Yes, I'M ENGAGED!

After three months (almost), I am now ready to spill the whole story about this particular event, which happened last July 1st, and has changed my usual life into something special...

Okay, you've already read it on the title.

Nah, don't deny it, you already know what I'm talking about.

YES, I GOT ENGAGED! *trying to hide the "kilig"*

Disclaimer: If you're expecting for an extravagant proposal or sweep-off-your-feet narrative, well you can stop reading from here. We are just a simple couple, and this is a simple proposal. My purpose of sharing this to everyone is simply to inspire and impart some life's lesson. Okay, let's start?

So we are about to celebrate our twelfth anniversary last July 1, 2018, and I was the one eager to plan something special. We booked a flight to Bacolod on the second week of July, since there's a beautiful island somewhere in Cadiz Viejo, where we can celebrate our more than a decade of being a couple (here's my post about Lakawon Island). But of course, that would mean that we won't be celebrating on the actual day of our anniversary. 

But luck hit us. I was fortunate enough to receive a free premium accommodation at one of the hotels in City of Dreams Manila, plus a buffet brunch for two. Very lucky indeed! So I immediately booked June 30 (with the help of a good friend, since the date was almost full at that time), and we were set to celebrate our special day in a Forbes 4-star hotel, The Nobu Hotel Manila. 

We checked in late, because I still have work that day. (I think we arrived at around 5PM). When we saw our room, I was so happy because they gave us the city view and also arranged something nice for our celebration. At the back of my mind, I was thinking of silly thoughts already, like "will he propose later, or maybe tomorrow?", but t idea was immediately set aside because I just looked forward to a relaxing stay---and good food!

In the evening, we decided to check out the pool area, and of course dip for an hour or two. Then after that, we had our lovely dinner at Red Ginger (still located inside City of Dreams Manila). With full tummies, we head back to the hotel and the next thing that happened was...surreal. 

We were on the comfy bed when he reached for a white paper bag. He said that it contains all my fave chocolates and I was so ecstatic! But he didn't allowed me to take the entire paper bag from him (which was weird), instead, he gave me the chocolates one by one and arranged them in an order.  After he has given all 12 sweets, he instructed me to take the letter from their names based on their "order" (so the first letter for the first chocolate, the second letter for the second chocolate, and so on...). 

And I figured it out. 

Yeah I know, it was a crazy way to propose! Before I even blurted out the phrase, he took a white box out of the paper bag and opened it...and there's the ring. 

I am actually not hearing anything at that moment, though I know that he was saying something to me. When I came back to my senses, he was looking at me, totally confused. Took me a while to realize that I haven't responded to the question yet. So with a weak voice, I said...YES!

I cried happy tears while staring at the ring on my finger. "So this is what it feels like" I said to myself. I was nervous, excited, worried and delighted at the same time...it was like an emotional whirlwind. He then teased me, saying that I was really expecting for it, but honestly, it was far from what I expected.

Okay, so we all do have that "expectations" in our romantic relationships. So for a proposal, our ideal would probably be something unique and memorable, something similar to what we see on TV. Well I also have dreamed of experiencing those things, like walking on a pathway adorned by rose petals, or having a candlelight dinner. But reality would slap me and say "hey, you're not in the movies!". And it's true, though I would be dismayed if this proposal happened a few years back, when i was still so quixotic and impractical. Looking at it now, I did appreciate the intimacy of our special moment---no fuss, no add-ons, just the two of us. 

I had to go inside the bathroom so I can have a moment for myself, to be able to stare at the ring and contemplate (so me, haha!). I realized that the ring is just a ring, it only symbolizes the fact that I am about to get married. But even without it, we are still getting married anyway. For the past twelve years, we have experienced the best and the worst. We have gone from being immaturely in love, to a couple who are already planning for their future. I have no regrets that we've waited for such a long time before getting engaged. The years that we have endured together made us stronger and more mature. And yes, I am proud to say that I am engaged to my first and only boyfriend :)

Oh let me insert this, it was so funny because I've written this post last year (Why is everybody getting married?!) and I didn't even realized that I'll be sharing my engagement story the year after (hahaha!). Well, it's about time for us, I guess...though the wedding won't happen this year yet. I'm pretty excited for another chapter in my life! And it's good to be able to share the details of it with all of you.

