I Got Scammed Yesterday (So You Don’t Have To)

 So I got scammed yesterday.

With three consecutive trips lined up this May starting on the 3rd, I was craving a quick escape for the Labor Day weekend. Naturally, I thought—nearest beach, minimal effort—Batangas.

I started browsing for overnight packages and came across Cala Laiya. Everything looked legit. The Facebook page was Meta-verified, the photos were beautiful, and responses on Messenger were quick and reassuring.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583741464895

Then came the “lucky” part.

A room was suddenly available for my exact dates. I was told I needed to make an immediate payment to secure it. Given that May 1 is a long weekend, it didn’t feel suspicious at the time. It felt urgent. So I transferred the amount.

Luckily, I only booked the cheapest room for one night.

Right after the payment, I was asked to send a security deposit.

That’s when it hit me.

You know that feeling when your gut starts catching up with your actions? Yeah, that.

I decided to double-check. I went to the official website, called the listed number—no answer. Tried again. And again.

On my third attempt, someone finally picked up.

And just like that, everything unraveled.

The Facebook page I transacted with? Fake.
The rates? Different.
Availability? Fully booked until May 6.

I had been scammed.

Building Consistency, One Morning at a Time

This week has been all about consistency.

Nothing dramatic, nothing extreme just showing up every day and sticking to a routine that works. I’ve been waking up before 7 a.m., which, for me, already feels like a small win. To make things easier, I’ve started sleeping in my gym clothes. It sounds simple, maybe even a bit funny, but it removes that extra step in the morning. When I wake up, all I need to do is put on my sneakers and head straight to the gym. No excuses, no delays.

I’ve also been trying to prepare my work clothes the night before. It’s a small habit, but it makes a big difference in how smoothly the day starts. Of course, I’m not perfect at it yet—there have been a few mornings where I realize I forgot something as basic as underwear or dress socks. Not ideal, but part of the process.

Right now, my weight is hovering around 77–78 kg. I’m still a long way from my goal of 69 kg, but I’m not starting from zero. After the Christmas and New Year holidays, I had gained quite a bit—but I’ve already managed to lose 7 kg. That alone is something I try to remind myself of.

Progress doesn’t always feel fast enough, especially when you have a clear goal in mind. But looking back, the difference is there. And more importantly, the habits are starting to stick.

This phase isn’t about perfection. It’s about building a routine that I can sustain—even on days when motivation is low. Because at the end of the day, consistency beats intensity.

And for now, that’s enough.

Chasing Seasons, Cities, and Moments: A Year in Motion

I recently looked back at my last post and realized it was a recap of 2024 as I welcomed 2025. Now, somehow, we’re already well into 2026. Time has a way of moving quickly when you’re constantly on the move—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This past year has been a whirlwind of destinations, events, and experiences that blurred together into one long, continuous journey.

It began in Zamboanga City, where we welcomed the new year. Not long after, I boarded my first international flight of the year for an ocular in Sapporo, Japan. There’s always something exciting about seeing a destination for the first time with work in mind—imagining possibilities, mapping out experiences, and setting the stage for what’s to come.

By February, I was back in Sapporo—this time not just to plan, but to execute. There’s a different kind of energy when everything comes together, when months of preparation finally turn into a lived experience for others.

March didn’t slow down. A quick trip to Bohol offered a brief pause, but the pace picked up again just as quickly with visits to Portugal and a return to Taiwan—all within the same month. It was the kind of schedule that leaves you checking what country you’re waking up in, but also reminds you how lucky you are to be doing what you do.

April brought me back to Türkiye, but this trip stood out for a different reason. For the first time, my partner Carlo joined me. It meant a lot to finally share that side of my world—the behind-the-scenes of tour groups, the organized chaos, the little wins that make everything worth it. And Türkiye, with all its beauty and character, couldn’t have been a better backdrop.

May was, without a doubt, one of the busiest months. Hanoi for an ocular, Italy shortly after, styling an event in Bangkok, celebrating Ma’am Siony’s birthday back in Manila, and then returning to Hanoi again for the actual event. It was fast, demanding, and at times exhausting—but also incredibly fulfilling.

In June, I found myself back in Melbourne, a city that always feels both familiar and new at the same time. Then came July, with a trip to Da Nang, followed by a return in early August for another event. That same month, things shifted closer to home with a company team building in Laguna, a visit to Davao where I finally experienced Pearl Farm, and another travel group in Hong Kong.

