[Project FeeTrail December 2013]: Mascot and Me

For my December 2013, Project FeeTrail, I have a special guest: A Mascot.

It was my first time in Sky Ranch, Tagaytay. Nothing spectacular, really. When you come to think of it, Enchanted Kingdom is cheaper, especially when you buy the unlimited rides ticket.

But this event is not for adults because we brought kids in tow. I just couldn't resist having a photo with a mascot...of any kind actually. I'm more scared of clowns. I don't know why, but I feel like I want to punch them in the face.

This photo reminds me a lot, of what I've been reading lately. Enjoying the NOW. Being a worrywart practically since I gained my adult senses and during the recent events in our family, it's so damn hard not to worry. I may not look like it, but I worry about everything.

Now by looking at the photo, I am reminded not to take A LOT of things seriously. I read something in pinterest that "Anxiety happens when you have to figure out everything. Trust in the Lord for he has better plans" and that's exactly what I'm doing for next year. I need to trust more.

I hope you a had a good 2013. Thank you 2013 for being so kind.

Strangers with good intentions

Yesterday we went grocery shopping.

My mother went to the toothpaste aisle to get four tubes of toothpaste. She dropped it in my push cart and disappeared to another aisle while I cross over to the sweets section.

One of the staff of the supermarket went to me and asked if it's the same cart where the lady (my mom) placed the four tubes of toothpaste. He told me that he's going to replace the toothpaste tubes with the promo ones so we can save more money.

Seeing that he was in uniform, I said yes, so he bent over and reached for the four tubes and replaced it with two "buy-one-get-one" packs. I agreed but still with suspicion because I am the queen of "buy one take one" signs and I swear, that's not on the display, especially with this Christmas season. And I am also the queen of paranoia that strangers, especially male, who talks to me out of nowhere automatically goes to my "budol-budol" (swindler) list.

After 5 mins, thinking I'm scammed, I went back to the toothpaste aisle to make a quick scan. The guy in uniform was there, monitoring customers. I made a quick scan to check if I missed out the buy one get one sign, it was not there. I still kept the two tubes that he gave me earlier.

As we were paying for the toothpaste, I told the lady if I may open the tube to see the actual size. I turned to see if there are actually two tubes inside. Because if it turns out to be just one tube inside the pack, I'm going to take it up to the manager. But no. Two tubes are inside the box, in perfect condition.

This guy really wanted us to save money through the promo packs that they have in hiding. I don't know if that is even legal, because he told me about it in a low voice as if what he is doing is supposed to be a secret. Maybe there are strangers with genuinely good intentions. And no, he didn't even ask for a tip or something.

P.S.
As if my realization wasn't enough, I sent my sister Aprille back to the toothpaste aisle, to see how much we have saved and yes, we saved a lot. Thank you dear stranger.

For the purpose of privacy, I will not disclose the brand of toothpaste, the name of the grocery store and as well as the branch location.

Christmas is in two days! Happy holidays everyone!

Personal discoveries at age 30

By 30:

You may not know still what you want in life, but you have a stronger stand on what you don't want or like.

You have a better grasp of your sense of self, enough to make use of your strengths and weaknesses.

You have outgrown some of your old friends and vice versa and realize that...it's honestly okay.

Not only you know how to choose battles, but this time you already know which battles are worth losing. 

It has become easier to say "No".

Your instinct is telling you something, most of the time it's the truth.

I also learned that: 

True happiness is not about you.

Lessen 50% of your daily stress by not taking things personal.

You need to stop craving for the approval of others. Sometimes that includes family members but certain rules apply.

The person who is intentionally hurting you is actually fighting a harder battle.

Not sharing money is the same as having no money at all.  

There is wisdom in waiting. Even if you don't know why and what you are waiting for.

It pays more to pay it forward.

Genuinely good human relationships are golden treasures.

And counting... 

Battle of the Epic splits!

Which Epic Split do you like best?

Jean Claude Van-Damme's?

Or Chuck Norris'?

Happy Holidays everyone!

