Postcards from North Batan

In continuation of my post from last December here from a trip made last June 😅 ...here are the breathtaking sights to behold in North Batan. I didn't even know that it's possible to squeeze both in a day!!! It was only around 2PM and Kuya Dale just casually brought up the idea since he knew I only have a day left. Thankfully, always girl scout ready, I brought a big bag for all my outfit changes. Ahaha!!!

To back up a bit, my South Batan post actually just covered the town of Mahatao. I haven't covered yet Ivana and Uyugan and some few stops here and there of this wonderful place called Batanes. So to continue...

Alapad Hills and Rock Formation

From the moment I learned about this place being the shoot location of Hihintayin Kita sa Langit - a Richard/ Dawn movie in 1991, I've been itching to go back with a lover to do that i-Dawn Zulueta mo ako pose get myself a copy of the movie. It's been 8 months which reflects how very resourceful I am, lol! In this tourist spot in Uyugan, try not to be impressed by the view of a road cutting through two towering cliffs nor be tempted to swim in the ocean.

House of Dakay 

Here below is one of the oldest stone houses of Ivana with its signature thatched cogon roof. This house is popular for being one of the houses that survived a magnitude 8.3 earthquake in 1918. Also, let's not forget that Batanes being the northernmost province, is a typhoon path which makes this functioning house a very fine example of a stone house. The cogon roof is not exactly rainproof but it's one of their most readily available resources and is also durable.

Honesty Coffee Shop

There was a thought-provoking meme I found out about this place that says, "Has honestly become so rare that we turn it into a tourist attraction?" This shop located in the Port of Ivana doesn't have a storekeeper in it and it's a good stopover for coffee during your tour. You simply log whatever you ate/ took with its price and drop the payment in a box, anything excess is considered a tip. Hehe. I noticed that it's the same business concept they apply in my lodge. Also, to my initial shock our gates weren't also locked at night but Batanes boasts of zero crime rate so I knew I'm safe.😅

Oh, I just had to ask Kuya Dale to stop and pose in this pretty structure I found along the way. 

NORTH BATAN

Radar Station/ PAG-ASA

The station itself was long destroyed by a strong typhoon but of course it's not what you wanna see from there but rather this spectacular view. You can still see the hedgerows of Mahatao (close up pic in my previous post here) from this place and Mt. Matarem.

Valugan Boulder Beach

At the back of Mt. Iraya is this beach. It is said that these boulders were spewed by the said mountain when it was geologically active.  I can't believe how such aggregate of rocks could be so picturesque but here they are, looking like a masterpiece. 

Vayang Rolling Hills

By the time we reached this place, I'd lost count the number of times I muttered, "Ang ganda"  to myself. So, I allowed myself to say it out loud just like what the other visitors were doing then. Seriously, it was in this exact moment when I felt my heart swelling with joy and pride for my country as the others were shouting, "Pilipinas, ang ganda mo!" My, my! What an awe-inspiring view!  From this overlook you can see a dramatic landscape and seascape combination of the rolling hills, the view of Mt. Iraya and the west Philippine sea. How can I own a piece of land here? 

Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Hill

How lucky is it that I get to witness a sunset wedding while here in Basco lighthouse? Basco, being a small town capital where everybody knows everybody, Kuya Dale gave me a juicy scoop about the bride. Haha. Not that he once wooed her. Sssshh. Haha.

Basco lighthouse stands on Naidi Hill overlooking the town of Basco on the east and Basco bay on the west. It's best to come here about sunset and capped off my first day in Batanes. :)

If you haven't made any  plans yet for this year, I highly recommend Batanes. I would so so love to go back here in the future. That steep airfare that might cost you two tickets to another country, it's so so so worth it!

