Chase the sun x Nagsasa Cove

This was one weekend of April when my friend, out of the blue, sent a message to say, "Are you free? Let's go to the beach!". Being my rest day and all, I was half glued to the bed in between wanting to stay and wanting to make my weekend mean something. So off we go~

We set off late with no clear plan other than a list of food to buy and a rough direction to the place. haha. I find it's easy to be brave when you have someone else to share your confusion.



Besides the most uncommon of paths often lead to more interesting experiences. You miss out on the usual sights that everyone has already seen but you get to see the other side of it, one only few get to see. Misadventures, getting lost, or finding yourself on a boat ride in the dead of night. With stars above, a laughing friend beside you holding your hand tight because she's just as scared and amazed as you, wind on our faces, and moonlight reflections on the deep dark waters below you.

Who's to say if maybe we have just seen the other side of perfect.

Camping x Nagsasa Cove

I feel the strings slowly slipping away. It's now so easy to pack my bags and just go. This feeling, like a talisman guiding the way through the darkness in my heart. It's not easy. Unguarded moments leave me longing for the open cage. This illusion of belonging will one day matter very little. I belong deeply to myself. No true rest and comfort will come to one who doesn't know how to be happy on her own. Soon. I won't long for the bindings anymore. Soon. I will truly be free.

Island Life, Bantayan: Cebu travel diary #2

Long overdue I know.（￣◇￣)ゞ Anyway here is part two of my Cebu Travel Diary. I walked around the island to get a feel of the place. Lots of old houses and Spanish style architecture. I used to dream of modern houses when I was a kid but as time passed I've grown more fond of styles I used to see in my grandparents' ancestral house – wood furniture, lace curtains, doilies, vintage knick knacks, old photographs and plants all over the house.

I love the details on this house and the windows – so pretty. (〃＾-＾)  Don't let the seemingly abundant breeze from the photos fool you, it was unbearably hot that day despite the wind. I would have taken more photos but the heat got to me.

Out of the few churches I have seen, the Bantayan church is the most beautiful. Which got me thinking how limited are my experience in terms of travelling or knowledge in my own country in general. There is so much to see here.

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church is 5 centuries old and was made from corals and stones unique to the island. So much history in every corner of this beautiful church. I heard it received quite a bit of damage during Ondoy. Some parts were actually under construction.

I have a thing about doors or doorways.

When you enter inside the church, prepare to hear the chatter of birds. I loved how active they were. It adds up to the praying experience. I could stay here for hours,

And they have a glorious collection of stained glass decor. *so pretty*

CEBU TRAVEL DIARY:

- Touchdown
- Streetart

Leona's Art restaurant: Maginhawa

I live relatively close to Maginhawa St. but sadly don't visit as often as I would have liked. I still have a slight apprehension against eating alone you see. If I'm in a cafe I wouldn't mind but doing so in a restaurant is just not fun. Food just taste a lot better when I'm with company.

And so on one particularly tiring day we decided to eat dinner here after running around Makati the whole afternoon. I guess we were lucky, there weren't that many people. Maybe because it was Monday?

Tam-Awan Village: Baguio travel diary

I arrived  in Baguio bus station a few minutes past 1 PM. For the day to be productive, I decided to visit Tam-awan village before looking for a hotel. Plus I needed to stretch, 6 hours travelling by bus is excruciating. Oh a little tip~ choose a seat at the very back of the bus – there's more leg room and it's not as bumpy as you think.

Tam-awan village was constructed for the purpose of educating about Cordilleran culture by making it accessible - location wise. They rebuilt and transported Ifugao houses from different parts of the Cordillera.

Oh My Gulay: Baguio

I am a real lazy blogger I know. This solo trip to Baguio was last July 2014 and I only got around to posting the pictures now. *heh* This is still part of my Where to Eat in Baguio series (links below).

After walking around Baguio for a whole day lugging around my backpack – because I run out of hotel money *haha* – this was my last stop before catching the bus ride home to Manila. It's really quiet here and you get a view of the city as it slowly fogs in the afternoon. I love the interior. Makes you want to build a crashed ship inside your own house too.

