Kaleidoscope of summer

From the chill, easy, arsty and [dare i say] hipster-ish resort, to the most beautiful beach sunset that i have ever seen so far (photos below are NOT filtered!), this trip to the Circle Hostel at Zambales has got to be the perfect getaway to cap off my summer month of May. Such a palette of colors in one weekend!

Don't hate on the sun.

A few days ago I finally found the time to clean my room which was desperate for some fixing. I sorted quite a pile (of mostly trash!!) because I (c/o motherdear hoho) got a new mini cabinet to help my room look more of a girl's lady's. ANYWAY.

I kept 4 things and decided to display 'em by landing the spot on top of the mini cabinet. I hadn't realized I had these that represent a few things that i'm really into!

1. That old, vintage, (non-working) camera. Now this one's a cheat, because it actually captures (*wink wink*) 2 things I like. First is the more obvious that is photography. The appreciation of stills, memories, art, emotions, all expressed in a photo. I am not great in taking pictures but I have respect for those who are. The different perspectives in looking at things go beyond just taking that perfect shot, as it also mirrors our choice in life's different perspective settings. (hello positivity!!)

This piece also reflects my interest in the old, the forgotten, in vintage things. From houses, places, culture, museums -- to vintage prints, style, and overall vibe. And pleaz, the stories behind them, always interesting!

2. The shoe. This one's a gift (together with a box of messages from different people!) from my friends a few years back for my birthday. It represents my appreciation of shoes, clothing, prints, materials, designs, style - creating a look. I've always believed that dressing up (or down) is a form of self-expression, so there are no right or wrong turns. All my admiration go to the people who just don't give a fck of what others think. You go girl (or guy)! I do not have a lot of clothes nor shoes, at all, because that is not the point. Lol. I mean hello, who else here looks at the clothes of Game of Thrones characters? The elaborate designs, the silhouettes, the cuts! Respect to the work done there!

3. The anchor and the shell. Do I have to? Do I?  B  E  A  C  H.

---

Last weekend we went to the beach! I went with the same group of friends from last year's Punta Fuego trip (but this time with 2 more friends joining, yey!), and this year we didn't really go far from there. Haha! We went to Tali beach at Batangas. I really enjoyed the home-y feel, the great service, the nice crowd in the beach, and of course the company of a few of my favorite people! We also went to Punta Fuego, which has always been a pretty sight. Oh beaches, summer without you is one wasted.

My friend Ama wrote a poem that was like pulled out of my brain, except in way better words. I should frame this, really.

SUMMER

Clothes come off before wading into sea

Exposing skin that has been kissed by the sun

Ecstasy washes over us in waves

Each more violent than the last

Pulling us under, throwing us around

We take a deep breath and plunge again

And dive into the depths of heat, salt

And sweat, and we lie in the sand tired

And spent, the taste of summer

Alive in our tongues.

Paint your palette blue and grey.

Totally calling it: the weather's got her period! The weather's been unpredictable this last few weeks (not being sexist here huhu but i think yes i'm being sexist lol) where one night it's cold, and the next day it's beach temp! There's no telling if summer's officially here now, but in my calendar, Feb. 22 already kicked it off. Beach rain or shine is just as attractive! <3

Friends and I went to Crystal Beach Resort in San Narciso, Zambales, initially to surf and island hop, but ended up just chillin' like some villain. I'm not sure if it was the vibe of the place that called for lounging and soaking in the beautiful serene views, or that we were tired from the 5 hour bus ride to the place. Either way, my mood was really to just keep still and have that getaway-to-the-beach finally happen.

Good Morning So Much!! Because ~Good Morning!~ isn't enough! 

I like this place. It's my first time here and although they're fully booked for that weekend (i think, we didn't get our preferred room/s), the beach was in no way crowded. There was a lot of personal space going on and each group had their own spot to do their thing. I don't usually go back to places i've already been to because i prefer exploring new ones, but i won't mind going back to Crystal Beach. It isn't expensive and i really like the vibe and the sand and the fact that it's also a surf spot. At least when i finally get the courage to try surfing, I can do so! But i really think i'm too un-fit and unhealthy for that. Helloooo just ~swimming~ by the waves got me bruises and a few scratches! Those waves ate me whole haha but 'twas fun!

The sunset was beautiful! It passed us quickly so wasn't able to take a lot of photos, but the orange sky was a pretty backdrop for my all-about-relaxing drama so i hit the hammock. If we weren't going to eat, i would've wanted to take a nap there. Maybe next time!

I expected the resort to have a band play Saturday night though, and was a little disappointed to learn that there'll be none. But we still went by the bonfire and lay down because we spotted a few shooting stars! It was a starry starry night and it felt sooo good to lie down outside, watch the stars, and listen to the sounds of burning wood and gusts of wind. My friend even played Enya on his phone as our background. Twas funny but it completed the mood.

We also woke up reaaally early, because we wanted to see the sunrise. We didn't exactly see it though because of all the pine trees. Haha! Still all good, the sound of the waves in the dark was a little scary but relaxing at the same time, so the ears had pleasure when the eyes didn't get that sunrise.

I hope I get to visit more beaches in the coming months. I don't know how to swim but i'm really at peace with that now, because am a beach person not really to do all the water adventures (but why not!), but more to savor the laid back lifestyle and calming, re-energizing magic that it gives.

Ghad i'm dreaming and re-living the views and sounds again.