After experiencing the recent Cebu earthquake while living alone in Iloilo, (I posted this vid on my FB) I realized a few very real things about what to do (and what not to do) during earthquakes or any type of disaster. I really wanted to share this and hope that someone will find it helpful!

The Night Everything Shook

On the evening of September 30, I was in my small kitchen when the power suddenly went out. Normally, the back-up power in the building would switch on right away, but this time, it didn’t. I froze. It was pitch black, and I had no idea where my phone was.

When the emergency power finally turned on, I saw my phone on my work desk (thankfully, just a few steps away as I live in a studio-type unit) and immediately grabbed it so I can use the flashlight just in case the power goes out again. That’s when I realized the room was swaying wildly!

Since my unit is situated over 18 meters above the ground, the movement felt like being on a ship in the middle of a storm. Everything was unsteady! This is why participating on earthquake drills is so important! As humans, our initial instinct is to run, but that’s actually a no-no during earthquakes. The safest thing to do is to stay where you are and protect yourself by:

- Getting under a sturdy table, or
- Standing near a reinforced doorway (I’ve read that the beams around doors can help absorb shock, but only if it’s a solid frame and it’s the only safe spot nearby).

When the shaking finally stopped and the building alarms went off, I knew I had to evacuate. I grabbed my go-bag, phone, and wallet, unplugged the washing machine (as I just started loading some laundry), turned off my work desk switch, threw on a robe, and headed for the stairs.

And let me tell you—going down multiple flights of stairs with shaky knees is a feat!

When we finally reached the ground floor, residents and workers from BPO centers around gathered at the evacuation area. Data was down :( , so we could only use our phones for calls or SMS. We stayed there for >30 minutes, and when the building admin finally decided it was safe to allow us back to the building, I went back to my unit just long enough to grab my charger and headed to a nearby café to charge my phone and get a super late dinner. (Spoiler: there were tremors again the next night, so I worked from the cafe again as my nerves were not ready for new set of panic!)

Lessons Learned: Earthquake Preparedness When You Live Alone in a Condo

That night made me realize how easily panic overrides logic. Some neighbors weren't even able bring their phones; others left their doors wide open. And honestly, I don’t blame them, fear takes over in moments like that.

I also met people who didn't know where the fire exit was, so I had to show them that it was right behind them (again, :( why earthquake/fire drills are important).

So here are a few earthquake and disaster preparedness tips that I hope can help you stay calm and safe:

1. Always Have a Go-Bag (Actually, Two!)

Yes, we’ve all heard this before, but this time, I really understood why it’s important. A go-bag (or emergency kit) is something you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be thankful to have it when disaster hits.

When I evacuated, my original go-bag had everything: documents, cash, clothes, food, water, and a first aid kit. But I had to cram in more items like my phone, laptop, wallet --and the bag ended up being too heavy to carry comfortably!

That’s why I now keep two go-bags:

Go-Bag #1 – Critical Evacuation Bag
For when you need to leave immediately and can’t think twice:
  • Drinking water
  • Ready-to-eat food
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight or emergency light
  • Power bank & charger
  • Jacket/windbreaker
  • Important documents and some cash

Go-Bag #2 – Full Evacuation Bag
For when you’ll need to stay elsewhere overnight or longer:
  • Set of clothes
  • Towel
  • Basic toiletries
  • Small blanket
  • Extra food items

If you live alone like me, a lightweight setup is best, but if you have family nearby, it’s also smart to:
• Prepare emergency packs for each family member
• Agree on a meet-up point in case communication networks go down

2. Keep Your Essentials Accessible

• Always know where your:

  • emergency exits are
  • flashlight is kept
  • phone, charger and/or power bank (also: always keep charged!)
  • main switch is --in case there's a need to turn it off!

• Documents and IDs stored in water/fire-proof kits (like a tin can!)
• Food and/or medicine (with their expiry dates in check!)

3. Practice Calmness During Drills

It may sound silly, but practicing how you’ll react helps you stay level-headed when disaster strikes. Muscle memory can save your life.

Plan ahead, have a family drill if needed. Know where the safest place in your house is, for any kind of scenario.

4. Don’t Forget Your Mental Safety

After any traumatic event, it’s normal to feel anxious or scared. If you can’t stay or sleep in your unit, it’s okay to stay somewhere you feel safe, like I did at a nearby 24/7 café. Give yourself grace; recovery takes time too.

