I have been wanting to own a pair of Toms Ballet flats ever since it was launched in the Philippines. I once owned the classic slip ons. After my first pair, I never acquired another because it was too expensive here. I understand and appreciate the advocacy but my budget cannot stomach ripping of another Php 2,000+ for a pair. 

In the Philippines, I know three distributors, Nothing but H20, Jump/Shoe Salon and Rustan's. Although recently, they opened their first flagship store in SM Megamall. I don't have plans of buying the ballet flats because I've conditioned myself that it is exaggeratedly expensive. True enough, when I visited Nothing but H20 in Trinoma, a pair costs Php 4,440. I tried my size and while I love the fit, the price is something to hate. Hahaha I checked Shoe Salon and saw previous season's designs. A pair appears to be cheaper in Shoe Salon, it retails for Php 3,990. 

When I reached home, I checked out prices from their online store. A regular pair is sold at $84. It's really that expensive. As I was browsing the site, I learned that they only ship to US and Canada. It later dawned on me, US = thanksgiving! It was mid-November so I decided to wait and check if they participate on Black Friday Sale. The heavens connived with me because come December 1, the price of my most coveted pair dropped to $50. From Php 4,440 to around Php 2,530. Almost sounds like a great deal if shipping is not a problem. I don't anymore have an Auntie in US to save me. I thought of Johnny Air but I'm afraid of their surprise shipping fee. I budgeted around Php 1,500 and if my estimates are correct, I will be spending Php 4,030. I can save around Php 410. I waited for a day to decide. Hahaha I wanted peace of mind so before the black friday sale ends, I purchased the shoes on December 2 and left everything with Johnny Air. 

I was expecting that the shoes will arrive after Christmas, considering the bulk of Christmas and Black Friday Sale purchases. Surprise of surprises, I received a text from Johnny Air last December 11. That was so fast! The entire waiting period was only eight business days, including Toms' turn around time. Amazing!!! Best about everything, Johnny Air surprised me with lower shipping fee. This time, I was charged around Php 860 for the shipping. I spent Php 3,390 for the entire pair. I was able to save Php 1,050 for a pair that retails for Php 4,440 in the Philippines.

A piece of advice to those who have intentions of buying from Toms.com via Johnny Air, I noticed that the box can actually fit two pairs. The Php 860 shipping fee can be diluted if you have a companion to share orders. If you are concerned about sizing, you can try sizes from the local Toms retailers. (Kapalan na lang ng mukha) I got size 8 but I have a feeling that I could also fit 8.5, my usual size in US' Payless stores. A lot of the reviews I read complained of the bigger sizing. It's true as compared to the sizing of the classic slip ons. I'm size 9 to the classic slip ons for women, I followed the reviews and downsized to 8. The size is comfortable but I feel that 8.5 would also fit me.

The more important question now is will I ever get another pair? My shopaholic hormones is telling me yes. Hahaha But no, I have to verify whether this pair would be worth its price. And just in case I will purchase again, I have to wait for a major major major sale. ;) 

• December 23, 2014
• flat shoes

How I got a discounted pair of Toms Ballet Flats

I have been wanting to own a pair of Toms Ballet flats ever since it was launched in the Philippines. I once owned the classic slip ons. After my first pair, I never acquired another because it was too expensive here. I understand and appreciate the advocacy but my budget cannot stomach ripping of another Php 2,000+ for a pair. 

In the Philippines, I know three distributors, Nothing but H20, Jump/Shoe Salon and Rustan's. Although recently, they opened their first flagship store in SM Megamall. I don't have plans of buying the ballet flats because I've conditioned myself that it is exaggeratedly expensive. True enough, when I visited Nothing but H20 in Trinoma, a pair costs Php 4,440. I tried my size and while I love the fit, the price is something to hate. Hahaha I checked Shoe Salon and saw previous season's designs. A pair appears to be cheaper in Shoe Salon, it retails for Php 3,990. 

