CRISTY IN THE CITY

For someone like me, a jaded urban dweller constantly caught between work emails and home responsibilities, being off the grid for a few days felt like a rare luxury — a quiet kind of healing for the soul. Even if my trip to the hinterlands of San Remigio, Antique, was technically work-related, it became so much more than that.

The noise of city life, the endless commutes, and the draining routine of office days can wear you down without you even realizing it. Sometimes, all we really need is a breath of mountain air — an escape that feels like washing the spirit clean.

San Remigio, known as the Summer Capital of Antique, reminds me of a gentler, humbler Baguio. Its highlands, especially the barangays of Aningalan, unfold like hidden worlds waiting to be discovered — full of quiet corners and breathtaking views.

Walking through rolling hills and valleys covered in rain-fed greenery, I found myself slowly unclenching from the tension of daily life. The cool breezes, the soft drizzle at night, and the mist that greets you each morning — they have a way of calming even the most restless mind.

To unplug, to simply exist in the quiet company of misty mountains — that was exactly what my soul needed. Thank you, dear mountains, for the peace and perspective. Until next time.

The Trendtitas Pop-Up Market at North Grove has quickly become Iloilo’s most talked-about bazaar, thanks to its stylish concept and carefully curated line-up of merchants. From artisanal coffee carts, baked treats, and gourmet refreshments to trendy clothes and accessories, it’s a weekend hotspot that perfectly blends shopping, food, and fun.

Adding to the lively atmosphere are photo booths, live music (as they say, if it’s too loud, you’re too old!), plus games and surprise activities that keep the crowd buzzing.

Despite its playful name, the event draws a mainly Gen Z and young millennial crowd. The real Gen X “titas” — those with the actual purchasing power — might feel a bit out of place, as the current mix caters more to youthful tastes in food and fashion.

Perhaps future editions could take a page from the iconic Salcedo Market concept — offering a broader, more inclusive mix of merchants. Imagine healthy food finds, local fashion labels, wellness and skincare products, home décor, travel accessories, art pieces, and of course, plants for the plantitas. A market where Gen Z girlies can happily drag their moms, aunties, or even grandmas along for a shared shopping and lifestyle experience.