LIFESTYLE – Page 2 – Travel + Lifestyle + Architecture Blog

Boracay Quickie Trip : What’s in my Backpack Challenge

Published on May 7, 2017April 7, 2018 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

Hello,mga bes. Yes, I feel super rejuvenated,alive and fresh from my recent trip to Boracay. Quickie trip lang, 3 days. Di ako excited nun. Di nga ako masyadong nakapaghanda. Before the trip, I just had my hair highlighted with Sun-kissed Brown Balayage, courtesy of the Master Colourist himself, Buddy Congson of Hairs and Nails Salon. May I promote pa noh? Ganun tlga. #LoveLove

Moving forward, I thought of sharing with you guys how I prepared and packed my things for this trip. We all have our own styles of loading our bags based on the purpose of the travel. Me personally, kahit anong occasion pa yan, I like my things light,organised and minimal, bringing only the necessary. I believe naman na pag may kulang, we can always buy them upon arrival (unless mamundok ka, then Kbye). As much as possible, I don’t baggage check in na. I don’t mind hand carrying my things naman, so that i can get off the plane swiftly and leave the airport agad. I don’t have to wait na for my bag sa carousel and all. Para sa mga nagtatanong, I use a Cabin Zero 44L Backpack. It’s a European brand na super lightweight material with huge storage capacity, parang maleta na ang peg. Hindi ito paid advertisement ha? Wag kayong echosera. I just like how this bag serves its purpose. Although wala masyadong compartments. It would be better if we also use smaller pouches to segregate and organise things. Sadly for this trip, airline crew wanted me to check in my baggage because of the go pro stick. Weird nga eh. I had many trips na before and selfie sticks are allowed naman for hand carry. But Kebs na; life’s to short to question airline protocol. Anyways, let us proceed with the dissection. Here is what’s inside my backpack:( from lower right, clockwise):

Pouch 1 for clothes
Pouch 2 for more clothes
Pouch for shoes and slippers
Pouch for Swimwear
Pouch Toiletry/Skin care/gadgets
Camera. Go Pro tayo kasi beach (On top of my backpack)
A smaller day bag. Though it would have been better kung ung waterproof type nalang, kasi beach eh. Next time.

—–oo——

The Breakdown:

1-2. Pouch for Clothes . Pouch 1 -clothes for super casual, beachwear and the likes, and Pouch 2 -clothes for porma and for dine outs. On other trips, I have separate pouch for semi formal/formal. Sakto lang ganitong style for quickie, business o leisure trip with friends. For long term backpacking, I have different method of packing. hihi. The Pouches, I bought lang sa 88 store. very helpful to.

3. Pouch for slippers and shoes. In Boracay, kasi kailangan porma, I brought one more sandal, not shown sa photo. lol .

4. Pouch for Swimwear. Recommend ko talaga mag rash guard sa beach, for skin protection na din. Sa brands, nothing in particular;department store- bought lang. Meron pa to goggles and ear plugs, di ko na nasali sa pic. Yung rashgard ko, may opening for the thumb to keep the sleeves in place.

5. Pouch for Toiletry/Skin Care/Gadgets . Toiletries pouch ko sa upper left. Nothing fancy. Toothpaste, conditioner, shampoo in a refillable bottle (less than 100ml). I don’t bring soap nah, body wash lang.Hassle eh. Though when I am at home, I maintain using organic soap from Myskin Origins.

Pouch for Medicine, eyedrops, and my daily fibre supplement.

Gadgets – Just Charger and spare batteries for Go pro.

The white triangle, spare plastic bag, lol, as in silopin from Gmall, pwede na. Always ako meron nito, even in my work bag.

Pouch for Skin Care, lol, dami. Ito un.

Face Mask – The cucumber mask in particular has a soothing and cooling effect to the skin; a perfect night care after a full day fiasco under the sun. I only use mask from The Face Shop; kinasanayan na.

Dermax UV Gel Sunblock for the face. I was advised by my derma to use only gel type water based sun protection, kasi I am prone to break outs. Mejo mahal, kaya for the face lang. I use a different one for the body.

