• Random

    NikkaShem.com Version 2.0

    December 17, 2019

    The day I decided to dive back into blogging was the day I longed to reconnect with the essence of why I started blogging in the first place. Back in the early days, blogging was a bit like having your own personal diary – a space where you could pour out your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. And as someone who adores writing about anything and everything under the sun, it felt like coming home.

    I’m making a comeback because I miss those old days of blogging – the simplicity, the freedom, the joy of sharing snippets of my life with the world.

    It’s been a while since my last post, and I even considered leaving this site altogether due to the hefty renewal costs. But then, a spark of determination ignited within me. I reminded myself of my love for writing and my desire to share my thoughts with others. So, I set out on a mission to find a free or extremely affordable deal on a domain and hosting.

    Today, I made the leap and transferred to Hostinger, snagging an incredible deal for the next four years. Talk about perfect timing! Four more years of having my little corner of the internet – I couldn’t bear to part with the memories and experiences I’ve shared here over the years. This is my home, and I’m here to stay for the foreseeable future.

    Welcome to NikkaShem.com Version 2.0!

    Yes, I’ve been away for too long, and for that, I apologize. By the way, I’ve cleared out all my old, lackluster blog entries – it’s time for a fresh start. It feels like I’m embarking on a blogging journey all over again, and I must admit, it’s both exhilarating and a tad intimidating, just like the old days.

    So why am I diving back into blogging with my head held high?

    Firstly, work has been exhausting lately. The stress has been taking its toll on my health, but blogging has always been my sanctuary – a place where I can unwind, express myself, and let my creativity flow freely. It’s my stress-reliever, my escape, my playground of words and ideas.

    Secondly, I’m feeling inspired again. For a while, I struggled to find topics that truly ignited my passion and sparked my enthusiasm. But now, I’m ready to dive back in and share my thoughts with the world once more.

    And lastly, I want to hone my writing skills. They say practice makes perfect, right? Blogging is the perfect platform for me to sharpen my English writing skills, learn new vocabulary, grammar rules, and spelling, all while expressing myself and connecting with others.

    So, here’s to a new chapter in my blogging journey – a chapter filled with passion, inspiration, and growth. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to hit that notification button. I may not promise regular updates, but I’ll certainly do my best to share my thoughts with you from time to time.

    After years of on-again, off-again love affairs with blogging, I’m finally here to stay. See you around!

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  • Life Lately,  Random

    Things I Miss About Working at Pagecom

    April 1, 2019

    One day, I caught myself smiling. Out of the blue, I realized something was missing. A part of me was missing. I miss hanging out and working with fun and bubbly people. I miss talking about non-sense stories. It has been ten years since I left, but the memories remain. I miss you guys!

    There are still many things I miss about working at Pagecom, but I narrowed it down to ten.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, and Dinner

    You name it. I got to enjoy my work because of food. Kuya (I can not remember his name) cooked and served the best food. My favorites were Pork Sinigang and Sinampalukang Manok, to name a few. Aside from that, management loved to order pizza.

    Hard work should be rewarded with good food-Ken Follett.

    Long Birthday Celebrations

    I am not exaggerating it. Seriously, we celebrated my birthday for about a month, though we took turns buying ice cream and snacks. We celebrated Herlene’s for a month, too.

    Training Center

    The Documentation Team was housed in the Training Center, a kilometer away from the office. I do not know why we moved there. We were suddenly instructed to pack our things. And TADA, to our haven. More quiet time for the Documentation Team.

    Show me the money

    Angela choreographed our dance number for our Christmas Party presentation. In two weeks of practice, I learned more about my colleagues: our differences, strengths, and weaknesses. Unfortunately, I was not able to perform that day because we had to attend a meeting outside the office.

    Staying Late

    The longest time I worked was 72 hours, with only 4 hours of sleep. Work was stressful in those days. There is no time for social life and love life. Hello there, eye bags and pimples.

    Work Load

    Our team had to finish around 63 projects in 3 days. I can not imagine how we (Leanne, Herlene, and I) managed our time. Can you imagine how overworked we were?

    Photoshoots, Picture Taking

    When the bosses were away, even when the bosses weren’t away.

    Site Visits

    Going out of town is really fun with these people. Photo ops before heading to the site.

