Thursday 30 January 2014

VICTORIA'S SECRET LOVE SPELL REVIEW


To smell good has always been my happy thought! Yes, I'll always be devoted to that citrus-y signature scent of Clinique Happy Heart but admittedly, I've fallen under a Victoria's Secret spell, a couple of weeks back. Funny thing was - I've sniffed this scented lotion a decade ago, and it's only now that I've truly appreciate it. Much to a point that I got one for myself. 

I love that VS released a travel sized lotion. For Php 300.00, you can slather all those 60 ml. lotion to your heart's content. The bigger size, costs Php 600 approx. I've got their best seller - hands down to LOVE SPELL. It is a hybrid of floral and vanilla notes, according to my olfactory nerves :D

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
First, let's make it clear that it smells OH-SO-GOOD! It's worth your money since it can serve as a perfume substitute {just in case you forgot one}. It's hydrating too. However, my favorite part of this purchase is the plastic container is so handy you can bring it wherever you wanna go!
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Wednesday 29 January 2014

MONEY MATTERS : 4 BLUE CHIP STOCK PICKS WORTH INVESTING


Chinese New Year is just around the corner! As with any other new year, it's best to revisit our goals and start something your future self will thank you for. Investing in stock market has always been dubbed as one of the greatest wealth accelerator. It can multiply your money when invested in right companies. To answer the question of SO, WHAT'S A GOOD STOCK TO BUY THESE DAYS, is a homework for each of us.

Today, I wish to share with you my TOP 4 BLUE CHIP STOCKS WORTH INVESTING. Please note that I don't guarantee that these will sky rocket 100% {you might shoot me when these stocks went bearish} :D What I'm sure is that based on my due diligence, these are promising stocks in days to come.

PLDT (TEL)
Price as of 27 Jan 2014: Php 2,704 per share
This is the priciest among our brood. However, this is the most attractive too. Since the market is on the red zone nowadays, stocks are on sale! And this is no exception. For year 2013 - TEL has paid the highest dividend among all stock shares.

Let's talk practical: TEL owns PLDT, SMART, Sun Cellular and many more. It's outlook is good in the years to come - with the advent of internet and social media boom, it's so easy to see. That said, if you have some money to spare - make sure you make the most of this season's stock sale and buy slowly but surely.

BDO (BDO)
Price as of 27 Jan 2014: Php 80.00 per share
"We find ways." I'm sure you've heard of this in print and screen.  Did you notice how "cheap" the price is. Oh man, it's Php 80 only. Your cup of posh coffee is way pricier than this. Invest in your future.

Let's talk practical: BDO, being the flagship bank of SM Group of companies, has a bright future to say the least. It's sprouting like mushrooms all over the metro (and in provinces too). Another thing: If you have deposited your entire life savings account to this bank - you might as well invest some chunk for a more good looking profit *wink!

JOLLIBEE (JFC)
Price as of 27 Jan 2014: Php 157.60 per share
True Story: I have a friend who bought JFC when it was still Php 90 per share. So if she bought 500 shares - let's do a simple math. Php 157.60 less Php 90 = Php 67.60 profit per share:

Php 67.60 * 500 shares = Php 33,800 PROFIT is not bad! Now, you're getting the picture!

Let's talk practical: For crying out loud, who doesn't eat their famous Chicken Joy?! Tell me!! :) Their sales are in terms of billions. JFC is on every street corner. Every kid wants a piece of the bee. I can't help but to sing: Bida ang Saya! *Ka-ching*
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Saturday 25 January 2014

CMK TRAVELS : 5 FRESH THINGS I'VE LEARNED (SO FAR)

To travel is to break routines. Suddenly, you're waking up on an unfamiliar bed, eating a breakfast that's not so usual, and stuff. To travel is to discover yourself as much as the place you're venturing into, to say the least. To me, what's ultimate about traveling is you learn in every single journey. Here's a handful of what I've garnered so far... 

