Fragrant Harbour

Ola! :)

I missed blogging but I can't find time. Really. I am still busy with a lot of things and I can't find my virtue.

Anyway, I know I still owe you a story about my recent trip to HongKong right? But if you could just wait a little longer and I'll find my way to get it over and done with. The only thing I did was to post a look at my LookBook account, it's been ages since my last post and of course I wanted to share the look.

Here it is. :)   

This photo was taken by my Jr at Aberdeen Harbour at HongKong.
I'm wearing a purple pedal dress that I got from Zara TRF, tan braided belt, tan patterned bag, caramel leather lace ups, chunky brown ring all from my most love brand H&M. I'm also carrying a vintage old rose cardigan from Bread and Butter. And my aviator sunnies are from Kenneth Cole.

I promise I'll work on my next post, I just hope and pray it'll be soon. But that's it for now, forgive my short post.

Did you liked my look..?? Send me some love and hype me click this link, http://lookbook.nu/look/2690341-Memoirs-of-Fragrant-Harbor.

Thanks!

Love lots,

KarenHeartilly

I Heart Girlfriends

Last weekend was a breath of fresh air for me. I mean literally! It was a long weekend and I went home to my nest to rest and catch up with everything that's going on outside the metro. I also had a date with my girlfriends (Namely, Sarah and Krizia) whom I haven't been with since I can't even remember when. (Oh my, I so missed them so much.) We met up late in the afternoon, (Okay, I have to admit, I came so, so late. Peace.) at N.E. Pacific Mall, the most decent mall on my province. We decided to see a movie since the last movie that I saw was, was... was... I can't remember! (Kill Me!) We watched The Three Musketeers, since Sarah saw yummy Orlando Bloom in flesh in a premiere in London. We also ate our ultimate favorite - Cheeseburger plain and fries from McDonald's (I can't even told you how much we love McDo. :p).The movie was okay, the costumes was remarkably impressive, lots of cute and yummy guys on the movie, Milla Jovovich did a great job but story wise? I don't know. It was fine though. We fought the urge to chat while watching since we paid for it and we have to get our money's worth, but we can't help having side comments on almost everything. After the movie, we did something really freaky and insane. (Forgive me for I can't tell you what it is, but if you're really nosy, send me a message and I'll tell you what it is.) :)

After the movie and the freaky and insanely thing that we did, we went to Gloria Jean's Coffee-Cabanatuan. Sarah and I loves iced coffee and frappuccinos so much, we used to have gallons of iced coffee everyday during our reviews way back 2008. :p

GJ's Coffee-Cabanatuan is a perfect spot to meet up with friends, although the place was quite small base on my opinion, they still have this cozy couches. Plus, they have an absolutely free Wi-Fi service, good for checking in and updating. :)

They also offer cakes and pastries that goes well for the coffees. Although I haven't tried everything, I loved their Oreo Cheese Cake.

Sarah had White Macadamia Frapp. I know I haven't tell you about Sarah, but I promise I will. One of these days. All  I can say is, she's my partner in crime and she's very close to me. That all for now. :p

Krizia had GJ's Classic Iced Chocolate Frapp. I told you abut her before.  We seldom see each other now,  I was glad I was able to catch up with her. :)

I had Coco Loco. The classic Mocha Frapp. I always go for the classic, that shows how unadventurous I am. I'm sometimes scared to try new things because they may not taste good and I'll regret it and it'll make me depress. Lol.
But everything's have a down fall of course. :) 

Funny I described my friends through their drinks! lol. :p
With Sarah and Krizia. We've been friends since our first year in University. We remained friends through time. We shared a lot of things together and we love each other like sisters.
Although we're missing the other half we just hope that the day will come that we'll be able to catch up and be complete. :)

The day wasn't enough. We needed more time to chat and catch up. I realized I miss them so much, I realized I miss my friends. I miss chatting and laughing. I miss complimenting my girlfriends with their outfits and how we exchange our opinions on what's in and what's not. I miss shopping. I miss how my feet aches because of too much window shopping. I just miss spending time with girlfriends. :(

The weekend went well. I went to the cemetery to visit my loved ones and bonded with my family. We had a nice reunion actually, I went back to the jungle after a few hours in the cemetery. Good thing my travel went nice and smoothly. lol :p

I am looking forward for the next  long weekend. I'm still lazy to work tomorrow. I just hope and pray that I won't have a long week end hang over. :)

That's all for now.

