Friday 31 May 2013

CMK TRAVELS : TOP 10 TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP (PART 1)

PACK YOUR SUITCASE. AND GO.
There was a point in my life when I thought traveling is just a waste of time, money and energy. NOT UNTIL I PACKED MY FIRST SUITCASE AND STEPPED MY FEET ONTO A NEW LAND. That instant, my perspective changed. 

Traveling makes you appreciate life even more. I didn't get that from any other experience, honestly. It just balances everything out.

I have been grateful to dip my toes into some parts of the Philippines (locally), Asia and a country in Europe. Most of these tips I have learned personally. Be with me as I give you my...


 TOP 10 TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP:

1. Plan your itinerary. Studies say that planning your trip gives you a different kind of high. It is the same high that you'll experience on the actual trip itself. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO DO during your trip. Plan your leaves and let it be your motivation whenever you feel exhausted. Plan so that you can allot more time and money on activities you want to experience most. 


2. Choose Low Key Hotels. As opposed to high-end ones. I assume you are there to go out and not stay on your hotel room, right? If you'll only spend 6-8 hours a day to sleep on your room, might as well use your extra stash  on other fun stuff.

 3. Bring your passports with you. Always. I had some issue withdrawing my money from Western Union in Europe because I don't have my original passport. Remember that your passport is your most (if not only) valid identity abroad. Bringing them with you would be very convenient and safe. PS: Be mindful not to misplace it. Or else, stress alert!

4. Call your credit card company. Tell them you'll be traveling between these dates. I've shared this with you on a separate post (click HERE), but yes. I would have ended up as a pauper in Netherlands airport if not for my good friend's advice. Note though that banks charge higher for out of country swipes. I've got credit card statement to show you what Longchamp bags can do.




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Thursday 30 May 2013

CONGRATULATIONS : CMK'S MAY 2013 COMMENTER OF THE MONTH!


CONGRATULATIONS to
Christine Mae Castillo!
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MONEY MATTERS : SELL IN MAY THEN GO AWAY - NOT!

PHOTO CREDIT SOURCE: HERE
As I write this post, Philippine Stock Exchange has been experiencing a slight correction. If you're a newbie, and it's your first time to experience a downtrend, I've prepared a separate post to boost your ego a bit. Click HERE.

SELL IN MAY THEN GO AWAY - it's an adage that has a basis, matter of fact. Those candlesticks and charts record a trend making this advice valid... but here's a deal breaker: It's true IF your time horizon is short-term (one year or less). The 6-word quote encourages short term traders to sell all their issues and go back in the market some time in August. Doing this is better rather than letting your money sleep, making it prone to seasonal downtrend.

IT'S CLOSER THAN WE THINK - Let's go to a practical, 2013 Philippine setting. May is the month where Filipinos take out a portion of their stocks to finance tuition fees. Some also have plans to wed in June necessitating them to sell stocks. Massive stock selling may mean a down trend in stock prices. Making May a vulnerable month.

Given these facts, should we be wrapping up our stocks and go away? Here are some reasons why you should STAY IN MAY AND STILL BE OKAY. 

Source: HERE

1. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth rate will be released very soon. Simply put: High or sustained GDP rate will attract investors locally and internationally. Related News: HERE

2. SDA (Special Deposit Account) Rate Cut. This is one long discussion but to drive home a point, it's as if Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is saying that you can no longer park the Php 1.9 trillion worth of money at BSP and earn a decent interest. 

Simply put: When these money goes out of BSP, it will flow into other investment instruments (cough, stocks, cough). Or if not, it will go to real estate or consumer goods - either way, this will have an awesome effect on Philippine Stock Market. Related News: HERE.

