Banaue 2021

Our Buscalan Tour was able to make a stopover at Banaue for some photos and stretching. The nine-hour van ride back to Manila was tiring, so seeing nature and stretching our legs in front of the famous rice terraces was a real treat!

I first made the trip to Banaue in 2018, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I learned how to knit there, and it was where I first appreciated delicious coffee from the mountains. I am forever grateful to have left a piece in my heart in these mountains.

Banaue is the final stopover of the Buscalan Tour being offered by Bahaghari Tours. Message them for more info if you also want to book your own mountain vacation! It will be a priceless experience that you will never forget.

Buscalan 2021

Meeting Apo Whang-Od!

I was inked by the Last Mambabatok and the oldest living tattoo artist in the world, Apo Whang-Od! I made the trek to Buscalan, Kalinga to see the tattoo village and meet the But But tribe whose tattoos are now famous around the world. It was a pleasure to see nature first-hand since the pandemic started. Oh yeah, this also marks my first time to travel during Corona times.

I was first inked by Apo’s apprentice Grace in Manila. I was able to see Grace again, and I was able to give her a shawl that I crocheted myself. Seeing her village is the highlight of my pandemic era.

With Grace, Apo Whang-Od’s grandniece and apprentice

My Buscalan experience was made sweeter with unlimited coffee and peace. I left the mountain with a lighter and more grateful heart.

To book your own tour to Buscalan and get inked yourself, visit Bahaghari Tours! I am happy that I trekked to Buscalan. It is one of the best memories of my life.

Buscalan Ink

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I recently got inked by Grace Palicas, the grandniece of Apo Whang-Od. She was in Manila for a few days, and I caught one of her mambabatok sessions. I chose their design for prayer, as I wanted to symbolize that my faith is bigger than the sky, which is represented by my star tattoo.

It was not painful at all. It was rather uncomfortable but I would recommend it because Grace has a light and steady hand. She also inks quickly and efficiently. My tattoo was done in twenty minutes.

You may visit Grace Tattoo Buscalan on Facebook to follow her upcoming tours and schedules both in and out of her hometown. It was an honor to be inked by a true artist, and now, friend.

Le Fleur Coffee Holder

I recently purchased my second cup holder from local small business Le Fleur. Their vegan cup holders have made my coffee or juice experience more delightful and aesthetically pleasing. It also warms my heart that their cup holders are all locally made by hand. I am all for small businesses that champion local craftsmanship and style.

Buy your own Le Fleur cup holder here! Enjoy your coffee!

Traviel Bags

In 2020, I received a DOST Coursera scholarship which allowed me to explore my creative skills through writing and personality development classes. As I was posting my certificates online, I met Pao Manalang of Traviel, who was also taking Coursera courses under the same scholarship. We shared the same values, and this is evident in her brand’s vision of enriching and uplifting local craftsmanship. Meanwhile, I wanted to enrich and uplift blogging as a craft which can be written about in a book. So that’s what I did. When I launched my book (Buy it in the link above this post! 📕), I finally purchased my first Traviel bag. It is made of plant-based leather and textile. I am very happy to support a local brand whose values align with mine ❤️

Wilmur

I recently ordered these Wilmur specs in Smoky Tort from local optical powerhouse Sunnies Studios. I bought this pair from their online store due to the pandemic. I still have the same eye prescription (only 25 on my left eye as a result of astigmatism. My eyesight remains 20/20!), so ordering online was the best option. It was also a breeze as their website is well-designed and easy to use.

I may be a customer of various local optical shops, but Sunnies Studios remains to be my favorite. Their frames are the most stylish in my opinion, and they give great value for money. Their stores are also chic places to be in. Plus, their employees and directors have been very good to me through the years.

I highly recommend Sunnies Studios as their loyal customer, and not as a paid influencer. This is not a sponsored post! I simply love the brand, and I am delighted to own the Wilmur specs. I hope that you will find the perfect pair for you from their amazing selection!

Merced Bakehouse

I ordered a cake from Merced Bakehouse for my mom’s recent birthday. It was their Sunflower Cake, with a mocha base. It was delicious, light, and satisfyingly vintage. Highly recommended, especially if you are fond of nostalgic cakes from your childhood.

Merced Bakehouse has been churning out cakes since 1972. Do give them some love by ordering cakes and other goodies here. Enjoy!

Not Invisible

I enjoyed reading Not Invisible by Filipina blogger and author, Frances Amper Sales. She is the brave and articulate woman behind the blog Topaz Horizon. I have been reading her blog ever since I was in university. This is why I can still relate to her posts. While she has included motherhood and marriage into her posts, she still writes with candor about everyday life. Her posts always end on a positive note, reminding her readers that life goes on inside her apartment with her husband and three kids. I like her energy and will to live.

Her book is an extension of her blog. I felt excited when I first heard about her book, because this has been a part of her plans ever since. I know that I can always access her blog, but it’s still different when you read one’s memoir. I laughed, cried, and felt encouraged while reading this. I can relate to Frances’ strong beliefs about staying single and child-free when she was younger, until she met her future husband Vince.

I am now in a relationship, and when I grow up, I would like to have a family that is similar to hers!

I was pleasantly surprised to find my name in the Acknowledgements section. I am touched that the author remembered me! I hope that you will also enjoy Frances’ writing. You will love this book! Buy it here.

Enjoy!

Airblush

I have been a Sunnies Face Airblush user for two years now. I love this cheek tint because the formula is perfect for my normal skin type. It also stays in place over my sunscreen. I have no allergic reactions to it. Plus, it is a Filipino brand!

My recent fave is this shade called Disco. It may look red on the pot but trust me, it registers well on my medium skin tone and keeps me looking fresh whether on selfies or on Zoom.

Buy it here and see the difference today!