2016 : In Text and Photos

The year that was and the year that will be…

2016 is not the best year but it’s a year full of new beginnings and bittersweet endings. I’ve written my frustrations and unanswered prayers in my previous blog posts and I won’t rehash it anymore.

December of last year, I decided not to expect much on what 2016 can actually bring into my life. I promised myself to be more open-minded and just let life happen.

I made 2016 my travel year and indeed I got what I wanted — memories and experiences that made me realized how beautiful life can actually be. I went to places I’ve never been to and created new memories from the places I’ve been to before.

In 2017, I want a monthly travel plan like what I tried to achieve last year.

February 

• Iloilo City day trip

March

•  Church, Cebu
• Cagayan de Oro 
• Bukidnon
• Misamis Oriental 

April

• Boracay Island

May

• Bantayan Island,Cebu

August

• Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
• Patapat Viaduct
• Pagudpud
• Laoag
• Vigan 
• Cordillera 
• Baguio City
• Tagaytay 

September 

• La Carlota City

October 

• Puka Beach, Boracay 

November 

• Gary’s Punong, Silay City
• Dumaguete City

December 

• Don Salvador Benedicto 

Oh… the places I will go!

2016 taught me to embrace change and I had a surprise of my life when I got transferred to another program. It was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster but I’m glad that I was able to adjust. New team and new colleagues, I’m back to where I’ve started and it’s starting to feel like home.

I failed my 2016 goal but being top team for FCR last Q3 is not bad. A reminder that I don’t totally get what I usually want, TOP TEAM.  I remembered how my ASNP life was, great times with lots of achievements and recognitions. Oh well, I guess I’m simply glad that I met new bunch of people who became a great part of my 2016. 

I got new set of friends this year but still having great times with the old ones.

I’ve been to a lot of events for the first time.

• Lights of Bago 2016
• Boom: Music fest 
• Boyce Avenue Concert
• Tito Nonoy’s wake
• RTNHS alumni homecoming 
• Laboracay 2016
• Site Recognitions 
• Birthday Parties 
• Give a Bag of Hope 2
• Masskara Festival 
• Random meet ups and get together
• Empire : CVG Christmas Party 
• HSD Gift Giving 

It’s my first to open a passbook savings account and bought an insurance for myself. This is to ensure my future and be financially independent moving forward.

Now, despite me going to the gym for the first time last October to be stronger and to shed off some excess fats I still cannot help but indulge myself to new restaurants and café.

Top 10 favorite places to dine and chill

• Starbucks
• Vikings
• Merkado 
• Miren Café 
• Manhattan’s Fleet Gastropub
• Bob’s Café
• Delicioso 
• Bascon Café 
• Calea 
• Cantina Mondo 

Food trippin’

I am a food junkie who loves to eat and chill.

Coffee and Alcohol 

… always been my refuge since my mind and heart usually have irreconcilable differences. 

And vanity continues this 2017…

9 Best Selfie moments!!! 😂

Ain’t tired of my face… thank God for the gift of youthfulness. 😂

I let God take the driver’s seat. I won’t push him anymore to grant my heart’s desires for I know that all good things come to those who wait. I won’t sulk for all the unanswered prayers. I won’t punish myself for the mistakes I did. I won’t live my life with regrets. I will stop holding on to people who doesn’t take an extra mile to be there for me and to show how important I am. I will not settle for less than I deserve just because I don’t have an option. I will stop having too much faith in humanity for it’ll just be another disappointing memory to bear. I will keep on controlling the beast in me because I know how asshole I can be. I should know better and be the bigger person no matter what. I won’t let my anger control me because it’ll end up with something I’ll just regret. I hope I’ll still be more motivated to write and let people know my other side. I hope to inspire others through my words and lastly, I hope to find the incomplete pieces of my life’s puzzle. The blank spaces haunt me, wanting to be filled soon.

I don’t expect much for 2017. I’ll just embrace it as it unfolds another chapter of my life. Whatever happens whether it’ll turn out to be great or not I know for sure that it will make me a better person. I know I’ll be frustrated again, probably shed buckets of tears or worst encounter another heartbreaking moment. I’ll take whatever God’s challenge will be, as if I have a better choice. Anyways, I choose to chill and I will keep on choosing things and people that will make me happy. Life’s short as they say so why choose to suffer?

 Live and let go for life is meant to be experienced and discovered. Hey 2017, what’s up? I’m definitely ready for you.

XOXO,

Carol  😘

 

Simala Church: Wishes Do Come True

“Have you ever thought of someone like you’ve never thought of someone before? ”

During my recent trip, I decided to actually find myself and get connected on what my inner voice is saying.  I’ve been blinded for quite some time trying to push on some things that are not even working out and I’m talking not just about relationships but career as well. I’ve been out of tune for quite some time and still in search of life’s great meaning. So I went to Simala Church, one of the most miraculous churches in the country wherein most of those who believe got their wishes come true. I must say that I’m not really a devotee nor religious. I can describe myself as someone who believes in a Supreme Being but not a total fan of Christian traditions. I don’t even read all chapters in the bible. I just believe in God and in goodness to others. To cut the long story short, I decided to take my chances in Simala. I need divine intervention to sort my chaotic life. I know I needed this trip.

Last March 12, I flew to Cebu and rushed to the South Cebu Terminal to catch the bus going to Sibonga where Simala Shrine is located.  Fare costs at around P63 if I recall it perfectly for an air-conditioned bus. It’s a 2-hour and a half trip where I get the chance to use Google maps for the first time. I am a bit alarmed since the church is only open until 6pm and I was on the bus at 3pm due to heavy traffic from Mactan Airport to the bus terminal.

I am glad that I was able to arrived in the nick of time. Habal habals are available on the main road and they’ll be the ones to take you to the shrine for 20 pesos. It was a perfect time for me to contemplate especially that the shrine is so beautiful at dusk.

I lit my colored candles for a specific purpose and prayed.

I lit 5 candles because I know I needed it.

Black ( for souls ):  My uncle recently died during my mom’s birthday and I am surprised at the same time saddened of his death.  He is really funny and very nice to me. I love him so much.

I also prayed for my other uncle who died last November. I asked for forgiveness since I was not able to provide him all he wants. I am still starting to save up for my future and been into a lot of financial problems due to family matters that I need to resolve.

Green (prosperity ):  I wanted to be financially stable and start to work on my future. I know I needed this to provide my family’s wants.

Gold (health): I prayed for my mom’s health to be better as I want her to still see her future grandchild. I must admit I’m not into getting married as of the moment but I wanted my mom to at least be able to see me stable and raise a family I can call my own.

White ( Guidance ): My life seems to be pointing nowhere and until now I don’t know how to deal with it. I’m starting to give up and surrender the steering wheel to God for I am headed into damnation. It’s been like this for years already.

Red ( Love ) : Being single starts to be uncomfortable at this age. I’m starting to question my own worth, my personality and the likes. It’s exasperating to keep on thinking what I need to change in order to attract someone. I’ve keep on praying and wishing that someone will see me more than a friend but God keeps on denying those prayers. It’s been years full of false hopes but still nothing. I start asking myself why, why am I not worth the words?  Am I not good enough?  The belief I have on myself has been clouded with uncertainties. I questioned my being. I started to feel the blues plus the fear of growing up alone. I decided to surrender this time, to lay my hopes unto God’s feet and let him decide on what’s best for me. I prayed to find him, the one who’ll make me believe that it’s okay to love and be love.

It is one perfect view to indulge into while my thoughts drift into nothingness. Various thoughts were clouding my mind and I just let it happen, I let those thoughts overflow because I know it’s my needed break.

Travelling back to Cebu City made me feel fulfilled because I was able to go to Simala alone. It’s true that in order for us to connect we must disconnect for the mean time.

