Navy is the New Pink

Why, Hello There!

2018-11-28T20:31:00.002+08:00

Yes, you, whoever you are reading this post. Hi!

I have not posted for a very long while -- two years, to be exact. So if you're new in here, welcome! And if you're not exactly new here, lemme explain why I've been MIA..

First off, I've gone through two job transitions for the past two years. You heard that right, two. One is for a government agency, and one (where I am now) for a multinational company. Both workplaces I have enjoyed working, but I find myself transitioning from one workplace to another because... It's complicated, but to cut through the chase, I feel like I don't get my "worth" back there. And my present workplace does not disappoint -- I found newfound friends, got myself a mentor, and best of all, my travel time from home to work was significantly cut in half!

Meet my work friends!

Meet my new work family! I'm the girl in the center, wearing black-and-white stripes

More of the happenings in my life when you click "Read More".

Second, I FINALLY GRADUATED FROM LAW SCHOOL!

My studio shot!

I am finally through with my eight-year-long law school journey. You heard that right -- I spent eight years in law school, another story for another time. For now, I am finally conferred with Bachelor of Laws degree!

Right before I enter the graduation venue

My mom, me and my dad

I finally got my diploma!

Best part? Me and boyfriend graduated together!

Relationship goals!

Third, I took the Bar exams this year. This was, by far, the most grueling period of my life so far. Again, another story for another time. For now, the Bar exams itself concluded last Sunday, and now the waiting game for the results begin, since the results won't come out until the last week of April or first week of May. Below are some of the photos from my six-month Bar journey.

Just one of my study days..

Acknowledgement of the Supreme Court's receipt of my Petition to Take the 2018 Bar Exams

Our school held a send-off party for us bar-takers!

I hear the novena mass at St. Jude Shrine every Thursday without fail.

I made a pilgrimage to Manaoag a few days before the Bar

Inside my hotel room during the day before the second Sunday of Bar exams. With me is my Bar buddy Mae.

Sorry for my less-than-desirable face in here, but the four Sundays of Bar exams just ended.

I am now looking forward to writing in this blog now that the Bar exams are finally over and I have a lot of time in my hands besides my work. I am also planning to do an overhaul of my blog layout and, hopefully, I could get myself a domain name!

So excited for the days to come!

[REVIEW] Kryolan TV Paint Stick aka The Foundation That Survived the Morning Rush Hour

2016-11-15T21:12:00.003+08:00

Hiya, guys!

Today I'm doing a review on the Kryolan TV Paint Stick in shade LO.

From the Kryolan official website:

Successfully proven cream make-up in stick form. The special base of TV Paint Stick allows gentle make-up application that provides effective covering at the same time. The Kryolan assortment of more than 250 color nuances for selection is truly extraordinary - which makes this preparation indispensable for stage, film, TV, video work and more.

God knows how long I've been looking for a foundation that would last a really long time on me, because other foundations that I've tried so far would melt on me after only a few hours and an intense combination of sebum (oil) and sweat. This is even after putting on a little bit of primer. In Tagalog, madaling mahulas ang foundation sa akin. So I figured, maybe a heavy-duty makeup would do for my case.

A short story about this product: I've been hearing about Kryolan through Martha of The Beauty Junkee. Martha, who was a Theater Arts student prior to her career as a beauty blogger, personally swears by Kryolan for her stage makeup. She even has a post dedicated to the different kinds of Kryolan foundations, which includes recommendations for products that are suited for everyday use. One of those products was the TV Paint Stick.

Ever since reading that post sometime in 2012, I've been lemming about buying my own TV Paint Stick. It took me a long time before finally biting the bullet and purchasing one for myself.

I picked up the shade LO, which is quite a good match for my current skin tone -- medium with yellow undertones. There are over 250 shades available in this range according to the website, but I'm not sure how many are available in the Philippines.

More details when you click 'Read More'

As the website description suggests, it's a cream foundation in stick form, which is an ideal format for an application with minimum to no mess. I also love that the stick is quite wide that it covers a bigger area when applying. Combined with a full coverage, this means you only need a few swipes to get by your foundation application. Translation: a little goes a long way, and the product will last you a looooonnngggg time.

Hand swatch

L: Fashion 21 Stick Foundation in Almond
R: Kryolan TV Paint Stick in LO

When applied, it does not feel like you have anything on your face, unlike other full coverage foundations which feels heavy or sticky or both, either when applied or after a few hours. However, it does not improve the texture of your skin, as you can see in the close-up photos -- the acne scars and bumps are still visible in close-up.

Also, the stick tends to drag the skin when applied, which can be bothering for some. It's best to prep your face well prior to application, which means applying moisturizer or primer as the case may be, so that the product glides smoothly when applied.

One thin layer of the TV Paint Stick all over the face, set with Maybelline Clear Smooth All-in-One Powder Foundation
Time check: 8AM

Close up photo. The bumps and hollows are still obvious here.

On the first day of trying out this foundation, I did not sweat or oil up as much, but I do tend to touch my face often (bad habit, I know). After around seven hours, the foundation is still there, but then it's starting to fade because the dark spots on the under-eye and cheek areas are beginning to show.

Time check: 3PM

Now, for the ultimate test: I wore the foundation at the start of the day. The day I did this, I was doing a brief field work -- that means commute from the office to the field and back to the office. I took the bus on the way to the field, that is why I was able to take a start-of-day photo using the foundation.

Take note that I did the same thing as in the first day -- one thin layer all over the face, and setting with a powder foundation. However, I added an extra layer on the under-eye and cheek area for extra coverage. This is also a way of testing out how it will work when done in more than one layer.

Time check: 7AM

I went back to the office via MRT, and a jam-packed one at that. Even though the train that I rode was north-bound (Taft to North Ave.) and it was quite close to lunchtime, the train cars are all packed with commuters. Commuter girls, I'm sure you know exactly what happens inside a jam-packed train, right? #mandirigma

And so here's the photo of me upon getting back to the office after the field work and that gruesome MRT ride.

Time check: 12:30PM

Wow, minimal fading! The extra layer on spots did work!

I took this photo after blotting the oil on my forehead and nose area -- apparently, oil control is not quite good but I don't mind that so long as the foundation stays intact. Another issue that I have is that it transfers even with just blotting. A solution to that is to get yourself some heavy-duty setting spray so that your makeup lasts until you take it off.

Overall, just surviving the morning rush hour with the makeup still (almost) intact is enough proof that Kryolan TV Paint Stick is good enough to be categorized as "commuter girl's makeup essentials."

