One at a time, please?

Since school started back in November, I've noticed a shift in myself compared to last semester. I'm not sure if I'm feeling more laid back or just overwhelmed by the workload. A big part of it is that 70% of my subjects are now Math-related. I get the basics—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—but once word problems come into play, along with all those diagrams, I completely lose my way. So this semester, every time I pass a quiz or complete an activity, I find myself thanking the Lord above for the help! It’s that feeling of relief when you think you might fail, but somehow you manage to get through. With this fear of failing driving me, I've been putting in a lot of effort, especially in Math. I can confidently say that I'm a more dedicated student now than I was at Miriam College, and both my parents and friends have noticed the difference.

The moment I step onto the grounds of TIP, I make it a point to open my notes and go through them thoroughly, even if it's just for five minutes. Even if I don't understand most of it, I still check it out. If I really need to grasp the concepts, I turn to YouTube and Google for reference. I genuinely enjoy the feeling of being a student again, which might be why I invest so much effort, even if it sometimes feels overwhelming. Aside from the allowance I receive from my mother, class suspensions and holidays are some of the things I look forward to as a student. I won’t pretend otherwise—there are times I love not going to school because it gives me the opportunity to focus on my duties in the office.

Living this double life has been quite surprising for me. I never imagined I would be balancing work and study at the same time. In the past, when I heard stories about this, I thought it was easy—but I was mistaken. While my tasks in the office are straightforward, time management has become my biggest challenge. I have numerous homework assignments and reports to complete, along with deadlines to meet at work. No matter how much I try to organize my to-do list in my planner, 24 hours just don’t seem to be enough. There are mornings when I wake up, think about everything I need to accomplish, and instantly feel exhausted.

1. Where can I get an installer of Auto CAD?

2. Where can I buy a book in Solid Mensuration?

3. I have 3 exams tomorrow - 6 hours isn't enough.

4. I have to do lots of work at the office tomorrow

5. I have to think on how will I pay may fcking credit card

6. BLABLABLABLA

When I achieve something, it makes me feel like I deserve all the good things life has to offer. I know that all the stress I'm dealing with now will improve eventually, but I wish I could switch to vacation mode right now.

PHILIPPINES : Coron Island, Palawan

I've been to some real good places here in the Philippines, but this one is paradise. It is too good to be true. 

How to get to Coron Island?

Book a flight to Busuanga, and take a boat ride to your resort in Coron Island.

A little infromation about Busuanga and other islands: 

The Calamianes Islands are a stunning group of islands in Palawan, comprising Busuanga Island, Coron Island, Culion Island, Calauit Island, Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, and several smaller islands. Busuanga Island, the largest in the group, serves as the provincial town center. One of its notable attractions is Mount Tapyas, which features a cross at its summit. Many tourists and locals climb the 742 steps to reach the top, where they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands.

Where to stay in Coron Island?

We stayed at Balinsasayaw Resort for three days and two nights, celebrating my mom's birthday during our visit. I would rate this resort a perfect 10, just like our experience in Coron Island. Auntie Rose, the owner, is incredibly hospitable and genuinely cares for her guests. At mealtimes, she ensures everyone enjoys their food, and the attentive waitstaff consistently refilled our glasses with water without us having to ask. This level of service makes us eager to return.

The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms for couples and villas for families. There are also cabanas and hammocks available, perfect for enjoying the scenery, relaxing, or reading a book while sipping on your favorite fruit shake.

Additionally, the resort provides island tour packages, and we opted for the Coron Island tour package.

After disembarking from the boat, you’ll find over 100 steps to climb. However, the breathtaking scenery at the top makes it all worthwhile. This spot is a popular photo op for both tourists and locals. Once you finish taking pictures, you’ll need to descend another 100+ steps to reach and swim in the stunning Kayangan Lake.

This is the renowned Kayangan Lake in Coron Island. The landscape is simply stunning, leaving me in awe of the natural beauty that still exists. The water is crystal clear, revealing just how deep it really is. As you venture further, you'll be amazed by the sights below the surface. Along with various fish, you'll discover unique rock formations lurking beneath the water. Due to its depth, swimming can be challenging for children and some adults, so wearing a life vest is mandatory. You’ll also have a tour guide accompanying you while you swim.

