6 Cruelty-Free Local Filipino Skincare Brands You Need to Try Right Now
Sunday 22 September 2019
beauty
In recent years, there has been an increase in awareness regarding the exploitation of animals in the beauty industry. Prior to this, we were all blindly supporting products and brands that were causing unnecessary suffering to helpless animals. Lucky for us and our conscience, more and more skincare brands are now making their own efforts to go cruelty-free. Here are 10 Awesome Cruelty-Free Local Filipino Skincare brands you need to try right now:
1. By KD
By KD started out as a passion project that turned into creating something that could be experienced by others as well. Each creation is drawn from a feeling or a vision. By KD is fully dedicated to creating self-care daily-ritual products to inspire all kinds of feelings and expressions.
Currently licensed to operate by the Food & Drug Administration of the Philippines, they carry seven product lines.
Moving forward, they are exploiting all kinds of premium and fruitful raw materials and sustainable packaging to further expand and look after your self-care routine.
Top Products
These are currently on sale at BeautyMNL by the way! What are you waiting for? Go and grab these babies.
Contact
Instagram : @essentialsbykd
Facebook : @essentialsbyKD
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| Photo from: Facebook.com/Sooper-Beaute |
2. Sooper Beaute
Sooper Beaute is a brand that's proudly PINOY and focuses on caring for your skin using natural ingredients. They strongly believe in natural and true inner beauty, so, their products are formulated without aiming to change anything about you, but instead provide you products that will highlight and enhance your natural beauty.
Top Products
Contact
Instagram: @sooperbeaute
Facebook: facebook.com/Sooper-Beaute
Website: https://sooperbeaute.com/
Email: hello@sooperbeaute.com
3. Fresh Formula
Fresh Formula is brand who knows their customers. Their innovative everyday skin essentials are formulated with you and your needs in mind. With their products, you can celebrate the skin you’re in with nothing but effective, quality skin care that’s vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free and 100% fresh. They are also a sister company of another well loved local brand, Colourette Cosmetics.
Top Products
- Fresh Formula Moisture Boost Series
- Fresh Formula Glass Skin Series
- Fresh Formula Doctor Clear Overnight Repair Cream
Contact
Instagram: @fresh.formula
Facebook: facebook.com/fresh.formula/
4. Skin Potions
Skin Potions was founded in 2013 by two sisters who had a common passion for helping people transform their lives and feel better about themselves through skincare and makeup. They originally sold non-organic products only but later on switch to organic and natural ingredients. Their best sellers include the cult-favorite Snowberry Sleeping Cream. Now, they sell highly effective and cost efficient products that are packed in whimsical packaging that's sure to grab your millennial hearts.
Top Products
Instagram: @skinpotions
Facebook: Facebook.com/Skinpotions/
Website: https://skinpotionsph.com
Email: skinpotionsinc@gmail.com
5. In Her Element
Founded by Project Vanity's own, Liz Lanuzo, In Her Element is a proudly Filipino-made brand that seeks to push the envelope when it comes to creating new skincare formulations. They understand how busy the modern women can get and they need effective skincare that does what it says. Their brand stays true to their simple promise: get maximum glow for minimum effort with In Her Element.
All In Her Elements products are fragrance-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free.
Top Products
Instagram: @inher_element
Facebook: Facebook.com/inherelementph/
Website: www.inherelement.ph/
6. Apotheke Science
Apotheke Science Philippines is a local skincare brand that focuses on providing handcrafted skincare products using the finest natural ingredients. Their products deliver all the necessary agents required to heal your skin, reverse aging, prevent cellular damage, erase blemishes and restore radiance. Apotheke Science was formulates their products using the guidance of an expertise in microbiology.
