Showing posts with label Diary. Show all posts

What is an Influencer?




It started back in 2016 - a thought followed by various actions. One thought that maybe I can use the internet to express myself, to be seen and heard. Back then, content creators may it be in the form of writing or videos were just a handful. The industry was still on the rise, not yet widely known as it is now but grows day by day. I had seen the OG's in the industry - watched and got inspired by what they were doing.

So I told my shy ass self to just start. I only had my phone with me and nothing else - no laptop, no camera and most importantly no confidence.

But I began my journey with a signup to Blogger and finally with a makeup tutorial article - it was harder to narrate a makeup tutorial with words and pictures rather than just uploading the video itself but I was so shy. I didn't know how to speak to the camera and let's just admit that I was awkward as hell.

A series of product reviews came and went. On the contrary to what people may believe, we don't receive "free" products in the beginning of the journey. To be honest, we make content, grow big enough for a company to notice us before we are given the opportunity to review something for free. I still remember the first ever company who emailed me for a feature on my blog - it was exhilarating, finally getting noticed.

After that, I started my Youtube account. My first video was very awkward - it gained a lot of dislikes, but on the positive note, it also gained a ton of likes and views. It was very motivating, to be noticed yet again.

A couple more articles and videos came and went. It was fun. But like everything else, it became tiring. And I constantly asked myself why. Fast forward to this year, I still ask myself on why I left my eager 2016 self behind. If I was still that girl who constantly posts reviews and videos, I could probably, maybe, have a lot of brand deals on the way.

But I stopped.

The articles were less. The videos stopped.

And this time I really asked myself, what does it really take to be an influencer?

And then I knew why I stopped. Because I got tired of trying to be noticed. I realized that influencing people doesn't only come in brand deals, product articles, likes and views. What it takes to be an influencer is affecting people around you, embracing them with your ideals, views, and opinions. It isn't all glam and glitter, it's learning from one another. I learned slowly through the years that the best way to influence people is not by trying to influence them but by being your most genuine self. In that way people will gravitate towards you naturally and will also learn from you.

Come to think of it, we are all influencers - curated IG feed or not.

I'm Lost



To be honest, I'm not in the best state - extremely far away from the best version of myself, I would say. Well, the best version that I could think of - my dream, my goal, the person I envisioned I would be in, back when I knew nothing, back when I thought the world would be a piece of cake - an easy journey, a walk in the park.

To others, they may see me as someone whose enjoying life with a nice job, a creative hobby, a set of wonderful friends  and a stable roof above my head. To me, I see the flaws I have with my bad habit of overthinking things, of cutting people off harshly, of being shallow and naive, of being lazy and many, many more.

For a week I've been trying to hold it together - my stress, my problems, my thoughts. And I've been getting through with binge eating, distraction from games I could play, from excessively browsing social media.

Well, it's not shocking how it got me nowhere. 

Here I am, lost again.

"I'm stuck." I would say to myself.

"I'm doing great." I would tell my friends.

And as I sat and ponder on my thoughts, sip on my coffee and reflect on the things I could do better, I start to remember who I am - my goals, my dreams, myself. I was in a state of lost for reasons I created, for the monsters that were conjured by my own thoughts and feelings.


Here I am, spilling everything with words I typed just like a water free flowing, my thoughts guide the words I write. The block that has been bothering me for a week now, is starting to clear up.

For everyone who feels lost right at this moment, I just want you to know that it's okay to feel this way - to feel empty. It's natural. Life will not always be rainbows and sunshine. There will be times where in you will need a bucket of ice cream to cool your emotions and that's okay. Be like that.

But don't be stuck in it.

Sit down when you're ready, take a deep breath, play a slow relaxing song, and let your thoughts flow. Make a plan on how you will get back up, outline your points if necessary and continue your journey.

Start where you left off.  

It's okay if you're still on your way to being your best self. As long as you're in that journey towards the goal you have, it's always going to be satisfying. 


 

How I Coped with My Self Doubts






Self doubt is a dangerous thing.