According to our tour guide, Barracuda Lake gets its name from the barracuda fish, as the rock formations beneath the surface resemble the sharp, edgy teeth of the fish. Unlike Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake is not safe for diving, so it's important to exercise caution while swimming. The water here is also deeper than that of Kayangan Lake.

It's best to visit Twin Lagoon during low tide, as you can swim beneath the rocks to explore the other side of the lake. This area is where Tubig Tabang (freshwater) meets Tubig Alat (saltwater), which explains the murky appearance of the water. When you swim here, you might experience a peculiar sensation of the water alternating between being cold and warm, which left me feeling quite mystified.

Banol Beach gets its name from the word "baul," referring to the treasure chest that early settlers discovered here. While the beach may not be large, it offers delightful fine sand that you’ll surely enjoy.

This hot spring should definitely be on your must-visit list! After a long, tiring day, it’s the perfect place to unwind. The hot spring features three heat levels ranging from 28°C to 42°C.

In addition to the hot spring, there are other islands to explore, such as the Bulalacao Island tour, which includes beautiful destinations like Banana Island, Malcapuya Beach, and Bulog Beach. There are also designated areas in the open sea for divers and tourists looking to dive.

All pictures and videos were taken by me. 

Philippines: Davao | Kadayawan Festival

The scorching heat in Davao didn’t dampen our spirits at all. It was sweltering, but I didn’t mind one bit. Since it was my first time experiencing such a fantastic festival, I made sure to savor every moment of the day. As we made our way to Roxas Street, the sound of drums filled the air, and we couldn’t resist following the rhythm. I was filled with joy, running around, trying to take everything in. I felt like I was on cloud nine, almost in tears from sheer happiness. Hahaha! Even though I forgot to apply sunscreen and ended up 100 times darker than usual, the sweat didn’t faze me one bit! HALA SIGE SAYAW! It was a day filled with good vibes and lots of laughter.

The Kadayawan Festival is an annual celebration in Davao City that lasts for a week. It focuses on appreciating nature and giving thanks for life. Taking place every third week of August, it's best to book your tickets before August 1. People from various regions in the Philippines, as well as international visitors, flock to Davao to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. The festival features a series of main events, including the street dance competition known as Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan and the Floral Parade, called Pamulak.

The street dance competition kicks off on Roxas Street and continues all the way to the City Hall of Davao. Performers are judged based on their choreography, the narrative of their dance, and, of course, their props and costumes. Each group puts forth an incredible effort, showcasing 101% performance levels. They don eye-catching and elaborate costumes that beautifully convey the story of their dance. The creativity displayed in their props is truly impressive, with each group sharing a distinct story that celebrates nature and its wonders.

No festival would be complete without the Floral Parade (Pamulak). This vibrant parade showcases the various fruits famous in Davao, such as Durian, Pomelo, Mangosteen, Marang, and Lanzones. Additionally, there is a parade featuring different mascots of the Philippine Eagle. The event bursts with color and energy, making it a spectacular sight in the city of Davao.

These are the only pictures I have, since I was too busy taking videos. HAHA! 

THANK YOU VON AND RACHEL FOR TAGGING ALONG WITH MY CRAZINESS DURING THE KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL. ALSO, TO MY COUSINS WHO WOKE UP EARLY JUST TO SEE ME AND HAD LUNCH WITH ME BEFORE I WENT BACK TO MANILA! THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Durian drink & Red Velvet Cake
This wraps up my Kadayawan Festival trip!

THIS DURIAN ARCTIC BLAST IS A MUST TRY! You can find this at Blurge Cafe in Abreeza Mall and Gaisano Mall.Their beverages, cakes, and pastas are kind of expensive, but it is all worth it! Also, try the Durian Cheesecake! 


