My Localite

Kicked off July (and my birthday weekend) in this Art Gallery/ Cafe in Antipolo with breathtaking views. Looking forward to many more spontaneous trips & outdoor adventures for the rest of the year.

We spent our Saturday exploring the northern side of Ilocos, which is breathtakingly beautiful. Everything was photogenic— whether a historical site, man made structure or natural scenery. Definitely a must-see when in this part of the country!

They say “third time’s a charm” so Vigan didn’t fail to enchant me this time around— with it’s quaint cobble stone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, historical monuments & the fun company of friends from here. Also had the privilege of visiting the ancestral homes of local families (while even staying in one!). To think that these are only SOME of the photos from our 1st day…

The Hotel de Oriente is a 3-storey building in Casa Acuzar, which is a replica of a posh hotel from Binondo in the late 1800’s. It is now being used for events or conventions (and was the venue where the ASEAN was held last 2015). While the facade still follows the original Spanish architecture, its interiors are brand new & showcases the best of Filipino craftsmanship. I was most impressed by the delicate Wooden Mosaics that decorate the ceilings, staircases & walls—even with its very own rendition of the “Spolarium”!

Casa Acuzar by Night…
The Balsa River Tour was the main highlight of our visit. By sunset, not only were we able to see the entire area from another perspective but we also got to appreciate creative works of art— from unique sculptures to intricate carvings, along with tiled AND wooden mosaics. Ang galing talaga ng Pinoy!

Casa Acuzar by Day…
While the weather was forecasted to be rainy (as in the previous week), we were blessed with sunny blue skies on Holy Thursday—ideal for touring these original Filipino homes & other structures from different parts of the country (brought here piece by piece & rebuilt). A perfect setting for photo ops with Colo Ventosa , Mia Q Santos & Winnie Santos.

My Localite had the privilege of tagging along with Lenora Luisa Cabili on her work trip to Lake Sebu, witnessing first hand how close her relationship is with the artisans from the T’boli Tribe. Because of the livelihood provided by Filip + Inna over the past 13 years, the women here are able to practice their traditional crafts of weaving, embroidery, beadwork & brass making— creating an immeasurable impact in their communities.

We rode motorbikes on rocky roads & hiked through mountains to visit several of these indigenous groups, enjoying scenic scapes along the way. However, nothing was as beautiful as the T’boli people themselves, who gave us a tearful welcome while proudly sharing their cultural heritage.

After a 2 year hiatus, My Localite resumed touring The Walled City today with Ken and his family for a fun lesson in Philippine History. Since Ken & I worked together many moons ago, I was honored to be entrusted with his kids’ 1st time around Intramuros.

My Localite finally got to explore the Palacio de Memoria, a 1.3 hectare property in the middle of bustling Roxas Blvd. It was the perfect setting for our belated milestone birthday celebration with Lenora Luisa Cabili...

In honor of our Philippine Independence Day, My Localite celebrates all things LOCAL by featuring these 5 photos that capture the senses:

SOUND: This 197 y.o. Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is a National Treasure and is still being played in Music Festivals.

SIGHT: We see the Philippine Flag deconstructed & stylized in this modern painting from last year’s Art Fair.

TASTE: My favorite Halo-Halo is a mixture of delicious flavors & various textures.

SMELL: The tropical Bougainvillea actually has a fragrance that’s similar to the honeysuckle plant.

TOUCH: I got to wear our National Dress for the first time while attending the Terno Convention last 2018, together with Filip+Inna’s (who taught me how to properly pose with our butterfly sleeves).

This month, let's show our true colors! 🇵🇭