Apologies for this long post, but I do hope that you enjoyed it! Would love to hear your thoughts and engagement stories too---comment down below so we can talk about it :) As for the wedding preparations, we haven't formally started yet. It was kinda postponed because we are trying to focus on a secret venture, which I'll be sharing once finalized. 

From your soon-to-be blushing bride, 

Let's try these "Essential Oil Rollers" from Get Rollin' PH

Whenever you catch a cold or suffer from headache, do you always pop a pill or two to relieve the uneasy feeling? If your answer is yes, well we are very much alike. I assume most of us become "dependent" on medications because they deliver instant result.

But have you tried using essential oils instead?

There was a shop on Instagram called Get Rollin PH that offers essential oil rollers for various needs. They sent me three 3mL tiny rollers, each bear a label that creatively states where to use it. According to the owner of the brand, they use only pure high-grade essential oils for each roller. 

Now it's time to try them! 

Ohh Nose! contains blend of essential oils that can relieve symptoms of respiratory problems, like colds, cough, allergy, etc. I tried it when I had stuffy nose one morning; just simply followed the instructions and YES, it is indeed effective!

It smells like it has mint, or eucalyptus. After applying it, I went back to sleep, and when I woke up again, my breathing was a lot better :) 

Sore Soother contains blend of essential oils that can generally alleviate pain in tired muscles and even headache. Well I always have muscle pain, especially on my right shoulder blade, so I immediately used it! 

I guess the scent plays a big role on its effect. I did smell a hint of rosemary (though I'm not so sure), and that's new for me. And unlike the common topical oils that we use, which has that extreme "warm effect" after application, this one has a more subtle soothing effect.   

Counting Sheep contains blend of essential oils that can promote a relaxed and sound sleep---and I am addicted to it! Well, I certainly need this one because there are days that I just cannot enjoy a relaxing slumber, especially if I have a lot of things running inside my head (work, work, work!).

This one smells like lavender and citrus. But you must not be tempted in applying it while outside the house, or when you are at work, because for sure you'll end up looking for a comfy couch or bed to sleep on! :)

Want to try Get Rollin's Essential Oil Rollers? Here's what you need to know:

• They are available in 3mL, 5mL and 10mL
• Categories are Young Kids, Kids, Mild and Regular
• Mild and Regular strength use more essential oils than other blends in the market
• Price depends on volume and category (strength)
• Prices per volume: 3mL (PHP90 - PHP160), 5mL (PHP 200), and 10mL (PHP400)
• Don't forget to do a patch test before using

They also offer a Diffuser set with 11 pure essential oils and samples included, plus a limited edition Christmas set for only PHP550---a perfect gift for your loved ones! You can check their Facebook page (Get Rollin') and Instagram account (@getrollinph) for the other variants of their essential oil rollers. 

Hope you like this post, please do subscribe and comment your thoughts below! I am actually thinking of having a giveaway, so let me know which roller would you love to receive *wink*

Now let me go back to counting sheeps...bye!

It's Adventure Time with McDonalds' Happy Meal

ADVENTURE TIME HITS the international fast-food chain--McDonalds--again! There are eight characters to choose from when you buy a Happy Meal. Unlike their first appearance as collectible figures, this time, they are more interactive as there are different games on each character. 

Now I'll show you why they are worth the hoard +  few quick facts about them, which all AT fans can relate to!

Jake the Dog

The magical dog of Finn, known for his shape-shifting abilities also called as "Stretchy Powers".

Inside is a tic-tac-toe game, with the faces of Jake and Finn. It comes with a small pencil and score sheet too! I tried playing it with Japs and won twice out of five!

Finn the Human

The 12-year old teenager who fights evil in the Land of Ooo, together with his bestfriend, Finn.

It is actually a maze game, wherein you can change the background into three different settings. Looks easy, but very tricky!

Princess Bubblegum

Also known as Princess Bonnibel or Bonnie Bubblegum. This smart girl is a scientist, inventor and ruler of candy kingdom.

As you peek inside, it is like a shooting game, wherein the aim is to shoot the metal balls inside the u-shaped pockets. Can you shoot all in one attempt?