K's Final Thoughts

Living alone has its perks, but it also means you’re your own first responder. Whether it’s an earthquake, flood, or power outage, preparation gives you confidence when everything else feels uncertain.

So take this as your gentle reminder: pack your go-bag tonight.

And most importantly, keep a close relationship with God. In times of uncertainty, it’s comforting to know you’re never truly alone. Jesus is always with us. ❤️

What’s in your go-bag? Share your tips or solo living disaster stories too!

Additional Note:

I recently came across Oplan Manila Yakal document and I think it would be super helpful for Manila-dwellers. It’s the government’s game plan in case the Big One hits Metro Manila. Think of it like a master plan that divides the city into zones so rescue teams, hospitals, and barangays know exactly what to do.

For my living alone peeps, it helps you:

  • Know where to go – find your assigned evacuation area and learn which sector your city belongs to
  • Pack smart – prep a solo-friendly emergency kit
  • Stay connected – save your barangay’s hotline
  • Keep calm – because again, once you understand how things work, it’s easier to act fast instead of panicking

Bottom line: Oplan Yakal helps you not feel totally alone when disaster strikes. You’ll know what to do, where to go, and who’s got your back even if you’re flying solo. Here's the link to the page: CLICK HERE

I’ve been hoarding CebPass vouchers for years! When Cebu Pacific held a CebPass sale last year, you bet my sis and I were among the first to buy –not 10, not 20–but 40 vouchers for ourselves, friends, and fam (of course, that eventually turned into a long and tiring saga of missing vouchers, refund requests, and never-ending email disputes, but it's all good now.)

Since SY 2025–2026 was just around the corner (my best friend is a school teacher), I figured it was the perfect time to finally book a trip using our vouchers to one of our dream provinces – Cebu! But we didn’t want to stay overnight ––well, I didn’t. My anxiety just doesn’t allow me to, so I decided we’d fly from Iloilo to Cebu just for the day.

So I booked and arranged everything from the airplane seats, to car rental, to the itinerary and all necessary reservations. I told my beshie friend all she had to do was show up on June 7 for our early morning flight on June 8. (Yep, I’m that kind of friend!)

Below, I’m sharing the timeline to show how this kind of trip is possible – minus the stress, minus the splurge, and with a few personal reviews and tips thrown in!

6:30 A.M. – Arrival at Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Our original ETA was 6 A.M., but the plane had to circle around three times due to tarmac traffic. Thankfully, MCIA was pretty easy to navigate. Domestic arrivals is not too huge, so we were already out of the airport within minutes, we just followed the crowd straight off the plane, lol.

Since I had already pre-booked our car rental, we only had to wait a short while for it to arrive at the pick-up area. We even had time to grab a quick bite before heading to our first stop!

8:15 A.M. – Temple of Leah

Temple of Leah had always been one of my dream destinations. I’d seen so many photos of this grand, Roman-inspired structure on social media, and I’d always been curious about what it looked like in real life – so naturally, it was at the top of our itinerary.

And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The place looked like something straight out of a European film. Massive columns, intricate statues, and sweeping views of the city made it feel like we’d traveled much farther than Cebu! It's no wonder people call it the “Taj Mahal of Cebu” –it's a shrine built out of love, after all.

We took our time walking around, snapping photos and videos, just soaking in the beauty of the place. It was still early, so there were just a few visitors, which made the experience even more peaceful and picture-perfect.

Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the tourist crowd (they started pouring in just as we were about to leave) and also to catch the soft morning light.

9:00 A.M. – Sachiko’s Little Kyoto

We basically went after what our rental car driver recommended, so our next stop was Sachiko’s Little Kyoto. I wasn’t expecting much at first, but the moment we arrived, it felt like we were transported straight to Japan! If you’re into zen vibes or just looking for a unique stop that’s not your usual touristy spot, this one’s a cute detour. Torii gates, bamboo paths, sakura-inspired décor, and a view overlooking the mountains – it was peaceful, a bit dreamy, and definitely photo-worthy. There were even random statues of famous characters like Hachiko, a Lying Buddha, One Piece figures, and even Mickey and Minnie Mouse! It was a quirky mix, but somehow it added to the charm of the place.

