• Random

    40 Before 40

    September 23, 2023

    I am not sure how it happened so fast. It has been a month since I turned 39. In less than a year, I will be FORTY. And not even far enough in life.

    See: How I Celebrated My Birthday

    Honestly speaking, I could not be more excited. It cannot be avoided. That is life.

    Life begins at 40, they say.

    But before I turn that age, I want to accomplish things that I felt I should have done in my twenties. I want to complete at least a handful of these before I reach it.

    I have been meaning to write this list for a while now, but I always got distracted. But I am determined to make it happen. I know it is going to be exciting.

    40 things in less than a year is a lot, but I will try my best ticking most before I am 40 or even 50. This is all about having fun chasing dreams.

    See: {Travel Bucket List} 80+ Challenges

    Here are my 40 goals before I turn 40.

    1. Travel somewhere SOLO – It scares and excites me in equal measure.
    2. Book a photoshoot session – Capture this moment in time.
    3. Take a road trip – I started driving this year; now I’m ready for an adventure.
    4. Celebrate New Year in a different province – Ring in the New Year somewhere new.
    5. Do a five-kilometer run – My first marathon attempt.
    6. Get in shape – Reach 65kg and feel confident in a bikini.
    7. Develop an exercise routine – Make fitness a habit.
    8. Enjoy a spa day every now and then – Regular self-care.
    9. Launch a YouTube Channel – Maybe about road trips? Let’s see.
    10. Try a short haircut – But not shorter than last year.
    11. Give my hair a lighter hue – Step out of my comfort zone.
    12. Get rid of credit card debt – Financial freedom by forty.
    13. Have savings and insurance – Start a side hustle if needed.
    14. Complete a 30 to 120-day “No Spend” challenge – No Shopee/Lazada, no FoodPanda.
    15. Build a capsule wardrobe – Find and stick to a style that works for me.
    16. Plan my 40th birthday with family – A celebration to remember.
    17. Buy/Get myself an amazing 40th birthday present – I deserve it.
    18. Write in my blog every single day – Consistency is key.
    19. Ride a motorcycle – Recently learned and planning to own one.
    20. Become a morning person – A lifelong challenge for this night owl.

    Continue reading, we are only half way there.

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  • Next Question

    How I Celebrated My Birthday

    August 24, 2023

    I cannot remember the last time I shared my birthday celebration with my colleagues. Usually, I take vacation leave to spend it with my family or friends. This time, I have decided to go to work on my birthday, since I am saving the remaining 1-1/2 leave credits I have for the Christmas Holiday.

    Since, I know my colleagues very well, I was not expecting anything from them. Never in my thoughts had a slightest idea.

    My colleagues were taken aback when I showed up early than my usual. Their hands were full putting up the birthday banner they diy-ed. I could not help but giggle at their faces. They were caught off guard. Anyways, I let them finish whatever they are doing.

    At around 11:30am, my sister and nephew called. My nephew got me the sweetest birthday wish. And as we were talking, I was surprised to hear my colleagues singing behind me.. The cake and the gesture.

    Sales and Engineering Team

    I took SNM/ENG out to lunch and PMD colleague to dinner.

    Later that night, I took a walk around the neighborhood. It was so nice to just enjoy my own company.

    Happy Birthday, Self.

    Thank you everyone who wished me a happy birthday.

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  • Random

    Weekend Reflections

    September 14, 2022

    Today marks the end of a three-day weekend. Long weekends only come around a few times a year, making them a precious opportunity to recharge and unwind.

    Saturday greeted me with the luxury of waking up late, a feeling that never gets old, especially knowing there’s no work waiting for me the next day. Yesterday, we had a blast with trick-or-treating, a tradition we hadn’t enjoyed since 2019. The treats were delightful, and the joy of the occasion lingered as I savored a lazy morning. Eventually, I got myself out of bed and dove into the day. A quick lunch at Robinsons Galleria was a perfect way to kickstart the weekend vibes.

    Sunday arrived with a couple of plans in mind, but they were cancelled in favor of a more relaxed approach. As the day unfolded, I found myself catching up on all the things that often get pushed aside during work day.

    Reflecting on my weekend, I couldn’t help but wonder how others were spending their days off. Are they making the most of this precious time, or letting it slip away? Long weekends offer a chance to break free from routine and inject some excitement into our lives.

    For me, they’re a reminder to embrace spontaneity and seek out new experiences. Whether it’s exploring a new hobby, indulging in a mini adventure, or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones, there’s always room for something special.