Didn't really expect myself to say this but #MaramingSalamatBieber @justinbieber

Before I get hate mail about what I wrote before about Justin, please let me take it back. The boy guy earned my respect. 

He's been trending yesterday all over Twitter, and this time, for a good cause. I like that he flew unannounced and performed for Tacloban residents. I was monitoring activities via social media and I have to say, I gotta hand it over to him. Thank you very much Justin Bieber.  He even raised over $500,000.00 for Yolanda Relief operations. 

All photos are not mine and each image links back to its original source.

Just looking at the photos, at thirty years old, OMG, I think I may even become a fan.

Bonggak Pastries offers Oreo Cream cheese and Coonies!

Bonggak pastries, known for delectable personalized fondant cakes, picture cakes and sugar cookies offers new addition to their line of fondant cakes and sugar cookies! I'm featuring two of my favorite Christmas season limited edition desserts that I encourage you to try.

1. The Oreo Cream cheese cookie: 

It looks like cookies and cream, the actual cookie version, but after one bite, a certain kick will fill you in as the cream cheese will navigate its way to your fancy. This is my personal favorite.

Reason for your wrecked plans

Today, I got a nice surprise visit from my friend in graduate school, Nina, and we got into instant catch up mode to talk about how we've been, although I think we've seen each other within 2 months. 

She's one of those friends that I have that when you see each other, you instantly pick up the conversation where you left off, like as if you have just talked about it a few days ago. I shared with her something that I've been reading, and how we're both Ms. "Planner", and shared stories of people we know (besides us) that made plans only to find out that God has better plans for us. All in a span of less than 30 minutes.

Fast forward to hours later, I was browsing pinterest when I saw this. And I vouch this to be true:

Although I still have some discomfort and fear of the unknown, everyday I am working on leaving it all up to faith. 

Ms.Universe 2013 3rd runner up Ariella Arida came to light up the town (UPLB)!

The Christmas decor and the popular UPLB belen awaits to be lit up by Miss Universe 3rd runner up and alumna, Ms. Ariella "Ära" Arida. 

By December 5, 2013 morning it looked like this: 

The 2013 UPLB Benefit Show for Typhoon Yolanda Survivors

In lieu of the annual UPLB Faculty Follies, UPLB held a Benefit Show ( December 5, 2013). Instead of the annual competition, proceeds of the show will benefit the Super Typhoon Yolanda victims and survivors.  This year is also special because the 2013 Miss Universe 3rd runner up, Ariella Arida, will be gracing the event. (More on that later)

Check out the line outside the DL Umali hall before the open house at 4:30 pm:

 More on the show after the jump!

Review: E.L.F. Eyebrow kit

I must admit, I don't really pay much attention to the eye brows until I saw a photo of me with barely there eye brows! So I made it a point to make myself look human by having decent brows when putting on make up. 

I purchased this eyebrow kit that I've been eyeing for quite some time now. I got the darker color from the selection at the E.L.F. Cosmetics counter. I learned from the make up workshop that I attended early this year that it is better to use a brow powder or a dark brown eye shadow on your eyebrows than use a brow liner. It makes the brows appear natural and not "line-y".

Read more on this eyebrow kit after the jump!

[Project FeeTrail November 2013]: The reluctant blogger

Before you laugh let me explain.

I went to a Jenni Epperson book-signing event last year when this lady blogger approached me.

"Hi, I see that you're a blogger as well. Like naman my blog..." She said. 

I stared at her, still with a meeting-Jenni-Epperson-in-the-flesh high, and crammed for words for a reply:" Okay. How do I do it?"

I didn't know that bloggers now have a Like Page of their own under the category of a Personal blog. I thought Facebook pages are for businesses and public figures. 

"Do you have a card?" She asked. 

"I'm sorry I don't have one." 

"We have a bloggers group, you're welcome to join us". Then she handed me a card of a known blogging community. Unfortunately, I misplaced the card while I was walking towards the parking lot.

Thirty and thankful this Thanksgiving

I am honest enough to tell you that before my birthday, I had the bluest of all birthday blues. If I have to hang on to dear 29, I would.

