IAO CHAPTER TWO
The original plan was to stay for 9 days only. But ended up extending my stay for additional week—and it’s worth it.
During this stay, I unlocked new experiences: jumping on 20 feet high board (based on google); to stay in island cheaper compared last year; magcostume para sa Haloween 🤣; driving in a motorbike while having a Signal No. 4 typhoon to get food hahahaha; but there’s more than that.
The highlight of this journey is the people.
I met a lot of different people, with different personalities and walks of life. New perspective. New ideologies—especially those who come from other cities and countries. One of the highlight is hearing the history of politics of Germany—big thanks to our good guy @henri_horn_ . It’s common to learn about that “past” but hearing from a German, that’s on another level.
I had to thank @fil.yow for being the ‘social guy’ coz Im really bad making a move to get new friends; and the one who always telling “extend ka na chong!” Hahahaha!
Honestly, I’m still getting anxious when I need to socialize with new people because I know I’m a socially awkward (on first meeting) and over-thinker. I tend to think, “Baka ijudge ako nito,” or “baka di ako matripan.” Most of the time, I’d rather be alone than start a conversation. But since I believe everything is learnable, I keep trying my best.
Isa lang naman ang rason—I wanna see the full potential of being alive. At eto yun. So I guess, this is more than a vacation or travel. This is life.
Excited for the Chapter Three.
Too busy enjoying the moment, we didn’t take as many shots as we could. But here’s a recap—article/magazine style—during Rakpublika 2026 at Malolos, Bulacan.
Shots by: @felipejuan24 , @tugano_patrick
Color and story by: @pvt.etcetera
Brought to us by: @senioritos.co
Gustong-gusto ko talaga kumukuha ng candid photos. Kaya no’ng tinanong ako ni Dustin kung anong pwede kong maimbag sa event, sabi ko, mag-contribute na lang ako ng photos. I really love capturing genuine smiles, yung curiosity, and those moments na hindi na mauulit—sarap kunan.
So here are some of my favorite shots from Leading by Design featuring Lucille Tenazas, last December 2 at The Astbury, Makati, kasama ang CDAP Homies! 🫡 #AyusDin
One of the main reasons for this trip—or should I say, one of the many “main quests”—was to visit the first-ever consignment store to carry the brand outside the country: Sabai Tayo. Located in the garden of V20 Boutique Hotel in Bangkok, they held their grand opening last April 20. It was surreal to finally see the space in person.
The store features a mix of Thai and Filipino local artists. I’m incredibly lucky to be in the lineup alongside names like Apol Sta. Maria, Chinny Basinang, Rob Cham, Alan Navarra, Wiji Lacsamana, and Xuan Liu.
This milestone feels even more significant because, coincidentally, Senioritos is celebrating its 10th year this 2026. Looking back at where we started, seeing the brand land in a different culture a decade later is a different kind of fulfillment. It’s one thing to build something at home, but seeing it resonate internationally is the ultimate celebration of the journey.
Last month, I finally had a chance to get outside in the Philippines. It might be late for me to experience this but this journey gave me too much realizations. This is more than a vacation—this is a celebration of life.
I will share some of the experience I had during the trip: The Art and Culture, The Business, and Everything Else, thru photos I took in Thailand.
PART 1—Art and Culture
If we’re talking about preserving culture in modern times, Thailand is a perfect example. During my visit, they made me realize that it’s possible for two different timelines to coexist: the past and the present.
It’s this seamless blend that struck me the most. In Bangkok, the “old” isn’t a museum piece gathered in dust; it’s actually alive and part of the ‘now.’ Seeing these ancient traditions standing right next to the fast-paced, modern city gave me a fresh perspective on how we move forward.
We don’t have to leave the past behind to move forward—we just have to find a way to let them live together.
From Strangebrews, The Brewrats; to TFTFZ, WOTL, Wasak, and Kontrabando. Now it’s one for the road—MMK, The Jamboree.
Tagal ko na pala sinusuportahan tong cinematic universe na to. Ngayon lang ako nakapagbalik. Salamat, malaking parte kayo ng DNA ko, mga tohl. Tama! 🤝
Last February, our organization—CDAP—held a Creative Tambay, and one of our sponsors was What’s Mex. I was stoked because it was one of my favorite spots in Siargao back in 2024. Come with us as we take a trip to their Marikina branch!
World-renowned artist and designer Gemma O’Brien (@mrseaves101 ) returned to Manila for an exclusive, invite-only engagement at Fairmont Makati last April 1, 2026.
Special shout out to @graphikamanila 🇵🇭
Shot by Sony a6700 + Sigma 30mm f1.4 📸
Snippets of what happened during the weekend in the urban jungle.
It was a ‘Siargao Saturday’ because, first—I reunited with friends from the isla, Tom and Adz; and second—I sat down with the owner of a resto I also discovered on the island, Von of What’s Mex? Threw in a side trip to Marikina Sports Center with the team, followed by a solid mental and physical reset on Sunday. All of this is just a small fraction of what’s coming next.
Spent the weekend surrounded by good sessions, good food, good stories, and good people. ✨
I fell in love with the fragrance game back in 2021, so when the @feraldeperfume_ team sent over nine bottles to test, it was an automatic yes.
Full details in every image! ✨
Shot by @sonyalpha a6700 + @sigmaphoto 30mm f1.4 lens 📸
Here’s the batch 2 of photos I took during the @graphikamanila last weekend at SMX Convention Center. If you want HD copy of your pictures, just let me know. 🤝
Shot by @sonyalpha a6700 + Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 📸
Part 3—later.
