When in Vietnam, Halong Bay has always been identified as the leading destination. Social media leads often mention Sappa, Hoi An and Phu Quoc. Ninh Binh was not a popular choice. Days before our trip, the workplace's travel agency offered optional tours in Ninh Binh or Halong Bay. While everyone chose Halong Bay, we went with Ninh Binh. There were only two of us who signed up and in the end, the tour operator cancelled the trip. I was initially disappointed. But, it turned out for the better because I scored cheaper tours from Klook. The workplace's travel agency offered the trip for around Php 4,000 in a large group tour. I found this deal from Klook, which costed less than Php 4,000 and best about it, we had a very comfortable luxury van to ourselves. 

I highly recommend availing the small group tour for Ninh Binh since the entire trip entailed hiking, walking and a boat tour. 

• September 29, 2024
• places

Discovering Ninh Binh, Vietnam

When in Vietnam, Halong Bay has always been identified as the leading destination. Social media leads often mention Sappa, Hoi An and Phu Quoc. Ninh Binh was not a popular choice. Days before our trip, the workplace's travel agency offered optional tours in Ninh Binh or Halong Bay. While everyone chose Halong Bay, we went with Ninh Binh. There were only two of us who signed up and in the end, the tour operator cancelled the trip. I was initially disappointed. But, it turned out for the better because I scored cheaper tours from Klook. The workplace's travel agency offered the trip for around Php 4,000 in a large group tour. I found this deal from Klook, which costed less than Php 4,000 and best about it, we had a very comfortable luxury van to ourselves. 

I highly recommend availing the small group tour for Ninh Binh since the entire trip entailed hiking, walking and a boat tour. 

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A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit Vietnam. The trip was originally planned before COVID happened. I never thought it would still push through. But with the hardwork and perseverance of some people at the workplace, it finally happened. 

We had an early morning flight to Hanoi. Arriving early meant we had the entire day to explore Hanoi. 

• September 20, 2024
• places

Hanoi, Vietnam

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit Vietnam. The trip was originally planned before COVID happened. I never thought it would still push through. But with the hardwork and perseverance of some people at the workplace, it finally happened. 

We had an early morning flight to Hanoi. Arriving early meant we had the entire day to explore Hanoi. 

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It wasn't a planned purchase. But as always, the bag caught my attention. It looks like the Goyard St. Louis tote bag. While I still cannot afford a Goyard, other similar bags can work for now. Christy Ng is a Malaysian brand that offers shoes and bags. I discovered the brand through ad placements from my Facebook account. After a few clicks and social media algorithm, all those local Instagram based sellers appeared in my suggestions.  

• September 09, 2024
• bags

Christy Ng Russo Monogram Tote : A Review

It wasn't a planned purchase. But as always, the bag caught my attention. It looks like the Goyard St. Louis tote bag. While I still cannot afford a Goyard, other similar bags can work for now. Christy Ng is a Malaysian brand that offers shoes and bags. I discovered the brand through ad placements from my Facebook account. After a few clicks and social media algorithm, all those local Instagram based sellers appeared in my suggestions.  

Read More

Writing this post made me feel older. I was born in the 80s and growing up in the 90s always meant hearing Seiko Wallet's commercial, whose tagline remained the same, Ang Wallet na Maswerte. I also can't forget how the voice talent pronounced the phrase, genuine leather. Instead of je-new-win, it was pronounced as je-new-wine. 

I never owned a Seiko wallet. Though oftentimes, I would see wallets as gifts for my parents. The brand has also been present in all SM Department stores. A few times, I would browse their wallets, but nothing appealed to me. I always purchase faux leather wallets from Girbuad or Kate Spade. I'm not sure if it comes with age, but I seem to outgrew the designs from the said brands. I also noticed that prices have become unreasonable. 

