Yes Yes! to Vegas!

See you next year Vegas!!!

(And hopefully also see the Grand Canyon and Yosemite park 

so I can put a check on my bucket list: Hug a Sequoia tree)

Intro to Dive. (Atimonan, Quezon)

As a sucker for all things outdoor, I have tried quite a number of activities. Some of them I never thought I'd dare to do because there is water or swimming involved and I don't know how to swim. But because pops and the boyfriend seem to be enjoying a lot under water and seeing their under water shots make me envious, I, the girl who panics at the sound the word swim, tried intro to scuba diving in Atimonan, Quezon.

We dived in Atimonan's biggest rotary emblem which they created

 to serve as an artificial reef to sea creatures.

Not our usual backpacks.

Here is Pops helping us with the gears. (Photo by Cris Cleofas)

Photo by Cris Cleofas

 Photo by Cris Cleofas

 My favorite shot of Jose. I was 20ft. under. Now that I think about it... Yikes!

With the owner and dive master of De Gracia Beach Resort, sir Greg De Gracia.

As it turns out, it is not as intimidating as it sounds because you all have the things you need to survive under water in your BCD (buoyancy control device) where the oxygen tank is attached. It may not be intimidating, but it could be overwhelming when you have to deal with buttons in your BCD and equalizing at the same time. It may overwhelm you but NEVER allow yourself to panic and ALWAYS listen to your diving instructor to avoid unnecessary accidents. You follow instructions and you are good to dive.

Singapore

It's just my second time to go out of the country and am glad I did it again with my family, plus a bonus, because the boyfriend was able to join us. Although we were not complete during this trip because big brother and his wifey had to stay for work, it was still a whole lot of fun because it was my first time to actually navigate a foreign country without the big bro's guidance. And while I am VERY used to backpacking, it's still different when you are traveling in a foreign land and your family puts you in charge of itinerary and logistics. Lo and behold, we managed to get lost a couple of times, okay, maybe several times but hey it's all part of the fun! :)

We  were also able to meet friends who are now residing in SG and who gave us helpful tips during our stay. 

Visited Sentosa for USS and Sea Aquarium, Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay, China town, Little India, and Bugis. Also, I'm so proud of mama for conquering her fear of heights and rides. It was her first time to actually muster up her strength to ride a roller coaster. :)

We are just your average Joes so when we get to travel, it really brings so much joy because we know that it was all God who made us pasyal. That's why when a journey ends I never fail to thank Him because it was all Him. Thank You for this trip and thank You in advance for the next country next year! It's Sunny! :)

Samantha's Kitchen

So lately I've been busy at the kitchen. :)

Cinnamon rolls and tacos

Chocolate Crinkles

Honey Oats loaf

                                                                    Egg in a Basket

                                                                        Churros

   

Red Velvet cupcake

Workmates and other people who have tasted them suggested I start selling these baked goodies. I say not yet. I don't feel like baking to earn "just yet". Right now, I'm just enjoying baking for my friends and love ones. If I baked something for you, then you must be special. :P

P.S I really think my boyfriend and I make a good partnership. He's good at cooking meals while I work with the desserts. :) ❤️