iamchristiansanchez

[iamchristiansanchez]

A Step Back In Time ⏱

EP 8 🎬

It’s been a year ago since we went to my first longest trip to the north, the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. These two provinces were located in Ilocos Region which is in the northern part of Luzon. Ilocos is best known for its historical and cultural sites that is really worth exploring. Our journey began with a scenic drive from Calamba Laguna to Ilocos Norte, as we made our way through the countryside, the lush greenery and picturesque landscapes served as a reminder of the beauty of nature. The long drive was made enjoyable with music and laughter, Our first destination was Laoag City and it was also where our accommodation located. Continuing our journey, we ventured to the Kapurpurawan Beach to see some of the windmills but sadly, we could not able to see them clearly, especially in Bangui, because it was raining heavily and the wind was so strong at the time we went.

No trip to Ilocos Norte would be complete without visiting the iconic Paoay Church, also known as the St. Augustine Church. This magnificent structure, built in the 17th century, showcased exquisite baroque architecture and stood as a testament to the rich history of the region. Visiting Vigan is a unique and unforgettable experience. This charming Spanish colonial town, located in the northern Philippines, features beautiful cobbled streets and authentic architecture that transports visitors back in time. Throughout the city, there are many museums, churches, and antique shops to explore. The highlight of our Vigan visit is the Raniag Festival Float Parade and their famous Empanada filled with grated green papaya, ilocos longganisa and egg.  

Our trip to Ilocos Norte was an experience that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. From the historical landmarks to the breathtaking natural wonders and the warmth and hospitality of the locals, every aspect of our journey was a testament to the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of this extraordinary province. Ilocos Norte taught us the importance of exploring and appreciating our own country, as it holds treasures that are waiting to be discovered and celebrated.

[iamchristiansanchez]

Nuvali🍃

EP 7 🎬

Recently, we visited Nuvali again for nth time, and my experience was incredible. The lush greenery and stunning lakes took my breath away, and I was always mesmerized by the beauty of the surroundings. walking around the area and enjoying the fresh air made me feel alive. Visiting an eco-friendly park in a city is a unique and fulfilling experience. The park is designed with sustainability in mind, promoting green spaces, recycling, and conservation initiatives. It provides a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with plenty of trees, flowers, and water features to enjoy. Additionally, there are often outdoor activities and events hosted at the park that focus on education and environmental awareness. It's a place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature while learning about the importance of preserving our planet's resources.

NUVALI’s vast topography is surrounded by flourishing local communities, shops (Vista Mall, Ayala Malls Solenad, S&R, Landmark, and Landers), schools (DLSU Canlubang, Miriam College, Xavier University, etc.), sports centers, and hospitals. The food options available in the area were top-notch including Sam’s HK Restaurant especially their Lemon glazed chicken and braised beef, and I enjoyed a delightful meal with my family.

After we had our dinner, we had an incredible experience attending a mini concert of ‘’The Bloomfields’’ at the Vista mall. The atmosphere was electric as the artist took the stage and began to perform the timeless songs of a well known band ‘’The Beatles’’. The crowd was mesmerized, and I could feel the energy in the air. The sound quality was impressive, and so was the artist's performance. They were truly skilled and talented. It was a unique opportunity to see live music in the mall, and I'm so glad I went. Overall, Nuvali provided a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and I cannot wait to return again for another unforgettable experience.

[iamchristiansanchez]

Enchanted to meet you 🎢🎡🎠🎪

EP 6 🎬

If US has Disney the happiest place on earth, Philippines has Enchanted Kingdom were a lot of filipinos can rEKindle their own magic!. Enchanted Kingdom is a world class theme park located on a 25 hectares land in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. It is one of the most favorite place to visit with the family especially during holidays and long weekends. Enchanted Kingdom offers a variety of ticket rates from EKspress ride access, regular day pass, junior day pass, senior | PWD day pass and junior PWD day pass. we bought the Ekspress ride access ticket so we don’t have wait in line. We tried and enjoyed so much the different rides around EK especially the extreme ones like the Anchors away, for me it is extreme especially when your seat is in almost stern side of the ship😭

My family decided to go on ferris wheel as our second ride to try, As I stepped into the ferris wheel seat, I felt a sudden rush of excitement mixed with nervousness. The ride began slowly, and as we rose higher, my heart pounded faster. Looking out at the stunning view from a bird's-eye perspective was breathtaking. The wind blew my hair wild, and I felt a sense of freedom and thrill. At the peak, I could see the entire city below me, and it was a sight to behold. As the ride descended, I felt a tinge of disappointment that the experience had ended even tho it is a nerve wracking situation (that is why i don’t have the chance to take picture of that moment😢), but the memory of it will undoubtedly stay with me forever. 