• September 09, 2024
• product review

Seiko Wallet Review: A Brand I Rediscovered

Writing this post made me feel older. I was born in the 80s and growing up in the 90s always meant hearing Seiko Wallet's commercial, whose tagline remained the same, Ang Wallet na Maswerte. I also can't forget how the voice talent pronounced the phrase, genuine leather. Instead of je-new-win, it was pronounced as je-new-wine. 

I never owned a Seiko wallet. Though oftentimes, I would see wallets as gifts for my parents. The brand has also been present in all SM Department stores. A few times, I would browse their wallets, but nothing appealed to me. I always purchase faux leather wallets from Girbuad or Kate Spade. I'm not sure if it comes with age, but I seem to outgrew the designs from the said brands. I also noticed that prices have become unreasonable. 

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I was never alone. 

When my brother was hospitalized last month, help came along the way. 

• April 16, 2024

Grateful

I was never alone. 

When my brother was hospitalized last month, help came along the way. 

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New year, new beginnings. Sure enough, there were new beginnings that came. Along with it as always, are tests of strength. 

When mom passed away, the immediate concern was my special brother. The first few months were filled with fears, worries and tears. After a few months, we found a reliable care giver. We now consider her as our family. We would not have made it without her. She was our answered prayer. 

• March 10, 2024

Restless

New year, new beginnings. Sure enough, there were new beginnings that came. Along with it as always, are tests of strength. 

When mom passed away, the immediate concern was my special brother. The first few months were filled with fears, worries and tears. After a few months, we found a reliable care giver. We now consider her as our family. We would not have made it without her. She was our answered prayer. 

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It's been a while ... 

Years ago, this was my routine. I would spend my Saturday or Sunday nights taking photos for my freelance work and Instagram account. I will check my phone for photos from the entire week and blog about everything during the weekend. Things changed. Mostly came from my mother's death almost three years ago, additional responsibilities and as always, challenges from the workplace. 

I wanted to detail everything here. But a blog post will not be enough. I also don't know where and how to start. Though I have to admit, it feels good whenever I'm able to write down everything. 

Before writing this post, I checked the blogs I follow the past years. It felt sad. There were no more updated posts from people I follow years ago. It seems like everyone moved on. Everyone outgrew blogging. Yet here I am, hoping to still see everyone. One of them entered the world of motherhood, another secured a higher position at work, one relocated somewhere and the rest, I have no idea. I haven't personally met some of them. But seeing their absence, made me sad.

Then at work, I thought everything will be better after last year. It was good until it lasted. Last Friday, I realized, it will be another cycle. I'm praying for strength. I had no other options anyway. 

There are good days. There are challenging days. Some days, everything feel perfect. Then there are those, designed to make me stronger. 

We are often told, leave the past. But this time, I'm missing some parts of my past. 

• February 04, 2024

Been a while

It's been a while ... 

Years ago, this was my routine. I would spend my Saturday or Sunday nights taking photos for my freelance work and Instagram account. I will check my phone for photos from the entire week and blog about everything during the weekend. Things changed. Mostly came from my mother's death almost three years ago, additional responsibilities and as always, challenges from the workplace. 

I wanted to detail everything here. But a blog post will not be enough. I also don't know where and how to start. Though I have to admit, it feels good whenever I'm able to write down everything. 

Before writing this post, I checked the blogs I follow the past years. It felt sad. There were no more updated posts from people I follow years ago. It seems like everyone moved on. Everyone outgrew blogging. Yet here I am, hoping to still see everyone. One of them entered the world of motherhood, another secured a higher position at work, one relocated somewhere and the rest, I have no idea. I haven't personally met some of them. But seeing their absence, made me sad.

Then at work, I thought everything will be better after last year. It was good until it lasted. Last Friday, I realized, it will be another cycle. I'm praying for strength. I had no other options anyway. 

There are good days. There are challenging days. Some days, everything feel perfect. Then there are those, designed to make me stronger. 

We are often told, leave the past. But this time, I'm missing some parts of my past. 

Read More