A Day in Nuvali

"NUVALI is a haven where man and nature co-exists." 

Well this is according to Nuvali's official site, but I can assure that it is true. Last May 15, 2016, together with my high school buddies, our nature-tripping plans finally became a reality. I have heard about the place from a friend (which is overly talked about in social media) but never intently visited their website. So in short, I only expect to see a lake, trees everywhere and food stores.

NUVALI ECO PARK

Guided by nothing but our whims to reach the place, we found ourselves in Alabang. We went to Festival mall because they have UV express vans there that are bound to Sta. Rosa, Laguna (the location of the park) only to find out that we need to wait until 10:30 am (we arrived there at around 8am). So we immediately set our feet back on track and walk our way to Starmall Alabang. At the mall's terminal, we found a van with a signboard: PASEO / NUVALI LAGUNA. Thank God! We hurriedly fit ourselves inside and paid 50 php. 

So how to get to NUVALI: At Starmall Alabang terminal station, ride a van with a signboard: Paseo / Nuvali / Sta. Rosa Laguna and pay 50 pesos :)

It was a 30 to 45-minute ride and the driver will drop you off in front of Nuvali's entrance (you just need to cross the street). There's no entrance fee! You'll find a lot of food stores inside and they also have a mini bazaar (which I think opens at night) in the middle of the food hub. 

A nice view of the lake

I think that's where the sanctuary is located... but we failed to explore that area of the park.

We were lost on what to do. We don't have any idea, honestly (That's why you need to really take time to read write-ups, articles and blogs---like this one!). But since we haven't taken our breakfast yet, we looked for  a good place where we can eat. We settled with Reyes Barbecue. 

YUP, we ordered java rice only. 

AND THIS, according to their menu, is good for eight people. OH COME ON! For 1,600 pesos?!

I honestly didn't loved the food there. Like yeah, they aren't bad at all, but the servings are too small and the price pf what we've ordered was definitely unreasonable. It's better to just storm inside 7-11 and grab some noodles and rice meals instead! hahaha! Anyway, so we continued walking, while thinking about the activities that we can do inside the park. 

KOI fishes! You can actually feed them :)

PERFECT for a museum tho. This one is really beyond creative.

OH THERE'S A TREE! *amazing race-like running skills* Whew! shade at last!

TRYING to remain in-style though I'm sweating like an open faucet inside -_-

It was a pretty huge place. But because it was very hot that day, oh no, that term is not appropriate...EXTREMELY HOT! (more realistic) we are starting to get so tired after a walking a few meters. And so we looked for the mall, SOLENAD. 

HOW'S IT ABLE to balance itself? Physics huh? :)

A PARK INSIDE the mall, perfect for family bonding :)

As our body temperatures returned to normal, we started planning. ALAS! while searching on Google, I found a site that mentioned something about CAMP N. It offers challenges like wall climbing, rappelling and a chance to experience the roller coaster zip line. Without any hesitations, we went straight to the mall's terminal station and looked for a coaster that could take us to Camp N. 

How to get to CAMP N: From Solenad (A mall inside Nuvali), ride a Nuvali coaster. Fare is at 20 php only.

After 15 minutes, we reached the entrance of Camp N . And spent the entire afternoon (up to 4:30 pm) inside the camp, screaming at the top of our lungs! We paid gazillions just to scare the hell out of our souls. But it was fun! A must-try!

YEAH! Welcome to Camp N! A place for the brave souls!

Errr..mam, you can't use the facilities because you're not in proper attire. I was like: OMG -_-, alright *strike a pose* KIDDING!

We went back to Solenad Mall to eat, but then finally decided to visit Paseo (food / shopping hub) and dine at Mang Inasal :) TIP: Get the number of the van / coaster driver so he can just pick you up after your adventure at Camp N.

It was a tiring yet memorable experience indeed! But what we failed to try are the following activities:

• LAKE ACTIVITIES (Water-taxi ride for 30php/head round trip, Fish feeding for 15php/bag of feeds)
• BIKING (rent a bike for 60php/hour, a valid ID is required)
• BIRD WATCHING (inside the Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, no entrance fee!)

Operating hours is DAILY, from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Make sure to bring your family and friends along! Have a closer bonding with nature and shake the stress off of your sleeves! 

So much for this amazing one-day adventure, I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did enjoyed the experience! 

Wanderlust satisfied once again, yay!

