Micro Blog: Why Are There Always a Rally During Holidays?

Its funny how people kept on rallying and protesting on the country's condition and problems, asking more than what the country can give at the moment.  It is true, over the years and decade, rallyists are fighting for the same problem over and over again.  Similarly, they all blame it to the country's president.  But do they ever think if they have done anything to at least improve the country's condition?  Have they done their part as a citizen to be responsible, disciplined and law abiding person?   I'm sure even the simplest rule of lining up is very difficult for Filipinos to follow.  In other words, simpleng pagpila lang, hindi nagagawa.  Wala kasing disiplina.  You think you're helping your country with this?  As what John F. Kennedy says: "Ask not what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country."  There is no problem, big or small, that is solved overnight.  Do not always blame to others the outcome of the country.  Instead, do your share in helping improve it.

Thanksgiving Sale of SM

I find it funny when SM stores decided to held a Thanksgiving Sale across all their stores and their exclusive brands.  Simply because we, Filipinos, normally don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in the Philippines.  Besides, I know owners of SM are not even Americans (no offense meant to whatever it may imply).  Anyway, it seems like the Thanksgiving Sale of SM worked.  I read a lot about it on Facebook and some blogs.  So I'm sharing mine too.

I don't have plans of buying anything at SM's Thanksgiving Sale.  I just accompanied my sister when she was looking for a nice blouse to wear for an event she'll be attending this Sunday.  We roam around the stores of Glorietta and SM Makati.  Our last stop was Forever 21 in SM Makati.  On both malls, my sister didn't find anything she liked.  Although she has a few choices from Plains and Prints in Glorietta and in Forever 21, but still she didn't buy it.  So it turned out, I was the one who did the shopping mainly in Forever 21.  Here's a picture of what I bought.

Basically all these clothes have a purpose when I decided to buy them.  Let's start with the floral skirts.  I've been seeing these in Forever 21 for the longest time.  Maybe its not so hard selling that's why this time, they made it "2 for Php 525" promo.  I only need 1 skirt but since its on super sale, I bought 2.  Original price of each skirt is Php 405.  So I save about 60%.  I have an event to attend to that requires a business attire outfit.  I don't want to look too business like and so I thought this floral skirt will work.  I just need to pair it with a nice plain top and a blazer maybe.

On our group's Christmas Party, the theme is metallic and it will be held in a bar.  So the outfit should somehow be clubbing type.  I only have 2 clothes that is somewhat metallic in my closet but I am not convinced to wear them on that party.  Thus, I bought the orange racer back top with silver metallic hints.  There's only 2 colors available, orange and yellow.  I chose the orange one since the yellow seems untidy looking (no offense to those who bought the yellow one).  Then I further browse through more racks and found the Buy 1 Take 1 promo.  I found the printed orange skirt with belt.  I checked out other clothes to grab that Buy 1 Take 1 opportunity but unfortunately, there are no longer nice clothes that catches my attention and that will fit my size.  So I just got the orange skirt at 50% off.  Original price was Php 915.

I'm happy with my purchases even if it's not on my budget list.  And somehow, I still get to wear these even after the events that I'll be attending.  And of course, I spent only about Php 300+ for each item.  Cheap isn't it?        

Why I Love Being Single

You get to attend a single's party!
I was one of the lucky cosmo chick who got invited by Cosmo.ph to their 2nd Cosmo.ph Singles' Bash this year.  I never expected to won since I just got back to cosmo website just a week ago.  Still I joined their contest by clicking the singles bash logo.  Luckily, the winners to score a special invite to the party was drawn by an electronic raffle.  And so I got in!  When you're single, you wouldn't hesitate to join similar contest.  And you wouldn't hesitate to party all night!

You get to mingle with and meet other single women 
Well, of course you can meet and mingle with any woman whatever your relationship status is.  But being single may be a little different.  Different being you get to share same interest in attending a singles party.  And of course what do you expect from a singles party? Meet men!  I get to meet new single friends namely: Elaine, Tricia, Florence, Verlyn, sis of Verlyn, Reg and friend of Reg.  Sorry I forgot the two names.  I'm so glad I met them.  They all have their cameras! I no longer need to bring out mine.  I hope they get to tag me on facebook with pictures.  With these new found friends, we also decided to meet up again real soon.

Of course, you get to meet MEN!!
Most of the men at the singles bash were from Cosmo's hot hunks.  I get to meet some of them and take pictures with them.  I also had a handful small chit chat with a few of them.  I can't recall all their names but there are really a lot!  Maybe after I get a copy of some pictures from the official photographer and from my new friends' camera, I'll post it here and try to identify them via cosmo's website.  And oh, by the way, not only chat and picture taking, I also get to dance with them!

