Pretty Gorgeous Kikay

Meet Cath Kidston Blossom Birds Hand Cream Trio

2018-03-19T01:51:00.000+08:00

I scan smell the soft breeze of fresh air the spring brings. With all its dewiness, the hope it emits is truly captivating. All buds will blossom and leaves will spurt -- as they were destined to be. As a symbol of youth and new beginnings, one can only be beguiled and drawn to it like bees to honey -- or nectar rather. This is just exactly how I can describe Cath Kidston's hand cream trio, Blossom Birds.

My weakness is this -- all things beautiful and has a beautiful scent. I actually was not planning to buy hand creams as of the moment but the very moment I laid my eyes on this at a corner of the store, oh, I just could not resist! What kind of power it has over me, well it must be the birds. They called me. They wanted me, too.

Anyway, the store clerk did not know very much about this trio as I was told it only has one scent and that is the patchouli and mint as what was also posted on cathkidston.com. In fact, the store did only have one tester and that one really smelled like patchouli and mint which I did not mind though I was not particularly amused by the scent, it did still stir my senses as I am naturally drawn to warm scents.

So it was really a nice surprise when I got home and road-tested the pink one and noticed it smelled very differently than the one I tested at the store. "I thought it only has one scent?" Well, I am not complaining at all! I am blogging it so that you know especially in case you are a sucker for pretty scents like me. Even in my trips in Korea -- and you must be aware that Korea is a cosmetic haven and they, too, have beautiful perfumes and scented hand creams -- this hand cream surpasses all that, hihihi! I am so happy.

Below is a break down of the description of the Blossom Birds hand cream trio as how it was written on the box:

White Clover and Matcha

A modern scent that captures fresh air, blending zesty grapefruit with green leaves, matcha tea and soft blossoms enhanced with cool clean spices.

My thoughts: I like this scent, though I would be using this on a especially warm day or maybe on an out of town trip as it is a green scent and would be perfect when you are with nature.

Apple Blossom and Elderflower

The delicious scent of ripe apples and crisp green leaves softened with hints of apricot and freesia and notes of soft musk and woods.

My thoughts: This is my most favorite among the trio as it is soft and sweet like a true spring breeze.

Mandarin Blossom

Energizing notes of sun-ripened mandarin and bergamot infused with fresh blossoms and rich woods.

My thoughts: I like the sparkly scent of mandarin in this one and I like that it is a bit powdery.

Quality is good as it has glycerin and shea butter. It is quite an added bonus to know that these hand creams are not only cute but also PARABEN-FREE.

Style Focus: The Asymmetrical Dress

2017-07-26T09:36:00.000+08:00

The asymmetrical dress is one underrated style that every girl should have in her wardrobe. Some may think it is difficult to pull off when in fact it is as fluid as it looks -- it can easily go from elegant and sophisticated to romantic and sweet. There is something about the asymmetrical dress that is so ethereal that can make one feel like an ultimate lady effortlessly whatever the occasion.

photo from chictopia.com

Let's try to categorize the occasions from which you can pull off this style.

See also: women mini dresses

A garden wedding

rosegal.com

A rock concert

rosegal.com

A dinner date

romwe.com

An office cocktail

lordandtaylor.com

Use code: RGEN for another 10% off!!

Did I forget anything? I'm sure there are tons more but you get the idea.

2017 Top Swimsuits for Summer

2017-06-03T12:03:00.002+08:00

Why do you love summer? I have hit the beach a few times already but I just can't seem to get enough of it! It sure is the sun, sand and sea...

This year's best one-piece swimsuits are all about sleek hues and clean lines.

