August 29, 2020
Here's the thing about change—it's scary. You step out of your comfort zones, you leave behind the routine that you're used to, and basically, you leave behind what's safe for you.
While change is intimidating, it should never halt you to start living and going after the things that you want. The things you really want. Because when you keep on waiting for the "right" moment, chances are, you'll be waiting all your life and it might already be too late when you finally decide to take a leap.
Don't let anything get in the way between you and your dreams. As Nike says, just do it. It won't be an easy journey but you'll be fine.
June 21, 2020
Let me start this by telling you how I hated the times when you always ask me about that app you just downloaded that I think won’t be of use at all for you, because hey, it’s Instagram, and the times that I got annoyed when you asked me about the life updates of this certain vlogger because I actually don’t have any idea at all who that person is. And do you remember the time when you kept asking me over and over again like a broken record about this TikTok “famous dance”? I was surprised you know it because even I don’t have any idea about it at all.
It got me thinking, am I really the young one here?
I forgot that you are cool and that you just want to keep up with the trend like the way you were when you were my age… just like how I am today. I got to admit, you’re way cooler than I am, Dad, and I love that about you.
But not just because of being the “trendy old man”, but because you really are the coolest and greatest Dad in the world.
You taught me how to be kind even if others are not, and be patient even if it takes longer than expected. You taught me how to be contented and make the most of what I have. You taught me how to be strong and stand up every time I fall, and to never give up even if life hits me so hard. And most importantly, you taught me how to love unconditionally despite the imperfections. So, thank you, Dad.
Thank you for shaping me and for letting me pick a life that I love… that I dreamed of, even if society told me otherwise. Thank you for teaching me how to love my flaws and accept who I really am. Thank you for making me realize that it’s okay to be different, that no matter how different I am, someone will pick me, someone will love me. Because you did.
And you know what, Dad? Whenever people tell me I’m very hardworking, I always think of you because I got it from you. What can I say? Hard work is hereditary. I owe everything to you of what I am today.
I am so lucky to call you my Dad.
You are my strongest critic yet my biggest fan which makes it even because I’m also your biggest fan, Dad.
You are also the toughest yet most softhearted man I know and I salute you for that.
We might not say it a lot but we love you, Dad!
Like what we said to Mom, a “thank you” is never enough to match what you’ve done for us.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
***I wrote this article for a leading Southeast Asian budget hotel chain and was originally published at www.zenrooms.com.
June 20, 2020
One of the biggest mistakes in life is to think that talent alone is enough to be great, successful, and become a high achiever.
Sure talent can be a huge factor that could lead you to your dream—whether it's landing on your dream role, launching an album, or anything your heart desires—but when you start to believe that it is the most essential piece to the puzzle of victory, you have built up a wall all on your own that instead of success, will only lead to failure in life.
Everyone has a different journey. Let's say there are these two equally talented individuals—one achieved the things he has always imagined while the other one faced the greatest downfall he didn't expect at all.
If they were "equally" talented, why did they end up on different sides of the world? The only difference between these two individuals is the effort they made.
The latter was only relying on talent alone. At first, it was going good but as time passed, everyone is also getting better until he couldn't catch up anymore. Why? Because he didn't make an effort to improve himself or to learn new things. He was so confident that his talent is enough to lead him to success.
But let me tell you this, from my personal experience and from what I've observed from other people, just because you are extremely talented at something doesn’t guarantee that you will have long-term success, and the moment you stop nurturing and developing your talent, someone else with less talent is working day and night to beat you. I know this because I saw some people who became like this.
When you work in the media, it allows you to meet different kinds of people from all walks of life. And some that I met were like the latter person. But most importantly, I know this because I experienced this myself.
I may not have the 10+ years of work experience to justify my claims nonetheless, I believe that claims are qualified when it's based on personal experience regardless of the amount of time you've spent working.
When I was still studying, I dreamed of becoming a writer for a teen magazine. Honestly, I wasn't so confident that I can get a job in a prestigious company because there are so many people who write better than me. But you know what, it didn't stop me from getting what I want. And guess what? I stood out. Why? Because I had something great to offer that others didn't have, that's my blog. Back then, blogging was not a huge thing yet. I got in. And they didn't. Why? Because they got scared and followed the "rules".
A few months later, I wanted to try something new. I applied for a job at a competitor TV Network, but this time, the job mainly focused on TV production which I have no idea or interest in at all. I told myself before graduating that I will never ever work for TV Productions, specifically in the news. That's my most weakness. But then, opportunity knocks, and I wouldn't let my weakness scares me off. So I applied and got in. A few months later, I got promoted, earlier than other people. It led me to meet new people from the average to high-rank officials that became good connections of mine that helped me expand my career.
