October 6, 2019 Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Taguig is a city where progress is rapid and continuous. There goes some of the metro's most upscale properties, malls and clubs. As a matter of fact, when someone invites us to Taguig, most of us already think that we're going to Bonifacio Global City aka BGC like it's the only place in the city. And most of us are not knowledgeable about the other side of Taguig, that there's more to it than BGC.
I found it rather fascinating considering that even if there are many illegal settlers and Grab car drivers avoid the other side of Taguig because of the reported crimes in the area, the city still keeps its efforts to strike a balance between the old and the new.
To end the negative notions about Taguig, the city officials launched the Taguig Probinsyudad Bus Tour where they take residents and tourists to the off-the-beaten paths for free until December 2019. The tour includes visiting historical spots. This is their way to promote the city's tourism and let others discover its beauty. More than that, the main goal of this tourism program is to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation on the city's culture and traditions.
The tour takes about 5-7 hours to complete the itinerary with ten (10) places to visit.
MERCADO DEL LAGO
First stop is Mercado Del Lago. This is a floating restaurant by the lake that opened in 2018.
PLAZA QUEZON
This is located at Sta. Ana, Taguig City. The plaza is the only one built to honor President Manuel L. Quezon when he was still in the service as President of the Philippines. This plaza also serves as a venue for “Buwan ng Wika” events.
ST. ANNE CHURCH
This church is just across the Plaza Quezon. It was built in 1587 and is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. This has survived many natural disasters since.
PLAZA BONIFACIO
Like Plaza Quezon, this place also served as a venue for graduations and other celebrations for special occasions.
DAMBANANG KAWAYAN
It's just across the Plaza Bonifacio. Its altar, wall sidings, ceiling and benches are made of pure native bamboo.
MANILA AMERICAN CEMETERY
This cemetery was established in 1944. There's a total of 17,206 graves, making it the largest cemetery in the Pacific for U.S. personnel killed during World War II and also holds war dead from the Philippines and other allied nations.
LIBINGAN NG MGA BAYANI
This is where 33,520 Filipinos who sacrificed their lives for the country during the World War II are buried. Some Presidents, dignitaries and personnel of the Philippine military are also buried here.
The dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried here in 2016, same year after President Rodrigo Duterte took office. It was the most controversial issue that year.
VETERANS MUSEUM
This is one of the most historical sites in the city. It features war stories as interpreted by life-sized montages and retold by different art forms including film showing.
It is the only museum in our country that shows World War II in form of tableau on the daily lives of Filipinos.
BLUE MOSQUE
This religious center located at Maharlika Village, Taguig City, is also a socio-civic meeting place for both Filipino and foreign Muslims. It houses a conference room, three madrasa classrooms, a Library, Clinic, Secretariat and Imam Office. The geometrical design of this building is a multi-cross patterned after the CORDOVA in Spain (Cordova means Church).
TAGUIG INTEGRATED URBAN FARM
Before turning it to an integrated urban farm, it was a dumpsite. Everything they grow here is organic. I really like the different kinds of urban-farming setups—from gardens that showcase space-saving vertical farming, to wooden rack and pole gardens.
Indeed, there's more to Taguig than BGC. Apart from being one of the most leading and fastest progressive city in Metro Manila, there also lie untold stories, history even, that are yet to be discovered by many. Take this opportunity to tour for free while it's there. Taken the road less traveled is not that bad at all.
If you want to avail the tour, you may contact Taguig City's Facebook Page here.
October 1, 2019 Hong Kong
When it comes to traveling, the first thing that 'grammers and b/vloggers look for is the Instagrammable spots in the place. And I am guilty of it.
Before we got to Hong Kong Disneyland, I wasn't really worried about the spots where I'll take my ootds for my blog and Instagram because it's a theme park and hey, it's Disneyland. But when we arrived, lo and behold, people are everywhere. Good thing, there are some IG-worthy spots in Hong Kond Disneyland that aren't crowded.
