Friday 28 March 2014

SCRIBBLED NOTES #22: WHY DO YOU DO THAT THING YOU DO?


This very post is my 550th post! Time passes by so quickly, even faster when you love what you're doing. If somebody would come up to you and ask: 

Why do you do that "thing" you do? Thing being your work, your habits, your reactions... Do you have an instant answer?

I've been sharing my knowledge with my students for quite some time now and it's been a roller coaster ride. Time comes when I want to just let go and sleep my mornings away. There are times, though, that I've been so inspired that I could sing Eric Clapton's Change the World with utmost conviction.

One of the reason why I teach is I want desire to share my relationship with JESUS to these teenagers. Teenage years are full of hormones, naive-ness (admit it) and unrealistic expectations about life. Without a sturdy anchor (like a deep faith with the Lord) - you may not come out of this stage alive {figuratively, yes}.

So last week, like what I always do, I shared my experiences with a bunch of students. I gave their final leg work then lo and behold, they handed me over a HUGE CARD + CUPCAKES. That is one of the sweetest moments of me being a teacher.

You see, teaching is not one of the most lucrative jobs in the market, but it is only in this profession where you can tap these young hearts. This ecard has said it all :)


Teaching is not confined in a formal classroom. You can volunteer to teach street kids, or in church or communities. 

For all you know, you may be the only BIBLE someone can ever read in their lives. Be that walking BIBLE as much as you can. Anyone can blab good words but you know what matters most? Your actions. 

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Thursday 27 March 2014

DOVE EXFOLIATING BODY WASH REVIEW


I've been catching up with beauty products road testing these days. One of which is our loot for today. I've always been a Dove girl, since teenage days. The brand has a wide array of fool proof, go-to products every girl can enjoy. Not to mention, it's reasonably priced. I love how Dove soap makes my skin supple and soft, so when they released a liquid body wash version, I'm excited to try! This bottle retails for about Php 100, for a 200 ml bottle - that's fair.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
It smells so good! Admit it, girls are more likely to enjoy shower time with good scents all around! Dove won't fail you in this department. With a pea sized amount, it can produce more than usual suds, something that I like too! Another happy thought is the visible beads (see the next picture below), being an exfoliating body wash, each scallop has some tiny beads you can subtly feel when you rub it across your skin. This will put your shower me-time to another level!
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CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:
While it smells good, the scent doesn't stay that long. In fairness, that's understandable considering its price. Another one is that it takes quite an effort to wash off the residue, a trademark from Dove and other highly moisturizing soaps. This is not an altogether bad thing, just make sure that you won't use this when you only have a 10-minute bath time to spare.
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Tuesday 25 March 2014

CMK READS : LOVE HANDLES (BY RISSA SINGSON - KAWPENG)


Just in case you're starting to miss an addition to CMK Reads series, here's one for you! I thought of shifting genre for a change this time. You may have noticed that the past book reviews are either self-help, inspirational or finance related. I'm taking a quick hiatus from them and will divert to something heart related.

Rissa Singson - Kawpeng. Does her name ring a bell? Maybe yes for most of you, for others maybe not. Rissa is the author of another best seller called Confessions of an Impatient Bride. Her writing style is entertaining and at the same time, understandable. She's a comedian without her even trying. I likened her sense of humor to that of Patty Laurel's. And, lately when I saw Rissa's face, I noticed they have resemblance too! 

Here's a snapshot of my favorite chapters from Love Handles


When God Tells You to Wait
Book opens with the topic I can very well relate to. Waiting. I'm not sure about you, but me, I hate waiting. I never liked waiting. But when GOD tells you to, there's a good reason for that. She mentioned that while you're at this stage, you can either whine like a brat or do these things: Beautify, Grow and Enjoy yourself. Easier said than done, I hear you. And yes, we live in a world where singles are being looked into as though something's wrong with you - but take heart - being positive is not easy, but it's not impossible either. 

Find Your Wholeness in God
The woman in the picture is Miriam Quiambao. Most of us know her story, and it's a good testimony on how God can turn beauty for ashes. Media has this way of telling us: Without a partner, you are "just" a half waiting to be made whole. But - you are ALREADY whole. Why? Because you have GOD.


Many people are in unhappy marriages beacuse they have a wrong concept of what marriage is. They think it's a happy pill that will end their loneliness and longings once and for all. -From Page 44


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Friday 21 March 2014

MY 5 SUMMER 2014 SWEET SOMETHINGS

Everyone will probably agree that shopping has always been a great happy pill for people, young and old. And since it's summer, what better time for us to update our essentials other than now? March is also my birthday month and so, I have more than one reason to splurge! ☺ 

It's been quite a while that I've published a haul, and I'm in the mood for one now. Here's some sweet somethings you might want to add on your summer bucket. Not everything is necessary but each one is a piece of sunshiny thought!

1. BENCH V-NECK TEES
You know that V-neck tees elongate your neck hence giving you a more leaner frame! Add pops of summer colors to that and there you have an instant versatile classic tops. It's only 2 pcs for Php 450. Got a white and bright yellow one. The violet one is for mum.

2.HAVAIANAS IN NEON COLLECTION
I rarely buy Havaianas, last one was last year I think. It's actually a gift from dad. {Thanks Pops!}. They've just released their Summer Neon Collection and this is one of those. In fairness to sturdiness level, I've tried trekking with my old pair and it didn't retire on me. Thank God since I have no idea how to trek the bumpy trail barefooted. o.O

3. GOLD {S}WATCH
Initially, I  was out to get a nice white plated watch but everything's changed when I see how good a white tank top + gold, oversized watch looks like! It's a little splurge on my end but yeah, I think it's an investment in a way. I tried to buy a white watch for less than a thousand peso during my trip in Malaysia but it stopped in its 4th month. Might as well buy a good, quality number rather than scrimping with knock-offs.
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Thursday 20 March 2014

FASHION ALERT : DENIM SHORTS FOR SUMMER 2014


You know summer is coming when Mr. Sun shines brighter than normal and sun blocks are slowly becoming a necessity again. Not to mention, family and friends master planning on where's the next beach / cool place party will be! Cheers to tropical country! And so, here's one of my fave Summer outfits this year, details below:

Black Lace Top from Black Et Noir
Denim Shorts from The Landmark
Bag from Aldo | Gold Watch from Fossil
Studded Sandals from VNC (Malaysia)

I love how Hilary Duff rocks a denim short with variation. Tell her name and I'll sing her song "So Yesterday" with Z-snaps! Hah! Seriously, she's one heck of a girl who knows how to put it all together whether with lean or post-baby bod. Notice how inseparable her denim + shades combo are?

Here's a snippet of my recent trip to Swatch Greenbelt. Since last year, I've decided to get a watch every year. Check out my 2013 write-up HERE. Some sort of a nostalgia piece to remind me how time flies {literally}. And can I just say that I am falling in love with this studded sandals from VNC?! To think that buying such was totally unplanned. Another reminder that life throws unexpected surprises every once so often!



Lastly, I've been developing a penchant to anything white. It just looks so crisp, fresh and versatile. Pair it with a denim shorts and there you have it, the uniform of super models off-duty. Look after the jump!
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Friday 14 March 2014

CMK EATS : MARCHE' RESTAURANT (VIVO CITY SINGAPORE)

Marché Vivo City, located in Singapore’s largest retail and lifestyle destination as well as the gateway to the vibrant Sentosa Island, offers distinctive European cuisines in an authentic Swiss backdrop. The 500-year-old chalet and the original Swiss ski gondola are both the "real thing", brought in straight from Switzerland (Source).

Everybody deserves a good food once in a while. On all of my travel hiatus, I look forward to FOOD TRIPS the most. It should not be necessarily lavish and fine-dine oriented, street setup would do - either way, the test of the pudding is in the eating! And oh boy, we ate our hearts out at Marché!

One cozy Saturday, we met one of my closest friends, Lynne who's currently based in Singapore. She was so kind to treat us a hearty, yummy meal below. The moment we met our words-per-second-chat went sky high. We talked about soooo many things, having said that - you have to pardon me if I didn't get the nitty gritty details of the food below. Anyways, feel free to take a peek!


At Marché, FRESH is the operative word! Being a first world country, I guess Singapore is keen to have their products fresh and on top quality. The toast, strawberry and mango tandem is a welcoming treat to our then-adjusting taste buds. The one with the cream cheese was my order! Don't be fooled, this hefty can fill your tummy to the brim. Interesting to know that their set order includes a glass of fresh juice AND coffee! We're joking that after 30 minutes or so - we need to find a rest room elsewhere ☺
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Thursday 13 March 2014

FEED YOUR ART-SY SIDE AT PASINAYA 2014 (CCP OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL)

For most of us, art appreciation always take the back seat. Specially now that social media is taking our generation's attention by storm. Twitter. Facebook. Pinterest. Instagram. Name it. We have it (on our phone application). Not that it's altogether bad, it's just that we're so focused on our phone screens that we barely see life in its purest form. 

