#where to stay in Baguio

[shellwanders]

Foggy Mountain Cookhouse: A Culinary Gem in Baguio City

Foggy Mountain Cookhouse is a charming restaurant in Baguio City, Philippines, known for its delicious and creative dishes. The restaurant is located in a quiet residential area, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. This makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal with friends or family. Traveling to Habibis grill Baguio for the first time? This detailed and…

[joshleyson]

Life Update + Postcards from Mount Pulag

If there's one thing I'm particularly proud of that I did this year in the name of self-care, it is using my Apple Watch for what it was designed to do and being mindful of closing my rings on the Fitness App, which includes meeting my Move, Stand, and Exercise requirements for the day.

Last weekend, I went on my first major walk this year, to Mount Pulag in Benguet, the majestic and highest mountain in Luzon. For the first time ever, I was able to set a *drum roll please* record-breaking 42K steps, perhaps more because my watch died in the middle of the climb. It never occurred to me to go on this ALMOST 10-hour hike until J, who by the way was a famous OG Tumblr influencer during the peak Tumblr era circa 2012 (if you know him, mag-asawa ka na hahaha), introduced me to the idea of going to Baguio (I haven’t been to Baguio since forever) and eventually having to explore Mount Pulag after. J and I have known each other for over 12+ years, but it was only this year that we began to see each other more frequently; he is also the person who introduced and challenged me to finish my rings on the Fitness app. I began this "ring" journey at the end of March, but I wasn't fully committed until I started seeing some, hmm, what's the word, "changes" when I started monitoring my InBody results, which show my weight, BMI, muscle mass, and even body fat percentage decreasing. Long story short, I'm making some small progress with trying to make my BMI normal again. Hey, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to paint the typical fitness buff image with raging, strong-looking muscles, because that's not who I am, but I wanted to give myself credit also for losing 10kgs in just 4 months, and I'm not even pulling my hair out about it, just that awareness of "Did I close my rings today?" moment. Like I told J, I never expected accountability to feel this good. So I'm quite delighted with that.

Enough of the fitness thingee and going back to Mount Pulag, I'm so happy that we were able to pull it off this year. We started by staying in Baguio for 2 days which by the way the weather was THE. BEST. Having to walk around the city in layered clothes without breaking a sweat as a pawisin was HEAVEN. It was something that I missed when I went back to Manila. After 2 days, we headed straight to Kabayan, Benguet, where our homestay was located, and by midnight started our trek to Pulag summit. The trek was surprisingly easy. The quiet and quaint landscapes while on our way to the summit were something that I enjoyed so much. It was tiring and yes, the weather was extremely cold. Miss Hypothermia is REAL especially on the summit but with the right amount of clothing, it's no biggie. Just do a little bit of research before signing up for the hike and you'll be just fine. On that trip, we met and bonded with new faces which I hope soon will become friends because they're nice to be with which made the hike bearable. Being the beach person that I am which is very OBVIOUS on this blogosphere, exploring the mountains and the countryside was very refreshing to see and I kinda wanted to make that commitment to at least do this at least once a year. Let's see!

(No Light Pollution? Here's the Milky Way captured in the default iPhone camera app.)

Overall, the Mountain Province trip including late-night walks in Baguio, wandering to places and cafés and bar hopping walking side to side because we’re drunk AF, and then Mount Pulag was something I'm so grateful for that I get to check them out this year. There were "unplanned" and "down" moments on that trip, sure, but I guess that's just normal, especially since I'm with the person I wanted to get to know more, and J, if you're reading this, thank you. I feel like all the things that happened on that trip have a reason and I just wanna say thank you for being…you. I will not be surprised if one day that rough idea of a psycho-thriller slasher movie we kind of created while sitting on a bus will soon come to life. Write that fucking screenplay. PLEASE.

So that's my not-so-quick life update that no one asked about. I think I mentioned before in this space that the more I have something "major" going on with my life whether professional or personal, I am less inclined to talk about it versus in my heyday, loud, teenage years and I think that's what really living is all about. Touch some grass they say, and literally, I did that in the mountains of Mount Pulag, and those memories which I hope I could bottle, and that seeing something so beautiful is enough to remind me that everything's gonna be alright.

Siri, play Gravity by Sara Bareilles, JOSHY

(Mountain Province, July 2024)

[simplyjake]

Enha hyungs with filo!reader

summary: meeting the fam and visiting the philippines with your lovely boyfriend!

a/n: this is VERY self indulgent yall. im filo-american

i think its fully gn!reader.. let me know of any mistakes!

Heeseung

All da titas LUV hee

Girl atp during your family parties

You enter and ur man isnt with you

“Anako where is your boyfriend”

Like damn my bad tita i thought you wanted to see me more

Yk… your niece/nephew

The younger kids love him

Hes the life of the party

This goes without saying but you teach him a lot of tagalog

Or whatever dialect you speak!

You taught him putangina mo and he hasnt stopped saying it since omg

“Yo jake”

“Hmm?”

“Putang ina mo”

LOLLLLL

You teach him how to make your favorite meals

I think heeseung would really enjoy bibingka 

Though let me just say

Good luck getting your man back during a party fr like

If hes not doing karaoke w the titas, hes playing mahjong with the uncles, if not them your older cousins steal him to game and the young kids love playing house with him

And once you found him with one of your cousins babies in the room as he sings them to sleep 

like which one gave him that baby please..

Jay

Okay so jay

When you brought him to the philippines for the first time

Pookie LIVED at the mall of asia let me tell you

Like honey we still gotta do everything else

Jay would love baguio too

Doesnt even care if they are over paying him for the taho he LOVES IT

“Jay pls stop talking to them in english theyre overcharging u”

“Womp womp i dont care this street food is fire” 

Did he fr just womp womp you…

He said this after getting said taho

You made sure he knew how to bless the elderly before you meet everyone

And he makes sure he does it to all the lolas and lolos in your family!

Hes just in awe with the country and how pretty it is

He asks your parent how to cook some of your fav dishes

Just so he can make it at home whenever you feel homesick

He actually had to buy a THIRD luggage for yall cus he would not stop buying souvenirs and clothes when you went.

I think jays fav filo dish would be balatong idk

I dont make the rules

Tbh i kinda do

Anywho

After the trip jay has a talk with you

He really wants to have a house there for whenever you visit and have it be next to your family home :( so cute

Makes plans to propose at your favorite place in the ph!!

Jake

Ok jake

The titos LOVE jake

Honorary filipino of the family fs

Your younger girl cousins are all over him HELP

“Can i have my man back”

“No.”

“You heard them y/n, i guess i have to stay with her”

Oh hes sick

Constantly offered your lola to help cook 

She said no plenty of times but he wouldnt take no for an answer!

You took him to visit paoay 

LOVED IT THERE

Jollibees number one fan

LIVES for the pineapple quencher got it anytime he ordered

Hesitant on the cheese and ube pie

Ended up buying like two during the visits

Jake love love loves igado

Its now one of his favorite dishes

His fav dish tho was the empanadas by the small shop near your house

After the trip he is now officially in the gc u nd ur cousins have

He was already planning your next trip back

Even though youre halfway through this one

Like babe let's maybe finish this before anything else ok?

Sunghoon

Since hes a bit on the quieter side

Hed be a bit awkward meeting everyone first 

If you're in a filo family yk how they are when you bring a man home oml..

