Metro Manila 2023 | Intramuros, Las Casas and University of Santo Tomas

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

Limayon Local 2022 | Dumaguete and Siquijor

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

Palawan 2022 | El Nido and Puerto Princesa

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

Intramuros 2022 | Casa Manila and Food Trip

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

Staycation Weekend | Azumi Boutique Hotel and Foodtrip

Goal: Eat, Sleep and Eat 🤣 

First stop: Lunch at Neil's Kitchen before we went to Azumi Hotel. 

We had coffee and desserts at EACH Cafe. 

I would love to go back here because of coffee ❤️

Pastries at Bungalow Cafe are one of the bests that I've had. I wish they open a branch in Manila. 

Personal fave are lamington and brie, prosciutto, nectarine danish 😋

Overall, a pleasant stay at Azumi Hotel - comfy beds! 

The next day, we stopped by La Chinesca and Sensei for lunch. We enjoyed the food! 

Goal accomplished! 😁

♡,

Mari

Letters from Mari | Palingenesis

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

Sip n Gogh | Paint with Neo

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