What's Your Plan in 2022?

Can you feel that double digits are lucky numbers? I am looking forward to 2022, especially since it is just a few weeks away.

 

So, do you have plans or goals for the upcoming year? I have! That's why I was very excited about buying planners. 

 

Last year, the usage of planners was wasted because of a pandemic. Yet, everything seems to be getting back to normal nearing the end of 2021.

 

I bought two planners (I might add one for handy purposes) to get me pumped for next year. Let's peruse their pages and see what's in store for us.

 

📒Belle De Jour Classic Planner (699 php) 

First time to have it personalized!

I have been a BDJ user since 2013. For this, I didn't buy one yet, but a good friend of mine shared her prized BDJ Travel planner. 

 

When I saw the 2022 cover of BDJ, I was thrilled. I loved the Bella who represented the Universe, and my intuition told me that perhaps it would attract the goodness of the coming year. 

 

And so, without hesitation, I was one of the first 100 who pre-ordered the BDJ kit using Billease loan. (I posted a blog about it. You can read it here: https://perksbewithyou.blogspot.com/2021/11/billease-my-loan-partner.html )

Here are some of the contents of the BDJ 2022 planner:

~Dream Board

~Key Projects Overview

~Goal Setting

 

If you are planning to buy or have already purchased the BDJ 2022 planner, check out the back page because my name is included as a token of gratitude for being one of the first 100 pre-ordered customers. Sweet! Thank you, BDJ! 

 

Wait... 

There's another one that I want to feature too. Because I didn't plan to have one planner, but two for 2022! 

 

📔365 Days Limelight Planner (299 php) 

A vlogger friend of mine posted about the 365 Days Limelight Planner from the National Bookstore. At that time, I was truly curious, but I already had other planners, so I didn't buy one. 

 

Lo and behold, I really waited for this year's edition and I actually liked the designs! I picked the Earth-style because I haven't had one like this! 

 

Here are some of the contents of the 365 Days Limelight planner:

+Bucketlist

+Highlights

+Birthday Tracker

 

Whether you decide to also have a planner or not, be sure to plan something for the coming year. 

Love these stickers!

Long or short-term goals, it doesn't matter. As long as it makes you look forward to 2022, so be it. 

I cannot wait to use these planners on the first day of the year! 

#PerksNewDiscoveries: Facial Hubs at Pasig City!

2019 was the last time that I had facial service, but it sounded like it was a long time ago.

 

I have a bad case of pimple break out that turns sadly into maskne. It has gotten worse in this half of the year. As much as I wanted to get rid of them by going to a dermatologist, the budget is waving.

 

Luckily, I had a chance to experience not only once, but twice, the free facial services. I was one of the lucky winners of the Skinefique Aesthetics and Wellness' opening giveaway last June. 

Their clinic is located on the 2nd floor of the RNV Building in Rosario. It is in front of the Sorrento Oasis condo. The easiest way to go there is via Grab, but you can also ride a tricycle going back to the main road, then hail a jeepney to Mrt Shaw when going home.

 

I won 1000 php worth of GC for their facial services. Nonetheless, I paid an additional 500 PHP to use their Premium Acne Control, which was not included in the prize. It felt like it was my first time having a facial service because of the pricking of my pimples and getting rid of my blackheads. 

My face was refreshed, relieved, and relaxed at the same time. Yay! They offered to sell me their skincare products, but I refused because I was still hesitant to jump into one.

 

My second facial service happened just last month. I won again, but this time it was from Montinola Aesthetic Center Laser Center's Facebook giveaway. Again, I was not familiar with the area, so I took a Grab from Mrt Shaw and was dropped off at the Tri-Ax Two Center Bldg. in Buting. There is a Yellowcab store in front of them and Max's nearby.

 

I loved the interior of the beauty center. Their staff was very welcoming and friendly. They even gave me a glass of water as soon as I sat down on their lovely sofa. I was surprised to have a free skin consultation with none other than the owner, Dr. Madz Roxas. She asked me what service I wanted to avail of from their beauty services. I was not really into enhancement or changing something about my body, so I took the chance of having a facial service again. 

