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.

Vitalis Villas

I recently spent a night at Vitalis Villas, dubbed as the Santorini of the North. I got to swim, eat delicious food such as Vigan longganisa and salted fish, and relax by our private pool.

I also got to spend much-needed time with my family. I am now back in the city, and I miss the beach already! I hope to be back soon.

The author at Vitalis Villas

Breakfast with the breathtaking view of Santiago, Ilocos Sur

Vigan By Night

I recently got to explore the Hispanic city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It was a dream come true to tour this place, as it has always been on top of my must-see spots before I die.

I started my evening tour with a kalesa ride to Calle Crisologo.

The author enters Vigan’s town center by carriage

Calle Crisologo is filled with shops and restaurants.

The author at Calle Crisologo

The author checks out the shops along Calle Crisologo

I had the best vigan empanada i’Ve ever had at Irene’s Vigan Empanada.

Irene’s Vigan Empanada is a popular eatery along the famous street

Irene’s famous empanada does not disappoint

i had sorbetes along Calle Crisologo for dessert.

The author tries the sorbetes at Vigan

Cheese, pineapple, and ube sorbetes at Vigan

A cold beer at the ROOFTOP of Hotel Luna is a good idea.

The author’s favorite beer at the Hotel Luna roof deck

Leona Florentino’s monument at Vigan

I got to explore the famous monuments at Vigan’s city center.

Jose Rizal at Vigan

The Dancing FoUntain Show was a trippy experience after dark.

Vigan’s Dancing Fountain Show

The fountain show features popular songs along with its water features

The author enjoys Vigan at night

Ilocos Sur continues to attract both local and foreign tourists with its Old World charm

After walking around the plaza, i Looked around antique shops. Lucy Chan’s Antique House has the best selection of trinkets and home fUrnishings from another era.

Antique jewelry on display at Lucy Chan Antique House

Lucy Chan offers unique antique home furnishings and trinkets

I relaxed with a cup of hot rice coffee and some balikUtsa, a local sugarcane candy at coffee break Vigan.

The author enjoys rice coffee and balikutsa, a local candy made of sugarcane molasses

It was a comfortingly delicious treat.

Good night, Vigan!

I hope to be back soon, Vigan!

Hotel Luna

I recently stayed at the Hotel Luna with my US-based family. It was our first time at Vigan, the historical heritage town at Ilocos Sur. I was excited to visit this Hispanic city, and I was lucky to have stayed at the first and only museum hotel in the country.

Hotel Luna is located at the heart of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

I am sharing with you my favorite artworks at Hotel Luna. It was magical to stay at a hotel with paintings, sculptures, and history.

I hope that you will also visit Vigan soon!

Three Women by BenCab

Maria Makiling by Abdulmari Asia Imao

Untitled by Juvenal Sanso

Gregorio del Pilar by Abdulmari Asia Imao

Boxes and Jarlet by Arturo Luz

The author with various artworks at Hotel Luna

Martyr’s Struggle by BenCab

Laces and Roses by Louie Tolentino

Cradle of Hope in Pink by Ramon Orlina

La Mandolinera by Juan Luna y Novicio

The pool at Hotel Luna attracts city guests

The author is happy to begin her Vigan journey at Hotel Luna

Summer Knitting

Yesterday, I knitted while having lunch and coffee at Summer Cafe in Coron. It was a ray of sunshine amidst the gloomy day.  

I ordered the cheesy omelette and americano. It was a delicious combination!

For dessert, I headed to Pedro’s Gelato, a local ice cream joint in Coron. 

I had the ube langka and mango sorbet. It was so good!

Then, I visited the mangrove forest near the Maquinit Hot Springs. 

It was fun to knit, be my foodie self, and explore nature all one day. Hope to have more memories with the things that make me happy.  

Coron Adventure

Yesterday, I conquered my fears of the open water and narrow caves. Coron brought out the adventurer in me and I enjoyed it. Here are some photos proving that my fitness journey is all worth it.

Here’s to more tours with Mother Nature to come!

Rainy Boracay

It was a rainy last day in Boracay. I worked out, ate breakfast, and enjoyed the rain along the shore. The beach is gorgeous and the view is unforgettable.  

I hope to be back someday! 

Boracay Day 2

Yesterday was my second one in Boracay. I enjoyed swimming in the beach and walking along the shore. 

I braved the monsoon to eat the famous piri piri chicken plate at Spicebird. That was delicious!

I also went back to a Boracay Leathers to buy a coin purse. I highly recommend this store for quality handmade leather goods. 

Later that night, my friend Pia took me out to have gingertinis at Aplaya. It was so good!

I can say that the island life is a relaxing break from the busy city and it was a privilege to experience it. It was also lovely to catch up with a friend. On to our next adventure!

Knitting By The Sea

Yesterday, I finally got to knit at Boracay. 

It was a treat to watch the waves crashing by as I stitched my scarf. 

I also got to buy functional souvenirs from local handmade merchants, such as Boracay Leathers. 

When it was time for a cuppa, I went to Real Coffee to sample their barako and famous calamansi muffins. 

I bought myself a personalized anklet from a handmade jewelry vendor. 

And even if I’m not into swimming, I enjoyed the remarkable white sand and pristine waters of Boracay. 

Getting out of my comfort zone is part of the journey. For every new experience, there is always knitting to keep me going so I know that there’s something to look forward to. 

Crochet in the Sky

It’s my first time at Boracay! I started my day with black coffee before boarding my flight with my mom and maternal relatives. 

It was a dream come true to crochet in an airplane. I enjoyed my leisurely flight as I hooked my way to landing. 

I even crocheted in the ferry. 

Boracay is breathtakingly beautiful! I can’t get enough of the clear waters and fine white sand. 

Our bedroom came with a teddy bear named Bogart. It was a fun touch that I immediately warmed up to. 

I can’t wait to explore the island more as I crochet, knit, and enjoy!

Banaue Day 3 Part 1: The Most Beautiful Sunrise I Have Ever Seen

I woke up before six in the morning on our last day at Uhaj, Banaue.

I was able to witness the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen at the comfort of our inn’s restaurant. 

It was magical. I had the whole restaurant to myself.  

Well, Rain did keep me company in the middle of it. 

I ordered the Filipino breakfast again and kept my eyes glued to the sunrise. 

Rain was still there!

The fog suddenly dissipated and the rice terraces eventually said hello!

It transformed me. Oh, and I had delicious coffee to sip while watching the sun shine over the mountains. 

I then walked around the village inn grounds to stretch and reflect on the breathtaking view I witnessed. 

This was the view from our hut. 

I then went on to get ready for the rest of the day, knowing that I was in the midst of indescribable natural beauty.