But in the end

He fits in well with your family fr

Also hot take

I think sunghoon loves balut 

I cant remember if any of the enha members have tried it before so forgive me

But i just feel he woul enjoy it the most

Loved the beach trips you and him would take 

He buys the silly “I love the Philippines” shirts

Gets a few little trinkets to display around the house

Became friends with your tourist guide

Now they follow each other on facebook

Based off true events

Talkative s/o and bf who listens

You tell him all about the history of the places you visit

And he looks at you absorbing all the info you tell him

[bbobpul]

midnight memories — kmg

PAIRING. kim mingyu x reader SUMMARY. in search of the true meaning of home, i found myself in baguio city, a place that failed to capture my heart. amidst homesickness, i encountered mingyu, a kind stranger who became my refuge. GENRE. fluff, angst W/C. 2.7k NOTE. enjoy pls (⁠ﾉﾟ⁠0ﾟ⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠→ other works

"home," a word effortlessly spoken, yet its essence evades definition. what does it truly mean? is it found in a person, a lingering connection to a distant place visited but never returned to? does it reside in cherished memories or the beckoning of a soulful city? in reality, the concept of home intertwines with personal journeys and unique experiences. must it always be perfect, brimming with eternal happiness?

though i've wandered this world for what feels like eternity, stability remains elusive. a perpetual seeker, i've resided in baguio city for three fleeting years. still, this place fails to capture the essence of home, as a piece of my heart remains bound to my birthplace.

homesickness, a familiar companion, anchors me amidst life's ebb and flow. it echoes in my studies, reverberates through the hours spent toiling at the local café, and even in the faces of transient tourists gracing baguio's streets. a bittersweet melody courses through my veins, for i yearn for the comforting warmth of home, while simultaneously cherishing the fleeting beauty that surrounds me.

baguio city, they say, wears a cloak of melancholy in the philippines, as many come, not with the intention to stay, but to pass through its embrace. some arrive to study, like me, while others seek to forge memories, but in a matter of days, they leave, leaving this place behind, carrying those cherished moments in their pockets. three years in this city and yet i've met more tourists here than locals.

in the hush of that moment, the cafe's door chimed, announcing an arrival. engrossed in my task of wiping the counter, i caught only a glimpse of a towering silhouette casting a gentle shadow over me.

"excuse me, could i have a large strawberry creme frappe, please?"

i glanced at the customer, then shifted my gaze towards the clock. 12:34 am. strawberry drink at such an hour? i stole another look at him, and there it was—a radiant smile that seemed to hold the answers to my unspoken questions.

"a large strawberry creme frappe for whom?" i inquired.

"mingyu," he replied, his grin widening with delight.

"alright, please wait for your name to be called as i make your drink." i said with my customer service voice while wearing the smile i trained three years for.

within the walls of the 24-hour café, the midnight hours wore on, enveloping the space in a quiet solitude. though usually bustling with students during these late hours, tonight, only one soul sought refuge in the cozy haven. as i prepared the requested drink, my eyes darted toward the rain-soaked parking lot, where one car rested. perhaps it was his, and the torrential downpour had deterred others from venturing out into the storm, leaving him the only person who seeks for peace and quiet in this establishment.

"mingyu," i called, presenting the freshly prepared drink with a smile.

"that's me!" he replied, his cheerfulness evident. "i mean, i'm the only one here, so..." he trailed off with a hint of playfulness in his voice, adding another remark.

perplexed by his response, i tilted my head and handed him the beverage. as he handed me the payment, i expected him to return to his table like any other customer, but to my surprise, he stayed there, standing before the counter. an unspoken curiosity lingered between us as we met each other's gazes, the moment hanging suspended in time.

"do you need anything else?" i inquired, trying to understand the reason behind his lingering presence.

"do you mind if i sit here?" he asked, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "it gets quite lonely sitting all alone at that table, or well, in this entire café, considering i'm the only one here. plus, i wouldn't mind a bit of chitchat. by the way, are you the only one working at this hour?"

"shouldn't you be studying?" i pointed towards his table, where an assortment of papers and a laptop were strewn.

he chuckled, dismissing the notion, "nah, those are just for show. trying to look smart, you know." his laughter filled the space, lifting the quietude. "so, are you here all by yourself, working late into the night?"

"my co-workers decided to call it an early night, but i opted for overtime since i don't have classes tomorrow," i explained.

"ah, right, it's saturday," he noted, as if the weekend had granted him a moment of reprieve from the demands of academia.

without uttering a word, i watched as he claimed a stool by the counter and settled into it comfortably. with no tasks left to occupy my hands, i joined him, positioning myself across from him, maintaining a comfortable but not too close proximity. a serene stillness enveloped us, accentuated by the gentle patter of raindrops outside. the only audible sounds were the rhythmic melody of the rainfall and the occasional subtle noises he made, a testament to his enjoyment of the drink he held. in that shared silence, an unexpected tranquility filled the air, creating a quiet connection between us.

"so..." he began, a hint of curiosity in his voice, attempting to bridge the silence, "you're a student?"

"yeah, third year in bs mathematics. and you?" i replied, reciprocating the inquiry.

"i'm a graduating student, studying architecture," he responded, his tone carrying a sense of accomplishment.

"do you live here?" he queried once more, his interest piqued.

"for the past three years, yes. and you?" i inquired, eager to learn more about him.

"i actually grew up here," he answered, accompanied by a gentle smile. a realization sparked within me—how peculiar that our paths had never crossed until this moment.

"i wonder why i've never seen you before," i mused aloud, the mystery lingering in my thoughts.

he mirrored my sentiment, a playful glimmer in his eyes. "and how come i've never seen you before?" he countered, extending the question back to me.

as the conversation flowed, i didn't want to appear uninterested in his life, so i took the initiative this time, posing a question of my own. "what are your plans after graduating?" i inquired, curious about his aspirations.

his face brightened with a smile, but a hint of bittersweetness tinged his words. "i'll be leaving baguio," he replied, a dry chuckle escaping him. "there are more opportunities for me elsewhere, and i've come to realize that i need a fresh environment to grow."

his question returned to me, and i felt a sense of vulnerability as i was about to share something i hadn't expressed to anyone before. "i haven't told anyone this yet, but i want to stay here," i confessed. "i believe i've found a sense of stability in this place, you know? my dream is to open a café like this, even though it's entirely unrelated to my course." the revelation carried a mix of determination and uncertainty, but there was a glimmer of hope in my eyes as i shared my heartfelt ambition.

a soft smile played on his lips as he looked down at his half-empty drink. "that's nice," he said, his voice warm and genuine. "really, that's so nice. i love it when people are happy and sure with what they want," he continued, his words carrying a sense of admiration.

his heartfelt appreciation touched me, and a gentle gratitude welled up within. in that moment, i realized how our chance encounter, amidst the rain and solitude, had sparked an unexpected connection—a brief yet meaningful exchange of dreams and aspirations, and a shared appreciation for certainty in our paths.