If you want to buy IG likes or just grow organically, here are the most Instagrammable spots in Hong Kong Disneyland that will make your content thumbstopping:
PASTEL PINK STORE
For the pink lovers like me, this place is for you! I was so happy when I saw this Instagramable spot in Hong Kong Disneyland because it matches my outfit. It's located just a few steps from the second entrance of Disneyland.
Read also: What to wear to Disneyland
GOOD AND FIND GIFTS STORE
This store is perfect because it's a combination of classy and vintage look. It reminds me of old theaters. This is located near the castle and the spot where musicians perform. It's definitely a great Instagrammable spot in Hong Kong Disneyland.
THE ENTRANCE
Of course, the entrance. This could be your substitute to the famous Disneyland castle. When we went to Hong Kong Disneyland, the castle was under construction and as of posting time, it still is. Too bad. But like I said, there are many spots you can take pictures at, sometimes, better.
September 25, 2019 Batanes, Philippines
While the scenic views of Batanes continue to captivate my heart, Ivatan cuisine is also something worth going for.
When visiting a new place, my not so adventurous foodie self always make sure to try their local dishes as much as possible because what's traveling when you don't experience it like a local? So to help you feel more like a local when visiting Batanes, I've rounded up a list of must-try Ivatan dishes.
LUÑIS
It's a traditional recipe of pork cooked with just rock salt. It is then stored in jars drowning in its own lard. This is the Ivatans' way of preserving pork. Luñis is quite similar to dried pork adobo. This is best served with supas (turmeric rice), another Ivatan specialty.
I also tried the unconventional sinigang na luñis and it's undeniably delicious!
PICADILLO A BAKA
This Batanes dish is usually prepared after butchering a cow. It is served to those who helped in preparing the cow. Mostly served with nisuhad a wakay or boiled sweet potato.
UVED BALLS
It's the Ivatans' version of meatballs. Uved balls are made from banana corm and minced pork. If you really want to try Ivatan cuisine, this should be on your list.
Photo by Opal E. Bala
ARAYU (MAHI-MAHI)
During the time I was in Batanes, I didn't see a live arayu, only the dried ones. But from searching on the internet, I was amazed at how beautiful it looks like. It's a mix of gold and hues of blue and green. In Batanes, harvesting this fish is a part of a sacred tradition called kapayvanuvanua. Up to this day, the Ivatans still practice it to gain the favors of the sea. They believe that it will protect them from the sea and will give them an abundant catch.
VUNUNG
I already mentioned this on my previous post. Although Vunung is not really a dish, it's one thing that you must try when in Batanes. Vunung is the Ivatans' traditional way of serving food. They wrap the meal on Kabaya leaves. Usually, these are served on special occasions like weddings where people help hand in hand in the preparations without compensation.To me, this is the best way to try and appreciate the Ivatan cuisine.
Have you tried any Ivatan dishes? What's your favorite? Let me know on the comments box below :)
September 20, 2019
One of the most important part of the wedding is the entourage. And if you are looking for dresses for the bridesmaids, you've come to the right place.
I recently found this online clothing shop named AW Bridal. They have been in the wedding industry for over ten years, providing attainable bridal dresses, accessories and wedding decors for vintage-savvy brides, bridesmaids, and party girls all over the world.
1. You can have your wedding gown custom-tailored.
2. Bridesmaid dresses are delivered within 24 hours.
3. Your DIY wedding reception design won’t cost you a fortune here.
4. You can also create your own design of dresses.
You will also have tons of choices for the Cheap AW bridesmaid dresses. They've got ore than ten (10) colors to choose from to fit your wedding theme! How great is that, right?
Aside from the bridesmaid dresses, they also have dresses for the brides, flower girls, proms, and other occasions. They also sell accessories like sashes, petticoats, umbrellas and fans, jewelry, headpieces, shoes, etc. And for the decors, they have table cloths, table covers, chair sashes, aisle runners, and more. For the supplies, they have flower baskets, ring pillows, guest books and pens, and bags. IT's like a one-stop-shop.
You can also check out their AW Bridal UK Bridesmaid Website Here and AW Bridal Germany Website Here.
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