POSTCARDS FROM PARADISE

(Triangl Bikini similar here/ Aldo Sandals/ Thrifted Sunnies)

Sunday's always meant Rest and Relaxation to me and there's no better way to give yourself a break than a trip to the beach. I've always wanted to visit Samal Island since my last trip to Davao last July and never really got the chance since we had loads of work to do that time, but I made sure that the next time I headed back, I wouldn't pass up the chance to go to Samal.

So thankful that my friends took me to Paradise Island in Samal Island, where we did nothing but chill and swim and eat and walk around. It was just so relaxing. Not to mention that it only took about 15 minutes to get here from Davao City, getting here didn't stress us out one bit. We rode a cab to the port and it only took us around 5 minutes then rode the boat for around 10 minutes and voila...white sand, blue waters and sunny skies were welcoming us with open arms.

Writing about this makes me miss the place so much and I can't wait to go back really soon.

If you get the chance to visit Davao, make sure to set aside a beach day and head on over to Samal Island for that much needed break from the concrete jungle.

Much Love,

TL

SHOP TRIANGL

FEELING YOUNG WITH AMANZI

For about 15 years, swimming always meant endless laps, hard work, pushing ourselves to the limit everyday and a slight nervous breakdown come competition day. We never really saw the pool as a place where we can just chill, have a snack and play around, until now.  We've all retired from competitive swimming for a couple of years now and this was the first time my roommates/best friends/teammates/rivals/sisters and I are in one pool, together again.

So glad that Amanzi swimwear made this whole experience possible for us to bond and catch up, brighten up our day and made us feel like kids again. I love how the suits allow swimmers to express themselves and how it breaks out from the traditional designs (that makes us feel like boys sometimes).

The thin straps also help make us look more lady-like and  help make it lighter on the shoulder for swimmers so that it doesn't hurt when worn for a long time. The higher cut of the suit flatters the figure and makes the legs look longer. Everything about this suit makes me feel better and excited to do laps now that I can look more fashionable and swim fast at the same time.

You can check their Facebook site here, and their Instagram account here.
They are also available at Aqatx store, Level 2, Glorietta 3, Makati.

Wishing you all a bright and colorful day!

DAMIER

(Mango Top from Zalora, Zara Leggings, Parisian flats from the SM Store, Louis Vuitton Hampstead Damier Bag, Thrifted Sunnies)

These days I've been so lazy to exert effort in making my hair look pretty since it's grown quite a bit long so I just tie it in a bun and add a bit of hairspray to keep my curly ends tame. I've also developed a bit of fascination to white boxy tops and I feel like you'll be seeing a lot more of them soon. Loving how comfortable these leggings are with the little gold zip detail that instantly gives it a hint of class. I also have quite a few of these pointy flats that my mom sent over. I didn't expect to be using them so much but I have! Alongside with these pieces is my trusty Damier Hampstead bag from Louis Vuitton that I pair with my neutral/ black and white outfits-- it instantly gives the plain outfit the pop it needs.

What do you think about this look?

POSTCARDS FROM OSLOB AND SUMILON ISLAND

It really is true when people say that the best trips are the spontaneous ones. I have never been more proud to say that it really is more fun in the Philippines, as this trip to Oslob and Sumilon was such a great experience, and won't burn a hole in your pocket. 

Swimming with the whale sharks was not terrifying at all in spite of the fact that they were twice, thrice or four times as big as I was and that I could fit in their mouth easily. They were the most gentle and beautiful creatures and watching them be was a bucketlist moment.
As we were approaching the area with the whale-sharks my driver (who went with me on this trip) started to get nervous as he saw them but I was just awestruck at how lovely they were and I couldn't wait to swim with them. It's too bad that we weren't allowed to touch them since they were sensitive but I'd have to agree with the rules to protect the marine animals. (Disclaimer: it may seem like I'm touching the whale-sharks in some pictures but I am actually 4 metres away from them and it is just an illusion).

Beside the whale shark area was a tiny island with crystal clear waters called Sumilon. We rode a boat going there and it took us 20 minutes or less to get to the place and the view was majestic. Who knew that if we just went around the Philippines more, that we could experience so much happiness and witness so much wonder rather than having to spend thousands and thousands of bucks looking for happiness in other places?

I'll close by stating that it indeed is more fulfilling to spend your money on memories instead of material things.

THANKFUL-- Postcards from our Anniversary

 Spent this morning going to the mountains with Javi since today is our first year anniversary. We packed some lunch and wine, chocolates and chips and drove to the mountains-- it couldn't have been more perfect. We listened to music and marveled as the green mountainous panorama met the incandescent skyline.

It's days like these that I'm glad I'm alive.