Leather Jacket

I always wanted to have a leather jacket hanging in my closet and of course to wear and style. With keen eyes for thrift shopping, I finally got a hold of one without having to spend so much. I love it to pieces.

Here are a few looks I came up with:

Mystic End of the World: Siquijor

After about a month of saving and researching about Siquijor, I have finally made it there. I find it funny that it was my first time to go there because of the fact that I lived previously in Dumaguete for 5 years which is just an hour away and I only had this chance to discover the island when I'm already based back in my hometown.

I took the mystic trip with my sister and college friends (my Orc family) who are by far the coolest people I've traveled with. We were on tight budgets so Siquijor was the perfect destination since the place was not that expensive; just the right spot for backpacking.

We planned to catch Delta's first trip for the day which leaves at 7:30 am, we arrived at the pier around 7. Upon arriving at the ticketing booth, one of their crew said the first schedule was already fully booked, good thing the other guy at the counter gave us chance passenger tickets. Delta is a fast craft vessel, so it only takes 1 hour to get to Siquijor from Dumaguete.

St. Francis of Assissi Church

Welcome to the mystic island!

Waiting tricycles ready for tours around the island

8:30 was the exact docking time at Siquijor, Siquijor, so we had so much time ahead of us. My first impression as I disembarked the boat-- crystal clear clean blue water that I could jump right then and there. I didn't do that though since we still had motorcycle rental to think about so we could get around the tourist spots easily. Just outside the port, there are a variety of motorcycles for rent. First, we went to Daustrum to get 3 motorcycles, however, they only had one left for us to rent and we acquired the rest of the two along the street from an organized group of habal-habal drivers who were also nice enough to let us borrow their map since the tourist booth was closed for the weekend. The rental was only PhP 350 per day or PhP 25 per hour which is way cheap compared to other places I've been to. We stopped at a gas station along the way. Note: they only have 2 real gas stations; those planning to get around by driving themselves should pay attention for gas stands along the highway with gasoline in 1 liter soda bottles in case your tanks run out.

The crystal clear blue water at the Siquijor port

There's a beach by the port! Wow!

We went searching for our place to stay right after filling our tanks with gas. Driving to the next municipality of San Juan took only about 20 minutes. Most hotels and resorts were situated there. We had 3 tents reserved at Lorna's End of the World. Interesting name for beachfront rooms, eh? I think it's pretty cool ; a  name that sticks to your head because it's unique and catchy. I only discovered this place a day before going to Siquijor through a link my sister gave me. Seeing the tents for rent at 200 good for 2 people and the positive reviews were very attractive so I had our stay reserved by texting ate Lorna (the owner). While driving around to look for the place, we didn't see it right away because the sign board was not very legible but the yellow painted wall caught my attention and I knew that was it. Ate Lorna's original beachfront rooms unfortunately caught fire last year, good thing they managed to build it again. When we arrived, ate Lorna welcomed us warmly like we knew each other for a long time. She's very friendly and accommodating. I never encountered any owner of lodgment as nice as her. Lorna's End of the world is perfect for backpackers, especially for us who were extremely on tight budgets. Aside from the tents there are 4 beachfront rooms with kitchen at only 500 for 2 persons. Another plus about this place is even though we just rented the tents cooking our own meal was still free (cooking was part of the freebies along with fire by the beach and card games-- just what we need for island life). We bought ingredients at a nearby grocery store and we were good to go. Ate Lorna was even so kind to give us oil and dishwashing soap. We felt so at home treated like her family. 

Lorna's End of the World

Our comfortable abode by the beach

The map was very useful for our excursion, especially when we were going around on our own, of course a little asking around was pretty handy too. Our first stop was the Capilay Spring Park just a few minutes drive from Lorna's End of the World. It's a public spring pool, hence it's for free. A group of local kids were around enjoying the water. It's very accessible being located just at the highway right in front of the municipal gymnasium.

