Success is in every single thing you do.
I still remember the time when Neil asked me what I want to do in life. It was in late 2017. I have a good job at a video production company and I like what I do there. I said that I was okay with what I was doing already for my career. He asked me again, “What do you want to do for yourself?” I had an answer for that but the thought of it being silly held me back from saying it out loud. It took a few convincing from Neil before I finally admitted that I wanted to be a blogger.
He then asked me if I still do something about it. Back then I was so eager to document anything that happens to my life. I would take lots of photos and talk about it. Sometime along the years, I stopped doing it. I’m not sure why. Maybe I got lazy, maybe I got used to see lots of different things, maybe because I felt embarrassed with using my old camera to take photos in public, and many more maybes.
But that conversation with Neil awakened something within me. I realized that I stopped doing what I used to love, documenting life. So from that moment, I started reviving this blog, revisited my old blog and transferred some of my posts here. I curated the posts I wanted to share and remember. I may not post frequently but I am happy to know that I’m doing what makes me feel alive again. Documenting life.
Seeing the posts I make and knowing that at least a few people read them makes me feel happy. There was this time in 2018 when I shared my trip with friends in South Korea at travel group in Facebook. It was received so well and I was glad to help out some people in their trip. That post also led some traffic to this blog even if I don’t monetize this. Haha.
2018 was also the year when I re-learned photography again. I am thankful that it’s still in my system to shoot and I am also thankful that I learn even more with Photography by Regina. I had applied for an apprenticeship and I’m so so grateful that I’m one of the people Regina chose and trusted. Shooting for and with her raised my confidence with interacting to people. I used to be so shy and would stay far from the crowd when shooting in my early years. I learned that photography is so much more than taking photos, that it’s also about getting to know your subjects, befriending them and making them feel comfortable in front of the camera; that photography is also about being aware of your surroundings and reaching out to do something out of your job, that photography is about perseverance and still doing your best despite your limitations.
Today, I just launched the my photography page in Facebook. I finally mustered up the courage to do so. It also took me sometime to decide on a name (Moonstone, Moon Skye, etc.) and I’m happy to name it Skye Studio. The name Skye grew on me as it’s the name of one of my favourite heroes in a MOBA game I always play with Neil, Vainglory. I also want to share that earlier this year, I got myself a new camera and I am relieved that no one will get to belittle me anymore because of my gear.
So to conclude this post, I congratulate myself for my little successes.
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Painted Table Restaurant at Canvas Boutique Hotel
The total ambience of the Painted Table was airy and relaxing. The place had a high ceiling and lots of windows so there was plenty of natural light coming in.
The “Painted Table”. This was a long table and my phone’s camera could only capture this part of the table.
The staff were friendly and accommodating.
Yes to minimalism. Haha
Initially, I thought breakfast would be plated based on a review I read online. But when we got there, I was surprised that breakfast was buffet. The selection was enough to give variation to the guests.
Day 1 breakfast: Corn and Cabbage, Bacon, Pandan Rice, Pancake, Chicken something
Day 2 breakfast: Waffle, Bacon, Chicken something again, Potatoes, Sausage
We always sat on these chairs. So comfy and visually appealing. Haha
We decided to have our last meal here and it was totally a good decision because of the great food!
Fish Salpicao. THIS IS SOOOO GOOOD. <3
Salted Egg Chicken Skin. It’s an appetizer but we ate it with rice because it tastes good with the Fish Salpicao.
Neil and I really enjoyed our food at Painted Table. Writing about it makes me crave about what we ate. Price per dish ranges from 250-500 pesos. It was reasonable given the taste, ambience, and service. We highly recommend staying and eating at this hotel! <3
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Puerto Princesa City Tour 2018
Initially, we were deciding to book our city tour (PHP 600 each) through klook.com because we’ll go around in a van but we went against it and decided to hire a tricycle driver for PHP 700 to take us around the city. And we were glad that we did because not only we saved money but we had control of our time on each place. It was gloomy that day so it wasn’t hot. We actually enjoyed the fresh wind.