 

I showed her my main concern, and she was the one who suggested that I have their Detox Acne Facial. After the much-needed facial, I couldn't help but check out their acne products and I bought their Retinoic cream, which was my first encounter with it. It was also recommended by one of their beauty staff. I paid 600 php for it and I am still applying the cream at the moment.

 

Aside from the free facial services, I was truly grateful that my acne concern was finally addressed. There were the usual products that I used that made my face oily and dry. I have combination skin now, which is not actually nice. That's why I would really invest in the proper skincare products to control and hopefully get rid of my maskne. 

Flashback Friday: Dreamland (Book Feature)

Have you ever dreamed of a stranger? Well, this person seems to be part of your dream like every day? And you two always meet in a beautiful paradise that you both don't want to leave.  Wow!

Jahric Lago and Chesca Mateo were college friends when they created Dreamland. A collaboration of two students who have always had a passion for writing. I had a chance to sit with them and delve into their thoughts, characters, and future plans.

Read the exclusive interview:

His (Jahric Lago for Rico's Point of View)

P: If  Dreamland will be tap as a movie, who will be your choices for Rico?

J: Hmm... That's a good question. I created Rico who is very close to who I am. Probably, James Reed because he is my crush. But Rico is a probinsiyano. Enchong Dee for Rico because he is tall, dark, and handsome. 

P: Is Rico kinda your dream boy?

J: Yes of course. Why? Creating Rico's persona is like seeing myself. He can be qualified as a dream boy. I would love Rico as a boyfriend because he loves to cook and read books. 

P: Was there an instance that you dreamt of something and happened in reality? 

J: Maybe not like the next day happens. Feels like Deja Vu when you meet people but you haven't seen them. 

P: What would you tell your 2013 self, if you are given a chance to talk to him about writing Dreamland?

J: To keep pushing Chesca more. hahaha... Just keep writing not just Dreamland. I should have pushed myself more. Maybe I have finished a lot already. Keep on writing!

P: There are superstitious beliefs in the story. Are you a believer in superstitions too?

J: Yeah! Maybe because I am a Filipino and we do believe in superstition. I was brought up with superstitious beliefs. 

P: Did you have a hard time writing about Rico?

J: I reflected on Rico a lot with myself. I actually didn't have difficulty characterizing him. I tried my best to include myself in a story because it gives me drive. 80% of Rico is me especially his writer's side.

P: Have you thought of an alternate ending?

J: Well, to be honest with you, I love our ending. You know me I like to know the ending first before writing. When we (Chesca) collaborated, first and foremost we talked about the ending. I don't feel like writing an alternate ending for Dreamland.  On top of my head, I don't want a different ending.

P: Dreamland for me is... 

J: Dreamland for me is... my brainchild with Chesca and it is my first baby. This is the first solo book that I published. 

Her (Chesca Matteo for Point of View) 

P: If  Dreamland will be tap as a movie, who will be your choices for Leigh?

C: For International Artist, I'd love to see Emilia Clarke play Leigh Lucero if that's not too much to ask haha.

P: Is Leigh kinda your alter ego?

C: I would say, Leigh, is College Cheska's alter ego. 

P: Was there an instance that you dreamt of something and happened in reality? 

C: I can't remember exactly but I think there was an instance. What I remember was, I had a series of dreams before that felt so real and it's kind of disappointing when I wake up because the people in those dreams don't exist in real-world anymore.

P: What would you tell your 2013 self, if you are given a chance to talk to him/her about writing Dreamland?

C: I have a lot to tell my 2013 self when it comes to technicalities but I'd probably sum it up with, 'Just enjoy writing Dreamland, you never know when you'll get this kind of motivation again.'

P: There are superstitious beliefs in the story. Are you a believer in superstitions too?

C: There were superstitions that I've outgrown and some are still rooted in me.

P: Did you have struggle in creating Leigh?

C: In a sense where I wanted her to be someone that the readers could somehow look up to or get inspired by, yes I had a little bit of struggle in creating that Leigh.