"how are you planning to get home? the rain is still quite harsh," he asked, displaying concern for my well-being.

my gaze shifted towards the clock, and a jolt of surprise shot through me. it was 2:34 am. had we been engrossed in conversation for two hours? as his question echoed in my mind, i realized the challenge that lay ahead. how was i supposed to make my way home in this relentless downpour?

considering the circumstances, i contemplated the possibility of closing the café earlier than the designated 24-hour mark. after all, the weather had dissuaded any potential customers from venturing out into the storm. it seemed unlikely that anyone would brave these conditions to go here.

as my eyes fell upon the large glass before him, condensation forming from the melted ice, uncertainty lingered in my response. "i don't know," i confessed, my voice carrying a touch of vulnerability.

at that moment, he offered a gesture of kindness that caught me off guard. "i can take you home if you want," he suggested, his words resonating with a willingness to go the extra mile.

that night, he took the wheel and drove me home, the raindrops dancing against the car windows as we embarked on a journey that transcended the physical distance. little did i know that this act of kindness would mark the beginning of a beautiful connection.

in the days that followed, our midnights intertwined, weaving a tapestry of shared moments within the confines of the café where i worked.

time seemed to stand still as we forged memories in that small space, an oasis illuminated by the soft glow of dimmed lights. even on my days off, he made it his routine to visit the café or my apartment, seeking solace in our late-night rendezvous.

his presence became a cherished constant, a testament to the significance he placed on those stolen moments of respite. the fact that he chose to spend those precious hours with me carried a depth of meaning that words alone could not express.

amidst the flow of life, he became the anchor i had long sought—the elusive stability that had evaded me for so long. in the vastness of baguio, he emerged as my confidant and companion, my sole friend in this city of transient souls. together, we found solace in each other's company, weaving a cocoon of understanding and support.

through the laughter shared at the café and the whispered conversations during quiet nights, he became my refuge, and i, his. our bond transcended the mundane hours of midnight, blossoming into something profound and meaningful. in this bittersweet dance of fate, we discovered that sometimes, it is amidst the transient moments that the most enduring connections are forged.

as the day of his long-awaited graduation approached, mingyu extended an invitation for me to join him at his school, a bittersweet occasion that would mark both a milestone in his life and the end of our precious moments together. however, the timing couldn't have been more unfavorable, for my own finals still held me captive.

"i'm so sorry, gyu, but i don't think i can make it," i expressed, my voice tinged with a melancholic frown etched upon my face. searching his eyes for any trace of disappointment, i found instead a gentle smile, his understanding nature shining through.

"it's alright," he reassured me, his smile unwavering. "i know how daunting final exams can be. we'll just see each other after graduation." mingyu's ability to grasp the depth of my obligations and his unwavering acceptance spoke volumes of his character. in return for his kindness, i resolved to mirror his understanding, appreciating the unspoken bond that existed between us.

as the days marched forward, mingyu remained true to his promise and sought me out after his momentous graduation day. exhausted from hours of relentless studying, i found myself on the verge of sleep at the center table when a gentle knock echoed through my door, stirring me from the brink of slumber.

opening the door, i was met with the sight of mingyu, standing there with two duffel bags in both of his hands.

"came here to say goodbye." his nonchalant demeanor masked the momentous weight of his impending departure, as if he could shield me from the ache that would soon pervade my life.

"this sudden?" i managed to ask, a rush of alertness washing over me at the gravity of the situation.

"i have to. i need to find a place to stay there, and it's not easy to find something suitable," he replied, his words hinting at the hidden struggles he faced.

unable to find the right words, i simply gazed at him, a thousand unspoken emotions swirling within me. and then, before i could hold back, i enveloped him in a tight embrace. the realization of my only pillar of stability leaving me had yet to fully sink in, even though deep down, i had known that this day would come ever since that very first midnight we shared. he embraced me back, his arms mirroring the same profound emotions coursing through my being.

in the midst of our embrace, his whispered words pierced through the heavy silence, carrying a bittersweet melody that resonated deep within my heart. "i will miss you," he confessed tenderly, his voice laced with both longing and encouragement. "achieve your dreams in baguio, okay?"

the weight of his departure bore down upon me, rendering me speechless, my emotions swirling in a tempest of hurt and longing. i couldn't find the words to articulate the ache that clenched my chest, unable to express the depths of my own affection. and in that moment, as the weight of unspoken sentiments hung in the air, he uttered those three profound words that echoed through my soul.

"i love you."

time seemed to stand still as those heartfelt words lingered, their impact rippling through every fiber of my being. yet, my lips remained sealed, as if afraid to utter the fragile vulnerability that had blossomed within me. instead, i tightened my embrace, clinging to the precious fragments of our connection, silently vowing to carry his love with me, even as the physical distance between us grew.

in the wake of mingyu's departure, a profound realization washed over me: our time together had been fleeting, a mere flicker in the grand tapestry of life. yet, at least i could say that for once in my life, i had tasted the sweetness of having someone to call home. as i had pondered before, the notion of home is deeply personal, intricately woven into the unique experiences and connections we encounter along our journey.

perhaps home can be found in that unexpected place, where love and fondness intertwine with every breath we take. it could be a sanctuary that captures our hearts, even if its time in our lives is but a fleeting moment. or perhaps, home manifests in the form of an unexpected person who enters our world, bringing solace and understanding, but is never meant to stay.

8 months later..

as the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, i find myself entrenched in the familiar embrace of the city i now call home. with each passing day, i work diligently, striving to gather more experience and wisdom in the café that witnessed the tender blossoming of my heart. my fourth year of college rolls on, and though the world around me evolves, i feel somewhat stagnant, yearning for something more. i lost contact with him a few weeks after he left. we eventually stopped messaging each other because we are both busy with our own lives. he's now a professional while i am still here waiting for a change.

amidst the shifting tides of time, my feelings endure, unyielding. as long as baguio city remains, it holds the solace of midnight and the memories of cherished moments with an old friend close to my heart.

in the midst of my reverie, the café's door chimed, breaking the silence and capturing my attention. i turned my gaze towards the entrance, and to my astonishment, a figure from the past stood before me. in that fleeting moment, a rush of memories, both tender and bittersweet, flooded my senses, as if time itself had slowed its relentless march.

our eyes met, and in that exchange, i witnessed a smile that emanated from his eyes, mirroring the curve of his lips. it was the same smile that once accompanied those three words that stirred both wonder and heartbreak within me for eight long months.

and in that instance, a glimmer of possibility sparked within me. perhaps, just perhaps...

"excuse me, could i have a large strawberry creme frappe, please?"

kim mingyu is meant to stay.

[gabrielmtc]

Baguio : The "Coolest" Place in the Philippines.

                Baguio, elevating 1,500m above sea level, at an elevation this high, you will definitely feel the breeze gliding on your skin making your shiver.

 Many of us has been to Baguio for at least one point in our lives, and for me, I mean, my 10-year-old me, it was my first time.

                After knowing that we will go to Baguio for summer, I was excited, because all of the things I have hear about this place was, “sobrang lamig dito, parang ayoko na umuwi”. So the little me cant wait to find out what’s really there, if its really “malamig” or its just a placebo effect that if you are in baguio you’re the one of the coolest person in the country, literally.