Pro Tip: There’s a lot of uphill walking involved, so wear comfy shoes and bring your iron lungs! For the full Japanese experience, they offer kimono rentals right by the entrance which is perfect if you're in the mood for a themed photo session!

10:00 A.M. – Sirao Pictorial Garden

Sirao Flower Garden is often called the “Little Amsterdam of Cebu” and it’s easy to see why. There were rows of flowers in full bloom, giving off major postcard vibes. But more than that, the place was basically built for content, like think giant hands and nests, heart-shaped arches, stairways to nowhere, and swings with a mountain backdrop. It was a mix of dreamy, colorful, and a little chaotic (in the best way).

We spent a good chunk of time just wandering around and posing at every corner – and honestly, it’s one of those “you-get-what-you-came-for” spots. Come for the pics, stay for the mountain breeze, and leave with a camera roll full of colorful petals and goofy poses.

Pro Tip: Bring a hat or umbrella as it can get really hot by mid-morning, and there’s very little shade! It can also get slippery on rainy days, so watch your step. Also: heads up: there are a lot of birds nesting around… don’t get pooped on! :)

11:00 A.M. – TOPS

As much as I wanted to stay longer in Sirao to soak in the beauty of the natural garden, we had to leave for our final tourist stop: TOPS. I had seen a post about it on TikTok, but it was filmed at night, so I was a bit worried it wouldn’t look as spectacular during the day.

Good thing I was wrong! We could see the entire city – even ships cruising across the sea. It was the perfect place to just breathe and take in the beauty of Cebu! Sure, the night-time city lights would have made it even more magical, but traveling there at night would’ve made me super anxious! I was in awe when I found out that mini-buses from Cebu IT Park actually go up there. We rode a sedan, and I was already nervous because of the steep road! But I bet that no matter how you get there, being at TOPS will make you forget it all... (until you have to go down again, lol!)

Pro Tip: The restaurants/food shops open at 11:00 AM, so if you’re planning to grab a bite here, don’t arrive too early!

1:00 P.M. – Mövenpick Mactan

Since my best friend and I aren’t exactly “young ones” anymore, I intentionally planned just a half-day trip followed by a relaxing afternoon by the sea. For our final stop, we chose to chill at Mövenpick Mactan using their day-use pass. Beautiful beachfront, delicious food, and a relaxing vibe-- totally tita-approved!

The day-use pass I got includes 4-hour access to an air-conditioned cabana with a cozy outdoor lounge, indoor jacuzzi, and private shower room. If you’re staying in the afternoon, you can also take advantage of their Chocolate Hour, which is basically a sugar rush station! Sadly, we were too full from the sumptuous lunch we ordered in, so instead, we just played a little table tennis in the game room and passed the chance to be part of the sweet tooth society.

We spent the rest of the afternoon just relaxing until it was time to head to the airport. And just as we were about to leave around 5:30 P.M., a full rainbow appeared over the sea–right in front of us!

It was like the cherry on top of the ice cream *chef’s kiss*.

Pro Tip: Don’t try to use up the full consumable amount in one go, especially if there are only two of you. Just order a meal each, plus drinks, then use the remaining balance for takeout later –you're basically set for dinner too! (The food is sooo good. I’d honestly go back to Cebu just for their mashed potatoes!)

Is a One-Day Cebu Trip Worth It?

Surprisingly, YES! If you plan your stops, hire a reliable driver, and embrace the moment, you can absolutely pull off a whirlwind Cebu day tour like we did. Plus, with promo fares (shoutout to CebPass), it's possible to make quick travel memories without breaking the bank or using up all your leaves.

Packing List?

• Umbrella – you never know when it might rain, and the sun can be unforgiving too.
• Fan – whether electric or hand-held, this is a must-have for tropical heat!
• Cash – Not all tourist spots accept digital payments, so always carry a bit of cash.
• Powerbank or charger – one thing I forgot! Luckily, our car rental had a USB-C charging port. You don’t want to end up with a dead phone in the middle of the day.
• Hand sanitizer, face mask – of course! Hygiene is key.
• Change of clothes – if you're planning an afternoon swim, bring extra clothes and a small toiletry kit. Some hotels (like Mövenpick) provide a bathroom kit and towels, but I still brought my own
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen – a must-have, plus instant tita glam!
• Hat or cap – great for sun protection especially when shade is limited.
• Water and an energy bar – hydrate and energize between stops!
• First aid kit – I rarely travel without one, you’ll never know when you would need those meds or bandages :)

