Girl We Love: Gillean Ponce

Fun fact about you

I used to be such a homebody; I just wasn’t that much into sunshine and I was afraid of open waters. These days, I’m rarely ever indoors and I’m always by the sea. Quite the contrast, don’t you think?

What do you like most about traveling?

That I ALWAYS come back awestruck, ecstatic and overwhelmed, a tad bit wiser, a bit more human, a bit more self-aware, with a fuller heart and even more love to give.

What do you do when you're not traveling? 

My partner and I have been living in Baler for quite some time now so when we’re not travelling, we’re out surfing or exploring! I’ve also recently taken up free diving and I’m very keen on learning more.

Any surprising things you bring with you when you travel?

I take my insulated canister, reusable utensils and extra canvas bags with me wherever I go. Living next to the ocean has opened my eyes to the amount of damage we cause every time we give in to convenience. Trying to lessen my carbon footprint through sustainable travel, minimalist living, and the refusal of single-use plastic are my own little ways of showing gratitude to a world that just gives and gives.

“I take my insulated canister, reusable utensils and extra canvas bags with me wherever I go. Living next to the ocean has opened my eyes to the amount of damage we cause every time we give in to convenience.”

What's the last trip you took?

Bantayan to Dumaguete! I enjoyed it so much that I’ve decided to move to Cebu in a couple of months!

Favorite hotel/accommodation you've stayed at

I don’t think I have one. I’m usually out the door first thing in the morning and I don’t return until late in the evening.

What's the one place you keep going back to:

Anywhere close to the sea.

Top 3 places on your must-visit list: 

Iceland, Morocco and South Africa. By the way, these places come after the Philippine islands. We live in paradise and I reckon it’s the best place to start!

What do you like most about Wink?  

THE STAFF. Wink has the loveliest, friendliest people at the front line. Sessions are easy to schedule and the procedures are quick and stress-free. Best customer service. Ever.

How does Wink help you with your travels? 

No more mucking about with plastic razors, creams and long waiting lines at waxing salons. No more fumbling around and stressing out before putting on my bikini. Wink makes sure that I waste less time trying to get ready, leaving me with more time to focus on what matters.

“Wink makes sure that I waste less time trying to get ready, leaving me with more time to focus on what matters.”