P: With this pandemic, how should Dreamland look like for a person who experienced anxiety or depression? Do you think escaping to Dreamland would help a person too? 

C: A depressed person either sleep a lot or can't sleep. I hope people who can't sleep may find solace in reading and I really hope Dreamland can be a little oasis for them, a refuge in this chaotic world we are in right now, and eventually lull them to sleep. And, for those who sleep a lot I hope they are also having a wonderful Dreamland in their sleep where everything's wonderful and peaceful I hope they get enough energy from it to get through the day and keep going.

P: Have you thought of an alternate ending?

C: I can't remember if there was another way we thought of ending Dreamland but, now I think if I'll have one I'd probably let Leigh and Rico get married and live a peaceful life.

P: Dreamland for me is... 

C: Dreamland for me is... a dream come true.

I was very fortunate to be able to get to know these amazing authors and read Dreamland. This is a fantasy romance book that you shouldn't miss reading because you fall in love with Rico and definitely get jealous of Leigh! Sana all may dream boy!

Selfie with Dreamland!

You can buy this at TBC Publications Shopee! Grab one now and let's continue to support Indie Publishing books! Congratulations to Jahric and Chesca!

BillEase, my loan partner!

I seriously do not consider having a loan, especially during this pandemic. Yet, I saw the opportunity to try it when Viviamo Inc. posted that one of their options to pay for their Belle De Jour kits was thru BillEase.

I was not familiar with it or my first option as payment because there was another available loan app to which I applied also. However, my loan request was disapproved because they said I lacked one of the requirements. As far as I am concerned, I submitted everything. Oh well, maybe, I was not meant for them.

That's why I tried my luck at BillEase. Lo and behold, their loan application was easier!

I already forgot the process but I just submitted one valid ID and answered an application form.  

You can check out here for more details: https://billease.ph/blog/billease-cash-loan-is-finally-here/

BillEase offered me a 6000 php limit. I only need almost 2000 so there was no problem with me. You have an option with their installment term: one month or three months. I picked three months and the repayment frequency is twice a month (every 15th and 30th/31st).

You have to download their app because the breakdown of your installment details is there. It is updated every time that I paid. I love it that they also remind me three days before the due dates. 

Surprisingly, I received a message within an hour that the application was approved! Wow! My loan to purchase the BDJ kit was processed at the same time. Talking about no hassle! Easy breezy too!

I finished my loan installment with BillEase last October 15. Should I choose them again as my loan services in payment? Definitely! But perhaps in the future. I am a happy and satisfied client of them and I am highly recommending that you check them.

Try BillEase now and worry-free from your purchases and loan! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Priorities: Cleanliness and Sanitize

Remember before pandemic happened, in 2019 we were fond of buying make-up removers or oil control film because for us these was keeping our faces clean.

However, nowadays, we invested with wet wipes or even baby wipes. We also made sure we have sanitizer and alcohol on hand.

That's why, when I had to add to cart on shopping apps and visited the supermarket,  the items below has been my priorities.

~Sanitizer and Dishwashing Liquid

Full Circle is a Filipino brand that made from all-natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Look at their see through bottle?

That's how pure and transparent their products are! No fragrance. Not sticky. Their sanitizer is even good for babies! 

Another hand sanitizer that I used was the Lifebuoy. This is one sticky but when you applied it on your palm, you would see the dirt. You feel cleaner too. 

*Handsoap

ActiPro is probably the most affordable handwash that I found at the supermarket that I liked. The price is 80 php. The smell is actually good. 

My only concern was the pump was defective. I hoped that the item that I bought was the only one because I really wanted to purchase again. 

>Hand and Baby Wipes 

This is the first time that I hear about Kleenfant but this brand is already endorsed by celebrities. The smell of their hand wipes reminded me of something that I utilised when the pandemic started. Yes even baby wipes I could not helped but get one because it was on sale! 

Whatever products that you prefer for your hygienic and personal care, make sure that they totally cleans and sanitise. I hope that my list of new discovered stuff helps you and your family to remain healthy and safe. 

Sanofi Philippines partners with Connected Women to raise awareness on family health!