As you might have surmised, Oh My Gulay is a vegetarian restaurant. If you're looking for a light meal, you should definitely check this place out. It's also an art gallery and venue for music performances. I wasn't lucky on the latter though.

How to get here:
5th flr, La Azotea Bldg, Session Road, Baguio. (or Ask the vendors where La Azotea is located)

BAGUIO TRAVEL DIARY:

• Solo Baguio trip
• Where to eat: 50's Diner
• Where to eat: Book Cafe under the Tree
• Where to eat: Oh My Gulay

Summer wandering

My (summer) wandering actually started last February. Right after the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, my friends and I went on a road trip to Zambales.

Street Art: Cebu

I took these shots inside the car while in the middle of traffic. There was an entire wall of street art but I couldn't get off the car to take a picture. *wah (T_T)* Cebu is a visual load of paint and art. Everywhere there were murals, street art, art etc. Electricity poles were painted to look like sticks of crayon. How cool is that?! I wish the local government invests in art more instead of campaign banners or product advertisements. I would love to see Philippine streets explode in art. Wouldn't you?! :)

More of my Cebu travel diary:
Cebu travel diary Vol.01

Travel diary: Cebu

I'm still on high from all the travelling I have been doing the past few days. The most memorable one was, of course, Cebu. It was my first time to board a plane, and I have never been outside Luzon. Everyone was speaking a dialect I cannot comprehend. *lol*

This trip was sponsored by my Mom and her friends so I was just tagging along. *haha* After arriving at Mactan Airport, we went straight to Cebu city proper for lunch at Zubuchon (ahh their lechon is definitely the best!). Then we just went around the city taking in the sights.

The place was under construction so no picture of the actual cross. We only spent an afternoon here. Our main destination is much farther away so we didn't get to do much sightseeing.

I did a lot of introspection and praying on this trip. I hoped to find the answers to the chaos inside me. God definitely delivered. He always does, I think he has answered them long before I asked but I was just not ready to listen. This time though, I am ready and I'm thankful for the message. I'm still struggling but the confusion is all gone. :) I am ready to #fly.

More of my Cebu travel diary:
Street Art: Cebu

19th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

There is something so mesmerizing about things that fly. It's something right out of a child's imagination. As with most people in our group this is our first time to see a hot air balloon up close and as you can see we went crazies on them. (Actually just me, I photographed the thing like an angry hound. haha)

We almost didn't make it actually, our driver didn't know where to go! We went around and passed 4-5 toll gates. Imagine the toll fees we paid! We got there 15 minutes before lift off.

The place was packed! People went there with camping equipment.

A day at Pinto Museum, part 2!

Pinto Museum is the kind of place you will never get tired of visiting. There's always something new to see and capture. My second time here I'm equipped with a better camera. *yeah!* I have a lot more photos of this place; which I will post on instagram from time to time. Check out my first post here: Outdoor stories A day at Pinto.

I heard they opened a new building. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it on my next visit!

This sculpture will greet you once you enter Gallery One. I like it. It's quirky, and reminds me of the movie "The Book of Life"

This is Hari Sonik by Elmer Borlongan. I want of these in my house!

The title of this piece is something along the lines of "I choose to remain under your shadow". I can't quite remember sorry. The tour guide said it explains the anguished relationship of lovers that are both artists.

How to commute to Pinto Museum:

Go to SM Megamall, side facing edsa between the newly built fashion hall and parking lot. There are Antipolo bound f/x. Best to come early, there's a 30 minute waiting time, as they need to fill the van with passengers. Sleep and enjoy the ride. It took us less than 1 hour due to moderate traffic. Get off at the f/x terminal and ride a tricycle. From there you can do a side trip at Lanelle Abueva's pottery studio or go straight to Pinto Museum. (In case the tricycle driver don't know where Pinto Museum is, tell them it's inside Grand Heights Subdivision) Happy roadtrip ;)

Budget:
F/X fare 50php one way
Tricycle 25php one way
Museum fee 180php (regular), 150php  (senior), 100php (student)

What to bring: Snacks, Water, and Mosquito Repellent lotion (Off lotion)