3. Moody's Investment Grade (is on the way). Fitch and Standard & Poor's have given their nice investment rating to the PH. And if you're invested in PSE this year - you'll see the difference these grades can make! It's nice to make most out of this temporary correction, take it as a sale season to buy those blue chip stocks. Come Moody's rating - you're already positioned to earn.
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Wednesday 29 May 2013

CMK EATS : CAFFE TI AMO (COFFEE AND GELATO) REVIEW



Who loves ice cream and coffee and cupcakes? We do! Sharing with you my all-time favorite ice cream parlor within the ♥ of Makati! Standing just across MANGO shop in Greenbelt, the raw brick walls coupled with edible pastel colors are more than a mighty invitation to take a peek, try their goodies and grab a seat (if there's one available). Some helpful details, if you may:

WHAT: CAFFE TI-AMO
WHERE: Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati
BUDGET: Php 120 - Php 150 (approx)
SPECIALTIES: Gelato Ice Cream, Affogato (coffee with ice cream), waffle with ice cream

Here's one of my documented bonding session with Jolly of The Red Lippie Adventures. Visit her blog HERE. If you need an hour-long heart to heart session with your girls (or guy) this is a perfect location. 


CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺Laid-Back Ambiance. I admit it. One of my key considerations in CMK EATS review is the place. Caffe Ti Amo definitely has A+ in this department. Whether you are in with your laptop to work or friends to chat, this is a good place. Promise.

☺Magazines and comfort room. Coffees are diuretic. It makes you pee, making CR's a bare necessity. I adore the fact that they have one within the place despite Greenbelt's healthy supply of quality CRs. They also have a handful of books and magazines. However, magazines are listed in CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS too. You'll find out later.

☺Ice Cream. Coffee Flavor. Hands down, my favorite of them all. Worth trying flavors are Pistachio, Hazelnut and Dark Chocolate. It's more affordable to go by medium size since you only have to add a few bucks for a larger tub.

I know you want me! -Caffe Ti-Amo Ice Cream





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Tuesday 28 May 2013

FASHION ALERT : FLORAL ROMPERS AND WHITE BLAZERS


I love, love, love colors! And playing dress-up too. A little background: I had the privilege to grace my cousin's wedding one Saturday this May. After that, we maximized our time-off and checked-in at Parque Espana Hotel (Alabang). It's been so long since I published a fashion alert post because of so many reasons. Hence, when I had the rare chance, I asked my mom to snap this shot for me.  

You might be surprised to know that the getup isn't new. It's a by-product of mix and match plus inspirations from one of the Kardashian sisters and Margaux!

DETAILS:
Romper Dress (as seen HERE)
Bag (Charles and Keith, as seen HERE)
Watch from Fossil (as seen HERE)
White Blazer from Tomato (as seen HERE)
Sandals from Celine

Here's the peg for this one. No less than Kourtney Kardashian. I love how she pulls everything so chic and effortless. Notice that the orange romper took the center stage while all the others are toned down into a neutral color.

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Monday 27 May 2013

MONEY MATTERS : HACK-PROOF YOUR FINANCES (ONLINE BANKS, ETC.)


Trivia: Do you know that banks have 200 hack attempts a day? Good news is banks have the most security check in place amongst online sites. The title is rather ambitious. I don't think that someone can hack-proof your online data 100%. Those dot-dot-dot passwords can be hacked by millions of attempts. This, unfortunately, is one of the downsides of  technology. That's the truth.

We marvel how cool we are paying our bills while on the mall, buying stocks while having a spa - but risks are always there. In our quest to secure our minds a bit, here are some tips. Know that this is not exclusive to bank accounts. You can use these tips on your online stock site, travel payment sites, e-mail and other social media platforms too.

5 TIPS ON HOW TO HACK-PROOF YOUR FINANCES

1. Bookmark your sites. Be it bank or other finance sites, do not click on the link from the e-mail. Access the website independently and bookmark it. This mitigates the risk of your data to be phished (or fished, or whatever).

2. Never give away your passwords. Sounds too basic but most people are still not informed of this FACT: Banks would never ask for your password be it via phone or email. So if you get asked by someone claiming he's from this bank - just drop the call stat!

