5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD TRAVEL SOLO

Yes, I know you haven’t heard from me for a while, and this post is long overdue. Will you guys forgive me, please? I've been on blogging hiatus for quite some time now but I will do my best to post regularly again just like before. Anyway, this post is about my solo trip to Boracay last April 29. I have to say it is one helluva trip!

Solo travel can be nerve-racking especially to those who experience anxiety, like me. You’ll go to a foreign place where you know no one. You’ll get on the plane by yourself, and if you tend to have panic attacks during turbulence, like me again, where you don’t have someone to hold on to is the WORST. FEELING. EVER. And it’s a lonely thing to do like, there’s no one to take photos with, right? But sometimes I thought, hey, I think this might help me overcome the fear I have inside me and put me in touch with my inner self. Isn’t that awesome? Sounds like a plan. That gave me an idea to book a solo trip to Boracay.

I’ve always wanted to go to Boracay on Labor Day, aka LaBoracay, and see what the fuss is about. I decided to book my flight last year to Kalibo, luckily it was Cebu Pacific’s seat sale promo so I got my round trip ticket for a great deal. YAY!

Weeks before my flight, I was really hesitant to push through with my itinerary. I was afraid something bad might happen. Yeah, yeah. I tend to over think things and you know what? I am so glad I hopped on that plane and went ahead. It was one of the best feelings in my life. I learned so many things and was able to connect with myself intimately. Big thanks to my family they were there to support me with my trip. I love you, guys! <3

Here are a few reasons why you SHOULD, yes that’s all caps, travel solo:

1.     You’ll learn to take responsibility.

Responsibility is a big word. It is where you act independently and make a decision without other people’s opinion. You’re alone, your family and friends are not around, and so you better make the right decisions.

It’s like deciding whether to take that last shot of tequila and get wasted or go to your room, get some shut-eye and wake up in the morning to explore the beauty of the island. You’d wanna do the latter, right?

2.     You’ll learn how to face your fears.

All of us have fears. Fear is just inside your head but when you face it and overcome it, it stops controlling you and I assure you, the reward is worth the struggle. The feeling is priceless!

3.     You’ll meet new friends.

Being friendly doesn’t take much. Just put on that genuine, warm smile or perhaps give a hand to someone who needs it. Meeting people from different walks of life expands our world, opens our minds, and can inspire us a lot.

Who knows? That person you’re talking to could be your soul mate. (Awww! Haha!)

Some friends I met during my trip. Hello, guys!! :)

4.     You’re the boss of your itinerary.

Sure, traveling with friends and family is fun, but sometimes it may seem like you’re doing something that you don’t want to do. Everyone has a say in the itinerary.

When you’re traveling alone, you solely decide what time to wake up, where to eat, what activities to do or which place to go. You get to control your itinerary without worrying what other people want because that’s the best time to satisfy your own needs.

5.     You’ll love your own company.

Yes, there will be nights when you stand on the beach alone admiring the sunset. There will be days you eat alone and have no one to talk to.

Well, guess what? It really doesn’t matter. You love to be with your own company and you enjoy every second of it.

You have moments contemplating, feeling at peace, enjoying the company of strangers, enjoying the beauty of nature then you smile because finally, you live life on your own terms.

I believe that it’s when we’re alone that we learn to love ourselves.

So, there you have it: Traveling solo is not at all scary. It’s actually an adventure that you will never, ever forget. It’s the best investment you can make, filling your mind with memories that will surely serve you for a lifetime.

How about you? What are the reasons why you enjoy traveling solo? Or what stops you from flying alone? I would love to hear your comments below.

FROM JET BLACK TO ASH BLONDE

 I know this has been long overdue, and I assume you all figure out what my real hair color looks like - it's all over Facebook and Instagram. I apologize for getting back to you guys just now. I became very busy with stuff these past few days.

