Choose Aloha. Choose Scott Hawaii.

The quest for eternal summer is arduous and costly. It is neverending.

But the quest for quintessential summer sandals, for me, is over.

Three months ago, a Pualani pair was sent from the Aloha State to our doorstep in Sydney, Australia. It's my first Scott Hawaii sandals, and prior its delivery, I had not come across the brand. I unboxed and unwrapped and stared at them with slight skepticism. Sure, the plumeria detail makes it a charmer, but the bicast leather straps and insole don't seem like they can stand abuse.

And I'm a manhandler of things.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Pardon my ginger-esque hooves.

My Pualani pair traveled with us from Australia to Malaysia to Singapore and to Philippines. Unused. I assumed it won't be able to handle the ruggedness of our chosen trails. Plus, I randomly picked the wedge-heeled kind, I thought it won't be comfy for long strolls.

During our recent U.S.A. trip, I decided to give 'em a go for they were starting to collect dust under our bed in the Philippines. And I worried that the pair will start flaking.

Kailua Beach, Oahu Island, Hawaii. Ye, they traveled back to Hawaii.  

My Pualanis traveled back to Hawaii and basked under the summer sun, fashionably sauntered in California's Bay Area, saw otherworldly tufa towers in California's Mono County, trudged along an ancient bristlecone pine forest, and hiked a bit in Nevada's Grand Canyon National Park.

They proved me wrong and swept me off my feet (thank goodness not literally).

I felt clumsy walking on them at first since I rarely wear heeled thongs, but got used to the pair quickly. They're lightweight, at the same time sturdy. I only wish they come in more happy hue combos that represent the colorful Polynesian culture.

Amongst tufa towers, Mono County, California. 

Scott Hawaii was founded by Elmer and Jean Scott in 1932 after they moved from Massachusetts to the territory of Hawaii. Their specialty was plantation boots for the sugarcane and pineapple field workers who were prevalent back in the day. It didn't take long for Elmer and Jean to establish a reputation within their community for they are from a long lineage of shoemakers.

During World War II, materials became scarce, and businesses catering to the U.S. military service were given priority access to such materials. And so Scott Hawaii began focusing on casual footwear.

  My Pualani pair trudged along the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo County, Eastern California.  

No doubt, Scott Hawaii has come a long way and on a different path from its past. Yet the current products still embody the spirit of its predecessors by being functional and solid.

And it definitely speaks of Hawaii. Can't wait to get another pair.

You could win a pair of Scotts! Brewing an online contest open to US residents. Stay tuned for details!

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Driving (And Eating) North With Chevrolet Spark And Yak Pak Philippines

"Is it a sport utility vehicle?" I inquired over the phone. "And where are we going?"

Melo of OutOfTownBlog.com, on the other end of the line, replied "No. It's a small car. Ilocos Norte." 

"Oh.", was my only reaction. And it wasn't the 'oh-okay' kind of Oh. It was the 'oh-are-you-out-of-your-mind?!' kind.

North seemed like a good idea. But hey, not when you're driving or riding a subcompact hatchback that's relatively new in the market. The long northward road, well-trodden by all sorts of vehicles, has several parts that are under construction. For the Chevrolet Spark, passing such unpaved thoroughfares is like off-roading.

So, Ilocos Norte? Really?

The Spark made it to Paoay! Photo by roadtrip buddy Michael Sagaran.   Few days after that phone conversation, I found myself ensconced in the backseat of a lemon yellow Chevy Spark. Beside me, the hubby. Beside him, my mom. On my lap, our snoozing three-year-old. Surprisingly, we all comfortably fit. Quite snug, yes, but a cozy snug.

Stopover in Villasis, Pangasinan for just-off-the-grill tupig.  

Michael of MichaelAnthonySagaran.weebly.com was behind the wheel and Melo was in the front seat. The two picked us up from The Linden Suites where we stayed for a night, and offered to drop off my family in Tarlac. By that time, our destination was still uncertain.

What we were sure of, the highlands couldn't be an option for the rainy season has made its ingress in Philippine territory.

One of my travel companions for this trip, the Yak Pak Voyager Lunch Bag which kept our tupig warm.

After delivering my family to our home, us bloggers pushed on northwest-bound. As miles were covered, destinations slowly surfaced between random conversations. Destinations in the form of food: Tupig, dinakdakan, bagnet, Vigan longganisa, pinakbet, and Batac empanada. 

