2015 Philippine National Holidays List Declared Today!

The list of PH nationwide holidays for 2015 is here! Time to start plotting your vacation leaves, pick which place to go and start saving up for that big adventure!

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Terimah Kasih Malaysia!

Our trip to KL-Malacca was fun! I am still battling a hangover with their food (Y U SO GOOD?!) Excited to share with you the photos, loads of em!

For now, here's an obligatory photo with the Petronas Twin Towers. Truly a marvel at nighttime!

Thanks to the mother who took the photo! The Petronas is the priority anyway, so I'm blurred! Haha!!

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Meet Me In Magalawa | DIY trip

Remember that scene in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind where Clementine whispered to Joel to meet her in Montauk? Yes, I've been thinking about it for the past weeks while I was planning my quick getaway to Magalawa.

I longed for another moment on the road. I missed the sweeping view of trees, endless concrete roads, those moments where you can drift off into nothingness and just be happy to be away. Being on the road, on a plane or threading across the waters is my kind of escape from the crazy world.

The Cancelled Trip

 All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go. Just a few hours until our 4AM departure to Magalawa, the bad news came.

We have to cancel. Imagine my dismay and disappointment. I felt like crying, hitting someone with the tripod and tent I have with me and sulk in the corner.

My spirit crashed and burned.
I guess we all know the feeling of such disappointment? Nakakadepress no?

The rest of the night was spent stress-eating (as always).

Fast forward.

Meet Me In Magalawa

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Puerto Princesa, Palawan in GoPro Hero2's Lens

All What I want for Christmas is the GoPro Hero 3.

Don't we all wish we own one, yes?

I was able to borrow one (Yeah-yuuuh!) and it is even equipped with the Wi-Fi BacPac & remote and casing! I took it with me on our family trip to Puerto Princesa last month and it was the hardest to not fall in love with it. *swoons*

Can you hear the GoPro calling out your name?

If you're someone like me who loves adventure, travel and photo/videography, the GoPro is the perfect companion for you.

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Food Snaps | Lake Pandin Lunch

It was a sunny Sunday and going to Lake Pandin in San Pablo, Laguna was a good way to cap the weekend. We had our late lunch aboard a raft while slowly cruising across the lake for a fee of Php360 per person. Not a bad deal for a trip across the lake, a chance to dip in its waters and a satisfying lunch of rice paired with shrimps in coconut milk, ensaladang pako, grilled tilapia and some bananas for dessert. 

Nothing beats sipping fresh buko juice while marveling on the scenery and exchanging stories with the women paddlers of Lake Pandin.

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Sagada Foodtrip in Photos

Sharing with you guys some of the foodtrip photos from our Sagada adventure! :)

I forgot the name but this was from Salt & Pepper Diner. 

The chicken dish with the creamy mushroom on top = sobrang sarap! I had it for lunch and dinner! Talk about na-addict sa sarap. Haha!

Omelette and Mountain Rice from Yoghurt House

Beef Tapa and Coffee from Yoghurt House

D and I are official fans of Yoghurt House, our breakfasts are spent there. There is something so warm and fuzzy inside when you're having breakfast in Sagada. It is one of the things I miss doing there. 

Still from Yoghurt House, Banana Pancake with Yoghurt and Spicy Pork.

Banana Pancake with Yoghurt = ♥♥♥

I just wish it's cold/frozen yoghurt then it would've been pure bliss.

Spicy porkkkkk. I waaaant. There is something joyful about eating spicy food in the morning (at least for me!) :D  And the Mountain Rice that they serve - it may seem "just a scoop" but it is so heavy to the stomach that it can last you until late lunch! Mountain rice stopped me from my normal extra rice habit.

And of course we wouldn't miss the famous Lemon Pie from Lemon Pie House. Boy, it was really good.

Tangy and sweet and the custard on top melts in your mouth. *sigh* I do miss Sagada.

We also tried the buffet at the Log Cabin but I was enjoying my food too much that I forgot to take photos of the food. Lol!

How about you? What are your favorite noms in Sagada? I can't wait to go back there and try the other local dishes, try orange picking and buy blueberries! 

