The Cetaphil Experience at The Farm in San Benito, Batangas

I grew up in a crowded and hustling city so I always appreciate nature and places that make me forget the busyness of the city.  Let me tell you about my recent trip to a beautiful and relaxing place in Batangas, care of Cetaphil.

One of my favorite brands, Cetaphil, invited me to their Cetaphil Experience at The Farm in San Benito, Batangas. It's a 3Day and 2Night transformative experience at the globally award-winning health and wellness retreat venue. I was invited along with my forever-partner, Ana Victorino. Top bloggers from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand were also there with us!

Just for the record, this is my FIRST-EVER sponsored travel experience. I have always wondered how it feels to travel and relax FOR FREE! I only see bloggers like Camille Co and Laureen Uy do work and leisure at the same time. I can't believe it's finally happening to me! This is all because of Cetaphil! 

Here's a video preview made by Cetaphil. I wish I can make videos as beautiful and as polished as this one, though. 

The venue was at the famous The Farm in Batangas. At first, I had no idea about this place. But according to Cetaphil's description, it's famous international and has also won several awards for being a perfect and holistic health and wellness retreat venue. I was not expecting a lot from the venue, to be honest. I was just looking forward to being able to swim because I haven't swam for so long.  

But when we got to the place, it was paradise! I love how close the venue is to the main city but once you're there, you will instantly feel as if you flew to a hidden resort somewhere in Bali or Phuket. Who would ever think this is just in Batangas, seriously?

We left Manila at past 10 in the morning and got to the venue at around 1 in the afternoon. First, we were welcomed by the staff then we were guided to our own VILLA! Yes, Our. Own. Villa. So, each country has 2 blogger representatives and then 1 Cetaphil Experience Winner. Ana, our winner Rachelle and I stayed in this beautiful villa!

It has a huge bed plus another single bed, a humongous bathroom that is about twice the size as my room, a veranda that has a beautiful view of trees and a clean and clear infinity pool with jacuzzi!

Our villa is just the cherry on top. The whole place is like a tub your favorite ice cream! Oops, scratch that. This post is supposed to be detoxifying and healthy, why am I talking about ice cream?!

Anyway, this place is a detox venue so expect VEGAN FOOD! I do like vegetables a lot but I get uneasy with gourmet vegan food. I know they are pricey and come in super pretty presentation but the taste of it is just really not my taste. :(

The Farm has their own plantation of fruits and vegetables that they use to make the food they serve at their Alive restaurant. Yes, everything organic! It's also cool how even the animals, that are on large at the farm, also eat organic vegetables and coconut meat!

I had the pleasure to spend this life-changing experience with these beautiful and influential bloggers from Asia. Nutty and Amy from Thailand, Jamie and Roseanne from Singapore, Clara and Sonia from Indonesia, Charis and Emily from Malaysia, and of course, Kristine (me) and Ana from the Philippines. This was our first group photo. Everyone was sweet, friendly and humble. We all got along fast since everyone was warm and friendly. 

We didn't have a lot of stuff on the first day since our activity were just opening, introduction and a short skit-making activity regarding confidence. We had dinner at night and then we were sent back to our own villas. Ana and I took this opportunity to swim in our infinity pool. I may sound ignorant and funny but this pool is seriously the cleanest and purest pool I have ever swam in. The water is so fresh that I was able to swim under the water with my eyes open. It also felt as if it was safe to drink the water as I swim. Like swimming in mineral water, yes, that's how it felt.

Watch the video below to see more of the fun that we had. I was alone in the video most of the time, though. But I hope you enjoy and watch it until the end.

*SECOND DAY*

On the second day, I woke up earliest among the three of us because I take so long fixing my hair. I wanted to be the first to shower so I could dry my hair first then style it. Anyway, we had breakfast at the Alive restaurant. Again, all vegan and healthy food!

The other bloggers had their Spa Experience in the morning so the rest of the bloggers that weren't scheduled for the spa in the morning had some free time. Ana and Rachelle did their own thing while I did mine. I took this opportunity to walk around the Farm and explore it. Everything was perfect except I forgot to bring my mini tripod and didn't wear my swimsuit!