More to come!

Love lots,

KarenHeartilly

P.S.

By the way, I went for a holiday last, last week. I'll tell you about it when I'm in the mood. :)

Ciao! :p

Caught by Surprise

Last October 16, I found myself in my hometown with Jr, as much as we can or as much as possible rather, we try to go home every week. Although it's exhausting and tiring we never ran out of reason to go home. It was also my Kuya Allan's Birthday, I  remember that I already told you who he is. If you forgot, click this and refresh your brain cells. Kuya Allan and Jr are great friends. I knew Kuya Allan even before I met Jr. He was very close to me. Even though we didn't knew each other for a long time, we share a bond that is true and sincere. He was responsible for the Jr and Karen  Love Team, so now you know who's to blame. :p

The night before I went home, I received an SMS informing me that there'll be a surprise celebration for Kuya's birthday, and the master mind?? Melody, the very sweet girl who's the love of my Kuya's life.:)

Together with Jr's and Kuya's friends we planned the surprise celebration. The plan was, Melody will drag Kuya to Shakey's Restaurant for them to celebrate. Kuya didn't know that we'll show up with matching a lightened cake while singing a happy birthday. When we came out, he was at first unaware that the song was for him, when he finally saw us he turned really red and he looks like he just wanted to disappear. He was so embarrasse!. Kuya's not the type of person who likes attention. He also doesn't pay too much attention on his birthday. He feels like it's just an ordinary day for him. Good thing Melody was there to make that day extremely memorable.

My Kuya Allan Edward Garcia. He's been friends with Jr since high school .  He's one of my closest guy friend. I tell him everything and he knows and easily understand me. We're like real siblings, he treats and protects me like a real baby sister. :)
Take note of his shirt. It looks nice right? :p

At Red Ribbon Bakeshop with Criselda while waiting for Melody's go signal. :)

We had supper at Shakey's Restaurant s pizza and pasta restaurant. They had a lot of branches all over the country. 

The foods that we ate. It was on package actually, Two large pizzas, two pastas and a basket of chicken and mojos and two pitcher of soda or iced tea. I really fancy Shakey's fried chicken, it makes my mouth water every time I think about it. lol.
For the rest of the menu, click here 

Before and after dinner with the whole gang. Clockwise, Melody, The celebrant Kuya Allan, Albert, Mae, Eric, Meek, Criselda, Jr and I.
It was nice to think that Jr's friends became my friends too. :)
Trivia: you can figure out the before and after dinner photos just by paying attention on my lips. lol :p

With the celebrant Kuya Allan and his girlfriend Melody. They've been together for almost nine months now. I am truly happy to see them together.

After dinner and catching up, Jr and I went back to the jungle. We came home late and I was knackered. I planned to blog as soon as possible but my reluctant-ness did not permit me. lol.

And then my week started to become crazy. That's the reason why I blogged so late. 

P.S.

I was a little busy. Too busy for me to forgot greeting my best friend on her birthday. Please forgive me for that.

I also went out of town, so try to watch out for that. I will try to blog whenever I can. Please bear with me. :)

P.P.S.

Thanks again Meek for the photos. I'm looking forward for the next photo shoot. :)

.

Till next time hearties!

Love lots,

KarenHeartilly

Bread Talk

First off. Don't kill me for blogging just twice last month. It was my B-day month and yet all my reluctant-ness came out. A lot of things are happening, is just that, I've been so busy. Too busy that I rather sleep that update my blog or check my mails. I was busy that I've been absent to the virtual world too. I'm always in a rush and always running for time. Oh my! How many times do I have to blabber about this? Anyway, as I told you I'm always rushing so I tried walking while eating. Yes, grabbing a bite while walking helped me without being late. And my fave? Bread Talk.

I've been munching on BreadTalk for as long that I can't remember. And finally this is the time that I'll tell you one of my faves. BreadTalk is basically a store that offers breads, cakes and pastries. I love everything that BreadTalk offers. 