Quick Tips for a 12-Hour Itinerary:

• Book flights that arrive early and depart late
• Arrange private transportation (trust me, it’s worth it!)
• Don’t overpack – you're only there for a few hours
• If you're using CebPass vouchers, purchase the seats (via seat selector to ensure you're seated together)
• Enjoy the journey, not just the destination

Note: I highly recommend hiring an experienced Cebu-based driver. The road from Temple of Leah to Little Kyoto was narrow, steep, and looked more like a one-way street -some parts run beside cliffs! Navigating it, especially when there's oncoming vehicle, definitely requires skill and familiarity with the area.

Travel Times

(this was our travel time based on the timestamps in my photo gallery)

• Mactan Airport to Temple of Leah – 43 minutes

• Temple of Leah to Little Kyoto - 13 minutes

• Little Kyoto to Sirao Flower Garden – 17 minutes

• Sirao Flower Garden to TOPS – 23 minutes

• TOPS to Mövenpick – 1 hour and 20 minutes

• Mövenpick to Mactan Airport – 30 minutes

This quick trip reminded me that spontaneity really is the best kind of therapy. You don’t always need a big budget or week-long vacation – just a best friend who’s down for anything.

Would we do it again? Absolutely.

Would our knees survive another day trip? Debatable. :)

Have you ever done a 12-hour trip like this? Let me know in the comments or tag your travel buddy you'd dare do this with 💕

#TravelBlog #CebuInOneDay #CebPassAdventures #QuickTripGoals

Watch my mini-travel-vlog on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Moving out and living alone for the first time is a huge milestone—a mix of excitement, freedom, and unexpected challenges. While we often see people romanticizing solo living (cue the Pinterest-worthy apartments and cozy self-care reels on Facebook), the reality can be quite different.

When I moved to Iloilo from my hometown in Manila (which I wrote about in this blog post), I only brought one medium-sized suitcase and a pig stuffed toy with me. Whenever my best friend or officemates visited, we would eat on the floor because I didn’t have any furniture.

Then, when the pandemic hit and we were suddenly forced to work from “home”, I had to buy whatever table I could find from the only shop that was open at the time—which is how I ended up using a vanity table as my first work desk.

Fast forward to today, and I have finally settled into my own place. In fact, 2 days ago marked exactly one year since I officially moved in (though my turn-over date was January 26th). While living alone is liberating and definitely preferred by an ambivert like me, I’ll be the first to tell you—it’s no picnic.

So, if you're thinking about moving away and living on your own, here are some things no one tells you about living alone for the first time—from the good, the bad, and the downright weird moments.

Silence Can Be Eerie—Or Amazing

At first, you’ll notice how quiet your place is, especially if you’ve lived with family or roommates before.

- The downside? It can feel unsettling when the only sounds you hear are the hum of the A/C or the occasional notification from your phone
- The upside? You get to control your environment—no unwanted noise, no interruptions. You can also play whatever music you like, whenever you want. I sometimes think my neighbors must believe there are multiple people living in my apartment (if they can hear my speakers)—one day, I’ll be blasting Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom, and the next, it’s Jimmy Fontana’s "Il Mondo" or Chopin’s Nocturnes.

Tip: If you’re uncomfortable with silence, try playing soft background music or listening to a podcast while doing chores. My go-to (and overused) playlist is still the ones with Joseph Larson, and Gaither Music.

Cooking for One Is...Tricky

You’ll quickly learn that most recipes aren’t made for solo eaters—which means:

✔ You’ll either waste food or eat the same dish for three days straight (yup, this happens!)
✔ Meal prepping sounds great in theory, but who really wants to eat the same thing all week? But also, not meal prepping at all can lead to expensive takeout habits!

Tip: Learn easy single-serving recipes and stock up on food storage containers to keep leftovers fresh. I actually just finished my expense summary and realized that my food delivery expenses dropped by 64.7% now that I cook more often (from P10,000++ in January 2024 down to only P3,000++ in January 2025).

Also: a microwave or air fryer is a game-changer for quick reheats without losing texture or flavor!