 And we wondered, "How will the Spark fare?".

Eye-catching prints. Bold colors. That's New York-based lifestyle brand Yak Pak for you.  

Michael was quick to notice its solid handling, a nifty trait when you weave through city traffic. And as expected from a small car, the Chevy Spark is fuel efficient. Also, its brakes performed well, but let's not ask how Michael and Melo were able to test this.

Early morn sunbath at Urbiztondo beach, San Juan, La Union. My Yak Pak bag beside me kept my bottle of water cold.  

The Chevy Spark's got a LED-lit dashboard installed on the steering column that's easy to read. Other features: Remote keyless entry, power locks, power mirrors. Quite a number of cubby holes. It's a four-door cabin (five, including the boot) which makes it easy for passengers to climb in.

Snub-nosed. Cute.

Venturing further north.

But it proved to be beast!

First day of our road trip/test, our end point was San Juan, La Union wherein we did bopis, sisig, grilled liempo and laing for dinner at Urbiztondo Grill House and retired in Sebay Surf Central. On the second day, after my sunbath and Michael's quickie dip at Urbiztondo Beach, we resumed our journey.

Vigan Heritage Mansion. Photo by Michael.  

Michael breezed through La Union and Ilocos Sur municipalities until we arrived in UNESCO World Heritage Site Vigan, a city I visited (a trip I chose over my graduation march) more than a decade ago. We had late lunch at Kusina Felecitas in Granda's Inn and crossed three items off our itinerary: Bagnet, pinakbet and dinakdakan. When we finished, we proceeded to the street which Vigan is famous for, Calle Crisologo.

Eager to venture further, we only did a quick stroll then jumped back in the car. We soon drove out of the city after passing by a Vigan longganisa and bagnet store where Michael bought pasalubongs.

  Late lunch at Kusina Felecitas, Grandpa's Inn (Donato Ancestral Home). Clockwise from top left: Bagnet, pinakbet with bagnet, carrot cake, warek-warek or dinakdakan.   

Truth be told, I had doubts about reaching Paoay Church — a destination we all agreed on just around noon — that same day. Not so much because I had little faith in our teensy ride, but because I knew we were pressed with time for we were also to head back home in the evening.

  UNESCO World Heritage Site Paoay Church. We did heed its stentorian call.  

Thanks to Michael's skillful driving and Chevy Sparks' capability, not only did we reach the Church of Saint Augustine in Paoay way before sundown, we even had time to visit nearby Batac after. We came for empanada, and empanada we had for early dinner at Lanie's Batac Special Empanada.

  Batac's pride, the empanada.  

Our drive back to Manila with only one stop was taxing. But the man behind the wheel and our little yellow beast did not falter. Indeed, big things come from small packages. And the Chevy Spark is a testimonial to that.

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Yak Pak's Summer Giveaway

Eye-catching prints. Bold colors. Oh that playful summer vibe! That's Yak Pak for you.

Founded in 1989, the New York-based lifestyle brand manufactures a full range of products including, backpacks/day packs, messenger bags, lunch totes, and casual accessories for the teen and teen-at-heart. Yak Pak's open-minded approach to product design is the foundation of Yak Pak's spirit of freedom and independence that resonates throughout the brand.

Dare to change. Shift from monochromatic bags to multicolored ones. They're easier to spot in the cabin's overhead compartment. Or on a luggage belt. And not only are Yak Pak products rad, they're sturdy too. Now that's what I call an ideal travel buddy.


You could win one for yourself!  

Yak Pak's Summer Giveaway is open to Philippine residents. Contest duration will be from April 20 to 27, 2014 only. Announcement of winner will be on April 28, 2014 and prize must be claimed at Yak Pak, Glorietta 5.

Rafflecopter shows you the mechanics.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
But wait, there's more! If you follow Yak Pak's (http://instagram.com/yakpakph) and Pinay Travel Junkie's (http://instagram.com/pinaytraveljunkie) Instagram accounts you could also win a special Yak Pak gift. Make sure you leave your Instagram account name on the comments section below (winner will be chosen via Random.Org).

Good luck, fellow travel junkies!