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More Magic at Enchanted Kingdom!

We've always known Enchanted Kingdom for where the magic is and how time flies fast, they are now celebrating their 17th anniversary for the whole month of October!! (I do sure feel old! Haha!)

The Magic is Here!!

D and I were lucky to be able to visit Enchanted Kingdom on the day of launch of their new ride called the Disk-O-Magic! The launch was scheduled later that day so we decided to enjoy the park and the rides first since they have revamped the park and its facilities as part of their 17th anniversary celebration.

A sudden timewarp to our much younger years (we are talking about highschool years fyi, we're not THAT old!)

The weather was fine that day and the sun is ablaze. I actually gave up from the heat. -__-"

I didn't have too many photos because we were too busy going around and deciding what rides to try (again!)

Passed on the Anchor's Away because we just came from lunch. I have no plans of spewing out what I just had. We were supposed to ride the Wheel of Fate but we needed to head to the press con already. *boohoo*

A confession: Never tried the Space Shuttle YET. I have had plans but I get scared because the SS didn't really have an error-free history of safety. So yeah, it had become my concern ever since. D was insistent and I already said "let's go" but the next dilemma was, who would watch over our belongings. So, maybe next time.

After a round at the Dodgem (bump cars), the Roller Skates and the Rialto, we decided to skip the rides primarily because the lines were getting long and our patience is of a fireworks' wick and the heat was starting to get unbearable.

Hello there! Y U LOOK SO HAPPY DINOSAUR?! Hahaha!!

After the press con, it was time for the Disk-O-Magic launch but too bad we have to head our way home (due to Sunday family duties).

The Disk-O-Magic!! It reminds me of the ride in Toy Story Park in HK Disneyland!

The Disk-O-Magic is a state-of-the-art and award-winning ride that is recognized by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). It uses a special seat design that allows both arms and legs to move freely for riders to enjoy the dash.

This 24-seater giant offers unique action and weightless sensation for the passengers. It starts its wild run along the trail dished section that would dart to the other side and goes back to its entry point, rocking and spinning all the while. 

We'll surely go back to Enchanted Kingdom to try the Disk-O-Magic!

You might be wondering what else is new at Enchanted Kingdom now that they are on their 17th year, Eldar (yes, I can still recall the name of the wizard mascot) lists down the 17 new reasons to visit Enchanted Kingdom!

This only means MORE MAGIC at ENCHANTED KINGDOM!!

So what are you waiting for? 17 is already a loooot of reasons for you to visit Enchanted Kingdom again! 

For more info on their new promo/events, visit the newly redesigned http://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/!

I've heard that they are hosting the 3rd Asian Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition, so you might wanna check that out! :)

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When Are You Gonna Start Your Own Adventure? Get Out More Now!

Some adventures just begin unexpectedly (just like mine) and it just went on and on.. but hey, the world is out there waiting for you to start your own adventure! How? Well, just GET OUT MORE!!

BPI just started their new campaign, in partnership with the Department of Tourism, PHRS and ZestAir, and they want to encourage everyone to Get Out More (well, I encourage you too!) :P

And with their new campaign, you can also make your own 30-sec video showcasing your own adventures around our amazing Philippines and share it to inspire others to get out more!

Just visit http://www.getoutmore.ph, upload your photos, click preview and voila!

You can upload 10 photos that corresponds to the Get Out More manifesto -- See, Feel, Dive, Fly, Explore, Get Lost, Wander, Experience New Things, Live With Adventure, It's More Fun!

I made a video and will share it with you as soon as it processed and sent to me. :D Making the video made me look back on all the adventures and trips I had and it made me feel thankful for all of it. :D I can't wait to get out more and explore! World, watch out for me coz' I'm going to explore you!

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One Adventure at a Time - Get Out More!

Remember the reason where all of this started?

I was not a true blue traveler. I ate a lot but it I ate only to survive.

UNTIL that moment in time when I realized my passion for both. I started to take traveling to a higher notch when I got my heart broken, it was my way to heal. And now, it is my life to travel, explore and eat! The wanderlust never stopped and my tastebuds continues to tickle -- and I'm not complaining! I love doing the things I love and I always go for one adventure at a time!

