Little Miss Sunshine

I can't leave this place without throwing an outfit shot, I mean look at that, it complements my entire outfit perfectly. I just spent the whole time that we were there staring at this landscape and sheer mountain grandeur.

 For me, summer doesn't always means beaching it. To be in a mountaintop with some fresh mountain breeze, enough amount of sunshine and of course, an infinity pool  is a different kind of summer taste, I think. 

|Corset from Closet Collection | Shorts from Mossimo |

|Boots from Maze|

So, this is what I wore on our first day in the island of fire. Yup! That's probably Siquijor. Booties on summertime? Why not? This aztec print screams S-U-M-M-E-R! 

Please hype my look here:

Exploring Apo Island

Before summer came in, my family and I planned a trip to Dumaguete, our hometown, and to Siquijor, where  my mother's father is from,  and created a 5-day itinerary (that has been extended). We've gone to Dumgauete for a lot of times already but we never had the chance to explore Apo Island in Dauin. Yes, the incredible Apo island, because according to my mom and my titas, the island is shark infested and is not safe to go because the waves are blahblah and blahblah. But now that we're grown ups and are adrenaline junkies (chos), our plans can't be disrupted. Except if they won't give us some moolah. Hehehe. A day trip to Apo island? Yesser!

We had a short bus ride from Dumaguete to Malatapay in Zamboanguita which costs 30.00php, where the wharf towards Apo island is located. According to my cousin, which is a reliable source (insert haha here), that a couple of years ago during a fiesta in the island, an overloaded pump boat was cupsized and since then, the LGU and the coast guards had strictly operated every trip to Apo. Their pump boats can accommodate at least 4 up to 8 passengers.

After paying, we're off to the 30-minute bumpy pump boat ride and braved the waves.

We were thrilled upon approaching the island, getting a close-up view of the different beautiful rock formations and of course, the sparkling white sand.

Okay it's not that sparkly here.

The obligatory feeling sexy summer photo. Haha

Upon arriving, we paid the entrance fee worth 25.00php only since we told the in-charge that we're from Dumaguete, not from Cebu. :D If not, we would've paid an amount of 100.00php. We then explored the island but it rained suddenly. So we decided to stop by a cottage near the lagoon and had some lunch. Aaah, perfect view for lunch, isn't it? :)

With our full stomach, we trekked a 600-meter uphill terrain towards the viewing deck.

And this is the view while we're hiking. Para para paradiseeee! That cove right there is their marine sanctuary but unfortunately, it's temporarily closed because it was destroyed by typhoon Sendong and they're currently rehabilitating it. So sayang, we could've enjoyed snorkeling while we're there.

I grabbed a photo from google so you, dear readers, will see the bonggang view! :) The uphill battle was so tiring, 600 meters seemed too long. Although I enjoyed it because I miss trekking a lot. Kulang lang ng practice si ate. HAHA. Amer and I tried to find a cliff and decided to just jump on the water and swim on our way back since we brought some snorkels but the rocks are so scary below. Eeeek!

I swear to God the view at the viewing deck is so surreal but our camera died when we got there. And since it was raining that time, we only brought one camera and we left the others including cellphones at the cottage. Boo-hoo! :( But there are two Manila boys with us, whom we've met on the way to the island. They took photos of us at the deck and I'm hoping that they're gonna send it since we've exchanged emails. *fingers crossed*


Warmed up by the trek, ate Cindy and I went straight to the old and new light houses located at the opposite side of the island while the others decided to spend the remaining time snorkeling. We hiked through cemented stairs, more than 200 steps I think. I was out of breath with the hike and I literally lost it when we arrived. Isn't this so breathtaking? :D

Salty air, sandy hair lang ang peg.

We were running out of time so we immediately went back after taking photos for ze blog so that we can at least have some time to snorkel on the front beach, but the pawikan (sea turtle) was already not around when we got there. At least my sibs, cousins and friends saw it.

We had so much fun trekking, snorkeling and exploring the island. Will blog about Siqujor next! :)

Check out https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200489268091517.1073741834.1151840018&type=1 for more photos.

I’ve got my ticket for the long way ‘round. And I’m leaving tomorrow, wha-do-ya say?