Dermax Hyal C Serum. Serves as my facial moisturizer before bedtime.

Day-long Sunblock Gel from Cetaphil for the neck and body.

Alcohol in a spray type bottle. Very convenient. Refillable pa.

Eye Roll on. lol. Di ko alam bat nadala ko to, I don’t use this often.

Acne Gel Cleanser from VMV.

Lip balm with SPF 15 from Nivea.

My Favourite perfume in a small handy bottle. Walang reason not to smell fresh during travel.

This is my sun protection set. I also bring this with me during fieldworks.

So, yes basically that’s it. Haha, maarte ba? Sa skin care lng naman. Kailangan yun. Though I am fully aware that I do not have perfect smooth skin at the moment, it could have been worse if I never took care of it. Sabi nga ni Kris Aquino, oiliness is less to joblessness.

It was a fun 3 days trip to Boracay. Kulang tlga. But yes, we can always go back. Good thing Airasia Ph now offers direct flights from Davao to Caticlan/Kalibo. This means cheaper fare na for us coming from Southern Mindanao, because we do not have to pass by Manila or Cebu anymore.

Quickie weekend trip to Boracay? pwedeng pwede nah!

During our trip, we were hosted by AZALEA Hotels and Residences Boracay, in Station 2. Azalea Boracay is the only 4 star service apartment-hotel in the island. Good location, furnished kitchen on every suites,commendable services. The hotel even has a heated pool at the roof deck. Panalo! Will upload more blogs re our accommodation soon, for now, you may get in touch with at http://www.azaleaboracay.com/.

Til then. Ciao =)

Sitio Maupot Resort: A Patch of Luxury at the Foothills of Mt. Apo

Published on April 16, 2017September 23, 2017 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

A panoramic view of Mt. Apo,
The calming sound of Kabacan River below,
A fancy infinity pool just outside your suite.

Imagine waking up to that picture,and sipping your hot cup of native coffee by the pool. Very nice, isn’t it?😊

Sitio Maupot is a recently opened mountain resort, 30 minutes away from Kidapawan City. The resort already rests on the foothills of Mount Apo, that’s easily accessible (with concreted road) from the town of Magpet. The Balinese-inspired resort has commendable amenities, and the suites are tastefully designed. The outdoor spa and massage lounge faces the best view of the mountains as well. Private suite packages start at 3,500 for 2 pax. It is also worth commending that the resort gave an effort to preserve existing nature, as much as they can. Trees and natural contours of the land were largely maintained. There is even a fruit bearing guava tree in the middle of the pool. Very nice,noh? 😊 The resort is also partially solar powered.

To maintain semi-exclusivity, the resort is not listed in agoda and the likes. For inquiries, just click on the link above. Their FB page is quite responsive.
You may also Contact them at 0946-1745-495 or email sitiomaupot@yahoo.com.

Portraits : The Philippine Eagle Conservation Center

Published on January 7, 2017September 23, 2017 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

The Philippine Eagle Center Mission

The Philippine Eagle Foundation is a private, non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to saving the endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) and its rainforest habitat. Organized in 1987, it had before that time been operating as a project for research, rehabilitation, and captive breeding.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation commits to promote the survival of the Philippine Eagle, the biodiversity, and the sustainable use of our forest resources for future generations.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation
VAL Learning Village, Ruby St., Marfori Heights,
Davao City 8000 Philippines

The Philippine Eagle Center

Malagos, Baguio District
Davao City 8000 Philippines

My New Airlite Futon Comfort Bed by Uratex

Published on April 23, 2015April 23, 2015 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

Presenting my new Airlite Futon Comfort Bed by Uratex.

Airlite Futon is among the recently launched stylish portable bed series by Uratex Philippines. The bed features a 3D spacer fabric covering, a new cutting-edge technology that provides three dimensional ventilation all around the mattress.

The bed is conveniently foldable into three, with durable coated canvass material as base, to minimize dirt absorption. It also comes in a pouch for convenient storage and handling.