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Anma Lifestyle: Luxe Travel Accessories

This gypsetting mum thrives in clutter. My hybrid trolley could attest to that. If I'd be ambushed by a fellow travel blogger for a what's-in-your-bag interview, I'll sprint away no matter how weighty my backpack is and never look back.

Or I'll agree to it but will warn the interviewer, "Open at your own risk!".

I was introduced to packing cubes and gadget organizers many moons ago. I actually bought a few. But they all ended up parked on shelves in my granma's house. Sitting pretty and collecting dust. Meanwhile, elsewhere exotic, reused plastic bags took/are still taking their place in our bags.

Why?

Well, they're weightless. Can hug any form. And a hard habit to break.

Luna with our Anma Lifestyle grab clutch Ipad case.  

November last year, a couple of luxe travel accessories came in the mail. My hippie self ain't particularly attracted to travel accessories that are tagged "luxe"—heck—I ain't particularly attracted to travel accessories, period. So I let them hang out with ze packing cubes and gadget organizers on granma's shelf for some time.

Recently, I gave these two gifts a go.

Anma Lifestyle jewelry rolls. In pink, violet, bronze, gold and silver.

Anma Lifestyle

Anma Lifestyle (launched in November 2012) is about travel accessories that are both functional and stylish — traits that allow the user to explore the world with ease and grace. The brand's products are made of high quality materials, yet easy on the pocket.

And it's proudly Pinoy. 

Jewelry roll/organizer and my boho trinkets.

Grab Clutch Ipad Case (Black/Purple)

A rectangular main with contrast detailing, a grab handle to the front, and a gold-tone zip through fastening to the top, in a smooth, leather look finish. Interior features slip pocket. Padded. Color-block design.

We use this to stash our tablet and phones. It serves its purpose well, and I hope it will be available in more pastel colors in the near future (other colors: white/aqua, beige/tan)

Jewelry Roll (Violet)

Has four zippered pockets (to safe keep your chokers, necklaces and bracelets), twelve earring posts, three dangling posts and a ring bar. Micro-suede interior ensures your gems and ornaments remain scratch-free. The compact size of this jewelry case enables it to fit snugly in most travel bags.

Before owning one, I used to stash my accessories in a small pouch. My necklaces, bracelets and dangling earrings always got tangled with each other! This jewelry roll ain't exactly a roll, but a slim envelope. Fits in my small weekender bag! This is my fave Anma Lifestyle product.

Some of their products can be monogrammed! Perfect gift for a travel junkie friend or relative!

... Like Anma Lifestyle's travel wallet.  

Travel Wallet

Has four compartments: Tickets, passport, documents and cash. Zippered compartment for coins, and an exterior compartment for boarding pass. Genuine leather with satin lining.

I reckon I'll never be a neatnik, but I hafta admit, there's something about organized clutter that calms a backpacker mum's mind. Am glad Anma Lifestyle is helping me manage my mess!

Visit Anma Lifestyle's Facebook account now and order eye-candy travel accessories for your next trip.

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Travel With Your Bensimon Sneaker Chic On: A Review Plus A Giveaway

Bonjour messieurs and mesdemoiselles — oh yes I'm feeling like a Parisian in Manila today. Pourquoi? It's because iconic and symbolic French sneakers, Bensimon (pronounced benˈ-see-mon), has finally stepped onto Philippine streets this year and am actually donning a bright yellow pair this very sunny moment.

My Bensimon pair is a splash of happy to my Sydney spring stroll.  

If you're occasionally sartorially dyslexic like me or have been living in a cave or you're simply into other types of footwear, Bensimon Collection's a line of sneakers that possesses all the makings of a quintessential summer shoe: It's lightweight (made of canvas and light rubber sole), it's got clean and simple lines (can go with almost any outfit), and comes in a plethora of colors. It also covers an array of styles and prints (for men, women, and children) to promote the individuality of  consumers — meaning, it's FUN!

The duo behind the brand are brothers Serge and Yves Bensimon whose designs are inspired by world travel, military, and Parisian fashion.

Swing by their site http://bensimon.com.ph/ to see designs available in the Philippines.  

Last October, I was invited to a media event by Bensimon Philippines at their head office in Makati. A handful of us travel bloggers (lifestyle and fashion bloggers too) were gathered to get acquainted with the sneaker brand and were given our own free pairs to give 'em a go.

