itssimplyritch

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Essentials for the breastfeeding Mom 🌸

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First-Time Mom

My whole birth experience was truly memorable. Being a first-time Mom is really hard especially when you're away from your mother and family but I am so grateful for having the best husband and giving to my baby and I his 100% support, love and care. ❤️

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Maternity Shoot 📸

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Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada New Home. New Adventure. New Memories. 💙

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Just aDOORable

“A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi

Through traveling, I saw a lot of interesting and amazing things around the Philippines and some part of Asia. Hence, there’s one thing that really catch my attention and discovered myself falling in love with. It is none other than in a beautiful DOOR. I find it weird at first but yes ~~ in a door with unique designs, vibrant colors and impressive details.

Here are my Top 10 #justaDOORable favorites as of today. 

1. “Green Door “ in Tayid Lighthouse, Mahatao, Batanes, Philippines

2. Loving the bright color of these two-door stock room located in Fundacion Pacita in Batanes, Philippines. 

3. This door in Pangaditan room of Fundacion Pacita in Batanes, Philippines

4. The main door of this chapel located in Sabtang Island, Batanes, Philippines.

 5. This wooden door with a vibrant color in Macau, Macau.

6. Loving the details of this door of San Agustin Church in Manila, Philippines.

7. This aged two-door in Intramuros, Philippines.

8. This classic door in Eastwood, Quezon City, Philippines.

9. Just found one in Siargao Island, Surigao, Philippines.

10. This old wooden door in Pinto Art Museum, Antipolo, Philippines 

You can share your favorites too through instagram by this #justaDOORable hashtag.

Thank you for reading! xoxo

🌸its’SimplyRitch

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DIY Inspirations for a Simple Garden Wedding

Hey everyone, it’sSimplyRitch and I was about to share now some of those DIY inspirations that I did for my simple garden wedding. But before I begin, let me ask you this first, did you visualize or fantasize your dream wedding since at your very young age? Hmm, I think everyone of us did it for sure, right? 

I remember the time when I started to daydream my big day before, either in a solemn garden wedding or in a romantic beach wedding ceremony. I don’t know why of these places but maybe it was just because of my fascination with nature ever since. As a roman catholic, I thought that was an impossible dream because of some people around me which preferred of course the traditional church wedding. However, for some reason, my husband and I decided to celebrate our wedding in a civil ceremony first (First because we are still considering having our church wedding sooner or later). That’s why, we both came up with the idea of having a civil garden wedding instead~~ohhh yes~~my dream wedding happened unexpectedly!!!

It was a hot summer afternoon last April 25, 2015 when we celebrated our Civil Garden Wedding in Shercon Resort Ecology Park located at my hometown in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas. I fell in love and mesmerized in this place when the first time I saw it. Aside from its picture-perfect view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, the fact of being surrounded by God’s beautiful creations was definitely the reason why I wanted to remember our wedding day at this place. No doubt, it was the perfect location for Eli and I to finally become one. 

My cousins and sisters preparing the venue for our civil garden wedding ceremony with an overlooking view of Taal Volcano. Oh, still reminiscing the wonderful feeling we had at this beautiful place.

It was just a civil wedding for some people. Yet, Eli and I wanted this event to be extra special despite of our tight budget. Therefore, I considered the other way to make our wedding day a more memorable one, not just for the two of us but most importantly for all of our guests. And, what was that? Simply, by discovering a lot of an affordable DIY ideas online which are very easy to make and to execute. Until today, I’m really grateful looking back with those inspirations that brought a more colorful and lively vibes during our wedding day. 

DIY Ideas

Our wedding rings/bond with a wooden clip. (DIY must-have)

Seems like our love tree clipped our pictures together. 

A colorful heart-shaped cut out paper with different sizes and glued in a long stick. It is perfect for a simple garden wedding like ours. (This is one of my favorites.)

Oh, and here’s my love for palm trees! A candy box as one of our wedding favors.

Since we celebrated our civil garden wedding in summer time, it was a perfect idea to give our guests something useful during the event ~~ a colorful fan. (Each fan has a tag which I did by myself.) Another wedding favors.

Even at the smallest details…our thank you tag for all our guests.

And for the confetti, just pick a colorful crepe papers that will match your wedding motif and wrapped it by those lovely paper lace doilies.

Lastly, look at these two adorable sign bearers…holding my best-loved DIY inspiration that I did. (with the help of my father 😜)  

Our journey to our wedding day wasn’t easy (every couples knew that of course). We had spent a lot of time planning and got a little bit worried and stressed about all the details needed. Nevertheless, it was definitely worth all our efforts and sacrifices that we did by rewarding us a wonderful feeling and moments of our lives together with our loved ones. 

I definitely enjoyed all the preparations I did for my dream wedding. And yes…I am absolutely a DIY Bride! Cheers!!! 