Carmen Marc Valvo Swimsuit

Carmen Marc Valvo

Guana Assymetrical

Jade Swim

Matteau

Solid & Striped

Ted Baker

Tory Burch Lace Up

Tory Burch Nautical Dot

Sources:

https://www.coggles.com/womens-swimwear/solid-striped-women-s-the-anne-marie-swimsuit-aqua/cream-stripe/11386445.html
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/en-ph/Carmen-Marc-Valvo-Sporty-Soul-Mesh-Zip-Back-One-Piece-Swimsuit/prod194592462/p.prod?ecid=NMAF__polyvore.com&CS_003=5630585&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=NMAF__polyvore.com
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/milly-guana-asymmetrical-one-piece-swimsuit/4640758?cm_mmc=Linkshare-_-partner-_-10-_-1&siteid=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-hOxPKoHHBbdDaWh0SE1j.w
https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/carmen-marc-valvo-bandeau-one-piece-swimsuit?ID=2569209&PartnerID=LINKSHAREUK&cm_mmc=LINKSHAREUK-_-n-_-n-_-n&LinkshareID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-CoSBIlFQrGRZ7ccnSuxRJA&ranPublisherID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ&ranLinkID=755448464203&ranLinkTypeID=15
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ted-baker-london-orchid-wonderland-one-piece-swimsuit/4572489?cm_mmc=Linkshare-_-partner-_-10-_-1&siteid=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-I2a4HGUJCBXbfcHJ_GVqVw
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/en-ph/Tory-Burch-Nautical-Dot-One-Piece-Underwire-Bandeau-Swimsuit-Blue/prod197790401/p.prod?ecid=NMAF__polyvore.com
http://www.matchesfashion.com/intl/products/1168209?qxjkl=tsid:30065%7Ccgn:Hy3bqNL2jtQ&c3ch=LinkShare&c3nid=Hy3bqNL2jtQ&utm_source=linkshare&utm_medium=affiliation&utm_campaign=uk&utm_content=Hy3bqNL2jtQ
http://www.matchesfashion.com/intl/products/1082980?qxjkl=tsid:30065%7Ccgn:Hy3bqNL2jtQ&c3ch=LinkShare&c3nid=Hy3bqNL2jtQ&utm_source=linkshare&utm_medium=affiliation&utm_campaign=uk&utm_content=Hy3bqNL2jtQ
https://www.shopbop.com/lace-one-piece-tory-burch/vp/v=1/1522043250.htm?currencyCode=GBP

How Cool Fishnet Stockings Really Are

2017-03-27T06:45:00.003+08:00

Shop at Nordstrom

Why You Should Eat Oats Again

2017-03-14T09:51:00.001+08:00

Believe it or not, oatmeal is a real comfort food. It will keep you warm and full even after a few hours. It may not be too obvious, but your gut will feel happy.

Photo from eatthis.com

My aunt used to serve us oatmeal every single morning when we were kids. It tastes good, especially with milk. However, I have outgrown eating it. There was a long gap of a couple of years when I didn't even give a second thought when I see it in the grocery. That all changed because now, I am on the hunt of cleaning up my diet from years of eating crap.

According to World Health Organization, oats is one of the healthiest foods available. It has a good amount of manganese and molybdenum which helps in protein and fat metabolism, no wonder it is a great help when trying to lose some weight, but importantly so that the digestive processes can function healthily.

Manganese and molybdenum also works well with B vitamins present in oats, thiamin, niacin, biotin, which keeps the nerves healthy. It also has trace minerals like copper, zinc, selenium, iron and magnesium.

Oats has low glycemic index which is beneficial in reducing the risk of diabetes. It is rich in phenols which is an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. The lignans which is composed of both soluble and insoluble fiber are good antioxidants that help balance the hormones, which in turn, brushes away diseases of the heart and cancer.

Maybe you, too, should bring back oats to your diet. After all, what have you got to lose?

How to Make Magnesium Oil for the Skin

2017-03-12T06:14:00.004+08:00

Keep stress at bay by slathering on magnesium oil. Magnesium has been proven to be best absorbed by the body transdermal. There are many benefits of magnesium for the body at a cellular level, healing skin ailments such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. It is also recognized in warding off depression. Wellness Mama talks comprehensively about magnesium here.