And hey, watch my video review of TV Paint Stick down here!

A Note From Jessa

2016-09-04T18:01:00.001+08:00

Hiya, guys!

It's been more than six months since my last update here, I know. Lame excuse but I really do have a whole lot on my plate right about now, which I'm gonna talk about when I finally get the time to sit down and write.

Just dropping by this blog to let you guys know that I'm still very much alive and kicking (hehe!) and will update you guys as soon as I could.

Hugs and kisses!

Latest Happenings

2016-03-29T22:50:00.001+08:00

HIYA GUYS!

Oh my goodness, it's been AGES since I last posted something. Yeah, right, I've said that three posts ago, but it's true -- I've been busy lately with school stuff, extra-curriculars, work and many more, so enough talk, on with the updates...

Last month our school participated in the Conflicts of Law, an inter-school sports and events competition. One of the events that the school joined in was the debate competition. I was one of the debaters for the school, with my boyfriend and another classmate of mine.

Mind you, this was the first time that our school competed in any debate competition EVER. There was a little bit of pressure from our part because of that fact, but our adviser told us to just enjoy the moment and learn from the experience because this will be the foundation of the debate club that we will be establishing.

Long story short, we did not win the competition but it was okay. We did learned from the experience, and even for me, that is all that matters.

The Debate Team (plus our student adjudicator)

The debate team in action (actually while formulating our arguments before the debate proper starts) Photo courtesy of Dr. Cyril Consuelo

More updates from my life when you click 'Read More'

A week after the debate competition was the school's foundation day, and I joined the oratorical competition. I talked about my outfit that day in this post, but going back to the competition, I chose a topic that is entirely different from the topics that the other contestants have chosen. And because of that topic (and piece), I placed second.

Right after this post I will be posting the oratorical piece that I use for the contest.

Me and Kim and photobomber Julius

During my turn in the oratorical competition. Photo courtesy of Dr. Cyril Consuelo

This month, we finally established the debate club! There were only eight of us in the organization, but nevertheless we are brave (and crazy) enough to join two (!) debate competitions next month! Afterwards, we are going to settle the matters pertaining to the recognition of our club as a legitimate organization in the school. (Yay!)

Working dinner with the debate society

Someone took a selfie while the meeting is ongoing. Thanks Moay!

Finally, last Holy Week my boyfriend and I went to Batangas to visit our friends who are now living in Sto. Tomas. They are actually our former law school classmates who fell in love, left law school, got married and had an adorably bubbly three-year-old boy. We went to the National Shrine of St. Pio (aka Padre Pio) which is just a short tricycle drive away from where we are staying, and the next day we went to Shercon Resort which is, in my opinion, one of the best resorts/events venue/ecopark in Batangas.

This was our first time to travel by ourselves, so it was such an experience for both of us. All the last-minute planning, budgeting and whatnots has been worth it. Well, maybe because we stayed at our friend's house so accommodation was not much of a problem, but if we booked a hotel (or a room at a bed and breakfast) maybe it's an entirely different thing altogether. But what an experience nevertheless.

These were the only photos of the trip that I had so far, and I grabbed it from my friend's FB page. Most of our photos was in my boyfriend's phone, and he has not uploaded it nor sent a copy on my phone. Anyway, it does not matter -- I'll just update my post when I have the photos.

Ze couples -- Adrian, Kaye, boyfie and me

Wacky shot!

I think that's it for now, and I hope you don't stop following my blog. See you in my next post!

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] Seven Things That Cross My Mind A Lot

2016-02-15T21:48:00.000+08:00

Photo credit here

Hiya, guys!

Today, I'll be talking about things that crosses my mind a lot.

Truth be told, there are a lot of things going on my mind every single time. It's impossible for me to think of just one thing -- it's possible, but after that all of the things connected to that thought will be on my mind as well.

Crazy, right?

Anyhoo, here are the things that cross my mind often, and how I think about them at the moment.

1. Law School

My status right now is fourth year, but I won't be graduating until second semester of 2017. But the thought of failing just one subject in the coming semesters is bothering me, just because doing so will delay my graduation plans. So I'm just studying the hell out of myself just to make this through.

2. Youtube Channel

If you've followed this blog for more than three months now, you'd know that my sister and I started our own Youtube channel. So far we have four videos up on that channel but to this day, we have not added up to that number. The reason for that is the lack of tripod, because we could not shoot decent stills and sitting shots without it. Hopefully I could buy an inexpensive one once I got my pay, and I'll be able to upload a new video come Sunday.

More of my thoughts when you click 'Read More.'

3. Career

To be honest, my career is in a standstill right now, mainly because of pretty bad career decisions that I have made recently. On one hand, I'm thinking that I should find an office-based work because I needed money, but on the other hand, an online job will do because I would not stress myself over work schedules and transport from work to school. Is it really a good idea to stick to an online job for this purpose?

4. Life After Law School

I'm most definitely taking the bar exams the same year I graduated from law school. Actually, as early as my second year in law school I have plans as to how I will do the exam review. But right now, I think I'm changing my plans a bit; and maybe even the day after my law school graduation I'm still formulating my game plan for my review.

5. Bar Exams

More specifically, whether or not I will pass it. I'm scared as hell for that fact. If I pass, where do I work? If I don't, what now? Sure, I'll do a retake, but I'll have to go through that long review and agonizing waiting time again. Ugh!

6. Marriage and Family

Not gonna lie -- I have been thinking about marriage for quite some time now. I mean, me and my boyfriend have been together for nearly six years now; so it's no wonder for me to have those thoughts. In fact, we're already talking about how are we gonna be when we get married and have our own family. However, I'm trying my best not to think of it too much because we're still a bit far from getting married. We're still waiting for that 'suspensive condition' (an event that is sure to happen though uncertain as to when) to arrive before doing so. As for what exactly the suspensive condition is, let me just keep it as a secret, okay?

7. My next entry

Of course, I have to think about what I'll write about in this blog next. :)

So that was it for the thoughts that come across my mind often. Curious about anything you saw here? Leave a question at the comments section, and I'll answer it when I could.

Oh, and again, don't forget about the rest of the series!

Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9
Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14
Day 15 | Day 16 | Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19
Day 20 | Day 21 | Day 22 | Day 23

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] Two Letters

2016-02-14T23:09:00.001+08:00

Photo credit here

Hiya, guys!

We're still continuing with the 30 day blog challenge even after a long hiatus. Today, I'm asked to write a letter to someone.

I actually prepared notes, not exactly letters. I think these are the things that the recipient would want to hear from me the most.

