Of coming and leaving

Unlike any other cities, Bacolod offers a binary of places—a highly urbanized area, placed in the countryside. Bacolod city is three times named as the "most livable city in the Philippines" (2008, 2012, 2017). I, myself, who cannot stand staying in a big city, would live there.

Perfectly seated in the lands of sugarcane (Negros Occidental) with a tolerable traffic jam, this city is yet the sweetest of all the places I've been to. People are friendly, beautiful places are accessible, and cost of living is very cheap, if these reasons aren't enough, I don't know what would be.

It's hard to leave a place that brought you nothing but smiles. I can safely say that people would prefer to live in this city than in any other cities in the country, and I'm not just the only one saying it.

Here's something spontaneous: I didn't have a map, I didn't have any plans, I wasn't familiar with the place, but I went anyway. And I regret nothing! I loved everything about the place and I couldn't have wandered any better.

I always leave. (We all do) But why do I leave? I leave to see beauty. Beauty of other places, beauty of the world, beauty of people's heart, beauty that most people fail to see—the worth of home. For it is only when we leave that we realize how beautiful where we came from is.

First, we came. We come to the world, we come to know things, we come to serve our purpose. Then we left. We leave to discover what is beyond, we leave to find something, we leave to pursue something. And in leaving, we will be coming again. The cycle repeats until time comes that we will leave the world. But you know what really matters? It's what is between coming and leaving: being. Being there in the moment. Being the way you're supposed to be. Being able to learn and witness things. Being alive. There's nothing more valuable than being.

For what it's worth, every trip changes our perception of the world, and of ourselves. And every new places give us a never before seen beauty. These are the things I live for.

Here are tidbits of my Bacolod trip, mainly to fetch my minor cousins, and ultimately to take a break.

Bacolod City is located in the mid-west part of Visayas so it gets a better hue of sunset than other parts of Ph. This one's taken at Talisay, 6:23PM, no filter.

The most famous spot in Bacolod: The Ruins. The remains of the ancestral home mansion of the family of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson. The most ideal time to visit is during sunset, but I failed to do so.

A very beautiful island that is an hour away from the city, Lakawon. The arising of this beauty is pretty sure the next big thing in the Ph (this is not that big, but i'd give a big love). I'd give anything to go back to this island. (Unless that means giving up a trip to Samar :D)

Located in the highlands of Negros Occidental province, Campuestuhan is the newest trend for getaways. Though not very nature-ish, everyone's going to have fun for there  are various activities suited for every age. Another thing, the view is just spectacular.

Aaaand, it's a wrap!
Thank you for reading! xx gayle

Boracay Guide

Summer after... College.

Boracay is yet one of the most famous and most visited beaches in the Philippines--in Asia, in the world, making it the home of foreigners in the country. And when you think it's just for those who are naturally seeking for adventures along with their partners or company, NO. It's even crazier when you're alone.  But don't get me wrong, if you wish to be alone for the whole duration of the trip, that's easy. If you want to make friends with strangers, that's equally easy. The pleasure in conquering the fear of the crowd, or any other fear, will very much be achieved. Whether you are an extrovert, introvert, or just a so-so, Boracay is for you. Boracay is for everyone.

The island is not just a white beach resort with nice sunset. It is a complete package and by complete I mean, you don't only get a summer vacation by the beach, you also shop, socialize, discover, and live. Everything you need is there, you just have to know where to find 'em.

There are 3 stations in the Island and which station you choose must be in-line with your purpose. If you are on a loose budget and would prefer a peaceful place, Station 1 is for you. Same way but in a tight budget, go to station 3, there are few bars though. Station 2 has everything (I don't mean to be biased here). Anyways, all we need is a break from the dusty city and well, the pressure of being unemployed, let us all scream "Chillen'!"

Preparations, before leaving for Boracay:

• Research - Be sure to have in mind which place you want to stay, eat, or have fun. Visit travel blogs (thanks to ThePoorTraveler) for directions, or have your map ready. Book your hotels ahead so you can get discount. (i got a really awesome reservation, thanks to Booking.com.)