June 30, 2021, Manila, Philippines — Dedicated to protecting the health of Filipinos, Sanofi Philippines has partnered up with Connected Women for a three-part online forum series to raise awareness on family health and lifestyle diseases. As Connected Women’s official healthcare partner, Sanofi is providing education materials and training to women, to empower them on the healthcare decisions.

The partnership was officially launched on June 30, along with the first installment of the forum series. The event, entitled FAMHEALTHY with Connected Women Online Health Forum discussed kidney health and overall family health. 

“Sanofi’s Panata is to help Filipinos live healthier, and through this partnership, we are able to reach out to more women, who play the biggest role in family health. We want to empower these women, not just in their careers, but in health as well, and we hope to educate them on how they can better protect their families,” shared Dr. Amal Makkhloufi, Country Lead and General Manager for General Medicines for Sanofi. 

“Women have so many responsibilities, and we often have a bad habit of taking care of everyone else but ourselves. With this partnership, we aim to highlight how to prioritize our own health, and to continue to spread the word about common health issues. So we are very excited to be working with an expert in the space of health, with passion in helping women,” said Connected Women Co-Founder Gina Romero.

I was truly grateful to attend this webinar and listened to these inspiring and amazing women for this wonderful and exciting collaboration! 

During the discussion, Dr. Lynn Gomez,  past President of the Philippine Society of Nephrology, talked about the basics of kidney health and how to prevent kidney diseases. “If you are able to detect kidney diseases early, then we can treat it. It's preventable, and like we always say, ‘Everything in moderation’”. 

I learned that the more diabetic and highblood you are, the more likely you'll have a kidney failure. 

There are reasons to get kidney failure but there are more ways to prevent having kidney failure. I truly enjoyed the talk and I was able to discern the facts and relevant information from the brilliant Dr. Lynn! 

The next two installments of the forum series will be held in the upcoming months, and will tackle discussions on other relevant lifestyle diseases. 

#

About Sanofi Philippines

Committed to helping Filipino families in building a healthier Philippines, Sanofi is a multinational healthcare company that promotes a holistic approach to patient care. With top of the line products innovated to provide the best for patients, and health programs that empower and educate, Sanofi continues to be the thought leader in managing lifestyle diseases and improving access to medicine.

About Connected Women

Connected Women helps women reach their goals by enabling their access to connectivity, technology, training, and job opportunities. They aim to increase household incomes and create livelihood opportunities for Filipino women in both urban and remote areas through entrepreneurship, freelancing, and remote work. 

Hey Pau, what's in your face?

I have sensitive skin. Erase. A very sensitive skin. Sadly, I didn't learn from what happened to me last year.

The worst part now is that the skin problem is right in my face.

The redness on my right cheek. 

I didn't know exactly the cause or what triggered for me to have an Irritant Atopic Dermatitis. Probably because of the beauty kit I used at the beginning of the month or because I interchanged skincare products and I didn't do a patch test first. Either way, it gave a negative effect on my skin.

What did I do? 

Attending seminars really help because I was able to hear from a skincare vlogger about Philippine Dermatological Society. When you check out their FB page, you would see a list of hospitals and organisations that offers free skin consultation. Wow! 

I immediately look for one. There was a derma organisation near in our city yet I tried another one. So whichever replied first, I'll tell them my concern. It was USTH Department of Dermatology who contacted me after I left a message on their page asking if they have a slot for that day. Luckily, I was assessed after a few minutes. They would give you options and you have to answer some forms.

I followed the prescription of the Dermatologist and had a follow-up after three days.

Unfortunately, the cream didn't work and it actually became worst. The irritation spread all over my face. At that time, I was getting worried. I asked my family if I should have a second opinion and they pushed me to get one.

I contacted the Valenzuela Medical Center Dermatology but it took them some time to reply to my message. What I decided in the end was go back to my Dermatologist last year. She was the one who told me about the Irritant Atopic Dermatitis.

I'm in my third day of taking my medicine and first day of putting another cream. But I think the redness of my face somehow subside because I've only been using Cetaphil facial wash. No other skincare products even sunblock was not allowed.