    As the long weekend draws to a close, I find myself marveling at how quickly the time has flown by. But instead of lamenting its passing, I’m grateful for the memories made and the opportunity to rest and recharge.

    So, what do you usually do on long weekends? Whether it’s a quiet retreat or an action-packed adventure, I’d love to hear how you make the most of your well-deserved break.

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  • Random

    Life’s Whirlwind

    December 29, 2021

    Today has been a whirlwind of emotions, a rollercoaster of doubts and decisions. Isn’t it funny how our minds can be so unpredictable? One moment, we’re ready to throw in the towel, and the next, we’re determined to push forward, no matter what.

    Time seems to slip away so fast, and suddenly, the deadline is right around the corner. But instead of letting it stress me out, I’ve decided to face it head-on. Next week, my domain needs renewing, and even though I don’t have all the resources yet, I’m not giving up. I’m determined to figure it out, step by step.

    Looking back on the past year, I can’t help but recognize how much my blog has meant to me, especially during the uncertainty of the pandemic. When everything else felt chaotic, my blog was my safe space. It’s where I found comfort and could be myself, even when the world seemed to stand still.

    Also, I reached a personal milestone—I finally opened my own bank account, the RCBC One Account. It might seem a bit clichéd, a bit overdue, but better late than never, right? With a little encouragement from my sister, I took the leap, getting closer to financial independence.

    I’m really looking forward to getting my passbook, checkbook, and debit card. It feels like the start of a journey towards managing my money responsibly and building a better future for myself.

    If you’re curious about the RCBC One Account, you can check out their website or visit one of their branches. Who knows, maybe it’ll be the first step towards your own journey of renewal and new beginnings.

    Until next time!

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  • Random

    Why I Cannot Live Without Planners

    September 20, 2021

    Do you remember the first time I learned how to keep a planner? It feels like a lifetime ago, on my very first day of school at just five years old. The school handed us these little “diaries,” and from that moment on, I was hooked.

    Even in this digital age, I’ve stuck to my old-school ways. There’s just something about putting pen to paper that feels right. My planner is my lifeline, my ticket to staying organized in this chaotic world. Without it, I’d be lost.

    I’ve tried all sorts of planners over the years, but my current favorite is the Take A Note Planner. It’s been my faithful companion for the past couple of years, and I couldn’t imagine life without it.

    One of the biggest reasons I love my planner is because it keeps me from forgetting important things. From birthdays to bill payments, I jot it all down. It takes the stress out of trying to remember everything and lets me focus on living in the moment.

    My planner also helps me manage my time better. Let’s face it, I’m easily distracted and prone to hopping from one task to another. But with my to-do lists neatly laid out, I can stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.

    Not only does my planner boost my productivity at work, but it also helps me stay on top of things at home. From appointments to household chores, it’s all there, keeping me accountable.

    And let’s not forget about finances. My planner is a lifesaver when it comes to monitoring my spending habits. It’s like having a personal finance coach right at my fingertips, helping me make smarter choices with my money.

    But perhaps the best part of all is looking back and seeing everything I’ve accomplished. My planner is a testament to all the little victories along the way, reminding me that I’m capable of more than I think.

    There truly are endless benefits to using a planner, and I’m grateful for the sense of order and control it brings to my life.

    Do you remember the first time I learned how to keep a planner?

    It feels like a lifetime ago, on my very first day of school at just five years old. The school handed us these little “diaries,” and from that moment on, I was hooked.

    Even in this digital age, I’ve stuck to my old-school ways. There’s just something about putting pen to paper that feels right. My planner is my lifeline, my ticket to staying organized in this chaotic world. Without it, I’d be lost.

    I’ve tried all sorts of planners over the years, but my current favorite is the Take A Note Planner. It’s been my faithful companion for the past couple of years, and I couldn’t imagine life without it.

    One of the biggest reasons I love my planner is because it keeps me from forgetting important things. From birthdays to bill payments, I jot it all down. It takes the stress out of trying to remember everything and lets me focus on living in the moment.

    My planner also helps me manage my time better. Let’s face it, I’m easily distracted and prone to hopping from one task to another. But with my to-do lists neatly laid out, I can stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.

    Not only does my planner boost my productivity at work, but it also helps me stay on top of things at home. From appointments to household chores, it’s all there, keeping me accountable.

    And let’s not forget about finances. My planner is a lifesaver when it comes to monitoring my spending habits. It’s like having a personal finance coach right at my fingertips, helping me make smarter choices with my money.