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La Trinidad's Strawberry Farm: Filled with Love

IT WAS ALREADY 8 o'clock in the morning when we headed to La Trinidad's Strawberry Farm. My third and last day in Baguio was one of the most memorable---it was filled with love. 

Love for someone you don't even know...

A woman approached me and offered a bag full of lettuce for only 50 php (it was so cheap!) Of course I gave in and told her that I will get one after picking strawberries. Before we part ways, she quickly uttered: "Salamat ganda, I love you! Mag-enjoy kayo sa pamimitas" (Thank you pretty, I love you! Enjoy picking strawberries). Of course that overwhelmed me (the compliment) so I replied: Salamat po! I love you din po! (Thank you! I love you too!) With that, I realized something... what if everyone of us has this kind of attitude? What if the words I LOVE YOU won't be exclusive for couples alone, but shall be used intensively by everybody? I guess we can have a better world---filled with love. I felt the sincerity of this woman as she touched my arms and hugged me after saying those words...and so I grabbed the opportunity to have a picture taken with her :)

A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN indeed...am referring to her, not me! :)

Love for the simple things...

I appreciated how simple things are inside the farm. Everything seems to be growing, working and living in the simplest way possible. I can't help but be awed on how wonderful life can be inside a very simple environment. The farmers need not have the grandest of things to be at peace here, because just by looking and taking care of their crops, they seem to be relieved with all the pain in a day's work. I, too, was uplifted just by looking at the sprouting vegetables and tall sunflowers ^_^.

BABY LETTUCE symbolizes new beginnings

THESE SUNFLOWERS stood tall and proud

Love for work...

Working in the field requires a lot of sacrifices and a long thread of patience. I saw how dedicated the farmers are in maintaining the quality of their crops, and how they patiently waited until the strawberries reach their maturity. It is not an easy task.  It only shows that even the work is so difficult and tiring, the fruit of every hardwork will always be sweet. 

Picking strawberries is quite difficult at first (though it wasn't my first time anymore), but as you move along the plots, you'll learn the technique in selecting and picking the best strawberries. 

READY for strawberry picking!

IT WAS HARDER than I thought (-_-)

I EVEN MANAGED to strike a pose after filling my basket half-full :)

If you want to escape your stressful daily routine, don't go to amusement parks or shopping malls, you'll only stress yourself more afterwards. Go for an out-of-town trip, seek a place close to nature---you'll find peace and serenity. 

La Trinidad's Strawberry Farm is a must-see for everyone. If you've been there once, or even a few times already, don't hesitate to visit the place again---because you'll experience a new thing each time you visit, for sure. 

It really feels good to be out of the city and live a simple life once in a while---it makes me feel more contented with life ^_^.

If you are planning to visit this place, just ride a cab from Baguio City; It's more or less a 30-minute drive, fare is at 100 - 130 php. Strawberry picking, on the other hand, can be enjoyed for only 400 php,  for single or group picking. 

I'm sorry if this post became a collection of my sentiments, but I hope you absorbed my good thoughts. I don't really travel just to take great photos, but to totally devote myself in collecting positive thoughts which I can bring home with me ^_^.


Will become a strawberry farmer in the future,

Top 5 Street Food you shouldn’t miss in Baguio

WHO DOESN’T LOVE STREET FOODS? I always crave for these cheap but mouth-watering treats for they always remind me of the good times I had back when I was still a student. Dozens and dozens of siomai, scramble, taho (soya with syrup), isaw (chicken intestines), and kwek-kwek (quail’s egg) helped me survive my frugal days in high school and college.

WHEN I VISITED Baguio last Holy week, I was so ecstatic to see a lot of street food sold in almost every corner of the city. Just like the first time when I visited the City of Pines ^_^ Now, here is my list of the TOP 5 street food that you should try and never miss out in Baguio.

1. MANGGA WITH BAGOONG (Unripe mango with shrimp paste)

Yes, you can find it anywhere in the Philippines, so what’s so special about the mangga with bagoong here in Baguio? The slices of unripe mango are thinner (making it easier to chew), the plastic used (thicker and easier to grasp) and the bagoong---they use pure shrimp, no extenders, and it’s not too salty. It costs only 20 php per pack. You can easily find the vendors inside the Burnham Park, Wright Park and Botanical Garden.

2. STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM

Their famous strawberry-flavored ice cream is really one-of-a-kind. A single serving of this cold dessert costs 15 – 20 php, depending on the location of the vendor selling it. The ice cream really contains real bits of strawberry. I bought my first cone inside the Burnham Park (15 php), while the second one is in La Trinidad’s Strawberry Farm (20 php). Is there a difference? YES! The one that I’ve tasted at the strawberry farm is creamier and contains more bits of strawberries, really worth the price!