                So, the time has come and it’s the day that we go the city, I woke up at 2 am, bags already packed, heck I even slept with my clothes that I will wear for tomorrow beside my bed. I was really excited, to come and see the beautiful views of mines view, the elegant, and the classy “The Mansion”, and of course the popular night market at the Harrison Road just shy of Session Road. It is a place where both kids and adults will be happy whatever the city offer. The rental bikes you can rent with your family and friends, the swans on the pond, and the horses that you can ride. For me, the moment I stepped out of the bus it was the horses that greeted me a welcome to their beloved city, I was so happy, probably because that  was my first time seeing an actual horse in flesh. Happy and excited, the little me was running out of joy at the park yelling, but of course only in my mind “sa Wakas naka rating na din ako sa baguio”. After an hour of exploring and appreciating the beauty of the city we finally went to our transient and that’s when it all sunk in, “damn, Ill literally be in this city for a week, that’s so cool”. Little me was so excited thinking what are the many things that my family and I will do for tomorrow, lying down on my bed, thinking, just thinking, until my eyes unconsciously closed, and I fell asleep.                 The next time I opened my eyes, its morning my family and relatives were already packing and getting ready for the first day of our tour, after I saw them, I quickly stood up and took a bath, even though it’s so cold as a Pinoy-cultured kid, I. have. To. Take. A. Bath       

                Our first stop, Minesview Park, this place is unreal, the views on the Observation deck is breath-taking, while looking at the superb view I ate a delicacy called “sundot kulangot” in Tagalog, it literally means picking a booger from the inside of your nose. Ew, but as much as it sounds disgusting the taste of this food was so sweet and yummy, I really enjoyed eating the sweet candy while looking at the sweetest view in the whole city.

                I won’t be telling the whole tour in detail because it would take days for me to express it, like, 1 day for a day in Baguio? That would be insane!

                There I also a day where we visited The Mansion, and since its only a walking-distance from our transient, you guessed it, we walked, inside the vicinity, a lot of people walking, some are towards the mansion, and some away, and in the middle of them, is a body of water and is probably a man-made river this sets a cool ambiance to the place that helps The Mansion be more elegant and dreamy.

                Last day was different, I mean commonly last day is the day where you so called “sulit” your time because those are the very last minutes of your tour, but us, we just stayed in our transient, rested, but for me, it was sort of experiencing to actually live in baguio, because of course the locals don’t tour everyday so this final day for us was like, how does it feel to be a baguio local-resident? Is it more relaxing than living in the suburbs of manila? So, in our last day we lived like locals and stayed in our house, watching tv, chilling near the chimney, and me, as a “videogame-addict” I went outside with my dad and looked for a computer shop nearby. And we found one, so I rented 1 hour to play, and this was one of the times that I said to myself “gusto ko tumira dito”. To experience living in a place much more cooler than manila is different, like everything is different. The air is so much fresher and cooler. But sadly, we had to leave the city and go back to reality.

                For me, that tour was very fun and memorable, I mean its my first time right? First for me is always the most memorable. And although I love Baguio so much, I just cant forget the place where I lived and grew up, yes other places might be cooler, and more beautiful, the place where we  grew up always has a special  place in our hearts, and that’s the reason it’s called “HOME” there’s nothing like it, as much as Baguio is relaxing, the feeling of resting in your own home  is unbeatable, that’s when you feel that you are really resting.

                I won’t forget Baguio, it still probably one of my favourite places that I visited. But as much as I love home, I can’t wait to go back, and I will go back to… Baguio: The ���Coolest Place in the Philippines.

[purplesurveys]

1837

What is your favorite breakfast food? Fried rice with eggs and hotdogs, or tapsilog :) Such comfort breakfast food. I like Eggs Benedict and Monte Cristo too, but let's be real I never have either for breakfast and only get them at restaurants when I feel like having breakfast food on a non-breakfast hour.

Who do you (romantically) love? Nobody.

Have you ever considered yourself dirty? In a few aspects, sometimes. Like how I have a bad habit of putting trash in my handbag, and end up having a pile of papers and wrappers after a few days.

What do you do to relax? Playing with the dogs eases my worries more than anything, but I also like turning to YouTube.

Do you enjoy kissing? Sure, but I haven't done that in a couple of years. That's okay with me though, I'm not a very sexual person in general.

What about making out? ^ Eh, just about the same.

Where are you most ticklish? My tummy and waist. I don't like even getting hit in that area, no matter how lightly, cause I'll end up squirming hahaha.

Have you ever been to an arena concert? Yes, most of the concerts I've attended have been in arenas. The only exceptions were One Direction (which was held in outdoor concert grounds) and Se So Neon (happened in a large indoor tent).

Where was the last place you kissed someone? It may have been outside my house, right by my car. Memory's hazy.

Do you know anyone who is expecting? I know someone who was due in like a couple of weeks when I first met her, so she has likely given birth by now. As for currently expecting, I don't think so.

What does your third text message say in your inbox? Just my bank telling me there was a recent transaction on my card.

Do you use speed dial? I never used that.

If so who is number 5?

Have you ever kissed someone of the same sex? Yes.

Where do you want to get married? I've always wanted a hotel wedding just so everything - or at least most things - can be set for us lol. They have the ambiance, they've got catering, the sound system, some hotels already have their roster of hosts...considering how all over the place I can get, that much would be a big help.

Do you plan on having both your parents at your wedding? If I ever get married, of course.

If you could visit one person right now, who would it be? No one, I like being alone right now.

Do you like school? The social part of it was really great; some of the best years of my life. I liked learning too but only to an extent, as there were some subjects I found to be a waste of time + some teachers didn't have the best attitude.

What is your all time favorite subject that you have ever taken in school? History. < Mine too :)

Do you have a current teacher who you wish taught all of your classes? Not current, but I wish my high school music teacher had been my teacher for everything.

What has been your favorite part of this calendar year so far? Being able to save as much as I have.

Are you going on vacation any time soon? No plans currently. My parents are planning this huge party for my grandparents in June so that will 100% kill off any vacation plans; Reena just came back from a trip to Thailand so I'm sure she'd want to save for the next few months; Angela's super busy with boards review. In any case I plan on going to Seoul next year for when BTS are back, so it'll be smart for me to not book anything for now.

Do you catch yourself staring at inappropriate times? Sometimes.

How many times have you been fall-down drunk? Less than 10 times.

Has a friend ever really hurt you and you never told them? Sure.

Where would your most romantic getaway spot be? Somewhere remote in either Palawan or Baguio.

Have you ever stayed on a ride at a theme park to ride it again? I'm sure I did this during the school fairs. I was in the rides committee so I had a few perks lol.

Have you ever used your sexuality to get you something you wanted? I'm sure I have, but only with a partner.

What do you count as too spoiled? Anyone who overreacts/makes a fuss over the smallest things. It can be very telling of how they've always had everything handed to them that they're incapable of handling the most minor of inconveniences.

When you don’t feel good, where do you want to be? Just my room, or the café we have in the village. It's never crowded and is fairly hidden, so it's a nice quaint little place to escape to.

Have you ever set an alarm on your phone to remind you to do something? Sure.

Where do you want to raise your children? The city. The stimulation and sensations would be good for them, I feel.

What is your favorite Crayola scented crayon? Idk I was never around them much.

What is your favorite childhood TV show? Hi-5!

Do you ever look at yourself and not believe it’s you? Eh, sometimes. I try not to get existential like that often.

What’s your favorite hideaway place? That café I mentioned. Not a lot of people in my circle know about it or would travel to get there + the signal in that area just so happens to be weak, so it's literally a place you can 'escape' to.

Do you have a secret you have kept from your family? Sure.

Have you ever slow danced to a song you didn’t know? I'm sure I have.

Where do you study? I don't anymore.

Do you study at all? Nope.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I wanted to be a journalist, but I've since gone a little west of that – I'm currently a PR practitioner.

Has someone ever dedicated a song to you? I don't think so?

How many people have you kissed this month? None.

Do you like do have your hair pulled? Sure.

Are you close with your parents? We're on much better terms now but I still prefer to keep some kind of wall up.

How much do you wish/ hope for something before you give up? I can be very passionate and will fight for things/people, but if I feel like I'm not getting the same energy back I slowly let go.