Magnesium oil made from magnesium flakes or magnesium chloride is a purer form of magnesium as
compared to epsom salt which is magnesium sulfate. Although both provides muscle pain relief when used as salt baths, magnesium flakes packs a punch when it comes to absorption.

I have blogged previously about the benefits of epsom salt baths in the past here. In comparison, only ten percent of magnesium is absorbed by the skin when using epsom salt, whereas when magnesium flakes has been used, it is significantly greater.

I found that magnesium flakes of Ancient Minerals to be quite effective. Magnesium oil would be great to use so I decided to purchase just the flakes, and then DIY-ed to make it into oil.

The very simple way to make magnesium oil:

1. prepare 1 cup magnesium flakes, 1 cup distilled water

2. heat water to boil

3. add the magnesium flakes

4. wait for the flakes to dissolve and until water is almost halved

5. let it cool, and place in a glass bottle/or plastic bottle

How to apply magnesium oil

Magnesium oil can be applied directly on the skin or mixed in bath water. I prefer to only apply it on the skin an hour or so before shower. It can leave a sticky feel on your skin when used as a leave-on. Its consistency is similar to that of dry oils, at least when you apply it to your skin.

Lime Crime Makeup For Today's Bold Woman

2016-10-18T17:40:00.001+08:00

Doe Deere, Lime Crime founder

Lime Crime is on the rise once again, unicorns come alive! Being the original matte lipstick, this

time, it comes out more powerful, with more powerful shades, equipping every bold woman the ultimate fashion statement.

About Lime Crime

Doe Deere is the rather flamboyant founder of Lime Crime Makeup. Lime Crime Makeup is for bold women that live life to the fullest. Doe Deere was not always the exciting makeup maven that she is today. She started out on eBay selling her unique fashion line to interested people. It was during that time that the idea for the makeup line was formed in her mind. She decided to create a unique makeup line to match her bold fashion line that she sold on the auction site. Doe Deere was always attracted to bold and daring colors. She decided this was her signature brand and decided to share it with the world.

Doe Deere Success Story
Doe Deere has her own unique spin on success. Her spin on achieving success is as fresh and original as her makeup line. Doe Deere believes that success is a shared vision. Her most loyal customers have the same unique spin on the way to wear makeup. That shared vision draws those customers to her Lime Crime Makeup. Of course, Doe Deere does not like to remain stagnant. She is one successful woman that enjoys evolving and recreating herself along with her dazzling makeup line. Certainly, her early makeup line successes convinced her to create new and exciting lines of makeup to join her current line. Deere truly believes that the key to success is to continually reinvent yourself and keep the makeup line fresh and exciting. Deere's new matte to liquid lipstick is one of her latest creations. Clearly, the lipstick is a welcomed addition to her dazzling line of makeup. Deere plans to continually work along side her chemist and create even more dazzling shades.

Lime Crime Cosmetics
Doe Deere is very fervent in her desire to bring high quality products to the market. She also would like her loyal followers to know that her products are cruelty free. For example, her Velvetines are vegan. In other words, they do not contain any animal derived ingredients. Doe Deer is very excited about the future. She plans to work with fervently to create even more great beauty products.

website: limecrime.com
facebook: facebook.com/limecrime/

Vitapack Whitening Soap and Whitening Lotion

2016-10-18T11:56:00.000+08:00

facebook.com/VitapackBeauty

Vitapack introduces its new Vitapack Whitening soap and Vitapack Whitening lotion, a range with an
8-in-one benefits that contains the following ingredients that helps your skin even more attractive and sexy:

Clairju - for whitening and brightening effects
VB9 Plus - for whitening, prevents wrinkles while also has brightening complex
Ameliox - anti-wrinkle
Acnebusters - (not sure exactly but it) dries pimples and is an antibacterial
Niacinamide - whitening and brightening
Tea Tree Oil - fights off bacteria
Argan Oil - for moisturizing
Uvinul A Plus B - UVA and UVB protection
L-glutathione - whitening

Having been known for its range of beauty supplements, this 8-in-one whitening soap and whitening lotion is another addition that does pack a punch considering the helpful ingredients it does have. I was actually not familiar with some of its rather new ingredients found in the market like the clairju and VB9 Plus. However, Vitapack claims these two were of Japanese and Korean descent. As we all know these two countries were pretty advanced when it comes to skin care technology.

