I have a heart that yearns to travel. Always dreaming of travelling the world one place at a time. As a pinoy saying says, “Wag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan.” So, what better place to start with but here in the Philippines. One of the most renowned places in our country is Palawan. The island is like a national gem already. Pristine waters, clean environment, welcoming people, and one of the most scenic views I’ve seen to date.

When I got invited via a text message from a former colleague I was hesitant because it was addressed to another person but she then said that it was a group message sent to most of us who were form the intensive care unit that I’ve worked for. Everyone was so excited and a lot of us signed up. In the end, only a few were able to join but still quite a group.

There were a lot of struggles before the trip actually happened. Like credit card payments, tours, reservation, unavailability and conflict of schedules. It was all stressful but I think we should give credit to Rej who made most of the effort to make the trip happen and resolving issues quickly.

With all that said, we made it to Palawan.

We flew from Davao to Cebu. Spent one night at the city and flew the next day to Puerto Pricesa. Upon arrival at PPS we were welcomed by our chosen tour package – Kara Travel and Tours. They had variation on their tour packages but we went for tour A. We were rode a van, had a quick lunch at McDonald’s, and after a few minutes we were on the road travelling to El Nido. It was a LONG ride. Even my prepared playlist wasn’t enough to keep me occupied the whole trip. You better pack those neck pillows used for travelling because it will surely serve you well.

As we arrived at El Nido at around 11 PM? I forgot but I’m guessing around that time. We checked in to our hotel and we were instructed to rest well since we were leaving early in the morning for our island hopping. So, we weren’t able to sleep early because first of all… It was already late when we arrived. LOL!

Morning came and we were all set for the tour. It took quite some time for it to get started. We went around islands/lagoons and they were all amazing. I was expecting to like the secret lagoon the best, but I’d say it was the big and small lagoon. I can’t remember where we went kayaking but that was my favorite. We spent a lot time there and  I guess my paddling skills were of use again. But my arms were so sore when we went back to the hotel.

After resting a bit, we decided to go out for dinner searching along the shore line for some good food! There were a lot of restos to choose from. We wanted to try the famous Art Cafe but it was already full and seats were not available anymore unless we were willing to wait long. We ended up transferring. Since we were at the beach, we expected and planned to eat seafoods but it was too expensive. Hahaha! So, guess what? Most of us ended up eating grilled pork and chicken. But some ordered some fish and squid. Everything was tasty, or we were just hungry.

After eating dinner, we strolled a bit and bought souvenir items. Cornballs and I ended up getting lost but we weren’t that worried because there were a lot of people strolling down the streets and most of them were foreigners. I guess the ratio between locals and foreigners were like 1:5. There were more foreigners than locals! Not statistically, just based on observation. As we figured our way back to the hotel, others were already leaving again since they were craving for crepes and ice cream. Would have loved to join them but I was too tired. I had to rest well for the next day.

We were already bound for PPS for the underground river tour which lasted a few minutes. But to get there it was another LONG drive and a short boat ride. The underground river tour was amazing but kinda eerie. It was just so dark inside the cave and so silent since we were discouraged to open our mouths because droppings may be harmful to health. Tip! Bring your flashlight if you don’t want to depend on the tour guides light. It was kinda scary since the water and the boat’s sides were almost on the same level but the water was calm so… Hahaha! I tried not to mind it since we had life vests on. The boatmen were very skillful and jolly. They made the experience more fun! Whenever a group leaves the cave, they were called survivors.

Upon going back to the main dock, we had a buffet lunch just somewhere near. Then we were off again to another souvenir shop to buy more goodies. The rest of the day were free. We decided to eat halo halo at Noki Nocs Savory House. They are very popular for their halo halo. The tricycle driver told us, "Masarap ang halo-halo diyan ma'am! Ice pa lang papapakin mo na!" Then, went walking again. Then went to Kalui? But unfortunately it was reserved for some students so there were no available seats again. The we decided to eat at a bbq place at the baywalk. Rode bikes and just chatted and went home.

Upon resting well that night, we arranged for a city tour at PPS before our flight. My favorite one was Baker’s Hill. It was just a wonderful place to be in. We ate pizza and bought some pastries too. Tons of photos too. It was a good thing that our tour guide was also a nurse so she actually had a lot things to say. Hehe!

When we were home bound we spent another night in cebu. Then flew back to Davao and back to Kidapawan again.

It was a tiring but very fulfilling experience for me. Especially that it was my first time to travel with Cornballs that entails riding a plane and with my workmates as well. I’m really looking forward for more adventures! To see the world and to appreciate how wonderful it could be. It’s a pleasant experience and I guess I will never get tired off travelling and learning! It’s an investment for the soul.

Until the next adventure.

Xoxo

P.S. If you want to see my travel vlog on my Palawan adventure please do visit my YouTube Channel

Links to VLOGs:
Palawanderes Part 1
Palawanderes Part 2
Palawanderes Underground River
Palawanderes City Tour

Signs of growing old? Everyone's getting married!

I've known my friends for years and it's just surreal watching them get married and have kids. Our friendship isn't perfect but in times of need, whether good or bad, we're there. Friends that stick together are for keeps. 

It's always fun when I'm with them. We've all grown up but we still end up being the same when we're around each other. Some things just never change. I love you guys! Beyond words! Even though we're not complete in this event let's not forget to keep in touch once in awhile.

Congratulations to Klaudine and Hector who tied the knot and now they have little Kassy! Yup this is an over due blog post. Better late than never.

