Epiphany at Mt. Daraitan

I was invited by my bestfriend to go on a hiking trip at Mt. Daraitan along with her crossfit friends for the weekend. And since I felt the need to take in nature to make me feel alive again, I decided to go with her for some adventure. (Credits to Anna Payawal for planning everything.) 

The whole experience was something I couldn't just easily forget. It's both relaxation and enjoyment of nature without limits! I liked the feeling of listening to the rhythm of my breath with every step I take. I loved looking at the vast and magnificent scenery because it reminded me of how small I actually was. This helped me put things in the right perspective again. 

During our treacherous climb, I've realized a lot of things in life in which I want to mull over and share with you.

1. Get out of your comfort zone

I was fed up with my inability to take action and go for what I wanted; all because of the familiarity and being comfortable with where I was. The feeling of being trapped in a stagnant situation was so scary that I decided to explore my horizons and take risks.

When we step out of our comfort zone, there will be backlash and life will try to bring us down a little. But we should think of this as battle wounds; something we would have never received if we weren't in the game at all.

I didn't think I could tolerate and finish any hiking expedition as I thought that I wasn't physically ready for it, but amidst this self-doubt, I still dared to try without expectations. I knew it was never going to be easy and could even be more strenuous than I first thought it would be. But there I was, committed and determined to reach the summit. That was my goal at the time and I knew I couldn't fail. I could only fail if I didn't try.

2. Feel alive again and enjoy the journey

At first, all I cared about was reaching the summit. I was too focused on my goal that I didn't get the time to savor and appreciate the beautiful nature around me. I've realized that I was missing the point of life and the beauty of the hike.

Life is to be enjoyed in every step of our way. There may be an amazing view at the summit, but there is just as much beauty along the trail. What would happen if you didn't make it to the summit and you didn't bother to enjoy the fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun and the sheer cool breeze on your body? In the end, our lives will feel empty and only be filled with disappointments. We must enjoy the journey because it is filled with its own peaks.

Paige and I dubsmash-ing while enjoying the hike

3. Keep moving forward

One thing I've learned as I was trudging uphill was that hiking is all about having the will to keep moving forward despite all the hurdles and obstacles. We all just need to start moving, see how far we could go and learn to improve ourselves and never quit.

With every new path we're taking, there may be ups and downs. But we should always have a positive mindset that we would be able to weather the downs because the ups were all worth it.

4. Never lose sight of the end goal

Sometimes, we become so preoccupied with all the things that don't really matter that we slowly drift away from our goal and purpose. We get easily distracted because we lack the discipline to keep our head in the game.

I know it hasn't been all great and there have been some big struggles along the way, but in the end, it always ends up better when we achieve something we've been wanting and praying for.

5. Rest but don't quit

As the trail was nearing the summit, I had a hard time catching my breath every once in a while especially when going uphill the entire time. I was really disappointed with myself, but then I realized that if this was the only way to make it to the top, then I must push myself harder. I decided to rest a bit and ruled out the option to quit.

Sometimes it seems like we can't go on anymore. We can see an open path but we're too stubborn to continue. We should always be reminded that it's okay to rest, take a breather and pause for a while. Never quit, because everything will be worth it.

Zomato Foodie Experience

For a head start, Zomato is an app that allows you to search and discover great places to eat at. You can browse the restaurant's menu, look at the pictures and view user reviews to decide where you want to eat, or even use the map feature to explore great food finds.

As a foodie, I find this app really convenient because it helps me to save time on deciding where to eat. All I have to do is draw a circle on my chosen location and voila! all restaurants there will automatically appear and it's now up to your personal liking.

I've been using this app since March 2015 and since then, I became an active user. I post pictures and write reviews for every restaurant I visit. It serves as a food diary for me where I store all the memories and experiences of eating and trying out new restaurants with my family and friends. After a couple of reviews and pictures that I've posted, I finally earned my foodie expertise badge in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. My next goal is to become a verified Zoman foodie.

Because of my enthusiasm, I got invited to attend Zomato's Foodie Meet-Up last Sept 8 at Dine 'N Dash SM Taytay. I also got to meet one of the account managers, Mr. Van Luzarraga; the community manager, Ms. Elaine Taningco and my fellow Zoman foodies.

The whole experience was really overwhelming! I have dreamt of becoming a food critic before and Zomato has granted it to us for a day. Being a restaurant/food critic is really a pretty sweet gig if you can get it. Eating for a living seems like the cushiest job ever; especially if you consider all the foodies ready to yelp their meals for free. So I urge everyone to try this app and be active for you to be invited in some of Zomato's events like this.The feeling of being the first person to try the restaurant's served meal is really one for the books!

Php 600 worth of GCs, shot glass, loot bag and Zomato Diary

So this is how my review for Dine 'N Dash went:

"One of the best American Diners on the outskirts of Metro Manila! From Pasig, it is now located at SM Taytay. FUN FACT: Dine 'N Dash was originally called Burger Shack but was changed at the last minute. The new name was inspired from the game Diner Dash. All of the recipes were creatively crafted by the owner, Mr. Jun Go. 

Dine 'N Dash has 3 main dishes and these are Pasta, Chicken Wings and Burger. Since I have an outright obsession with Pasta, I tried it first. Among all the pasta that was served, (Seafood Bleu Cheese, Aglio Olio & Spaghetti Bolognese) Seafood Bleu Cheese won my heart. Though they all tasted really good. For Aglio Olio, I loved how they innovatively replaced the conventional seafood with chicken meat. And for their burger, I commend their Signature Finisher. The grilled beef patty was really juicy and the combination of it with allummettes, sliced cheese and chipotle mayo was truly the bomb. After trying the burger, I was curious to know how their Flavored Chicken Wings would differ from other resto. After a few bites, I've already distinguished what made their Chicken Wings stand out among all the others. Compared to them, Dine 'N Dash's chicken wings meat has a biting taste up to its bones."

