The Girl Behind the Pen

Why would you settle for a basic cover-up when you can pull-off a whole tropical aesthetic look? Trust me, there are so many beach outfit ideas that go far beyond swimsuits and sunnies! So if you're looking for a little something more, then this beach outfit inspiration is for you! World, meet the perfect breezy maxi dress perfect for the beach! Wearing maxi dress at the beach could save your comfort and beach fashion life!

One con that I experienced wearing maxi dress at the beach is that, I need to pull it up or hold it when I need to pass through the water because I don't want it to get wet. This won't be an issue to people who don't mind. But overall, a beach maxi dress is the perfect beach outfit!

What's your favorite beach outfit? :)

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The cold season is still upon us, here in the Philippines at least, but it's always summer somewhere, right? Whether you're able to visit the beach once a year or once a week, you're about to come across the same conundrum— what to wear to the beach? Because other than the cute and chic swimsuits, we run out of beach outfit ideas. 

Sure, nothing beats the bikinis and sunnies while sitting on the sand, but sometimes, you’re in need of something a little more. For times when you’re unsure of what to wear to the beach, it’s always best to turn to Google for answers, hence the pool of beach outfit ideas from the experts a.k.a. the bloggers.

However, most often than not, you'll get the same answer. So to help you slay your beach fashion, I'll give you a unique beach outfit idea that will totally make you stand out.

Oftentimes, the photos we see online are either enhanced a little or deeply retouched especially when it comes to editorial magazines. So people need to realize that it is not always what it seems online and in glossy magazines.

Good thing, with the fashion industry inching towards representation of diversity, more brands and public figures have been embracing the authenticity of beauty.

Perhaps some would think that posting these photos takes a lot of courage because of my tiger stripes but to me, it's just another beach photo. I've never been ashamed of my stretch marks.

Out of the two seasons we have here in the Philippines, summer is the one I'm more excited about. I love dressing up like it's forever summer. Even on rainy days, I’m more likely to reach for a simple dress or relaxed type of clothing, rather than structured or detailed pieces I love wearing throughout the rest of the year.

During my recent trip to Cebu, I only brought pieces that are lightweight and comfy to wear which include several swimsuits, airy tops and shorts, and this co-ords (short for coordinates) from Kindle Clothing. 

I've been meaning to buy co-ords for quite a time now because I love how stylish they are and the fact that you can pair them with anything you like. It's like a romper or jumpsuit. But the best thing about it is, you won't have to take off everything when going to pee or... ;)

This shot was taken at The Pyramid in Cebu City. The place resembles to that of Louvre Museum in Paris but in Cebu, it's not a museum but a restaurant inside. It's a great location for shoots, too.

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Laguna is a popular out of town and quick getaway destination to Filipinos because of its nearness in Metro Manila. To get there, it will only take about at least two hours of travel time from the city. 

Most people who visit Laguna are either hiking up the mountains or swimming in hot springs and lakes. But for those who are craving something new and exciting in this part of Luzon, here is something you should include in your bucket list.

Liliw, Laguna is famous for its reputation in the shoe-making industry but other than that, there’s more to see in this quaint and humble town. It’s a bit far from the center of the province so it could take about 3 to 4 hours of travel time from Manila to get there. It may seem a long drive but it is still worth the trip. There, you will find a hidden gem— the Esmeris Farm.

Before setting your feet on the farm, you will have to walk about 400 meters from the parking area. It’s like you’re hiking up the mountains because Esmeris farm is literally hidden from the busy town proper. While this might seem exhausting, there’s no other feeling but satisfaction when you make it to the farm.

What will welcome you is a vast greenery and fresh air.

You can enjoy their hammocks, sleep on the grass, swim on their pool or go horseback riding. 

The 30 pesos entrance fee is so worth it.

Now if you want to spend the night and stargaze in the farm, you can rent their tents overnight.

OVERNIGHT RATES

Ordinary Tent: P250-P350/head

Glamping Tent: P2,000 good for 5 persons

As of writing, the farm isn’t flocked with tourists yet. But I’m sure it will, without a doubt, be a famous, or trending rather, Laguna destination any time soon.

Esmeris Farm is located at Barangay Ilayang San Roque, Liliw, Laguna.

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Taguig is a city where progress is rapid and continuous. There goes some of the metro's most upscale properties, malls and clubs. As a matter of fact, when someone invites us to Taguig, most of us already think that we're going to Bonifacio Global City aka BGC like it's the only place in the city. And most of us are not knowledgeable about the other side of Taguig, that there's more to it than BGC.

I found it rather fascinating considering that even if there are many illegal settlers and Grab car drivers avoid the other side of Taguig because of the reported crimes in the area, the city still keeps its efforts to strike a balance between the old and the new.

To end the negative notions about Taguig, the city officials launched the Taguig Probinsyudad Bus Tour where they take residents and tourists to the off-the-beaten paths for free until December 2019. The tour includes visiting historical spots. This is their way to promote the city's tourism and let others discover its beauty. More than that, the main goal of this tourism program is to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation on the city's culture and traditions.

The tour takes about 5-7 hours to complete the itinerary with ten (10) places to visit. 

First stop is Mercado Del Lago. This is a floating restaurant by the lake that opened in 2018. 

This is located at Sta. Ana, Taguig City. The plaza is the only one built to honor President Manuel L. Quezon when he was still in the service as President of the Philippines. This plaza also serves as a venue for “Buwan ng Wika” events.

This church is just across the Plaza Quezon. It was built in 1587 and is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. This has survived many natural disasters since.

Like Plaza Quezon, this place also served as a venue for graduations and other celebrations for special occasions. 

It's just across the Plaza Bonifacio. Its altar, wall sidings, ceiling and benches are made of pure native bamboo.

This cemetery was established in 1944. There's a total of 17,206 graves, making it the largest cemetery in the Pacific for U.S. personnel killed during World War II and also holds war dead from the Philippines and other allied nations. 

This is where 33,520 Filipinos who sacrificed their lives for the country during the World War II are buried. Some Presidents, dignitaries and personnel of the Philippine military are also buried here. 

This is one of the most historical sites in the city. It features war stories as interpreted by life-sized montages and retold by different art forms including film showing.

It is the only museum in our country that shows World War II in form of tableau on the daily lives of Filipinos. 

This religious center located at Maharlika Village, Taguig City, is also a socio-civic meeting place for both Filipino and foreign Muslims. It houses a conference room, three madrasa classrooms, a Library, Clinic, Secretariat and Imam Office. The geometrical design of this building is a multi-cross patterned after the CORDOVA in Spain (Cordova means Church).

Before turning it to an integrated urban farm, it was a dumpsite. Everything they grow here is organic. I really like the different kinds of urban-farming setups—from gardens that showcase space-saving vertical farming, to wooden rack and pole gardens. 

Indeed, there's more to Taguig than BGC. Apart from being one of the most leading and fastest progressive city in Metro Manila, there also lie untold stories, history even, that are yet to be discovered by many. Take this opportunity to tour for free while it's there. Taken the road less traveled is not that bad at all.

If you want to avail the tour, you may contact Taguig City's Facebook Page here.