#WHERETONEXT : SADDLEBACK HAVEN

Summer has officially started. It simply means packing our bags, getting out of the house and enjoying a much-deserved vacation.

With the right research and timing, no one has a concrete excuse of not being able to afford a vacation. We have so many options nowadays including the free seats offered by airlines and no more fuel surcharge.

I have always dreamed of spending one summer vacation is a mountain haven but I do not have the courage to go mountain climbing. I want to be close to nature yet keeping the luxuries. Something cozy, inspiring and perfect. 

So, do you have any guesses about our #WHERETONEXT destination? 

Well, it's part of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines and it's going to be at the SADDLEBACK HAVEN.

SADDLEBACK HAVEN is a villa 2,800 feet above sea level. It is a 45-minute drive from Davao City. 

Photo Credit: Saddleback Haven/ AIRBNB

It features cool climate, fresh air, and lush greenery. The view at night is also breathtaking. 

Photo Credit: Saddleback Haven/ AIRBNB

The rooms are carefully designed to ensure that you'll have a good night sleep and prepare you for a day full of activities. 

Photo Credit: Saddleback Haven/ AIRBNB

Since part of our plan is to be close to nature, we are very excited to take a short hike nearby. 

Photo Credit: Saddleback Haven/ AIRBNB

If you are brave enough to face the cool weather, you can even take a dip in the nearby river. 

Photo Credit: Saddleback Haven/ AIRBNB

Horseback riding is also available but I am still undecided about it. I am only certain that I will be bringing lots of marshmallows because I am looking forward to spending the night underneath the stars and enjoy the bonfire. 

Photo Credit: Saddleback Haven/ AIRBNB

So, go ahead and have the vacation you have always dreamed of and feel at home with your #WhereToNext destination. It's about time you pack your bags and enjoy the world.

Eco-Friendly Underwear?

Yes!!! It exists. Bench's ENVI line is made of bamboo fabric. It's considered to biodegradable, sustainable and eco-friendly while providing a smooth and comfortable feel.

Bamboo is proclaimed as the world's most renewable material: it's naturally pest-resistant, grows incredibly fast and can actually help rebuild eroded soil. It takes just three or four years to go from seed to harvest and because the root network is so big, you don't even need to replant - it just shoots right back up again. Bamboo, therefore, can be grown without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Interested to get one? These Bench ENVI Low-rise boyshorts are currently ON SALE at Bench Ayala Malls Capitol Central for only Php 100 (Original Price is Php 179.75)

** The packaging is made of plastic but it's reusable. This resealable plastic can be used to keep your valuables or documents. For me, we use it as money envelopes for budgeting.

Bacolod-based Artisan Makes Unique and Thoughtful Gift Items

Shopping for gifts is fun but challenging if the person you're gifting can afford or has everything she wants. This is one of the reasons why I love the handcrafted pieces from this Bacolod-based Artisan, Happy Crafter Ph. It makes gifting easier and more thoughtful.

Every piece is unique and there will never be other pieces the same as the one you have. This is the beauty of having artisan pieces. It is made with love and each piece is special, thus making every piece art in itself.

How it is made?

• For nature collections, plants are made to dry anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
• Each piece is designed by hand and cured with resin for 24 hrs. Other items may be made from other materials such as clay, acrylic, etc.
• Then once set, it is sand, grind, and polished, before putting it together with the chain and locks.

Thus, if you are looking for a rare piece for yourself or for someone special this #ValentinesDay, a handcrafted piece will always be a special present.

P.S. These handcrafted pieces are very affordable and come in a really nice box. You may visit their page for more designs. 

https://www.facebook.com/happycrafter.ph/

Bacolod's Freelancers Hub: Dojo 8 Coliving Space

Coworking spaces are very important to freelancers like me. If you are not so sure what I am talking about, a coworking space is a place with a shared working environment like an office or something like a study area at home. The only difference is that the people using it are usually not employed by the same company or organization. 

Though there are a lot of variations in terms of the ambiance or atmosphere, a strong and fast internet connection, as well as a reliable generator (in case of power outages), are constant in coworking spaces.

I was still in Manila when I started using coworking spaces. There is no doubt that the availability of these work areas has saved me every time there are power outages or internet failure and I cannot afford to miss work. Thus, when we moved to Bacolod, it was one of the things I looked for ASAP. 

Luckily, we were able to find Dojo 8 Coworking Spaces. It is located at Lacson Street, Bacolod near Starbucks Lacson. The place is very accessible and rates are really cheap. Not to mention they offer unlimited coffee. Then earlier this year, they opened their second branch at the back of Bar 21 named Dojo 8 Coliving Spaces.  By the way, this is not a sponsored post.

Dojo 8 Coliving Spaces is not your typical coworking space. So, let me share with you the top 5 things why it is so popular among freelancers and students. 

1. Overnight Accommodation - Dojo 8 have rooms available in case you need to stay overnight. They are very spacious, clean and affordable. It is also very ideal for travelers who still need to work and can't really rely on their hotel's wifi service. My friends from Dumaguete stayed at Dojo 8 for quite a number of times and they love it. 

2. Location - They are located in the heart of Bacolod City. As mentioned, they are at the back of Bar 21, a restaurant that provides a fusion of Filipino delicacies combined with Italian and American favorites (You can read about our Bar 21 Review here) and Bob's Cafe just across the street. There is also a Japanese restaurant a few steps away. 

3. Recreational  Facilities and Fun Environment - Dojo 8 provides ping pong tables and other outdoor games. They also have the garden area and some chairs outside which means that you have options on where you want to stay. You're not just limited to an air-conditioned room sitting on a chair. 

4. Pet-Friendly - As a fur parent, this meant a lot to me. At Dojo 8, you can work while your dogs play on the lawn. No need to leave our furbabies alone at home. Thus, I am looking forward to bring Crumpy, Cheesecake, and Cinderella soon. (I am thinking if we would be allowed to visit together or there is a limit on the number of dogs one can bring.) 

5. Events - Dojo 8 Coliving Spaces is now central to freelancer events here in Bacolod. They hold both free and paid seminars and workshops. Last January 2016, they had the HOW TO START A HOME-BASED CAREER SEMINAR organized by The Purple Secretary and last May 12, the Freelancer Meet-up organized by the Digital Career Advocates of the Philippines. 

And aside from all of these, I love working at Dojo 8 because you get to be surrounded by like-minded people who want to be productive.

So, don't forget to follow Dojo 8 Coliving Spaces on Facebook for event updates and promotions. How about you? Do you have your own favorite freelancer spot?