Sitio La Presa of Forevermore

Your probably a fan of abs-cbn famous television drama "Forevermore" if your reading this blog or your like any another peeps who are curios of this place and planning to visit the setting of this television series.Well folks sorry to disappoint you but there is no Sitio La Presa exist in the map, but there is Sitio Pungayan, in Tuba Benguet, which is the real life version of the fictional La Presa in Forevermore. I certainly have no idea what La Presa is, because to be honest I don't watch this show. It just happened that my best friend mom Nanay Josie is a big fan of this show, and since we were in Baguio, we decided to stop by and check out this place before heading back to Manila.

La Presa or Sitio Pungayan is located on top of the mountain of Mount Kabuyao in Brgy. Tuba Benguet, not in Baguio. People often mistaken La Presa is in Baguio will its not, it's in Benguet guys. Your entry point going up to the mountain is via Marcos Highway (Ben Palispis Highway) in Baguio City. You can go here by private vehicle, you can rent taxi in Baguio for around Php600-Php1,000.00 (Prices may change without prior notice), or ride a jeepney one in the morning going down the mountain to carry residents down the mountain, and one in the afternoon to bring residents back to their community up Mount Kabuyao.

It was a long curvy ride, much like going up to Sagada, my bestfriend was a bit scared while i'm like its okay bf wait till you go to Sagada and Batad in Banaue those are way worse than this, which is true.

behind me is two big RADAR.

A few hours later we reached the saddle point of Sitio Pungayan, it was noon already and so many people in the area. We were inform that we had to pay entrance fee before going down to the actual shooting scene, but unfortunately we weren't able to pay, because no one asked us, we just go straight to the shooting location.

It was so foggy and very cold, I certainly love the place, I loved it even more than Baguio, as we walk down the hill I saw plantation of lettuce and cabbage. So many souvenir stalls in the area, and photo booths. 

A few minutes walk downhill we saw the famous house of "Agnes" and the pig and the pig house. I was really shocked how people flock this place, there are so many people busy taking pictures some of them even go inside the house, thanks goodness the owner of the house is hospitable and kind enough to let them in. But of course you have to pay for the entrance fee.

After an hour of obligatory shots we decided to head back to manila especially rain starts to pour. I loved its cold weather and that's it, there is nothing special on this place (but then of course if your a Forevermore fan then this would be special). I'm kinda feeling bad how this quite remote place is now being flock by tourist because of this televesion drama. I mean don't get me wrong I'm just being honest here. I would like to go back here, in a quite environment because certainly Sitio Pungayan would be a perfect place to spent time with mother nature and meditate. I hope tourist visiting this place would remain this place clean, because as I was looking around, I'm a bit disappointed with the trashes scattered in the area. Respect mother nature and the place please!!!

Before you go: please share this blog on Facebook, RT on Twitter. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. Subscribe to receive email updates. Thank you for your support!

YouScoop #BeatTheHeat

My "Lusuac Spring in Abra" photo were featured in YouScoop #BeatTheHeat challenge. YouScoop is a citizen journalism arm of GMA News where in we reports, pictures or videos and share it with them. Thank you YouScoop team for choosing me and liking my pictures.

Narito ang ilang paraan mula sa ating mga YouScooper to #BeatTheHeat! Kayo, paano n'yo nilalabanan ang dry season? pic.twitter.com/JPMlVCmX7L
— YouScoop (@YouScoop) April 9, 2015

Here are the top photos submitted for YouScoop Assignment: #BeatTheHeat! Thank you, YouScoopers!
Posted by YouScoop on Friday, April 10, 2015

Here are the top photos submitted for YouScoop Assignment: #BeatTheHeat! Thank you, YouScoopers!

A video posted by YouScoop (@youscoop) on Apr 10, 2015 at 8:30am PDT

I also shared a Picturesque view passing by Baguio - Nueva Vizcaya Road  it was received warmly, got favored and re-tweeted by fellow citizen and gmanews twitter account. Many thanks youscoop team.

