Basco, Batanes

Basco is the provincial capital of Batan. Quite a small municipality of about 8,200 inhabitants. Basco itself could easily be toured within the day with using motorbike or tricycle or if you're the old fashioned one, you could walk around Basco to mingle with the Ivatans, that's how they call themselves.

So first stop: The Provincial Capitol. Since we're first time tourist, we asked around the capitol for places to visit, and paid necessary tourist and environmental fees. Remember to keep the receipts as this is required when you travel to tourist spot. Afterwards, obligatory photo at the Capitol. 

Nailed it! 

Just across the Capitol is the pasalubong center, 

but stalls are still closed at 10:30AM, will come back in 2 days yah?

Emoterang turista be like..

Further down, we went to some sort of sports complex where 

most people run or bike, or for the likes of us, observe the people. Lol.

yes all for the gram..

We were trying to find some open cafe for some refreshments to kill time  but we found out that most shops are not open until afternoon. Wow, Batanes. We come acrossed one open karinderia and we asked if at least my lutong ulam na for lunch, and she said, "Ay, maya pa ko mgluto ng lunch." No pressure ang mga Ivatans! Time passed by so slow in Batanes. When we walked farther we come acrossed another open small eatery for some fish stew. Day 1 is simply no pressure, where time seemed to stop, Batanes can't wait to get to know more of you! 

Excited to be exploring soon, 

itsmelory (^.^)

Breathtaking Batanes

I know, I know, my post for this tour has been pushed aside for a loooong time but finally, eto na nga. I could not help but still feel that major major summer vibe in my heart when I think of the Northernmost  island of the Philippines..back in the small, nature ladden island of Batanes. The island  approximately 162 km north of Luzon and 190km South of Taiwan is a greenfield haven that will surely take your breath away! 

We arrived 7AM Basco airport via Skyjet. My God I almost panicked when the plane's about to land when I can't even see the landing strip from atop because it was so cloudy!  Thankfully after what feels like my stomach just had a plummeting drop, we alight the plane safely. Let's get it on Batanes pa rin kahit groggy! Lols.  

Basco Airport doesn't have luggage conveyor. All bags are manually loaded in a room, 

the ticket and bag tag will be inspected upon leaving the airport. 

Homestay @ Crisan Lodge

Time to check in to a nearby inn. Crisan Lodge is merely 5 mins from the airport and a within Basco capital. This homestay is a medium sized 3-storey-building with about 3-4 rooms , shared bathroom per floor, and a convenience store on the ground floor.   Ate Crisan prepared some welcome breakfast for us.  

Ready to explore Basco!

Our living room on the 3rd floor with TV, and a free water refill! 

Dining area, breakfast is served!

OMG, rice na this! 

We do not have anything planned in the morning so after our hefty breakfast and after the coffee has kicked in, we decided to walked around Basco proper.

  

Happiness & love,
itsmelory (^.^)

F na F Journey

I've been planning since late last year to do something about my break-outs but my experience from that Pink facial center is still fresh and gave me phobia to try anything new especially that I have a wedding to attend to. Means I'm back to my regular routine, Nivea micellar facial foam, toner and light moisturizer, but man, I break out a lot! I had to change my BB cream and powder twice this quarter but still nothing major major change. Maybe time for another facial eh? But many times I had to postpone my facial plans because I had to travel often on the first quarter, and the late night sleep, stress is giving me precious pimps. 
So after I decided I have enough of this, it's time to face them professionally. I went to Flawless clinic in Megamall to try their facial. The lady gave me their list and I'm confused which one to try with all the facials I want done on my face- but the lady judging on my condition suggested the Acne control advanced with Rejuvelite to eliminate acne and speed up the healing process to reduce redness and inflammation, next is Acnelan treatment for the red ones or active ones used as in house treatment for controlling acne and prevent pimples. It works as skin renewal system to provide permanent solution to acne problems.
Ok I'm on it, it's now or never. I stepped inside, the specialist assisted me to put my stuff under the bed and gave me the key. Great. Then my balik-beauty regime is 3 part treatment starting with cleansing: 

1. Initial cleansing using a gentle facial foam to clean and massage my face then wipe with moistened pads.
2. Next she puts me some eye cream and eye pads. Nap time it is.
3. Then there's facial steaming for 15 minutes. While on steam, my hands were wrapped with hot towel and was later on massage. How relaxing.
4. Then some light cream massaged to calm the pricked area
5. Next is my favorite part- the oxygenating mask. Thick and icy cold cream applied to your face to revive dull and tired skin. The cream solidifies and sits on your face , eyes and also lips for about 15mins, don't be surprised there's also some shoulder massage

After 15 mins, she removed the mask and puts me eye pad, and ear pads. Second part will be the Acnelan treatment. I did not wait too long because Doc arrived na and started with the procedure, she asked me which session I'm on? and I told her my first. She gave a quick introduction that there will some stinging sensation for less than 3 mins, and it will be over. Ok Doc lets do it. 

1.  She applied the treatment using a brush on my face, and immediately I felt the painful stinging sensation I winced tbh.  
2. She sprayed some neutralizer fast, I supposed you had to let the bubbles go off as she was instructing the facialist, once the bubbles were gone she wiped it off with some pads, and the stinging was immediately gone.

The facialist was very nice and was asking me if I'm feeling a lot better, which I am now. Five minutes after we move to our next and final part which is the Rejuvelite. From the website: Rejuvelite Mask for 10 good minutes is powered by LED technology which activates collagen production and boosts skin rejuvenation. The treatment works by allowing the skin to absorb the light for cellular activity to increase natural healing and regeneration. She covered my eyes and then the positioned the LED light to cover my entire face.