Have you ever hung out with a complete stranger? Sure!

Do you work any holidays? No.

[wheeboo]

new ask from : weiss! xe says...

hello hello hello :3 trivia time! i went on tumblr during class (i didnt have my phone then and i still dont rn huhu), and one of my classmates was like "is that your boyfriend"

can you imagine the face i made to him. my mans assumes that whoever is on my screen with a username and personality is my s/o likeeee???? hello???? ikaw ba, meron ka bang LDR 🤨 [not at you], didnt think so smh

my phone is hopefully coming back to the walls of my enclosure all the way from nasugbu- btw, about the calaruega thing? im friends w a bunch of college students and they've shared some horror shit they've experienced there. i have also been there at like- night, and oh my god? i don't pray but i would have bc i was horrified??? amputangina HAHAHAHAH it was super dark ehhh. mas better if baguio if you can handle the cliffs and mountains, i only like it there bc it is in fact as cold as they say lmfaoo /jjj

anyway. hope you've been doing alr today! still kept the silly format bc i think it looks cool 👉👉 drink water, eat well, murahin mo si lord

; 🌂

hello lovely weiss !!! ^-^

you are BRAVE for going on tumblr in class i literally have no guts to do that esp since i sit in the front mainly where everyone can see my phone 💀

imagine you said "yes ako nasa ldr fr" 🤭 like YES that is my s/o are you jealous now? 🤨 sdjfljfsd

hopefully you can get your phone back quick!! and omg that does sound terrifying 😭 it sounds like every horror movie i've heard set in a forest or something JKLFJDF. i've never been to baguio (i wasn't born in the philippines btw,, sdkfds) and i also want to go to boracay too!! speaking of cliffs n mountains one time i was in a whole ass typhoon when i was in iloilo cuz we were staying at this resort place n we had to evacuate and drive ALL the way back home in the storm,, and that included a bunch of damn cliffs n mountains to drive thru. i was hella carsick when we got back to my mom's place dkfjsdkfds. anyway 😭

i'm doing okay!! this week has been a little stressful for me cuz of school and my professors are frustrating the hell out of me rn 😭. i recently got a new job and starting soon :)

i like the silly format tbh!! but also eat well n drink water too^^

[always-seven]

Trip to Bolinao, Pangasinan

We were asked to choose between Baguio and Bolinao. Without searching where Bolinao, Pangasinan is, we answered, "Let's go to Bolinao.". We've never been there. The only place we frequent in Pangasinan is Our Lady of Manaoag.

We attended mass at Our Lady of Manaoag and then went to Bolinao. I checked the Waze App and was shocked to see that we still had to drive for 4 hours before we arrived at our hotel. Okay, so we chose Bolinao because we thought it was closer than Baguio. The jokes on us, it was way way farther.

But since we are here already, let's get going.

On our way, we passed by Doña Nora to have lunch. There was no other customer but us. They ordered and we waited for more than 30 minutes before our orders arrived. Take note, we are the only customers at that time. But, the food is worth the wait. We ordered a bit too much, but it's a good thing that we can have it for takeaway.

After a very long drive, we arrived at our hotel, Casa Almarenzo.

Casa Almarenzo. Cutie swan towels making a heart.

We just changed and went out again.

Our first stop was Enchanted Cave.

Enchanted Cave, Bolinao, Pangasinan

We arrived a little bit before 4 p.m. The Enchanted Cave closes at 5 p.m. We were not able to tour around the property and went directly to the cave. The cave was a mixture of salt water and fresh water. How is it possible? I don't know either. Before you enter, you will be given a life jacket and a hard hat. Life jacket, since the depth of water inside the cave is unpredictable. The hard hat is needed while you are entering the cave, especially if you are tall. It will really protect your head. The steps of the stairs are narrow and wet, so make sure to look where you are stepping. Remember, the hard hat will protect your head. You will surely bump your head once or twice. The water is cold and refreshing. But if there are too many people, I don't think the water would still be refreshing at all. haha!

On our way out, we bought some refreshments. The stalls close at 5 p.m. as well.

Our next stop, Patar, Beach.

Patar Beach

We paid an entrance fee for this as well. You can rent a cottage or tables once you enter. I think the cottages can be rented for the whole day. You can bring a packed lunch, and you can cook also.

Patar Beach (sunset)

This beach is known for it's beautiful sunset. You can watch the sun as it goes down while listening to the laughter and chatter of people around you. It is very relaxing.

Patar Beach (timelapse)

We went home after that and had a good rest.

Day 2 at Bolinao

I am so happy to witness the sunrise on our second day here in Bolinao.

Sunrise in Bolinao

I don't know how many photos and videos of sunsets and sunrises I have on my phone, but it is always so beautiful to watch. I will definitely wake up early just to witness this beauty.

It was low tide, so we decided to take a walk. We found different sea creatures we hadn't seen before.

Casa Almarenzo, Bolinao, Pangasinan

Please make sure that you are wearing your aqua shoes or slippers if you decide to take a walk on the beach. There are sea urchins, and you may not notice them at first. Better safe than sorry.

For Day 2, we only have one place to go to since the travel from Bolinao to Manila is almost 7 hours.

We went to this beautiful waterfall.

There were three waterfalls but we chose this one.

You can rent a balsa, a boat made of kawayan, and the locals will accompany you to the falls. The water is so cold. Super cold. But it is magnificent. If only we could stay here a bit longer.

Our stay in Bolinao is very short. You may opt to stay here for 3 days and 2 nights. So that your long drive will be worth it. But overall, we don't regret coming to this place. It is very far from the city but it is definitely very relaxing.

Will I go back again? Of course, I will. ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

2023.03.04 - 2023.03.05

[jerick07]

Travelogue

Escape in kafagway

"Baguio City is the best choice for you if you have a plan to go out this summer with your family or friends because we all know that Baguio City is the Summer Capital of the Philippines."

On the island of Luzon in the Philippines, the mountain town of Baguio is home to institutions and resorts. It is known as the "City of Pines," and because of the extremely cold summer temperature, it is especially well-liked. With gardens and a lake at its heart.We arrived in Baguio City with cousins, and aunty, on April 28, 2022. It was summertime. My cousin organized or prepared our vacation to Baguio, and she rented an apartment for us close to Burnham Park so we could spend the night there.

The first thing we went to was the Igorot Stone Kingdom. It's a very nice sight; it's very cold here; it's made by our fellow Filipinos; it's very beautiful here; it's very beautiful when you make it here; a lot of people come here; there's a long line here; but it's worth it waiting here because this place is so beautiful. Many people were also selling souvenirs here with their own creations that were beautiful, and when we finished walking around here before we went out, we took pictures first. When we went out, someone was selling Taho strawberries. The first time I ate them, they were very delicious.

The Burnham Park is the next stop for us after we visit the Igorot stone kingdom ; it is conveniently located close to our flat. My cousins and I travel to Burnham Lake, which is in the middle of the park, and we rent a boat to go boating for Php. 30 minutes at 100.00. We attempted bouting, and the match we decided on was the swim match. Rentable bicycles are also available. Rentable bicycle options include single, tandem, and even bicycles with side vehicles. They even have kid-sized bikes. It's too wonderful to ride a bicycle because of the cold weather of the park, so my cousin and I rent a single bike and we enjoy the trip around the park.

Our next stop is Camp John Hay, where we plan to go horseback riding. Well, this experience has been unique for me. I ride a horse for the first time at that moment. I stayed in tune with my horse the entire time, sat straight and comfortable, and listened to the guide's directions. Enjoy the hour-long ride; it's well worth it.

