a blog of an adventurer-wannabe

Hello, I'm Yla. I am a 22-year old Photographer, Graphic Designer, and Writer with an old soul and a love for everything handwritten.

[ylacorotan]

They say that the best time to start something is during the first month of a year that’s why for 2016, I promised myself to climb at least one mountain a month. Thankfully before January ended, I was able to climb one.

Two hours away from Manila, Mt. Maculot is situated at Cuenca, Batangas. It stands tall at 930 MASL, making it one of the go-to mountains of hikers and adventurers.

We knew we were at the right place when we saw Cuenca's arch and from there, we hailed a tricycle to the Registration area where we filled out a logbook and were assigned two tour guides (we joined a bigger group). We then rode the same tricycle to the jump off point.

photo via http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/

After a couple of minutes, we started the ascend. Our pacing was moderate but I gotta admit that even at the start, the trek was challenging. From what I can remember, there’s almost no flat terrain - everywhere was an uphill climb!

We survived by pausing at stopovers (I think there are 11 of them). You’d know because these are shaded spaces where a local or two are selling buko juice/kakanin/halo halo. 

After almost two hours, we finally reached the Campsite. Several tents were set up and many hikers rest at the mountain’s “7-Eleven”. I wasn’t able to take a photo of it but it’s a bigger stopover that sells almost anything you’ll need. The price of the commodities, however, is ridiculous! One sachet of Nescafe 3-in-1 costs 45 pesos, same as their cooked pancit canton and cup noodles. Good thing we were able to buy lunch for a cheaper price at the base camp, but the urge to buy coffee is so strong that I almost bought one!

By 11AM, we could already feel the noon heat but my friends and I decided to go to the Rockies before having lunch so we can rest well after eating and before ascending to the Summit. 

The view before descending on muddy trails and ascending on big, sharp rocks.

There were many hikers at the Rockies and there was just one trail, so the drill was to wait until a group finishes its descent before we go up to the Rockies. I could never forget the thrill of standing on a trail in between two cliffs!

Finally...

A vast landscape of the Taal lake’s serene water and its crater’s rim welcomed us upon arriving at the Rockies. Our guide, kuya Topher said that mountaineers from U.P. first discovered Mt. Maculot during the 80s. From Taal lake, they rappelled up the Rockies and discovered the mountain which is now frequently visited by mountaineers and hiking enthusiasts like us. 

From the Rockies, you can see Mt. Batulao & Mt. Makiling on the far horizon.

NAKAKAPAGOD HAHAHAHAHA

Arriving at the summit was a milestone for me for it reminded me the very reason why I climb mountains. How far can I go? 

Since we’re doing a traverse, we arrived at the Grotto by 4PM. The sun was starting to set and we were so drained by all the steep descents. Sometimes I couldn’t help but validate the cliche that the very moment beats the photo. I don’t know if it’s just me but there are times when I couldn’t completely capture the beauty of a moment that it’s best to just watch it while it’s happening. #RandomRambling

After freshening up, we invited our guides for a Batangas Lomi food trip. We simply had to while we were there! While eating a serving of Batangas’ specialty, we listened to stories of Kuya Topher & Paolo about their hiking and all their other adventures. 

Sharing with you our itinerary for that day...

Went home tired and super drained from the day’s experience. Thank you, Mt. Maculot for being wonderful, kind & forgiving! You were a challenge but I don’t regret anything! :)

[ylacorotan]

There’s always something about year-enders. Year-end gimmicks, adventures, makeovers, and the like -- a year-end activity testifies the validation we need in the year that’s about to end, and symbolizes the hope that we can also conquer the new year that’s about to come.

As for my friends who are always hungry for an adventure every now and then, we chose to conquer Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. We were planning for this as early as the first week of December, but Typhoon Nona came and we couldn’t go so we had to reschedule. 

I was excited for this climb and I have to admit, I was afraid too. Chloe couldn’t go with me that day, so I had no one but myself to tame my paranoia. A night before the climb, I was having nightmares about trekking Batulao. I didn’t let it (and I know God won’t let it!) get to me and I woke up as early as 4am to boil eggs for the whole team.