You’ll Overestimate (or Underestimate) What You Need

The first time you go grocery shopping or stock up on essentials, you'll probably:

✔ Buy too much of things you rarely use (do I really need a bottle of parmesan cheese when I only cook pasta once a month?)
✔ Forget important items (like a can opener for the canned goods you just bought that weren’t those easy-open ones!)

Tip: Start with the bare essentials and build up from there. It helps to create a checklist of must-haves before moving in.

No One Prepares You for Random Adulting Tasks

Living alone isn’t just about decorating your space—it’s about handling everything yourself, from paying bills on time to figuring out why the flush suddenly stopped working.

Here are some random but real-life problems you’ll face:

✔ Learning how to unclog a drain (without panicking)
✔ Finding out your electric bill is due...yesterday
✔ Discovering that lightbulbs don’t last forever (and that you need a sturdy table and knees to change them)

Tip: Keep a home emergency kit—basic tools, light bulbs, batteries, and your landlord’s phone number.

Random but useful tip for a clogged toilet: if your toilet is clogged, and you’re embarrassed to call your landlord and awkwardly show them what caused it, here’s what worked for me:

🚽 Close the lid (just in case)
- Open the water closet and pull the water plug up—this will let water flow continuously
- Pour in some shampoo or liquid soap and let it sit overnight
- Let gravity do the work! By morning, it should flush down smoothly
(Yes, this actually worked for me. You're welcome! 😉)

You Might Feel Lonely (And That’s Okay)

Even if you're an introvert, the shift from a lively home to a quiet, solo space can be an adjustment.

- There will be days when you miss casual dining table conversations with family or roommates.
- But over time, you’ll learn to enjoy your own company and appreciate the peace and quiet. Today, is one of those days for me. While looking out the balcony and just appreciating the color of the afternoon sky, I thought, it’s amazing that I get this quiet time every afternoon to look at the clouds God sent our way.

Tip: Stay connected! Plan regular calls with friends/family, join a hobby group, or get a pet (if your place allows it).

You Will (At Some Point) Get Sick Alone

Getting sick while living alone is a whole different struggle. There’s no one to bring you medicine, get or even make hot water for you, or even check if you’re okay.

Tip: Always have a "sick day survival kit" with essentials:

✔ Medicines for fever, cough, migraine, stomachache
✔ Ready-to-eat food (cup-a-soup is my best friend, thanks sis who brings them for me from Doha everytime they come home)
✔ Kool-fever, Katinko and a thermometer

Bonus tip: Save your emergency contact’s number on top of your speed-dial or “Favorites” and make sure they have a number of your landlord for emergencies.

You’ll Appreciate Small Wins (And They’ll Feel HUGE)

From successfully fixing something on your own to paying all your bills on time, living alone makes you feel accomplished in ways you never expected.

Small wins that feel like huge achievements:

✔ Fixing a broken appliance or fixture without calling maintenance
✔ Cooking a real meal instead of instant noodles
✔ Budgeting properly and not running out of money before payday

Tip: Celebrate your small wins—solo living isn’t always easy, but it’s rewarding!

K’s Final Thoughts 💜

Living alone is a learning experience—it teaches you responsibility, independence, and self-care in ways you never imagined. Sure, there will be moments of doubt (and maybe a few why-did-I-move-out crises), but over time, you'll embrace the freedom and the growth that comes with it.

Nothing is permanent in life, and you might one day find a person you will bear to live with (lol) so enjoy every day and make the most of this chapter. Decorate your space the way you like, eat breakfast in bed, dance in your living room with no one watching—because this time is yours.

Living alone isn’t just about solitude; it’s about discovering who you are when no one else is around. And that, in itself, is a beautiful thing.

✨ What’s your biggest lesson from living alone? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo,

When I moved to Iloilo four years ago (before the pandemic hit), I planned to explore the province as much as possible and discover its heritage and culture.

Iloilo is known for its old heritage houses (which I am so curious about!) and Spanish colonial churches being the second Spanish colony in the Philippines after Cebu. In Spanish, Iloilo has been dubbed “La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo”“ which translates to "Most Loyal and Noble City".

When the establishments fully opened, I got the chance to tour 4 Iloilo museums and I highly recommend these as a go-to place for some art therapy and cultural education. Of course, not all of them will fit everyone's liking.

Find out which one you should not get your hopes high on and which one you should mentally prepare for!

