J'aime la vie

Conquered the Hundred Islands! Just 7007 more to go! LOL.

2013-12-12T22:23:00.001+08:00

Two days before my first mountain-climbing adventure, I went to Manaoag, Pangasinan with my mom and Nikko to visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag and hear Mass. It was a 4-hour long ride from Manila to Manaoag. I told my mom that we should head to either Baguio or Alaminos after because it was a better idea than to travel back to Manila after staying for just two hours in Manaoag. Baguio City is just an hour away from Manaoag and Alaminos, where the famous Hundred Islands were, is just two hours away. None of us have been to the Hundred Islands, so it was the better choice.

We stopped by Dagupan City first to have breakfast at Silverio's, a cool restaurant by the lake.

It was noon time, when we got to Alaminos but surprisingly, it was not too sunny. The weather was just perfect for a day swim and island hopping.

We rented a medium-sized boat for the day. It was a Thursday so luckily, there were only a few tourists around.

The boat package included stop-overs in three major islands, Governor's Island, Quezon Island and Children's Island. It was on top of Governor's Island where you could get a good view of the islands. Meanwhile, Quezon Island's fine white sand and clear waters are what makes it ideal for swimming and sun bathing.

100+ steps to get to the awesome view!

The very courteous boatmen also took us to an enclosed area in the middle of the sea for snorkeling. What I love about this place is how the government and its locals are protecting and trying to rehabilitate the islands and the sea. There were still live corals and I saw a lot of cute and unique fishes.

Our last stop was the Cuenca Tunnel.

It was such a fun day with Mommy and Nikko. I remember when I was in grade school, Hundred Islands was always in my textbooks. Now, I got to see them in actual and they were really amazing. :) Seeing them made me realize how lucky I am to be Filipino and how special the Philippines is to God, the Creator.

Hiking and Caving 101: Mt. Manalmon and Bayukbok Caves, Bulacan

2013-12-08T23:51:00.004+08:00

I have always been a weakling. During my grade school to college days, my hatest subject was always P.E. not only because my lowest grade was for that subject but also because I dreaded sports and any other outdoor activity other than swimming. LOL. You can't blame me; I've been an asthmatic girl since I was seven and I have always had a weak immune system.

Nikko, on the other hand, has always been a healthy, athletic, outdoor person. In exchange for his continued support to my interests and girly activities, I would sometimes try out stuff that he says would help me overcome asthma and would make me a healthier person. During our second year together, I tried out going to the gym with him for some summer months but stopped because of school. He would always tell me to continue exercising, but I guess I was too caught up with Math, and then Law.

During my bar review at home, I realized that I have been missing a lot by staying indoors. After several months of just being inside my room with my books, gaining weight and having back pain, I decided to accept Nikko's offer to be my fitness trainer again. I tried swimming, water jogging and some other random stuff for a few weeks, in preparation for my goal of being able to do some cool outdoor activity.

So, when some friends invited us to go for a day hike, I got so excited but scared at the same time because I didn't know if I could make it. I recently just came from the beautiful Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan (which I will write about in the coming days), and the fact added to my anxiety that my body would break down due to over-activity. (Yes, that's over-activity for me already.)

We went to Sitio Madlum, San Miguel, Bulacan to climb the Mt. Manalmon and go caving inside the Bayukbok Caves. Our tour guide, Kuya Abel was very patient in waiting for the slow me and in taking photos of us.

Going up Mt. Manalmon

We passed by the Madlum Cave first. The figure below is said to have been there since 1800's.

The hike is supposedly easy with a 2/9 difficulty rating. However, I panted and struggled my way through. I even took a puff from my inhaler in between. When I got to the peak at around 10:00 am, it was all worth it. The view was majestic.

With Nikko

With our Jeyz Hiking Friends! :) Kenn, Aulvin, Diego

After the descent, we headed to the Madlum River to swim and have lunch.

Then, we proceeded to go spelunking. We had to pass by a river first (which we crossed through a bamboo raft the first time we encountered it) to get to the caves. There was a "monkey bridge" that consisted of only two cables, which you can use to get you to the other side. I, being the determined first-time-adventure-girl, insisted on crossing that bridge, instead of taking the bamboo raft again. Nikko was hesitant at first but I begged him and I prevailed.

It wasn't easy. One could easily fall down the river. In fact, I almost gave up when I approached the center of the bridge because my left leg was shaking. But I didn't and I reached the other end! Yay!

Just when I thought the hard part was over, we went inside the Bayukbok Caves. The path to it was scary but the one inside, it was deadly! One mistake and seriously, goodbye!

That day was really amazing. It was a day of firsts for me! First time to go mountain climbing, first time to go spelunking, first time to swim in the river, and first time to pass through a monkey bridge!

