livin' la vida LOCAL!

Do not believe anything only by hearsay.

Pack your bags and set off to find the truth yourself.

Just like what we did. The thrill of experiencing (?) the much-talked-about mysticism lasted for many weeks until we finally set foot on the island.

And indeed, what we knew about Siquijor is true. There are sorcerers here.

Meet Emil, a smiley warlock ready to cast a spell on Heid? *wink*

Naah, he is actually our very accommodating and perky insider during this trip. We met him on the plane by chance and we clicked instantly because he is such a chatty kind of person. The exchanges we had during the one-hour flight seemed so relaxed and spontaneous. It was like we have known each other for many years already. So upon touchdown, the deal was sealed. We officially signed up for a local life experience in Siquijor courtesy of our instant travel buddy Emil. :) He created such an effective potion that we could only say "yes" to his generous offer. haha

Then, Emil introduced us to his two friends, Rachel and Ragi, and the cast for this mystic travel experience was completed. They are as chatty and funny as Emil is. We all felt like old friends, easily teasing and laughing and chatting most of the time. And since we had a prior deal with Emil, they were stuck with us for four days as well.

Heid and I felt sooo lucky! :)

Cambugahay falls

(Lazi, Siquijor)

We were having so much fun we completely forgot about taking photos.

Cambugahay falls is the first travel spot we ticked off our list. Here we found natural jacuzzi tubs, ready to soothe our tired muscles and relax our minds. There were a lot of tubs to choose from and each offered us excellent natural therapy. We enjoyed every bit of our day-spa also because our wonderful guides made sure we experience only the best. They even pulled some swinging vines so we could cross the cascading falls. And the best experience was when Heid and I almost drowned here (haha). Good thing was, we were not traumatized at all  and were even smiley while waving our hands for help.

Here's what Cambugahay Falls looks like.
(Thanks to Google image) ;)

The Old Enchanted Balete Tree

Next stop, the spooky looking balete tree. Adding to the creepiness of the island, this all so famous sanctuary of supernatural beings (according to folklores) is four centuries old. Spine-chilling? Indeed! But we remained so smiley! That's already expected.haha

Fishing villages

Emil also brought us to this fishing village where we found little kiddos having fun sunbathing. This spot is unexploited. The local vibe is so evident, which I love! :)




the tranquil water and the sea vessels

 We enjoyed a lot of motorcycle rides, pollution-free! Along the road, we saw the farm life of the locals as well and it was so refreshing! Emil also brought us to some other villages on the island and we met quite a lot of locals who are all very friendly and hospitable. :)

The happy riders

"What are you staring at?"

Happily relaxing! :)



Life's a beach!

We also had a lot of beach hopping. And this beach spot is one of the most beautiful I have seen in Siquijor. For our next trip, will surely love to go camping here :)

  

I love the beach and I can't deny it! haha

 Lazi Church

Lazi is our homebase during our trip in Siquijor. Luckily, one of the must-see churches is found here -- the Lazi church, which is just a stone's throw away from where we stayed.

Built in 1884 under the Augustinian Recollects, Lazi Church is a baroque church which has original retablos, coral stone facade and wooden floors with herringbone pattern. The church resembles a barn when viewed from afar but the intricate details from the facade to its interior indeed qualified it to the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage.

with our very nice hosts in Siquijor :)

wanders:

Cambugahay falls

The Old Enchanted Balete Tree

Fishing villages

Lazi Church
Siquijor beaches

(March 26-29, 2013)

wonder:

of mishaps and beautiful surprises

Bonjour everyone, meet my latest mishaps! haha

Despite the uncomfy and painful feeling I got myself into, I am glad that great people never left my side --> my lil bro (who took time to take me to the clinic), my mom, dad and big sis (for their moral support) and kuya RJ, the best cousin-doctor ever! Great friends also monitored my condition and cheered me on! I am so grateful :)

This week, I received presents from friends as well. Je suis heureuse! :)

Blissful me and so grateful! Merci beaucoup!

J'aime la vie with all the mishaps and joys!!!

summer blast!

Summer is officially over now that it's June. Then, I find myself dwelling in my "quarterlife crisis"/post-travel anxiety, which is definitely not good. Erase bad thoughts, Angela! Thinking about this year's summer blast is way better!! :)

A quick flashback:
(1) Cliffdiving @ Ariel's Point --> I was totally thrilled and injured (haha)!!
(2) Jumpshots @ Dambana ng Kagitingan --> A dream come true for me!
(3) The highest peak of Siquijor @ Mt. Bandilaan -->  360 degrees view of the whole island!
(4) The picture-perfect backdrop @ The Ruins --> Unplanned sidetrip it was!
(5) Trek-adventure @ Mt. Romelo --> Happy birthday to me! :)
(6) Impromptu roadtrip in La Union --> Spontaneity at its best!haha
(7) The lovely cloudscapes @ Marlboro Country --> Worth the long, unguided trek!
(8) Stoked moments in Baler --> Beach + Great Friends = perfect summer finale! :)

cold summer weekend

A second trip to Sagada? Pourquoi pas?  

