Lobo Beach

In this part of the world, summer is already in its full blast (March-May). The heat is unbelievable so you either face it head-on or put your back against it and go to a cooler place! Now, let me share the first part, facing it head-on by going to the beach and enjoying the summer heat. The Philippines has a lot of beaches and you'll never run out of options, be it white sand, brown sand, gray/dark sand, strong waves, still waters, marine sanctuary, etc. I've been to white sand beaches in Calaguas Islands (see my previous posts here and here), Samal Island (see post here), Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, Apo Island in Negros Oriental (it's a marine sanctuary and one of the best places where I've seen a lot of schools of fish and corals), Matabungkay in Batangas, and the gray/dark sand beaches of Bagasbas and Del Carmen in Camarines Norte.

Now, I'm sharing the brown sand beach in Lobo, Batangas. We had our team building last May 2-4 in Almalin Beach Resort (website). It was a nice, little place situated far from the hustle and bustle of major towns. It may not be as picturesque as the white sand beaches but it was lovely nonetheless.

Now, this is me smiling like a little kid. You see, when you're in a place like this, you just can't help but be happy.

I've also discovered my new favorite activity, paddle boarding. Getting up early in the morning, paddling while the sun rises, seeing the wonderful view of the sea, sky, and mountains - everything is just serene. I get to witness the beauty of God's creation, reflect about life, and just take in every single moment of it. Ah, this is life!

Sweet Tooth Cravings: Passion by Gerard Dubois

After mural art hunting in Bonifacio High Street, we headed to a French cafe called Passion by Gerard Dubois located at Shop C2 at the NetPark, 5th Ave., BGC (see their website here) to satisfy our sweet tooth cravings.  Well, they not only offer desserts, they also have pasta, baguette, sandwiches, salads.





Now, let's go to the sweet stuff!

Gelato bar

Macarons

I ordered a Mango Mont Blanc and Chocolate Gelato while my friends got Chocolat aux Noisettes and Marble Cheese Cake.

What I love most about their desserts is that they're not really sweet. I mean it's obvious that they did not pile up on the sugar, which is a good thing. The flavor is definitely there. If you got something that is chocolatey, in my case the gelato, you can really taste the strong chocolate flavor. I'm also a fan of the Chocolat aux Noisettes. Two thumbs up for their desserts!

However, the experience would have been perfect if we had some brewed coffee to go with those sweet stuff. When we got there, unfortunately, they didn't have an available coffee. Thus, I only had water and my friends got some soft drinks, which is a bit off.

And their service is not that efficient. My friends have to wait for quite some time before someone cleared the table. The staff should be more attentive whenever there are customers.

Ultimately, I have to say the food was really great and I'd like to go back to try the other desserts. And I'm hoping for a better customer service.

P.S. When eating in restaurants or coffee shops, I also like to look whether they have good comfort rooms because you'll never know if you're gonna need one. Hehe. And this has a clean CR with hand wash and tissue paper.

*all photos taken by me except for the last one which was by Shayne

#30Before30

It's been a while since I made a list of things I wanted to do and I've been meaning to do this - thirty things to do before turning thirty. There's something special about turning 30 - entering a new era, welcoming a new decade. Well, it's pretty much like when I was entering my 20's when I was a teen but this time, I'm more matured and probably wiser. I hope so.

It's a list composed of random things. Some things I know I can accomplish but there are also some things that are kind of impossible to pursue within the next ten months. But I wrote it down anyway. So let's see what happens. *wink wink*

---First published on March 12, 2016---
---Updated as of March 26, 2016---
---Updated as of April 22, 2016---

1. Travel solo
2. Gain new friends
3. Grow hair past my shoulders - ✓
• Having wavy (sometimes frizzy) hair, I always put my hair in a pony tail but I decided to have it straightened/rebonded. And viola, it has become super straight and smooth and of course, a bit longer. It's length was literally past my shoulders. However, it only lasted for 10 days. I had it trimmed since I'm really not used to having long hair and it's summer right now. But then again, at least I was able to give it a try.
4. Start a PhD
5. Have a savings of $$$$$$
6. Try speed dating Pay my credit card fully (0.00 Outstanding balance)
7. Do yoga
8. Give a surprise vacation for my parents mom
9. Hug someone like there's no tomorrow
10. Grow a plant - ✓
• Got myself orchids (dancing lady) and tarragon herbs from the local fair.
11. Go to the gym
12. Reflect about my life while strolling at the beach
13. Watch fireworks with a special someone
14. Cook a dish
15. Learn to drive
16. Obtain a driver's license
17. Meet an old friend(s) - ✓
• I've been meeting my former housemates, college roommates, and best friend since the start of the year. It's really nice to take some time and catch up with them.
18. Start investing in funds
19. Get a tattoo
20. Watch a musical
21. Live in a new place
22. Bake a bread or a pastry
23. Sell Donate clothes
24. Attend a music festival
25. Be in love with someone who truly deserves it Have a pixie cut and color change
26. Get a new layout and theme for my blog
27. Pursue some artistic endeavors
28. Donate to charity
29. Walk down the aisle (uhm this is probably impossible at the moment but let's see)
30. Celebrate my birthday and have number balloons like the picture below but in big "3" and "0" instead