Sheer top from Maze | Mossimo denim shorts | Artwork topsider

I want to write and pour out all of the akin to sadness and pain perceptions that have been lingering on my soul mostly for years already. The past years, it had been a jittering roller coaster ride. One day, two days, three days, I get to laugh heartily and feel euphoric, but, on the rest of the week, I’m left fighting the forlorn days. It’s sad to know how a single creature does that to you. To brew a disturb and tormented you. I wish to be called a bi-polar so that I can have an accurate excuse to this bearing, but I’m not. Perhaps I’m currently taking the path towards it.

So here I am, striving to have an escape towards tranquility. I went to Dumaguete and Siquijor with my family to enjoy summertime. I have driven away the chaos in my mind somehow, but some pieces are just too hard to get rid of. Forgetting is probably one of the hardest things to do next to moving on. I got a book from my grandma, it’s called Every Day A Friday, 90 devotions to be happier 7 days a week. And I reckon this book will help me get through all the dramas and desolation in life, hopefully.

Insta That Shiz

A must-visit dainty cupcake house in Banilad. 
A box of just-been-dropped cuppies. 
Paddle pop for ze intense heat.

La Belle Aurore Bookshop, my favorite tambayan when I have breaks in school. 
Forever 21, Vaseline and Zee lifestyle mag's summer fashion show. 
Putting on some strawberries on my ice cream.

Summer fashion show by F21, Vaseline and Zee Lifestyle.
Candies: magazine and jellybeans. ;)
A poker kind of night.

Ashtanga Vinyasa session at Surya Nanda Yoga.
Post-yoga treat at Chatime with ate Charm.
The best cupcake that my sister, Caitlin has ever made. 

Cap, diploma and a bouquet of red roses. Prolly the best thing that happened in my life so far, to have a degree. Yaaay!
So fab pumps and aztec boots.
A nice evening at Dolce.

Jamming with Bethany in La Belle.

A booze night to celebrate my graduation.

It's undeniable that instagram has become a part of our daily routine. Just wanna share some snapshots taken last March.

Follow me as @carlaswaggg.

:)

Rock Climbing At Cantabaco

One thing I can brag about Cebu is that it has everything. Night clubs, restaurants, white sand beaches, cool outdoors spots, and the list goes on. But I can't be more proud to have the country's premiere rock climbing destination located in our very own island.

Last month, I was lucky enough to be invited by my sister's boyfie's troop to go on a rock climb on the Southern part of Cebu. I was so giddy to go because it's been on my bucket list ever since. I even ditched a class for this. Ha-ha.

With an hour of travel from the city, you will find this limestone wall nestled in the small town of Cantabaco, Toledo, Cebu that is famous in the international rock climbing scene. We took 3 routes that day, getting more difficult each route. I'm not that familiar with rock climbing but I learned that its grades go to 6a to 8a + and totals up to 40 routes in the entire crag.

The cliff is divided into two sides, below is the left where we first took the two routes, Vulva and and I forgot the other one. Here we are, pulling ourselves up. :)

Still not contented with the scratches and bruises we had, we continued our way to the more difficult level which is on the right side of the crag. We're here now so why not enjoy the moment to the fullest? :) The belaying area in this part is fine compared to the left side, but the holds, tsk, na ah. I swear I really had a hard time finding the holds. I thought my arms are gonna rip off from holding on too long.

In going there, you can ride on a v-hire in Citilink Terminal located at N. Bacalso Avenue that is en route to Lutopan, Toledo for a fare of  70.00php. Ask the driver to drop you off at Silangan then ride a motorcycle that will take you to the wall. The place is so common for the locals, of course, so don't hesitate to ask them. In our case, the group who invited us has their own equipment like ropes, harness, rock shoes, etc. so we had no problem finding one. In case you don't have any, better ask someone who knows about rock climbing. However, there are local rock climbers who lend their equipment but I don't have any idea on the prices. Before you hit the wall, you need to sign up on the log book first in Manang Memeng's crib that can be found alongside the trail. A short trek to the wall will warm your muscles up, but if it's not enough, dude, you got a lot of climbing to do. ;)

Marching Dress

So Fab pumps, Maze dress, Primadonna belt.

Finding a graduation dress was not that easy for me. My aunt died a week before my graduation so my family got busy and all that stuff and I only had the chance to buy one the day before our marching. Thrills everywhere! I have looked in the entire SM and Ayala mall and finally after a whole day of walking, I found this simple yet classy dress. I was with a lot of pressure that day thinking of what better dress to wear. I was a lil bit of playing safe in choosing this dress because I might look like I am headed to a party if I bought something, you know, OA one. hehehe. So this simple dress was fine. And I like the details of its collar, too. 

Hype my look here: