Destination Diary: Back in Onse Islas + New Places Discovered

Now I can say that Onse Islas in Panubigan, Zamboanga City doesn’t fail to impress me.

Only an hour’s ride away at a steady pace in C’s Chevrolet Spark, I was curious to see Onse Islas again after a year. Last year we were island hopping and it was the soft opening as the LGU re-opened the group of islands to visitors after having protocols installed in place.

This weekend, we joined my cousin’s group as we discovered new corners that I haven’t been to before, this time with a different route, starting from Sirommon, stopping for a moment in Baung-Baung and ending the tour in Bisaya-Bisaya island. What makes this particular trip interesting is the visit to Playa de Isabelle and the hike atop Baung-Baung island to view Bisaya-Bisaya in a distance.

Another thing to note is that I immensely enjoyed the meal prepared by our guide in Sirommon island consisting of fresh lambay also known as kasag or crabs, and freshly harvested coconut, where we got to drink the juice and scrape off the meat for a hearty finish. Because we were so busy eating with our hands, none of us remembered to take photos of our fresh feast by the shore.

Even if I forgot my rash guard at home due to uncontained excitement and also there were doubts prior to sailing to the islands because of the fear of bad weather, the day kept surprising us with random sprinkles of rain, but nothing to be alarmed about.

There are two new places for me in Onse Islas, the first one is….

Playa de Isabelle

It’s a quick walk to Playa de Isabelle, just be careful not to step on slippery surfaces.

I’m someone who easily falls with bad balancing skills but with some slow pacing and careful footing, we made it to Playa de Isabelle. It’s the other side of Sirommon island and looks like a long-forgotten pier reached its weathering limits.

Took a few photos with C (my most favorite is the one lying on the sand) and I personally didn’t bother crossing the mangroves to reach the weathered port. A few photos and videos here and there and that was enough for me.

And the second place I want to share with you is…

Baung-Baung Hill

It’s on another island, which involves another quick boat ride to sprint onto Baung-Baung. Visitors should get ready for a steep hike, so a lot of breaks are encouraged until the summit is reached. It was no sweat for our guide but it took us a while though. The view is like something I’ve never seen, as it was rewarding enough for that hike.

Luckily I was bringing my Granite Gear backpack and Thermoflask with me. I honestly didn’t mind the weight. We took a few photos and videos, I jokingly told the group to take a jump shot there.

After touching base in Bisaya-Bisaya Island, Carl and I decided to stay behind while the others went on to visit the natural infinity pool. Having been there before, we decided to take a quick nap.

Two new experiences for me on a Sunday, spent with C and some fun company, plus all we did is eat and burn off those calories. It’s more memories to be cherished Onse Islas.

Reminders

•    It’s a Muslim community, so visitors are advised to respect people living in the area.

•  The LGU is strictly imposing a no garbage policy, so please be responsible in disposing your trash properly. Do not leave anything behind. 

Other Relevant Links: 

Quick Guide to Onse Islas, Panubigan, Zamboanga City 

Destination Diary: Sta. Cruz Island + Things to Do

Review: Granite Gear Echo Backpack in Verb Petal

Note: All input are based on my personal experiences in Onse Islas (Eleven Islands). Our group made arrangements prior to the island hopping date. This is not a sponsored post. 

*Photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy A50.

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Product Spotlight: Skin White Power Whitening Body Wash

Skin White Whitening Body Wash from Sample Room

Shortly after The Cream Factory bid adieu, I found its replacement in one of Sample Room's features.

I am a self-confessed bar soap hoarder and have just become a body wash convert this year. Finding a back-up was fairly easy and this not-so little game player seems promising. I've also noticed that some brands have jumped into the body wash bandwagon. 

For a 200 ml bottle, it's very affordable at Php 99. That's like the amount of two bar soaps and this bottle can surely  last for more than a month! For someone who enjoys fresh showers in the morning to start the day right, I find the scent a bit too overwhelming and the sweet fragrance just fills the whole bathroom. 

It is gentle on the skin though and I like that there is no need to apply lotion afterward. It has a gentle cleansing effect and it also softens my skin. I'm not quite sure about gauging its moisturizing effect but I do like that the formulation is not as runny. It lathers very well and does not leave any residue.

As for whitening, I'm not exactly keen on its whitening properties and I don't see any visible effects, not my primary goal is to whiten my skin with this wash. So I think this is a good cleansing wash but not necessarily a whitening wash especially if you want to have two tones lighter. 

I find that this is a fair body wash in general and can last a long time with regulated use giving you good money's worth. I believe this is the brand's first in the market and have high hopes that it will work well with its body lotions.

Have you tried this one too? What are your thoughts? Have a good weekend!

I Already Emptied A Bottle Of You, Now What?

Here's how the story starts.

I got a bottle of Gluta C Intense Whitening from Sample Room ages ago. (Ngeh, not really.) And I was also looking forward to writing all about it but kept putting it off until- well, it's almost empty.

So the question is, will I be restocking?

The answer is a maybe.

I really like that it is fast absorbing and works well with the body scrub that is also from Gluta C. Another thing is that it smells rather pleasant, not too overpowering and not too sweet either. It has become a post-shower-constant in the evening before I go to bed.

As for its whitening properties, I didn't see any effects even after over a month of using it. Nobody noticed any significant changes (which also contributes to its powers and is a sad basis for my observations too, I know) so... it remains more of a  comfort lotion rather than a whitening lotion if there ever was one.

Now that the weekend has arrived, let's all do some pampering sessions, shall we? We all deserve some down time. Let me show you the result of all work and no play, as long as you don't tell my boss on me, okay?

So before you run out of time, you can still join a couple of giveaways here:

Sun Putty Giveaway

August Collaboration Giveaway

And if you like to do some weekend shopping, you can check out Sigma here.

Black and White

Super quick post, for two purposes.

Assorted beads and wires and some touches of silver charms

Ribbon bookmarks in black and white

I'm mixing and matching still on the look out for new supplies for crafting. I'm preparing something crazy for my siblings in the blogosphere, this is a little teaser for now. 

Ciao!