    Super Bubbly and energetic staff

    I got to enjoy work because of the people around me… my co-workers Sir Jo, Sir Beddie, Reyner, Leanne, Herlene, Menerissa, Maricar, Kaizel, to name a few. Without them around, I would not have lasted about a year. I was blessed with excellent and trustworthy colleagues.

    Out of Office Bonding

    This is what I really miss. Even if we have hectic schedules and lots of workloads in the office, we never fail to miss Friday and Saturday after work. Up to now, we have found time to see each other once in a while. Right, Herlene and Leanne?

    So what do you (or would you) miss most about working at your previous company?

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  • Life Lately,  Random

    Things I Miss About Working at Site

    April 15, 2018

    There are so many things about working in an office that are fabulously great. But, believe it or not, working at site is really far different. And I made a lot of adjustments just to fit in and not to be bored and sleepy at my new work environment.

    The list of things I miss about working at site is long and varied. I narrowed it down to make it lesser.

    Working Hours

    At site, our working hour starts from 7am and ends at 4pm. Lunch break is from 11:30am to 1pm. We opted to have 90 minutes lunch break instead of the 15 minutes break in the morning, 1 hour lunch break and another 15 minutes break in the afternoon. This is to maximize time working at site and to have a longer time to snooze or do our thing in the noon. Time flies fast at site. You would not notice it when you are at site and with amazing people.

    Morning Routines

    Toolbox prayer, toolbox exercise and toolbox meeting were our early morning routine at site. We cannot start a day working without it except when it is raining. It was always a fun-filled toolbox exercise at site because of the energetic skilled workers dancing at the stage, some gracefully and some off beat. You also would not mind doing the off beat exercise.

    Lunch Break

    I came to realize that I had the best lunches at site. Nobody eats alone at site, we eat together. Most of the time, we contribute an amount to buy for everybody’s lunch. Sr. Pedro chicken, Baliuag Lechon Manok, Hypermarket Roasted Chicken were among our favorites plus ice cream, pizza and a lot more to add. Boodle Fight was so far the most memorable lunch I had at site.

    Loud music

    Everybody loves loud music plus the off-tone singing and off-beat dancing. This would always remind me of stressful day at work. No one minds the loud volume as long as we know the song and we can carry the tune.

    Gossips and Conversations

    This one is a never-ending. Gossips of yesterday is the same as today. Everyone loves to bring back those we had a year ago. I came to realize that men gossip also. And they are the best and sometimes worst gossipers. Though, I learned a lot from them.

    Gray Uniform and Rugged Pants

    I comfortably wear my gray uniform at site. Before, I would not mind seen in rugged/cargo pants as long as I am comfortable wearing those.

    Moving Out

    We moved out several times. I recorded 12 times since Phase 1 of Solaire Resorts and Casino. Imagine the packing and repacking, mobilizing and demobilizing for 12 times in a span of almost 4 years. I began to get used to it. I am no longer a newbie.

    Thanks to the supply of green, and chamomile tea and sandwich spreads in the morning. The perks of working at Solaire includes this. Thanks to Noel and Ryan.

    Plans

    To which, we quoted as “Forever Plans”. It takes 2-3 persons to make it happen. If these 2-3 persons wanted it to happen, most likely it will happen. An example to this is our Enchanted Kingdom plan. After a year of thorough planning.. we made it finally.

    But what I really, really miss about working at site? It is not the light work load I had, not the printer next to me, nor the scanner or the internet connection, but

    The Team

    We had the amazing team back there… staff and workers. I can guarantee that. I would not be doing this list if I do not miss them this much. Writing about it makes me feel proud about what we are now and what we have become. We may not see each other very often, but keep in mind that I am just a Messenger away.

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  • Random

    My Go-To Excuse To Get Out of Any Plan

    June 10, 2017
    If you want to do something, you will find a way. If you don’t, you will find an excuse. – Jim Rohn

    I was invited by my office mates to join them on their trip to Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan. I said, “Yes” without even having second thoughts. I am known for being the “kaladkarin” in our group. I would love to join every “lakad” my friends and office mates have. I would never turn down any invitation. It bothers me to turn someone down. However, I cannot always say “yes” every time my friends want to make plans. I can get away with honesty with a few close friends. But I am obliged to come up with a better excuse for anyone else, for they will never understand me.

    No. It is not just a little word but it holds so much power.

