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Tagaytay Highlands’ Primrose Parks: summer joys and holiday cheer

Friday, September 30, 2022

Artist’s perspective of community shot) Tagaytay Highlands presents a unique living experience: a ‘perfect modern summer’ in Primrose Parks, the newest residential enclave in Tagaytay Midlands. With close-to-nature facilities and a lush linear park oriented towards the east so that a picturesque sunrise jump-starts everyone’s day.

Support Local and Clean Beauty with Ellana Cosmetics

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Indulge your skin with clean beauty when you shop for personal care products from Ellana Cosmetics

Check their official store in Shopee to enjoy up to 50% off on their skincare essentials. 

Here are some of the products on my Shopee beauty cart:



The collab I've been waiting for has finally arrived in Manila! We now have an OFFICIAL Crocs BT21 release! Check out the Crocs footwear design and the Jibbitz set inspired by BTS' Line Friends characters BT21. 


BAKEBE: Manila's FIRST EVER DIY Baking Wonderland Opens in S'Maison!

Monday, September 26, 2022


Last weekend, my friends and I went to BAKEBEManila's FIRST EVER DIY Baking Wonderland! 

We visited Bakebe's newest branch at the S'Maison in Manila (at The Dessert Museum, entrance from outside the mall). All three of us have no baking experiences, but we were enticed by the cute and fun photos of this pink baking studio that we saw online. 


Ever since I became a Hallyu fan (Korean entertainment, from Korean Dramas to KPop music), I knew it was going to be one hell of a fun and crazy ride. What I didn't see is that being a fan girl can also be very expensive. 


I've been living the fan girl life for 6 years now. After watching several Korean actor fan meetings here in Manila, attending Kpop concerts, purchasing new merch like albums, plushies, and photo cards, and traveling to South Korea to visit Korean Drama locations--let me share to you how I was able to do all these by having Fan Girling Funds


Whether for merch or for travel funds, let's learn how to earn and save up for these! 


How To Style Your Colorful Pair of Crocs | Crocs Spray Dye Collection

Sunday, September 25, 2022

I've always been drawn to buying neutral shoes. Keeping it safe, most of my sneakers are in black or white! I have a few army green or brown pairs, but that's it! 


Feeling a bit experimental with my style nowadays, I finally own a really colorful pair from the Crocs Spray Dye Collection available at the Crocs Official Store on Shopee. It may look hard to style, but here are some ideas on what to wear when you're wearing a tie-dye or multi-toned footwear like the pairs from Crocs Spray Dye Collection.




Hamilo Coast and WWF: partners in eco-tourism and sustainability

Saturday, September 24, 2022

Hamilo Coast, the premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas, may be the weekend haven of the country’s affluent set, yet it is on track as a thriving model of sustainable eco-tourism practices.



Up To 50% Off On Your Next Travel with Klook and GCash Team Up!

Friday, September 23, 2022

If you’re looking for a sign to finally make that trip out of the group chat, this is it for you! 


Starting October 3, 2022, Filipino travellers may now book their next trip through the GCash app for up to 50% off. This new partnership between GCash, the country’s No. 1 E-Wallet, and Klook allows Filipinos to access over 490,000 experiences across 1,000 destinations and easily purchase these all within just a few taps through the GLife icon on their GCash app.


PRESS PLAY: FWD Life Insurance unveils newest brand campaign + Pottery class in Manila

Thursday, September 22, 2022

A few days ago, I went to the media launch of FWD Life Insurance (“FWD”)'s newest brand campaign “press play”


Over good food and fun company, I was able to discover not only FWD's unique insurance products (like the FWD Babyproof insurance for the babies!), but also how the brand encourages us Filipinos to “press play” by encouraging and helping empower Filipinos to celebrate living. We also tried pottery with Wabi Sabi Studio's Pau Javier, one of the featured stories for the brand campaign. It was an inspiring day that I am glad I went!



Avida Unveils Its Newest Showroom in the Manila Bay Area

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Earlier today, I was reminded of my long-time goal of having my own beautiful space after visiting Avida Land's newest showroom at the Level 2 of Ayala Malls Manila Bay. I can't wait to decorate my future home to my own style and liking. And I can imagine even vlogging solo living in Manila when I have an Avida unit where I can cook, work, and even throw KDrama nights or BTS parties with my friends!


