Year in Review

I can't believe 2014 is ending too soon! Personally, it has been great for me in so many levels. This year, I accomplished so many things and I've been through a lot of ups and downs. I lost a lot of people but on the brighter side, I gained tons and I am beyond blessed and grateful to everyone who has been and still is part of my life. To be honest, 2014 taught me a lot of lessons, from family to friends and everything in between. So before this great year is saying goodbye, I am sharing to you below the special moments I've experienced in the past 365 days with the people I trust the most. Below is my #YearInReview and I hope you had a fun year as much as I do! 

VSCO x Instagram

I just found a new obsession just few clicks away - say hello to VSCO Cam. This app allows me to play with their numerous filters and presets which is totally everything I wanted. If you have been following me on Instagram, I don't publish a photo without adding hashtags that corresponds VSCO cam. Taking your photos to a whole new level and I must say that this is the number one app I use most of the time whenever! Since I'm using iPhone 5, and doesn't carry much around my DSLR (for the reason of it weighs like a baby!), 95% of my Instagram feed is captured using my iPhone. Besides, I don't have a problem with it since it takes a good photo quality, plus it's very lite and handy!

Spectrum Experience

Let me tell you a little secret of mine... I am such a Queen of all late! I mean, I totally admit it to myself but I couldn't care less. LOL! This post is suppose to be for August (right after Kadayawan Festival) but as you can see, it turned out to be posted today. Now, the long wait is over. Today, I'm going to share to you my very first Spectrum Experience. Last August 16, 2014, during the celebration of the famous Kadayawan Festival was the Spectrum Experience: Invasion Tour goes to Davao, entitled Kadayawan Invasion 2014. I know! It's the ever first Spectrum Experience in Davao City despite of so much forbidden and prohibited stuff here, they still pushed through the invasion because the organizers knew that people here in Davao loves music! Who doesn't?! The lineup was amazing, the people were excited about it, and the crowd gone wild all throughout the party! What is more exciting is having the best company you could ever think of. I've been to so much music festivals in the country, and Spectrum Experience is totally on my checklist. More fun photos below! 

Kadayawan 2014

At long last! I could finally able to face my laptop, review my photos, edit it a little, put watermarks on each, and the most awaited, to blog! Oh my gosh, I am the busiest person could be, I'm actually in the midst of my long trip in college (graduating!). To be honest, as much as I want to post an entry, I couldn't seem to find spare time on doing it. From the past months that I'm away with you guys (actually, just here but I feel like away-away), I've been thinking of "what am I gonna post", "where would I could possibly be", and such. I missed so much of blogging that I forgot how stuff works! LOL! Good thing, after almost 2 months, I am finally here, ready to share what is suppose to. If you happen to know, last August was the celebration of Kadayawan Festival 2014. To those people who doesn't know what "Kadayawan" means...

Festique 2014

 rave (noun) : a large party that lasts all night in which people dance to electronic dance music 

Last June 28, my friends and I went to Digos city to attend the celebration of "Araw ng Davao del Sur". Luckily, one of our closest friends lives there so we don't have to worry about accommodation (and food! Thank you Kim). The famous outdoor (and indoor) party organizer, The Manic Nightnings Productions came up with the party entitled Festique: EDM FESTIVAL. It was wicked! Well, if you happen to be following me on Instagram, you know what I'm talking about. Hence, I totally miss blogging AND I have so much stuff lined up for you next month. I'm so excited to share it to you, my loves! Going back to the party, it was on the evening when we left Davao City. It was drizzling on the way but thank goodness it stopped somewhere. To make the long story short, enjoy the photos below! (Thank you Gab De Cadiz for the photos!)

Lost at Sea

Summer has officially ended --- I don't like the term but I can't do anything about it. But before all the sadness overflow, let me take you to a paradise called Isla Reta. The resort is located at Talikud Island, IGACOS. It's far from the hustle and bustle life in the city plus it's just an hour away from Davao by taking the boat. It's already June and we have to make the most out of what's left before school starts by Monday! I have the busiest schedule this time. Boy oh boy! Really fully loaded but thank God for no Saturday classes! Alright, back to the post. I just had an amazing weekend with my college friends. It's my first time to go to Isla Reta and it's such a beauty! I could live there and bonus to the fast 3G connection. LOL! Oh, I tell you, the water is just as clear as crystal and the sand is fine as powder. They also have rooms/cottages which we had stayed at over the night, it's cozy and nature-y too. If I'd rate the place, I give it a 10/10! 