As I slipped in my canary yellow Bennies for the first time, I understood forthwith its "perfect imperfections". Its apparent handmade elements make it seem somewhat rugged, yet its plain sailing contours possess an elegant trait. Quite the juxtaposition, but it works!

A pop of contrast to the aging heritage structures in Malacca.

Since acquiring my Bennies, they have: Weaved the bustling sidewalks of Manila, strolled around Sydney during spring, stomped the oldest Melakan streets for gastronomic pursuits, and lazily sauntered along Maldives' blinding white beaches.

No blisters. No sweat. No worries (They're machine washable!).

I was won over and I reckon I'm getting my daughter a pair too.

Beach eye candy. Sauntering Hulhumalé's coast.  

Responsible for bringing Bensimon to the Philippines is Terry S. A., a renowned company who also manages distributions of Havaianas, David and Goliath, and Pininho in Manila. TSA flies the lifestyle brand over to the Philippines, making the Parisian "innate sense of aesthetics and taste of the basics" within arms reach for Filipinos of all generations.

Price ranges from P2,095 to P2,565 for the men and women's line and P1,295 to P1,795 for the kids' styles.

Where could you find Bensimon sneakers in the Philippines? Rustans (Gateway, Makati, Alabang Town Center), Center of Gravity (Forbes Town, Burgos Circle, Centris Walk), Shoe Salon (Glorietta 3, Power Plant Mall Rockwell, Robinson's Ermita, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Trinoma), and Shoe Thing (Kids' styles only: Bonifacio High Street, Eastwood Mall, Greenbelt 5). 

We're giving away two pairs of Bennies! Open to Philippine residents only. Please refer to Rafflecopter for the mechanics. Begins December 1 noon, and will run for three weeks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Keen Sandals Venice H2 Review: Playtime For A Backpacker Mum

"Look down. In case you didn’t know, you’re standing on two of the most eager tour guides this side of anywhere. Take ‘em up on it.", says on the KEEN Footwear website.

KEEN Footwear is very keen on taking you to an adventure. Give one of their pairs a chance. I did when I accepted the offer — notwithstanding doubt — of KEEN Footwear Philippines to test the Venice H2, a model I chose myself, on the road.

Truth be told it was the first time I heard of such brand, hence, the slight shadow of doubt. But you know that feeling when you fall for a pair of shoes upon the first fitting? Yep, my Venice H2 swept me off my feet (thank goodness not literally). Now did it hold up to an adventure junkie's expectations? It unexpectedly flew beyond. Let me count the ways.


Venice H2's Specs and Traits (as stated on website)

Weight: 10.55 oz/299.087 g
Type: Bungee Styles, Sandals
Fit Tip: We find this style runs about a 1/2 size small
Lining: Hydrophobic mesh
Upper: Washable polyester webbing
Rubber: Non-marking rubber outsole with razor siping


Versatility

On this side of the planet, $100 is half (sometimes a third) of the amount of monthly apartment rent in the CBD. It's a huge chunk of one's salary, even for a member of the white-collar brigade. So if we're gonna spend that much on shoes, they might as well serve a multitude of purposes. My Venice H2 sashayed on boardwalks and hotel lobbies, scrambled on a sandy beach and on boulders, trampled pebbles and asphalt. The pair did the tasks well.

And because my KEEN can play many roles from gallivanting in the city to exploring jungles, I need not bring another pair of shoes in my travels.


Traction

An essential trait of an outdoor shoe is having an outsole that has great traction on various terrain. My Venice H2 weaved through slippery rice terraces and climbed a trike to "topload" in Ifugao, negotiated slimy boulders in one of Sydney's national parks, descended a cemented mountain trail while carrying my three-year old daughter, and walked on newly mopped tiles in Kuala Lumpur's airport. I did not slip once.


Comfort

For a backpacking mum like me who often times does hikes while carrying a toddler, comfort is everything. And my Venice H2 provides that even during aggressive hikes. And when I say "aggressive hikes", I mean steep slopes that I trudge with a toddler on my shoulders.

KEEN's metatomical footbed design provides excellent support (it should with such fancy term), and its patented toe protection (the outsole extends up and over the toes) makes descents easily bearable. Read: No dead nails and blisters to deal with after the hike. Venice H2 also has an "open strapping system" which gives room for ventilation, but unfortunately allows teensy pebbles to get in the sandals that you couldn't simply shake off. Probably the only con of this model that I can think of.

