I Did Not Go On A Mad Christmas Shopping Spree, And This Is What Happened

photo from https://stocksnap.io/

So far, I haven't bought a single gift for anyone. Not my parents, not my friends, not my coworkers (though I'll probably buy something for my boyfriend, but it's out of necessity).

Christ And Minimalism

photo from https://stocksnap.io/

Time and time again, movements and philosophies spring up that teach you how to better live your life. Do this, do that, avoid this, pursue that, and it goes on and on

My First Step To Minimalism

For the last 2 weeks, I ruthlessly culled out the clothes in my closet. I sorted them out in piles: ones I wear regular (or my favorites), and another pile for the ones I haven’t worn in 5 months (heck, there were some laying there untouched for years!).

Why I Think Filipinos (in the Philippines) Should Stay Out Of Thanksgiving Day

So here in the Philippines, November 26 has passed. And yesterday I saw some posts on my Facebook page by people greeting Thanksgiving blahblahblah.

(Notice the title? I explicitly stated -in the Philippines- I respect Filipino expats who celebrate this day with their friends and families in the US. After all, when in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?)

For the rest of us here in the Philippines, we have nothing to do with Thanksgiving Day.

When Relationships Get Too Familiar

photo from stocksnap.io

When you're in a relationship with a person that's years old, familiarity creeps in silently. Inhibitions melt away and you get comfortable with him/ her. Sometimes, the tiny quirks that are now revealed are amusing, but other times your friends (or lover) tend to cross the line.

My Boracay Escapade

Photos You Should Never EVER Post on Facebook

Aaahhh Facebook, the place where people don't seem to know the word 'filter. It's the place where most people feel they have to report every single thing that is happening to them in real time, whether it be taking a dump, taking a meal, visiting a sick friend or a funeral.

Now that I mentioned sickness and death, there are just some things that you don't post on Facebook. I'm not sure if it's lack of discernment, respect or just sheer stupidity. For the love of the people around you as well as your online identity, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't upload the following:

What's your musical instrument?

Years ago I watched this video from TED about how playing a musical instrument benefits our brain.  So from that time on, I have been contemplating on what instrument I want to master.

How to put your signature in your blog posts

Signatures are cute to look at the end of your blog posts. It also reinforces your brand and gives personal touch to your posts.

Here's how I did mine :) It's in two parts: Part 1 | Part 2

Review: The Face Shop Green Tea Waterfull Emulsion

I think I have found my holy grail of moisturizers.

Daily Photo Challenge: Day 5

I'm still grasping the concept of aperture. I still mix up the higher/ lower aperture and its effect on the shot. So in these 2 photo I took the same shot but using manual settings and autofocus

This one is taken with the manual setting. It's appears brighter...

Daily Photo Challenge: Day 4

I figured, Im buying things for my camera, I should also get some skin care items to pamper myself. So today I got The Face Shop Green Tea Waterfull Emulsion and Pond's Flawless White BB+ Cream in beige.

Daily Photo Challenge: Day 3- Haze and Graves

Some days ago I noticed how the Davao skies seem misty/ smoggy. I know my beloved city has clear and bright skies. I though I was the only one who noticed. Apparently the haze from the Indonesia forest fire reached all the way here. The forest fires are said to be caused by "slash-and-burn" method of clearing forests to make way for agricultural areas. Indonesia has a lot of carbon-rich peat forests- which is a very dense fuel source that aggravates the fire (further explanation here) .

Prolonged exposure to this haze will probably have a negative health effect in the long term. I hope this will be a wake up call for us to be more sensitive with how we treat the environment. Even the smallest actions can make great impacts. If we won't do anything, the place in the photo below will certainly become crowded.

Daily Photo Challenge: Day 1 (and 2)

I took this the night before Day 1 began (so does this photo make it Day 1) 

Daily Photo Challenge

I realised that I have to have a creative outlet. I really want to improve on photography so here's a guide.