I left home by 5am and went to the transport terminal in Complex, Balibago to meet Maybe and his boyfriend Von. We took the van bound to Nasugbu via Tagaytay and told the driver to drop us off at Evercrest. We had a pretty smooth 1-hour ride to Evercrest. I personally loved the time when the sun started to rise and break in the horizon. The sky was vibrant with blue and orange hues. After a few minutes and as we went pass by Tagaytay where we can see a wonderful view of the Taal Lake, the colors of the horizon started changing to pastel hues of pink and blue. It was beautiful. I wasn’t able to take photos because I was sitting at the other side of the van! :(

We arrived at Evercrest 10 minutes before 7am, our call time. Waited for the others and when everyone finally arrived, we immediately took a tricycle to the jump-off point with our guide who we just met at Evercrest, kuya Jun. 

After around 10 minutes, we got to the jump-off point, readied ourselves, prayed for safety, and started the trek.

We took the New Trail and it was fairly easy. Most of my friends are beginners in trekking, and they didn’t have that much of a problem. It’s always best to start the trek early because the heat is still bearable (healthy, even!) until 10am. According to Kuya Jun, Mt. Batulao (813 meters above sea level) has 12 peaks. It’s a perfect mountain for beginners and intermediate climbers, with its difficulty rated 4/9 by PH Mountains.

It’s a beautiful mountain, isn’t it?

There were also a lot of mountain dogs living in small stores on the mountain. Saw a few cats and the cat lady in me felt super giddy!

And this is Kuya Jun, our guide. His minimum fee is 500. But you know, guides deserve better than that :)

After 3 hours of trekking the mountain’s thrilling curves and peaks, we finally reached the summit! It’s definitely a good feeling conquering something! Not just the mountain, but also the fears!

We took our time admiring the wonderful scenery before us. We also ate our lunch there! :)

We started our descent by 11:30 am. Personally, I feel like trekking down Mt. Batulao was more challenging than ascending it. My legs and knees were shaking, and I was more prone to sliding off on loose soil. It was more dangerous. Nevertheless, everywhere I look, the view was still so stunning.

Finally, we arrived at the jump-off point by 2:30pm, freshened up, and left Nasugbu by 3:30pm. If you’re going back to Manila, there are buses to Pasay passing by Evercrest so you’ll just have to wait. Otherwise, if you’re heading home to Laguna, take a jeep or bus to Mendez Crossing Tagaytay, ride a tricycle to Olivares market, and take a jeep to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 

Tip: The bus to Pasay, Manila takes so long (it took me more than 3 hours) to arrive at Manila because it passes by Cavite and the traffic there is too much. I suggest that you take the route to Sta. Rosa, and from there, board the bus to Manila. It can definitely cut your travel time to 2 hours, rather than 3-4.

Mt. Batulao, thank you for the humbling climb. You are beautiful and it’s an honor to be one of the few brave hearts who were able to witness God’s masterpiece through you.

To more adventures next year!

[ylacorotan]

The South has a lot of unspoiled beaches to offer, and one of them is located at Pagbilao in Quezon, just a little over 2 hours away from Manila.

Puting Buhangin and Kwebang Lampas is a secluded paradise, known for its white sand. There isn't too many white sand beaches near the metro, so my friend, Jap, and I made sure to visit it.

Coming from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, we rode a jeep from Complex to Turbina (45 pesos). We asked the driver to drop us off at Jac Liner terminal and when he did, we then boarded the bus bound for Lucena Grand Terminal (130.50 pesos). The 2 1/2 hrs travel time was dragging. It took so long because of some traffic choke points along San Pablo and Sto Tomas. The good news though is that we were able to take some naps and were well rested when we arrived at the Grand Terminal.

What's so grand about Lucena Grand Terminal? Jap and I often joked about it earlier but when we arrived there, we found out why. It's like a gateway from Quezon to most parts in the region. We saw buses and vans to and from Alabang, Manila, Lucena, Batangas, Bicol, etc. Proving that traveling is a lot easier today.

Before fully taking on the Quezon adventure, we had to buy lunch and snacks at one of the carinderias in the terminal. It was raining and it definitely dampened our adventure expectations but we realized that we were already there so we might as well do what we had to do and just go.