1. Learn how to read a map.
 Or an MRT map for that matter. I have a confession to make: On most of my travels, I'm more of a follower, never a leader. I guess I'm just too tired analyzing those stations, not until my recent trip! Since it's only mum and myself - I have no choice but to brave those sketches and interchanges.

It's not that difficult, in fairness. Above all, it gives you that sense of fulfillment knowing you know where to go, like one of the locals. Sure, we made some few wrong turns here and there, but overall - it's FUN.

2. Petroleum jelly can be your best friend.
If you thought this beauty only comes handy during winter season, think again. My lips are cracking like crazy in Singapore, good thing I've tagged along this mighty moisturizing agent. How can a life saver costs only a handful of bucks? I appreciate this pot all the more.

3. NEVER drink a Starbucks coffee with an empty stomach.
By the time I'm writing this piece, my tummy is still recuperating from a massive shock caused by a mixture of empty stomach and high dose of caffeine. I vow never to do that again. If there's one experience I'll never forget - this would take the first place!
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Thursday 16 January 2014

CMK TRAVELS : ACE HOTEL & SUITES REVIEW

Last year, our family spent the Christmas Eve at Ace Hotel & Suites. I've been one of their regular clients way back 2009, however, it's my first time to try their other branch.

They have two branches, one located at Quezon City and the other at Pasig. Ace Hotel & Suites is located at Pasig. We've discovered that this branch is much, much closer from where we live. 

I've learned to manage my expectations since last December 2012 - I set it up so high but ended up a wee bit disappointed. I'm talking about our experience at Microtel Mall of Asia (Review HERE). It's not horrible, but there's nothing worth returning to, either. 

Lo and behold - I have another story to tell on our 2013 Christmas Adventure!


THE BEDS
I am such a low-maint gal in terms of beds. Ace's plush beds exceed my expectations. Their sheets are crisp and has that mild flower fragrance. Pillows are carefully arranged that we have to get hold of ourselves NOT to dive just yet - since we need to capture a picture of an unfazed, good looking bed. It's fit to be shared by 2. Ideal for a family of 4. They also have a free bottle of wine (of which you'll see on the next batch of pictures).


THE DESK AREA
I chose to do some work on a Christmas afternoon and they're okay with that. Our family is drama-free in terms of one's career choices. It's only a couple of hours though so no quality time was wasted. It's just that I missed a couple of TV programs they're laughing about.

Their study area is lovely! They thought of everything. A good connection, a neat power outlet structure, phone line, and a kind-to-the-back office chair. I appreciate that the area is well-lighted too! 
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Wednesday 15 January 2014

MONEY MATTERS : HOW TO REQUEST FOR STOCK CERTIFICATES AT COL FINANCIAL?

To have shares of stocks means you are technically a part owner of a specific company. This is a good investment vehicle to grow your money. Note that you have to conduct your due diligence (careful research) first before investing on anything.

Another feature of stock market investment is you can include this in your asset portfolio. Common example is when you need to apply for a visa (specially to first world countries). You have to satisfactorily show to the embassy that you have assets to finance your trip (or even as a cushion should anything happen to you abroad).

This is what this post is all about. In my case, I've been invested at COL Financial Philippines which is an online stock platform. This means that when I purchase say, PLDT shares - a physical stock certificate is not given to me. So, how can I ask for a copy of all the stock certificates? Here's how.


HOW TO REQUEST FOR STOCK CERTIFICATES 
AT COL FINANCIAL?

1. Log in to your COL account then go to Home > Forms.
2. Click on the link within the red box above.
3. Scan the copy of your signed form and email your request to stockcerts@colfinancial.com.
4. A duly signed PDF copy will be sent to your mail.

There's a transaction fee of Php 100. A notice of debit adjustment will be sent to you like below:

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FASHION ALERT : WHERE TO SHOP FOR YOUR WINTER NEEDS?


