October 9, 2025 . Aw-Asen Falls (Day Tour)

 

Another nature trippin’ but this was supposed to be on Gem’s birthday but there was a typhoon that weekend that all original plans were cancelled. We rescheduled and then Gem has to reschedule again and finally we settled on October 9 which was a Wednesday but we left Manila on a Tuesday night. She booked it at Lakbay Gabay and I was a little surprised because I just usually see their posts on socials. 

I can’t wait for this because I’ve seen videos of Aw-Asen Falls I’m just in doubt if I can survive it. Lol. 

We left Manila 11PM of a Tuesday and we were in La Union by 5AM. Had a stop over at this eatery and since we still have maybe an hour or so before starting I decided to eat breakfast. 

At 6AM we transfer to the jeep and it was a crazy ride! We didn’t do the top load because they say someone fell on that already so they stop doing it. I bet they don’t do it the whole ride because it’s almost an hour jeep ride and it is really dangerous but probably fun. 

We are off to start the hike by 7AM and the beginning of the trail is easy not until the stairs come to sight. Lol

They say that it will be an hour hike to the falls or depends on your pace. 

It took us probably an hour but damn my right calf was twitching by the time we saw the top of the falls. I’m always experiencing cramps but this might be the first time I had muscle twitching. I don’t know what to do but I stayed calm and since we had a little down time because the first group was still doing their drone shots. 

We had enough rest before our turn for the drone shot and I just love watching the falls that time while we wait. 

After drone I thought it was done but you can still go down and you will take a rest in there for an hour or so and eat your snack. Also I think the cold water helped in regards to my legs. I was just in awe looking at that falls and really left my phone with Gem because I went a little further from her. That’s one reason why I only got few photos in there. Was it really few? Lol 

Aw-Asen is pretty that I somehow wish that you can have easy access to it but then will it be worth it if you will not do some effort before seeing it? 

Another day that nature shut my brain and it really is pretty. 

Thanks dude for another nature trippin’. 

Also included on the package was a side trip to La Union since it's on the way. All the time we were at Ilocos Sur we donnt have cell service and when we were at the eatery where we had breakfast for lunch, someone messaged Gem that there was an earthquake in La Union. Checking the news and tracking back on where we were the time the earthquake happened, we were on our way back from the falls. It was scary to be nearby or to pass through that area because of what happened in Cebu. It was a magnitude 4.4 still. 

The last time Gem and I were in La Union was in 2017 and we really enjoyed our time in there not until our last day when Gem had a stomach flu. Because of that we never planned to go back in La Union not until Lhea wanted to and we planned it out since it will be a Chikababes trip we already booked our hostel unfortunately, COVID happened.

We were given a short time in La Union and ever since I wanted to try Makai Bowls instead of coffee at El Union also if given more time maybe I want to have some bagnet. lol 

It was a little hard to find Makai Bowls but thankful we found it and oh my it was so good!!! Wish we have that kind of acai bowl in Manila and that definitely the cherry on top of La Union this time. 

Oh wait, I went back in La Union with some college classmates in 2019, totally forgot about that. 

My Photographs: Aw-Asen | La Union

August 21, 2025 . Mt. Pinatubo (Day Tour)

This was booked last minute but planned in like a month or less. There’s multiple holiday in August and Gem can’t yet decide if we are doing it on the 21st or 25th. I decided to be on the 21st even I will be missing some family lunch/dinner just because I will be having the weekend to recover instead of doing it on the 25th where it’s just a start of another week.

She booked it on Facebook, I just don’t know what’s the page and it was a hassle free trip. I let her do that and I just need to show up on her place the day before and probably survive the hike.

Going to the city on a rush hour is somehow a bad idea but made it to her place welcomed with some warm dinner and after a little rest we sleep. Woke up at 12MN and showered, Gem prepared the snack that we are bringing and then last minute recheck on our things.

Our chosen meet up location/pick up was at MOA. We were at MOA by 1AM and pick up time is at 2AM.Good thing about MOA as the pick up location is that you are first to get in the van and choose a better seat for the long drive. Unfortunately if you’re the last you can be seated at the back and for some reason I don’t want that. Lol

We arrived in Capas, Tarlac early like before 5AM our van parked at this place who serves food from breakfast to lunch and also have multiple cubicle bath for after the tour.

I ate breakfast since we are going to start by 6AM so I have more time to rest before we start.

One thing I forgot doing that morning? To stretch. I realized it the day after the hike and I regret it, obviously.

I checked tiktok videos so I got idea on what will happen. An hour of 4x4 and a 6KM trail, noted. I just pray that we will have a nice weather and hopefully it will not rain just because I’m really not prepared since I don’t have the proper gear what more when it rained.

We were the last on our batch and thankful that Mark (our guide who also looks like Justin Melton) stick with Gem and I the whole time until on our way back.