There is no curfew nor obligation
The supposedly 7pm party started at about 9pm already and it ended at around 11pm.  But we get to stay a little past midnight.  If the party falls on a weekend, I'll surely stay a little longer.  Luckily, my new found friends also doesn't have a curfew (except for some) that's why we still stayed at 7th High even after the party.  There were still a few cosmo people and hunks at the venue and we danced with them.  I also had a few drinks which luckily didn't made me turn red, which normally happens to me when I drink alcohol.

I'm really glad I was able to attend this party after a little hesitation of going because my companion suddenly couldn't make it.  Even though I had a little nerve-wracking experience with the cab driver along the way, I can say I truly enjoyed the night.  It is my first time to attend a Singles' Party and it is my first time to attend it all by myself.  I'm happy to say that I made it and I really love being single :)  But I hope it won't be forever (the being single that is) ;)

The Blogger In Me

I missed blogging.  This month has been a very busy month for me that I am always tired when I get home from work.  Before, I still get the chance to blog after office.  Now, it seems like I am only able to write on weekends.  Except now.  I just feel like writing.

I don't really consider myself as a blogger.  Well, I'm not really sure what does a blogger mean.  But I'm pretty sure I love to write.  I know I can speak well of my mind through writing.  Besides, many complimented me that I type fast with little errors.  That's why having a keyboard is still an important part of my blogging.  I tried blogging through mobile and it's kinda difficult.

Anyway, I don't actually know what will be the content of this blog.  I'm not even sure if the title fits it.  I'm just sad that I haven't been blogging, even quality and interesting blogs for my followers and readers to read.  It seems like I seldom go out nowadays which can enable me to share experiences on that free time.  I think that's the problem, I don't have that much of free time.  Sometimes, I would want to quit my day job and concentrate on writing.  My passion.  But with so much responsibilities, I don't think I'm ready for that.  That's why for now, writing is just my part time job.

I envy those bloggers who have that luxury of time, writing more than one blog in a day.  I envy those bloggers who get special invites to prestigious, if not, worthy events that is of an interest to the blogger.  In turn, they will blog about the event, a way of advertising.  I envy those bloggers who are sponsored to blog about their travels, photography, etc.  I envy those bloggers who get to meet fellow bloggers which can eventually lead to friendship.  And finally, I envy those bloggers who are able to generate income through blogging.

That's the blogger in me.  I'm not saying that I'm an envious blogger.  All I'm saying is that, this is what I perceive a blogger should be.  Not really should but that's what bloggers do.  And that's what I wanted to do.  I want to participate in events and write about it.  I want to gain more friends/bloggers so I could learn from them or even exchange blogging experiences.  And of course, it will be a plus if I can earn through blogging.  I remember when I was still young, I wanted to become a journalist.  I know journalist interviews people, go to general activities, events, situations, etc. and write a report about it.  I guess that's also what a blogger do nowadays.  That is what I want.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     I know I can also do all of these if I have time.  Hopefully soon.  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my followers, commenters and readers from all over the world.  In my 11 months of blogging, I now have 7k+ visitors and counting.  Thank you.  It may not be a huge number to be proud of but its enough for me to know that indeed, people still find time to browse and visit my blog.  Thank you!

More Apple Apps

In relation to my previous blog, here's an addition to my favorite apps with my iPod Touch.

Karaoke Anywhere
Since I'm a frustrated singer, I find this app fun!  The only down side is that I need to be online via wifi so I could access and sing to there songs.  And oh, by the way, some songs are quite old.  I can't relate! Haha!  Screenshot below shows the karaoke screen and some songs.

Night Cam
Remember the Night Cam app I've mentioned last time?  Well, below are just some sample pictures taken at night.  It really is a night camera!  It can take nice shot at night with very minimal light.

TipidTXT
I am proud of this app as it is made by a Filipino!  As what the name implies, you can send text messages to any mobile number.  In case you run out of load, you can utilize this app to send text messages to your loved ones.  However, this only works with a wifi connection.  Also, in case you haven't updated your iOS to its latest version (iOS 5) which has iMessage, then this can be an alternative.  Although iMessage works like Facetime where you can text or chat with anyone using their email address.

I've tried this app and sent text messages to myself and to my sister.  It is real time and messages are sent instantly.  Although the sender that will appear in your recipient's mobile will be coming from various numbers.  They cannot reply to it, nor you will not receive any text messages from then with your iPod with this app.  They can just reply to your ordinary mobile number.