It has always been a struggle for me to face my choices with all the negative thoughts boggling my mind.

What if I'm not good enough? What if I made the wrong choice? What if I can't do it? What if I fail? What if..

All these what ifs that are holding me back is depressing.

Was depressing.

It took me a while, a looong while to not get past it but to live through it, with it. I know that there will be self doubts. It's constant, always reminding me of what I lack as if it's following me incessantly. But eventually, I learned to flow with it.

When self doubts start clogging your thoughts, learn to ignore it and focus on your goal. Always focus on what you want to accomplish and your plan to actually get through it. Afterall, your goal should not attain perfection because no one ever is, but to reach your realistic objective.

Do not make your mind your enemy. You are not your enemy.

Learn to live with your flaws with a smile just like I did and am doing. 

How To Mend A Broken Heart


Have you ever felt the aching feeling of what seems like your heart splitting in two?  The ever so slowly cracking of it's shell just like an egg being beaten open leaving your depressing emotions to spill out?

I mean,  not literally,  of course.  But figuratively.

Have you ever,  Have you ever experienced a heartbreak?

I'm sure everyone has.  May it be a breakup,  the last episode of your favorite show, a spilled milk,  a failed test and so forth.  But this time,  however,  let's focus on a breakup with someone you liked or, even loved.

It's the craziest thing how someone who could bring you so much joy can turn your emotions upside down in a snap.  One second you're enjoying every moment,  and the next you're crying over a moment that put an end of all the memories you've spent together and the future plans you hold dear.

The breakup -- a result of the fight, the silence,  the anger, the horrible words exchanged by two people who used to care so much about each other.

And then here comes the broken hearts between the two or sometimes,  only one.

You ask,  how do you get up from this?  How do you pick up the pieces when all you want is to go back to him,  ask him for a second,  third,  fourth or even infinite chances to forgive,  forget, understand you.  And most especially come back to you.

How do you mend it,  your broken heart when it's one of the hardest thing to do - fixing yourself. It's not easy, but it's possible and here's how:

CRY. Let all your sadness spill out. It's not a weak thing to do.  But perhaps the most human reaction you will have. Don't keep your emotions in,  it will make you feel heavier,  sadder and more depressed than you really are.  So again,  crying is not for weak people.

GIVE IT TIME AND SPACE.  A day, a week,  a month,  a year, just time away from him, the social media, and everything that reminds you of him. This means absolutely no stalking on any platforms you can use.  Block and unfriend if you have to.  Unfollow the person if it means it's the only way you can stop from checking in on him.

ACCEPT THINGS THE WAY THEY ARE.  Hoping for another chance is just that.  Hope.  You can't live for only hope - for only expectations that if you do this,  if you do that,  he'll come back, because there's a high chance he wouldn't.  There's a chance that he's moving on - finding ways to make his life better, without you.  And hunny, your broken heart isn't going to make the world stop.

DO NOT HOLD A GRUDGE. Hating on another because of what he or she did is just another way of you thinking about this person.  And with this negative feeling on your chest,  you'll never grow.  A relationship takes two for it to work.  If it doesn't, then, it isn't meant to be.  Accept that you both have flaws.  Maybe the other person caused the fight,  but if you didn't give up,  would there be a breakup?  If both people made it work,  talked earnestly like adults,  forgave each other for their flaws,  would there be a breakup?  If forgiving the other person isn't worth it,  then is hating on them do?  Remember,  hate is never a pleasant feeling. You'll just be trapped in a constant loop of your own emotions.

CREATE GOALS FOR YOURSELF. Think about you.  Your partner is gone. Thinking about them all day and night wouldn't make them come back.  You're just wasting your precious time on alcohol, laying on the bed, cigarette and whatever you do to cope with your dooming heartbreak.  Instead,  use this opportunity to create goals for yourself.  What do you want to achieve this year?  Do you want to be promoted?  Do you want to learn a certain language?  And many more.  There are so much to learn from life.  Embrace it,  get curious, go out and learn.  We only have limited time on earth,  make use of it.  Don't waste any second, destroying yourself.

