Oldest Chinatown

This blog is long overdue! But I am very excited to share to you all one of my favorite go-to places in old Manila which is at THE oldest Chinatown which is located at Binondo, Manila. There are so many things to do here and our favorite is to try authentic Chines cuisine at a very affordable price. During this pandemic, it is very hard to travel and since we live in Metro Manila, we visit this place once in a while (of course, with proper precautions by wearing face mask, face shield [inside establishments], bringing alcohols and safe social distancing. This post will be your virtual tour.

Back Again

 

Hello lovely readers from all over the globe! It's been a while since the last time I updated and posted on this blog. A LOT have had happened already. I have always thought of this blog every now and then and finally, I was able to retrieve and signed in again. I don't know if there are still people finding this blog interesting aka my very old posts lol! I have also upgraded to VLOGGING too! You may visit my channel and just search for my name Eishelle Cellona. If it won't be too much of a hassle, please subscribe and support my channel *winks*

Babu Santa

Babu Santa --- one of the best beaches I have ever been to so far! It's like just 2 hours away from Davao City. Yes, it's that far but I assure you, super worth the bumpy ride. A lot of tourists visits the island in a short while, mostly people who are island hopping and scuba divers, they usually spend an hour or two on the island to eat lunch and chill. Just like we did. But we din't avail the island hopping tour, we just go there with our stuff and spent the night over. Also met a lot of good friends! It was unexpected though 'coz they were on the resort before ours so we actually din't think of meeting friends there, well except for the locals. But it's a good thing since they were really fun and super accommodating! Shout out to the squad <3 Thanks for the good food too! It's so much fun that I don't even wanna leave the island #SEApanx. It's a remote island, means it has limited time using electricity, there's a bad reception, no internet connection, limited water (which you really have to secure!), but oh my goodness, unlimited fun! Yes, I can't stop using fun --- okay, euphoric x nostalgic! 

Babu Santa is located in Island Garden City of Samal, Talikud Island. From the word "Talikud" or "likod" which means back, is literally at the back and tip of Samal. To know more about the history of the Island, go check out this page. I will also post "How to Get There" and stuff like that below. Enjoy the photos and the long post <3

SummerFrolic 2015: Feast on Waves

The long wait is over! Whoosh - but let me tell you the bad news... this is going to be a very long post because duhhh, #SummerFrolic2015. Don't fight with me on this! Ok ok, let me start with greeting you all a very merry summer 2015! Yup, in the Philippines and other Asian countries (and even other parts of the world), it's already burning hot that's why people are flocking to different islands and beaches nearby. Good thing we live in a tropical country ;) If you have been my reader from the very beginning, you would know that SummerFrolic has been a huge part of my life. It's because a.) it's held in my most favorite city which is Mati City, Davao Oriental - 3 hour drive away from Davao City; b.) it's organized by FrolicFox Productions (thank you btw for the awesome lineup and set up!); and c.) I was still with the same squad as last year! Things that I'm excited about summer is that I get to hangout with my friends and family, go to beaches, stay up late, drink cold, iced beer... make s'mores and stuff like that. Plus, you always get to meet new friends which is nice. Enjoy the long post! 

I Lived

It's the most wonderful time of the year - and I'm talking about Summer! Yes, few of you know my favorite part about living in the Philippines is that you get to experience tropical season longer than any countries and like, hello we own 7, 107 islands here! Can you imagine going in and out to different beaches and islands. So to make the long story short, I'm beyond thankful to experience such beauty! And so, here we go again to #SummerFrolic2015 and I am so excited for my Year 2! Do you want to escape from the reality even just for 2... 3 days? Well, you come to right place. Mati is seriously a great escape and it's not that far from Davao! Curious about what's the fuzz about SummerFrolic? Read my last year's experience here.

Canibad Escapade

 Summer is just around the corner - totes agree! But in my case, I came in a little earlier at the same time, queen of late. What's new? Lol! I actually forgot this blog post that was supposed to be posted last year. Say whaaaat! Hence, October 2014. I don't know if I was really busy (which I am) or totally, accidentally forgot about this. Oh my goodness, how could I possibly. It's the beach for crying out loud. And it's definitely not your ordinary paradise, but a virgin island, one hour away from the city called Canibad. It's literally located in the remote area, signal is weak, but the view is great! 

FUN, PWCan! 2015

It's a been a while since the last time I posted and updated my blog and I freakin' miss you guys! Yes, to those of you who know me well, March is my favorite month because it's like the pre-Monday of Summer and my birthday month! And I have less than a month before Graduation and I will finally bid goodbye to my Alma Mater. *dancing in happiness* ++ This month, we will be celebrating a lot of events like Araw ng Dabaw, Holi: Festival of Colors, Raveolution: Neon Utopia which will fall on the day of my birthday and last but not the least, our very own FUN, PWCan! 2015 that will take place in our school grounds, Philippine Women's College of Davao. Save the dates and mark your calendars: March 6-7, 2015.

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!