You see,  I have all my birthdays figured out. For the past years I've spent my birthdays in Manila, Davao and last year Boracay. I was supposed to go to Cebu-Bohol this year, but something came up. Then I had another plan and booked myself at Nurture Spa Village in Tagaytay, but Typhoon Yolanda came to our country and I decided to use the money to donate it to victims instead. On the actual day of my birthday, I was scheduled to see my spiritual adviser but the day before our appointment, the schedule got mixed up. Therefore, plans A to C went down the drain.

Then I get a BBM from my guy friends. Jimmy is almost rarely in town and was just in elbi for the graduate school registration season. So it was an instant pick me upper seeing them outside my office building waiting for me. We had an instant pre-birthday dinner with lots of interesting catch up.

Birthday Salubong with my favorite boys

The next morning I have no plans at all. I mean, it's the big three-o and no plans at all. I decided to have a "do-as-you-please" day and have the day all to myself.

The Grad School Diaries: Episode 24 - Master's Degree before I turn 30...CHECK!

Submitted, sang, signed and sealed. Master's Degree before I turn thirty? CHECK!

My MS Thesis is titled : 

USE OF FACEBOOK BY A SCIENCE POLITICAL PARTY: A USES AND GRATIFICATION STUDY OF AGHAM PARTY LIST IN THE PHILIPPINES

I blogged before that I have a love and hate relationship with the internet, so I ended up befriending the enemy and make a study out of it. Initially, I was going for the LGBT as subject but then I had to be realistic about my plans and time line of graduating. So after three topic changes, change of advisers, switching of subjects, several drafts and an external review, not to mention blood, sweat and almost tears, I can finally say that I am included in the list of candidates for Graduation! Yey!

I am very grateful because 90% of what I prayed for that is Graduate School- related came true. I would like to give special mention to my adviser, Dr. Serlie Barroga-Jamias for always believing in me and "hard-selling" our self-esteem (hehe).

And also my amazing team of guidance committee: Dr. Benjie Flor, Prof. Teya Tirol and Dr. Mimi Ocampo (Ma'am Mimi, if not for your schedule then I would still be procrastinating my exam schedules. Thank you!)

I would like to write the extended version of my acknowledgment page here in this blog post but I don't want to miss out anyone. My family and friends, you already know who you are. Instead, I would like to post an excerpt of my dedication page from my MS Thesis instead:

DEDICATION

This thesis is dedicated to my late father, Mr. Nicetas Cabrera Araguas (†) , who served in UPLB for a good 35 years of his life - capturing events and history of the University through the lenses of his camera, who, on the 39^th day since his death, visited me in a dream to remind me to finish my MS thesis.

This thesis is also dedicated to my mother, Mrs. Dulce Dalisay Estrellado, whose support and unconditional love enabled me to achieve my dreams.

I now have two of these and God willing, I will have a black one in the future! Bottom: My undergraduate study in 2003; Top: My MS Thesis in 2013

And last but not the least, my savior, my angel, my army, and the one who is in charge of me: Papa  Jesus, who has never forsaken me. You really never fail those who put their trust in Your unfailing love.

We found the good samaritan UPLB Student, Kristine Marie Valenzuela

Remember almost three months ago, I wrote that I've been looking for this UPLB Student, Kristine Marie Valenzuela? 

As a quick recap my sister lost her ATM card and did not even realized until we get a call from a stranger named Kristine Valenzuela who used Facebook to reach my sister. We asked them if they can drop by our shop to return the ATM and also so we can meet and thank them personally, but they just dropped it off and went home.

It's been almost three months to no avail, until I decided to not rely so much on social media anymore and look her up directly at the College Secretary's office. If Kristine Valenzuela can exert effort in looking for the owner, then I, too, can reciprocate the same gesture.

But the university was on a semester break and practically all the students were some place else other than the campus. I was advised that they will inform the student once she goes to the office of the college secretary for registration.

One day, I finally got the visitor that my sister and I have been looking for since late week of August this year. We finally met the good samaritan, UPLB student Kristine Marie Valenzuela from Batangas City.