HK/ Macau: The IT

Who doesn’t love a good bargain? Disclaimer: this is not a how to travel in HK on a budget post but I guess touring with three elders (senior citizens, even) to one of the most expensive cities in the world allows you to be a bit creative in planning the itinerary since skipping some of the usual haunts is already given. The end result is a rather cheaper itinerary while still making the most out of the Fragrant Harbour. Did you know they offer discounts to foreign senior citizens? Amazing!

With two theme parks crammed in this city already chopped off the list and a little googling on IG-worthy spots in HK, here I present to you some of HK’s attractions that truly makes you say “the best things in life HK are free.” :)

Nan Lian Garden
Easily one of my fave public parks in HK. It's a classical garden amidst Diamond Hill's high-rise apartments that's beautifully landscaped. I like how rules are strictly implemented to keep the serenity of the place and that proper clothing should be observed. Hope my choice of clothing matched the elegance of this place.

Kowloon Park
Admittedly, came here just to see the HK Avenue of Comic Stars and were so overwhelmed that we didn't explore much what this park has to offer, haha! But apparently, it's a huge park that was once an army fortress. The seniors did get to enjoy their fitness facilities in preparation for activities later that day hehe.

Sai Wan Swimming Shed
My brother Lem and I almost gave up finding this place because of the wrong info we got from the web. Ugh. Good thing, even amidst the 10 degree cold, we managed to locate it right before its prettiest state. It really feels like one perfect hideout and also the best sunset viewing location in HK. If the photos below didn't reflect any sunset at all, it's because the brother took all the photos during that time. Lol.

High-Rise Apartments

Pretty common housing form to observe in this densely packed mega city, they're colorful, dizzying and of course a blogger's favorite. This one in Diamond Hill (close to Nan Lian Garden) gives off some LA vibes.

Choi Hung Estate

Quarry Bay's Montane Mansion
Of course, this place would just appeal so much to my brother simply for being a shoot location of Transformers movie. It's quite a trip going there from the central but it's cool seeing them up close. 

Some of the free admission attraction sites that we checked out are Central's Art District (try the Mid-level escalators being the longest outdoor escalator in the world?), of course the Symphony of Lights show at Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront (don't forget the yummy mobile softee and take the cruise before the show as it's free for senior citizens, hehe) and the night markets in Mongkok area. :)

In Macau, I took the family to Taipa Village because I've never been there (lol!). It's a colorful village with a blend of Portuguese and Chinese architecture that's a little similar to Senado Square with its shop and dine offerings but with lesser crowd. :)

HK/ Macau 2018

Once again, apologies for the lack of posts. Just got back from a winter trip to the Fragrant Harbour and posting this quick update. This time, we skipped the usual itinerary and explored Hong Kong's hidden gems. Because as they say, the best things in HK are free. Well, almost. Hehe. Here are all the looks from my recent escapade with the family. <3

Coat/ Shoes/ Sunnies: Mango; Top: Zaful; Pants: H&M

Coat: Zara; Top/ Skirt/ Shoes: H&M; Bag: Mango

Vest: Terranova; Skirt/ Shoes/ Top: H&M

Top/ Pants: H&M; Coat/ Sunnies/ Shoes: Mango

Coat/ Bag/ Sunnies/ Shoes: Mango; Dress: H&M; Top: M&S

Coat: Zara; Pants/ Bag: Mango

Scarf: Terranova; Belt: Topshop; Pants: H&M; Shoes: Mango

Siargao: The Sponsored Looks

Summer is approaching fast enough and you can just simply tell coz I still remember the cold spell this time last year. Oh well, climate change and such.

As for me, I like getting ahead of things so before all the people come flocking to the place because of the self-titled movie (which I must admit I haven't seen yet), I saw a window of opportunity to visit Siargao with a few friends on a budget. Since this is quite a sudden trip (it was booked 2 weeks before), I had to rely on reused items and quick delivery from my partners Rosegal/ Sammydress and Zaful and here's a preview of the with all the items linked.