By late September, I was back in Melbourne for the actual event, which carried on until the first week of October. From there, I flew to Greece, where the pace slowed just enough to take in the beauty of a place that feels almost timeless.

November took me somewhere completely different—Bhutan. Reaching the Tiger’s Nest was more than just a physical climb; it was one of those rare moments that make you pause, breathe, and fully take in where you are.

December brought me back to Italy, this time exploring Milan and Florence. Shortly after, our company sponsored trip took place in Seoul. The year wrapped up quietly, spending Christmas and New Year in Toronto—a welcome contrast to the constant motion of the months before.

The new year began with a quick trip to Florida and New York, before returning to Toronto and eventually flying back to Manila.

February picked up the pace again—Seoul, an ocular in Hanoi, and events in both Osaka and Melbourne, all within the same month. March had me back in Sapporo for ten days, revisiting a place that had already marked both the beginning and middle of this journey.

And just this April, I spent the long weekend in Seoul, followed by another group in Hanoi, before heading back to Osaka once again.

Looking back, it’s easy to see this past year as a list of destinations—but it’s really a collection of moments, people, and experiences that shaped each stop along the way. The early mornings, the late nights, the unexpected challenges, and the quiet wins in between.

It’s been a year of constant movement—but also of growth, gratitude, and perspective.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: no matter how many places you go, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered—not just in the world, but in yourself.

Here’s to slowing down just enough to share more of these moments—and continuing the journey, wherever it leads next.

Hello 2025

It’s been a year since I last updated my blog, and so much has happened over the course of 2024.

I started the year in Toronto, Canada, and was also able to visit Montreal during that trip. On my way back to the Philippines, I spent a few nights in Tokyo, which made the journey even more memorable.

In April, we moved into a two-bedroom condominium and rented out our old unit—a big step forward for us.

May turned out to be a busy travel month. I was able to return to El Nido and Puerto Princesa, visit Barcelona, and also make a trip back to Zamboanga—all within the same month!

By July, I found myself in Seoul, South Korea, exploring its vibrant city life. Then in August, I had the privilege of hosting the Teddy Manuel Masterclass, which was truly an honor.

Towards the end of the year, I traveled to Turkiye in November and returned to Japan the following month. I wrapped up the year spending Christmas and New Year back in Zamboanga with family.

Looking back, 2024 has been filled with blessings, travels, and meaningful opportunities. I have so much to be thankful for—and I’m looking forward to even greater things in 2025.

My 2023 Fitness Journey

I can’t believe it’s been two years since my last blog post. A month after my last recipe entry, I joined a non-profit that advocates for HIV and AIDS treatment and prevention. I stayed with them for 18 months before eventually moving to our partner clinic. I was so busy during that period that I never had the chance to blog about my new career path.

One thing that remained consistent, however, was my pursuit of the elusive six-pack abs. My fitness journey has been anything but consistent over the years, but this year has been different—I’ve seen the most progress so far. Right now, I’m working on lowering my body fat percentage to around 12% so my abs can finally show.

I’ve been following a calorie deficit diet, and it’s been effective. For cardio, I stick to incline walking on the treadmill, and for strength training, I rotate muscle groups throughout the week. My current goal for the next 10 days is to double my gym time—either with longer sessions or splitting them between morning and evening. The only challenge I’ve noticed is sleep: evening workouts tend to keep me awake longer. Hopefully, by shifting cardio to the morning and strength training to the evening, I can improve both my routine and my sleep.

My eating habits have also changed. Yesterday was actually the first time I overindulged on a buffet during a cheat day and ended up throwing up—a reminder that balance is still key.

Here’s a look at my workout and meals yesterday:

Morning Workout

• Dumbbell Row: 22.5 lbs (3 sets of 10)

• Lat Pulldown: 55 lbs (3 sets of 8)

• Seated Row: 55 lbs (3 sets of 8)

• Incline Treadmill: 14 incline, speed 5 (20 minutes)

Breakfast

• Coffee with Splenda

Lunch

• Chicken breast

Afternoon Workout

• Seated Row: 30 lbs (3 sets of 10)

• Lat Pulldown: 55 lbs (3 sets of 8)

• RDL: 20 lbs (3 sets of 10)

After the gym, I went to S&R supermarket for meal prep essentials: 3 kg of boneless chicken breast, 3 kg of frozen California mix vegetables, and an entire tray of eggs (I now eat 4 eggs per meal).