When I reached home, I checked out prices from their online store. A regular pair is sold at $84. It's really that expensive. As I was browsing the site, I learned that they only ship to US and Canada. It later dawned on me, US = thanksgiving! It was mid-November so I decided to wait and check if they participate on Black Friday Sale. The heavens connived with me because come December 1, the price of my most coveted pair dropped to $50. From Php 4,440 to around Php 2,530. Almost sounds like a great deal if shipping is not a problem. I don't anymore have an Auntie in US to save me. I thought of Johnny Air but I'm afraid of their surprise shipping fee. I budgeted around Php 1,500 and if my estimates are correct, I will be spending Php 4,030. I can save around Php 410. I waited for a day to decide. Hahaha I wanted peace of mind so before the black friday sale ends, I purchased the shoes on December 2 and left everything with Johnny Air. 

I was expecting that the shoes will arrive after Christmas, considering the bulk of Christmas and Black Friday Sale purchases. Surprise of surprises, I received a text from Johnny Air last December 11. That was so fast! The entire waiting period was only eight business days, including Toms' turn around time. Amazing!!! Best about everything, Johnny Air surprised me with lower shipping fee. This time, I was charged around Php 860 for the shipping. I spent Php 3,390 for the entire pair. I was able to save Php 1,050 for a pair that retails for Php 4,440 in the Philippines.

A piece of advice to those who have intentions of buying from Toms.com via Johnny Air, I noticed that the box can actually fit two pairs. The Php 860 shipping fee can be diluted if you have a companion to share orders. If you are concerned about sizing, you can try sizes from the local Toms retailers. (Kapalan na lang ng mukha) I got size 8 but I have a feeling that I could also fit 8.5, my usual size in US' Payless stores. A lot of the reviews I read complained of the bigger sizing. It's true as compared to the sizing of the classic slip ons. I'm size 9 to the classic slip ons for women, I followed the reviews and downsized to 8. The size is comfortable but I feel that 8.5 would also fit me.

The more important question now is will I ever get another pair? My shopaholic hormones is telling me yes. Hahaha But no, I have to verify whether this pair would be worth its price. And just in case I will purchase again, I have to wait for a major major major sale. ;) 

Read More

I said many times here that I've been blogging since 2005. At that time, I was only blogging for myself. It was only until 2010 when I turned to a more "sociable" blogger. I started to read and follow other blogs. I exchanged addresses with some of them. But meeting fellow bloggers was very rare for me. The first bloggers I met was Jannelle and Kelley. When I flew to Singapore, I met Zigird and that was almost two years ago already.  Before this year ended, I had the chance to meet another set of blog friends again. Leah was responsible for organizing everything. Thanks Leah! Our meeting last week was perfect because it was Mother E's last day in Manila and a day before my birthday. 

Leah chose the perfect venue for our brunch, Vanilla Cupcakes. The place exhibits an atmosphere that sealed our sisterhood :)

Vanilla Cupcakes is a heaven of cupcakes and Cath Kidston! 

Aside from great food, my friends showered me with gifts.

When I reached home my mother was asking if I attended another Christmas party and how many more I have to attend. Hahaha I left home with my shoulder bag and returned with plenty of paperbags. Added to this my trip to Cath Kidston, courtesy of Leah.

We talked a lot!!! How I wish I could share everything here (password protected hahaha) But really, I learned so many things from Leah and Mother E. Our brunch was so bitin! If time was not a problem, I would even join them for a pajama party. I easily became at ease with them. I became too talkative (sorry if I appeared too loud) and I never felt left out with our conversation. Belong na belong ako! haha

Leah actually wrote another post about our meet up here.

• December 21, 2014
• Cath Kidston

My Cath Kidston Sisters and Vanilla Cupcakes

I said many times here that I've been blogging since 2005. At that time, I was only blogging for myself. It was only until 2010 when I turned to a more "sociable" blogger. I started to read and follow other blogs. I exchanged addresses with some of them. But meeting fellow bloggers was very rare for me. The first bloggers I met was Jannelle and Kelley. When I flew to Singapore, I met Zigird and that was almost two years ago already.  Before this year ended, I had the chance to meet another set of blog friends again. Leah was responsible for organizing everything. Thanks Leah! Our meeting last week was perfect because it was Mother E's last day in Manila and a day before my birthday. 

Leah chose the perfect venue for our brunch, Vanilla Cupcakes. The place exhibits an atmosphere that sealed our sisterhood :)

Vanilla Cupcakes is a heaven of cupcakes and Cath Kidston! 

Aside from great food, my friends showered me with gifts.

