Travel notes, food finds, and everyday stories.
You ever walk into a place expecting something simple… then get completely caught off guard? That’s exactly what happens at Stella Ristorante in Tarlac City. From the outside, it’s easy to underestimate. Quiet. Almost ordinary. No flashy signs screaming for attention. But step inside, and suddenly, you’re not in a subdivision anymore. You’re somewhere...
What makes people wake up before sunrise just to run 10 kilometers? On March 22, 2026, the answer felt obvious. The first leg of the Takbo Tarlaqueño series kicked off with energy you could almost touch. Runners gathered at the Tarlac Provincial Capitol, its historic facade glowing under muted light of dawn, setting the...
Have you ever stood somewhere so high it made your problems feel small? That’s exactly what Mt. Ulap does to you. On April 12, we took on its Eco-Trail in Itogon, Benguet, and somewhere between the pine forests and the open ridges, the noise of everyday life quietly slipped away. It’s not just a...
I couldn’t let April slip by without writing something here. A lot has happened, and honestly, I got caught up in the rush of it all. Days blurred into weeks, and before I knew it, the blog sat quiet. I’m still hoping for the day when writing feels lighter, more natural, so I can...
I’ve been using Huma CHIA energy gels for every race, and to be fair, they’ve always delivered. Reliable energy, decent taste, and no major issues on the road. But while casually browsing online, I came across an ad for something different: Raw 30, an unflavored gel with caffeine. It didn’t try to impress with...
After finishing the TCS Clark Animo International Marathon, our group of runners did what many athletes do after crossing the finish line. We went looking for food. Running long distances has a way of sharpening your appetite. After hours on the road, with legs heavy and energy nearly spent, the body begins asking for...
Have you ever been deep into a long run when your watch suddenly dies? It happened to me during a 32KM attempt. My smartwatch gave up before I even finished the distance. Nothing kills your momentum faster than losing your pace, distance, and heart rate data halfway through a run. That frustrating experience is...
A running watch dying at kilometer 25 is the kind of nightmare you only need to experience once. During my first attempt at a 32-kilometer run, my Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 suddenly ran out of battery. One moment it was tracking my pace and distance. The next moment, the screen went dark. No data....
Today is the final day of Koko Buri in Clark, and honestly, it feels heavier than expected. A few days ago, they announced their planned closure. The post hit hard. No detailed explanation, no dramatic farewell. Just a goodbye. I do not know the exact reason they are closing, but one thing feels certain....
Where do you go after your legs are cooked, your shirt is soaked, and your brain is still buzzing from a long run? For us, the answer keeps landing in the same place. Cafe Mesa at the Clark Parade Grounds. After a race, you want three things. Food that feels like a reward. A...