Posts

The Quiet Bravery of Going Alone

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There's  quiet courage in going through something even when it doesn't happen as you imagined. The original plan was shared. A trip with a friend, a familiar face beside you in unfamiliar streets. But life shifts. People need to be elsewhere. And suddenly, you're faced with a choice: wait for the perfect timing... or go anyway.   Going alone doesn't always mean loneliness. Sometimes, it means finally listening to your own pace. Taking up space without explaining why. Being still in a new place, with no one to ask "what's next?" There's a strange beauty in that. It's in the moment you arrive and realize no one's waiting for you. In the way you set up your tripod like an old friend. In the quiet confidence of asking directions in a language that isn't yours, but trying anyway.  In the way strangers smile when you say good morning, and for once, you really feel it. (The tour guide from a different group took this photo because he saw that I wa...

A Heartfelt Message to My Best Friend, Dayana!

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For Dayana, with love.   My dearest Dayana, Meeting you in 2019 feels just like yesterday. I still remember the first time I saw you— in our dressmaking class, wearing that light blue striped polo dress, your short hair, your quiet, shy presence. Something in me said, “I want her to be my friend.” I befriended your friends  (our classmates) first  to get closer to you. And when we finally clicked, it felt so easy. Milk tea dates after class—though I didn’t even like milk tea at first. (It hurt my tummy, remember?) It was you who introduced it to me. We were in sync, sometimes even unknowingly twinning our outfits— like some kind of telepathy in styles. Then the pandemic hit, and life stretched the distance. Four years apart. But when we finally saw each other again, nothing had changed. We travelled, and besides Hermann, you are my best travel buddy. Sometimes we had weird trips that fit each other's souls. swam in the shallow waters of Lapu-Lapu, partied in Cebu City, ...

Majestic Siquijor✨ (A Quiet Kind of Magic)

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( church near the pier)                      (Lazi Church) Oh, Siquijor. You are beauty wrapped in mystery. Clear, crystal waters that sparkle under the sun like scattered diamonds. Quiet roads, clean air, and the kindest smiles from strangers who feel like old friends. (Lazi Convent) Cambugahay Falls—what an experience. Cool, fresh water cascading into turquoise pools, swinging into it like a kid again, laughing like the world had paused just for that moment. (Pier in Siquijor) There’s something about you, Siquijor— a stillness, a sacredness, a kind of magic that words can’t hold. You don’t try to be beautiful. You just are. Untouched. Unbothered. Unforgettable. (view of the Lazi Church from the Lazi Convent) Take me back. To slow mornings, salt in my hair, and sunsets that paint the sky in gold. To the feeling of not needing anything else, just being there was enough. _kenny🖤

BOHOL

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I was 6 years old when I first saw a photo of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. I remember being so curious if they looked the same in real life—and even wondered if they were actually made of chocolate (haha, the innocence of childhood, right?). I technically visited Bohol back in 2018, but I don’t really count that one. It was a quick work-related trip, less than 24 hours, and I barely saw anything. No beach, no sights, no real Bohol experience .  Fast forward to December 16, 2024—I finally got that chance. A full 7-day vacation in Bohol. No rush, no work. Just pure relaxation and adventure. (chasing sunset at Island View Beachfront Resort) (Guwaon Cave, Bilar, Bohol) Of course, I visited the iconic Chocolate Hills, and yes—they are just as magical (if not more) in person.  I met the tiniest, most adorable creatures at the Tarsier Conservation Area. Seeing them was surreal.  I also got a glimpse of the Loboc River from the bridge. Even from above, the green water looked so...

First time in Palawan | December 2023

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Before, when I thought of Palawan, I imagined paradise—beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and nature untouched by time. It has always been one of those dream destinations I kept in the back of my mind, hoping that one day I’d get the chance to experience it. That "one day" finally came in December 2023. (bf took this photo early in the morning outside our resort room at The Nest El Nido Beach Resort.) I was lucky enough to set foot in Palawan for the first time, and it was everything I imagined—and more. From the moment I arrived, we were greeted by warm smiles, fresh sea breezes, and an overwhelming sense of calm. I took lots of photos and videos to capture every moment, every breathtaking view, and every small detail that made the experience unforgettable. (Sabang, Puerto Princesa, Palawan) We explored some of the most well-known destinations. Although some of them are closed because of the weather conditions, like the famous U...

The Wonders of Albay's Heart

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There's something truly magical about Albay, a place that feels like it beats with its own rhythm. Settled in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, Albay is more than just a destination, it's an experience. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, there's always something to discover, something to love, and something that will leave you in awe. At the heart of Albay is its most famous gem: Mayon Volcano. Known for its perfect cone shape, Mayon is not just a stunning sight,  it is a symbol of  Albay's beauty and resilience. Seeing it in person is like stepping into a postcard. On clear days, the volcano stands tall against a bright blue sky, a picture of perfection. But even when clouds drift around its peak, an air of mystery makes you want to keep staring. For me, it's more than just a landmark, it's a reminder of nature's incredible power and artistry. And let's not forget the food! If you visit Albay, you have to try their famous Bicol Express....

Visiting Thailand: My First International Trip

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There's something magical about the phrase "first international trip." It carries an air of excitement, a touch of nervousness, and a sense of boundless curiosity. For me, that adventure began on July 20, 2024, when I boarded a Philippine Airlines flight to Thailand. It was a night flight, and I landed in Bangkok at midnight. The experience with the Immigration Officer (IO) was smooth, despite my initial worries, and before I knew it, I was officially in Thailand! My first full day in Bangkok started with a visit to Wat Pho, home to the iconic Reclining Buddha. Words can barely describe the awe I felt standing before this massive golden figure. It's a sight that demands not just your eyes but also your heart. Unfortunately, the weather had its own plans, it started pouring rain. While I had envisioned exploring more of the temple grounds, I decided to head back to my hotel.  The next day was all about relaxation. I spent the morning by the pool with a cold beer in han...