To start things off, I finally used the Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu 3D2N voucher I got from Agoda c/o Saab Magalona's Valentines giveaway. I actually didn't want to go this April since I have Boracay on Labor Day/Weekend but being that before this year I've never actually won raffles, in this case against a total of 8610 other entries, I just had to go before the voucher expires on April 30.
Seeing my teammate's business trip posts made me miss Singapore and my trip, which I dubbed to be the best vacation I have had yet. This also made me realize that I still haven't posted about one of the most frequently asked questions about this trip-- Where did you stay in Singapore for 10 days?
You can view the cheapest rates of Gap Year Hostel here.
Being the good document-er that I was (and of course, I'm kidding), I was only able to take one photo of the common area. Using this photo as the reference, at its right will be the two computers that can be used by guests. Beside the computer desk is the big circle rattan couch, where it's so easy to doze off. In front of the couch is the reception area that's the first thing you will see when you enter the hostel.
Going back to the photo for reference, in front of this is where you will find the DIY breakfast set. It's not much of a breakfast, but it's pretty much the usual thing you'd get in Singapore hostels. I'm talking about coffee, bread, peanut butter and jam. There is also a fridge where they sell bottled water, canned juices and canned beers. I compared with convenience store prices and the hostel's was actually cheaper. At the left side of this picture is a bookshelf filled with an assortment of books, from travel guides to novels. I read on a review somewhere that some of these books were actually left or given by guests. Beside the bookshelf is a sofa set where the guests can do their socializing.
Since I know it might be hard to picture out everything I said, here's my best effort to show you the layout via MS Paint!
Rates
I stayed in a relatively low cost hostel, which is apparently situated in an area filled with other hostels. The Gap Year Hostel became my top choice mainly because of the price offered for what seemed to be a decent and clean hostel through pictures. Mostly, I paid 17 SGD/night and 19 SGD on some days (weekends). I've learned that it is cheaper to book your stay via Hostelworld rather than Agoda and other hotel booking sites. Heck, even the walk-in rates are more expensive! If I recall correctly, I think it's 22 SGD per night and 26 SGD for weekends.
I only booked four nights in advance and in order to book the rest of my stay, I had to book it online instead of just paying over the counter. The receptionist said there wasn't anything they can do about the price.
You can view the cheapest rates of Gap Year Hostel here.
Common Area
![]() |
| The Polaroid Tree made up of photos of Gap Year Hostel's customers. |
Going back to the photo for reference, in front of this is where you will find the DIY breakfast set. It's not much of a breakfast, but it's pretty much the usual thing you'd get in Singapore hostels. I'm talking about coffee, bread, peanut butter and jam. There is also a fridge where they sell bottled water, canned juices and canned beers. I compared with convenience store prices and the hostel's was actually cheaper. At the left side of this picture is a bookshelf filled with an assortment of books, from travel guides to novels. I read on a review somewhere that some of these books were actually left or given by guests. Beside the bookshelf is a sofa set where the guests can do their socializing.
Since I know it might be hard to picture out everything I said, here's my best effort to show you the layout via MS Paint!
(Dormitory room photos after the jump)
Like some people, I also think quarter-life crisis is a label that lets people have their acceptable amount of meltdowns. I've had my fair share as clearly seen on how this personal blog has been a half of in-your-face-emotional posts. But if there's a silver lining in this, it's that I got hit with it at the best possible time. A little younger would have broken me more, a little older might have meant total breakdown (i.e., the end of the world).
At this age, I was neither too young nor too old to experience everything that came into mind. It was a fun and colorful ride, and I know it really showed.
And now, a listicle with nonparallel sub-titles! *Dun dun dun dun*
1. I reconnected with most of my best friends
Being single did that, but I know now to keep this relationship with friends regardless of my status. Having friends that I can talk to really helped me not wander back into the familiarity of the past.
2. ...kept the old,
Because really, even if personalities have changed, you can always rely on everyone to come through for you.
3. and made new ones.
Most of my Friday nights during 2013 have been with these two.
4. IDK March 2013 was both terrible and beautiful
I got into a car accident and the house got robbed, all in the same month, and I came out of both incidents alive.
5. New beginnings
I moved into a new place with a nice view. Small things like waking up to this view has been one of the things I loved about 2013.
6. NC42 and Ruby Woo
I bought myself makeup from MAC! Haha. This would sound really shallow but I've always thought I would get breakouts because they're non-comedogenic.
7. Color-virgin hair, no more
I had my hair colored for the first time. It was not really visible in the photo below, but it was just the right amount of "safe" color for me. At least I didn't have to worry about regrowth.
8. Starstuck Days--Because who didn't had a crush on Mark Herras
I got interviewed by local celebrities at the beach. Getting asked personal questions by your Starstruck Season 1 crush doesn't really happen everyday. Although, I'm pretty sure it was the bikini that did that.
9. Awkward solo traveling
I traveled alone! And wrote a lengthy post on how to do it, too.
That Solo Beach Trip of 2013 from Jennever Pelaez on Vimeo.
10. Baguio, on a rhum
I traveled alone to Baguio...tipsy. I had to miss a party and endure the bus A/C while wearing a shirt dress, but it was okay. I was warm the whole trip.