Here are some photos of me. Credits to myself for being able to take presentable pictures with just a 10-second timer and no tripod or remote. ^_^

This is one of my favorite places at The Farm. I love how perfect the view is. From the mountain, to the clouds, to the tress, to the hut in the center of the water and the body of water that reflects the beauty of nature.

After some "alone time" with nature, I went back to our villa to change clothes and freshen up. I then wore a floral dress that I got from Bugis Market in Singapore. (Oh, I miss Singapore!) We had lunch then went to the Meditation Area for our turn to experience The Farm's Spa.

I love how there are lot of pools in the Venue! And almost all of them are infinity pools! Too bad we didn't have a lot of time and I didn't want to look soaked up while my fellow bloggers were all dolled up so I had to resist the water. Though, I always wanted to jump in each swimming pool!

Now, it's time for our SPA! This flower arrangement, though. I'm pretty sure they change this every morning and I could only imagine the time and effort they put in just to finish this arrangement.

Outdoor bathtub, anyone?

Ahhhhhhh! Exactly what we all needed! This is one o the highlights of the whole Cetaphil Experience. It seriously was one of the best spa treatments I've had in my life. It was so calming, relaxing and refreshing!

Each spa treatment costs Php 5,000++, though. ^_^

After the spa, we were given a cup of calming tea. It was seriously so good, I even tried to remake it when I went back home to Manila the next day. It was a light and calming tea with pandan and mint leaves!

I wish life was just about taking walks, having massages and drinking tea.

After the spa experience, I hurriedly went back to our villa to freshen up. They used coconut oil for the massage so I was as slimy as an eel and my hair was too greasy. I had to hurriedly freshen up and make my self up since the other bloggers who had their spa in the morning were all dolled up already. 

Here's a mirror OOTD with Ana!

We went to the convention area of The Farm for a seminar with Ms. Martina Fink. 

It was short but it was seriously one of the best and inspiring talks I have ever attended. Martina was able to deliver Cetaphil's message to us clearly. We talked about self-acceptance, loving one's self and confidence!

We had dinner at night at the Alive restaurant. It was July and several of my fellow bloggers celebrated their birthday that month so we had a mini party! They prepared cake for the birthday girls. Good thing it was REAL CAKE! Oh my goodness, we had vegan meal the entire time, we got so hungry and craved for real food!

After dinner, we went back to the convention area for a short facial cleansing and relaxation using Cetaphil products. 

It was our last night some of the bloggers decided to had a small "house party"! We went to the Malaysian blogger's villa for a swimming. The Indonesian bloggers were there, too, along with Ana and I.

*THIRD DAY*

On the third and final day, our first activity after having breakfast was to go straight to the convention area. We had a final seminar with Martina Fink where we talked about the things that we have learned from the 3-day Cetaphil Experience. I, for sure, did learn and discovered a lot of things. Not only about me but also about my fellow bloggers as well. The most important part of it was that I was able to remember why I should love my self first and why I should be confident about being me!

After the talk, we were given some Cetaphil goodies to take back to our homes. I love the travel case they gave us! Here is a photo of me and Ana, together with our Philippines winner, Rachelle. 

We also had an interview where we shared our thoughts and feelings regarding the Cetaphil Experience.

Here is my banner with my kiss mark on it!

It was surely an experience I will never forget. I was fun to attend an event of a product that I really use and believe in. I don't just use it, by the way, I also recommend it! Cetaphil was one of the products that helped me improved my skin when I had the acne breakout. Now that my skin has cleared up, it was so humbing and overwhelming to be able to share my "healing" story to other women. I know I am confident about myself but there are times when I forget it. There are times when I would feel insecure, especially about my skin. There are times when I would wish I had prefect, flawless skin like some girls I see. But Cetaphil made me remember my reason. I don't have perfect skin because I went throught a battle and won it. Now, my (acne) scars are here to tell other women that they, too, can overcome what they are going though. That YOU can overcome what you are going through. I always open up to you about my skin because I want to be that someone you guys can run to when you need acne and skin tips. I want to be able to answer you guys honestly, without inhibitions,without you doubting me, because you know that I have been there and I have overcome it. And you, too, WILL overcome it!

