"Eat well, travel often." I like this to be my mantra for next year. After our adventure last week, I realized I haven't been to many places in the twenty-five years of my life. Although I've been to some provinces and towns outside the metro, there are still more places in our country that are worth traveling to. And yes, one of them is the popular Hundred Islands in Pangasinan!

It took us more than 5-hour long drive to get there. We left Manila around 9 AM and arrived at Eddie & Josie Transient house at around 3 PM. The long drive was totally worth it because of the scenic views we passed by.

Traveled with the boyfriend and office friends.

Eddie & Josie Serna Transient House

We opted to stay at a transient house instead of a hotel so that we can cook our own food. I must say I picked the best transient home for the weekend because the owners were really nice and accommodating. The rooms were clean and well-maintained. The caretaker was also nice and took care of our boat rental and tour. I would highly recommend Eddie & Josie Transient house if you are planning to go on a weekend trip to Hundred Islands and are looking for an affordable place to stay. The house is just along the road and 5 to 10 minutes away from Lucap Wharf. Their contact details are posted down below.

Sunset. Our view from outside the house

Next day after our arrival was when we went to tour the Hundred Islands. The transient home owners also offer boat rentals. The caretaker accompanied us on our tour so there was no hassle going to the Hundred Islands National Park in Lucap Wharf and in taking the boat ride.

Ready for the amazing photos we captured from Hundred Islands?




Our first stop was at Governor's Island. There are 3 main islands opened for tourism: Governor's Island, Quezon Island and Children Island. More islands are already open when we went there. Most of these islands are not fully developed yet but are great camping sites if you wish to stay overnight.

To get a great panoramic view of the islands, be ready to hike up to the top of Governor's island.

this amazing view awaits you

Before we hiked up to the top, we first registered for the island-to-island zip line. Such amazing experience! It was our first time and the experience was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. For me, it was unforgettable.

Group shot before we rode the zipline

The guys were too scared.. so ladies first daw haha

Yup, caught the experience on cam through my phone.

Look how far the starting point was!

The 546-meter zip line is a must try! I suggest you start your Hundred Islands tour early so you don't have to wait too long to ride the zip line. The end point of the zip line is at Virgin Island. Then you need to hike up and then down to get to the bridge to go back to Governor's Island.

seashore at Virgin Island

And so we're on to our next island. We get to see the undeveloped Islands and the other main islands but we didn't explore these islands anymore. To enjoy the beach, we decided to stay at Children Island. The boatman said this is the most beautiful island and recommended us to stay there. I believe it's literally called Children Island because children can swim there because of the clear and shallow water. Well, for us, the young at hearts also enjoyed our time there.

There is a shorter zipline here at Quezon Island.

The rest of the day was spent swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and beach bumming. I enjoyed snorkeling the most because it was also a first time for me. I didn't expect to see much underwater but I was so surprised to see corals and fishes. Not far from the shore, you can snorkel and already see corals and other marine life.

Delson and Mishtert enjoyed kayaking. It was their first time and they couldn't stop talking about the experience as it was a bit scary because of the strong waves but really fun at the same time because they get to kayak around the islands. Well, Gabe and I enjoyed our time by just taking in the view and God's wonderful creations.

That's Children Island behinds us

View from our cottage in Children Island

Yes, that's how near that Island was! Just swim a few yards to reach it.

Mishtert and Delson excited to kayak!

Gabe and his diving fins

Ooops Delson! Don't touch it! haha

Thanks to my friend Sarah for letting me borrow her brand new Nikon waterproof camera. We took these great underwater photos.

Gabe spotted this sea urchin and all of us took a dive to see it.

The view of the sunset completed our Hundred Islands tour experience.

haha.. In awe of the beautiful sunset

"True friends are hard to find".

Well, literally in my case, since most of my friends are "hard to find" sometimes just because I don't see them often. Or they don't see me at all! We are just busy people. I believe that even though you do not see them as often as before but once you get to see them, there will be no difference especially for those who I consider my true friends. Distance and time do not really matter.

I may have lots of friends but only a few that I can call my best friends. Sometimes I wonder how they considered me their best friend. What qualities did I possess to be the winner of their best friendship award. I am no Miss Friendship who can be friends with anyone but I am very approachable and trustworthy.

I am very lucky to have best friends whom I can always count on and will listen to my never ending stories. Being the best friend can be a responsibility. It may take years and lots of experiences together before someone can consider you as their best friend. Now, I miss my friends!

Anyway, here's my list of the 20 Ways You Can Be The Best Friend Ever!

1. Listen first, before you say anything
Sometimes all we need is someone who would listen to us rave or rant. I'm glad my best friends are great listeners. It just shows that they are eager to know more about what happens in your life and in return would be very happy to share their experiences with you.