Top Products
- Niacinamide 10% (Blemish-control Serum)
- Firming Toner (alcohol-free, Witchhazel, Rose Water)
- Spot Treatment (for cystic & active pimples)
Contact
Instagram: @apothekescience
Facebook: Facebook.com/apothekescience/
Email: apothekescience@gmail.com
Support Cruelty-Free Local PH Brands
What's better than supporting brands that make a conscious effort to stop the abuse of animals in the beauty industry? Supporting local pinoy skincare brands who make that extra effort of course. Not only do these cruelty-free brands have affordable offerings, they know their stuff too, providing you with effective skincare products worthy of HG status. Their products are widely embraced and well regarded by the beauty community in the Philippines. Go ahead, give their best sellers a try. You'll never know, you just might find something that you'll love forever.
25 Life Lessons I Learned By 25
It has been 25 years now since I ventured this journey called life. Twenty-five years’ worth of moments, conversations, decisions, achievements and failures. Some, I look back on with great pride and dignity. Some, I look back on and I can’t help but cringe (Yes, I’m looking at you Facebook status updates from high school!). Regardless of its ups and downs, one thing we can’t deny is that 25 years brought about a whole lot of learnings and realizations. Some a bit harder to swallow than others. In celebration of my life’s silver anniversary, here are the 25 lessons I learned throughout my 25 years of life.
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| 25 Life Lessons I Learned By 25 |
1. Go to the Dentist and take care of your teeth.
A toothache is no joke. Imagine trying to sleep with a mind-numbing tooth pain before you decide to skip out on brushing your teeth.
2. Your life goals need not be in line with the conventional standards.
Growing up, we are told that to have a successful life we must have a stable career, earn lots of money, build a family and whatever crap society has pushed us to want. For the longest time, we strive for this. That is, until we find ourselves and realize that life is not a one-size fits all affair. We are all traveling our unique paths, with our own personalized life goals. This means that each person has their own set of priorities. What one person values may not be as important to you, that doesn’t mean that they’re in the wrong. You should travel the path tailor-made for you by you, not what society has determined you should follow.
So, you want to splurge on traveling the world while you’re young and able instead of saving up for the future? That is okay. You want to save and earn money while you’re young instead of spending a lot on vacations because you want to be comfortable in the future? That’s perfectly fine as well. If it is in line with your goals and what you value in life, don’t let anyone tell you what you “should” do just to fit into the conventional standards. Similarly, don’t tell anyone what they “should” do too. There is no such thing as an ideal goal, just your goals.
3. Every person is interesting, it just takes the right person to appreciate their depth.
I used to automatically label people who do not conform to my ‘interesting person’ standards as shallow and lacking depth. However, as I got older, I have come to the realization that to some people, I could be as bland as unsalted fish as well. Some people will resonate with you, some people will not but that does not mean you should write off the person entirely. To someone else, they could be the most interesting person they’ve ever met.
4. Nothing is ever black and white (except Math and Science, of course).
When we were younger, we were taught how to distinguish "good" from "bad". Countless movies even feed us with the typical good guy versus bad guy tropes. When we encounter something, it may be tempting to simply label it as either “good” or “bad”. It is indeed easier to go on autopilot mode rather than giving the situation a hard look and see it for what is really is: a complex mess. Everything in this world has hidden layers, a set of complexities and depth, waiting to be unearthed and appreciated. The truth is, nothing is ever black and white. See the world for what is, a beautiful shade of gray.
5. Everyone has their own personal struggles.
No matter how lovely a person’s Instagram feed is, or how put together their lives seem to be, we should realize that every one of us has a baggage we must carry. Life is not perfect. We have internal struggles, insecurities, flaws. Always be kind. Life can be hard sometimes, don’t make it any harder for anyone else by being mean.
6. You are responsible for your own self-improvement.
No one will benefit more for your personal growth than you, so it’s only fair for you to be responsible for your own self-improvement. Whether its going to the gym and exercising or finally enrolling in graduate school. If you won’t invest in yourself, no one else will.