From: http://content.photojojo.com/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/

How I got my Postal ID

The Postal ID is the quickest valid ID you can get. You'll need it for bank and other official transactions. If you work online like me, then definitely you'll need it for money transfers.

4 ways to avoid insurance salespeople

image from /www.boston-discovery-guide.com

You're walking around the mall and suddenly a wild insurance salesperson appears! You know how annoying they can be especially when they block your way and shove their papers and items down your throat.

[Review] Executive Cafe and Wine Galore

It was coworking day for me and (fortunately) 2 of my workmates who also live in Davao. We agreed to meet up once in a while and explore coffee shops and cafes around the metro.

I suggested that we try Executive Cafe and Wine Galore. It's located along Quirino Street (in front of Davao Doctor's Hospital, above BPI Quirino Branch)

When I pass by this area I would always look up and resolve to check the place out. From the outside the place really looked classy. Since it said 'wine' I had the impression this place is where yuppies would go and hang out after a long day at work.

I was surprised to find the place tiny. 

I was really confused the way this cafe is setup. Maybe I haven't been to a cafe that serves cocktails? Probably they should make up their mind if they want to be a cafe or a bar. A lot of students where there catching up on school work and studying. Maybe this would be a good place for them, though I could just imagine yuppies to be disappointed when they see the place full of students and their laptops.

Don't get me started on their menu. This chicken sandwich costs P75. Really? There's nothing special in it! Obviously it's just bread and some chicken spread they bought at the grocery. No plating. No presentation. 

'Wine Galore'? I didn't even see one wine bottle on their list!

Their menu is quite pricey too.

hot drinks (P50-P115), smoothies (P150-P160), sandwiches (P70-P90), cocktails (P120-P150). 

They have frozen margarita, frozen blue margarita, frozen daiquri, kamikaze, executive mojito, executive, mudslide, zombie, executive illusion, executive pinacolada. I can't imagine a group having drinks and the next table is full of students studying.

And oh! You'll have to pay P30 for charging your laptops.

Overall, I'm quite disappointed with my visit. Probably won't go back again.

5 reasons why working from home is awesome

My workspace

Since the second week of September I have started a home-based career. I still have a fixed working hours (9am-6pm). Before this, I have mixed feelings about working from home. I thought that it wouldn't be stable and staying at home will eventually get to you. On the other hand, I knew there was this kind of freedom where you aren't bound by the 4 walls of your office.

I'm also very blessed to have found a company with a great working attitude. So I thank God for that :)

So yeah, here are some perks of home-work that I'm enjoying so far:

1. NO COMMUTE!
Don't you just hate that feeling where you have to rush and your heart beats wildly because you know you'll be late? Yeah, that feeling is out of the window. No heavy traffic, no squeezing in public vehicles. I can wake up at 8:45 am, take a quick bath (or take my bath at noon, it doesn't matter) make myself a cup of hot choco milk, go to my work space and my work day begins.

2. LESSER EXPENSES
Not having to commute to work means lesser daily expenses. Along with that, I don't have to buy my lunch and snacks (since everything is in the kitchen anyway)

Though I must state that I still get my stash from my mom's grocery shopping and she pays for the Internet connection (which, by the way, is the lifeblood of home-working). So I'm really just fortunate that I don't have to spend for these things.

3. NO NEED TO IMPRESS WORKMATES
I realised that most of our expenses stems from this need to impress the people around us. So if you're working in an office, obviously you want to impress your workmates. It may come in the form of having pretty outfits, expensive gadgets, or pricey meals. Maybe because you want to assert yourself of just want to show off. I mean, seriously, why do you think you need to have the latest gadget when the one you have now is working just fine?

Ever since I started home- working, I felt this burden lifted. This was really one of the benefits I truly enjoy. When you don't have anyone to impress, you're more comfortable with the things you have. And yes, I can wear my pambahay without anyone caring.