The park also features themed areas such as Midway Boardwalk and also a lot of food stand that you can find around EK such as Coffee, Hotdogs, Donuts and etc. around 8:00pm the park announced that there will be a parade but we will not able to see it because we are in flying fiesta at that time, but around 9:00 pm the park announced  there would be another breathtaking moment a fireworks show, for this moment they have to stopped some of the rides like ferris wheel and Space shuttle for i think safety purposes. Watching a fireworks show is an exhilarating experience. As the first fireworks launches into the sky, you can feel the anticipation building. The loud booms, crackles, and dazzling bursts of light leave you awestruck. The colors and patterns fill the sky, painting beautiful pictures as they slowly fade away. The crowd's cheers, the background music and exclamations only add to the excitement. During the finale, you're left breathless as the sky is filled with a barrage of fireworks, creating an unforgettable, magical spectacle. A fireworks show is a joyous celebration for all ages and a perfect way to make any moment like this memorable. To conclude, It was an amazing experience visiting this theme park that finally my childhood dream came true and I’m hoping that I will be able to go back here soon.🪄✨

[iamchristiansanchez]

A New Adventure🍃

EP 5 🎬

After an exhilarating life in a city, visiting a province with beautiful scenery is the perfect way to balance your lifestyle. beautiful life in a province means enjoying all the simplicity and peacefulness that rural living can offer. province of Rizal includes the natural beauty of the surroundings like the lush fields, rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and breathtaking scenery. aside from these beautiful sceneries province of Rizal offers a wind farm, The wind farm will generate 54 megawatts of clean energy, enough for 66,000 households isn’t it amazing?. Despite the fact that the trip took a while—we were on the road for about 3 hours—it was worthwhile. Even if you are still on your way to Rizal, the beauty of the surroundings will not disappoint you. There are several municipalities you will pass by on the journey to Rizal that are rich in culture and history.

The wind farms in Rizal can generate up to 54 megawatts of clean energy, enough for 66,000 households. The wind farm attracts visitors around Laguna and not just Laguna but for those people who want the see wind mills that doesn’t have the time to go to Ilocos, providing an opportunity to witness the clean energy industry in action, and offers tours to educate the public on the benefits and practices involved in wind energy production. 

if you’re looking for something to eat or drink, Santi’s Farmhouse offers cafe grey, cafe grey can offer coffee and non coffee drink, Cafe Grey's food menu is limited to pastries, namely bagels, croissants, muffins, sandwiches, pizza, garlic bread, and banana bread. The café has this patio vibe with background music of french jazz and Bossa Nova where people can take a seat on garden chairs and tables, under the shade of the trees, as they're sipping on the café's bestselling coffee. So it's also great to visit the province every now and then since it's an enjoyable and refreshing escape from the city. It offers a different pace of life, peaceful surroundings, and a chance to connect with nature more often.

[iamchristiansanchez]

Music Fest 🎶🎊

EP 4 🎬

December Avenue, one of the biggest OPM bands in the Philippines, held a concert at the music fest of Lyceum of the Philippines University-Laguna as one of the most highly-anticipated events of the university, the concert was filled with a massive crowd of fans that came to witness the band’s electrifying performance. The energy in the air was palpable as I stepped into the venue and heard the roar of the crowd. The excitement was contagious as the band took the stage and began to play their first notes. As the band started playing their first song, “Kahit di mo alam,” the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. The band and the audience were clearly in sync, and it was a truly magical moment. The audience sang along to every song and jumped to the beat of the music. 

Everyone in the crowd was having an amazing time and the energy of the event was truly exciting. I felt myself getting lost in the music, feeling the beat pulse through my body with every song. The lights and special effects added to the sensory overload, making me feel like I was transported to a different world.  The concert reached its peak when the band performed their latest single, which was a huge hit. The crowd went absolutely crazy and the band’s performance was nothing short of incredible. 

The band was clearly enjoying the moment, and they played with an intensity and passion that was infectious. The crowd was mesmerized, and the atmosphere was breathtaking. The band delivered a soulful performance, bringing a mix of high-energy tracks and emotional ballads. Lead vocalist Zel Bautista charmed audiences with his powerful pipes and captivating stage presence. As the concert came to an end, I was left with a sense of euphoria and a desire to experience it all over again even though I don't know many of their songs.

[iamchristiansanchez]

Concrete Version of Paradise🏙

EP 3🎬

If New York is the city that never sleeps in the United States, Metro Manila is a city that never sleeps in Asia. Bonifacio Global City is one of the best examples of this in Metro Manila. BGC is my go to place when i want to enjoy after the term ends in our school and hanging out in the city is a terrific way to take a break. There are numerous things to see and do in the area, from visiting museums and art galleries to checking out new cafes or strolling through a nearby park. The lively atmosphere of the city is exciting, and it may help you recharge after school. A city hangout is an excellent method to get away and recharge your mind and body. whether you're spending time with friends or alone.

what i love about this place is it is a great place to walk around, a great place to hang-out, clean, modern and safe to walk. You can safely walk all the way up and down the couple blocks and enjoy the vibe. you can also choose different kind of restaurant that you want to try. High street is full of brand stores and restaurants and cafés of any kind perfect people who want to shop. BGC is also pet friendly they have tents lined up on the high street selling pet accessories and food. along the high street you can rent some e-scooters and bikes to explore BGC.