That being said, let's begin with my letters...

Dear 20-Year-Old Self,

How's law school? Are you enjoying yourself so far? Or are you now feeling the pressure of having to pass the bar after graduation? I'm telling you this -- it will put on a huge weight on your shoulder, but believe me when I say you're strong enough to carry it.

And how about work? Was the job easy? You got friends now? I'll tell you what, maintain a good working relationship with your boss. He's nice but can be strict at times, and most of all you can rely on him even after your employment there is over.

I could see that you're crushing on that tall and tisoy guy at work. Well, scrap that. He's just not that into you. Put your attention on that chubby boy at law school -- he's actually a nice guy, and will take care of you even if you don't want to.

As for that incident you got into, don't let yourself sink into that rubble. Repeat after me: you'll get over it. That incident will not define you and your future.

Take care of yourself, and study hard!

Love,

Jesselle, 27

My next letter when you click 'Read More.'

Dear Future Self,

I'm not sure how you look like by the time you're reading this, nor how are you doing. All I know is I want to talk to you about where I am right now.

I feel like a failure in my career -- if I am to write my resume in the most honest way possible, I doubt if anyone would hire me. But I'm pretty sure God has a plan for me when it comes to that aspect -- maybe He's trying to tell me that I don't have to worry about work right now because a better career is ahead of me in the future.

I also feel like a failure as a daughter. I did not fulfill early all of my parents' expectations on me. But I'm not losing hope -- I know that time will come and my parents will take pride for having me as their daughter.

Today, I'm not sure what the future holds for me; but as I'm writing this letter, I want you to be reminded of these thoughts that I have right now. I believe that remembering these thoughts will make you appreciate what you have at the moment.

Love,

Jesselle

Oh, and don't forget the other posts in the series!

Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9
Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14
Day 15 | Day 16 | Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19
Day 20 | Day 21 | Day 22

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] What I Wore Yesterday

2016-02-12T21:28:00.002+08:00

Hiya, guys!

First of all, I'd like to apologize for the long hiatus, because of a lot of things that happened during the past few days, particularly at school. But how about I put all of that in a separate post, eh?

But for now, I'll just continue with the 30-day blog challenge. Got a lot of catching up to do for this challenge. And nope, I'm not backing down -- I'm gonna finish this.

Let's do a bit of OOTD today, since for blog challenge I'm asked to post a photo of what I wore today.

More like yesterday, actually.

All hail the Potterheads! Me and my classmates who happen to be Harry Potter fans.

So yesterday was our school's foundation day, and they held a group song and dance contest and an oratorical speech competition. I joined the oratorical speech competition, and I had to wear something corporate-looking for the contest.

See what I wore when you click 'Read More.'

Shucks, my eyes are closed here! Photo credit to Dr. Cyril Consuelo

Most of the items here are old, in that they have been in my possession for quite some time. I wore a black blazer that I've had for a really long time now, a yellow knitted shirt which originally belonged to my mom, a black pencil skirt that I've had also for quite some time (but have not worn in a long while) and my trusty ol' Hush Puppies flats.

I think the yellow color made me maintain that positive vibe despite the pressure that I was feeling at that moment. And I think it gave me luck because I won second place in that contest.

How about you, can you share your most memorable outfits?

And don't forget the rest of the posts in the challenge!

Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9
Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14
Day 15 | Day 16 | Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19
Day 20 | Day 21

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] Turn On and Offs

2016-01-20T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

Photo credit here

First of all, I'd like to apologize for not updating for quite some time. I've been busy for a few days now, more of personal matters that I prefer to talk about some time later.

We're now past the first half of the first month of the year; and as for me, just a few things has happened. Like school is totally kicking off, midterms is this week... (whut?!)

Anyway, let's go back to the challenge. Today, we'll talk about the things that turn me on and off.

Hmmm, haven't I talked about this before? In my ten likes and dislikes?

Maybe what I should talk about is my turn ons and turn offs when it comes to men. Wait -- I don't think I'm the best person to ask about that for the simple reason that I've been with my boyfriend for a really long time. Because of that, my turn-ons and turn-offs tends to be biased around what I like and don't like about my boyfriend.

To be really, really honest, this is the one topic that I'm having a hard time writing about because of the reason above.

So we'll skip this topic, okay?

As for the rest of the topics...

Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9
Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14
Day 15 | Day 16 | Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19
Day 20

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] Concert Pa More!

2016-01-14T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

As you may have read in the title, I'm gonna talk about concerts.

But here's the thing -- I only have been to two concerts ever in my life. The first one was back when I was in Grade One, and the second was when I was in fourth year college.

According to the photo source, it's hard to come across a photo of the original Rivermaya with Perf de Castro (leftmost) in it, and he has it. *yay!*

The Rivermaya Concert

Back when I was in Grade One, all students in our school were 'required' to buy tickets for a fundraising concert to be held in our school grounds, with Rivermaya frontlining the event. If you're a Filipino who spent grade school and high school in nearly any school in the Philippines, you know why I put the emphasis on the word 'required' here.

Yes guys, we're talking about Rivermaya with Bamboo Manalac as the lead vocalist and Rico Blanco as its keyboardist and backup vocalist. And this is Rivermaya in its 'Kisapmata' and 'Elesi' days.

Anyway, since we (me and my brother who is also studying in the same school as I am) already bought the tickets, it would be too much of a waste if we would not attend it. But because we were too young to attend any event that is held in the evenings, Mom joined us.

Maybe I was too young to appreciate concerts like this but you know what? To this day, I could still remember standing on a chair few meters from the stage, with Mom on my side and my brother on the other side also standing on a chair to get a better view of the band. I could still remember singing to their songs even though I could not pronounce most of the lyrics save for the catchy last part of 'Elesi.' And to this day, whenever you say 'last concert I attended,' that event will always be on top of my mind.

The second concert that I have attended when you click 'Read More.'

UP Fair

So what the hell is a student from a non-UAAP school doing inside UP on Valentine's Day? Why, attending the UP Fair, of course!

My 'I was here at UP Fair' selfie -- back when selfie was not even a term.

On the week of Valentine's Day, a series of concerts organized by various UP orgs are being held featuring different bands and artists. The company where I was having my internship is one of the sponsors of one of the concerts that week in 2009. As I was the assigned POC (point of contact) for the event, I was required to attend the concert to document the placement of our company as one of the sponsors.

The early part of the concert

I went there at around three in the afternoon, just in time for our team to set-up our booth in the grounds. I stayed there until 12'o clock -- by that time, the frontliner artists is starting to make their performances.