Daghang Salamat

ASIA: Singapura

This trip was actually a continuation of our Malaysia adventure. After crossing the immigration at the Malaysia-Singapore border, we hopped on a bus to Bugis, which took us over an hour. Once we got off the bus, we felt a bit lost and asked several people for directions to our hotel, but each person led us to different places. It seemed like we walked every street in Bugis trying to locate our accommodation. We avoided taking a cab since it was quite pricey.

We finally settled into Beach Hotel, conveniently located near Bugis Junction. It was a budget-friendly and comfortable place to stay, close to shopping malls and the MRT station. Along the street, there were plenty of restaurants offering mostly authentic Singaporean cuisine and other Asian dishes.

Liang Seah Street

You can reach various tourist destinations by bus, taxi, or train. We opted for the train since it’s the fastest option we knew. Our first stop was, of course, Merlion Park. From Bugis station, we took the green line, the East West Line, heading toward Joo Koon, and got off at Raffles Place Station.SINGAPORE TRAIN ROUTE MAP

We walked for about 10 to 15 minutes to reach Merlion Park. Don’t be surprised if you encounter crowds of people taking pictures with the Merlion for quite a while; it's an iconic tourist spot in Singapore that symbolizes the city and its heritage.

The Merlion Park

HOW DID THEY COME UP WITH "MERLION"?

Long ago, Singapore was recognized as a fishing village, and its original name, Singapura, means "Lion City." The term "Merlion" combines "Mer," meaning sea, with "lion," reflecting its maritime heritage.

During the day, you can enjoy the Singapore River Experience, which costs $22 per person. There’s a ticket booth near Merlion Park and at each cruise stop. This 40-minute cruise allows you to relax and take in the sights instead of walking. It's best to start from the Merlion station, as the cruise takes you through Marina Bay, Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and all the way to Robertson Quay. It’s a pleasant ride, and you might be lucky enough to have a Filipino assistant on board!

At night, you will be stunned by the beauty of Singapore
when you see all of the lights! The lights reflect on to the bay
which makes it more breathtaking!

Marina Bay Sands & Singapore Flyer
This picture was taken at a bridge going to the Gardens by the bay.

Gardens by the Bay | The Silver  Leaf
This place is so beautiful, their lights changes. These are gigantic super trees!
It is indeed very relaxing; just lay down and look up.
Don't forget to take pictures here!

On our second day, we chose to visit Universal Studios. The entrance ticket was $74 per person. We took the train from Bugis Station (East West Line/Green Line) and got off at Outram Station, where we switched to the Purple Line bound for HarbourFront. The Sentosa Line station is located on the top floor of the building, and you can purchase your tickets there to make your visit to Universal Studios smoother.

If you plan to participate in activities like the Mega Zipline or visit the Marine Life Park, it's best to do those on a separate day, as you’ll need about 5 to 7 hours to fully explore Universal Studios. When heading to Universal Studios, make sure to get off at Waterfront Station.

ATTRACTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENTS:

FAR FAR AWAY LAND
Come and see the adventures of Shrek and Donkey as they save Princess Fiona!
Shrek 4-D Adventure

THE LOST WORLD
Must try:
1. Canopy Flyer
2. Jurassic Park Rapid Adventures - it is obviously a rapid ride through the
waters and you can see the different habitats of the dinosaurs.
It was a bit scary! You will surely be wet, but don't worry they sell disposable raincoats.

WATERWORLD
If you want to see real live action and be thrilled with death defying stunts and explosions,
this will surely entertain you.
Before they start the show they throw water at the audience!
The seats were labeled, if you want to get wet and soaked, sit in front or on the blue seats.

ANCIENT EGYPT
Must try ride: Revenge of the Mummy
We actually tried this twice. It was really good!
If you are familiar with the Space Mountain in the Disneyland Hong Kong,
it is somewhat the same.
A roller coaster ride at the dark with mummies, I must say!

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA

Too bad it was under maintenance, but seeing this makes me jitter!

I will come back for this!

SCI-FI CITY

One of my favorites! If you are a fan of transformers, then this

must be a place for you!

TRANSFORMERS THE RIDE: THE ULTIMATE 3D BATTLE

This is one of the best! 