XO

In a lovely day on the 4th of May we welcomed baby Niccolo to the christian world. I think it's my 2nd time to be a godparent to a child. A seminar was conducted before actual rite. I've also attended one before but I think I'm still required to attend this one. I confess... I really didn't listen that much because of the scorching heat. It was such a struggle but I think I got the important parts.

It was held at Digos City, a 1 hour drive from Davao City. I came a day earlier at Davao so that I can go to Digos together with my friends. It was a good thing that Celine's father gave us a lift. Cool dad right there! Teehee.

We arrived just in time for the mass and we were pretty much having a hard time looking for Nikki (Niccolo's mom). Only to find out we were on the wrong side of the Church. After the Eucharistic celebration was the seminar, then the baptismal rites, and finally the reception. I felt like a kid at heart again. The theme was the Disney movie Cars. I was so delighted with the "Pit Stop" which had a chocolate fountain, a race track filled with red velvet cupcakes, a cotton candy maker, a popcorn maker, and a whole lot of sweet treats! Talk about temptation. I think I was the first one on line.

Here's a groupie from table number 8 :)

After all the eating and intermissions it was finally time for some picture taking.

And for an outfit of that day...

Floral Top - No Apologies

Mint Skater Skirt - CATalogue by Kitty on Kat (Look them up on Facebook!)

Studded Purple Sandals - Celine

Longchamp Bag

Watch - Swatch

I just wore light pastel colors for the baby feels and made myself comfortable. Not a fan of heels these days. Until the next special event.

P.S.

I really wish I could blog more often. I'll try! :D

Thanks for reading. Ciao

Wearing a dress from SOUL Lifestyle | CELINE studded sandals

Decided to wear flats because I'm not good with wearing high heels

I've always wanted to try going to a masquerade ball. From my favorite tv shows Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl it seemed exciting and very classy. Finally, I got to try it. Not as exquisite but still we wore masks. Not quite mysterious too because we were taking of our masks off every now and then. The event that I am talking about is our Christmas party last December 2013. Kind of a late post huh? But… Better late than never.

The hospital I’m currently working at held an annual Christmas party for the employee. That year was different because I was no longer attending as a daughter of a doctor but one of the employees. I got to spend time with my workmates and mingle. It was a fun night. Great music. Great company.  I even got chosen as one of lucky few who got te chance to wain the bedroom showcase but sadly didn’t get. It was sort of a nomination. Something like that.

I loved how everyone seemed to prepare so much for the event. Well, except for me and some few. We’d like to call our efforts “sariling sikap.” While everyone else was busy going to salons to get their hair and make up done… We were busy trying to help each other out.

Sir Michael gave us a lift so we went there very classy with his pretty white car. As we arrived photos were taken and finally searched for our assigned seats. Later on we found out that it wasn’t actually followed. So we also violated our seat plan so that we could sit near our co-ICU nurses. It was  non-stop picture taking session and I occasionally got pulled out of my chair to the dance floor.

After all the conversations,, dancing, and mingling we concluded the ngiht with last minute photos and kisses on the cheeks.

I don’t know if there will be a next time but at least I got to experience it.

That’s all for now… and oh Belated Merry Christmas everyone.

Xo

You know when you deserve a break after days of work and stress. What better way to spend these fortunate days than spending it with the people you love. Going back to Davao is a way of unwinding and enjoying my vacant days. Since I rarely visit the city, my friends find time to squeeze me into their schedules even if it’s a little bit hectic and I appreciate them for that.

As a line from a song would say, “We don’t even have to try it’s always a good time.” There’s  never a dull moment when I’m with them.  Our team used to be all single. I think I was the first one to break the so called “curse.” Haha. But everything’s all looking good for us – career wise and happiness wise, because being single is never a hindrance to happiness! And umaarangkada  na ata ang lovelife naming lahat. Haha! *knocks on wood* Buyag!

(c) KarlaMisa

It was time for them to meet CORNBALLS (our code name for him before which turned out to be his name for our team now). We spent the evening at the place where all the talking unveils – Starbucks Abreeza. Yes, it has to be specific because this is our favorite place. We honestly think they do what they do best. Comparing to other branches we've tried, the yummiest food & drinks are here. Although you think they’re all probably the same… Think again! It’s really different.

So much for that... we spent the whole night talking about random stuff mostly work, latest buzz, and anything under the sun. Catching up big time because there’s so much happening for all of us. We talked it over coffee and ended the night young. Cornballs and I had to go out with our friends from high school after the that so we had to dismiss earlier.

 

(c) KarlaMisa

In another day of visiting the city just to get some documents from my alma mater, I spent most of my time catching up with them again. We had dinner at Café Mediterranean. We wanted to have coffee but everyone was drained from duty and we all need some rest. We left unusually early, looking forward for our next get together.

They day after, I had a lunch date with the absentee from the previous meet up – Pokieyaaa. After getting all the necessary documents from our school, we thought of where to go next because we wanted to put his car into use. We decided to go to Tea’Amo just to chill. Found myself hungry so I ordered their chicken parmigiana. Pokie only went for desserts because he was planning to eat a full lunch at their home.

Thumbs up for everything! :D Just can't get enough of this place. I hope we can have our christmas party here! After the lunch date we both headed our own ways to attend to different things... but that would be another story to tell... And that concluded my day current day(s) off. Shout out to Cindy! I miss you! Didn't get to see you.

All I can say is... When you're given a day off enjoy it. Spend it wisely! Go out and have fun! :D