Winter season can be beautiful! I've had the privilege to visit one country (during its winter season) some few years back. Being raised in a tropical country, I cringe in every movement! It's fun but it takes a lot of getting used to, brrr... :) FUN - because my makeup stays on my face for so long, I don't see a dire need to swipe any primer. And my cheeks are blushing 24/7. Teehee! Only challenge is swoosh of sharp cool air run through my bones and it makes me shiver like crazy! Anyways, here's a run down of my outfit above:

DETAILS:
Fuchsia Scarf from the Landmark
Mocha Trench Coat from Calliope
Gray Sweater from Surplus Shop 
Slacks from Landmark
Mittens & UGG Boots from Prague's weekend market 



WHERE TO SHOP FOR YOUR WINTER NEEDS?
As I was strolling Glorietta one weekend, I chanced upon Terranova. I admit that I'm not a regular on this alley. I find their styles a bit too edgy for me. However, I saw the magic sign (#SALE)! And so I gave it a try! I suddenly recall that I need to shop for some winter clothing due to an upcoming trip and when I saw the quality of their products, oh boy! I'm impressed!

Catch though is their price point is quite high. So it's best to visit them when they're on sale (they still are till end of January or while supplies last).  I window shopped at Glorietta but I ended up buying from SM Mall of Asia branch. Here's what I bought:
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Tuesday 14 January 2014

FASHION ALERT : RED {MANGO} PANTS

 
To this date, I'm still loving that Christmas Red pants. Red has always been a festive color and it can give you multiple happy vibes in no time! My family spent our 2013 Christmas Eve at Ace Water Spa Hotel in Pasig and boy, we had a good time. The travel to Tagaytay the next day was a different story {read horrible traffic}. Haha! But hey, that's life. Enjoy the journey, they say, and so we did {or at least tried to}.

DETAILS: 
Black Lace Top from Black Et Noir
Chritmas Red Pants with Zipper Details from Mango
Watch from VNC (yes they do have watches)
Wedge from Celine
Bag from Aldo

Inject Neutral Tops
If you're following my fashion alert series, I've mentioned this "wear something neutral" thing a dozen of times. And again, I'm saying it now, since it's such a universal rule. Bold pants plus neutral top and vice versa. Did you notice how red goes well with caramel brown, black or even plain white top?



Add some height
It's a fact that wearing heels improves your posture, not to mention it can add a structure on your already fab getup. It works well with wedges or even closed patent pumps. Flip flops are oh-so-comfortable, that's for sure, but whenever possible, amplify your fashion presence with a nice pair of shoes {with a little heels, thank you very much}.
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Monday 13 January 2014

2014 TRAVEL CALENDAR

Here's a little something for our travel-loving friends out there! Meet my friend, Majoy. As I was scrolling down my FB page, I noticed these unique calendar shots. I wasted no time and sent her a private message, asking her if I can publish these picturesque masterpieces in my blog. She said yes! {Happy Dance}. Here we go!

Note: All pictures are private property of Majoy. She's a traveler and these shots are taken from each of her trip. I'm so loving this Batanes landscape (see January 2014)!

January: Batanes Rolling Hills

February: Full bloom Sakura in the streets of Kyoto

March: This cave has lent a beautiful frame of Nakabuang beach in Sabtang in this picture.


April: Sakura and the blue Kyoto sky.

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Friday 10 January 2014

SCRIBBLED NOTES #19: TO BE HAPPY, HAVE A HEALTHY DOSE OF QUIET TIME


No amount of material things, people or events can compensate the lack of God's presence in our lives.
In this cosmopolitan world, one truth remains: Nakatanim sa bawat tao ang Espiritu ng Diyos. Have a personal alone time with God. Prioritize it.

1. Awareness of God's presence / proximity.
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you." -God
To be aware of God's presence, SILENCE IS REQUIRED. 
Be detached to people even for a few minutes.
Go back to old-fashioned devotion.
Set apart 15 minutes in the morning and evening.
Have a breathing space and enjoy it.
You have to find ways to communicate with GOD personally. Empty your mind.

