-
Lusno Falls: The Hidden Cebu Waterfall That Taught Me The Truth About Happiness
There’s a version of this day that went exactly as planned. This wasn’t it. The original plan had all the right details. It felt safe, structured, and made sense on paper. But the Universe had other ideas. One message and everything shifted, quietly and suddenly, like most real things do. I could’ve stayed home and waited for another perfect day. Instead, I ventured toward Lusno Falls, a middle-of-nowhere waterfall I barely knew, with no concrete plan at all. I didn’t know what the trail looked like, how far the falls were, or if I was even going the right way. I just kept going. And I wasn’t alone on this…
-
Mount Manunggal: Why Getting Lost Is Never A Waste Of Time
There’s a fine line between adventure and disaster. Lost in the middle of nowhere after our Mount Manunggal climb, I was walking that razor-thin line with a heavy backpack and two other hikers. There was a time in my life when being lost felt deeply uncomfortable, like I was completely out of my element. Yet, here on this hike with my new friends, I feel oddly at home. Instead of panicking, I felt calm. I looked at my companions, and I saw panic written all over their faces. And who wouldn’t be? With the sun beating down on us, our water bottles were running low, and unmarked trails, it had…
-
Dalaguete: A Slow-Paced Town Where Life Is Still Simple
Why do the most peaceful places hold the loudest stories? Stepping off the bus in Poblacion, Dalaguete, flashes of exhilarating adventures from my younger days flooded my mind. While the bus stop wasn’t remarkable, it somehow felt like a portal to another time. Suddenly, I was transported to the days when Dalaguete, Cebu was a bustling tourist town. I remembered the days when people flocked to the town to witness the beauty of its mountains and discover its secrets. But as the sound of the bus engine faded into the distance, I was brought back to the present. Then, I realized Dalaguete wasn’t the town I once knew. The town…
-
10,000 Roses: How Fake Flowers Led Me To Life’s Real Treasures
Where were you when 10,000 Roses took Cebu by storm in 2017? Did you rush to this cafe to witness its enchanting garden of LED-lit white roses come to life? Or were you content scrolling through the sea of dreamy posts flooding your Instagram feed? I can still remember the buzz when 10,000 Roses became a sensation years ago. Everyone was in awe, and it drew photographers, influencers, and curious wanderers from all over the island. And like most introverts, I didn’t jump into the frenzy. I waited patiently for the perfect time and moment to visit this garden cafe. While it did seem attractive, crowds tend to overwhelm me.…