I'm Proud of You (Myself), 2019!

What is your proudest moment this year? 

Losing weight? Reuniting with your family? Falling in love? Moving on? Finding yourself?

There are a lot of possible answers and whatever they are, be grateful for this year! 

If it changes your perspectives and beliefs, a great job! If it makes you a better person than who you are in 2018, congratulations!

This 2019, I must say is not a good year for me. 

Financially speaking. 

There were days and weeks that I was about to cry because I didn't have money in my pocket. When I woke up, I would pray that I hope I would survive this day with less than 100 pesos.

In spite of it, I thanked the Lord because he does not abandon me. 2019 is a challenging year especially that I made a decision to release a new book.

Last April, I attended a workshop called Indie Publishing The Write Way. 

My lovely workshop buddies and mentees!

It was organized by my awesome and talented friends, Cindy and Marigold of 8Letters. It opened my eyes that I can self-published my books.

I was scared though. 

My manuscript was finished in 2017 and I already submitted it to some local publishing houses but unfortunately, it was rejected.

I found an incredible editor (Ate Melai), creative cover artist (Jahric) and a worth it printing house (spearheaded by Ate Joy). So far so good. 

I was able to find an event where I could launch the book without spending too much money. I already shed my savings on the editing and printing processes. 

The day before November 2, I was having a doubt. 

Is it really happening? Will I able to sell my books? 

The book launching of Once Upon A Stone was during the Philippines Romance Convention.

I'm thankful to Miss Maita for giving a platform for my novel. 

With my fellow writers! Miss Maita is the one sitting at the center.

Words were not enough how happy and overwhelmed I was for those friends who came, dropped by, support and bought my books! 

My favorite bookish friend!

My ever-supportive Frenny!

You made my book launched success! 

It was only the beginning of the ride for me and Once Upon A Stone. 

On the 30th of November, I was luckily invited as one of the guest speakers for the first Wordsmiths Guild Writing Workshop in Pangasinan. 

All thanks to Raena and Mine for organizing a community for fellow writers. 

Thank you Raena and Mine!

Not even my misbehaved tummy stopped me from sharing my knowledge to the aspiring participants. I just hoped that they learn something from me. 

While doing an ice breaker

Group photo

Ending my 2019 with a blog post of how proud I am surviving the year with ups and downs. 

Looking forward to 2020 with an optimistic vision, inspiring heart, and a sound mind. 

Perk's New Discovery: Loving My Skin More

I can say that this 2019 the skin on my face really improves. I might have breakout every now and then. But, I observe that my skin glowing and healthier compared to the previous years. 

I'm grateful for the products that I am currently using and the brands that I discovered. Sharing them with you because they might works their magic too with you. 

Keep Me Cool Bamboo Toner and Serum

-The first thing that caught my attention with these two products they both contained bamboo! 

Wow! I received the sample packs when I attended #ABCommunityPH Meet and Greet as a thank you for being one of the registrants who paid early. 

What I like

*Non-sticky~ Both have a watery texture. 

*Odorless~ For the sensitive nose, this is perfect especially if you are into products that are not scented. 

What I don't like

*Fast-Absorption ~The serum easily absorbs with my skin but I felt like that I didn't put anything. 

Emu Restorative Soap

-Its been a while since I used a skincare product with Emu. 

I discovered the One Organics when I attended the Cosmo Beauty Con and their team was very generous. Aside from the discounts that they were given, they also gave me a freebie! How awesome is that right? 

I bought this soap because it was 40% off. I was overwhelmed when they gave me a free make-up remover! 

What I like:

*Smell~ Emu has a great smell and I missed its fragrance. 

*Texture~ I like that it is not rough. I can easily cut it off into two. 

What I don't like:

*Effect~  At first, my skin is okay but later on, I felt that it became rougher. 

Dermanatufian Toner and Serum

-These two were definitely the best find out for me this 2019! My current fave is the toner! 

The generous RR Korean Shop gave the full sizes to every attendee during the #ABCommunityPH first meet-up!

What I like:

*Coolness~ The toner is really a winner for me! I love the feeling of being refresh every time I use it!

*Smell~ The mint scent is not too strong with toner. I like it! 

*Thickness~ I'm glad that the serum is transparent. I can easily see how much I should apply on my face and at the same time left on the tube.

*Packaging~ The simplicity of how these two look like is a winner for me.

What I don't like:

None. Obvious that I'm a fan of both products!

I can't wait to share new product discoveries by 2020!

A Celebration of Gift Giving with Zoomanity!

Its the season to be jolly and the best way to give back with all the blessings are sharing it.

Zoomanity Group's CEO, Robert Yupangco, celebrated his birthday last Sunday, December 15 on Unlicity in Trinoma with the DSWD kids.

There were parlor games like stop dance and bring me which the kids excitedly participated in. 

Dance presentations were performed by cute and talented girls and boys. 

Despite the hot afternoon, everyone was enjoying the program especially the kids! Their laughs and energies were truly a behold to see.

The actual gift-giving came after with bags containing toys and stuff for the children. 

Everyone has a huge smile on their faces.

The Christmas Gift Giving is an annual charitable activity of Zoomanity Group where they chose sets of orphans from different foundations to experience a whole day of fun, love, and care in their parks. 

