As I put the sunblock all over my legs and shoulders, I feel the gentle hot wind slowly blowing my dark, messy hair. The sun tenderly bathes my brown skin, while the soft white and golden sand calmly caresses my tired feet. Moderate waves singing to a perfect rhythm of swimmers' laughters and smiles. Yes, it's summer and I am at the beach!

“Good times and tan lines”, my favorite line when talking about summer. Yes, it is summer! I’m super excited to know where you want to go and what activities you want to do in this happiest season of the year. If you haven’t think of it yet, then continue reading on because I will share to you my best yet summer experience for this year.

“I go to JPark Island Resort & Waterpark, Cebu! I am totally inlove with the place, the activies and the people!” :)

JPark Island Resort & Waterpark, Cebu is a well-known resort destination in Cebu Philippines. Whether you are solo  or with friends and family, the resort has really bunch to offer. Food, service, environment, rides, tour and more to offer to you. Almost all of my workmates have been here already except me. Luckily, I am finally able to tick this  off from my bucketlist item because I get to experience its beauty and charm. What’s more happy is, I am with my millennial friends. Basically, I can be who I really am when I am with them.

1)      Chill and relax in the gigantic lobby. Unlike any other lobby, this is actually an open area, meaning it is not air-conditioned, and I liked it so much! I can grasp all the fresh air I needed in my lungs and life, haha. Plus, the really captivating chandeliers catch my attention.

2)      Tour the resort. The resort is really huge. Prepare to be amazed!

3)      Swim like a free fish in Amazon River. This is my most favorite part of the resort. I can stay here all day if I want to! This is a circular pool wherein the water’s current will just carry you round and round even when not moving and just lying on the lifebuoy (a.k.a salbabida). The colorful figures beside the pool just add happiness to my lonely during this adventure.

4)      Lay on bench and beach. One of the many things I want this summer. All the life problems seem to evacuate from my brain at this moment.

Pak ganern!

5)      Eat all I can during buffet lunch. Meat, vegetables, desserts, sushies, pizzas or any food at your choice, go grab them!

6)      Going intense with water rides. This is also my favorite. I can’t explain the feelings during these. All I can say is that this is crazily fun and intense.

7)      Fast and furious Go Kart driving. Releasing the child spirit in me. I don’t really know how to drive motorcycles and bicycles. I am very happy to finally able to taste the feeling of being a driver through this ride.

Happy riders! (Photo by Carlo)

March is the month to commemorate International Women’s Day. To be exact, it is March 8 of every year. What does it mean and why I decided to write this letter?

What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is a celebration of social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Its first modern celebration was held in 1914, on March 8. The day was declared as national holiday in the Soviet Union in 1917. It was mostly celebrated by socialists and communist countries until UN adopted it. (Based on my research.)

Why am I writing this letter?
I am writing this letter to let me know that I have not forgotten myself especially on this month of commemoration for women. At this young age, I’ve been through convenient and difficult times of life that I never imagined before. So, this letter is for me because I reckon I deserve to be acknowledged on this day.

Aside from that, I write this with a hope to raise awareness and encourage other people like you, the one reading this, to construct something about yourself and for yourself because if it is not you, who else would do that?

Lastly, I write this so that I can have something to read, smile or even frown when I am older than 23. Especially that few sleep from now, that numeral figure will be a whole lot different even number soon.

Dear 23-year-old Emelie,

Hey, you! Ugh, I can’t believe you are twenty-three years old by now. It seems you are just seventeen years old this morning. How are you doing? I notice you have a very hectic schedule lately. Please don’t forget to pause and have a little break every once in a while.

I write this letter because I have a weekly blog assignment to do, hahaha. Just kidding! I write this letter to let you know that you deserve a message like this. You are entitled to where you are currently. You are loved since from the very beginning of your life's journey until your physical departure from Earth. I recognize all your determination and struggles. You are special and I am proud of you, girl! Please continue to amaze me.