They said that it was a 7KM walk to see the crater but according to the Apple Watch it was just 6KM. Unfortunately, I forgot to pack the charger of our watch so I just track one way to the crater and just stopped recording it on our way back because it will never survive back and forth.

I almost got cramps when we were almost at the crater good thing we rested like 30 minutes or less and had our snack. Badly craving for coke when we reach the crater and I told Gem that what we should’ve done on our Aquaflask, one should be ice cold water and the other one for an ice cold coke, next time.

One thing, I sweat so much and I wonder why some other people still look decent after walking / hiking 6KM like nothing. I still have lots to learn when it comes to stay fresh even I sweat buckets. Lol

I love taking pictures that’s one thing that some people know about me or not but I’m somehow picky when it comes to my own photos. I’m not huge fan of having photos of myself but I’m slowly getting back there but baby steps. Though, if on a hike or something sweaty activity HOW CAN YOU TAKE PHOTO ON EVERY STOP, AND NOT JUST ONE OR TWO BUT LOTS OF PHOTOS WITH DIFFERENT POSES. Taking pictures is fine but be cautious if there is a line.

This is just my first and I’m hating how these people are acting. Will I ever be used to that behavior? We’ll never know. Lol

One regret is that I brought the RX100 on this trip and I didn’t even use it. I’m missing the convenience of an action camera. If only I can max another action camera maybe I already invested in one again.

This is my first hike or walking and already feels like a major but we did Binurong Point last May and we both enjoy it for sure that might be one reason why Gem consistently asking me to go with her on hikes. You have no idea how she is planning activities for me and I tell her that if I can’t do it she better carry me. She even plan for us to drop by Decathlon to buy stuff. Lol

If you want to try a day tour to Mt. Pinatubo or any other places that requires a little effort, first off walk. Average people walk more than I do on a daily basis but also the next thing that can prepare you for something like this is to workout. It doesn’t end if you are making 10,000 steps a day and you don’t do proper stretching or some basic like squats, strength, core and cardio workout. I didn’t trust Gem for dragging me on this I just trust my body who does workout daily even it’s just 20 minutes. Even I forgot to stretch that morning, recovery was easy and fast I just hated the stairs for a day. Lol Yes there’s body pain the next day but once your body recharged you will recover faster than what you expect.

Really thankful for Mark for not rushing us on the trail and we are mostly alone on the journey except when we catch up on some but majority of the time it was just the 3 of us and still having our own pace.

I somehow needed that time with nature, it was insane and my brain as usual gets blank when I became part of it. I needed that alone time with my thoughts as well and even some songs are invading me, it was all good. Maybe I can do it again after a year or two. Lol

Crazy how people like me book a trip to see Mt. Pinatubo because it wasn’t easy and who knows that maybe anytime it can erupt and how can hikers get away from it faster? Maybe just like me they need some time away from the city noise or they just needed some time to be one with nature. Mt. Pinatubo is pretty though. 

Another real challenge if you wear shoes is that tiny stones can really fill up your shoes so basically you are struggling walking with stones / rock on your feet for 12KM. I know I should’ve wear sandals. Though wearing shoes that trip makes me appreciate the brand Merrell but I also want that shoes to be my go-to when going out because my feet don’t hurt on those. Kudos to our guide who is wearing just a normal flipflop and to some who are wearing Crocs!! haha 

Can’t believe that we went to Mt. Pinatubo. Two major volcanoes in the Philippines this year was not on my bucket list. I just wanted to see the Mayon and we booked a flight to Bicol last May and who would've thought that I will be saying yes to see Mt. Pinatubo?

I’m more of a water / beach / ocean person but once in a while I don’t mind being closer to the sky.

This is a messy entry since we done it like 2 weeks ago already and my mind is once again all over the place.

Hopefully somehow this make sense even the thought is so scattered.

Enjoyed it even it was tiring,

My legs are sore,

My heart is happy,

My brain is clear as it can be

Needed that time with nature

And to be one with nature

My Photographs: Mt. Pinatubo

Singapore 2025 . May 22 (Day 3)

Woke up at probably 9AM since we still need to take a bath, pack and roam somewhere in Singapore for our last full day. When I got our order last night I asked the reception if we can leave our things in the morning and thankful that there’s a self-bag-storage at the first floor. We maxed our time until check out. 

Our itinerary for the day is VivoCity and Sentosa. We don’t have plans for Universal just be there outside. We had time but unfortunately SEA Aquarium was closed and the other attraction feels just a little too far from our location and we don’t want to rush things so just stayed at VivoCity. We decided to wear a matching clothes today that I don’t honestly know how to style it since it looks a little big for me. My feet are sore and developing a blister so I decided to break in my newly bought Asics. 

We went back to get our bags by 5PM and we just decided to go and wait at JEWEL since there’s things you can do there. Found my favorite store, Donki and shop for some chocolates which was out of the plan and a little more when my mom told me that there was a mini grocery at the basement. Lol I was thinking of buying Irvins but upon checking Lazada, it’s cheaper so I just bought the once that is not available online. Saving myself from carrying more stuff when we are already over baggage. 

