Boholanos has always been lauded for being friendly, caring, and hospitable aside from our rich history, effervescent culture, and our breathtaking natural wonders.  In fact, Bohol is famous for the Sandugo or the Treaty of Friendship between Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Boholano chieftain Sikatuna which involved drinking wine mixed with their bloods.  This alone is evidence of our welcoming and friendly demeanor.
In Tagbilaran City, at Pook Pantalan specifically, the warmth and care of Boholanos can be felt through a soothing touch.  That is only in Masaje de Bohol Sauna and Spa, the newest destination to those who want to relax and rejuvenate.

Masaje de Bohol is not just a spa in Bohol but also a spa about Bohol.  The place in itself takes pride of Bohol’s wealthy cultural and history treasures.  The left wall of the receiving area has the balak Dalagang Pilipinhon by President Carlos P. Garcia written on it. Yes, not a framed version or printed on a tarpaulin but written on it.  The right wall, on the other hand, has the map of Bohol painted on it. Each wooden tile leading to their different massage rooms and spa areas has one famous Boholano tourist attraction written on it. The massage rooms and other spa areas, on the other hand, are named after different Boholano political figures like governors (Relampagos, Aumentado, Chatto), senator (Clarin), and the first and only Boholano president for now, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia.



While the place has Bohol pride written all over it (figuratively, of course), the ultimate experience is indeed with the service they offer.




Masaje de Bohol takes pride for two things: its sauna (Php200) and its signature massage, the Bol-anong Amuma (Php300) which is a combination of Swedish massage and Shiatsu.  My first sauna experience was revitalizing and definitely priceless.  It felt like toxics were coming out of my body.  Meanwhile, the Bol-anong Amuma was definitely heavenly relaxing (no exaggerations here).  And in case you wonder, it’s not just their signature massage that was given a Boholano name or equivalent. There is Alimyon for Aromatheraphy (Php300), Painit sa Likod for Ventosa (Php300), Himas Masaje for Swedish Massage (Php250) and Hitad Masaje for Thai Massage (Php199).



On top of that, the people behind Masaje de Bohol — owner Ana Loinda Saluan and her staff — are just a bunch of accommodating welcoming individuals.

If you happen to notice, the official fanpage of DEEJAY WRITES has a new cover photo which features yours truly looking candid.  And on the right side of this blog, you can see that the About Me section has some changes, including the photo. All the photos used were from my pre-birthday pictorial courtesy of Vieuma.


Vieuma is Bohol's newest photography service providers in the province.  An assembly of three female fresh breeds of photography prodigies with so much potential and promise, a usually unprecedented circumstance in the thriving male-dominated industry, Vieuma promises to "capture how it feels like" rather than "what it looks like."

Vieuma is the brainchild of Vic Renegado, Euf Ytac, and Mai Ribay (hence the name).  Although Vieuma is one of Bohol's youngest in the biz, the brand has been gaining the much needed attention and of course, has booked jobs.  In fact, during my photo shoot at the iconic Dauis Church and Cafe Lawis last August 6, the girls admitted that they have a couple of photo shoots to do in the next couple of days.

Vic, Euf, and Mai are the ladies behind the Vieuma label

As part of Vieuma's growing portfolio, the girls are the official photographers for Miss Corella 2015, Mr. and Ms. Infant King Academy 2015, and Mr. and Ms. BISU Calape 2015.  Much more, Miss Philippines Earth Bohol 2015 Gayle Suzette Yu was also captured by the girls looking fresh and radiant.

Miss Philippines Earth Bohol 2015 Gayle Yu looking absolutely radiant and youthful in her Vieuma photo.

A beautiful candid photo of Miss Corella 2014 Jissa Baugbog.

Immortalize every laughter, every triumph, every love story, and every emotion embedded in every memory by the ladies of Vieuma. Get yourself photographed by Vieuma by calling or texting 0917-306-0757 or visit their official Facebook page.

One of my favorite photos completely unretouched. Love it!