We boarded the jeep going to Pagbilao (11 pesos) and the trip took around 30 minutes only. We dropped off at Pagbilao church, stopped there to offer a little prayer, and had a tricycle (250 pesos one way) take us to Puting Buhangin.

We wondered why the fare was expensive, especially for a tricycle, and if compared to the previous fares we spent earlier. We realized why, during the more than an hour tricycle ride. It was the longest hour we had! Endless rice fields, mountain views, drizzle, concrete and unpaved roads, couple of barangays, a compound for scary and gigantic power plants -- we had to go through all that before arriving at the point where we had to take a boat to Puting Buhangin.

It was just a quick boat trip, just so we can get to the land across the lake. Weather was gloomy and environment was super quiet that it felt very strange. When we were able to cross it via the lake, we trekked a good 10-15 minute trek to get to the beach. There, we paid 105 pesos each for the roundtrip boat ride and the entrance fee. Pretty cheap and... Very stunning view!

The sight of a peaceful beach with only few people, welcomed us and immediately erased all the hardships we went through to get there. We ate our simple packed lunch while two dogs watched us (haha!), changed to our swimsuits, and enjoyed prancing and swimming on the white sand beach!

The place was very peaceful. No singing in the karaoke, no loud guests. It was just a beautiful place for relaxing, reflecting, and unwinding.

It is also known as Kwebang Lampas. A few meters from the shore is a cave where you can see unique formations and swimming small fishes!

We enjoyed the beach for almost 3 hours! At Puting Buhangin, you will feel that you have the beach all to yourselves! But a few minutes after we decided to take a bath and pack up, a girl swimming from a meter from where we previously swam on,  excruciatingly cried and shouted that everyone caught her attention. She was crying and shouting so much that we had no clue what was going on with her on the waters. Turns out that she was stung by a jellyfish a size of a big man's hand! Some of the caretakers hurriedly helped the girl and poured gin on her leg while she cried in pain. They took the jellyfish from the water and buried it in the sand. After a few minutes, they saw and took out three more!

We realized that if we had not decided to stop swimming, it could've been us who were stung by the jellyfish. Disturbed but determined to go home, we took a "provincial bath" aka taking a bath on a simple coconut leaves-made, comfort room without a roof or anything. I never felt so naked before.

Going home, we took the familiar route. Boat, tricycle, and another tricycle (Pagbilao to Lucena Grand Terminal). From there, Jap and I had to part ways because she had to go to Alabang and I had to go home to Balibago.

Waiting in the van for more passengers took me more than 2 hours. It was the red flag of the whole Quezon adventure. I waited so long! I got home at 11pm and was dead tired. But very, very, fulfilled.

[ylacorotan]

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have a white Christmas? It’s definitely my dream of experiencing one soon with my family but this will suffice for now ( I hope! heehee!)

Here’s a perfect Christmas necessity that would guarantee intense freshness this holiday season - introducing the NEW Colgate Fresh Confidence Mint Overload!

This toothpaste is perfect for the season of eating and merry-making. Loaded with cooling crystals, its mint flavor bursts inside your mouth, giving you a taste of its amazing mint overload. Who doesn’t love that?!

Thank you, Colgate for these! I’ll definitely eat my heart out *confidently* without worrying of bad breath! ;)

Minty kisses to everyone this Holiday season! <3

[ylacorotan]

Hulugan Falls is the new hidden darling of Laguna. Like most wonders of our country, it demands a lot of your time and full effort before you can actually witness its beauty.

It was a long commute to Laguna. After more than two hours of trying-to-sleep-but-ended-up-watching-a-movie-instead, we finally reached Sta. Cruz! Tip: Ask the kundoktor to drop you off at the jeepney terminal bound for Luisiana.

The jeepneys of Sta. Cruz are so huge compared to what we commonly have in Manila. It can actually accommodate 30-40 people inside and the floor space? Far from cramped, it's the best! You can even stretch your legs without discomforting the passenger seated across you.

The fare is just 30 pesos and it took us 30 minutes to get to Brgy. San Salvador. Just like our bus situation earlier, always let the kundoktor know where you're intended to go and ask them if they can kindly drop you off. The locals are very friendly so you need not worry!

