2024 Travel Highlights + OOTDs

2024 was a challenging year for me, especially when it came to finances, career, and business. I often felt overwhelmed by work pressures and found myself questioning my personal growth and direction. I talked to my friends who are also entrepreneurs and I realized that I wasn’t alone. Many were facing the same struggles. It was a tough year for everyone. Despite these hardships, I’m still grateful that I had the chance to travel, even just a little, and visit two countries this year.

Here’s a recap of my 2024 travel adventures. I would also like to take this opportunity to journal my OOTDs for the whole year!

When it came to my travel OOTDs, I set a personal goal for 2024, which is not to buy any new clothes, whether online, in malls, or even from thrift shops. Instead, I challenged myself to mix and match my existing wardrobe to create stylish outfits for every trip. Looking back, I can’t believe I actually pulled it off!

Antonio’s, Tagaytay, Cavite

We started the year with our first fine dining experience and we’re fortunate to spend it at Antonio’s Tagaytay, one of the top 100 restaurants in Asia since 2015. Hence, it was the perfect way to immerse into the world of fine dining and create perceptions about it.

As a fine dining restaurant, Antonio’s reminds its guests of their smart casual dress code. So I looked up for my mom’s old and gold blouse from her closet and paired it with a white trouser from Uniqlo and a Louis Vuitton white Neverfull bag.

Lake Mapanuepe, San Marcelino, Zambales

Our camping dream was finally granted when we brought our pickup and tent to the New Zealand of Zambales, Lake Mapanuepe, a lake that was formed after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo. Its green landscape that blends with the emerald lake makes it a trending spot for camping.

Since this is a sudden trip, I just grabbed my getup from the closet. My pants was an old riding pants that my husband bought for me from Shopee. My graphic tee is from Shopee as well. I brought my old Sunnies shades. The Crocs Literide Clog amazingly suited the activities we did in this camping.

The View Deck – Exclusive, Padre Garcia, Batangas

In 2024, we still continue to appreciate vacation homes situated in rural areas. And by that, I mean quiet and serene homestays. We’re lucky to discover The View Deck – Exclusive, located at Padre Garcia, Batangas. I loved the vibe here because of its fresh take on today’s image of vacation rentals. I felt a connection with it because of the Bali vibes the casita gives.

I was happy to see that my flowy floral dress that I had during my college years still fits. I think my mom got it from a store in Divisoria.

The Farm at Santos Benito, Lipa City, Batangas

The next month, we, again, checked in at a luxury health and wellness hotel, just ten kilometers away from The View Deck – Exclusive. For sure, The Farm at San Benito is known to many since celebrities often choose this destination for their quick vacation.

I had this style inspo from Barbie Imperial’s OOTD when she wore a green bikini top, white see-through long sleeve and a green pair of shorts. It’s a good thing that I was able to recreate it with my green lingerie that my bridesmaids bought from Shein, white see-through blouse from Divisoria, green pair of shorts from Shopee and tote bag from my ninang who went from Amsterdam.

The Dessert Museum, Pasay City

I’ve always wanted to see what’s inside The Dessert Museum for six years already. But I was waiting to have a child of my own to finally enter the museum, little did I know that it would be my fifty-year old mom, who I’ll accompany in this vibrant exhibit. Therefore, when we have nothing left to do in Manila, my mom asked me to book a ticket in The Dessert Museum via Klook.

This striped high-neck top is actually a skater dress from Candie’s. I thought I won’t be able to wear it anymore because of its teenage style. But having it as a top worked. I just tucked it in my Shein white pair of denim shorts.

Viettrekking Sapa, Lào Cai

When planning a tour in Sa Pa, it didn’t become hard to choose for a hotel to stay in because once you open TikTok and search for a cafe or a homestay in this foggy town, it will immediately lead you to the ideal location. Viettrekking Sapa is probably the most featured Sa Pa hotel in TikTok. I couldn’t blame the content creators because Viettrekking Sapa is indeed every viewer’s dream staycation.

Since we were just staying in a hotel, located in a cool district, I didn’t thought hard on choosing my outfit for that day. This look is a combination of Shein’s black sweatpants and Shein’s black pocket tee with my Sunnies prescription glasses and Anne Klein watch. It is comfy yet stylish.

Bancông Cafe, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

As for our destinations in Vietnam, we went to Hanoi to experience the coffee culture of the country. We were surprised at how rich it is. There are coffee shops in every corner and they make them real good. Bancông Cafe is one of Hanoi’s famous coffee shops because of its charming and vintage facade.

