me there to visit one of these days - I love the culture and the view. Am a bit afraid to try the food though. Haha
ReplyDeleteOMG You must visit Mexico!
DeleteWaaa all the photos are so stunning! I love the place with so many pretty architecture details, and I love his filter too!
ReplyDeleteI know right! Now I am hooked to his IG :D
DeleteI Love Guadalajara! Tequila city they say, but that's not all to love. I used to travel here a lot for work and really enjoyed the culture. One of my favorite restaurants there was La Casa de los Platos/
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful! Hope you can share us your experiences :D
DeleteGreat pictures..specially the food.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by!
DeleteI can see why he loves it. It's one of the places in Mexico I have wanted to visit. The church does look pretty amazing. And of course there is the great food as well.
ReplyDeleteVisiting a sister country makes you feel at home.
DeleteI've always wanted to visit Mexico City but never thought of trying out Guadalajara. It looks amazing. Thanks for the insights.
ReplyDeleteYou should try it once babe.
DeleteBring me with you when you go there! The place looks really interesting and beuatiful!
ReplyDeleteLet's go there! And look for gorgeous Mexican farmers :D
DeleteI've never heard of Guadalajara before, but it looks like a fascinating city to visit. The catholic church looks quite impressive and the Tequila tour sounds great. I would so love to try that tempting authentic Mexican cuisine. Thanks for introducing me to a new bucket list destination. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are always welcome here Shaily!
Deletethose pictures were lovely. thank you for sharing them and i am already thrilled to visit this place some day.
ReplyDeleteThat is so lovely. Hope you visit the city soon!
DeleteIt does look absolutely amazing! That sun! Loving the architecture and colours! and the food!
ReplyDeleteThank you Corinne!
DeleteWow oh wow! The photos are trully inspiring. I would surely love to visit this place given the time and money. Would surely add this to my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteThat would be wonderful Neil!
DeleteWhat a beautiful place to visit! And the food looks really yummy! I would love to visit Guadalajara someday. When I do, I'd defo try their food.
ReplyDeleteI think I will devour the food first then the tequila!
Delete❤️❤️ I want to travel SO badly!! This place in Mexico has officially been added to my list!! Love the pics!
ReplyDeleteMaybe this is your calling - time to visit Mexico!
DeleteI live in New Mexico and it has been a long time since I've visited Mexico. I haven't been to Guadalajara, but it looks like there are a lot of fun cultural things to do there! I would totally love to learn how to make tequila and those dishes look amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh you must visit it then!
DeleteI had not considered the relationship between Mexico and the Phillipines, but I see so much shared culture now that you've enlightened! Looks like a beautiful place to visit!
ReplyDeleteWooh, I love the cathedral, it's so pretty. This is a great convintion but this year is booked from me. Will definitely love to visit anytime after this year.
ReplyDeleteHope you do it next year :D
DeleteWow those pictures are incredible! I have always wanted to go to Mexico and visit somewhere so beautiful. I def need to get a passport lol.
ReplyDeleteOh you still have time Julie :D
DeleteLooks like a beautiful place. Would love to visit there sometime in my life
ReplyDeleteI went to Mexico years ago and I absolutely loved it. But I didn't get to Guadalajara and now I am really regretting it!
ReplyDeleteOH you can still visit anytime Kate :D
DeleteWOW, never heard that Mexico is known as one of the sister country of the Philippines. Pretty cool news
ReplyDeleteWell Thanks for the first trading centuries ago. Our mother country then is Spain :D
DeletePhotos look amazing and cuisines they are so tempting. Love o visit the place.
ReplyDeleteOh Let's go to Guadalajara!
DeleteNnniiiccceeeeee.... Guadalajara looks cccuuuttteeeee! I'm convinced it's a dope place to visit, Blair.
ReplyDeleteKisses and a big hug.
Is Guadalajara cute? or Daryl? LOL
DeleteThe battle of Guadalajara is a famous one that put this place on history books. Would love to visit this place someday for its history and architecture.
ReplyDeleteYaswanth
That is awesome! This is a gorgeous place and never mind the media.
DeleteI only know Guadalajara from the song, "Guadalajara" but man it looks beautiful- I am just familiar with Cancun and Riviera Maya. Glad your friend enjoyed. The Agave field in that one picture looks just majestic.
ReplyDelete-Angela Hoyos
Yeah, and now he looks like a Mexican heartthrob from the 90's Mexican drama :D
DeleteWoow. The way you've written this article is so amazing. Well described and all them are so easy to understand. Thanx for sharing...
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Dinky :D
DeleteWhat a beautiful place! I would definitely love to visit. Looks like some gorgeous sites and delicious food!
ReplyDeleteI agree! Hope you visit the city soon!
DeleteGuadalajara seems to have such a rich culture and history. I would definitely love to visit there at least once in my life.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Share your Guadalajara stories soon!
DeleteThese are really amazing places to visit. Thanks for letting me know of these.
ReplyDeleteI mean, just look at this place you can see why you have to visit. Such beautiful architecture.
ReplyDeleteThank you and I'm glad you also appreciate them.
DeleteWhat an interesting perspective to explore a city. Guadalajara looks and sounds divine, and I had no idea it was a 'sister country' to the Philipines. Didn't know that they shared a lot of similar history and culture. I totally would love to learn more about how to make tequila. The food also looks divine and I love that everything can be shared with friends.
ReplyDeleteYeah Mexico and Philippines are sisters - the culture are almost the same, foods, religion, etc.
DeleteGuadalajara has impressed me with the architectures, its street and ofcourse the tequila connection. I loved each photo. Absolutely stunning. Loved reading about it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Devi for appreciating :D
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