Upon enetering San Salvador (which you will recognize because of an arc), we were greeted by the locals and were ask about how many of us are trekking. Soon after, the tricycle driver took us to Kap's House and we were assigned a guide, Kuya Jimmy, who is also a tanod of the barangay.

Afterwards, we prepared ourselves for the long trek. I suggest you take your time freshening up, stocking on water and food, before beginning the trek. You don't have to worry because they have everything at Kap's House - comfort rooms, karinderya, sari-sari store, simple lounge space, even uhm cats!

In a few minutes, everyone was sure and ready to go.

The beginning of the hike was fairly easy, plus there was a mountain dog that was following-leading us, thus making the trek a little light and bearable. We noticed signs of construction going on some of the areas and kuya Jimmy told us that the barangay is really working on improving the road to Hulugan Falls for those who'd like to visit. Hopefully, the construction will be finished by next year.

20 minutes to the trek and everyone was still doing fine despite the 12 noon heat, but as we cautiously descended on slippery and muddy trails, the mood went from ecstatic to challenged, and to just laughing so much because we knew we were spending so much time in trekking just whining and ranting -- it's hilarious.

After a good 1.5 hours, we arrived on one of the small falls where a place nearby is located for eating and resting. We stayed, relaxed there for almost an hour, and shared our lunch food that we bought from Kap's House, even if it's not enough for everyone.

After a while, we cleaned up and started trekking to Hulugan Falls.

While on the way, we stopped by a wide space where campers assemble their tents for the night. It was a very pleasant sight, because of the coconut trees standing tall, providing abundant shade to anyone who wishes a break from the heat.

There were still more muddy slopes waiting for us on the way to Hulugan Falls and we welcomed all of it via clinging on to plants & walking on the mud barefooted.

By around 2pm, we heard the sound of the falls' gushing waters. It definitely made us a lot more excited and giddy when suddenly...

"Ayun oh!" Kuya Jimmy exclaimed. (Bet he was super excited for us)

There it was -- the majestic and truly beautiful Hulugan Falls.

We were greeted by the impressive falls, grandiosely framed by the trees and mountains around it. With a 235 feet drop, its cascading waters flow elegantly and drop powerfully into a big but shallow basin beneath it where visitors like us could cautiously swim.

I stood there, humbled and in admiration of how wonderful it really is!

Make sure that you bring waterproof protection for your gadgets and valuables. It was very kind of my colleague, Bea, to give me one of her Ziplocs so I could store my phone and take photos without it getting soaked in mist.

It would be however, very convenient, if you bring your action camera along so you wouldn't have to think of any hazards concerning your gadgets.

Holding my zip locked phone, we carefully walked on big rocks so we can go and settle on a spot where we can just stare at the falls, relax, and take a dip.

There's this spot where we stood and the wind + water caused by the powerful drop of water, continuously (and rapidly!) sprayed on us. It's really overwhelming! Is there even a word for that? The water spraying mightily on us was too much that we couldn't even open our eyes. All we could do was to just squint and wish that all these wouldn't stop. To add to the euphoria, nature gave us a gift from the hard work we went through just to be able to go there-- a rainbow. A rainbow at the foot of the waterfalls.

I bravely took a picture and since then, it has been my favorite photo of this adventure so far. I almost cried out of joy!

[ylacorotan]

Let Your Hair Down and Do the Hagod with Palmolive Naturals Conditioner

Starting from the crown of her head to the tips of her soft hair, the hagod is a signature move of the modern, independent woman. The hagod involves running her fingers through her hair – stroking it from the roots to the tips. Whether the hagod results in gathering locks to one side or letting hair naturally fall back into place, every modern woman knows that the hagod is only possible with hair that’s soft and manageable.

The hagod expresses her hair’s softness that lasts through the day, just like her feminine confidence. The hagod signals that she is ready to let her hair down and face whatever is coming her way. Her hagod-soft hair is a source of confidence, allowing her to effortlessly own her day.

As a fresh graduate stepping into a new career, she relies on her hair’s softness to impress her colleagues. As a night-shift worker in a fast-paced environment, she is assured of soft hair that lasts well into overtime. And as a hairstylist who can inspire confidence with a single cut, her hair embodies the softness that all her clients aspire for.

