Poetic Isolation

This is my second blog about my trip to Baguio last year. I had to divide what I wanted to write about into two separate posts because combining everything into one blog would have been too lengthy and possibly overwhelming for readers.

By the way, I’m glad that my blog has consistent readers, most of whom are from outside the Philippines. I have no idea why, but it’s nice to know that people find my blogs worth reading. I hope that whatever people read here adds value to their lives, whether by informing or entertaining them. I know that short-form content, aka reels, and photo dumps with minimal captions are popular these days, and I enjoy posting them on my Facebook page, Bloom Cebu, too. Still, long-form content, like blogs, is something I find deeply satisfying as both a reader and a writer.

Now, going back to my trip to Baguio, I’ve already covered the place where I stayed and some popular spots in the central part of the city. I’ll still be featuring a few more places within the city proper, but in this blog, I’m highlighting Tam-Awan Village, a well-known art center in the City of Pines. It’s still within the city, though a bit farther from the areas around Session Road that I previously explored.

Here's a text coming from the village about the history of the place:

HISTORY

During the years when the entire City of Baguio was still grazing land for large herds of cattle, Pinsao, location of the Tam-awan Village was one vast pastureland. A spring beside Tam-awan is the source of a body of water that once served as a watering hole for cattle. Thus, the place became associated with chanum, which in Ibaloi, means water. Adopting the name to symbolize its vision, Chanum Foundation, Inc. views its role to be as nurturing and life-giving as the spring in Tam-awan Village.

More than a showcase of indigenous craftsmanship, the foundation envisions the Tam-awan Village as an ideal venue for art and cultural activities aimed to enhance the appreciation of Cordillera life, its culture and its history.

Uniquely blends indigenous aesthetics and exquisite Ifugao craftsmanship with an artist's concept for a village adapting the Baguio setting.

I went to Tam-Awan Village because I felt it had so much to offer in local culture and arts, which I’m very interested in. I was not disappointed and was truly amazed by every corner of the village.

It was drizzling when I visited, but it was all good. It was cold and wet, but I was thankful that it wasn’t raining heavily. The weather was good enough for me to explore the entire place, which, by the way, is built on rising terrain.

TAM-AWAN VILLAGE HISTORY

The Chanum Foundation, Inc., founded in 1998, began to reconstruct Ifugao houses in Baguio with the view of making a model village accessible to people who have not had the chance to travel to the Cordillera interior. Building on the land near an abundant spring, the foundation started out with three knocked-down huts transported from Banga-an, Ifugao. The village now has seven Ifugao huts and two Kalinga houses. Using the original materials and adding only new cogon roofs, traditional artisans reconstructed the houses and laid them out resembling the design of a traditional Cordillera Village.

Among the fascinating sights in the village is the reconstructed Cordillera village, showcasing traditional Ifugao huts, which are very different from how huts are constructed in other parts of the Philippines.

I did not know that visitors could go inside the huts, so I didn’t get inside any of them. Still, I was able to get a good look at the interiors. Also, it might have been better that way since I was the only one around most of the time, and being inside these huts felt kind of creepy.

Even though it was broad daylight, the huts provided good shade, making them noticeably colder and much dimmer inside. Recently, I saw a post on Threads where their camera suddenly shifted focus to a dark spot inside the hut. lol I wouldn't want that to happen to me.

TAM-AWAN VILLAGE CAFE

At the start, the village was created in 1996 with a seating capacity for only a dozen. At the start of operations, the Café in 2007 the Café was renovated and expanded to accommodate more people and more signature dishes were added to the menu.

Today, the Café is the center of the village, dubbed as a gallery café serving native Benguet blend coffee and meals such as traditional chicken soup, “Pinikpikan,” smoked meat like kinilaw and kinuday with red rice. Occasionally the artists still cook their signature dishes in the kitchen.

Inside the village is a café that offers traditional Ifugao dishes. I had my eye on two dishes: pinikpikan and kinudlay.

