SkimChix - island life

I have always believed that we are here in this life to enjoy the beautiful creations of our creator. My best friend once told me that there is no other person who is passionate about living and experiencing life than me, and I believe her. I have never stopped from discovering the magnificent beauty of the Philippine Island.

Aside from exploring the beauty that nature has to offer, I have also learned to love and experience extreme adventures first hand. But wait, before we jump to such extreme activities, let us bare in mind the risk that it takes. That's why it is best to get a life insurance for emergency and for the future.

It is best to have a universal insurance while we are still young. Especially at this age, that we are very impulsive to the adventures that is set in front of us. I have bought an insurance after I got work, knowing that it's cheaper when you bought it at a younger age and at the same time, accidents do come unannounced. I don't mind buying another best rate insurance because I know it will be used when I need it the most.

It gives me peace of mind every time I travel or if I engage myself to such extreme sports.

It was my 2nd time inside a cave and it was at Ka Mira Cave in Danao, Bohol. The cave is still young since the formations are small. It only has one way for both entrance and exit. The trek inside the cave is also short. But it still offers all the other things or view expected inside the cave.

It was a dry entry but along the way there are times that you'll be totally submerge in the water. Glittering rocks from crystal deposits are abundant in the area. I have seen two types of bats, one is the fruit bat and the other an insect bat, which was really small. There was also a blind crab, white in color that welcomed us in the way. The water was really cold, but refreshing. We didn't even notice how tired our feet where.

Just a reminder to those who are planing to experience caving, not to touch the developing rock formations since it is very sensitive to oil, that even the natural oil in our hands can stop the growth of these beautiful structures. And the golden rule for exploring a place: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but picture still applies. I have made a commitment to help preserve these caves and this is my way of helping. Wouldn't it be a fulfillment on the time you've decided to explore a cave you'll see these structures turn into bigger grandeur formation..

But even if the stalactites and stalagmites are not grandeur and majestic in size, I was glad that my husband, who was with us during the trip, appreciated the magnificent beauty of the cave. I hope the natives will be able to protect it for the years to come.

Its in the heart of Negros mountain range, Mambukal Resort is surrounded by volcanic vents, thick rain forest and hot springs. Its approximately with Mt. Canlaon can explain why volcanic vents are everywhere in the area, even the house that we rented smells like rotten eggs because of the smoke it emits.

The place is enchanting. It seems it has a life of its own. We had a trek to the seventh falls (the final falls) with small ones on the way. The terrain was difficult, there are times that you have to climb using the roots of the trees, there are parts that the terrain is slippery or the current of the water we are passing is so strong. But having reach the last falls was rewarding. We had a dip on its icy cold waters to soothe our achy feet for at least two hours of trekking.

After our falls adventure, we tried to relax in the hot spring. And it is really, really hot. Took out all the stress that we had for that day. The most interesting part is while you're relaxing in the hot springs, the bats are flying overhead. Bats are everywhere even before the sun sets. And they are very nice to look at, given that we seldom see bats in the city.

The place can be reach riding a bus to the transcentral Hi-way going Dumaguete from Bacolod and when you're at the intersection going to Mambukal you can ride a motorcycle. I'm not sure about the fare though since we went there on board a private vehicle.

It's February and I'm starting to feel the summer heat! Another busy time for me as I plot my summer get-away. No excuses to stay at home and keeping a fair skin tone because its time to get some tan!


Here are some reminders before we go out and enjoy the summer sun:

1. Never leave the house without a sunblock. Just a misconception about sunblocks, it doesn't keep your fair skin tone, but it just protects you from the UV rays, that is harmful. But anyway, I really don't care much about being fair skinned in the first place, because TAN is in! :D

2. Drink lots of water. Avoid dehydration and its one way of keeping our skin healthy.

3. Wear your sunglasses. It protects you from the sun's harmful rays and at the same time lessen crow's feet or wrinkles near the eyes. (Remember, when its to bright we tend to close our eyes, causing some wrinkles in the eyes, and doing this frequently causes crow's feet at an early age)

4. Loose clothing. Nobody wants to feel uncomfortable in a very classy cloth. So leave those ill fitting clothes and wear clothes that feel comfortable, short short, spaghetti straps and tube tops are alright as long as you don't look slutty...

5. Slippers. Or if you are in a white sand beach, barefoot. Its comfortable, and having the sand underneath those tired feet can exfoliate and gets rid of those dead skin.

6. A Camera. How else can you share and keep those memories of a great summer get-away than taking a picture of it! Glad that I just got my new camera just in time for summer.... :D


Have fun under the sun!

Early morning we gathered at JY Square waiting for our ride to the mountainous barangay of Bonbon, central part of Cebu and for the other participants to arrive. When our transportation arrived, we loaded the jeepney and hurried to our destination, it was an hour travel to our drop off point. Refreshing view awaited us when we started our travel from the hi-way to the inner barangay road.

Then we started trekking the footpath, going up and down the trail, crossing some logs as bridges, it was easy. Until we arrived at some river. I didn't know that it was the start of a tougher journey. I was advised to place my valuables in my dri-bag. Then we started following the river path, upstream. And literally we started going up, over slippery rocks and big boulders. A lot of ropes and assistance is needed for us to reach the top.

We took some rest before entering the cave. It was a water entry and it was really deep and the water was very cold. The cave was cool and there are times that you'll plunge to chest deep or swallower waters. Magnificent stalactites and stalagmites invaded the place forming different figure to anything that you're imagination can create. Its a kingdom dominated by crystallized minerals and sleeping bats. It is mother nature at its best.

To make this exploration comfortable, do wear a quick dry set of clothes, so just in case you get wet, getting dry will not be a problem, and also to avoid getting cold while trekking. A reliable headlamp with spare batteries will also help you see in the dark. A dri-bag or some durable plastic bag to keep valuables dry, some pocket money to pay for the fare and lunch, though you have to buy some packed lunch since there are no stores available in the area. And a camera to capture this wonderful adventure.