Spaghetti Bolognese Solo Php 149/To Share Php 239

Chicken Aglio Olio Solo Php 129/To Share Php 209

Seafood Bleu Cheese Solo Php 159/ To share Php 249

Classic & Barbecue Chicken Wings Php 279 (8-12 ps. + 2 dips)

Hot & Spicy and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Php 279

The Big Fish Php 119

Midnight Php 89

Texas Buffalo Php 119

Fantastic 4 Cheese Php 179

Flo's Php 129

Nacho Drive Php 129

Mozarella Street Php 109

Blockbuster Php 99

Tea Lifestyle

And just in time, after weeks of emotional turmoil, I can't think of anything better than a detox to make me feel happy, light and healthy again! 

I've been drinking tea for 3 months now. It's a lifestyle I want to embrace because of it's health benefits. And my preferred brand is the one from Marks & Spencer.

For my starter pack, I've tried their green tea with 80 bags for only Php. 235. I consumed it all for 3 months. Since I'm really eager to include tea as part of my healthy lifestyle, I bought Detox tea and Organic Pure Green Tea for a trial. 

The first thing that struck me about their tea was their cute and very feminine packaging - arriving in a sleek easy-to-open cardboard sleeve with rectangular teabags inside. The whole thing looks premium and I can't wait to give it a try!

20 bags for Php 125

As soon as the tea bags hit the water, it turned a delightful golden brown and the herbs start to come into play. The sweet minty chai-like aroma tickled my nose and a relaxing feeling crept all over my senses; leaving me dreamy. 

                                   20 bags for Php 125

On its taste, Detox tea is sweeter while the Organic Pure Green Tea flavor tastes bitter and overpowering. It's both invigorating that helps stimulate one's mind.

I can definitely say that drinking tea instantly makes me feel better. Now I can't wait to see the long-term results.

Hong Kong On A Budget

In our 3 days of stay in Hong Kong, I would describe it as a jam-packed city with soaring skyscrapers and multicultural people. It is really one of the most on-the-go cities in the world and I relish the given chance to visit here.

I went here with my sister and two best friends, all for the joy of traveling and also celebrating Paige's birthday week. Credits to Herschel Rivera for the booking and Paige Jason for the directions.

TIP: For currency exchange, I would suggest Sanrys's Money Exchange in Robinson's Galleria. For this trip, I only brought HKD 1,000 (PHP 5,920) for my pocket money.

So here's our 3-day itinerary:

Day 1

Arrived at the Hong Kong airport around 8:30am via Cebu Pacific Airlines(airfare: PHP 3,913.81 round trip ticket). Upon arriving, we bought the octopus card worth HKD 150 ( PHP 888). It is a stored value card you can use to ride the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) and bus in Hong Kong. You can also use this to purchase something in 7 eleven and Mc Donald's. If you didn't consume it all, you can have it refunded and they will deduct HKD 9 to whatever amount you have left.

TIP: Download Airlines Promo App to be updated about the cheapest flights. Better book your tickets early so that you won't have to spend your money all at once.

We rode the bus going to Tsim Sha Tsui, where our inn is located. (Homy Inn, PHP 2,520)

We left our luggage at Homy Inn then had our lunch at Mc Donald's (price range: HKD 32-40).

The Peak Tram

It is reachable by foot in MTR Central. This should not go amiss in your Hong Kong Trip as it offers spectacular views  of the city. The downside is the long queue, but nonetheless, this ride was really worth the wait.

Madame Tussauds

The Peak+Madame Tussauds costs HKD 280 (PHP 1,658). 

Known for its great wax figures of famous people around the world. It's really interesting how they look alive.

Audrey Hepburn, my favorite of all.

Dinner near Tsim Sha Tsui Mall
Price Range: (HKD 40-55) good for sharing

Day 2

Brunch at A plus at Hart avenue in Tsim Sha Tsui
Price range: HKD 30-40

I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Disney Land

Price: PHP 3,000 (book it before hand)

From central station, ride MTR going to Tung Chung and stop at Sunny Bay Station. There's a Mickey Mouse themed train going to Disney Land.

Disney HK has 7 main attractions namely Fantasy Land, Tomorrow Land, Adventure Land, Mainstreet USA, Grizzly Gulch, Toy Story Land and Mystic Point. 

Rides I suggest you must try:

* RC Racer 

* Mystic Manor

* Space Mountain

* Grizzly Gulch

* Jungle River Cruise

Ahuuuuuuu Restaurant

Price Range: HKD 30-40

Yau Ma Tei station

Accomodating waiter with delicious and cheap meals. 

TIP: Try their wanton meals.

     

Yau Ma Tei's Night Market

Despite a super tiring day and battered feet, we didn't want to waste any time so we went shopping for pasalubong in this place. We were informed that this place is way cheaper than Mong Kok (Ladies Market).

8-12 Cartoon USB - HKD 100

4 HK T-shirt -HKD 100

Snacks- ranging from HKD 6 to24 each 

 

Day 3

Brunch within the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui.

Price range: HKD 30-45 

Harbor City

Enjoy the panoramic view of Hong Kong buildings across the sea.

Avenue of Stars

So this ends our trip in Hong Kong. It was nothing but FUN! We had finally brought our childhood dreams to reality by visiting Disney Land. I would definitely come back here for Macau and Ocean Park.

PHP 5,920 -pocket money

         3,000 -Disney Hong Kong

         2,520 -Homy Inn

         3,914 -Air fare

Total : PHP 15,354