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Showing posts from September, 2025

Soft Luxe Travels: Batangas and Tagaytay Wrap-Up, Good Shepherd, and The Journey Home

  The Starbucks Tagaytay branch is beautiful and has beautiful views After buying to our heart's content from Amira's, we headed home. There were a few fruit stalls that we passed by and my sister asked if I wanted to buy. I said yes. Kuya Fil looked for a good vendor. This one had a lot of pineapples. Pineapples are one of the premier fruits of Tagaytay.  Kuya Fil choosing pineapples for me. I couldnt go out of the car because of that dog! But eventually, I was able to go out. Kuya Fil got 3 pineapples for me.  Bahay Pastulan (Good Shepherd Tagaytay) After buying, we looked to our left and there was Good Shepherd! We asked each other if we wanted buy anything there. I contemplated whether I should still buy ube because I already bought some in Taal. But the pull of Good Shepherd ube was strong and we ended up going there!  I got the big tub of ube, a small bottle of adobo peanuts, and a bottle of burong mangga Found a papaya tree!  After Kuya's quick coffe...

Soft Luxe Travels: Taal Batangas - Shopping at Amira's Tagaytay

  Amira's is a place we visit time and again whenever we're in Tagaytay. They have a curated selection of pasalubong (homecoming gifts). I was already up the steps when I remembered that I haven't taken a photo of the facade yet, but I said I'll do it later when we go out. Then I argued with myself that I might forget. "Should I do it now?" I turned around and then said, "Nah, I'll do it later. Memo to me: Take a photo of the facade." And of course, I forgot! 😆

Soft Luxe Travels: Taal, Batangas - Souvenirs, Volcano Views, and a Zigzag Road Trip to Tagaytay

  After we were informed that the food will arrive after 30 minutes, I asked mom if she wanted to go with me to Taal Tees next door and check out the souvenirs and merch.

Soft Luxe Travels: Taal, Batangas - Cuchara y Tenedor

  There’s something magnetic about old stone walls and wooden beams — the kind that whisper stories the moment you step inside. At first glance, Cuchara y Tenedor looks like a postcard from Taal’s heritage past: cobblestone streets, blue windows framed by capiz, and a striped awning that invites you closer. But it isn’t until you cross the threshold that the magic unfolds. This isn’t just a stop for a meal. It’s an experience, a pause in your journey where the atmosphere itself nourishes you as much as the food.

Soft Luxe Travels: Taal, Batangas - Finding Treasures in the Palengke (Market)

I wasn't excited to check out the market at first. At first glance, it looked underwhelming. I only saw a lot of stores selling bridal gowns, ball gowns, and Filipiniana clothes. (I wanted to look at the Filipiniana, but we didn't have time anymore.) 

Soft Luxe Travels: Batangas - Journey to Taal

  There’s something magical about mornings that begin with a journey. Last Saturday, we set off at 7:45 AM, leaving the bustle of the city behind and heading toward the serene embrace of Batangas. With every kilometer traveled, the landscape slowly shifted — highways giving way to rolling greens, quiet towns, and that familiar promise of fresh air and wide-open skies.

The Medicine of Rest: Why Pausing Is the Truest Luxury

When we hear luxury , the first images are often designer bags, spa days, or expensive vacations. I used to think the same way. But through my own healing, I’ve learned that true luxury isn’t always something you purchase — sometimes, it’s the curated experiences we have, or simply giving yourself permission to stop. 🛡 Rest Is a Medical Necessity My rest is supported by health tools In a world that glorifies busyness, people are praised for running themselves into the ground, rarely for slowing down. But here’s the truth: rest is not indulgence — it’s medicine. With MCAS, a sensitive body, and an ADHD rhythm, I’m built differently. My nervous system burns bright and fast — I can be hyper, strong, and active in one moment, then crash hard when my reserves run out. I enjoy going to the mall tremendously because of the sights, the people, the experience of walking with my son hand in hand, and the new things I see each time I go there. However, even simple things like a 5-minute driv...

From Piano Day to Glow Day

    Some days begin in the most ordinary way — errands, routines, and schedules that feel predictable. I got one of those days last week. My son had his piano lesson, and I thought it would be just another Tuesday. But God had other plans — little reminders of His goodness, tucked into ordinary moments. ✨ Today’s Look Breakdown ✨ Lips : MAC Ruby New, Anastasia Caramel, BYS Plump It Peach Perfection Eyes :  MAC Frost Vex, White Frost, Club. BYS Picnic Basket, BYS Eyeliner Brows : Chanel Cheeks : Miniso Minimalist Cream Blush 07, BYS Pearl Pod Nova, Bobbi Brown Bronzer Lips : Laneige Lip Mask, Thanks It's M-A-C Lustreglass, Miniso Minimalist Glossy Lipstick 13, BYS Peptide Lip Tint Hot Choc Wrist Candy : A gift from my sister-in-law many years ago Shoes : Charles and Keith  Outfit : Top also from my SIL. Iora.  It was my first time to drive again after 4.5 months because of a toe injury . A lot of parking spaces were closed and we had to park a long ways from our ...