FORGIVE. This is one of the hardest part but very important, nevertheless.  Learn to forgive the person who hurt you.  This is the only way you could move on from what's holding you back.  There may be no valid reason for what they did to you,  but forgive nonetheless.  Or maybe the one you can't forgive is yourself for causing so much trouble. Forgive still. Your flaw isn't going to go away with you keeping it in like a dark secret.  Learn from your mistake and forgive yourself.  Stop the anger,  the negativity you hold to your chest.  Release it,  let it go.

LOVE AGAIN. Now that you're done with everything else,  open your heart to the world. Do not be afraid to love and be loved by another.  There are approximately 7 billion people out there,  you only need one.  Is that one so hard to find?  Trust God's timing.  That person will come.  You may not even need to chase for it,  because maybe,  just maybe,  it will fall right next to you.

At the most perfect and spontaneous time.

Without you expecting it.

And maybe, you just have to give love to yourself, even.

Happy Valentine's Day, my loves.

I Am More Than An Option



I am not just a fish you catch through a net among others.  I am not a contestant in The Bachelor fighting for your attention not to get eliminated.  I am not playing on a basketball court as a reserve.  I am not an option in a multiple choice question in your test.

And lastly,

I am not an option for you to put in a backburner,  waiting and hoping for your attention while you look for the best candidate as a partner - someone prettier,  smarter,  kinder.  Someone better.

For I am me.  The me who will love you for who you are now and for who you can be with regardless if someone better comes along because if I love you, then I see you as someone who's already better than anyone else who will come in my life.

I am me.  The clumsy ol' me.  I make mistakes. I do things I sometimes regret.  I'm not the most beautiful girl out there nor am I the sexiest and smartest.  I have my moments where I break down and cry. I'm a disappointment sometimes - a failure,  a mess.

However,

I am me.  A kind-hearted and caring individual.  When I love,  I love deeply.  I strive to spread positivity wherever I go.  I smile at people,  even strangers,  because I try to see the good in others.  I am pretty as beautiful as I can be. My body is a work of art,  a work of God.  My heart is as big as it can be inside my chest.  I'm hardworking,  diligent and disciplined.  I try to make the right choices whenever I can.

I am me.  The girl who loved you.  The girl who wouldn't have given up on you.

But you set me aside as a reserve.

And I'm more than that.

I'm more than an option.

I am me and I deserve better.

I Lost Myself Trying To Chase For Love


Love. It's waking up being greeted by "goodmorning". It's late night talks til 5am. It's being open with your flaws. It's the "I miss you's" every once in a while. It's the messages of "be safe" whenever you go out. It's the feeling of warm hugs and mind blowing kisses which linger til morning. It's the warm blush on your cheeks whenever you're told of something nice. It's the butterflies on your stomach whenever you see the familiar figure coming to you. It's the music that reminds you of him. It's the laughters, the corny jokes, the lame pickup lines. It's the one that makes you open, vulnerable and trusting. It's the hot wrestling on the bed. It's the urge to message whenever you miss him. It's the forgiveness you give in each mistakes. It's the acceptance for whoever he is. It's the motivation to be a better partner. It's the jealousy you feel whenever there's someone crushing on them. It's happiness. And I want it. I wanted it. It's an idealistic view - somewhat of a fairy tale, I suppose. It's the good side of love, just the tip of the iceberg. I wasn't told of the downside of all of these. It's the small fights turned into huge quarrels. It's the change of views. It's the breakage of trust. It's the hurt that cuts deep. It's the time you wouldn't give. It's the betrayal you do. It's staying up all night overthinking things. It's the problem you can't fix. And through it all, because you hold on to an idealistic view, you try to compromise everything - just for it to be better. You chase after him, no, after love. You hold on to the idea that love is something good and all of these bad consequences will end as long as you think positive. And it will hurt. Compromising for him, but only getting little in return. And that will change you. Hurt will turn you into something you're not. Hiding behind your positive views, is a bitter and sinister feeling. You will chase and compromise in the notion of caring for him. But at the same time, everything you said you wouldn't do, would be the same things you will. Just because you chased for your perfect idea of love - clinging to it like a leech sucking for blood. In the end, you will hurt the very person you said you loved. Deep down, unintentionally, you made him felt what you went through. Karma, is it? You both got hurt. Do you feel good? No. It's another heartbreak. But this time, you're the one who caused it. Hurting one another, is this even love? No, it's not. Love is something that you will not be able to explain. Love is something you're not expecting. It isn't something you can chase. It isn't clinging to the idea that it's your happiness. And most importantly, love is something you cannot depend on someone else. It's in you. Find yourself, love your flaws. Be your own happiness. Love yourself. Then you can wait for love.