4. YOU CAN TAKE YOUR WORK ANYWHERE
Though I've been using the term 'home- working', my work doesn't limit me to just stay at home. Working from home is just more practical because there will be lesser expenses. But if I choose to, I can stay at another city (or country) and continue working (I just have to make sure I have stable Internet connection). This is the perk that digital nomads truly enjoy.

5.  (CABLE) TV!
When lunch break comes, I let my laptop sleep, grab my meal, and catch up on My Fair Wedding with David Tutera or watch flicks on HBO or Fox.

In other words, you can enjoy the things that you do when you're at home and can't imagine doing in your office.


So far, working from home is great! It just shows that we have a lot of option nowadays and you can choose not to be trapped in an office.

Because grace is timeless

While I was strolling through Booksale waiting for my boyfriend, I happened on this dainty pink book. When I read the title, it spoke to me. I honestly think a lot of girls have to brush up on their basic manners and etiquette.

I try my hardest to be in my best self. I don't claim perfection, hence I purchased this book to remind me of basic manners that we were taught as a child. When my mother reprimanded me of actions I should not and should be doing, my then 5-year-old self would never have understood why. Now that I'm older, this book gave me the explanations I needed. 

For sure, I'll be teaching these lessons to my future daughter.

I always believe that when a girl exudes grace, she radiates an extraordinary beauty that charms people around her. Most of all, she gives respect because she demands to be respected.

Krave Cosmeceuticals: Vegie Lash & Kiss & Run Organic Lipstick; Etude House Drawing Eyebrow

So here's a review of my current makeup arsenal. These babies make it easier for me to get that polished look. The Krave products were ordered online while the drawing eyebrow is from Etude House SM City Davao. All were assembled on my birthday! :)

1. Krave Cosmeceuticals Vegie Lash Mascara

2. Krave Cosmeceuticals Kiss and Run Organic Lipstick

3. Etude House Drawing Eyebrow

This is what their Facebook page says about the lipstick: 

"It's been years since we are observing the production of lispticks and the market trend of colors, functionality & side effects of it. Most lispticks offered in department stores are loaded with chemicals and mostly vibrant colors make our lips dry, chapped & dark. 

Our KISS & RUN lipstick and blusher, we made sure that it wont damaged your lips, cheeks & health. It is made up of all natural ingredients. These lispticks are hand made and the colorants used is BEET ROOT extract instead of Carmine. Beet root is a fruit that gives red vibrant shade when extracted. Now, we can enjoy bringing colourful hues in our lips & cheeks without he hazardous effect on our health."

Ingredients: Pure beeswax sourced from Bukidnon bee farm, pure Olive leaf extract, Shea butter, Castor oil, Roeships, Beetroot extract, Titanium dioxide, Pythaessence stevia.

Price: Php 350. 00

Let me start with Krave Cosmeceuticals Kiss and Run Organic Lipstick. I got mine in Venice (Red).  I ordered their product before named Lip and Cheek Salve. It looks so much alike. At first I wasn't sure if the two were the same product. Anyway. When I first swiped the product in my lips, it felt dry. I felt like I was swiping a crayon on my lips. It also felt dry on my lips. BUT! I love the matte-ish finish it gives my lips. What I love about this lipstick is how soft and smooth my lips felt! There's no stinging of peeling.

Yay!: soft and smooth lips. Can double as a cheek tint.

Nay!: Kind of hard to transfer the product on your lips. It feels dry.

Will I repurchase? Yes! This can be my go to everyday lipstick.

Note to Krave: I hope you will disclose the ingredients on the canister of the lipstick, not just the box (the product did not come in a box anyway)

Next up: Krave Comseceuticals Vegie Lash Mascara

This is what their Facebook page says about the lipstick: 

*Vegetable based

*80% less chemicals
*Lash conditioning
*Smudge proof

"Made with high quality silicone brush & precision bristles that perfectly coats the lashes. One coat will be enough. Notice how your lashes will increase in volume and length. Since this is a vegetable based mascara, your lashes will be conditioned and will not cause black staining under your eyes. Perfect and safe to use daily."

