I've frequently received questions regarding how much we spent on our Ilocos trip. So I've decided to do a quick breakdown of our itinerary and expenses for everyone's reference.

First off, I'm from Cebu so we booked a Cebu-Manila flight, and another Manila-Laoag flight. Although most agencies will offer pick-up from Manila, we didn't want to endure a looooonngg drive since a short plane ride is so much more convenient. We booked our round trip tickets in January even though we had planned an August trip.


I then booked our trip with J2F Ilocos Escapades and got an unbelievably affordable deal. The more people there are in your group, the cheaper it is. The package tour was customized for us and was inclusive of 3 days, 3 nights hotel stay (don't expect a luxurious hotel, you're only there to sleep and bathe anyway), breakfast, transportation, driver/tour guide and all entrance fees.

"Sometimes you gotta run before you can walk." ~ Tony Stark

Iron Man Muscle Tee - Forever 21; Skirt - Cotton On; Bag - Pull & Bear; Sports bra - Forever 21; Watch - G Shock borrowed from the boyfriend

The title of this post reminds me of the time I was part of our company outing's "Miss Aloha" beauty pageant. It was all spontaneous and just for fun, not a real pageant. During the Q&A, I got the question, "If you were a flower, what would you be and why?" So I answered, "I would be a rose with all its thorns - beautiful, but able to somehow protect itself from harm. Because I believe as a woman, beauty does not only lie on the outward appearance but also from within, and I choose to be beautiful with power and strength as well."

Ever feel like taking a (fashion) break? Today, I'm taking a break from all the skirts and dresses.

New restaurants have been sprouting up all over the Lahug area and you can't miss this quaint little cafe across Fujinoya. While the parking up front is very limited, you are allowed to park at the Tsai hotel's basement parking area. I've already visited Tazza Cafe and Patisserie twice. First on a Saturdate and next, because I was able to purchase a Groupon voucher (yey 50% off!).

I was always a typical girly girl whose favorite color was pink. Back when I was a lot younger, I think I overdosed on pink as EVERYTHING just had to be pink, or purple, or something cute and pretty with butterflies on it. I don't know how it happened but over the years, pink has taken a backseat and I find that there are hardly any pink items in my closet now. And I miss it.

Top, inner cami, necklace - Forever 21, Shoes - CLN

Before the summer ended last May, we were able to squeeze in a trip to Dumaguete. On our second day there, we ventured off to Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental, which is known as a good dive spot and is also famous for the sea turtles. To get there, you need to drive 1-2 hours from Dumaguete proper until you reach the drop off point where you can park your car, and ride a pump boat to the island. Fortunately, one of our friends lives in Dumaguete and booked the boat beforehand.