I am so proud of myself! :) Never thought I could do something like this. Thank you, Nikko for encouraging me to do outdoor activities and to the National Diegographic / Pol Binsent Hiking Group! Until next time! :)

As of writing this, I have an aching body but I am well and ready to go for another adventure.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Who says one needs to go outside of the Metro just to get that "Spanish Colonial Period" feel? Mj

2013-11-26T22:18:00.001+08:00

Today, after doing some shoe business errands, Nikko and I went around Marikina City to explore the shoe capital of the Philippines. We initially wanted to visit the Shoe Museum but it was already closed when we got there. Thus, we ended up visiting the Our Lady of the Abandoned Church and having dinner at the Cafe Kapitan, along J. P. Rizal Avenue, Marikina City.

The majestic Our Lady of the Abandoned Church is where Nikko hears mass every Sunday. It is currently undergoing renovation.

Cafe Kapitan is located inside this 200+ year old ancestral house of Kapitan Moy Guevara, the father of Philippine shoe industry. In fact, the first pair of shoes in the Philippines is said to have been made inside this building. The building now houses different restaurants and an events venue/reception hall.

That Spanish Colonial Period feel.

Blue Marlin in Lemon Butter Sauce

Tenderloin Tips

And of course, we got some snapshots of shoe stuff around the area.

Can't wait to go back!

I'm back!

2013-11-26T21:31:00.000+08:00

After more than a year of hiatus, I'm going back to telling my story. To friends and happy readers, enjoy! To haters, go ahead and envy! :)

Galaxy

2012-11-18T21:59:00.003+08:00

Galaxy printed designs are love. I had my shoemaker make these Galaxy-inspired, black-glittered Heelless Wedges for me to complement the skirt. And I chose a black top so my red ombre hair would be highlighted.

These pictures were taken during the Superb Bazaar at the World Trade Center. Thank you, Nikko for taking them. :)

Skirt - Strings Manila ; Shoes - Sophisticat Shoes ; Bag - Prada

Get them now! :)

Colorful

2012-11-04T21:50:00.000+08:00

Hello! Sorry haven't blogged in a while. I had been really busy with school and Sophisticat Shoes.

I got this top from With Love Clothing during the Superb Bazaar last Oct. 19 to 21. The owners are lovely and are very meticulous in creating their bustier tops, which are made of really good fabric. I especially chose this print so I could match it with my new creation for the Sophisticat Shoe Line: Laureen Cut-Out Heels.

Dainty

2012-08-23T20:19:00.000+08:00

I love dressing up as the girly girl that I am for school. When I saw this blue green dress in Forever 21, I knew I had to have it. Even though the top part is actually sheer and it didn't come with any bandeau, I knew I could find something in my closet that would go with it and that it would still be perfect for school. It matched well with my pink shoes and accessories and one my favorite bags.

Also wore this to a meeting with my cousin Gabby and her girlfriend, Cristina Decena. They interviewed me for a school project in De La Salle University about our shoe line, Sophisticat Shoes. It feels good to get interviewed 'cause I feel like I get to inspire some people to do all the things they want at the same time.

Dress - Forever 21; Shoes - Sophisticat Shoes; Bag - Prada (gift from Daddy); Accessories - from my shopping spree with Nikko at that shop near their place.

Photos taken by: Nikko

African Fire

2012-08-22T22:23:00.000+08:00

I'm loving this Safari-themed mullet dress that I got over the summer at a shop in Greenhills Theatre Mall. It suits my red hair perfectly.

The photos are taken in between classes at the Ateneo Law School. They are taken by my friend, Hannah Ang. Thank God for friends, who never get tired of my vanity!

Dress - Greenhills Theatre Mall; Shoes - Betsey Johnson; Belt - some bazaar; Necklace and Bangles - from my shopping spree with Nikko.

Sorry if I look kind of angry. The sun was really hard to avoid.

I can't believe I just discovered this area for outfit photos!

And yes, we just had to take a photo of the hair again. :)

Corregidor

2012-08-20T01:04:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was my third time in Corregidor. (First was in 2005 with my family, and the second was in 2010 with Nikko -- shall post photos from these trips soon) Nonetheless, I still had a great time exploring the historical tadpole-shaped island. Corregidor day tours is one of the most fun, organized and interesting day trips I have ever experienced. You will certainly get great value for your money. I highly recommend it to families, couples and friends, who want to see extraordinary views and have a great learning experience about Philippine history and World War II.

Here are some photos:

Top - Paperdolls (Gift from Nikko); Shorts - Bazaar; Shoes - Steve Madden

With Kuya Louie

Dad and Kuya Louie (my uncle)

Mom and Dad

Dip-dyed

Mile-long Barracks

Sorry for the vain photos, I just love my ombre hair!