Right after, we drove to Lugnason Falls which was absolutely left as naturally as it is except for a few bamboo seats. It was a serene place with cool and clean blue water. Of course, we took a dip, it was too hard to resist since no one else was there except us, we had the pool all to ourselves.

Lugnason Falls

The water was so inviting

The Enchanted Balete Tree was our next destination. It's also situated along the highway, so it's not so hard to find. There's a pool of water from the spring right below the huge old tree. When we arrived, the owner of the place asked us to log in for tourism documentation and asked for a donation of any amount. She told us the tree has been there for over 400 years and she added there was a previous tourist during the day with a third eye open who saw spirits by the tree, which kind of creeped us out but that wasn't enough to scare us from taking pictures by the roots of the tree. While hanging around, we had fish foot spa at the pool.

4 Ceturies Old Balete Tree 

Fish foot spa

This time, we were headed to a historical/cultural attraction, the St. Isidore Church and Convent. The exterior and interior structures are well preserved. Like most old churches around the country, the walls are made of coral stones while furnishings are of local hardwood.

Picturesque view of St. Isidore Church

Afterwards, we were off to the island's most famous falls-- Cambugahay Falls. We had to step down 132 steps to reach it. There were a lot of people enjoying the cool water of the stream for the weekend, locals and tourists alike. 

Cambugahay Falls

Our last stop for the day was Salagdoong Beach. It was pretty packed with people that we weren't able to settle ourselves right away, we had to wait for a cottage to become vacant for almost an hour. The place was great with white sand beach and cliffs for diving and sliding. We would've wanted to dive but because of the crowd, we we're not able to do that. It's most advisable to visit these tourist attractions (Salagdoong and Cambugahay Falls) on weekdays since they're less crowded.

Lyka relaxing by the beach

With my Orc family

Our original plan was to go around the island. We were supposed to drive from Salagdoong and drive ahead to the municipality of Larena until we reach San Juan town. However, the staff at the beach advised us to drive back where we came from since the other way will take us longer, approximately 2 hours travel and it was already nightfall plus not all areas in the island have street lights. It was a dark long drive back to the End of the World but the spectacular view of the moon was rewarding; turned out it was full moon that night. 

When we returned at Lorna's End of the World, ate Lorna was so sweet to tell us she had a surprise at our tent, when we opened them, it was complete with mattress, pillows, sheets, towels, tissue, and soap. We were only expecting an empty tent, so we brought with us our own sleeping bag; my friend, Lyka, was even worried she didn't bring her malong. We were so touched we kept saying our deepest thank yous to ate Lorna without end. Now, that's more than the 100 pesos each that we paid for. I'm definitely staying there every time I come to Siquijor. 

Ate Lorna's comfortable tent

With ate Lorna at the middle. Thanks for the warm stay, ate!

I've known that San Juan has an amazing sunset view, which we missed because we were only back when the moon was already up. That did not disappoint us though because the sunrise was equally breathtaking. The sky had this beautiful splash of colors, it was good to be awake and greeted by the awesome morning view.

Sunrise at the end of the world

Who wouldn't want to wake up with this view?

Siquijor, Philippines is a beautiful island kept natural and virgin. Most may have misconceptions of the place because of the stories about witchcraft but really there's nothing to be scared of, the locals we've encountered were friendly and welcoming.

We're definitely coming back

The beautiful view while driving around

I had an awesome weekend in a beautiful place with really good company. I want more of this getaways. More to come, I hope so.

Costs:

Delta fare (one-way) : PhP 160 

Motorcycle rental: PhP 350/day; PhP 25/hour 

Tent accommodation : PhP 200 for 2 pax (Lorna's End of the World)

Salagdoong entrance fee : PhP 15 + PhP 10 (motorcycle parking fee)

Salagdoong cottage : PhP 100

Lorna's End of the World

San Juan, Siquijor

09273816377

Motorcycle Rental
Charlie Tayros
09162028043

Pedicab Island Tour
Ronald Angot
09397777784

'Til Death Do Us Part : Pulp Summer Slam 13

I've been waiting for months for April 27, 2013. In fact, I thought I'd be waiting decades to see my favorite band. I always tell myself, the one band I won't ever miss seeing live if they come to the Philippines is Circa Survive and yes, I stayed true to my words.