3. Mind your pictures. Make sure that when you make a snap shot of your screen, no sensitive information are exposed. Specially on the last 3 digits of your credit card! Geez. Do you know that when somebody get your whole credit card number and the last 3 digits at the back of the card --- they can purchase online at your expense? Goosebumps!

4. Look for the "S" on their HTTPS. Secured sites have this additional letter. Check your finance sites and make sure it is a secured site. Many people are so relaxed thinking they're not billionaire so why bother to go through all these security stuff, hey, majority of hackers target middle classes because they know that you know but you don't bother to act based on what you know. You know? ☺
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Friday 24 May 2013

CMK TRAVELS : MICROTEL MALL OF ASIA (MOA) HOTEL REVIEW

PHOTO CREDITS: Google Images
Change of scenery within the heart of the city. Sometimes that's all you want when you don't have time and money to travel far, far, away. Yet, you still want to rest and enjoy a quality time with  your loved ones. 

Contrary to conventional holiday tradition, our family usually spends Christmas Eves in a hotel. It's one of our sacred days when we chat, eat and do things together until Christmas day. Not that we're wanton spenders, I firmly believe a once-a-year city getaway is just fine to have some quality time. 

This post is obviously mega-late, but just in case you want to explore a hotel within the city, this review is for you! 

  DETAILS:
Hotel Name: Microtel Mall of Asia
Address: Coral Way cor. Seaside Blvd. 
Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City 1308
Website: http://www.microtelbywyndham-manila.com

WHAT WE AVAILED:
Room Type: Double Room Sunset View
Got it from: Microtel MOA (directly)
Total Charge: Php 5,900.00

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺Lush View. Green and blue hues on a Christmas morning? Hah. I like the fact that they have breath-taking views like these. Sure it's not as grand as Boracay or Palawan facade, but admit it - you sometimes miss to stare blankly at clear skies and think so many thoughts about life.



 ☺ Malls and Restaurants Accessibility. Hotel is literally a walking distance to SM Mall of Asia, Vikings, MOA Eye and others. Last year's Christmas Eve, Jay and I had a fix of Jamba Juice. We got so full that we ended up not having a Noche Buena (we're weird like that!). Also - we tried the VIKINGS RIDES and MOA EYE. I love the thrill on the vikings escapade. Wee. My favorite ride in Enchanted Kingdom is Anchor's Away. They're kind of similar.


☺ Standard Furniture and Fixtures. As much as possible, I do choose simple amenities over ones with grandeur touches. Upon entering, we have been greeted by the MOA Eye view. There's a flat screen TV and a little fridge. A study table for one and since I'm a paper-and-pen kind of girl, I appreciate the fact that they have a set handy. Sala set below is their lobby. Their beds are just right. It's not 100% cotton thread but its plush enough to lend you a cozy sleep. They also have a pool (of which I didn't see because our itinerary was full).


CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:

☻Comfort Room. I may be picky on food but I'm more tolerable on comfort rooms. Theirs however did not pass my low-key standard on CR's. Maybe it's the foot mats or towels. Bath textiles were a bit smelly. Sorry. Maybe it's only by chance but I ended up using my bath towel. 

☻Millie's Buffet Breakfast Scene. Christmas morning was not as quiet as I intended it to be. We literally had to sit in line because we had to wait for our turn. I mean, it's perfectly okay if you're paying only a few hundred bucks. But IMHO, this is a part of our Php 5,900 tag, I'm definitely expecting much more than that.
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Wednesday 22 May 2013

MONEY MATTERS : SHOULD YOU BUY HOLDING COMPANIES?


Think of a holding company as an umbrella. A holding company is a company or firm that owns other companies' outstanding stock. It is a company which does not produce goods or services itself; rather, its purpose is to own shares of other companies. Holding companies allow the reduction of risk for the owners and can allow the ownership and control of a number of different companies. Source: HERE.

As with all things, there are 2 sides of a coin. What's the upside of holding companies?
Owning a share of stock from holding companies give you instant diversification! We're all for putting our eggs on different baskets, right? By doing this, we are covering not only one business but a whole bunch of industry in one go. We'll check what's my TOP 3 Favorite Holding Companies later.

