Living in the Province - Siquijor

Residing in the countryside can provide a more laid-back and budget-friendly way of life compared to urban living, featuring benefits such as a tight-knit community, easier access to nature, and a more leisurely rhythm of life.

Generally, the cost of living in rural areas is lower than in cities, covering aspects like housing, transport, and everyday expenses. Towns in the province often foster a stronger community spirit, where residents are familiar with one another and more inclined to lend a helping hand. The slower pace of life in these areas allows for greater reflection and the opportunity to truly enjoy life's little moments.

Photoblog: Siquijor - 2025 Summer Vacation!

It's been a while since I last blogged, as vlogging and TikTok have become the new trends, pushing blogging to the sidelines. It's unfortunate because blogging is a wonderful way to express oneself through writing and storytelling, much like an online journal that replaces a traditional diary. 

But here I am, back at it! I've shared some photos for a touch of nostalgia and to capture memories. My 2025 summer vacation in the Philippines was enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed it, which I repeated throughout my afternoon walk exercise with my cousins, which I normally do in Thailand as part of my daily exercise. As a result, I tend to remember the forgotten roads I used to take with my parents when I was younger, back in the 1980s. 

Photoblog: Siquijor - Summer Vacation!

This summer vacation in 2025 was both enjoyable and healthier for me. I took a break from my stressful teaching job abroad and relished my daily afternoon walks with family. The photos were captured on the hillside of our grandmother's property, showcasing a breathtaking and peaceful view.

I'm looking forward to planning another exciting vacation next year!

In any case, the photographs were taken on my family's property, except the cottages in the background, which belong to a foreigner building a resort atop a hill with a view of Mindanao.

Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Favorite Scents

Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the ex-president of the Philippines, liked to use Agua de Colonia, made by the brand Maja. This perfume is well-known for its fresh, citrusy smell and is considered a classic cologne.   It was often linked to his public image and fashion sense, showing his fondness for timeless and elegant scents.   

Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was said to have a simple way of grooming himself, and it was said that he didn't use traditional perfume.   Although there are reports of him using light scents like Agua de Colonia, he wasn't known for a specific signature fragrance like his wife, Imelda Marcos.

It appears that he liked to keep his grooming routine straightforward and may not have been as into perfumes as Imelda, who was known for her luxurious lifestyle.   While he may have used light scents occasionally, he wasn't someone who wore perfume regularly.   

Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was known to wear **Maja Lavender** as his nighttime fragrance.   Lavender is often used for its calming effects and is a popular choice for bedtime.   This scent reflects his preference for simple grooming routines and classic scents that help with relaxation.

Ferdinand Marcos Sr. used **Maja Lavender cologne**.   Maja Lavender is a light and refreshing fragrance that is known for promoting relaxation, especially in the Philippines. It is usually found in cologne form, which is lighter and less strong than perfume, making it suitable for daily use and as a soothing scent before sleep.   

Imelda Marcos Favorite Scents

One of the most famous First Ladies the world has ever known is Imelda Marcos of the Philippines, particularly famed for her opulence and extensive perfume collection. Although not much is known about her favorite perfumes, she did like fragrances including:

Chanel No. 5 – an affordable but classic, iconic, and one of the most irresistible perfumes associated with luxury and sophistication.  Imelda Marcos is most often identified with Chanel No. 5 as her favorite perfume.   This luxurious fragrance is closely linked to her glamorous persona.   Reports suggest that she carried her own supply of this iconic scent when she traveled.   Although she also liked other perfumes, Chanel No. 5 is considered her trademark fragrance.   

Joy by Jean Patou – one of the most expensive perfumes in the world — is best loved for its extravagant fragrance;  Imelda Marcos is often said to have preferred using Jean Patou's Joy as her regular perfume.   Joy is famous for its opulent floral fragrance and is linked with extravagant lifestyles.   Despite having a selection of upscale fragrances, Joy is frequently cited as one of her preferred scents for everyday use.   

Another favorite is Estee Lauder’s Beautiful

Imelda Marcos often used her perfumes as part of her public persona, emphasizing glamour and sophistication.

Imelda Marcos was also known to have a fondness for other luxurious scents.   Some additional perfumes she was said to have enjoyed include:

Opium by Yves Saint Laurent - a bold and exotic fragrance that gained immense popularity in the late 1970s.

Shalimar by Guerlain - a timeless fragrance with a storied past, revered for its oriental aroma and captivating charm.

While these are among the renowned perfumes linked to her, an air of mystery surrounds her complete collection.   Imelda Marcos's passion for high-quality scents reflected her opulent lifestyle as the First Lady of the Philippines, and she likely had numerous favorites beyond those publicly known.   

Imelda is recognized for using the Lavender scent before going to bed.   Lavender is often linked to feelings of relaxation and tranquility, making it a popular option for nighttime use.   It has been mentioned that she preferred this perfume to promote a peaceful environment for sleep.   

Imelda Marcos is famous for her preference for a lavender scent from Yardley, a brand known for its English Lavender fragrance.   

Yardley London is well-known for its classic and traditional lavender products.   The lavender perfume from this brand coincides with her love for soothing scents, particularly for relaxation and sleep.   

Vegetarian Recipe: Tofu

This is another simple tufo recipe for vegetarians like me. As a long-time vegetarian, tufo is a decent option as vegetable prices rise and become rare. I enjoy eating tufo and have collected a few movies about different recipes and preparations for it as a main meal. One is this video, which I'd like to publish with full credit to its owner.

Here are the benefits of eating Tofu:

Tofu offers numerous health advantages, such as:
Heart health: The isoflavones found in tofu can lower "bad" cholesterol levels, as well as the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Bone health: The calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus found in tofu help to maintain healthy bones.
Plant-based protein, which aids in tissue growth and repair, is abundant in tofu.
Weight loss: Tofu contains branched-chain amino acids, which can help control weight, promote muscle growth, and enhance athletic performance.
Menopause symptoms: Tofu can lower the risk of osteoporosis and alleviate symptoms like hot flashes.
Cancer prevention: The high isoflavone content of tofu may lower the risk of developing some types of cancer.
Blood sugar control: Tofu might aid in blood sugar control.
Mood: Tofu could improve your mood.

Bangkok City - Thailand

I hadn't been to the capital city in years, possibly since 2019, to hear the noise and experience the hustle and bustle of Bangkok City, until my cousin and her American husband visited for five days.

Exploring Bangkok can be quite expensive, as every outing incurs significant costs, with prices markedly higher than those in my current location. Nevertheless, the bustling atmosphere and vibrant energy of the city can sometimes serve as a therapeutic contrast to the tranquility and serenity of a quieter setting.   

The quietness of the rural environment can become dull.   Occasionally, solitude can be alleviated by the sounds of urban life.   The hustle and bustle of the city serve as a distraction, redirecting thoughts away from deep contemplation on life's complexities.   

 I had a great time exploring Bangkok with my cousin, but my finances took a hit as the city was quite expensive which drained my monthly budget.   Regardless, Bangkok has always been a lively and appealing city in Southeast Asia.