Placid Paradise: Puerto Princesa Palawan

The waves of noise from the bustling metropolis made me long for a worry-free getaway. Fortunately, I didn't have to repine for forever because I got the chance to visit Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

Knowing Palawan as one of the most sought-after travel destination in the world, who am I to resist the call of its charms? Although the brevity of my getaway hindered me to explore El Nido, another must-visit destination in Palawan, my sweet escape in Puerto Princesa made me see different hues of life. In a span of two nights and two days, here are the places in Puerto Princesa that made my heart skip.

My colleague and I visited one of the most popular tourists' attractions in Puerto Princesa. After almost an hour of traveling via public vehicles (jeepney, tricycle), we were able to witness the grandeur of Baker's Hill. 

Life-sized statues, fascinating flora and fauna, and freshly-baked goods are some of the things that await any tourists who set foot in Baker's Hill. Few details such as its history are available online about the attraction. However, it became popular for good reasons. The place is a fresh idea of what makes a good park. Apart from its infamous hopia, its landscape and architecture are a sight to behold. Baker's Hill is a perfect wonderland for tourists and locals in Puerto Princesa. 

 It was my first time to see a living peacock in Baker's Hill!

Going places is something that I consider as a good way of rewinding. However, it takes quite an effort to look for a safe and good place to stay in especially if you haven't been to the destination of your choice. 

That's exactly what I went through when we visited Puerto Princesa. Both of us haven't been to Palawan and while the idea of traveling gave us an undeniable sense of adventure, we would be hypocrites if we'd deny our nervousness. Fortunately, a week before flying to Puerto Princesa, I was able to secure a place for us to stay in. I must have done something really good because it was such a good deal.

I booked a room for us to stay in Bamboo Hostel. From its name, it is a hostel mostly made out of bamboo. Even though I have researched thoroughly about the place, I wasn't expecting that much. I do know how online reviews can sometimes be misleading. Nevertheless, we went for Bamboo Hostel and we were not disappointed. 

For a very affordable price, we were able to stay in Bamboo Hostel for a couple of days. Free breakfast was included in our stay which we enjoyed while being close to nature and with a book at hand. The hostel offers a good area suitable for worthwhile activities such as reading, chatting with the other backpackers, or something as simple as enjoying a cup of joe. Bamboo Hostel also offers exciting tours.

I love the fact that they have an artsy way of promoting love nature by painting their tables.

I also love how they welcome their guests. I was surprised to see my name on a board right at the hostel's entrance.

The place is perfect for backpackers who would love to leave fewer carbon footprints. It doesn't have air conditioners available but it does offer a bountiful sight of foliage. It also has a sanitary and fully-functional restrooms which is one of what I was looking for. You can either stay in one of their rooms, in one of their tents, or in a hammock.

I have mentioned before and you may have noticed on some of my posts that cafes sprout all over Cebu. Finding a good cafe in our city is never difficult. Though the scenario isn't as easy as it is in Puerto Princesa, we were glad that good cafes exist in the city.

With the help of the internet, I was able to find Gypsy's Lair Art Cafe. The cafe truly lives up to its name. With its gypsy-inspired interiors and food selections, one shouldn't miss out the hip of the cafe. Looking at every nook of Gypsy's is synonymous with exploring a sea of curiosities. The art weaved in every detail of the establishment is magnified to its fullest purpose. It will leave you gnawing with wonder.
Is there a better place to wait for 4 hours before your airplane flight takes place? I couldn't think of a better way other than chilling in Gypsy's.

⭐Breathing Stars
The highlight of my quick getaway is when my colleague and I availed for a firefly watching tour in one of El Nido's aquatic bliss. I have never seen a living firefly my whole life. I've read about their luminous allure in books and on the internet, but we all know how exhilarating would it be to see them live.

For a little less than $25, we were able to witness the magnificence of thousand breathing stars as we quietly explore a placid river. We do not have the proper camera to capture such idyllic scene, but I have zero regrets and sadness. After all, the most beautiful things in life cannot be seen by one's' naked eye.