1. ILOMOCA (Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Arts)

I first visited ILOMOCA in 2019 and definitely loved all the pieces.

According to its website, ILOMOCA is the first museum in the Visayas region dedicated to modern and contemporary art. The museum has 3 floors—but don’t
worry, they have escalators! It is also conveniently located in Iloilo Business Park so it’s close to hotels and malls.

Entrance Fee:

Regular: P150.00
Senior/PWD: P120.00 (ID required)
Students: P100.00 (ID required)
Children (4 years below): FREE

They are open daily from 10 AM – 6 PM, except on Mondays.

Personal take: Aside from the beautiful pieces, I love the ambiance of the place! The soft lighting and relaxing music makes it perfect for some art therapy—or even a casual date. 😉

I recommend going to this museum first and grab lunch in nearby mall restaurants/food chains before heading off to the next museum destination!

Inside ILOMOCA or Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Arts

Check out some snaps on my TikTok vid by clicking here.

2. Museo Iloilo

Next stop: Museo Iloilo in City Proper – I saw a friend post photos years ago so I’ve always wanted to visit, and so this day, I did!

Entrance Fee:

Adults – P50.00
Students – P25.00

They are open daily from 10 AM - 4:30 PM, except Mondays.

Personal take: I was expecting more cultural pieces since this was supposed to be a provincial museum. Its main hall showcases a few artifacts, religious statues and some framed bits, and pieces of old, random items.

Another smaller room houses some war relics, potteries, and brief history and background of fabric pieces in Iloilo. I think we stayed here for less than 20 minutes because some of the random pieces did not really pique my interest.

Check out some snaps on my TikTok vid by clicking here.

3. National Museum Western Visayas

You can’t miss this museum on your museum tours. I actually thought it was going to be a long walk down the road, but it’s literally just right beside Museo Iloilo.

National Museum Western Visayas was actually an old provincial jail built in 1911
(more than a hundred years ago, wow!). It was already up during WW2 and had been used by Japanese soldiers back then as an internment camp for prisoners of war.

Now, aside from the prison bars which would remind visitors of the building's former function, this two-storey building has been converted into a museum and the place boasts of Ilonggo Heritage and cultural pieces.

Entrance Fee: FREE

They are open daily from 9 AM - 5 PM, except Mondays.

Personal take: No shade to the previous museum, but this one has no entrance fee but looks better maintained, has cooler air-conditioning, and is more child-friendly.

They actually have some stations where kids and adults can have some activities like drawing and knitting (materials provided). The roof deck is also a good place to visit, it has nothing really-- just faux grass (I think?) but the old prison guard towers just gives a glimpse of the building’s history.

View from one of the jail towers inside the National Museum Western Visayas, formerly a provincial prison in Iloilo.

Check out some snaps on my TikTok vid by clicking here.

4. Metro Iloilo Modern Arts Park (MIMA) or Musée d' Arsie

Metro Iloilo Modern Arts Park (MIMA) or Musée d' Arsie is not an actual museum, but a 7-storey commercial building with pieces of thought-provoking art displayed along walls and staircases. Don’t expect a hall full of paintings and sculptures, but also, don’t underestimate the displays!

The arts would send your imagination to another level, especially the ones that are kept in the basement.

Entrance Fee:

Adults – P100.00
Students – P50.00

They are open daily from 9 AM - 6 PM.

Personal take: When we were told that the viewing would start at 7th floor, my first thought was “wow, that much?” – and then we got to 7th floor and was told to just take the stairs down until the we reach the basement. The key to touring this museum? Take it easy. Absorb each art pieces, no matter how weird some of them are (for me, at least), taking time to really strike a conversation with a friend (or with your self) will help you forget the many flight of stairs you have to go through. But it’s not that hard, because every art piece and sculpture here is really interesting – weird (again—for me!), but interesting!

Thought-provoking arts Avant-garde artwork displayed in Musée d'Arsie in Iloilo.

Check out some snaps on my TikTok vid by clicking here.

All in all, including taxi fares, I spent less than P500 pesos on cabs with Iloilo Business Park as my start and end point. It was really nice to just sit and relax in one of Festive Walk Mall’s al fresco cafés and watch the afternoon sky turn from blue to indigo after a long day.

There are many other cultural places in Iloilo that I wish to go to soon (and hope to share via this blog too) – so let me know if you any suggestions!