Taste Cebu in Delectable Dishes at Hukad Philippines




          Last January 20, 2019, we celebrated an iconic and classic festival in Cebu. Pit Senyor, Sinulog, a joyous occasion filled with a vibrant parade, local booths, parties, large crowd and lastly a big F E A S T.  With the festivities in Sinulog past us, however, how can we feel the joy of the Pit Senyor celebration? Simple, just a quick trip to the nearest Hukad or Golden Cowrie Filipino Kitchen restaurant branch in your area. 

Hukad and Golden Cowrie Filipino Kitchen are home-grown Cebuano brands who serve fresh and delicious dishes - with every plate having distinct flavors of the city. Both restaurants have served families for 37 years and have opened 18 restaurants total in Metro Manila.

They have exquisite menu choices but here are my favorites:

1. Agua Fresca - Cucumber/ Watermelon

Before we go into meals, let's set the tone with a refreshing drink. Among all their choices (from softdrinks, fruit shakes, etc.), what I really loved was their Agua Fresca drinks, mainly, Cucumber and Watermelon.


Priced at Php 299 per pitcher, you can share this refreshing drink to 5-6 friends.

2. Bantayan Island Baked Scallops

Yes, I have a certain bias with seafood because I love the taste. Their scallops, however, are on some other level than what I tasted before. It has a creamy melted cheese on top which adds to the juicy flavor of the scallop. It's also seasoned very well which compliments the freshness of the dish.


It's priced at Php 265 per plate and you get all the creamy cheesy seafood goodness!

3. Ngohiong (Cebuano Lumpia- Vegetarian)

I normally don't order vegetable dishes because I'm just not into the taste. However, this one is an exception. You'll feel the crispiness of the Lumpia in every bite. It literally crunches whenever you cut it with a utensil and take a bite. Just a tip though, it tastes better when you dip it in the sauce provided. You'll spend Php 170 per plate.

4. Lechon Belly 
(1/4) P335.00
Who doesn't love Lechon? I mean, if you don't, why? WHY? Anyways, their Lechon belly is literally one of the best I've tried. And might I add, this comes directly from Cebu, where it's famous for this dish. Where do I start? the appearance is mouth-watering. The Lechon is fresh and juicy. You literally can see it oozing in every slice. The skin, on the other hand, is very crispy - just the way it should be.


Can you see how juicy it is? YUMM, right?

5. Sinigang Baby Prawns

A great way to start your meals is having a soup to warm your stomach. Sinigang Baby Prawns is the one for you if you love that sour Sinigang taste paired with fresh prawns. This one is priced at Php 335 and can serve up to 5 persons. Their prawns are fresh, so believe me, this one is worth a try!

 6. Halo Halomazing

After everything else, the last best thing everyone should do is have dessert. SWEETS. Hukad offers various desserts on their menu, but I think the highlight would be their classic Halo Halo, served with shaved ice, ube ice cream, monggo, rice crispies and more, it's a delectable epilogue to your experience.

What's better? For a minimum purchase of Php 1500, you can get one FREE Halo Halo valid til January 31, 2019. 