Having tried this wonderful soap even for a few times, I can say that it does a good job on clarifying, whitening and brightening the skin. What I also noticed very evidently is that it tightens the skin, thus eliminating fine lines and early signs of ageing.

I also let my mom try it together with the lotion and for only a week I already saw a noticeable tightness and brightening for her. That means this is also a good range for those who have mature skin if they want to have a younger, more supple skin.

Lastly, I like the fact that this 8-in-one range does have argan oil which hydrates and deeply nourishes the skin.

Have you tried this brand?

The Most Gorgeous Kylie Lip Kit Tint

2016-08-14T05:18:00.001+08:00

photo from www.kyliecosmetics.com

First of all, I would like to praise Kylie Jenner for doing what she does when it comes to her makeup
business. I mean, this eyeshadow palette for example is to die for. Like, I'd pick these same nine shades out of a thousand hues. Real genius.

Talking about the lip kits, I browsed the selection and they are all gorgeous for me but if I would only pick one, that would be Exposed.

A swatch of Exposed was on her Instagram, look:

from @kyliejenner

Exposed Lip Kit is a warm, mid-tone beige hue and I think it is the most gorgeous of them all. Is it just me, or she is actually wearing it in this photo below?

from @kyliejenner

Just a last word for Kylie, keep it up, honey! ;) (clap, clap, clap!)

Game On! How To Dress Sporty

2016-08-14T04:43:00.000+08:00

So Michael Phelps is finally retiring after his one last hurrah this year apparently. Don't ask me about the details because I'm not into sports really. It's been a rainy weather in Manila lately and I'm thinking this could be a great time to sport some, well, sporty look.

1. The bomber jacket game still looks pretty strong.

Game On! by stellaasteria featuring vintage pocket watches

2. The wedge sneakers, of course.

Game On! Fun Football Fashion by parkersam76 featuring The North Face

3. The jogger pants -- athleisure has been a mainstay

Sports Luxe Empowerment... by nfabjoy featuring travel tote bags

Shimmer in Pink

2016-03-31T21:33:00.000+08:00

Shimmer Beauty - Pink by mcheffer featuring Chanel

In Bloom: Floral Skirts

2016-03-31T21:29:00.000+08:00

View this collection on Polyvore

In Bloom: Floral Skirts by polyvore-editorial on polyvore.com

Be Happy Now

2016-03-29T21:21:00.000+08:00

Be Happy Now by cintamuni-1 featuring bicycle home decor

I think we can all agree that Drew Barrymore is a very lovely woman. And I think it is mostly because of her happy countenance. Truly a woman radiates when she is happy. So if you want to be beautiful, you just need to a put a smile on your face. No makeup or fashion statement required.

After all, "being happy never goes out of style" -- Lilly Pulitzer

How to Wear Bomber Jackets this Spring

2016-03-24T10:43:00.000+08:00

Spring has sprung in the northern hemisphere. This is just the right time to clean out your closets, start with a new workout routine, meet new people and yes, the best time to update your look.

If you are looking for a fashion inspiration for the new season, bomber jackets are the way to go. And here are the ways to wear it.

Photos from chicisimo.com

5 Tips to Boost Your Immunity during the Holidays

2015-11-28T18:01:00.000+08:00

Bridget Jones stressing over the holidays

Most people gain weight during the holidays not because of the many parties attended and pigging out but because of stress. Surprise, surprise! Because of stress, our metabolism works very poorly and our immune system compromised.

Boosting our immunity is very important in managing this so-called holiday stress. If you have good immune system, your body is most likely to handle stress better. While I truly believe that there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all in everything, here are the basic tips on how to boost your immune system:

1. Take Fern-C sodium ascorbate. Unlike the regular ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate stays within the body longer which is beneficial when you consider its antioxidant value. And because vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells and antibodies, it is a very important component in boosting the immune system.

