2018 Highlights + Travel OOTDs

Another year has gone by. 2018 is the year when we’re officially adults because it was the year when I graduated. It’s an achievement but I see it mostly as a switch from being a child to being an adult or from being dependent to being independent.

But since I’m free from school and work now, I take this opportunity to spend my time travelling and exploring nearby places since it’s something I have done frequently before. Although I am still finding employment, my boyfriend and I have a small business, which is currently our source of income and source of fund for our travels.

Here’s a recap of my 2018 travel adventures. I would also like to take this opportunity to journal my OOTDs for the whole year!

Crown City of Dreams, Parañaque City

Since my parents are distributor of telecommunication brands like Smart and Vivo, my parents are frequently invited to events like product launches, which usually happens at hotels in Manila. These events come with a complimentary one-night stay at that certain hotel. Fortunately, when my parent wasn’t present, he let me attend these events so I got to enjoy a free staycation. First this year is at City of Dream’s Crown Hotel, where I experienced the the very best in sophistication, quality and innovation.

We were required to wear formal so I opted for this Betsy and Adam black lace cocktail dress. The headband is actually the dress’ ribbon. I just tied it around my head instead of tying it around my waste.

Azure Urban Resort Residences, Parañaque City

It’s a double date last Valentine with my boyfriend and friends and we spent it at Azure Urban Resort Residences, which is totally a trending place for staycation nowadays. Why wouldn’t it be? Its beaches are iconic since it is the first man-made beach in the country. It’s not in the sea. Instead, it’s in the middle of the city! To add on that, the residence is designed by the Billion Dollar Enterpreneur herself, Paris Hilton.

Anyway, my friend, who was with us, lent me this black tank top. The striped square pants was an old piece of my mom. She bought it at Greenhills. The sling bag was also a gift from my aunt. Though it was a last minute fit, the OOTD rocked.

Nobu City of Dreams, Parañaque City

Two months later, we were again invited to an event that was held in another City of Dreams hotel. Named after a Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur, Nobu Hotel features a contemporary Japanese theme matched with simplicity and elegance. 

The event has a tropical theme so we were requested to wear that matches the motif.  I opted for a yellow sundress from Chill and paired it with Grendha sandals.

Marriott Hotel, Pasay City

Smart Telecommunications announced their new promo and we were once again invited at their National Convention at Marriott Hotel. Marriott International is the third largest hotel chain in the world and one of its hotels is in Resorts World Manila. We couldn’t help but enjoy the amenities of the hotel.

I remember I just followed my mom afterwards because I was having my final exam so I wasn’t able to prepare much for my OOTD. But I love this striped shirt from GTW Urban. It’s comfy and fitting for a lazy day.

Pico De Loro, Nasugbu, Batangas

This was the year when we started to do an annual summer beach getaway and our first was in Pico De Loro. It is my first tour after college so it also serves as my graduation vacay. Pico de Loro is actually a residential condominium but tenants are allowing their unit to be rented so non-members can also enjoy its facilities.

Honestly, I scanned almost all the boutiques in SM Mall of Asia and I even attended Trendsetter Bazaar to find the perfect one-piece because I was conservative when it comes to swimsuits and it was my first time to wear one. I found this Coco Cabaña black criss cross back one-piece at SM department store and I knew this is the one.

Tambaron Island, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro

My parents booked Tambaron Island for their company teambuilding and through this, I was able to visit one of the virgin islands of Bulalacao. Honestly, even I, who grew up in this land, never thought that such beauty exists here. You may not expect a high class accommodation but expect a peaceful relaxation with serene and natural ambiance. 

I had this blue floral maxi skirt from a thrift shop and I needed a white top for this. So, I ran to my mom’s wardrobe and luckily saw this white button-down sleeveless that I could tie in front. I got myself an OOTD with a hat and Crissa sunglasses.

Arca’s Yard, Baguio City, Benguet

It was my second time in Baguio but I wasn’t able to enjoy it, actually, because of the crowd. Gladly, we visited Arca’s Yard, where I found my cozy spot in the midst of the hustle and bustle. Here, I also discovered some of my comforting foods. I can still remember the heavenly flavors of their lamb chops.

I kept myself tucked in a denim jacket bought by my mom in a thrift shop and H&M high-waisted black pants. The wrist watch is Anne Klein’s.

Shangri-La at the Fort, Taguig City

I told you! The company events take place not just in simple hotels but at high-end hotels. I couldn’t believe that I got to sleep at Shangri-La at the Fort for free! Shangri-La is already known for its luxurious hospitality. But its location is what I loved the most. During free time, we go outside and explore the vibrant Bonifacio High Street.

We equipped formal attires during the program but we switched to chic OOTDs during the day. Mine was an beige off-shoulder blouse and a high-waist short. Both are from Greenhills.

Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa, Antipolo City

To celebrate my mom’s birthday, I brought her to a place that, I know, could give her the ultimate relaxation she deserved. Luljetta’s Place is the Philippines’ first hanging gardens and spa. The Luljetta’s Garden Suites offers room accommodations and event services while the Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa provides spa services which consists of all natural scrubs, spa enhancers, massage, sauna, heated Jacuzzi, hydro-massage pool, infinity pools and meditation lounges.

It seems that I truly blended with the tropical vibe of Luljetta as I wore this green coords that I ordered from an Instagram shop.

Zoori Tagaytay, Cavite

And as for my birthday, my mom and my boyfriend brought to Zoori Tagaytay because they knew how I loved to see the animals so much! I was all smiles and literally dancing while feeding this camel beside me. That’s how genuinely happy I am.

It’s a good thing that I put on a comfy pair of white button-down long-sleeved top and black jogger pants, which are both from H&M.