Thank you for reading this long blog post. And thank to Cetaphil for taking me to this life-changing experience. I will never forget the people I met, the lessons I learned and the whole experience!

I hope you enjoyed reading and please do follow me on Instagram for live updates and to stay connected! @RealAsianBeauty 

Tambobong Beach, Dasol, Pangasinan

This is probably one of the best and unforgettable Summers for me. Ironic, though, how I still got to enjoy "summer vacation" though I'm not a student anymore. I did a lot of things, went to many places, experienced different things and spent time with a lot of people. How can that not be special? Anyway, one of the reasons why I enjoyed this Summer so much was because I went to a very nice beach in Pangasinan.

Don't you just love going to places that aren't well-visited yet? I got to enjoy Potipot Island in Zambales (around 8 years ago) when it wasn't known to many yet. This time, I got to see the beauty of a small island in Pangasinan!

My Grandmother's brother's family (second aunt's, uncle's and cousins) was planning a summer outing for their family. I'm quite close to them so they invited me to go with them. We were coming from Tarlac so I was expecting the trip would be shorter. We left Tarlac past 4 in the morning. I was looking forward to arriving at around 7 in the morning. But the trip was long! So, so long that even my cute nephew got tired and bored.

From the main road, you'd have to turn right to reach the beach. We thought we were close to the place already but we still had to take the road for more than an hour! The road was crooked and narrow so driving through it was quite difficult. 

Finally, we reached the Tambobong Beach!! 

To be honest, most of us were disappointed when we got there. We got there at around 9:30 AM. Yes, clear water and blue sky greeted us but those can also be found in Bolinao. And Bolinao would have taken only 3 hours, as compared to travelling to Dasol for more than 5 hours. 

Anyway, we were already there and the place was pretty on it's own anyway, so we just tried to enjoy it! 

At around 11 in the morning, my cousin and my uncle rented 3 boats for us. I had no idea where we were going but just rode the boat anyway. hehe I just heard we were going to a certain island but I didn't pay much attention.

The boat ride took about 10 to 15 minutes. We then reached this island that they call Colibra Island. 

Oh, boy! The place was so beautiful. I feel like crying now that I'm talking about it. There are really so many wonderful places in my country and they are just waiting to be explored. 

The water was crystal clear, the sand was white and fine and the island was small, just perfect for a mini getaway!

There was a sandy part on the island and then, there was also a rocky part. 

Beautiful, just beautiful! 

The boat drivers will tell you they will leave you and will come back after an hour. For me, though, 1 hour is not enough to fully enjoy Colibra Island. I regret that we only spent an hour there. 

Anyway, we were left there to enjoy, explore the island and take some photos. The sun was shining so bright but we all couldn't care less since it's not everyday that we have the energy to travel that far and to see an island as beautiful as Colibra. What's even more awesome was that there weren't many people so the beach almost became like a private area for us. 

Welcome to Yamar Family's private beach! hehehe

Too bad, I forgot that I was a blogger and failed to take lots of photos and videos. hehe I enjoyed the place so much that I wasn't even able to take photos of just the place. But you can always use Google if you want to see more of Colibra Island. 

After an hour, we were picked up by our "boat service". I thought we were going back to the shore but I found out we were headed to yet another island.

I'm such a free-loader, aren't I? hehe 

Anyway, we went to another island called Crocodile Island. Just like Colibra, the place was also special. 

However, the place is rocky so you may have to bring your slippers/foot wear with you. Luckily, I had mine on so I had no problem walking on the rocky and slippery shore.

I can't find a better picture of me inside the cave so please bear with this one. ^^ 

It was kind of creepy inside, especially for a non-swimmer like me. The water was deep and there was little water current. The cave also has some tunnels and holes that are dark and the water inside seemed scary and deep. Reminded me of those scary movies set on a beach. hehe

The outside, of course, was breath-taking .We didn't forget to take a group picture! 

You just gotta know that a thing is mine when it's in pink. hehe

We then went back to shore and swam a bit more. My cousins saw some jelly fish and star fish and caught them. After a while, they returned them in the water. Animals shouldn't be deprived from their habitat.