7. When a person asks for your advice, chances are they already know what they want to do.
A professor in college once told us that when someone comes to you for advice, you should always start by asking them “What do you want to do?”. They most likely already have a specific advice they want you to lean towards. If your advice doesn’t line up with what they have in mind, they’ll pretend to listen and simply move on to seek advice from another confidant until they find one who finally reinforces that what they want to do is what they should do.
8. Everyone gets fat.
Yes, including you.
9. You can do anything, but not everything.
You can do anything you set your mind to, but then again, you cannot do it all. Set up tangible goals for yourself and know your limits. Self-awareness is key. Ask for help when you need to. Don’t be a hero. Also, it is very important to avoid being too hard on yourself when you don’t achieve what you set out to.
10. You are not who you were at 20 years old. Forgive yourself.
With age, comes wisdom. We’ve all done some stupid things when we were younger. Things we regret. Mistakes that continue to haunt us before we go to sleep. Learn how to forgive yourself for everything you have done in the past. Who you were then is now just an outdated version of yourself. People change. People learn. People grow. Even you.
11. You cannot control how you feel, but you can control what you do about it.
Feelings are complicated. They have a mind of their own and we can’t order them to stop or change on command. You should never feel sorry for feeling one way or another. In the same way, you can never be held accountable for your emotions. However, how you act out on your feelings is a different story and is a great indicator of character.
12. Learn how to apologize and be grateful.
This is basic, but we often underestimate the powers of the simple phrases: “I’m sorry” and “Thank you”.
13. Health is wealth.
20-somethings have a knack for thinking their bodies are indestructible. We skimp on sleep like it’s a disease. We have so much to do, a busy social life and a busy work life that ain’t nobody simply have time for that. What we don’t realize is that the damage we do to our body will come back to us as we get older. To be able to live life to the fullest, we have to be healthy, physically, mentally and spiritually. Spend time and money focusing on your health, it is a form of self-love after all.
14. Take care of your skin.
You don’t need to have a full-on skin care routine. However, you should always, always, always wear sunscreen! A good moisturizer, cleanser and eye cream will work wonders too.
15. People come and go.
Each person you’ve ever met in your life had a purpose. They helped shaped who you are now, but not everyone is meant to be in your life forever. People don’t necessary stay in one place their whole life. It is normal for close friends to grow apart and lose touch. That doesn’t mean you weren’t important to them, it’s just that people move on and life continues. Be very grateful for the friendships and relationships that last though.
16. You can cut toxic people out your life.
As we get older, we begin to choose quality over quantity in our relationships. If a certain relationship is causing you more despair than it brings you joy, or if someone is flat out being a parasite in your life, choose to rid yourself of unnecessary drama by cutting ties with these toxic people. Your life will be much lighter without their negative energy pulling you down. This may not be as simple as the toxic person maybe someone you love and can’t live without. However, if it’s what’s best for your own sanity and well-being, it might just be worth it.
17. The foundation of successful relationships is compatibility.
When I was younger, I thought the ‘I love you against all odds’ mentality is the most romantic thing ever. Now that I’m older, I realized that when finding a life partner, compatibility should be your priority. Relating to the healthy and unhealthy relationships I have witnessed around me; I’ve concluded that people usually won’t change their true nature. Someone may say they’ll be willing to change for you at the beginning of the relationship, but how long can they suppress who they really are exactly? After two or three years, the initial spark will fizzle out, will they still be willing to compromise to impress you? No relationship is perfect, couples will always have differences. However, for a relationship to last, you must be on the same side for issues that do matter. Ideally your major values should also line up.
If you want to have kids but he doesn’t, that’s a pretty big thing to be on opposing ends for life partners. Another example would be someone who likes micromanaging their partner. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, some people may be comfortable with that. If they end up with someone who puts high importance on their independence, that’s not going to end well. They will argue and may agree to compromise, which will prolong the relationship. But eventually, their true nature will surface yet again, thus forming an unhealthy loop until it becomes too much for them and they explode. They end up leaving the relationship exhausted.
18. Don't do unto others what you don't want done unto you.
It is called the golden rule for a reason.