INGREDIENTS:
Dionic water, Glycerine, Beeswax, Microcrystalline wax, Sorbitan Monostearate,
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Propyl Paraben, Oxide Black

Price: Php 319. 00

When I removed it from the box, I was surprised how bulky it is. When I tried it, the liquid felt thick. It also took to long to dry. 
Yay!: It claims to have 80% less chemicals. Good coverage 
Nay!: Liquid is too thick. Takes too long to dry. I'm not too sure about the smudge- proof claim, it gave me panda eyes one time. 
Will I repurchase? probably not.

Lastly, Etude House Drawing Eyebrow. I had a Wet and Wild pencil eyeliner before that I doubled as my eyebrow liner. The damn thing would be blunt after a few strokes and sharpening it was a mess. Applying it was a pain because it was scratching my eyebrows. Finally, I decided to toss it. I remembered Etude House has a product line for eyebrows.

The only thing I can say is that I LOVE IT! Applying it on my eyebrows is a breeze. No need for sharpening anymore. No mess!

I also love how the pencil is angled to make shaping your eyebrows easier.

So one end is the pencil and on the other end is the spooly, to make softer strokes. Hurray!

Price: Php 128. 00 (It's a steal!)

Yay!: No mess application. Angled pencil. Spooly on the other end.

Nay!: NONE! :)

Will I repurchase? Definitely! 

Me wearing Krave's Kiss & Run in Venice

You can order Krave products through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Kravebeauty

I'd love to try more of their products!

Of course, Etude House is available in SM and Ayala Malls.

My 1st fasting journey

Last Sunday, my church announced that they will have the mid- year fasting. For three days, you would have to dispose and put yourself in God's presence and listen to Him. You would also have to reduce your eating (you have to commit to a type of fast: drinking only liquids or water all day or having only one meal a day.

At this point in my life, I was earnestly asking God for a breakthrough in my life, especially in my career. I told myself this was the perfect time to listen and wait for God as He will unfold a plan in my life.

Two days before the fasting started, I stacked up on fruits and vegetables. Later that evening, I realized I cannot commit (or my body would allow me) to finish the fast. It would only be God's grace that will fuel me to go on with the fast.

I opted for the 1-meal-a-day-fast. I would eat only at lunch. I think I had lapses with the my choice of intake (chocolate drink, and I drank coffee once).

Even before I began my fast, God opened an opportunity for me (in my career). Still, I committed to finish the fast and prayed for God's plan and the opportunity.

Things I learned from fasting:
1. Spiritual muscles will be strengthened.  I learned more to depend on God. The urge of the stomach is the hardest to resist. So each time I had the temptation to eat, I thought of my commitment to God.
2. Fasting is a reminder to surrender everything to God.
3.When temptations abound, we are practiced to respond in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
4. Faith in God will be strengthened. I believed a breakthrough will happen in my life.

There are many characters in the Bible who fasted (David, Moses, Esther, Elijah and etc). Jesus Himself fasted for 40 day.

For me, I offer these 3 days of my life to connect with God in a more deeper level.

Review: A cool and cozy afternoon at Alleycat

I desperately needed to connect to the Internet for work (which I could have done at home if the modem did not conk out). So I had to resort to the most affordable cafe where I can avail of their wifi (hehe)

Alleycat it is. It began to rain on my way there and it was definitely a refuge.

Alleycat's space is quite small, with only 4 tables on the 1st floor. If you opt to chill on the 2nd floor, you would have to sit on the floor and find your spot (there are no tables!)

Anyway, for me the tiny space makes it more comfy. The place is certainly kitty- inspired. You will be amused with all the little details and doodles of cats.

They have books that you can read while enjoying your tea. I chose this to stack up on my knowledge on how to take care of my new kitty. 

