hale manna part 1: tribal print x polka dots

it has really been awhile since i've enjoyed the beach. aside from having to maintain long hair to prepare for my wedding, i also promised myself last year to achieve my natural fair skin -- which we got a hint of from my mom. i've been avoiding the sun and have been wearing sunblock everyday. whenever i need to be outside, i cover myself with long-sleeved cotton tops and oversized hats. last year, i only visited the beach once and we were under the shade of the boat, most of the time. don't get me wrong, i have no regrets -- i wanted to be fair so i will stand out in my wedding dress but i'm sure you can all imagine my relief when we got to hit the beach this year. 

words can't describe how beautiful hale manna in moalboal is. pictures can't even do it justice because you need to be there for the experience. yes, the sand is not as fine as that of boracay's or bantayan's and 25% of the resort is by the cliff but the serenity you feel when you're in the place is beyond measure. the beach is lined with small huts that house mattresses, overlooking the ocean so we got to spend a whole afternoon relaxing. the service and amenities were amazing too. it didn't feel like we were in a resort, we felt like we were in tita's rest house. we were pampered beyond belief. 

hold on to your seats, this will be the first of 3 posts of our hale manna vacation. ♥

tribal printed swimsuit top - props | polka maxi wrap-around skirt - thrifted | elephant tusk necklace - bangkok find | oversized sunnies - urban outfitters, gifted by sister | bangles - braids and bonds & downtown finds