Pinikpikan is a traditional chicken or duck soup cooked with native herbs, without any artificial flavorings. It is a very old dish from the province. The village café incorporated some kinudlay, a smoke-cured delicacy, into the soup, resulting in a warm, hearty, and rich broth that is perfect for the cold weather in Baguio.

It was my first time trying the soup, and I was kind of nervous since I have a sensitive gut. Fortunately, it turned out to be a satisfying meal, and I loved the overall taste. I’m definitely adding this to my list of must-try dishes for anyone visiting the Cordillera.

Pinikpikan Soup with Kinudlay at the Tam-Awan Village Cafe

I love these artsy signs on the café’s restroom doors.

Right across from the café is a craft shop and sketching area, where an artist can do a live sketch of you for a minimal fee. I didn’t let the opportunity pass and had my sketch made. It was kind of embarrassing, funny, and interesting to have your portrait drawn live. It was also another first for me in Baguio. I’m not showing you my portrait, though, because I look haggard AF. Haha!

This is another fascinating part of the village: its mirror installation. The conceptual art installation by artist Mark Tandoyog invites visitors to reflect upon themselves. It's a bit creepy, so I didn't stay long after taking photos in the area.

Not far from the mirror installation is this giant dream catcher.

I don't know what you call these vegetables in your area, but in the Philippines, we call them sayote. These are among my favorite vegetables because of their nutritional value and how easily they blend into different vegetable dishes. These two had just fallen to the ground. I would have wanted to pick them up, but I wasn't sure if that was allowed, and I didn't have time to cook them while I was in Baguio.

Another artsy painting in the bathroom. I love how whimsical it is! Look at that frog just sitting there. LOL!

Another captivating part of my day at Tam-Awan Village was witnessing this group of local dancers showcasing a traditional courtship dance called Dinuyya (or Dinuya). It consists of rhythmic movements that mimic the movements of birds. Traditional musical instruments, such as gongs, accompanied the dancers as they gracefully moved their bodies.

I planned to include my experience on Session Road, but I guess that’s for another post since this one would be too lengthy. Some people don’t include Tam-Awan Village in their itinerary, but I feel it’s worth visiting. To each their own, but I prefer exploring places where I can experience art and culture in one go. If you ever find yourself in Baguio, set aside a day to visit Tam-Awan Village.

Until next time.

love lots,

Tin

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra held its grand launch on September 7, 2026, at Halls B and C of the Nustar Cebu Convention Hall. The grand event brought together partner guests, IT and tech hubs, tech enthusiasts, Cebuano media, and bloggers, with the program hosted by Rico Hizon.

Alongside the product launch, ASUS transformed the entire venue into an interactive showcase, featuring various booths highlighting the laptop’s key features and benefits. Guests were able to explore each booth and experience the capabilities of the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra firsthand.

Each booth was staffed by an ASUS professional who provided detailed demonstrations, explained the product’s features, and answered guests’ questions, giving attendees a closer look at what the new laptop has to offer. I was invited by ASUS Philippines to the grand launch to learn more about the ExpertBook Ultra. I went with my mom and younger bro, and I was not disappointed to know more about the product.

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ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Key Features and Benefits

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-70Wh battery with up to 26 hours of battery life – A large battery designed to keep the laptop running for extended periods before needing to recharge.

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‎- 9H Nano Ceramic coating for enhanced durability and stain, fingerprint, and scratch resistance

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What I Love About ASUS ExpertBook Ultra

There are so many reasons to love the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra. Honestly, it feels like the kind of PC any tech enthusiast or professional would dream of having. Imagine having a computer that takes away many of the usual worries that come with bringing a laptop everywhere, while balancing mobility, performance, and durability. That’s exactly what the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra offers.

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I also love that it has two USB-C ports that support charging. That means you can use a compatible power bank to charge the laptop when you’re out and happen to leave your charger at home. It also charges quickly and has impressive battery life, two things that I personally find important because they are issues I regularly encounter with my current laptop.