3. STRAWBERRY TAHO (soya with strawberry syrup)

People here can’t just get enough of this heart-shaped fruit! Taho is one of my favorite morning treat, but I can also indulge on it any time of the day. I bought a cup at the Mines View Park for only 25 php. The syrup is very sweet but it complimented the hot soya. I just hope they will include bits of strawberries too (maybe in the future).

4 & 5. GRILLED CORN and DRIED PUSIT (squid)

Nothing so unusual about them, only with the serving size ^_^ Still loving the fact that the vendors ensure that their customers will get the most out of their money. These on-stick delights will pacify your growling stomach after walking through the Mines View Park. Sold at 20 – 35 php only.

So next time you'll visit Baguio, don’t forget to try them all ^_^, because your trip won’t be complete without them for sure.

Anything you would like to add on this list? Feel free to comment them below! Thank you for reading!

Your ultimate food buddy,

BON CHON'S BIBIMBOWL

I AM A BIG FAN of Korean food! My cravings were greatly influenced by Koreanovelas that I’ve watched (which I’m addicted to) and my little sister who always experiment in cooking Korean dishes. However, I don’t get to enjoy Korean food that much since my sister and I are already busy with work, so we don’t cook that much, plus the fact that Korean restaurants are all up there in Tagaytay City, which will require a pretty long ride.

Good thing we have this new fast food chain which specializes in Korean food---BON CHON ^_^

And now, I’ve tried their newest offering, the BIBIMBOWL, Let’s see it’s yum or yay! Enjoy drooling, oh wait! what I mean is---READING!

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BIBIMBOWL

Price: 

99 php (A la Carte) / 155 php (with bulgogi soup and drink)

Details: 

A bowl of rice topped with meat (beef of chicken), sweetened nori, pickled carrots, strips of scrambled egg, sauce, sesame seeds and slices of leeks

Serving size: 

Good for one person only (approximately 2 cups of rice)

(Disclaimer: The description was made based from personal observation and opinion only ^_^)

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I ordered a Beef Bibimbowl with bulgogi soup and drink for only 155 php. I was given a special table number with details on how to enjoy my Bibimbowl, and of course, on how to share it online. I’ve waited for more or less 10 minutes before my order was served.

USE THEIR OFFICIAL HASHTAG: #bonchonbibimfun

Unlike the authentic Bibimbap, the toppings of my Bibimbowl were fewer. I was looking for the sunny side-up egg and other vegetables. But oh well (I said to myself) I guess the taste will justify the price. So I mixed everything and dig into my bowl.

THE BIBIMBOWL

...AFTER MIXING

THE BULGOGI SOUP

It was good! The sweet taste dominated, but a few hints of sourness will hit you as you masticate your meal. The soup was good of course as it matches the Bibimbowl, I just hoped it’s a bit salty.

If you’re dead hungry, the meal won’t relieve your hunger a hundred percent. So I guess this one should be paired with other items. I’m not so sure with this though, because the beef is not that heavy for me, maybe you can try the Chicken Bibimbowl instead.

In general, I think it’s worth the price and the experience. Hungry? Grab a BIBIMBOWL now! (Sounds familiar though..haha!)

More awesome food to come! Don't forget to share this with your friends :)

Travel in Style: High Slit Maxi Tee

I’VE SEEN THIS FIRST from Forever 21---worn intensively by fashion bloggers, posted on Instagram and sold online. I got so curious about it so I looked for a piece similar to the one at F21 (which is either black or gray, but I’m not that sure) but a cheaper version. Finally, I got one from a bazaar shop during a shopping spree, several days before my Baguio trip.

But instead of black or gray, I’ve chosen a royal blue maxi shirt with front slit. The dress-slash-shirt has a round neck hole and short sleeves. It extends a few inches below my knees. The fabric is light and a bit stretchable.

COMFORTABLE with my running shoes (From FILA) ^_^ A pair of white sneakers is another great alternative too.

I wore it on DAY 2 of my Baguio trip last Holy Week. Paired with lacy shorts and running shoes, I strolled along different tourist destinations with this very comfy yet fashionable item.

GOT THE PINK UMBRELLA from Human

IT'S SUNNY in Baguio!

