It's my first time to go around Manila. The only other time I got to be there was when I had connecting flights to Cebu. Whenever I'd think about going to Manila, I'd get overtaken with paranoia given the way people talk about its dangers  So, paranoid was what I've been the whole time I was there. But I took it as part of the adventure. Anyway, like one author said: "We can't always be safe. We can only be strong."

Good news is I got out there ALIVE. There were a couple encounters that proved Manila isn't the friendliest place, but perhaps if we counter it with patience and humility, then we'll be fine.

Now, on to a few details of my trip:

If there was one place I always fancied to go, it was BGC. Through Instagram, I learned that BGC has a lot of IG-worthy spots—from picturesque landscapes to wall arts, and dainty cafés.

I didn't get to dine there, however. I just grabbed some iced tea from Starbucks after taking some shots, watched people pass by  and went to my high school friend's apartment in Las Piñas to have lunch FOR FREE.

Thankfully, when I was there, the traffic wasn't as horrible as I expected; probably because of the holiday. So there was not much to complain about. The waiting game was real though when we had to wait for the jeepneys to fill. But that was it.

My high school classmates—Renalyn and Genaro—and I spent the entire afternoon catching up while eating ICE CANDY! It tasted like HOME.

(Excuse my hair. Haha.)

Later that same day, we also decided to go to Luneta Park. I am happy that now I'm able to say that I've been there 'coz I feel like the only person who hasn't.




 After everything, I checked in to Kabayan Hotel. I was excited to do so because I've always wanted to try the Kapsule Room.

It was cool. It was nothing fancy but comfortable enough for a quick trip. You have your own electric socket. The WiFi is fast. You have blinds that you can lock from inside so nobody can sneak a peek. You have a big locker. I loved it! Got the room for only PHP 850, and it already comes with free breakfast.

The Kapsule Room was so cozy that I wanted to stay there longer, but I was already booked for a condo unit the next day [through AirBnB]. Another high school classmate, Ivah Michelle, picked me up and helped me look for Pinecrest Residential Resort. The condominium is located at the New Port City, Pasay. I didn't get to take photos of the unit I rented, but click this link to the AirBnB listing in case you want a preview:

Here's some photos I managed to get at the place, though:

My stay at Pinecrest Residential Resort was a vacation on its own. I didn't have to be somewhere far to feel like I'm having the time of my life.

The evening of my second day in Manila, I met some other high school classmates. It was a little reunion. Nostalgic enough to bring the feels in.

It wasn't such an eventful stay because Manila wasn't really my main destination at that time, but I have to say at least that I feel safer about coming back next time. It was such a cheap trip. So, if you're planning a budget to trip to Manila as a first-timer, take note of the same places I went to. You can go there and snap good shots #forthegram FOR FREE.

That's it for now. See you on my next trip!

I am a big music lover. There was a point in my puberty years where I'd stay up late, listen to the radio, and list down the titles of the songs that come on, along with the specific time they played. Other than poetry, music was what helped me stay sane. Not much has changed, really. It still is helping me keep my sanity when the going gets tough. I have a playlist on Spotify, on Youtube, and even on my phone's default MP3 player, arranged according to how a particular track makes me feel. This blog even used to have a background music 'coz I was emo like that. (LOL.)

I thought of posting about my recent musical discoveries, or any song that speaks about the current state of my life and my being. Below are some of the tracks I'm quite fixated to, of late. They can be my life's theme songs, tbh.

Bored - Billie Eilish

♫ I just want to love for free. ♫

First heard this song on the Netflix Series, 13 Reasons Why. Given that I loved the series so much, this track is really special. The intro alone sends me into a psychedelic state.

Sign of the Times - Harry Styles

♫ Why are we always stuck and running from the bullets? ♫

It's the first song I heard when I got back from my week-long vacation, and the song felt as if inviting me to get away again. God knows that's what I wanna do forever.

Current Location - Lany

A post shared by Myth Reid (@mythreid) on Jun 28, 2017 at 1:19am PDT

String of Firsts—that's how I envisioned this whole trip to Hong Kong would be. It would brim with things I would be doing for the first time. Of course, I expected the jitters to come with me, uninvited. More than anything, however, I was stoked to take on the experience in the hopes to come home with a better understanding of the world and of myself.

For short and petite people like me, the struggle is real in terms of buying clothes that would fit our body type. Of course, we can just purchase anything from a random brand, but that would mean compromising our comfort. This is the reason why I was excited when I heard the buzz that Uniqlo was opening in Davao City.

And F-I-N-A-L-L-Y, they opened not only one but its first two stores in Mindanao on two separate dates. The first one opened on May 26 in SM Lanang Premier, and the second one on June 2 in SM City Davao Annex. I'm certain the waiting was all worth it for all Davaoeños because at last, we are now able to experience what Uniqlo is known for—high-quality clothing that is universal in design and comfort—without having to go to another city.

It's cool that Davao now have the brand that matches the city's laid-back lifestyle as Uniqlo constantly develops clothing based on Japanese values of simplicity, quality, and longevity. LifeWear, they call it. Apparel innovations geared toward bringing clothing that's not disposable by evolving the ordinary to produce more warmth, more lightness, and comfort that's not time-bounded.

Here's some of the photos from the VIP and Media Launch that I luckily got to be a part of:

Also, here's some photos of myself during my Hong Kong wearing the Uniqlo pieces I got from the SM Lanang Premier branch:

Men's Dry Pique Polo Shirt (Designed with form and function, the Dry Pique Polo Shirt is equipped with quick-dry and moisture-wicking properties. Made with a classic silhouette and solid color, this polo shirt is a staplee fitting for every body type.)