My own laptop doesn’t have a USB-C port yet, although I know it has become increasingly common in newer models. So having USB-C charging is definitely a big plus. Another concern I have with my current laptop is its weight. I love my laptop, and it works well and fast, but it is quite heavy, which makes me think twice about bringing it outside. The ExpertBook Ultra, on the other hand, is designed with mobility in mind, making it much easier to imagine carrying it around for work or travel.

During the launch, I had the opportunity to personally test the laptop and experience some of its features firsthand. Its wider touchpad felt comfortable and responsive to use, and as a left-handed user, I particularly appreciated the extra space. It also comes with built-in noise cancellation, which is an OMG-level feature for me. For online meetings, this can be incredibly helpful because it can reduce unwanted background noise and potentially save me from having to reach for my earbuds or headset every time.

Some of the specifications and durability claims might initially sound like technical mumbo-jumbo, but ASUS actually demonstrated them at the launch. The ExpertBook Ultra was tested with 100 kilograms of weight placed on top, 500ml of water splashed onto its keyboard, and a 120cm drop. They even demonstrated what happens when the laptop is closed with a pencil inside and when the lid is opened wide beyond its usual position. And after all that, the laptop continued to work.

Seeing those demonstrations firsthand made the durability claims much more convincing to me. I highly applaud ASUS for showing rather than simply telling us what the ExpertBook Ultra can do. Oh, I almost forgot: the laptop is touchscreen, which is just, wow. How I wish my PC were!

Overall, I am genuinely impressed by the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra. It feels like a testament to what technology can be when performance, portability, durability, and thoughtful features come together in one device.

Would I buy one for myself? Absolutely, if it fits within my budget. For now, I’ll just have to admire it from afar. But who knows? Maybe I’ll have one of my own soon.

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This isn’t my usual kind of blog post, as I rarely write about events I’ve attended. But the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra impressed me so much that I simply had to share it.

If you’re looking for a PC that can keep up with your work, travels, and everyday needs, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra might just be worth checking out. It combines performance, portability, and durability in a way that makes it feel like a laptop designed to make your life a little easier.

love lots,

Tin

I know I haven't filled this blog as much as I promised myself I would, but I love coming back to 'old-school' blogging, where I just get to share my ideas and all the other good things that I've tried and experienced.

There's so much to write, honestly, and I would love to share those moments with you. I'm also still into reading people's blogs. With the advent of AI-created content, I always find it refreshing to read people's thoughts, especially unhinged ones that reflect their emotions. No restrictions, no pressure, just beautiful humans writing their thoughts and sharing them with the world. There's bravery in that, and, not to sound narcissistic, I'm proud of myself every time I get to put myself out here.

Here, in this humble space, I get to be who I am. And if you find my blogs helpful, inspirational, or entertaining in some way, that's a big bonus for me.

‎I'm starting off with something good with this blog, sharing my favorite products. These products aren't randomly selected; they're all tried and tested by me, for years or months. The ones mentioned here are a mix of international and local products, so if you're not Filipino, you may still come across these products.

Anyways, as I dive into the ingredients of some of these products, you might find something familiar since they're also used by other companies. Hence, if you can't try similar products, you'll get an idea of how products with similar ingredients work. The products here have something to do with wellness, mostly skincare.

Everything I'll be sharing about a certain product here is based on my experience with it. Understandably, if any of these may not work as well for you if you ever get to try them, know that it's alright since we have to account for the differences in our physiology and genetics. What I want to say is that I don't claim these products are one-size-fits-all.

Also, if you have serious conditions, please get advice from a professional rather than relying on reviews or blogs like this. I blog, but I know how important it is for us to listen to advice from medical professionals.

✅CELETEQUE Dermo Science Acne Spot Gel

I can't highlight how much I have tried and tested this product. I've learned about this from Ms. Camille, the content editor from the Japanese business magazine I worked for in 2016. Yep, I've known about this product for almost ten years. And while I don't religiously use this, this always works. I only use this when I have glaring acne.