I can't seem to remember who this is. Or what band is this. Sorry.

That time, I was mind-blown with the number of artists included in that event. I'm like, 'How in the world are they able to book these many artists? They must have had an incredible network of people to be able to do that.'

Lesson learned: it's not about what you know, but who you know.

And who would have thought Raimund Marasigan of Sandwich would sound so good onstage? :)

So there are the concerts that I have attended. Would I attend more concerts in the future? Why yes, of course; if my resources permit it. I actually kicked myself many times because a lot of artists that I like had their concerts here in the Philippines and I have not attended them -- David Archuleta, Backstreet Boys, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith..

I solemnly swear to buy tickets to Sara Bareilles's concert when goes on tour and takes Manila as one of her stops. *yeah*

And for the rest of the entries...

Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9
Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14
Day 15 | Day 16 | Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] Where I Lived Before

2016-01-13T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

Day 19 of the blog challenge is now up, and it's all about where I lived in the past.

Photo credit here

I have lived in three different places in my lifetime -- actually four if you will count that really brief period where I stayed at a boarding house, but that's another story. The first one is something that I was not aware of, and only knew about it in old photos; while the last two are those that I remember vividly.

So without further adieu, let's begin...

Mom carrying me while outside the house in Malakas St.

Malakas St., Brgy. Pinyahan, Quezon City

This was the place where my parents first settled after getting married. They could still not forget the time when a row of houses, including their house, caught fire two months before I was born. That sudden event caused me to turn over into the breech position (feet first) inside my mother's womb, making her undergo the caesarian delivery instead of the normal delivery.

More of places I've lived in when you click 'Read More.'

L-R: Our childhood friend Anjo, me and my brother Harley. I'm actually wearing a swimsuit as a top here. #90sfashion

Mom and me at three (or four) years old. This was the interior of the apartment in Durian St.

Durian St., Camarin, Caloocan City

My mother was pregnant with my younger brother when we lived in this address, specifically in a four-door apartment complex. I could still remember having my third birthday in this house, kissing my baby brother's forehead inside the bedroom where he was sleeping (the apartment is a one-bedroom unit) and celebrating his first birthday outside the complex.

See the steel doors behind the clowns? That's our store -- of course it's closed because of a family occasion. :)

My sister -- the birthday celebrant -- holding her gift. She was practically 'born and raised' in this house. Hehehe.

Cristina Homes, Camarin, Caloocan City

I could remember clearly that day, April 2, 1993, when we hauled all our belongings in a truck and moved to a house in a village near our old home. And less than a year after that, I started preschool in a newly-built school a few steps away from the house. And the rest is history.

We have been living in our house today for nearly 23 years -- pretty much our entire lives. A lot has changed both in the house itself and in the community, but whenever I get back after a long time (say, a week-long vacation) that homey feeling is still there.

By the way, the photos above was taken during my sister Martina's 7th birthday. It was the most decent shot of exterior and interior of our house as it looks like today, though the interior has changed a bit, of course.

So that's it for the places I've lived in throughout my existence. How about you guys -- did you live in just one place in your entire life or you have lived in different places? Share them down the comments section!

And of course, can we forget the list of posts throughout the challenge?

Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9
Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14
Day 15 | Day 16 | Day 17 | Day 18

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] TV Shows That I Was Addicted To

2016-01-12T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

Today I'm gonna talk about the TV shows that I became addicted to.

Try connecting the digital TV console with this set! Haha! Photo credit here

To be really, really honest, I have not been following a lot of TV shows in a long time probably because I became so busy with my career and with law school; so I could not say that I was addicted to a particular TV show.

However, there are a handful of TV shows that I became obsessed with, so much that it became memorable to me. Wanna know what these shows are? Click 'Read More' to find out.

Photo credit here

Gossip Girl

I was drawn to it primarily because the characters, particularly Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) was my fashion goals at that time -- actually she still is, to this day. However, little did I know that it will affect me in a negative way by... next show please?

Photo credit here

Glee

This was one of those shows which I watched in its first two seasons but did not get to watch the others due to a busy schedule. Nevertheless, this show got me hooked on their music and to comparing which version of the song they revived was better. Too bad Cory Monteith, who played Finn Hudson, died too soon, and while the show is not yet finished.

Photo credit here

Pan Am

The show may be short-lived (it only lasted for a single season) but the stewardesses became one of my fashion and beauty goals. So much so that the Pan Am stewardess look was my inspiration in one of the 'dress-up' occasions back in the office.

Photo credit here

Runner-up: Your Face Sounds Familiar Season 2

Because Sam Concepcion as Mandy Moore. Enough said.

There's my list of 'addict-level' favorite TV shows -- how about you, what TV shows have you become addicted to? Share them down the comments section!

And don't forget the rest of the posts in the blog challenge!

Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9
Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14
Day 15 | Day 16 | Day 17

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] What do you want to be when you get older?

2016-01-11T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

So what do I want to be when I get older?

Gotta list down my plans.. Photo credit here

Hold on a sec, I'm older now, right? I mean, I'm now twenty-six going on twenty-seven in three months. For me, this question is something commonly asked to kids and teenagers and not to adults like me who (kinda) have things in his life figured out.

Except that the last sentence is not applicable to me just yet.

Maybe I just talk about you guys where I see myself in three, five and ten years from now. See my plans when you click 'Read More.'

I'll be looking like this in three years (hopefully). Photo credit here

In three years -- By that time I have already passed the bar exams. I will be working as a legal officer for a company for around a year by then, and have a few cases up on my sleeves. And maybe, just maybe, I'm doing my preps for my upcoming wedding?

I hope my baby is this beautiful.. Photo credit here

In five years -- Career wise, I may have been promoted or more complicated cases have been assigned to me. Family wise, I already have a baby by then -- maybe a year old or two? And by this time, my husband and I might be arguing on whether to stay in Metro Manila for a few more years or to relocate to Masbate before our child could even reach school age.

This view does not hold a candle with that in Masbate. Photo credit here

In ten years -- There are two routes here: the Manila route or the Masbate route. For the Manila route, I may have (a) promoted further to a managerial position or (b) transferred to a law firm as an associate or (c) started my own law office. My child may be starting preschool by then, and my husband and I have already built our own home.

As for the Masbate route, I may be starting a new life in a new place but have prepared for it beforehand -- I may have applied for a local government post or setting up my own law office there. I may have also prepared my children for the new life there, in that I collected all of their documents to prepare them for school. (Hold on, I think I have said the word 'prepare' a few times there, do I? Hahaha!)

