Author: Issa

  • Finding Courage in Cambugahay Falls

    Finding Courage in Cambugahay Falls

    It was our second day in Siquijor. Trying to forget my cowardice at Salagdoong Beach, I was secretly hoping I could face the challenge in Cambugahay Falls. Known for its enchanting three-level waterfalls and must-do vine-swinging, I was super excited…

  • Failing to Jump at Salagdoong Beach

    Failing to Jump at Salagdoong Beach

    Cliff-diving is synonymous to coolness. As I watched Neil take another plunge from a 35-feet-high diving platform in Salagdoong Beach (Siquijor), I sighed. Why does he have to be effortlessly cool?

  • Why I Don’t Teach Yet (A Confession)

    Why I Don’t Teach Yet (A Confession)

    There are nearly two million teaching job openings in the US when I was 15.  That was the statistics that randomly flashed on our TV screen while I was still unsure what course to take in college. I didn’t have a strong leaning back then (Because who has a clue what job she’s going to…

  • Five Travel Mistakes I Hope to Avoid Next Time

    Five Travel Mistakes I Hope to Avoid Next Time

    I was 11 the first time I traveled alone.  It was a two-hour commute via four different vehicles from Quezon City to Antipolo. I didn’t get lost, robbed, or scammed – all those times. Now as an adult, I  get to explore more faraway places. But I’m no wiser. Some of my major travel mistakes happened when I…

  • Alone But Never Lonely in Malapascua Island

    Alone But Never Lonely in Malapascua Island

    Malapascua Island welcomes those who travel in February with slightly wild and wavy seas. But the waves were not as playful as they were in Carnaza Island or Apo Island on my recent visit. What brought me to Malapascua? I thought you wouldn’t ask! Well, I’ve been wondering what this island has in store for a…

  • Antel SPA Residences: a Makati AirBNB with 2 Pools

    Antel SPA Residences: a Makati AirBNB with 2 Pools

    Last April, Neil and I decided to visit Manila together. He had to attend a conference while I was to meet high school friends, old acquaintances, and my family because it was my father’s 57th birthday. Jewel suggested that we stay in Antel Spa Residences so all of us could catch up, chill out over…

  • Here Are Globe’s Postpaid Free Phones After 2 Years

    Here Are Globe’s Postpaid Free Phones After 2 Years

    After nearly two years with Globe, I’m finally about to get rid of a P1,299/month phone and internet bill. I got an iPhone 5s from them last April 2016 so this coming April 2018, I’m free. But not completely. I called their customer service hotline (211) today to ask about my options. Since I can’t…

  • Review: Skin Perfection Body Contouring Salon and Spa

    Review: Skin Perfection Body Contouring Salon and Spa

    Want to get rid of wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and pesky black and white heads without the redness and pricking? That’s what the Diamond Peel treatment is for. It helps exfoliate your facial skin to make it visibly lighter and even without leaving a lot of red spots. You don’t like to hear comments like,…

  • A Poor Man’s Guide to Search Engine Optimization

    A Poor Man’s Guide to Search Engine Optimization

    Google is the number one search engine so head over to their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Starter Guide if you want a comprehensive and credible SEO tutorial. But if you’re a beginner and don’t have the time to delve into the depths of SEO, here’s a quick way to ensure every content you post has a…

  • Metro Manila Trip Notes

    Metro Manila Trip Notes

    No matter how many times you visit Metro Manila (which consists of four cities and 13 municipalities), the ever-changing metropolis never ceases to surprise. On my longest visit to the city last April, I tried to cram as many things to do, places to explore and people to see. Living in Metro Manila for a…