When I reached home my mother was asking if I attended another Christmas party and how many more I have to attend. Hahaha I left home with my shoulder bag and returned with plenty of paperbags. Added to this my trip to Cath Kidston, courtesy of Leah.

We talked a lot!!! How I wish I could share everything here (password protected hahaha) But really, I learned so many things from Leah and Mother E. Our brunch was so bitin! If time was not a problem, I would even join them for a pajama party. I easily became at ease with them. I became too talkative (sorry if I appeared too loud) and I never felt left out with our conversation. Belong na belong ako! haha

Leah actually wrote another post about our meet up here.

Read More

I have been wanting to watch Disney on Ice ever since I was a kid. This annual event is held at the Araneta Coliseum and every time I passed by the Cubao area, I was always reminded of this kid-at-heart dream that has never been fulfilled.

When I started earning money, there were other priorities. I always end up setting side this item in my bucket list. In my mind, there will be another show next year. This year, I scrapped the plan again because I wanted to watch Bamboo's concert in Resorts World. Bwahahaha Yes, Bamboo is another part of my childhood dreams. I have been following Bamboo since I was 12 years old. So those who developed crush on him because of The Voice Philippines, sorry nauna ako sa inyong lahat. I claim crush ownership for 12 years. Ahahahaha But guess what happened to my plans. I wasn't able to watch Bamboo's concert too. Blame my failure to win the grand cash prize from our Christmas' party raffle Hahahahahaha 

Going back to the real reason of this post, I intend to share my bad experience with Ensogo. I guess I should rename this post as HOW ENSOGO RUINED MY CHILDHOOD DREAM.

Truth to be told, I never trusted Ensogo and all those companies offering very tempting coupon deals. A few of my friends have good experiences, but most stories I heard related frustrations. I broke this conviction when I saw an Ensogo sidebar ad in my Facebook account. The ad showed discounted tickets for this year's Disney on Ice. My kid at heart dream was awakened so I immediately checked the offer. After browsing the ticket prices, I decided to avail the Premium Upper Box tickets that cost around Php 300 per person. The actual price of the ticket from TicketNet would be around Php 600. I thought that this will be the best chance so I immediately purchased tickets using my Paypal account. I made the transaction early November and as shown on their terms and conditions, the tickets will be delivered late November to December 1st. 

Paying for the tickets was a breeze. No problems at all, I thought. One unusual thing I noticed, I didn't receive any email confirmation. It didn't bother me because I have successful transaction record through my Paypal account. This is actually the main reason why I prefer Paypal. If the seller fails to deliver and becomes unresponsive, the aggrieved buyer is protected by Paypal's terms and conditions. Weeks passed, it was already December 5 and no tickets arrived. (leeeech) I exhausted all means to communicate with Ensogo. 

1. Called their Customer Service Hotline - Waste of time and energy! The line was busy 24/7. Even the voice prompt machine is (sorry) so stupid. All customer service advocates are busy. Please try again later. -line gets cut off-  No mechanism to place on hold or queue the caller. I was calling them the entire day. I gave up. 

2. Online Chat - They are claiming this newest feature in their website. Customer service via chat like yahoo messenger. I tried connecting and ended the same fate with that of their telephone hotline. -Connecting- was the message that is showing on my screen...the entire day. 

3. Emailed Jaca Express - I was a bit desperate so I decided to communicate with their courier partner. I sought their assistance in tracking whether I have an upcoming delivery from Ensogo. Result: DEADMAtology. I never received any reply. Nice talking!

4. Emailed Ensogo via contact form - It took them more than 5 days to respond. Award! The verdict finally arrived. NO TICKETS FOR ME! Award! Award! Award! 

According to them, system error!%$#@

@#$% in the first place, I didn't pay via credit card. I used my Paypal account. And as of date, I haven't received any refund from them. I can't understand the long processing time. It only takes a few clicks to issue a Paypal refund.

Best about everything, I checked Ensogo's site a few days ago and the Disney On Ice tickets are still available for sale. There are still available slots even for the Premium Upper Box. This leads me, why can't they give me tickets if they are still actively selling? I even tried buying tickets again. This time however, I chose payment via 7-11. The transaction proceeded except that I decided not to pursue the payment. I don't want to risk and suffer the consequences of another failed transaction and the trouble of working out for a refund.