2. Loving God and His presence more than loving other people / things.
How to be stable emotionally? Make GOD your center.
Do not love the world (more than GOD).
If you do, you are digging your own grave (disappointment).
God wants to be in your center because He will never leave you. 
Whether we like it or not, people and things are bound to leave us, 
but if GOD is in our epicenter, we can bounce back from any challenges life may bring. (Wow!)

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Thursday 9 January 2014

MONEY MATTERS : HAVE YOU TRIED CUTTING YOUR CREDIT CARD IN PIECES?


Credit card is a great money saving tool if you have lots of will power with you. Case in point: You can gather points and use such to buy your groceries and kikay stuff. Like fire, it can bring you warmth and comfort when used under your control. Otherwise, it can burn your whole house when blown out of proportion.

It was 5 years ago when BDO sent me my first pre-approved credit card, and I am a happy client. Until now I use them. That's my one and only credit card. I noticed that they've raised my credit limit to close to a hundred thousand. However, I have this self-imposed rule that my bill should not go beyond one-third of my credit limit.


 Months ago, they sent me another one. A pre-approved card specifically for online purchases. And I did something weird on them. I cut them in pieces. Why? Let us count the ways:
a
  • Having another credit card prompts you to use them (at least once).
  • Virtual card (or online credit card) has only one purpose, and that is, for you to spend.
  • Spending online, can be quite addictive. Say, before, you occasionally browse coupon sites, but now - you regularly does so - and buy a handful at a click of a mouse.
  • One doesnt 'feel' money leaving his wallet with credit card purchases. Since it's automated, it's as if the cash outflow has no effect on you.
  • Online purchases are hard to track. When you buy in cash, there's a sense of mental accounting of money leaving your wallet - this is usually not the case in virtual cards.

CONTROL YOUR CREDIT CARD BEFORE IT CONTROLS YOU
Sure, retail therapy works. Sure, that dress looks awesome on you. However, MODERATION is key. I've seen people being ruined financially and their wanton spending habit is the culprit. Master the art of balance, specially on money matters.

CREDIT CARDS: FRIEND OR FOE?
Credit card is a neutral thing. It can either be your friend (with perks and points) or foe (you being charged with sky-high interest rates is NOT fun at all). It's up to you. Use credit cards at your advantage. Pay 100% of your balance the next month and you won't have any problem. Bottom line: If you can't afford it in cash - you can't afford it. Stat!
a
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Wednesday 8 January 2014

NIVEA SOFT MOISTURIZING CREAM (FOR FACE, BODY AND HANDS) REVIEW

Happy New Year! One unwelcome by-product of year end celebrations is {unfortunately} air pollution. In fact, Rappler shares that "Air pollution in Metro Manila after New Year celebrations this year was 3 times worse than the air pollution recorded on the same occasion last year, said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)." And we know very well that air pollution is a popular skin culprit. May this be a wake-up call for us to take extra care of our skin.

Last month, I just hit pan the pot of my NIVEA VISAGE SPARKLING WHITE PORE MINIMIZER (Review HERE). I am happy with the product except that I noticed the substance tends to be heavy on my skin when used over time. With that, I resolved to look for a water-based night cream.

DETAILS:
Product: NIVEA SOFT MOISTURIZING CREAM
Type: General Moisturizing Cream
Price: Php 154.75 for 150 ml. 

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Monday 6 January 2014

SCRIBBLED NOTES #18: GIVE THESE 5 AWESOME GIFTS TO YOURSELF

1. FORGIVE others so you can also be forgiven.
♣ Forgive and set yourself free from them.
♣ Being free from anger is, in itself, a great reward.
♣ It's good for your health, looks and productivity.

2. GO only with the people you like.
♣ Whenever you can, stay away from negative people. You have a right to choose. You owe it to yourself to enjoy life.
Dapat in-love ka sa ugali (when choosing your partner in life).


