My Dolphin Encounter

One of my childhood wishes fulfilled!


When I was a child I always wondered how dolphins are like. There were times I got to see such adorable creatures both in their natural and man-made habitat but never got the chance to touch that glossy grayish sometimes pinkish skin of theirs. (IDK why I got curious with dolphins...but don't u find them so cute?! :)

When I was younger my parents brought me to an ocean-themed park. I got so thrilled when I found out they offered a dolphin encounter but , sad to say, I was not able to do it since it was a bit expensive. I did not cry out loud or force any of my parents to let me do it for I already understood the value of money back then. So I just let that opportunity pass me by and just included it on my "Wish List".

Now that I'm all grown up and starting to earn my own money, I promised myself that I will save for a dolphin experience and finally do it. After contemplating of going solo travel for this experience and mentioning it a couple of times to my mother and failing to actualize my plan...(blah..blah..blah), luckily this month my father had a convention at the nearest place that offers a dolphin encounter. Without any hesitation, I told my parents I'm definitely joining the trip. (So...GO!GO!GO!)

YIPPPPEEEE!!!

So the day I've been waiting for finally came. (Thanking GOD for this moment O:)) To be honest, even though I was so excited to meet dolphins and brush "fins" with them , I still got a little nervous. (Well, this usually happens when I'm about to do something awesome.LOL)I just got a little scared how the dolphins might react to our actions. (Funny, since dolphins are known to be friendly mammals,right?!)


And here she is....Guys and Gals, meet my new friend Hailey! She's around 10-12 years old now. Weighing approx. 270 kg. (Not body shaming,ok?!XD).She's so warm and friendly that I want to take her home with me.:)

A little trivia about Dolphins: Did you know that their skin sheds every 2 hours? So no big amount of microorganism can thrive on this pretty dolphin. (Now I know why their skin looks so glossy. Hello there,beauty junkies! The secret is still to EXFOLIATE! ;)

What's their skin like?
It felt rubbery but smooth which makes you want to pet them all day. It has this gelatinous substance too that is said to protect their lovely little eyes .







Dolphins are so playful and lovable. They let u hug, kiss, and tickle them. And oh, did I mention that they even let you ride on their tummies?!( Awww...I wanna do it all again!)

How about u? Do u have a childhood wish u want to fulfill? Do it now! Do it sooner!:)

<3,

Jia O:)

PS: It's almost summer time and most of us will be going out for beach trips, island hopping, etc. Please do not be tempted to throw your trash in the waters when you don't see garbage bins around. I suggest you bring an extra bag for your trash and throw it on the proper areas. Sea creatures,like dolphins, may die from suffocation or consumption of our trash. They are too cute to just one day become extinct. (Like the white rhinoceros that was on the news a couple of days ago. :() Also, if you see any fisherman still practicing dynamite fishing, do report them to the proper authorities.(In the park where Hailey lives, there's a disabled (deaf) dolphin who can no longer go back and survive at sea because of dynamite fishing.)
"If we cannot help solve the problem, at least, let's not contribute to it."
Happy Summer 2018!

"Kawa Wantusawa"

Hi!

Summer is just around the corner and I’m glad that I and my family got to visit one of the many “instagrammable” resorts in Samal Island, Philippines. It was actually my birthday when we visited the place so I had the chance to enjoy it with the fambam.















This resort that we went to was filled with mangoes all over the vicinity. The set-up was something that instagramers would definitely enjoy.The resort was decorated with furniture pieces that would make your feed instaworthy. Life quotes were also posted all around the area to bring that positive vibe.

If you’re someone who would just like to relax, the resort offers spa services: manipedi, body massage, etc. But one service that made them popular in this part of the city is the Kawa Hot Bath. (Kawa is the Visayan term for cauldron.) You will be taking a bath on a cauldron with fire burning underneath. (Bwahahaha!!! :o) But don’tcha worry, the fire would just be on one side of the cauldron which you should be careful not to touch. The process is quite tedious but the resort staff will take care of it.

The Kawa Hot Bath would take around 45 minutes to prepare so you have to inform the attendant beforehand. It comes with a free drink for the price of 300 pesos/ Kawa. The maximum number of persons per "Kawa" is only 2 but if you ask me it would be more comfortable if you use it solo.