Lesson learned here : It's always best to pay for the actual price of a product. Cheaper price, cheap service lead to disappointment and frustration.

So there, GOODBYE and @#$%^* ENSOGO! This will be my first and last with your company.

UPDATE

I love you Paypal! It took another company to finally resolve my problem.

• December 21, 2014
• Customer Service

My Bad Experience with Ensogo : Disney On Ice Tickets

I have been wanting to watch Disney on Ice ever since I was a kid. This annual event is held at the Araneta Coliseum and every time I passed by the Cubao area, I was always reminded of this kid-at-heart dream that has never been fulfilled.

When I started earning money, there were other priorities. I always end up setting side this item in my bucket list. In my mind, there will be another show next year. This year, I scrapped the plan again because I wanted to watch Bamboo's concert in Resorts World. Bwahahaha Yes, Bamboo is another part of my childhood dreams. I have been following Bamboo since I was 12 years old. So those who developed crush on him because of The Voice Philippines, sorry nauna ako sa inyong lahat. I claim crush ownership for 12 years. Ahahahaha But guess what happened to my plans. I wasn't able to watch Bamboo's concert too. Blame my failure to win the grand cash prize from our Christmas' party raffle Hahahahahaha 

Going back to the real reason of this post, I intend to share my bad experience with Ensogo. I guess I should rename this post as HOW ENSOGO RUINED MY CHILDHOOD DREAM.

Truth to be told, I never trusted Ensogo and all those companies offering very tempting coupon deals. A few of my friends have good experiences, but most stories I heard related frustrations. I broke this conviction when I saw an Ensogo sidebar ad in my Facebook account. The ad showed discounted tickets for this year's Disney on Ice. My kid at heart dream was awakened so I immediately checked the offer. After browsing the ticket prices, I decided to avail the Premium Upper Box tickets that cost around Php 300 per person. The actual price of the ticket from TicketNet would be around Php 600. I thought that this will be the best chance so I immediately purchased tickets using my Paypal account. I made the transaction early November and as shown on their terms and conditions, the tickets will be delivered late November to December 1st. 

Paying for the tickets was a breeze. No problems at all, I thought. One unusual thing I noticed, I didn't receive any email confirmation. It didn't bother me because I have successful transaction record through my Paypal account. This is actually the main reason why I prefer Paypal. If the seller fails to deliver and becomes unresponsive, the aggrieved buyer is protected by Paypal's terms and conditions. Weeks passed, it was already December 5 and no tickets arrived. (leeeech) I exhausted all means to communicate with Ensogo. 

1. Called their Customer Service Hotline - Waste of time and energy! The line was busy 24/7. Even the voice prompt machine is (sorry) so stupid. All customer service advocates are busy. Please try again later. -line gets cut off-  No mechanism to place on hold or queue the caller. I was calling them the entire day. I gave up. 

2. Online Chat - They are claiming this newest feature in their website. Customer service via chat like yahoo messenger. I tried connecting and ended the same fate with that of their telephone hotline. -Connecting- was the message that is showing on my screen...the entire day. 

3. Emailed Jaca Express - I was a bit desperate so I decided to communicate with their courier partner. I sought their assistance in tracking whether I have an upcoming delivery from Ensogo. Result: DEADMAtology. I never received any reply. Nice talking!

4. Emailed Ensogo via contact form - It took them more than 5 days to respond. Award! The verdict finally arrived. NO TICKETS FOR ME! Award! Award! Award! 

According to them, system error!%$#@

@#$% in the first place, I didn't pay via credit card. I used my Paypal account. And as of date, I haven't received any refund from them. I can't understand the long processing time. It only takes a few clicks to issue a Paypal refund.

Best about everything, I checked Ensogo's site a few days ago and the Disney On Ice tickets are still available for sale. There are still available slots even for the Premium Upper Box. This leads me, why can't they give me tickets if they are still actively selling? I even tried buying tickets again. This time however, I chose payment via 7-11. The transaction proceeded except that I decided not to pursue the payment. I don't want to risk and suffer the consequences of another failed transaction and the trouble of working out for a refund.

Lesson learned here : It's always best to pay for the actual price of a product. Cheaper price, cheap service lead to disappointment and frustration.