Ice King

The ruler of the Ice kingdom and the one who always wants to kidnap Princess Bubblegum, so he could marry her. *yikes!*

The game inside is quite the same with Princess Bubblegum. The only difference was the setting and the position of the pockets. 

Marceline the Vampire Queen

She may be a vampire, but her appetite is not necessarily for blood--but for things that are red *spooky*

It is very interesting inside, because you can mix sounds by pressing the three buttons alternately or at once!

Beemo

Finn and Jake's living video game console system, which can also be a toaster, camera, soccer player, chef and of course, a friend.  

There's no game inside, but just a couple of rectangular cards, each with different expression or emotion. You can change what displays on the monitor by inserting a card. I can actually clip it on my bag and easily reveal what I feel for the day! 

Lumpy Space Princess

The stubborn, apathetic, sassy and always-on-the-phone princess. She can float and infect others with lumps when she bites! Yay!

Super cute game inside! Certainly reminds me of my childhood years *sigh*. You just need to press the star-shaped buttons to push the stars  with holes upward and land them on the transparent cones. 

Lady Rainicorn

A female hybrid of rainbow and unicorn. She is Princess Bubblegums' royal steed and bestfriend---and also Jakes's girlfriend!

Just like Beemo, there's no game inside. But it will unleash your creative side, as you bring life out of the colorless illustrations using the multi-colored pencil!

And we're done! I hope you enjoyed this post and visit McDonalds later to grab some of your fave characters...or maybe snatch them all!  

Cheers to those who are kid-at-heart like me :)

Make Gift Giving Hassle-Free with GC Regalo!

THE BER-MONTHS ARE COMING!! Are you ready for a colder weather and the holiday season? Well, there are a lot of other reasons why we always love this time of the year: overflowing food, endless chitchats, warm reunions, and of course lovely gifts! Getting excited to wrap up presents for my friends and family here!



We all love receiving gifts, may it be simple or extravagant, the mere thought of being remembered by someone is just more than enough. I remember receiving handmade booklets filled with sketches from Mr. J, back when we were just students, they may have no monetary value, however, I treasure them as one of the most-expensive gifts I’ve ever received *smile*.



Basically, receiving something is a lot easier than giving something. If I had to raise a hand for experiencing this dilemma, I will gladly raise both! But real talk, I bet most of us find it extremely (forgive me for the exaggeration) difficult to pick an item as a gift. Considering a lot of things, like the gender, personal preferences, your budget (which greatly affects our choices, to be honest), and a whole bunch of other stuff, we often settle for something that is the result of our lack of time in deciding “which is which”. Whew! The sad part here would be that person, who receives the gift, seems not totally happy with it. 



Alright, here’s the good news: I’m here to help you out! Gone are the days when it took me hours to look for something I could give as a gift, because now I have these FOOL-PROOF GIFT-GIVING TIPS FOR ALL OCCASIONS! Sounds great right? So here you go!

TIP #1: 

Give something that can be use everyday

If it is exceptionally useful, then you’ve given a great gift for sure. Something that could be used in school or office, or even at home, will be ideal. A neck pillow, back massager, or cute coffee mug, are some of your options. Just make sure you pick a nice color and design---stick with classy colors with minimal designs. 

TIP #2: 

Give something that will show your efforts 

If it is for a friend, relative or special someone, make sure to exert a dozen of love and effort. Make a personalized journal, a photo collage, or a DIY project that will remind the person of you. Using your creative head will not only save you some cash, but will definitely produce a unique present. 

TIP #3: 

Give something that could purchase something

Sounds weird? But yes, you can give something that could actually buy something! And that, I believe, is the BEST gift! Why spend your money for a gift that won’t be whole-heartedly appreciated by the person who will receive it? Let’s be honest, we all have our own needs and wants, these are somehow the stuff we wish to receive when we are handed gifts right? But since the gifts are only given out of someone else’s will, we cannot demand, we can only be grateful. 

To cut off the hassle in this gift-giving process and to ensure that the gift will be something that the receiver will truly love, why not give GCs instead?