This is not to brag but just to tell you that stepping out of your comfort zone can really make a huge difference. I wasn't the best writer or producer and every day, I get assigned more and more difficult tasks and projects that made me cry on some days (and nights). I thought if these people believe that I can do it, then why shouldn't I?
In short years, I realized, you don't have to be too talented to make it. Like Master Pakku from the Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender has said, "With fierce and determination, passion, and hard work, you can accomplish anything. Raw talent alone is not enough."
So what should you do?
1. Do something every day to develop and nurture your talent. Even if it's just a little task or a new hobby, just do it. A little knowledge can go a long way.
2. If things get hard, don't be scared. Face it. Challenge yourself and take on difficult tasks. Look for opportunities to test yourself and keep pushing yourself to see how far you can go.
3. Work hard on the things that will make a difference. Work hard to learn. Work hard and accept the feedback. Work hard at getting better. Always.
4. Don't be shy to ask for help. It doesn't make you less of a person. Surround yourself with like-minded people and use their talents to help you grow and perform and vice versa. That's what teams are about.
To end this article, I want to leave you with a quote from Tim Notke that sums up everything I have been trying to say:
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
June 7, 2020
In this article, we will help you cap off the ultimate Queen B's style and teach you how to dress like Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl.
With the emerging fashion-centric hit series from one platform to another, there's nothing quite phenomenal like the Gossip Girl.
The crazy rich teenagers from the Upper East Side have dominated the fashion industry that result to serious sartorialust since 2007. From Serena van der Woodsen’s luxe bohemian aesthetic featuring silky miniskirts and textured jackets and Jenny Humphrey’s rocker chick evolution to Blair Waldorfs preppy posh look, these Upper East Siders have taken the New York streets (and the world) by storm.
From the launch of cult-like trends — headbands — to the crème de la crème of designer duds, it was Queen B who reigned supreme. Blair, played by Leighton Meester, was always one step ahead of the style pack. She was a classic beauty with a royally bold disposition, and her polished style translated into the masterful portrayal that captured the hearts of tastemakers around the globe.
I've rounded up some of the pieces you should have to achieve Queen B's style. With these, you'll definitely know how to dress like Blair Waldorf.
1. The Headband
It's not a Blair Waldorf look without the headband. If you want to know how to dress like Blair Waldorf, you should put this on top of your list. Headbands are Blair's signature accessory. From tartan and sequined to satin, Blair wears her headbands in every style you can imagine. In case you didn't notice, there's always a headband for every occasion.
2. Skirts and Dresses
Searching how to dress like Blair Waldorf on Google will lead you to hundreds of girly looks. Blair doesn't wear pants so much. She loves to wear dresses and skirts. Here, I wore a skirt from Rosewholesale. You can find other styles perfect for your liking on their website.
3. Bows
What I like about Blair is that she is a total girly-girl at heart, which makes this style perfect for me because I am, too. While I'm not a billionaire, at least we have something in common—love for all things girly.
Blair loves to incorporate feminine touches like lace, bows, and ruffles, into her outfits. This is also her go-to look for formal events and parties so if it's still not clear to you on how to dress like Blair Waldorf, remember this one word: girly.
4. A good-matching bag
Blair never goes out without a trendy bag matching her outfit of the day. She always makes sure that her bag, purse, clutch, or wallet will suit her outfit. I also got this bag from Rosewholesale!
Now that you know more about how to dress like Blair Waldorf, what do you think? Do you love Blair’s style, or are you more of a Serena or Jenny?
May 9, 2020
How do we even start to say thank you to the woman who deserves the world?
In times when we thought we’re alone, you made us feel we belong.
When we thought we had no one to run to, you were always there.
You lifted us when we’re down and carried us through heavy times.
For the times you had to stay up late to take care of us when we’re sick and for the times you had to wake up early even before the roosters crow just to prepare our meals, we can’t thank you enough for all the things you have sacrificed for us.
We’re sorry if we lose our patience at times when you ask how to navigate an app over and over again when in fact, you never stopped helping us with our homework even if it took a lot of your time when we were little.
We’re sorry for the times you had to endure our shortcomings and worst version of ourselves; for not being able to comfort you on your bad days despite the fact that you were always there to ease our pains; you’re our favorite shoulder to cry on. You are our safe place, mom.
And we’re truly sorry for the times you had to cry in private when we’re hurt—or worse, for when we hurt you.
Please don’t think that we don’t appreciate you because we do. We really do.
We love you beyond words. We may not say it enough but, thank you for everything, Mom.