So there, GOODBYE and @#$%^* ENSOGO! This will be my first and last with your company.

UPDATE

I love you Paypal! It took another company to finally resolve my problem.

Read More

On vacation mode now! My holiday break started. The dinner and parties are over and I'm enjoying my slow and quiet time at home. Unfortunately, the vacay started with body aches. I woke up feeling signs of an upcoming fever. Must be the consequence of going home late everyday last week. I feel so bloated with all the food intakes. This is payback time for me. While I suffer all the consequences of all my pre-holiday escapades, let me share the other beautiful things that made my week. 

The last leg of Xmas party at the workplace - This also served as thanksgiving dinner for all the people who helped our office with the major project. We are still uncertain and clueless about the outcome. It would really be great if we will start 2015 with positive results.

Click Selfie : The Philipines' First Selfie Studio - I failed to catch the train's last trip because of this. Haha I blame my picture addict friends. We were about to leave the mall when we noticed this unique studio. I'll blog about this in a separate post. One thing sure, I highly recommend the place and service!

The last few days at the workplace showcased the most awaited Asian Dance Festival. Perks of working in a school is being able to witness this yearend event.

The class that showcased China emerged as the winner. What I admired best, the dragon was handled by two ten year old kids. Galing! And you can see the belly of the healthiest boy on the left. Hihihi The tailor underestimated his size which I didn't really mind. So cute and his performance wasn't bothered by this wardrobe malfunction. How I wish my big belly would look cute too. Hahaha 

The other night festivities at the workplace. The Christmas Mass followed by the surprise fireworks. A concert and hip hop dance competition awaited the "bigger" college kids. I love the "Step Up" vibe of the competition though some of my "older" colleagues felt uneasy with all the noise and lights. This is good news for me because I can appreciate things that irritate the older populace. Proof that I'm not really growing old yet!!! Hahaha

• December 21, 2014
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 139 - Last week at work

On vacation mode now! My holiday break started. The dinner and parties are over and I'm enjoying my slow and quiet time at home. Unfortunately, the vacay started with body aches. I woke up feeling signs of an upcoming fever. Must be the consequence of going home late everyday last week. I feel so bloated with all the food intakes. This is payback time for me. While I suffer all the consequences of all my pre-holiday escapades, let me share the other beautiful things that made my week. 

The last leg of Xmas party at the workplace - This also served as thanksgiving dinner for all the people who helped our office with the major project. We are still uncertain and clueless about the outcome. It would really be great if we will start 2015 with positive results.

Click Selfie : The Philipines' First Selfie Studio - I failed to catch the train's last trip because of this. Haha I blame my picture addict friends. We were about to leave the mall when we noticed this unique studio. I'll blog about this in a separate post. One thing sure, I highly recommend the place and service!

The last few days at the workplace showcased the most awaited Asian Dance Festival. Perks of working in a school is being able to witness this yearend event.

The class that showcased China emerged as the winner. What I admired best, the dragon was handled by two ten year old kids. Galing! And you can see the belly of the healthiest boy on the left. Hihihi The tailor underestimated his size which I didn't really mind. So cute and his performance wasn't bothered by this wardrobe malfunction. How I wish my big belly would look cute too. Hahaha 

The other night festivities at the workplace. The Christmas Mass followed by the surprise fireworks. A concert and hip hop dance competition awaited the "bigger" college kids. I love the "Step Up" vibe of the competition though some of my "older" colleagues felt uneasy with all the noise and lights. This is good news for me because I can appreciate things that irritate the older populace. Proof that I'm not really growing old yet!!! Hahaha

Read More

I'm 31(sh*t) and I don't feel like one. In my mind and heart, I will remain as the 20 plus kid-at-heart.  Physically however, I feel years older than my biological age. My darker skin tone, sudden acne attacks leaving harsh and dark spots, excessive oiliness that is later contradicted by dryness and painful skin flaking and the uncontrollable weight gain I've been battling since 2011.  I've never tried any diet routine because God knows I have the lowest EQ when food is so near to me. I tried jogging every weekend, but waking up early seems to be the real test. I wanted to try those delivered meal boxes, but my budget does not agree.  There are days when I don't mind my protruding belly and humongous cheeks. Most of the time though, I'm further losing my diminishing self-esteem when facing the mirror. Using the full body mirror in a public restroom, with a group of skinny females, worsens everything. All the more when I see my pile of unused pants and blouses. Everything will eventually be dumped to my eBay account. 