I always have the hunger for adrenaline and adventure and I'm what my mother calls, "laagan" (visayan word for lakwatsera; someone who like to go out, wander). I can't deny it but what can I say, I got my genes from her! Haha!

Of all the things I learned from that heartbreak, one thing really hit me on the spot -- GET OUT MORE! With your friends and family! Anyone!

Meet new people. Make new friends. Explore new paths. Jump from a cliff. Bask under the sun. Learn to surf. Climb a mountain. Stargaze. Camp on the beach. Take photos. Appreciate nature's wonder. Taste a new cuisine. Be young at heart. Just go out and embrace the world. 

Trust me, from that day on, life was different and it became more wonderful! :)

So I want to share with you some of my adventures!

Goofing out and chilling in Boracay!

Doing the Skywalk in Cebu!

Jumpshot fun in Guimaras!

Trekked at the foot of Mt. Apo!

White Water Rafting in Cagayan de Oro!

Taking the Plunge in Bohol!

Sandboarding in Laoag! I invented sandhoarding!! Haha!

Having a magical time in Hongkong Disneyland!

And that's just a few of my adventures! More to come!!

This is very timely because I came across this manifesto today --

Yes to all of the above!! :)

I can't wait to do the dive part! I don't know how to swim but I will learn how, I'm sharkmaine after all!!

Start living your life, one adventure at a time!! Get Out More!!

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June Ended and July I'm Jaded.

That's a lot of J's.

I'm really happy to write and post photos here again. I've been too busy writing for WhenInManila so I've decided to spend some time here on my blog tonight and update you guys (anyone reading this?) with my life happenings.

June sort of ended in a magical, marvelous, joyful way but it ended so soon as I got home. Roaming service sucks -- and expensive! BELIEVE ME. And because of it, I will be cancelling my SG trip on September so that I can pay my bills. Globe sucks. And yes, I am mentioning names because I am greatly in aghast.

But oh well. I just hope they cooperate with me well as to my request for their explanation on it before I actually settle my payment. Or else.. hell will break loose. LOL.

So there, bye bye Singapore September. *tears* Hopefully, I will see you next year.

Moving on, I am here to tell you about what I've been up to and not just to rant about my absurdly expensive Globe bill. BV, go away.

Can you guys guess where I've been to lately? :D
If you are following me on twitter or on instagram, then you are most likely updated on my whereabouts.

HELLO HONGKONG!

4 Days, 3 Nights in Hongkong. Tired ourselves out by visiting Ocean Park, Disneyland and Macau. 

Casualties were my sneakers for 3 years, my wallet and my feet.

But I had the most magical moments. And that's priceless. :)

Shark meets Sharkmaine!

A Red Panda a/k/a the Firefox!

Now a check on my bucket list! Seeing a real Panda!!

And seeing them feast on bamboo too!

A day is not enough to enjoy Ocean Park. I want to go back. T__T

Monday in Macau

The very nice Senado Square.

Meat jerky overload. 

St. Paul Ruins

The Venetian Hotel and Casino. The perfect sky!

HK Nightlights

Hongkong is very much alive at nighttime with all the neon billboards and establishments.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. I guess we're both Gaga. Haha!

The view from the Sky Terrace at the Peak.

The Disneyland Magic is Real

I belong, yes? :D

The fireworks! The fireworks that got me teary-eyed. 

Yeah yeah, Disneyland made me tear up more than necessary. 
I guess the kid in me just had the best moment of her life.

And with that, I bid goodbye to Hongkong. 
It was short but splendid and I hope to be back soon someday, with the whole family and D.

Now, off to sleep.


PS. Will you leave me comments? I want to know if you guys are still dandy out there. :)

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Birthday Getaway Snaps

I'm back from the dead! Jk. My work welcomes me back and the reality that I am now a year older and hopefully, wiser. Can you guess my age? Haha! :P

My birthday getaway was nothing short of awesome. The whole trip was humbling and it made me more grateful for what I have. How nature never fails to amaze me and the kindness of strangers we've encountered along the way. :)

I can't wait to share with you my Sagada-La Union Birthday Getaway!

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