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A Beautiful Masterpiece

My friends invited me to visit an art museum just near in Metro, the Pinto Art Museum to be exact. As a matter of fact, I heard about it many times before but honestly I’m not that interested to find out what’s this place could offer, probably because I just think of it as unexciting one. Until one day, they finally convinced me to accompany them to explore this surprisingly hidden treasure of Rizal.

Pinto Art Museum is located in Antipolo, Rizal and situated inside a private subdivision. It’s really funny that I came here with no ideas at all of what this place looks like, contrary to what I usually do every time I go to a new places like this; (*travel tip) which is to read some articles first and get the positive and negative reviews online about each place I wish to visit.  However, maybe it’s a good thing also that I didn’t do that first with this tour. When I saw it for the very first time, I’m really surprised and totally lost for words as I’ve entered and get a glimpse what’s inside this undeniably beautiful place. I can’t believe what I’ve already missed not knowing about this magical place.

It is definitely not just a typical museum. It has a combination of an awesome architectural design from the white walls to the aged doorways and windows; a feast of different kind of art pieces from contemporary to quirky arts; a cafe with a luscious and mouth-watering food choices; and having a natural beauty of the whole place that gives more shine to this magnificent gem.

I suddenly realized that time that sometimes, we don’t need to travel so far and spend so much to get a taste of something new. It was indeed a beautiful masterpiece. 

Other Information:

They are open every Tuesdays through Sundays, from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm. For inquiries regarding prenuptial shoots and other events, please call 6971015 and look for Mrs. Jenny Villanueva. 

Entrance Fees: PHP180 for regular ticket PHP150 for senior citizens and PWD with valid IDs PHP 100 for children and students with proper school IDs Guided Tour Schedule: 09:00 am - 11:00 am 12:00 nn - 02:00 pm 02:00 pm - 04:00 pm 04:30 pm - 06:00 pm

Address & Contacts:

1 Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights, Antipolo, Rizal 

Contact Number: 6971015

Email: pintoartmuseum@yahoo.com

Facebook Page: Pinto Art Museum

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Looking for an exceptional place where you will get inspired and amazed with everything you may see? Check out my next blog about my unexpected adventure at this awe-inspiring place just near in Metro Manila. 💚

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Nacpan Beach, El Nido

My husband and I decided to explore some of the pristine beaches in El Nido, Palawan by ourselves and without in the tour packages usually offered to all the tourists visiting this town.

From El Nido proper it was almost an hour until we get to our target destination, the Nacpan Beach. Honestly, we have no idea what are we going to witness at this place yet we are both excited for our new journey together.

When we get there, we are both speechless in what we saw, from its long white sand beach, inviting waves and turquoise water, those happy palm trees with tempting hammocks, the simplicity of the area and a few tourists enjoying at the beach front (coz we both doesn’t like a crowded place). It was absolutely AMAZING!!! I must say that it was one of the best beach among all the beaches located in Palawan. We will definitely come back and spend a night at this untouched side of El Nido on our next visit for sure.

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The El Nido Dream

Ages ago, I already have this fantasy to visit and explore El Nido, Palawan. It was all started from seeing those stunning photos flashing on the screen of the “videoke” we rented every time we have an occasions back home. It was became my ultimate childhood dream that I never thought will ever happen knowing by the fact of how expensive it is to get there. 

I have been fascinated to travel around the Philippines since 2009 when I first visited the beautiful Cebu and Bohol with my cousins. From that day, I realized that yes, maybe it was also possible to reach my El Nido dream. Therefore, through the help of constant research and some travel blogs about this paradise where I discovered the cheap ways to experience this place, the stunning photos on my mind and always daydreaming about it over the past few years has finally became into reality. 

El Nido, Palawan is situated in a northernmost tip of mainland Palawan, Philippines. It is known as one of the best beach and island destinations in the country for its extraordinary and pristine natural beauty and ecosystem. Anyone can fall in love with this breathtaking scenery. 

Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan

I was fortunate enough to experience El Nido twice already with the most important people in my life. My first time here was with my favorite couple…my lovely parents back in January 2013 while the second one was with my husband Elifer last March 2014.   

How to get there?

From Manila I booked a promo round-trip ticket to Puerto Princesa, Palawan via Cebu Pacific Air which cost around Php 1,500.00/pax with 1 to 1 ½ hour flight time. When we arrived at Puerto Princesa International Airport we asked some of the locals where we can find the terminal of Fort Wally shuttle service to catch our land transfer to El Nido (you can also arrange with them to pick you up from airport to their terminal with additional charge). The cost for one way ticket is Php 600.00 per pax and approximately 6 to 7 hours travel time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido proper. It is advisable to bring something to feel you at least comfortable for the long drive. However, if you can afford to booked a direct flight from Manila to El Nido you can inquire at Island Transvoyager, Inc. for the rates. 