Travelling alone gives you the chance to know more about yourself, it makes you feel so independent and brave. It’s a tough act to follow and I want to experience it all over again. I never trusted myself that much for quite some time due to fear that I might get lost.

It’s a chaotic world we got here and I realized that I should slow down and feel all the adventures as well as my misadventures. I should be positive and trust God for he knows what is best for me.

For now, I give up. I’ll let him take the lead.

I never thought of someone as much as I’ve thought of someone right now. Is he the one?  I hope so.

Bantayan Island: Not Your Ordinary Paradise

Chill Rating: ☺☺☺☺☺

One of the best weekend spent on the beach with friends. It’s so nice to finally commune in nature after some tiring week of school and work related stress. It has been my lifelong dream to travel and write about the world we are currently in. I must admit I am not really a writer, I am just a blogger who writes from her soul. This will be one of my few summer adventures that I will be blogging just because this place is really worth every single share. Bantayan Island is located west of the northernmost part of Cebu province. It’s actually one of the largest in the whole Bantayan Island Group which is composed of not more than 20 islands. Most tourists visit the island during Holy Week because it is the island’s fiesta. Party goers from all walks of life are enjoying the scenic view, eat, drink and definitely be merry! I love partying but since I am an ambivert ( partly extrovert, partly introvert) Bantayan is the best place for solitude so I rather choose Boracay for the party scene and let Bantayan be Bantayan — I want to savor its serenity and wander around when there’s a lesser crowd. Now, enough of my introduction and let’s start rehashing my less than 24 hours stay in the beautiful paradise that made me realized that life is too short to waste  in worries. I remembered swimming under the stars and the full moon. It was so blissful and should I say solitude at its finest. Thank you Lord for the needed break. I finally have unwind from all the hustles and bustles of my city life. I could not thank you enough for the beautiful weather and clear skies that night. I am in one with your creation and it has been an awesome experience . It actually reminded me that you exist and that you’ll always be there watching us no matter what.

And again, to cut the drama short… let’s start talking about Bantayan Island — such a beautiful place to wander.

I left home at around 6:00 am and took the 6:50 bus to Cadiz for 95 pesos. When you reached the terminal, there will be trike drivers who will offer to bring you to the port where the fast craft is. It depends on the number of people so I suggest go in groups so that you’ll pay only 20 – 25 pesos from Cadiz terminal to its port. For 290 pesos, you’ll be able to reach Bantayan Island in 3 hours depending on the weather. Make sure you reached the port before 9:00 am or else, you’ll wait for tomorrow because there’s only one trip each day.

Bantayan Island is 4 hours away from Bacolod and most of the travel time is spent on the sea. Nevertheless, the place is really worth the time spent waiting. After we reached Bantayan Port, we went to Grez Bell, a restaurant nearby which offers delicious and mouth watering delicacies. Since everyone is so busy with regard to the Pacman and Mayweather fight, we waited for almost an hour but again, it’s worth it. I ordered chicken curry and I swear I love it. My friends ordered steamed veggies and sizzling squid.

After our oh so fully loaded meal — we are off to see more of the sun, sand and definitely the BEACH!!! Oh yeah! But first we roam around the municipality’s market to check out some goodies. It’s nice and very affordable.

You need to ride a trike for 25 pesos in order to reach the beach resorts in Sta. Fe which is a 15 – 20 minute ride from the wharf.

Most of my travel time was spent on daydreaming the white beaches and cloud watching.

There are several beach front resorts you can choose from when you reach Bantayan Island. Prices of these resorts range as little as P1,500 to P5,000 per night. Finally, we’re in Budyong Beach Resort! Budyong Beach Resort is one of the most affordable resort in Bantayan Island. It is a nicec place to stay if you are into a great beach experience with your family and friends. The resort takes pride of its location and staff that are very helpful and accomodating. They are recommending activities that make your stay in the island very worthwhile and that includes tricycle transfers, boat and bike rentals. It’s one of the choices when you want a beach resort with powdery white sands and beachfront cottages that offers the best view of the sea. Swimming in front of the resort is also good because the water is clean,cool and no big rocks that can hurt your feet whether it’s high tide or low tide. The place is so serene and calm, just the perfect place for you to destress and unwind. I will surely recommend the resort to my friends.