You deserve so much more than just a greeting, you deserve more than the most expensive designer bag, or more than just a staycation—you deserve the world. You deserve to feel special. Not just today. But every day.
We would like to take this day as an opportunity to say how grateful we are to be raised by such a strong woman like you.
A “thank you” is never enough to match what you’ve done for us.
Happy Mother’s Day!
***I wrote this article for a leading Southeast Asian budget hotel chain and was originally published at www.zenrooms.com.
May 3, 2020 Tagaytay, Philippines
More than ever, our busy and hectic lives demand comfortable and practical clothes especially if we don't have the luxury to hop in private cars everyday and requires a lot of commute. Of course, giving up on style is simply not an option even if it means commuting to at least an hour or two. The question is, how do we combine fashion and function together to create a chic but totally comfortable look? Athleisure trend is the answer.
Considering the fact that there’s a handful of outfits that will always look good, you can totally nail a foolproof athleisure trend wardrobe if you really put your mind to it. Turning active wear into everyday wear, athleisure is blurring the lines between the clothes you’d wear to the gym and those you’d wear to lunch.
So, whether you’re off to a brunch meeting or hitting the streets, your outfit can now do it all. No need to lug around a change of clothes or struggle in heels during a long day.
What is Athleisure Trend?
The term “athleisure” is not just a fashion lingo. Actually, athleisure has now been added to the dictionary and is defined as “casual clothing designed to be worn both for exercising and for general use.” To give it a more meaningful definition, athleisure trend is both practical and completely fashionable blending the sportswear with RTW to create a chic and comfortable outfit.
How to Wear the Athleisure Trend
- Mix active wear into your regular fashion wardrobe. You can layer sports pieces under regular clothing like sports bra under a leather jacket or cropped top; or leggings under a chic coat.
- Use sneakers as your go-to footwear.
- Pair your leggings with longer tops or try tying a shirt around your waist to make it more streetwear appropriate.
- Wear athleisure trend to work by replacing your corporate blazer with a bomber jacket or if you can't ditch the corporate jacket, just mix a sporty T-shirt with it.
But remember, while the athleisure trend is so much more comfortable than other trends, it doesn't give up the fact that we'll sweat big time especially on a humid day. To avoid feeling sticky and looking haggard, instantly refresh yourself with a soothing mist like the Avène Thermal Spring Water.
It is an active thermal spring water from France with soothing and softening properties. Its healing mist provides refreshing and anti-irritating benefits for sensitive, hypersensitive and allergic skin.
Photos by Hendrix Vargas
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Top from BeautyMNL | Thermal Spring Water Mist from Avène
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April 26, 2020 Banaue Rice Terraces
The Banaue Rice Terraces, locally known as the Hagdan-Hagdang Palayan, are undoubtedly a source of pride for the Ifugaos and also for the Filipinos all over the world.
Because of its magnificence, it has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995. Since then, the world has noticed and never stopped talking about the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.
Located at the foot of the Cordillera mountain ranges in the northern island of Luzon, this destination will definitely take your breath away as you get lost by the astounding view of these rice paddies.
Read on if you want to get to know more about the Banaue Rice Terraces. This travel guide might come in handy for you! :)
UNESCO also noted that the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are a memorial to the history and labor of more than a thousand generations of small-scale farmers who—working together as a community—have created a landscape based on a delicate and sustainable use of natural resources.
Because of its magnificence, it has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995. Since then, the world has noticed and never stopped talking about the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.
Located at the foot of the Cordillera mountain ranges in the northern island of Luzon, this destination will definitely take your breath away as you get lost by the astounding view of these rice paddies.
Read on if you want to get to know more about the Banaue Rice Terraces. This travel guide might come in handy for you! :)
Banaue Rice Terraces being a UNESCO World Heritage Site
According to UNESCO, the Rice Terraces Philippines are the priceless contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity. Among the reasons for its recognition is that the terraces illustrate a persistence of cultural traditions and remarkable continuity and endurance, since archaeological evidence reveals that this technique has been in use in the region for 2,000 years virtually unchanged.UNESCO also noted that the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are a memorial to the history and labor of more than a thousand generations of small-scale farmers who—working together as a community—have created a landscape based on a delicate and sustainable use of natural resources.