STORE LOCATIONS:
Ayala Malls Trinoma
Ayala Malls Mall of Asia
Ayala Malls Cloverleaf
Ayala Malls Feliz
SM San Lazaro
SM North Towers
SM Sucat
SM BF
SM Bacoor
SM Southmall
S-Maison - Golden Cowrie Filipino Kitchen
Podium - Golden Cowrie Filipino Kitchen

Menu Links:
HUKAD - https://www.zomato.com/manila/hukad-bagong-pag-asa-quezon-city/menu#tabtop/
Golden Cowrie - https://www.zomato.com/manila/golden-cowrie-filipino-kitchen-mall-of-asia-complex-pasay-city/menu#tabtop/


My Best Christmas Gift Ideas





It's a very strange thing - time. It's the change that we don't expect the most, flies fast in our good times and drags ever so slowly whenever we're down. And even though it's like this, a lot still values this the most. And yet it's funny how it goes, the time we hold dear moves on even if we're still stuck in the moment.

 It seems like yesterday, we're still hungover the residual happiness of the Holidays from the year before.

And now, it's fast approaching, less than 100 days from now, we will feel the jolly clink of our spoons and the loud laughter of our peers.


Just like Game of Thrones, we can say that Winter is coming , or rather, Christmas is coming.

Besides the cold breeze, shining lights and upbeat music, gift giving is one of the thing we, Filipinos, love the most. It's the joy we get whenever we see our loved ones happy with what we give and it's the ba-dump sound of our heartbeat in the moment of opening the mystery they give us that makes this so special.

For this article, I thought of my top three best gift ideas for our loved ones. Unique, fun and just pure pleasant surprise. Before I start though, let me just say that gift giving is easier with GC Regalo and Sodexo Gift Certificate because what's better when we're shopping? It's when you don't feel it as a hassle. With just one gift certificate, you can buy a ton of things!


For the first one, it's everything that could make your dinner table classy, beautiful and welcoming. May it be red and golden table cover, cute place mats, fancy spoons, China plates and everything that would suit the theme of your choice for the holidays.


The second one would be abundance of food. Chicken, cake, pies, HAM! buy every favorite dish of your loved ones! Make it a feast they would remember. After all, you can still eat them all tomorrow.


Lastly, your presence. No kidding. Promise.

Material things come and go. It expires, corrodes and become worn out but memories don't. The best Christmas gift you can give is a memory your loved ones will remember forever. The memory that would make your 85 year old self smile reminiscing to. So don't sweat shopping for out of this world gifts but think about how the item will be of help in creating an unforgettable moment in their lives.

With this said, May you have extraordinarily, special moments this year.

Advance Merry Christmas!

Starting Over is the Hardest Thing I Had to Do



Some people say that the hardest thing in life is giving your all and failing - having disappointing results. It's either you didn't pass an exam you stayed up late for or rather you courted someone in a very long time but it still came out as a one-sided love and, let's be honest, many many more. I'll admit, I used to think this way. You see, what's worse than having your hard earned work put to trash?  

I used to think nothing. 

What's the point of trying again when I have been rejected a couple of times? Is it even worth the effort?

These kinds of toxic questions have circulated my mind for a very long time. And you know what? It made me into this negative person I didn't know. And I didn't want to get to know, ever.  Because with this mentality, I sucked my dreams and threw it in archive, hidden in my mind - making time pass without ever trying to reach them. 

What's the point of trying? I asked myself again. I kept thinking that I should just let it be. If it's for me, then it's for me, no amount of effort can change that. 

This is wrong. I encourage you not to think this way. 

Instead, think like this, I received another failure but I have to keep trying, trying until I reach my goal, my dream. Let me tell you the truth, there are a few lucky people who got success on their first try. What can you do? It's written in their fates. For the most of us, it's not. People work hard to get where they are. Do you think big businesses like Mcdonald's, Lazada or even famous celebrities like Ariana Grande or Taylor Swift, got to where they are without failing and starting over? No, I might not know them personally  but I know this because I grew up reading tons of news and articles about success stories. 

