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I still have a few write ups on queue but I couldn't let this day pass without sharing where I went today. I couldn't contain my excitement.

Eversince Baguio Craft Brewery posted on Instagram that they will be opening their newest branch in Harbor Point Subic, I've been planning ways on how I can make it to their grand opening. I had a mini heart attack upon seeig their post and really, I just knew that I had to go.

I've only been to their main branch once, way back when they had just started. It was love at first sight (and taste!).  We went there quite late and in the midst of a typhoon but every minute was  an ecstacy. From the location to their beers and appetizers, down to their staff and facilities, everything was just on point. Interesting thing, though, number one rule of businesses is location, location, location and yet their main branch is not located in the heart of Baguio BUT it works! It totally works. It only goes to show that what the people behind the brewery are offering, is outstanding. I mean, it must be, otherwise people won't be bothering to go an extra mile just for that. Personally, I don't mind that its not in the city proper. It saves it customers from the hassle and bustle of the city and gives a more relaxed atmosphere, plus the view is to dieee for! Perfect chill place, if you will.

And the day has finally come, ladies and gentlemen.

Nice ambiance as always. Couldn't help but compare it to the main branch where at first glance you'll know you're in a brewery. For such limited space, however, its quite nice. Wish the bar was a little longer, though. :)

Good friend Vanni joined me. :)

So what makes their beers so special? Beyond their unique flavors, for me, its that nostalgia you get with every sip. Its no secret that Baguio hold a special place in my heart for its my second home. I lived there for almost seven years. Their beers remind me of Baguio and everything that I love about it. The culture and its people, fog and night lights, that certain comfort from the pine trees, its calmness, cold beers on even colder nights, just to name a few. It reminds me of home and right now, this is the closest I can get to home. I couldn't thank you enough, Baguio Craft Brewery. More powers to you, kampay!

P.S Sorry for the lack of photos. I'm having such an awesome time that I almost forgot to take photos. Haha. Plus the place's jammed. Why am I not surprised? :D 


xxx

They say that every great story should be told so as not to be forgotten even years after, but I'll say some of the greatest stories are just too great to even start telling and be best kept treasured in our memories. Same is true for this one. So allow me:

What happens in Daraitan, stays in Daraitan. 

Worry not, though. I may not give you the gist but I'm known for my generosity in giving previews. Trolling. 

1. This is my third time joining Barefoot Travels.  Also, my third time to be in their pioneer batch (quick trivia, we're one of those who requested for a Daraitan climb) but second time to be in an all girl group. 

2. I've never camped in the mountains before, so this is my first ever. By the looks of it, definitely won't be my last. :)

3. There's something ethereal with Tinipak River. Take the photo above as reference, doesn't it look Game of Thrones-ish to you? :)

4. I'm not sure whether this one's considered as major hike or not but whoever told you that the trail is difficult, believe them 'coz they ain't kidding you. I thought to myself, sh*t got real, man. To think that we took the (relatively) easier but longer trail.

5. Always. Always. Always expect the unexpected. Weather at the summit may be quite unpredictable. It was a perfectly good weather when we reached the summit but when it was already our group's turn for photo ops, it started raining cats and dogs, thus zero visibility as seen in the pictures. Really an iyak-tawa moment but it was epic!

Kudos to the Barefoot team for another amazing climb. Can't wait for the next! :D

xxx 

Apple Banana Strawberry Cabbage Combo :)

For those who know me personally, they know that I have an active lifestyle and I'm conscious of the food  I eat. You'll seldom see me munching on fast food, junk foods or street foods, only on cheat days. I've been going through a lot these past months and just found myself eating the most unhealthy foods there are. I temporarily forgot the meaning of the phrase "in moderation". Eating unhealthily three times a day certainly's not the best decision I've made in this lifetime. I don't usually stare at myself in the mirror but when I did, after a long time, I barely recognized myself. For the first time, I didn't like what I saw. I gained more pounds than I thought I had, my skin's dull and rough and I don't have that sunny aura anymore. That's when I snapped, all these unhealthy eating has to stop. Now that the holidays are over,  It's time to get my life back, no more excuses. 