What's the consequence of acquiring them?
One major thing to consider is their price. Generally, holding companies have the highest price compared to their daughter corporations (obviously). One share is material for most Juan and Marias that's why if you'll notice - most stock recommendations do not include these 'big boys'.

Disclaimer: I do not guarantee that these stocks will definitely surge upward. Consider this as purely an FYI tool. You can always do your due diligence and research, as necessary. Having said that, let's go and check:

 CMK'S TOP 3 HOLDING COMPANY PICKS

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Tuesday 21 May 2013

SCRIBBLED NOTES #11: LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO LIVE SOMEBODY ELSE'S SCRIPT


To be genuinely yourself, wear whatever pleases you and laugh at the silliest jokes are blessings by themselves. I was recalling my past life waaay back. I mean, it's not a bad life altogether, but it's more of a tight life, if you may. BEFORE: I thought that make-ups, colored hair and shorts were only for girls living on a red light district. And years after... lo and behold! I look at my face (there's make-up), my hair (beaming brown) and outfit (wearing shorts when situations call for it). 

And then I blab: What was I thinking before?! I am such a narcissistic pharisee (in thought) indeed! Perhaps it's a culture, or some group of people who surrounded me that time. Again, being ultra-conservative is not a bad perspective overall. Just make sure that you're not living somebody elses' life when you embrace it. In my case, when I look deep down, I am not happy with all these stage acts.
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Monday 20 May 2013

MONEY MATTERS : STOCK PORTFOLIO CHECK UP (HOW DIVERSIFIED ARE YOU?)

We already know that diversification is putting your money in different baskets. How does this translate when picking the right stocks to buy? I suggest that you pick different industries that you want to get invested first. For newbies, 5 different stocks are ideal. Once you pick specific industries, narrow down which stocks you intend to buy. Case in point. If I want a utility company, will I pick PLDT (TEL), Meralco (MER) or Manila Water Corporation (MWC)? Do you yank all your money in one or divide them equally among these 3?


It's easy to get lost on how bullish Philippine Stock Market is today, that we sometimes fail to check how diversified are we. Remember that you have to HAVE A STRATEGY and stick to it. Simply put, you should know where you put your money into and when it hits your target price, you sell and realize your gains. "Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing." Warren Buffett quoted. Allow me to share with you my portfolio. I'm not saying that this is the ideal basket. In fact - I, myself, am "trying" my best to get the best of all worlds. 


Banks 37%, Holding Companies 25%, Utilities 18%, Land 12%, Commercial 5%, Consumer 3%. Total is 100%. Notice that a huge chunk of the pie belongs to bank. Whenever economy is good, banks cash in most of the gains since most money goes in and out from them. We're on good times now so it's worth considering. In fact, the highest gain on my portfolio comes from Metrobank (MBT). BDO is also catching up specially when they released their first quarter earning this year. Their income surpassed the expected return. Result? Uptrend on BDO's market price per share.
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Friday 17 May 2013

BLUE WATER DAY SPA COMBO HERBAL MASSAGE REVIEW


One of the most life-changing realizations I've heard {and applied} in my life goes like this: LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO PLAN FOR THAT GRAND TRAVEL, MIGHT AS WELL TAKE BITE-SIZED BREAKS... ENJOY LIFE WHEN YOU GOT A CHANCE.  

Whoah. Very liberating. When you're running the rat race for quite some time, you'll feel a tinge of a burn out once in a while. It's not like you want to drop everything off and walk away. It's more of you wanna drop things off for a while and pick it up again once {you're} recharged. What comes closer than getting that soothing massage? 

 Few steps away from Greenbelt 5, along Mom & Tina's - you'll see a hidden haven by the name of BlueWater Day Spa. You may have seen my Ventusa blog review (HERE) last year about the same, I must say that things have improved! We've been greeted by a nice semi-dimmed reception area. You can see their menu via mini-tripod board together with a short video starring Mikaela Lagdameo, Aljur Abrenica and Iya Villania. We picked Combo Herbal Massage and while we're waiting for our room, the staff are kind enough to lead us into their Foot Spa Room.