And as a promise of product quality, Airlite Futon is guaranteed for a period of five full years from the date of purchase against inherent defects under normal usage, thus assuring us of high quality foam.

Uratex Foam Incorporated is a home furnishing company specialized in quality beds and cushions, that are proudly Philippine made.

Uratex showroom in Davao City is located in National Road Corner. Belen Road, Brgy. Pampanga. Lanang, Davao City Get in touch with them through fb.com/UratexPhilippines and http://www.uratex.com.ph

DERMAX Laser Center and Skin Professional Opens in Davao City

Published on February 10, 2015May 18, 2015 by iamjosemanuel1 Comment

Davao’s ‘skin health and care enthusiasts’ are excited in welcoming DERMAX Laser Center and DERMAX Skin Professional to our City.

Now, Davaoeños can get to experience the latest in skin care innovations through DERMAX Laser Center’s technology-focused treatment procedures. The center specializes treatment procedures such as anti-aging, skin whitening, tattoo removal, and their highly popular Diode laser hair removal service.

DERMAX Laser Center provides science-based skin care product line, the DERMAX Professional. DERMAX Professional products are formulated by award-winning chemist, DERMAX Laser Center Founder, Chairman and CEO Mr. Fred Reyes. He is the recipient of the 2008 Achievement Award conferred by the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies, and the 2011 Outstanding Professional Award in Chemistry from the Professional Regulations Commission.

Among the center’s best are clinical-strength products such as SoGentle Gel Cleanser for your sensitive skin that is Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free, and Fragrance-Free; NanoWhite Night Essence that helps even out discolorations on the face and neck; and Pink n’ Pout that creates youthful, smoother, fuller lips with lasting results though a combination of two multi-awarded and patent-pending innovations that add volume and improve the contour of the lips.

A Travel Essential : Dermax Professional UV Active Sunscreen Photo by Mr. Ian Garcia of M Magazine — A Travel Essential : Dermax Professional UV Active Sunscreen
Photo by Mr. Ian Garcia of M Magazine

UV Milk Anti-Aging Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ has a milky touch formula and provides maximum UVA/UVB daily sun protection. UV Gel Water-Based Sunscreen SPF 30+ PA++ provides sun protection for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. And there’s the first of its kind, the sunscreen with “water-burst” technology where it is applied as lotion but will leave a cooling burst of moisture making your skin feeling fresh and moisturized. These are: UV Baby Water-Burst Sunscreen SPF 30+ PA++ that offers broad spectrum sun protection and is safe for kids and babies 6 months and older, and UV Active Water-Burst Sunscreen SPF 45+ PA+++ which is a water-resistant sunscreen perfect for those with active lifestyles.

DERMAX Laser Center held a press conference to launch its top-of-the-line clinic concept store in Seda Hotel, Davao City last February 7, 2015. Local media editors and reporters, as well as lifestyle and fashion Davao bloggers attended the press conference. Afterwards, DERMAX Laser Center opened its doors in Abreeza Mall where the ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing was graced by representatives from the local government, Abreeza Mall management, and other VIP attendees. DERMAX Laser Center Abreeza marks the skin care company’s second branch in the country.

The Dermax Professional Team with Special Guests from Davao City Council. Photo by Dermax Laser Center — The Dermax Professional Team with Special Guests from Davao City Council.
Photo by Dermax Laser Center

Dermax Laser Center's Sleek Interiors, located at 3rd Floor, Abreeza Mall, DC. Photo by Dermax Laser Center — Dermax Laser Center’s Sleek Interiors, located at 3rd Floor, Abreeza Mall, DC.
Photo by Dermax Laser Center

DERMAX Laser Centers proudly carry an inviting modern and clinical interior that is clean, simple and well-lit. It has individual treatment rooms for utmost privacy, which our discriminating clientele require. Courteous and friendly front desk personnel receive clients at the reception area. Doctors are available daily for consultation and doctor’s services. Well-versed Skin Consultants who are all fully trained nurses have years of experience in providing the best service every client deserves.