    It has always been wrong to decline with an excuse. Knowing how to refuse helps avoid hurt feelings. But it is perfectly fine to say,

    • You have other plans for that particular time. No further explanation is required. Otherwise, it will sound like you are trying to come up with excuses.
    • You feel tired and exhausted. You are taking time off and badly need quiet time.
    • You cannot afford it. This is the main reason why I cannot join mostly and why I love staying more at home. But it is just not in the budget right now.
    • Or tell them the truth. If they are true friends, they will understand whatever your reason is. You do not need to find another reason to cover up.

    You do not want to, that is more than sufficient reason in itself. There is no excuse for speaking out what you have in mind. To decline an invitation does not mean rejecting that person or group.

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  • Random

    {Random} Things To Do in Sagada

    January 28, 2017

    I have collected a few interesting and more unusual tips from travelers/bloggers/vloggers who have been in Sagada. Let us see if we can strike out as many as we can as we enjoy the cold weather, pine trees, and scenic views on our trip this coming February.

    Are 3 days long enough to see all the major sights? Let us see.

    1. Bike to Besao and witness the sunset
    2. Buy the best bread in Sagada at Masferre Inn
    3. Climb the walls of Echo Valley
    4. Conquer Mt. Ampacao and revel in the outstanding view once atop it
    5. Enjoy the Lemon Flavored Pie and Tea at Sagada Lemon Pie House
    6. Enjoy the privacy of your place at Villa D’ Familia
    7. Experience Heaven on Earth at Kiltepan View Point
    8. Explore Sumaging Cave or do the connection and traverse to Lumiang Cave
    9. Freeze in the icy-cold water of Bomod-ok Falls
    10. Get to know the locals and fellow travelers
    11. Go orange picking at Rock Inn
    12. Go shopping at either Sagada Weaving or Ganduyan Store.
    13. Gobble the fantastic yogurt at Yogurt House
    14. Hangout at the Basketball court near St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
    15. Learn the stories behind the peculiar burial tradition
    16. Pay a visit to the Pottery workshop
    17. Pick up some Sagada coffee at 18 Days Coffee Roasters
    18. Play board or card games or relax beside the fireplace
    19. Raft the Chico River from Dantay to Bontoc
    20. Read a book while enjoying a cup of coffee
    21. Ride top load (the roof of) a jeepney
    22. See the Hanging Coffins up close
    23. Stay at Mapia-aw Pensione and enjoy the stunning view from your room or balcony
    24. Trek to the Bomod-ok Falls
    25. Try itag, a cured meat similar to a slab of bacon, unsliced
    26. Try the Saturday Night Buffet or Pork Tenderloin specialty in Log Cabin
    27. Visit the Cemetery and Calvary Hill
    28. Wake up early and bike to Marlboro Country to try to catch a glimpse of the wild horses
    29. Walk along the Rice Terraces of Sagada
    30. Walk around town, visit the market, especially on a Saturday, it’s market day
    31. Witness the product of the local’s creativity at Ganduyan Museum

    Updated (February 7, 2017) I think I need to go back to Sagada. I still have lots of items to strike out. 15 out of 31 is bad. It is not half past 31.

    Credits: Ma’am Kath for pictures

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  • Random

    {Goals} New Year, New Me 2017

    December 31, 2016

    As I reflect on the challenges and lessons of 2016, I’m ending the year by setting my goals for the coming months. Despite the difficulties I faced, I believe it’s never too late to dream and plan for a brighter future. Remember my {Goals} New Year, New Me 2016? While I may not have achieved everything I set out to do last year, I’m determined to get back on track and make progress in the year ahead.

    For 2017, I’m keeping my life goals shorter and more achievable. Here’s to a better year ahead:

    1. Adopt a cool hobby.
    2. End all my addictions.
    3. Finish the 52-week Money Saving Challenge with KNR and JCC.
    4. Get married and start a family—I know I’m not getting any younger.
    5. Prioritize getting more sleep for better overall health.
    6. Go on a real vacation to relax and rejuvenate.
    7. Achieve financial independence.
    8. Diversify income streams beyond a regular day job.
    9. Invest in permanent closet staples for a timeless wardrobe.
    10. Embrace simplicity in all aspects of life.
    11. Pay off all credit cards and become debt-free.
    12. Build a six-month emergency fund to cover expenses.
    13. Save towards purchasing a residential property.
    14. Aim to save Php 20,000 as part of my financial goals.
    15. Prioritize regular exercise and healthy habits, including cutting back on sweets, junk food, and ice cream.