Following our time riding horses in Camp John Hay, we all return to our apartments to rest. The following morning, we all visit Mines View Park, one of Baguio's vibrant destinations. There are shops around where you can purchase trinkets like brooms and other goods. Additionally, you can pose for photos or have your picture taken with the St. Bernards dog, which is a really soft and adorable creature. You can ride a horse or stand next to one while having your picture shot. You can also snap pictures while looking out at the Cordillera Regions' mountain ranges.

And the last one we went to was Dominican Hill. It's also a beautiful place. A lot of people come here. There's like an old church here. It's so scary. It's like a haunted house. But it's okay because there are a lot of people. We just walked around here and took pictures.

[shellwanders]

Habibis Grill Baguio: A Taste of the Middle East

Habibis Grill is a popular restaurant in Baguio City, Philippines that serves authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Traveling to Habibis grill Baguio for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to navigate your way inside, save money, and maximize your time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🌈 Shell (@shellwanders) HOW TO GET TO BAGUIO Direct…

[womanlalaboy]

So, as someone living near Tagaytay, I never understood why would anyone willingly subject themselves to hours of commuting and crazy traffic when we had a cooler alternative nearby. Tagaytay is just an hour and a half away from Imus; 1 hour if you happen to ride a bus that will take you to the afterlife should the driver feel like it. But a mandatory company outing forced me to give Baguio a chance, and boy, was it a treat!

I was impressed by The Manor's classic and chic architecture. The place had a grandeur that blended perfectly with its mountainous surroundings. But let me tell you this: the real highlight was the breakfast buffet! I'm talking about insanely delicious food that made me want to stay there forever. I became obsessed with the egg station, where those cooks whipped up omelets like nobody's business. And don't even get me started on the al fresco dining in the foggy garden. It was like something out of a fairy tale. Eating breakfast never felt so heavenly.

I loved the dangerous ride we had, similar to the exhilarating ones in Baler. Oh, our night ride was the most thrilling. It rained hard and we could not see anything. The car's air-conditioning broke so we had to slightly open the windows just to get a whiff of that cold Baguio breeze- small opening enough for the wind to enter, but also small enough for the rain to not pour inside the car. All the struggles were definitely worth it.

Oh, and Burnham Park is as busy as everybody said, but I surprisingly enjoyed strolling there. I had a great time sitting on a mini library watching the swan boats and the little humans wearing their adult-looking clothes. I wondered how lucky they are to be born at a time of improved fashion. I recalled how much of a potato and how shitty my fashion sense was. *cringes in jeje*

Now, let's talk about Good Taste Restaurant. It blew my mind with its impressive efficiency. They had serving robots that moved around flawlessly, creating a unique kind of ASMR experience. We took tons of videos of them. The staff also worked like well-oiled machines, serving food and cleaning tables with incredible precision. It made me wish for the same level of efficiency in my workplace, in my apartment, hometown, and community. Plus, the food there was divine! I wanted to eat more, but my stomach had its limits.

We also managed to squeeze in a visit to "Ilikha," although it was closing time. Despite the limited time, I caught glimpses of its magical charm. We also spend a few hours at BenCab Museum. It was amazing; its erotica collection, the historical Philippines and the Japanese occupation. Outside BenCab, I found peace looking at a tree filled with pink "parols," and thought that even when Leni Robredo did not get to be the president, I was well dam sure that her fight had inspired countless others. Those festive decorations symbolized hope and resilience.

It has not been that long, but I miss Baguio already. My older self could never even begin to understand, but I do now. Baguio really has its charms.

[ariesinwanderlvnd]

Thank you, 2022! Tara, 2023!

Life can sometimes seem so fast talaga and minsan it can be reaaaally slow. Di ako makapaniwala na tapos nanaman ang isang taon. I don’t have anything in mind to say kaya kung ano nalang maisulat ko ang ilalagay ko dito.

What I felt about 2022, naubos talaga ako. I’m the type of person na (I feel), always composed pero earlier palang ng 2022, naputol na ang tiyaga ko. Ayaw ko na sana maalala nangyare pero kasi ang path to peace is being okay what happened in the past. So ayun, binantaan papatayin ng sarili kong Nanay ang empleyado namin dahil sa wrong information na nakuha niya sa chismis. Imagine that? It excruciatingly painful yun para sakin. Of course that eventually led sa decision ng Papa ko na umalis nanaman na bahay. At ako eventually also decided to leave ng bahay. Umalis nako ng bahay noon kasi I felt kailangan ko na isave ang pangarap ko maging CPA. While I was in Baguio and stayed there for 4 months, nagreflect ako mabuti as to where I want to go and want to do. Completely lost na kasi ako talaga at that time. Akala ko makakapag review na ako mabuti pero kailangan ko narin harapin yung possibility na this could be really over for me sa journey ko sa pagiging CPA. Before 2022 ko pa naramdaman na parang I’m done already pero tinry ko parin iworkout. So nagdasal talaga ako na mabigyan ako ng direction and dream ulit. After continuous na prayer at reflection, I decided na mag abroad. Most of the year, eto yung inasikaso ko at ginawa ko talaga best ko para malakad mga papers ko. Asang-asa na rin ako makaalis by December sana kaso maaga ko rin nalaman na delayed ang alis dahil sa gipit na ang deadline ng school. I was kind of dismayed. Bakit ganun? Sobra nako nag suffer pero wala parin. Pero delay lang naman so there’s HOPE parin naman.

What also disappoints me yung how manipulative ang Papa. I thought he was very supportive para makapag abroad ako pero sinuportahan lang ako para sa kanyand devious plan para ‘mabuo’ ang family namin. Gets ko naman pero the more he force us to be united again, the more lang na nasisira. Nakakainis yung pa-victim type of attitude and all that. Disappointed talaga ako sa parents ko in general. Kahit na financially nila ako sinuportahan sa lahat hanggang sa pag aabroad ko, disappointed ako in a sense na after all these years na nag aaway sila, sakanila parin centered ang problema. What I mean is that, after all these years nga, ano pa ba ang importante, sino manalo sa conflict na ginawa nila or ang well-being ng family namin? Well, lo and behold, gusto parin nila manalo yung sarili nila sa conflict. Kaya I don’t believe we are way near of fixing this. Samahan mo pa ng pakialamera(ro) na kamag anak. I feel they destroyed my joy ko sa learning. So much pain talaga.

May mga time na bago ako matulog, napapaiyak nalang ako kasi ang gulo-gulo ng buhay ko. Sometimes I ask, will I still make sense of this? With all these being said, I acknowledge naman na I am not alone. Lahat ng tao nag struggle ngayon taon. Suffering per se is relative. Ang pinaka challenge talaga dito, how do you keep the faith in God? How do you still keep your values in tact amidst all the suffering? Kinakabahan din ako. Ayaw ko rin naman igive up mga values ko para lang makuha ko gusto ko. I guess, 2022 is still not my time. Not my chance. Not my biggest break. 2023? I’d like to believe na maybe eto na pero I also want to make a decision every single day to decide what’s best for me and let go of the things na kailangan at hindi naman importante.