If you're free this March 16, 2014, Sunday, you might want to attend a FREE open house festival of art at Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). It's a cool bonding time with your friends and loved ones since you get to see different dances, art pieces and everything artsy under one roof. Festival starts at 7:00 am. 
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Wednesday 12 March 2014

ELLEFAR PRINCESS DUO COLOR CHEEK (IN PEACH) REVIEW

Can you believe it? First quarter of 2014 is about to end in a few weeks time. That means Summer is here! You'll notice that the makeup trend will slowly transition from glittery festive to baked slash brazen look. A big giveaway that beach season will come by in full swing! 

I've purchased our product for today in a rather unusual manner. There we were, strolling down the Vivo City Mall from our Cable Car Experience (HERE) when Lynne got an amazing idea! "Let's head over to Daiso!" She suggested. It's a Japanese surplus store with all sorts of merchandise. It's a girl's butingting haven! Best deal is everything cost SGD 2 (approximately Php 75)! 

Talk about amazing ideas! The rest of our 2 hour shopping spree is history ☺ 


DETAILS:
Ellefar Princess Duo Color Cheek
Bought from: Daiso Singapore
Price: SGD 2.00 (Php 75 approx)



CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
Truth to tell, I am in two minds whether to purchase a product in the store. However, knowing how keen Singaporeans are in selling quality products {that plus Lynne's thumbs up} - I gave this beauty its time of day. And heck, who can go wrong for less than a hundred buck, right? 

Aside from this being budget friendly, it's also pigmented as it can be! One swipe will leave a significant mark on your cheek. Packaging is also a plus and I like that the darker one is a matte variant and the other, glittery. Mini brush and a quasi-mirror is a welcome bonus too.



CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:
Though I appreciate the tiny brush, I ended up blending the application with my Skin Food blush brush. Your fingers can do the trick too! Also, since the substance is so pigmented, you need to be wary on how much you put on to your cheeks. With just the right amount, you can get that just-pinched look in no time. 

CMK THINKS:
If you're into makeup and experimenting, this duo might interest you. It's not one of the high end products out there, but if you'll look at it on your cheek bones, I'd say there's not much of a difference. 

Here's yours truly wearing the combination:a
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Monday 10 March 2014

BIFIESTA BRIGHT UP CLEANSING WASH REVIEW (FROM JAPAN)

Japan is one of the countries I've been dreaming to visit for so long. Hopefully, 2014 will be the year when I'll set my foot into  the Land of the Rising Sun!

Our product for today comes from guess where? Oh yes! Japan! Before Korea has been known for anything beauty related, there was Japan. And up to this point, Japanese brands still hold a hefty amount of loyal consumer patronizing Shiseido, Shu Uemura, among many others.


Late last year, there was such a huge rave about yet another Japanese brand called Bifiesta. The brand's selling point is their make up remover collection and so when one of my friends went to Tokyo - I've asked her to buy me one. I should've posted this December of last year since I've been using the product for roughly 3 months now!


DETAILS:
Bifiesta Bright Up Cleansing Wash
Size: Approx 200 ml.
Type: Facial Wash
Price: Php 220 approx.


CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
Product is water based, very friendly to my skin. I didn't experience and break outs whatsoever. Face feels so clean but not squeaky dry, something that I appreciate since I tend to have dry skin specially during Jan to Feb months. One bottle is affordable too. Been using this for 3 months now and the bottle is still 30% full.

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:
It takes more than usual to wash off the excess residue. Not sure if it's just me but I do get paranoid that I'm leaving soapy substance on my face overnight! Another one is its size, during travel season - it takes some effort to put some amount to a tiny container rather than stringing the entire bottle along.
And now - for my no filter, pambahay photo of the day :))
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Friday 7 March 2014

CMK TRAVELS : TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN DUMAGUETE, NEGROS ORIENTAL


Summer 2014 is peeking this early and I thought I'd start March with yet another travel post! I have been to Dumaguete November last year and I should say this is one of our country's hidden treasures! It's not as celebrated as Palawan or Boracay but this is something you should set your feet into! Let's look into the Top 5 Places to behold this side of Visayas.

Silliman University
The campus is fondly called SU by the locals. It's a tricycle away from Hotel Essencia (Full Review HERE). You'll marvel the lush greens and blue skies specially during afternoon. They have everything inside the university. Church, campuses, dormitories, study areas, tambayans and the like. It's like you enter into a different kind of dimension when you stroll around the place. Worthy to mention that the locals are very accommodating. Their malambing accent will make you smile in an instant you said: "Puwede pong magtanong?"



