So much for normalcy.

The past week has been a huge metamorphosis and two things happened that will surely shape up the things to come. I finally bid adieu to my only sibling who left the Philippines for good. It was an emotion-filled day at the airport, and the almost-palpable sadness was a little too much to handle. I planned to be all rock star and not shed a tear, but as soon as I saw her getting teary-eyed, I cried like a baby. Days after that, I found out that I'm sick, and though it's not life-threatening as it is, it would require me to be on meds for God knows how long. I haven't fully recuperated from the fact my sister wouldn't be a bus ride away anymore, and now another of Life's bitter pill. And this pretty much squeezes out any positivity left in me. My life seems to be perpetually hounded by tragedies, and sometimes I wish I could have a blissfully normal 28-year old life where boys, buds and wardrobe are the only things that occupy my thoughts.

I'm not in a really good place right now. In this pit of uncertainties, changes, and adjustments that overwhelms me, I was inspired to create a playlist and the songs I've chosen best represents how I feel. Music is where I find healing and it's where I find hope.

More From Paradise.

If you're in for an awesome and frenzied escape, then Puerto Galera couldn't be more fitting. It's a quest of every thrill-seekin' soul to find a place like this. And even though I've seen it a couple of times before, I still can't find the perfect words to earnestly describe how mind-blowingly beautiful it looks over there. Galera has a certain pull on me, and I don't think I'll ever get tired of braving the harsh seas just to see it. Must be the serenity, or the overly-enthusiastic locals... But then again it could be the 'hakuna matata' feeling dawning each time my foot hits that cool sand. It's dangerously addicting, I can't help but yearn for another visit.

On our 2nd day in Galera, rain blasted the entire island soaking everything. But luck prevailed and the rain veered away shortly after lunch.



When the sun finally showed up, we all excitedly ran towards the beach, eagerly trying to feel that damp sand against our bare feet. And while everyone's raving about making a sand castle, my attention drifted to a familiar green bottle slightly buried in the sand. We all know the multitude of Koreans flocking to this location - some getting piss drunk not with local beers but with Soju. I haven't fully grasped Korean's love for their country till I saw this.


The rain made everyone antsy for an adventure, so after lunch we rented a boat that took us on an island-hopping tour.


Here are some of the cool sights we saw along the way.

The boat stopped at a spot where the water looked more emerald than blue. Then we all donned snorkelling attires and plunged into the water. We spent a good three hours swimming, feeding fishes, and exploring the corals below. Here's how that special spot looks like.

We were all exhausted from swimming, so when the boat took us to an isolated beach to rest, we couldn't be happier. We rushed to get a good shady spot to relax and ate the sandwiches my Mom brought along.

I'm the type of person who is always trying to find something to outdo the last adventure, but somehow I knew it's gonna be hard to top this amazing experience...

Bring On The Heat!

Summer conjures images of all-night partying, water sports, chilled beer on the beach, and skimpy attire for the metabolically blessed. Though it's still two months away and we're barely feeling the need for AC, my family didn't think twice to hit the beach and get that early dose of summer fun we so desperately need.

We came to Puerto Galera with only one thing in our head; that is to subject ourselves to all the fun the beach and the glorious tropical climate could offer. We left at the crack of dawn and drove to Batangas Pier, and there we took a ferry that brought us to the Island. The weather was perfect then, but the sea was far from calm. Waves came crashing to the boat and soaked our bags in the process. After a grueling hour of turbulent seas and strong gust of winds, it became better and we could all manage to smile again.


I could tell people were in awe at the first sight of land. When the boat docked, we all let out gasps of appreciation.

And here's a first glimpse of the place they call "White Beach".

It was still early when we arrived, and most people were still in slumber, or better yet, nursing a hangover.


We got two rooms at Mindorinne Oriental; a resort that takes pride on it's spectacular beach front scenery, coconut trees, and cute little balconies.

We had a quick lunch at one of of their alfresco-style restaurants with the beach in full view. We spent the rest of the afternoon putting sunscreen, working on our tan, and taking long walks by the beach. Here's how a lazy afternoon in Galera looks like.

We are all under the spell of this place. The days seem endless and the nights are filled with so many fun things to do. We spent our first night in Galera doing beer shots and listening to reggae music - a genre even my mom could appreciate.

Although the sound of the waves crashing and beer being popped open has dissipated, the calming insouciance only a beach could bring still remains. I hope you all stick around for the next installment. You'll see more of Galera that'll get your head somersaulting in a fine frenzy!