#BeatTheHeat by @iam10cordero: Passing by Baguio-Nueva Vizcaya road with this picturesque view of the field! pic.twitter.com/68r0W8A1M8
— YouScoop (@YouScoop) April 8, 2015

Related article:

• Abra's Hidden Gem "The Lusuac Spring"

• Picturesque View at Baguio - Nueva Vizcaya Road

Connect with me!

Facebook : Upinde Cordero

Twitter/IG/Pinterest: @iam10cordero

Abra's Hidden Gem "The Lusuac Spring"

I had the privilege to spent my holy week break from work in the Province of Abra, my best friend Sharon's hometown. A landlocked province of the Philippines in the the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon, with eight (8) hours travel time from Manila on a land trip. This province has received many negative telltale as a tourist destination. Thanks to our local media for the publicity reports on their unstable political conditions. Some tourist are hesitant to explore the wonders this province has to offer due to safety measures. But it's time to change this perspective as I tell you may experience on this beautiful quite province of Abra. People are very friendly and accommodating and pleasant to talked with. 

As I stayed here for a couple of days, I discovered that Abra has its fair share of hidden gems, their famous Lusuac Spring in Barangay Poblacion Lagayan, Abra, a refreshing spring a waiting for us to swim. A perfect place to cool-off from the summer heat, it's clear water are indeed inviting for a dip.

Lusuac Spring is a well-landscaped resort, it is a good place to hold picnics and bonding with family and friends. It is open to the public with 50 pesos per head for adults and 20 pesos for children's entrance fee. There are also cottages in the area available for rent, prices ranges to 150 to 350 pesos, with a slide on the edge of the pool for kids and kids at heart. They also have a place for you to change your clothes and a comfort room. (Ps. prices may change without prior notice)

The water comes from the underground of the trees surrounding the pool. It's amazing to know that the local people within the area used this water as source for their cooking and drinking needs. So, worry no more, if you forgot to bring your own bottles of water because this area provides the unlimited supply of spring water fresh from mother nature. You can also wallow in your drinks in the pool to cool it. Thanks God the spring doesn’t lose water all year round even during dry seasons.

Below the pool is wherein the excess water falls for locals to wash their clothes. Other travelers and guest would also go down there to challenged their strong self to drop of water from above. Were supposed to try it but, it was so slippery and dangerous so we let it aside and we just continue swimming in the pool.

Lusuac Spring is waiting to be unveiled to an open-minded visitors, thrill seekers and a nature lover like moi. It's worth a visit because the cool water "Lusuac" has to offer would definitely refresh the weary bodies of travelers and its guest. Plus the cool breeze of the air and calm atmosphere the trees that surrounds the swimming area is worth the experience.

HOW TO GET THERE:

There are various ways to go to Abra, from Manila to Abra via Partas, Dominion or Philippine Rabbit Bus. Dropped of point would be in Bangued, Abra terminal, from there you can ride a jeep bound to Lagayan. And from Lagayan town proper, ask a tricycle driver to bring you to Lusuac Spring.

WHERE TO STAY IN ABRA?:

I personally don't know a place where to stay in Abra since I stayed at my best friends house. But you can check this site for your reference so help plan your Abra Adventure. www.visitmyphilippines.com



Before you go: please share this blog on Facebook, RT on Twitter. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. Subscribe to receive email updates. Thank you for your support!

Other related article:

• YouScoop #BeatTheHeat

Picturesque View at Baguio - Nueva Vizcaya Road

Few days ago we where passing this road as part of our road trip adventure with my best-friend Sharon and her family (Bugaing Family). We were coming from Manila to attend her older brother's wedding in Linglingay Alicia Isabela and we are heading back to La Union and we take this alternative road to shorten our route. Baguio-Nueva Vizcaya Road is a 104 kilometer shortest route between the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino in the northeast and the provinces of Benguet, La Union and Ilocos Sur in the northwest, according to the data from the Cordillera offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-CAR) of the Philippines. 

It was our first time passing this route and we have no idea what this road has to offer. All we know and excited about is that, we will be passing by Baguio City.

