Sights and Sounds of Baler

Baler is known as the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines. But there is more to surfing that this quaint town can offer. Here are some examples:

Ermita Hill

Millennium Tree

Museo de Baler

I'd Go Anywhere For You

You are my fire...the one desire.

-sabi ko sa Backstreet Boys in Manila ticket 

OH YAAAAAASSSS!

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR THE LONGEST TIME. HUHUHUHU. Panic ensued when I couldn't access the SM Tickets website last night. I almost teared up while buying these tickets a while ago and the ticket lady at SM had to comment while stifling a laugh "Favorite mo pala talaga sila ma'am." I never knew that this moment would come that I'd get to see all five of them. And that's why it has to have a separate post. Haha. 

I think I have to prepare 100 rolls of tissue paper because I'm about to tear up because of the extreme Backstreet Boys splendor on May 5. 

Perks of Taking A Year Off

If you've read my rants and drowned in some drama from my previous posts, you'd know that I've always wanted to visit many places. As part of my gap year, I intend to do a little backpacking around Asia. I actually want to close the Indochina loop in one go but I still have to do research on Laos and Burma because those countries are the road less traveled for Pinoys. 

Since my parents do not really ask me to contribute for household expenses, I have managed to save up for this to become a reality. I still give my contribution for the expenses (it gives me the feeling that I'm actually useful. Haha) but I stopped buying shoes, clothes and accessories on impulse and I did not upgrade all of my gadgets even though I had the capacity to do so.

From there I realized that I do not need an upgraded lifestyle just because I have the money (I'll talk about that on a separate post). And because of that, I'm ticking an item off my bucketlist. 

Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, here I come! *wide grin*

Change Status

I have recently discovered that I am more of an introvert and I opt to live in peace and quiet. Or maybe I  just realize I'm getting old? Haha.

I could say that people started treating me differently after I have passed the board exams. Before, I was basically an unknown figure in our village probably because I was based in Manila for five whole years. But after last year's whole "I'm tired" brouhaha that sent me packing back to Laguna, most of the people I encounter while walking is addressing me as "doc". Despite my urge to run back inside our house, I smile back then make a mental note to ask my mom about who those people are.

Ever since I started working at a hospital near our village, there has been instances when random people come knocking at our door and come up with requests. Requests may be as mundane as asking for prescriptions for medications from me without the proper assessment to the vague as someone asking me to be a guarantor of their hospital bill.

Sometimes my mom would also refer to me as doc whenever she talks about me. I often tell her to cut it out because I feel like I'm being alienated from the rest of my family. 

Please, you guys, I'm still the same old KC so don't treat me any differently.

What The Craft!

Other than being a pseudo-wanderer, doing arts and crafts is also a thing that I want to do on my gap year. I've been using Pinterest a lot for inspiration. But I think the gods of arts and crafts hate me because I can't seem to have a decent outcome. Hahaha.

But then I thought of those adorable floral crowns that are a music festival staple. At my age, I don't think wearing a floral crown to work is appropriate so I decided to make a floral barrette instead, since I have old barrettes lying around the house and I like hair accessories as well.

Materials:

• Barrette
• Craft flowers of your preferred color -- I bought mine at a local store, SME. You can also get it at a cheaper price from Divisoria
• Beads (optional) -- I only used it as fillers to some areas that looked bare. I got mine from my Ate Richie's remaining bead stash
• Glue gun (optional)

Procedure:
Draft the placement of the flowers on the barrette. Once you're happy with your design, you can now start attaching the flowers using the glue gun. As for my barrette, I didn't use hot glue on it because the stem of the flowers is made out of wire so a few twists made it secure enough not to fall off.

Here is the finished product:

Flower Power, y'all!

YAY, I NOW HAVE SOMETHING TO CALL A TALENT. LOL.

Right now I'm working on a hair comb but I ran out of craft flowers. Will post a photo of it soon. :)

Kicking Off The New Year in Cintai

Staying true to my "bakasyon grande before residency" motto, I kicked off the new year with a trip to the hidden paradise of Cintai Corito's Garden in Batangas. I've been meaning to go there for a while but there has been many setbacks and this time I won't let even the cold weather stop me. Haha.

Cintai Corito's Garden is a Balinese inspired resort and farm located in Balete, Batangas. It's a refreshing concept, actually. It's the only place that I know of which showcases Balinese art and architecture. Cintai is an Indonesian word for "love". The back story of this place is also nice because this place is made with love out of love. Check out this excerpt from their site:

The Garden started out as an ordinary private family rest house that the family visited every weekend. In 2005 however, their mother Corito was diagnosed with a terminal disease. To help her recuperate from treatment, the family often brought her to the garden because the place made her relax and temporarily forget her sickness. Two years later, Corito finally succumbed to her illness. Her husband together with his 4 children then decided to focus all their efforts into making the garden a paradise since she loved the place so much. They wanted the beautiful memories they shared there to live on thus the creation of Cintai…love for their mother and love for his wife.

Just look at the magnificent design of this place: 

My mom, my brother and I took the day trip. We left Laguna at around 6:30am and arrived at Cintai at around 8am, just in time for check in. It was freezing cold so we didn't get to swim. Anyway, mommy and I took the liberty to explore the property. We were left in awe at how the designs were made intricately, down to the last detail.

The place is well taken cared of. The facilities are very clean, especially the shower rooms and the changing rooms. I was delighted to see that the shower rooms are very clean and spacious. Muy bien! 

As for the food, it was good although I was a bit surprised because we were served Filipino food. Being an Indonesian themed property, I was expecting Indonesian dishes to be served. But that's fine with me. The food does not disappoint because it was really good. The chicken tinola is divine and the servings are huge so that's enough to keep everyone filled.

I'm also happy with the efficient service of the staff. Everyone greets you with a smile and is so courteous enough that it makes you feel at home. I would definitely come back to this place.

Pardon my photos for I am still too lazy to edit it. Hehe.

For those interested, Cintai Corito’s Garden is located at Sitio Pandayan, Malabanan Balete, Batangas. We got there using this neat map I got off the Cintai Facebook page

For more information, you can visit their website at coritosgarden.com or you can contact them at +639178331508.