We left Tambobong Beach at around 4:30 in the afternoon. After a fun day at the beach, we still had to travel back and endure yet another 5 hours in the vehicle. We arrived Tarlac at around 10 in the evening. 

This was the only time I went to the beach this Summer but it was so fun and worth it! I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post! If you want to visit a new place, try Tambobong Beach in Dasol. Just please don't tell me I didn't warn you about the travel time and the crooked and narrow road. hehe

♥

Kristine

Last Day in Singapore : Jumbo Sea Food, Ice Kachang + PM Lee Kuan Yew

I'm finally blogging our last day in Singapore! This Summer has been so fun that I didn't notice how fast time flew. It feels like it was just yesterday when I came back home from our Singapore trip and then went to Tarlac for my long-awaited Summer vacation. I will tell you guys more about Tarlac and the reasons why I love it.

Anyway, today let me tell you what happened on our last day in SG.

At around 11 AM, we checked out of our hotel, Victoria Hotel. Since we still had few hours before our flight, we decided to leave our stuff at the reception. Singapore is a safe place and the people are honest so we didn't worry about our stuff getting lost or stolen.

Explored the streets of Singapore for the last time. 

When I was in Hong-Kong, I regretted that I didn't take home some egg tarts. So, I bought some from KFC this time. They sell it for $1/$1.20 per piece.

It was funny because on our way to the airport, the egg tarts were the biggest nuisance to me. I wanted to make sure I'd be able to give them to my mom in perfect shape but they ended up dropping on the floor twice. hehe

Watch my last vlog in SG :

My cousin and I wanted to taste the famous Singaporean chili crab. My cousin said she saw Kris Aquino feature a chili crab restaurant in Singapore so we Googled it and found Jumbo Sea Food restaurant. Since we didn't have much time and didn't need to save money anymore, we just took the cab from Bugis to somewhere in Singapore. hehe I forgot the exact place but it sure wasn't in Clark Quay area.

Jumbo Chili Crab sure isn't cheap. This pot costs around $50. But it was really, really delicious!!

My cousin treated me to lunch which made the meal even more delicious. hehe Don't you guys love free meals as well? Anyway, the taste was heavenly! I ate 2 bowls of rice because even the sauce of the crab was good enough to go with the rice. 

The late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew passed away while we were in Singapore. We wanted to go to his wake so we could see him for the last time. I truly admire what he has done to Singapore and I wish there could be a Filipino leader like him who could develop the Philippines, too. Anyway, we wanted to go but we didn't have a lot of time. Plus the line was really long!

Another food that we wanted to try in Singapore was Ice Kachang. We saw one at Makansutra Gluttons Bay but the place was too far so we just looked around the area. Locals directed us to go to Bencoolen for it. 

We were so excited because it really looks delicious in pictures... and even when other people are eating it. But when we ordered our own bowl, we were disappointed. The ice was really bland and the taste of the syrup didn't match the corn at all. I guess the one we tried was just really bad but I'd still give the one in Makansutra a try when I get a chance to go back.

WE ALMOST GOT LATE FOR OUR FLIGHT! Since day 1, I was sure our flight back to the Philippines was at 7PM. But while forcing myself to finish my bowl of ice kachang, I re-checked our flight itinerary and saw that our flight was at 6PM! It was already 3:30 PM and we still had to travel for an hour to the airport. We saw that as a sign to just give up on the ice kachang and rushed back to Victoria Hotel to get our stuff!

The kind attendant at Victoria Hotel. I forgot his name but he was really kind and helpful.

We mad it to the airport at around 5PM. Just in time for check in and boarding. 

One of the things that I like about Singapore is that it doesn't get dark early. 7PM is still bright! Here in the Philippines, there are days when 5:30 would already be dark, especially in November and December. How is it in your country?

Going back home!

The edge of Singapore!

We arrived Manila at past 10 PM... then I was back to reality.

I hope you guys enjoyed my Singapore vlogs and blogs. The next time I travel, I will surely take lots of photos and videos again so I could show you how the trip went.

For now, we have to go back to reality. It's also the 1st day of June, first day of classes for some students here in the Philippines. Good luck to you all! Good luck to the teachers going back to work today as well! ^_^

♥

Kristine