Cute and comfortable swimsuits are definitely a travel essential!
When I’m traveling, I want something that looks cute but is also comfortable enough to actually enjoy the day. Whether I’m relaxing by the pool, spending time at the beach, or taking a few vacation photos, I love a swimsuit that makes me feel confident without feeling uncomfortable. There’s just something about being somewhere warm, feeling the sun on your skin, and enjoying life in a cute swimsuit.
The rooms at this resort were pretty cool. It has that rural luxury feel, and the space is huge, clean, and comfortable. This was my first time staying here, and even though I’ve been going to Palawan almost every summer, I still haven’t explored all the beautiful resorts and islands. There’s honestly still so much to see! This trip was more low-key for me. I only had three days in Puerto Princesa, so I decided not to go all the way to Onuk Island in Balabac, even though it’s on my bucket list for a long time now.
I wanted to slow down, relax, and actually enjoy my time instead of constantly working. I’m the type of person who can work nonstop if I let myself, so this time I decided to listen to my body and focus more on my well-being. I work hard, so I also believe in enjoying the good things in life and spoiling myself a little. And speaking of Puerto Princesa, I know this is random, but my Mom recently started turning one of my properties into a mini resort. I have two properties in Puerto Princesa that I inherited from my parents, one with an ocean view and another about five minutes from the beach. My parents invested in several properties in Palawan and Manila so that my siblings and I could each inherit a property from them.
Since I don’t live in the Philippines, I haven’t really thought about building a house there yet. But my Mom had the idea of turning the ocean-view property into an Airbnb. She’s planning to add an infinity pool next year, and with so many foreign travelers visiting Puerto Princesa, I think it could be a great business opportunity. I’m not sure if I’ll be back in the Philippines next summer because I’d like to spend more time in the U.S. since it’s been a while since I’ve spent the summer in Coeur d’Alene. But, my mom keeps telling me to bring the kids next summer so they can enjoy the new pool once it’s finished. We’ll see what happens! I’m actually glad she came with me on this trip because she was also able to look around for interior ideas for the mini resort. I took some photos, but it’s still in progress. Hopefully, I can share more with you guys once it’s all done!
I’m glad my friend Gwen was willing to model one of the swimsuits for me so we could do a shoot together. It’s nice having friends who are willing to help, especially when I was running out of time in Puerto Princesa. It made the shoot so much easier! I ended up giving her a lot of the swimsuits and some outfits I wore during my vacation. Whenever I’m on vacation, I usually give the things I brought from the U.S. to friends I meet up with, then bring things from the Philippines back to the US. That way, I don’t have to worry about excess baggage. I honestly think it’s the smartest thing to do! 
I was wearing the cutest freshwater pearls grown in Palawan. These are real, authentic pearls! I bought them in both silver and gold because I honestly couldn’t help myself. You probably can’t see much of a difference when I wear them since the colors are so subtle, but I’m glad I got them from the Muslim entrepreneurs my mom introduced me to. I actually got quite a few, and they weren’t cheap because they’re authentic pearls. I’m just a girl, when I love something, I don’t think twice. I’d rather get it than look back later and regret not buying it. If you know what I mean!
Another random thought… I figured I should probably address this here since it’s been ages since I’ve taken the time to write on the blog.
I’ve been getting so many DMs lately asking me these questions. They’re quite personal, but I think you all deserve to hear my answers. Thank you for always following along on my journey and for being here with me. “Why are you traveling by yourself?” “Why don’t you have a boyfriend?” “Don’t you ever get lonely?” “Are you actually enjoying the single life?” “What does your ideal relationship look like?” And yes, sometimes I do wish I had someone to share life with. But the truth is, I genuinely love my life. I love myself enough to know that I don’t need someone else to complete me or make me happy. I’m happy on my own, and I’ve become comfortable with my independence.
I’m not going to lie, I was once broken. But by the grace of my Father, Jesus Christ, I was restored. He rescued me, healed my heart and soul, and showed me that through His perfect love, I could become whole again. He reminded me that my brokenness did not define me, and that I could find peace, strength, and a new beginning in Him. Through my relationship with God, I’ve learned that His love can restore the parts of me that I thought could never be healed.
Of course, there are moments when I wish I had someone special to share my happiness with, someone to travel with, laugh with, experience life with, and make beautiful memories with. But until the right person comes along, I’m happy living my life, enjoying this season, and making memories with my kids. I’ve learned that being alone doesn’t mean being lonely.
I don’t need someone to spoil me. I can spoil myself. I don’t need someone to buy me flowers. I can buy my own. I don’t need someone to take me to a fancy dinner. I can take myself. I love my routine, my freedom, and most of all, my PEACE. I’ve worked hard to create a life that I really enjoy, and I don’t want to give that up just to say I’m in a relationship. I would rather be alone and at peace than be with someone who doesn’t bring the love, honesty and respect. I want a Godly man who loves Jesus first and has a genuine relationship with God. I believe that when you surrender your heart to God, everything else falls into right place.
I also believe we don’t have to force love or pressure ourselves to find someone. What is meant for us will come in God’s perfect timing. Sometimes, the waiting season is there to heal us, grow us, and prepare us for something better. Until then, I’m not going to settle just because I want to say I have someone. I feel like some men today are more interested in the idea of experiencing me or having me as a trophy than actually getting to know me. I love hard, and I’m the type of person who would give the world to someone I love. That’s just the kind of person I am. That’s why, I have to guard my heart carefully and pay attention to people’s intentions. I’ve learned that actions often tell you more than words. I can usually tell when someone genuinely cares about me and when they don’t.
I know my worth, and I know what I bring to the table. I don’t need a relationship to validate me or make me feel complete. I’m already whole on my own. If love comes, I want it to be genuine, something that adds to the life I’ve already built, not something I need to complete it. Being alone and being lonely are two completely different things. I’m not waiting for someone to start living my life. I’m already living it, enjoying it, and being grateful for it. And if the right person comes along someday, I hope he doesn’t complete my life. I hope he simply adds to the happiness, love, and peace I already have.
So, to every woman who is single, traveling alone, or simply enjoying her own company: don’t settle because you’re afraid of being alone. Know your worth. Protect your peace. Trust God’s timing. And remember that you are already enough. A woman who knows her worth doesn’t have to chase a man. She knows her value, and she’s willing to wait for something real, healthy, and worthy of her. 
Location: The Doome Hotel and Resort // Hartman Beach, Wescom Road (or Hartman Road), Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