Since I am such a fan of this brand, let me share with you these links to know more about Fern-C.

Fern-C Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fernconline/

Fern-C Twitter: https://twitter.com/FERNCOnline

Fern-C Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferncofficial/

Fern-C is an effective immune-system booster and a potent anti-oxidant. It hastens wound healing, beneficial for healthy teeth and gums, bones and connective tissues and it increases body resistance to infectious diseases

2. Eat yogurt. I swear by this from personal experience. Whenever I feel like I'm going to catch a cold, I eat yogurt or Yakult. Probiotics do a lot of wonder in keeping your gut healthy, which in turn, boosts your immune system and keeps the mind clear, too!

3. Meditate. There are many findings that prove meditation boosts our antibodies and stimulates the brain-function region that commands the immune system of the body. Try to do this every morning after waking up for just 2 minutes.

image from huffingtonpost.com

4. Get enough sleep. Enough said.

5. Catch some rays. Deficiency in vitamin D increases susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases. It is also linked to depression especially in countries where there is no ample sunshine. Cheers for this reason to go out. In fact, I'd advise you to go out often! But wear your sunscreen, of course and/or your hat ;)

Making Your Own ID Photo

2015-11-08T16:30:00.000+08:00

Moral lesson of the story is, have someone take the photo for you. Or, have a tripod ;p

Top 5 Weekend Travel Essentials

2015-09-03T22:35:00.000+08:00

Always looking forward for the weekend for a getaway or just a short trip off-duty? I'm with you.

We know modern life is very hectic, and there are just so much goings on -- that it is very easy to make your life cluttered with things you don't really need. We tend to overpack. That is why it is so important to keep everything minimal, to just have the essentials. So let me share my top 5 weekend travel essentials:

1. Sneakers. You can wear sneakers with just about any outfit these days, agree? Plus the comfort it offers makes it my number one go-to footwear.

New Balance from newbalance.com

2. Multi-tasking bag/gym bag. Now this one is really essential for anyone living an active lifestyle. Whether you are just sleeping over your tita's house or an out of town with friends, this is really handy.

Hawk Medium Gym Bag from Zalora

3. Scarf. I like to bring scarves when I go on vacays because it is so multi tasking. Not to mention the edge it gives you when it comes to being fashionable.

essential scarf from Mango

4. Beauty oil. For some, they would probably prefer sunblock over this. But I have started to shy away from too much chemicals especially the ones I apply on my skin. I use a beauty oil which helps my skin keep its moisture. I think this works especially well to those with very sensitive skin. Oils, as long as they are organic, can work as a face cleanser and as a moisturizer.

Rosehip oil from Beauty Bar

5. Sunglasses. To protect your beautiful peepers from the sun and the wind, especially when on commute -- from the pollution. It gives a swag to your outfit, too. I think aviators are just as versatile as the ones in this list.

Mango aviators from Zalora

How about you, what's your on your list? :)

Unboxing of the LG G4

2015-08-19T23:53:00.000+08:00

Yehey! It's definitely something to celebrate when you were able to finally upgrade your phone after four years. And this is the first time I got myself a line from Smart :)

So first of, I'm not going to review this phablet, but just going to show you what comes with the box
and how it looks like.

photo taken by LG G4

So you see that looks like a normal charger. And of course, the earphones, which I personally think is quite fab with its mostly nylon makeup. I like the red color and the fact that it is not white so it is not easily stained.

Quite an upgrade, right?

The screen is 5.5 inches. The screen is bright enough for me and technically speaking, it has quantum IPS, whatever that means. What I like about it is it is cool with the eyes, definitely not something that will strain your eyes.

Did you see the first photos above? They were taken by this LG G4. Photos are superb, even boasting an 8mp for front camera alone. I also like its bigger sensor.. something that may accommodate wide angle shots.