Bread Talk is an international lifestyle bakery that has different branches in some parts of the world. It has this signature store designs where in you could see the patisseries baking their breads, so the guarantee of having freshly baked breads are there. :) 

On every store you will find these stalls or shelves where in the breads are displayed. 

And you have to get your own tray and thongs to pick the bread of your choice. Talk about SELF SERVICE. :)

The waitresses wears this cute little milkmaids outfit. 

Some of the breads that you could choose from. They have a wide array and they are guaranteed fresh. :) 

The cakes. They have this readily baked cakes. You could also order for the cake of your choice. Each has this elegant and sumptuous look. One of my faves would be the Chocolate mousse, Mocha Magic and Tiramisu. Yum-Oh!

More cakes! Every time your sweet tooth attacks don't hesitate to visit any bread talk branch. Okay? :)

My ultimate fave at the moment. Floss! It has four flavors. Cheese Floss, Hot Chic,  Fire Floss and the Original Floss. I can eat Floss everyday. Every breakfast. Lol. :)

The love of my existence adores this. The Milky Dome a.k.a. Rocky Rocky Milk. It's a danish pastry with milky cream   

Me with my ridiculous expression. I asked Jr to take a photo of me while we're on an escalator, I told him to hurry up because I was scared I might fall off. That's the reason I wasn't able to get a decent photo. Forgive me. :p

That's it for now. I would blog for more dine out or anything. My elements haven't come back yet. I'll let you know when it came back. More food to eat. More places to go to! I'll update you.

Till Next time!

Ciao!

Love lots,

KarenHeartilly

A Letter for the World

Dear World,

I'm torn between being with you and being without you.

If I permit that my life will be spent away from you, I know for sure that it would be empty and melancholic, on the other hand your life will grow and you'll be able to expand the things that you already know.

It's very clear to me that your absence will be temporary and I will be able to see you whenever I wanted to.

But the distance scares me. You know what I've been through. Sometimes you blame my past for leaving a scar on my heart. For making me traumatize. But I have given you my all my trust, for you thought me how to trust a person again. Please don't get mad if I get stubborn and paranoid. Please understand my inexcusable fears. For  I. Cannot. Afford. To. Lose. You. Not now, not ever.

Missing you will be mandatory for I will have no other choice but to feel it and the thought of you feeling the same, somehow gives me fulfillment. That you will long for me. Too. The situation makes me desperate. Do we really have to be apart? The simple things of just being with you with every chance that I get makes me contented. It fills my heart with happiness. 

You know how important you are to me.. I tell it to you everyday. You know how my life literally changed right in the very minute that you walked into it. I was, deeply wounded and scarred when you came, but you made me feel that I shouldn't be treated like a trash. That I am special and I deserve the best. You melt my fears and you are the sole reason behind my smiles

I wanted to thank you for the simple things that you do. For cheering me up whenever my lips starts pouting. For doing the craziest things. Thank you for thinking of me everyday. For making me feel that I'm already a part of not just your present but your future as well. Thank you for making me feel beautiful. Thank you for the I love You's everyday. Thank you for all the best things that you've done and still does for me. Thank you for considering my welfare on every decision that you'll make. Thank you for always asking my opinion. Thank you for not taking me for granted. Again, no words are enough to tell you how grateful I am. 

I love you. And I'll tell it to you everyday. And now that you're in a situation that you needed to make a decision, not just for yourself but for the both of us and our future as well, I want you to know that yes, I would love to be with you every single day of my life for you are the love of my existence but I am willing to sacrifice. I am willing to take the risk. I'm giving you all my trust. I'll lay it on the line. Whatever you're decision will be, I will just be here. Praying for you. Thinking of you. Supporting and loving you.I admit, I'm so scared of not being with you, but I trust you and I will respect your decision, whatever it will be because I know it'll be the best for US. I love you.

Because YOU mean the world to me. 

