Before Sunrise @ Kiltepan

The much talked about Viewpoint has been getting a handful of attention. Thanks to Angelica's emotional scene, screaming at the top of her lungs hoping in doing so, it will take the pain away ( That Thing Called Tadhana ). But let's not get overly dramatic. Kiltepan Viewpoint is actually a perfect spot to watch the sun rise on the east. It's a place to gather your thoughts, commune with nature, find serenity and just be content at the stillness of surrounding. Now, there's a disclaimer to this - Should you attempt to go there at 5:00 am during peak season, then tough luck. Chances are, you'll only being seeing heads, tripods and iphones up in the air, blocking the majestic sight of sunrise.


It was our last stop in Sagada before we head off to Baguio. Our Van pulled in at around 05:00 am and much to our surprise, the place was already jammed with tourists with their hi tech gadgets in tow,  trying to secure this spot to capture the perfect photograph of the Sunrise. I felt discouraged as I tried to squeeze myself in the crowd. It was hopeless to even raise my camera up to get a good glance of what about to transpire. We saw people going in a different direction and so we decided to follow them as they climbed to what seemed like a hill. There were already a group of people in the forefront but fortunately, we found a spot enough to see the sun as it breaks the dawn. We stood there, waiting patiently as more and more people gathered at the point. After a few more minutes, the fog cleared up and soon it was bright, golden and warm. Sunrise will always be one of the most beautiful showcase of God's magnificent creation. It was beautiful and no filter can ever do justice to the magical experience you'll have as you watch the sun comes out and breaks the darkness.



After 15 minutes or so, we decided to wander around and saw these giant pine trees - light bulb comes on. Backdrop! It felt like Autumn in NYC with all the browns, rust and vermillion colors around us. The sun streaks were peeping its way in through the branches of the trees, touching the amples of our cheeks. It was certainly a good, reassuring morning. We event witnessed a proposal which I found to be slightly cliche considering Kiltepan Viewpoint was considered the Brokenhearted's Solace. I lost count at the number of photos we took with us leaning on the trunk of the tree. A cameraman passed by and asked if he can take the photo of our friend. He asked him to move away from the trees a bit and angle himself partly facing the sun and the camera. The photo came out excellent and one thing we learned that day was, subjects should move away from the background as they will appear as false attachments resulting to a confusing photograph. Thank you Mr Cameraman! Photography 101.





As we make our descent to Baguio which was a sign that it's indeed the end of our Sagada stint, I felt a sense of unexplained happiness and peace. Yes, it was a series of sleep-deprived and exhausting itinerary but the adventures, memories and bond we created during this strip will be the stories we would tell to our children and grandchildren. It was one of those precious things you will save to your core memory and one that you'll unlock whenever the itch of wanderlust kicks in. Sagada was one of the first few places I had a chance of visiting when it was still unknown to many and it has been kind enough to still offer the same sense of serenity and beauty as it did back then.

Xo,

Jhesy 

Review : Luxe Singapore

Finding "a hole in the wall restaurant" and chancing upon instragrammable cafes have been my fancy as of late.

My friends say that I value aesthetics more than quality and quite frankly, that is somewhat true at times but not most often. I adore quaint set ups, minimalist interiors injected with rustic vibe that any cafes or restaurants with this theme would surely lure me in.

I've been in a couple of boutique cafes in Singapore and one thing they have in common - pricey. That shouldn't be surprising considering SG is one of the most expensive countries as per Yahoo. Yes, they would all cause a dent in your wallet hence dining frequently is highly discouraged. But food is a basic necessity and not really considered a luxury isn't it? So let me take you to this cozy cafe which I found just a few blocks from my workplace.

When I was sourcing for a place to catch up, chill and just pass time, I'd pen down these 3 things to consider.

1. Location

2. Reviews on Food and Price

3. Ambiance

I decided to meet up with a friend to go over my laptop dilemma ( my entire photo library has decided to quit on me ) and I panicked at the very least realizing years of memories now down the drain. ( be sure to BACK UP your photos  - note to self ). Was going over a list of several cafes in Tanjong ( I was bit biased as I didn't want to wander off from the city ) and found Luxe Cafe which is located at Keong Saik Rd at the Working Capitol Bldg. It's a 10-min leisurely walk from Cantonment Center.

As I turned left at Keong Saik Rd, I immediately saw "Luxe" written on the white pillars of the Capitol Bldg. This Sydney based cafe is nothing short of spectacular. The door opens to a lounge with vibrant colored sofas adorned with a center table and candles. It looks so inviting that it could easily pass of a hotel lobby. I was greeted by the waiter and ushered me to my reserved seat. The photos from their website did justice to the minimalist interiors of the restaurant. It was  mix of sophistication, class and relaxed ambiance. Uncluttered and luxurious.

The menu is limited however they are very much willing to prepare the avocado toast even though it's  30 minutes past 7pm.  They're all friendly, warm and generous. I was looking for something light yet filling and within my price range. The Seared Salmon in Chilli Caramel Dressing (S$28) was my first bet. It was prepared with utmost gusto. A mix of flavors and textures which rolled perfectly on my tastebuds. I just wish the serving was a bit more considering the price.