This age also marked my first decade of working... in the same company. Should I feel proud or ashamed of myself? I haven't achieved my financial goals. That dream car and real estate are way out of target. I hate to admit it, but I'm also burdened with some credit card bills. And I haven't even mentioned about the trouble of being single in your 30sh years. Everyone in the family is making you feel the ugliest. 

I may sound so negative, insecure and hopeless. I'm not satisfied with where I am and the way things are going. I'm not blaming anyone though. What I know for sure, I will do something to make my life better. This will be the last time I will feel sad and melancholy. Easier said than done, I hope this will reverse or equalise for me in the future. Saying it also means achieving it. Yeah right, it will never work that way. The best stories are fueled by 75% pain and crying, 15% success, 5% luck and 5% inspiration. Like that of my favourite Korean drama series. Except that love and inspiration are not included in the equation. It's like another variable x or y that emerges out of nowhere and the entire equation becomes that complicated. Hahahahaha

I spent my birthday at home. I took a birthday leave for the first time. I want more sleeping hours, no alarm clocks, eat all of my favorite food, movie marathon and a lot of rest. Only half of my plans happened. I was able to sleep well, my Nanay cooked my favorite kare kare, Mcdonald's delivery, and I cleaned my room the entire day. It was rather a quiet and different birthday I had over the last years. A few days before my birthday I met up with my best friend T and tried 8 Cuts Burger at SM Megamall. I checked H&M, only to end up at SM Department Store. Didn't find anything nice for me even from Old Navy and the other new shops. A day before my birthday, I got to see the people behind two of my favorite blogs, Leah and Mother E.

Unlike my previous birthdays, I don't anymore have that dump of photo uploads. I don't know why but I don't feel like documenting everything now. As I type this post, I'm feeling some unusual body aches. Must be the result of going home late last week and all the food intakes I had. Gaaaaaaaahd, I am really aging.

• December 20, 2014
• Birthday

Three One

I'm 31(sh*t) and I don't feel like one. In my mind and heart, I will remain as the 20 plus kid-at-heart.  Physically however, I feel years older than my biological age. My darker skin tone, sudden acne attacks leaving harsh and dark spots, excessive oiliness that is later contradicted by dryness and painful skin flaking and the uncontrollable weight gain I've been battling since 2011.  I've never tried any diet routine because God knows I have the lowest EQ when food is so near to me. I tried jogging every weekend, but waking up early seems to be the real test. I wanted to try those delivered meal boxes, but my budget does not agree.  There are days when I don't mind my protruding belly and humongous cheeks. Most of the time though, I'm further losing my diminishing self-esteem when facing the mirror. Using the full body mirror in a public restroom, with a group of skinny females, worsens everything. All the more when I see my pile of unused pants and blouses. Everything will eventually be dumped to my eBay account. 

This age also marked my first decade of working... in the same company. Should I feel proud or ashamed of myself? I haven't achieved my financial goals. That dream car and real estate are way out of target. I hate to admit it, but I'm also burdened with some credit card bills. And I haven't even mentioned about the trouble of being single in your 30sh years. Everyone in the family is making you feel the ugliest. 

I may sound so negative, insecure and hopeless. I'm not satisfied with where I am and the way things are going. I'm not blaming anyone though. What I know for sure, I will do something to make my life better. This will be the last time I will feel sad and melancholy. Easier said than done, I hope this will reverse or equalise for me in the future. Saying it also means achieving it. Yeah right, it will never work that way. The best stories are fueled by 75% pain and crying, 15% success, 5% luck and 5% inspiration. Like that of my favourite Korean drama series. Except that love and inspiration are not included in the equation. It's like another variable x or y that emerges out of nowhere and the entire equation becomes that complicated. Hahahahaha

I spent my birthday at home. I took a birthday leave for the first time. I want more sleeping hours, no alarm clocks, eat all of my favorite food, movie marathon and a lot of rest. Only half of my plans happened. I was able to sleep well, my Nanay cooked my favorite kare kare, Mcdonald's delivery, and I cleaned my room the entire day. It was rather a quiet and different birthday I had over the last years. A few days before my birthday I met up with my best friend T and tried 8 Cuts Burger at SM Megamall. I checked H&M, only to end up at SM Department Store. Didn't find anything nice for me even from Old Navy and the other new shops. A day before my birthday, I got to see the people behind two of my favorite blogs, Leah and Mother E.