Rizal Boulevard
Just a gander away at the back of SU, you'll find the popular Rizal Boulevard. Place is serene during lunch to early afternoon but transforms into a festive place when night time creeps in. If there's one thing that got my attention about the place, it is the NO SMOKING sign being implemented and adhered {operative word} by the locals! Fresh air is common this side of the planet. A perfect way to cap your afternoon just before you think of where to head next for dinner!


Bell Tower
It's a huge, old tower beside a church. One look at the bricks and you'll notice it stood the test of time! There's nothing much to rave about the place except that during the time we visited, we're in for a treat! It's their FIESTA, which translates to us having a chance to watch a long stretch of dancing and fashion shows. Ariba!
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Tuesday 4 March 2014

MONEY MATTERS : 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE GETTING AN INSURANCE POLICY





















A little flashback: I was 8 years old when my mom got me an educational plan in the 90's, pre-need insurance plan was such a boom those days. Then years later, she got another for my Jay (my younger brother). By the time I entered college, we benefited from my plan. But unfortunately, Jay's educational plan was an epic fail.

Needless to say, it took me so, so, long before I decided to get my feet wet and consider availing an insurance plan. It was through my friend, Tara (of Chronicles of Vanity) that the story began. Allow me to share some questions a young professional may think about before signing your insurance policy.

What's my goal?
This is the universal question of life. Getting a financial product, such an insurance, is no exception. Most common misnomer about insurances is you have to be dead to benefit from it. I know, because that's what I thought all along. As much as there's so many coffee flavors, there's also different types of insurance plans. 

If you're single, you might be lured into thinking that you don't have dependents; ergo, no need. That's valid. But, what about some health benefits? God forbid but you have to be ready. Think of it this way: If you need to have a brain transplant today, do you have enough emergency fund to pull out and give to the surgeon? Insurances come into play in this scenario. You pay your premium and from Day 1 - you are covered with the entire coverage.
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How much can I set aside for premiums?

Admit it. There's no such thing as free lunches. Having said that, it's a fact that we need to set aside funds to keep our policy active and binding. Be realistic with what you can afford for now {or a better question is if you can afford one now}. At the end of the day, it is you who will decide whether to avail it now or later.

I hate to be a pooper here but it's funny that one can sustain an everyday-posh-coffee lifestyle without thinking about their long term needs that will surely come. I have a friend who decided to get one for Php 2,500 a month (this translates to Php 83 a day). Not bad, isn't it? 

Another misconception about insurances is one has to pay the premium for like, forever! This is not always true. Best to consult with someone in the know, which leads me to my next point.

Who will be my financial advisor?
It's imperative to confide to someone whom you can trust, whether that's a professional like this health insurance broker in Bend, Oregon or, if you're lucky enough to know someone who works in the field, you may wish to talk to them about all things insurance. Personally, I've been referred to Agnes (she's the lady in blue top). I've included this as a crucial consideration because it is your advisor who will answer all your questions before, during and after your policy. I find her knowledgeable and credible alongside her sunshiny traits. We've become friends ever since. She's also became my mentor. What I like about her is that she didn't push me into what I don't need. She answers my queries straight to the point and gives me workable options which I so appreciate.




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Monday 3 March 2014

BEAUTY BUZZ : BVLGARI AND ESTEE LAUDER PLEASURES PERFUME PAIRS

My penchant for perfumes, like many other things, comes a little later in my young adult life. I am such a late bloomer on a lot of things. Not to worry, as they say, it's better to be late than never. Alongside moisturizers, it was my Mom who taught me how to appreciate the power of a good perfume.

I tend to be stingy when buying anything smell-related. I had this feeling that it's not worth the buck, however, as I grow more mature - I learned that having a signature scent plays a significant role specially in leaving a good first impression (more on that HERE).

I've bought these 2 pairs from my travels. Each pair has a story to tell. Let's start, shall we?


BVLGARI JASMIN NOIR and OMNIA
I got them from Duty Free - Singapore Changi Airport. We visited SG last January 2014 and seized the moment! I only paid for the Jasmin Noir (50 ml) and got the Omnia (15 ml) for free. Total cost is about Php 3,600. Not bad for more than a year of perfume consumption.

It's my first time to try this Italian brand perfume and I'm quite impressed. Both are Eau de Parfum and last longer than usual. Concentration is 79% for both. I tag Omnia along with my Kikay kit while I sprayed the Jasmin one every once so often.
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