Iloilo 2023 | Islas de Gigantes

Gigantes Islands, here we come! 🥳

This trip to explore the beautiful Islas de Gigantes in Iloilo is part of my never ending list of “must see” places in the Philippines.

As soon as we left the Iloilo airport, we went to the bus station to find a bus going to Carles.

Once in Carles, we checked into the hotel resort and the next day, we went to explore Islas de Gigantes.

Always in awe how beautiful the beaches are, in the Philippines, in general. 😍

After a few days in Carles, we went back to Iloilo City and visited the Molo Church, Molo Mansion, and Casa Mariquit.

Of course, we did not forget dropping by at another branch of the oldest coffeeshop in Iloilo - Madge Cafe. Several years ago, I first tried Madge Cafe when we went to La Paz Public Market. 

After our trip, Iloilo was recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and I am not surprised. They are famous for Batchoy and you will find a lot of restaurants or food stalls selling Batchoy everywhere.

We had Batchoy at Popoy’s Batchoy, molo soup near the Molo Mansion, bibingka in front of Molo church, and had dinner at Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant.

Batchoy of Popoy’s Batchoy

Molo soup

Bibingka

Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant

   

All in all, we had fun 🥳

💕,

Mari

Prospero Año Nuevo 2026!

Prospero año nuevo! 

May this year be more fruitful and meaningful than the last 🙏

For time never waits.

💕,

Mari

Closing 2025!

Este año, la vida me enseño mucho.

A veces me siento feliz o triste, pero esta bien al final porque siempre estoy muy agradecido por las oportunidades.

Muchas gracias, 2025!

It’s another challenging year of work-life balance 😊

Un abrazo,

Mari 

Galilee 2023 | Tabgha and Mount of Beatitudes

In a day, we went to Tabgha and Mount of Beatitudes.

Tabgha

Tabgha, sometimes spelled Tabga or Tabhga, derived from the Greek “Heptapegon” (seven springs), reflects the area’s natural springs that sustained life in biblical times.

The place of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes and the fourth resurrection appearance of Jesus after his Crucifixion.

Mount of Beatitudes

The exact site of the Sermon on the Mount is unknown. However, the location of the Church is the spot where Jesus is believed to have delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Overlooking the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, the mount offers enchanting views of the northern part of the lake and of the Golan Heights.

Hope to visit again in the future! 🙏

💕,

Mari

Letters from Mari | Unpredictable

One moment, you're fire,

In a second, you're calm.

Changes like the weather,

All for being better.

A being of valor,

With a dash of flair.

A determined spirit,

And tons of grit.

Sway in any direction,

Flow in unforseen situations.

Stability is always at stake,

Weaving life with faith.

♡,

Mari

Israel 2023 | The Dead Sea

We left Jerusalem very early and arrived at the location before sunrise. Almost 2 hour drive and I'm surprised I was awake 😄

Probably because of the nonstop conversations and the amazing sceneries along the way. 

As soon as we arrived, we chose our spot and set-up our things. My initial impression was it would be crowded but luck was on our side since we were one of the few groups who arrived early. 

I went around for a bit and read the precautions too. So the water temperature is high and I should not let the water touch my eyes due to its salt content. The most important thing is to float only on your back and do not attempt to swim to avoid accidents.

The Dead Sea has extremely high salt concentration making the water dense and therefore exerts a strong upward buoyant force. It is easy for people to float.

What to bring:

1. Sunscreen

2. Hat

3. Lots of water

4. Refreshing snacks

5. Camera

After sunrise, we decided to go back since its too hot already and we wanted to avoid too much crowd.

♡,

Mari

Hola, 2025!

Feliz año nuevo!

Welcoming the new year with hope 🍀

Looking forward to more opportunities for growth, wealth, and prosperity! 

♡,

Mari