Budyong Beach Resort Website: http://budyong.byethost7.com/budyong/index.html

For reservations and inquiries, please feel free to reach them thru the following: 

Phone : (032) 438-9285
Mobile : 09213145275
Email : budyongbeachresort@hotmail.com

Best place to stay with family or friends and just commune with nature.

We stayed in a fan room worth 1300 pesos which is already good for 4 persons and the only room available that day.

Front Desk

Time to feel the island vibe first before we start the fun… fresh green mango shake from Budyong’s Restaurant! It is so refreshing — definitely a must try.

More pictures of Budyong Beach Resort hoping it will entice you too to stay there… 🙂

 

It was such a beautiful place to stay. Late in the afternoon after we’ve settled down, we decided to go island hopping, snorkeling and swimming. It was an amazing experience unfortunately I don’t have a watercam or GoPro to capture the corals and fishes that I’ve seen as well as the beautiful full moon that really capped of my stay. It was a one of a kind experience — my Bantayan Universe experience.

The moon that is so full and BEAUTIFUL! The best island experience.

I am such a speed fan and it’s nice to be reunited with an old love. Happiness on wheels and brakes, I am swooned and so excited to test my biking skills after all these years.

And just what I’ve thought… I still got the skills. I feel so alive and happy. It’s me and my bike to places I’ve never been. Thank you Bantayan Island for making me feel like a kid again. I owe you such a memorable experience. Thank you Lord for keeping me safe too. 🙂

After the island hopping adventures, we were super hungry. We rented bikes and pedalled our way to the most recommended restaurant of the locals — HR Restaurant. Time to fill the growling stomach with sumptous delicacies. Gambas! Chicken! Sinigang! Halo-Halo! Yahoooooo!

The bar is actually so chill but I decided to be sober that day. I swear I’ll drink on my next visit.

 And my friends went to buy something as souvenirs while I am biking all over the various blocks.

Time to swim under the moon and the stars. I will just close my eyes and rekindle the most beautiful memory. Solitude at its finest. I was just there lying on the sand under the infinite stars watching the clouds clear up to give way to the moon. Definitely a-MAY-zing! 🙂

I woke up early to catch the breaking dawn and I was not able to miss it. I was there watching the sun as it totally breaks free.

Now, time for my usual beach routine — a walk in the beach, alone. There is really something about solitude that makes me feel alive. I know I am weird but I guess I am used to that alone but never lonely feeling. I got God watching me and I am watching his creations. Every beach trip is always an experience I cherished. I captured some of the sights I saw while walking the long stretch of white sand.

After some walking, time for some biking before we go home.

 

Saying goodbye was a little bit hard but the experience is fulfilling. I think I left a piece of my heart to the island that fueled my artistic side. I can now write my thoughts and emotions again. I must say — I was so happy in less than 24 hours and I will definitely come back soon.

Goodbye island life, until we meet again.

Sipaway Island : Parana Private Beach Resort

It’s summer once again and I bet you’re looking for a good place to stay. All of us really do want to unwind and ’chillax’ as what most yuppies like me call it. It’s a typical summer day with friends. I daydreamed of lounging under the trees, enjoying the blue skies, letting the rays of the sun hit my skin while I’m sipping cocktails and listening to Bob Marley’s Caribbean Blue. Now it’s giving me a certain kind of high but my trip was not really like I imagined. There’s no shoreline, mostly concrete walls or huge rocks.