Palmolive Naturals Conditioner ensures her hair is always hagod-soft and hagod­-ready from day to night. Its formula, infused with 100% natural extracts and micro-moisturizers, penetrates deep into hair. With continued use, Palmolive Naturals Conditioner gives hair long-lasting softness, every woman will want to do the hagod from day to night. Plus, it has Palmolive’s signature, long-lasting fragrance, releasing an irresistible scent with every stroke.

As in hagod-softness that helps a fresh grad ace her interview, hagod-softness that lasts a call center agent well into overtime, and hagod-softness that makes a hairstylist someone you’d trust with your hair – ikaw, ano ang hagod mo?

Share your Palmolive Hagod on www.facebook.com/PalmoliveNaturals and use the hashtags #ItoangHagodKo and #PalmoliveHagod.

[ylacorotan]

If you're a a certified hungry sports fan and/or a foodie on a budget, head on to any Buffalo Wild Wings branch in the metro. From Mondays to Thursdays until 7 P.M., enjoy their beers (San Miguel Pale, San Miguel Light, and Brew Kettle) for only 55 pesos per bottle! It's definitely a treat especially to those who just got out from work, looking for a good place to chill, relax, and have a good time alone or with some friends. Order your cold bottles and glasses beers with the Tablegating Sampler (725 pesos), which is a platter of traditional wings, soft pretzels, warm pita chips, and mozzarella stuffed jalapeno pepper bites. Don't forget to ask the waiter for a playing tablet so you can play the Trivia Game versus the other customers who are playing it as well, while enjoying BWW's Happy Hour. I personally love the Jalapeno Pepper Bites and the warm pita chips because it pairs well with the cold Brew Kettle. It would be better though if the place wasn't too cold, because the food turned out to be cold as well after a few minutes. Visit BWW during their Happy Hour(sssss), I'm sure you'll enjoy it! :)

[ylacorotan]

7 Things You Should Know About Sunscreen Protection

(Manila, Philippines) When you think you already know the ins and outs of sunscreen – here come new findings and information on what it really does to your skin, why you should use it, and when you need it most.Apart from the universal knowledge on SPF numbers, there is more than meets the eye about the sun and its effects that you should consider before choosing your next sunscreen product.

Read up on the 7 things that will change how you view, choose,and use your sunscreen product.

1.    Sunscreen is not only intended for summer or at the beach. Dermatologists worldwide recommend the daily use of sunscreen.

2.    UV filters in make-up are not enough for daily protection. Sunscreen in cosmetics normally protects your skin against one type of UV radiation only. Plus, makeup products are not applied on regular intervals within the day, so you don’t really get the right level of sun protection stated on the pack.

3.    It is known that there are 2 kinds of UV radiation from the sun that affect your skin: UVB, which mainly affects the outer layers of the skin and known to be the main cause of sunburns; and UVA radiation which penetrates deeper into the skin with long-term and oxidative damaging effects such as DNA damage, premature aging and higher risks of skin cancer. However, did you know that besides UV radiation, the sun also produces Infrared (IR) radiation thattriggers collagen degradation which leads to wrinkles, sagging and adverse heat effects?

4.    Generally, SPF labels mainly measure UVB protection only. Users of regular sunscreen products that only offer SPF may not necessarily burn their skin when exposed under the sun, but may still get deeper skin damage that cause a higher risk of skin cancers if their sun care product does not have UVA-filtering properties.

5.    Get to know more about your SPF numbers. No sunscreen product can guarantee 100% protection against harmful radiation. Based on regulatory bodies in Europe and Australia, an SPF of 30 already absorbs 96.7% of UVB rays, and an SPF of 50 absorbs as much as 98.0% of UVB rays. If you’re planning to go for a sunscreen with an SPF level of 70, 80, 90 or beyond – no need! The additional effects of higher SPF at this level are almost negligible.

6.    A new study made by the American Academy of Dermatologyreveals the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for everyday use.Solar radiation, which permeates the skin all the way down to the cells and DNA, resultsin cell damage,DNA mutations, premature skin aging, and eventually may lead to skin cancer.

7.    For women who wear makeup every day, try this regimen. Start off your face with a moisturizer, and then thoroughly apply a clinically proven, non-comedogenic sunscreen before you continue with your make-up routine. This preventive sun care step should be done every day before you go out of the house.

