[Project FeeTrail October 2013]: If Cinderella was here, she wouldn't fit the shoe

So on my last post, we were at Liliw for a quick tour of the place because Kuya's wife was in town and will leave in a week for UK.

I don't really know what new feetrail shots that I will have for this month, until I saw this huge slipper on the side walk and decided that it'll be perfect for my project.

So there, that's my size 9 foot in a size 52 slipper. If Cinderella was in Liliw, she wouldn't fit the shoe. Read about my Liliw entries here and here.

Also, it's October 31, how's your October? Mine was a roller coaster. My friends know how much I love Halloween but I've been donning a different Halloween Celebration since last year though I would love to join my friends for trick or treating later. My friends' lady kid, Cheska, dropped by my office yesterday to show me her unicorn costume but too bad I had to be in Manila today.  Pictures please Faye & Frankie!

Happy Halloween!

( A scheduled post) 

That one spa in Indonesia that will never relax me

I'm a huge, huge fan of spas and getaways and I've written about it more than just a couple of times.  Yesterday I read this in Yahoo news and for the love of me, I cannot and will not be able to relax in this spa even if they pay me.

It is described as:

A customer undertakes a massage using pythons at Bali Heritage Reflexology and Spa on October 27, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The snake spa offers a unique massage treatment which involves having several pythons placed on the customers body. The movement of the snakes and the adrenaline triggered by fear is said to have a positive impact on the customers metabolism. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

Did you the words that I underlined? I don't know how in the world my fear would have a positive effect on anything considering I'm already a worrywart and paranoid.

Here are the photos that I borrowed from the article. ( Retained image original URL)

Que horror!

Read all about it here. *Goosebumps*

Travel Liliw: Try the "Minani" other than shoes

The last time I was at Liliw was back in 2011. Then this month, we went back and it is still the same as the last time. Only it's Aprille now who's driving for us.

It is exactly how I remember because it's only just a little over two years. 

The Grad School Diaries: Episode 22 -I did not get published on my first try and I know why

In 2010, our class produced a special edition of a refereed journal. If you are in the academe, and also in my case as a REPS in the university, it is a big deal.

You see, I don't really think about it so much, thinking I will be practicing in a different industry anyway. I have been very honest to myself and to all the friends that I made that I pursued Graduate School out of a whim and to cure my quarter-life crisis. I even remember telling my friend Faye, that I would just stay one semester and go back in the game (and by game I meant career in the city). I guess I was wrong because I am now in my 5th semester and working in the university.

Anyway, the thought of getting published excites me, thinking, wow I must be really lucky that my class is sponsoring it when I heard (back in 2010) that people had to submit to Call for Papers announcement, hoping to get in. But this opportunity to get published is (I thought) within my reach. But then, to make the story short, my so-called article was whipped into rejection. Even though it wasn't really much of a big deal to me back then, it did sting.

My friend, whose paper got in on a first try, (and got her travelling almost effortlessly to Hawaii for a presentation of the paper) explained to me that certain publications have certain themes, like apart from the fact that a research may probably not be good enough, maybe it also just happen that my paper did not match the theme that the journal is going for. I did not really understand the full grasp of it, until three years later when the actual journal came out, I finally understood that maybe it's not just me, it's the journal and well, yeah a little bit of me because the paper that I wrote don't really go well with the theme. And also with all honesty, my writing back then is not good enough for journal standards. Come on, I don't even have any idea about the big deal behind the words "publication" "refereed" "journal" "article" and "paper presentation". My heart in writing was not really in it, so actually, I should not be surprised that I didn't get in. The paper felt like "blah". It is only been a couple of years later that I understood and decided that I want to write, I want to learn how to do technical writing and eventually be good at it and write a qualitative research paper properly. I still have a lot to learn so I don't mind getting my articles heavily edited. In fact, I am actually grateful that someone did take the time to read it and point out what would've been better.

It is always the first rejection that cuts the deepest, but after that, it becomes bearable. My friend and I were talking over coffee over a week ago that it is better to try than not being able to try at all. I got rejected on a first try, but I learned a lot from that rejection.

And also, maybe this also comes with age and maturity, that more than a year ago, I managed to stop beating myself up when things did not go as what I wished it to be. There will always be someone better than me/us, and at the end of the day, it's not really your classmate, your friend, or your colleague that you are up against with. It is with our own self.

So, to my friends who made it in this special edition journal, congratulations! :)

Before buying accessories for your gadgets, go to National Bookstore first.

A little over 2 months ago I bought a stylus for digital sketching that lately I've been into. 

I bought it from a seller in Cebu, and according to the sites on the internet, it normally costs Php 800.00 but I was proud to have gotten it at Php 400.00 and with free shipping!