Oh yes! Gift certificates as a gift can make your life easier! Good thing we have GC Regalo---an online gift certificate store made possible by SM Retail and Sodexo, one of the largest gift voucher companies worldwide and the biggest issuer of gift certificates in the Philippines.

Why choose GC Regalo?

GC Regalo offers the best and hassle-free solution in sending gifts to families, loved ones and business partners in the Philippines through its gift certificates accepted in more than 9,000 establishments nationwide! Whoa! That is totally amazing!


You can choose from their popular gift certificates, which includes:


The Sodexo Premium Pass, which is the Number 1 Gift Certificate in the Philippines. It is the only universal gift certificate in the country, which is accepted in more than 9,000 outlets nationwide! Your loved ones can enjoy numerous shopping, dining, entertainment, travel & leisure options, and so much more!


Well unlike other gift cards and gift checks, the Premium Pass is the most versatile choice, making it the best gift and reward for any occasion. They can buy everything their heart desires with the Sodexo Premium Pass.

Sodexo Premium Pass

The SM Gift Pass (official Gift Certificate of SM Supermalls) will let your loved ones enjoy shopping at the country’s number 1 mall!

This GC can be used in all SM Supermarket, Hypermarket and Savemore outlets for all of your recipient’s daily needs, while they enjoy all the latest sales in all SM Department stores and Appliance Centers as well. Let them catch the latest movies in SM Cinemas or even the IMAX Theatre, and enjoy a fun-filled day at the Skating Rink, Bowling Alley, or Storyland!

SM Gift Pass

  

To order your GCs, head-over to their website: https://www.gcregalo.com/ and choose your preferred gift certificate, it will then be delivered right in front of your doorsteps. Wait, they also have a crazy deal! Purchase 2000php worth of GCs and it will be shipped for FREE! 

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something from my gift-giving tips. I suggest that you give gift certificates a try, they are very convenient and practical, especially if you're a busy bee like me :) 

In the end, no matter what it is, as long as the gift comes from the heart, given with utmost love, nothing will compare to it. 

Share some love...it is God's greatest gift!

Gunpla Expo 2017 + Dong Won + Pyromusical Competition

IT WAS A BUSY Saturday for me because I’ve been to the first-ever Gunpla Expo in the country, dined at Dong Won Korean BBQ house and watched the 8th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition---all of these in just one day! Whew! Tiring, but all worth-it *huge smile*

I’ll be sharing the whole experience below, so please continue reading. 

GUNPLA EXPO

Attending the week-long Gunpla Exposition at Mall of Asia was already planned. Mr. J is a certified builder and collector and he would certainly never miss the opportunity to secure some rare kits, which are expected to be sold at the venue. When we arrived at around 3 o’clock in the afternoon, I felt so discouraged to go inside because of the huge crowd, and even felt hopeless when I saw the long line at the cashier, which already reached the other end of the hall. But still, we tried to fit ourselves in the narrow spaces between the shelves. As I looked at the kits, I felt the urge to buy and try to build one for myself *wink* But the thought easily slip off (I still have a lot on my plate, maybe some other time though) and I just went on and observe the builders/collectors as they scrutinize each kits. 

Even if you’re not a gunpla builder, you’ll absolutely enjoy the expo because there are a lot of gundam exhibited at every corner of the hall. You’ll learn about the history and evolution of gunpla, take a closer look at the different “grades” (classification of gunpla) and have some photo op with life-size gundams; I can’t help but take pictures of these perfectly-assembled models! There must really be a great satisfaction when one finishes a model and even greater when it has been personalized or modified. I fully understood how strong the “poison” that these kits secrete, which makes the builders go crazy! (the term  “poisoned” is part of their jargon, which means “went mad over gunpla kits”). 

GRAY & BLACK. Comfy in shirt + skirt + sneakers + backpack

HAPPY KID. Supporting his "pagka-lason" in building and collecting gunpla.

During our first visit, Mr. J got himself three kits. After a few hours, when his older brother arrived, he snatched two more kits! (poisoned indeed). Two were super rare in the country while the other three are just good deal because they were on discounted prices. After a few shots, we left with a grumbling stomach. 