Love lots,

KarenHeartilly

The Old Spaghetti House

As I told you, I've been staying at the jungle for almost a month now. And I am beginning to chance my weekend-girlfriend status since the love of my existence and I is able to see each other almost everyday. I'm still on the blind side, still trying to be accustomed to things that I'm not really familiar with. I get tired everyday. I miss my long hours of sleep. I miss shopping for cheap things. I miss my Mum's dishes. I miss Isha ( I bet you don't don't who Isha is. But I promise to tell you about her when my elements return). I miss my Dad's nagging. I miss my room and my super comfy bed. I miss everything about home. But I'm also beginning to love everything around me now. The chance to see my boyfriend whenever I want to. The new things I'm learning and new friends I'm gaining. Plus, I had a ton of places to choose from when my tummy growls because of hunger. As being the unadventurous me, good thing dear boyfriend's there to drag me anywhere so we could try new things.

And one of our dine out is at The Old Spaghetti House.

The Old spaghetti House is a pizza and pasta restaurant. It has a lot of branches in the Philippines and we ate at the  Walter Mart branch at Chino Roces near Jr's office.
For more info about the wonderful resto. Click here.
For the rest of the menu, click here.

The theme was cute and amazing. I remembered my Great Grandma's house when I saw the chairs. She had  a dinning set very similar to it. Plus, the place has these old antique vibe also. With matching wood fading walls. I find it really nice and attractive. :)

Jr had American Baked Spareribs. With matching Java rice and nachos. It was good. Jr was able to finish everything. The spare rib has this sweet tangy taste. It was okay for me. My rate? Three stars. :)

Whilst I had US Beef Bistro Steak with Parmesan Spaghetti. I was first doubtful with the Parmesan spaghetti and I even asked if I could change my pasta, but it wasn't allowed so I decided to give it a try. The pasta was good but the steak gave me disappointment. I told the waiter that I wanted my steak well done but when it was handed over. It was over cooked! Imagine what an over cooked beef tastes like. Enough words. My rate? Two stars. :p

The Golden Oreos cheered me up.  It's a battered oreos fried till golden brown. It also has chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream. It really made my heart melt. Lovely! Ratings? Five stars! Generous! lol.

The idiots. We look dumb I know. We can't help but look foolish. We were so hungry! :)
Funny we didn't order the classic spaghetti since we're in a Spaghetti House. Right? :p

Eating made me happy. It was fun trying out new things. I wish I could let you into more of our dinning experience. I will try to blog as much as I can. I'm being lazy for the past couple of weeks. And I noticed I'm blabbering too much too. Again, I will try to blog with sense next time. Till then...

Love lots,

KarenHeartilly

I am So LOVED!

I turned 24 last Sunday and I was so overwhelmed by the love that I received that day. First off. I went home to celebrate my natal day with my family. We just had lunch together, nothing fancy since I was really tired and I wanted to sleep for more than eight hours and my Mum was so busy as well. I also tried to went to the salon for a pamper-me-time but my attempt failed because my stylist was not available and I just went home with my haggard and old self. After spending little time with my family I went to  back to the jungle since I needed to get ready for work the following day. And by the way I went to church as well, as much as possible, I try my best to make it to church every Sunday or at least once a week. I thanked God for all the wonderful things that He has done for me. Words will indeed never be enough.

I'm twenty four. I'm a year older. I am happier but I'm still finding my way to contentment. I still got a lot of things to pursue. A lot of things to achieve, to experience, to learn and to gain. I don't find life easy nor fair but I'm enjoying every single moment of it. I had regrets, that's for sure. But I'm trying not to hold onto them. Sometimes, I find it hard to let go on things, but as I grow older, I learn to let simple things don't bother me. But memories are buried deep, for I am the kind of person who doesn't easily forget. That's one thing I hate about myself, I guess. I can forgive, but I find it difficult to forget. At this point in time. I know exactly where my life is going, but still I don't. lol :p

I didn't do anything fancy on my 24th life-sarry. And I thought it will just be an ordinary day for me but something or someone rather made it amazing. I think I don't need  to give away any clue for you know for a fact who that person is. My Jr. Yes, the love of my existence. He picked me up from the salon because I was so sad that my make over was post-poned. And my eyes widened because I saw this red roses on the passenger seat. Yes, he gave me flowers. I can't really explain how a bouquet of flowers can make me happy but I'm sure my fellow ladies can understand how I felt and a Tiramisu Meltdown cake top it all off. I was really surprised since Jr's not the type of guy who would do something like that. (Before?? But he's beginning to be the hopeless romantic type so I'm getting used to it! He'll kill me if he reads this. Waha!) I felt like a princess! lol.

