Soak Up The Sun: My Boracay 2013 Experience

Someone once said, "A vacation is like love- anticipated with pleasure, experienced with a bit of discomfort, and remembered with nostalgia." This quotation somehow describes this trip. I can actually recount the multiple planning sessions I had as well as the hours and hours and hours of shopping sessions I had with Domz and Katie, only to end up having to end up filtering out 75% of our wardrobe since we had too many options on what to bring. 

The Airport is not exactly my most favorite place in the world. I dread flying up in the air immensely, probably because I am the most neurotic person I know. So it helped to do a little retail therapy to soothe my nerves...

Robe: Forever 21 | Shorts: Topshop | Leopard Leotard: 37LA | Sports Bra: Nike | Bag: Mango | Accessories: Im.G. | Shoes: Toms

We've been staying at Two Seasons for years now and I have to say their rooms and service just keep getting better!!!

Summer Obsession: I love neon colors and for summer, I chose to maximize neon colors in my outfits! This one for example is as fluorescent as can be.

Vest: Forever 21 | Bikini: Glitterati | Bag: Mango | Shades: Mango | Slippers: Tory Burch | Hair band: We  Garage by Yuki Tansengco

The experience was indeed amazing although I must say I have officially outgrown my partying days as I enjoyed reading a good book by the beach more than going all out- dazed and confused. I guess I've officially grown up and I was actually more into experiencing the island, the beach and the sun rather than being inebriated, remembering only about 35% of my entire stay. I definitely did not have amnesia this time around and in the end, I realized that THIS YEAR'S EXPERIENCE was really what a vacation is all about. 

Bikini: Glitterati | Accessories: Cultus Chi Chi | Ribbon: DIY | Shades: Asos | Slippers: Tory Burch

The island's radiance, the peace and quiet (or whatever it is people go away for) that I craved rejuvenated my soul. I was finally able to relax and indulge in personal time. I was able to nurture and begin a relationship on the trip as well (which makes it memorable), which I am so happy about now, even if the correspondence involved being miles apart. 

Bikini: Forever 21 | Watch: O'Clock | Shorts: Apartment8 || Accessories: Cultus Chi Chi | Ribbon: DIY | Shades: H&M | Slippers:  Havaianas

I spent much needed bonding time with the people who mattered most, my Boracay crew, my core group... the non-judging breakfast club. Having a fuss free, drama free and good, clean fun in a trip ended up both nurturing my body and mind, and I came back refreshed, ready to face a new day.

Bikini: Glitterati | Watch: Swatch | Shorts:Topshop || Accessories: Cultus Chi Chi | Bag: Mango | Shades: H&M | Slippers:  Havaianas

I have to say, despite the fact I have mellowed down quite drastically and anyone who saw me can attest to that, I crave for the experience yet again. Somehow, the intense longing to return is inevitable to anyone who was able to have a true and authentic vacation, where they were able to let loose and just breathe and reboot.

Bikini: Glitterati | Vest: Forever 21 | Watch: Team Manila | Shorts: Zara| Accessories: im.G|  | Shades: Topshop | Slippers:  Havaianas

Partying, clubbing and nightlife aside, I do believe the island is still and always will remain paradise. Not because of all the fun and games, or the booze or the weekend of guilt-free Hedonistic people can participate in without judgment from everyone else... I reckon I am way past that, being in my late 20s and all. 

Bikini: Glitterati| Headband: Forever 21 | Coverup: Forever 21 |  Accessories: im. G | Shades: H&M | Slippers:  Toty Burch

It remains to be paradise as a state of mind, rather because anything can happen and despite all the people cramped up in one tiny island, you come to realize that anything can happen... worlds apart from someone else. 

Bikini: Anemone | Watch: Swatch | Necklace: Cultus Chi Chi | Accessories: im.G |  

Top: Topshop | Shorts: Forever 21 | Bikini: Anemone | Watch: Swatch | Necklace: Cultus Chi Chi | Accessories: im.G |  Shoes: Toms

And that ultimately... sometimes, to find paradise.. amidst all the nameless faces, all you need is one person.



xx, JL






PS: I would like to commend my network, Globe because my trip would have been totally ruined without their help and services. Being the technologically retarded person I am, I accidentally murdered my iPhone on the first day, happy hour time, a consequence of the other network's tagline to "LIVE MORE." Ultimately, this is what happens when one lives more...Note to self: never believe a company who gives iPhone 5 units for free but 
fire their employees.

Imagine what my life would've been without my cellphone to manage and run my business with in Manila from the Island because I personally cannot... it would have been catastrophic. More so, I was in the process of getting to know a special someone that time and constant communication definitely was of utmost importance. I was quite depressed that my phone decided to break up with me...literally... but thanks to the wonderful people from Globe, which I was able to locate easily in D'Mall, I was able to have my phone repaired and fixed and most importantly... working, keeping me in touch with the rest of the world! 

In every aspect, I have to say: I AM GLAD TO BE GLOBE.