She told me that it was her and her cousin Edward who found the ATM on the floor of the machine and they thought that it might belong to another UPLB student. They feel that they need  to return it immediately because it might contain the student's allowance for the week. Since they're only staying in a dormitory, they asked their landlady if they can use her personal land line just so they can call us through the contact number that they found on Facebook to return the ATM. 

So I invited them to another meet up with her cousin so we can treat them out and thank them personally. I tell you, I had to almost beg several times until she finally agreed to just a simple meet up and not the dinner/coffee that I originally proposed.

Of course we prepared a simple token of appreciation for them:

And we finally met them! Here's my sister, Aprille with cousins Edward and Kristine.

Again, we also almost begged and pressured them into joining us even for at least a dessert for them to take home, but we did not succeed. They did not want any sort of reward, they just really want to return the ATM to its owner. But I insisted on having a photo, so it's a good thing they agreed. We just had a little chat then we let them go.

I still believe in good samaritans and I really hope there would be more students, other than UPLB students, who would do the exact same thing they did or probably even better.

Dear Kristine and Edward, thank you very much and may God bless you and your good hearts. Your parents must be so proud of you.

Tis' the season to go shopping: The 47th International Bazaar 2013

Tis' the season of cold wind, cuddle weather, merry lights, crazy sale, night markets and weekend bazaars! 

And oh what a jam packed weekend that was! The next morning after the Nuffnang event, we went to the 47th International Bazaar.

More Bazaar information after the jump!

The Realistic Birthday Wishlist

I realized that next week is my birthday. While the thought of it bring all kinds of both necessary and unnecessary emotions, I decided to divert my thoughts into having a realistic wish list instead. Realistic, because it's a list of possible gifts that my family and friends might think that it's okay to buy for me since I will be using/reading/needing them anyway and not just use the birthday pass to get it. Okay fine, I'm using the birthday pass. I know it’s awkward to post any kind of wishlist (unless it's world peace, equality, prosperity and Miss Universe-ish stuff statements) during this time of the year especially with what happened to our country, but please allow me to at least fantasize about this list since they are harmless wishes anyway.

You might be thinking I would love to get big ticket items such as my own townhouse, SUV, gadget, a trip to U.K., etc. but those stuff are actually reserved for my vision board.

So, without further ado, and in random order, here are the 5 things I would love to get: 

1. A Trodat Stamp (with my name on it).

I fantasize to have this in pink of purple and I will use it for the books that I got from Book sales. It makes me think I have a "personal library" with this stamp. Throw in ink refill and instructions how to DIY refill it too.

2. Either The Secret sequel books from  Rhonda Byrne...

Because I already have "The Secret" four years ago, these two would be a good addition. Plus, these are what I also consider "mental investment".

or the Archie Married Life Series Comic Books!

I have always loved Archie series but they've gotten so darn expensive! I miss reading comic books and Archie Series is one of the comic books that I miss reading. I wonder what the story line is now that it's about married life and no longer Riverdale High.

3. Pink stilettos tape dispenser (available at National Bookstore)

I already saw it last year , thought twice and did not get it. But because I am obsessed with wrapping books (even second hand ones that I got in Booksale) this dispenser, would be great too! If you don't mind, kindly throw in some magic tape refill too!

4. Personalized name tags for USB, and oh, another 32GB USB would be great too!

I still have the wood, ethnic-designed, personalized USB name tag that my co-supervisor gave me when she went to Bukidnon. I realized that I need these not just out of a whim but for work purposes too since I like to label my stuff.

5. 5-pc car mat that I've been itching to get since last year. I would love to get it in pink, para ang kire-kire lang.

I can actually see the expression of my guy friends when they see this. It all started when I saw the car mat of one of my guy friends' car and I've been on the look out for something like it until it has been more than a year! I don't know why I can never find the time to get exactly like the one that I saw. One time we were so decided to get one, the store that supposed to carry it was closed for the holiday (local elections).

 Anyway, those are the top five of my list. Do you also have a realistic wishlist?

(Photos are from the internet. Image URL of these photos were retained.)