Now, I'm going to tell you my story. I did blogging back in 2016, it was, what I can say, a booming popularity. In just a few months, I had quite a few brand deals accepted. I did earn money from my articles. I was happy, a bit overwhelmed, but ecstatic nevertheless. As months passed, my site did very well - even having first page searches on some topics. It was amazing and overwhelming at the same time. Self confidence and a love for writing were what I gained in those months. I was invited in events and even won contests on writing. To me, it was everything.

But life is very tricky. 

I grew tired of posting new articles. There were months where I stopped updating. I wasn't answering my emails and I just grew really lazy. Back then I multi tasked, blogging and my work. What I did was focus on my work and in turn, forgot all about my hobby. It wasn't a failure of a proposal that got me, it was a failure in my actions that killed my happiness. 

I forgot to manage my time really well. Because if you love something, you will make time for it even on your busiest days. 

I was lost. Eventually, I had to shut down my blog. And because I was in disarray, I also closed my social media accounts - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. In my mind I was just giving myself a breather - from everything. It took me more than a year to realize how stupid I was of letting the opportunity I had to grow big. 

And now here I am, starting over again - with a new website, social media accounts and my very first post. 

The reason why starting over is a very hard thing to do is because it's hard to get the courage to stand up again - to do what you already did before. 

And I encourage you to do just that. 

If you love something, don't ever be afraid to start over again - to face failure and say "F*ck off". 

I am Fris and welcome to my blog. 

8 Life - Changing Quotes from Don Soriano's Break Free + A Book Review


(All gifs are from giphy and their respectful owners unless stated otherwise.)

Reading has always been a great hobby for people. However, there are different books which gives readers different kinds of experience. Whenever you allot your time to this hobby, your immersed in different views, and it's surreal.



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Don Soriano's Break Free: 8 principles to get from employee to employer in 3 years or less gives a whole different meaning to giving others life - changing lessons.


 The one unique thing about this book is that it's a portable, convenient and an inspiring short read. It has a total of 81 pages with detailed and interesting principles on how you can break free from your bad habits. What I like about this book is that it's very detailed, the author showed a step by step guide on how you can be successful. I feel like it's very helpful to me, especially because I haven't experienced a lot in life yet. Therefore, I'm not used to failures in such a grandeur and so I don't know what path to take for me to avoid massive disappointments. Well, this book really explain what you should and shouldn't do and it portrayed it in a way that you can agree to each point. There are times in the book where I would go, I haven't thought of that but that's a good point and so I'm learning with every flip of a page.

The 8 principles on the other hand, looks self explanatory but then when he explained, he gave informative examples which fits the lessons perfectly. He even gave illustrations and equations on how you can save money which is very helpful for people who aren't too keen on accounting their money (including me). This is a very influential book because it lets you learn things you thought you knew but really haven't scratched the surface yet.


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Because I was so affected by this book, I decided to compile short quotes from each principles that hit me hard. (let this be a quick sneak peek of the book for you because I don't want to spoil too much)


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1. "Being emotional allows smart people to make dumb decisions."
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2. "The best investment is investing yourself through continuous self- development."

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3. " If you don't sacrifice a little in the short term, you'll suffer a lot in the long term."

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4. " You will never achieve what you set out to do just by yourself"


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5. " You're positioned to fail because you have yourself at a point of disadvantage."


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6.  "Where we spend our time and who we spend it has a significant effect on who we become."


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7.  " Real financial freedom is not about the money rather the mindset that can bring in money, preserve wealth and grow it."


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8. "You are stopping you. If you learn to master yourself, you can master the world."
 - My personal favorite because I can relate 100%. I've always delayed what I wanted to do just like what I did with my blog. I've wanted to started a blog 2 years ago but I didn't because I've always doubted myself and now here I am, my blog is almost in its anniversary and at about 50 + thousand views. - I couldn't be happier.

I originally wanted to add information to the eight quotes I posted but then I thought that it wouldn't do justice to Don Soriano's explanation in his book. As an avid reader, for me Break Free is a book worth your time  and money especially if you're in the time in your life wherein you're confused on what to do in your future. Also, to top it off, it's based from his experience - failures and success which he showed in the book. Moreover, his emotions on each experience were well expressed. You could feel his change throughout the book. And at the end, it makes you wonder about how you're doing in your life right now. For me, being aware of where you are right now,  or whether you are living more than you can afford and such,  can really help a long way. Really, this is a shortcut guide to success.