SarBay Fest 2014

It's been a week or so since SarBay Fest 2014 took place! I am super excited to share this with you guys the moment I got back to my place but I was a bit unlucky to transfer our gazillion photos on my laptop because of some instances. Long story! Anyway, as far as I remember, I had so much fun with my friends on the 2-day event. We were boozin' like a boss! Being at the BIGGEST BEACH FESTIVAL IN MINDANAO is sick! Can you imagine having 120,000 attendees (and I'm one of them)! If you're following them (Sarangani Bay Festival) on Facebook, then you would know what the heck I'm talking about. Since it's my second year attending the festival, I'm really happy to meet new people there from different places in the Philippines and hanging out with my good ol' friends. I saw a lot of familiar faces at SarBay too which is nice! I just had a great weekend, and to make this long story short... take a peek of the fest! (Photo taken by Cocoy Sexcion)

WTB: SarBay 2014

FIRST FOR MAY - Forgive me for delaying this blog post that was supposedly posted on the last week of April. And guess what! It's already May and almost making its way to the second week. LOL! I've been so busy doing some personal stuff from the past few weeks and I was waiting for some mails to arrive but due to holiday/s, it has been postponed. Anyway, to get this straight... I know, everyone (or maybe almost everyone) is counting the days for SarBay Fest 2014! Count me in because I, too is excited! I've been also saving up and listing down some of the things I need for the 2-day beach festival. Hence, Mindanao's Biggest Beach Festival. It's extremely advisable to be prepared and give allowance ahead of time than on or one day before, and you should always have to list down all the things you will bringing to the event. In my case, I always double check the things I'm bringing and going to use whenever I travel especially when the event/venue is beyond far from my home. Why? It is because sometimes, at some point, there might be some cases of losing stuff especially when there are too many people or simply because you're just clumsy on losing things. 

SarBay Fest is a free-for-all-festival. That means ANYONE can/may go. Most of the people that are attending are checking in to resorts in Gumasa or hotels/inns/pension houses in GenSan. Unlike in any other known and touristy beach destinations, Gumasa has just minimum amount of rooms that can occupy hundreds or so tourists so you really have to reserve and book months before the actual event or else you'll end up staying in tent, that's why most of the people that are coming to SarBay Fest will be staying in tent city which means they are camping in for 2 days.

Beach Day

Spontaneous adventures are always the best especially when you have one of the best companies ever! Last Tuesday, my good friend, Iris and I finally reunited after months of not being able to see and hangout with each other due to lack of time and believe it or not, we are always busy and booked! We decided to head to the beach and unwind for the whole long day. She's been one of my high school buddies back then but time changes and we have to separate ways to college (drama lol). It feels so good having back your closest friend with you to hangout again in ages plus it's already starting to heat up, Summer 2014! What makes it even more special is that, it's her first beach trip for Summer 2014, though, and I'm glad we spent it together. For those of you who don't know, Davao City proper is just minutes away from the gorgeous Samal Island. You just have to ride a barge or boat to get to the destination, usually barge is very accessible to everyone. You can go to Samal via barge anytime you want! It's very convenient to every tourist/s who wants to escape the hustle and bustle life in the city - even to our part as locals, if we have spare time and longer weekends, we always head to the beach to unwind. Speaking of the beach, we went to this beautiful resort called Villa Amparo. It's located at Sitio Dasag, Barangay Camudmud, Island Garden City of Samal. From Samal wharf, it's a 30-45 minute drive via motorcycle, private vehicle/s or you may avail their shuttle. To make the long story short, scroll down and see our photos using my Monopod and 3-in-1 lenses for the first time to the beach.