You are an angel sent from above.
Do you remember your parents' love story? That same old, adorable and ultimate love story that your mother used to tell for nth times when you were a kid?  How the gods favored their love amidst all the odds and trials? You see, you are a love baby made sacredly on that one cold evening (or day) of August 1992.
You are loved bountifully and unconditionally by your parents and so are your siblings. Please remember that when you feel empty, lonely and abandoned. You have their shoulders to lean on and ears to whisper to.

You are determined and passionate on what you do.
Though you haven’t gotten out totally from your shell before (or even until now), “Small but Terrible” that’s what you are. From carrying 12 kilograms worth of books, notebooks and other school supplies daily in elementary days to dreadful sleepless college nights due to your #goodstudent goals of perfecting every single holy exam at school and passing the scholarship's expectations from you.
From a total alien with zero knowledge anything about computer to this point wherein you manage and troubleshoot corporate computers/servers.

You are a fighter and a fast learner.
Those alone moments in your room that feels like forever and literally have no one to talk to. You become independent!
That time when you passed the screenings of many companies and caught up confuse on what to choose. It was hard, really confusing. But then, that inner quality of you of being resilient and a little bit undecided (lol) immersed. You chose what’s near to your heart and best for you. In that way, your skills were honed. You grow as a reliable individual in almost every aspect of work that you do. Your passion for learning and pushing your limits to exceed have helped you a lot especially now. Please continue to outshine!

You are a risk taker and an opportunity chaser.
I will never forget that time you voted yourself to be one of the officers of your particular organization (#bagagFace). How could you do that? Luckily, the people supported your advocacy (lucky jud). I salute the courage, hahaha!
That time also when you raised your hand, like Katniss Everdeen, to be one of the pioneer volunteers for one of Cebu's local technology organization (feeling celebrity). That was very challenging yet very fulfilling now! And all other events and activities you’ve been into; including those future ones (fingers-crossed).
You got it girl, keep moving forward as long as you know you are enjoying the fruits of what you're doing.

You need to take care of your health.
Like seriously! Health is wealth. I know you are very hesitant when it comes to alcoholic drinks, that's good! But come on, you can drink some or even go to parties. Just do it moderately and don’t do what everyone else is doing, you know.
Exercise as well. And by that, I mean you should start your Fitness and Fashion blog in mind right now! (Soon!)

You heart configuration is deadly. Please watchout!
Heartbreaks are normal in your life. When you love, you have the tendency to give it all at once in the open. You bare everything. Some people whom you have offered your love, your everything will probably not need it. As a result, you will doubt yourself. You will feel useless and stupid. So the next time if you are gonna you do it, choose the deserving people. Don’t forget to reserve some love for yourself.
Remember: You are worth it needless of what others say.

You are a dreamer and unique specie.
This particular journey that you have is totally different from others. What others are doing can bring them joy and happiness. What you are doing can also bring you joy and happiness, well with a little amount of struggles. Don’t be afraid to follow what you want. Whenever you hear others say that you got an impossible dream, nope, listen to your inner voice because it is possible! Just remember to be back on track after your life detours.

Love,
Yourself :*

It has been few weeks now and I have been thinking to include “Fitness” as one of the niches to focus in my blog. Why do I choose that? Well, it is because I am thinking of its good and long-term effect on my being and other people as a whole (those who follow my blog). With that in mind, I am slowly starting to write posts relating to “Fitness”. In this post, I will not tackle about workouts/exercises yet. I will first talk about healthy food options to try in Cebu City. Foods that have good effect to the fitness and wellness of our body.

Another Filipino restaurant in Cebu City that I definitely love is HIKAY. This place is perfect for ‘food celebrations’ of any occasion as what the name translates in English. Dine with your family, friends, colleagues or anyone else in this polished food place and be prepared to have your taste buds puffed with the healthy and delightful cuisine they serve. They offer unlimited rice so have your tummy ready, just watch out for possible excess carbs you may take in.