It will make you feel like you are an autobot

fighting for the decepticons!

You'll be fighting side-by- side with Optimus Prime,

 and kicking Megatron's ass!

If you have extra time to explore Sentosa, you can ride a cable car to get a full view of the whole city of Singapore!!!!

If you’re looking to relax and enjoy some drinks, head over to Clarke Quay. It’s quite similar to Eastwood here in the Philippines. You’ll also find the G-Max there, which adds to the fun!

If you're in the mood for shopping for branded clothes, shoes, and bags, make sure to check out Expo. It’s a massive shopping destination and just one station away from Changi Airport!

Xie xie

ASIA: Johor Bahru, Malaysia | LEGOLAND!!

You can travel to Johor Bahru by bus, train, or plane. We opted for the plane since we didn’t have the luxury of time for a 3 to 6-hour journey. Our flight took just an hour, which was perfect because our main plan was to visit Singapore after Legoland.

Before flying to Malaysia, we made sure to book our Legoland tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

TIP #1: SAVE & CLICK.
Book everything ahead of time—your flights, hotels, and theme park tickets, just like we did. I have friends with credit cards (unfortunately, I can't use mine since it's maxed out), so we started by booking our plane tickets last November when there was a seat sale. Then in January, we secured our hotel in Malaysia, and so on. We didn't do everything in one go; instead, we followed the SAVE & CLICK strategy. We booked our flight to Johor Bahru thanks to Air Asia!

TIP # 2 : GO TO THE AIRPORT 4 HOURS BEFORE THE FLIGHT

Be prepared for long queues, especially for domestic flights. It took us an hour to reach the airport and an additional 2 hours just to queue. Also, make sure to check in online beforehand; if you don’t, they will charge you RM 10 each for ticket printing due to their system policies. We were pretty frustrated about that!

We landed at Johor Bahru airport just an hour after takeoff, and I must say, the airport was quite impressive. From there, we took the yellow Causeway Link bus to Legoland, which cost us RM 10 each. The travel time is around 45 to 60 minutes. If you have luggage with you, don’t worry—they offer locker rentals at Legoland. The cost for a one-day rental is RM 40, but make sure to bring exact change since the machine doesn’t give back any. They provide both medium and large lockers for your belongings and luggage.

For more information about Legoland Click here 

 THE BEGINNING

LEGO TECHIC

THIS WAS ACTUALLY FUN.
WE WERE LIKE KIDS SCREAMING OUR HEART OUT.

I WAS AMAZED BECAUSE THE HEAD OF ALBERT EINSTEIN WERE
ALL MADE OF LEGOS. *tempting to pull off some legos*
This area are for kids who wants some mind-cracking games.

IMAGINATION

KIDS POWER
You pull yourself up and prove you are a mighty one!


OBSERVATION TOWER
You'll get a 360-degrees view of the Legoland, also the places that
surrounds the park.

KINGDOMS

CASTLE STAGE
There are shows you can watch here!

THE DRAGON

Expect a twist & turn ride!

LAND OF ADVENTURE

DINO ISLAND

This is like compared to the log jam ride in EK.

THE LOST KINGDOM

MINILAND ATTRACTION

IT'S NOW TIME TO HAVE SOME FUN AT

LEGOLAND WATER PARK! 

I have to say, this was definitely the highlight of our Legoland trip! If you're planning to visit Legoland, I highly recommend staying overnight at the hotel to fully enjoy both parks, especially the water park! The slides are absolutely exhilarating and will leave you wanting more!

This finally wraps up our Malaysia Trip!

If you choose to head to Singapore, you can take a taxi to the Malaysia customs and immigration checkpoint for passport checking and stamping. After that, hop on a bus to the Singapore customs and immigration for the same process.

TIP # 3 PASSPORT NUMBER, PLACE OF ISSUED & DATE OF ISSUED.

When traveling abroad, you'll often need to fill out forms for the immigration officer. To make this process smoother and reduce the number of times you have to dig through your bag for your passport, make sure to memorize your passport number, the place it was issued, and the date it was issued. This information will be incredibly helpful!