Everyone is looking forward for a long weekend with the observance of National Heroes Day this coming August 21, Friday.  On that day, we are to remember the heroes of the past who helped fight for our democracy and to all our unsung heroes of today who continue to help our country towards progress.

Aside from the valuable Heroes' Day celebration, one thing to look forward to today is the start of the Hero Deals at Lazada.com, Asia's number one shopping and selling destination.

From August 18 until August 20, Lazada will be offering as much as 80% discount on items. Also a series of flash sales will also take place. Unleash your competitive spirit because stocks will be on limited items only.

At 12 noon today, the most much-anticipated flash sale of the Xiaomi Mi Power Bank will happen. It will be available in two sizes --- a 10400mAh power bank at Php849 and a 5000mAh at Php649.  So head on the link (http://www.lazada.com.ph/mi) and get get for yourself a Xiaomi Mi Power Bank!

So start shopping now at Lazada and experience great deals with Hero Deals!

There is no denying that Electro Circuit was Sandugo's biggest party event.  Following the success of the first Electro last December 2014, it is no surprise that the EDM festival that electrified Crabhouse by the Bay last July 24 was able to draw in more people from all walks of life.

Electro Circuit was definitely a night to remember and Crabhouse by the Bay was the place where the cool kids went that night.  The contagious synergy of the night (and the spirits) got into everyone's system and stayed up all night long dancing to the beat of the disc jocks and having crazy fun.

And when there is a party, there will always be those who will impress us with their moves or impress us with their style.  While waiting for the party to kick in, I was chilling on the ticketing booth and here are the very few who really caught my eyes with their impeccable sense of style.

Alex Thacker from Manchester
Alex was among the first to arrive in the area, along with her brother Joshua.  This bubbly cutie matched her warm charming personality with her cute style.  A gray peplum top in a classic cut matched with textured shorts was a good pairing of classic and modern.  And the blue sneakers added the perfect pop of color.

Angie from Australia

This Australian beauty rocked her outfit.  Style Score: 5 stars

This lady got me as soon as she entered the gate.  Aside from her good looks and her towering height, I was ogling at her chic style.  It was laidback and sexy at the same time.  A white crop top with cutouts and a high waist pencil cut skirt in black and white vertical lines with slit really had me screaming "Fashion!" internally.  And those black booties complimented her style.  The necklace was the best accessory.  Angie really nailed it in the fashion department.

Uca Trotin of Titans Entertainment

Uca Trotin is definitely the party style icon.  Style Score: 5 stars

Setting a great example of partying in style is the only rose among the thorns in Titans Entertainment, Uca Trotin of U-Bar Panglao.  Her neon orange lace crop top over her black underwear looked great on her and her skin.  Her denim shorts added to the casual feel (and the not sleazy skin show),  The dark blue and neon green sneakers added a kicking contrast to her neon orange crop top.  If there is a style icon when it comes to party fashion, Uca Trotin is certainly one to consider.

Dorothy from Tagbilaran/ Ateneo

Dorothy embodies simple and comfy! Style Score: 3 1/2 stars

Enjoying the few days left before school kicks in in the land of the blue eagles,  A white crop top (this was certainly the night's party staple) with fringes and tattered high waist denim shorts kept her cool simple and comfy.  The black flat sandals completed the look.

Paola Teopiz from Tagbilaran

Paola knows that a monochrome and one bold color combination won't fail. Style Score: 3 stars

Black and pink is definitely a no-fail color combination and my stylish friend Paola knows how to rock it.  A black see through top and pink shorts did the works.  Monochromatic with a touch of the boldness of pink, plus a chunky pink necklace sealed the look.

Moralla Girl from Tagbilaran

Moralla Girl sure knows how to make things look classy yet sexy. Style Score: 4 stars

Sexy without being hoochie is Moralla Girl's style (we had our OJT in college and we call her that because her surname is Moralla). A dark blue cutout top giving a glimpse of her assets, white high waist shorts, bejewelled slippers, and a big shoulder bag --- Moralla Girl knows how to flaunt what she have and look good in it.