In one of my recent blog articles, I shared a brief restaurant recommendations in Iloilo and thought about suggesting specific dishes from them.

I had been in Iloilo for less than a year when the pandemic hit, so I had not been able to go to many places. Although, even now that restrictions have eased up, I still prefer ordering in because it’s safer plus it's less awkward eating alone at home. :)

So—GrabFood and FoodPanda to the rescue! In fact, the following restaurants may have already memorized my name and number because I order from them almost on a daily basis, and today I’m sharing with you what I love about their food and why you should try them out when you’re in Iloilo! 😁

Nicolette’s Bakery + Café

Smoked Bangus Teriyaki – the store can probably attest to how many times I’ve ordered this, alternating with their Italian-Style Steak Strips or Chicken Shawarma Rice. Their bangus (milkfish) belly is always rich and fatty and is perfectly paired with their homemade teriyaki sauce. I love how their white rice is consistently cooked to my liking and the cherry tomatoes are always, always juicy!
Italian-Style Steak Strips – this is soooo flavorful I don’t even know where to begin. The blended flavors of rosemary, garlic, and Italian seasoning which seemed to have been absorbed by the juicy steak strips just make my world stop. I don’t recommend this to anyone on a low-carb diet because you’ll definitely want (and need) more rice!

Oh, and I also like adding Nicolette’s Pretzel Cheesedog for a quick escape to bread heaven during work breaks. This is also a must try and perfect with coffee or tea!

I actually haven’t been to their store yet. I’ve checked their menu on their page before so I’m sure they still have a lot for me to add to my fave list. I know they are in SM City Iloilo though.

Click here to go to Nicolette's Facebook page

Monkey Grounds Coffee

One of my first friends in ILO introduced me to Monkey Grounds. We frequented this place pre-pandemic because they open at 6:30 AM, which was right around the time we got off work. So we would go here for breakfast (our body clock’s dinner) before she drove me home – and I just started craving for their healthy food choices!

Here are my most frequent orders (according to my apps):

Roasted Vegetables Omelette with Buttered Ciabatta (or Brown/Adlai/Quinoa rice)

Meatless Arroz Ala Cubana with Brown Rice (option to switch to Adlai or Quinoa) – I think this is a recent addition, which I love especially when I crave for Momo’s Arroz a la Cubana

Spinach Alfredo Pizza – a must-try! I love the flavors of caramelized onion, cheese, Shiitake Mushroom, and creamy spinach just complementing each other!

Eggs Benedict on Brioche Bread – it’s luscious, need I say more?

Monkey Grounds is located along Diversion road, and has an Insta-worthy industrial-style restaurant. I highly recommend dining in to enjoy their hot drinks which DO NOT disappoint. I don’t get hot drinks when ordering via food delivery apps (except SB/CBTL), so I always get me Blueberry Cheesecake Shake for take-aways. 😅

Click here to go to Monkey Grounds Coffee's Facebook Page

Prince Baker

I think I first walked into Prince Baker at Festive Walk Mall when I was craving C’s L’Fisher’s Molo Soup—only to realize I was in a different store (because they had the same clean white store colors washed with warm lights). AND THEN Cheese Rolls found me. I am a huge fan of cheese rolls even when I was still in Manila, so I got so obsessed with Prince Baker’s cheese rolls that I even started saving the label stickers on each wrapping and placed them on my daily journal.

So during one of my cravings, I looked them up and was so delighted to find them in the apps. It was a good thing that they have other food and drink choices so I don’t need to order dinner from other stores.

I highly recommend:

Roasted Chicken – I love that they serve this with honey-lemon dip and not the usual pepper gravy!

Everything in their All-Day Breakfast Menu! Lol – I just can’t choose one though I always Hotdogs or Spam, but what I love is their garlic rice. It’s too garlicky! 😁

Their Bichos are also unique and flavorful! Imagine the classic Bicho or Bichokoy (they’re like twisted soft bread sprinkled with sugar) with a modern twist which ranges from bacon bits, banana, cinnamon (my fave), and chocolate. Definitely a must-have when in Iloilo!

