Archive for July 2022

Laguna is only around 1.5-hour drive from where I live, but it has been a while since the last time I visited this province. I realized that they have so much to offer aside from family and barkada destinations like Enchanted Kingdom and Caliraya, that I am missing out quite a lot!

During my recent trip to Laguna, I learned that there are a lot of other homegrown arts and handicrafts unique to their towns and municipalities that we Filipinos should support and be proud of. Here are some of them:

1. Wood Whittling and Shaving, Pakil

The Municipality of Pakil, Laguna is proud of their delicate version of woodcarving. Kayas, or the art of wood shaving and whittling, is meticulously done using three types of wood that are known for its soft pliable texture and can only be found in Laguna. The folk artisans of Pakil carve out interesting shapes with fine details, including angels, swans, and fans. To keep this traditional art alive, they also encourage apprentices.

2. Wooden Bags, Paete

Speaking of wood carving, we also visited the "Carving Capital of the Philippines" Paete! 70% of the town's livelihood comes from their handicraft industry. We visited a supplier that produces really beautiful wooden bags for big brand names. You can see how unique and well-made these Paete wooden bags are! Hoping to own a Paete wooden bag someday.

3. Wood and Metal Sculptures, Paete

Another sculptor that we visited in Paete uses different materials to produce detailed sculptures that are great home displays. Sculptor Glenn Cagandahan demonstrated how he keeps his human sculptures look realistic yet raw by using his bare hands in adding details to the hair and body. Paxie told me he already saw Sir Glenn's works before in Megamall, a testament of how distinct this Paete native's works are that you'll easily recognize them.

4. Barong Tagalog Embroidery, Lumban

Another intricate craft in Laguna is pagbuburda, or their embroideries. From the Traditional Barong Tagalog, to saya, kimonos, gowns, and other tapestries, they create intricate patterns on delicate fabrics by hand or machine to create wearable art pieces. Lumbeños are proud of their craftsmanship, even celebrating “Burdang Lumban Festival” to showcase their best embroidered pieces through a trade fair.

5. Water Hyacinth Products, Pila

Weaved bags and textiles are well-known products of our country, including the water hyacinth crafts of RolyoLikha and Sarilikha of Pila, Laguna. Water hyacinth is a type of weed abundant in this municipality, put into good use by the creative people of Pila. With the durable yet flexible and easy to clean features of water hyacinth fiber, they created home and fashion products that are highly sellable to local and international market. Some of these products are handbags, chairs, baskets, mats, mirror frames, home decors, etc.

#LoveLaguna

The Provincial Government of Laguna just launched their newest campaign to boost the tourism of the province. Dubbed as #LoveLaguna, this campaign highlights Laguna as an art, food, culture, adventure, and nature destination. There's so much to see and experience!

Provincial Governor Ramil Hernandez with provincial mayors during the launch of #LoveLaguna tourism campaign:

We also visited the “Likhang Laguna” trade fair called located at the Town Municipal Hall:

Soon, they will also have a dedicated website and phone app to serve as a one-stop-shop for all things Laguna. Guests, both local and international, can now easily plan for their next Laguna adventure based on their interests .

When this site up, I will make sure it won't take long for me to go back to Laguna. I love the chill vibe during our whole stay, and would like to discover more of their art. I hope Laguna will also offer simple crafting classes for their guests, an add on premium to tourists heading to their workshops and showrooms. Aside from that, I'd also like to see more of their new resorts, and discover Instagrammable food destinations too. Exciting times ahead!

With my friends Rodel, Paxie, Rod, and Alex during the Love Laguna launch, and some souvenirs from our Laguna trip--orchids, wooden products, etc.

Visit Love Laguna on Facebook for more information and updates!

Watch more of this trip here:

An exclusive getaway to rest and recharge in the countryside at the place where BTS stayed during the filming of HYBE’s original content.

The expansive property will immerse guests in the serene natural rhythms of PyeongChang, South Korea, a mountainous region famed for its lush forests and rolling hilltop vistas.