Cleofe from Tagbilaran

Casual and hippie all in one take.  Style Score: 3 stars

She came in like a modern hippie that came from Coachella and went straight to Electro Circuit.  Her pink graphic tee is bright and colorful.  Her plain denim shorts toned the loudness of her shirt thus creating a great combination of mixing plains and prints.  Her bejewelled orange slippers (with those coquette accents) and the pink head band completed the look.

Christian from Tagbilaran

Kudos to this guy for being the sole thorn to make it on my list. Style Score: 3 stars

Now this is a big shout out to the only dude who made it on my list.  But it won't come a surprise since Christian is a fashion aficionado and an aspiring fashion designer.  Christian knows how to look good with his gray/ white printed button down and his brown cotton pants. It's a smart casual that every guy should know how to master.

I'm no style icon or fashion genius but hope you like my picks. Till the next Electro Circuit! :)

One fact about me that surprise a lot of people is that I am an adventure seeker.  I love the outdoors and every now and then, I go trekking to unwind. Those who are not familiar with my hobby would turn out to be pleasantly surprised especially when I share details about my trips.

I owe my mountaineering training from Divine Word Outdoors Club (DWOC), Holy Name University’s (formerly Divine Word College of Tagbilaran, hence the name) only outdoor club.  Since the time it was founded, DWOC has grown into a breeding ground of many thrill seekers, with a roster of alumni currently engaged in different outdoor sports such as trekking, cycling, and paddling, all with a shared love for adventure and heart for responsible tourism and environmental conservation.

DWOC Batch 15 (L-R): Detch, Stella, Chandy, Becca, Faustine, Anter, and your blogger Photo by Stella Marie Dacera

I joined back in December 2012 when I was still a senior college student.  Aside from the short orientation done in the classroom, the team organizes a fun climb at Mt. Padjan, Maribojoc, allowing mountaineering hopefuls to experience both the weariness and the ecstasy of being outdoors and being on top.

My first climb at Mt. Padjan, Maribojoc

Feeling like a champion, a quarter of the way up!

The fun climb is the springboard to a series of lectures, practice climbs, and outdoor adventures which will serve as the trainees’ preparations for the three minor climbs within the province, each training climb with a different level of difficulty that will test one’s endurance, physical preparedness, mountaineering skills, and perseverance, as well as the group’s overall teamwork.  Having completed the three minor climbs, the trainee is admitted to the organization.

Spelunking experience with my DWOC buddies (L-R) Becca, Stella, Joanna, Kristine, Mutya ng Pilipinas 2014 candidate Candy Cumayas, Chandy, Marimay, and Aaron Photo by Stella Marie Dacera

Aside from outdoor activities, DWOC is also among the province’s disaster response team.  In fact, in 2013, members and alumni of the outdoor club were among the organizations who delivered relief goods to those hit by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake.  The DWOC members carried with them sacks of rice to upland areas among the gravely hit municipalities such as Loon.  Aside from the weight of the relief goods, the group also had to create new trails and test these trails in order for the goods to reach afflicted families.

A few hours before the start of the staging of Oktubre Kinse, a play depicting the tragedy and the succeeding triumph of the Boholanos following the 2013 7.2 Earthquake.  Disaster response teams such as Redcross, the Philippine Army, Tarsier 117, and of course, DWOC were part of the play, making the portrayals realistic and heart wrenching.] Photo by Ann Therese Decasa of the Curious Onion

Joining Divine Word Outdoors Club gave me a great opportunity to see Bohol in a different (and yes, higher) perspective.  I got to bring myself to Bohol’s most beautiful places that are not part of the majority’s bucket list.  There are the beautiful rice terraces in Barangay Cadapdapan and the majestic Can-umantad Falls, both in Candijay, the historical Camp Verde in Duero which was the last bastion to fall under the Japanese regime, and to the foot of Mt. Cumbing in Barangay Biabas, Guindulman which is considered to be the highest peak in the province.  I was also able to experience so many things that I would have never thought I would, like being in two places at one time while being on a ridge traversing to Jagna from Duero.  But the best part of walking with DWOC was knowing myself.  I was able to come face to face with certain fears and in a way, conquer them.  I was able to test my limits and realize that in a way, as long as I think of my safety first, I can be limitless.