Anyway, my sisters and I were at National Bookstore one weekend because I need to get something for school when Achi handed this over to me:

"Isn't this the same with your stylus?"

 OMFG.I bought it and tested it out on my mom's ipad.  Let's compare, shall we?
Comparison of the two stylus after the jump! 

Review: Avon's Shine Attract Lippies

This is actually a late post. I learned months ago about the Avon lipstick that Fil-Aussie actress, Anne Curtis, is endorsing. I got curious about it because this is what it looks like:

(expectation)

I wondered about the coverage and if it's long lasting. Actually, I really am interested in what it looks like because there's transparent jelly surrounding the actual lip color.
More after the jump!

The Grad School Diaries: Episode 21 - When you simply cannot write no matter what you do

I am surprised to find out that I do have blog readers also working on their thesis. From a previous answer post to a reader's comment, I got another one:

I'm a first time commenter, long time reader of your diaries. It's nice to know that I'm not alone with my thesis troubles. My jaw dropped when I saw your drafts. I'm nowhere even near your progress. I'd love to have a blog like yours but I simply don't have the time to do that. Ironically I still have time to comment on blogs (silly me). Any advice for someone who just can't get focused enough on thesis writing? - Amy Lounsbury

Dear Amy,

Thank you for your message Amy! Sorry it took so long for me to reply. To be honest, I started this blog to get my writing groove back on. I stopped blogging in 2009 then went back again in late 2010. I don't have problems writing in my blog but I have a hard time writing an academic paper. I used this blog to make my fingers move and get used to writing. I believe that it somehow helped, at least with the part of getting used to actual typing.

I wish I could tell you useful tips on how to be focused enough on thesis writing, but I believe we all come with our own individual manuals. I even came to the point where I lost my writing mojo and my data were just sitting on my desk for a really long time that it almost turned to waste. But, I will share some tips that I got from my friends in graduate school:

1. Make a time line with a list of task and reward yourself when the job is done. For example, until you finish writing your Chapter 4, you will not go to a spa, or any place you usually go to for leisure.

2. If number 1 don't work for you, try to write at least one to two pages per day.

3. Find a motivator. I know easier said than done, but in my case, I told my self if I keep procrastinating, I will undergo the same amount of time and energy in dealing with signing of papers, enrollment, endorsements and all the hassle of paper works for next semester.

4. Plan a really good event, like a good vacation that you cannot cancel and will always look forward to, and make it your reward for writing your thesis. So you won't have to feel guilty if you splurge on your vacay, at least your thesis is done.

5. This one is crazy, but cramming gives the ultimate jolt. I work as a writer and event planner while doing my thesis in graduate school on the side. For some magical reason, I was able to discipline myself in time management if I know I have very little time in between to write. I know it may not usually work for others but it's worth a try.

I haven't got the final approval of my final draft so I am pretty much on my toes waiting for the results. Thank you and I hope I was able to be of help even just a little. Good luck to our thesis/papers!


Best,
Kea

I finally had my photo with my favorite Cosmopolitan (Phils) Magazine Editor-in-Chief

I have to tell you this story. I've been an avid Cosmopolitan Philippines Magazine fan in my early twenties and Myrza Sison, the Editor-in-Chief, is my favorite.

I'm huge fan of people who work behind the scenes and I like her editor's message. Eventually, when she moved out of Cosmo to launch a new magazine, Marie Claire Philippines, I kind of lost interest in the magazine as it became too predictable for my taste. From that moment on, I realized how huge the role/packaging of the Editor-in-Chief, even if it already has a fan base following.

But back in either 2004 or 2005, Cosmopolitan Philippines Magazine used to hold workshops for women in their 20s and I think I have attended at least 3 times of the event conveniently held at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza (my previous office building). Since I am such a fan, I often receive free invites as one of the first ones to sign up. I even attended the Cosmo Bachelor Bash twice at the NBC tent before it became a thing. I guess it's safe to say that Cosmo had been a big influence in my early twenties because it covers a lot of things like finances, reproductive health, career choices, spa awards, beauty products review, places to go to, etc.

The first time I attended a Cosmo Goes to Work workshop, I knew I just really had to have a photo with Ms. Myrza Sison. But Digital Cameras were not as popular yet and my camera phone died after taking photos, so my roommate, Dana, had to take my photo with her using her VGA camera phone. Sadly, her camera phone got stolen before she had the chance to send the photo to me.

Fast forward to years later, I learned that she finally got married.