My friend on the other hand ordered the Luxe Burger with Grass Fed Beef (S$28). He said it was good but forgettable. There's really nothing amazing or special with the taste.

To cap things off, we ordered the much hyped about dessert - Pandan Madeleines ( S$8 ). It was moist, soft and not too fluffy. But forget about the bread, the main show stealer was the "kaya". It was by far the best Kaya I ever had in my 4 years in Singapore. It tastes like vanilla with a hint of zest and a bit of pandan. It was oh so good!

Luxe exhibits an Aussie cafe vibe. The spaces are wide, clean and woody. We thought we're ready to head off when the waiter asked if we are keen to have a slice of cake. We're a bit reluctant but then he said it's from Sunday and they won't be selling it. It was Tuesday and who am I to say no to a FREE slice of delicious chocolate cake. Needless to say, I devoured it in a jiffy.

Luxe Sydney tops the list of the cafes I've been to in Singapore. The service is well executed and you can see the heart put into every dish. It's minimalistic interiors makes it the perfect place for a relaxed weekend brunch and after work drinks. It is well situated, smacked in the middle of Outram MRT and Tanjong Pagar making it a popular spot for yuppies so booking a reservation is highly advertised.

There are still a bit of things to improve on but overall, I'd give this cafe a 4-star rating for its overall ambiance, food and service. It's your ticket to experience that little piece of luxury right in CBD.

Xo,

Jhesy

Sagada's Bomod-Ok Falls

Hidden behind rice paddies and mountain villages is a well-kept tourist destination of Sagada. Bomod-ok or Big Falls soars some 200 feet high in the air and the path leading to this nature's creation is both an exciting and knee jerking experience that will leave you astounded and amazed.

The jump off point starts at the Information center where all the groups gathered for briefing and to meet the tour guides. Here you'll get to choose your trekking stick which certainly is my priced possession throughout the hike as it saved me from countless slips and pitfalls.

The hike starts with narrow but well-maintained cemented pathway and stone stairs which serves as the hiking trail.Extra caution is advised as the steps tend to be slippery and steep that a misstep could lead to several meters fall.

After a series of narrowed pathways, the scenery changed to vast and verdant rice paddies overlooking the village of Fidelisan. Walking in Cordillera's rice paddies was more than just an experience, it was a dream come true. I remember flipping through pages or flow charts with pictures of this man-made terraces and have always thought of how it would feel like to actually walk on them. And this trip to Sagada paved way to turn those into reality.

The view starts to get scenic as we inch closer to the falls. Though the trail is descending, expect some knee-jerking and more than an hour long walk to reach the spot. Sunblock, shawl, hats, trail mix and water would be your best buds throughout the entire hike.

Countless stops for photos and a couple more breaks to catch our breathe, we finally reached Bomod-Ok Falls. It's everything I remember sans the crowd. The big rock facing the falls which I effortlessly climbed 10 years ago firmly hold its ground. I did attempt to climb up but failed miserably. Why can't I be as brawny and fit as I was back then. Sigh. SOA.

The water is inviting, freezing but everyone's almost thrilled to jump in. It's tempting and the cold splashes were enough to rejuvenate our tired, sore muscles. There are no changing quarters or restrooms in the area but you can always improvised by using shawl or sarong. If you're not adept at swimming, you can always lounge at the side of the falls where the water is shallow. If you are brave enough to climb an almost vertical rock and you're confident that you won't slip or fall, then go ahead and dare yourself to an epic adventure. Again caution is important as your neck is sure to break should you happen to slip.

This spot has also served as a source of livelihood for the locals. Here you can buy swimwear, drinks, banana-q, chips and more. It would be good to grab a bite before you head back as you need to fuel up as the ascent is certainly not an easy feat.

We took the same trail back and it was far more challenging. It takes patience and a lot of pit stops but our appreciation for this beautiful landscape is endless. As we traverse the upward path, we saw how Sagada and its local ingenuity are able to preserve its culture by working hand in hand with nature. We saw hard working elders plucking and sowing earth oblivious of the heat and pain of bending ( insert : Magtanim ay di biro... ).  It's a humbling experience that made us realize the value of work and effort they put in for us to have grains on our plate each meal. And it was also heartbreaking to realize that their role in our society is often given the least priority.

Walking back to the jump off point offered some thoughts for me to ponder on. They say that it is the journey that matters and not the destination. But Bomod-Ok is a case of both. The trek to this hidden spot is must do activity as the view is nothing short of spectacular. Worth every muscle pains and gasps. It is best enjoyed with people you value most and even with strangers you'll get to spend a few hours with. In any type of journey, hike or adventure, it is imperative that you approach it with an open mind and sheer optimism because every experience you set yourself to embark on will always be a rewarding one. And in the case of Bomod-Ok Falls, every strenuous step is worth it and you'll be surprised at the many things you'll discover along the way.

Xo,

Jhesy