They're so comfortable that there's no break-in time needed.


Style

Now this is something you won't normally find on a gear review, but I just couldn't help myself including it because my sandals are such eye candies! If I remember correctly, the Venice H2 comes in ten colors. Mine's Barberry/Neutral Grey. It looks uber chic, and can be worn in a casual affair as well as for the long walk to the train station after.

If you're the type who makes a fuss about dirt spots, KEEN sandals can be tossed in the washing machine with a little amount of detergent. Easy, breezy.

Durability And Water Resistance

I've been using my pair for three months. I'd say I have not uhm, abused them enough to conclude that they're very durable. But like I said, they have been tested on mixed terrain and still look kinda new. Also, they have not done a river crossing nor have they hiked under heavy rain so I cannot tell you if they're indeed waterproof. They did get a little wet a couple of occasions though, and they air-dried pretty quick.


So, you ask me this question, "Will you buy another pair?". You bet your calloused heels and soles I would *snap, pout*! But only when my current pair dies of natural causes. And that could be a long time from now.

Like their page KEEN Footwear Philippines to check their products!

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Scratch Map Philippines Has Arrived!

Itching to escape the mundane? Go forth and scratch the itch!


And while you're at it, scratch all the places you've been off the new Scratch Map Philippines to remind yourself how far your adventures took you. Yes, Scratch Map Philippines has arrived (following the success of the world Scratch Map)! Designed by Luckies of London and produced by Filipino company Quirks Novelties & Curiosities, Scratch Map Philippines is a 42x59 cm, high quality map which features a gold foil top layer that you can scratch off to unveil a whole new personalized (and colorful) map underneath.

The map contains details such as regions, provinces, and capitals. It features popular Philippine festivals as well that are listed per month, to better assist you in planning for your next getaway. Map by the way comes in a sturdy paper tube, an ideal container to lug wherever you go.

Visit any of their branches in Power Plant, Shangrila, SM Megamall, and SM Aura to purchase one for yourself and/or for that travel junkie friend of yours so you could start scratching! I know I'm ecstatic to scratch mine.


Check out www.quirksph.com or www.facebook.com/Quirks.NoveltiesAndCuriosities to see their other cool, out of the box items (home accessories, lifestyle items, desk supplies and gadgets) from all over the world!

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Get Your Summer On: Lagu Beach Blanket Giveaway

"Save the sand. Save the beach."

Last week, during the hubby's birthday shindig in La Union, we were able to sample a beach blanket that's proudly Pinoy-made. It repels sand, it's allergen-free and has quick-dry properties. It's... Lagu!

Did you know that every year Boracay's shore line is slowly diminishing? Now before you lash out and say "Damn you evil resorts!", let me ask you this: Do you know how much sand per day you, the beach goer, unintentionally displace because your towel's playing backhoe for the summer? A university study estimates about 3 handfuls.

Oh. And please don't tell me you collect it. Have you forgotten? Take nothing but pictures.

Luna on a Lagu Rosa Oscuro. One of the bestsellers.

Add to that the more obvious factors, overdevelopment and climate change... Mother Nature cannot keep up with her task of replenishing natural sand. 

"Lagu aims to be part of the solution by offering beach-goers an environment-friendly alternative to ordinary beach towels."

It sounds like an awesome cause, but how's the product like in real life? Well, It's as awesome as its cause! Indeed, it repels sand. Unlike with an ordinary beach towel, I didn't have to shake off the sand 'til my biceps are toned. In fact our toddler Luna simply picked up the blanket, handed it to me, and I tucked it in my bag. Speaking of packing, it's got a swatch of a cloth stitched on it with buttons (kinda resembles that of an umbrella's), which keeps the Lagu blanket nice and folded. Also, even though it's a roomy 45"x60", it's totally lightweight.  

And yeah, it doesn't take a whole sun-drenched day to dry it.

Eye candy. There are 5 (soon 6) colors to choose from!

So I'm done raving, now it's your turn to give it a go! Two of you guys could win a Lagu beach blanket! You just have to "like" a couple of pages and leave a comment below answering the question: What's your fave Philippine beach? Refer to the Rafflecopter widget as your guide.

Only Philippine residents are allowed to join. Visit Lagu's Facebook page to know more about the product.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck, fellow travel junkies. Get your summer on!

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