#SummerFrolic2014

My friends and I had the BEST weekend so far! Sorry for the delay on posting this one, it's just I am not yet ready to finally put an end on the feast. It's so much fun especially with the best company I have during the weekend. And for the record, I met a lot of new people too which excites me more! Going back to the post, last April 4-5, #SummerFrolic was held at one of the best beaches in the country, Dahican which is located in Mati City, Davao Oriental -- 2-3 hour drive from Davao City (if you take a car or van) and 5 hours if you take the bus. I kinda, somehow toured my friends since it was both their first time! Around 10 in the morning, we arrived in the town. We went to La-Ne's Kan-anan to get our wristbands for the party. At first, we bought GA tickets when we were still in Davao, but the moment we arrived in the ticket area, we decided to upgraded our tickets to VIP since there were a lot of freebies and cool stuff to be given during the 2-night party! It was so hot that we were so confident going around the city even without a sunscreen! Either way, being back at the place you always wanted to be is such a relief! Mati will always be my favorite city no matter what. To make the long story short, here are some of my 2k++ photos from my camera roll from our 3-day escapade in Mati! Enjoy ;)

WTB: SummerFrolic Edition

What to Bring blog post is finally back and this time, I'm banging it for SummerFrolic 2014! I am incredibly excited for this one. Since it's a beach festival, there are a lot of stuff you might want to consider. Like your new fave bikinis to be exact! To be honest, I always over-pack my things when it comes to beach trips. I'm having too much problem on my dilemmas. I always wanted to bring as many things as possible which is totally a no-no. Perhaps you want to carry huge bags with heavy stuff in it! I made a decision to pull-out the most unnecessary things that I might not want to bring anymore. I know, I'm not the only one who got a problem with this especially when you want to change clothes every after 5-hours. It's worse, I couldn't imagine myself doing that again! 

Earth Hour X Spectra

Davao will always be the place to be. Why? For a lot of reasons. And by A LOT, I mean, unending speech. Hi readers/bloggers! Tonight, I just reached to 21k viewers on this Travel/Photography & Lifestyle blog, which I am so proud about! Thank you so much, it means a lot to me.

To begin with, last Saturday, March 29, 2014 at SM Lanang Premier - Fountain Court, a neon-glow party was held by which of course made by the one and only ManicNightnings Productions who was also the creator of the biggest party in Davao -- Carte Blanche 2013, Reverie, Liberalia and the recent party, Spectra 2014 ... and so much more! In celebration of Earth Hour 2014, at 8:30PM, people gathered to celebrate, participate and dance to the beat of the drums as we switched off all our lights/gadgets/etcetera for full one hour. In relation to the event, Manic came up with an idea to why not double the fun? PLUS, IT WAS FOR FREE! Can you imagine it --- FREE FOR EVERYONE TO JOIN THE WICKED PARTY! Everyone loves that, who doesn't? Though it was pouring hard all over Metro Davao, it didn't stopped us to party and enjoy the night full of colors! 

Summer 2014 Festivals

The countdown to Summer and heat has officially started few weeks ago. But before I want to introduce you to my blog post today, I just wanna congratulate all the newly graduates! *Dancing and clapping*. I know what you're thinking, you need to getaway from hustle and bustle of the city PLUS a reward to yourself for accomplishing the semester and to finally step forward to the future. Here's what I got for you! The very first Summerfrolic: Feast on Waves and the very first Electronic Music Festival of Colours that will be happening this coming April. What excites me more is ... *drum roll please* SarBay Fest 2014! The town of Sarangani brings back the biggest beach festival in Mindanao this coming May. The fun and excitement continues this Summer! 

Street Party

Last March 15, during the 77th Araw ng Dabaw, there was a big party happened in Davao. Hence, Step-Up Street Party. If you happen to see me and was able to go to the epic party, then you haven't missed half of your life. LOL! I know, this has been 6-days later. I just wanna say sorry for the delay since I am sort of busy doing my journal (which I already finished), did some school stuff (though we don't have classes anymore), and watched movies most of the time! Now back to the party. It was held along the street of Palma Gil, Bo., Obrero where the night life of Davao always happen. The fact that it was free --- Yes! It was free for everyone so I think half of the population of party people in Davao came and witnessed the chaos. Good chaos! Not denying it, there were a lot of parties happening on that day, on that hour. During the street party, I saw a lot of my friends whom I thought they weren't going, but they did. The calm before the storm, my friends and I happen to avail on the second floor of World K-Box which is really near from the stage where the DJ's rocking the night, fronting Starr, Cork & Barrel and so much more. 