While on the road we can't help get awe! with what we are seeing outside; blues skies, greenery fields and the dry mountains which offer picturesque view. What's so nice about road tripping with private vehicle is that you can pull over anytime to take your shots and selfies in every beautiful spots and views you'll pass by. And we no exception to that! We can't help but pull over and take our obligatory shots with this beautiful rice field in Nueva Vizcaya!

Windy and......

warm weather.

As we continued our journey we also passed by mountains with miniature Rice Terraces views.

And then we pull over for our obligatory jumpshot on the road of Bgry. Kayapa Nueva Vizcaya, with beautiful flower's along side the road as our backdrop. 

My Best-friend highest Jump-shot by far with this trip.

with my best-friend Sharon, her mom Nanay Josie and me.

Me and Nanay Josie

On the road we also saw one of the oldest power plants in the country and was among the first large hydroelectric power plants constructed in the Philippines. The Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant o the Ambuklao Dam it is so big and beautiful. Unfortunately we didn't pull over because it was getting dark but I still managed to get a nice shot of this view.

As it was getting dark outside and I was trying to get my best shot of the beautiful Ambuklao Dam. Can't help to look up as I was seeing sunset and started taking some shot and to my surprise I had the best snap shot for the day. Sunset in the Mountain of Ambuklao Dam in Brgy. Bokod in the Province of Benguet.

What do you think? Isn't it beautiful? My college adviser describe it as heavenly shots as I posted these on my Facebook wall :)

Other related blog post:

• YouScoop #BeatTheHeat

Before you go: please share this blog on Facebook, RT on Twitter. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. Subscribe to receive email updates. Thank you for your support!

See you at Manila Fame!

The 61st Manila Fame just ended, and we are so happy with how our "Space, Nature, and Color Collection" sold like hotcakes and my boss Carissa Cruz Evangelista is the Katha awardee for fashion, thanks to our Victoria clutch from the Space Collection for giving us so much joy and proud. We also had a good time dealing with our beloved clientele and booking foreign orders and inquiries from buyers who came and visit for this year's Manila Fame first kick off.

Best Product Design for Fashion

Product: Victoria Clutch (from Space Collection)

Company: Beatriz Accessories

Designer: Carissa Cruz-Evangelista 

Photo credit to Manila Fame facebook page

Meet Victoria the girl name after-the clutch, that won the Katha Best in Fashion Award.

Bella's angel proud holding our Victoria Clutch.

When you think of Manila Fame, what's the first thing came to mind? Shopping galore? Designs hub? Fashion gala? or simply an event for trade-sourcing, wherein you can source, window shop, and buy for yourself, for your online shop, stores and boutiques?

Greetings from Beatriz Accessories :) Photo credit from Ms. Charina De Villa (Right)

As for me, the first thing would came to mind when I think of Manila Fame is reconnecting with people. At Fame I got to see my chingu's (friends in Korea), especially those who came all the way from the provinces to joined and be part of this event, our co-exhibitors, our manufacturer, our supplier's, our clients, our buyer's and of course my crush! (Oh Em Gee!) Common? I think some of you can relate the later part especially my friends because I know you too has crushes at Fame. Right? Anyway meet my Chingu's.

Ate Judtih Reyes from Jer Shell Crafts.

This is way too cute with my Chingu's! @iamthonymartinez , Leo and ohh there's someone on the back ha!ha! Super cute Adan! @adanteleyesa

your's truly, Rose Antonio, Anthony Martinez and Mylene Orceo.

with Mommy Elizabeth of Batong Asul House of Silver International.

With my fellow bisaya! The Lady behind Yvette's bags and beads collection talented and witty Ate Yvette. 

With Kath's Handicrafts owner Ate Mitchelle Baldemor. 

with Maco Custodio.

And for some Manila Fame is also the place to see and meet your imitator??? They are the one's who copies your design in a cheaper version. I had seen and heard different kinds of sentiments from the designer itself, showing their disappointments and anger over this matter. Sad but true.

And the next thing would came in mind is the sourcing. Sourcing for new interesting materials, artisans and manufacturer to work with. And while at Manila Fame it's impossible not to get inspired with all the designs your naked eyed could see. Kodus! to all amazing and world class Filipino Designer's and artisan from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, show casing the best in Filipino design and craftsmanship in exports, in fashion accessories, home, furniture, Christmas decor and gifts.