To know more about DERMAX Laser Center and DERMAX Professional products, visit our branches at the Level 3, Abreeza Mall, Davao City and Level 3, Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. You may also contact us via email at info@dermaxpro.com or check out our website at www.uniqly.net/store/DERMAX.

With the Davao Bloggers' Society. Photo by Dermax Laser Center — With the Davao Bloggers’ Society at DERMAX Professional’s Launch last Feb. 7, 2015, at Seda Hotel, DC.
Photo by Dermax Laser Center

Florenda Beach Resort : Samal’s Affordable Semi Exclusive

Published on August 9, 2014May 9, 2017 by iamjosemanuel4 Comments

I just came from a well spent – chillax Saturday outing with my Arki group at Florenda Beach Resort, in Samal Island. It was my first time to see Florenda. In fact, I’ve never heard of it until today, and haven’t came across this as well on most Samal Island resort listings. Surprisingly charming yet affordable , I thought of putting it up here for others to see this resort as one good option, among Samal Island’s beaches.

Florenda Resort is a Small scale semi – exclusive venue with just around 10-12 overnight cottages. The resort has opened its doors 4 years ago with just a few cottages and a good beach that does not go super low tide. Today, the resort now has an ample sized saltwater pool, fully developed beachfront , duplex type and Dorm type facility. The resort boasts clear shores perfect for snorkelling. Be sure to use proper swimming footwear for protection.

Florenda Beach Resort is located in Catagman ,Samal Island , sharing the same beach strip with Punta del Sol. For navigation, it is easier to find if you google map Punta del Sol. Florenda is just around 200 meters away.

Day Tour 100 pesos

Overnight Facility rates:

Good for 4 with ACU 1,700 – 2,000 ( spacious duplex type )

Good for 6 with ACU 1,800 – 2,000 (Small cottage Type )

Good for 2 with ACU 1,000 (Small cottage type )

Dorm Type Villa good for 24 pax with ACU 6,000

My Personal Rating of this place

Price Range : Affordable Resort

Taste : You have to pre-order your meals, or better yet, bring your own food. Corkage only applies on drinks. Cold Beer and drinks are available at the resort at affordable prices. a Bottle of San Mig Light only costs 30 pesos.

Place : 6.5/10 ( Clean, Well maintained. Just a simple resort. Don’t expect anything high end)

Beach : 8.5/10 ( tucked in the quiet side of Catagman, Samal. Fit for snorkeling . Expect live corals, so be sure to wear proper foot gear )

Service : 7/10 ( Nice staff . They let you use the kitchen )

The resort does not have an office here in Davao at the moment.

For reservations, you may contact the resort manager , HENRY at 0929 180 3175.

Banana Beach Resort : Tagum City’s Piece of Paradise

Published on July 20, 2014March 29, 2017 by iamjosemanuel1 Comment

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to join Davao Blogger Society’s visit to Hijo Estates in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, where Banana Beach Resort is located. I’ve heard nice things about this exclusive resort tucked in a quiet corner of Tagum City. My expectations were not failed.

The resort used to be a part of a 2000+ hectares of banana and coconut plantation, until recently, the family owners saw the land’s potential for Tourism.

What’s unique about this resort community is how well the designers preserved the existing plantation landscape as it is. It was architecture that adapted to the existing contours of the land, and not the other way around, which is very admirable. The resort is actually just a small patch of development situated at the beachfront, surrounded by the existing hectares green filtering all the city noise away. As part of their amenities,the resort reserved hectares of untouched land, for guests to enjoy leisurely canopy walks up the lush forest.

Calm , quiet, exclusive ! Thats how I see Banana Beach Resort in mind.

Actual Shots shared from http://www.bananabeachdavao.com . Credits to the Owner

The Infiniti Pool — The Infinity Pool http://www.bananabeachdavao.com/

the Canopy Walk up the forest grounds . http://www.bananabeachdavao.com/

Sample Dish. Deep Fried Catfish http://www.bananabeachdavao.com/

A Local Chicken Delicacy http://www.bananabeachdavao.com/

The Accommodations

Air Conditioned Casita http://www.bananabeachdavao.com/

Cabin-style, air conditioned accommodations for overnight stay.