GOING KOREAN and FIREWORKS

Our cravings for Korean food lead us to Dong Won Korean BBQ House. The supposedly casual dinner became extraordinary because it was the second leg of the Pyromusical competition. The restaurants situated at the veranda of Mall of Asia (facing the bay) were all exclusive for reservations, or walk-in guests, at that time, so as to prevent bystanders in watching the show for free. The rates of food on the menu are a bit higher than usual because of the privilege to watch the firework show; grilling has been ceased as well as part of the mall’s security protocol for the said event. At first, I thought it was not a good idea, but when the food was served and the show started, I realized that it was a worthy deal. 

SHOW YOUR BANDS. China did pretty well on their 15-minute firework display. 

DOUBLE-DATE. Continuously burping over bibimbap, samgyupsal and beef stew.

The food at Dong Won weren’t super exceptional to be honest, so if you’re craving for yummy authentic Korean food, I don’t recommend the place; unless you are just up for the “grilling” thing and Korean experience, then the place can be a good start (just don’t visit during the Pyro event, no grilling remember?). But of course, since the food was consumed over a lovely conversation and under the glowing sky (because of the firework display), it became really special. 

JUST SOME USEFUL TIPS

If you’re planning to visit the Gunpla expo, make sure you do it ASAP because it'll only run from February 25 - March 5, 2017. Moreover, I suggest you wear comfortable clothes so you can move around easily and won’t be soaked in sweat. Now if you’re a builder who’s on a tight budget, you must know what you want first and bring just enough money at the venue. You’ll get “poisoned” for sure and spend way beyond your budget, especially if you don’t have strong self-control. But what is the most important is that you have your camera ready because there are a lot to be captured! 

SEA OF GUNPLA ENTHUSIASTS!

On the other hand, it was my first-time to watch the Pyromusical show while eating dinner and it was a nice and super “sulit” experience! You may want to try it as well, with your family and friends perhaps. Just keep in mind that there are special rules applied. If you’ll be dining at one the restaurants located at the veranda, the entrance is at the right side of Coffee Bean; a reservation will also be helpful, but not really necessary.

No plans for Saturday yet? Use this post a guide! It’ll be a wonderful experience for sure :)

 

SHOP ALERT: Cool Japan + WeDo + Miniso

HOLIDAY SHOPPING spree is about to cease anytime soon. I bet some of you had run out of cash, or already reached their maximum credit card limit. Don't be sad! At least you've shared your blessings through gifts and even bought great stuff for yourself as well. But if you did spend your bonuses mostly on food, bless your tummy! *laughs hard*


Anyway, I found three cool shops just last week and I want to share them here because they indeed offer some great bargains. 

COOL JAPAN

Cool Japan is a Japanese trend shop which opened in the Philippines last November 2015.

I first saw this shop January of the previous year. But when I came back to visit last week, I am so thrilled to discover that they are now selling GUNPLA model kits! And when I gave them a closer look, I was so shocked because they are selling them for almost half the original price! Wow! So if you are a gundam builder, this is a good place to secure your future kits. 

You can find a lot of Japan stuff here: from accessories, to household items, and even beauty products. If you are also fond of collecting Hello Kitty items, they have a lot of it here. 

MINISO

Miniso was established in Tokyo, year 2013. This Japanese fashion and lifestyle brand promotes relaxed and fashionable lifestyle. It opened last November 6, 2016 at SM Manila and had already expanded to several branches in the metro.

I visited their newly-opened shop at SM Southmall with friends, and I must say, they offer more affordable items than Cool Japan, but somewhat pricey than the items at Daiso. It is a good thing that I discovered this shop because they have a lot of fashion and beauty finds which will all surely fit in my tight budget. Aside from that, there are also useful gadgets that can be bought at reasonable prices, like flash drives, rechargeable fans, connectors/cables, lamps, etc. 

WEDO

I discovered this shop after my visit at Cool Japan at Festival Mall (Alabang). WeDo is a Korean lifestyle shop which offers almost the same products as Miniso (I don’t know if they are related or just getting their supplies from a single manufacturer). Anyway, they arecatering more beauty and skincare items (of course Koreans are very fond of them), but also other cute items like Korean accessories and collectible items (like Kpop socks!). 

If you want to get updates about these shops, you can follow them on Facebook. I hope to see you on my next visit in one these stores! 


XOXO,