A year of understanding and discovery,
Of acceptance and road to recovery.
Step by step, waiting patiently,
Hope for an opportunity.
This year is about letting go,
Take time to let things flow,
Sometimes, weakness may show,
And know that its fine to say no.
♡,
Mari
Lost track of time,
Life seemed out of rhyme,
Different situations,
Case to case perception.
Some days, I couldn't sleep,
Mind full of conclusions,
Why think so deep.
Yes, how do I avoid confusion.
Unknown future,
Decisions unsure,
Nothing is secure,
Oh please, what is the cure.
♡,
Mari
Two days in Metro Manila with my childhood friends.
Day 1 Intramuros
We first went to Manila Cathedral and then walked to Fort Santiago.
Our light dinner was at Mercato, at that time was within Fort Santiago area too.
Day 2 Las Casas in Quezon City and University of Santo Tomas in Manila City
Las Casas
The place is actually a mini version of Las Casas in Bataan. They advocate preserving and restoring Spanish-Filipino houses built in 18th century era.
We went here for lunch and the highlight would be the pricey halo-halo 😅
Overall, food tastes ok.
The ambiance felt like you're back in the past. There is also a church where you can attend a mass.
Anyway, we came here for the old houses 😁
University of Santo Tomas
UST, the pontifical, royal and catholic university, holds the distinction of being Asia's oldest existing university.
We went here for a quick visit to the church and to see the "Main Building" that most of us mistook as the church. We also passed by the Arch of the Centuries. Both were declared National Cultural Treasures by the National Museum in 2010.
Trivia: UST was originally located within Intramuros.
That's all for now!
♡,
Mari
Thank you, Lord for the good weather!
Siquijor is one of a kind! I've been here years ago and I can say not much have changed.
We arrived a bit late in Dumaguete so we didn't do much but we had a chance to walked around their park before having dinner at AA BBQ.
The next day, we left for Siquijor.
We were excited since we've been longing for nature and rest for quite sometime now.
Upon arriving at Coco Grove Resort, we were offered welcome drinks (watermelon shake!) - yes, refreshing!
I have good impression of the place overall. It was spacious, clean, and felt relaxing.
After lunch, we rested a bit and then went by the beach area and pool area. We also attended a yoga class.
Dinner was supposed to be by the beach but they moved it near the pool area since it was raining.
It was a pleasant evening and entertaining as well. Thanks to the resort's efforts on music and dance performances.
We went back to our room satisfied and happy.
Our second day in Siquijor was spent outside the resort. We booked a day tour and it started at Pitogo Cliff.
Other places that we visited:
1. Cambugahay Falls
You can take a swim and rent a raft.
Since we didn't intend to swim, we rented a raft and just took nice photos and videos.
Fresh buko juice after was good too.
2. Another beach area that I forgot the name - sorry! The view was wonderful!
3. Old Enchanted Balete Tree
Try their "fish spa" 😂 which I don't plan to do again. 😁
The balete tree is one of the oldest tree in Siquijor.
A souvenir shop is also available where you can buy charms etc.
Siquijor is known for the infamous agimat and gayuma.
4. Lazi Church and Lazi Convent
You can pray at the church or check the convent's museum.
5. Lilibeth's Pan Bisaya
Known for Torta bread! The bakery now have a covered dining area unlike before.
Cheese bread tastes good too and best paired with coffee!
6. Elena's Bakery
Known for crunchy Otap! We were given free taste that I end up buying a lot for personal consumption and gift to friends.
7. Photo area/snack
We stopped over at a store where you can take a jumpshot photo using a broom 😅
We also ate grilled banana 😊
Siquijor is said to be a center of mystic power and a capital of mystic activities and black magic, hence, my guess on why they use broom for photos.
Overall, it was a nice day tour in Siquijor. Thankfully, it didn't rain not until the last part where we had our group photo.
We went back to the resort, happy!
To end the night, we availed of a relaxing body scrub and massage. It was one of the highlights of our trip. Pampering ourselves ❤️
After the massage, we were offered tea and made friends with a lady who came from Spain (I think her name is Maria?).
Anyway, all good and slept well ❤️
The following day, we went back to Dumaguete.
Before walking around Dumaguete, we first had lunch at Adamo, a good restaurant. We like their food!
Then we stopped by at a cafe since we weren't allowed to go inside Siliman University.
Our last stop was at the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral or Dumaguete Cathedral, the island's oldest stone church completed in 1776. We also passed by the church's bell tower.
For dinner, we chose Sansrival Bistro. A restaurant famous for its sansrival dessert. I also bought a box for personal consumption.
That's it for this trip 😊
As much as we wanted to stay and relax, we need to go back ✈️
♡,
Mari
I've been to Palawan few times in the past and this was my first trip by air since the pandemic. The flight was a bit delayed but the van ride to El Nido was okay.
It was already evening when we arrived in El Nido and after checked in, we went to Big Bad Thai for dinner.
The next day, we toured the islands under Tour A. It was good despite the rainy and cold weather.
We planned to avail Tour C as well but the weather wasn't good. There was a typhoon and the coast guard won't allow the boats to travel the islands under Tour C. In short, we never thought of joining Tour B or D 😅
Anyway, the take away lesson here would be to visit El Nido during summer months so that we can enjoy the island tours without worry.
We also went to Vanilla Beach and Las Cabañas Beach but it rained. Good thing we ate at Maregmeg's resto and met the obedient dog, Pakwan! 😁
We mostly stayed indoors because of the rain. There was one night where we went to the District (a nearby bar) for a few drinks and laughs 🤣
The van ride back to Puerto Princesa was fine too.
We visited few coffee shops and Baker's Hill while in Puerto Princesa.
Overall, it was a memorable trip!