No. of Units	No. of Persons	Weekday Rate	Weekend Rate
6	2-4	PhP 5,000	PhP 6,000

*Additional guest(s) is charged PhP 700/person.

Al Fresco Casita http://www.bananabeachdavao.com/

Native-inspired, non-air conditioned accommodations for day use or overnight stay.

	No. of Persons	Weekday Rate	Weekend Rate
Al Fresco		PhP 1,800	PhP 2,500
Single (2)	2-4	PhP 2,800	PhP 3,500
Family (7)	4-6	PhP 3,800	PhP 4,500

*Inclusive of breakfast for two and unlimited use of infinity pool.

*Additional guest(s) is charged PhP550/person

_____00_____

Consumable Pass === Standard Rate Php 750/head

Valid for one(1) whole day.

Unlimited use of infinity pool.

Fully consumable on food and drinks, activities, equipment & other facilities.

_____00_____

Getting To Tagum is just an hour to an hour half ride from Davao City via private car. Vehicle arrangements can also be made through Hijo Estate office at Damosa Complex, Davao City.

For Inquiries ,

+63 917 633 7019
+63 999 885 0031
+63 999 885 0032
+63 82 282 3662
+63 82 282 3757

Banana Beach Resort
Hijo Plantation
Brgy. Madaum, Tagum City
Davao del Norte

Tricks on Getting Up Early

Published on July 18, 2014July 19, 2014 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

Getting up early in the morning can be quite a challenge , especially if you are not used to it since dawn of time. Count me in for that matter . But just moments ago, I came across this Article on tricking your senses to get up early in the morning, and I actually find every recommendation quite logical and possibly effective.

Getting up early is probably the best push to do better, and be more productive for the rest of the day.

Hope this inspires everyone, as it did to me =)

Image Source : http://www.iam-architect.com/ Credits to the owner

Whats Inside My Travel Backpack ?

Published on May 10, 2014January 28, 2016 by iamjosemanuel1 Comment

Thought of sharing with you what nitty gritty things I usually bring with me when I travel. Just hand carry , Ive never done “checked in luggage” so far, since I started traveling solo. Travel light, travel smart lang ang style !

Here are my stuff =)

My backpack . just around 45 L , with a metal back support. inside this, I have a small sling bag , for my camera , notebook, and other stuff i carry out. As much as possible, both hands are free of anything =) i hate carrying more than one bag on long distances. — My backpack . just around 45 L , with a metal back support. inside this, I have a small sling bag , for my camera , notebook, and other stuff i carry out everyday.
As much as possible, both my hands are free of anything when i travel =) i hate carrying more than one bag on long distances.

Sleeved Shirts for cold destinations. Plain colors are usually better on picture when traveling, the printed ones are just to obvious when you have used repeatedly. hihi =) Also , I only bring cheap ones by the way (some, second hands), because there are times that i leave behind used clothes to give space for some stuff i bought along the way. Always check on the current season of your destination, to know what type of clothes to bring. The time I went to Nepal, it was Spring of 2014, sleeved clothes were a big help. and Since it was cool, I never sweat a lot, so its ok to use clothes repeatedly. — Sleeved Shirts for cold destinations.
Plain colors are usually better on picture when traveling, the printed ones are just to obvious when you have used repeatedly. hihi =)
Also , I only bring cheap ones by the way (some, second hands), because there are times that i leave behind used clothes to give space for some stuff i bought along the way.
Always check on the current season of your destination, to know what type of clothes to bring. The time I went to Nepal, it was Spring of 2014, sleeved clothes were a big help. and Since it was cool, I never sweat a lot, so its ok to use clothes several times. No time for arte arte.

