PONTEFINO CHECK IN

Oh here we go, after a weekend full of Instagram happenings, finally have the time to showcase the graphical real version of it. In which I had the glorious weekend of staying over at Hotel Pontefino, for a span of 24 hours I've witnessed the entire beauty of the Hotel, Residences, and the city of Batangas. And oh I almost forgot, added to the list of happenings were the Philippine Azkals and the ladies of 2013 Ms. Philippines-Earth.

Filipinos have that certain aura of sincere gestures that radiate impressive hospitality which for a fact, entirely known in Asia. With the experience of staying at Hotel Pontefino, surrounded by informative staff,  is by far the best place to stay in Batangas City. The boutique hotel in Pontefino is one of the places we reside at. Apart from the hotel, there is an array of Victorian style residences which personally, I love most for the reason of intense color of the houses. For those who have the desire to live in style 24/7,  Pontefino residences is the choice. But those are just the visible architectures at Pontefino, what I'm more excited about is the Terraces, in which I had witness the groundbreaking moment.

So it seems the experience in staying at Pontefino was pretty much cozy. Waking up in my bedraggled hair, styled by Piandre, was simply a moment where I would think of getting back to sleep again, wrapped in swathe sheets of crisp white linens. I tried, but it just wasn't possible, coz' I can't let the moment slip without dipping my toes in the crystal blue-colored pool. Yes, it was a worth decision made. Pranced around the pool location with Rudstin, Tin and John.  Aside from that I was able to gawkily shoot photos with Rudstin. More on that later.

Photos by: Me and Rudstin

PONTEFINO PRIME

Now let me tell you how this place screams stark simplicity...

BATANGAS CITY

A few weeks ago I was on the bus early in the morning not knowing what I would I arrived to when in Batangas City, a ride 2 hours away from Manila. I stayed in Pontefino Hotel and I had the pleasure of gallivanting around the city together with my blogger friend Rudstin of Paresatbp, writers from different newspaper publications and some of the players of Philippine Azkals.
 

I was glad that we were accompanied by two of the best tour guides in Batangas City, one was the son of the Mayor itself. In awe of their vibrant personality and knowledge of the Batangas tradition. First stop was the Museo Puntóng Batangan which displayed rich cultural exhibition of the carefully selected fourteen words with significance to the city of Batangas. Some of the words got stuck on my mind such as awit (song), layag (sail), duyo (in the interior of the homes where saints are placed). What excite me the most was the dynamic multi-media presentation to further depict the culture of song and dance. A quick tour of the Basilica of Immaculate Concepcion happend then we're off to the newly made Batangas football field where I had the freedom of running around till I caught myself catching my breath.Then the last destination was the Juan Pastor Residence. As we arrived we bumped into a group of photographers using the location for their photo shoot. Juan Pastor Residence was built since 1883, inside were the beautiful antique belongings which aged beautifully in time. One trivia which I caught was that the bullet lodged in one of the doors was the bullet which attempted to assassinate the life of Governor General William Howard Taft when he visited this house.

Enough of history, here goes some of the photos which me truly and Rudstin took while exploring the city.

two of the best batangas city tour guides I have witnessed

jumped up and down with my gallivanting buddies at this field

inside the Basilica of Immaculate Concepcion

a tour at the historical Juan Pastor Residence where I was in awe of the high priced piano displayed inside and as well as the four cornered antique bed

we had some ice cream break in between

photos by me truly and Rudstin of Paresatbp

YEAR OF 2013

Wrapping up 2013 can be walk down memory lane through my photos. 2013 has been a year wherein I never thought I would be soaking in different places capturing numerous photos, that would depict vibrancy and life. It was also this year that my snapshot of palm trees was included in the July 2013 edition of ELLE CANADA. I never thought blogging can be so much fun and I'm grateful I could share my experience through this space.

The year started with a trip to Hong Kong, exploring Central, Tian Tan Buddha, streets of Hong Kong and of course, Disneyland. By February, I was constantly looking for places to discover. I've been to beaches a couple of times with my friends. Just soaking in sunlight, and drinking ridiculous amount of shakes. Even though I've visited that place twice, thrice or gosh who knows how many times, I would still feel something was different, and needed photographing. March came and I found myself in the streets of Cebu and a visit to Plantation Bay was worthwhile relaxing. Capturing images that mirrors culture and tranquility gave me happiness and fulfillment. I never knew I could ever do these, I guess I'm just grateful now.

June was the time where I was able to meet fellow bloggers. People with the same passion for writing and sharing experiences in the internet world. I can remember I traveled to Pontefino, along with editors of the newspapers and bloggers, grasping the serenity of the place and having ridiculous fun. I instantly adore his photography which exhibits timeless aesthetic framing moments in such a blink of an eye.

Then it was a continuous adventure as months came... from walking around Puerto Princesa, Calapan, Tarlac, Baguio and flying to a nearby country once again, Bangkok.

If you are curious enough, scroll to my favorite images throughout the year.

Carousels would always be my favorite during my visit in Disneyland

soaking in sand and sunset around beaches

Bantayan Island and Plantation Bay in Cebu shot in a relaxing approach

Tian Tan Buddha, HK

spinning circles in teacups

meeting people with the same passion of blogging

instagram images when i was in Bangkok 

After a year of wanderlust, I definitely cannot stop myself from traveling. The map is such a huge inspiration to stare at and imagine myself located in those spots. Cheers to new beginnings armed with hope and dreams!


Love,
C.