The departure was around 9am and we arrived at Tagaytay City proper at around lunch time (there was a traffic due to high density of tourists prolly because it's Valentine's day). So instead of going straightly to the hotel, we changed our plans and decided to dine for lunch first at Leslie's Restaurant - one of the highly recommended restaurants for people visiting the area.
                                                           Leslie's Restaurant's Dining area
                                          Of course, our favorite main dish - Beef Kare-Kare



So after having our scrumptious lunch, we took the advantage of taking pictures because of the restaurant's view of the Taal Volcano. And when I say "we took the advantage", we really took the advantage. lol Here are some proof:


                                                                  The Taal Volcano ♥


Picture taking's done!!! Time to go to our accommodation. ☺

As I was searching for a not-so-expensive hotel in Tagaytay, I tried looking in Metrodeal. I haven't bought anything yet from the said site but I took the risk (knowing that we only have few days left before our anniv). I was hooked by this hotel named The Mediterranean House because of its affordable price. When I checked their website, I found out that the facilities were good. I also read some reviews and a lot were positive ones. That's why I called the hotel immediately and after a minute or two, we're already booked! ☺

About The Mediterranean House

This place is ideal if you really want a tranquil spot. It's kinda far in the city itself because this is already part of Nasugbu, Batangas. According to them, the place is just a 20-minute drive from Skyranch, Tagaytay.

                                                Entrance of The Mediterranean House

To be honest, I didn't expect that much when I saw the facade. The only thing that entered my mind during that time was, "Ooohhh, eto na yun?". Yup, I was such a meanie that time but I've proven myself wrong. There's so much more inside the hotel.


                                                              Poolside Area with Jacuzzi

Too bad I wasn't able to take pictures of every area/facilities. :( Anyway, you can refer to their website (linked above and detailed below) and I can assure you that what you see is what you get. ☺

Btw, below are our FREE breakfast c/o the hotel.


                                                                        Asian Breakfast


                                                                     Continental Breakfast

Likes and Dislikes about The Mediterranean House based on my observation:

Dislikes

• The room that we've booked wasn't big enough for 2
• There was a build up of water inside the bathroom (due to poor drainage)
• Unusual setup of room. Normally the television sets are placed at the foot of the bed, but here it was placed at the side of the bed (it's kinda hard to watch lol)

Likes

• The staff and the owner were really polite and courteous. They really attended to our concerns immediately. (I would like to commend Ms. Annalyn, the owner and Sir Nelson, the staff who accommodated us) ☺
• Stable Wifi connection :p
• Ambience
• Cozy place
• Good food!! ☺☺☺

January 31, 2016

Together with my high school friends and some friends of friends, we were able to produce a group of 12. Mind you, we were comprised mostly of first time hikers.

Our group decided to conquer Mt. Daraitan. After all they say that it is an ideal mountain to do as a dayhike for beginners. In addition to this, we took into consideration the fact that we don't need to spend too much time (and money, of course lol) for traveling since it is just about a 2-hour drive from where most of us came from (Cainta, Rizal).

Mt. Daraitan is located at the heart of the Sierra Madre mountain range. It is bordered by Tanay, Rizal and General Nakar, Quezon. The height of the mountain is 739 MASL with 3/9 difficulty according to some of the mountaineering blogs/sites that I've read. This place offers several activities but we just opted for hiking in the summit of Mt. Daraitan and swimming in the well-known Tinipak River.

We have decided to meet each other in Cainta Junction by 5AM since Tanay, as I've said, is just a 2-hour drive from our meeting point. Some of us rode a public transportation, while others rode a private vehicle going there.



            And here comes the welcome sign to Mt. Daraitan! Yaaaayyyy!!! I can already smell the summit! lol





Our hike experience was a different story. The weather was not that fine as we started out our adventure. But of course, we still prayed for a good weather and safe hike before starting. But due to the rain shower that caused the trail to be muddy and very slippery, it took us a little longer than expected - especially going down. With a normal and chill pace, it took us almost 3 hours to reach the summit. On the other hand, because we had encountered some "troubles" descending, it took us almost 5 hours. We really had to be extra cautious while getting off since the trail started to get wet and unsafe.

