The Girl Behind the Pen

Ricardo's Vista del Cielo

To travel to new destinations is to absorb the beauty and history of a place, but some places truly take us back in time and allow us to get a glimpse of another world in a different era—Sulyap Gallery Cafe, Boutique Hotels and Restaurant is one proof.

Our tour guide said the property was originally named as Sulyap sa Pamana because the owner inherited the land (if I remember correctly) from his father. However, since there are lots of establishments named Pamana, they decided to rename it to Sulyap instead. Sulyap is a Filipino word meaning to glance, to see something just for a moment. 

As we set our feet on its ground, we were greeted by old traditional Filipino houses-turned-hotel and restaurant. The traditional Filipino homes may have dwindled but echoes of its presence can be seen and experienced at Sulyap Gallery Cafe in San Pablo, Laguna. 

These houses were brought from various provinces in the Philippines. The owner rebuilt the old houses and worked hard to maintain each house's original materials. He said he didn't really change much of it and about 90% of the houses have their original parts. 

Photos from Sulyap Gallery Cafe, Boutique Hotels & Restaurant

There's also a museum across the restaurant where you can see a whole floor full of the owner's antique collection. 

And as for the food, I really can't say much except that it was undeniably good. All the dishes we ordered were fit to any person's taste. I love their sinigang na liempo (PHP 430), bistek tagalog (PHP 450), lechong kawali (PHP 430), and my favorite, the sizzling mixed seafoods (PHP 495). Best of all, it won't let you break the bank as its prices are reasonable. The crew also deserves a credit because everyone was very accommodating — giving you a complete Filipino experience because of their good traits.

More than being a restaurant and boutique hotel, Sulyap Gallery Cafe is a bridge to the past letting us in to an old world charm to experience the Filipino culture in all its glory.

Sulyap Gallery Cafe, Boutique Hotels & Restaurant

Address: Brgy. Del Remedio, Cocoland Compound 4000 San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines

Operation hours: 10am to 6pm

Budget for meals: PHP 1,000 for two

Sulyap Gallery Cafe Room Rates:

With Breakfast

• 4 guests in a room - PHP 5,800
• 5 guests in a room - PHP 7,000
• 6 guests in a room - PHP 8,100

Extra Bed - PHP 1,000

Without Breakfast

• 4 guests in a room - PHP 5,100
• 5 guests in a room - PHP 6,125
• 6 guests in a room - PHP 7,050

Extra Bed - PHP 825

Black is usually not my go-to color but I broke the norm and tried it at least once in a while. And you know what, it really doesn't hurt to go out of your comfort zone. In this case, wearing an all-black and white outfit.

To be really honest, I try to avoid blacks because it's too far from my personality and it's like the color of evil (I know, I think like a crazy gal sometimes). But when I tried it, I finally understood why many women love wearing black—it's simple yet chic.

Here I'll decode the all-black and white outfit trend by providing some tips on how to wear it the right way.

1. Go with good-fitting pieces

As many would say, black makes you look sexier. While it's true, it doesn't mean an all black outfit guarantees you the look you're expecting. The secret is to choose pieces that compliment your body.

2. Don't be over the top from head to toe

3. Wear a chic accessory

1. Always stay a student

2. Think that you're not the best at your craft

3. Take small steps

4. Go for the menial job

5. Get out of social media. For awhile. 

6. Beat resistance into submission

7. It's okay to fail

Spending money, even for "smart" investments, can make anyone think twice especially with the situation now. But one thing you could put your hard-earned money on without making your blood run cold is a real estate property. 

Experts say that it's one of those investments that don't depreciate easily as it continues to hold value. Sounds promising, right? However, I have just one teeny-tiny problem that's holding me back—budget.

I'm a millennial earning less than a six-figure salary monthly and thinking of buying an affordable house and lot at such a young age. With this setup, it's like I'm diving head-first. Because seriously, how could a 20-something five-figure earner afford to buy a house at this time, especially now that my side hustles as a freelance writer and a blogger have been affected (less to no events, fewer promotions).