Click here to go to Prince Baker's Facebook page

Healthy Kitchen Café

I have ordered from Healthy Kitchen back in 2019 because they have healthy prep meals and I wanted to make myself believe I can survive on a 1200-kcal meal plan. Then recently, because of my fixation with Nicolette’s Chicken Shawarma Rice and with it not being available on their menu the day I had a serious craving, I searched GrabFood and found that Healthy Kitchen has this on their menu, and I was hooked!

Chicken Shawarma Rice – the flavors precisely capture that Middle Eastern tang and the combination of chewy brown rice, lettuce, tomatoes, chicken and the crunch of finely chopped onion can just make my day, any day.

Mango Float – I think this is one of my constants. Like, I can’t order from Healthy Kitchen without getting a Mango Float to sate my sweet tooth (and to cleanse my palate from the onion-rich flavor of Shawarma)

I’m not often adventurous when it comes to food, but have tried their Steamed Fish Teriyaki, Tofu Sisig, Cilantro Chicken Chops, Pandan Curry Chicken, Spicy Crab Salad Rolls, and nothing—as in nothing disappoints.

I even located their store and dined in —once, all by my lonesome self, and second was with my BFF and the place was serene and so green!

Click here to go Healthy Kitchen Café's Facebook page

Courtyard by Marriott

It’s easy to assume that food from this international restaurant is pricey—well, TBH, some dishes are. BUT they have rice bowls for those small hunger (lol, what’s small?) and I highly recommend: Honey Ginger Roasted Pork & Thai Stir-Fried Minced Chicken – super yum!

When dining in, a MUST-TRY for a group of 3 or more would be their Giant Marriott Burger, just because!

Click here to go to Courtyard by Marriott's Facebook page

K’s Final Thoughts 💜

Other restaurants/food choices I would recommend when you’re in Iloilo would be (titles linked to their Facebook pages):

Buto’t Balat – they have a lot of famous Ilonggo dishes and my go-to restaurant for sinigang, pinakbet, and tinola

Akamon Ramen Bar – my ramen and yakiniku craving fulfiller when in ILO

Salt Gastro Lounge – their New Jersey Fried Chicken are the best fried chicken in ILO

Troi Oi – I’ve been here only once, but would love to return when I go by Esplanade again. I love their Bahn Mi and Fresh Spring Rolls

Seventy N Coffee + Drinkery – been here just once too, but their four-cheese pizza is unforgettable! I’m always tempted to order one whole box for myself. They also have the finest and most flavorful steaks in ILO

There are a lot of restaurants that I really want to try while I’m in Iloilo City! I’m sure that I will one of these days and hopefully find one or two to add to this list! Let me know if you have any recommendations!

xoxo,

The Night Everything Shook

And let me tell you—going down multiple flights of stairs with shaky knees is a feat!

Lessons Learned: Earthquake Preparedness When You Live Alone in a Condo

1. Always Have a Go-Bag (Actually, Two!)

Go-Bag #1 – Critical Evacuation Bag

Go-Bag #2 – Full Evacuation Bag

2. Keep Your Essentials Accessible

3. Practice Calmness During Drills

4. Don’t Forget Your Mental Safety

K's Final Thoughts

Additional Note:

6:30 A.M. – Arrival at Mactan-Cebu International Airport

8:15 A.M. – Temple of Leah

9:00 A.M. – Sachiko’s Little Kyoto

10:00 A.M. – Sirao Pictorial Garden

11:00 A.M. – TOPS

1:00 P.M. – Mövenpick Mactan

Is a One-Day Cebu Trip Worth It?

Packing List?

Quick Tips for a 12-Hour Itinerary:

Travel Times

(this was our travel time based on the timestamps in my photo gallery)

Watch my mini-travel-vlog on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Silence Can Be Eerie—Or Amazing

Cooking for One Is...Tricky

You’ll Overestimate (or Underestimate) What You Need

No One Prepares You for Random Adulting Tasks

You Might Feel Lonely (And That’s Okay)

You Will (At Some Point) Get Sick Alone

You’ll Appreciate Small Wins (And They’ll Feel HUGE)

K’s Final Thoughts 💜

1. ILOMOCA (Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Arts)

2. Museo Iloilo

3. National Museum Western Visayas

4. Metro Iloilo Modern Arts Park (MIMA) or Musée d' Arsie

Nicolette’s Bakery + Café

Monkey Grounds Coffee

Prince Baker

Healthy Kitchen Café

Courtyard by Marriott

K’s Final Thoughts 💜

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