    But perhaps the best part of all is looking back and seeing everything I’ve accomplished. My planner is a testament to all the little victories along the way, reminding me that I’m capable of more than I think.

    There truly are endless benefits to using a planner, and I’m grateful for the sense of order and control it brings to my life.

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  • Next Question

    How I Celebrated My Birthday

    August 23, 2021

    I celebrated yet another birthday “alone.” Yes, I am once again alone on my birthday. I still can not believe we are under lockdown. I know that for some, celebrating alone might be strange and lonely, but for me, it is a nice experience, despite the fact that my options are quite restricted to staying at home and celebrating alone.

    I was determined to make this year’s celebration even more memorable than the previous year. Apart from the fact that it was my first time celebrating it alone and chronicling it on my blog, there was nothing special or extravagant about last year. Check out my post, How I Celebrated My Birthday.

    Insomnia hit once more, as it always does. I was awake when my phone chimed. My mom sent me a greeting. She either gets up extremely early or waits until 12 m.n. I absolutely love you, Mom!

    My phone chimed again just as I was about to go to sleep. My sister wished me a happy birthday as well.

    Then, I dozed off.

    I woke up early and began preparing for work. I would have requested a personal leave, but I decided against it since I will be working from home. It is OK to get a few things done on my to-do list this week.

    I was expecting a video call from my family before I started working. You know how much I love that my family calls me first thing in the morning on my birthday. Unfortunately, they were unable to contact me in the morning due to an unforeseen power outage in our town. What is going on, Nuvelco?

    Greetings were sent out over Facebook, Messenger, and Viber. It is amazing how messages started pouring in as soon as Janice, my closest friend at work, wished me a happy birthday in our Viber group. Thank you, team! I enjoyed your well wishes.

    I am actually undecided about what to get myself this year. I enjoyed last year’s cake, but it was rather pricey. So I sought another option and discovered that Boulangerie22 was offering a great deal. In addition, I ordered rice and beef bulgogi. I also got myself Army Navy’s famous LiberTea, Salted Caramel and Brown Sugar Milk Tea. The glass mason jar astonished me. I can always reuse it at home for making my own drinks.

    At about 3 p.m., I lit my birthday candle and sang a birthday song. Singing had me a little teary-eyed.

    Happy Birthday, Self!

    After that, I called my family and sent them photos.

    I really had a great time celebrating and eating. Because of the outpouring of greetings, I decided to treat my family and close friends for a low-key meal.

    How do you usually celebrate your birthday? I would like to know.

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  • Next Question

    How Are You Today?

    August 19, 2021

    Today, I tried a new way of answering the question “How are you?” I am curious to see how my colleagues react to my response and whether it will spark an interesting conversation.

    I was supposed to answer, “I would say I am a 9.99 out of 10.” to avoid answering follow-up questions. But the silly me typed, “I would say I am an 8.5 out of 10.” instead. 8.5 is pretty good, but not the best.

    I can honestly say that it really started a conversation. Many sent their warm messages. And that alone brightened my day. Hmmm, I love you, guys!

    The pandemic has created a world in which we are unsure of our emotions. I know I am OK but not fine fine. And I do not want to give them the same old, same old boring response: “I am fine, thank you”. It is boring, yet useful when you do not want to engage in a conversation. I would not want that.

    So I made a point of keeping a few more real, funny, and unique responses on hand for the next time they ask.

    1. Somewhere between better and best.
    2. Somewhere between blah and meh.
    3. Navigating the twists and turns of life.
    4. Getting better with every passing minute.
    5. Each day is better than the next.
    6. Living one day at a time.
    7. Sunshine all day long!
    8. Dancing to the rhythm of life.
    9. Taking life one sip at a time.
    10. We age not by years, but by stories.

    Here are some more one-of-a-kind responses.

    1. Medium well.
    2. Under renovation.
    3. Fair to partly cloudy.
    4. 50/50.
    5. Currently on energy-saving mode.
    6. Unplugged.
    7. Fifty shades of tired!

    And these..

    1. Overloaded!
    2. Overworked and underpaid.
    3. Waking up blessed, not stressed. Or other way.
    4. Working on myself, for myself, and by myself.
    5. Excited and intoxicated.
    6. Better days are coming. They are called: Saturday, Sunday, holidays, and payday.
    7. I feel like I’m already tired tomorrow. (me all the time)
    8. I can’t complain! (another me)
    9. I can’t complain, but sometimes I still do. (and me)

    Next question, please.

    So how are you really? I would love to hear from you.

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  • Next Question

    How To Stay Focused?

