New Year, new hair.

There's something about a new year that has us itching for a change, and nothing is quite as instantly gratifying as a new hairdo. This Chinese New Year I wasn't as gutsy as the last when I chopped off the longest mane I ever had. Instead, I opted for a fresh coat of colour since I haven't gotten it dyed in a very long time (which explains the unintentional ombre hair).

As much as I love the colour red, I've always had a phobia 'cause I remember trying red highlights and hated how it turned out. But my trusty hairstylist, Elein, managed to convince and reassure me once again to give red another go.

It's always a battle trying to pick a hair colour 'cause you know it's something you've to stick with for a good amount of time so you want it to turn out right. After much indecisiveness, I settled for a copper colour. And rather than have streaks of red highlights to go with the copper, Elein gave me an underlayer dye.

I must say that the hands of my hairstylist really does work magic! The red turned out gorgeous and the shade matches the copper perfectly. The red underlayer dye is brilliant 'cause I get to hide it if I wanted to, otherwise it peeks out from the curls of my hair for dimension. Madly in love with my new hair! Plus what better colour than red itself to usher in the Year of the Red Fire Monkey?

Hopefully you've booked your hair appointment in time for a fresh hairdo to start the the year right. If not, do quote my name for perks when you visit Headlines!

Headlines Hairdressing

10 Anson Road, #03-32

International Plaza

Singapore 079903

Contact: 6223 3133

Website: http://www.headlines.com.sg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadlinesbyArtistry/?fref=ts

Instagram: @headlinesip

Photos & Editing by yours truly

"Hair brings one's self-image into focus; it is vanity's proving ground. Hair is terribly personal, a tangle of mysterious prejudices." -Shana Alexander

With love,

Clarabelle Faith

Swimming with whale sharks.

Country: Philippines

Location: Cebu, Oslob

Swimming with the whale sharks is always exhilarating despite the 4-hours-pain-in-the-ass-drive from Cebu to Oslob. Whale sharks are the largest fish (reaching lengths of 40 feet or more) in the world but definitely the gentlest of all giants. They feed on plankton by engulfing those microorganisms with their colossal mouths that are nearly five feet wide! Very much like human fingerprints, whale sharks have a unique pattern of spots around the gill area which allows identification of each individual.

If you're heading to Oslob for a swim with these marine giants, do remember to be early 'cause the chances of sighting them is slimmer after 10am. If you're lucky enough like I was, you'd be able to see 5-6 whale sharks. Then again, word of caution, too many whale sharks at one go also means you'll be extremely exhausted from frantically swimming and trying to avoid getting swiped by their tails or sucked in by their gaping mouths. Prepare to be blown away by the sheer size of the whale sharks!

No trip back to the city from Oslob is ever complete without making a pit stop at Lantaw SRP for some ridiculously delicious baked scallops and my all time favourite local cuisine, pansit guisado (the noodles in my photos). To top it all off, it's a great spot to catch the last light!

Photos by Ing & yours truly

Editing by yours truly

"The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles. No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can't." -Christopher Paolini

With love,

Clarabelle Faith

One beat. One dance. One vision.

Country: Philippines, Cebu

Location: Cebu City

Although I've always had an Infant Jesus, or more commonly known as Santo Nino, statuette at the altar in my room, I never knew that it was one that holds so much significance till last year, when I attended Sinulog in Cebu, the Queen City of the South.

Renowned as one of the grandest festivals in Philippines, Sinulog is the recognition of their conversion from pagan beliefs to Christianity. It is a lively celebration that lasts for 9 days and leads up to the Sinulog Grand Parade that is held on the third Sunday of January, every year. Millions from all over the world flock to Cebu to witness the grandeur of this street dance parade that runs for 12 hours or more!

When I was preparing for my trip, I wasn't really sure what to expect 'cause I've never attended a religious festival even though going on a pilgrimage has always been on my bucket list. Sure, I've heard things like "crazy crowd," "partying all day," "face paint/henna," "revelers wearing Sinulog hats," "singing and dancing with Santo Nino figurines," etc. But none of that prepared me for the sheer size of its entirety. There's only one word to describe...... MASSIVE! Nothing quite as compared to being there physically, soaking up the atmosphere -- street dancers all clad in resplendent costumes, vibrantly decorated floats, drums, trumpets and native gongs blaring to a rhythmic beat. It was super hard not to dance to the catchy tune of the Sinulog song! Hear it for yourself here and here. And of course I checked another item off my bucket list when I took a helicopter to get an aerial view of the entire parade!

Sinulog for the 36th year running is happening tomorrow and I wish with all my might that I could be there to join the street party. Nevertheless, Viva Pit Senyor!

Photos by Ing & yours truly

Editing by yours truly

"Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen." -Benjamin Disraeli

With love,

Clarabelle Faith