Discovering Masbate

Philippines is well-known for its beautiful beaches... 

some of which are hidden and untouched. 

Every time we're having our yearly reunion, our relatives (mom side) always invite us to visit their province in Masbate. 

A visit in Quezon on a Holy Week

Did you ever experience the Holy Week traditions in the Philippines?

Did you hear about the "penitensya" (penitence/penance) where one do self-flagellation and at times even have themselves nailed to crosses as expression of penance or thanksgiving for a granted prayer?

I grew up as a Born Again Christian, we don't have such traditions, 

so I never saw anything like that until now.

My husband's grandparents live in Quezon province where the Catholic community practice such. I went there this year (April 2014) with my husband and mom-in-law and witnessed it for the first time (but not the crucifixion).

We went there on a Thursday after picking up his mom in the airport.

After an 8-hour drive, we got there at 11:00pm already.

Boracay 2014

It's Summer here in the Philippines!

We are known for our beautiful beaches and scenery.

Will share with you one of the beautiful spot

in time for summer...

BORACAY!

Boracay Beach Front Station 1. Photo captured by ME in a panoramic view

Thank you (from a Filipino blogger)

I haven't been around lately, mainly because:

1. I'm busy with work, home and my online shop goshop4less

2. I planned to (like what other Filipinos did), in respect to the 

Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) tragedy that happened recently 

in our country.

I love June!

Every year, one of my busiest month is June... 

It is also my Birth Month.Ü

Check out my activities

and let the pictures talk. :) 

June 15: Father's Day

From L-R: Younger brother Marvin, Me and Dad

June 22: My Birthday! :)

Gifts from my Colleagues

June: The Wedding Month

Hi! My apologies for being so quiet this past few days. I got a bad flu and until now, I'm sneezing. :(

It's almost June... The Wedding Month! 

Our wedding last year was simple and solemn. It was a Garden Wedding beside a pool filled with all the people that we love and cherish.

 And best of all... I love my GOWN! :)

Let the pictures talk. :) Enjoy!

INSPIRATION

I Want: The bare back design

Why: It's unique and classy

INSPIRATION

I Want: Convertible! :)

Why: More comfy during the Wedding Party

We modified it since I don't like too much lace

Ceremony: The big bridal skirt with trail that I'm using is a 1980's vintage gown zipped on a white silk short skirt dress

Party: I opt to wear an all lace long spaghetti strap dress under the same white dress to cover up the back and leg part. Easier to move yet still stylish

Rest and Relaxation with Nature

Here in the Philippines, we commemorate Holy Week. It is a legal holiday for four days starting Maundy Thursday until Easter Sunday. This is our time to observe the lenten season and to have a little rest and relaxation from all the years of work and stress.

Since it is sooo hot here, beach -like what others prefer- is not my option. Instead, my husband and I decided to go to his province to relax. So we went off to Unisan, Quezon Philippines and stayed there for 3 days. 

We watch the Thursday procession which includes penance wherein a group of people hit themselves with a whip-like thing on their back until it bleeds. To these people, this is their vow to either clean their sins or to thank God for the past miracle that happened them or to their family member. I did not include the pictures of it here since I find it quite disturbing.

After the procession, we went to the bridge of Kalilayan to see nature at its finest. The sun is about to set, there are birds flying and trees everywhere, the clouds are so beautiful, cold air hugs you and the ocean is so calm. Everything is so serene... and this is what I want to share with everyone. :)