♡,
Mari
The Plan: Visit Manila Museum and food trip (Farm Haus and Streetfood).
What happened:
We met for lunch at Farm Haus and ordered steak at an affordable price. I'd say it would be nice if there is an airconditioned room.
After lunch, we booked a ride going to Manila Museum, but it was closed that day 😕 So we rode a pedicab going to Intramuros instead. Good thing it's nearby. So after walking for an hour (maybe), we looked for a coffeeshop.
Sadly, the cafe is closed. Hence, change of plan again. We ended up walking towards Cafe Barbara.
When we reached the area, we chanced upon Casa Manila. Surprisingly, it was open that day so we decided to take a look first.
Per website:
"The Casa Manila or “Manila House” is a living museum that features the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the late Spanish colonial period. The façade of Casa Manila was patterned after a house that once stood at Jaboneros Street in the Chinese district of Binondo in the 1850’s. The interior decor of the house follows the taste of the turn of the late 19th century where furniture and furnishings were sourced from Europe and China. Painted walls, crystal chandeliers, carved traceries, Chinese ceramics and gilded furniture shows the elegance and luxury of a 19th century Manila house."
It was a quick house tour experience and I trully appreciate all the old things preserved from long time ago.
Then finally, we had coffee and dessert at Cafe Barbara before heading for streetfood adventure in Tondo.
♡,
Mari
A time to address all the pent-up emotions,
Unravel the pain from past situations.
A cycle that seemed to have reached it's end,
Lost count of reasons to further pretend.
To brave the consequences that it may cost,
Despite feeling helpless and a bit lost.
Embrace the changes, let go of the past,
Have faith, the sufferings won't last.
Make way for another journey,
Begin a new beautiful story,
For life isn't just all about pain,
Every(thing) good should remain.
♡,
Mari
I wanted to attend a 'Sip n Gogh' session before, but never had a chance until Neo offered 50 slots to their tenants.
Fortunately, we made it to the list! 😁
Event day:
They offered snack and wine (chicken wrap and nachos; an alcoholic or non-alcoholic sparkling drink).
We took our seats and waited for the painting session to begin.
Thanks to the clear instructions and helpful staff of Sip n Gogh, I was able to finish my canvas which I consider one of the very few painting related activity that I did in my entire life 🤣
It was a fun and engaging activity that I wish I can attend the next session (if ever)! My friend and I had a great time!
Also, I never thought I'd actually feel tired and hungry afterwards 😅
Thanks, Neo! To more fun activities like this! 💯
♡,
Mari
We decided to visit Antipolo again for a change of environment. We thought of trees, plants, and good weather.
To make it short, we wanted to see the nature.
So we ended up visiting El Patio Razon. Time spent on the road was almost 3hrs from Manila.
It took us more or less 2 hrs. to roam around El Patio Razon. There were different areas overlooking the trees around the place and of course, photo friendly areas where you can pose for the camera.
They also offer kawa bath which looks relaxing (available in hot or cold bath).
We weren't able to check what's inside the hobbit house since it was occupied.
Then we left El Patio for lunch at Pico de Pino. The food tastes okay, like home cooked meals. We left as soon as we finished the food and then attended the mass at Antipolo church.
Our last stop was at Kaulayaw Coffee for coffee and dinner.
What I like about this place is the view.
I tried Estrelya coffee which is considered one of their best among the caffeine drinks. Food tastes okay.
♡,
Mari
Can't get enough of Intramuros?
Yaaaaz!!! 😄
Here's to another day spent in Intramuros with relatives!
We met in Makati for lunch before we went to Intramuros.
We dropped by the Manila Cathedral and prayed. Afterwards, we headed to Fort Santiago. Sadly, the museum was closed. Still, we were able to see other places such as an exhibit in Baluarte de Santa Barbara and the interesting Dugeons of Fort Santiago.
The exhibit showed the different buildings built in Intramuros which were made of plastic building blocks. Amazed that they were able to do it as detailed as possible.
Felt goosebumps when we went down the dungeons. If you're not that good with small spaces, I suggest not to go in.
Our day ended in La Cathedral Cafe for a nice merienda and chat.
The next day, we had breakfast at Ristorante delle Mitre.
♡,
Mari
Contemplating about life,
Thinking of opportunities,
Looking back in the past,
How decisions paved a way.
Feeling lost or muddleheaded,
A lot of things going around,
No focus, no direction,
Wondering when this will last.
Waiting for a sign?
Hopeful for things to be fine,
Manifesting goals to align,
"Embracing detours" is a sign.
♡,
Mari
I've read the Harry Potter book series and was charmed by how magical it seemed to be.
Also watched a few movies and was amazed by the visual effects.
Therefore, I made a checklist of what to try during our USJ visit:
1. To experience the 3D version of what's in the books.
2. To try butterbeer.
3. To eat at one of the restaurants.
4. Take photos as many as we can 😁
Lastly, make it memorable because its about Harry Potter!
Here's a summary:
1. The area dedicated for HP is small, and there were a lot of people, still we had fun.
I was able to have a clear picture of some scenes written in the book - wand shop, owl shop etc.
The platform 9 and 3/4 also caught our attention. Almost everyone wanted to have their photo taken within the area.
2. The butterbeer is pricey and tastes very (very) sweet. We availed the mug too as souvenir. I now use it as a pen or stuff holder 😄
3. I was expecting rice, but nah, they have corn. So yes, meat and corn for lunch. The taste is average.
4. I have a lot of photos and videos!
So yes, memorable experience 💯
Bonus was the hypogriff ride that we tried. Its a 3D experience.
Aside from the HP area, we also visited other places inside USJ.
Have fun if you're planning to go there!
♡,
Mari