image source here

BGC Art Hunt

A week ago, me and my former college roommates explored the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig. It's one of the newest business areas in the metro. The buildings are newly built (there are still a lot of on-going constructions of condos and offices), the surroundings are landscaped, stoplights are everywhere and functioning properly, pedestrians on every corner... When you're there, it's as if you're in a different country.

Aside from the sprawling buildings, you'll also get to see art, specifically murals or street art in the area. This is hosted by BGC's Public Art Program (see their website here). They have organized art festivals showcasing the talents of international and local artists. Street arts can be found in the different areas and corners in BGC. Like food, they come in different flavors! Some are so huge and colorful. Others are simple yet still invoke some kind of emotion.

Here they are!

All of the murals I've seen are beautiful in their own way but this is probably my most favorite. It's not that big but I feel as if there's a story behind this little boy and the face of the tiger in front of him.

The mural above is just located on the wall of Fully Booked shop. When we went inside, I asked the guard if there are still other murals nearby, then she said she knows one inside. Well, it's not only walls that can be used as canvass for murals, apparently stacks of books can be used also!

*All pictures taken by me

   The one's I'm included were taken by Shayne

The past few days have been really hard for me but today I am reminded of two things:

1. To not doubt; and

  2. To never give up. 

At present, I have this strong desire to get out of my comfort zone. And what will it be like? I see myself holding a one-way ticket, flying off to some foreign land where not one single soul knows me. It's a fresh, new start. The canvass is clean and I can paint it with any color that I want. I can be whoever I want to be, try things I haven't done before, meet new people, and experience a new culture. I can be an apple-picker or a bartender. Or someone at the counter of the coffee shop. Or maybe even someone who owns a coffee shop. You name it! And then, I'll be exploring the countryside and the city and everything in between. I'll be someone from the Eat, Pray, and Love book (except that it's not gonna be a romantic love).

Someday...

image source here

Another Blow of Quarter Life Crisis

It comes and it goes. And it's too familiar...that feeling when everything around you isn't falling into place.

Not so long ago, I dreamt of becoming a doctor. But I've given up that dream and, instead, just focused my energy into getting into a PhD program. These past few months, I've been applying to several grad programs. However, until now, the odds aren't in my favor. I guess my background doesn't fit quite well with what I wanted to pursue. I guess nobody believes in my capabilities.

I guess I'm also starting to-- not believe in me.

Aside from that, I have also realized that for several years now, I've been praying for someone special to come into my life. Someone who will swept me off my feet. Someone who will love me. But I guess, that someone is in a faraway land. So far that it seems it's impossible for us to meet. Or maybe, that someone doesn't exist at all. Maybe some people have their love story, others don't. And I belong to the latter. Maybe it's time for me to stop wishing for that someone and to live my life just as it is.

I am one independent woman after all.

I know there are still a lot more people who had it worse. But being in this place - it's never easy.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum

This girl is in need of some travel adventures. So in the meantime, let's go back to my Vietnam trip, shall we?

We started the third day visiting Ho Chi Minh City Museum. On our way, we passed by Ho Chi Minh City Square. The night before, it was full of people (see post here) and in the morning after, it was a completely different sight.


It seemed like me and my friend we're the only ones in the square. So we took advantage and had some photos taken again. Haha! And aside from the peaceful atmosphere, I also observed how clean the area was even though there were lots of tourists and locals during the night. So, two thumbs up to the people assigned in maintaining the cleanliness of the square!

After a short walk, we arrived at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum. It was not that big (only two floors) but I had a great time checking the exhibits and learning the Vietnamese way of life during the olden times.

Vietnamese marriage ceremony

Outside the museum, there's a lovely garden. We stayed there quite a bit because, well, it's the perfect place to unwind and to rest our tired feet.

*all photos taken by me, the ones where I am included were taken by Shayne