Two lucky guests from around the world will enjoy leisurely experiences that authentically recreate those BTS participated in while on the show.

Lifestyle influencers share their traditions of making memories and mealtimes #BetterWithCoke through foodpanda

Have you found your one true pairing? More often than not, these things are subtly introduced into our lives but leave quite the impact once it’s all been said and done. Like, ice cream on a hot summer day, popcorn and movies, bacon and eggs, a burger with fries on the side, and the forever table staple in life events, foodpanda and Coke!

foodpanda is one to thank for opening the gates to making amazing eats and elevated dining experiences more accessible while Coke is what makes bonds greater and moments better. Together? These two are a match made in heaven!

The best of all? foodpanda and Coke are collaborating to usher in a new generation of traditions in their mission to promote strengthened bonds and togetherness. And as part of this joint effort, foodpanda is giving foodies the power to mix and match until they find their “one true pairing.”

Whether they’re in the mood for a chicken fix, a plate of pizza and pasta, or a deep dive into the flavors of Asia, they can now make it #BetterWithCoke anywhere and anytime. It’s a guaranteed treat for all, lifestyle influencers included!

A few weeks ago, I went to my second live Korean fan meeting here in Manila. Globe Telecoms had a promo for their subscribers where you can win a free pass to the event in MOA Arena. I thought everyone will get a ticket because the venue is HUGE, but my sister's number didn't get a text message! Anyway, I was lucky that my Ate's number got a text, and I was able to claim a Patron Ticket in SM Southmall before running out of good seats.

I love bringing 2 or 3 in 1 products when traveling, or even when just going to events. It saves space on my bag, and doesn't add to the weight (tita probs). I discovered makeup brand O.TWO.O's 3-in-1 Cheeks & Lips & Eyes through Shopee. It comes in a lot of shades, and packaging is a neat tin can I can easily slip on my small purse.

Aside from that, here are the other O.TWO.O products on my Shopee Cart that I am waiting to arrive!:

1. O.TWO.O Pick Me! 3-in-1 Makeup Clay Lipstick & Blush & Eyeshadow

Versatility in just one palette, that's what the O.TWO.O Pick Me! Makeup Clay offers to beauty enthusiasts. The O.TWO.O Pick Me! Makeup Clay comes in 8 highly pigmented shades that you can choose from, each having a versatile formula that lets you color your lips, eye lids, and cheeks.

2. O.TWO.O Brow Soap

Make your messy brows neat and tidy with the O.TWO.O Brow Soap! The O.TWO.O Brow Soap has a 3D eyebrow soap pigment formula to give you that uniform texture and natural feathery eyebrows. This product can also be used before using eyebrow pencil or eyebrow powder to help make your eyebrow makeup last longer.

3. O.TWO.O Natural False Eyelashes - No Glue Or Eyeliner

Want to make your eyes pop? Then the O.TWO. Natural False Eyelashes is the perfect product for you! These self-adhesive eyelashes don't require glue or eyeliner, which makes it more comfortable to wear. The eyelashes is also reusable, just rinse it with warm water and dry it with your hairdryer.

You can get up to 80% off this July 23 only at the O.TWO.O Brand Spotlight on Shopee!

The parallelism between yoga and diving is uncanny.

Last week, I joined a Travel, Breathe, and Dive wellness trip with the Department of Tourism Region 3 to promote Aurora beyond being a surf site.

Located at the eastern part of Central Luzon, it took us about 5 hours to reach Aurora's capital Baler, where we stayed for 4 days / 3 nights. We had yoga sessions almost everyday, and one day of freediving (supposedly 2 days, but weather did not permit). I can't help but notice the similarities of diving and yoga.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, has restored 88% of its pre-pandemic systemwide capacity following the continuous ramp-up of its domestic and international routes.

I've been wearing eyeglasses since I was in Grade 5. I used to think it's a bit of a hassle not to see clearly, and always have to bring my eyewear or contact lenses with me especially during my trips. But nowadays, I see it as an instant accessory. Wearing stylish a unique eyewear can actually make or break your look!