♣ Avoid people who oppose, negate, invalidate you. Be emotionally detached. 
♣ In the same way, wag maging kontrabida sa buhay ng iba.

3. PURSUE your dreams, your destiny.
♣ God's design and will = destiny.
♣ How's your destiny (dreams)?
Huwag mong itapon ang mga pangarap mo. Fulfill your destiny.
♣ God's plans = natural to you, closest to your heart.
Hanggang maaga, go after your dreams.

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Friday 3 January 2014

BELLE DE JOUR PLANNER CHRONICLES : 2010 to 2014

It was December of 2009 when I first heard about Belle de Jour Planner. That year, I've been using a planner from a doughnut company since none of the coffee shop planner is "me" enough. It got me intrigued on what to expect that I searched the web to have a glimpse of it. Bloggers that time are not that rampant hence I relied on images and photo captions. Saw the layout plus the coupons. This is MY planner! I bought my first BDJ way back 2010 and since then, I've been a regular Bella! Be with me as I stroll down the memory lane with a glimpse of "those-years-that-were"


2010
This year was a "Wander Year" for me. It was when I decided to leave my comfort zone and accept another responsibility. That was a bitter sweet goodbye since I have many friends to leave behind. Later part of the year has been memorable in good and not-so-good ways. I reviewed my scribbles and I got the feeling of me, searching who I really am that time. In every aspect of my life, that is. Also, this was the year when I've bought my first car (Reddie).

2011
This has been one of my breakthrough years. I had the privilege to visit Europe for the first time. Czech Republic to be exact. I've always been that sheltered-type of girl, so when I got to taste how it was to TRAVEL ALONE, I got mixed emotions! There are so many learning experiences this year but two of the greatest blessings I've encountered are: a) my current career b) the ability to move on (you can read this in whatever aspect it may seem appropriate ☺)

2011 was the year when I started this blog. Yay! A very interesting year to go back to, indeed.


2012
This year was a year of "starting over", in so many ways. Many friendships and opportunities have been kindled this year. I've decided to be actively involved to a church ministry once more. It's also 2012 when I've dipped my feet into the academe world, something that I really wanted to do for the longest time. It has been quite a year of travel for me. I've visited Seoul, Korea with my friends and Bangkok, Thailand with my mom.

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Thursday 2 January 2014

MONEY MATTERS : "HOW TO START INVESTING?" A 22-YEAR OLD ASKS


Hello Rica! What a perfect time to talk about personal finance! You have your goals set already, that is to buy a home and open a business, what's next is to figure out a way to achieve them.

It's very good of you to mention your age and your current earnings. With this information, I can tailor fit some suggestions to suit your needs. And oh! I understand how it feels to be loaded with information. It feels so overwhelming and sometimes, it gives us confusion instead of enlightenment. With this, I list some few tips on how to get started. Here we go:

♣ Set proper expectations.
This is one of the first lessons a newbie needs to get acquainted with. Building wealth takes time. Pretty much like a college degree, we need to invest not only money, but self-discipline, and a whole lot of effort to get to the pot of gold. You'll experience some setbacks but don't let that stop you. Make it your passport to success!

♣ Build your emergency funds first.
Very important. It's never good to invest your money (specially in stock market) without a buffer fund. How to compute for your emergency fund? General rule is this: Compute your monthly expenses and multiply it by 3. So, if your monthly cash-outflow is Php 5,000. It's best to save for Php 15,000 in the bank first. Only after that should you think about investing.

♣ Answer these necessary questions.
You need to know yourself before you invest. Sounds weird? Trust me, even banks require you to answer questionnaires before they receive your investment money. It's a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) requirement. Sample questions below:
  • How many years do you intend to invest your money? (Time Horizon)
  • How would you feel if a portion of your money loses its value (say, from Php 10,000 the value decreased to Php 8,000)?  (Risk Tolerance)
  • Do you have any other investments, to date? (Diversification)
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