In my 22 years of existence this was the first time I consulted a skin expert, and I can honestly say that I too suffered from some skin problems way back to my teenager days and the bad side of it they leave marks that you will carry for the rest of your life.

If I’m not mistaken my pimples started from 16 yrs. old to 19 yrs. old, that time I’m so confused I didn’t even know what am I going to do to stop it. I got frustrated so I tried different brands of facial wash, toner and DIY facial mask/scrub to find the perfect match for my skin but nothing happens. I never had a chance to visit any facial parlor or clinic because I know to my self I can’t maintain it.

It’s like a tragedy for me to witness your smooth skin been replaced by red marks or acne and your watching your self in front of the mirror wishing “this is just a dream.”

I’m very hopeless to the point I want to die (seriously!) this incident really affects my personality, mentally and socially. I don’t even go out for a period of time, I get very emotional, I always talk to a person with my face facing down because I don’t want them to see my imperfections, my siblings told me that I’m a short tempered-person, sometimes I cry asking the wind why life is so unfair.

There’s a lot to rant and to confess but who care’s? I just thought many people suffer the same problem, some of them maybe have severe cases but they still manage to carry on. I made it as an inspiration for me to move on and stop dragging my self to the darkest side of the world.

When I reached the age of 22 the pimples stop to show, there are some but its so fast to dry up. However like what I said in the upper part of my story, yes they leave some marks on my face but not as I expected they’re too light and easy to conceal, actually it is not very obvious, you can notice it once you look closer.

But who doesn't want to have a flawless like porcelain skin? Good thing my ever flawless friend recommended this skin clinic called Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovation.

World-renowned Italian Brand Antica Murrina Venezia © TM, makers of fine Murano Jewelry and accessories is now proudly launched here in the Philippines by Mr. and Mrs. Nardone of Porta Lucerna Trading. It is with excitement and flair of a night of fashion, that the introduction to Antica Murrina Venezia, was sparkling in glamour and elegance, here in Makati at the Buddha-Bar.

The marriage of the artistry of the East and the West was highlighted with a very colorful Jewelry fashion show that showcased the exquisite pieces of Antica Murrina Venezia, and a collection of classic and colorful resort collection by fast rising designer Ryan Madamba. High note of the night was, that all the dresses were made of local fabric “Abel Iloco”, a hand-loomed cloth proudly made in the Northern Province of Ilocos Norte. The owners, Jenny and Mom Nardone together with Ryan Madamba were the soul curators of the Antica Murrina Venezia, pieces that was showcased during the show highlighting unique Murano jewelry and its craftsmanship through the 31-piece Murano Jewelry collection line, personally chosen from the Autumn/ Winter 2014 collection Antica Murrina Venezia. All of this paired with the dresses for chic casual looks to the most glamorous evening parties for women of varied ages by Ryan Madamba. The event was held at Buddha Bar, hosted by charming and witty Issa Litton and was well attended by Manila’s Who is Who from society circles, fashion, politics, show business and industry leaders including Ms. Imelda Marcos, several Ambassadors and several Misses of the Beauty pageant world.

Who among us doesn’t want to have a smooth, soft skin? (raise your foot! Lol.)

If were going to talk about our skin I’m sure most of you will confess your personal concerns., like wrinkles, uneven skin tone, oily skin, warts, dry skin, white heads & black heads, big pores and the most famous of them all, pimples that leads to acne.

The truth about this common skin problem is caused by genetics, poor sleeping habits, or hormonal changes. If you have acne prone skin, keeping clean alone will not significantly lessen acne.

Acne is the common skin disease. Most people with acne are aged between 12 and 25, but some older and younger people are affected. Acne usually affects the face but may also affect the back, neck, and chest. The severity can range from mild to severe. About 9 in 10 teenagers develop some degree of acne. 

Untreated acne usually lasts about 4-5 years before settling. However, it can last for many years in some cases, because of this alarming skin issue it causes anxiety, depression, embarrassment, lack of self-confidence, social dysfunction and unemployment psychological suffering, acne can affect social, vocational and academic performance of teenagers, and sometimes leads to suicidal ideation?

Yep! you heard it right, this is indeed a serious case. Found to be about 6%-7% in acne patients attempts suicide, a study involving 480 patients with various dermatoses found the highest incidence of depression and suicidal ideas in patients with severe forms of acne and severe psoriasis.

The great news though, is that acne, no matter how severe, can be controlled!

To start the year 2015 with more memories, story to tell and selfies to capture than the past year. I joined the Tourism Advocacy Campaign called #CavEAT: Cavinti Eco-Adventure Tour organized by Herald C. Bebis for the Municipality of Cavinti headed by Hon. Mayor Milbert Oliveros. I’ve been in Sta. Rosa, Laguna because my Tito resided there, but this was the first time I visited the place and been surprised that this humble municipality has a lurking wonders that is waiting for us and for the record this is also my first ever travel event.

Since the call time was 8 am we take the 4 am trip, I don’t know if we were too excited or just breaking the “Filipino Time” Lol! From Pasay, Buendia bus station the fare was 140 pesos to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (meeting place). It’s a 2 hour ride so its much better to bring any of your music player and also snacks/candies.

We were fetched at Sta. Cruz bus station via shuttle and while on the road I can actually feel the cool air whipping past my face, good thing we were offered some hot pandesal perfect for breakfast.