19. Everyone is unique. Let them be.
It’s okay to drink, it’s okay not to drink. It’s fine to wear makeup, it’s also fine not to. It’s okay not to go to the gym, but if you love working out then more power to you. We all have our own preferences. We don’t have to explain ourselves to anyone nor do we have to shove our preferences down to everyone’s throats. Everyone has the right to be exactly who they are. Do what you want to do. Eat what you want. Wear what you prefer. The world would be a better place if we stop judging people and just let them be. Of course, this only applies as long as you are not hurting or are doing something illegal.
20. No one has the right to keep two soulmates away from each other.
I believe in the concept of the soulmate. That we wander this world looking for the one person our soul feels at home with. I also believe that not everyone ends up with their soulmate. They may have blown it by choosing a different path, different person or may just have been too immature to be ready to recognize it when they crossed paths. These people probably end up constantly looking for something missing later, thus causing a lifetime of unhappiness.
That is why I believe that when someone thinks they found the one, no one should ever stand in the way. That means even if one or both are involved in relationships with other people. I do not condone cheating. Cheating in all its sense (or lack thereof) is always bad. However, I think that it can be justified when they truly believe they’ve found ‘the one’ and not just brought about by lust. In my newfound maturity, I even told my boyfriend that if he ever feels that way for another person, I will be happy to let him go and be a part of the story of how he found his soulmate rather than be the person who kept them apart.
21. There is kindness in the world, and it is not a weakness.
Kindness exists, you are just constantly ignoring it. You may think of kindness as a grand gesture of some sort, but even just a simple act like holding the elevator for that stranger who’s running towards it is a great deal. It doesn’t take too much effort to be kind. Help make the world a lighter place. Always be kind when you can, it feels great.
22. If you can change it, do something about it. If you can’t, learn to accept it.
One thing I have learnt to outgrow as I have grown older (hopefully wiser?) is the toxic art of complaining. No one wants to hang out with a chronic complainer. They do nothing but bring you and themselves down. They suck away positive energy and fill the atmosphere with gloom. That is why I always try my best to avoid complaining. Instead, when I am in a situation I am not exactly a hundred percent satisfied with, I ask myself if I could do something to alleviate the condition. If yes, I should take action. If I don’t do something even if I can, then I have no right to complain. If there is nothing that can be done, then what good is complaining for? Instead, learn to make peace with the situation.
23. Avatar: The Last Airbender is just as much for adults as it is for kids.
I loved Avatar: The Last Airbender when I was a kid. Re-watching it almost 15 years later as an adult, my sense of appreciation for it has only become greater. Kids will be amazed by all the incredible fight scenes, bending powers, witty jokes and fantastic art. Adults will appreciate the thoughtfulness of the series, great character developments and of course, the words of wisdom from the one and only Dragon of the West: Uncle Iroh.
24. When arguing, stay focused on the issue at hand. Do not bring up previous conflicts that have already been resolved.
Want an argument to get out of hand? Cause that’s how you get an argument out of hand.
25. The quarter life crisis exists!
Your mid-20's is a weird time. Ever since we were born, a timeline was already planned out for us. Start school at 4 years old. Go to college at 16 years old. Graduate at 21 years old. Get a stable job by 22 years old. That’s about it. Now you’re over all of that, what next? You’ve imagined that by 25, you’ll have everything figured out. That’s what we’ve been groomed to think. When you get a job after college, it will all be alright moving forward. But let’s face it, it most certainly is not the case. Life does not always turn out as we want it to be. We are left feeling lost, don’t know what path we should take. Questioning if all the years we spent even amounted to anything. Comparing yourself to your peers and their achievements, thinking to yourself how you’ve let your life end up so….plain.
You know what? The quarter life crisis is hard, but is a necessary step towards self-discovery. Use this temporary phase of contemplation as an opportunity to evaluate your wants, needs, values, goals and to reintroduce yourself to who you really are, not a version of yourself society taught you to be.