Littly kitty cat on cloud- 9

Here's Alleycat's menu (as of June 2015)

alleycat milktea

Php 80:  royal, vanilla

Php 90: blueberry, wintermelon, alleycat, caramel, coffeetea, strawberry, honeydew, taro

Php 100: dark choco, choco banana

Php 120: matcha 

fruit tea (Php 80 all)

peach, lychee, passion fruit, strawberry grapes, orange, lemon , kiwi

snacks

cheese quesadilla (Php 90), chip and dip (Php 70), (Php 85): pb & j, ham and cheese, tuna

Drop by Alleycat at Poblacion St, Davao City (near Metro Lifestyle, Torres Street). It's inside a compound 'The Site'

Review: Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippie

I don't like to hoard on make- up. I tend to stick to what works for me. With that said, I have to find the right lipstick that can work for any occasion, day to night. After more than a year, my Krave Cosmeceutical Lip & Cheek Salve finally had to retire this week since I already reached the flat bottom. So once again I was on a hunt to find the perfect lipstick.

Oh, did I mention that I am extremely picky when it comes to my make-up's ingredients? I'd always go for the organic and chemical-free. However, here in Davao it's hard to find that perfect make- up line. It's a pain having to order online and paying the shipping fee.

I ordered Virgina Olsen in Lazada but it was almost 3 weeks since my order. I got tired of waiting and resorted to what's available at the malls.

After hours of research (yes, I do research before I make a purchase), I stumbled on a review of Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippie. I remembered that Abreeza's Chimes had this, so decided to give it a try (honestly I just got tired of hunting for the right lipstick).

This costs Php 499. 00. Net weight: 2.7g

I got mine in 'My first time'

So this product claims:

This lippie offers three- fold "lip- service": the shine of a gloss, the pigment of a lipstick, & the hydration of a balm! Spoil yourself with Shea butter & Collagen to keep your lips in lip- lockin' shape!

Ingredients list 

There are still ingredients that I don't even know or can't pronounce (red alert!) but there's no paraben in it, which is nice.

Swatch

(very dark pink to red)

Thoughts: After I paid for this, I immediately went tot the ladies' room and tried it. It's got good coverage but I was surprised it felt matte (despite its promise). I actually liked the matte finish. I'm not so sure about the hydrating part. I thought it would be buttery and soft but it felt dry. It also wasn't glossy like your regular lip gloss. As I went home, my lips felt dry.  For the dry issue part, a little lip balm would fix it.

• The product reminds me of those jumbo crayons in preschool. I think this will last for a veeerrryyy loooonnnggg time (no lipstick reviews any time soon).
• It also doesn't have any scent (a plus for some maybe?).
• It's pigmented alright. A few light dabs is perfect for a casual everyday look. A full on swipe will give a classy full color perfect for formal occasions or romantic evenings.

Yay :)

• Very pigmented- a few light dabs is enough for an everyday look.
• Lasts you a long time = value for your money

Nay :(

• Makes your lips feel dry

Overall, if you want a lippie that will give you a full color even with a few light dab, then I say go for this! :)

Tagaytay Trip '14

The year- end holiday is the perfect time to go out on an adventure vacation. We aren't one for a luxury vacation with the pricey hotels and packaged tours. We like to backpack and freely go around- experience the locals' culture and everyday life. We're also on a tight budget, making the most with the least expenses.

We chose to go to  Tagaytay for this adventure vacation. The cold, windy weather is perfect for the Christmas season. I purposely did not bring my jacket and only depended on my scarf and sweater for warmth. (I asked my boyfriend how cold Tagaytay was. He said it was like in Eden Nature Park. I thought I could endure it since it wasn't that cold there anyway. I also wanted to fully experience Tagaytay's cold weather)

Once we arrived in Manila, we went to Coastal Mall and hopped on a bus going to Tagaytay City. The AC bus costs Php 80. We went out at 4:00 am to avoid traffic. 

The first breeze made me slightly regret that I did not bring my jacket.

The first photos I took of Tagaytay's streets. 

After we had our breakfast at McDonalds in Olivarez, we walked all the way to Picnic Grove (take note- WALKED). 