So that's it for my 'Where I want to be when I grow older' post, I hope you enjoyed that. How about you guys, where do you see yourself in three, five or ten years from now? Let me know down the comments section!

And again, the posts in the blog challenge:

Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9
Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14
Day 15 | Day 16

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] If the world were to end tomorrow, what would you do with your remaining time on earth?

2016-01-10T08:00:00.001+08:00

Hiya, guys!

So if the world were to end tomorrow, what would I do with my remaining time on earth?

Photo credit here

To be really honest, I have not thought of the end of the world, even during the time when that 'end of the world' on December 21, 2012 is supposed to happen. I'm that kind of person who holds on to that line in the Bible where Jesus said 'no one knows the day or hour' as he talks about that end of the world.

Really, I can't think of anything to do when the world is about to end tomorrow. So there.

Again, for the rest of the posts in the blog challenge...

Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9
Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14
Day 15

[KOJIC ACID SERIES] Days 21-39

2016-01-10T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

If you could still remember, last month I started a skin care routine using kojic acid and I'm now on my 41st day in the routine. In case you missed it, I'm using the Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap, and I'm trying to see if it will help lighten or fade out my scars in two months. During the first 17 days, my skin has lightened and some of the acne scars are starting to lighten but has not gone away.

Let's start with Day 21 of the routine.

Day 21

The cystic acne on my right cheek has not healed just yet at this time, but some of the acne scars on my left cheek is already fading now.

The more recent improvements when you click 'Read More.'

Day 23

Yay, the cystic acne has finally healed! It's no longer distracting the view of the improvements at this day, where some the older scars on my right cheek has gone now. Only the most recent ones remain. Same goes with the left cheek -- the most recent and the darkest ones remain.

Left Cheek

Right cheek (sorry for the photobomber tho)

I actually have shots for Day 30 of the routine but it was kinda blurred that the improvements on that day, so...

Day 39

Another year has come. Great improvements has also come.

It may not look like it in the photos, but I have maintained the lightness of my skintone now. On my right cheek, the spots where the cystic acne used to be are starting to fade now, and the once larger acne spots are becoming smaller. The darker scars on the left cheek starts to lighten as well.

Some small pimples are starting to erupt on the sides of my face, probably because of my period. I'm also due for a facial this month, so I'm about to do that before January ends.

Right cheek

Left cheek

That's it for the first month of my kojic acid routine. Has the changes been noticeable in the photos? Have you tried using kojic acid soap as well? Let me know down the comments section, will you?

What I Got for Christmas 2015

2016-01-09T08:00:00.001+08:00

Hiya, guys!

Today I'm gonna share to you the things that I got last Christmas.

WARNING: If you are the kind who do not dig these kinds of posts for any reason, then close this tab right about now.

This list may be very slim as compared to other posts of similar kind, but I'm sharing this anyway because here are some of the things that I'm excited to try this year, or at the very least this quarter. They are mostly skincare products but I'm nevertheless excited to try them out because I've never had any of these before.

Let's begin now, shall we?

First up is a this hand and body lotion from Bath and Body Works in the Sea Island Cotton variant, which I got as a 'pamasko' from a relative whom we visited. I have been using this lotion for a week now, and what I noticed is its clean scent -- every time I put this on I feel like putting on a freshly-laundered piece of clothing. A little goes a long way, as too much can leave your skin uncomfortably sticky.

Another tip: the lotion absorbs better when applied on damp skin (ie. right after bath), and much better when the skin is exfoliated.

More of the things I got this Christmas when you click 'Read More.'

For the first time ever I tried my luck in a Facebook contest by Leaders Philippines, and I won! As a prize, I got not one, not three but six Derma-Soul sheet masks! I got one of each variant, so I kinda felt like I went on a shopping spree for face masks... Teehee!

Speaking of shopping spree for face masks -- well, I did just that, sort of. Since I had very limited funds I only got two face masks from Nature Republic, in Green Tea and Royal Jelly variants. I actually tried out the Green Tea variant yesterday morning, and I noticed that the sheet is pretty thin and the 'essence' is on the thick side. Because of that, I had to use just a few drops in the evening when I have the decanted most of the liquid in the dropper. Speaking of the liquid, there was a lot of it in the sachet; and since I have to use a little of it at the time, I think this will last me for at least a week and a half.

Matatagalan yata bago ko magamit yung Leaders mask. Hehehe.

How about you guys -- how was your holidays? Did you get anything this year? Share them all in the comments section!

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] Someone I Fancy At The Moment

2016-01-09T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

It's been two days since my last post. I know I'm supposed to post every day during this challenge, but since classes resumed this week, I've been swamped with much work lately. But worry not, because I now promise to post every single day of this challenge thanks to a new strategy to make sure that a new post goes up each day.

Let's get down to business, shall we? Well today, I'm asked to post a photo of someone I fancy.

Photo credit here

Someone I fancy? Haven't I posted about my celebrity crushes? Does this mean people that I admire? Real-life crushes?

Okay well then, I'll just talk about my boyfriend because honestly, he's the only guy that I fancy not just at the moment but also all the time -- save for my celebrity crushes, of course. You may have known about him because of my previous posts, but just in case you haven't click 'Read More' now.

He doesn't seem to smile, doesn't he? That's because his eyes disappear when he smiles widely. In fact, his eyes are beginning to close at this photo.

His name is Don, he's two months younger than I am. We graduated from the same school, came from the same batch but in different courses -- he's from Political Science, I'm from Journalism.

If I am to tell our entire love story -- how we met, how we had our feelings for each other, how we became official -- it would take an entire post or two. But over the past six (!) years that we're together, I could say that we've been through a lot and I got to know him better in the process.

Our first photo together as a couple

At our Banapple date in 2013

Right now we're in that stage where we could look at each other's eyes and we knew we're saying 'I love you' to each other. But even at six years, there's a lot of things to know and to explore about each other, and a lot of things yet to experience. For instance, we have not gone out of town with just the two of us nor had a staycation.

Our latest photo. Sorry for his smug face, though. Methinks it's his version of Bitchy Resting Face. *sigh*

You might ask if after six years in the relationship we are now contemplating marriage. To be honest, yes we are -- I mean we have talked about that (getting married, starting a family) since we were two years in the relationship. Two things are for sure though -- a) nothing is final until one of us or both of us pass the bar exams, whichever comes first but b) save for my condition that he should ask my parents first before asking me to marry him.