Unlike my previous birthdays, I don't anymore have that dump of photo uploads. I don't know why but I don't feel like documenting everything now. As I type this post, I'm feeling some unusual body aches. Must be the result of going home late last week and all the food intakes I had. Gaaaaaaaahd, I am really aging.

Read More

The world of blogging that I know seems to be the opposite of my working environment. There are no walls and barriers. There are no set of policies and procedures to follow. There are no regulatory agencies to comply with. Bloggers are free to publish what they want. I believe that the absence of these restrictions create that unique and attractive character of blogging to me. 

I've been blogging since 2005. I started so many blogs in different platforms only to later let them fade away. At that time, I was only focused writing things about myself. It was simply an online diary  maintained by my very anonymous self. I was not yet oriented on reading other people's blogs.

When I revived my interest in blogging, all the irony started. I began to discover and read other blogs.   I suddenly became interested with photography, food, travel and all those hobbies I can never afford. I was inspired but the most compelling factor arose from my desire to earn additional money.  I discovered bloggers who turned the hobby to a full time profession. I was inspired by a group of bloggers who admitted that their day job earnings are set aside for savings and investment. Their blogs have become their main source of income. This became my vision for pursuing blogging again.

As I was beginning to relearn the world of blogging, I found other reasons to blog. One is gaining friends albeit online. I met a few here and one from Singapore. If I didn't pursue blogging and explored other blogs, my life would have been more monotonous and predictable. I would be limited to my everyday environment, work and home.

Reading and following other blogs gave me more insights and discover both the common and peculiar practices. Some inspired me while others unfortunately gave me disappointments. Let me identify the few I often encounter.

1. Sponsored Posts - I admit that I benefited from this opportunity for quite some time. Back when Bucks2Blog was still alive. I still get rare sponsored posts from Nuffnang. Rare as in once every year or two. I remember reading and following blogs that started publishing great articles. When these blogs became popular, the sponsored posts came in. While I have nothing against sponsored posts, I started to avoid some of these blogs because the sponsored posts overpowered the meaningful posts.  It felt like disliking my favourite restaurant that lost its taste on me. One funny experience I had with sponsored posts, I was initially surprised to see the same post existing in different blogs simultaneously. (Anyare? Nag-usap usap sila haha) Only to later learn that this might be a requirement of the sponsoring PR agency. 

2. Rants and disappointments - Everyone rants or expresses disappointments and frustrations. I include myself. However, I believe that this privilege has its own set of limitations. I encountered several bloggers who posted photos of other people without consent. Most stories dealt with poor customer service experiences. While the maltreated blogger / customer has all the right complain, I don't subscribe to the idea of publicly embarrassing other people. 

3. Using the blogger's popularity and credibility as an advantage weapon - Pet peeve! On the contrary, I know some popular and respected bloggers who remained humble and low key. I encountered a female food blogger who was offered a free meal in a restaurant. I overheard the female blogger courteously refusing the opportunity. 

4. Banner Ads - I have a few that are not really earning. Haha Apologies but I hate pop-up ads and those that suddenly cover the screen in the middle of a blog post. Eyesore! One very popular blog I know that refused to accept banner ads is Market Manila. I love that his blog remained clean and organised despite the popularity.

5. Blog Giveaways - I'm one of those who join blog giveaways especially if the prizes appeal to me. I'm blessed to win a few. My most memorable was from Papemelroti. While I always love joining giveaways, there are instances when I refuse to join. When the prizes are not useful for me, I cannot comply with the requirements and the most prevalent, I'm asked to do tons of online chores. (Sorry, ang tamad ko lang.) Like and share on Facebook, Like and follow on Instagram, tweet, follow and share, leave a comment, make a blog post, and that magical Miss Universe question.... why do you think you should win?

