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Personality Portrait Swap; A Master of Craft

In the landscape of a classroom, there are those who simply pass through and then there are individuals like Kristel P. Polenio who leaves a lasting impression through their unique blend of talent and character. She is a remarkable individual whose life is defined by a harmonious balance between her artistic ambitions and her gentle and grounded personality. She is a person who understands that true excellence requires both technical skill and a genuine heart of service.

Kristel's most defining professional trait is her mastery of nail artistry. Her work is not merely a hobby, it is a profound passion that she pursues with relentless dedication. She pours an immense amount of effort into every detail ensuring that each stroke and design meets her high standards. This commitment is fueled by her love the craft and a sincere desire to provide satisfaction for her clients. Having experience her work personally, I can attest that her talent goes beyond the surface, she has a way of making people feel valued through her meticulous care.

Beyond her artistic capabilities, Kristel's personality is a source of warmth for everyone around her. She is known for being jolly, kind and considerate possessing a natural ability to make others feel at ease. Her creative spirit also extends into the kitchen, where she enjoys the delicate art of baking pastries. However, what makes her truly fascinating is the duality of her nature, despite her social warmth, she finds profound comfort in solitude. This love for being alone provides her with the peace and introspection necessary to fuel her creativity. Kristel is ultimately a rare combination of a vibrant social presence and a focused soulful artist.

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Travel Writing: Discovering Beautiful Ormoc

Ormoc city, known as the "City of Beautiful People," Ormoc is a vibrant agro-commercial hub in Leyte nestled between the rolling mountains and the scenic shores of Ormoc Bay. It gained historical prominence as a key battlefield during World War II and has since evolved into a resilient city celebrated for its world-class "Queen Pineapple" and pioneering renewable energy projects. Visitors are often drawn to its unique blend of heritage landmarks, modern urban developments, and breathtaking natural wonders

Ormoc's Essential Heritage Trio:

1. The Veterans Park is a significant historical landmark in Ormoc City, constructed in the early 1990s to honor the Filipino soldiers who fought for the liberation of Leyte during World War II. It is particularly interesting for its Centennial Marker, erected in 1998 to celebrate 100 years of Philippine independence, and its scenic location that offers a panoramic view of Ormoc Bay.

​Visitors are drawn to the park's tranquil, verdant lawns, which serve as a popular "rendezvous" for sunset viewing and leisurely strolls. Historically, the site stands as a tribute to the bravery shown during the Battle of Ormoc Bay, a pivotal conflict between Allied and Japanese forces. Today, it remains a peaceful space for reflection, bridging the city's wartime past with its vibrant present.

2. The Piña Festival is a vibrant annual celebration in Ormoc City that honors the "Queen Pineapple," a variety famed for being among the sweetest in the world. First launched in 2016 under the leadership of then-Mayor Richard Gomez, the festival was created to give the city a distinct cultural identity and to express gratitude to patron saints Peter and Paul for a bountiful harvest.

​It is particularly interesting for its high-energy street dancing competitions and elaborate "Higantes" (giant puppets) that showcase the resilience and sunshine-y nature of the Ormocanons. Tourists should visit to experience the unique blend of agricultural pride and artistic flair, capped off by the chance to feast on the iconic golden fruit straight from the source.

3. The Ormoc City Museum, also known as the People’s Museum, is a cultural gem housed in a beautifully preserved 1947 Art Deco building that formerly served as the city hall. It was officially inaugurated as a museum in 2019 to safeguard the city’s identity, featuring diverse galleries that span from pre-colonial artifacts and World War II memorabilia to moving photographs of the city’s recovery after Super Typhoon Yolanda.

​Interesting highlights include a detailed diorama of the Battle of Ormoc Bay and an impressive collection of masterpieces by National Artists like Fernando Amorsolo and Benedicto Cabrera. Tourists should visit to experience the "soul" of the city through its vibrant local art and to see how Ormoc has transformed from a historic port into a resilient modern hub. Its location near the historic Puente de la Reina makes it a perfect stop for a heritage walk in the city center.

Together, the Veterans Park, the City Museum, and the Piña Festival represent the three pillars of Ormoc’s identity. Its Resilience in the face of history, its Culture rooted in local artistry, and its Abundance celebrated through the world’s sweetest harvest. Visiting these sites offers more than just sightseeing, it provides a deep connection to a community that has mastered the art of turning challenges into celebrations.

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Check-in to my Life: A day itinerary of a Tourism Student.

My day begins with the basics, wash my face first, go to the backyard to feed my chickens, take a shower and eat after. I’ve always been a “shower before breakfast” person. It’s a habit a picked up from the belief that it aids digestion and settles the body before the meal. I've read it somewhere in the internet that taking a shower first before eating helps avoid digestive discomfort. Once refreshed and fueled, I apply my essentials, sunscreen, perfume and lip balm and I am ready for the day.

Being a Tourism student means being on the move. The transition from home to school is a journey itself. It begins with a five-minute walk from the house to the highway, a short wait for the tricycle to arrive and it takes 15 - 20 minutes ride going to the campus. This is my time to mentally prepare for the day, It serves as my transition to “student mode”. Once I arrive, my focus shifts entirely to my Tourism studies. It’s a blend of intense discussion and active participation. The focus is always on and there is no complete school day without a snack run with the Barkadas. It’s a small but necessary to “reboost” before diving to the next subject.

The ride home is my favorite part. Front seat of the tricycle, earphones in and music playing. Spending the ride observing the world passing by, using the commute phase to decompress from the lessons. Upon arriving home, I head straight to my room to change and take a much needed nap. The rest acts as my reset button. After a quick nap and a rewarding dinner with my favorite series its finally “me time”, it’s my way of acknowledging my hard work, ensuring I’m mentally and physically prepared to do it all again.