2. Give compliments
We feel happy whenever our friends agree and compliment us in different ways. It can be because of your new dress, hairdo, or even your new boyfriend! Give compliments now and then. It feels great to hear them.

3. Be honest
Your compliment can make your friend's day but it's important to be honest as well. I'm sure your friend will appreciate it.

4. Keep your promises
Especially, if it's something really important to your friend. Most people tend to break promises but try not to be most people and become a trustworthy best friend.

5. Laugh at their jokes.. sometimes :)
This one is important! ha ha Don't embarrass your friend, you are the best friend! Laugh at their jokes not at them... sometimes! ;)

6. Be happy for them
You could be best friends but you still have different choices in life. Learn to be happy for them and accept their decisions.

7. Give sensible and good advice
We need this all the time. We may have different choices but sometimes your friends will need your advice before they decide.

8. Be an inspiration
It feels great when your friend's parents approve of you because they can see that you are a good influence. Inspire them to do well and encourage them to be themselves just like you are.

9. Respect 
Respect begets respect. Respect your friends for who they are. You have different personalities and there are times you don't get each other but you should always remember to respect their decisions.

10. Forgive them
You friends are not perfect just like you. Do not let simple misunderstanding or even arguments ruin your friendship. Learn to forgive as how you've learned to accept them for who they are.

Ok.. here's the fun part of the list especially for girl friends.

11. Eat together
Eat at restaurants you haven't been to or just go out and have a simple dinner with them. Share your meal or bring them sweet treats.

12. Watch movies
Whether in the theater or just at home, it's nice to talk about the movies you just watched with your friends. It's also a good movie experience when you're with them.

13. Exercise together
I learned recently that it's best to go to the gym with your friends. Working out together makes it a lot more bearable.. and fun!

14. Take an adventure with them
It could be something you have not experienced together like a roller coaster ride or island hopping.

15. Sleepovers
Pajama party! Then you get to share experiences and talk about a lot of things until you feel sleepy.

16. Like their posts
You are the number one liker! Add a comment for additional touch. :)

17. Get "kilig" with them
This one I miss the most especially back in high school. You just can't get enough of the kilig moments back then.

18. Treat them
Once in a while it's also important to treat your friends. Make them feel happy and special.

19. Do not be "Tokis"
It's almost the same as keeping promises but sometimes you do not have to make promises. It's enough to stand by your word and do what you say.

20. Communicate - A real friend calls
Communication is very important. You are both busy with your own lives but make sure that you still let them know that you care. A simple text message or a short call. Even a shout out on your FB posts or a tag on your throwbacks. It's important to let them know that you are the best friend whom they can always count on.

We have lots of ways nowadays to communicate with friends and relatives. I'm thankful there are unlimited call and text promos such as the newest from Globe - GoUnli20

With GoUnli20, it’s now easy to call without a need for a prefix and it’s just P20 for unli calls, 15mb of mobile surfing, and 20 texts to all networks! Kaya if you need a friend, don’t call me, I’ll call you!

GoUnli20 | http://www.globe.com.ph/prepaid/gounli20

Wow! I'm back from my short hiatus! I missed blogging and I am excited to share my recent "zombie adventure". A lot had happened lately that really brought me down. I've lost my lola and my tita just recently. I have not totally accepted their passing and I still shed a tear whenever I think about them. I am just relieved that their pain and suffering are gone now and wherever they are, they are happy and at peace.

Anyway, with all those things in my mind, I know I have to move forward. This is a start. Life is full of sorrow and pain, but without pain, there is no joy. Things happen for a reason.

Okay, back to the "zombie adventure". I need some adventure and things that will keep me from thinking a lot of the sad things this year. It was my friends at work, Chepot and Monique, who asked me to join the Outbreak Missions. I have heard about it before from my other friends but just could not get the chance to know more about it until I found myself registering for the said event with our group.

The registration fee is P1000 for each participant which includes FREE Outbreak Missions Souvenir Shirt, Stainless Outbreak Missions Authorization Card, and “Life Representing” Flag Belt. "Alive" finishers get a collectible dog tags. Let me tell you now. If you are up to a one of a kind adventure, Outbreak Missions is the one for you. The fee is certainly worth it!

Access card, t-shirt, and freebies.

Our mission Operation: Stronghold was held at Intramuros last April 5. Based on what I have read around, it's the third from the series of missions Outbreak Manila has recently started. The first is called The Adarna Initiative and second is The Narrows. To know more about the story and mechanics of the mission, you can visit their website or Facebook page. Our mission this time is to find the doctor, evade the brotherhood, and get the strain. The overall objective is to survive the mission with at least one life left.

I am back from blogging hiatus! It's been a while and I've been so busy with my new job. This year has been one of the most challenging years I had. There are many trials, surprises, and achievements. Learned a lot of things and lessons this year I wanted to share. But before that, let me greet everyone a HAPPY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!