Blogopolis 2013: The Nuffie Awards Night!

I still have that "high" feeling from attending the Blogopolis #Intothe WILD event held by Nuffnang. Part two of the event is the much awaited Nuffie Awards Night!

More of the Awards Night after the jump!

A first-timer at Nuffnang's Blogopolis #IntotheWILD 2013!

For the past few days, I've been excited that I got an invite to one of the hottest, coolest and informative blogger's convention in Manila, the Nuffnang Blogopolis. And because it was my first time to attend, I have no expectations or point of comparisons. I did not even google or researched the event, I was just very excited to attend and happy to take my sister with me. 

Registration started at 12:30 pm but we arrived at 1pm. I can already see a lot of bloggers all over the place, signing up at booths and checking out their loot bags and sponsors' stuff.

More blogging tips and other useful information after the jump!

You may want to think twice about getting the PLDT Telpad

My mom just became "sort of Americanized" by agreeing for an upgrade of telephone service and buying over the phone.

Last month, a telemarketer from PLDT, kept looking for my mom the account holder and offered to upgrade our current PLDT landline and internet plan to a supposed to be better plan: just for an additional 500+ we get to have a PLDT Telpad, a faster internet speed service and unlimited local calls across the the country. She signed up because it was a really good deal and also after thorough thinking how this and the features will fit into our business and lifestyle.

Then the night after the holidays, we immediately received the Telpad package. I thought that was efficient, considering all the paper works and usual hullabaloo that these applications usually come with.

Then the night we got it and had it charged (it doesn't charge while on the dock, mind you. It has to be charged separately from the phone which makes me think What the Fudge is that base for?) I had a hard time figuring out how to turn it on.

When it finally did turn on, it's so slow, that I can make a bathroom break and come back just in time for the rest of the stuff to load.

"You're disappointed because you're used to using an iPad" my friend Poch said, after I ranted how disappointing it is. Actually I was not expecting that it would perform as good/fast as an iPad. I was just hoping it works.

A couple of days later, the first time I actually tried the camera, it had this green blob across the screen that I couldn't even see my subject then it went blank. I did the usual reset, the camera worked with a good photo then the whole screen flickered like it was about to become a disco light.

Then I said, that's it. I am taking this back and it has not even reached a week. I called 171 PLDT hotline ( hotline hours: 8:30 am -5:30pm, Weekdays) and I was advised to take it to the nearest business center and I did:
(More after the jump!)

I will no longer get into details about how I fought my way into cancelling our service after being told that it came with a 24 month bond. But here are the important information that I learned (that might come handy for you too):

1. Those telemarketers who calls you are different from the ones in business centers. It's a hit or miss kind of thing. Their job is only to sell and dispose the PLDT telpads.

2. The Telpad needs to have a different kind of service for it to work. In my case, the agent who sold the Telpad to us forgot to include the service so it became a lot easier to get out of. It looked like they practically gave out the Telpad for free because there's no record, they only found out because I returned it and it's faulty.

3. Only the account holder is authorized to transact and make changes. I had a type written, signed authorization letter with a valid ID when I came to the business center. Your reference number is your phone number, and always get the name of the agent you spoke to.

4. If we went in for repair, it's going to take almost 1 year and we get to use a lesser value/cheaper version of telpad as a service unit.

5. In fairness to the 171  hotline number, it's easy to get an agent (perhaps because no one is calling them anymore?). Just be prepared to speak to an agent who knows nothing about what happened. In my case, I had 6 years of BPO experience with me to back me up and did not hang up until I find a resolution.

In the end, I took back the Telpad to the nearest PLDT business center even if they have nothing to do with because the telemarketers sold it and not them. I was given a recovery receipt as proof that I returned the product and I made the lady manager print out the actual plans that we are only subscribed to as proof. ( I just have to see it for my self.)

In addition, a very reliable little birdie told me that according to track records, the Telpads are faulty. In fact, while I was at the business center, another lady took her Telpad back because it's also malfunctioning.