Another thing that amazed me was the number of people who flooded my Facebook wall and the numerous text messages that I received. The thought of it is making my heart burst into so much happiness. And I indeed felt that I am so, so loved! :)

 

I was so inspired, I posted this on my LookBook account. This was again taken by Meek, a good friend of mine.
I am wearing a peach H&M semi pleated cocktail dress with a satin detail and a see through effect. I paired it with my favorite nude leather lace ups platform wooden heels and my ever reliable Viviene Westwood leopard print fabric bag in old rose. To complete the look, I borrowed Mum's pink pearl necklace with an amazing pendant.
What can you say..? Click this link to view my LB account and to hype my looks.
www.lookbook.nu/karenheartilly

The lovely roses that I got. They were very nice to look at. And I can't help but feel kilig every time I think about it. lol. :p  

The Tiramisu Meltdown is one of favorite cake. And it was awesome. Yum-O! :p



I would just like to take this chance to thank all the people who remembered my special day. Who find ways to be able to wish me happiness. Who send me love and kisses. I couldn't be any happier. If
I could just hug each and everyone you. I would. Thank of you.Thank you. Thank you.

I love you all! :)

More to come!


Love lots,

Older KarenHeartilly

I'll Call You When I'm Sober

I've been gone for a while. I can't tell you what I've been up to for I want to keep it as a secret for now, but I promise I'll tell you all about it when the coast is clear. lol. :p

I've also been away from the virtual and cyber world. My Facebook friends and Twitter followers can attest to that. I'm also away from home. Almost three weeks now. I've been staying at my Uncle's house for the mean time. And that's all I can tell you. I should keep my mouth shut now. It's not that I don't want to tell you but things are not clear and I don't want to pre-empt things. :)

I promise, that I will tell you everything about what's going on, but for the meantime I want to tell you how hard it is for me to be away from home. I know I'm a little exaggerating but this is the first time, in my 23 years of existing that I will be away from my nest. I find it hard honestly, but I'm not complaining. I really am not. It's just that, I find it not easy to be comfortable. I have to watch out for everything that I do. I know I haven't told you how I dread changes and that I'm naturally a stubborn person but I'm working my way out. As for living with my relatives, it's not easy also. It's not that they're not nice or anything (They are one of the nicest people that I can think of) but you know, you have to really on your best behavior since you don't want them to say anything bad about you right. I can fairly say that I'm doing well on the "Pakisama" factor. 

I miss my Mum and Dad, so much. I can't help but be a cry baby sometimes when I think about them. I know I'm 23 and I should be a grown up and I should stop being melodramatic but I can't help it sometimes. You know what keeps me going?? Jr. Yes, the love of my existence. He keeps me sane. I hate changes. Being the stubborn me I find it so hard to adjust on life's major changes. There comes a point when I just can't take things on my own. And he was there, being my shock absorb-er. I just don't know what to do without him. This is me being the Parasite. lol. :p

Oh well, I think that's enough for my blabber. If you're wondering where to reach me, you can send me an E-mail at this address karen04_heartilly@yahoo.com or send me a message at this site. I'll be gone again for a while and I'm not sure when I'll be back but don't you worry about me. :)

Ciao!

And oh, by the way. I got a LookBook account and here's my latest look! :)

I'm wearing a vintage style dress from TRF. It has this cute flower prints, a nice collar and a wavy semi pleated effect.  I paired it with a midnight blue quilted chain bag from French Connection and a three inch Zara silver heels with ribbon detail. And to complete the look I popped in my assorted bangles that I got from H&M.

This photo is taken my a good friend of mine who's a photo enthusiast. He loves taking pictures of anyone or anything. He says that he wants the world to be his studio. Check him out, click this link Michael Mercaado

As for my photo. Click this link. Hype me and show me some love! :)


That's all for now. I promise my next post will be with sense. lol :p

Cheers!

