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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.…
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Mount Malindang: Embracing Unfiltered And Unexpected Moments
Life has a strange and funny way of teaching us lessons. Society constantly tells us that we need to set expectations and goals and have dreams. But what if we let go of all those societal expectations? What if we embraced the world and life as they are and not as we hope to be? Doesn’t it sound liberating? As I hiked my way up the terrain of Mount Malindang Natural Park, I rediscovered a lesson that I had lost amid life’s chaos. When you live without expectations, you’re at peace, constantly happy, and stress-free. And you are free to enjoy things as they are. Each cool mountain breeze, rustling leaf, mishap, and burst…
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Mount Tabayoc: An Adventure Above The Clouds
Imagine you’ve just gotten off a dizzying, high-speed 9-hour overnight road trip after a flight. You’re tired, dizzy, and sluggish, and suddenly, you’re climbing the sixth-highest mountain in the Philippines – Mount Tabayoc. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? Well, not exactly. With its steep, challenging “monkey trail”, I knew the hike to the top of Mount Tabayoc wouldn’t be a walk in the park. And I could have skipped this part of our Luzon trip and relaxed on Lake Tabeo – the base of our Mount Tabayoc hike. But guess what? There was no way I was passing up this opportunity. I deserve a fun, memorable and challenging…
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Mount Pulag: Chasing The Awe-Inspiring Sunrise
Sunrises are a symbol of rebirth, mystery, and new beginnings. An unstoppable force of nature, sunrise is also comforting, giving us a feeling that our problems are small and temporary. And in Mount Pulag National Park, a magical sunrise gave me hope in a world that badly needs a dose of optimism. Even at our darkest hour, I always believe the sun will rise again. To me, the return of light after hours of darkness represents hope. And the awe-inspiring sunrise in Mount Pulag brought a dash of hope to a new day filled with mystery and surprises. Furthermore, it symbolizes a new beginning for me and an opportunity to…