Fashion gala and shopping galore would surely be the last thing to came in mind when I think of Manila Fame.

How about you? What's the first thing came to mind when you think of Manila Fame? Do we agree or I miss out something? Share your thoughts and let me know what you think?

Manila Fame is a bi-annual event organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines. 

It's All About Blue

It's been ages since the last time I wore this dress. Thanks to myself for all the effort and dedication on losing weighs/fats and keeping in shape for the last 3 months. And because of that I am able to wear this dress now, but what make this dress special for today's #ootd is that, I made some DIY (Do it yourself) alteration. This was used to be a 4-layered raffle dress below the knee, that made the dress look boring and old fashioned. I decided to removed one layer to make it look more fun and hip, adding some colorful beads accessories and a head piece to compliment my KPOP look. ;)

What do you think? Is it a Yay or Nay? ;)

"Fashion is all about creativity and confidence" - Tine Cordero

Reasons Why I Love Wearing My Glasses

It has been a month since I found out that my eyes are suffering from Irregular Astigmatism. It was like I was hit by a bomb when the ophthalmologist was telling me about my astigmatism and i'll be wearing glasses to prevent it from getting worse. I never imagine my life wearing glasses, I cried when I found it out, because I know its a hassle carrying them out of the blue and that society commonly associates wearing glass as being a geek or worst they will start calling me old lady because I have seen women/man wearing glasses that made them look older from what there age are. Whatever! But what really worries me the most is how would wearing glasses affect my fashion style. It's hard for someone who used of having nothing on their eyes on. 

But as the days goes by I'm starting to love my glasses. My new look, my new fashion style and I never know that wearing glasses could be as fun as without having them. My glasses does not only protect my eye sight but it also enhance my appearance. 

I NO LONGER EMBARRASSED of my frames, here are some reasons why I LOVE wearing them now.

FASHION ACCESSORY

One of the reasons why I love wearing my glasses is because it gives me another way to accessorize. And getting the right color, style and size of my frames, it enhance my natural features.So I am wearing these babies with pride! (now).

BIG HELP/PROTECTION

People take the power of glasses for granted, but the concept is incredible. Like for my case I am seeing clearer eye sight when I started wearing my glasses. I can now read, watch tv and work on my computer without worrying of damaging my eyes.

CHANGES MY LOOK

My glasses give me an entirely new look when I put them on. It does not only make me look intelligent and smart but it make me look young. And having them on makes it easier for me to look like a Korean with a cute head band to match. ha!ha!ha! Aegyo!

BRING ATTENTION TO EYES

My glasses draw attention to my face, people would always look at my face instead of my boobs. LOL :)

NO SIDE EFFECTS

Laser eye surgery is another option to cure for a poor eye sight. But laser eye surgery can have several effects and can even result in blindness. Contact lenses can also cause some infections, scratch or irritate my eyes. While glasses don't actually touch my eyes, so there's no chance of it causing physical damages on my eyes. The only pain comes with wearing my glasses is when the first time I had it on. My eyes hurt and headaches occur a little which is pretty normal as per my ophthalmologist said and if headaches persist I am can anytime visit her for check-ups.

How about you? Do you wear glasses? Which method your prefer to wear Contacts or Glasses? How long have you had them?

2015 : HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Goodbye 2014! Hello 2015!

It doesn't have to be a new year to make a difference...to start a new life and to correct whatever is there to correct...It's just that, the big 'BOOMMM!' of the first day of the year motivates us to do more...to think better...and to appreciate deeper what God has given us.

(Photo credit to its owner.)

I am thankful for all the drama, disappointments, fake friends, and the bullshit that goes with it from 2014 without all of that in my life I would not be who I am today. I'm looking forward to the best 2015 God has in store for me.

with my nieces.

with my family!

And no matter what life throws at me, I'm still blessed because I have had the most precious gift of life all along, family! ‪

Happy New Year Everyone!

Xoxo,

Tine ♥♥♥