Prayer

Lord, what a great year. I know, sounds sarcastic pero what constitutes a ‘great’ year po ba? Hindi naman po necessarily buong taon happy and successful diba? We could be great kasi we survived another year. And with that po Lord, thank you! I couldn’t say that or emphasize that enough. I don’t know what this year will bring but as long as we always have that faith, we’ll be okay. Lord, strengthen my faith pa po. Sometimes I do feel like I’m on the brink of giving up already. Grant us always your wisdom. May we live in peace and with all the humility. Amen.

[alynna-in-group-therapy]

September 25 | Session 8

We had our group therapy class online yesterday because of the PAPCon in Baguio. We had our usual sharings but I noticed that the group was more into silences and there were fewer people who wanted to share. It seems like it was difficult to get the traction of people sharing and relating to each other. We talked about getting the courage to reach out to someone and initiate a conversation. I also shared my thoughts on becoming curious with the other person and engaging in less overthinking. I was left with the realization that each of us are in different paces of being comfortable with oneself and no amount of words can make this faster for some.

I am becoming more comfortable with sitting in silences. However, there were silences were I would think or reflect over what was shared. At times, silences were just empty and nothing comes to mind. I have experienced more of the empty silences last night.

One thing that stayed with me last night was the feedback session we had. It was a good way to check in with everyone as we have been attending the class for 8 weeks already. It was a nice way to assess what have been working and what things are needed to change. It was heartwarming how everyone appreciated the presence of each one in class and the support that was given to each other. I also liked the feedback to check in at the start of each class to quickly see where everyone is before we start discussing things.

[micaellaraine]

“TADHANA”

Prologue

Baguio was more than a hometown; it was where five friends—Rishi, Yesha, Lucas, Zlan, and Luna—built unbreakable bonds. From childhood to college, they faced life’s ups and downs together, each finding their own path yet holding onto the memories they shared.

Zlan and Luna’s love was like a promise of forever. But sometimes, tadhana—destiny—tests even the strongest connections. When illness strikes, the friends must learn that love and friendship aren’t bound by time. Even as life changes, some promises, they’ll find, last beyond a lifetime.

Chapter 1: The Circle

There was a tight circle of friends from the quiet, misty town of Baguio. They’d known each other forever, it seemed—since those early, innocent days of grade school, when life was all about playing tag, staying out until the sun dipped low, and sharing secrets on the playground. They were five: Zlan, Rishi, Yesha, Lucas, and Luna. Five young souls, bound by laughter, shared dreams, and promises they once swore they’d keep forever.

As the years passed, they grew up together. They moved from being kids at the same elementary school to high school classmates, facing teenage life hand in hand. Their friendship grew stronger, and together, they learned about love, heartbreak, and everything in between. And now, they found themselves in college, still a team, but in many ways also discovering their own separate paths at De La Salle College.

Rishi, with her vibrant personality and charm, was pursuing tourism and had become a well-known vlogger. She’d amassed thousands of followers online, capturing the hearts of people with her travels and stories. She also had a boyfriend whom she adored, but still made time for her friends. Yesha, always the graceful one, turned her beauty into a career as a makeup endorser. She was studying fine arts and could often be found painting late into the night. Then there was Lucas, the star athlete. As a varsity player, he was one of the campus heartthrobs, loved by fans but staying grounded, thanks to his loyal circle of friends.

And at the center of it all were Zlan and Luna. They were the couple everyone admired. Zlan was the quiet, thoughtful one, while Luna brought light to everyone around her. Together, they seemed perfect. Yet like any couple, they argued and disagreed, but always found their way back to each other. They’d been together for so long that everyone expected they’d be forever.

Chapter 2: A Changing World

As college life went on, each friend became busier, caught up in their studies, their careers, and their own dreams. Rishi spent more and more time traveling for her vlogs, meeting fans, and creating content. Yesha was focusing on her endorsements and art projects, and Lucas was in intense training with his team. Slowly, the once unbreakable circle of five began to feel stretched thin, like a string that was being pulled in all directions.

Zlan noticed these changes, but he tried to stay positive. He and Luna often talked about it, and though Luna missed their friends, she always reassured Zlan that they’d find time to come together again. She would say, “Friends like ours? They don’t just disappear. They’re in our hearts, no matter what.” And Zlan would smile, believing her words with all his heart.

But something wasn’t right with Luna. Sometimes, when she thought no one was looking, Zlan would catch her looking tired, her usual spark dimming. At first, he thought it was just the stress of college life. But then, Luna started missing classes. She’d spend days lying in bed, too weak to get up. It wasn’t like her, and Zlan felt a strange fear growing in his heart.

Chapter 3: The Diagnosis

One day, Zlan went to visit Luna after she hadn’t shown up to class for a week. He found her lying in her bed, pale and frail, a shadow of the girl who once seemed invincible. She tried to smile, but there was a sadness in her eyes.

“Zlan, I need to tell you something,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

And that was when she told him. She had been diagnosed with stage 3 bone cancer. The words felt like knives to Zlan's heart, cutting him deeply. How could this be happening to Luna? The girl who loved life more than anyone, the one who always reminded him to laugh, to dream, to live. His Luna.

Chapter 4: Holding On

For the next few months, Zlan stood by her side. He went with her to every doctor’s appointment, held her hand through every painful treatment, and wiped away her tears when she could no longer hold them back. Their friends tried to support them, but with their busy lives, it wasn’t always easy to be there in person.

Yet, Rishi, Yesha, and Lucas kept calling, checking in, sending messages of hope and love. They all promised that as soon as they had a break, they would come and visit her. They’d all be together again, the way they used to be.

But as the days went on, Zlan could see Luna getting weaker. He saw her fighting with every bit of strength she had left, trying to keep her promise to him and to their friends. She kept saying, “We’ll get through this, Zlan. One day, we’ll look back and laugh.”

But Zlan knew. Deep down, he knew they didn’t have much time left.

Chapter 5: The Final Goodbye

Two years later, the friends finally found a moment when they could all gather again. Rishi, Lucas, and Yesha returned to Baguio, desperate to see Luna and to be with their friends. It had been too long, and the regret of their distance weighed heavy on their hearts.

When they arrived at Luna’s place, she was lying in bed, weaker than ever. Zlan was beside her, holding her hand tightly. The friends gathered around her, their eyes filling with tears as they tried to hold onto the memories they’d shared.

Luna smiled at each of them, her eyes shining with the same light that had always drawn them to her. She took a deep breath, and with a soft voice, spoke her final words to Zlan.

“Alpas kana, Zlan,” she whispered, her hand squeezing his one last time. “Sa susunod na habang buhay, aantayin kita. Gusto ko buo pa rin ang circle natin kahit wala na ako.”

With that, Luna closed her eyes, her face peaceful as she drifted away. Zlan held her hand, tears falling silently as he whispered his own goodbye, his heart breaking into pieces.

Chapter 6: After Tadhana

After Luna’s passing, Zlan was never the same. He fell into a deep sadness, losing himself in the emptiness that Luna had left behind. The once lively, joyful boy was now a shadow, carrying a weight that no one else could understand. He tried to be strong, remembering Luna’s wish for him to let go and keep living. But it was hard. The circle of friends was broken, and Zlan felt lost without her.

Rishi, Yesha, and Lucas stayed close to Zlan, reminding him that he wasn’t alone. They became his support, the ones who helped him carry the pain, and together, they honored Luna’s memory. They visited her grave often, bringing flowers and sitting in silence, knowing that she was still with them, watching over them.

They promised each other that no matter what, they would stay friends, that they would be there for each other, as Luna had wanted. And slowly, with time, Zlan began to heal. He knew that Luna was waiting for him somewhere, that one day, they’d be together again.