One week face 

This blog feature is for everyone who has sensitive skin, dealing with skin problems like mine and spreading awareness. Yes, free consultation is absolutely good but when you feel like things are not doing okay, have yourself check by a professional. Though you have to shed money, rest assured that the best medicine and cure will be given to you. 

Don't comprise your health especially the largest part of your body. 

Let's support: The Voice Kids' Gaea Salipot with her first virtual concert!

The much-awaited concert of The Voice Kids Season 4 finalist and World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) Champion Gaea Mischa Salipot will happen online this June 27. 

Titled “I Believe: A Virtual Concert for a Cause,” the virtual concert aims to raise funds for the benefit of St. Rita Orphanage in Parañaque, a small sanctuary for children who have been left abandoned by their parents.

“I’m thankful that God has now given me the opportunity to share my talent and be an instrument to help others,” said Gaea. “This pandemic has taught us kids to be more caring to our family and to others in our community. I believe that all of us can do something for each other in our own little ways. I want to be of help to fellow children especially those who need extra care and support. And I hope that more people can join in to help.” Great job to this girl!

Produced by Ditse Productions, Inc and Rose Sheane TV Finland in collaboration with CyberPinoy Radio Canada, “I Believe” will be held online via Gaea’s official Facebook Page and YouTube Channel on June 27 (Sunday) at 7PM PH Time. Under the musical direction of ECHO MUSIC, Gaea’s special guests include YouTube celebrity and singer-songwriter Mikey Bustos and the OLPGV Choir. 

Gaea Mischa is a multi-award-winning performer who is best known for being The Voice Kids Philippines Season 4 finalist from Team Sarah of Sarah Geronimo and Team Lea of Lea Salonga. Gaea has also been named the WCOPA 2018 Champion and SM Little Stars 2017 Girl Grand Winner.

Latest Scoop: The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang opens doors to diners!

Are you excited to visit your favorite hotel restaurant again? Which food station will you be making a beeline for? Which favorite dish will you be asking for first? Well, we have good news for you!

The Manila Hotel’s famed Café Ilang-Ilang has once again opened its doors to valued clients. Yay!

The hotel has been responding to queries about the outlet’s reopening. After reviewing the guidelines, as well as heightening health and hygiene protocols, the decision to open Café Ilang-Ilang is an answer to persistent inquiries from its loyal guests and those who have yet to experience it.

The food stations will once again be teeming with exciting dishes, and the aroma of your favorites will surely call out to you as you approach them.

As the world-class chefs are busy behind glass enclosures, diners can go around the restaurant in their face masks and face shields to check various food stations. Because of existing guidelines for dining establishments, Café Ilang-Ilang has implemented the Order & Eat-All-You-Can System, where guests can point to what they want from the spread, and it will be plated for them.

Café Ilang-Ilang serves international selections from Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Korean to everything in between; even Halal.

Mouthwatering!

Fresh and yummy!

You can get your grilled meats at the popular Churrasco station or the beloved Lechon at the Filipino station. You will surely be spoiled in this gourmand’s haven.

US Roast Beef you can't resist!

See if you can resist the selection of desserts, or the local fave and Halo-Halo—the perfect treat to beat the heat!

A gastronomic feast also awaits guests with an amazing gift voucher deal, giving you more reasons to come and visit us. For just P3,000 nett (lunch) and P3,500 nett (dinner), diners can indulge in our vast array of culinary creations. These non-expiring dining vouchers for two are available for purchase until June 20, 2021. They can be redeemed anytime at Café Ilang-Ilang but prior reservation is recommended.  

Café Ilang-Ilang still implements physical distancing and reduced capacity measures that are compliant with the IATF and DOT guidelines for restaurants, so you can be sure that #YouAreSafeHere when you come and visit.

The outlet opens for lunch at 11:30am, and dinner at 5:30pm with last call for orders at 8pm. For more information and reservations, please call 8527-0011 or 0998-9501912 or email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com. You may also book via https://www.manila-hotel.com.ph/dining/cafe-ilang-ilang/.

Book one now for you and your family!