Seven Days of Isolation and Realization

Nobody wants to get sick, especially on these uncertain days.

 

As the surge of CoVid is getting higher and stricter rules are implemented by the government, most people want to be vaccinated and be boosted. Still, the virus won't perish even in the most careful and healthy-looking individuals.

 

 

It was Wednesday, January 12 when I felt what I thought to be symptoms of the virus. I woke up feeling tired with a headache and muscle pain. It was unusual, especially since I was fine last night. I quickly contacted my sister and she asked several questions. She said I might have the virus. What she advised me to do was to stay at home and to avoid contact with people. I had my food delivered via Grab, and I would request the Kuya drivers to hang it on our gate. 

 

On the second day, just to be sure that I didn't contract the virus and might share it with others, I didn't go to work.

 

On my 3rd day, I had a sore throat and a clogged nose. Still, I am thankful that I have had no fever so far.

My colleagues wanted me to go to work, especially if I didn't have any more symptoms. My family advised me to stay at home and finish the isolation period, which is seven days.

 

 

Sunday arrived and I had to take the anti-gen test kit home. It was the fourth day since the onset of the symptoms. I was scared while I was waiting for the result.

 

 

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, the Almighty! I was negative!

 

It was a relief that I didn't actually have the virus.

 

 

It was also great to hear from my boss when she told me that technically I'm negative because if I hadn't, I might have infected someone since the last day that I went to work. I was truly grateful that no one of my colleagues experienced anything like what I had.

 

 

For the remaining three days of the quarantine, I continued to drink tea, ginger (salabat), eat fruits and gargle salt.

 

 

8th day. I was out of the house. It was like seeing the world differently. This is how a person feels without interacting with people and has been staying for a week inside a house. Wow! It was weird.

 

 

From my seven days of isolation, I learned a lot.

 

 

*I realized that family is family. The first one that I contacted was my second sibling, and without hesitation, she helped me financially, checking me out and asking me if I was alright every now and then. Thanks to her, I had a week of free food delivery and I experienced buying medicine and groceries online for the first time. 

 

 

*Better to be safe than sorry. I thought of my absences at work. I didn't have enough salary to survive the next few days. Yet, on top of that, my conscience would be forever guilty if one of my colleagues got sick because of me. 

Recommended food delivery: Goodah

 

*Don't ignore the symptoms. We already know about the symptoms. For almost two years, we've been socially distant quite some time, and we've had no social gatherings. So why, in the first place, would you deny that you have one? The best thing to do is recognize and accept that you may or may not have the virus, isolate yourself quickly. 

 

 

*Protect me and my loved ones. These days, being healthy is not only advisable for oneself but also for continuing to have strong immunity and mind for your family. 

 

Recommended food delivery: Teaspoon Cafe

The pandemic might stay for a while. We won't know how long the virus will stay. But one thing is for sure, try your best not to get sick and if you experience even one of the common symptoms, observe yourself and don't hesitate to isolate yourself. 

ARC review: Dating the Influencer by Mark Fermill

Reading takes time, and once given an opportunity to read a free book, grab it quickly!

I am grateful that the author, Mark Fermill, gave me a chance to have an advanced reader copy of his soon-to-be-published novel, Dating the Influencer.

I was fortunate to be one of the bloggers to receive a free copy of this book. Thank you, Sir Mark!

Blurb: 

Anica Fernandez relies on her strict schedule in order to survive. Matagal na niyang binura ang bersyon niyang baliw na baliw sa lalaki at tiwala siyang kahit sino man ang dumating sa buhay niya ay kaya na niyang baliwalain.

Not until Derrick Manalo takes notice of her. This famous fitness influencer comes into her life like a whirlwind, and Anica, who once promised herself to never fall in love again, is tested to eat her own words.

What could Derrick Manalo possibly want from her? Is it money? A simple favor? Or could it possibly be... love?

What I like about the story:

Meeting an Influencer.  Who thought that you'd meet a social media influencer in the most unexpected way? That's what happened to Anica when she met Derrick inside a bookstore. Well, that was not the meet and greet that Anica wanted, especially from an old crush.

Social media toxicity. In this age, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube are the biggest platforms to meet your idols, and these avenues are also places where people will judge you regardless of who you are. Anica is happy with her Youtube page and even her followers, but when Derrick suddenly called her up on his channel, her views and following were boosted. However, when an issue came out, netizens used these channels to destroy Anica's life and image.

Depression and Suicide.  This book not only focuses on Anica and Derrick's romance, but I commend it for touching on one of the most sensitive topics in society today. It was difficult for Anica to be in a relationship and trust another guy because of the guilt that she has been carrying since her best friend, Jonathan, killed himself. She didn't know that by opening and telling her experience through her vlog, she inspired a lot of people, particularly another boy who also tried to self-destruct himself.

How It Ends:

Anica is vlogging again, but like a confession type, and Derrick is ever so attentive!

Verdict:

I started reading this book last November, but at that time, I was not fond of Sir Mark's writing style, so I stopped reading it. Sorry! Yet, I gave it a new eye when I re-read it again, and I actually appreciated the first few pages. I continued it, and then I finished it! I was happy that I was able to meet Anica and Derrick and get a glimpse of their lives. It was like I was back to being a teenager again, that feeling of meeting your idol and stalking him on his social media accounts. It was fun! But more than that, this novel is an eye-opener about the toxicity of social media, who the influencers really are in real life, and how one mistake can change one's life, which can be prevented.

 

Congratulations, Mark Fermill, on your newest gem, "Dating the Influencers." This book will be out by next month! Perfect for a heart's day reading pleasure!

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.