Bring Back the Memories with Isla Gigantes

Have you ever imagined yourself waking up with 

forgotten memories? 

Sipalay Summer: Sun, Sand, Sea and Sweet Serenity

𓆟 𓆞 View from fine and white sand.
Snip by Richell Tupas 07/08/24 𓆟 𓆝

When you were young, did you have any favorite letter from the alphabet? 

 

Because me, I have. I love the word letter S. I like how we pronounce the   letter S and the words it can make. Sun, Sky, Stars, Sea, Sand and many more. Just like the place we visited last year, the Sipalay Beach. I never knew that there’s this kind of place hidden behind the formation of rocks. You can feel the air, thick with the salty scent of the sea and the sweet fragrance of tropical flowers, whispers promises of tranquility and escape. 

This is Sipalay, a hidden gem in the Philippines, where sun-kissed beaches meet crystal-clear waters, offering a haven of serenity and adventure. A perfect getaway for family, friends, even for yourself.

Credits to my Aunt (Yolly Tupas) 𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

 It was just a normal morning for us having a vacation at the house of my grandmother when my aunt came and told me to pack my things and were going somewhere. A last minute trip, I guess? So, as a born to be ready type of girl, I packed up all my things and were good to go. My cousins and I are so curious because it’s almost three hours since we’re driving and the roads are full of trees and rocks. It was kinda scary too because we’re the only car on the road. After a few more minutes or an hour, we finally arrived! And when I said I was in awe, my jaw did drop as I stare at the scenery in front of me. It was such an unexpected experience while feeling the white sand and crystal clear water. When I said clear, it was so clear that I can see some fish and starfish! just swimming around my feet. We decided to have some dinner first before taking a rest as another day will come tomorrow.

What you can see inside if you’re outside

of the cave. Snip by Richell Tupas, 07/09/24

Tomorrow morning, we just ate some breakfast and decided to go some island hopping. The boat ride was such a fun experience because the waves were kind of high and strong that time but rest assured that we are all wearing our life jackets and we are with professional divers and boaters. As we arrived on the island, you can see the corals underneath the boat you’re riding. My cousins who’s adventurous gave it a try and snorkel those corals while some of my other cousins and me enter this cool cave. When you enter the cave, it looks a little tight but when you reach through the end, it will transfer you to another island! 

₍ᐢ⸝⸝› ‹⸝⸝ᐢ₎

When you reach the end of the cave there’s a rock formations that surrounds the whole area of the island. Let me tell a little funny story, I was so brave when I tried climbing one of the rocks, my cousins teased me ‘cause I don’t know how to go down :( I just got down with the help of my kuya. 

Inside the cave transferring to another island. By Richell Tupas, 07/09/24

Going back in our accommodation, we tried some of their local cuisines and of course, souvenirs to remember this unexpected day. Took a lot of pictures with my family together with the sky slowly changing from orange to a hundred shades of pink to a dark navy blue carrying a new core memory that I would cherish for my whole life. When the evening came, we celebrate one of my cousins birthday by having some buffet near the island and play some games, shared many stories and chikas while sipping non-alcoholic beverages.

Credits to my Aunt (Yolly Tupas)

It was a fun summer vacation with my father, together with my aunts, uncles, and grandmother, whom I hadn't seen in ten years. Sipalay is more than just sun, sand, and sea; it's an experience that nourishes the soul and connection. It's a place where the beauty of nature intertwines with the warmth of its people, creating an unforgettable escape.  

Beyond the Stage: Discovering Bulacan with Enhypen

“I still firmly believe, we can still meet, we will connect, no matter what.” - Jake of Enhypen

 

A shot that signifies the ending inside 
the arena. Snip by Richell Tupas on 03/01/25

Bulacan, a province north of Manila, is a treasure trove of history, nature, and warm hospitality. ENHYPEN's concert gave me a reason to took a glimpse into this rich tapestry.  I have never imagine myself immersing and strolling alone through lush rice paddies while feeling the scent of freshly tilled earth filling the air. I remember myself securing a ticket without the knowledge on how to go to Bulacan and what should I expect there. Now, I am just laughing it off whenever I remember it because I didn’t expect for me to survive that day. Before the concert starts, I met a lot of fans and some local people, they even offered us a free ride on some kind of e-jeep for us to marvel around the intricate details and architecture of the places. That’s when it hits me, I never imagined myself going to Bulacan until  Enhypen announced thier concert will be held there. The concert did not just left a lasting memories for me but also the province's rich history, cultural heritage and their warm hospitality. 

 

This trip wasn't solely about the concert. It’s all about the interaction with the local community creating a genuine connections, sharing laughter and create a lasting memories. I tried their foods and drinks before the concert start and I couldn’t believe that it tastes good with an affordable price. The K-Pop fandom culture doesn't stop when you finish your meal since some of the engenes will give you freebies and compliments that will add to the flavor of your meals. Language and cultural barriers were broken down by these genuine human connection moments, creating ties that went beyond the short-lived nature of this trip.  

sevEN fan project buses snip by
Richell Tupas, 03/01/25

I find it funny at first, because wherever you go, you can hear the led truck that plays an enhypen song (no doubt) while showing a picture of their one member (Park Jeongseong). This led truck belongs to a fan project in which they are showcasing their biases through any kind of art just like that led truck. Aside from that, we also got to see their different buses that is also part of a fan project that has the images of every members. Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to take a picture with them due to the reason that there’s a lot of people who are falling in line and I had no companion to take a picture of me. That’s why, I take note to myself that time was that the next time I attend a concert I need to make sure that I have friends with me so that we can take each other’s picture for the sake of memories.

how it looks like inside the arena. 
Snip by Richell Tupas on 03/01/25

ENHYPEN's Bulacan concert serves as a reminder that travel is more than just ticking off destinations on a list. It's about immersing oneself in a new culture, forging connections with people, and discovering the beauty of the unexpected.  It was really became part of my unplanned moments, captured in candid photos and shared on my social media. The concert  showcased not only the charm of Bulacan but also the enriching power of travel, leaving a lasting impression on both the idols and their fans.  It's a story of exploration, connection, and the magic that unfolds when one dares to venture beyond the stage. ♡