I decided to do a 7-day raw green smoothie detox. I drink lemon or cucumber water for detox almost everyday but it's my first time to do an all out raw detox. For seven days, I'll be replacing my meals with raw green smoothies. I did a lot of research, read a lot of blogs and articles regarding this kind of detox, what it does to your body and just what to expect. I didn't consult my physician before doing this, though, as prescribed by the articles. I guess I just know my body a little to much. It's also advisable to keep a journal of your detox experience on a daily basis. Here's mine. (Also, I'll be sharing my raw green smoothie combinations and recipes at the bottom of this blog.)

DAY 1: 

I woke up late so I skipped my breakfast smoothie. Lunch smoothie was alright, I was full but not for long. After two hours, my stomach was growling. I started salivating for the coconut pie and french fries on our dining table. Seeing your family eating to their hearts content while you're sipping your green smoothie, it felt like your being tortured. I fought the urge (soooo badly) to grab a handful of fries and just stuff them in  my mouth. I survived the same scenario during supper. The first night of the detox was just terrible, I had mild headaches every now and then and I just can't sleep. I was able to finally sleep at around 2 in the morning, just to woken up at 3am. Terrible, just terrible. I've read from an article that this is normal to feel these things for the first three days of the detox since the body is still adjusting and undergoing the withdrawal phase, so, moving on.

DAY 2:

I woke up earlier than expected, drank my pre-prepared smoothie and to my surprise, I was energized. I was able to do all the chores without feeling hungry or any cravings. Enjoyed my smoothies up to their last drop, had no headaches whatsoever. I guess my body's already getting used to it. Way to go!

DAY 3:
Today, I got out of bed really exhausted, my knees can barely support my weight. I wasn't sure if its due to the detox again or because I stayed up all night. I was light headed most of the time. Aside from that though, everything was alright. No cravings and I didn't feel hungry. Great news was, I saw a significant improvement on my mid section. No more protruding bloated belly. No significant changes on my arms, love handles and thighs, though.

DAY 4:
With everything that has been going on lately, I'm starting to feel a little loopy. Today, I decided to add a little more fruit on my lunch smoothie, just cause I badly needed sugar to finish all today's work. I miss eating normal food, but I'm not craving for meat or carbs, I'm happy on all the fibers I'm getting.

DAY 5:
This has to be the worst feeling I had since I started the detox. I was light headed the entire afternoon, so I had to chew on a few bites of trail food (yes, I stock them on  a regular basis, in case I had to go on an spur-of-the-moment hike) and it did the trick. Regardless, I'm still determined to finish my 7-day detox.
Friendly tip, surround yourself with people who fully understand and support your cleansing. As for me, my mom, despite knowing I'm under detox, bought me pizza and chicken for dinner. I'm not sure if she's being thoughtful or she's just teasing me.

DAY 6:
I woke up feeling okay. I looked in the mirror thinking if I'm just imagining things or am I really getting thinner. So I measured my arms and waist, I've lost an inch on both! It wasn't much, I know, but I guess that's all I needed. Now I'm much inspired to continue the detox. Who knows maybe I can go beyond 7-days. :)

DAY 7:
Alright. Last Day. Yep, I decided it will just be 7 days for now. I wanna start working out again and for that I guess I need to take in normal food to get all the nutrients I can  get to support my muscles. Good day today, I don't have any cravings but I'm excited to eat normal food again. Quite frankly, I'm not bothered by the taste o raw smoothies at all but I'm getting tired of the texture, so I'm pretty excited to try other textures in my palate again. :D

So there you go, I give you my one week detox diary and as I break my detox, let me share you a few of my favorite green smoothie combinations. Before I started my detox, I researched for possible recipes but realized that most of the ingredients are either not available in the Philippines or too expensive, i.e kale, berries, arugula, etc., so I came up with my own Filipino style detox recipes. Hope you'll try them. 

Greens: either Kangkong, Cabbage, Lettuce (any will do but I use romaine, leaf and iceburg) or mix of the three

1. Strawberry + Banana + Greens
2. Banana + Apple + Greens
3. Pineapple + Orange + Greens
4. Mango + Banana + Greens
5. Apple + Carrots + Greens
6. Pineapple + Carrots + Greens
7. Apple + Carrots + Pineapple + Greens
8. Apple + Strawberry + Greens


Note:
Ratio is 1/2 greens/veggies , 1/2 mixed fruits
Make sure to rotate your greens to avoid alkaline build up.
Once in a while I add celery or apple cider vinegar just because for added nutrients. 
If you're new to the raw taste of veggies, you can add a little of fruit juice mixed with water to balance the taste.
Don't forget to add just the right amount of water or tea to your smoothie. 

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