And finally, that was it! The specialist reminded me to wash my face next day, not to use any moisturizer or make up next day, but use generous amount of SPF instead. She also suggested to get SAS soap for acne prevention, and the SPF gel for everyday use. Treatment cost:

•  Acne control advanced with Rejuvelite Php1,800
•  Acnelan Php 3000
•  SAS Soap Php 150
•  SPF Gel Php 330

SAS Soap and SPF Gel

Day 1 after the Acnelan Treatment, skin feels tight and dry overall ok.

I put SPF Gel and leave it for now.

Day 2, the peeling shows slightly a bit, so the best is not to touch it,  and a dose of SPF SPF!

Day 3 and the most unattractive state is on the 3rd-4th day . The face peels like a lot!

Also pointless to put any make up, so the best is again SPF and mask to cover the face. The area where pricking was done is also dry and also gone this time. 

6th day and the peeling is almost gone but small peeling at the nose area, but not too obvious actually! Also skin looks fresh after the peeling, I could now use bb cream with light coverage and the scars are not obvious!

In conclusion, I am very happy and satisfied with my Acnelan treatment, I am scheduled for my 2nd treatment. The anti-acne facial needs to be maintained at least once a month of course together with the mild soap, SPF and accdg. to my research I have to go through at least 3 Acnelan sessions to get the optimum results. Well, I only wish I knew Acnelan years back, maybe that saved me from all my pimps dilemma!

2 weeks after the Acnelan treatment, and face never looked better,

I could almost cry! hahaha. Thank you Flawless. :)   

Happiness & love,

itsmelory (^.^)

Start of something new

Good morning fellas! Happy new year, welcome 2019! Fresh from vacation, and it's weird coming back to work, ahem.. a married woman. Yes, 2018 has been great for me, I finally married the only guy who could keep up with all my crazy antics! Totoo nga, deciding to get married is not about stability, or you thought you have saved enough. You just do when you feel like it. 

So the next topics is about how I prepared for the big day, starting with how Daryl proposed, and planning the Prenup, and finally, the "D" day. Lols. 

Lucky I've managed to make a quick blog while doing emails. 2019 is going to be a great year, for me and Daryl, and my family, and friends! So many good things in store for me this year, I'm so excited! Thank you Lord! Thank you, next next! :-)

Married me,

itsmelory (^.^)

Songket Restaurant

According to its website, Songket is a hand-woven fabric in silk or cotton, and intricately patterned with gold or silver threads that stand out against a background cloth to create a shimmering effect. For authentic Malay flavours, Songket is your restaurant-to-go. Everything is served with that shimmering effect as the name suggests, all too flavorful!

Table adorned with songket



While waiting for our order, here is La Familia Zaragosa photo peg.

Bahay Kubo in Malaysia...

Apart from the enjoyable dinner, please don't mention about the foods. There's nothing I can say to justify the foods, everything's delectable and  of course spicy. Diners will also be treated to a cultural show performed every 7PM. 

We were also surprised to see a group of Koreans set-up their cameras, and Mr. John, the owner approached us to say some shooting will happen for The Running Man  (which I have no idea!  Lols.)  

I personally enjoyed to witness Malay culture although for a brief moment through music and dance. A table laden of good foods, dance and music, good conversations all between a songket. Such a remarkable night. This is Malaysia in my mind,  I keep falling in love with this lovely country.

Happiness & love,

itsmelory (^.^)

Alive Museum @ Genting Highlands

Part of our tour includes free ticket to Genting Highlands, Alive Museum. Actually, the entrance is a small door within the The Ripley's Believe it or not area.

The Ripleys Believe it or Not

Welcome to the Alive Museum

That awkward pose.

Big catch!

Ahem, reminiscing my K-dream.

I'm so lucky! Thank you fortune cookie.

Happiness & love,
itsmelory (^.^)

Genting Highlands

Genting Highland known as Genting Highlands Resort is a 35 km drive from Kuala Lumpur. An integrated resort comprising of hotels, shopping malls located at the peak of Mount Ulu Kali at 1,800 meters high nestled between the states of Pahang and Selangor.

Genting Highland is a popular weekend getaway from the city being mainly connected by major highways, trunk roads and cable cars service and is accessible by car within an hour drive from KL , or accessible by two different cable cars, Genting Skyway which at its opening was the world's fastest and South East Asia's longest gondola lift, and the newer Awana Skyway.

Awana Skyway

Launched 2016, the new Awana Skyway system can carry up to 3,600 passengers per hour with 10 passengers per gondola at maximum speed of 6 ms/s  (21.6 km/h), the 2.8-kilometre journey up the mountain peak takes about 10 minutes. 

On our way to the gondola...

The cable car system is 3.38 km to the Skyway and is recognized as the World's Fastest Mono Cable Car System" with a maximum speed of 21.6 kilometres per hour (13.4 mph) and the "Longest Cable Car in Malaysia and probably in Southeast Asia. 

Such a smooth ride, and lucky we have a nice fair weather.  Genting Highlands has a spring-like climate, with yearly temperatures no higher than 25 °C (77 °F) and rarely falling below 14 °C (57 °F) yearly. 

Ate Ann's nice pose wondering what time we shall take off.

Trying to copy Ate Ann's  I wonder pose.. which was badly done.

That ended in a terrible laugh. Epic fail talaga.

Approaching..

Shopping starts.

And this is where we had lunch. Another buffet in another day! 

Good luck to me :)

Happiness and love,
itsmelory (^.^)