What’s great about this high slit maxi tee is that you can easily pair it with other fashion pieces. You can go comfortable with shorts and rubber shoes, or fashionably sleek with skinny jeans and boots. It is so versatile!

White sports watch (Skechers)  + white canvass bag (Human Nature) + white lace-crochet shorts (Surplus shop)

I’ll try to look for more similar pieces and will give you updates on why you should stuff them inside your closet ^_^ Just remember that you should always be wise in buying clothes, so you won’t get broke!

DIRTY SOLES after roaming around the city for a day (at SM Baguio)

Staying fashionable yet comfortable,

Tipid Travel: Going to Baguio

I DON’T USUALLY TRAVEL during the holy week break. But since I need a pause from my usual routine---work and graduate school---I opted to go out for an out-of-town trip. Of course, the best destination is non-other than the City of Pines!

If you are planning to drive up there, go crazy along Kennon road and be wrapped by the cold air breeze, I bet you’re looking for information that may ease your worries on what to prepare, what to do and where to go. But if you’ve been there once or for a couple of times, maybe you’re still anxious about money matters and some other stuff.

And so, I’m here to help you ^_^ I’ll share with you my tipid (thrift) travel tips in Baguio and I do hope you’ll gain a lot from this post. Happy reading!

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Tip #1: TRAVEL IN BUS

This is way cheaper than renting a private van. Don’t worry about the convenience because you’ll be traveling for 6-7 hours only. Pick a regular air-conditioned bus (price ranges from 455 php – 515 php depending on the bus liner) and choose your preferred seat. Pack light so that you won’t get bothered by your luggage. You can book a reservation online (Victory liner requires two weeks in advance booking) or just visit a terminal and check their schedule, because some of them don’t allow early bookings.

What we did: We arrived at Saulog’s terminal (located in Cavite City) three hours early for sure seats. The departure time was at 2:30 am and the fare is at 515 php, one way.

SAULOG'S BUS STATION  at 11:00 PM. It's really better to arrive early---for sure seats fellas!

UPON ARRIVAL. Yahoo! My butt aches (that explains the face tho) because I just slept all-throughout the trip.

Tip #2: RENT A TRANSIENT HOUSE

There are a lot of them in Baguio. The only problem is if you’ll be booking a reservation during peak seasons (Panagbenga festival, Holy week, summer vacation) wherein you must book three to two weeks in advance. The cost of these accommodations ranges from 250 php to 1,500 php per head, of course that will depend on the amenities. Don’t go there without any reservations---you’ll only waste your time looking for a decent place to stay in.

What we did: We rented an apartment unit (complete with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and a receiving area) for only 350 php per head / day. Here’s the link to the site where you can browse for more options: BAGUIO TRANSIENT HOMES

OUR TRANSIENT HOME. We rested in this place for three days and two nights. 

IT MAY LOOK SIMPLE but it provided everything that we needed during our stay!

Tip #3: PLAN YOUR ITINERARY

Do some research. A lot of blogs provide useful information about the different place that you must visit in Baguio. Details about the entrance fees, location, etc. will help you in planning the route of your tour. You’ll save a lot in transportation expenses (PUJs are rare in Baguio, FX taxi is the common mode of transportation) if you’re familiar with the tourist spots that are located near each other---all you need to is walk.

What we did: We really don’t have a concrete plan about our itinerary. We were kinda wasting our time in DAY 1, but good thing we met this kind taxi driver who guided us, we really saved a lot but of course we also walked a lot! (Instant penitensya! that was a Holy Thursday anyway). But here's the link to some very reliable blog sites for your itineraries:

theasianparent.com - Baguio 3D/2N Itinerary

outoftownblog.com - Travel Guide and Itinerary

Tip #4: ENJOY IT WITH FRIENDS

There is no better way to decrease the cost of your trip than to travel with friends ^_^ Everything will be shared, thus reducing the amount you need to pay. You can share on almost everything and at the same time experience everything together.

What we did: There were four of us, so we basically divide everything into four. Our taxi fare averages for about 20-30 php per person only, the rent for park amenities and stuff were cut down to half per person, and the food become very cheap when we decided to cook at home and just share with the expenses.

THE TAXI DRIVERS are very reliable, so don't be afraid to ask them for directions and even the recommended places that you must visit. 

Tip #5: EAT CHEAP

You don’t have to be a luxurious foodie in Baguio. Don’t get too overwhelmed by the new restaurants or food hub that catches your eye. You may indulge in a few, but make sure to share with friends and dine for one purpose: to just taste the food and enjoy it. Fresh produce from their local markets are the best. And if you have a kitchen inside the transient house, the best way to satisfy your tummy for less is to cook your own food. Moreover, you must try their street foods! Delicious yet cheap ^_^

What we did: We rarely bought food items at the bus stop. They are way too overpriced! In Baguio, we bought ingredients in the market and cooked our dinner and breakfast ^_^. Street foods, on the other hand, relieved our hunger during the tour. I think we only feasted twice on costly meals.

BREAKFAST AT HOME. We had fried rice and scrambled egg on our second morning in Baguio.

VERY AFFORDABLE FOOD are sold around the city, you won't starve for sure.

Tip #6: BE WISE IN BUYING PASALUBONGS

You’ll get overwhelmed by a lot of pasalubongs to choose from, they are scattered everywhere. Make sure that you already have a solid plan in mind on the amount you are willing to spend for peanut brittles, lengua de gato, key chains and strawberries. Good Shepherd Convent (Mountain Maid) sells good quality products which are quite pricey. I suggest that you look for other brands so you can get the most out of your budget (example: GS’s lengua de gato is sold at 195 php, while Tartland’s is at 150 php only---cheap but good-tasting as well)

What we did: When we went to the Good Shepherd Convent, there were a lot of people falling in line, so we opted to buy our pasalubongs outside the convent instead. Of course T-shirts with Baguio prints are obligatory, we found a good deal for only 150 php---two pieces of white shirt with design, any size. On the other hand, vegetables are very cheap at the La Trinidad strawberry farm, so we took advantage of it (Got three bags of baby potatoes for only 50 php, a huge bag of lettuce for only 25 php, three kilos of broccoli for only 100 php, and a whole lot more.  

PEAK SEASON hits us---hard! Our efforts to fall in line and grab our own goods didn't succeeded.

TOO SAD, they've got a lot of great stuff here :(

PASALUBONG HOARDING during our DAY 3 in Baguio :)

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For me, the sole purpose of travelling is to gain great experiences and collect awesome memories. If you can keep the expenses at bay, that will help you save for future trips ^_^ 

Hoping this post helped you plan for your next Baguio trip! Go and see the City of Pines once again!


'til my next TIPID TRAVEL, 

ETUDE HOUSE Easy Brow Pencil [Review]

THAT KILLER KILAY is the main goal of every girl whenever they do their own makeup. For me, your eyebrows must be perfectly made because it completes your look, it creates the impression.

I’ve already consumed my first pencil and purchased another one. I hope you’ll find this review helpful, so that you can achieve your “kilay goals”.

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Product Name: 

Etude House Easy Brow Pencil

Product details: 

#1 Dark Brown (other details are written in hangul)

Description: 

-none- (based on the casing)

Claims: 

-none- (based on the casing)

Price: 

128.00 php

From: 

Etude House store, MOA

The pencil is enclosed in a silver-pink metallic case. It has two ends: one end is a brush and the other is the pencil. It doesn’t have a separate packaging which contains the directions for use. It is available in other shades: black and brown. With the casing, the pencil is 5 ½ inches in length, but the pencil itself is only 3 inches in length.

BRUSH

PENCIL

GOOD POINTS: Since the casing is made from thin metal, I think it is more durable than the usual eyebrow pencils sold in beauty stores---just the bare pencil.  True enough, mine fell down a lot of times but still managed to exist until the moment when I can’t even sharpen it anymore! It also defines the eyebrows really well, with just only a few strokes. And after a long day, the line still remained intact, no drips or smudges.

TESTED  on my hand

BAD POINTS: This product badly requires the “drawing” skills of its user. Since it is not that user-friendly (due to the lack of instructions on the casing/packaging) the eyebrow may look unnatural if it will be misused.

A VERY INDISPENSABLE PRODUCT for every makeup kit. It’s lightweight and very handy, plus, it is affordable and brings amazing result. Kilay-goals achieved!

I'm currently into bold eyebrows these days :) 

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Hey lovelies! How's my "review" blogs doing? ^_^ I want to hear your thoughts! Geez...I'm so happy to be back in reviewing products, and this time, I'm serious about it. Thank God! 


Hoping to deliver more great reviews! Stay tuned!

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More product reviews! HIT A LINK below :)

Maybelline WHITE SUPER FRESH LIQUID POWDER [Product Review]

GO-NATURAL with Human Nature [Product Review]