Oh, I think I have to stop right here before things get really deep. So how about you, guys -- who is that someone that you fancy?

Here's our rundown of the posts throughout the challenge:

Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9
Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] Celebrity Crushes

2016-01-06T13:24:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

Today I'm writing about my celebrity crushes. In the blog challenge, I was asked to give five but to be really, really honest I only had two celebrity crushes in my mind.

Not gonna lie -- I was also a fangirl once. Photo credit here.

How do I say this -- let's just say I'm the kind of girl who gets crushes out of the guys I get to know. I mean, the more I get to know this guy, the more I become drawn to him (did you guys even get the whole point of this? haha!)

Anyway, enough talk, let me introduce to you guys to my all-time celebrity crushes! Click 'Read More' now!

Photo credit here

Bae Yong Joon

It's been almost ten years since Winter Sonata aired on Philippine TV, but I still can't get enough of Bae Yong Joon aka Jun Kang. He's cute with or without glasses, hands down. And him rocking those glasses is probably the reason why he became one of the faces of popular sunglasses brand Ray Ban. I mean, look at that.

Photo credit here

Ed Westwick

I don't usually dig bad boys, but for Chuck Bass I'll make an exception. But Ed Westwick, the guy who played the bad boy of Upper East Side in Gossip Girl, is far from the character he plays. And his speaking voice! Sorry FSOG fans, but Chuck Bass will give Christian Grey a run for his money. Hear him speak here.

So there are my celebrity crushes -- you can tell how old I am and what my favorite shows were just by these two, isn't it? Haha!

Oh, and while you're at it, check out the rest of the blog challenge!

Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9
Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] Three Confessions

2016-01-05T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

I'm now in my thirteenth day in the blog challenge! *Wow has it really been that long?!* For this day, I'm asked to write three confessions of my choice.

Photo credit here

Whoa. This is tough. I have a lot of things that are 'confession-worthy,' but it's hard for me to let some of these out, most especially in a 'public' domain like a blog. On the other hand, maybe it's about time for me to let them out just so you can learn the lessons that I learned the hard way through these, um, experiences. And also to get to know me better.

A little warning though: This would probably be the longest post that I will be making throughout the challenge, so I hope you guys will bear with everything that I'll be writing in this post.

Let's begin now, shall we?

1. I have this bad/weird habit of eating while reading.

Those who know me well will know that I could not stand more than an hour of reading without munching something. And those who really know me well will know that even while at the dining table, I would always look for something to read -- from menus on restaurants to labels on whatever jar or box there is on the table.

They say you should focus on what you're eating, but I guess in my case old habits die hard. I can't seem to kick that habit out of my system, unless someone could recommend to me the best way to do that.

More of my *~meaty~* confessions when you click 'Read More.'

2. My boyfriend and I broke up, and then got back together after a week.

To put the whole story in a few words, I did something that annoyed my boyfriends, so much that he broke up with me. Of course I was hurt, because who wants to be told by your bae that he or she is breaking up with you, right?

But here's the catch, though -- we're 'over' but then he still wants that nothing in our routine back then will ever change. I agreed with that deal, 50% was because I think he was joking when he said he's breaking up with me and the other 50% was because I was so desperate to have him back to me that I would do anything he asks of me.

However, just two days after that I'm already wanting to stop this deal because I feel like the longer I stay in this set-up, the more I'll get hurt. I mean, what in the world are you two doing if you're not in a relationship? On my part, I'm just fooling myself that we're still together when in fact we're not. If he no longer wants us to be together, he should have just let me go and let me move on with my life without him.

One week since we broke up, I was at the height of my thoughts of finally letting him go because it's hurting both of us when he held my hand and asked me for us to get back together. Of course I said yes.

His reason for asking me that? Because life was dull without me, according to him. Is that enough reason for me to get back with him? For a love-crazed girl like me at that time, yes. But looking back, I would have asked him a few more questions -- probably the obvious ones like why did he break up with me (though he has already given me the reason) and why he really wanted us to get back together. Also, I would have asked him to give me some time to think; because hey, it all happened too fast, can you at least give me some time to process everything?

But anyway, after that we did not have another episode of that, and everything is smooth-sailing so far. I really hope it stays that way.

3. I got kicked out of my job.

I'll make it really short this time, because this is one event in my life that has not sunk into me to this day. I mean everything happened so fast, and I was the last to know about it. One day I was working quietly in my station, and then the next day I'm hurriedly packing my things and settling my clearance.

I know everything that happened leading to this event. However, there are a lot of questions that were left unanswered as I step out of that workplace. Maybe because the answers are not there -- they are for me to discover later on. But for now, I'm in the process of recovering myself from the biggest heartbreak that I got -- mind you, this was worse than my boyfriend breaking up with me.

Now excuse me while I lock myself in the room once again and cry my heart out.

Just kidding! So those are my confessions, and I hope you guys picked up something from what I have confessed in this post.

And again, in case you missed them, here are the list of posts that I have done for this challenge

Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9
Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] Screenshot your desktop

2016-01-04T08:00:00.001+08:00

Hiya, guys!

So for today's blog challenge I'm asked to post a screenshot of my desktop.

Okay I'm not gonna take this talk any further so here it goes:

Uhm, do I even have to explain the desktop photo? Because apparently, my renewed liking towards Mandy Moore's 'Cry' has not died down just yet. So there.

Maybe I should make a rundown of all the icons here in my desktop:

This PC - the new term for My Computer in Windows 10.

OOT: By the way, my computer now runs a Windows 10 OS, though it has no touch capacity. This is because I was still using the original Windows 7 that came installed in this unit when this was detected to be capable for Windows 10. So I downloaded the new OS, and after a half-day of download, I'm ready to go!

Recycle Bin - where all your (computer) trash goes, and where you try to pick them up when you change your mind. Wish I could do that in a real trash can without going over those yucky stuff.

More of what's in my desktop when you click 'Read More.'

Acrobat Reader DC - Best. PDF. Reader. EVER!

Avast Free Antivirus - gotta protect my PC from intruders!

Evernote - I have the desktop version solely for the purpose of backing up whatever I have saved on my mobile version, because *law school notes* *very important for the bar!*

Google Chrome - my default web browser.

Skype - this is where I make my living at the moment, besides blogging.

VLC Media Player - to play music and videos, especially workout videos.

Back-up (D:) - I have partitioned my disk drive into two: the main drive (C:) and the back-up drive (D:). The D: drive is where I save my documents and whatnot so that it does not hog the space in C: drive intended for programs to be used in the future. (Computer geeks, I know you know what I'm talking about. I was once one of you.)