Up and 18

Howdy! Oh good Lord, today is my special day. I just turned 18! Let me just make this really quick blog post before the clock strikes 12:00AM, I just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who sent their warm and long ass greetings to me today! From Facebook, Text Messages, Twitter, E-Mails and even straight to my Instagram! And what's more loca, even the strangers from the mall greeted me today! Maybe because I was bringing a mini-cake given to me by Vikings. Well, anyway! I am so grateful and I can't stop smiling every time I read your messages to me. I feel so overwhelmed and everything in between. 

Photos posted on my Twitter, Instagram and connected to Facebook. 

I love you guys! A++ for ultra mega efforts! I wish I could name you all one by one. All I wanted to say is I love you all to the moon and back, tight cyber hug to everyone.

#OmgIm18

Love,

When in Cebu

Oh boy, I love Cebu! For a lot of reasons though. I can still imagine our endless food-trip and pig-out every night especially when it comes to grilled foods. Cebu is extremely famous to grilling almost any poultry and meat you can imagine! The rice they use is called "puso" (hanging rice), if you've ever been in Cebu, you know what it is. It's a rice wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. It is almost always eaten in pair with barbecues (which Cebu is known for) and you'll find puso at almost any store in the city. We all eat with spoon and fork, but forget about it -- you gotta eat puso with your bare hands. Shameless about it, don't be too conscious since almost everyone eats without the utensils! There are thousands of barbecue joints in Cebu and the fact that it's clean, sold on a very cheap prices, and really mouth-watering too! 

Out & In Cebu

The best thing in traveling is that you'll never expect what you're going to see. Honestly speaking, I never knew what the place looked like. As much as I'm concern, it's a 2-hour drive from the city proper. I din't have time to Google the place and see the photos. I asked my mom about it and she said it's a beautiful place. I wasn't disappointed of what I saw. But before that, on our second day in Cebu, which is still a tour-day, we went outside the city. Going to Simala will take you 2 hours from the city. You're going to pass by several cities like Naga, Carcar, Minglanilia (if I spelled it right). The place is very famous and a must visit too! The structure of the building is beyond gorgeous! As what I have said earlier, I never expected what I saw. Thousands of miracles happened to people when they solemnly prayed for their success. When you reach the inside of the building, you can see letters, pictures, stuff in every walls and corners of the place. It's beautiful and I had goosebumps when I saw it. The place is jam-packed with people, especially when it's Sunday. By the way, we went there on a Sunday. If you just believe, your wishes and prayers will come true.

The Queen City of the South

Major OMG! I finally got back from Cebu (yesterday) and I was so excited to be back in Davao and blog. If you're wondering why am I in Cebu for 18 days is because we had our OJT (On the Job Training) there in The Queen City of the South. But if you've been following me on Twitter, Instagram or even Facebook then you must be up to date on what's happening to me. LOL! But let me set aside first our OJT mems. Last month, February 15, all second year BS-Tourism Management flew to Cebu City. We arrived in Mactan at around noon, it was extremely hot. And I am quite excited to be back after 10 years! Long time ago, right? *Sigh* Plus we were a bit too late for Sinulog Festival, but whatever! So much typing, let me just share to you what went well on our first day. 

#Sepanx

Have you ever been to a situation when you feel like you don't wanna leave a place knowing that there are people whom you will not see for a long time and stuff like that? It sucks! I have so many friends who are really close to me. Well, aside from Davao friends, might as well I have these funny and cray people that didn't missed any minute to make me laugh (out loud!!). I never expected they'd escort me to the airport and see me leave (Sobs*) Anyway, not being too dramatic or something, every time I go back to Manila yearly, it always amazes me that these people whom I spend most of my one whole day there would be one of my closest. And I am so glad they never attempt to forget me! LOL! 