Daylong, from the makers of Cetaphil, takes a scientific approach to sunscreen protectionwith sun care that protects the skin not just from UVA and UVB, but also Infrared radiation. Daylong is made for daily wear, as it comes without the sticky and heavy feeling, with fast absorption, and without the white marks thanks to its unique oil-free and liposomal formulations. Dermatologist-prescribed, this clinically provenrange helps protect the skin even against premature cell damage and death, DNA damage, cellular aging, and skin and tissue aging.Daylong promises its commitment to sun care and sun protection that is daily, deep, and complete.

Daylong sunscreen products are available in Watson’s and SM Department Store branches with Watson’s starting September 2014, and in Mercury Drug branches starting October 2014. For more information, visit Daylong.ph, likeDaylongPH on Facebook and follow @DaylongPH on Twitter and Instagram.

[ylacorotan]

What you need to know about City vs Beach UV Exposure

UV Exposure in the City Same As When You_’_re At the Beach

(Manila, Philippines) At a time when we face an abundance of choices in how, when, and why we use products, so have sunscreen products slowly evolved from being solely used at the beach during summertime to a daily skin care staple. The message is clear: not only is it important to prevent sunburn, it is equally important to prevent rapid skin aging and deeper cellular damage.

Daylong, a dermatological suncare brand from the makers of Cetaphil, is the first to explicitly advocate daily sunscreen application. In its recent efforts to support its cause, Daylong conducted a UV-exposure study to investigate whether the outdoor sun at the beach shows the same level of strength in the city – even when indoors.

Together with five Filipina urbanites – Jaymie Pizarro, Jackie Go, Marj Sia, Janeena Chan, and Marie Lozano – Daylong used sun sensors to track daily UV exposures in Metro Manila for a week. From day to night, their daily activities were recorded, even when indoors.

The study showed that in Metro Manila, the daily UV Index recorded reaches up to 10 from 12nn to 1pm, which places a ‘Very High’ risk from unprotected sun exposure. Comparing the city’s UV index to Caticlan (Boracay) and El Nido (Palawan), and data showed both summer destinations also reach UV Index 10 during the same hours.

Daylong also found out that despite staying indoors, the women registered UV readings. Whether clear or cloudy weather, UV solar radiation remains strong, and it can penetrate windows. Indoor light sources, even at night, have also been revealed to contribute to UV exposure.

Daylong used the World Health Organization UV Index ranging from 1 to 11, with 11 indicating ‘Extreme’ UV exposure.

“We understand that unprotected sun exposure, indoors or outdoors, causes skin damage down to the cellular level. And this means premature skin aging, DNA damage and worse, skin cancer. It’s not just about sunburn” says Jon Lee, Daylong Brand Manager. “Daylong is a dermatological suncare brand that can help prevent all these because it is clinically proven to protect all the way to the skin’s DNA and cellular level. This is why we began the advocacy of daily sunscreen protection – to ensure that everyone’s skin stays healthy, whether they are in the city or at the beach.”

Daylong’s daily sunscreen protection advocacy can be viewed online at www.Daylong.ph, and on Daylong Philippines’ social media pages:DaylongPH on Facebook and @DaylongPH on Twitter and Instagram.

Check out the advocacy through this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQa3aTVlJ8Q

[ylacorotan]

Slidefest Philippines is a family-friendly, adrenalin pumping slip and slide water event. It is more than just a slide. It’s a festival, an experience that brings our memories of our childhood to the next level. It is 1,000 feet of pure happiness.

There will be music, food, drinks, water balloons, water guns, and of course the biggest slip and slide ever to hit the streets of the Philippines. And have we mentioned that our slide is 1000 feet long? Yeah, that’s the length of over 3 football fields, or 3000 doughnuts. This will be a festival you will never forget.

Slidefest will take over streets of your cities and other iconic locations, appearing and vanishing within 24 hours. One day, you’ll be sliding down the street with your friends and families. While the next day, you’ll be left with reminiscing fond memories of a truly unique experience.