Wow! This article turned out to be longer than I expected (you can blame the quarter life crisis for giving me time to think about things by the way). I hope that you had as much fun reading this as I had writing it.
As cliché as this may sound, life is going to be okay. So, hang in there you beautiful twenty-five year old warrior!
The Girl Code: 7 Basic Rules Every Girl Should Follow
Saturday 21 September 2019
friendship
The Girl Code is a set of unspoken rules that teaches women to treat each other with kindness, love and respect. However, in the midst of today's social media and elitist "squad" culture, girls can easily get self-absorbed and hostile. We treat each other as competition when we should really be allies. We often forget how important it is for us girls to stick together, even if the other girl in question is just a random stranger. Wouldn't it be nice to live in a world where a girl you just met in the bathroom will have your back when needed? Here are the 7 basic girl code rules every girl should follow.
1. Always tell a girl if something is going wrong in her outfit.
See a girl go out of the bathroom with her skirt tucked in her underwear? Tell her. Those leggings are totally see through? Let her know. Her boob is out? She has lipstick in her teeth? Smudgy mascara? Say something, but make sure you do so discreetly. You would definitely appreciate the honesty if these unfortunate things happened to you.
2. Let a girl know if her boyfriend is cheating.
Girls owe it to other girls to let each other know when their boyfriend is cheating or trying to cheat. If a guy chats you up but his relationship status says "In A Relationship", shut him down. Don't try to flirt with him, tell his girlfriend instead. You'll be doing a sister a favor that might just help her dump his cheating ass.
3. Don't hate. Give compliments and boost each others' confidence instead.
We always seem to have something negative to say about that girl who's prettier or has nicer things than us. Or maybe about that girl in a happy relationship and a successful career. We even hate on that girl with her brow game on who just happened to walk by.
Why do girls rip each other apart? We, more than anyone, know that behind every girl lies her own set of insecurities and a set issues she has to deal with. No one is more hard on ourselves than us. On top of that, we have to be on the receiving end of harsh criticisms from our own kind.
Remember this: Putting others down will not make you above them. It doesn't work that way.
Like her dress? Ask her where she bought it. Think her make up is on point? Say so. A genuine compliment from a random stranger can boost her self confidence and maybe make her entire day. Don't we want to live in a world where women build each other up instead of ripping each other apart? Yup, I thought so.
4. Be sympathetic during "that" time of the month.
Haven't we all experienced the panic when our monthly visitor comes knocking and we are caught without feminine napkins or tampons in hand? Maybe you've also tried strutting your stuff all over the place only to find out you have blood stains on your clothes. Be willing to help a girl out in times of need. Follow this basic girl code rule to avert a possible red day disaster.
5. Make sure a drunk girl gets home safe.
If you see a girl who is too drunk for her own sake and is alone, instead of turning on your judgmental goggles, go up to her and make sure she's okay. She is very vulnerable and could easily be taken advantage of. Don't take that chance. Offer to take her home, call her emergency contacts or turn her over to a local police station where she could safely spend the night. This basic girl code rule could possibly end up saving a life.
6. Help a girl who is being harassed.
There are a lot of creepy people in the world. Some nights, you unluckily grab their attention and they focus all their efforts on you. You repeatedly say "no" but he won't take that for an answer. Won't it be better if another girl jumped in and backed you up? Definitely! You understand how uncomfortable these situations are so when you see a girl being harassed, offer a helping hand and save her.
7. If you see a girl crying, be her friend.
Sometimes, it's better to be alone when we have stuff to cry about while sometimes, it's nice to have someone who would sincerely listen. If you happen to notice that the girl in next table is crying, come up to her and ask a simple "What's wrong?" or "Are you okay?". Knowing that someone gives a crap would bring much needed positivity in her life. If you can, go out of your way and make time to listen to what she has to say.
THE GIRL CODE DOESN'T MEAN WE HAVE TO BE BFF'S.