Place is cozy and relaxing. They have a brochure of good movies should you want to watch while waiting or being pampered. Their lazy boy sets are bliss to my shoulders and back. Sleep comes naturally with these babies. Now let's take a peek on their washroom, massage room and shower room. As soon as you stepped on the place, you'll hear a medley of nature-inspired sounds. Typical mirror and lavatory with shower and bathroom. You have the option to take a shower first before the treatment.


CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
☺Massage. Their version of Combo Herbal Massage is relaxing and perfect for people who are always in front of computers. It's a whole body massage. What's nice is after the initial back part massage, a hot herbal compress will be gently placed on your back and shoulders.  

☺Quality Treatment. I admire how personal (as opposed to commercialized) the procedure is. IMHO, some celebrated spas are too hurried to wrap up your treatment because there are customers waiting outside. It kinda defeat the relaxing purpose right? In BlueWater Day Spa - they make it a point that you're moving at your own pace. Thumbs up! 

☺Price is Right. Php 800 for an hour and 15 mins treatment is a fair deal. To think it's in the heart of Makati plus you get to enjoy the zen-like ambiance.

TIPS:
♣ You may request which points {body parts} do you want the masseuse to concentrate. I specifically asked ate to concentrate on my back nodules. My sleep was amazing the night after!
♣ Regarding the hot herbal compress, it depends on your heat tolerance. Feel free to let them know if you are comfortable or otherwise with the procedure.

What about the price list? Check this out!
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Thursday 16 May 2013

BEAUTY BUZZ : COLORFUL FRUITS FOR YOUR SKIN

Who wants glowing, vibrant and healthy skin? YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT has become a cliche but still holds true! How I wish somebody could say, "This is the magic potion! Once you applied this, your skin will be at its best in an instant!" Not even a million dollar moisturizer can do that. Dermatologists will attest that one of the sure fire ways to achieve a healthy skin is to intake FRESH fruits bursting with vitamins and minerals! Water (hydration) is also a must.

My friends and titas are asking what moisturizer I'm putting into my face recently. I honestly believe it's not 100% due to any topical products but due to a regimen I'm doing for more than a year. I'll be sharing with you a not-so-secret healthy drink that will do wonders not only for your body but for your skin too!

What you need? 
If you're near any SM Supermarket Branches, you'll find these ingredients (more likely): Strawberry pack (costs about Php 90), Mango pack (Php 30) and Dole Pineapple pack (Php 70). Price is okay compared to a "so-called-fresh-fruit" cup that you can buy in malls (not to mention - they contain sugar and fructose). Note that strawberries might be seasonal, however, you can replace them with kiwi or banana, if you wish.

Fresh Fruits = Love.
What to do?
Clean the fruits first, then just yank all the ingredients in the blender with water. NO SUGAR, if you may. You may adjust the water content depending on your preference. Once ready, place them on a container and store them on the fridge to cool some more.

Benefits?
Fresh fruits equal fresh skin. Berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.) are bursting with anti-oxidants. They are our skin's best friend. ;) Vitamins and minerals are also healthy and will give us that much needed strengthening of our immune system as we're living our fabulous day to day schedule.

After one year and counting...
I only got sick once a year (thank God). This regimen sorta suppresses my appetite too. This comes in handy whenever I crave for junk foods! The most noticeable benefit is my skin's healthy vibe. My last year's post about this is HERE.

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Wednesday 15 May 2013

MONEY MATTERS : ON STOCKS - SHOULD WE SELL AT TARGET PRICES?

Will you hit the SELL button?
 I was having a conversation with a good friend about selling at target prices earlier. Each stock has a target price. If stock ABC hits Php 400.00 then, you should sell. Target price in this case is Php 400. Simple. Hmm...