Enough of the chatter! Let me play with my new toy now :D

Earthing, Earthlings!

2015-08-01T12:54:00.003+08:00

Have you heard about earthing, or grounding? I just came across this 'novel' scientific breakthrough recently and thought it would be nice to share it in the blog. It is said that we gain health benefits from 'earthing' which is getting in touch with the ground, natural ground, that is. Since we are actually earthlings, this makes so much sense, do you think so too?

If we are "out of touch" from the ground, then we are full of stress and probably experience some illnesses. It is also logical to think that the basis of this study is from the fact that every thing 'emits' energy, and that getting close to nature like plants, body of water and earth..

Now that we live in technology and our lives revolve around gadgets, our mobile phones and computers, we receive a lot of unhealthy amounts of radiation. I am not so knowledgeable about the scientific terms, or what to call those, but what I am sure about is that we live in an unhealthy environment. We spend our days inside poorly ventilated offices or houses with not enough oxygen. That probably is the reason why we get sick very easily.

So try to get in touch with nature as often as you can. I will make this as my new goal. I want to live healthier, I want to really live..

If you can walk barefoot, the better.. of course in a park or somewhere where there is well, ground (not cement!). A walk in the beach is great too, you get to do 'earthing,' plus, you get the healthy benefits of negative ions from the sea breeze!

Let's Go To Singapore!

2015-06-25T22:55:00.002+08:00

Chic in Singapore by cintamuni-1 featuring a flower poster

Six months after working so hard (yes!), is vacation time! We're going to Singapore! I finally get to slow down, relax and just chill out. But Singapore, just like Manila, has a very warm weather so I think I'll have to go with light clothing, probably a hat or an umbrella, haha! A kimono would be fashionable.. well because you might not want to flaunt too much skin and also to protect your skin from photo damage/sun damage!

My Hair Color and Personality

2015-04-04T13:20:00.000+08:00

What is your hair color and personality?

Personalities have long been attributed to one's hair color, and I think it doesn't matter if it is your natural hair color or not. Like for example, blondes, they say blondes have the most fun. I want to believe it's true if I think about Marilyn Monroe or Madonna (naturally brunette), Paris Hilton (naturally brunette), or Gwen Stefani. I think these girls are really fun and sweet and have a lot of guts.

But for me, I love my natural hair color which is black. I may try to color it once in a while but I enjoy it most when it is black and here's why.

This is me having fun in the water, Bais Bay, Negros Oriental. What does this picture tell you about me?

Girls with black hair like me likes to have fun too, but we are more demure and modest, if you like, and subtle. We are rarely straightforward and usually beats around the bush when it comes to conversations. We like to be romantic and poetic and have this sense of drama.

They say that we are deep.Personally, I like solitude and silence. I like to reflect and enjoy the beauty of nature. I am very in touch with nature and with myself.

I am very savvy, too. And I like learning new things, especially those things which are beneficial to my endeavors. I am very entrepreneurial. In fact, I have a small business of my own.

How about you, what is your hair color and personality?Are you bored with your life and your hair color? You can try Madison Reed, and pick a different hair color for a change. They have a wide selection that is tailor-made to suit every hair color, type and skin tone.

CHECK OUT SOME MORE HAIR DYE OPTIONS!

Personalized hair color recommendation

Madison Reed has a personalized hair color recommendation depending on your hair type. Is it naturally wavy, black, or color-treated? Mine recommendation for my hair type is this: Venezia Brown

Madison Reed is a hair color company that has re-engineered hair color, making it a healthier, salon-quality alternative.

Spending Christmas and New Year in Japan

2015-03-18T07:13:00.001+08:00

Spending holidays in another country alone sounds exhilarating and crazy at the same time. And for a woman, it can be scary too. Some people say I'm adventurous but I think I am just curious. As I have stated on my previous blog entry, I was supposed to explore Japan with an acquaintance but then plans were changed into just solo traveling, I can say it was an eye-opener experience. I learned a lot of things.