Camotes Freediving Center

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Azure seas. Clear waters. The Philippines is renowned for its beautiful underwater landscapes. Tubbataha Reef, Coron Bay, and Malapascua hold breathtaking views just waiting for adventurers to explore. These marine sanctuaries are on the bucket list of many divers around the world.  What better way to enjoy these beautiful waterscapes than by freediving and seeing their full wonder naturally?

 


Six Danarra scents with the power to lift your mood wherever, whenever

Monday, September 19, 2022

Scents have the power to transform our day just like that—and there’s a whole science to back that up. Our sense of smell is connected to the same part of the brain that is also responsible for our perception, emotions, and memories. This is the reason why a simple whiff of, say, Jasmine can help lift our mood in an instant or send us back to a time spent with a special someone who may have used a similar scent in the past, whether it happened two or 20 years ago. At a time and in an environment where stressors are all around, it’s time for us to tap into the power of scents and make them part of our daily life.





I got the covid scare last weekend, so I opted to just stay in my room while I recover from my flu. When there's nothing else to do, and eyes already felt strained from watching too much Youtube and Kdramas.. The best way to pass time is really to create!


I love crafting for as long as I can remember, and glad to have come across The Crafters Marketplace through Ate Kathy. In perfect timing, the group had a 2-day online crafting workshops last weekend, when I was stuck in my room. The class started at 9pm to sawa. Last Saturday, we were around 65 members in the Zoom meeting!


Korean Food + Art Materials to make me feel better!


What I like about The Crafters Marketplace:


1. The vibe of the classes is just casual, not intimidating at all. It's like crafting with your long-time friends. I think you can create more beautiful things when you do it with this kind of community.


2. They love improvising on materials. You can create the project with anything that you already have at home, there's no need to spend a lot. On the first day, they thought us how we can make patterns on paper just by using improvised stamps. These are things we have lying around in our room--like textures on cartons or bubble wraps, etc.








3. They teach new things. It's nice to go spontaneous and creative on your own when it comes to art, but I also love learning new techniques that I haven't come across yet in my many years of making stuff. 



Lastly, there's no competition to be the best or to create a masterpiece. All you have to do is be there, to relax and enjoy, and to start something. Here's what I came up with using the materials they sent, and the stuff I already have in my room:



As mentioned in their Facebook page, The Crafters Marketplace is a space for crafters to bring their love for their art and share it with the community. I am glad to discover this group at a time when I needed it the most. Just like buying new art materials or learning new techniques, meeting new people who are also into crafting really inspires me to create again. 


Follow The Crafters Marketplace on Facebook!

In an age where algorithms predict our every preference, We Will Rock You is a musical for our time: a fist-pumping, foot-stomping anthem to individuality. Manila season will start on October 27 to November 20, 2022, Tuesdays to Fridays (8pm), and Saturdays and Sundays (1pm and 7pm), at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.




Passengers disembark the AirAsia plane after landing at Mactan-Cebu International Airport – the recently reactivated hub of AirAsia Philippines and one of its busiest routes

BRIA Homes Breaks Ground in General Santos City

Thursday, September 15, 2022

General Santos City, or what is now commonly known as “GenSan,” does not only tout its status as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines—it’s also one of the country’s premier fish producers.


The groundbreaking was attended by local LGU officials, clients, real estate brokers, and prospective homebuyers and investors.


Puregold Goes Even Greener with #WalastikDays!

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

With the success of the Walastik Mondays (short for Walang Pastik Mondays), Puregold now expands this campaign to include Wednesdays. Starting September 26, all Puregold stores NATIONWIDE will implement no plastic use in their stores on Mondays and Wednesdays


#WalastikDays aims to encourage customers to bring in their own reusable bags to reduce the use of plastic.  



The Christmas bells are already ringing on this side of the world. As early as September, you can already buy Christmas gifts to your family and friends to avoid getting overwhelmed by the holiday rush.