If you’re the adventurous type, this resort houses the entrance to the Japanese Cave in the island. This cave was said to be created by the Japanese soldiers during the World War. When you enter the cave you will find some fossils inside. They displayed bullets which was said to be found inside the cave and all other stuff which were labeled accordingly. We only got to explore only a portion of the said cave since going beyond the tunnel which we entered would require us to wear a headlight. We paid only around 55 pesos instead of the original 75 peso price since we didn’t really go through all the 6 tunnels inside it.

The place was nice but like any other establishment it also has its downside. One, the place has no access to the beach front. (However, they have an improvised swimming pool inside the resort.) Also, the fact that the place is being surrounded by mango trees make it a breeding site for many mosquitoes. (So, you better bring your own mosquito repellant.) Another thing which I think that they should work on is the muddy ground. When it rains the night before your visit expect your feet to get all muddy. Some workers even have to wear boots to go around the resort.




Speaking about workers, the receptionist during the time of our visit was annoying because she kept on asking us to pay even before we could sit down. Considering that we were many and we came with a private transportation, she should not have worried about us escaping without paying the bill. (We understand that she was just doing her job but she should have done it in a nice way.) It became irritating when she kept on asking me for the payment like literally every minute while we were still just checking out the area.

I hope this resort improves the next time we come and visit. (2 out of 5 stars...Peace out!) Have u been here lately? Feel free to leave a comment.



<3, Jia O:)

Welcome To The Club!

Hi!

It’s been almost a year since I worked in the beautiful island of Samal. And I am excited to tell you that there are now newly opened resorts that have sprung and I can’t wait to visit them. I and my family plan to go on a trip during weekends and try to visit as many picturesque resorts as we can. (I hope we can visit them all!) 












Samal also known as Island Garden City of Samal is made up of 3 districts: Babak, Penaplata & Kaputi-an. All surrounded with white sand beach resorts. It is a favorite vacation/holiday getaway of many Mindanaoans especially of Davaoenos. It offers us that most wanted break without having to travel that far. In fact, from Davao City it would only take a 5-10 minute ride on a barge to reach this beautiful island.

Recently, we were able to visit one of Samal’s new resorts, Club Samal. They are still not fully operational but they are now ready to welcome guests. We availed of their day tour package with lunch which cost us, P950/head. The meal was a choice of noodles/pasta/rice; salad/soup; fried banana and 1 glass of iced tea. The fee also included the use of the pool, beach,towel & shower room. If you plan to go there in the afternoon, the rate is much lower at P750 still with snacks and use of their amenities.





The place was luxurious. The furniture used in their rooms were of hotel quality. Here’s a photo of the bedroom and bathroom if you are curious of what it looks like.

Talking about luxury, what amazed me was that even their public comfort rooms were equipped with an airconditioner. (Yes,u read that right! So don’t u dare leave ur mess. If u know what I mean XD ) But, one thing I’d like to comment on was with their shower rooms. I was quite displeased after an enjoyable swim since it offered no privacy at all. The shower area, though big, was wide open that you can scratch the back of the person taking a shower next to you.(Too bad I didn't get to take a photo to make it easier to imagine.) I understand that some resorts do this so that customers won’t take long in taking a bath but it’s just too disappointing not to have even just a little privacy. I suggest that they use curtains to divide the shower area and provide that much needed privacy.

Overall, I’m giving them 3.5-4 stars since they are still not in full swing plus the shower room issue. Nonetheless, we had a great bonding time in this resort.

Can't wait to visit all the other resorts so keep posted. :)

If you want to ask anything, feel free to leave a comment below. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.



<3,
Jia

Beauty & The Goblin

It was three months ago when I visited South Korea but the memories I had are still as fresh as the cherry blossoms of spring. The country is a beauty one could not forget.Even if you have visited it, there’s still a feeling of wanting to come back and experience a different season.

Speaking of beauty, who could forget all the cosmetics buffet?! Remember my first blog about Korea?! The make-up session with "The" Mr.Kim Seung Won- Christian Dior’s make-up maestro, was not the only beautiful experience I got to take home. Right before that make –up session, I got to visit one of the famous plastic surgery clinics in South Korea, Sion Plastic Surgery Center. And guess what?! I got to take home more cosmetics to add up to that beauty regimen.

Sion Tiny Facial Line Up Tightening Pack & Shang Nua Tiny Care Hydro Ampoules


Are you a K-Drama fan?! Then, perhaps you’d be delighted to know that the new Koreanovela that’s about to be aired in our country has been marketing an intensive mask pack. (Don’t worry, this will not turn your face into a goblin or a beast in anyway..LOL). I heard mask packs are one of the Korean beauty secrets for a smooth and flawless face. Personally, I’ve tried this intensive mask pack and it does leave your skin smoother.