I arrived in Tokyo on Christmas day and it was around 2pm at Haneda Airport. After fetching my luggage, I readied my maps and things to do in order, like acquiring a SUICA card, a card used in Tokyo metro subways, booking for a bullet train trip which was four days ahead because I know it is holiday and it could be hard if I get a ticket on the same day of travel. Haneda is a charming little airport that is very easy to navigate and very clean. I think cleanliness is very common in Japan.

And oh, I must tell you, and I think you will feel this more in case you travel alone -- if you don't know Nihonggo, it will definitely be a culture shock -- you know hearing the Japanese language in and around the airport, I felt scared at first but felt relieved to find that some people, especially those in ticket counters spoke English. And as expected, everybody is very polite.

At Haneda Airport

The next photos around Shinjuku where I booked my hotel.

Vendo machines sprouted like mushrooms

As you can see, though it is Christmas, you won't see Christmas lights on the streets, I mean not everywhere. You can only find them at well-known landmarks like Ebisu Gardenplace and the like. It was a very, very chilly in Tokyo, even locals are bundled up.

People usually are found in cafes in this kind of weather.

This picture below was an Italian cafe near my hotel, and the only Christmas vibe I saw in Tokyo. I didn't go around too much as I have planned because of the cold weather, though I did go to must-see places like Harajuku and Akihabara which I will blog soon.

Arriving at my hotel left me with a sense of accomplishment for the day. I got lost on the train a few times, haha! And also struggled to traverse the map because of the cold weather. But thanks to all the people who helped me. The hotel was warm, well, at least the lobby, which I appreciated very much. So this is what it feels like during winter. I became very thankful that weather in the Philippines is really, really good.

My first dinner in Tokyo, curry rice

Visiting Kyoto

Maybe the one big reason why I would encourage you to visit Japan is the Golden Pavilion (below). Isn't she a thing of beauty? No words to be added really, but I would want to make separate blog entries for each temple I visited in Japan. This temple by the way, can be found in Kyoto, Japan. Two hours away from Tokyo by bullet train (shinkansen).

Isn't this postcard perfect? Super-duper amazing view

Kyoto City has a quite different aura from Tokyo. It is a smaller city and there are more cars and buses on the streets. And there can be heavy traffic too. Also, I think Tokyo subway system is way better than in Kyoto. In Tokyo, I used subways all the time and it is just fine. I mean I can go to siteseeing places just by taking the subway. In Kyoto, I need to take the bus but buses are stuck in traffic usually, and usually has specific routes that eat up your travel time, and they can also be very confusing. They use bus numbers in Kyoto.

Below is a picture of me and newfound friends on our New Year's eve dinner. We ate okonomiyaki for dinner, plus Japanese sake, of course. New Year's in Japan is very silent and dark even. Unlike in the Philippines or in other places where it is celebrated with fireworks, firecrackers, in Japan, people go to the shrines (for Shintoism) or temples (for Buddhism) in the evening to pray for good fortune for the new year. The streets of Kyoto were crowded and even closed for vehicles. Good thing I have company because in case I did go alone, it will be very easy to get lost in the crowd.

Higashiyama area in Kyoto

Snow on the first day of the year

In Japan, it doesn't snow everywhere during winter. But snow is apparent in places in the northern part. So Tokyo and Kyoto only gets 1 or 2 days of snow each year and they don't last long. But I was lucky to have experienced it during my stay in Kyoto, and that was on January 1! I was very happy indeed.

The Hongaji Temple in Kyoto

Yoga In The Park

2014-12-16T00:49:00.003+08:00

Arms overhead

Plank

Downward dog

Upward dog

Camel

Camelot's pose

Bumibilog na naman ako so I need to keep up. I was sorta in a hibernation this holiday season, getting ready for my upcoming holiday trip so I wasn't moving a lot. A few yoga and some jogging wouldn't hurt to keep the fats regulated hehe..

I wonder if I can do these poses in Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo with less than 10 degrees cold..