Friends, if you want to get a copy (and I think you should) this book is worth Php 300.00 and it can be bought at: www.facebook.com/iamdonsoriano. So far, this hasn't been published in stores yet so you can find a copy by contacting Don Soriano himself.

P.S. While you're at it, you can ask him for advice, too. ;)

My Shopping Experience With Uskoop


This article has been due for so long since I received the products about a month ago. But then, I wanted to share my Uskoop experience because I think that this will be helpful for online shoppers who want to know their options in buying from foreign countries.

Last October 2016, Nuffnang Philippines hosted a contest where in bloggers will post their thoughts on Uskoop PH titled: How to Shop Globally With Uskoop. Just a background, Uskoop is a shopping website where it accumulates all the fees (Import, shipping, handling, etc.) from US online merchants and deliver it straight at your doorstep here in the Philippines. For more information check my entry here: https://fristinechua.blogspot.com/2016/11/shop-globally-with-uskoop.html)  Now as luck and hard work would have it, I won the second price which is Php15,000 store credit. Originally, I thought of buying items that are on my wish list in the post like makeup and camera but at the last minute I changed it to laptop which I felt like I needed more and earphones for my dad.

While I was browsing websites after websites (e.g. Amazon, Newegg, Walmart, Etc.), I found it hard to shop a lot of items because of the shipping fee. The shipping fee is not accumulated, there is a computation for every item you want to buy which makes it expensive in a way. For example, I found cheap makeup tools on Amazon which was worth about Php200.00 but then if you add the shipping fee, it will double the price. So this is what I'm a little disappointed about.



Nevertheless, I was still lucky enough to find an Acer Laptop that was below 15,000 with the shipping fee. Placing the order was quick, you just have to copy the link on your desired item and paste it on Uskoop, and then click buy. Although, my problem was on the over-the-counter payment with dragon pay since it kept on having an error (I had an excess purchase of about Php200). But thanks to the multiple payment method of Uskoop, I was able to find another way.

I got the products I bought about a month. I ordered the product back in November 23, 2016 and I received it on December 23, 2016. I don't have a picture of the tracking record since its already closed. My apologies. It took longer than I expected because I thought that shopping with Uskoop will be faster than actually ordering it on Amazon. Moving on, all of the items were in good condition, especially the laptop. (I don't have pictures because I was too excited to open it and forgot to take them, sorry hihi) It was wrapped nicely with fragile tape which is really great.

Verdict:

What I like about Uskoop is I don't need to go to the post office to claim my order. However, the shipping fee really sets me off. Nevertheless, it's almost the same as ordering in the US merchants themselves but I really enjoyed shopping with Uskoop. I guess I will buy again if it's cheaper in Uskoop. (some items are cheaper in Uskoop, check my entry at the link above).

Overall, I'm really grateful for Nuffnang Ph and Uskoop Ph because the items I ordered were like a Christmas gift to me. I would not have a blogging laptop if it weren't for them. So, thank you so much.

If you're interested in Uskoop Ph, check out their site:
www.Uskoop.com.ph

Helpful Tips To Achieve your 2017 Resolutions


2017 has started with its first few days. By now, most people have already thought about their new year's resolutions - a list of goals to achieve by the end of the year. This habit has been a tradition, really. Everyone has their own personal goals and they do what they can for it to be a success. However, some people seldom complete their list and most often than not repeating the same resolution for years.

This post is for people who can relate. Although, take note that there is really no right way to achieve your resolutions since situations are different. Hopefully, this post will serve as your guide in having the best year to complete your goals!

Here is a list of carefully thought tips based on my personal experience:


1. Jot your mind down. Write everything that comes to your mind when you think about your goals. Let it out, no holds barreled thoughts. Do not reword or rephrase anything, jot it dow word per word because once you think about how to write it like the ones you do on essays, you might forget important points.