I remembered years ago when I was reading her editor's letter, she mentioned that her mom hints about wanting her to settle down (she's at her 30s back then). I remember her not making such a big deal about being single but moved on and explored more of herself by enrolling in graduate school in UP Diliman, launched Marie Claire magazine, and now she's back as the Editor-in-Chief of Cosmo after six years.

She talked about how she transitioned from being a model to a writer

(More after the jump! )

The BDJ Fair 2013: #Make It Happen

I wrote before that I am crazy about planners. The first Belle de Jour planner that I had was in 2009. I enjoyed it for three years and moved on to other planners of another kind. Last year, I bought a new planner from the same manufacturer of Belle de Jour planners. I'm thinking of getting it again because the planner promotes positivity.

I've been getting newsletters from BDJ that I usually just read/browse through the email until one day I actually tried signing up for the BDJ Fair last October 13, 2013 at SM Mall of Asia. I was not exactly sure if I can go, so I blindly signed my sister up too for a slot to see if she can accompany me and she got in too! Which means, we really are meant to attend. 

Actually, the reason that I want to go is I want to meet, see, and hear my favorite Cosmopolitan Magazine  Editor-in-Chief, Myrza Sison, talk at the event. I'm so happy that I got a slot to listen to her presentation, but more on that on my next post. 

This is what the fair looks like on the second floor of SM Mall of Asia.

UPLB's 95th Loyalty Day

It is only almost a week later that I actually had the time to post this because other things just had to come first. 

I can't believe this is already my 3rd time joining the Loyalty Day parade! The first one was back in October 2011, only a few days after I first reported to work post my hiatus. The second one was last year, where I officially covered for the CEAT Centennial year.

This year, our office, the Office of Public Relations, is the main team for documentation. Also, this is the first time I am joining the parade with my mom because we are both under the same main office. 

We're the team under the bunch of yellow umbrellas.

What we should know about those annoying free mobile telecom ads

I've blogged before that a little birdie at Globe Telecom told me a probably an internal information about subscribers getting ads from globe numbers.

 Today I saw this on the news: 

Because I was in the middle of preparing to go to work, I was only able to get a few important details, such as:

1. It is prohibited by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
2. Some of these "free" text ads consume subscribers load (if you are on prepaid)
3. The fine is Php200.00 per text (and Atty. Gabby Concepcion, went like, '200?!' eh it's a million peso industry! What is 200 to these companies).
4. There are only specific time of the day where these texts should be sent to subscribers. Meaning, we should not get these pesky ads in the wee hours of the morning. 

But what about companies that "sells" subscribers numbers to companies? There's never a week that I haven't received random texts like these:

Dear Globe, please stop selling our numbers to your tie up companies.

Cool and crazy fun Halloween group costumes!

I am a huge, huge fan of Halloween! I remember my first Halloween party when I was still living in Manila and when I dragged my friends to go a group costume party last 2010.

It was so much fun! I am glad that we did it again back when we were still considered in our mid twenties, otherwise it would be a little bit weird to donning those crazy costumes when almost half of us are either married, with a kid, or engaged.

Anyway, I was cooking something in mind about a celebration, that I came across these photos from pinterest. If you are in your twenties and have crazy fun, up-for-it kind of friends, coming as a group for Halloween is a fun thing to do...and a happy story to tell your kids...and grandkids. Here are some cool, crazy, fun costumes as inspirations:

1. Come as a roller coaster!

2. Bring out the Pacman game

3. Make every one assemble the Human Tetris

4. Come Trick or treating as a BLT sandwich

5. Join your artist friends and come as crayons

6. And my recent find...Loofas ( Paging @laiahdear, @Augustjam, @eisenbernar @paupauzamora, get ready for the #KEAoke #ComingSoon)

And more!

And I also know someone other than Heidi Klum who's also crazy about Halloween, right Frankie? :)

I can never be as lazy as Justin Bieber

Source

I admit to being a lazy girl, trashing my old apartment when I am alone and expecting no visitors. My sister, the ever-reliable, cleanliness-freak and my complete opposite, loves cleaning it for me. I admit to procrastinating personal chores, errands, cleaning the apartment, even laundry but I am most prompt at paying bills.

I admit to not being the most reliable person when it comes to doing household work. My family calls me lazy and I can't even get my self to clean the car, that (this is embarrassing,really, but I am not going to sugar coat) a family member  had to always clean it for me. I like my mornings nice and slow (not the usher kind), I like comfortable, laid back silence in the morning, and I like my vacations with the freedom to take things slow and more room for DIY exploration. I prefer flexible itineraries and agree to go on scheduled tours for the sake of convenience but I must, I really must have a day off for my own vacation style.

But I can never be as lazy as Justin Bieber. What exactly is he doing up there? Instagramming while being carried on his bodyguards' shoulders?
 