Lazada’s 9.9 Mega Brands Sale Is Back to Excite Filipino Shoppers

Thursday, September 08, 2022


Lazada Super Show returns on LazLive+ to delight Filipinos as they discover great deals and trendy products from their favorite brands and sellers!


Korean Visa Application Direct Walk-in Embassy | Manila, Philippines (as of August 31, 2022)

Wednesday, September 07, 2022

Sharing my answers to frequently asked questions on my Instagram Stories here in the blog. Hope you will find this helpful on your Korean Visa Application especially for these coming weeks (Autumn 2022). 


Good luck!


Disclaimer: Things may change in a span of a day so make sure to keep yourself updated with any changes! These are all just based from personal experience last August 30, 2022, thank you!

~ News of Korean Embassy accepting walk-ins - June 2, 2022

~ As of September 1, 2022, the Korean Embassy now has separate lines for individual applicants, travel agents, etc. They will only accept 100 individual applicants (walk-ins) per day. Posted the notice below.

~ As of September 7, 2022, the Korean Embassy will will implement a designated travel agency system, effective September 19, 2022 (Monday). In addition to the existing requirements, applicants must accomplish the Power of Attorney document (from the Embassy) when they apply through the accredited travel agencies. SOURCE


Online Grocery 101: The top stop for fresh grocery and assorted choices? pandamart!

Tuesday, September 06, 2022

 

Tick off your grocery checklists with this reliable online grocery service

Back In Siargao! | August 2022

Thursday, September 01, 2022


Late last year, I watched as devastating news of the Bagyong Odette badly affecting Siargao flooded my social media. The island's icons like Sugba Lagoon's plank and wooden house, and the boardwalk at Cloud 9 were all gone. Resorts, restaurants, and homes were destroyed. 


8 months since this calamity, I got an invite to return to this beautiful and well-loved beach destination in the Philippines to cover Cebu Pacific Air's collaboration with Waves For Water to provide water filters to communities with limited access to drinking water. I am also glad to see for myself how the island has recovered, little by little, from Bagyong Odette. I was so excited to make new memories in Siargao.










Heading Back To Siargao


Went back to Siargao via Cebu Pacific Air again. They currently fly to Siargao from Manila 11x weekly, and from Cebu twice daily. The airline continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to stimulate travel across its network while it implements a multi-layered approach to safety to encourage everyjuan to fly once more. Visit www.cebupacificair.com to learn more about their latest offerings, safety protocols, and travel reminders.


As for Siargao, there were no RT-PCR or antigen tests requirements anymore (as of August 2022). We went to NAIA Terminal 4 around 2 hours before our boarding time, making sure we've already checked-in online. Make sure to bring your valid ID and a screenshot of your ticket or boarding pass. I still have with me my vaccination card, in case, but they did not look for it nadin.


Flight from MNL to IAO took around 2.5 hours. When we arrived at the Sayak Airport (IAO), a van driver holding up our names welcomed us (back) to this beautiful island. 


Snaps from Siargao Airport on our way home. We also took a Cebpac flight:


Nanalo ako sa Bring Me hehe, they asked us to show a selfie with a dog (which is wallpaper ko na!)


Where We Stayed


Our group stayed for 3 nights at the Daluyong Beach Resort, around 50 minutes away from the airport. 


Location is pretty chill and quiet, not much walking distance restaurants and other establishments but there's a small sari-sari store across the street where my friend bought sachets of shampoo and toothpaste (medyo kulang the provided toiletries so bring nalang or buy). 



The highlight of the resort is definitely the swimming pool. Super nice and inviting, plus our rooms are just across it so we went on night swimming! Price per room via Agoda is around Php 5000+ for 2 persons, inclusive of breakfast. I've also read in reviews that you can use their paddle board for free at their private beach! Sayang di ko na to naavail, maybe next time!!


There's also a restaurant in the resort where we had our free breakfast (ala carte). We also had some of our meals there, and they serve Japanese food like ramen and tamago.




Things To Do in Siargao


With only 2 full days in Siargao, here are some of the sites we were able to visit. These are the must-sees when in the island, but hopefully I get to see alternative locations and try other food on my next visits!