To tell you honestly,I’m really not a K-Drama fan so the moment I received these mask packs I had no idea at all. Although, I was told that Goblin is very popular and one of the most watched shows in Korea that time. Now, I can’t help but feel lucky and excited when I got to see the trailer on TV. Are you excited to watch it ?I know I am.;)



Instant K-Drama Fan,

Jia <3


Special Thanks to Sion Plastic Surgery Center-South Korea!

OPPO F1S:SUMMER #OOTD

The heat is on! It’s summer once again! The most awaited season of the year for most of us. Not only do we get to be free from responsibilities in school but we also get to enjoy basking under the sun at our favorite summer destinations.
So Girls. . . . Are you ready with your picture perfect summer #OOTD?

Let me share with you my picks for an “instaworthy” pic. I know most of us would want to show off some skin and this is the perfect time for you to do that. However, be sure that it would not be too revealing to get nasty comments from the traditionalists. ;)

One staple outfit for summer are the shorts. There are a variety of options you can choose from the length, material and designs. Just be sure you choose one that you’re comfortable with. You don’t want to end up pulling down those “pekpek shorts” on your entire trip. (But if you’re comfortable with it,then, go ahead! There’s no problem so as long as it won’t get in the way of doing your fun summer activities.)

Source:www.aimlesslyelegant.com
Next, when choosing a top, be sure to wear something light for the skin since it would really be warm outside. Pick one that’s made out of cotton and choose summer or earth colors. You can wear sleeveless, spaghetti straps, off shoulders, or a plain tee will do. These choices will still allow your skin to breathe despite the heat of the sun.

Source:www.puttingmetogether.com
For the footwear, it will depend on what kind of adventure you will be going for. If it will involve hiking, be sure to wear "comfy" rubber shoes. (I prefer one that has a memory foam in it. Your feet will definitely thank you for it.) On the other hand, if you will be going on a trip to the beach, it’s still nice to wear those colorful flip-flops.

Source:www.modelhealthychoices.com; www.hd-wall-papers.com
(And, don’t forget to accessorize that outfit,Dear!) One important accessory this summer is a wide-brim hat. Aside from adding that summer vibe to your outfit, it would help in protecting your face from too much stares from Mr. Sun. (You would not want that beautiful face be overcooked, right?! LOL) Be sure to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 as well for added protection. Another helpful item that will add flavor to that outfit is the sunglasses. Not only will it make you look more glamorous but it will protect your eyes from the hotness of Mr. Sun. (Believe me. . .He will be too hot to handle.XD)

Source:www.pinterest.com; www.banggood.com
Oh! By the way, bring a bag too. Pick a size that would allow you to bring all the stuff you need. Make sure it's a good quality bag or you might end up bringing your stuff in a plastic bag. (Remember:Travel Light!;)

Source:www.cabinzero.com

Source:www.wazzuppilipinas.com
Now, you’re good to go! Just don’t forget to bring that handy camera phone with you to capture all the beautiful memories you’ll be sharing with your loved ones this summer. Choose a camera phone that will bring out the vibrant colors of your summer #OOTD. One that will allow you to beautify that captured moment. A camera phone that will take not only the brightest pictures of you in summer days but also in the nights of summer. Leave them bedazzled with that summer #OOTD using the Selfie Expert: Oppo F 1s!

Have An Awesome Summer 2017! 8)

<3, Jia

What's With LSS?

It was one fine day when I tried recording the song that kept on playing in my mind. I think this is what they call LSS (Last Song Syndrome)… However, another LSS (Lovely Sweet Sensation) came into me when my video was LSS (Liked by a SuperStar)…hehehe…;)

The song that I’m referring to is Perfect Strangers by Jonas Blue. Have you heard the song? It really has a catchy melody that you won’t forget it for a month or so. Perfect song for parties or just a simple R&R on the beach…8)…I tried playing the chorus on guitar and made a few revisions with the chords I saw online. Hope you like it!




I may not have played it perfectly but by the fact that the original singer himself, Jonas Blue, liked my video post on Instagram is enough reason for me to feel “kilig”-that LSS feeling- (Lovely Sweet Sensation). So, Sir Jonas Blue, if you’re reading this post, I Thank You! Now, I and my nephew feel more inspired making cover songs.

Keep Music Alive! <3

<3,
Jia