Someone's got to mentor this kid not to turn into a douche.


POST SCRIPT:

My sister, who's actually been to the Great Wall of China just few months ago told me that it is really hard to climb the Great Wall of China. She felt that she could also use the help.

She also shared that she couldn't complain how hard it is to climb because the elderly Chinese people climbs it without complaints and some even go barefoot.

BUT...Justin could've not posted it if he needed the help.  Because people (like me) can take this the wrong way. #justsaying

The Grad School Diaries: Episode 20 - I almost got Mark Joseph Solis-ed [plagiarized] in Graduate School

In 2011, I ALMOST got Mark Joseph Solis-ed.

On my second semester as a graduate student, I wrote a paper on the topic of Los Baños traffic, which is not even a good paper considering I was still a newbie and working my way around graduate school. We were in our public policy class, and about 20 students with foreign students from Southeast Asia and most probably, funded scholars.

We were required to pitch our topic. My topic had to be in line with my MS thesis, so I asked my classmate Sarah, if I can take off from her previous paper Cyber bullying. But in my case, instead of Cyber bullying, it is the non-reportage of Cyber bullying among high school students. One Saturday morning, a classmate of mine named Janus (yes, I am name dropping here) came prepared with the presentation of his topic.

He opened his presentation with a "Good Morning" greeting translated to different native language of our foreigner classmates, much to their delight.

Then he said: The title of my policy paper is 'A Grove-y kind of Road'.

I was seated three seats from the front, and I thought it sounds familiar because I'd written a similar topic just last semester. I didn't even get an impressive grade out of it, but I still listened.

He flashed the first photo:

I whispered to my friend Aya (who is also my classmate at that time): "That photo looks familiar, I have just one like that, taken on the similar topic last semester."

Then he flashed the next photo:

I said: " Oh my gosh, Aya, I think that photo is mine! If he flashes another photo with arrows on it, I am interrupting this presentation. I did that circle thing with the paint program only!"

Then this photo confirmed it:

I interrupted Janus, raised my hand and asked: "Excuse, where did you get those photos?"

He said confidently: "Oh I got it from the internet." In fairness he did not claim it as his own.

Then I said: "Yeah. Because those photos are from my blog, and your topic is my policy paper last semester."

The entire room, all 20+ of my classmate fell silent. I even heard hushes in the background. It was awkward alright. Even my professor, who is a lawyer by profession, was shocked.

Then for the lack of a follow up thing to say, I told Janus: " You may continue".

And he did, with ALL of my photos from that blog post and not one did he get it from another source.

He came to me after his presentation, to ask about the topic but I don't think he apologized. (Did he, Aya?) I entertained his questions politely. Later, before the class was dismissed, our professor warned us not to plagiarize.

Why I am I telling you this two years later? Well, although I already posted it before, my gradschool friends and I were talking the other day and we got into talking about Mark Joseph Solis, that it was the photographer who took the photos found out that his photos were stolen, that led to my photos getting stolen too and presented it in the same class where I was attending.  Word got around and some said that I should have filed a case. The only difference between Mark Joseph Solis and Janus, Janus did not claim that it was his. Maybe that's the reason I was polite, he did not claim it that it was his. I would have reacted very differently, had he claimed that it was his.

So what happened after?

He skipped the rest of the semester and did not show up on the Finals day. I do not know what else happened to him, but I heard, on that same semester, he was also asking for my friend's paper.

Review: Revlon Foundation Brush

Remember my strange love affair with make up brushes?

This is the Revlon brush that I waited long enough to blog about. I got this online at Target again, although I was not really looking to replace my trusty Marionnaud foundation brush that I got early this year.

I love that it's very light weight and red in color.

I have thing for bristles, as you can see. 

When this photo was taken, I haven't used this yet. But last Sunday, I was able to use this brand new Revlon foundation brush, because I left my trusty Marionnaud brush at the office for my emergency make up kit. I was asked to do the make up of a debutant (my friend's sister) and I was more than happy to do it! Too bad, I totally forgot to take photos of the before and after, because everyone got busy and I was surrounded by kids (I'm talking about  kids aged 4, 7, 10, and 14 years old ) while putting on make up.

Now, one may think that it's really good judging from the brand REVLON alone, but it didn't do much difference from the performance of the Marionaud foundation brush. In fact, I think I prefer the Marionnaud foundation brush than this. I like the performance of the Marionnaud bristles better than Revlon's. There's something about how the bristles of this Revlon foundation picked up the liquid foundation while I was applying it on my muse.Also, I was also a little bit bothered with the way the strands part from one another. I think the Marionnaud bristles was able to hold it (liquid foundation) better.