Okay, I think I'm becoming too talkative here. Haha I started writing this post a few weeks ago and I always end up revising everything. Last week, I was awakened by back stories and unwritten practices in the blogosphere. Some stories were disappointing and a few entertained me. Hahahaha Despite the negative stories and discouragements, I'm still firm in pursuing my blog. At this point, I'm loving my tiny space and the few friends I gained here.

• December 20, 2014
• 30 Things

30 Things Life Taught Me # 26 - All About Blogging

The world of blogging that I know seems to be the opposite of my working environment. There are no walls and barriers. There are no set of policies and procedures to follow. There are no regulatory agencies to comply with. Bloggers are free to publish what they want. I believe that the absence of these restrictions create that unique and attractive character of blogging to me. 

I've been blogging since 2005. I started so many blogs in different platforms only to later let them fade away. At that time, I was only focused writing things about myself. It was simply an online diary  maintained by my very anonymous self. I was not yet oriented on reading other people's blogs.

When I revived my interest in blogging, all the irony started. I began to discover and read other blogs.   I suddenly became interested with photography, food, travel and all those hobbies I can never afford. I was inspired but the most compelling factor arose from my desire to earn additional money.  I discovered bloggers who turned the hobby to a full time profession. I was inspired by a group of bloggers who admitted that their day job earnings are set aside for savings and investment. Their blogs have become their main source of income. This became my vision for pursuing blogging again.

As I was beginning to relearn the world of blogging, I found other reasons to blog. One is gaining friends albeit online. I met a few here and one from Singapore. If I didn't pursue blogging and explored other blogs, my life would have been more monotonous and predictable. I would be limited to my everyday environment, work and home.

Reading and following other blogs gave me more insights and discover both the common and peculiar practices. Some inspired me while others unfortunately gave me disappointments. Let me identify the few I often encounter.

1. Sponsored Posts - I admit that I benefited from this opportunity for quite some time. Back when Bucks2Blog was still alive. I still get rare sponsored posts from Nuffnang. Rare as in once every year or two. I remember reading and following blogs that started publishing great articles. When these blogs became popular, the sponsored posts came in. While I have nothing against sponsored posts, I started to avoid some of these blogs because the sponsored posts overpowered the meaningful posts.  It felt like disliking my favourite restaurant that lost its taste on me. One funny experience I had with sponsored posts, I was initially surprised to see the same post existing in different blogs simultaneously. (Anyare? Nag-usap usap sila haha) Only to later learn that this might be a requirement of the sponsoring PR agency. 

2. Rants and disappointments - Everyone rants or expresses disappointments and frustrations. I include myself. However, I believe that this privilege has its own set of limitations. I encountered several bloggers who posted photos of other people without consent. Most stories dealt with poor customer service experiences. While the maltreated blogger / customer has all the right complain, I don't subscribe to the idea of publicly embarrassing other people. 

3. Using the blogger's popularity and credibility as an advantage weapon - Pet peeve! On the contrary, I know some popular and respected bloggers who remained humble and low key. I encountered a female food blogger who was offered a free meal in a restaurant. I overheard the female blogger courteously refusing the opportunity. 

4. Banner Ads - I have a few that are not really earning. Haha Apologies but I hate pop-up ads and those that suddenly cover the screen in the middle of a blog post. Eyesore! One very popular blog I know that refused to accept banner ads is Market Manila. I love that his blog remained clean and organised despite the popularity.

5. Blog Giveaways - I'm one of those who join blog giveaways especially if the prizes appeal to me. I'm blessed to win a few. My most memorable was from Papemelroti. While I always love joining giveaways, there are instances when I refuse to join. When the prizes are not useful for me, I cannot comply with the requirements and the most prevalent, I'm asked to do tons of online chores. (Sorry, ang tamad ko lang.) Like and share on Facebook, Like and follow on Instagram, tweet, follow and share, leave a comment, make a blog post, and that magical Miss Universe question.... why do you think you should win?

Okay, I think I'm becoming too talkative here. Haha I started writing this post a few weeks ago and I always end up revising everything. Last week, I was awakened by back stories and unwritten practices in the blogosphere. Some stories were disappointing and a few entertained me. Hahahaha Despite the negative stories and discouragements, I'm still firm in pursuing my blog. At this point, I'm loving my tiny space and the few friends I gained here.

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• December 20, 2014
• 30 Things

30 Things Life Taught Me # 25 - Sometimes, I become the person I hate

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