Love lots,

KarenHeartilly


P.S.
I just thought that I will try to describe my LookBook outfit and try to write something about it here on my blog. Just like everybody does. What do you think? Great idea? Let me know what you think! :)

P.P.S.
I'll be turning twenty four in five days! Can you believe it?? :p
Send me Presents!!!! :p

My Name is Memory

My current mood is blasted. I got a lot of things going on my mind. Doubts and pre-chills of betrayal are raging over me so I needed to write something to keep my moods on the loop. These are the moments when I badly needed someone to hug me while I cry but unfortunately no one's available so I'm here facing my keyboard and fighting the urge to break down. :(

Photo courtesy of  Google.com
Author: Ann Brashares
Release Date: June 01, 2010
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Audio Books

I've read the book a few weeks ago and I can't help but to tell you all about it. It was recommended by a friend whom I miss so much. The book is about TRUE LOVE. On my first pages, I thought it was like Bella-Edward-Twilight-Love-Affair but I was wrong because the story was more complicated and a lot more thrilling. It's about re-incarnations and how a person can manage to remember all his past life. Imagine how complicated it is. Daniel and Lucy shared a love so endearing that they searched the world through time to be together. The problem is, only Daniel can remember and Lucy doesn't know that the love of her life was looking for her. There was a lot of moment when they finally saw each other but every time Daniel attempts to tell Lucy everything about their past something miserable happens. I felt frustration and helplessness while reading the novel, although I know in my heart these things are impossible I still can't help but be affected by the story. It really changed my views. The book has a different attack to the readers, it has flashbacks and history settings. (If you've read The Time Traveler's Wife, you know what I'm talking about) That's why it has a different appeal to me, at any moment the author can really take you back on time. I don't want to go into details about the book since I want to feed your curiosity and I want you to read it yourself.

Upon hitting the stores, it gained a lot of fans in just three weeks. Here's a trailer made by a fan. Enjoy!

Video Courtesy of Youtube.com

This will be my Book of the year! :)

I know and I've read that this book will turn out to be on the big screen. I also heard that it's a trilogy so don't forget to watch out for the next. So, Next time you hit the bookstore grab this book and fell in love like I did. ♥

Want to know more about the author Ann Brashares? Click here.

I'm feeling better now.

See you in a few! More to come!

Love lots,

KarenHeartilly

A Piece of Heaven on Earth Part Four

Day three as usual started early. We had to get going because our flight was scheduled at one in the afternoon so we needed to wrap up our day tour for just four hours which by the way is only the allotted time for our rented van. We rented a van for ourselves since our flight details doesn't fit an ordinary city tour, we paid extra, of course. We were picked up by the van around seven in the morning, I was not hyped that time since I'm clearly not a morning person but Jr was the opposite, he was all smiles and full of energy. We had the same driver, Kuya Lito who also served as the tour guide.

First stop. The Baywalk.

The baywalk is I think very similar to the popular Baywalk in Manila Bay. Kuya Lito once said that it was a squatters area before but the government did a lot of rehabilitations and they relocated the squatters to a much nicer place where the houses where 20 years to pay. And the residents was also assigned to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the area. I admired Puerto Princesa's government for that.  

Warning! You'll be seeing a lot of photos of me, since Jr had a great time taking snap shots of me and the place.  I found the Baywalk peaceful. When we got there, the weather was gloomy and Mr. Sun didn't do his job that time, but that was okay. I enjoyed the view anyway. :)

More picture of me on the way. lol
Pawalan has a very large fishing industry that's why they're taking good care of the sea. They're very particular with their garbage and you could really tell how clean the city was.

There's really nothing much to do on the Baywalk aside from taking pictures, but maybe if Jr and I got plenty of spare time we could just stay there and watch everything. I could even picture myself reading a good book there or even ride a bike or just sit on a bench and watch the sunset, that would be really romantic. Ayay! :p

After a few pictures taken from at the Baywalk we headed to Plaza Cuartel which is a few minutes drive from the bay. 