I got home just before 9 PM, steamed a portion of the vegetables, and ate 3 slices of the remaining chicken breast. I also prepped my meals for the next day.

100 Ulam Challenge 1: Stir Fried Bean Sprouts with Tofu And Carrots

Everybody is very much affected by the pandemic.  I have lost my job and is now based at home attending to most of the household duties including the budget and meals.  It is essential nowadays to tighten the belt and maximize our money's worth.  I have decided to do a 100 Pesos Ulam (Meal) Challenge to see how far I can go and the recipes I can create.  Since it's only dinner time that I get to sit down with my partner to have a meal, all of the dishes are designed to cater to 2 persons. Here's my 1st attempt.

Stir Fried Bean Sprouts With Tofu and Carrots

Ingredients:

 250 grams Firm Tofu (30 pesos) Sliced or Cubed

1 pack Bean Sprouts (25 pesos)

2 Small Carrots (40 pesos) Shredded

From the Pantry:

1/3 cup Dried Tiny Shrimps

3 Cloves of Garlic, Crushed

3 Tablespoons of Vegetable Oil

2 Tablespoons of Soy Sauce

1-2 Medium Egg

Procedure:

Fry Tofu until golden brown and then set aside.

On a separate wok, add oil and saute garlic and dried shrimps.

Mix in Bean Sprouts and shredded carrots.

Add the fried tofu and season with soy sauce and powdered seasoning.

Serve 2/3 leaving the remainder for the fried rice.

In the same wok, add the egg and lightly scramble.

Add a day old cooked rice and break the lumps.

Continue mixing until the color is even.

Season with salt and pepper!

Serve and enjoy!

Comment below if you have other recipes!

A Visit To Santa Cruz Island of Zamboanga In The New Normal

Zamboanga City is known for many things, and among them is the Pink Beach of Santa Cruz Island.  The 1^st and last time we visited the island was 8 years ago, and I was just delighted that island reopens December 26, since the lock down just in time for our arrival on the 23^rd.

Sand Bar

The tint on the sand is from the crushed red corals abundant in the area and is more prominent during the summer months.

 

It is the local City Tourism that regulates the activities of the island and pre booking is required to visit.  Even before our arrival, actually while waiting for boarding on our flight, I already expressed our interest to visit. To book, you may reach the PAMO with the following details:

       Zamboanga City, Protected Area Management Office

       Email: zcpamolgu@gmail.com

      Globe: 0905-601-6316

      Smart: 0951-939-0114

 

As a displaced tourism professional myself, I look for opportunities to help local guides regain their livelihood, and hopefully this visit would do just that.

 

Immediately, I received a response with attached documents on what to expect and forms to accomplish.  They encourage minimal interaction, and pre registration allows them to manage the arrivals, which is limited to 150 per day.  I figured, an early visit would allow us to see how the island coped or recovers from the break in tourism activities.

 

Among the forms you would need to accomplish are the following:

• Health Declaration
• Commitment Form (In response to the Island Do’s and Don’ts)
• Manifest Form

 

The other attachments would be the government-imposed fees for the activities, which can be customized to your length of stay and the Do’s and Don’ts.

 

There are 3-departure times to choose from, 7AM, 8AM and 9AM. You are asked to be present 30 minutes before, but we got to the Check In Desk an hour early on the day of our schedule and left as soon as we made the necessary payments.

 

Our guides ushered us to our picnic hut where we settled our things.  

A few minutes later, we were invited back to the boat for the 10-minute visit to the Sand Bar.  The Sand Bar is actually part of the smaller Santa Cruz Island and is visible most of the year.

Unfortunately, we were not able to do the lagoon tour because of the tide condition.  We scheduled our departure at noon, just as when the water is rising.  Nevertheless, it just gives us reason to come back.

 

The rest of the morning was spent on exploring the beach, swimming, and taking photos.  With a beautiful island as your backdrop, you will never ran out of Instagram worthy images.

By noon, we were ready to go back to the mainland. 

 

The Local Tourism was very efficient with their controls and the visit was worth it.  The Do’s and Don’t’s was helpful in ensuring responsible tourism and has kept the island clean.

 

We will definitely come back!