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Lessons from AirAsia (RedQ Tour + CreateCamp's Send-Off)

Thursday, August 31, 2017


This post is inspired from Rodel's "Things I learn from my short visit at the RedQuarters". I realized that AirAsia is more than just a travel company, or our bridge to the world, but it is also a brand that makes us realize important things in life ranging from work ethics, management, and even on reaching for our dreams! 

From my visit to their head quarters in Malaysia a few weeks ago, to yesterday's send-off event for their CreateCamp finalists, here are things that I learned from a brand that uniquely shines in their industry for many years now!


Let's Talk About Health


I think it's just timely to share this life update on this blog, I've been on a diet for a week now. Add to that, I go to the gym for at least an hour everyday! It's a big struggle because of my irregular schedule as a blogger. I have to say no to some events, or compromise by attending one in the morning and then go to the gym in the afternoon or at night. I have my clothes with me the whole day in a big backpack! I also realized that I stopped my Kdrama nights for a while just to adjust. Now I am back, but I try to keep it at just 1-2 episodes per night--because I am just too tired for my gym life and also to avoid midnight snacking! It also felt like a long time since I last ate white rice and bread, but I know that I needed all these! 

It's not because I hate my weight or I don't have body love, but because I am feeling sluggish and slow already. I am not getting any younger, anyway! Might as well be mindful of the things I EAT and DO with my body to make sure I grow old healthy, form good habits now, and probably these things will give me more years to follow my dreams! 


Last week, I visited Philam Life's #LiveBetter Expo at the Glorietta Activity Center. In that event, I realized that being healthy is not only about a fit body. It concerns FOUR THINGS: Fitness, Food, Wellness, and Financial health. So there's physical and mental health, and also saving up for the future. ADULTING at its finest! There's just so much things to process, but I'd like to pin them all--at least--one at a time. 



Visited the different sponsors booths during the expo to avail their free offers. Once completed, you get a raffle coupon for a chance to win a Garmin watch (tracker).

Gold's Gym gave away fitness magazines:

Philam Life's booth provided free consultation session on your financial priorities: Is it Wealth Creation, Healthy Living with Perks, or Income Continuation?



Sweat a little, and get a free drink and photo print in this booth. I tried the treadmill, my current favorite gym cardio. I can do this for 40 minutes, my mind just wandering around and I almost wouldn't notice the time!




And lastly, I also had, for the first time in ages, my body mass measured! 

The physical therapists helped me interpret the figures regarding my weight, mass, etc... Which I usually avoided for the past decade or so! I hated seeing body measurements because I feel that it has nothing to do with who I am (HAHA I KNOW) but now I am doing this not because of vanity or because I am self conscious, but a way to see progress on my new health goals.


The event ended by the stage area, where Philam Life's celebrity endorsers Nico Bolzico, Mond Gutierrez, and Solenn Heussaff talked about fitness, self love, and their co-ambassador Wil Dasovich. 






Are you committed to be healthy, have abs, or look sexy? What are your current priorities in life? 
Tweet me @anagon, let's discuss. ❤

Korea In Manila #002

Tuesday, August 29, 2017


Annyeong, chingus! I miss youuu! 

To be honest, I am feeling extra sluggish the past days. Add to that, my attention span is at its lowest, my days will consist more of sleep and exercise (that's why I get tired so easily!). Last night, I broke my own record and slept at 9 frickin pm!!! Who sleeps before 10 these days!? HAHA! I am also starting to feel uninspired and not-myself, but I guess that's okay! We all have these days!

Anyway, I want to share the few Korea In Manila experiences I have had the past weeks. Some I've already posted on our Instagram @KoreaInManila. Might be something that will interest you? Enjoy! ❤

With my bff Paul at Sibyullee, a fancy Korean restaurant in Pasig! It's too far from me so we took advantage and tried it when we had a Pasig event for Cole Haan. More on this below!

Shopping at Robinsons Department Store's Beauty Fair!

Monday, August 21, 2017


I enjoy shopping for beauty and personal care essentials, but I tend to go over the budget at times! Haha! This month, Robinsons Department Store holds a 360 Beauty Fair with lots of discounted items and other promos, so I made sure to check it out.



Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur

Saturday, August 19, 2017


Last August 3-6, I flew to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia along with my fellow bloggers for an AirAsia fam trip. Although it's already my 3rd time in this country, I still feel very lucky and excited because for the first time it's a pure KL trip.

On my first visit to KL, it's just a stopover coming from Singapore. Last year, we also had a quick stopover overlooking the Petronas Towers on our way back to the airport coming from Ipoh. So I must say, finally! It's time to get to know the largest city of Malaysia.

Shadows of the towering twins:


Foods, Friends, and Shoes


It's a miracle! This south girl went to Pasig TWICE this week! 😂 Well, I can't resist two of my favorite things: comfortable shoes and good food. Well make that three... TIME WITH FRIENDS! What traffic? What rain!? What LTFRB issues?! Hahaha.. I will go out of my way for these things!

Last night in Gastro Park Kapitolyo to support my dear friend Pax's new home for her baby Taipei Kita. I was wearing the lightest shoes from the new Cole Haan collection, perfect for the day's food park booth-hopping!