Pocket Monet
For the love of photography, I've downloaded this app which depicts any photo into a painting art work.  Below is a sample picture.

Wow Camera
This is another photography app that I like.  It has a lot of available effects just like the one below.  Picture below is under Sketch effect.  What i love about it is that it still captures a color in the sketch drawing.  Unlike in the Sketch app, the sketches are all black.  You will need to add other effects to have a color.  But here, the drawing itself has a color.

A+ Signature Lite
I am enjoying this app!  You can write notes, watermark, labels and many more in your picture.  It is like personalizing your own picture and copy writing it.  It also recognizes your own handwriting, similar to the upper left write up written in the picture below.  It was written using just fingers, not stylus.  Another wonderful thing about this app is that you can also edit your pictures.

That's all for now.  I hope you, readers, can also share your favorite apps in your Apple device.

The Ups and Downs of Being an Online Seller

I've been an online seller for several years already, selling pre-loved items, Victoria's Secret products, US clothing, etc.  Mostly I'm selling at multiply and ebay.  For all these years, I've experienced a lot as a seller.  Below are just the Ups and Downs I've experienced as an online seller.  I'll start with the positive side.

The UPs
Understanding seller
Personally, I know I'm an understanding person.  I understand everyone's need, preference and situation.  As a seller, there are buyers who pays late.  When they inform me of those delay payments, I understand their situation.  I don't give them specific date to settle payment after they inform me of the delay.  They're the one's who give date of payment.  It is sometimes a good feeling when your buyers sent you feedback that you're understanding.

Accommodating seller
There are also buyers who prefer other mode of payments other than what I've specified.  If it's not hassle on my part, then I gave it to their preference.  And of course, just like any buying-selling scheme, you will expect buyers to haggle.  I accept haggling as long as it is reasonable.  If the items they're trying to haggle are those pre-loved items, I often gave in as it is already a used item.  Besides, most of the items I'm selling have a very little capital so there's no really big loss on my part.

From Buyer to Acquaintance to Friendship
Since I've build up my reputation as a seller, I have some repeat customers.  Some of which have eventually become my friends.  When a certain customer is also a buyer, we exchange items or swap whatever items available on our shop.  Selling online is also a way of widening your network.

Extra income
Of course one major benefit in selling online is getting an extra income out of it, most especially if it's just a sideline job, similar to my store.  I sell items whatever I feel like to.  My siblings sometimes uses my account for them to sell their merchandise.  For pre-loved items, there are people who really believes in the saying, there is gold in other people's trash.  Well, I hope they find gold in some of my items.

The DOWN's
Joy bidder / Bogus buyers
As a seller, you really can't get away from those bogus buyers and joy bidders.  In my case, most of my experience were joy bidders.  Well, they're not really joy bidders but most of the time they still contact me just to say they will no longer be getting the item.  The most common reason I heard from these joy bidders are they got hospitalized or they have been sick for the longest time.  Out of pity, of course you will no longer force him/her to pay you.  I think its much better to just be honest and say that they don't have money.  But then again, why bid if you don't have money, right?  Whatever their reason are, whether true or not, I just let karma take its course.

Too long reservation
In addition to not paying after bidding, it is also frustrating when a buyer reserves the item for the longest time then later on decided not to get it where in fact there is another buyer interested with your item but you can't give it out due to prior reservation made.  By the time the reservation was lifted, the second buyer is no longer interested with your item.  It is like a double whammy.  You are at lost in both situations.

Increasing clutter
My room is already full of unsold items.  This is most especially when my siblings decided to sell their stuff through my online shop.  They stock their items in my room!  Since I am also busy at work, I don't have that luxury of time to immediately post their items online.  That is when my room gets cluttered.

Patience is a virtue
As a seller, you will encounter different types of people.  Whatever their needs are, concerns, inquiries, etc.  you have to be patient with it.  Once they find you unaccommodating or unfriendly, it turns them off and you lose a potential buyer.  I should know as I am also a buyer myself.  When you accommodate a customer's request, that's when you experience abusive customers.  This is where your patience is tested.  That is why you should not be stubborn and learn to lengthen your patience.

Don't get me wrong.  There maybe downside in selling but I still enjoy it.  There were some who compliments me that I am a good seller (but my line of work isn't in sales, it's the other way around).  Besides, whenever I'm selling online, I also get to "window" shop online.  That's multi-tasking!   There maybe other ups and downs on being an online seller.  Do you have one to share?