Coming across a promotion picture of Pulp Summer Slam 13 in Facebook caught my attention when Circa Survive was right there being bold and sparkling (at least in my own vision). I thought they'd only be coming here to perform after a few more years or never ever. Seeing that little Safe Camp sign in the picture gave me chills-- they're coming to the Philippines! I told my friends who are also huge Circa fans and we bought concert tickets in a heartbeat... the rest is history.

On our way to Manila was a super dooper delayed flight and we got lost at the airport as to where to get a cab. We were so freakin' tired but we endured all these hassles just to see them and Coheed and Cambria.

04.27.13 -- 12:30 PM -- lining up for the gates. Beyond the gate was an intensive bag check. Good thing we came prepared, making sure to leave behind the sharp and pointed so we came through smoothly. Upon entrance, we were greeted by freebies! Yep, that's with an "s". Free beer, pizza, soda, bandana, sim card, and magazine. My friends and I were smiling the whole time talking about how our PhP 400 was way cheap for what we were getting at the concert. We were getting more than what we paid for.

Our coffin ticket

Freebies stubs

Local front acts were Chicosci, Philia-- with the very beautiful front woman, Arci (I went lesbo all of a sudden), and Mr. Bones (in the rain). It was pouring like hell but no rain could make us leave the most awesome spot we had. We were soaking but we didn't care because we came all the way from our little island to Quezon City just to get live musical high. We had to wait more than an hour before the international line up began since the Pulp crew had to patch things up because the rain messed up the stage.

Arci of Philia

A Skylit Drive did an awesome performance. Although it was my first time to hear their songs, I enjoyed them a lot; we even jumped along with heads banging. They were throwing drumsticks and picks after their show and because of the biggest fan (electric) before us, the bassist's pick got swept by the wind at our spot. At least we had a little souvenir. Yay!

A Skylit Drive

While A Skylit Drive was playing, we kept on hyper extending our necks to look at Anthony, Nick, Brendan, Colin, and Steve at the side of the stage getting all ready and pumped up to play.

Finally, Circa Survive live! We were in awe. I just couldn't believe my eyes and ears that they were right in front of us playing what I only used to listen to in my music player and watch in Youtube. I might sound cheesy but I don't care, it was a dream come true! Anthony kept telling the crowd, "Thanks for being nice to us, Manila!" I wanted to tell them I love them, actually I was screaming that a lot of times. We were so close to the stage that I could clearly see Anthony's blue eyes as he looked down at us as we were singing and screaming their songs. It was pure coincidence that at our spot by the stage were a lot of Circa Survive fans, making our singing more audible from the stage. Anthony kept coming back right at the area where we were, doing his signature moves. We were swept away! Woooooh! Thought they were only going to play a few songs, I only realized they played 10 when I counted them after their performance. It's cool that they played songs from all 4 albums. They opened with Act Appalled and ended with Get Out which is way too perfect. In between were Sharp Practice, Birth of the Economic Hitman, Glass Arrows, Strange Terrain, Living Together, In the Morning and Amazing, The Difference Between Medicine and Poison is the Dose, In Fear and Faith.  I hoped for these songs to be played and yes, they were granted. I'm more than satisfied and happy, I'm in musical heaven! Seeing them live was way awesome it felt unreal, I felt like dreaming. I can't wait 'til they come back or where ever in the world I might see them again. I hope I could do a meet and greet with them soon. Whoah! I'm still in dream land by this time while writing this... seriously. Hah!

Circa Survive making the sunset more awesome

Anthony and his signature moves

Nick and Brendan making the best music

I don't want excuses, I don't want apologies!

Steve and Colin perfecting the sound

Anthony and the green lights

Finally, Circa Survive in the Philippines!