ASIA: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I was genuinely surprised by the beauty of Malaysia. My experiences there exceeded all my expectations. Initially, I thought it would be just another typical Asian country, similar to the Philippines, but I was mistaken. Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, primarily Indian and Chinese. It was often difficult to distinguish between Malays and Indians, as they share many similarities. I noticed that some Malays resemble Filipinos, which I found interesting. However, throughout our trip, people often recognized us as Filipinos, though some would still ask, “Are you from the Philippines or Indonesia?”

Since we traveled on a tight budget and not for leisure, we made careful choices. We booked our flights with Cebu Pacific during a seat sale and secured a year-round promo for our AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru (Legoland). We stayed at Etika Inn, situated in the heart of Chinatown. We chose not to book a 5-star hotel, not because of the cost, but because we knew we wouldn’t spend much time there since we planned to be out exploring all day. Etika Inn was a great choice, especially for friends traveling together, with spacious rooms, clean bathrooms, and Filipino receptionists. Plus, they offered free Wi-Fi!

With only one day to explore Kuala Lumpur before our flight to Johor Bahru, we managed to visit the city’s top three attractions: Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the Petronas Twin Towers.

BATU CAVES

'

Batu Caves (Tamil: பத்து மலை) is a limestone hill that has a series of caves and cave temples in the Gombak district. The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is the focal point of Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia. (wikepedia.com)

Before entering the Batu Caves, there are a few important rules to keep in mind. The most obvious one is the dress code: shorts and skirts are not allowed. If you happen to forget this rule, as I did, you can rent a shawl for RM 5 to cover up.

To reach the cave, you'll need to climb a steep staircase with 272 steps, which can be quite exhausting. We found ourselves taking breaks along the way to catch our breath. Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings, especially your phone, as there are monkeys all around that might snatch your valuables—this adds a unique challenge to the climb!

Once you reach the top, you'll be greeted by various temples inside the cave. Just remember to remove your shoes before entering any of the shrines.

KUALA LUMPUR TOWER

We initially planned to dine at the top level of the tower, but we decided against it due to the high prices and strict dress code. Instead, we simply enjoyed the stunning views of the city and the tower itself. Near the reception area, there's the Menara KL Tourism, where you can find a hanging bridge that makes for a fantastic photo opportunity with a beautiful backdrop.

THE PETRONAS TWIN TOWER

I never expected the Petronas Twin Towers to be that colossal! We had to step back quite a bit just to capture the full image. It has become an iconic spot for tourists, particularly couples, due to its unique architectural design. Many liken the towers to two people standing face-to-face, holding hands. The view is truly stunning, and it's a perfect spot to relax and sit for a while. Don't forget to take plenty of photos; you won’t get bored just looking at them!

I highly recommend visiting at night. Not only will you avoid the scorching sun, but the towers also light up beautifully in the evening.

WHERE TO BUY PASALUBONG?

This street clearly belongs to Chinatown, and the picture says it all! You can find inexpensive "I love Kuala Lumpur" shirts, magnets, pens, bags, keychains, ashtrays, and more here. Miniature Petronas Twin Towers for home displays are also available. While some stores have fixed prices, others allow for bargaining to get a better deal. An interesting bonus is that some sellers speak Tagalog, likely because they know Filipinos love to buy pasalubong for their family and friends—and, of course, to negotiate for a lower price!

WHERE TO EAT?

SPICY OVERLOAD 

The food was amazing! I absolutely loved the chicken curry! They refer to it as "Chicken with gravy," which puzzled me at first. I expected actual gravy, so I was a bit disappointed when it arrived. But after tasting it—WOW! It's legit curry! I ended up ordering two servings because my friend found it too spicy for her taste. The "pancit-looking" dish, iced Milo, and rice also hit the spot.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN IN KUALA LUMPUR:

1. Transportation costs double at night.
2. Make sure your taxi uses a meter. If they offer a flat rate of RM 30, look for another taxi.
3. If you prefer your food mild, be sure to specify it—most dishes are spicy!
4. There are free buses that travel to various tourist destinations.

Terima Kasih