THE BIKINI DIARIES: BACK TO BORACAY

When I get tired of life in the city, I hit the beach. Believe it or not, if I'm pushed to my limits, I snap, leave everything behind, and try to breathe before I'm dead.

That's how city life is for me sometimes. You work, get tired, get stressed, get depressed, but you earn--- You earn to spend, to relax, to unwind--- but at the end of the day, you're still STRESSED.

My principle in life is to spend, but for something worthwhile. I could get myself a fancy handbag, or eat my heart out in one of the best buffets in the metro, or stay in a 5- star hotel in the city. But I still choose to escape reality for a moment: fly to a remote place where I can hear no vehicles, smell no smoke, and see no concrete.

This is the time to do the real "reality check": to find out if you can still hear your breathing, feel your heart beating, and realize that there are more things than work, study, and urbanization.

This has got to be my most spontaneous trip to paradise to date. I was pigging out in Banchetto, Ortigas with friends when I got a message from my mother. She told me that she's bound for Boracay at 5:30am on Saturday. Then I felt that urge to lie on the sand, stare at the sky for hours, and swim on crystal blue waters. I called her back and asked her to book me an electronic ticket. I hurriedly left Banchetto, packed my bags, and the rest is history. And after a few hours since Banchetto, I was already in paradise. :)))

The place we are staying in is called DISCOVERY SHORES. It is located at Station 1. It is one of the Best Resorts in Asia of 2010- 2011.

And when they claim that they're the best, they're not kidding. The thing that impressed me the most in my stay is their remarkable service. The attendants never fail to greet you or give you a smile. They're always cheerful, and ready to assist you anytime.

But luxury doesn't come at a cheap cost. Station 1 is known for its high- end beach resorts. And Discovery Shores is the most popular at the station.

Here are snapshots of the facilities in Discovery Shores:

Look at those beds. I am pretty sure you will never have nightmares here!

Discovery Shores is a fusion of Zen/Contemporary architectural inspirations. The ambiance of the place suits every modern person. The Zen touch gives that much needed feeling of relaxation to every resort- dweller with a tired and stressed being.

Isn't the view majestic? The place behind the pool is Indigo, Discovery Shores' official bar/resto. Indigo restaurant is one of the finest restaurants in the island.

If you want to be a queen for a day (or for as long as you're staying in Bora), then check out Discovery Shores. I repeat, this is one of the finest hotels in the island, so the rates are costly.But I guarantee you, it will be all worth your cold, hard- earned moolah! :)

And moving forward...

This is a shot from D'mall. To those who are yet to visit this piece of paradise, D'mall is the island's local mall. From drugstores to branded swim wear, they have it here. But don't expect a city- kind of mall. After all, everything that reminds you of the city is what you're trying to escape from if you're in Boracay!

And to wrap up this post, this is The Beauty Junkee, posing for my dear readers. I give you a warm and calm smile. Finally, I have found my peace of mind---AGAIN.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD! :)

THE BIKINI DIARIES: CORON, PALAWAN PICS+ MORE PICS OF MY NEW BOD

As promised, here are pics from my Coron, Palawan escape.

Coron is a group of islands located in the province of Busuanga, Palawan.

Travel time through is air is 40- 45 minutes. You will ride a boutique plane (these are the only planes allowed in the Busuanga airport due to the small and short runway) and you will land in the Busuanga Airport. A jeep provided by the resort of your choice will pick you up to take you to the river banks. Travel time from the airport to the river banks is 30 minutes. Then a boat, which is also provided by the resort of your choice, will take you through the amazon river- like Coron river for 45 minutes, before you reach the open seas, which gives you a marvelous view of the different islands of Coron.

We stayed in Club Paradise, one of the best resorts in Coron. It is quite costly because overall, the place is very decent for a remote island in the middle of the sea.

Palawan is indeed an island to visit and discover. It boasts of crystal clear waters, wonderful marine life, and powder- like sands.

The waves are calm, which enables swimmers like me to swim a wee bit far from the shores without worrying of being washed off to an unknown island.

Water activities such as Jets skiing, snorkeling, and banana boat rides are available for an extra charge.

Snorkeling around the island is the most recommended thing to do because the waters are dayum clear and it is rich with various marine life from fishes to corals. I even saw a sea turtle feeding on the sea grasses underwater while I was snorkeling! Seeing the turtle is such a worthwhile experience.