But then I discovered this local real estate developer and in an instant, my heart skipped a beat. Lumina Homes is the affordable housing arm of Vista Land, the Philippines’ largest homebuilder known for housing brands including Camella, Lessandra, and Vista Residences among others.

It offers an affordable yet exclusive subdivision lifestyle featuring 24/7 guarded entrance, roving security, and shuttle service. You can also enjoy cool amenities like a play area, gazebo, mini gardens, and more. 

Since 2012, Lumina Homes was able to expand in over 50 locations including Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Capiz, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and South Cotabato. 

Lumina Homes Affordable House and Lots

• Anna Rowhouse (24 sqm house on 36 sqm lot with provision for 1 bedroom)
• Angelique Townhouse (35 sqm house on 36 sqm lot with provision for 2 bedrooms and carport)
• Angeli Duplex (42 sqm house on 54 sqm lot with provision for 3 bedrooms and carport)
• Athena Single Firewall (53 sqm house on 63 sqm lot, with provision for 3 bedrooms, family area, and carport)

Owning a house and lot at such a young age should not be an achievement but should be achievable for everyone and Lumina is making that possible. Whether you're retiring or a young professional, you can totally get your dream house with Lumina's affordability. It's never too late or too early to invest in your dream house.

Check them out on Facebook and their website lumina.com.ph

Let me start this by saying that I'm very aware that this is a very small problem considering the global situation, but as someone who typically worries about every single thing, I need to say this: I'm (sort of) freaking out that I'm having breakouts on my cheeks—on the lower left part of my face to be exact.

I've had breakouts on my forehead and on my chin but not on my cheeks. It started in March so I think, one of the main causes is wearing a mask. But since it's now part of the new normal, the maskne problem may not be going away soon.

How to Prevent Maskne

If you also experience this, here are some things you can do to #SkipTheMaskne:

1. Use a cloth mask made with breathable fabric
2. Wash your mask regularly
3. Keep your face clean
4. Skip the makeup, if possible
5. Use a trusted skincare brand

Here's the good news, there's a solution to our maskne problem—the new @pondsph Anti-Bacterial Range. It is formulated with Advance Protect Technology that is scientifically proven to fight 99% of maskne-causing bacteria. 

The Anti-Bacterial Facial Foam is formulated with BHA that helps prevent acne; while the Anti-Bacterial Face Mist and Wipes are formulated with AHA that helps exfoliates skin cells.

Can't wait to use these. I'll share the progress with you after 2 weeks. And oh, you can get them on Shopee until December 12. #MakeItFunWithPonds

How do you know if you're not okay? Experts say that whenever we don’t feel like ourselves and struggle to do what we are used to doing, it’s likely we’re not doing okay.

Well, I'm not okay. I'm doing the thing I love the most every single day yet, I'm not completely happy. What I considered my passion turned out to be one of the causes of my stress and doubts right now. I don't know what I want to do. I don't know what my "passion" is anymore. Oh, my 20 year-old self who thought had figured life already would be so disappointed knowing this. Then add the pandemic... *cue in Chandler* could life be any more unsure than this?

But one thing I discovered in this uncertain time—you can't control the situation but you can control how you respond to it.

In my case, I dress up to keep myself motivated. It might make your eyebrows raise but seriously, dressing up totally helps boosting my mood. It makes me feel beautiful and empowered.

Cliché as it sounds but it's okay not to be okay. It's okay to doubt yourself but don't let it consume you. You may be on a tough spot right now but trust me, you'll find your way out. Little ways can pull you out of trouble, even if it means simply dressing up or just doing what you love amid the uncertainty.

So now, I challenge all the women, including you, to keep doing what you've started. Don't stop, and be the person who makes us proud to be women.

Beautiful, strong, and valuable—let these words define you.