Cruelty-Free Personal Care Brands from Healthy Innovation

Tuesday, August 15, 2017


Not a lot knows this about me, but I've been a vegetarian for more than 10 years now. I've been very discreet about this because I am not a perfect, practicing vegetarian. I feel that I can't preach about something that I am not an expert in, nakakahiya pag magkamali ako... so I just keep it to my self. I still eat eggs and dairies, which is against animal advocates and hardcore vegans. To me, everything is a step-by-step process and not an instant thing. Maybe in the future when my lifestyle permits it, I can go pure vegan. Who knows?

When I decided that I want to become a vegetarian, I was still in grade school! I was exposed to meat alternatives by my dad who was then a vegetarian, and eventually learned more about the lifestyle through online research (hello PETA!) and joining yoga club in school where most members were non-meat eaters. I know then that I will eventually not eat meat too, but it took me YEARS to finally become one. Ang hirap nun student pa ako, so I admire people who can just go for it, cold turkey.

What's my purpose? I can't eat pork, beef, etcetera because I am a big animal lover, and that's it! That's the root. I love my dogs like family! I secretly just change my reasons for every new person I meet and ask me about my lifestyle, haha! But more than health or diet or any of the usual stuff, I just know that I cringe and can't stomach it when I chew on meat.


A Toast to Beauty: Shiseido The Collagen Launch With Anne Curtis Smith

Monday, August 14, 2017


When I said yes to a Shiseido event invite, I honestly thought it's for a new skincare or makeup product. When I realized that they are launching a collagen drink, I was confused! I mentioned it to my friends and to my Ate (older sister), and got both very positive feedbacks. Ashley, who has been living in Japan for years, said that the product is so popular there because it effectively eliminates eye bags! Ate said that her friend who already lives in Japan recommended Shiseido The Collagen to her after they got dark from a long Siargao beach trip!

Testimonies mean a lot to me, so I was already sold even without trying it first! But of course, it will be nice to get to know more about the product first hand from the brand. More on the launch below!


Everyday Makeup Must-Haves from Banila Co + Banila Co Trinoma Launch

Saturday, August 12, 2017


Annyeong, Chingus! 

Last week, I was so thrilled to receive an invite to one of the most-raved Korean beauty brands that I've been coveting for a long, long time! Banila Co. finally opened another store in Trinoma! If you're from the north, the store is located in front of Mercury Drug, near the exit to SM North walkway. Went there to check out their other products, and familiarize myself with the brand outside their very popular Clean It Zero!

I also met my fellow Korean lover Raych, a Youtuber! Watch her intensive Banila Co coverage HERE. Wish I can make vlogs like her too, galing!! But pang sulat-picture lang talaga ako, hehe!

Alternative Things To Do While In Cebu + Some Thoughts On Solo Traveling

Tuesday, August 08, 2017


I've been to Cebu several times over the past years, for vacation, for work, or for a family wedding. So when I received an invite to hold a talk in the sunny south a few weeks ago, I Googled for alternative places that I can sneak in my itinerary, sites that I haven't been to and can visit around the city considering the time constraints.

I only have two days in Cebu, with the first one already dedicated to work. With barely 24 hours during my second day, I decided to rent a taxi so I can easily go to my list of places. I would have gone for the more adventurous motor bike option I've read on the internet, but it was rainy during my stay so I opted for comfort. With the help of the hotel staff, they got me a cab driver and haggled for a good price of Php 2000 inclusive of 3 site visits, + pick-up and drop-off straight to my hotel. Usual price I've read during my research is Php 2500! And so we began our mini excursion....



Korea in Cebu


A few weekends ago, I was invited the last minute to hold a talk on "achieving your travel goals" in a coffee shop in Cebu. I have less than a week to prepare, but what I have in mind the whole time was this: I will get to travel and at the same time work and share something that I am passionate about! I said yes without batting an eyelash.

Aside from planning my presentation and key points, I also sneaked in a few minutes to read blogs on other things to do while in Cebu. I've been to the city several times already (both for vacation or to cover events), but it will be my first time to go there semi-solo. I asked the company if I can extend my flight back so I can make the most out of the travel, and they were very accommodating to my request. 

Two days in Cebu and I ended up using half of the time trying Korean cafes, haha! Sharing some of these cool places in this post!

Mirror selfie while waiting for my luggage at the Mactan Cebu International Airport:

Park Shin Hye in Manila 2017: Concert + Meet and Greet

Tuesday, August 01, 2017


I never imagined I'll get to see a Kdrama idol up close, and two times at that!!! They are always super private, and they're so good in disguising themselves with caps and face masks... you won't even notice you're passing by a K-star along Myeongdong or Gangnam!  

Park Shin Hye is one of my first favorite Kdrama girls because of The Heirs! Every time she cries, I cry, her laugh is contagious, her kilig during Lee Min Ho scenes goes through my computer screen, and her eyes! They are just so expressive! The best part is seeing her outside all the various roles she played onscreen. Thank you Bench for bringing our favorite Korean actress here in Manila! I really hope that there will be more chances to meet them (and more budget for me to afford going to these shows hahaha)!

With Pax and Ashley in Araneta Coliseum last July 28, 2017 for the Flower of Angel: Park Shin Hye Fun Meet & Concert.