You may contact Zoomanity Parks from December 1-31, 2019 to be part of this wonderful celebration via their numbers: 847-0413 or 899-9824 or visit their website for more details: www.zoomanity.com.ph! 

You can any bring a donation, in cash or in any kind and let these less fortunate children experience and feel the true essence of Christmas! 

(Most of the photos with the kids were taken either side view or their backs for their protection.)

A Night to Remember with Lee Seung Gi!

Last year, my sister and I went to Lee Jong Suk fan meet and greet. After the concert, I wished that Lee Seung Gi will also come to the Philippines.

And the Universe heard my plea.

When CDM Entertainment announced that finally the Triple Treat Entertainer, my favorite Oppa Lee Seung Gi will finally coming to the Philippines, I was jumping from joy. I immediately posted in my Facebook account how excited I was and contacted my close friend who is also a huge fan of Gi.

As the tickets selling approached, I reminded my friend and she was ready. At 12:01, she bought us MVIP tickets! My heart!

It was a VIP section and the perks included were a photo op, poster, and special gift.

October 12 came. The concert venue was at the New Frontier Theater, Cubao. It was raining before the guards let us inside. It was a good sign.

By six in the evening, everyone was on their seats. There were cheers when Seung Gi's songs were played. The anticipation was at the highest level when the lights were turned off.

So near yet so far!

The super excited fan girls!!!

And the crowd cheered when Lee Seung Gi took the stage.

There was no introduction, just him and his melodious voice singing Because You're My Woman.

Sam Oh, the vibrant and jolly host along with Seung Gi's handsome interpreter Sam greeting the Filipino fans, his Airens.

Photos and videos were not allowed as soon as Sam Oh informed the audience how the night will go.

The segment was called Big Data.

The first part was getting to know about Lee Seung Gi. It was like a talk show portion. They were laughing and teasing and Seung Gi was game on answering the questions. His personality shown as he enjoyed telling stories while sitting cooly on the chair.

The Vagabond Move

The second part is about his adorable dog Perro. It was very obvious how Seung Gi is a proud Father of Perro. Lucky pet indeed!

And the last part of the talk show was his awards and recognition. Gi was humble with the achievements that he received but the award that he really wants to have if ever is the most hardworking. Definitely, I'll give it to him if one does exist!

When Oppa changed his outfit for the next segment, Sam teased him that he looks so good with it and even asked why did he choose the wardrobe.

Kidding aside, Gi's answered was sexy is the concept!

He was an absolutely handsome chef!

One lucky fan got to taste his kimbap creations.

From the winner's twitter acct post

We were laughing while he was commenting on the available ingredients and materials. Lee Seung Gi is one heck a perfectionist when it comes to the kitchen and we love him for that!

There were games that were prepared with his fans like jumping rope, sipa, and charades! Seung Gi accepted the challenges with all smiles. Lucky winners who brought home shirts which he used during the first few episodes of Vagabond.

And before the night was over (wish he can extend until midnight), Seung Gi showcased his balladeer voice with Delete and Return while made everyone dance with their feet with Smile Boy and Let's Go On Vacation.

I was sad that he didn't sing Losing My Mind which was my favorite track for him but my heart soared when the group photo took place.

Omg! He passed in front of me and I was starstruck. I was grateful though that I was not seated beside me because I probably fainted. Ha! Can you spot me?

Thank you to Lee Seung Gi for coming to Manila and even if it was just one night, it was the best meet and greet concert that I have been so far.

I really hope that he will come back someday. Perhaps, I will finally handshake his hand and have a selfie with him.

Nuuk: A Tale of Different Kinds of Love

The first time that I saw the trailer for the movie that shot in beautiful Greenland, I was intrigued. Nuuk does not have the average story of a Filipino film and I was right.

Luckily, I was able to watch the red carpet premiere last November 4, 8 pm at SM Megamall Cinema 1.

I was able to see the matinee idol Aga Muhlach and 90's IT girl Alice Dixson who looks young.

Photo by RMT

I tried my best not the spoil anything with the scenes and plots by enumerating the things that I learned from the film.

1. Love of Parents

Photo from CNN Philippines

-In other words, familial love. Our parents love us most and will do anything for us. Alice Dixson (Elaisa) shown that a mother would always forgive her son, Karl no matter what wrongdoings or how messy his life is. When a child is hurt it is 10x painful to a parent like in Aga Muhlach's (Mark) case.

2. Love for Yourself

Photo from Starmometer

-Before you can give your love to others, you should love yourself. Unfortunately with Elaisa who is heartbroken with the death of her husband, she just wanted to sleep and forget about everything. She drank sleeping pills like it is her anchor. With alcohol and several pills in her system, she was almost overdose.

3. Love for Life

Photo from Starmometer

-This movie opens up about that depression and suicide are a real problem now in society. In Greenland, the number of suicidal victims is mostly teenager which is too high. The sad part is these kids are wasting their lives because they cannot deal with heartaches and life's challenges.

Ending: That surprising plot twist! Bomb!

Verdict: It was spectacular to see Aga and Alice in a brilliantly made film! I love Aga's acting and Alice portrayed her character very well. 

Perks Be With You's rating: 10/10 (I will definitely see it again!)

Nuuk is rated R-13 and it is showing now! Go and see this must-watch film of 2019!