..another thing to tick off my bucket list
I thought this Tagaytay weekend was gonna be a typical overnight getaway. Different, yes. Boring, at times. But it kind of felt good to be disconnected even just for a little while. Wag lang tatagal ng sobra sobra. haha
We stayed at this very “Zen”-ish place called T House. Utopia indeed.
that’s their see through kitchen.. they have fantastic food by the way! :)
perfect spot for a good book, a short afternoon siesta, and a nice warm cup of tea
they even have resources available for bookworm guests
Anyway, for the spur of the moment part.. we decided to be Dora the explorers for the day and go nearer the Taal Volcano :)
We weren’t expecting this..
Sunday boatride- pero sige na nga, why not chocnut?
and certainly not this..
The roughest, most dangerous road and ride I’ve ever been on. We went horseback riding for what felt like a lifetime (sabi nila 30 minutes) in a zigzag, uphill path going to the topmost part of that mountain. My cousin, Camille even fainted when we got to the top due to the extreme heat and very intense horse ride! haha I even mentioned that since the horses were walking very near the cliffs, one stumble and it would’ve been the end of us. It was that scary, seriously. Never again- ever. haha
But for what it’s worth.. the view was absolutely breathtaking.
Well hello there Taal Volcano. You nearly cost us our lives.
Source: iamcathie
Boracay Sunset
Photography and Post Processing by: Cathie ♥ http://iamcathie.tumblr.com
It’s definitely one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I shall post a travel entry soon.
Source: iamcathie
Got to Go to Guam!
Hafa Adai! I’m finally home after my 9-day Guam trip. I needed this trip so badly after being through the most gruesome semester of my entire college life. This truly was a well deserved holiday break for me. To sum it all up, it was filled with stress-free days with my family, long hours of shopping marathons, and world cuisine at its finest. Our tour guide (my papa) knows Guam by heart so we had the best trip anyone could ever wish for. Thanks papa!
With Guam being a very small US state, there weren’t a lot of tourist spots but we got to see almost everything that it had to offer. It’s my first US trip as well so I was pretty excited. Anyway, here are some of Guam’s most popular tourist spots. Enjoy!
(warning: photo-heavy post)
Submarine Tour
A perfect view of Guam’s tropical reefs and expansive marine life. The submarine trip which lasted 35 minutes and reached almost 150feet underwater was definitely one for the books and another first for me :)
outside the Atlantis Submarine
Two Lovers Point
During the time of the Spanish rule, two star crossed lovers plunged to their deaths at this site rather than being separated. As the legend goes, the daughter of a wealthy Spanish aristocrat and Chamorro, herself the daughter of great chief, was promised, against her will, to a Spanish Captain. The disillusioned daughter, walking along the beach to calm her feelings, met and fell in love with a young Chamorro man. When the father found out about the young Chamorro and demanded that the daughter marry the Captain, she fled and met her lover near the cliff where they first met. Discovering that his daughter was gone, the father told the Captain that she had been kidnapped and Spanish soldiers were sent to bring her and the man back. Trapped on the point, the two lovers tied their hair together and plunged to their deaths rather than being separated.
This was definitely my favorite spot and I specifically requested this.
If you want to know more about the legend behind the place, here’s a link that would tell you everything that you need to know: http://www.guamportal.com/attraction/two_lovers_point.html
At present, this place is very popular for couples. They usually leave locks in the same way that the lovers locked their hair in a knot (the legend) and throw away the keys over a cliff as a sign of lasting love for each other. Others, like me, just went there for the magnificent view!
Beach Parks
This is a beach overlooking the Philippine Sea. As you can see, calling it beautiful would be an understatement. To top it all, it’s available to all the locals and tourists 24/7 for free! I wish Manila bay was as pretty as this. I could stay here forever!
Chamorro Village and Sunset at the Paseo
This was the locals’ flea market… very much like our very own Mercato Centrale and Banchetto. Here are some of their goodies!
Sunsets never fail to amaze me. What a wonderful creation! (sabay kanta ng what a wonderful world)
Fish Eye Park
As my papa would put it- instead of looking at an aquarium full of fish, this is the other way around! You are placed inside the aquarium and the fish get to observe you. I didn’t go in the aquarium itself though as I’ve seen too much fish for this trip already. I just had to take this photo! haha
Asian Bay Overlook (War in the Pacific National Memorial Park)
The War in the Pacific National Historical Park-Guam was established on August 18, 1978 to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of those participating in the campaigns of the Pacific Theater of World War II and to conserve and interpret outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values and objects on the island of Guam.
some recovered journal entries/notes by injured soldiers
Merizzo Bell Tower
The Merizo Bell tower (Kampanayum Malesso) was constructed in 1910 under the direction of Father Cristobal de Canalas to help raise the standard of living for the people of Merizo village. The tower was constructed with stone and cement and the bell was used to announce religious events, town meetings and mass. Although no longer in use today, it has been maintained and is a well known landmark to visit when in the Southern part of the Island.
Other Must See places:
Jeff Pirates Cove
A place where a perfect mix of good food, good finds and good times coexists. Apart from serving muy delicioso burgers, it also offers water activities like kiteboarding and stuff. It even has its own little museum! Here are some of the pictures..
Here’s their mini museum:
Yacht/Boat Ports of Guam
Guam Buses are lovely jubbly to look at :)
View from the Marriott Hotel
NOW FOR THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY GUAM TRIP: MAJOR SHOPPING GALORE TO THE NTH POWER!!!
In between our tour around Guam and for the rest of our trip, we had loads and loads of shopping sprees! (hey, who am i to complain? I LOVED IT!)
Yes, it was both a shopping haven and a shopping heaven for me! Good thing I had my birthday money with me or else I would’ve been really gutted to let really good things just pass HAHAHA. I found some really good buys (imagine a pretty LBD/ little black dress number for $2 at Macy’s) and I was shocked to find clothes which are cheaper there than here in Manila. Here are some of the shops. (i took really few photos as I was obviously distracted from all the shopping opportunities ahead of me)
My favorite shop, ROSS. I could be here every morning, not eat, and survive.
Some of the food that we had in a little over a week.. filipino(of course), chinese, japanese, american, thai, korean, mongolian, vietnamese AND jamaican.. plus of course some WORLD BUFFET on my birthday. Here are the highlights of our foodgasmic trip!
Cold Stone Creamery
This really is the best ice cream shop ever. I ain’t kidding. I’m obsessed over it and I don’t even like ice cream that much. It’s that good!
Jamaican Food- feast your eyes!
This dinner was really really tasty.. just enough spice for my liking. I really wish we had this in Manila :)
Korean Food (‘cause I miss the boyfriend hehehe)
Marriott Hotel Dimsum Buffet, Guam
(Home of the best dimsum I’ve ever tasted in my life and I have had a LOT)
Because there’s too much food involved on my actual birthday, I shall post it on a separate blog entry. Here it goes!
http://iamcathie.tumblr.com/post/20642621743/my-birthday-in-guam
Hope you enjoyed the pictures!
I had so much fun on this trip! I couldn’t ask for a better holiday trip. I’ll never ever forget this. Thanks papa and tita, I had the best time :)
Source: iamcathie
My Birthday in Guam
..because i just had to pose ala Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s for my birthday :) haha
Apart from the many firsts I’d gotten out of this trip, I was also able to celebrate my birthday the guam way! I totally felt like a spoiled little girl haha. For my birthday salubong,we had a very delicious home-cooked Filipino dinner at a local bar while having some booze and a karaoke showdown with my father dear.
I luckily scored 100 for my song (hindi malakas ang boses ko haha) so I got a tequila shot for free! Also, I had the chance to sing a duet with papa- loved it!
For my birthday lunch, we had a buffet meal at the Fiesta Cafe Hotel and can I just say, it was abso-friggin-lutely fantastic! At par if not better than our most famous buffet places in Manila. Here are some of my takes.. Get ready for some drool-worthy dishes :)
Luxurious Cheese Selection
Cereal, Pizza, Pasta, and more
Bread and Mongolian Corner
Cookies, Dimsum, and other entrées
Main Dishes
AND.. FOR MY BIRTHDAY CAKES!!!
