Paradise in Apulit Island

My first time in El Nido Resorts Palawan and most definitely not the last. I can’t wait to see the other islands – Miniloc, Lagen and Pangalusian. ♥♥♥

 

32

How is it that I am now all of a sudden 32? I feel like being 25 was just yesterday. Have things changed? Slightly for the better I’d say, and I am very grateful for that. But it could be a lot better and striving for those goals in life is what’s keeping me busy.

As I look back, I would like to share with you the 5 things I have learned since I stepped into the early adulthood life. Just in case you are interested 😉

1. Have certain goals and put a deadline on it

When I was 18 years old, I wrote a bucket list filled with travel plans, career goals, and even material things that I wanted to have at that time. It even included cheap thrills like ask for an autograph or dance in the rain. It was a list of 101 things to do before I turn 30, written on a bond paper (during Lab class in Uni – i remember) and I would take that paper out every time to highlight the things I have already achieved. I was able to accomplish 60% of what’s written and I’m quite pleased with the turn out. So I started a new list of 50 things to do before I turn 40.

At work, it is always emphasized by our company that we need to have a clear goal and a specific timeline. We need to constantly look at it, visualize and work smart to make sure that every day, we are getting closer to that goal. I still have so many things I would like to accomplish and I feel like I am still far from it. But knowing that I will, one day, be able to tick off the numbers on my new bucket list gets me all hopeful and excited.

2. Travel

Spend on experiences, not material things. Choose to travel around Europe or explore South East Asia than to buy that latest iPhone or those new pair of designer shoes. Trust me, being in your 20’s while traveling with your friends will be one of your greatest memories in life. Do not be afraid to travel alone or to meet strangers (well, nice and cool strangers).

Traveling gives you a broader perspective in life. You learn to adapt, you learn to become brave, you learn how to small talk, you learn how to live on a budget and the list just goes on and on. I know, I know.. there are thousands of articles online saying that you should travel. All I could say is, seeing the beauty of the world will make you realize how lucky you are to be alive and to be able.

3. Create multiple income streams

Saving is a must. Having a Retirement Fund is a must. So creating multiple income streams will really be helpful to have a Savings & Retirement Fund especially for a full time employee or a young entrepreneur. When I was 24 years old, I left my corporate job and started a small restaurant business. The first few years were fortunately good. However, business trends change and I found myself getting worried about my finances. That is why I decided to take on another job and have another source of income. Having numerous income streams will actually help you save more because you are earning more. And in today’s world, it is so much easier to have another job or another source of income. One can join Uber or Airbnb, sell items on ebay or Etsy, one can write and sell their articles, or even teach English online. There is no excuse for you to say that you can not save because your salary is not enough. Nowadays, the opportunities are endless. So don’t be ashamed and get moving! “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle“.

4. Experience life as a single person

Teenagers are so excited to fall in love. I remember, I was. But once you get to your 20’s, now that’s really where the fun begins.

Go meet people, socialize, flirt, do not commit when deep down you know being single is still fun. Many people cheat nowadays. It’s so common that it becomes uninteresting at some point. Being single is fun and then when you are lucky enough to meet that special person, commit because you are ridiculously and happily in love. And when it feels right, life will get even much better.

5. Don’t compare

You will always have that one friend that gets everything. Sometimes you will feel that you and the Universe are not getting along well. A heartache will come, a missed opportunity will fly by. But that is what makes us stronger and better. As you get older, you will realize that it does not take much to make you happy. The important things in life will be the only things that matter (and it will mostly revolve around family, friends and your loved ones). So don’t feel bad if your friend gets to buy a BMW while you still have your old Toyota. If anything, let it inspire you.

Still so many life lessons to share but here’s the most important one, for me at least. They say 32 is the age at which we turn into our parents. Funny but I would say that the message is so on point. My father, who passed away almost a year ago, has always been extremely frugal. This trait has been passed on to me and every time I make monetary decisions, I always remember him. Parents would be so uptight while their children are growing up, however you will slowly realize that everything they do is really actually for us. So love love love your parents. Show it and say it ♥

 

Siargao Summer

3 years ago, I visited Siargao for my 29^th birthday. At that time, I was visiting my friend Sanne who used to work for Kawili, a Swedish-owned Resort. Now, she has her very own place in Siargao called Panglaom Hostel, and it’s actually quite popular! Amazing how the island has grown in a span of 3 years. I mean, not that it’s like Boracay or Cebu. There are just more resorts and cafes now, although still owned by individuals passionate about the island and the lifestyle. So I do hope it stays that way.

My second trip to Siargao was slightly different. It was more touristy, I’d say. My boyfriend’s family visited the Philippines so we had to take them out and show them around. It was fun, of course. We visited a lot of the small islands and lagoon around Siargao and really… I still get blown away by how amazingly beautiful my country is.

We stayed in Kalinaw Resort which is owned by 2 French guys, Fred and Pierre. They only have 5 villas so the place was very spacious, well kept and private. The girls in the restaurant are so cute, friendly & accommodating, as well as the managers, Alex and Mika. Truly fantastic service! Breakfast was yum and the restaurant serves really awesome pizzas and pasta, cooked to perfection – European style and flavor. I am very happy and pleased with our stay in Kalinaw Resort. If you do not mind splurging a bit on accommodations, I highly recommend this place.

We stayed for a few days in the island. Currently off season for surfing in Siargao (best season is around September-February), however there is still surfing all year round. Siargao has numerous surf spots spread across the island. Every morning, we would wake up at 6:30 am to surf at Jacking Horse. Then on our last day, we went to Daku point.

Aside from surfing, there are a lot of activities and places to check out in Siargao.

Sugba Lagoon, also known as Caob

En route you will pass the mangroves in Del Carmen. When you get to the lagoon, there’s a center where you can eat and drink. You can go swimming, paddle boarding and even snorkel. You can find some of those stingless jelly fish just like in Sohoton.

Naked Island

It’s literally a small island full of fine white Boracay-like sand, nothing else hence the name.  And yes, I think you can get naked here (?).

Daku Island

Here you can take the boat and surf at Daku point or for some, go snorkeling. You can also just stay in the island and eat, have some fresh buko and just relax.

Guyam Island

A small island with loads of coconut trees. Nothing to do here but just relax, eat, swim and chill.

There are still so many places to see in Siargao. We didn’t have enough time to visit Sohoton and Magpupungko Rock pool. But there’s always next time. The days went by so fast, 5 days not enough. But well, like anything else in travel, it’s always never enough right? 🙂