For someone like me who wants to live in the city, living in a city is amazing because you have access to modern amenities like reliable transportation, and big hospitals, tall skyscrapers, busy streets, and stunning architectural features dominate the cityscape. There's always something to do, such as work, entertainment, shopping, and dining. Bonifacio Global City is lively whether it is morning or night, which is why I want to live there. Life in BGC is never boring and this is why i call it a concrete version of paradise. There is enough to do whether you are a morning or a night person. So much so that you will never tired of any of them. Furthermore, living in a city provides several opportunities for career and personal development. The city environment is a cultural melting pot that provides varied experiences that enrich your life. To put it simply, living in a city is both exciting and wonderful.

[iamchristiansanchez]

The City of Pine🌲

EP 2 🎬

My family thought of travelling from Pangasinan to Baguio to rest while we were on our way home (Calamba). while we were on Kennon road, my sister shared her creepy moments that she experienced herself on the road we were traveling. As we got closer to our destination, I became more excited because I hadn't gone to Baguio since I was 7 years old. Baguio City, often known as the "City of Pines," is a fantastic spot to visit at night. As you go around the city, the city changes into a spectacular show of lights, and the air grows colder.

 When we arrived, we immediately ate dinner and catches up with old friends. After we ate, we went for a walk down Session Road, and as we continued walking, I could feel the chill of Baguio City on my cheeks. Baguio is also known for its lively night market, which sells a broad variety of unique souvenirs. Hundreds of stores, commonly known as "ukay-ukay," can be found at the Baguio Night Market. There are several goods you can buy at Baguio Night Market, which never fails to draw shoppers and tourists.  Bags, footwear, apparel, jewelry, kitchenware, and digital accessories are all available.

hungry? No problem, after spending hours shopping at the Baguio Night Market, your stomach will growl and you will be hungry. There are plenty of food booths in this area, so don't be worried.  They offer burgers, barbeques, cool beverages, mami & lugaw, and Korean street foods, which I enjoy. After all that walking, you deserve some nice meal. After eating and shopping at the night market, we rested and enjoyed the remaining hours before we go home. Visiting the Baguio night market is more than simply buying and dining; it's an all-around sensory experience. 6 hours is ample time to enjoy the entire nighttime shopping experience while relishing the cool mountain the breeze. therefore, seeing this location is a must during your trip to Baguio. I swear I'll return to this Baguio Night Market for a good find and nightlife. After our night trip, the Baguio Night Market became one of my favorite tourist sites in the Philippines' summer capital. Overall, having a beautiful nightlife in Baguio City was a tremendous experience for me. I've had a nice night walking tour, and my eyes are loaded with many different kinds of things.

[iamchristiansanchez]

Vitamin Sea ☀️🌊

EP 1 🎬

I recently had the chance to visit the beach with my family. It feels surreal to be able to travel to the beach again after being a long time in the city studying and witnessing nothing but pollution, car noise, traffic, and other usual city experiences. I felt a genuine sense of freedom. Traveling by a car allows me to relax or unwind. The chance to listen to my favorite music, relax in a comfy seat, or simply watch the scenery pass by can help to reduce stress levels in ways that are impossible with other forms of transport. Also there is something special about spending time with relatives and friends in the province that no other experience can match. The fresh air, peaceful surroundings, and simpler way of life in the province make it an ideal location for unwinding, relaxing, and making new memories.

 I had a fantastic day getting up with relatives and friends on a recent trip to my hometown, and we spent the day exploring the local market and indulging in some great street food.  we ate street foods and walked along the beach and enjoyed that moment. The food in the province is fresh and has very unique taste yet fantastic, and you will be thrilled with the stunning surroundings in each place you visit. 

This beautiful white sand beach is located in tondol, Anda pangasinan, near the Hundred Islands, and fun fact because of Anda's vicinity to the Hundred Island it is known as the "Mother of the Hundred Islands." The local cuisine was also a highlight of my trip, particularly the delicious "Alaminos Longganisa'' when I say its really good, it really good you wont be dissapointed. The warm hospitality of the locals made my stay even more memorable. Overall, it was a truly unforgettable experience especially when you have your family with you on the trip.

Sea yah again Pangasinan! 🪸

[iamchristiansanchez]

Welcome to my weekly journal, where I share my weekly thoughts, experiences, and travels. Follow along as I balance school works, family, friends, and everything in between. I pledge to keep you entertained with my ideas and stories, from boring routines to surprising trips. Join me on this journey as I explore the ups and downs of everyday life in the hopes of finding some inspiration. Grab a cup of coffee and let's get started on this week's entries!