But until then, he would live. He would find joy, love, and laughter again, carrying Luna’s memory in his heart, as he and their friends kept the circle strong.

In the end, it was as Luna had said—Tadhana. Destiny. The kind of love and friendship they shared was rare, the kind that even death couldn’t break. And though their paths may twist and turn, they would always find their way back to each other.

#fictionstory

#TADHANA

#mustread

[distressedbutstillblessed]

Hi Just want to have a little life update.

I don’t know how to put things into words, but I want to ask my self a little bit on how life is going on lately. A little self reflection after 10 months of 2024.

Yes, time flies so fast just like the cold breeze of air that starts in September. It has always been tough, life has always been tough for me, but lo and behold, I am still here standing, moving and surviving. Let me appreciate my life first before anything else because being able to continue life is a big achievement already. A lot had happened even though II may not notice it, in almost a year, there are a lot of changes, plans, setting, people changes. I’ve been to different places within thin the country/ Luzon, experienced and explore different things I have never done before. Let me have a quick recap on how the year went and see what we can do for the remaining 2 months.

JANUARY.

The start of the year gave hope for a better life without any idea how this year will go, which may be in favor of me or not.

End of January, Aljun and I also went to a camping which really went well. We were able to recharge from the nature and had peace away from the city life. We literally just had rest, being asleep since 6pm to 6am we even forgot to have dinner at this time.

During this time, I was able to start my MP2. Yay!

FEBRUARY.

Aljun’s birth month and I cooked spaghetti for his birthday. And he was able to meet my colleagues during the despidida for Sir JC and celebration of the January, and february babies.

I got my Ipad. This thing may be a reflection that I deserve too have reward for myself and I am doing great in surviving what life throws me. I have been wanting this with no specific reason ever since I was a student. I hope this inspires me to be more striving and it may also help me attain much more goals in the future. I am hopeful that this thing may become my go to thing whenever I needed something.

We also went to Baguio, and this time, maybe we mold our relationship stronger. We may have a little arguments that time but it made us understand each other more.

Forgot to mention, I had a major skin insecurity having a dandruff outbreak which started last December and peaked in February, and a rashes on my forearms which led me to get consulted by a dermatologist. Realizing how stressed I was for the past months

MARCH

Aljun also bought his Ipad. And started his new work at WTW. Holy week started this month.

Ate came home, And as usual, I am the person, mainly responsible for the gala things. Tatay also volunteered to become apostle for the holy weeks’ month long preparation.

APRIL

Our birth month. We had the chance to have a time off with my familly. We went to Alahbiga, San Juan, Batangas, where I saw kuya aldrin went to fishing.

On April 222-24, 2024, Ate returned to Philippines without the knowledge of my parents for the reason that she needed to settle her medical for the processing of her work in US. And as usual, again, I am the one who assisted her during her stay. April 24, 2024, We had a dinner out with Ate Aiza, ALjun and Kuya Aldrin, it was so satisfying that I was able to treat them with my hard earned money.

Aj also invited me to join him in his company event.

And as for my birthday, Aljun has been the one who made it so special, we went to A1 premium shabu shabu house, gave me a surprise when I got home from work. In addition, I thank my friends, the Bonaks who also made an extra effort to order something from “Mary Grace” and have it delivered, haven’t expected to be blessed with these people for 27 years.

Actually, didn’t realized to have so much during this birth month. I have always thought that this is just a normal month for me.

MAY.

I volunteered to be assigned as in patient duty for 2 months with phoebe who turned out be my work bestie now.

At this month, there is a sudden opportunity for me to work in Germany, and I thought this will be easy, but it’s not, now I almost wanted to give up, but the thing is, I will never know what awaits me there if I will never be able to start and be there. So I started my language journey and really had a hard time.

JUNE.

I took my certification for advanced dry needling, this is something to improve my knowledge as a professional. We celebrated Father’s day and took ninong and tatay out and went to the beach.

I started signing up for the Language course for Deutsch. I have to take this seriously. (June 16) I am hopeful for this opportunity, I hope, I never got disappointed.

I got my hair treated with ate as my sponsor. Hehe

JULY.

Nanay’s Death anniversary. May she rests in peace. I will forever remember her, will always love her and cherish moments I had with her. Aljun came to visit Batangas again.

Had the chance to go out with the BONAKs and Aljun, went to Puerto galera. We were able to get away and relax in a bit away from work and school (for AJ and Diana). I got soooooo drunk and vomitted, I have been so wasted, and this is the first time ever in my life. But it feels great to be surrounded by people who are willing to take care of me, and ALjun have seen the worst of me this time. Haha

Enjoyed Rehab week, we enjoyed the fun run.

We (AJ, Carol) hiked at Mt. Batulao with carol’s co-workers. The trip went really great even though I had a little misunderstanding with Aljun.

AUGUST

Aljun started being affiliated with MoveIt. Safe drive myLove.

I signed the contract for DevHub , dated July 3, 2024, but officially started August 3, 2024.

Iwas able to meet Junie and Cm again.

We (batchies) were able to watch On more chance the Musical, a theatrical play based from the movie with incorporation of ben and ben music. I really enjoyed the watching and listening to it. If only I was allowed to capture and have some clips from it. We also ate at wildflour, the food here is a little expensive but I was fulfilled to have the capability now to eat here and the experience was great with my batchies.

SEPTEMBER.

We watched Mula sa Buwan, and This time, I am with my highschool besties, JJJ and Princess. A tragic story of love and survival during the war era. A heartfelt theater play that gives us the message to love and fight for the country, A genuine love but is hidden, how the art of music lifts up the soul and how magical it is to imagine that we’ll be returning to the moon, where all people are the same, no judgments, just peace, love and beauty.

OCTOBER

Aljun and I, Our 2nd anniversary the was celebrated at cavite. Celebrated it peace adn nature. I think, this is really our thing. And by the way, Aljun also bought his first ever car. The car he dreamed of for a long time. Another step of achievement for him.

Aljun and I also joined a 10-mile run, which I. Almost give up, but thsnk God II didn’t, this is still a self achievement. I also thank aljun for not leaving me all through out even having the chance to do so.

Phoebe and I had the chance to go out and went to Whimsical Wonderland where we enjoyed taking videos and pictures. I literally just looked like crazy with the snaps we had.

And this wraps up for now, let’s see for the last 2 months of this year awaits for me. I am still hopefulfor the best and for my German laguage journey.

[misspaguio2024]

Darlyn Paguio and the The Silver Children of the Bamboo Grove

Darlyn Paguio arrived at the bamboo grove with her great-aunt Rebecca Paguio and they both discovered four children, two brothers and two sisters whose eyes and hair were silver and grey, they spoke a Proto-Philippine language, their handwriting was Baybayin and always ate fruits and vegetables while refusing junk food. Along with the siblings was their mother Meredith who was carrying her newborn son, Antonio Bojie. So, Darlyn and Tita Rebecca took the children and their mother to the local apartment to stay for several weeks during the spring-summer of 2020s. Under the care of Darlyn and Tita Rebecca, the silver family learned to speak English and other modern languages, adapted to Filipino customs and cultures, tried new food, and integrated into society.

During their time exploring Baguio City, the silver family couldn’t recall their arrival in the bamboo grove but they were able to remember that they came from a mythical world where heaven and light alike called the Golden Spirit Garden of Mary and so Darlyn was able to relocate and discover the golden garden where it was inhabited by same race with silver hair and eyes.