How Slidefest Philippines works

SINGLE SLIDERS

Single sliders will get unlimited access to the slide... Or so they would wish. Single sliders will (obviously) get only ONE slide within their selected time session. We're gonna go out on a limb and say it straight up that we do not recommend this option unless you are the type of person who can resist eating just one piece of M&M or pringles, stop at just one slice of bacon or stand up after a 2 minute swedish massage. Yes, the slide is 1,000 feet but trust us, with the amount of fun you'll have, it will go by really fast and you'll be left craving for more.

Early bird rate: Php300

Regular rate: Php350

WAVE SLIDERS

Wave Sliders get to enjoy the slide again and again, get some rest, talk to your friends, take some selifes and then go again within their selected 2 hour time slot.

Early bird rate: Php500

Regular rate: Php600

VIP SLIDERS

All day sliders are like wave sliders but on steriods. VIP's can enjoy unlimited slides for the entire 12 hours of the day and will be entitled to an express lane similar to priority boarding in an airport. You also get cool Slidefest T-shirts and 20% off the other merchandise. And to make sure that you get top priority, we are setting a limit to the amount of VIPs we will accommodate.

Early bird rate: Php1000

Regular rate: Php1200

*With priority lane and Slidefest tshirt

Registration for Slidefest Philippines

Stay tuned for the venue and date announcement! Who know? It might be at a place near you! Brought To You By Runtertainment, Inc. Runtertainment, Inc. is the same team who delivered Outbreak Manila-- the zombie infested events that has been spreading since 2012, Breakout Philippines-- the country’s premier escape room game, and our latest addition called Breakout Interactive Theater-- where participants interrogate actors as they solve for their clue.

Please visit http://www.slidefest.com.ph/ for more info!

Stay connected with Slidefest Philippines:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slidefestph

Twitter: @SlidefestPH

[ylacorotan]

Can't get enough of this cutie! ♥

[ylacorotan]

5. It is Buffalo Wild Wing’s first branch in Asia.

The known sports resto in the US now opened its first branch in Asia. Located at Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons, Pasig, Buffalo Wild Wings opened just last January 29, 2015 with an exciting treat of “Free Wings for a year” for the first 100 guests in line.

I arrived a bit late from work but I was able to watch their beautiful fireworks display before the celebration :)

4. Sports lovers and foodies unite

It is a sanctuary for people who love sports and food aka the usual Filipinos! The walls inside the restaurant are plastered with lots of HD flat-screen tvs showing different sports channels for your viewing pleasure. BWW is a great venue for watching huge sports events and enjoying any of their wide and varied menu while on it.

3. No hassles

With a good proximity to nearby offices and food meccas, BWW is the place to be at when you’re looking for a good venue to chill. The area inside can accommodate more than a hundred people, making the sports watching experience extra fun. Plus, their waiters attend to your concerns asap.

2. The wild wings are here to stay

Their world-renowned Buffalo wings coated with their signature sauces are the stars of the night. Ranging from Oriental, Sweet, to Blazin’, these wings are a must try! Best to have it with a glass of cold beer <3

This is a platter of 15 wings of assorted flavors. It offers a good amount of varied flavors of your choice so that whenever you feel like trying on a different flavor, it’s just there.

Aside from the staples, BWW also offers other pica pica foods like jalapeno cheese sticks, wedges, and the like. They’re all equally good!

1. You’re in for a remarkably fun experience.

Whether with your friends or your family, Buffalo Wild Wings is open to your hungry, competitive, or sports fanatic self. There’s no question that food and sports make people closer.

With the Perkcomm girls (PS mukha akong tuhod haha)

Oh! For those with the brave hearts, try their Blazin’ Challenge! You’ll need to eat all 12 of their Blazin’ wings in under 6 minutes without drinking water. Kids from Taft know how this works, hmm? Spicy wings and bragging rights y’all! :) Needless to say, I went out BWW full without accepting any challenge haha!

Finally, Buffalo Wild Wings is in Manila! Visit their branch at the Ground Floor of Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons, Pasig. Check out their Facebook for the latest whatnots of this restaurant. Congratulations to BWW!

[ylacorotan]

Friggies: Loving Your Body From Cleansing to Healing

Juicing just for detox and cleansing is so 2014. This year, say hi to natural and holistic healing by FRIGGIES (FRuIts and veGGIES), a rookie in the juicing business that is sure to make good marks on people aiming for a healthier body and lifestyle, with its proud line of juices and smooggies (smoothies by Friggies).