Anyways, before you all get started to get bored by my blabs, I just want to share to you my latest trip. I went to Sipaway Island in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental with my MBA classmates/friends to simply unwind and relax after a busy school year and of course a busy life at work. It’s a two and a half hour trip from Bacolod via Don Salvador Benedicto. We met up at Bacolod South Terminal and rode the Ceres Bus. You can choose a non – aircon or an aircon bus. Since we missed the 6am trip, we have no choice but to ride the non – aircon one which costs us 105php because we had our IDs thus student discount. It’s 125php for regular passengers. Unlike my travel experience to Sipalay, this trip is less exhausting maybe because I’m sleeping most of the time and missed all the breathtaking view in Don Salvador Benedicto which I appreciated better on our way home because I was wide awake the whole time. We arrived in San Carlos terminal at 9:30 and went directly to the market to buy our food and necessities. The tricycle fare costs 10php. It’s almost a 10-minuteboat ride from San Carlos port to Sipaway Island which costs 15php per head.

The trike from Sipaway Port to the resort also costs 15php. Parana Private Beach resort is owned by my MBA classmate’s highschool classmate. I forgot the name of the owner though.

The best word to describe the place would be cozy. It’s a good place to stay when you want to stay away from the hustles and bustles of our daily grind in our city life.

Highlights :

* It’s a private resort therefore you can do whatever you want to do there

* Cozy and clean cottages with utensils

* Nice and friendly caretakers
* A scenic view of the sea and Negros mountains

* Clear beach water

* Safe swimming area because of the walls surrounding it

* You’ll love the starfishes…

Lowlights:

* The island has no water supply.
* There’s no electricity, you need to pay if you would like to use the generator.
* No free wi-fi so better bring your own mobile broadband.
* Some areas are rocky so don’t expect sands like in Boracay Island

* Be careful of sea urchins…

Overall, it was a great experience. I was able to get away from my weekend routine. It’s either I’m at home or I’m out chilling with friends not wanting to go home until the sun slowly shines from the horizon. I spent one weekend away from my city life. We spent the night mostly talking, eating and drinking. We are totally focused, no phones to tinker or to check, no Facebook to update and no Foursquare to checked in to. There’s no technology involved. I remembered waking up early, no hangover or whatsoever just to see the sun rise. I walk around like a nomad… simply enjoying my lone time.

I always long for that kind of moment. I was just simply there, alone and all I can hear was Armin Van Buuren’s music in my phone enticing me to feel this moment I rarely feel back at home. My thoughts were drifting to nowhere. I feel so comfortable even if I’m alone. If only every day of my life is as peaceful as this, if only every single day is as chill as this and if only life is nothing but good vibes, no problems, no stress, no complications… if only.

Breathtaking View : Tinagong Dagat, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental

Chill Rating : ☺☺☺☻☻

Place : Tinagong Dagat, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental — 5 hours travel from Bacolod if you ride a bus. It’s better if you have your own SUV so that you’ll have time to stop over in Cauayan and in other parts of Sipalay to have your picture taken. The view is really nice. They used to call it La Isla Bonita but it’s now actually known as Tinagong Dagat. The place is also few minutes away from Sipalay’s private beach resorts and diving centers.

Highlights of the Place :

• Breathtaking view
• Clean hotel rooms
• Exclusive use of the swimming pool for guests
• Hot or cold shower

Low lights:

• No Wi-fi access (I almost die! lol)
• Poor customer service
• Limited cable TV channels
• No electricity on the other side of the islets

Suggestions:

• Heater on all rooms
• Kayaking or boating around the islet
• Develop the whole islet to attract more tourists
• Accommodating staffs that cater on needs of the guests promptly

The rooms are affordable ranging from 1200php – 1650php. I can say, it’s clean and offers a good view, overlooking the sea and the islets. The room that we got is good for 4 – 6 persons.

The room is spacious that even 10 -12 people can fit in it.