11. Local travel and signature shots
I went to a lot of places. Almost every month had a trip planned, and in every one of them, I had my signature jump shots and scorpion poses. More for my collection!
12. Clubbing 101
It started in the company offsite, mid-April. Then it just became a regular thing that we'd do on a Friday night. Late bloomer yes, but the upside could be that I don't really YOLO it out on Friday nights.
13. Better late than never.
Although this would only happen when I'm with my team, I experienced getting plastered drunk for the first time.
14. Barely there, almost
I went on and did an intimate shoot for the first time. It was fun but my stress levels might not bear a second time. I do like, however, that I have freezed a moment in time when my body is still okay, because as we all know, metabolism will dramatically slow down with age.
15. 10 days of pure bliss
I celebrated Christmas and New Year in a foreign country with one of my best friends. This was the moment in life where I had realizations and everything was so bright. Truly a highlight of my year, and you'd know this because I'll never run out of stories about this trip.
Best Holiday Ever 2013 from Jennever Pelaez on Vimeo.
I was aiming for 25 things I can list but this pretty much sums it all up. It has been a year of firsts, spontaneity and decisions done on a whim. I wouldn't really change anything because it has been perfect. *aww, sap!* To everyone who has been a part of the past year, thank you. I would have never survived this crisis if not for you.
At this age, I was neither too young nor too old to experience everything that came into mind. It was a fun and colorful ride, and I know it really showed.
And now, a listicle with nonparallel sub-titles! *Dun dun dun dun*
1. I reconnected with most of my best friends
Being single did that, but I know now to keep this relationship with friends regardless of my status. Having friends that I can talk to really helped me not wander back into the familiarity of the past.
Post by Jennever Pelaez.
2. ...kept the old,
Because really, even if personalities have changed, you can always rely on everyone to come through for you.
3. and made new ones.
Most of my Friday nights during 2013 have been with these two.
4. IDK March 2013 was both terrible and beautiful
I got into a car accident and the house got robbed, all in the same month, and I came out of both incidents alive.
5. New beginnings
I moved into a new place with a nice view. Small things like waking up to this view has been one of the things I loved about 2013.
6. NC42 and Ruby Woo
I bought myself makeup from MAC! Haha. This would sound really shallow but I've always thought I would get breakouts because they're non-comedogenic.
7. Color-virgin hair, no more
I had my hair colored for the first time. It was not really visible in the photo below, but it was just the right amount of "safe" color for me. At least I didn't have to worry about regrowth.
8. Starstuck Days--Because who didn't had a crush on Mark Herras
I got interviewed by local celebrities at the beach. Getting asked personal questions by your Starstruck Season 1 crush doesn't really happen everyday. Although, I'm pretty sure it was the bikini that did that.
9. Awkward solo traveling
I traveled alone! And wrote a lengthy post on how to do it, too.
That Solo Beach Trip of 2013 from Jennever Pelaez on Vimeo.
10. Baguio, on a rhum
I traveled alone to Baguio...tipsy. I had to miss a party and endure the bus A/C while wearing a shirt dress, but it was okay. I was warm the whole trip.
11. Local travel and signature shots
I went to a lot of places. Almost every month had a trip planned, and in every one of them, I had my signature jump shots and scorpion poses. More for my collection!
![]() |
| Photo by Bong Manayon |
12. Clubbing 101
It started in the company offsite, mid-April. Then it just became a regular thing that we'd do on a Friday night. Late bloomer yes, but the upside could be that I don't really YOLO it out on Friday nights.
Although this would only happen when I'm with my team, I experienced getting plastered drunk for the first time.
![]() |
| Thankfully, all the photos are pre-plastered drunk |
14. Barely there, almost
I went on and did an intimate shoot for the first time. It was fun but my stress levels might not bear a second time. I do like, however, that I have freezed a moment in time when my body is still okay, because as we all know, metabolism will dramatically slow down with age.
![]() |
| Outtake. Shot by Don Michael De Leon. |
15. 10 days of pure bliss
I celebrated Christmas and New Year in a foreign country with one of my best friends. This was the moment in life where I had realizations and everything was so bright. Truly a highlight of my year, and you'd know this because I'll never run out of stories about this trip.
Best Holiday Ever 2013 from Jennever Pelaez on Vimeo.
I was aiming for 25 things I can list but this pretty much sums it all up. It has been a year of firsts, spontaneity and decisions done on a whim. I wouldn't really change anything because it has been perfect. *aww, sap!* To everyone who has been a part of the past year, thank you. I would have never survived this crisis if not for you.
Because you know you need one. *winks*
I'll be updating this with new information I can gather every now and then. See you in Boracay on Labor Day!
Republiq Beach Club Ticket Prices: Php 1200/day/person. Incl. of two Hennessy Cocktails. Tickets are only being sold in Republiq Club, strictly cash-only basis.
Nestea Beach 2014 Yacht Party Ticket Prices: Php 1200/person. Reserve tickets here.
Sunkissed 2014: Click here to see the lineup.
Sundazed Boracay 2014: RSVP here. Entrance is FREE.