convertible pants to shorts. very ideal to bring, because personally, i only carry clothes good for 10-12 days for a month journey. Usually, i just wash the light ones along the way, or just donate or leave them behind, to free up some space for souvenir shirts =) — convertible pants to shorts. very ideal to bring, because personally, i only carry clothes good for 10-12 days , for a month journey. Usually, i just wash the light ones along the way, or just donate or leave them behind, to free up some space for souvenir shirts =)

Rolled underwear, placed inside a sipped fabric pouch, which also serves as my pillow. I don't carry a neck pillow anymore since it uses up a lot of my bag. — Rolled underwear, placed inside a zipped fabric pouch, which also serves as my pillow. I don’t carry a neck pillow anymore since it uses up a lot of my bag.

quick dry gym towel 12" x 24" , and a quick dry face towel. — quick dry gym towel 12″ x 24″ , and a small quick dry face towel. But i rarely use the gym towel, the small one is already enough for me

My passport, a small pouch for documents , and a tiny pen. Always carry a pen when traveling. More often, you have to fill up some forms for international airports. Also, I carry with my a small notebook for expense tracking, and also just for taking notes of foreign sounding name of food,. — My passport, a small pouch for documents , and a tiny pen. Always carry a pen when traveling. More often, you have to fill up some forms for international airports.
Also, I carry with me a small notebook for expense tracking, and also just for taking notes of foreign sounding name of things I encounter. Another thing, it is recommended to keep a few photocopies of your passport. Leave one on your big bag, one on your handcarry sling , and also if you have companions, give one copy to them, just for safety.

padlocks always come handy for backpackers. usually dorms have lockers but you have to rent a lockset if you do not have one. The yellow triangles are folded plastic bag , just in case i need some.

Mini Sewing Kit. Though i never used this so far. But the pins and mini scissor has been a help.

My Toiletry pouch. just around 7"x7". I usually carry toiletries in sachets (shampoos, deo) so it lessens my load as i consume it. Wet tissues are always refreshing, especially when visiting hot humid areas. — My Toiletry pouch. just around 7″x7″.
I usually carry toiletries in sachets (shampoos, deo) so it lessens my load as i consume it. A small bottle of Sunblock spf 50. a sachet of insect repellant. etc
Wet tissues are always refreshing, especially when visiting hot humid areas.

Anti microbial socks ( odorless) which can be used more than once.

mini tripod. monopod. The big tripods are not allowed for airline hand. When I backpack, I never purchase check in luggage, to save on ticket cost. 1 backpack is just enough with a month journey for me. My Monopod got stolen by the way, when I was in Agra. =(

medicine pouch. tummy aches, irritable bowel , Vitamins, and nasal allergy spray.

invest in a good compact universal adaptor

As a solo backpacker, I really make an effort to do research before hand. I also study the locations of the sites I want to visit, and If it walkable from a train station or a famous landmark accessible by cheap public transpo. Taxi is always my last option. =) As seen in this photo , I print outed out walking maps from google, which was really helpful, and also easier for locals to assist you with directions. Lucky if you get to have a real map for free. But usually, google maps area OK. Also as shown, print out my online tickets , and at the back of it, I print the hostel booking i have in that area of destination, to save up paper. — As a solo backpacker, I really make an effort to do research before hand. I also study the locations of the sites I want to visit, and If it is walkable from a certain train station or a famous landmark accessible by cheap public transpo. Taxi is always my last option. =) As seen in this photo , I print out walking maps from maps.google.com , which is really helpful, and also easier for locals you ask along the way to assist with directions. Lucky if you get to have a real city map for free. But usually, google maps are already OK. Google Maps application for android would be more ideal , if you have data plan with you when in travel.
Also as shown, I print out online tickets , and at the back of it, I print the hostel booking i have in that area of destination, to save up paper.

So far, these are my usual travel essentials , which could fit into a 45 L carry on backpack , good for a month journey . Traveling light has always been my priority, and I do not bring laptop, my wifi ready smartphone is already enough. I also do not bring a professional’s DSLR, just one high res. Digital Camera.

Do you have other travel essentials in mind? Feel free to add up some items you carry , that are not on my list. Your thoughts are welcome =)