I must say, one thing I loved the most about the place aside from the breathtaking view is the bridge connecting the two islets. I really find it romantic as well at night if there are colored bulbs swinging on the bridge just like in the movies and it’s also a perfect aisle for weddings — yeah I’m imagining wedding stuffs again. It sucks, I really want to be a wedding planner. Anyways, the bridge reminds me of kids who wants to cool off the summer heat. They’ll just jump into the waters not caring at all. I wished I was able to jump into the clear waters, the only problem was that it was low tide when we came and when the tide was up, I’m all dressed up to go home  (Oh well). During high tide, the pool on the other side of the islet seems to be an infinity pool. It’s really scenic as it overlooks the open sea.

The swimming pool besides the Resort’s bar is exclusive for guests use only. I think we spent most of our time swimming here.

I am a sucker for sunset and cloud shots. During low tide, I walked a few meters away from the resort hoping to capture the sunset on cam but unfortunately the rain stopped me from my ultimate plan. I was drenched and sad because I was not able to capture it due to cumulus – nimbus clouds hovering the skies. Oh well, not my lucky day but still I enjoyed cloud watching though.

I live to chill and wander to places I’ve never been to. I must say, Sipalay is the best place to unwind and destress your mind. People need a vacation to recharge and be in one with ourselves again. Who wouldn’t spend a quiet time in the afternoon enjoying the clear waters?

Again, who wouldn’t?

I’m so excited to go back to Sipalay next summer. 🙂

PS: Room rates as of September 2014

P1,650/P1,350/P1,200
Good for 4
Extra bed: 200/head
Can accomodate 9/7/5 persons respectively.

Contact Information: 09209022300 and look for Ms. Dahlia.

09/15 – Day 297: Beach Dreams

We always have that dream vacation in mind that inspires us to survive each day knowing that one day we’ll chill and unwind to the place that will energize our mind, body and soul. Despite the climate change and all of the crazy weather we are currently having, I still daydream the sound of the waves, the beautiful sun that shines, the blue beach waiting for the sound of my body as it splashes it’s way to happiness and the sand wherein I can run and run until my muscles burn.

I am daydreaming the beach — solo.

What if I start to daydream that I’m with someone?

We can walk and talk about everything and anything. Complain about the scorching heat of the sun while making sand castles, write our names and dreams on sand and let the waves take all of it away and lastly watch in silence the sheer beauty of the salmon sky and sun as it sets.

Maybe just maybe I’ll start to change my perspective in life. I guess I’ll never be alone forever. Ha!

Now I’m getting too melodramatic.

Anyways, dream… dream the places you would like to visit and be inspired to work your way to happiness. 🙂

09/14 – Day 296: Wallpaper

I love my new typography inspired wallpaper. I won’t deny that I have always been a fan of Paris, France and the Eiffel Tower has been a life – long fetish. I get to carry my dream place wherever and whenever I want to. It also serve as a reminder that I need to work harder for me to visit the place I have longed to visit for years.

Comment ca va? Bien.:)

09/07 – Day 289: On Sand, Booze and Fake Tattoos

Boracay — Enuf said.
A friend told me lately if we can go back this October to summer paradise and chill again just like the old times. Suddenly I can’t help my mind to stop reminiscing those good memories we had on the beach.

All those crazy card games, our wholesome drinking sessions, Marc Nelson — Boracay’s resident tourist spot (lol), solo moments while watching the beautiful sun as it sets and also the series of laugh trips plus the most stressful lunch I had, now those were my epic moments in paradise. The big catch? I got to spend it with my college yearbook friends and still my friends after 2 years. I don’t want to go back to Boracay anymore if they’re not the ones that I’ll be with though. I’ll just end up comparing the memories. Oh well, hoping for another summer blast soon!

Summer of 2010 — relived.

08/06 – Day 257: Paris

I long for the day that I get to see you soon…

Paris. ♥

06/23 – Day 213: Travel Dreams

I can’t help but to dream.
I always dream of going to strange places.
I always wander off to paradise or to musky forests of no where.
I always been on the go to places that I never heard.
It seems that my soul wants to travel… to get lost and find myself once again.