Accommodations

There are so many outstanding hotel resorts to choose from around the islands of El Nido where you likely to stay but that will cost extra high for a budget traveler like me. However, in my opinion why did you get those expensive hotels if you are coming there to explore the exceptional beauty of those islands that is located outside the vicinity of those luxurious resorts? We can make our travel simple to truly appreciate what are this place could offer more.

For that reason, on my first visit we stayed at Marina Garden Beachfront Inn. This hotel is situated at the beachfront of Bacuit Bay where we got a chance to witness the beauty of the island especially during sunrise and sunset. The cost of a room for 3 pax is around Php 1,300.00 per night including the breakfast. Although on my second visit I chose to stay in Sei-Nezioni Cottages Bar and Lounge located at Rizal St., Barangay Maligaya and 5-minute walk going to the beachfront of Bacuit Bay. For me, it is one of the best place where you can possibly stay at the island. Their cottages under the cliff makes them unique and will bring you the simplicity and native feels at your stay which cost Php 1,950.00 per night including the breakfast for two. Their rooms are surprisingly impressive from the simple decors to the native materials they used for the ceiling and flooring along with a very comfy bed.

Overall, my whole stay with these both accommodations were absolutely great and undoubtedly memorable.

Sei-Nezioni Cottages under the cliff.

Native feels at Sei-Nezioni room.

ISLAND HOPPING

El Nido dream is best enjoyed by hopping from one island to another to see the magnificent limestone cliffs, snorkeling and swimming on those white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, experience to have lunch in one of the pristine islands and spending the whole day at the paradise with your loved one/s. I cannot express how surreal the whole journey was for me. It was indeed one of the most amazing experience of my life.

(At the El Nido proper there’s a lot of stores/agencies offering an island tour packages where you can compare and choose from.) 

Our ‘follow me to’ shot inspired by Murad Osmann on our way to island hopping. (All my posted pictures here are not edited for you to imagine how naturally amazing the islands of El Nido)

at the Hidden beach

Amazed on the crystal clear water of the island.

The crew and our tour guide preparing the lunch on boat while we are having fun on one of the islands we visited. 

At the top of a limestone cliff at Matinloc Shrine.

Enjoying the sun.

I love El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

If you can dream it, you can do it! It was all started as a childhood dream which brought me already to the different places in the Philippines and in Asia. Traveling was fun and gives you unforgettable memories that you will cherish forever. Never stop dreaming and never stop reaching your dreams because we are never too old to set a new dream to dream again.

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Glimpse of my Childhood Dream

Back when I was a little young girl who only knew is to play as well as to sing in a videoke during fiestas, or when there was a special occasions at home, there was already a dream inside of me that’s starting to develop…not to be a singer (haha) but to experience SOMEDAY the beautiful places which I’ve just only seen at the screen monitor of the videoke machine.

One of those childhood dream was to go to the magnificent islands of El Nido, Palawan. It was on my bucket list since I started to enjoy traveling in 2009. I thought it was already an impossible dream because I heard it’s one of the most expensive local destinations in the Philippines and I can’t afford to spend so much in just one travel alone. So I decided to go to other stunning places in the country instead like Puerto Galera, Boracay, Baguio, Iloilo, Guimaras, Ilocos, and Davao. However, El Nido always crossed my mind every time I think about where’s my next journey should be.

Finally, through the help of all the travel blogs and reviews that I have read, I found out the other and affordable way to explore El Nido.

The El Nido dream next on my blog.

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A heart-stopping view of Batanes!👌

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Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge

Traveling to Batanes was like a dream come true. Last February 2014, my fiancè and I decided to explore Batanes island for the celebration of our first anniversary. We stayed in Fundacion Pacita for three nights. This place for me personally is magical. I love everything in Fundacion. The combination of a native and modern look of our room is simply amazing and the view from the terrace is breathtaking. This place makes our trip extra special. We will definitely come back again to experience the magical and natural beauty of this little paradise.

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These Ivatan kids are the main reason why our Sabtang tour has become so special and unforgettable. They are the highlights of our whole Batanes escapade last February 2014. Seeing the innocence into their eyes and simplicity of their environment is truly inspiring. I wanted to spend more time with them and it’s probably on our next visit.

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Photo credits: elifersantos

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“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” ~ Ibn Battut

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The older you get, the more you realize that it isn’t about the material things, or pride or ego. It’s about our hearts and who they beat for.

R.A. via Pinterest *Dressed (via glamour)

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Ohhhhh baby...😭

for itchila...

“I get that you’re scared and that you’ve been hurt. But doing what is easy and safe is no way to live, and a life without passion and love is so far beneath what you deserve.” 

― Kiersten White, The Chaos of Stars