2023 Highlights + Travel OOTDs

2023 is definitely a year of prosperity and love. Those who follows me on my social media accounts know that I got wedded later this year. In the same year, my husband and I are blessed to have businesses that continue to flourish. Hence, being travelers at heart, we spent our engaged life and used part of our earnings and savings traveling to different beautiful places in the Philippines and some countries. In 2022 Highlights + Travel OOTDs, I mentioned that 2022 was the year I got to travel the most and the farthest. Today, I must say that 2023 was the year I got to travel more and farther than 2022. It was a year of discovery, indeed!

Here’s a recap of my 2023 travel adventures. I would also like to take this opportunity to journal my OOTDs for the whole year!

teamLab Planets, Koto City, Tokyo

The year just began and we immediately packed our bags for our trip to Japan, which easily became my favorite country. Since we’re in Tokyo, we didn’t miss the chance to visit teamLab Planets, a museum that features immersive digital art.

It was winter season when we visited Japan so I packed some winter clothes and included this thick knitted outerwear from Shein. It looked nice, especially when I equipped a white collared long sleeve from H&M as an innerwear.

Tokyo Disneyland, Urayasu, Chiba

Actually, our main destination in Japan is Tokyo Disneyland since it was my little sister’s seventh birthday. But it also felt like my birthday because of the magic and nostalgia it brought to me. It seemed that all the Disney fairytales and musical films I’ve watched had a flashback in my mind. Truly, you will never be too old for Disneyland.

It was my first time to visit the happiest place on Earth and I wanted to create a minimalist Japanese look. The closest I was able to make is this pair of navy blue graphic polo tee and khaki denim skirt from Shein. I borrowed this brown puffer coat from a friend. You probably don’t notice it but I was also wearing a thick fleece leggings because it is in skin-toned. It was a Shopee find.

Martessem Mountain Resort, Tanay, Rizal

After a draining work during summer, we finally had the chance to escape. We traversed Marilaque highway and went to Martessem Mountain Resort for a quick day tour. The resort is known to have the Sea of Clouds View Deck.

This tri-color drawstring jacket caught my eye as I browse the Shein app. I thought of having it in Japan but I found the jacket too thin for the weather there so I just wore it in Tanay. I also looked for the perfect crop top and high-waist denim pants in Shein that will go with the jacket. The only non-Shein piece here is the Crocs and unbranded belt.

Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel, Mactan, Cebu

Our summer getaway was in Cebu, a province known for its beaches. However, we didn’t had the time to explore the Southern part and chose to stay in Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel at Mactan. Inspired by Antillean architecture, this private tropical haven makes it ideal for family beach adventures, get-away with friends, romantic escapes, beachfront weddings and special events.

Just like last year, I got my one-piece from Shein. I love getting my swimsuits at Shein because they already got my size right. I paired the brown rib-knit bodysuit with a white and gray short I got from Old Navy.

Temple of Leah, Cebu City

Temple of Leah, as well as Terrazas de Flores, were our side trip destinations when we had our staycation in Cebu. The temple is called the Taj Mahal of Cebu because of its stunning architectural style. People love visiting the temple because it overlooks the panorama of Cebu City.

I preferred a cloth that is just casual-looking and not too fancy. Specifically, I looked for a tee dress and this pink striped one is what I got. I felt chic when I wore this.

Camper and Cabin, Calaca, Batangas

Camper and Cabin is known to have the first Airstream suite in the Philippines. Exhibiting luxury of outdoor living, the property lets its guests experience the joy of camping while embracing the comforts of a first-class hotel. This Airbnb rental is set on top of the hill so it offers a panoramic scene of both mountain and sea. I was dreaming of staying in Camper and Cabin. I’m so happy that it was granted this year.

We’re keeping it simple for this glamping with a black long-sleeve top, which is a gift from our yaya years ago, and a pair of white shorts, which is again from Shein. My sunglasses is from Sunnies and my footwear is from Birkenstock.

