Sunset at Caliraya and Other Wonderful Sights at Cavinti, Laguna

It's officially summer! While this memory I'm sharing is still from the month of hearts, I still want to have this story told (or shown as might be the case) just because it provided me a much-needed respite from the city bustle and gave me the chance to appreciate the beauty of nature once more.

Caliraya Lake

Heads up to those of you who may have started to read this post. There's not much going on in this story since we mostly spent it snapping away at all the beautiful places we were passing by. So if some of these pictures look blurry, I apologize. They were taken in a fast-moving car, with a digital camera but mostly with a camera phone. I still think we managed to get decent pictures, so you may enjoy the rest of this photo album if you still want to see more.

Falling in Love with Hulugan Falls, Luisiana, Laguna

The month of hearts has gone by and while I didn't fall in love with someone, I did fall in love with a place which still makes me smile even now whenever I recall it.

Early morning trek to Hulugan Falls with the foggy mountain peak greeting us.

We were invited by some friends to spend our Valentine weekend away from the city. We readily said yes and opted to sweat for health so we could experience some of nature's wonders which took our breath away in at least a couple of ways.

Vegetarian Find: Falafel Balls in Soft Tacos at Hillside Cafe & Juice Bar

Trying to eat healthy can be quite a struggle when traveling around the city. Thankfully, there are restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan options. You just need to find them though but in the end, your persistence is definitely worth it.

The pretty and clearly laid out menu is also big for easier reading.

A visit to the picturesque Hillside Cafe & Juice Bar turned out to be worth the long walk in the middle of the day, under the hot sun. We treated ourselves to healthy and refreshing food to keep us energized for the rest of the day's work.

A Wish For Us All This Coming 2016

The time for new year resolutions is here once more. Instead of a wish list, I am quoting Neil Gaiman in wishing everyone the best for this coming new year.

As I wish for myself, I wish the most wonderful year for everyone too.

I Learned the Art of Receiving from A Giving Mission

My feet were aching because I had sprained my right ankle (my whole foot hurt actually) and my whole foot was swollen but also because I was longing to go somewhere. I had been home bound for a couple weeks and I was getting bored. The Universe always makes a way and so I got an invite to a trip I could not refuse.

Sarah and me on a bus to our rendezvous with Project Kulay volunteers.

My friend Sarah invited me to tag along to a community service mission by Project Kulay. The event was called Project Kulayful Christmas where volunteers, together with help from locals, will donate relief goods, slippers, school supplies and toys as well as seeds to the residents of Sitio Bulacan in Capas Tarlac.

Vegetarian Find: The Falafel at 8 Cuts Burger Blends

Ever since I started switching to a more plant-based diet, I had resigned myself to not eating burgers anymore. It is hard enough to find a vegetarian or vegan restaurant in malls that won't break your budget but finding a non-meat burger seemed next to impossible until I found this burger.

The Falafel (Php195)

Burgers don't usually excite me but the prospect of a vegetarian burger did. The little jolt of joy that I felt when I heard about it was worth it because this burger was delicious and filling too.

A Double Whammy of Nachos at Mexicali

Looking for healthy food options in the mall is not always easy. Luckily, there are establishments that do offer vegetarian options of favorite food treats like nachos.

Regular Nachos and Nacho Salad (in the background)

Mexicali is one such restaurant. Although the vegetarian choices are not that many, you can go here for a quick snack or a hefty lunch or dinner.