Girl We Love: Marian Ong

Fun fact about you

I've always wanted to be a Pediatric Surgeon but my thirst for adventure got the best of me. So maybe in another lifetime! Haha! 

What do you like most about traveling?

The unknown. I am very OCD when it comes to my trips. I plan everything months and months in advance, right down to the fare of every bus ride we have to take. But once you're there, it's the "unknown" that makes the trip extra memorable. It's that spot you find that took your breath away, that small cafe that served the best meal in your life or even that unplanned night out which turned out to be best of night of your life. For me those are the moments that make up those "remember when...." stories 10 years down the road. It's all about the one in a lifetime experiences not just the sights. 

“But once you’re there, it’s the “unknown” that makes the trip extra memorable.”

What do you do when you're not traveling? 

Planning my next trip! Hahahaha kidding! But usually I'm just at home working on my brand, Negritas. I also just moved into my own home so that's also taking a huge chunk of my time redecorating and getting used to "life with no yaya" hahahaha!! I also have big things planned for Negritas this coming 2019 so I've been pretty busy planning and developing new brands under the Negritas brand. (Sssshhhh but we're hoping to release intimates and activewear line!)

Any surprising things you bring with you when you travel?

I ALWAYS travel with my Kokoon blanket. It's a blanket that you can slip into just like a sleeping bag but without the bulk. I'm a sleeper. I like taking naps every chance I get; that way I have more energy once I get to my destination. With my Kokoon, I can sleep anywhere--beach, airport, trains, buses, you name it. Also, I love shooting at remote locations thus either there are NASTY toilets or no toilets at all. My Kokoon is my go to changing room every single time.

What's the last trip you took?

I recently went back to Balabac. Palawan, "The Last of the Last Frontier." It's still as amazing as it was 2 years ago when I first went. Its turquoise water and powdery white sand can match those of the Caribbean islands I've seen. If you're looking for paradise. This is it. But be ready to rough it out since there are no hotels yet and travel takes around 8 hours by van and boat from the nearest airport.  But trust me, you WON'T REGRET IT. 

Favorite hotel/accommodation you've stayed at

Hmm, it's so hard to pick one but on the top of my mind is the Villa we stayed in Puerto Rico, Villa Herencia. I'm so in love with its Spanish colonial design and nothing beats waking up and having breakfast on its rooftop patio overlooking the colorful Old San Juan. 

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

Siargao will always be home but I haven't been back as often since my surfing accident last year in Bali. There's just something about Siargao that's so magical. I can let my hair down there and appreciate the little things in life better. Basically it's the place I go to to realign my chakras.

“There’s just something about Siargao that’s so magical. I can let my hair down there and appreciate the little things in life better. ”

Top 3 places on your must-visit list: 

I've always dreamt of going to Fiji, Turkey and Morocco. 

What do you like most about Wink?  

THE SERVICE. Wink honestly has the BEST customer service in town. (trust me, I've gone to every major laser studio in the city) It's just so easy to book and move appointments especially when my life gets extra crazy.

How does Wink help you with your travels? 

Wink made my life 10x easier. I used to plan my schedule around my waxing or laser appointments. But now I can come by when it's convenient for me. Best part is NO MORE PAIN, CUTS and BURNS. I've also always been very insecure about hair EVERYWHERE, I am now extra confident and can wear whatever I want. Now I can focus on planning my trips and hair's the last thing on my mind. 

“Wink made my life 10x easier. I used to plan my schedule around my waxing or laser appointments. But now I can come by when it’s convenient for me. Best part is NO MORE PAIN, CUTS and BURNS.”