Anyway, I am so excited to finally share with you, my new hair color. I was really hesitant to make this big change that it took me a year to decide if I should go for it because I know it's going to harm my hair big time — with all those bleaching and coloring. I thought if I'm not going to do it now, when will I do it? When I'm too old to pull off the look I've been wanting to have? Nuh-uh! "Today is the day." I told myself a week ago.

Let me show you the step by step procedure done by my trusty salon, Azta Urban Salon Robinsons Place Antipolo. But before that, let me just give you a quick tip on how to know if the hair color you've been eyeing suits well on you.

Tip:

I highly recommend choosing a peg with the same eye color and skin tone as yours. Why? Because not all hair color we see online suits our complexion. Some colors may look great on mestiza but don't look great on morena, like me. So, I picked this photo as my peg and showed it to my stylist — she told me I look like her. Haha! Bolera!

Credits to the owner

Let's start!

 First, Azta's senior stylist, Ms. Rhoda, assessed my hair. She is actually my ever-reliable hair stylist since I started having my hair cut at Azta Antipolo branch — I used to go to Azta Eastwood branch when I was working in Eastwood.

She told me that we needed to bleach my jet black hair 2 or 3 times depending on how my hair would react because it's super black. That way, we can achieve my desired hair color.

The super galing stylist, Ms. Rhoda is the one on the left and the super maasikaso assistant, Ms. Jovy, on the right. Super, duper great tandem!

Smile for the camera my darlings haha!

 Next, Ms. Rhoda started bleaching my hair. Notice that she started an inch or two after the roots? It's 'cause I really don't want to damage my scalp and roots so I told her not to bleach that part. TBH, I was really scaaaared. My hair might mag-tampo. Huhu! Buh-bye silky, straight black hair!

She's camera shy, guys. :p

After 30 minutes, my hair started to turn orange (Hello baby hair! You are all sticking out haha!). Then, they washed and blow-dried it.

After blow-dry, my hair looked exactly like walis tambo.. Oh nooo!! It is orangey but not that light yet so they have to bleach my hair again and wait for another 30 minutes. Yikes!

Here's the final bleaching result. I kept on telling myself that it's going to be worth it. :D

Wooooaaah!! My not-so-happy face. Wawa my hair. :(

 Finally, they started to color my hair with L'oreal Professionnel in Ash Blonde. After almost an hour, they rinsed and blow-dried it again.

By the way, I was entitled to a free Argan Hair Mask Treatment. It was so soothing on the scalp because it's minty. And a free haircut which I didn't avail. They gave me freebies for being a great loyal customer. Teehee. Thanks, Sir Jon! :)

Are you guys ready for the aftermath? :D

TA-DAAAAAH!!! Too bad this photo didn't do justice to my new hair color. It was reeeeeeally nice in person! I loved it! <3 <3 <3

Okay, let me show you some more. Here, you'll see that my hair looks a lot healthier than before.

Before and After

Thank you very much, Azta Urban Salon Robinsons Place Antipolo team for doing an excellent job, as always! Ms. Rhoda and Ms. Jovy, you ladies did a fantastic job! I love you both! I'm pretty sure Sir Jon (one of the owners) will be pleased with your work — again. I'll let him know about this review to commend you two. :)

Azta Urban Salon

2/F Robinsons Place Antipolo Sumulong Hi-Way cor.

Circumferential Road Antipolo City, Rizal

For booking, you may reach them at these numbers:

Alabang Town Center 6592249

Eastwood City 6876527

Robinsons Place Antipolo 6327381

Robinsons Metro East 6822107

SM Jazz Residences, Philippines (Makati) 7798753

 It always feels great stepping out of my comfort zone. It boosts my self-esteem and I feel more confident now with my new hair. My family and friends said I look fresh and blooming. Thanks, guys! Lol. Stay tuned for more photos on my Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Are you audacious enough to go for a new hair color that you haven't tried before? Share your urong-sulong moments below.

COFFEE AFTER MASS, ANYONE?

