PALAWANderers: Puerto Princesa with the Fam Bam

It had been ages since the rents and I traveled via air for a vacation. The trip was an early summer getaway since it commenced last February. Everything was arranged and paid (thanks so much to infinity) by my ever loving parents. 

We opted only to explore the city of Puerto Princesa since it was only a short trip. We stayed at Holiday Suites Hotel just across the newly opened Robinson's Mall. We availed the family room with complimentary breakfast. I love the food especially their danggit, it was one of a kind.

Since our flight's arrival is around 6AM, the hotel allowed us to check in early. We were able to rest for a while and prep up for the afternoon city tour. La Famila's so happy and excited about this so we had a mandatory group shot - so far my favorite one.

The first stop in our city tour was the crocodile farm where we had quite an educated time. It was entertaining to watch those massive reptiles fight for food.

Next stop was the House of Mitra where I find the scenery calming and reflective.

My favorite part of the city tour was our time at Baker's Hill. I think the compound gives much of a love vibe. The place was decorated so extravagantly with things that are very pleasing to the eyes. We also bought a lot of goodies from the well known Bake Shop.

After snacking, we went to Plaza Cuartel where we learned the hardships experienced by the armies during the Japanese War. There is a monument built to honor the memories of the fallen heroes.

Last in our itinerary was the visit to the immaculate concepcion church. 

After an enjoyable but somehow tiring city tour, we had to refuel our stomach in one of the city's top restaurant - Kalui. The ambiance was so nice and homey. We have to be barefooted inside the restaurant. That made it a more unique experience for us. The food was totally awesome. Loved the sinigang ni Kaka so much. :)

The next day was the day I always wished to come as it was the day we were to visit the Underground River which is a UNESCO world heritage site. En route the underground cave is a habitat for monkeys and monitor lizards. Everything was so majestic and breath-taking.

We also just learned that the hotel we were staying at is owned and managed by our distant relative, so my uncle had invited us for dinner at another well-known restaurant - Kinabuch. Food was also appetizing and delicious. Thanks so much to Lustre Family.

Last tour day was allotted for Honda Bay where we visited three islands - Starfish, Luli and Cowrie. Snorkeling was super fun because dad, shobe and I were able to bond closely to feed those cute little fishes. It was also in this tour that I were able to bond closely to my new found friends - Sheila, Jean and Tin. 

To cap off the vacation, my new friends and I decided to check out this popular bar called Tiki bar. Guess why the place is called such! ;) We had a good time because of the music, dance and booze. The fire dancer was also very entertaining. I went back  to the hotel just hours before my very early flight back to reality.

Wrapping up 2014 - A Lovely Journey

I had learned to value memories - may it be small or big as these are the reasons why I am what I am now. 2014 had been fairly one of the best year I ever had. It is time I reflect and look back to all the blissful events and some shortcomings that I had for this year.

Journey to Self-Discovery

After trekking Taal volcano in 2009, I summon my courage to hike Mt. Pico de Loro (trail difficulty: 4/10) which posed quite a challenge since I was not that fit. There were various times that I want my friends to leave me somewhere in the middle of the mountain for I cannot continue anymore. Reaching the last base camp before the summit was already an accomplishment for me.

No matter how steep and complicated the road might be, the endpoint will always be worth it. I may not be that brave to attack the summit nor climb the monolith, but being able to go out of my comfort zone by hiking Pico de Loro is something I will always be proud of.

Challenging myself did not stop. I knew that surfing could be a dangerous sport, but sometimes we really have to try things first so we could evaluate if we will enjoy and love them. Waves weren't that high during our visit so it's perfect for beginners. I learned that listening to the smallest details from my instructor played an important part why it was so easy to surf.

Beach Bumming will be 100 times happier and enjoyable when shared with your friends. I was very fortunate to have visited few of the best beaches in the country this year. My experience became a lot better because of the companies of great people.

Jump shot and Sunset view at Burot Beach in Calatagan, Batangas 

 By far the best KEM05 experience at Calaguas Virgin Beach in Camarines Norte

Finally some quality out of town trip in La Luz Beach Resort in Laiya, Batangas with my best college girl friends

Break from our stress in Boracay Beach. Such a calming view to keep our mind off work!

Journey to Nature and Cultural Appreciation

Maybe it comes with age that I have this fond of loving the beauty of mother Earth. I was so happy to be able to see the perfect cone of Mayon Volcano, to witness the wonders of the Chocolate Hills, to view the majestic Tumalog Falls, and to appreciate the habitat of Tarsiers in Bohol and Butanding in Oslob. Nature has its way of awing you in so many ways. 

Perfect cone of Mayon Volcano

Exploring Bohol's Chocolate Hills with BFF Popples

Awesome Tumalog Falls

A sleeping Tarsier in a Sactuary in Bohol

Amazing experience in Oslob, Cebu with the Butanding. Truly one of a kind.

Churches aside for being a sacred place is also a venue where you could appreciate the architectural style of a specific era. I was very fortunate to see the oldest Basilica at the Queen City of the South and the destructed ones in Bohol affected by the earthquake in 2013. Art is indeed everywhere to entertain and amaze us.

Aside from the churches, I was also fortunate enough to have visited some of the nicest architectural works.

Journey to Job Maturity

I came to realize that having a job is like loving someone, commitment is very important and you must be passionate about it. Politics won't be out of  the equation so I must be strong enough to be motivated to still give my best on what I do. With all the storms I had encountered this year, I am glad that it made become a better employee.

This year was also the time I took more responsibilities at work. Accountability and Integrity are the two values I always honor, and I am trying my best that I always practice that. I was blessed to be assigned to work outside the metro and the country. It is such an honor to be trusted to work on projects that have a vision to improve our technology at work.

Hainan, Sanya, China 

Boracay Island

Journey to Bringing out the kid at heart

I had the solo trip to Hong Kong back in July to visit the happiest place on Earth. I just felt that I should find the things that make me happy - the magical world of Disney. Even the toughest person, has her soft spot.  

Journey to Staying Fit

I realized that it's time I took care of my body. Health is Wealth. The best motivation to stay healthy is to think of the future. Would I be one of those people who struggle financially because of all the maintenance medicine needed to stay alive? Would I not want to witness how my children grow up?

Journey to Loving my Family More

I had always been close to my parents and siblings. Every day of our lives just keeps getting better. Yes, there are days that obstacles face us. That is how life is supposed to be - spices make it challenging. At the end of the day, what is important is we value each other more and more.

Journey to knowing who your Real Friends Are

Being a sociable person, I never find it difficult to befriend others. That's why I used to get thousands of heartaches from people. I tend to always see the best in everyone but sadly that's not how life works. People will not be always good - no matter how much your try to understand them. A few of those so called friends will be considered genuine - the one worth keeping. Those who will have the courage to say straight to your face that you suck at something and still be there to support you in your deepest fall. Distance will never be a hindrance to the friendship and even if it takes only once in a blue moon moment for meets up and catch ups, you know deep inside that they are your treasures.

Journey to aiming for Higher Knowledge

I was also fortunate enough to pursue my dream on getting a masters degree in Environmental Engineering. I was able to enroll my 1st sem in my beloved university - UP Diliman. Going back to college was quite challenging having a full time job. Luckily, I was able to surpass my first semester. This is me taking small steps to reach my career goal. Knowledge should be constantly updated so you could become a competent individual.

Journey to knowing what your heart desires

When it comes to the matter of the heart, I think it is still a working progress. I am at the phase that I don't wanna play games anymore. It is true that I am still enjoying my single status, but I know deep inside that it's time I commit to someone who will compliment my personality. Someone I could share my fondness of travelling and eating out, someone I could share the laughter and tears. Someone who will appreciate me as who I am. 


Journey to dreaming what the future may hold

It just never stops - the vision of the future, my future. I am a planner. I used to write everything down and  figure out the steps and methods to execute my plan and achieve my goals, but sometimes spontaneity is what we need for a perfect ending. 

This year had taught me a lot about myself. There is still a long road for me to take to truly discover my capabilities. There might be detours and road blocks along the way. It is with my faith in God, support with my family and friends that I could surpass the journey and reach the pit stops of life smoothly.

2014 had truly been one of the best! Thank you for being part of my journey. I could not make it without you. I am claiming that 2015 to be more awesome than ever. Happy New Year! :)