Microsoft Office Excel and Word - for obvious reasons.

So that's my desktop story. Really boring by any means, but because my laptop is so old (this laptop, an HP Mini 110, was purchased back in 2010), I could not install any more programs unless necessary. As much as I want to install Adobe Premiere here, I could not because of specs limitations.

*sigh* I think I need a new laptop.

And again, here's the rundown of all the posts I did for the challenge:

The 30-Day Blog Challenge
Day 1: Write Some Basic Things About Yourself
Day 2: 10 Likes and Dislikes
Day 3: Your Day In Great Detail
Day 4: The Meaning Behind Your (Blog) Name
Day 5: Five Places You Want to Visit
Day 6: What Band or Musician is Important To You?
Day 7: Do You Read? What Are Your Favorite Books?
Day 8: Three Things You Want to Say to Different People
Day 9: Pet Peeves
Day 10: If you could only live off of one food and one beverage for the rest of your days, what would they be?
Day 11: What is your favorite quote?

Peppermill Sisters Update!

2016-01-04T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

So in a previous post I have told you guys that I have started a Youtube channel with my sister Martina. I have also said that most of the videos that we have uploaded so far are vlogs.

While we were filming our first ever video we started thinking about creating a separate channel for our vlogs. A lot of Youtubers that we follow have a second channel for their vlogs, like Anne Clutario (anneclutz), Kim Dao (kimdao), Meredith Foster (stilababe09) and Heart Defensor (thatsheart).

However, there are also those who include vlogs in their main channel like Heart's boyfriend Arnold Telagaarta, Say Artillero (saytiocoartillero) and Kat Ortillera (Tish Ortz).

Eventually, we decided to create a second channel for the vlogs. That means pulling out the videos that we have previously uploaded and transferring them all in our second channel. By the way, our vlog channel named Peppermill Sister Vlogs is right here for you to check out.

But that's just the tip of the update iceberg! The main event is coming up when you click 'Read More'!

Anyway, back to the main channel. That channel is no longer empty now, because we have just uploaded our first ever 'content' video -- a What's in Our Bags video!

Check it out right here!

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] What is your favorite quote?

2016-01-03T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

It's officially the first Sunday of 2016, and the last weekend before classes and work officially starts. Are you excited? Do you dread it? Tell me all about it!

But today, let me share to you my most favorite quote at the moment. Ready for it? Then click 'Read More' now!

This here is a quote from Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, one of my favorite persons in the country.

Credits to the user who posted this quote.

I first read this quote back when I was starting out in law school. I could still remember how nerve-wracking every recitation session is at that time, so much that I dread it. This, however, did not stop me from reading the required readings because that's one of the ways to learn what I have to learn.

When I pondered about this quote further, I was like, 'Oo nga, 'no?' Like, a teacher has to assume that his or her students does not know yet what he or she is about to teach them. They have to guide them towards the knowledge they need and more.

Ever since reading this, it has been my guide for looking for a mentor, whether at work or in school. I now have a mentor in school who is teaching me a lot of things in the legal field, including some *real* things that most teachers do not talk about in class.

How about you guys, who is your mentor or favorite teacher? Share all about them in the comment section.

And as usual, here's the rundown of the posts that I did so far for the challenge:

The 30-Day Blog Challenge
Day 1: Write Some Basic Things About Yourself
Day 2: 10 Likes and Dislikes
Day 3: Your Day In Great Detail
Day 4: The Meaning Behind Your (Blog) Name
Day 5: Five Places You Want to Visit
Day 6: What Band or Musician is Important To You?
Day 7: Do You Read? What Are Your Favorite Books?
Day 8: Three Things You Want to Say to Different People
Day 9: Pet Peeves
Day 10: If you could only live off of one food and one beverage for the rest of your days, what would they be?

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] If you could only live off of one food and one beverage for the rest of your days, what would they be?

2016-01-02T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

Photo credit here

I'm on my tenth day of the blog challenge, and I'm asked with the question, "If you could only live off of one food and one beverage for the rest of your days, what would they be?"

Honestly, I don't know the answer to this question because I love to eat and I love exploring new tastes. And because I love exploring new tastes, I kinda tend to get easily bored when I eat the same thing over and over for, say, three meals in a row.

But even that fact given, there is that one food item that are so good that, in my opinion, I could eat them every day for the rest of my days.

And that food item is...

RICE AND VIAND (ULAM)!

Hold on a sec: I'm in the Philippines where virtually every person here eats rice and ulam, so this should not be a surprise, right?

Well, kinda. Because when I think about it, if ever I travel to a country where this style of eating is near impossible, it's only a matter of days before I crave for rice and ulam once again. And this is regardless of how good the food in that country is.

As for the drinks, it would definitely be water. Because it's the most readily available beverage in the entire world, unless maybe in places where potable water is not readily available. Take away every kind of drink there is, just not water.

And so that's the one food and drink that I could have for the rest of my days. How about you guys, if you could only live off of one food and one beverage for the rest of your days, what would they be?

See the rest of the blog challenge here in this list:

The 30-Day Blog Challenge
Day 1: Write Some Basic Things About Yourself
Day 2: 10 Likes and Dislikes
Day 3: Your Day In Great Detail
Day 4: The Meaning Behind Your (Blog) Name
Day 5: Five Places You Want to Visit
Day 6: What Band or Musician is Important To You?
Day 7: Do You Read? What Are Your Favorite Books?
Day 8: Three Things You Want to Say to Different People
Day 9: Pet Peeves

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] Pet Peeves

2016-01-01T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

How did you guys celebrate the New Year?

Photo credit here

So today I will write about my pet peeves. Not exactly the best way to start the New Year in this blog, but this is just part of the challenge, so I just have to do this.

Pet peeves? I think I have talked about them in my 10 likes and dislikes post, so do I have to repeat them?

Well then, if that's the case, I'll just explain why I sooooo hate the ten things that I listed earlier. Here it goes:

1. Stinky stuff (including dog and cat poo)

My nose isn't that sensitive, but I do know if I smell something stinky, most especially dog and cat poo since I grew up with dogs and cats in the house. And I hate it when I smell those kinds of things.

2. Uncomfortable clothes

When it comes to clothes, shoes and accessories, comfort comes first and aesthetics second. No matter how awesome the clothing item or accessory is, if I don't feel comfortable in it, it's a fail. In fact, you can instantly tell in my face if I'm uncomfortable in anything that I'm wearing at the moment.

3. The horrible traffic situation at EDSA

Most especially when I'm there for more than two hours. And when I'm running late to work or any appointment that I have that day.

4. Pimples

Because it leaves acne marks which I can't seem to remove nor conceal. *grrrrrr!!!!*

More of my pet peeves when you click 'Read More'

5. nosy people
6. invasion of privacy
7. too many CCTVs

I'm talking of workplaces here. Because hey, I'm at the workplace not the Big Brother house. And what's with all the nosiness -- you want to make sure every cent that you 'spent' on me is worth it? Oh well...

8. No internet connection

And I mean no internet connection when there's supposed to be one. Most especially when my brother turns off the wi-fi so that he could hog the internet all by himself when he's gaming. *grrrrrr!!!!*

9. Spicy food

I don't mind the mild heat, but when the food is spicy I tend to gulp more water. Probably the only time I tolerated something spicy was when someone gave us a jar of kimchi that was so tasty I was willing to tolerate the spicyness.

10. Getting class or work suspended when you're already on your way there

#hassle. Enough said.

So those are my list of pet peeves and why I hate them. How about you guys, what are your pet peeves?

And for the list of posts throughout the challenge:

The 30-Day Blog Challenge
Day 1: Write Some Basic Things About Yourself
Day 2: 10 Likes and Dislikes
Day 3: Your Day In Great Detail
Day 4: The Meaning Behind Your (Blog) Name
Day 5: Five Places You Want to Visit
Day 6: What Band or Musician is Important To You?
Day 7: Do You Read? What Are Your Favorite Books?
Day 8: Three Things You Want to Say to Different People

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] Do You Read? What Are Your Favorite Books?

2015-12-30T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

It's now the seventh day of the challenge, and in this post I'm asked, 'Do you read? What are your favorite books?'

First things first, do I read?

OF COURSE I READ!!!!

Para saan pa't kumuha ako ng course na book-heavy na tulad ng law, di ba?

So yeah, I LOVE to read, probably way back when I'm not starting school yet. I remember my mom telling me this story that I would snatch the newspaper or comics (this was when comics were a big thing) that she was reading and then start 'reading' it aloud even if I could not read the words properly. Kinda like reading the whole thing in gibberish language, if you know what I mean.

And that went on to grade school and high school. I would read a variety of books -- from encyclopedias to fiction books, with topics ranging from geography to fantasy.

However, I could never say that I'm the most widely-read person that you'll know; simply because while I may have read Bob Ong and F. Sionil Jose, I have not gone as far as reading the likes of The Art of War and The Prince. I admit those are not exactly my cup of tea, but maybe once I got off my law books I could try reading them.

What are my favorite books, you might ask. Click 'Read More' to find out!

Photo credit here

1. A Walk to Remember
I could not even begin how in love I am with this story. I cried buckets in both the book and the movie versions. This was one of the books that inspired me to write my own novel.

Photo credit here

2. Harry Potter series
I rode into the Harry Potter bandwagon later than most Potterheads because I started reading the series just before the first Deathly Hallows movie was shown. But this series was unforgettable for me -- I started reading the first book at the start of the semestral break during my first year in law school, and I finished it just before classes for the second semester began. (Yay!)

Photo credit here

3. Fifty Shades series
Two words: #guiltypleasure. However, I liked how the trust issues among couples are played out in this story, and that's what got me hooked.

Photo credit here

4. If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Foreman
This series made me think of a lot of things about life, most especially about how people will go on living without me. But between the two books, I like the second book better than the first.

So that's my list of all-time favorite books, I hope you enjoyed it. How about you guys -- do you love to read? What's your favorite books?

And in case you missed the rest of the series, here's the full list:

The 30-Day Blog Challenge
Day 1: Write Some Basic Things About Yourself
Day 2: 10 Likes and Dislikes
Day 3: Your Day In Great Detail
Day 4: The Meaning Behind Your (Blog) Name
Day 5: Five Places You Want to Visit
Day 6: What Band or Musician is Important To You?

[30 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE] What Band or Musician is Important To You?

2015-12-29T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hiya, guys!

So today is the sixth day of my blog challenge, and I'm about to write about the bands or musicians that are important to me.

These are some of my favorite artists. Can you spot yours here?

If you've read my post on the first day of this challenge where I wrote about myself slumnote-style, you'll know that I have a handful of favorite artists and bands. For me, they are all important to me because of various reasons.

Let's start with the bands:

Backstreet Boys, Westlife, *NSYNC, Boyz2Men - Because I practically grew up with their songs. I sang with them, I danced with some of them, and to this day their songs nearly fully satisfy my nostalgia fix every. Single. Time.

And I'm pretty sure the ABS-CBN News Team would agree.

Parokya ni Edgar - Unlike with foreign boy bands, I did not have a particular favorite OPM band during the '90s. However, I do remember myself singing to Eraserheads' 'Ang Huling El Bimbo' and Parokya's 'Harana.' I only appreciated Parokya just recently when I watched the whole Inuman Sessions Vol. II video and liking 90% of the songs there. So yeah.

The reasons why I love my favorite artists when you click 'Read More.'

Mandy Moore - I gotta admit, I primarily liked her because of 'A Walk to Remember' but boy did I became obsessed with her ever since. I'm actually missing her and her songs. #whenisthecomeback

Sara Bareilles - I loved her ever since 'Love Song,' and today, I have all of her albums saved in my Spotify profile. Yes, including the songs from her latest project -- the Broadway adaptation of the movie 'Waitress.'

Marie Digby - I read about her in a magazine somewhere, and in that article it says things like (not the exact words) 'listen to her if you like Sara Bareilles.' Since I'm already liking Sara Bareilles at that time, I tried listening to her album. Sure, 'Say It Again' and her rendition of Rihanna's 'Umbrella' were now popular at that time, but I fell in love with her more in 'Spell' and 'Miss Invisible.' And like Mandy Moore, it's been quite a while since she last made an album so I kinda want to hear more from her. She does have a Youtube channel, though.

via GIPHY

Beyonce - Because girl power at its best. *cue* All the single ladies, now put your hands up!

So that's it for my favorite post! How about you guys, why do you like your current favorite artists? Tell me more about it at the comments section down below!

And in case you missed the first few days of my blog challenge, here's the complete list from the intro post:

The 30-Day Blog Challenge
Day 1: Write Some Basic Things About Yourself
Day 2: 10 Likes and Dislikes
Day 3: Your Day In Great Detail
Day 4: The Meaning Behind Your (Blog) Name
Day 5: Five Places You Want to Visit