 Last Sunday while we were stuck in traffic along P. Oliveros St. going to Antipolo Cathedral church, we noticed a newly opened cafe called Cake Draft Cafe. It looked clean, dainty and peaceful outside so I told my siblings we'll check it out after hearing the mass - I thought, it's a potential workstation heehee. And it's walking distance away from the church, anyway.

The cafe was on the second floor so we took the stairs at the farther right side of the 2-storey building. When we entered, the sweet aroma of coffee welcomed us with open arms. The place smelled reeeeally good, I even forgot to take photos of the cakes displayed.

So, here's the area where they basically do everything - food preparation, cashier etc. What I love about this place is its waiter service. You don't have to fall in line to order your food and cup of Joe. Also, the place was well-lighted and has a very interesting wall murals. They even hung a real mountain bike inside to make it more interesting which I failed to capture with my cam. (Booya!) It's perfect if you need to work and dine at the same time but I won't recommend this place to the bookworms like me because of the noisy people chatting.

This is what their menu looks like.

While waiting for our order, I got a chance to roam around and took a few photos of the interior and al fresco - my favorite was the photo above with the clocks.

That's my brother and my little one. :)

My little girl ordered their bestseller Mudslide Chocolate Chip Cake (Php 95). It was okay — moist and not too sweet.

I ordered their bestseller Lemon Cucumber (Php 85) under Healthy Buff Specialty Drinks menu (pretending to be on a diet hehe). I actually found it too sweet so I had to sip 1/4 of the content and added some more water.

But this Chocolate Raspberry Frappe (Medium Php 125).. Aah! Heaven! <3 The ice was well blended and the raspberry syrup complimented the chocolate perfectly.

I was not able to take photos of my two sisters' Choco Chip Frappe (Small Php 110) and Caffe Latte (Small Php 85) because I was busy chit chatting with my brother.

A frugal like me will say that the menu is kind of pricey for a startup, but compared to Starbucks, CBTL, UCC, Costa and other big coffee shops - quality wise, I think I'll give the thumbs up and a pat on the back for a job well done. :)

Finally, as we walked out of the cafe, we noticed this Love Locks corner outside just like in Paris and Korea. Too cute!! <3 

Here's a glimpse of my sibs and my little girl - I was the one wearing white, floral pullover. Thank you, loves for the company! <3

Although we weren't able to try their Pasta, Rice Bowls, Sandwiches, Monster Shakes (ugh!) and other foods on the menu because we were still full from our dinner that night, we will definitely go back and try them out.

If you want to check out the place, you may visit their Facebook page for more info here: Cake Draft Cafe

Cake Draft Cafe is owned by two young entrepreneurs, Chef Clyden San Pedro and Chef Cathrina Sarmiento. Good job, guys! :)

Have you been to Cake Draft Cafe here in Antipolo? I wanna hear your experience below!

NEW YEAR, NEW BLOG

Image source: http://happynewyearimagesx.com/

 It's the start of a New Year and everyone wants to do something new that they haven't tried before. Something different to spice up their daily routine. Me? Well.. I guess it is pretty obvious that I created this blog just today, isn't it? Haha!

Ever since I became a work-at-home mom, I have been active in updating my social media accounts. I also get to read a lot of blog posts of people from all walks of life Every. Single. Day. because of my job. I enjoy momentary entertainment, and on top of that, I get to learn a lot — fashion and beauty tips, travel hacks, etc.

Actually, owning a blog where I can share my random musings is one of my dreams. It's 'cause this is where I can put some of my thoughts to lessen the burder that's been going on in my head. Lol. If you check out my profile, you will see that I am on Blogger since March 2011. Too bad I didn't have the courage to make it official then. But, as they say, it's better late than never, right? So, here I am, making that dream a reality.

Hopefully, I'd be able to squeeze in writing new posts regularly despite my busy schedule — you know, family, my little girl, work. And oh, I am not a professional writer so if you see any error, please bear with me. I would really appreciate it if you'd call my attention. ;)

So, here's to new beginnings, everyone!

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

How about you? What new adventure would you like to do this year? 
I'd love to hear them below!