Here’s a list of the places we went:
• Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
• Plaza Cuartel
• Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
• Binuatan Weaving Center
• Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village
• Mitra's Ranch
• Baker's Hill
• La Terrasse Cafe
First stop, Immaculate Conception Cathedral. There was a mass going on and I think it was in latin.
Souvenir shop outside the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. We looked around while waiting for our turn inside.
They’re massive. While walking above their pens, I was thinking, “Do they jump? Will they jump on us?” Thankfully, they didn’t.
The crocodiles seem to be well taken care of. Although the ironic thing is, they have a restaurant inside the conservation center and their specialty dish is Crocodile meat. So, idk. HAHA
They taught us the different types of grass they use and how to use the loom. I actually enjoyed the experience.
We were told that famous designers order bulk from them.
They also have a shop full of different items featuring the weaves. The quality is superb and they’re affordable, too! Neil bought me a circular bag from this place. I’m impressed that they are up with modern trends for their products.
Butterfly Garden. I thought that I wouldn’t enjoy this place because I was expecting it to be underwhelming. But I found it as nice and relaxing place.
There were plenty of butterflies and I learned that bananas are one of the food alternatives for them.
The staff ushered us, along with a group of Korean tourists to the Tribal village shortly after entering the garden. Different families of the Palaw’an tribe stay for a week or so here to give the guests an insight of how they live, hunt, create music, and such. Palaw’an is one of the many indigenous people of Palawan.
They showed us how they create fire instantly.
Mitra’s Ranch. There was really nothing exciting about this place save for the zipline experience and the teensy view of Honda Bay. I recommend skipping this place if you’re on a tight schedule.
Last stop for the city tour was Baker’s Hill. It’s famous for its special hopia, which we missed out on because they were already sold out. This place is very family friendly and there are plenty of spots you can take your photos.
It was only November 10, but they were already setting up their Christmas decorations.
Bootleg Shrek and family and Puss in Boots.
A sad photo of a peacock lol.
This looks like a plate of an art student executed in real life. lol.
Baker’s Hill is quite a large place with nice scenery save for the bootleg Shrek. lol.
A nice dinner from a fancy restaurant, La Terrasse Cafe. We thought of eating somewhere expensive during our trip so we decided to have our dinner here. We ordered the Adobo Overload and the Pan seared Fish Fillet. The serving was big enough for three people and we were so full afterwards.The downside of this place is the lighting. We were struggling to eat our food because of the poor lighting and we were just depending on the small candle light. Better to eat here during the day.
400 peso dessert. The best seller, Palawan Honey Nougat. This was so good, it melts in your mouth. Worth the price. Haha
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TAIWAN 2018: Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is one of the famous night markets in Taiwan. People flock here to try popular street food such as the torched beef, pepper pork buns, stinky tofu, taiwanese saugages, and much more. This is also the place to be in the city when you’re looking for affordable souvenirs and things to take home.
We arrived quite early so we witnessed vendors still setting up their game stalls.
I was so surprised when I saw these custard apples. They were so big, almost about the size of my head. However, it was too pricey for me. I thought it was only 100 NTD but when I asked the vendor, he said that it was 200 NTD. That’s like 400 pesos and I wouldn’t spend that much for a single fruit. Sigh.
These wooden keychains in the shape of the island can be seen in any shop. I think it was 80 NTD/PHP160.
When I saw these items, I felt like I was in 168 Mall/Divisoria. lol. Since I’m 100% sure that they’re made from China, I kind of expected them to sell it the same price as the ones in Divi, but nooo. It was about 400% more expensive.
The same keychains you see in Binondo. lol
Torched Beef for 100 NTD. We chose teriyaki as the sauce and it was tasty. Kanina nalang kulang.
This alley reminded me of Ehwa Shopping District and Myeongdong because of the influences of korean fashion with the selection. However, it was pricier here.
I guess this is where food parks here in PH got their idea with the giant squid.
TBH, the sausage tasted like longganisa. lol. The skewed chicken tasted good but I still prefer Inasal over it. HAHA
TAKOYAKI YASSSS.
IT WAS SO GOOD AND CHEESY. IT DIDN’T DISAPPOINT.
This was cute and kind of creepy at the same time. Reminded me of the art photos on Flickr. lol
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