Visiting The Ruins | Bacolod

The Ruins was the first place that we visited in Negros. It is located in Talisay City, about 30 to 40 minutes away from Bacolod City. 

From Bell Hotel, we rode a jeep bound to Mandalagan. Fare is only PHP8; we just told the driver that we are going to the Ruins, so he drop us off at a tricycle terminal. It costs us PHP300, which was quite pricey, yet convenient because the driver waited for us at the location and brought us back to the terminal. 

In order to get inside, you need to pay PHP100 for the entrance fee, and that's unlimited stay already. Though there's nothing much to see (I must be honest, sorry), the aesthetics of the place can be a perfect material for photo shoots and even events. Plus, there is a great historical background within the walls of this beautifully ruined mansion, something worth revisiting.   

There is also a lovely fountain, a wishing well and a cafe where you can also take photos and chill. Though we haven't tried the stuff inside the cafe / restaurant, there were a lot of people inside enjoying their coffee and pastries. 

That's it! Don't forget to visit this place and take good photos for memoirs :) If you have questions, please do leave a comment below---would love to hear your thoughts as well!

Our flaws make us more beautiful. Make sure to love yours...and be proud of it.

Flying to Negros: Welcome to BACOLOD CITY | Travel Blog 2018

Hey yah! Sharing another beautiful place that I've visited last month. It is my second domestic travel for the year (guess it shall be the last for now, since we are preparing for the wedding. Yass! I'm getting married guys! Haven't finished the blog post about the proposal yet...but it shall be up real soon *whew* I hope so.)

Okay, so we traveled down south to the marvelous City of Smiles *drumrolls* BACOLOD! It was my first time in Negros, and I must say, all of my senses were satisfied by its simplicity and sweetness. So here we go, let's start exploring!

On July 15, 2018, we boarded Cebu Pacific (5J) flight 473 at 4 o'clock in the morning. We experienced a bit of delay, that's why we took of at around 4:45 AM. It was still dark, but the view above the clouds was majestic. Turbulence hit us a few times, making me a bit dizzy (motion sickness problems), but still, it was a smooth flight. We landed at New Bacolod-Silay airport at exactly 5:30 AM---just in time!

We took an airport shuttle going to our hotel (but honestly, we haven't booked any hotel yet, clever me). Our kind driver suggested a nearby hotel, but unfortunately, since it's only 6:30 in the morning, they won't allow us to check-in early so we had to leave. Left the hotel lobby and rode a jeep without knowing where to go (how unfortunate). 

I searched on the web and saw a top recommendation. Hoping this one would allow us to check-in early...and they did! So we settled our tired bones at The Bell Hotel. 

A standard room costs PHP1,700 per night, while a deluxe room is around PHP2,500. Since the former was no longer available, the manager offered a deluxe room for the price of a standard (lucky us!). Aside from that, we were allowed to check-in early for an additional of PHP300 only! It was indeed a great deal for a 3D-2N stay! (Oh, there were two beds which can be combined, or left as is).

We rested for an hour before we decided to take our breakfast, since our last meal was past midnight. There was a Continental / Filipino breakfast buffet offered to all hotel guests for only 200 php, yum!

After our meal, we freshen up and went out to start exploring. Our first stop, The Ruins. 

The Ruins a must-see place in Bacolod, though it is actually located in Talisay City.  Built in the early 1900, it was originally the ancestral mansion of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson. 

Today, it is considered as a popular tourist site. We paid PHP100 each for the entrance fee, and took unlimited photos of course! There is also cafe there where you can chill for a while.

Who wants some fresh sugarcane juice? :) 

How to get there? From our hotel, we rode a jeep bound to Mandalagan (fare: PHP8) and alighted at the tricycle terminal (fare: PHP300, back and forth). More photos and full story here: Visiting The Ruins

When we got back, we decided to check out SM City Bacolod, because it's just a few blocks away from our hotel. Let's see what they've got there!

SM City Bacolod was just like other SM Supermalls. The Bacolenos seem to be updated with the latest trend as well! They've got almost the same boutiques just like here at the metro. We actually shop for a few stuff there...hehe! After an hour, it started raining really hard outside, but we must visit the famous Manokan Country (which is just across the street) to experience authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal. So we braved the rain!

Bacolod Chicken Inasal is rather savory than sweet. It was far from the flavour of chicken served in Mang Inasal, but I do like it since it has this nice herb taste. You can check out my separate post about it here: Aida's Chicken. 

Day 2 started at seven o'clock in the morning. We had to leave the hotel as early as possible because we planned to visit Lakawon Island, and the estimated travel time was about 2 1/2 hours. We packed light and brought waterproof containers since we expected a boat ride. 


Lakawon Island is a nice place; serene is the best word to describe it. I've never set my expectations, though the place has become the talk-of-the-town since its operation two years ago. Good thing, the island successfully surprised and satisfied me.

   

Check this separate post for the details of my Lakawon experience, which is indeed a must-see place when you visit Negros here: A Day at Lakawon Island


Day 3 was dedicated in touring around the city, and buying 'pasalubong'. There are actually other places that we can still visit outside Bacolod, but we opted not to explore anymore in the fear of getting stranded, and worst, missing our flight back to Manila. 


San Sebastian Cathedral

Bacolod Public Plaza

Pope John Paul Tower

I'm not sure when will I return to this city again, so I hoarded their delicacies like crazy! Visited Bongbong's for the famous Piayaya and Broas; dropped by at Merzci for the delicious Napolones and Butterscotch; and lastly at Calea to grab some slices of their heavenly cakes. 

And oh! I almost forgot that we also purchased a lot of dried goodies, like dried pusit (squid) and danggit (a variety of dried fish), since these are very expensive here in Manila. 

Plus, we also visited the Negros Showroom for some refrigerator magnets and key chains (located at Robinsons).

Our loots were all packed nicely—perfect for travel (these stores are indeed 'tourist-friendly'). 

We were fetched by an airport service provided by the hotel at around 5:00 PM for our flight at 8:30 PM. We had to leave early because of the inclement weather, would rather wait at the airport than be stuck in traffic or stranded due to flood. 


And since we bought so many stuff, plus our luggages, we were required to check-in some of our baggage when we approached the counter. it costs us 800 php for 15 kg baggage (our actual check-in baggage was 12 kg only). And as expected, our flight was delayed for about an hour and a half. Exhausted? Yes. Happy? Definitely!


EPILOGUE


Landed safely at NAIA Terminal 3, still missing the city which served as our home for three days. I would love to visit again of course! Hoping I could personally witness the beauty of Sipalay, which is famous for its beaches, on my next visit. 

For now, this picture of their "jeep" will be a reminder of how simple yet lovely my stay in Bacolod has been.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Make sure to check the links to my The Ruins, Lakawon Island and Aida's Chicken blog posts as well :) If you have questions or you want to share some thoughts, please don't be shy to comment down below! 


Smile always...it makes life easier and lovelier,

Probably the best affordable cheek and lip tints ever! | Skin Potions "Tint About It"

I think I found one of the best affordable cheek and lip tints!

Oh yes you read it right :) Can't help but reveal it right away (am so sorry!) But yeah, these tints are so far the best among the local tints that I have  tried in the past. Have you tried them already?

I am talking about Skin Potions "Tint About It" cheek and lip tints. There are five shades or 'flavors' available, each has a net volume of 5 mL, and comes with an applicator. I purchased only two, the apple smoothie and peaches & cream (just to try them), for only 150 pesos each. 

What I enjoyed so much, immediately after opening them, are their scents---each smells like dessert! Aside from that, the consistency is slightly creamy, which can be easily blended on the cheeks and adheres to the lips well too. The 'staining power' is medium to full, leaving a natural-looking color on the skin (which I really like!). It also makes the cheek look radiant and glowing. 

These tints are perfect for those gals who would want to keep it simple, natural and fresh. They are also very versatile; can be used on the eyes, cheeks and lips! I also noticed that my lips aren't that dry when I use these tints, unlike with other brands. And so, I would recommend these tints even for the young girls, since the ingredients are natural and doesn't contain any harmful chemicals :) 

One tint would last for more than two months, I believe (if used daily). As for the staying power, a single application can last up to 4-6 hours on the cheeks, while an hour or two for the lips (unless you eat). 

Below is the picture I posted on my Instagram account, sharing how beautiful the effect of Skin Potions "Tint About It" on the eyes, cheeks and lips. This has been shared by Skin Potions on their feed as well! (Forgive my unruly hair and 'kilay', just went out for a snack that day *giggles*)

Hope you enjoyed this short review! Try these tints and share your thoughts with me too---leave a comment below! You may also tag me (@missgdiariesofficial) and Skin Potions (@skinpotions) on your Instagram post. Who knows, you might get featured next!

Still, the best makeup you can wear is your lovely smile...

Althea x Get It Beauty: Real Fresh Skin Detoxer

Hitting the market on August 1st, here are the fresh deets and also my personal thoughts about the newest collaboration of Althea with Korea's No.1 Beauty TV show, Get It Beauty. 

This new beauty ritual was created to suit the lifestyle of busy skincare junkies by simplifying the elaborate Korean skincare routine. Both products boast its premium ingredients and the "10-second effect", which will leave the skin energized, healthy and clean everyday. 

Real Fresh Skin Detoxer "Rose" contains 100% premium May rose petals. These roses actually blooms once a year in Grasse, France which are gathered by handpicking only. Premium May Rose can balance the skin's pH five times more effective than normal roses. Amazing!

It smells good, just like a fresh rose, with a mild soapy scent. The thick transparent liquid contains tiny bits of rose petals, that forms foam when mixed with water. This wash-off mask should be used in the morning or before putting on makeup. 

Real Fresh Skin Detoxer "Green Tea" contains Jeju's Green Tea leaves. These are the softest and the most delicate baby leaves from the first harvest. According to studies, the baby green tea leaf contains a substance called Catechin, which has five times more Vitamin C than lemons. Shall we say bye-bye to sebum and impurities? Yay!

I am a huge fan of green tea, especially in skincare. The refreshing sensation brought by this product will begin on its scent---soothing and relaxing. It is indeed a great product to use after a whole day of hustle, so you'll go to bed fresh and rejuvenated.

Here's how to correctly use the products: 

MORNING (Real Fresh Skin Detoxer "Rose") - Apply a generous amount on your dry face and leave it on for 10 seconds only. Wet your hands with water and massage your skin gently. Rinse off and pat dry. 

EVENING (Real Fresh Skin Detoxer "Green Tea") - Remove your make up completely. Apply a generous amount on your dry face and leave it on for 10 seconds only. Wet your hands with water and massage your skin gently. Rinse off and pat dry. 

I got these products for free, as they are included in Althea's welcome gift. Now I can't wait for them to go live on the website, because I will be purchasing another set for sure :) Though I don't know yet how much each would cost, I'm sure it won't hurt your pocket that much, just like Althea's other exclusive items. 

And oh! Before I forget, right after using both products, I noticed that my skin is so smooth and very hydrated. However, there's a feeling that you haven't wash off the product completely, but just pat it dry and a moisturized skin will be revealed!



If you'll include both on your next Althea cart, make sure to use the promo code: altheaturns3 to get 10% discount. This is valid until September 2018, make sure to tag me and Althea on your selfies with Real Fresh! :)

Let's detoxify for a brighter and happier life!

Althea Angels: Sharing our LOVE for Korean Beauty

Earned my wings...I'm now an Althea Angel!

Received the beautiful news last June 29, 2018. I have actually ignored (unintentionally) the invitation sent thru email, good thing a follow-up email was sent by Althea a week after. And yes it's official, your girl is now ready to spread her wings!

Althea Angels is technically Althea's Beauty Ambassador Community. It is an exclusive haven for like-minded individuals, regardless of gender and race, who shares the same passion: Korean Beauty! The members are of all sorts, ranging from bloggers to vloggers to social media influencers and beauty enthusiasts. Indeed, it is a pleasure to be part of this very diverse community!

To welcome us aboard, Althea prepared a "welcome gift", which contains a pouch, mirror, tote bag, mini birthday books (since it's Althea's 3rd Birthday!), two exclusive products and a thoughtful note from Ms. Tammy Lim (Head of Creative Communications, Althea---who happens to be a blogger as well!)



Aside from that, we were also given "reward points", so we can add more products on our carts and a personalized discount code that we can share with everyone! I will be posting my code on Instagram and Facebook so you can get great discount on your next purchase *high five* 

As mentioned a while ago, I have received two (2) products, the Real Fresh Skin Detoxer, which is a collaboration of Althea with Get It Beauty (Korea's No. 1 beauty TV show). I am so excited to share my thoughts about it on my next post, make sure to read it before you purchase (Hint: I'm sure you'll love them..hehe)

So with this, expect more Korean skincare / makeup reviews from me, and GIVEAWAYS of course! I'll be sharing this wonderful blessing with you loves, that's a promise :) 


I will use this opportunity not to influence you to buy from Althea Korea, but to educate you on the products that are worth trying or splurging, and show you why Althea has been, for the past three years, the top source of Korean beauty products. 

Let us spread our wings, fly high!