What’s definitely cool about them is that Friggies supports local communities and farmers by sourcing their raw materials from the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm in Bulacan, as well as from other farms in the country. Aside from this, they also promote environmental care through their bottle recycling program as executed through their products.

Read more at WhenInManila.com

[ylacorotan]

Bisquitilla: Creative Yet Classic Sweet Treats You’ll Love

There’s always something wonderfully made out of friendship. This is once again made true when a small group of friends from Ateneo de Manila University came up with the idea of putting up a business. Hence, Bisquitilla.

Bisquitilla offers a more creative, more innovative, but still classic alfajores or cookie sandwiches inspired by one of Baguio’s specialties. You might relate these alfajores to macarons but surprisingly, these cookie sandwiches have a unique, thick buttercream/ganache fillings, unlike most other macarons found today.

My personal favorite is the dulce de leche alfajor. I’m a big fan of anything with sea salt on it, and this one hit that sweet spot.

What I love about these alfajores from Bisquitilla is that its cookie excellently complements the sweetness of the filling, making this treat different from the rest. 

Read more at WhenInManila.com

[ylacorotan]

The week(s) that was. I skipped a week because there were so much things to do at work so this post is a fusion of two weeks in tidbits :)

First photo- After many many months, I was finally able to give our dogs a bath! Shown in the photo is Buboy - a very clingy female aspin who loves to cuddle. 

Second photo- As promised in my previous post, I cooked merienda last last week as part of my #wowthemweekend mantra. This one's a macaroni with tuna and tomatoes - family loved it, but the cats loved it more. Got the recipe from Chloe! :)

Third photo- Friday last week, Chloe and I met up with Kenneth at Festival Mall in Alabang and we exchanged gifts over a hearty pizza&pasta dinner. The traffic was so bad going there from Mandaluyong and it really drained us but seeing Kenneth again and receiving those cutie socks I love from Topshop made it worth the hassle! <3

Fourth photo- I got a box of cookies from Love, Agnessi! Took photos of it Saturday morning for an article I'll write for When in Manila, ate a couple more then off to Tagaytay!

Fifth photo- Tagaytay with Chloe and his family. Went with his family for his aunt's 50th wedding anniversary. It was a Saturday filled with good food and heartwarming introductions.

Sixth photo- my baby brother turned 9 years old last Sunday! Spent his birthday at home and had a simple dinner in time with my sister's arrival from Baguio.

2014 is almost over and there's so much that I'm thankful for - those which deserve another post here. Anyway, my first article for When in Manila got published this month! And as of today, I have three articles written already. I'm looking forward to writing more for the site so that's something to be really excited for next year :)

[ylacorotan]

The week that was. Kimbra and kitties!!!! I didn't really do anything worth taking photos this week except for those shown above hhaha (sorry!!!).

First row of photos- KIMBRA SET FOOT ON MANILA U GUISE. I have been a fan since I stumbled upon her Cameo Lover on Youtube two years ago and my love for her and her music's quirkiness did not change a bit! Friday last week, she did a one hour concert as part of JackTV's Madfest 2014. Chloe won tickets (yayz) and off we went to MOA grounds 10pm of Friday. Did I mention that he's also a fan? Imagine how excited and kilig we were when at 12am, Kimbra finally showed up on stage and sang Teen Heat for her opening!! The crowd got wilder when Kimbra performed a couple of songs from her previous album - Two way street, Settle Down, and of course Cameo Lover. Favorites from her newest album (The Golden Echo) were also performed - we like Goldmine (which she sang for the typhoon-affected people), & 90s music the most. It was an hour of ecstatic singing and dancing and just FANGIRLINGGGG over the Kimbra. Chloe and I are still in awe up to now!!! 

Second row of photos- Weekend with cats. My sister and I set up an Instagram account of our pets since we have so many pictures of them. No more cute cats spamming on our personal IGs haha follow their account if you like: http://instagram.com/talesofthefurry

No #WowThemWeekend last week but I promise to cook something this weekend! Byez

[ylacorotan]