For those who can afford, you can also do diving. Diving classes are offered for newbies. And for divers and courageous first- timers, there are selected areas for diving: The dugong region, where most of the dugongs wander to feed, Honda Bay for richer underwater communities, and the place where the world war ii ship of Japan has sunk after losing to the Americans. The say that it's such a sight to behold. A piece of history lying underwater for years, which also serves as a good place to stay and breed for various marine animals. You get to see a piece of history, and a magnificent view of our beautiful marine life!

Here are some good pics. I swear, I will go back to this place! But I'll visit El Nido and the subterranean river next year (crossing my fingers!). And I will definitely buy an underwater camera!

Other in- door activities such as pampering and lounging in the common area are offered as a break from the water. Resorts also organize activities such as disco night, karaoke night, kite flying, etc. to make the stay a bit different and enjoyable.

Shot of the Palawan islands via plane. The view is wonderful and amazing

Missing my hubby in moments like this. Breathtaking view, ain't it? :)

The decent room where we stayed in.

Ahhhh... I could wake up to this scene everyday!

Me and my mom having our final breakfast.

And as requested by one of my readers (is it minakichu?) Here are more photos of my new body after doing the Cheat To Lose diet.

For the record, I lost 13lbs. all in all, and I just lost 2 in. off of the measuring tape last week. I love how I am able to shed pounds weekly!

PERSONAL NOTE: I love how summer lets me go back to nature. Being one with nature resets my mind, calms my soul, refreshes my being, and helps me reminisce the memories past. Summer is a time to be grateful for every wonderful and memorable year that passes by.

LAIYA LOVIN' (PICTURE HEAVY)

If you're planning for a weekend getaway sans the hassle of booking flights and shelling out a hefty amount of cash, Laiya should come to mind.

Let me tell you (and convince you) why Laiya is a must- go place for beach lovers like me.

Laiya is in the city of Batangas. It's a 3-hr. drive from Manila. The tip is to leave early so you won't catch traffic, especially in the major towns of Batangas. The roads in the major towns are quite small and are traffic- prone. And if you get there at around 10am, you still have time to rest before dipping in the crystal clear waters and before you bask in the white sand.

The place we stayed in is called BALAI SA LAIYA. It's one of the cheapest resorts in the area. But cheap doesn't mean dirty or 'jologs' (I'm sorry, I can't think of a better term).

Balai sa Laiya is a good place for honeymooners due to the quietness of the place. Most of the people who are staying there are also couples, and some families who prefer a quiet stay in Laiya.

Don't fret, Balai sa Laiya is definitely budget- friendly. I also love bargain deals because I'm still a student living on allowance. Each room can accommodate two people. Hubby and I paid 2050 each for the food and the room. They don't offer ala carte foods 'cos you actually pay for the set meals. And the meals are in the buffet- style. The food there is actually good! :)

And if you want to drink or if you're looking for a place for ala carte menus, Its neighboring resort, Acuatico, accommodates visitors who just want to dine or drink.

Let me share to you pictures of my piece of heaven last week in Laiya

Here's a nice shot of the beach. Laiya boasts of its crystal blue waters, white sand, and budget- friendly resorts!

THE TANNING BED!!!!! :P

He really did prepare for the beach trip. Check out his washboard abs. :P

Wow. Didn't expect that Laiya is THIS good. :)

I love this shot, courtesy of hubby. :)

Here's hubby. Super happy that finally, he'll be able to get a nice tan. :)

ACUATICO RESORT- One of the newest resorts in the area. Their place boasts of luxurious duplex type houses in a modern style. Price is pretty steep, but the place is worth it. Definitely a place to stay in if you're going to Laiya with your family. Other bets for a family trip would be Blue Coral or La Luz.

The infinity pool of Acuatico Resort. Dayum. Hubby and I were eating our merienda here. I so wanted to dip in a pool. Too bad, our resort doesn't have any. It makes me wanna jump in it!

Yah. We're corny. But may I just tell you, you're corny when you're in love. :p

Having fun in ze beach! (Plus another couple) :)

Tanning myself. :) I can't wait for the next theatre season! :)

WHERE DID YOU GO OR WHERE DO YOU PLAN TO GO ON YOUR SUMMER GETAWAY?