With Dad and Mom

Pacific War Memorial

The Lighthouse

Dad had this photo requested 'cause this is where Douglas McArthur left for Australia

Our tramvia

Inside the Malinta Tunnel. The Lights and Shounds Show at the Malinta Tunnel was a great one-of-a-kind experience. One will learn a lot from it and being inside the Malinta Tunnel itself during the show is just cool.

So for some reason, I like this photo.

Corregidor Day Tours
c/o Sun Cruises
http://www.corregidorphilippines.com

Red

2012-08-19T22:58:00.000+08:00

Today, I went to Corregidor with my parents and my Uncle Louie, a balikbayan. I had a great time even when it's already my third time there. The place is just amazing and rich in stories.

It was a good opportunity to take photos, considering the view. And since I still can't get over my red ombre hair, I'm posting a photo now. Photos of the actual trip will come in later.

Photo by Mommy

Ombre!

2012-08-18T21:46:00.000+08:00

After weeks of planning and waiting for my graduation pictorial to be over, I finally did it! Say hello to my red ombre hair! <3

Black and Gold

2012-08-17T23:40:00.000+08:00

I really like sparkly stuff because it can make anything simple look unique. For example, black and gold, when combined is always very elegant. My outfit the other day consisted of a black and gold blouse that my grandma got for me in Forever 21, and a plain black tulip skirt.

Top - Forever 21; Necklace - from my shopping spree with Nikko

This bangle is just love! <3

Skirt - from the US; Shoes - from Nikko's factory; Bag - Nine West; Photos taken by Nikko in Rockwell

Lucky Dress

2012-08-16T23:29:00.000+08:00

I've always thought of this dress as unlucky when it comes to my academic life. Whenever I wear this dress, I get called for recitation and I don't really do well. Haha. Yes, I am superstitious so I haven't worn this dress to school in a while, even though it's one of my favorites (love the print and the cut!).

Well, today, the dress proved me wrong. I didn't get called and it was overall a happy day.

Dress - Forever 21 (picked out by my stylish mom); Shoes - Rajo! for Parisian, Necklace - Forever 21

I love this necklace from Forever 21! It matches my dress very well.

Photos taken by Nikko, in Rockwell.

Funky

2012-08-14T21:14:00.000+08:00

If there's one word I want my style to be associated with, it's "funky". I like experimenting with different colors, prints, sexy cuts and layers. However, there are times when I'm too lazy to dress up the way I want to and just put on that loose dress or shirt that doesn't really define me. Of course, there is also the conservative, sophisticated side of me, which likes dainty pink skirts, little black dresses, and preppy outfits.

These photos were taken in Bon Chon, Regency in Katipunan Avenue, one Friday after my law class. The look exemplifies the funky side of me.

Outer Blouse - Hong Kong; Inner Shirt - Greenhills; Leggings - Hong Kong; Shoes - Steve Madden; Necklace - Cosmopolitan; Bangles - Coach, etc.; Bag - Unlisted

It was really cold so I had to layer.

Bangles!!!

My Steve Maddens! I got a GC for my birthday from my Tito Louie and I got myself this pair! <3

Girly, Demure, Classic, Hip

2012-08-13T23:05:00.000+08:00

I wore this outfit to our last class/block pictorial in law school. It consists of a pink halter top, a skirt I've had since college, and a nice chained belt that looks very classic. I wanted a girly, demure, classic but at the same time, hip image for the class picture.

Blouse - Greenhills; Skirt - Babo / Nava; Shoes - Naturalizer; Bag - Nine West

I love how the skirt looks leathery.

Meet Hannah, the one who takes my outfit photographs in school.

And my law school barkada, Ace, Kathy, Hannah again, and Tel.

Uncle Cheffy

2012-08-12T19:51:00.000+08:00

So, my mom's birthday was spent at home because of the endless rain and flood that Metro Manila and other parts of the Philippines suffered from. All the restaurants and malls were closed for the day so we just celebrated by being together in our condo. We were so thankful that our loved ones were safe and we prayed for our countrymen's safety. It's sad that the country had to go through something like Ondoy again.

The next day, we had lunch at Uncle Cheffy in Ali Mall, which is just across our building. If you want all meat goodness without having to spend a lot, I say you try this Brick Oven Cuisine.

Pot Roast

Lovely Jenny Salad

Surf N' Turf

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Uncle Cheffy Ali Mall.
Ali Mall, P Tuazon Blvd Cubao, Quezon City
02) 709-4104 to 05

Shopping

2012-08-11T01:02:00.000+08:00

Shopping is one of my most favorite things to do. I'm always ready to explore the entire store (and even mall) just to find what I love and not just what I like (because if I consider everything I like, I might end up buying 95% of the merchandise). And so whenever I go shopping, I make sure that I'm in my most comfortable clothes and shoes, even though it means that I'd have to deviate a little bit from my usual style.

