catching up series: heyyy, I have short hair now

I have to do this for my own sanity. I mean, write about the things that happened while I was away -- from this blog, at least. So you already know I have a little bag business. Teepee, yeah? Now, I have another revelation to make. Haha! I FINALLY GOT MY DREAM HAIR CUT. Yeyyy! Hahaha! I'm acting like it happened just recently when the truth is I made the bold move back in November. Five freakin' months ago but heyyy, I already said we're catching up here, right?

But wait. Let's dig down further. Two years ago, I said I wanted to have my hair permed. I love how beach waves look on me hence the decision. But who am I kidding? Merely five months after I wrote that post, I contemplated a pixie cut. Indecisive, that's what I am. :P Then salon day came and to my despair, the stylist won't let me have my dream hair cut. Rebonded hair issues, ugh! My only consolation then was my newly straightened hair. And fine, I was a little happy with my shorter do too.

Fast forward to a year after.. I pursued the pixie cut I've been wishing for. It was really something big for me 'cause I was never the experimental type when it comes to my hair. I always had long hair actually -- well, maybe except back when my mom was still deciding for me. Haha! That's a totally different story. So anyway, imagine the terror as I sat down the salon chair; I was so nervous. Even my niece cried not just once - BUT TWICE! - 'cause she's not used to seeing me with short hair. She was hugging me too almost the entire process. Hahaha! I told you the hair cut was kind of a big deal.

via
the inspo I showed the stylist slash our neighbor :P

And since I suck at taking selfies, I had to steal {and crop} a photo from my first public appearance :P just to have something to show you. Hehe! I really love how it turned out although I have to admit it's a little difficult to maintain. Medyo close na tuloy kami nung kapitbahay ko. We used to be just civil with each other. Haha!

that kontrabida smirk you make when you feel purty harhar

I'm itching for another hair cut as we speak. I'm eyeing an even shorter do ala Michelle Williams 2014 but we'll see. I should have been warned this hair thing is addictive. What now?!

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once again, 'cause I can

How about a blog post to welcome my birth month? Yuhz?! :) It suddenly came to me that I've been neglecting my goal of posting OOTDs here on the blog so I rummaged through my files and voilaaa! Hehe! But honestly, I'm just trying to make it sound easy but nahh, far from it actually. I didn't even take outfit shots anymore after I've posted this and that's mid last year pa! But fortunately, I managed to find some decent photos and with a little cropping here and there, they're good to go. Me thinks at least. 

So let's do this just like the way we did it last time. You still with me? First photo was taken way back May 2013. Oops! We went boxing twice that month and this was a part of our post-session vanity. On another news, I'm missing the sport already. Care to go boxing with me? :)

Fast forward July, I met up with my college girls at Eastwood for our long overdue catching up. Donned an all Forever 21 girly girly outfit which happened to be perfect for a photo op with Sam Milby. I kid you not, it was my first photo with a celebrity. Blame Lia!

Then this one was from September. Visited lolo at Sanctuario de Paz in celebration of grandparent's day. Dana and I enjoyed the lush greenery, no doubt! And in case you haven't noticed, I have a thing for cemeteries. Such a creep, eh?

Novembeerrrrr! My favorite month from last year, along with May of course! Tin invited me for dinner and I finally decided to take my leopard print blazer out for a spin. I haven't used it since then. The verdict? Way too many clothes for a professional bum, ergo, must.go.back.to.work. Noooo!

Another favorite outfit from the aforementioned month. The skirt was new at the time, that's why. Hee! Wore it to Tiny's birthday celebration at Bulacan. You have to let me go though with the kabag bump {read: malaking tiyan} because I was suffering from hyperacidity then. Forgiven? :)

Next up: Holiday Outfits! We always make it a point to dress up for both Christmas and New Year because we're a family of camera whores, err, except the boys maybe? The girls, on the other hand, kind of abused mommy's Christmas tree as a backdrop. A girl's got to do what a girl's go to do, and yahh know it!

Then, we finally made it to RiverCreek farm. Yayy! We felt like hacienderas posing just about anywhere, the tractor being our favorite. I brought my Boracay hat also to add to the whole farm feel but the evil sisters snatched it from me. I wore my cap instead and it was a blessing in disguise; I almost forgot I used to love baseball caps back in the good ol' college days. Nuff said.

The next month, I met up with more college buddies at Pearl Drive. I was tiis ganda as usual, pushing for my royal blue blazer to be put in use. Yieppp, no matter how muggy our weather is! :P Also, the month of February re-launched my addiction to huge fancy rings and then later on to knuckle rings. They're still my current obsession and again, it's my birth month. You get the point? ;)

Then there's this all blush outfit that jump-started the awesome month of March. I accompanied Jhov in her regular shopping -- I'm officially a shopping assistant now -- but of course, that's after our little celebration at home for Papi and Yags. I wore shoes, in case you missed it. We all have to ditch the slippers sometimes, you know? :P

 

Another celebration for papi 'cause we love him that much! ❤ And despite the fact that I'm not into dresses lately, I just had to wear this one {points to the photo} because somewhere along the way, RUST has become my favorite color. I even announced it over Twitter para DIBSSS! Hehehe!

And then we're back to Rivercreek! We stayed there for almost a week to look after our nephew as his mom gave birth to our newest darling, Xana. I brought my favorite LBD 'cause I knew it's impossible not to squeeze in a little pictorial. Not to brag or whatever, but you see, I was right. :) I even had a hard time stopping myself from posting yet another photo from this set on Instagram. Flooderrr!

 

Still from March -- I told you it was an awesome month -- was this red and white ensemble I wore for another family day. Not that this was my first foray into the world of red&white but this particular one catapulted that obsession. Check out the next photo to get what I mean. Gawdd, I get obsessed so easily.

Case in point B. I told you the red&white ensemble has got into my head. It definitely sounds trouble to me 'cause I have more pieces of those colors in my closet. Uh-ohh! Anyway, this particular photo was taken when we visited lolo again at Sanctuario de Paz. And can I just say that I have so much love for this photo? Props to the sister for snapping away while I was ceaselessly laughing. ❤

And now, we've reached the point where I'm obliged to apologize for this lengthy post. Hehe! You have to understand that these photos must land this blog's OOTD label by hook or by crook. OC freaks unite!!! 

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rivercreek farm

Last month's highlight was our impromptu mini vacay at Rivercreek Farm. It's a farm in Guiguinto, Bulacan that's being managed by my cousin's hubby. They moved there way back and we've been wanting to visit ever since. Obviously, life happened again and it was only mid last month that we were able to visit. Biglaan pa!

It was Saturday morning when we were contemplating a visit the next day. My sister then told Teigs {our cousin} and that's when we found out that kuya Marvin {her hubby} will be running errands later that day. Instead of bargaining for a Sunday visit, my sister agreed to meet them after lunch of Saturday. FAIL! Only mom, me and my two sisters were available that afternoon. Papi was tired from the long week of work and my brother just woke up from a Friday gimmick.

Anit {my sister} was rushing us the whole morning 'cause according to her, kuya Marvin will pick us up at 1pm. We were at the meeting place at around 1:30 if my estimate is right. Que Horror! We've finished our dessert already, incidentally saw half of Foursome, and still haven't heard from our sundo.  Apparently, kuya Marvin didn't receive Anit's text message. I sent another one despite of her annoyance and that's the only time we got a reply. I was already pissed when they arrived at around 3pm. For the record, I'm blaming my sister for her inefficient organizing skills. Hahaha! And yes, maiksi talaga ang pasensya ko. Sorry na! :P

We got there at around 5:30. They began taking photos as soon we got down our ride. They also started roaming around after we have settled. Tapos ako, ayun nagmumukmok sa isang sulok. Hehehe. Don't get me wrong though, I rarely do that. Medyo masama lang talaga ang tama ng sumpong 'cause it was the time of the month. Girls, I know you understand. :) Anyway, they fetched me up for dinner and I had no choice but to go with them, else I'd die of hunger. After that, I felt a little lighter and I slowly let go of my ugly monster side.

What was supposed to be a day visit turned into an impromptu overnight stay. Teigs was more than willing to rummage their closet to look for nighties that we can borrow. When we were finally ready for bed, we squeezed in a short kulitan with our nephew, Marcus. Yep, he's the little warrior I blogged about before. He's still fighting Neuroblastoma and is undergoing treatments so your prayers are very much needed and appreciated. :)

I woke up before sunrise the next day 'cause it was super cold. Teigs was up early too so she served me breakfast while waiting for the others to wake up. Also, Dana brought her lappy and it kept me entertained until the crack of dawn. Then I made the most out of the morning by taking selfies and photos of the place. Sarap ng walang kaagaw sa limelight. Hehehe.

good morning, Bulacan ❤

Of course when my bitches woke up, I got demoted from model to photographer. Our favorite prop was the tractor. We'd ride it and do different haciendera poses. Mga feeling, when in reality kahit bike wala kami. Hahaha! Mom joined the riot too. Kunwari pa naiinis sa instructions ko, tapos nakapagpalit agad ng profile picture. Parents nowadays. 

Joyce aka Anit

Dana

#OOTD

We stayed down the bar for a while then kuya Marvin accompanied us to see the sheep and goats. It was fun giving them grass to eat. Although the big ones, and those with horns are kind of scary.  Lalo't di ko naman pinangarap ang masungay ng kambing. :P

Quick snack then we headed to the ponds to fish. Can I just say that it was SOOO FRUSTRATING?? I'm a frustrated many things but If I have to choose the worst one.. that would be this, FISHING. Next would be biking, then wakeboarding, then sandboarding. See? Told you there's a lot. Going back to fishing, it's been my frustration since Boracay 2012 happened. We went fishing and only one among seven actually caught a fish. So that's easier to accept. But this one??!! Anit caught four while Dana caught two.. AND.I.GOT.NOTHING. Bilad na bilad na 'ko, wala pa rin! The conclusion? I was too loud and maligalig for this hobby. But I'm not giving up just yet.. you'll see.

on the way to the fish pond

Lunch came next. While we had sinigang for dinner, we had adobo for lunch. Teigs cooking never fails. I'm a fan of my father's cooking and only Teigs can put up a fight. Above all, almost everything is organic in their farm - from their food, to their drinks, to their lotions and topical creams, down to their meds. Full-fledged quack doctor na ang pinsan ko. Hehe. She's also very willing to share her knowledge to the point that mom was almost convinced to switch to everything organic.

We then prepped to head home. And because Teigs is the awesomest of all awesome hosts, may mga baon pa kami - organic rice, epsom salt, clothes.. pati halaman gusto pang ipadala. Hahaha! Kuya Marvin was equally awesome too, sending us again all the way to TriNoma. Whewww!!

Thanks a bunch again Teigs and kuya Marvin! May God continue to bless your beautiful family especially our little warrior. We shall see you again soon. And oh, can't wait for Xana! ❤

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ilocos sur-ilocos norte: itinerary, expenses and some link loving ♥

Whattup guyz? As promised, here are more details on our public tour package from Parana Tours and the usual itinerary, expenses and blog post links.

Parana Tour Public Tour Package (P3750/pax, 10-12pax/van)

• Inclusions
• 3 Days &  2 Nights Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte Tour
• Van Transfers, Manila-Ilocos-Manila (Brand New Toyota HiAce Commuter 15 Seaters)
• Standard Resort Accommodations (Maria Exaltacion Lodge, Cathy's Beach Resort or Klasik Beach Resort
• Entrance Fees & Local Guide Fees
• Gas, Toll Fees & Driver's Meals & Accommodation
• Taxes & Surcharges, with Official Receipt & Itinerary of the Tour
• Freebies (side note: can't exactly remember if we had any. meeh.)
• Reservation & Payment Details
• Reservation fee of 1000 php per pax must be deposited at least earlier than or 2 weeks before the scheduled tour dates.
• Send the scanned copy of deposit slip on the given email address (rson68@yahoo.com) attached with information chart. (side note: they'll be sending the chart as soon as you inquire.)
• Please keep your deposit slip for it will serve as your receipt for your down payment.
• Please settle your balance before departure on the chosen pickup point of participants (always ask for the official receipt).
• Reservation fees are non refundable but transferable to a replacement/proxy participant.
• In-case of a last minute back-out or no show, the participant's group will be responsible for the payment of his/her balance.
• Reservation fees are only refundable if we cancel due to target slots were not filled (participants will be advised 3 days before the trip).
• In-case of weather issues Parana Tours will reschedule the trip at least a week after the client’s target date.
• Children (3-7 years old) are entitled to a 50% discount of the package price.
• Different rate applies for foreign nationals.
• Account Details:  7570028772 Parana Tours BDO San Pedro Rosario Branch
• Other Reminders
• Meals are not included for personal preferences.
• Always remember to pack light, only 5 kilos of baggage is allowed per participant. (side note: they didn't check our baggage. :P)
• Driver/tour coordinator's contact details will be sent 3 days before the trip thru SMS or email.
• Print and sign the tour voucher/contract and present it to the assigned driver/tour coordinator before full payment (ask for official receipt).
• Group tour van seating arrangement is on first come first served basis, please come early to your assigned pickup point.
• Contact Details
• Parana Tours
• Blk 2 Lot 8 Phase 2-C Pacita Complex 2 San Pedro, Laguna
• (02) 847-4415  
  
• 0917-8242223 
• 0949-1244654
• rson68@yahoo.com  

itinerary from Parana Tours

Here's the catch: There were differences between our actual itinerary and the one provided by Parana. For one, we didn't get to visit the Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag. Also, we visited Bangui Windmills on the third day instead of visiting it on the first. Then the time slots. Soo.. this is where my precious stories come in. Hehehe. ✌ Check out the links below to find out what actually transpired during our 3-day Ilocos Tour. Enjoyy!!

day1: ilocos sur - santa, bantay and vigan tour 

day1: ilocos norte - batac and paoay tour

day2: ilocos norte - pagudpud tour 

day3: ilocos norte - bangui and burgos tour

day3: ilocos sur - calle crisologo tour

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day3: ilocos sur - calle crisologo tour

day3: ilocos norte - bangui and burgos tour 

This is gonna be quick, I promise!  Nape-pressure lang naman akong tapusin itong Ilocos series ko bilang Pasko na. Well technically, Christmas is still two days from now, pero kasi parang bukas na rin yun eh. Dba? Did you get my twisted logic? Hahaha! Anyway, here's the last leg of my Ilocos Series.

From San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, we headed straight to Vigan to tour Calle Crisologo. We got there at around 3pm. We were in Vigan during our first day but I guess they purposely placed the said street last in the itinerary because it's where you can buy a lot of souvenirs and pasalubong. Who would want to tow around tons of kornik on the first day, right? Pero dahil nonconformist kami, we bought on the first day somewhere in Batac and we were poor by the time we were in Calle Crisologo. We only had dirty ice cream aside from the shirts Monique and I bought in Island Souvenirs. We took photos na lang as we strolled the street.

Calle Crisologo (and our official photographer)

 

foursome ❤

Googled Facts: (1) It's located in the city of Vigan, province of Ilocos Sur. (2) It is also known as Mena Crisologo Street. (3) It is covered by the Vigan Heritage Village along with Plaridel Street. (4) It is lined with Spanish Era ancestral houses and cobble-stoned streets, which led to Vigan's inscription in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (5) Tourists can buy souvenirs and even ride a calesa (horse-drawn buggy) in Calle Crisologo.

Although we finished early, we had to wait for the others to arrive. We left Vigan at around 5pm, stopped by the popular Marsha's Delicacies and from there.. borlogs na ko. I was asleep the whole time we were in transit and I when I woke up, I was shocked to find out that we were in Trinoma {our drop-off point} already and that the other groups were alighting from the van already. I was even more surprised to find out that my friends were asleep too. Buti na lang hindi umabot sa point na gigisingin pa kami ni manong driver. Hehe. Or worse, madali kami sa garahe. Aguuuyy! We parted ways in Trinoma to finally head home and get our much deserved rest.

Up next: Our itinerary and expenses; also the complete details of the package we availed from Parana Tours. For the meantime, enjoy the holidays you guys! :*

*photos from Tiny

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day3: ilocos norte - bangui and burgos tour

day2: ilocos norte - pagudpud tour

Third day, we left Pagudpud at around 8am to visit two more municipalities of Ilocos Norte - Bangui and Burgos. We had breakfast at a random carinderia before that. I wrote it down as Mang Nards but I've been reading posts about a certain Papa Nards, so whatever. I've always been a bad blogger anyway. :P

Few minutes past Pagudpud's border, we were in Bangui Windmills.  Kasumpa sumpa ang init ng araw to think it wasn't even noon yet. I asked Tiny {slash Mark, am I confusing you already?} to take a few snaps of me in front of the gigantic windmills and off I escaped back to our van. I really, really abhor sweating, that's why. They were even teasing me from time to time about being fresh again 'cause I kept on fixing myself after each stop/activity. #maarteproblems

Googled facts: (1) It's located in the municipality of Bangui, province of Ilocos Norte. (2) The windmills, officially referred to as the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project, were a project by the NorthWind Development Corporation as a practice of renewable energy sources and to help reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. (3) The wind farm uses 20 units of 70-metre (230 ft) high wind turbines, arranged on a single row stretching along a nine-kilometer shoreline off Bangui Bay, facing the South China Sea. (4) Phase I consists of 15 wind turbines and was inaugurated on June 18, 2005. Phase II, was completed on August 2008, and added 5 more wind turbines.

Bangui Windmills

10ish we were in Kapurpurawan.  We had to trek a little to get to the rock formations. The others opted to ride a horse instead but where's the fun in that? Tell meee! Hahaha! I obviously miss trekking sooo bad. Going back, I was astonished when I finally saw the rock formations. Mother Nature is the awesomest of all awesome, kung pwede lang kaming mag-fist bump! Kidding aside, Kapurpurawan is really a must see. It'll make you realize how nature has so much to offer and it's only up to us to make the most out of its surprises.

Googled facts: (1) It's located in the barangay of Poblacion, municipality of Burgos, province of Ilocos Norte. (2) The term Kapurpurawan is from the ilocano word "puraw", which means white, obviously because of its color specially on broad daylight when the sun touches the natural sculpture. (3) It was formed thousands of years ago by accumulation of particles deposited to the shore by the forces of sea waves and wind with the aid of gravity and time. It is a very long process known as sedimentation.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

photos from this collage stolen from Keeping Traces

An hour after, we were in our next stop in Burgos - Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Only I and the two boys went down from the van 'cause Monique was tired already. I told you, our two first stops were draining. Yung tipong feeling mo, ginagawa kang daing. Pwede ring tuyo. Hehehe. Anyway, we didn't climb up the lighthouse. I didn't know what was the guys' reason but as for me.. the Indian mangoes downstairs caught my full attention along with the different Ilocos-themed trinkets being sold. They made me forget I was with two other creatures so I wandered alone.

Googled Facts: (1) It's in the barangay of Paayas, municipality of Burgos, province of Ilocos Norte. (2) It is also known as Burgos Lighthouse. (3) It is a cultural heritage structure established during the Spanish Colonial times. (4) It was first lit on March 30, 1892, and is set high on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking the scenic Cape Bojeador where early galleons used to sail by.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Our last stop in Ilocos Norte was in the municipality of San Nicolas. We had lunch at Robinson's Mang Inasal. I honestly do not know whose idea was that pero sobrang bright ha, of all places. Whooaa! :P After lunch, we had to wait for the others {our van mates, remember?} to hit Ilocos Sur again. We left past 1pm but that would be for another blog post. I was kind of torn between squeezing the rest of my Ilocos stories here and watching Rain or Shine's victory over Petron Blazer. The latter obviously won. Click here to watch with me. Want some popcorn too? :)

*photos from Tiny

day3: ilocos sur - calle crisologo tour

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