After that muddy descent, we went our way to the Tinipak River. Definitely looking forward to a one refreshing swim.


The current of the river was too strong. On the other hand, the river water was ice cold. It's like you've been in an ice bucket challenge. Lol. Nonetheless, it was definitely a refreshing reward for all of us after that muddy and slippery experience during the trek. Dipping into the cold water was just way too perfect.
                                    Me with my sister at the rock fromation in Tinipak River ♥

A lot of blog/reviews would say that this climb is for beginners - a 3/9 actually. All I can say is that even for me who exercises almost regularly, this had still been a challenge. It's not really the usual beginner's climb that you just do a lot of regular walking. It's a LOT of uphill trek. Yes, a lot. I admit that Mt. Daraitan was a hard beginner's climb for me. But it's of course, achievable. I'm just saying it's a no walk in the park.

Fortunately, being sleep deprived on that day didn't become a problem for me during the hike itself. But please, if you can, get enough sleep and rest before the hike. It is really a must to be prepared beforehand, most especially if it's your first time.

There were lots of unexpected turn of events!! It was very tiring, yet really worth it. After the hike, all I can say at the end of the day is, "Solid 'tong first climb ko. As in!" Even though this hike is a first time to most of us, I'm glad that our group were able to cross out that day hiking off our bucketlist!

WE CONQUERED MT. DARAITAN!!! *insert confetti*

Thank you Lord for the guidance and strength, for without You, I wouldn't be able to do all these. Your creations are one of the reasons why I would love to go as far as this. ♥

I'm definitely sure that this would not be my last summit to reach. *wink*

So this is my first blog about writing a review for a certain product. I don't feel like doing it... before. Yes. But since I am fond of reading a review first before buying some stuff, I feel like I have to do the review on my own. :p

Disclaimer: I am not a make up pro. I just want to write a review for this product. The tips written below are based from what I have watched and read from other blogs and articles.☺


Let's start! ☺ 

I used to wear lip tint back in my college years. Yes, just a lip tint and I'm good to go. I don't wear lipstick before because first, I don't know how to apply it properly yet. And second, I find lip tint easier to use when I'm having a retouch. But since December 2012, I started to love having red lipstick in my kikay kit. Red because unfortunately, pink is not good for the shade of my skin. Neither nude. I tried experimenting a lot of it since then, not to mention me having a sensitive, dry, and chapped lips. But among the lipstick that I have tried, what I am reviewing today is the Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick in Lusty Red.




The Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick comes in a black matte plastic packaging which is some kinda perfect for a fingerprint-free stuff. I find it super light and not bulky in my kikay kit. The packaging is quite durable too. Although the brand's name is easy to wipe out, I still find it good enough for its price.

You can also find a color cap at the top of the lipstick which could really help you identify the color (of course). It's very useful most specially to those girls out there who have a lots of lipstick in her collection. Some says that the color cap can be detached easily, but as of the moment, I haven't had any problem with the cap itself yet.





When I first opened it, the lipstick looks really dry (most basically because it's matte). I didn't find any problem with the application of the lipstick itself. Well for me, I just have to put a lip primer first before the lipstick so that I won't experience tugging while applying it since as I have said earlier, I have a dry and chapped lips.





The color payoff is really remarkable. My friends, colleagues, and other people notice that my lipstick is really good because it took me more than 4 hours before I re-apply. Even if I eat meals in between hours, the lipstick still stays in my lips. I am not really sure if it's really the lipstick or it is just me who is very careful when eating. Lol. But kidding aside, this is really a good one. The staying power is really really amazing. And the wow factor there is the price and of course, the brand name Ever Bilena.


LIKES:

• Budget-friendly
• Can apply easily without tugging
• Staying power is pretty amazing
• Brightens up your face
• Doesn't make your lips look dry

DISLIKES:

• High maintenance

PRICE: 165php only!