Firstly, WHERE do we get target prices?  You may join Bo Sanchez' Truly Rich Club for a fee (click HERE). Or if you are using COL Financial as your online stock broker, you have an access to their Streetsmart database where all Target Prices are listed.  

In case you're wondering how to get started with COL, click HERE.
Going back on our opening spiel: Is it REALLY simple, huh?
I guess it's not that simple when "emotions" come into play. 

I'll sell it. Ugh. But what if it goes higher?
"Ako ang iyong konsiyensya. Don't be greedy!"

 I'll wait for the price to rise higher. 
"Good things come to those who wait. 
Ako ulit ang iyong konsiyensya!"

For someone who's new on stock market,
 the answer does not come by so easily.
I suggest 3 options, if you allow me to.

 OPTION 1: SELL EVERYTHING
If you are relying on the recommendation of analysts {of your choice}, then it should be pretty straight forward. In fairness, it really pays NOT to be greedy. Numbers are provided by a competent person so who are we to argue? Yes, prices may continue to go up. BUT, prices may also go down. So to save yourself from stress and regret, do sell everything. After all, the stock analysts know better. 


 OPTION 2: HOLD EVERYTHING
Entire opposite of our first option. Well, it's too judgmental of us to tag people as greedy just because they hold on to a specific stock regardless of the SELL flag. Factors like good fundamentals (potential earnings) of a stock can be a deal breaker. Case in point: Meralco has an undoubtedly good track record (just look at your billing statement, teehee) so to hold on to this stock may be a good thing 3, 6, 12 months down the road.
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Tuesday 14 May 2013

SALADBOX : NATURE BEAUTY


Hey there, Beautiful! And I am talking to YOU! How's your election day yesterday?! I'm pretty sure your right index finger has a purple polish that will stay there for another day or two! ☺

Last week, it feels like Christmas though we're still on a summer month. I got a package from Saladbox. Yay! Here's a quick roll call of what's in for this month's Nature Beauty Box!

Goodie #1: Feel Good Therapeutics Hot/Cold Compress
Goodie #2: Vivid Essentials 24K Soft Mask
Goodie #3: Vivid Essentials Collagen Crystal Soft Mask
Goodie #4: Beauty and Bright Skin Lightening Soap (Review HERE)
Goodie #5: Liole Triple the Solution BB Cream

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Saturday 11 May 2013

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY, MOMMY! 2013

There are things that you have to work for before you acquire. You study hard, you get good grades. You work hard, you get good pays. Yet, there are things that we get only by grace. We don't do anything to deserve it, but GOD gives it to you free of charge.

One of the amazing graces I have since I was born is by the name of Mommy Vho. She's the best-est friend anyone can ever have. With her, I feel invincible!

I know we all feel the same about our moms. We don't deserve such good women in our lives, yet they have been bestowed to us by the LORD. I'd like to be specific about the things I am grateful for this Mom's Day 2013.


GOOD EDUCATION WITHOUT HIGH EXPECTATION

CMK from way back :)

I get a lot of remarks like this: "Did your parents ever force you to study hard, etc.?" The answer is always the same. A big, fat NO. ☺ I am forever thankful to God because He gave me the opportunity to graduate as a Cum Laude and pass the CPA Board Exam - but never in my life have I felt that mommy ever imposed any standards on me. I never felt any pressure to 'perform'. This is one of the things I like to imitate when it's my turn to be a mom. She perfectly conveys that whether I'm a winner or otherwise, she loves me just the same. Mom has always been my #1 fan (together with dad and lolo) * Tears are starting to roll, FYI * 

LOVE SOMETIMES MEAN WE GET HURT 
(BUT TOMORROW'S ANOTHER DAY!)

Crazy times. Crazy faces.