I'm blessed not to have acne-prone skin, but sometimes, it happens that I get one or two "ripe" pimples. I've tried other products as alternatives or just out of curiosity to see if they work, but nah, they don't. Only Celeteque Dermo Science Acne Spot Gel has lessened my pimples and gotten rid of them. This works so well that sometimes, I find a pimple completely gone overnight! This doesn't remove pimple marks, though, and I find that for hard-to-get pimple marks, only a Diamond Peel treatment has really worked for me.

✅LUXE ORGANIX Cica Soothing Gel

I love LUXE ORGANIX products, but prior to using this, I didn't know if this soothing gel would work or not. Last year, I went to Manila and Baguio, and I don't know why, but I've been having pimples during that time. Also, my chin area was feeling so red and itchy. I have no idea why. I didn't use new products on my face at that time, nor did I eat anything that would trigger any allergic reaction. I planned on having my skin checked by a dermatologist when I get back to Cebu, but I decided to try applying aloe vera gel on it and see if it works.

Luxe Organix's aloe vera gel got rid of redness on my cheek years ago, so I thought it might also help with my chin at that point. I planned to purchase the aloe vera gel, but I accidentally picked the brand's cica gel. I know, lol lol lol. Anyways, cica, also known as goto kola, is also known for its healing properties, so why not try it? Lo and behold! The redness and itchiness on my chin went away. Thanks to this gel.

✅Vytle™ Gentle Moisturising Cleanser

I've been using a local carrot soap for my face before using Vytle's moisturising cleanser. I didn't know anything about the product before, and I've also never heard of it until I discovered that a skin and aesthetic clinic here in Cebu is using it for their clients. A dermatologist gave me one as a giveaway gift, and after thorough reading about the product, I decided to use it.

I love how gentle this cleanser is. It's so gentle that it doesn't even produce bubbles like the usual soap we have. It is also made of natural ingredients, which gives me peace of mind knowing that I'm not using harmful chemicals on my face. Since then, I never looked back, and I'm still using and loving this product until now.

✅Kerasal Multi- Purpose Nail Repair For Fingernails Or Toenails

‎I used this product when I noticed that one of my toenails had gotten thicker. I didn’t know why—it could have been fungal. It didn’t hurt or anything, but it did bother me. I know it’s better to have it checked by a professional, but I saw this product online and read raving reviews about it. I tried it just to see if it worked, and it did. My toenail went back to normal after about three days of applying the product twice a day. I’m just happy that the product worked for me.

✅Deoflex Deodorant by Mixtrue

What type of deodorant do you use? Creams, sticks, or roll-ons? I usually use an organic roll-on deodorant, and it works well for me. I didn’t originally include this on the list, but I also have another product that works really well, a spray deodorant from Mixtrue Beauty, a Filipino brand known for its gentle skincare products.

I don’t use it religiously, but I bring it with me when I go jogging, running, or attend a yoga session. Since it’s a spray deodorant, I can easily apply it to my underarms after a strenuous workout. I just don’t think it’s a good idea, or very hygienic, to use my roll-on deodorant when I’m sweaty. I prefer using my roll-on only after I’ve taken a shower.

I use the spray because I don’t want to commute home feeling sweaty and worried about body odor after exercising. I do change my clothes after a workout, but I only shower once I get home since I don’t like using public showers. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but the point is: the deodorant works, and I don’t want to be smelly. Haha.

✅The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil

I learned about this product from a co-teacher while I was still in university. What happened was that I had a wound on my toenail, and it really hurt. It wasn't exactly an ingrown toenail, but somehow, the manicurist nicked my toe. My co-teacher said tea tree oil would help my wound heal faster. She gave me some tea tree oil from The Body Shop, and honestly, my wound healed faster.

Once again, I'm not a medical professional, and there could have been other factors that helped heal my wound. I'm only writing from my own experience, but there are countless studies about the potential benefits of tea tree oil.

I have tried more wellness products recently, but I still have to see how they work in the long term. Hopefully, they work as well as the products mentioned in this post.

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Baguio City Escapade

ASUS ExpertBook Ultra has Officially Landed in Cebu

ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Key Features and Benefits

What I Love About ASUS ExpertBook Ultra

My Favorite Wellness Products

Troy