Those 2 white creamy rolls at the top right corner were my favorite out of the bunch. It’s made up of white icing with brazo de mercedes layer at the middle and cheesecake at the center. YUMMY!!!
After our heavy but heavenly lunch, we had a tour around the island of Guam. Of course, I just had to have a birthday bloooper caught on cam. haha
Whoopsie! kunwari walang nangyari
I thank God for all the blessings and the people that I have in my life. He never fails. Each year just keeps on getting better and better. I truly am blessed. (04-06-12)
Source: iamcathie
“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.” -Mother Teresa
(via iamcathie)
Source: iamcathie
The Great Paradise Escape | Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Last travel entry before my “pseudo-jetsetter” mode ends and my real life as a “dentist-to-be” resumes.
Pandan Island, Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Honda Bay Tour)
Palawan is paradise, sanctuary to an amazing variety of fauna and flora found nowhere else in the world. It is blessed with incredibly awesome landscapes that astound even the most indifferent of visitors.
Palawan is the country’s biggest province and is composed of 1,768 islands and islets surrounded by a coral shelf with an exceptionally rich marine life. Its steeply sloped mountains are canopied by broad virgin forests.
(http://www.dotpcvc.gov.ph/Destinations/palawan.htm)
As I am insanely exhausted and sleepy, I’ll let the pictures speak for the beauty of this little piece of paradise from the Philippines. Here are some of my shots. Enjoy!
Estrella Falls
I finally got the chance to try photographing water in motion using a tripod (first time ko teh haha)
I am truly grateful to my uncle Nathan who is an excellent landscape photographer for teaching me the basics on slow shutter photography.
Mind you, I also had the chance to do some “serious”, and I mean SERIOUS Wildlife Photography
I love this kitty cat. I used to nurse kitties at home and wrap them in cloth back when I was still a little girl. This cat kind of reminded me of Gaga who adoooores stray cats.
I gave her a plateful of fish. I can’t help it. Being a petlover is innate in my S O U L
So anyway, here are the rest of my takes in Palawan :)
Binuatan Creations- a weaving place in Palawan 
Baker’s Kitchen, home of the best hopia and asado pao in Palawan.
TIME FOR SOME FOODGASM! :D YUM YUM YUM!
And so I wonder why I ain’t the least bit surprised on why I gained a little holiday weight. hahaha
This shall be my last travel entry for now. Must-get-back-on-my-clinic-momentum.
but.. before I forget, here are my solo shots (c/o uncle nates)
Happy Holidays again Everyone!
Source: iamcathie
Going Back in Time | Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
Situated along Bagac, Bataan near Mt. Samat is a living picture of the Philippines during the Spaniards’ regime.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a unique, modern resort made up of 27 old and restored houses situated in the middle of Bataan. It’s a refreshing change from the overly populated streets in Manila and the more popular Intramuros and Vigan. 
Almost every corner of the entire vicinity is filled with very picturesque stuff. The place in itself is a piece of historical architecture. Apart from its overpriced fees, I can say that it is worth visiting the place even just for a daytrip. I would rather go somewhere else to eat or stay the night in.
One thing that amazed me about this place was the amount of vintage finds that I saw. It’s really something.
Of course, this daytrip wouldn’t be complete without a photo-op with my gorgeous cousins. Here ya go! pose.point.shoot!
My turn! :D
Source: iamcathie
10 Reasons why Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth
1) It’s the only place on earth where a mouse is huge yet cute and oh-so-adorable.
Plus, a sparkling Christmas?? Where else can you get that!? hahaha
2) Hello?! Spanish-FILIPINA-Chinese Pocahontas na matakaw, anyone? hahaha
3) It’s a small, colorful, happy world after all.
4) Everyone is free to be a kid again.