Verdict: 4 out of 5! It's really a great product even for a beginner like me. You just have to apply it right for you to get the flawless look. I suggest you watch videos in YouTube and read other blogs about how to apply lipstick. Practice makes perfect, girl! ☺





I was never used to wearing too much makeup on my face, most specially when it's just a normal day. I just wear the usual press powder (from Ever Bilena too) and my lippie.

Red lipstick adds attitude to one's look. And I have also read an article (I can't remember the title tho) saying that if you are wearing a red lipstick, it can transform even your most basic look into something startingly chic. Honestly, it boosts my confidence when I'm out and I wear this kind of lippie.

I rarely wear red lipstick before. That's why when people (most specially my friends and officemates) saw me, they were all shocked seeing me with a bolder lips. Remember that you may be offended by people who are going to tease you for wearing such color of lipstick, but I tell you, DON'T MIND THEM! It really takes a lot of courage to rock a red lips, right? You are pretty! You deserve to wear red lipstick! *wink*


Will I purchase again? Definitely... YES!







Inhale love, exhale hate!
♥ KIN ♥

It's amazing how fast time flies by and you just don't even realize it.

As I enter the second half of the year, it's a great time to set aside an hour or two and do a mid-year personal review. It is another opportunity to press the "pause" button in my life and to take stock of how the year is going so far and how would I like to spend the second half of it.

Actually, just before the year started, I have challenged myself to do a month-end review this 2014. But due to time constraint, I am unable to accomplish this task. And that's a little bit sad. Yes. However, the yearning for a frequent update of your online diary kinda sucks. So, yeah.

I started engaging my time backreading notes in my Belle de Jour Power Planner. As a matter of fact, this is not just an ordinary planner for me. I also use it for writing my personal stories  - whether it might be some sort of an achievement, a hitch, a bliss, or even a simple kilig encounter. All of them were penned there. To some extent, it has been my secluded chronicle already.

So before I start, I just want to give you a hint on what to expect on this post before wasting your precious time scrutinizing it. Heehee. The things you are going to see below are the list of the highest points in my life (as I call it). First and foremost, I get a load of the things which stumbled upon me every month. Second, I settle upon to the one which I think is the best-est (yes, best-est because I believe that all of the things that are happening in my life are always the best *wink*). Third, I give another look for that certain accomplishment. Here, I think of the things that I did to achieve this goal or whatsoever. And lastly, I look up to that success, as well as the fulfillment it brings and make it as a reason to fire up my passion to fight tooth and nail it again for the next couple of months.

Having said that, here's a glimpse of the things that I am proud to achieve in each and every month. ☺



> Goodbye bum life, hello employed life!!! :D
> First time to watch a PBA game live with my love :">



> Took the risk of being in an "official" relationship ♥♥♥
> Joined Color Manila Nite Run - my first run for this year



> HELLO BIRTH MONTH of course!!! :D
> Been victorious for all the summer camps of YFC EAST A CommBased
> First time to barge in a club (Republiq)





> First travel for this year - BORACAAAAY!!! (blog to be posted soon?)
> Went on a bar hopping
> Liveloud 2014 with my favorite people
> Mini-reunion with my high school best buddies




While the first six months of my 2014 were not at all what I expected them to be, I am still grateful that the Lord has bestowed me with gifts that were not bargained for.

It was nice having this kind of "review" for yourself. It gives you the time and space which are both necessary to evaluate yourself, as well as your progress towards your goals that were previously set. I believe that the more often you can conduct a personal review, the more effective you will become in your life. *wink*

What have I learned while doing this? Simple.





Why not make this year the best year of your life? 

Me? I'm so stoked to make the next 6 months a legen...wait for it...dary one! A LEGENDARY ONE!


DISCLAIMER: All photos (JPEG, PNG, GIF) used in this post are NOT mine. Credits to the owner. ☺





Inhale love, exhale hate!
♥ KIN ♥