(Click the photo for a larger view)
Plaza Cuartel doesn't have an entrance fee. You just have to be polite at the people guarding the place. The place was well kept. Grounds are swept and grasses were trimmed. I again noticed how clean it is. Staying at the plaza will give you that "close to the nature" feeling, it has a lot of trees, a fountain and this bronze marker that according to it contains the eleven names of prisoners of war who managed to survived the massacre that happened to the said place. Upon reading what the marker said the hair on the back of my neck just raised. I can't believe people died and a war happened to the place.

(Click the photo for a larger view)
Just across the plaza was the Immaculate Conception Cathedral , the city's largest catholic church.  When I went inside  to say a little prayer I can't help but admire it's architecture.

Next stop. Palawan Museum.

Palawan Museum is very much typical like other museum that I've been too. It's a few minutes drive from the city proper. Just right in front of the city's covered court. I wish my province could have a museum too.

(Click photo for a larger view)
The museum reflects the place's rich culture. I saw a lot of interesting stuffs for a very affordable admission fee of 20php.

I saw this and it caught my attention. I'm not sure if this is Alibata  (Filipino's Native Alphabet) or  Cuyuno (Palawan's Native Dialect). I really can't tell. :p

After traveling back in time we're set to the next destination.

It's a 20-30 minutes drive from the city, located at the heart of Baranggay Sta. Monica lays a sanctuary of  cold blooded creatures.

Next. Crocodile Farm.

A candid photo of Jr and I at the Crocodile Farm. The farm is well taken cared of by the government and some volunteers.  It is under the Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. Upon entering we paid 40php each for admission fees.    

This overwhelming skeleton and skin belongs to the largest crocodile that was captured some time in the 90's. It's about 5 meters or 16 feet in length starting from the nose up to the tip of the tail. When it was captured it was discovered to have an eaten half body of a human inside (Yikes!) but it later died due to stress, according to the tour guide. 

The baby crocs, placed inside fiber glass tanks. They are keep here until they're fully grown. Some of them are juvenile, some of them has defects and most of them are very much alive and always ready to bite. :)
If you find these baby crocs fascinating, click here for more information.

I'm really not scared on how the way they look. But as I think of the things that they could mercilessly do to human being, that's when I get pre-chills of fear. There's this news about a crocodile named Pilo he was captured in one of the Baranggays in Puerto Princesa, he was hunted down because he ate a nine year old girl in the river. Although I didn't caught a glimpse of him because he died few months ago, it still give me the creeps when I think about the story. 

After about 10-15minutes of tour on the crocodile sanctuary, guests are allowed to wander in the mini forest/zoo/nature park. Although some of the trails are quite confusing, you'll still end up on one exit. :)

(Click the photo for a larger view)
We saw a lot of birds and animal, mostly wild. I was tired and my shoes were full of mud. But I liked everything I saw.
I just wish there'll be more animals next time. :)

After the nature park tour, we were allowed to hold a baby crocodile. The photo op cost 30php . As I touched them, they were really cold and their skin was really hard and rough. I haven't touched anything like it before. I was scared at first but I conquered my small fear.  :)

Jr was not scared even a bit. I didn't know if his just showing a bravado or something.  Maybe the taped mouth of the baby cros gave him the assurance. lol :p

There were also souvenir shops and restaurants at the area, although we've so much wanted to try the crocodile meat we didn't have spare time. We just stopped to grab and buy keepsakes for our loved ones. We were running out of time so we immediately went to the next stop.


Mitra Ranch.

(Click the photo for a larger view)
Mitra Ranch was located at the same baranggay.
Mitra Ranch was a private hacienda actually, it was first owned by former senator Ramon Mitra and  is now owned by Baham Mitra whose the 2nd district congressman of the city.
The place was open to the public but the house maintained it's privacy. Our tour guide said that government officials usually conduct meetings at the said place.
The huge house has a wonderful view, overlooking is the amazing Honda Bay.
There's also a zip-line that's readily available for the tourists, as I said Jr and I are running for time so we weren't able to try it. At least we still got something to look forward to and that's another reason for us to go back.
Here's some blog about Mitra Ranch since they don't have an official website.
http://manila-mania.blogspot.com/2008/09/mitra-ranch-palawan.html
http://www.localphilippines.com/attractions/8151/mitra-ranch
http://justapieceofme.wordpress.com/2011/05/06/zipline-at-mitras-ranch/

There were lots of benches that you can sit on, the place was relaxing. It has fresh air and an amazing view.
I also loved the flowers. lol :p

Few blocks from Mitra Ranch was Baker's Hill. This one's my favorite actually. Although I haven't been there before I've heard a lot of good things about the place and indeed it was awesome.