Entrance to the Picnic Grove is Php 50 for adults and Php 30 for kids. There were a lot of people there- families enjoying potluck meals, kids flying kites and rolling on the fields.

There are shops where you can buy souvenirs. Shirts costs Php 120+ (depending on size and color). There are also jackets, sweaters, and cardigans (Php 300+) . Other smaller trinkets include keychains, and pouches (Php 20+), bonnets and furry hats.

We just grabbed our rain covers to sit on, chewed on some chocolate, and enjoyed the view.

Cottage rentals is at Php 150

Stunning view of Taal.

We took a jeep back to Olivarez and we realized how far we walked. It was actually 5km! 

From Olivarez we took another jeep to Robinsons for lunch. We tried Ted's Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy.

Extra super La Paz Batchoy

Quick look at their menu.

After lunch, we were so dead tired that we decided to go to our inn to rest. While we were waiting for the check- in time we fell asleep on the bench.

After we finally got some rest, we went back to Olivarez for dinner. We tried Papa Prito near Olivarez's rotunda.

Noodles = Php 65 

Chicken = Php 85

Chopsuey = Php 80

Second day- we initially planned to go to People's Park in the Sky but we had a hard time catching a jeep. So, we impulsively decided to go to Taal Crater Lake instead.

When you're in Tagaytay, a number of tricycle drivers holding small signs with 'Boat Trips' painted on them will approach you (though the city government does not promote this kind of practice). They will offer to take you down to the resorts on the other side of Taal Lake where the boats are docked.

We approached the closest sign-holding tricycle driver to take us down to the boat ride area. The road going there was full of curves and 'Danger. Landslide Prone Area' signs *gulp*

Finally, after about 40 minutes we arrived at a resort. You have to pay Php 200 for the tricycle fare, and Php 1,500 for the boat transfer

The boat ride is around 30min. I thought the water was calm but I was sorely mistaken. The waves were crazy strong! We were so not prepared to get wet. I was just thankful that it wasn't salt water that was splashing on our faces. The boat driver offered to let us use a tarpaulin to protect us from the splashes.  

There are lots of horses that can be rented for Php 450 to take you to the top of the mountain. Adventurers as we are, we hiked the 8km trail.

It was really dusty (you will literally bite the dust), especially when you come across a group riding horses.

The hard trail and blazing sun were worth it when we reached the crater lake. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

After our Taal adventure and getting some rest, we went to Sky Ranch. It's an amusement park where the tallest Ferris Wheel in the Philippines can be found- the Sky Eye.

Entrance fee to Sky Ranch is Php 80/pax. Sky Eye ticket is Php 150/ pax. It's only good for one turn.

View on top of Sky Eye.

Third day- we went back to Manila and took a quick trip to La Mesa Eco Park. This is a perfect place to escape the crazy Manila concrete jungle.

A quick run down of our expenses (Tagaytay):

• Bus (Manila- Tagaytay = Php 80 for AC and Php 60 for non-AC)
• Meals: You can have a decent meal for a Php 100 budget in Papa Prito or Robinsons
• Transportation: Php 8. 50 for jeepney (I highly suggest you take jeepneys to get around the city) ; Php 60/pax for tricycle (btw, they refer their tricycles as taxis)
• Picnic Grove entrance: Php 50/pax- adult ; Php 50/pax- kids
• Taal Lake: Php 200 going down to the resorts where the boats are docked ; Php 1, 500 for the boat transfer ; Php 50 for the 'bridge' (yes, you have to pay for the little wooden bridge from the boat to the lake's shore so you won't get wet) ; Php 500 for the tour guide's fee ; Negotiate for Php 250 for the tricycle ride going back to Tagaytay (some will charge you Php 300)
• Accommodation: 1st night: Php 1, 500 (Dzone Backpacker's Inn) ; Php 1, 100 (Our Melting Pot Tagaytay)

Overall, our Tagaytay trip was certainly an adventure where we experienced a mix of cold and warm weather, nature's beauty and man- made amusement.