2021 Highlights + Travel OOTDs

I’m really really thankful that the world is gradually healing from last year’s pandemic. Although the restrictions in some areas aren’t fully relaxed, I’m glad that finally, we can travel to places that we can reach and access easily. I’m talking about our own land, Mindoro.

I always say that the pandemic years became an opportunity for me to explore the wonders of my own province. Since we were restricted here for the time being, we chose local accommodations and destinations for our getaways. And honestly, even I grew up in Mindoro, I never thought that such places exist here.

Here’s a recap of my 2021 travel adventures. I would also like to take this opportunity to journal my OOTDs for the whole year!

Northern Blossom Flower Farm, Atok, Benguet

Oh yes! Amidst the pandemic, we got through our way to Baguio and drove our way to Northern Blossom Flower Farm at Atok, Benguet.  Capture the beautiful Cabbage Roses, Snapdragons, Foxgloves, Sunflowers and Hydrangeas for your Instagram.

Even though it was cold, I pulled off a blue button-down blouse and black plaid pants. I remember buying this pair in Greenhills Shopping Center, a complex known for unbranded and Class A goods, during the day before we headed to Baguio.

Cafe Marco, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

It was the third day of Modified General Community Quarantine and some travel restrictions were lifted so we could finally visit other towns within our province. We woke up at four and took a three-hour ride just to spend a breakfast at Cafe Marco in Puerto Galera. I truly missed small trips like this.

I kept my outfit casual because it was too early to make a lot of effort to dress up. I had this tee dress that my mom bought at a thrift shop. I made myself comfortable with this Adidas slides.

Vista Pilar Floating Deck, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro

We further explored the province by visiting a new attraction in Socorro. Vista Pilar Floating Deck, a floating restaurant on the waters of Naujan Lake. We caught the sunset here and it gave a beautiful hues of orange, yellow and blue.

Only a few shops were open during this period of quarantine so I opted for old clothes. The blue-striped off-shoulder blouse and ripped jeans are both from RRJ.

Buktot, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro

Buktot Beach is a virgin beach located at Mansalay. It is situated in a remote area but it easily attracts tourists because of the wide white and sandy coast that looks like a desert, not to mention the clear seawater.

My top and bottom are both old pieces of mine. I think, my mom bought this yellow sleeveless top for me from a thrift shop while I got the denim shorts at a store in Trendsetter’s Bazaar. My pair of sandals is from Grendha and my sunglasses are Calvin Klein’s. These are old pieces yet I find them stylish and comfortable to wear while having picnic by the beach.

Infinity Resort and Spa, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Infinity Resort and Spa is probably one of the best hotels in Mindoro. It’s been standing in the beach front for five years already yet its facilities and design is still advanced. It’s a place of luxury and grandeur that you cannot see in other parts of Mindoro. 

Of course, a resort like this calls for a beautiful swimwear. This one-shoulder one-piece swimsuit is only from Lazada! 

The Sanctuary by Positadi, Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro

The Sanctuary by Positadi is something I’m proud to have in my own hometown. Based on its name, the sanctuary’s goal is to closely monitor the protected area in this part of the sea. But since they restored this mountain side to a lovely garden, the public can visit and check in to one of their cabins.

In the sanctuary, I chose to wear this maxi dress-looking piece, which my mom bought from a thrift shop. It’s actually a full-body cover up with buttons from top to bottom. Wearing this feels like a madam!

Napa at Crosswinds, Tagaytay, Cavite

Sometimes, we could get out of our province for business purposes so we can also visit Tagaytay as a side trip. The coffee lover in me brought me to one of the newest coffee shop in Tagaytay. Napa at Crosswinds isn’t your usual cafe because its’s a cabin inspired by rustic houses in Napa Valley, California. It also gives a picturesque view of Tagaytay hills. What a great way to enjoy your coffee or wine!

On this day, I was styled by my boyfriend and wore this pair from Uniqlo. He said that a gray trouser and button-down blouse would fit me since he’s a fan of street style. I completed the look with these slides from Adidas and hand bag from Kate Spade.

Puerto Galera Yacht Club, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

It’s yacht day, mah baby! For this tile, we’re back to Oriental Mindoro and Puerto Galera. It’s my first time to ride a yacht and for a short time, I feel expensive. I’m so happy that we can get yacht ride experience in our province.

My friends and I decided to have a white yacht party so we all dressed white for this event. I opted for a simple yet comfortable white button-down crop top from H&M and a denim high-waist short, which is also from H&M.