Friends & the Stupid Games We Play
I just want to share some photos of us after playing this game on a hot afternoon Sunday at the beach. It involved game cards, a jar of cookie butter and a bottle of ketchup.
Calatagan, Batangas: Aquaria
There’s this leisure resort in Calatgan, Batangas called Aquaria which I discovered a month ago. The resort just opened in early March so the facilities are still new - from the spacious lobby lounge to three-story giant pool slide. They are so inviting!
Life-appreciation List:
- Letting myself load up on junk food and sweets on this hot Sunday afternoon. My future six pack abs will have to wait a little longer.
- Quick summer getaways with my favorite group of friends. Refreshing.
- A little rain during the night.
- Misunderstandings with friends which resulted to new beginnings and stronger relationships.
- A new phone to play with.
- Learning to appreciate and love my job despite the heavy workload. I guess it’s the people and free food. Hah.
- Our little pumpkin and his two front teeth.
- Having a boyfriend to look after my mother at the hospital when no one in the family is available. Love.
- Yoga and Pilates classes after work.
- A glass of ice cold water and ice cream.
El Nido, Palawan: Island Tour C
Our first island tour to El Nido’s lagoons and beaches was indeed beautiful, but it would have been more wonderful if there were blue skies and sunshine. So thanks to Mr. Sun for being a little braver on our third day in El Nido, Palawan as we explore the town’s hidden beaches and shrines.
Friends and bloggers say that when you visit El Nido, you should not miss Tour C because it includes the must-see destinations and you’ll definitely get the value for your money. So we woke up early on a Saturday morning for a schedule tour of the following islands: Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach & Hidden Beach.
Helicopter Island
It is called Helicopter Island because the rock formations that surround it look like a helicopter from afar. It was really sunny when we got there which made the sight of limestone, white sand and blue skies all the more beautiful. Hence, we (or maybe I)decided to take looots of couple photos. Hah. I only swam for a few minutes because there were stones that hurt my feet and the waves were too strong to even snorkel. Anyway here ya go!
El Nido, Palawan: Island Tour A
Our second day in El Nido was devoted to visiting islands and hidden lagoons which included Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island & Seven Commandos Beach. Unfortunately, Mr. Sun failed to shine on that day so we were accompanied by dark clouds and heavy raindrops. Nevertheless, the scenic landscapes of El Nido did not fail to surprise us despite the bad weather.
El Nido, Palawan
People often ask me what my favorite destination is and I always have one answer: Palawan. The place has some of the best white-sand beaches, lagoons, limestone islands and coral reefs. Plus, the gastronomical extravaganza you can experience in every restaurant. Overload of fun and seafood!
Because we love Palawan so much, we decided to celebrate our fifth anniversary in El Nido, Palawan. we spent four days and three nights (with two days spent on the road travelling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and back) of island hopping and food binging in the northern end of the island of Palawan.
Like most of you, I was under the impression that traveling to El Nido requires a big chunk of my savings. But this is only because we were brainwashed by the marketing strategies of Ayala-owned resorts in El Nido. After reading several blogs, I realized that there are cheaper ways to experience El Nido. Php 7,000 to 8,000 for four days and three nights is actually more than enough.
Project Rummage: April Box
Project Rummage just opened their April Box and here are some of my favorites:
- Lightweight gray knit sweater. And the ampersand reminds me of one of my favorite bloggers Helga Weber.
- Carefree mini dress in yummy colors. Manila is so hot you need to show some skin.
- Knit cotton oversized top in salmon pink and white.This makes a nice beach cover-up too. Don’t forget your oversized sunnies!
- Boho-chic top that’s perfect on the beach.
- Garterized floral print skirt in pastel colors. Cute, fun and summery!
- Tri-color mini dress that reminds me of a watermelon. Heh.
Do check out the entire collection for the month of April on their Facebook page. And tell a friend about Project Rummage too. Happy thrift shopping!
Bits & Pieces
1. My little pumpkin, Zion, in his playpen on a Saturday afternoon. He has two front teeth now and enjoys crawling on the floor beside our dog, Vodka.
2. I started eating rice again after our anniversary getaway in El Nido, Palawan. Rice meals three times a day. It doesn’t get any better than this.
3. Last weekend, I joined an ocular visit to several resorts located in Batangas. What I like about ocular inspection is you get to spend the day in different resorts with white, sandy beaches. And it’s still considered work which means you’re paid to dig your toes into the sand and listen to the sound of ocean waves. Lovely.
4. The boyfriend attempted to recreate Yellow Cab’s Charlie Chan. It was so good. We had it for breakfast, lunch and dinner and no one complained.
5. Php 40 peso haircut at a cheap salon. I hate that my fringe is being uncooperative for the past days. I hate my hair.
6. Heavenly hand-me-downs from my boss: blazers in white and peach.
Life-appreciation list:
1. Four-day work week which means back to back long weekend. Rest days so sweet.
2. Monthsaries and other cheesy things to celebrate. (It’s our 61st month tomorrow. Heh.)
3. Yoga, Pilates and Zumba and other new found hobby to sweat it all out. (If I die soon, it’s probably because of Pilates.)
4. Getting my hands into arts and crafts with my happy personal projects.
5. Hardcore highschool friends.
6. Php 40 haircut at a nearby salon.
7. 30 minute foot massage for only Pho 99.
8. Free salmon and rice for dinner which I’m devouring right now.