• Pack your essentials - Sunblock, sunglasses, a good read, (really depends on your purpose)

• Make a playlist. When you talk about beach all I hear is Reggae.

• Plan your itinerary (but this is optional)
• 
  

While in the place:

• Act like a local - products and activities are super duper expensive but if you have the skill of talking, you might just get the biggest discount of your life. Talk kindly to the merchants, that's going to be the time you let out your charm.

• Be very vigilant - not to the people around, but to the places. Look for prospective spots, like resto, bar, cafes, because there are a lot.

• Smile at people - this is important when you're alone because you will need a company to enjoy! Trust me.

Things to try:

• Have your hair braided - this will cost for a minimum of 300php, but the braiders will ask for an add-on of 50php for every color, or if your hair is long.

• Get a tattoo - they offer permanent and henna, but if you are going to get a permanent, make sure the artist is using a sterilized needle. Also look for the girl infront of hukad in station 2, she's an artist and i think she's a good one. Her body is full of ink. Try getting inked by her.

• Relax with a massage - the therapists are everywhere in the beachfront, but if you prefer a room service, you can ask them.

• Have some beer while jamming at the beachfront - or you can even literally jam when you're drunk enough, ha-ha.

• Go clubbing! -  Station 2 has the best offers for night life! You can pick wherever you want to hang out and meet other people. 

• Island hopping activities - during morning, there are people who offer the island activities,  they are of the same price but you can have a bargain. They go by group but if you're on your own, you can ask them if you can join a group. 
• The above activity includes: 1. staying at Puka beach for good 10mins. This is the most lovely beach there! Crystal clear water and very clean and peaceful surrounding; 2. Snorkeling with the fishes in the middle of the sea; 3. Buffet at a chosen resto (or whatever you call that)...con't..
• Cliff Diving at Magic island (optional) - the entrance fee is 150php pax, the heights are 3 meters, 5 meters, and 10 meters.
• Parasailing - don't ever leave the island without trying this. Nuff said.
• Also try the submarine thing. That wasn't on the list in our activity so I wasn't able to try it.

More activities...

these might appear like out of the budget, but trust me, what appears to be is not what it actually is.

You can live for days in Boracay with just four figures. Here are my personal recommendations that will be good for pocket mostly located in Station 2.

Accommodation: 

Hostel Avenue (closest to D'mall and beachfront)

Box and Ladder

YB Hostel

Lola's Lodge

Food:
Andok's
Mang Inasal
Bamboo Shore
Steam Punk
Munchies
Super Submarine Sandwich Shop

Must Try (bit pricey): 
Lemoni Cafe'
The Hobbit
Kasbah
Halowich
Cyma

Bar:
Nigi Nigi Nu Noos
Chill Out
Pat's Creek

PartyBar/Club:
Epic
Summer Place
Cocomangas Shooter
Exit

The beach in station 2 isn't very lovely as it was during the past years, if you want to swim in clean waters, station 3 has it. Though I really recommend Puka Beach, I don't know any way to go there other than the Island Activity package.

You might also want to visit Crystal Cove. I heard it is famous 'cos you can actually rent the island for yourselves.

The way to the Island isn't that much helluva-bamboozle. Through the years it has become very accessible because of the blogs which are indeed of great help. So no problem with the directions, you won't get lost there. Just metaphorically. :)

Notes for hoomans: Whoever you are, please avoid leaving your trash anywhere especially in the shore. Building of sand castle is already prohibited because of the uneven platform so if you see local children (they do it for cash) please tell them to stop. Lastly, the people there won't mind about other people's business (clothes, etc.) so should you. Be comfortable with your skin, love.

Shoutout to my newly found friends, Lexi, Landie, and Jona from Roxas City; Kristyna from Czech Republic; Clarence from Berlin; Roland from Chile; Julia from Russia; Sr. Cedric from Caracas; and Ben from shit where was that again? ugh. Sorry. Thank you all guys! 

Special thanks to Ryan of Hostel Avenue for the great night and the free drinks, of course! 

See you again someday, Boracay <3

xx, gayle