18 and Something

Last month, my cousin celebrated her 18 years of existence (and counting!) here in this world. Everything is amazing when you turn 18! Oh gosh, I can't believe I am turning 18 next month. Although, I am already having almost 90% freedom that my parents are giving me, going to places, parties, hangout with my friends far from home and stuff like that. Well of course, I still have to ask permission but they always say "Yes", especially my dad! And I am also excited to turn 18 since I am longing to go to Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival in Miami. Those were just part of my bucket list a very long time ago! Always wanted to break free when I get older. Travel to places I've been really curious about. Age is really just a number, I always have this in me that I should seize every moment because it might never happen again. Always have fun but with limitations and not all those who wander are lost.

5th K-Pop Con

Last year of December 28, one of the biggest Korean Pop Convention took place right at the heart of the city, SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia. I know you are wondering, am I a K-popper? NO, I am not. My good friend Mimi has a spare ticket and she decided to give it to me for FREE! Yes, I am lucky enough to get in despite of other screaming fan-girls and boys who wasn't able to get a ticket ahead of time including some of my Manila friends. Since I am in the area as well, I decided to just take it and see what's inside. I am not familiar with almost every Korean Boy and Girl band there. The only band I knew is Super Junior which is obviously too popular around the globe. That day, I got to see Lunafly, LC9, Boyfriend and Acian. There were other performers who I got to witness but unfortunately, I never knew them. I am not into a K-Pop thing but since music is totally universal, I get to listen to some of their songs on MYX! Their music videos are the bomb! They have the awesome-est costumes, make-ups and set-up. The boys are really cute as well as the girls too! Love their hair and hair colors. Always wanted to try something and dye my hair in green or blue but it's not just allowed at school. LOL! Anyway, I also love Korean fashion sense and style. It's something that is very unique, creative and colorful. I loooooove seeing their bags and especially their shoes. It's so stylish and cool! I never imagined, the Korean Pop took over almost every person in this country. Everyone seems to be a fan and really loving the sense of it. They sing and dance to the music, they even copy and remake the steps! What I saw during the event was, almost everyone inside was a die-hard fanatic of every fandom! It's amazing seeing how devoted they are to them. See more photos below! If you want to see K-Pop Convention last year, click here.

A Day in Binondo

Hello readers!! My lovely readers!! *Just assume that I am screaming for excitement!* Finally, after a month or two I am finally back for good on blogging again! I can't contain the happiness I am feeling right now, and I can't wait to share with you the good and unforgettable things I did since last December of 2013! I know, a lot of people were wondering, perhaps waiting for another entry, and I am extremely sorry for being away that long. I will truly try my best to never leave you and this blog behind. *Cross fingers*. So anyway, going back to the entry post today, and since it is still Chinese New Year! For those of you who doesn't know, Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days starting of from January 21 - February 21. Last December, before Christmas, my good friends and I went to Binondo. Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the world which was established during 1594. Binondo is the "Chinatown" district which is located in Manila, Philippines. It became the center of commerce and every business you could imagine! It is the home of almost 90% of Chinese people, or Filipino-Chinese who are chose to reside in Manila for too long now. Aside from Binondo, we also stopped by at Quiapo but we didn't stay for too long since it was a Friday, and little did I know, every Friday is so-called Quiapo Day which thousands of people gathered inside and outside the place. It was way too crowded that you can't barely move. Plus, your belongings should always be on safe. We'll talk about that later. That day, we went to a church called Sta. Cruz Parish, and for the record, I made a wish hoping it'll come true! *Winks* More exciting stuff and photos below so continue reading! 

Welcome 2014

On New Year's eve, we went to Mall of Asia to welcome and countdown to 2014. As expected, the mall was jam-packed with people coming from different places! Ate and waited for the fireworks. Little did I know that the fireworks took almost 10 minutes or more. It was amazing! I hope you could see the video I took, but it's taking me ages just to finish uploading it via YouTube! I'll try again some other time. Yearly, I always go to Manila to celebrate the holidays with my relatives. It has been like that since I was in high school. Every after exams, I fly to Manila and back to Davao day after classes starts. I always love Manila. There are so many things to do, yet so little time. And the people there are always running busy or really doing something! Unlike in Davao, were not everyone's always busy. People in Davao always have time for rest or go chill out or do whatever and have spare time. But Manila people are always seem in a hurry, which I really like. I always wanna live there, and maybe soon, I will!