It was sunny in Hanoi so I just wore an easy Norton sleeveless top from thrift shop, a high-waisted pair of denim shorts from Shein, a Crocs-inspired flip flops from Shein and hairclips from SM Supermarket.

Hanoi Train Street, Hoàn Kiêm, Hà Nội

Who would have thought that an old train tracks could be a spot for tourism now? I’m talking about Hanoi Train Street at Hoàn Kiêm, Hanoi, Vietnam. It made the rounds on social media after a content creator posted her coffee moment beside a passing train. Netizens viewed it as a not-to-be-missed experience so as soon as it became viral, tourists are flocking in the area and waiting for the train to pass while having their Vietnamese drinks.

I was a Shein girl during that time as both my apricot striped tee and ripped jeans are from the said online clothing shop. My watch is Anne Klein’s.

Moana Sapa, Lào Cai

As of posting, Sa Pa still has limited attractions so we made sure we visited them all. Moana Sapa is a paradise on a cliffside, which is mainly meant for photo-taking. It’s a little Bali in the heart of Sa Pa town. The park boasts a variety of unique landscapes, making it a haven for photography enthusiasts seeking the perfect backdrop for their virtual experiences.

Disclaimer: This is not the real clothes I wore in Moana Sapa. My OOTD here is created through artificial intelligence. It’s just awesome that there are now tools that can edit your clothing. I was so obsessed with this and so, I switched my outfit into a long dress with sling bag that seemingly complements the background. I was still wearing the same Crocs-inspired flip flops from Shein and Anne Klein watch here though.

Lemon and Olives, Baguio City, Benguet

For our first wedding anniversary, we went back to where we first dated, unchaperoned and away from home. It’s Baguio. Of course, we didn’t miss visiting our ultimate fave, Lemon and Olives, a Greek restaurant that offers dishes, which are cooked by a chef from Athens, Greece and are made of ingredients imported from the mainland. It’s totally rare to find restaurants with authentic Greek dishes in the country that’s why Lemon and Olives is exceptional.

Uniqlo was my friend during this day. I wore my husband’s outgrown red polo shirt and paired it with my white trousers. The black H&M belt gave accent to this combo and my Owndays Snap prescription glasses and Fossil wristwatch completed the look.

Handara Golf and Resort, Tabanan, Bali

In this year, I also spent my second time in Bali, and honestly, it still takes my breath away. From its stunning temples and lush rice terraces to majestic cliffs, serene beaches, and rejuvenating spas, every corner is a treasure waiting to be explored.

My photo in Handara Gate of Handara Golf and Resort is so magical that I have to swish and flick my jumpsuit into a lovely white gown. Thanks to AI!

Green Tara Spa, Gianyar, Bali

For our second time in Bali, we opted to go and experience the places and activities we haven’t been before. After all, this small island is also known for their flower bath. Treating yourself to a spa day at Green Tara Spa is an absolute must! It’s like the island’s way of giving you a warm, relaxing hug.

It’s quite challenging not to buy swimsuit for our Bali trip but I was still able to slay it with a sports bra that my mom bought in a thrift shop. I so love the back details!

Seminyak Beach, Badung, Bali

One of the Bali destinations I looked forward to the most is Seminyak Beach. Together with Canggu, it embodies the island’s vibrant party life vibe. This area is a unique blend of luxury, culture, and lively energy along a stunning beach. With its array of hotels, beach clubs, resorts, and restaurants, Seminyak exudes a bustling vibrancy, even appealing to an introvert like me.

Again, no new swimsuit this time! But I think I still worked it with another sports bra and a beige high-waisted straight pants from Shopee.

Mount Batur, Bangli, Bali

On our second day in Bali, we woke up at three in the morning to catch a jeep ride to Mount Batur for its famous sunrise view. Mount Batur, a sacred active volcano in Bali, has become a magnet for adventurers and sunrise enthusiasts. Jeep tours are a popular way for tourists to navigate the rugged volcanic terrain. The journey offers spectacular views of the caldera and the serene Lake Batur.

We weren’t briefed about the chill climate of north Bali because when I think of Bali, I picture warm, sunny beaches and not chilly mountain air. Dressed in a thin button-down polo my mom bought from a thrift shop, a pair of denim shorts from Shein, my prescription glasses from Owndays and my Crocs flip flops, I quickly realized my mistake.