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March 14, 2020 Banaue Rice Terraces
When it comes to traveling, you can always count on me except for one thing—hiking. Take me anywhere but the mountains. I've never been a fan of the mountain and long hours of trekking. I'm afraid of the trails as there could be wild animals or snakes that might attack us along the way and we're far away from help. My friends tell me that I'm just overthinking. Perhaps, I was.
Then come February this year, I decided to take the leap and finally go out of my comfort zone. I went on a 9-hour bus ride to Banaue only to find out that we'll be hiking almost three-fourths of our trip. From our home-stay and hot spring to the cold waterfalls and the famed rice terraces, name it, there's always hiking.
Whenever I'm in a new place that involves a lot of stairs and going ups, I make sure to count the steps but this time, I lost track while catching my breath. The numbers aren't important that time, I just want to rest already. For a woman who has never been to the mountains and not physically prepared, hiking is a challenge.
But I'm already there. I can't just go home, waste the money I paid for the trip, and leave the adventure that could have been the greatest one. I don't want to go back to Manila wondering what if I pushed through?
So, I embraced the challenge. I braved the thousands of steps—mostly steep and narrow paths—while being baked under the sun, wearing the wrong set of clothes just to see what the world has been talking about. And they are right, Banaue Rice Terraces is majestic! It's like a spot straight out from a postcard. All the hours of hiking, trekking, and countless catching of breath moments are totally worth it. Because with a view like this, how can you resist?
Taking a leap and going out of your comfort zone has risks, as does anything in life, but it's a great way to discover yourself and push yourself to the limit.
There's one thing I regret though... I regret not doing this sooner.
Photos by Hendrix Vargas
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December 7, 2019 Cebu, Philippines
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.
They may not be too appealing to others but to me, stretch marks are beautiful and it represents the truth. There's authenticity. Let's stop thinking about the "standards" of beauty and just learn to love your lines and your self completely.
Photos by Hendrix Vargas
July 28, 2019 Zambales, Philippines
Everything takes time and that's something our generation finds it a lot harder to adjust to. We expect things to go our way instantaneously. We expect to live the lives we chose. But it takes time. It always does.
Nobody got better overnight. For now, remember that every day that you have stood up is a step forward and you have survived many days.
Sometimes, waiting can be difficult because we don't have any idea what lies ahead. But when you are patient and you wait your turn, great things can happen and you'll be glad you took your time.
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July 11, 2019 Zambales, Philippines
Bikini body paranoia has been with almost all the ladies out there especially during the hot season because hey, summer is about beaches and bums... Or so we thought?
If you don't feel your best shape right now and you're itching to wear a swimsuit out on the beach, I think I just found the answer to that. If you're not that confident to wear a two-piece swimsuit, go for the one-piece!
Here, I'm wearing a one-piece swimsuit from H&M. It has a two-side cutouts that create a sexy-figure illusion when worn. This style helps you look sexier and achieve the curves you want.
You see, if you think you couldn't wear a swimsuit just because your body isn't an hourglass figure, then you're wrong. Anybody can wear whatever they want. Just put on your swimsuit and a dose of self-confidence, now you're good to go.
But hey, remember that confidence comes from within. A glossy magazine depicting thin models given by Sports Illustrated and angels of Victoria's Secret isn’t going to help.
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June 5, 2019 Hong Kong
Actually, I don't know. No one can tell you what will happen if you take the leap or not but what I know is that no matter what happens, you will learn.
Every decision leads to different lessons. Lessons that could lead you to what could have been missing all along to be where you want to be. It's important to choose wholeness over perfection. You will not be able to do things perfectly but you will be able to do things honestly.
But know this, even if you are doing what you love, there will still be moments that you will struggle. But it's in those moments of struggle where you'll realize the value of your work and the hard work you invested. It may not be your best work but it's part of the great story of your life.
The truth is, there is no way of knowing if you are going to fail or succeed but you can choose to believe that in the same way, neither success nor failure defines your worth, it does not define you.
So take the leap no matter where it brings you because for sure, at the end of the day, you will gain something.
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February 2, 2019 Siargao Island, Philippines
And I want you know that.
You deserve someone who sees your value, a person who knows your worth and reaches your standards no matter how high they are. You deserve a person who listens to you; to your little silly stories and remember even the smallest details you mention.
You deserve someone who compromises with you; a person who can meet you halfway.
You deserve a person who will give you the time and affection you crave. Someone who will hold your hand, pull you and give the warmest hug ever and kiss you on the forehead. Also, a person who treats you with respect even during the most intense fights, who wouldn't insult you or call you names.
You deserve all the clarity you need, someone who wouldn't send mixed signals that will confuse you because if that person is the right one, he will let you know.
You deserve a person who cares, a person who will treat you like a princess. Someone who will go their way just to pick you up or drive you home even in the most inconvenient time.
You deserve nothing but the best because you are worth it.
This set was taken at Guyam Island in Siargao, one of the calmest and beautiful islands I've been to. Whenever I'm traveling to a new place, I always make it a point that one of the outfits I'll wear should be pink, hence, ending with the swimsuit I'm wearing here.
I've never been the one who always follow the "fashion rules." I wear whatever makes me happy and that includes my favorite color, pink. My favorite color never fails to brighten my day and make me feel like the most joyful version of myself, whether I’m wearing an all-pink look or incorporating just a touch of it into an outfit.
The next time I post, I'll be sharing some of the good places to explore in Siargao. Be sure to keep updated here and on my other social media accounts! ;)
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January 1, 2019
As much as I want to be positive today and welcome the new year with a high note, I'd have to say that 2018 was just okay. It's not a stellar year for me and kind of appalling. Nothing momentous has happened.
And I'm not gonna lie...
It has been a difficult year for me. There were so many questions of what ifs, hows and whys. But along the way, I've seen a different side of me which led me to quite interesting, fun and exciting things that were beyond the boundaries I set and never thought I could and would ever do.
And that was what I'm thankful for for the past year. I stepped one block away from my comfort zone and I must admit, I have a long way to go to fully escape the four corners of my own cage.
As the New Year starts, I promise myself to not rush and always trust the process. So here I am, walking away from 2018 leaving all the pitfalls behind and welcoming 2019 with positivity.
Let's all be grateful for today because we all have been through so much and still made it out.
2019, I'm ready for you. Happy New Year!
So on to my outfit, I'm wearing a cap and pants, both in leather materials. Some asked me how I managed to get through the heat while wearing those. Well, my top is light, the cap protects me from the sun and the pants is not that thick so I can move freely. I got this leather pants from Zaful which is similar to the women leather pants from Dresshead.
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