So if you think having a home phone/ land line tablet is fancy, you may want to think twice about getting the PLDT Telpad

I gave, then He gave me so much more.

I had this mini-campaign to appeal to my friends to donate to Yolanda victims. I'm so happy we were able to raise a certain amount that garnered an appreciation from my friend's HR department. Though the appreciation/recognition part is just a bonus, really.

Honestly, I did not really go dragging all the people I know into donating--- I only shared it to people that I feel strongly about because (and I've proven this to be true):

1. I know that not everyone will participate because we all have needs too (no judgment, that's why I always say regardless of the amount as long as it's sincerely from the bottom of the heart).
2. Some would probably think "Where is this coming from?", I know. Three years ago this is so not me. But had you lived my journey, you would be advocating for this too.
3. Because as I have experienced, when you give wholeheartedly, it somehow, sometimes even magically, goes back to you, threefold. And I would like for my friends and family to experience it too. 

And it's true. Because just very recently, I realized that almost 1/4 of my vision board for the year came true for this year alone and it's not even December yet. All the major ones and things that I am very serious about came looking for me when I was just all about hoping for the best during the start of the year.

And also because when I gave from the utmost sincerity of the heart --- I received another blessing much more than I was expecting and hoping for.

Thank you to my friends who joined and participated and will continue to participate (some in their own individual way). I can't wait to hear about your blessings too!

Excited for the @NuffnangPH Blogopolis "Into the WILD"!

This year I will be attending my first ever Nuffnang event so expect a lot of fan-girl blogging in the coming posts next week! I'm most excited about the speakers and the awards night! Details below: 

Blogopolis 2012: ONLIne in the PHilippines

Last year’s Blogopolis focused on engaging and educating the bloggers of the ever-growing Filipino blogosphere. The conference covered topics related to blogging and its four pillars - content, marketing, monetization and advocacy. It served as an introduction to the blogging industry with the goal of helping our community further their blogging skill set and knowledge.

Blogopolis 2013: #IntoTheWildWeaving Information for Leaders of the Digital world

This year, we are taking you to the Information Jungle. With the surge of social media, and other online platforms, we want to help you make sense of the digital world. Key speakers will be discussing social media know-how and digital marketing and advertising trends. Blogopolis 2013 is a day-long event starting with plenary sessions in the afternoon, and a post-conference party at night where key influencers in the industry will be awarded. This event is open to everyone - bloggers, social media influencers, students, digital marketing officers, and advertisers, and anyone who is interested in the world of digital, particularly social media.

Here’s a list of speakers who will be sharing relevant digital marketing and social media insights (I'm also excited to take down notes!):

• Abe Olandres for The Cycle of Ads: How to Make Social Media Advertising Effective
• Aisa Ipac, Ana Gonzales for Taking your Readers Offline: Successful Ways to Mount a Blog Event
• Christine Dychiao for Blog Fund: 10 Ways to Guide Back Traffic to Your Blog Using Social Media
• Googly Gooeys (Tippy & Pong Go) for The Media Kit: Creating a Compelling Blog and Social Media Proposal
• Jeff Lo for Blog Thy Neighbor
• Jim Paredes for The New Nation 2.0
• Josh Villanueva for Youtube: The Next Frontier
• Lori Baltazar for Podcasting 2.0: The Podcast is Alive
• Chuckie and Yen Dreyfus for The Ultimate Selfie: How to Manage your Social Media Accounts
• Aris Olea (Creator of ConjuRain), Macky Lopez (Gwiyomi “Nasaan na si Mikay?”), Claire Custodio (National University, Cheerquadron) for Going Viral

Nuffnang will also hold its first Nuffie Awards to recognize the contributions of selected online influencers. To vote, you may visit this LINK. 

Blogopolis 2013 is co-presented by Blink

Major Sponsors: Sun Broadband, LG Electronics

Media Partners: Adobo Magazine

Official Timekeeper: Timex

Special thanks to: Print Social

For Blogopolis updates, visit Nuffnang’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.

Or visit their very cool official website: www.blogopolis.ph 

P.S. 

If you're going, they have a booth for helping typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) victims too.