    July 20, 2021

    “Where was I again?” I often ask myself this question after getting distracted. My attention span is very limited. I find it hard to focus on almost everything. It is pretty annoying when I am often troubled by distractions. The more I am interrupted, the less I am able to concentrate. And when I return… I am not sure where I left off.

    How do people manage to stay on track throughout the day? We live in a world filled with diversions. Like today, the stubborn me took over. Instead of working, I am making rounds on my blog, attempting to write about how to focus. It is beyond 7 p.m. anyway.

    How can someone like me with a short attention span focus? Here is how I do it.

    Arrange My Workspace

    Keeping our workspace tidy has a huge impact on our ability to focus. A cluttered desk is distracting most of the time. Before I start working, I make sure everything is tidy and within my reach: my food and drinks. So I do not have to get up to get food or drink in case I get hungry or thirsty.

    Create a Task List

    It became my habit to make a to-do list before starting work, clocking out, and going to bed. I categorize them according to their importance and due dates. Every time I slash out a task, it motivates me to do everything.

    There were times I had to switch from one task to another. Changing tasks makes my brain stay alert sometimes. Oftentimes, it (multi-tasking) is not effective for me. More pending tasks are happening.

    Play Some Music

    Listening to music could calm my troubled mind and improve my performance. It can even make a tedious chore more enjoyable.

    When I am feeling down, I listen to the classics: cellos and violins. When I am bored, I listen to rock music. When you see me wearing my headphones, it means I am either trying to concentrate or I am bored. Whichever of the two. So don’t.

    Work Offline

    I limit my phone use in order to stay focused and complete my tasks on time. I usually put it aside and concentrate on my work. Notifications easily pull my attention away from what I was doing, so setting it to silent mode can have a significant impact.

    Take Mental Breaks

    Short breaks are the best thing to do when you cannot focus any longer. Taking a little rest allows our minds to recharge or reboot. Our brains are not capable of working for 3 hours straight. This is why I set my hourly alarm (even though I am at work). I am training myself to focus on a task for 45-50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break from the computer.

    When you see me stretching away from my desk, I am taking my mental break seriously.

    Distractions are everywhere. And remaining focused is a difficult challenge. Following these can be daunting at first, but with perseverance and dedication, we will increase our focus.

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  • Random

    Hello 2021

    January 2, 2021

    Life is getting tougher and tougher nowadays. While others are almost back to their normal lives, here we are staying at home doing our part. Despite the trials we have gone through, I am grateful that we are continuing to resist.

    Because of the pandemic, I have learned many realizations in life. I have not been careful with my actions and decisions in recent years and only now do I realize their importance.

    This year:

    • I will be more careful about my decisions and actions in life
    • I will not get swayed or get encouraged by anyone
    • I will stick to my plans and goals
    • I will prioritize my needs, then next come
    • I will get in touch with the people I love
    • I will change my spending habits. 2020 has thrown a lot of money-wise decisions
    • I will get back to cooking and stick to home-cooked meals
    • I will support my family throughout the years

    Realization help you make better choices in the future.

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  • Life Lately

    Things I Am Thankful This 2020

    December 29, 2020
    Many things happened in 2020 that were not expected. Who would have thought that this pandemic would last for several months? I thought in a month or two, things would get better, but it did not. The pandemic brought us a lot of learning. Gladly, I still have work and I am working from home. My sister got back to being a nurse. My nephew turned one. Dad passed away. Typhoon Ulysses hit us and left a great impact. And so on.

    God is good.

    Even though I was discouraged by the time Daddy left us, He never left me. I have learned to accept the fate that daddy is gone and he is now in good hands. He had suffered enough. He did the best that he could.
    Life is unpredictable. It changes along with every individual. Today you have and tomorrow you may not have. Be thankful for the good that stays with you. – Rashida Rowe
    I am thankful to my family, especially my mom. Do not give up. We can do this. Keep believing and trusting. I know we can overcome all the trials we face today. To my sister and BIL, hang in there. The best is yet to come. We are all in this together. To my nephew, you are amazing. Thank you for bringing so much joy to the family. I am beyond grateful to my relatives. You are truly a blessing to us. We will never forget the tireless support, especially in times of distress. Thank you for extending your arm when we needed a hand. I am thankful for having good company and good colleagues. I am happy with the help I have received since day 1. Thank you for your usual support.

    Thank you, thank you, everyone.

    Most of all, thank you self for not giving up and for striving hard in these trying times. I am so proud of you. Always take good care of yourself.

    Just keep going.

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