Because of the company that we have all of us didn’t noticed that we just hit our first destination, so let me go ahead and lead you to our 2 days adventure:

First stop Bumbungan Eco Park

                                                                                                        courtesy of mike laagan

                                                                                                  (hotsilog puto & dinuguan)

Once we arrived at the park we were greeted by this heavy breakfast that we will be needing for the challenging day that is waiting for us.

After the satisfying food there is a short get-to-know and briefed us about the Tourism Advocacy Campaign hosted by Ms. Nitz, Municipal Tourism Officer. Right after the discussion we hit the road to go to our next destination.

Pandan Handicrafts

The Sambalilo Festival is one of the most colorful and prosperous festival in the province of Laguna. It is celebrated that commemorates the handmade sombrero (hat) made from pandan. Highlights of the fiesta include the trade fair exhibits, Cavinti's Got Talent, Brass band bonanza, street dancing, fireworks display, Cavinti Fun run, Palarong Pinoy (Traditional or cultural games), Exhibition game of PBA players vs. Cavinti All Stars and the world's biggest Sambalilo.  ― wikipedia

After touring the production area and taking pictures as well, each of one of us was given a chance to take home sambalilo for our souvenirs.

Then we headed to our last destination Cavinti Falls a.k.a Pagsanjan Falls

Read my whole experience here: Extra challenge to get to Cavinti Falls

We ended our day by munching some cavinti delicacies like Tinuto and Pinais. And let our tired yet excited body to rest at Villa Oliveros Resort.

--End of Day 1--

Earlier this morning I had been greeted by my two dogs with their contiguous body or we can just say a call of nature, love making or having sex.

I feel so devastated right after I saw that heart breaking moment, and GOAL! for my male dog. It confuses me so much like a crazy squirrel and many things runs in my mind; (they’re still my baby, I’m not ready, What am I going to do to stop them, It’s my fault, What will happen?) but still holding my self to not do any move because seriously I don’t know what to do!

I feel the same way when the father in the movies figured out that his teen daughter has been pregnant by not an ideal man. Also I can relate to the song Rude by Magic.

                                                                                                      (That’s Mimi 7mos. & Noggy 8mos.)

After 5 minutes I decided to separate them on their currently love making situation. I know it will bring them pain but I still manage to pull the strings and successfully separate them. Then put their leash on and knot it on a different location so they can’t attract each other, I also thought to whip them with my hands but I stop my self before I become the monster of my own.

I feel guilty for what I did because they’re not used to be tied up on a corner. I did this to prevent any attempts of my male dog however I think it’s too late because they already did what is not to be done in that early age. (parent mode!)

I guess I just have to wait for their babies and accept the fact that I’m going to be a grandparent.

“If the boys don't dig in, the girls may dig out. [It's a powerful force in nature. If Bill Clinton couldn't resist it, how do you expect the dogs to show more self-control than a President?]” — Your pets best friend.

This quote made me realize that I have to move forward even though it’s so painful to see that they’re no longer babies. :(

Lesson learned!

If you’re planning for a family/friends outing to create new memories or just to take a break from the jungle city, I must say this is a nice place to go!

“A place where you can get back in touch with nature.” — CALIRAYA MOUNTAIN LAKE RESORT

                                                                                  (Blogger’s photo opp at simple suspension bridge)

My gratitude was overflowing because I was able to explore the beauty of Caliraya with my co-adventure seeker friends. I was also amazed with its serene, cool and light ambiance, probably the right words to describe the place. :)

I can still remember back then when I was a child reading history books, that Pagsanjan falls was one of the famous falls here in the Philippines. Since I’ve never been there what I can only do that very moment is to stare at the picture of Pagsanjan falls and imagine what it really looks like in person.

Until last week I was given a chance to experience the eco-adventure activities around the municipality of Cavinti, Laguna and the falls that was said in the book is included on our itinerary. (finally!)

                                                                                             (Painting of Pagsanjan falls)

The painting represents the legendary lore about Magda & Pio  long, long ago. (forgot the story though!)

I also learned in this tour that the famous Pagsanjan falls is now called Cavinti falls, since the main falls of Pagsanjan are actually located within the boundaries of Cavinti, Laguna, but the more popular access by canoes originates from the town of Pagsanjan. However the Sangguniang Bayan (legislature of municipalities in the Philippines) approved the proposal by the officials of Municipality of Cavinti on 2009, renaming the falls to Cavinti falls.

Actually, it doesn't really matter whether the waterfalls is in Cavinti or Pagsanjan because anyone would still love to visit it regardless of name or location.

Going back, let’s go ahead and start the Cavinti route!

Here are the photos how to get to the falls:

                                                                               (photo opp before we start the challenging route) 

The year 2014 passed before our eyes not noticing that we have to face the new challenges engraved on our destiny. We can take a glance and refresh our memory what we’ve been through the waves of 2014 and recall what went well and what our areas of improvement so that we can be a better person.

Since 2015 is another blank page to fill in, I too have a few things to improve and accomplish my bucket list as well (I didn’t wrote them on a piece of paper they just stay in my mind. Lol!) which is to be healthy, wealthy, travel around my country, dance and to be flawless of course.

In line to the things that I need to improve is to be more healthy and flawless, I attended an event called Bondate with Aqua. It’s a gathering of beauty and lifestyle bloggers for a product launching and demonstration of this awesome beauty care line called Aqua Mineral from the Dead Sea.

This is the first time I heard about the product and other beauty bloggers said that it works wonders, since the product’s main component is literary from the Dead Sea.