It’s been five years since I last wrote here. This blog has always been my safe space since 2012 and coming back feels like a homecoming.

Sometimes I think about how blogging feels kind of old-school, but honestly? It’s starting to make sense again. Blog posts last way longer than fleeting TikToks or IG stories. And that’s what I love about it, it’s like leaving little time capsules on the internet that people (and me, especially) can come across anytime. Here, I get to be more authentic. 

Anyway, I did a shoot recently with my best friends and funny enough, the dress I wore that day was the same one I wore back in 2014. I only realized it after seeing the photos which of course made me backread my old posts. I HAD TO.
In that same blog post, I wrote: “Do not live in the land of no and just be who you are.” And that still holds true today. Be yourself and don’t let failures define you. It sounds cliché, but it’s the formula for making things happen. And oh, always look for signs they’re everywhere.

With its neoclassical buildings and iconic landmarks, Escolta exudes history and Philippine heritage. Like most places in Old Manila, the best way to explore the “Queen of Streets” is by foot...or by a horse-drawn carriage locally known as “kalesa.”

Along the stretch of Escolta stands one of the few buildings that have managed to survive the onslaught of World War II. Built in 1938, The Calvo Building was designed by one of the most renowned architects in the country, Fernando Hizon Ocampo on the land owned by real estate businesswoman Doña Emiliana Mortera vda Calvo. Fernando used a Beaux-Arts architecture in his design, a classic decorative style that heavily influenced the architecture of the United States and Europe.



Aside from its stunning façade, Calvo Building houses the Calvo Museum, a quaint museum that holds interesting remnants from Calvo’s history and that of Escolta. Fascinating memorabilia collection from vintage bottles, old photographs and movie posters can be viewed. To people interested in cultural heritage, this museum is a passage back in time.

• Exact Location: 266 Escolta corner Soda Streets, Binondo, Manila.
• Operating Hours: Calvo Museum inside Calvo Building is temporarily closed.

During my teen years I made a list of all the things I wanted to do by the time I was in a certain age and what I wanted to be when I grow up. Apparently, becoming a Flight Attendant was on top of the list. Everyone close to me - family, friends and even my blog readers know how much I've always wanted to become a Flight Attendant. Like many others, it has been my childhood dream. My love for airplanes, adventure and helping others probably culminated from family members who work in airline industries, the environment I'm in (I live next to the airport by the way) and my passion for traveling.

Manila can be a daunting place to visit, but amongst the chaotic streets are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered for those who get their thrill in good finds. Dapitan Shopping Arcade is a quaint market district along Dapitan Street, hence the name.
It is a treasure trove for housewives and interior designers because of their quality but affordable items mostly overruns from prominent homeware and interior shops abroad. From wooden crates at ₱200.00- ₱600.00, to jewelry organizers of the same cost, tableware set, decorative items and ornaments, all reasonably priced compared to other retail stores.

Although, the prices are already marked down, haggling and making the right deal is still advisable in Dapitan Shopping Arcade. While you’re there, sample some Filipino street food. It could be a gastronomically delightful experience!

Can you hear it? The sleigh bells ringing! It may seem like Christmas is too far away to fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, but now is the best time to start shopping for our loved ones. We don't want to leave everything until the last minute, now do we? Well, even if you plan to, Karton got us covered.


Founded in the third quarter of 2016, Karton is an e-commerce platform that let users choose from a huge selection of handmade goods and specialty dishes – all ready to ship at a moment’s notice. The site features a diverse roster of sellers that range from long-time bazaar staples to aspiring home entrepreneurs, each one with its own distinct character and style.




As soon as I entered their store located at 315 B LRI Design Plaza Bel-Air II, 210 Nicanor Garcia Makati City, I was lured by everything I was seeing. From hand-made tote bags by Cheeky Olive, Pure Lambanog by Barik to Natural Pet Care Products by Fetch. It was a match made in heaven, indeed. Ms. Thea Serad, Karton's Marketing Associate, talked me through all I need to know about their shop that promotes artisan goods proudly owned by Filipino entrepreneurs. According to her, the idea of building an e-commerce website sparked when one of their partners asked when will their next bazaar be, now sellers will no longer have to wait - instead, they can sell their hand-made goods any time of the year and customers can reach their products online and have them delivered to their doorstep with just a few clicks.



Even if you're on a shoestring budget it doesn't mean you should settle for less, Karton's selection of Christmas Baskets filled with artisan goods will surely make your loved ones feel special this Yuletide. With their delivery fee of Php 150.00, you can easily order your chosen product/s and have them delivered to your address. However, if you want to send it directly to your recipient, Karton has an "Add as a Gift" option for that. Now that's what we call a hassle-free solution to our gift giving woes! It is especially convenient for us gift-givers who have non-negotiable schedules but also for commuters who just couldn't take the Manila traffic. For easy reference and more options, check out their updated list of gift boxes through this link.