Here's the part where I'm not good at! I'm such a fool for love. And I think, we all are at some point. Let's skip the nitty gritty details but I recall one Christmas Eve, when we prayed as a family, and I was like crying so much (tulo lahat - luha, sipon, laway ☺)... Dad asked mom, "Anong nangyari kay Tin? Sobrang umiyak sa prayer?" And mom remarked - "Nakaka-touch kasi ang prayer mo." Haha. Up to this point we're laughing about that! (facepalm)

There was that moment in my life when 'kill me now' was not merely an expression. That the pain was so heavy, it feels like the end of the world came earlier. Not so recently, I meditated how good GOD is in my life talaga, without that seemingly loss, I wouldn't experience Europe, a job that I love so much, more friends and this blog would've never been existed. I believe that all things work together for good because our GOD IS SO GOOD.

TRAVELING. IT'S MORE FUN WITH MOMMY!
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Friday 10 May 2013

SCRIBBLED NOTES #10: THE GOAL OF LIFE

For many people in the world, real meaning in life is the next vacation, career success, or stepping up the income ladder. It is a life based on pleasurable experiences. Many a human being has toiled their whole life to gain a pleasurable lifestyle only to find a life that is empty and meaningless. You only have to watch television for one evening to discover that advertisers want us to believe this is the goal of life. The work-to-play theme is consistent with most advertising messages.


Solomon was a man who had nothing withheld from his appetite. He was a great builder, a great businessman, and a great lover of women. Every imaginable pleasure was his. Nevertheless, he was to discover that these things alone could not satisfy the human soul.

A recent trip to a beautiful island left me grateful that God had allowed me to understand the futile trap of the work-to-play lifestyle. It is great to experience times of refreshing and visit beautiful places as long as we don't fall into the trap of thinking that these experiences equal a meaningful life. God's beautiful creation can so easily become a prison of emptiness if JESUS is not the center of it. The apostle Paul said there is only one way to find meaning and purpose in life:


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Thursday 9 May 2013

YSABEL'S DAUGHTER REVITALIZING FACIAL SERUM REVIEW


Are you the adventurous type? One who's willing to try and modify your beauty products? I've had the chance to try out a recent product, as part of my monthly Saladbox goodies. That's the upside of subscribing to beauty boxes, you get to try the product first at a lower cost. It took me a quarter to release my review as I'd like to see the effect on me. In case you haven't met Ysabel's Daughter, let me introduce you to her:

PRODUCT: Ysabel's Daughter Revitalizing Facial Serum
PRICE: Php 950 for 30 ml
GOT IT FROM: Saladbox (HERE)


CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
☺No Alcohol. I'm happy that my face pores won't sip any alcohol upon application. 
Since alcohol contributes to our face's drying sensation, it's definitely a no-no.
☺Lavender Infused. Psychological or not, we've been told that 
this substance can transport you to a dream land in no time soon. 
With a lavender extract, our beauty sleep is now a sure thing.
☺Semi matte packaging. I must say that I'm impressed with the bottle.
For a new comer, it must have cost a bit to have a bottle as neat as this.

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:
Disclaimer: This is my personal experience after using the product. I'm not saying that the same will happen to you dear. ☺ That said, I'll set the record straight, I got mini-pimples after I used this. It feels like the substance is so concentrated that I sense the need to wash my face but I didn't. Morning after - surprise! Little pimples are peeking. In fairness, there are people who fell in love with this serum, maybe I'm not just hiyang.


CMK THINKS:
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Wednesday 8 May 2013

BEAUTY BUZZ ON HAIR REMOVALS : WAX OR LASER TREATMENT?

Taken at Laybare

Some say being hair-free is a plain vanity, others say being one is hygienic. 
Most girls {me included} has a penchant of being smooth.
Two most popular ways to remain such are through the help 
of either WAX or LASER treatment. Let's take some few notes on both.

WAX TREATMENT
I personally opt wax treatment on legs. Being moderately hairy, it's ideal 
to get waxed at least once a month. I find it convenient. 
Laybare is my waxing salon for the longest time and I liked their services
 {specifically at SM branch near my place}. Downtime is acceptable.
 I've been told not to wet the area for 4 hours. Tag price is a winner 
too. Wax treatments have a benchmark cost of Php 500 and below.
Check out one of my visits to Laybare (HERE).


LASER TREATMENT
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