    With these goals in mind, I’m ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that 2017 has in store. Here’s to a year of growth, progress, and fulfillment!

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  • Random

    My Dream Escapade

    December 3, 2016

    My long-awaited Caramoan dream escapade has finally resurfaced, thanks to Ma’am Kathy’s brilliant suggestion to change our plans from Baguio-Sagada to this stunning beach destination. As someone who loves beaches and sand, I couldn’t be more thrilled. There’s something about the aquamarine waters rushing to my feet that fills me with peace and serenity.

    Read : Why I Love the Beach Even If I Can’t Swim

    My friends and office mates have planned a three-day trip to Caramoan, Camarines Sur, to celebrate Ma’am Kathy’s birthday. Finally, we’re all on the same page. I’m looking forward to spending our time exploring nature instead of the usual drinking and karaoke bars. Let’s make the most of our time together and paint Camarines Sur red!

    Caramoan Islands boast pristine beaches, powdery-white sands, aquamarine waters, and stunning limestone formations. It’s no wonder it’s become one of the top destinations in the country. This is why Caramoan has always been one of my dream destinations—it reminds me so much of the beauty of El Nido, Palawan.

    While my friends aren’t as familiar with DIY trips, we’ve opted to go with a travel tour agent for this adventure. Though DIY trips can be thrilling and unforgettable, especially when shared with close friends, sometimes it’s nice to have the convenience and guidance that a travel agency provides.

    So, which do you prefer—DIY trips or traveling with a tour agency? Let’s discuss!

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  • Random

    {How} I Personalize my Planner

    April 30, 2016

    Customizing and personalizing your planner is a wonderful way to make it truly yours, reflecting your personality and needs. Here’s how I add my personal touch to my planner:

    Planner Itself: After months of deliberation, I chose the Filofax Original Patent in Fuchsia. Its funky color matches my personality perfectly, and its durable construction ensures it’ll last for years to come.

    Dashboards: I love starting my planner journey with a visual treat. My dashboard features a transparent plastic sheet from Filofax, a postcard from HeyKessy, an inspirational phrase, soldier bookmarks, and a photo of us to bring a smile to my face every time I open it.

    Interior Pockets and Pen Slots: The left side of my planner is home to slots for cards and an elastic band for pens. I keep my Coleto Hi-Tec C pen in the loop and tuck weekly plan and timetable sticky notes for quick scheduling.

    Pen: My trusty companion is the Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto 5-barrel pen. It offers a rainbow of colors to choose from, keeping my planner vibrant and organized. I got mine from DavaoArts.

    Dividers and Tabs: I divide my planner into sections like Daily, To-Do, Expenses, Lists, Blog Ideas, Work, and Others. Labeled with my Dymo Label Maker and adorned with tabs from National Bookstore, they keep everything in its place.

    Printable Inserts: Craft and Create provides me with amazing inserts that perfectly complement my Filofax. The quality of the paper is top-notch, ensuring smooth writing and planning.

    Paper Clips or Page Markers: While I don’t go overboard, a few paper clips or page markers help me quickly locate important notes and pages within my planner, adding a touch of color and style.

    Sticky Notes and Stickers: I prefer functional over decorative, so I keep my use of sticky notes, stickers, and washi tape to a minimum. National Bookstore provides me with quality sticky notes, and my washi tape collection comes from HeyKessy, HobbyDepot, and DavaoArts.

    Charms and Journaling Cards: To infuse my planner with positivity, I include charms and journaling cards from BeeHappyCrafts. They serve as little reminders to stay uplifted and inspired throughout my planner journey.

    How do you customize/personalize your planner? Let me know!

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  • Random

    {Goals} New Year, New Me 2016

    December 31, 2015

    I am waving goodbye to 2015 and welcoming 2016 with a long list of “This Year I will.” I made goals instead of lists, New Year, New Me– goals that are almost impossible to achieve in a year. In my case, it would take me forever. I have come up with lists I hope to accomplish instead of coming up with a new set of goals.