We just sat quietly in our Lilliputian boat. The moon above us humbled herself as it listens to the silent brood of the river. Happiness flowed like honey in my heart as I look around and watch the river tattoo the mountains and the moon in its body. At that moment, the only thing that lits up the lush part of the river are the fireflies.

Our tour guide told us that fireflies do not live long after they've fulfilled their purpose in life which is to reproduce. I sat and embraced my wistful thoughts whilst she continued her fair share of knowledge. Then a thought plunges into my mind like a stone on a placid water: as humans, we do not live just to reproduce. We dream, we revolutionize, we aspire, we love, we live. And aren't we all fireflies who shine the brightest when darkness wraps us?
The next morning, I left Puerto Princesa along with a promise: to shine the brightest.

love lots,
Tin

5 Dresses to Try This Holiday Season

With all of the parties and other sort of get together events this holiday season, shopping could be a daunting task especially if you are connected to an 8-5 commitment.

While you can also wear something comfortable, there is nothing wrong in choosing something a little bit more special. After all,  Christmas season comes only once a year. You may opt for what's trendy or something that is as versatile as those unique stylish dresses for women.

Dresses are great not only because it can save you from worrying about which top or bottom would suit your outfit best, but also because dresses can instantly make anyone look sophisticated. With the best dress of your choice, the only thing left for you to think about is your accessories. Depending on your dress, your choice of jewelry may vary.

While I did bought a couple of tops for the holiday season, I did find five wholesome dresses online that you can add to your cart and wear to spice up your holiday look.

First is this Black Sexy Off Shoulder Irregular Hem Dress. I love off shoulder tops and dresses. They seem sexy but not too much that can reveal too much skin. It also looks very feminine and can fit perfectly to any face shape. Black is also a staple color as it style goes out of style. It also makes the task of choosing the color of your jewelries less tasking though I prefer simple pearls and diamond-studded accessories for a classic LBD.

Another dress that I have found online is this sexy and aalluring Burgundy Bodycon V-neck Cross Front Wrap Mini Dress . This is perfect for girls who want to highlight their gorgeous curves and want to look extra. The burgundy color is another shade that is perfect for a midnight holiday party.

This dress doesn't have a complicated cut or style but this won't fail anyone from looking posh for the holiday. This
Fashion Plain Green Color Mini Dress with Button Closure is perfect for the ladies who want to embody those words of wisdom which goes "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." This plain green dress will also push anyone who wears this into playing with accessories.

There is always something about the holiday season that makes it valuable. As it is a once in a year celebration, you can never go wrong if you choose to go for a gold dress in one of your holiday events. Gold looks good in any skin color and can easily make anyone who wears it look classy. In such cases, this
Thread Embroidered Hollow Out Halter Neck Backless Dress in Gold is a perfect fit.

If you love to carry that delicate yet sophisticated feel on your outfit, laces and whites would be perfect for you. While others think that might be a boring pick for a festive event, worry not. What you have to keep in mind is choosing that one white dress with laser cut and stylish feel just like this White One Shoulder Bell Sleeve Lace Dress.

Those are just some of the fancy selections that you can choose from for this holiday season. Choosing where to buy your fashion items of clothing and accessories shouldn't be too difficult because these days, online stores like Yoins.com are literally everywhere. Aside from the dresses featured above, they also have affordable sexy tops sale online. 

For this Christmas, I will be wearing an embroided black top with floral designs. I plan to pair it with a white pencil skirt with flowers in similar shade. Our family plans to wear something green for the upcoming NYE celebration so I will be wearing something in the shade of green.

I don't have anything special in mind this holiday other than finishing a book and painting. What about you poets? What are your grand plans this holiday season?

I hope that the list above will help you choose the best outfit for your holiday parties and that you will have a blissful Christmas.

love lots,
Tin

Musings on Summer Nights

Here are a couple of poems that I wrote last summer (April, May 2017). For some reasons, my poetic muse was constant last summer. I hope you enjoy reading a part of my soul's verses above.

love lots,

Tin