Jaytee’s Filipino Cuisine, Tagaytay, Cavite

The next two photos are snaps from our prenuptial shoot, which I also consider as travel. As a couple whose hobby is traveling, we wanted our shoot to be a travel experience as well so we opted to shoot our prenup in Tagaytay, our usual destination for dates. Our first day was a spontaneous shoot so we just stop by at some places and restaurants, which include Jaytee’s.

One of my pegs for our prenup shoot was an all-white attire that is between casual and formal. Therefore, I looked for white trousers and white lace puffed blouse and as expected, Shein didn’t gave me a hard time finding the pair in my mind.

Farm Hills Garden, Silang, Cavite

We booked a photoshoot package in Farm Hills Garden for our second day. Farm Hills Garden was beyond our expectations. Although we didn’t see some real pine trees here, we were welcomed by a a lot of evergreens that looked great as a backdrop. Farm Hills Garden is also a hotel and events place, which can be seen in most lists of top venues for wedding ceremonies and receptions near Manila.

We opted for a formal look at Farm Hills Garden so we wore gown and suit. My white puff gown and my husband’s dark grey suit look extravagant. You won’t believe that I just bought mine at Sweet Jane Boutique’s Shopee store and he bought his at Shein. My husband is wearing Uniqlo polo inside.

Hiraya Farm Resort, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro

Of course, the wedding reception has to be an attraction for travelers as well. We chose Hiraya Farm Resort, located at the hometown of my husband here in Oriental Mindoro. We’re glad that there’s an events place here that is accessible by our friends and relatives. Hiraya Farm Resort is actually a farm that also acts as lodging.

I had my wedding gown crafted by a homegrown seamstress, Vienson Maas. I picked the design that is unembellished to keep it classic over time. Meanwhile, my husband had his set of suit custom-made by Onesimus. Navy blue suits him very well.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD

Next to wedding is honeymoon! Instead of going to a single destination, we decided to have a Sydney tour because why not? We’re wanderers! And as expected, we had a photo with the iconic Sydney Opera House, the landmark of Sydney’s skyline. With my naked eye, I can see why it is considered as a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture.

It was spring time when we visited. The temperature was between humid and chilly so I prepared a plaid blazer and white turtleneck sweater, which I both bought from Shein. It was also warm enough for me to wear white Shein shorts. My glasses I’m wearing is actually my prescription glasses from Sunnies. The watch is Anne Klein. My Doodoo Collection hand bag is actually mom’s.

Manon Brasserie, Sydney CBD

So the day continues with the buzz at Queen Victoria Building, the mall that stands as a testament to city’s blend of historical charm and modern splendor. We fell deeply to QVB’s beauty that we didn’t want to leave. We spent our lunch at Manon Brasserie, which is situated at its corner.

Channeling the city girl in me, I wore this white pocket dress from Shein. I was still wearing my Anne Klein wrist watch and my mom’s Doodoo Collection hand bag. Both my sunglasses and sandals are from Aldo.

Piedra Negra, Singapore City

Before heading home from Sydney, we had a 20-hour layover in Singapore. We maximized our time by visiting the colorful Haji Lane of Kampong Glam. It has an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes and shops. Therefore, we stopped by at one of its vibrant restaurants called Piedra Negra.

For my OOTD, I just stayed casual and comfy since we still had a flight to Philippines. The pink-striped button-down blouse from Forever 21, denim shorts from H&M, Aldo sunglasses, Anne Klein wrist watch and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Slip-on complete my look.

The Parisian, Cotai, Macau

My last trip for 2023 was in Macau. We celebrated my mom’s 50th birthday in this vibrant city. When in Macau, first in the itinerary will always be The Venetian, The Parisian, The Londoner and the rest of hotels and casinos in Cotai Strip. I haven’t been to Paris but I’m glad to see the replica of Eiffel Tower in The Parisian.

I was the family tour guide so I just dressed myself with basic pieces. The beige button-down outerwear and the beige high-waisted straight leg pants are from Ele Classmate’s Shopee store and Shein respectively. My cyan sleeveless top was bought by my friend in Chatuchak Night Market in Bangkok.