These Basic Girl Code rules should be universally adapted by women. Although following the girl code doesn't mean you have to be BFF's with every girl you meet. It simply requires you to look out for all ladies you encounter, doesn't matter whether she's a friend or a stranger. Besides, no one else could understand your situation better than your fellow women.
In this world that is constantly getting crazier and crazier, it's nice to know that us girls can try and look out for each other.
11 Simple Ways You Can Start Your Eco-Warrior Journey
Sunday 1 September 2019
homeliving
We are now in a point where living convenience is at its finest, yet the condition of the planet where we do said living is at its worst in history. These are indeed peculiar times we're in and every level headed person has begun to realize the responsibility each of us have in saving our beloved planet Earth. However, implementing sustainable living is not an easy task and can be pretty overwhelming. Thankfully, even just the smallest conscious adjustments in your lifestyle can prove to make big differences in helping the environment. These simple ways can help you start your eco-warrior journey.
1. Join the reusable revolution.
Buy yourself your own set of metal or bamboo straws and utensils to use instead of disposable plastic ones. Always keep a reusable shopping bag handy in case you'll be doing some unexpected purchases. Bring your own water container instead of buying plastic bottles. Keep in mind that the energy it takes for you to wash your metal straw will always be lesser than the energy it takes to produce a single plastic straw.
2. Reduce hygienic waste.
Exchange your regular shampoo for shampoo bars. Shampoo bars last longer and are contained in more environmentally friendly packaging. You can also invest in washable pantyliners instead of constantly buying disposable ones.
3. Patronize products made from recycled materials.
Patronizing such will ensure that more products made out of recycled materials are produced. Recycling is the best way to reduce the pollution caused by waste. Sweaters made out of re-purposed cotton scraps, ballet flats made of recycled plastic bottles- recycling is getting more creative everyday.
4. Choosing paperless transactions.
Receipts and bills not only are cluttering your wallets and drawers, they're also such a waste of paper. More and more businesses are now offering electronic billing services so you won't need to receive those annoying letters. Even ATMs nowadays let you have the option to not print out your receipt (who needs the negativity anyways?).
5. Avoid food takeouts.
Although takeouts and food deliveries are one of the most convenient ways to get your food fix, the amount of plastic required to take our favorite meals home is simply not worth it. It would be healthier for the environment, and yourself, if you simply make your own food at home. However, there will always be times when our busy schedules won't allow it. If you must opt for takeout or food deliveries, ask if you can have it in a paper bag or a cardboard box instead of the typical plastic container. Don't forget to tell them you won't be needing disposable utensils!
6. Buy better quality household staples.
When you buy better quality household staples like appliances and furniture, you reduce the likeliness of needing to replace them in the near future, or if at all. This means less household waste goes into the landfills.
7. Switch to using Bamboo Toothbrushes.
The most common toothbrushes available in the market today are made out of plastic. A typical toothbrush is only recommended to be used for 3 months, after that, they end up in the trash bin. Imagine how much these are contributing to the total amount of plastic waste. On the other hand, bamboo toothbrushes are increasing in popularity nowadays. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, they are also 100% naturally biodegradable.
8. Try fixing broken things.
When we find some of our things are broken, the first thing we think of is that we have to throw them away and replace them. However, it's more cost efficient and would greatly reduce our waste if we try to find out if something is fixable first before deciding to toss them out. If your blender is not working, bring it to a repair shop. If you find a hole in your favorite sweater, try to sew it.
9. Consider public transportation or carpooling.
Imagine how many cars will be in the roads if each person in the world will use one. That's a lot of cars. Sharing a ride with people when convenient, either through public transportation or carpooling can significantly reduce traffic congestion while also reducing the amount of fossil fuel used. Taking a walk is an even better and healthier alternative.
10. Shop locally.
Buying from local producers is not only a great way to show your support to the community, it's also a more eco-friendly alternative. Shopping mass produced items imported from other places usually means that such travels miles and miles just to reach your household. Buying locally, you reduce these miles, thus also reducing the environmental impact of your purchases.