They have two store branches that I know. One is located in Calyx Building at IT Park and the other is in 3^rd Floor of SM City Mabolo.

Together with my friends, we tried dining in SM City branch few days ago. The place is so elegant with beautiful lights scheme and interior design. I also like the attractive hand wash area and the cozy toilet.

Each of the staff is friendly to me and they make sure to cater all my needs when dining. We even ate together with the site manager, Renz, in one table. He is super friendly.

Healthy foods I’ve eaten and why I love them:

1. Baked Scallops

Scallop is always one my favorite seafoods. Now this time, the yummy-buttery goodness of scallops that I have always been craving for has been served and boom, I dribble!

Vitamin B12 checked!

2. Crispy Pata

Crispy Pata is one of those that I always like to eat in the office working as a night shifter. Too bad stores offering this menu often closes during night time and I end up in fast foods. Crispy Pata in Hikay is tasty and crunchy. Thinking about the crisp and the protein it provides makes me a happy eater!

3. Kalderetang Kanding

I am never a fan of eating goat meat because of its smell. Guess what, I eat a few spoonful during this time because the meat was just exceptional. Yes there is still that little clingy smell but it is not as harsh same to those I tried before.

Low calorie, fat and cholesterol totals make me love goat meat in Hikay.

4. Adobo Pusit

Luscious squid in a platter is literally heaven in my eyes. Oh, so yummy!

B vitamins and iron checked!

5. Sotanghon Guisado

Think about that sotanghon guisado cooked by your mom only with a little twist. Yes, that is this menu all about. Carb the body up in preparation for our workouts soon!

6. Halang na Saang

I really have an unforgettable experience when it comes to eating meat of saang or “spider shell” in English. The feeling of eating thick rubber bands before was hilarious. That’s why I kind of hesitate to taste this menu. Luckily, Hikay’s saang meat is not same as what I tasted before. The meat is just easy to chew and I have nothing to worry about detachment issues of my braces’ bracket, lol!

Protein checked in this menu!

7. Manok Tinola

As soon as I taste this, I automatically remember my bukid life. Fresh bisayang manok tinola. No ouncy fatty oils just meaty chicken loaded with papaya and green leafy vegies with protein.

8.Tangigue

Juicy and sweet fish meat paired with sliced tomatoes is just so healthy. Omega vitamins checked!

9. Dessert: Fried Ice Cream Vanila, Cassava Cake, Biko with Latik and Leche Flan

Menu:

Happy faces. Full tummies.

Of all these foods, what do you want to eat right now?

Argao, the place I have been longing to tour because of its beautiful cultural and heritage setting as well as its famous torta delicacy! I finally set my feet on this beautiful place two weeks ago. Unlike other people, I was not there during daytime. I was there at night time because a good friend invited us to have a quick visit in their eating place. The transportation and food expenses were free; so, who am I to “No” to that? Besides, I was vacant that time so that’s why my answer was “Yes”.

The place :)

If you visit Argao next time, you should try eating at Carenderia Ni Eton. This is a restaurant managed by Robert Yap and is located near the main road, in front of GD gasoline station. Carenderia Ni Eton was made out of Robert’s love to his fallen police brother whose nickname was “Eton”. After the death of his elder brother, he was left with all family responsibilities. He figured he needed to do something about it in order to sustain the family’s needs. He thought of starting a food business and thus the birth of Carenderia Ni Eton food place.

Wellbein, Robert, Me and Rady :)

The restaurant’s tagline is “Hapit Ug Mangaon Ta bai!” ("Come And Let’s Eat" in english). Robert was very accommodating. He and his whole staff were super friendly. They wore smiles all the time! They served us these very delectable foods.

These were the foods we ate. You must try these, too! For sure you will love the hot and mouth-watering pochero just like I did.