Anthony!

Up next was Dragonforce (I was still floating in CS dreams. Hah!). Whoah! The shredding, shredding, and some more shredding. These guys know how to handle their guitars, I swear it was more than some good handling. They were really good!

Shredding

We waited about 30 to 45 minutes while Coheed and Cambria was setting up. I was already so tired, my feet and legs were almost giving up. Imagine standing up the whole time from 12 noon  and by this time it was already around 9 pm. Never thought I could endure it that long. These are the joys and pains of major concerts. When C&C played... whoah! We were equally swept away! They were so good, I could eat their music. Hah! And Claudio's hair... it looks so soft it enchanted me there. Welcome Home ended their performance and my... it was the best! It was the only time they walked away from their gadgets. Finally, Claudio up close!

Bye bye beautiful!

Right after C&C, we decided to finally take a seat at the bleachers. We would've wanted to stay at our spot until the end of the show but it was absolutely impossible, our feet were killing us already. When we turned around, I was amazed at how the stadium was packed with people. I didn't realize there were over 30,000 people watching. The bands kept saying that it was the biggest crowd they had to date, and I agreed after seeing the sea of people behind us. It was overwhelming to describe.

30,000 people

As I Lay Dying performing for the sea of people

We had to watch the performance of As I Lay Dying and Cannibal Corpse from afar, but it was better than not seeing them at all live. They were both awesome! I even felt a bit jealous of the people in the crowd because they really looked like they had a lot of fun. Anyway, I had my fair share earlier. That should be enough.

Windmilling is the way to go! Yeah!

On our way home, we were so tired but we could say all the hassle and costs were paid off by this great experience. It was my first time in a really huge crowd and first time to see international bands play live. Seven international bands at once, wow! What more can I ask for? I'm gonna ask for more awesome line ups like this next year and more!

At last I could scream... Yay! Finally saw Circa Survive! Amen to that!

Camotes Paradise

My friend, Hiyas, told me about a month ahead that we're going on a little trip to Camotes Island. I gladly took the offer because we haven't seen each other for years since college and I haven't been to Camotes, too. This trip was one of the things I looked forward to for this year's summer.

We rode a jeep from Cebu City to Danao which took us about an hour. However, a friend told us that if we took an earlier ride at 5 am, it won't take us longer than 45 minutes. There were 2 shipping lines at Danao port for Camotes, we took the Jomalia which left at 12:00 noon. We were supposed to take the 10:00 am schedule but we didn't make it that early. Upon arriving at the Camotes pier, the resort's service vehicle picked us up. The ride took about 15-20 minutes from the wharf to the resort.

When we arrived at Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort, I wasn't expecting much because the receiving area was very simple and modest. When we got to our room, there I realized that we were staying in a fancy resort. Their standard room is very spacious with a queen-size bed, flat screen TV, vault, mini bar, and a hot and cold shower. When we explored the resort, I saw how beautiful the place was. It boasts of fine white sand beach, clear blue water, and a big infinity pool. What I love most about the resort is it wasn't crowded, it was absolutely a great place to relax. I must say it had the right to call itself paradise because it truly was a heavenly corner of the island. I also admired how courteous, friendly, and accommodating the staff were. They also serve delicious food and drinks at a price that wouldn't put a hole in your pocket. I'd rate their service at 8 out of 10.

I had a great overnight stay at the beautiful resort of Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort. Though it was a short one, I did enjoy my stay there. Thanks to Hiyas for bringing me to this place. The sea and sand is to die for that I could bask under the sun all day and savor the wonderful view of the place. I'd recommend this resort for a fancy stay in Camotes, a great place to relax and enjoy the island. 

Analogue shots of the resort:

Costs:

Cebu City - Danao (jeep) : PhP 30
Danao - Camotes (Jomalia Barge) : PhP 180
Mangodlong Paradise Resort Standard Room : PhP 2,500

http://mangodlongparadise.com/