5) One gets to blow pixiedusts with Tinkerbell and enter a giant toyland :D
6) Jaw-dropping parades. It’s absolutely Fantabulous.
7) Hide and Seek through caves. Rafts. Boats. Elephants!
8) Baby Tarzan and The Lion King Musical- definitely a must-see.
9) Christmas cheers, life-size candy canes, elves, snow fairies, and SNOW!
10) The best fireworks display with the most beautiful foreground I have ever laid eyes on. Nuff said.
* saying that though, my happiest place on earth would always be the place where my heart is- wherever that may be. ;)
Asia’s Little Las Vegas, Macau (a personal favorite)
A day in Macau is just not enough. I am absolutely amazed by this place. It is an equal mix of rich culture and prosperity in its essence. I am dreaming of my next return as I post this travel entry.
shots at the airport as we waited for our tour guide for more than an hour
First stop: Macau’s famous St Paul’s Ruins
(the most popular tourist spot in Macau)
After going to the ruins, we then went to A-Ma Temple. This place is basically an overview of Macau’s well preserved culture and heritage.
Beside the temple was a street very resemblant of our own quaint Vigan. Situated on that street was a food shop where we bought local delicacies (taste all you want). I was stuffed! There was even free water! Life is good.
Whoever said that nothing in life is free obviously haven’t been here.
Gondola ride in Asia. Just Wow.
After our appetizing foodtrip, we had our dinner at The Venetian Macao, modeled after its sister resort in Vegas, The Venetian. It is the largest single hotel building in Asia and the largest casino in the WORLD. Beat that Resorts World. haha
As for the nightlife in macau..well,it ain’t called Asia’s Little Las Vegas without a reason..
Até a próxima, Macao. I shall be back.
Source: iamcathie
2012 | Hongkong Wanderlust
I definitely ended my year with a bang. December was a pretty busy month for me- loaded with family travels and whatnots.
With this, I share with you my first travel photography post.
(warning: really photoheavy post)
Hongkong at Night
Hongkong - been there and all that. That place will always be one to remember for me. It has marked my independence as my very first flight alone (I was only 18 back then) had its stopover there. I’ve been to this place a couple of times already but I’ve never been out of the airport because it usually takes only 2 hours to wait for travel stops on my flight to or from England so I wasn’t graced with ample time to really explore the place.
Day and Night
After a few mishaps at the airport and at the hotel(on a positive note, we got an upgrade to a penthouse suite out of it), I can say that I finally got the chance to get a feel of the real beauty of Hongkong.
Hongkong for me is a mix of Manila traffic with a feel of United Kingdom. I might have a slight dislike over some of the people’s demeanor there (except for our new found friend, Cherry Chong- Hi Cherry if you’re reading this) but it still didn’t stop me from liking the modern, clean, and busy feel of the place.
Here are some photos from my trip :)
This photo was taken from a bus passenger’s vantage point (me,that is.)
random airport and street photos
This trip has also been a great bonding opportunity for me, my father, and the rest of the family.
My favorite and most unforgettable place in the entire trip, the Hongkong Skyline.
I didn’t mind paying a little extra for this experience and I even managed to conquer my mini fear of heights. haha
It was totally worth it. I’d go back and see this specific place in a heartbeat.
A trip to Hongkong would not be complete without passing by the night market.
Hongkong people are definitely nocturnals, I would say.
There.. I leave this buena mano travel post with our tired but happy feet.
Source: iamcathie
Believe it or not, these fireworks were shot with my eyes literally closed haha. I was so scared of the firecrackers that I just fixed the setting that I wanted and clicked away. I’m a wuss like that. (only on new year’s eve) haha
Source: iamcathie.tumblr.comfire
My take on the breathtaking fireworks display at Disneyland Hongkong
Thank You 2011 for being great. Hello 2012, can’t waiiiiit!
Happy New Year everyone :D
Source: iamcathie
too busy to post our travel pics.. will try to do it AS SOON AS I CAN :D
I WISH I HAD THESE CAMERAS AS A COLLECTION (taken at a shop in Hongkong)
Source: iamcathie