11. Support brands that make a sustainable effort.
Millennials nowadays are forcing companies to be eco-friendly, choosing to patronize products from brands that are making sustainable efforts. Studies even show that they are willing to spend more on a product that comes from a sustainable brand. Be sure that before you patronize a product, you are ensured that the company producing it has ethics that are in line with your own personal values. Fortunately, more and more companies are making efforts towards sustainability. Some global companies that are environmentally friendly are IKEA, Panasonic and Unilever.
Last but not the least, don't beat yourself up and get discouraged if you somehow used a plastic bag.
These simple but effective ways will let you start your eco-warrior journey, slowly but surely. Just by trying your best to make even the slightest effort is already making more impact than you realize. If only each person in the world would remotely even try.
Why You Should Join a Mountaineering Tour Package - My Mt. Apo Experience
At Mount Apo: The Highest Peak of the Philippines with an elevation of 2,954 meters, me and my friend decided to finally check one of the things on our bucket-list by joining a package tour with experienced mountaineers. It was my first major climb. As a beginner, it requires a lot of physical preparation. Personally, I had gym training for 2-months and endless early morning jogs just to build up the stamina required. It was never an easy path but the experience was very fulfilling once you’ve reached the summit. And let us not forget those who were a part of the journey. Here are 7 reasons why you should consider joining a mountaineering tour package:
1. ENVIRONMENT
Everything’s new to you. The place, people, surroundings, climate. This is not your typical day at the beach. You will encounter hardships until you find that relaxing destination. Here is where you can also test your limits, because this journey equals to no power supply, internet access and limited water source. Away from the easy and comfortable city life but the best escape from traffic and polluted air.
2. PEOPLE
Personalities and age gap differences. Here is where you encounter a clash of personalities and professions, a 3-day climb also means three days of struggles with this group of people. You will all share laughter, sweat, coldness and breath catching moments. Our journey consist of 17 people including the guides and porters. Our group has representatives from all three of the Philippine 's major islands: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and one even came all the way from Hong Kong.
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| Team LuzViMinda + HK |
3. GOOD PICTURES
One good thing about a package tour is that someone in the group is bound to be talented at taking good photos, or who has Go Pro and high definition cameras. Not only that, you will have nice pictures with them and they may also suggest more instagrammable photo ideas. Just don’t forget to grab those photos before going your separate ways. Or you can just use Viber or WhatsApp. We are all techies anyway, right?
4. GOOD FOOD
Food is life when going on a climb. Mainly because you will need enough energy to bring those feet up the surface. It is also a good time to get to know each other. Grab some conversations during or after a meal. Some can share their well-made coffee with you if you don’t have any burner with you. Or if you want to feel a little heat with their burner because camp fire is strictly prohibited at the mountain. It was an advantage for us because our guide is a great cook. Every meal at the mountain is a feast.
5. SHARED EXPERIENCES
The journey is not complete without any social gathering. Where all of you can share previous climb experiences or personal experiences. Let’s not forget the horror stories everyone has stories to tell. The night before we ascend to the peak was very memorable for us, it was full of laughter. The guides made the night a comedy, full of jokes. It makes all your exhaustion go away.
6. THE GUIDE
The best climb came from the best guides who never leaves anyone behind. Plus the locals/porters who have been there many times with so many interesting stories, histories and facts to share. There were no dull moment during the hike with all their jokes. If you want to climb Mt. Apo, I highly recommend the group Explore Mt. Apo of Davao City with Kuya Arj Seron as the guide.
7. FRIENDSHIP
Finally! Bucket list checked! All there’s left are unforgettable memories and bond between new found friends. It’s always an advantage to extend your connections, especially on our field of profession (engineers). After the journey, some tends to invite you to visit their homeland or invite you to join their other trips. Not only we can visit new provinces around the Philippines, but we can also have free tours and have a meal together. Yey!
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