    1. (Get drunk) and have a great night out with your best friends.
    2. Attend a festival. Go on a hot air balloon.
    3. Be in two places at once.
    4. Blog. Write 200 blog posts with not lower than 750 words on each post. Improve grammar and expand vocabulary.  (Still working on it)
    5. Buy tickets for a random flight. (Bought an RT Manila-Cebu, August 2017)
    6. Climb a mountain. (Banaue-Sagada-Baguio, February 2017)
    7. Create a youtube video. (Nahhh!)
    8. Embrace fears. Sing out loud and own the floor.
    9. Follow your dreams.
    10. Fulfill your resolutions for 2016.
    11. Get fit and a more defined body. Lessen eating pork and sweets.
    12. Get out of debt. Pay credit card debts. (Still working on it)
    13. Get rid of clothes I don’t wear. Invest in new wardrobes. Buy tailored clothes.
    14. Go on a cruise or a plane ride. (Flown to Palawan via Air Asia, August 2016)
    15. Go parasailing, kayaking.
    16. Go to mass every Sunday.
    17. Learn a new language.
    18. Learn a new skill. Learn how to play the guitar.
    19. Make your best friend’s dream come true.
    20. Monetize the blog again. Increase network of friends. Socialize to increase blog traffic.
    21. Organize an out of town with friends. (Banaue-Sagada-Baguio, February 2017)
    22. Plan for the weekend/holidays. Stay outdoors without spending much.  (Still working on it)
    23. Read lots of books. Finish 50 books in a year. (Does 20 K-dramas count?)
    24. Release a paper lantern.
    25. Run a marathon. Participate in a color run.
    26. Run around town while listening to loud music.  (Still working on it)
    27. Set up my Filofax. Bring back the habit of journaling/planning every day first thing in the morning.  (Still working on it)
    28. Spend alone time in a spa. Meditate.
    29. Start saving for the future. Open a savings account. (Opened BPI Savings Account February 2016 under dad’s name)
    30. Tour hometown. Bike around. Pretend to be a tourist. Take lots of photographs.
    31. Travel to my dream location. (El Nido, Palawan with my sister, August 2016)
    32. Wake up an hour earlier (6:00 a.m.) to work on my goals for the day. (Still working on it)

    What about you? What are your goals? Your plans?

    Updated: February 14, 2017

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  • Random

    {How} Get Rid of that Smell in the Kitchen/Entire Room

    July 18, 2015

    Cooking up a storm in our little studio unit is always a delight, especially when we’re whipping up classics like Sinigang na Baboy, Nilagang Baboy, Chicken Pork Adobo, and Kinamatisang Manok. But let’s face it, sometimes the delightful aroma of our culinary creations can linger a bit longer than we’d like in our compact space.

    Living in a studio means that every scent tends to waft its way through the entire unit, and coupled with the lack of ventilation, things can get a tad funky. But fear not! Here are some friendly tips to keep your cozy abode smelling fresh as a daisy:

    1. Let Nature In: Make friends with fresh air by opening up those windows and doors whenever possible. A gentle breeze and a touch of sunlight work wonders in whisking away lingering odors and bringing a breath of freshness into your home.
    2. Invest in Air Quality: Consider treating yourself to an air purifier or air cleaner. While it may seem like a splurge, trust me, it’s a worthwhile investment. These nifty gadgets help purify the air, bidding adieu to pesky airborne particles and leaving behind nothing but pure, fragrant goodness.
    3. Cover Up While Cooking: When you’re whipping up your culinary masterpieces, cover those pots and pans to minimize moisture and smoke. And don’t forget to place a trusty bowl of white vinegar near the stove – it’s like a superhero when it comes to absorbing unwanted odors.
    4. Mind the Closet Doors: Keep those closet and cabinet doors closed while cooking to prevent your clothes from soaking up any lingering smells and grease. Unlike hard surfaces, fabric can be a bit finicky to clean.
    5. Clean Up, Stat: As soon as you’re done with your kitchen magic, dive into cleanup mode! Wash those greasy pans, give the countertops a good scrub with soap, and mop those floor tiles until they shine like new.
    6. Get Crafty with Natural Fresheners: Why not get creative with your very own all-natural air fresheners? Simmer your favorite spices in some water for a delightful aroma, or leave a bowl of vinegar or coffee grounds on the counter overnight to tackle even the toughest of odors.

    With these friendly tips up your sleeve, you’ll have your studio unit smelling fresh and fabulous in no time. Here’s to many more aromatic adventures in your cozy culinary haven!

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