My make up at Bilar as a trainee

My very first fog experience at Guindulman.  Here we are, heading our way to Mt. Cumbing at an early morning with very thick fog in our midst.

This would forever be in the books.  Looking at a rainbow without even looking up. Imagine how high we are while we are camping at Camp Verde, Duero

Mt. Cumbing is one of the most picturesque places I've ever been to. Its hard not to tap the frustrated model in me.

Divine Word Outdoors Club allowed me to appreciate Bohol and myself even more.  In time with Visit Bohol 2015, I feel that being a DWOC alumnus has given me a wonderful role in promoting Bohol to the world just as much as I feel a huge responsibility to promote Bohol and at the same time be a walking example in terms of promoting responsible tourism and environmental consciousness.   And I know that the organizations’ fourteen (14) newly accepted members feel the same as me.

For adventure seekers, DWOC is the best platform to start fulfilling your desires of having an adventure-filled lifestyle.  Walking with DWOC will be a good stepping stone in testing ourselves and appreciating the beauty that is only Bohol.

I was absent last Thursday from office because I was sick.  So imagine my delight when I noticed that a 2GO package is already on my table the next day. It only means one thing: my package has arrived!

I know it's already March.  Is it too late to have a planner? I beg to disagree, especially if you will be getting a planner as quirky, fun, and hugot-filled as my planner. Step aside you sophisticated Starbucks planner!


The "Relaks, Puso Lang Yan, Malayo sa Bituko" Planner 2015 is the epitome of everything hugot  that it perfectly fits those who wanna sulk in bitterness because of their platonic, non-existent, or devastatingly heartbreaking love lives.  The planner opens with a warning, though.


"Ang planner na ito ay walang kapangyarihan na mapaibig siyam mapabago ang isip niya, mapalimot siya....mapabalik siya sayo, habol-habulin ka na parang ang ganda-ganda mo/ ang gwapo-gwapo mo.  Tapos biglang uulan, mababasa siya sa ulan, tapos luluhod sa harap mo, magmamamkaawang mahalin mo rin siya dahil mahal na mahal ka niya at ang sakit sakit na." Does the last line sound familiar?

"Wag kang OA. Planner lang ako, FYI." Well, the planner is right.


It's no surprise that the planner comes with the wittiest, most relatable hugot .  As featured in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho January 11, 2014 episode, the "Relaks, Puso Lang Yan, Malayo sa Bituko" Planner 2015 is actually crafted by renowned screenplay writer/ director Antoinette Jadaone, who is the mind behind successful feels trip movies Relaks, It's Just Pag-ibig, English Only, Please, and the commercially successful CinemaOne Originals film That Thing Called Tadhana.


Unlike most planners, the "Relaks, Puso Lang Yan, Malayo sa Bituko" Planner 2015 does not only help you organize your messy schedules but it also gives you a quick punch of humor or a big b*tch slapping should you feel tormented by your *ehem* love life.

The pages of this planner are filled with cute artworks.  More so, it is loaded with cool features that will remind you of love.  There's your love horoscope for the month, stickers to match your hearts current situation, and some trivia on certain dates.

The stickers to match your heart's current status

Here's a free reading of your love life this month

This one is way better than the original Snakes and Ladders.

In the absence of the real ones, you got something to cut out should you need them

The planner also comes with certain holidays you never thought of existed like the All Sawis' Day which comes right after November 1 and 2, a holiday dedicated to all sawi sa pag-ibig!  Of course, that's a made up precious moment.

Here's a list of national holidays and those sympathy days or weeks for your love life

It's not the late to get you The "Relaks, Puso Lang Yan, Malayo sa Bituko" Planner 2015 as Tita Witty of Witty Will Save The World is on a Grand Planner Sale. The planner is now sold at Php350.00 with free shipping nationwide!  So what are you guys waiting for? Grab your own The "Relaks, Puso Lang Yan, Malayo sa Bituko" Planner 2015 and let's all plan a hugot-filled year.