Edit: Added Cedric Gervais and Steve Aoki for Tattoo Labor Day Weekend 2014
Edit: Added Nestea Beach and merged its May 3 & 4 with Tattoo Labor Day Weekend 2014. Reason: Same event co-sponsored by both Nestea and Globe
![]() |
| Click image to see full size |
I'll be updating this with new information I can gather every now and then. See you in Boracay on Labor Day!
Republiq Beach Club Ticket Prices: Php 1200/day/person. Incl. of two Hennessy Cocktails. Tickets are only being sold in Republiq Club, strictly cash-only basis.
Nestea Beach 2014 Yacht Party Ticket Prices: Php 1200/person. Reserve tickets here.
Sunkissed 2014: Click here to see the lineup.
Sundazed Boracay 2014: RSVP here. Entrance is FREE.
Edit: Added Cedric Gervais and Steve Aoki for Tattoo Labor Day Weekend 2014
Edit: Added Nestea Beach and merged its May 3 & 4 with Tattoo Labor Day Weekend 2014. Reason: Same event co-sponsored by both Nestea and Globe
Three things: I'm on sick leave. I don't have my laptop with me here at home. I'm bored out of my mind.
For food, I usually cook whatever's available but since I'm nursing a fever, I'd rather walk to a nearby eatery to buy both lunch and dinner.
There I was, waiting for my sisig takeout, when I saw the "Surplus Shop" sign next door. Since I was already waiting anyway, why not kill some time, right? So in a shop of random goodness, I went!
It was a small space but there's a huge variety of everything. There are electronic appliances, shoes, cookware, furniture, china, clothes, golf clubs, rackets, jewelries, trinkets, and a section for umbrellas.
I don't really have a huge reason but I've always wanted one of these clear plastic umbrellas. And for this alone, even when it's summer and I won't be needing it in the next couple of months, I bought it. I only got it for 50 pesos so there's not really that much thought that went to this purchase.
It was only supposed to be just a despedida dinner in Quezon City, but due to schedule conflicts, venue was changed to Taguig at the last minute. And when you're suddenly eating in Bugsys Burgos Circle, how can you not drink too? Then when we were about to go home, after complaints of not having sufficient alcohol in the system, it was decided that we can still go to Distillery until closing time.
The following are effects of downing a bottle of tequila in under 45 minutes, purely because we got bullied by the bartender into finishing the bottle.
Drunk Texts
If there's something to be said about drunk messaging, it's that it's never something you don't mean, or at least in that context. It's like having a free pass for texting people you really wanna text, but you wouldn't if you're not drunk. Except that the person you're texting completely knows this as well so eventually, it's just another case of embarrassing yourself to that sober person.
DO NOT DO IT.
Drunk Tweets
I wasn't really drunk drunk. I can say this because I've been hammered far more than that night, a few times and always when I'm with my men dominated team (*cough* offsites/team buildings *cough*). You'd also know this because I didn't slur tweet. I was also sane enough to know that I left my coffee, same coffee that burnt my tongue. When I reached the house around 5AM, I saw the world spinning when I laid down, and yet I still had it in me to tweet it. Will power at work, you guys.
The following are effects of downing a bottle of tequila in under 45 minutes, purely because we got bullied by the bartender into finishing the bottle.
Drunk Texts
If there's something to be said about drunk messaging, it's that it's never something you don't mean, or at least in that context. It's like having a free pass for texting people you really wanna text, but you wouldn't if you're not drunk. Except that the person you're texting completely knows this as well so eventually, it's just another case of embarrassing yourself to that sober person.
DO NOT DO IT.
Drunk Tweets
I wasn't really drunk drunk. I can say this because I've been hammered far more than that night, a few times and always when I'm with my men dominated team (*cough* offsites/team buildings *cough*). You'd also know this because I didn't slur tweet. I was also sane enough to know that I left my coffee, same coffee that burnt my tongue. When I reached the house around 5AM, I saw the world spinning when I laid down, and yet I still had it in me to tweet it. Will power at work, you guys.
![]() |
| http://www.mtvasia.com/mini/match-machine |
Basically, it's a hi-tech version of FLAMES, only that it bases the calculations on the Facebook profile. I know for a fact that this is not accurate, just like FLAMES.
Here are my results, you know, for the lolz.
1. My ex. (This is when I started laughing.)
2. My close friend's ex. (Seriously laughing hard at this point!)
3. My best friend. (You don't even know how funny for me this was! G, you know why.)
Then, I tried it again, but with girls this time. For this round, all those in the results are my best friends. At least, the Match Machine got the closeness right, this time.
1. My other best friend in our trio with Gzon. (We look amazing daw, Joiz!)
3. My college best friend. (Len, Vin at Chris, sorry mas close daw kami ni Mira.)
And that's that. Try it!
1. My other best friend in our trio with Gzon. (We look amazing daw, Joiz!)
2. My office best friend for, uhh, 4 years? (Has it really been that long, Cha?)
3. My college best friend. (Len, Vin at Chris, sorry mas close daw kami ni Mira.)
And that's that. Try it!





