This is an example of how my shopping get-up looks:

Top - Hong Kong; Jeans - Levi's; Shoes - Moby Red; Bag - Nine West

Photo taken by Nikko at Forever 21 (July 21, 2012), Megamall.

Art

2012-08-10T03:20:00.000+08:00

Last month, there was an art exhibit at the Powerplant Mall called, "Visions". What makes it different from the other exhibits is the fact that there was actually live doodling going on and you can see the artists in action.

Of course, this is one of my favorites, as I can very much relate to the girl in the illustration. Haha.

We went to see the exhibit after my thesis defense last month!

And yes, another one that I like. I'm such a girl.

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

2012-08-07T00:00:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday to the best woman in the whole world! ♥ I am so thankful to have you as my Mommy. You will forever be my inspiration, my best friend, my stylist, my mentor, and my idol! I love you so much, Mommy! ♥

Mom's Closet

2012-08-06T19:02:00.000+08:00

Just recently, when I got bored with my my short blouses, my pants that couldn't be zipped all the way, and my tight-fitting skirts and dresses, I decided to raid my mom's closet. She has kept some of her clothes from her college and early 30's days (while others have been given away due to lack of space in her closet). I found this cool red blouse (with shoulder pads), that screams Blair Waldorf. I took it to Hong Kong during our trip last December and wore it to school on the day this photo was taken.

Blouse - Vintage (Mom's closet); Harem Pants - SM Department Store; Bag - Nine West

Jumpsuit

2012-08-05T18:51:00.000+08:00

Jumpsuits are always very comfortable to wear. Even though they are one-piece suits and one does not have to worry about mixing and matching tops and bottoms, they can be very stylish.

I wore my gray tube-jumpsuit to school and had to match it with my a sleeveless blouse/dress that works as a vest, when unzipped, too.

Jumpsuit - from a shop in Greenhills; Vest - Hip Culture; Shoes - VNC Malaysia Bag - Liz Claiborne

Photos are by Nikko. Taken in Powerplant Mall, Rockwell.

Balloons

2012-08-04T17:19:00.000+08:00

This is my only bell-sleeved dress and I like it because it's so easy to put on and I can freely move around with it. The thing with this kind of dresses is that they can be worn as blouses, too. I got this from my aunt in the United Kingdom. Notice how well it goes with the balloons.

Dress - UK Brand; Shoes - Bella Donna; Bag - Nine West

This was taken in Gateway Mall, after watching a movie (I think it was Vilma Santos' The Healing)

Orange Bodycon

2012-08-03T11:59:00.000+08:00

I like bodycons a lot. They make a girl look really sexy as they emphasize one's curves. What I don't like about them though is how the dresses go shorter as shrink themselves at the bottom every time I walk, sit down, stand up, and basically move!

This is one of my most favorite bodycon dresses. It's very simple and cost me just some hundred pesos but I like the color and how it fits me. It is a sleveless dress so I put a black cardigan on to make it law school-appropriate and accentuated it with a sequined tie-on belt that I found inside my closet.

Dress - Chase; Cardigan - Bazaar; Shoes - Bella Donna; Bag - Nine West

Boho

2012-08-02T00:48:00.000+08:00

I was missing that fun summer feel, when I wore this outfit to school, after accompanying Nikko to some business matters in Ortigas. Felt like a boho chick though I know I could have done better in sporting that kind of look. The dress is a gift from Nikko's mom, who is in the United States.

Dress - US Brand (gift from Nikko's Mom); Vest (which is overused) - from some bazaar; Sandals - Alfani (gift from my Lola Nanay); Bag - Nine West

Photos were taken in Podium. We met up with my mom after Nikko's appointment and got some snacks.

Pakil, Laguna: Parish of San Pedro Alcantara

2012-08-01T03:45:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, we went to Siniloan, Laguna to attend the wedding of Nikko's cousin. Unfortunately, we made it only to the reception, which lasted a little over two hours.

We found out that the place was near Pakil, which is famous for its spring resorts and its very beautiful Church, the Parish of San Pedro Alcantara. The Pakil Church is home to the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Turumba. We went to visit it and were awed with its architectural design.

Here are some photos:

Outside the Pakil Church

Dress - People are People; Tube Top - Babo/Nava Clothing; Necklace - Cosmopolitan (gift from my law school barkada); Bag - Unlisted; Sandals - Alfani (gift from my Lola Nanay)

With the Bride and Groom

Pakil Church: Parish of San Pedro Alcantara

With Nikko's Tita Moni and his sister, Bettina.

Janna and Nikko

It was a very tiring day but just seeing the old Church and the statue was worth it. Another pilgrimage adventure for Nikko and me. Which reminds me, I gotta head back to Manaoag soon.