We made the journey via a stopover at Cebu where my friend Roy is staying. Didn't hurt seeing the place again and getting cheaper fares from the queen city of the south. His place for work isn't bad either with this pool view. Do you still remember this white swimwear from last year? Linked.

taken at Be Resort in Mactan Cebu (see more of the product in this post)

Prior to this trip though, I was able to secure these accessories from Rosegal. They're the perfect beach companions to ensure you look chic by the shore.

Wide Brim Straw Hat

Square Frame Sunglasses

Taken at Magpupongko Rock Formation

I didn't have time to shop for rashguards for this trip (or maybe because I was still thinking if it's practical to get one). But luckily, some of the sponsored gym clothing from Zaful and Sammydress are dual purpose. They served me well during surfing.

Plunging Neck Sports Top

Taken at Talisay Beach (see more of this product in this post)

Camo Sportswear Set

Of course, a beach trip wouldn't be complete without the dresses. Here's what I brought from Zaful.

High Slit with Cutout Dress

Seems like 2.5 days wasn't enough in the island. Our flight back to Cebu was cancelled and luckily still got some extra 'fit to shoot. Like this swimwear that matched my sponsored skirt from Zaful. ;)

Asymmetric Gingham Skirt

Taken at Cloud 9 Siargao (see more of this skirt here)

Lastly, remember this swimwear from last summer. I didn't get the chance to use for beachin' so yay! 

Spliced Halter One Piece Swimwear

Taken at Naked Island. See more of this swimwear here

This nautical stripes bag from Sammydress also held all my important stuff for my airport looks. 

Nautical Stripes Tote Bag

P.S. All styling are by yours truly. This post was made in collaboration with Rosegal, Sammydress and Zaful. You may use RosegalChen, SammydressChen and ZafulChen to have additional 10%-20% off. :)

Mercure JKT

Switched hotels from last time where we regularly stayed at to be closer to the client’s office, Mercure’s location in Central Jakarta is just a huge relief given Jakarta’s traffic situation.😅 It’s just around 15 minutes away from the shopping locations in the city and there’s a metro station a few minutes’ walk away from the hotel.

Though most of the time I stayed in my room to work, it’s good that they have a trust speedy wifi connection that doesn’t limit the number of device that connects to it. (Fyi, I work with multiple phones in my job hehe). But I love the design of the room and how it’s just separated to the shower with a glass panel. Haha. Uhmm, it took time for me to adjust to this set-up (lol) but there are blinds provided too if you’re sharing with someone in the room.

I’ll probably spend most of my future biz trips here so I appreciate that they have a small gym at the 8^th floor where the pool and rooftop bar is located. When I’m away for work, I usually do my workouts in the morning since some of the evenings are spent having dinner with clients. I either go for run or a swim. Just quick 15-30 minute cardios would do. 😅

I’ve also tried their mocktails at De’Langit Rooftop bar one time in the late afternoon while my room is being serviced and it was a good alternative for a workplace with their discotheque music blasting in the background. Hehe. I’ve yet to try their Karaoke nights though since the last two times I stayed at were rainy evenings in JKT.

Lastly, the lobby. You can tell that the lobby means business with PCs provided for the guests. It’s nice that short informal meetings can be held here in this set-up and that I can always ask for a cold ginger tea from the reception. One of the receptionist (I forgot her name, my bad! 😅) who greeted me personally in my return (she assisted me in my check-out last time :)) told me that I can ask for it anytime. Love that she remembered me and this extra service. Uhm, if anything, I don’t remember getting my chocolates on the first day of my second stay though. Lol. 😅

Though sometimes you really don’t look forward to biz trips because of the work it entails and lost time going to and forth, but it’s not bad when you know you’re taken cared of in hotels like this.  Last time I explored the Cikini area by myself and found a good place for coffee. I look forward to exploring some hidden gems of this city during my stay in the future. And thanks to Mercure Cikini for the hospitality during my stay. ‘Til my next trip. ;)

**This trip is not paid by Mercure. Just sharing my personal review of the hotel. :)