We transferred at Terminal 4 before 10PM and we still have to weigh in and re-arrange our bags after that last minute shopping.

After almost an hour, we were done with re-arranging our stuff and we dropped our luggages and then security which was smooth process honestly. 

We just spend the cash left on us on the stores after security. 

Waited and had some drinks at CBTL since our flight is at 2AM. 

Wasn’t able to sleep properly on the plane back home and still no window seat for me for this flight. We are back in Manila by 5:30AM and we were home by 8AM and I’m craving for some Tapsilog for breakfast. Lol   

Till next time, Singapore. 

My Photographs: Singapore

LADY GAGA in SINGAPORE 2025

 

Lady Gaga in Singapore

March 18, 2025 - I remembered about the pre-sale, checked the website and I’m in line for 1,240,575 at 10:45AM. Messaged my sister and she totally forgot and she’s the one who really want to watch it. At almost 1PM most slots allotted for the pre-sale are sold out and my sister is losing hope and I told her that pre-sale have limited available since it’s pre-sale and general selling will be on March 21st. We let go of the idea but I’m planning to book on Live Nation pre-sale by  March 20. 

March 19, 2025 - Klook pre-sale a bundle with hotel accommodation for a night. I don’t think it’s worth it as well as since we are just aiming the cheapest ticket and with hotel accommodation in a 4 star hotel and a CAT8 ticket, I think that expensive might as well spend some more on ticket then book a room. She send me a screenshot that she’s in line at 4,707 at 10AM. I thought she will let this go but no. Haha she finished booking at 10:09AM. I’m going to book plane tickets today as well. Well, we are going to Singapore in May. 

May 21, 2025 - continuation of Singapore day 2 

We arrived at the stadium and my sister met her high school classmate where she asked to buy her a merch so we don’t have to line up. After getting the merch we roam a little on the area and then we decided to get inside already when there was still less people. 

Our ticket was CAT 8 and since the only reference I can compare that to is The Eras Tour, I can’t believe that I’m in this historical place. Sorry but not really that I was comparing it to The Eras Tour somehow end up asking myself why I didn’t push that through did I really missed that or not really? 

The Eras Tour is a little more expensive compared to this one. 

Prior to the concert Lady Gaga did Copacabana and they rely on it that it will be the same setlist for Singapore. There was a playlist already on Spotify on what she did at Copacabana and since they speculate that it will be the same for Singapore, I put that playlist on when I got back from Bicol and listened to it even before leaving the house for the flight.

Still regret not seeing her when she first came here in the Philippines but maybe I was busy back then or I just can’t really make it on the date or I can’t afford it. I’m happy to see her now and in Singapore. 

Since I got idea already on the setlist since it is what was played on the first 2 nights and I haven’t seen the Copacabana I just depend on the playlist. 

It was so cute that people are dressing up for this because back home I will not care to dress up if I’m watching concert. 

Concert was fine but once again we are seated with people who are seated most times and when the one in front of me stand up on the first song, I stand up as well for the whole show. Thankful that no one asked me to sit again. My sister is so hesitant to watch concert alone since she is not used to it but since I do it all the time, I don’t care on other people even sometimes I want to do small talk but I’m not that person. Maybe exception if you look nice and not that intimidating. I just mostly care on the concert, what I should film or not and later after the show go out immediately so that I can exit while people are still inside. 

I’m typing this weeks later and I haven’t seen the Copacabana that I might play tonight for the feels. That time of the concert felt so quick a song after song until it was the last song when everyone on our area finally stood up. 

Almost at the half of the show, I thought my battery was low apparently, it was my phone memory. Thankful that I have an extra phone for the next half of the show. Haha 

I enjoyed it really. Sadly I just don't like the stage set up or the idea of her being always inside the stage and not really exposed to the crowd. I know it’s for the video or whatever but I think Lady Gaga can do better stage set up than what she had in Singapore. Read that some people pay much more and mostly they can only see the screen. Hopefully the Mayhem tour will have a different set up than the one we had in Singapore because you pay and you deserve to see the artist more than the huge screen most especially if you are in front. 

Somehow thankful that my favorites are not really the type of artist that is as huge as Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga because I mostly enjoyed concert that is not at a stadium. I enjoyed small spaces concert that it makes you connect more to the artist. That is one reason why I haven’t watched anything at Philippine Arena. Billie Eilish is one artist that I love to see again but her tickets are getting expensive too. 

Anyway, we got tips on TikTok on alternative than going in the station that was right outside the stadium because it was for sure jam packed and it was and the traffic is also insane that it is impossible to book a ride. 

Probably took us 1 hour after concert to finally get back to our hotel. We ordered food via Grab and took a hot shower and sleep. 

It was a memorable night and maybe see again Lady Gaga on the Mayhem tour in Asia next year? Haha we’ll see. 

My Photographs: Lady Gaga | Singapore