A six-hour bus ride from Baguio to Sagada is such a pain in the butt, for sure. Passengers turn cranky and can't wait to reach the destination. Nevertheless, the beautiful scenery along the road makes the non-stop zig-zaggy ride bearable.  

When the bus finally stopped somewhere in the town proper, our group (that's moi, my friend Jed, her boyfriend Bong and her big sis Juvilaine) headed directly to our temporary home in Sagada. Sagada Homestay is indeed a homey place. The vibe of the wooden room never ceases to amaze me. It always feels like I am in a chilly country, enjoying the warmth inside a log cabin. (I wish to build one for myself and my family someday) :)

As this is my second trip to Sagada, I am happy to have enough time to explore the place. My trip back in December 2011 only allowed me to experience spelunking at Lumiang and Sumaguing caves and orange-picking at the Rock Inn and Cafe. This time, I got to see the famous Bomod-ok falls, revisit Gawani's cafe and drink a cup of hot coffee while enjoying the view of the Kapay-aw rice terraces. Also, I was able to visit the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, wake up early for the Kiltepan sunrise and trek the endless (?) trail of Marlboro country. Indeed, having four days here brings you more awesome experiences!

our Sagada itinerary

Day 1

Spent our first day in Sagada in the most relaxing way -- napping! ;) After some dozing off and feeding our hungry tummies, we went sightseeing around the town. Yey!

Church of St. Mary the Virgin



the gatecrasher in me

front and side views of the church facade



I did not gatecrash this time, I used the side door the legal way. haha

I welcome you all to my new farm! It's just next to the church :)



Here are the lovely guests in my farm: Bong, Jed and Ate Juvilaine *wink*



For dinner, we dined at the Yogurt House, a must-try resto according to most people who have travelled in Sagada. Having tried their food for the second time, I can say the reviews are overrated. The food is acceptable yet nothing special.

Day 2 of Sagada trip '13

wonder:

memory

mirasol + sablay

Mission accomplished!

Janie and I have been itching to have a photoshoot wearing our sablay (UP's graduation sash) with the sunflowers along the university avenue as our backdrop.  Over the years, we have been wishing for a perfect schedule for the shoot but with no luck. 

Fortunately this year, the Sunflower Goddess finally gave us the green light. Yey! And this is it, our fun Sunday shoot with the "mirasol" and our sablay. :)

Cheers to realizing our little wish!

sunflower kiss! mwah! :)

three. poses. Janie.

when the bee wanders

the bee's reward

just like a dance pose

sablay sharing

keep the flame burning



the Oblation


wander: University of the Philippines
              Diliman, Quezon City

wonder:

spur of the moment

I had a great time hanging out with high school friends last weekend.

Such spur-of-the-moment chillers rarely happen as oftentimes I just eat, sleep and chat with people at home. Plus, I always feel too lazy to hang out, thinking that I need some rest as I always find myself out and about. But last weekend was different. I had the chance to attend a good friend's wedding, visit another friend's house and take home live chicken (!) and lotsa fruits courtesy of his generous mom, and of course, roam around the city with friends in search for nice bars to hang out. All in all, the experience was so hilarious and thrilling.

The cast of characters:

Jonathan - Heidi's boyfriend who was so nice to drive us around the city. From my perception, he enjoyed the night out as well as we did. :)

Heidi - My travel buddy and great friend since high school. She loves to hang out too (watch concerts, have some drinks with friends, or have sleepovers) that's why we instantly clicked. :)
Me! - explanation not needed. haha

Joy - My gradeschool best friend. Funny how we were back when we were little: writing letters to each other saying how we love each other or hate each other. But as we grow older, things have changed and I am quite surprised to see how such a grownup she has become-- work-wise, life-wise, lovelife-wise. Also, she taught me new tricks for drinking booze and playing billiards that night. And I think I did quite well. She said I am a fast learner. I told  her she's a good teacher. haha In addition, she  showed us around the city, bringing us to a good kaleskes (a quirky foodie in Dagupan) kiosk and nice bars.  That night was a great one for us to catch up. I felt so great. :)

David - Our good friend who loves to travel with us whenever he is free. He was most of the time happy and worry-free that night, I hope he will always be like that. :)

After three billiard matches, the girls' team won! Cheers to us! :)



I'd love to play billiards again with these guys.
Hopefully, the girls' team will have a second victory! haha

Grade school best friends :)

After the night out came the road trip the next day. It was another impromptu plan and everyone was up for it. So we all went home a bit early to prep for the early trip. It took us two hours to get to our destination -- Kultura Resort. The "getting there, while there and going back home" was all about fun and more fun! :)

A must-try but too bad I wore the most appropriate outfit of all.haha

Photo creds to Joy :)

wanders:

View Deck @ Quatro Grill, Dagupan City

Mugshotz Sports Bar & Restaurant, Dagupan City

Kultura Resort: Km. 21 Marcos Highway, Brgy. Cares, Pugo, La Union

wonder: