Something New in Sarangani Highlands

Sarangani Highlands has not stopped being beautiful. And it has kept achieving its best beautiful. I know that sounds familiar. :) I love changes. The forward ones.

This is a short post on SarHigh's new koi pond. Well, it is so much more than just a koi pond. I have seen this in movies. Japan feels are all over this teeny weeny piece of land. Can somebody add a cherry blossom tree please. Who would have thought that the tiny lot below the restaurant could be transformed into this beauty? If I had known a lovely surprise was waiting for me, I would have dressed up a little. :)

My favorite spot!!! ... because of the giant bougainvillea. Ours at home are just in pots. :)

Have you visited Sarangani Highlands lately?

Mang Johnny in Koronadal City

The family had a merienda stopover at Mang Johnny in Koronadal City. Mang Johnny is known for its buko halo-halo and has also opened a place for other pinoy favorites. Pancit bihon! Pancit sotanghon! Pancit canton! Drooling now! Anyone close to me knows I am a noodle (and pasta) girl. I would attack anything pancit. I like an overflowing rice and bihon and sotanghon on the same plate at the same meal! Hihi. I also love lomi and batchoy, especially on rainy days. Ahhh...

I didn't know buko halo (read as in Beyonce's song by conyos) .... I can feel your halo, halo, halo. I can see your halo, halo... Halo, ooh ooh... I've always loved the ooh ooh part. :) Oh anyway, I did not know buko halo-halo and batchoy could go very well together! It may sound like a weird combo but I guess others have tried that, too. I enjoyed every sipping experience. Have you tried dining at Mang Johnny?

Yummy Gensan: Birthday Dinner at Chika-an

As people close to me know, I do not give birthday blowouts. I am just not used to be the center of attention and I do not think I am such a good party host. I find it a heavy load to talk to each guest. Hihi. I am weird like that. As strange as it may sound because of my job, wherein I interact with hundreds of different people everyday, I am really a shy person. 

I prefer intimate celebrations with small groups like what I always have with my family. On my twenty-ninth birthday in April, I took them to Chika-an at Veranza Mall. I liked that they had an FB page with their mobile number and menu. Not only was I able to get a reservation but also, I got to order in advance.

They definitely had very tasty dishes and my personal favorite was the baked scallops because I'm a cheesy person (double meaning!) My father adored their Citrus Quencher so much he tried to make his own version the day after and was so close! We also tried the other drink, Arnold Palmer, but it was really the Citrus which championed.

Baked Scallops

Baka Caldereta, Shrimp Sinigang, Grilled Blue Marlin

Rellenong Manok

Citrus Quencher

Thank you for an excellent service Chika-an! It was a memorable birthday dinner.

El Nido, Palawan

I have always wondered why El Nido is claimed to be the Philippines' best island(s) destination, battling with Coron and Boracay. I've not yet gone to Coron and I have not been into serious island hopping in Boracay so I don't have much to compare. And I say enough of the battles and the comparisons. I aim for peace and I don't really like comparisons. :)

It's been almost a year since my El Nido trip but my jaw is still dropped to the floor. It is the most magical creation I have seen by far. My heart is filled with awe and I am at a loss for words. Experiencing El Nido is one of those significant moments when I feel deeply grateful for this gift of life. El Nido got me reflective and I liked that effect on me. 

Here is a photo diary of one of our sembreak destinations last year. In just one week, we also have been to Baguio, Intramuros, and Puerto Prinsesa. 

I miss travelling with these people. They gave a different meaning to my backpacking experience. Before they came into my life, I carried a suitcase even for a 3-day trip. Seriously! Wise packing was a gradual learning for me. I learned to copy Ate Doli's strategy. She insists on a travel itinerary  days  (even weeks) before the trip so she can plan her daily outfits. I still bring few extras just in case. 

Our photos wouldn't be as awesome without Jypzie. I think he has mastered our angles because we love his shots especially the candid ones. And even if we know he's about to take a shot, we often pretend not to. We would look at the sky, look at the sand, laugh or talk to each other so things would still appear candid. :)

In every group, there is always a clown. Not that he looks like one but Rendon can break the most silent silence and he has the right funny words at the most needed times. Fun is nothing without you Rendonskie! And thanks for carrying extra baggage sometimes. Hehe.

Our most trusted travel planner, the master behind all our adventures and the piso fare diva, Laiza! Thank you for going out of your way to plan all our travels, book our hotels (ahem! hotels?), and tours. 

MSUTravelBugs is my favorite travel group everrrr! Thank you for the yearly and monthly and random adventures! :) Kinda getting sentimental here because I can't join this year's sembreak getaway :( I'm looking forward to a December trip though! Have a blast you guys!

"Travel makes one modest. 

You see what a tiny place you occupy 

in the world."

-Gustave Flaubert

Current Obsession: Midi Skirts

I have a current obsession with midi skirts! I found floral ones from two decades ago in my mom's closet. Yes, my mom is a hoarder and the best thing (or the only good thing) about her hoarding is me getting some hand-me-downs! It is so amazing how fashion trends keep coming back. I could not dare wearing her skirts few years back but now, they have become fashionably acceptable. Hihi. Vintage is cool! :) 

Wearing my mom's vintage floral skirt on one of
those rarest moments when I feel like dressing up.

And look at these skirt inspiration from Pinterest! Can't get enough of these oh-so-pretty skirts!!! Yay! Such eye candies!