Baker's Hill.

Upon entrance you'll be captivated by the place, it's like the things that you see on fairy tales.
They have these statues and figures that can really caught anyone's attention.

I want something like this in the future.
I got intrigued by this house inside Baker's Hill, maybe it's the owner's house or something. I didn't got the chance to ask   because, as I said we're running out of time.

(Click photo for a larger view)
Jr and I had a wonderful time taking photos of everything that we saw. I really loved the place and I really wanted to stay longer. But we can always go back right?

Aside from selling breads and pastries, there's also a restaurant that offers fine dinning. Again, I was dying to try the food but Kuya Lito was rushing us. :(

I super love this photo. I was so happy when I saw it that's why I can't resist putting it here so forgive me.
Taken at Baker's Hill on the way out.

The famous Hopia. I can't give the exact translation of Hopia in english so better yet click here.
It has three flavors, Hopiang Monggo, Ube and Baboy. Jr and I bought all flavors and they were all so good. Nothing like I've ever tasted. I want one right this very minute. :p

After exploring the place we went to...


The Butterfly Garden.

(Click the photo for a larger view)
Butterfly Garden serves as a shelter for butterflies and different insects. For a 50php entrance fee you'll got a chance to explore the garden by your own. I have a soft spot for butterflies since I find them very pretty. I almost ran all over the place because I was chasing them. I felt a kid again. Jr was busy taking snap shots of the place but when he hand me over the camera, I saw him chasing the butterflies too. :)

Can't help grinning. I was able to catch a few of them. Yes, I caught them. Touching them and seeing them fly from me is priceless. :)

(Click photo for a larger view)
There were also other insects and animals that can be found inside the garden. 

The scorpions.
We were allowed to touch it. Only with assistance of course, they don't normally sting, unless they feel threatened. So we're really careful on touching them.

After getting close to nature. We hurried back to our van for our last top.

Last stop. Binuatan Creations.

As being the final stop I was not disappointed. Located at Pajara, Sta. Monica a few minutes ride from the city Binuatan Creations is the home of the world class quality woven bags, mats, saucers, table runners, slippers, window curtains, blinds and etc. They use indigenous materials such as grasses and buri.  It was nice seeing the workers weaving intricate designs patiently, one of them was kind enough to teach me how to do the traditional weaving. It was hard, and it will really take a lot of patience and inspiration to finish a product and for that, kudos to the people at Binuatan Creations! Thumbs up to you guys! :)

Here's some other blogs about Binuatan Creations.
http://www.pusangkalye.net/2011/06/binuatan-weaving-creations.html
http://xplorerboyz.blogspot.com/2011/03/binuatan-creations.html
http://www.byahilo.com/2011/07/14/binuatan-creations-puerto-princesa/#axzz1U9ejY4ZR

After our memorable city tour we were dropped off to the airport by Kuya Lito. We just waited for  few minutes before boarding. Jr and I were so tired, we also got a lot of things on hand, most of them are keepsakes. But I was really happy and content. Although we haven't explored the whole city and we weren't able to try everything, I was still contented.We just hope and pray that we'll be able to go back to the city and gain precious memories again. I can't tell you how happy I was, but my photos are enough to show how I feel right? So let's see each other again. On my next trip I think. It'll be this October. I won't get into details because I wan't you to keep on guessing. I'll give one clue though. It's in Asia. lol. :p

I hope you did have a good time too. :)

See yah!

Love lots, KarenHeartilly

P.S.

My favorite shot of the day. Taken at Baker's Hill. And take note, we got this with just one try. :)

Another P.S.

Please don't forget to support the Puerto Princesa Underground River. It really deserves a place of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. To vote on line, click here. And to vote via mobile click here.