In a few weeks, another year is about to end. Save the classic lines: looking back, time flies, so much has changed... I'm tempted to use those overused phrases. As always, I don't know where and how to start. My projects for 2024 ended last week. It's one of the rare times when I can spend weekends without thinking about deadlines. We still have work to do. But I feel relieved that the core projects are over. See you again next year, for another batch of patience testing and mental health gaming episodes.  November is supposedly a lighter and relaxing month for me. It starts on Al ..read more

We were not suppose to take the Halong Bay trip. This was the reason why we took the more expensive small group tour in Ninh Binh.  I took the recommendation of a friend to skip the touristy places in Vietnam. On the way back to Hanoi from Ninh Binh, we made the last minute decision to book a trip to Halong Bay. Armed with a great internet connection (Thank you Shopee for the affordable and reliable Vietnam sim), I booked a trip via Klook. We took the small group tour in a Limousine bus in Hanoi with buffet lunch for Php 2,282.25 per head. If you have more time and patience, you can ..read more

When in Vietnam, Halong Bay has always been identified as the leading destination. Social media leads often mention Sappa, Hoi An and Phu Quoc. Ninh Binh was not a popular choice. Days before our trip, the workplace's travel agency offered optional tours in Ninh Binh or Halong Bay. While everyone chose Halong Bay, we went with Ninh Binh. There were only two of us who signed up and in the end, the tour operator cancelled the trip. I was initially disappointed. But, it turned out for the better because I scored cheaper tours from Klook. The workplace's travel agency offered the trip for around P ..read more

It wasn't a planned purchase. But as always, the bag caught my attention. It looks like the Goyard St. Louis tote bag. While I still cannot afford a Goyard, other similar bags can work for now. Christy Ng is a Malaysian brand that offers shoes and bags. I discovered the brand through ad placements from my Facebook account. After a few clicks and social media algorithm, all those local Instagram based sellers appeared in my suggestions.   I saw a number of Philippine based resellers accepting pre-orders. But as expected, their prices are higher than the retail price. A Christy Ng ..read more

Writing this post made me feel older. I was born in the 80s and growing up in the 90s always meant hearing Seiko Wallet's commercial, whose tagline remained the same, Ang Wallet na Maswerte. I also can't forget how the voice talent pronounced the phrase, genuine leather. Instead of je-new-win, it was pronounced as je-new-wine.  I never owned a Seiko wallet. Though oftentimes, I would see wallets as gifts for my parents. The brand has also been present in all SM Department stores. A few times, I would browse their wallets, but nothing appealed to me. I always purchase faux leath ..read more

I was never alone.  When my brother was hospitalized last month, help came along the way.  I'm making this post because I have been restless, anxious and filled with worries in the past weeks. I'm not sure if it does help. What I know for sure, being grateful will always be right. On the day my brother was rushed to the hospital, my eldest cousin came with us. One thing I realized, it helps to have someone outside the immediate family on moments of decision making. In that case, my cousin was with me when I was navigating the process of admitting a patient. My cousin never lef ..read more

New year, new beginnings. Sure enough, there were new beginnings that came. Along with it as always, are tests of strength.  When mom passed away, the immediate concern was my special brother. The first few months were filled with fears, worries and tears. After a few months, we found a reliable care giver. We now consider her as our family. We would not have made it without her. She was our answered prayer.  A few more trials came in 2022. Me and my special brother became COVID positive. Everyone was worried of my brother, who was never given clearance for COVID vaccine. With the ..read more

It's been a while ...  Years ago, this was my routine. I would spend my Saturday or Sunday nights taking photos for my freelance work and Instagram account. I will check my phone for photos from the entire week and blog about everything during the weekend. Things changed. Mostly came from my mother's death almost three years ago, additional responsibilities and as always, challenges from the workplace.  I wanted to detail everything here. But a blog post will not be enough. I also don't know where and how to start. Though I have to admit, it feels good whenever I'm able to write do ..read more

New York City is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, with so many iconic landmarks, world-class museums, delicious restaurants, and unique neighborhoods to explore. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. Here are five important places in New York City that you simply can’t afford to miss on your trip. The Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty is arguably New York's most iconic landmark. Lady Liberty has welcomed immigrants to America since 1886, standing tall and proud in New York Harbor. To see the statue up close, take a fe ..read more

Today was great. I was blessed with an extended weekend break, which allowed me to take time off from work. We were suppose to visit the mall again for the Sistine Chapel's exhibit at Capital Commons. On the last minute, I changed my mind. I wanted a change of scenery. My social media account's algorithm must be perfectly working. It gave me suggestions near my hometown. I encountered a Tiktok video about Casa Mellifera and in a snap, I chose this over another trip to the mall.  It's address felt familiar and true enough, it's situated a few meters away from Burrow Cafe. I also learned ..read more