Things you need to know before traveling to Banaue Rice Terraces
The Locals
The Ifugaos are very accommodating and they are always smiling. One thing you might notice when you meet Ifugaos is that their mouth and teeth are red. This is because of nganga or betel nuts. Nganga is like an alternative to tobacco or cigarettes. However, this isn’t smoked but chewed and to be spit afterwards. It is part of the Ifugaos’ culture so expect that most of them, even women, are chewing nganga.The Food
The food here isn’t cheap but not too expensive. Basically, a regular meal will already cost you around P150 but the serving is generous. You must try their native rice and the Banaue longganisa! They’re a perfect combination, especially with a hot choco or coffee for breakfast.Traveling Rice Terraces Philippines won’t be easy
Sure there are vans and other transportation services available to tour you around but when you’re already going to the rice terraces, expect a lot of hiking trips, some are easy and some are challenging but definitely worth the sweat and effort!Places you can visit near the Banaue Rice Terraces
Tappiya Falls
Unlike other waterfalls that are accessible and easy to reach, Tappiya Falls is a challenge but definitely worth it. Expect a not so easy trek by any stretch, the path to the falls will take you up and down steep uneven steps, narrow rice terraces, and muddy slippery trails. The trek will take about an hour or two depending on your pace. Also, the water here is freezing cold! But that’s what you’ll be needing after the tiring trek.Bogyah Hot Spring
Like the trek to Tappiya Falls, you’ll be in for another challenge going to Bogyah Hot Spring. You will have to pass through narrow rice terraces and uneven steps for about an hour but all these will be worth it when you finally reach Bogyah Hot Spring for a dip.Ducligan Snake River and Mountains
After the endless rice terraces in Ifugao, Ducligan Snake River and Mountain should be your next stop. This will be your breather during the trip. It’s among the most beautiful mountains in the Philippines featuring a snake-shaped river, hence the name.Hungduan Rice Terraces
Among all the rice terraces I've seen in the province, Hungduan Rice Terraces captivated me the most. It's so different from the usual rice paddies in Ifugao. Hungduan features rice terraces that uniquely emerges into a spider web.
How to get to Banaue Rice Terraces
From Manila or Cubao, you can ride a bus bound for Banaue/Sagada. The bus you should take are either Ohayami Trans or Coda Lines. Travel time from Manila takes about 9 to 10 hours.
Best time to visit Banaue Rice Terraces
During summer and fall abundant rains can sometimes cloud views of the slopes. Winter may be a more reliable period for sightseeing. June is harvest time, so the landscape is golden and activity levels are high.
April 4, 2020 Banaue Rice Terraces
Being one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites comes as no surprise anymore to anyone who knows about the Banaue Rice Terraces.
The rice terraces are an outstanding example of land-use that resulted from a harmonious interaction between people and nature which has produced an ancient cultural landscape of great aesthetic beauty. The verdant rice terraces of the Philippines are all the product of the Ifugao ethnic group, a minority community that has occupied these mountains for thousands of years.
If you're planning to travel here, you should know first these five surprising facts about the Banaue Rice Terraces so you can have a meaningful trip.
1. The rice planted here are for family consumption
This is one of the most surprising things I learned about the Banaue Rice Terraces. Our local tour guide told us that the rice harvested here are for pure family consumption. The harvested rice are enough to feed the family for six months. Given the enormous land of rice terraces, it's hard for me to believe that they don't sell the rice in the market. They don't even export to Metro Manila. But when you go to souvenir shops, you'd see Banaue rice sold everywhere so how come? Our tour guide said, it happens only when there is an excess for family consumption.
2. Rice here is more expensive than in Manila
Most often than not, prices of goods and commodities in the province are cheaper than in the metro. But in Banaue, rice is more expensive. It amounts to P120 per kilo compared to Manila's cheapest rice that's P30 per kilo. The explanation behind it is that, rice in Banaue is organic.
3. There are two kinds of rice terraces in Banaue
The structures of the Banaue Rice Terraces are of only two kinds: the stone wall and mud wall. They used it to carefully carve and construct terraces that could hold flooded pond fields for the cultivation of rice. These incredible rice terraces were done by hand as was (and is) the farming itself.
4. There are also two kinds of rice that are harvested in Banaue
The Banaue rice is so famous because of its organic quality. The two types of rice harvested here are sticky and non-sticky rice, all organic.
5. There are 5 inscribed clusters of rice terraces in Ifugao
While the historic terraces cover an extensive area, the inscribed property consists of five clusters of the most impressive terraces: 1.) the Nagacadan terrace cluster in Kiangan, a rice terrace cluster manifested in two distinct ascending rows of terraces bisected by a river; 2.) the Hungduan terraces that uniquely emerges into a spider web; 3.) the central Mayoyao terraces which is characterized by terraces scattered with traditional farmers’ bale (houses) and alang (granaries); 4.) the Bangaan terrace cluster in the municipality of Banaue that backdrops a typical Ifugao traditional village; and 5.) the Batad rice terraces in Banaue that is nestled in amphitheater-like semi-circular terraces with a village at its base.
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