2. Rate it. Just like everything else, you need to learn how to prioritize meaning putting the important ones first. I'm sure most of us have tons of goals we want to achieve. However, having so much on the list can hinder you from completing everything in one year.


3. Rephrase the Top 5. Now from your draft, choose the top 3-5. (Your number depends on the confidence that you will complete it for a year) Then, reword it nicely. The ones that will really make you motivated. Like for example, instead of writing - lose weight, try to go for "Yay for Sexy Bod!".


4. Game Plan is Everything.  You have a goal but do you have a plan? Without this, it'll be hard for you to attain your goal. Thus, below your goals write how you'll do it. It can be short and simple, it depends on you, really.

5. Execute and Enjoy! Be sure to follow your plan. If you fail, don't be afraid to try again. After all, you have 365 days to be successful. Among everything else, enjoy and have fun!

I hope this short article help you in achieving your goals this year! I'm feeling that this will be your year. May 2017 be filled with countless opportunities and joys. Happy New Year!

LRT1 Spreads The Christmas Spirit With The #PaskuhansaLRT1 Selfie Contest


The spirit of Christmas can definitely be felt at LRT1, as it rolls out its Filipino Christmas themed train to bring joy to commuters, which is expected to run until December 31, 2016. Decked out with traditional Filipino Christmas decorations that feature capiz parols, garlands, and a three-dimensional belen – or nativity scene, among other, the #PaskuhansaLRT1 train became an instant hit among LRT1 riders as it made their commute more enjoyable.
Alongside the roll out of its #PaskuhansaLRT1 train, LRT1 is also giving its commuters a chance to chance to win PhP 5,000.00 worth of Beep Cards every week, from November 29 to December 31, 2016. All you have to do is to snap a selfie on board LRT1’s special Christmas train and post it on Facebook, with the hashtag: #PaskuhansaLRT1.
Commuters with the best selfies on board the train will be selected every Sunday noontime, during the contest period. Winners will be announced on the PAGEONE Official Facebook Page, and will be notified via their social media account.
Here’s the full mechanics:

Bite Your Way To France With Boulangerie22


Christmas season is just around the corner. People prepare their houses - gracing it with bright lights, hanging big green and red socks, organizing their fantabulous Christmas trees and so much more. This is the time where winter (or cold weather here in the Philippines) and shining lights bring joys to the family. Moreover, it's the season of giving and Noche Buena. So, what's better than having bread and pastries to serve for your get together with your loved ones?


Boulangerie22 is a french inspired pastries and dessert shop. They offer tons of varieties from sausage breads, Chicken floss, to cakes and coffee.



A plus side with Boulangerie22 is it's opening tons of branches so it's not hard to find one at all. You'll find their list of branches at their site  . So far, I've been to Madison Galeries and Lucky China Town branches and they both have great selections there.

(Pictures are from Boulangerie22, Madison Galeries Branch)


The ambiance of the shop is really peaceful. It also has a french vibe with it's designs. Customers can choose to dine-in and relax while savoring their food. In addition, they can also choose to buy packed pastries or cake to take home.

(Just a suggestion: This can be the place for working or studying)







Here are some food choices you can bite into:




Classic Loaf Bread - Php 79.00

Double Chocolate Cookie - Php 59.00

Chocolate Cinnamon Baked Donut - Php 29.00

Chicken Floss - Php 59.00
This is their Chicken Floss - one of the best sellers and my personal favorite! 

Hungarian Sausage Mozarella Bread - Php 59.00

Dark Chocolate Chip Muffin - Php 69.00
Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread - Php 59.00
If you're not a sweet tooth then steer clear of their desserts, muffins and cookies because they're really sweet. However, the good thing about Boulangerie22 is that it has tons of products offered so you can really choose on what you prefer.

To know more about Boulangerie22

Visit: https://www.boulangerie22.ph

Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/boulangerie22/
https://www.facebook.com/boulangerie22
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