Traveling 101

Two weeks ago, I attended the BDJ (Belle de Jour) Fair for their launch of the 2012 BDJ Power Planner.  I have been a fan of BDJ Power Planner ever since a friend gave it as a gift to me on my birthday last 2008.  I liked the content and of course the coupons which made me anticipate for the next BDJ Planner.  So basically, I'm in my 5th year of BDJ Planner and I'm still loving it!

Anyway, I'm not going to blog about the BDJ Planner itself (maybe in my next blog).  I'd like to share with you what I learned from the BDJ Fair.  This year's theme is about traveling since the 2012 planner has a travel-like design.  I registered for the following talks during the fair: Shop Around the World by Alyanna Martinez, Trippin' by Sole Sisters, and Get Lost In Style by Divine Lee.  I'm excited to hear the talk from Sole Sisters since I've read (and followed) their blogs about traveling.  They mostly blog about budget traveling.  I've also met ChiChi when I was in Calaguas but didn't personally know her, just an acquaintance.

The talk was presided by Lois, one of the blog owners of Sole Sisters.  Her talk was about how they were able to travel to 9 countries for 6 months under Php 100,000 budget.  (You can also find the details of her talk in their blog).  Inspiring isn't it?  I want to accomplish that too.  Well, maybe not soon as I have a current job (unless our company decided to retrench us).  But still, I want to do what they have done.

What I have learned


Money.  Of course you cannot travel without money.  What Lois and ChiChi did is that they both quit their job and using their backpay to fund their travel project.  They then started ditching inessential stuff like buying Starbucks coffee.  Aside from that they also sold some of their unused items on garage sale.  ChiChi alone was able to acquire Php 50,000 from selling her items in garage sale.  That's inspiring.  I may not be able to quit my job in an instant but I can definitely sell some of my items, especially my clothes.  I joked my friends that I will clean up my closet, as in CLEARING them out.  I may only leave the basics behind but definitely my target is to get rid of those items I haven't been using for more than a year.  Thinking of it discourages me.  I know I've tried doing it before but I failed.  I still kept those "sentimental value" items.  It maybe hard to do (and hard to let go) but I will still keep on trying just to fulfill my dream to travel.  At the same time, I know it will help me declutter my closet and of course my room.

Plan Your Trip.  Good thing I enjoyed researching and planning for a trip.  It maybe tedious at times but I find it fulfilling afterwards.  Girltalk has been a very reliable forum for me everytime I research on my next trip.  But Lois also presented some blog sites for online support where you can find tips on your next destination.  This gave me an addition blog to bookmark.

Pack Your Stuff.  Lois mentioned that you should only pack essentials.  Well, that's what I really do.  As an additional tip, I personally determine our itinerary so I could better plan the things that I will wear for a day's activity.  Lois also mentioned that when your going to a country with cold weather, of course you'll bring along a jacket or cardigan.  But make sure you take it off during picture taking especially if you brought only one jacket (advisable to avoid bulky luggage) and you'll be wearing it all throughout your trip.  This will give an impression that you've only been to one place.  This is also my philosophy when it comes to swimwear.  My motto is you should never be caught wearing the same swimwear the following day, moreso in your next beach trip within a year.  People who will see your picture will think you've only been to one and same beach area.  With this motto, I've kinda "inspired" my friends to do the same thing.  So whenever we travel in a beach for 3 days, they also automatically brought 3 types of bikini.  Going back to Lois talk, she also mentioned to always look good in pictures so bringing make up is essential but bring only the basics.  Also, accessories is helpful in making you look good on pictures.  I seldom bring accessories, except for watch.  But now maybe I'll bring a few.  Also, I don't bring my all my beauty rituals when traveling, except for moisturizer (for face and body).  Besides, I will be only breaking my beauty ritual in a few days.

Budget traveling.  My travel buddies and I always ensure that we make the most out of our trip without spending much.  We're also in a look out for a cheap hotels or hostel but we ensure that the place is at least have a nice rest room with efficient water flow.  With what Lois mentioned about skipping flights, I think it will only be applicable if you have a lot of time available.  But if you only have a 3-4 days vacation, then you will be needing all the fast moving transportation available to get to your destination fast. When it comes to street food or any budget meal, I personally don't have a problem with that.  It maybe scary to eat  just any food especially if you're in a different country but I would never skip the chance to even just try the best or specialty food in that country (or even in that province).  I'll just bring along first aid kit or medicines specifically for stomachache in case any problem with my stomach arise.

Lois' talk was an additional knowledge for me when it comes to traveling.  I really got inspired on how eager they were in attaining their 9 countries travel in Asia within 6 months with just Php 100,000 budget.  I would want to start saving up more to do the same in the future.  Thanks again to BDJ Fair for this worthwhile event!