Trip To San Fransokyo and The Upcoming Tokyo Adventure

2014-11-16T20:52:00.000+08:00

Life doesn't always go the way you planned it -- Big Hero 6

Finding myself so stuck in a rut, emotional rut specifically, I went out with good company to see Baymax in the wonderful animation Big Hero 6. Well I still don't know where the number 6 came from.. err maybe I wasn't paying enough attention to the details. It's a good movie and I love the location of the scene, San Fransokyo, which is a very obvious merge of San Francisco and Tokyo, so very, very relatable.

I think the movie is relatable because first, I'm going to Japan next month to spend my holidays there. LOL. Provided I will be granted a tourist Visa, then I will be flying solo to explore Tokyo and then Kyoto (hopefully, if I won't ran out of money). I thought I'm going to do this in 2016, but here I am. Life is so unexpected. I was supposed to meet a friend there so I booked a flight. But an unexpected event happened, turns out I will be spending the holidays by myself. I think that's cool still, but I'm kinda afraid.. afraid to get lost. Lost in translation? I'm pushing through anyway. It's time to woman up :)

I also had this shot today for my Visa application

Other Things To Do in Boracay

2014-09-19T21:51:00.003+08:00

Boracay is the most famous beach in the Philippines, and is one of the best in the world for sure. Its pristine powdery white sand is definitely world-class. Honestly, for me, it's like no other.

Move over from banana boating, snorkelling and helmet diving, the usual stuff. I have here a list of new and fun things to do in Boracay :) with photos, of course, to make it more amusing for you. This was from last year, and you may notice I am fatter than usual, as I really have gained weight back then, haha!

1. Stare at the beach. Just stare at it for a few minutes and let yourself be filled with beauty.

2. Make a sand castle (now this is something new! haha!)

3. Take a beach stroll with your friends

4. Take a photo paraw (native boats) boats all lined up :)

5. Indulge in local cuisine. Try this "sinigang sa hipon", one of the best Filipino dishes. It's a tamarind-based soup with shrimp and vegetables. This is a very energizing dish when you are near the beach.

6. Try riding the buggy car

7. Climb up the mountain (or ride the buggy car to get here) and see Boracay from overlooking

8. Enjoy great music with friends. Boracay is a happy place, and it is definitely more alive at night. You can find a couple of open bars by the beach which are just right next to each other, and they have some really, really good live bands playing all night long.

9. Ask one of your friends to sing with the band ;) You'll see here our friend, Dwight Gomez.

10. Try paraw sailing. This is best during habagat (monsoon) season. Make sure you hold on tight!

11. Take a picture while paraw sailing. But kids, don't try this at home. If you're afraid to drop your cellphone or camera to the water, you better use a GoPro instead :D

12. During a hot day, drink some refreshments infused with alcohol.

13. Feel good yourself after number 12, then have a laugh trip for a few minutes.

14. Try this famous 45-peso calamansi cupcake. I promise, you'll never regret it.

15. On your down time, write your name on the sand using a stick. Dwight is writing the name of our group here. We call ourselves, "Witches".

16. Maybe you already know this drill every time you go to the beach, but just to remind you, don't forget to capture the beautiful sunset. You'll thank yourself for that.

17. Write a love letter at the beach, or a diary.. or write about your next adventure!

18. Take a night stroll. Of course. Make sure you remove your slippers when you do. It feels amazing to the feet, you know, the cold, powdery sand..

19. Try waking up one morning at the beach. Kidding!

20. Try to pose at one of D'Mall's cardboard cutouts. It's really fun like this! And Boracay, by the way, is kinda complete, every establishment that you need, souvenir shops, etc, they have it. I tell you, it's my kind of place.

21. Eat halo-halo. Make sure you taste this number one Filipino refreshment, which is shaved ice with a lot of sweet delicacies in it: leche flan, ube halaya and a lot more! This one is not to be missed!

22. Take a photo of people taking selfies :D

23. Take a feet selfie.

24. A glamour shot. LOL

25. And last but not the least, take a group shot :)