  • Sugba Lagoon - paddle board, crystal kayak, or jump from the plank!
  • Magpupungko Tidal Wave Pool - Best to go in the morning para low tide and less people!
  • Island Hopping - Daku, Naked, Guyam
  • Cloud Nine - surfing, boardwalk, Shaka
  • Eat at classic Siargao restos Kermit Siargao and Shaka





Anagon's Notes:


- Some tourists rent motorbikes to go around the island at more affordable price. As for me na hindi marunong mag motor lol, there are also tricycles which cost Php 30 / ride. Meanwhile for this trip, our group rented a van.

- I also noticed na ang daming "random tattoo" services in the island. For Php 500, you draw a random design (mostly minimalist). Will you dare try this? A friend did and got a butterfly tatt!

- I realized that food in Siargao can be a bit expensive, around Php 350 and up ang budget per meal sa mga main restos. Something to take note of when you're planning your trip.

- There's a new Tiktok craze we spotted in Siargao which is the "Human Drone"-- kuyas offering their photo and video services in most of the tourist spots in the island! Nakakaaliw din naman to avail this, you get your beautiful photos and videos, and support the locals too!


Waves For Water


On our first full day, we visited Caub Island in Del Carmen, Siargao. We were with Cebu Pacific Air, Waves for Water Philippines, Mayor Alfredo M. Cor.o II, and local government representatives. The goal is to provide clean water access through the implementation of filtration systems and a rainwater catchment tank to increase drinking water capacity. 





We watched the demo and informative talk with the community. We also listened to stories of survival and bayanihan, and how Siargao was able to pick themselves up after Bagyong Odette. Sobrang nakakaiyak, and also very inspiring. 


More about this on this post.


Thank you again, Siargao!


It was a short trip, but I really enjoyed rekindling old friendships, and meeting new ones too! We had a blast getting to know Siargao again by visiting its iconic sites, and also panay tawa lang din kasi our group so it was all fun and good vibes while in the island. Almost everyone was also into Kpop and traveling, so stories were overflowing. With a beautiful backdrop of turquoise blue waters and lush green mountains, thank you again Siargao for the new memories!






Eight months after severe tropical storm Super Typhoon Odette (International Name: Rai) devastated large parts of the Visayas-Mindanao, access to clean drinking water and basic hygiene and sanitation services are still intermittent in affected areas in Siargao.



On August 25, Cebu Pacific traveled to Caub Island in Del Carmen, Siargao together with Waves for Water Philippines, Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II, and local government representatives to provide clean water access through the implementation of filtration systems and a rainwater catchment tank to increase drinking water capacity.


Cebu Pacific sustained its assistance after working in December with global humanitarian aid organization Waves for Water in transporting over 2 tons (1,447 units) worth of water filtration systems free of charge, across seven affected provinces, namely Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Palawan, Southern Leyte, and Surigao del Norte.


The 502-household community in Caub primarily relies on rainwater – a source that can easily be contaminated due to storage and surrounding land uses.


Waves for Water representatives taught community leaders how to properly use the water filters and also conducted a WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) education session.


“As rehabilitation efforts continue, Cebu Pacific remains committed to pursue its Bayanihan initiatives whenever needed across our wide domestic network. We stand by our commitment to continuously provide better service, not just to our passengers, but to the communities that we fly to,” said Carmina Romero, Cebu Pacific’s Director for Corporate Communications.



Waves for Water filtration system is effective in making rainwater and other cloudy liquid fit for human consumption. At 0.1 micron absolute, the filters make it possible to drink from a water source without the risk of any life-threatening contaminants passing through — preventing the spread of waterborne diseases and severe dehydration.


"Waves For Water's collaboration with Cebu Pacific has paved the way for us to reach more underserved communities throughout the Philippines,” said Jenica Dizon, Waves For Water Philippines’ Country Director. “The joint effort is a testament to the organization's ethos of serving as a platform for strategic partnerships that will make clean water access a reality for all Filipinos across the archipelago,” she added.


Cebu Pacific currently flies to Siargao from Manila 11x weekly, and from Cebu twice daily. The airline continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to stimulate travel across its network while it implements a multi-layered approach to safety to encourage everyjuan to fly once more. Visit www.cebupacificair.com to learn more about their latest offerings, safety protocols, and travel reminders