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2018 Recap: Highlights of the Year That Was

Monday, December 31, 2018


What's your 2018 theme?

I am not sure how this thing started or if there are others who also do this, but from ever since I can remember, I always start a year with a THEME. There was that year when I said YES TO LIFE more so I treated myself to things I love such as art and crafts classes and expensive concerts and fancy solo dining. There was that year I said I will be FEARLESS so I traveled solo, traveled with new people turned friends, got into a risky business, got a tattoo, and even entered a teaching job.

For 2018, I said my theme will be, well, the popular French phrase JOIE DE VIVRE. The Joy of Life. I want to experience more of the goodness that life has to offer. I thought that this meant getting into luxury bags and a Euro trip, but I guess it meant much much more.



Exploring Budapest: Public Baths, Bridges and Other Stories

Saturday, December 29, 2018


Prague was easiest my favorite city in this Eastern Europe trip. I was kind of denying it pa at first coz friends who've been to this side of the continent will tell me "Talaga!?" or ask "How about Stockholm?" (Or Oslo, Austria, Berlin, or the other cool cities I've been to!!). I love them all equally, as each has a different, and very distinct charm--and I am not just saying this for the sake! But Prague took me by surprise with its old fairytale vibe.

Coming in close is the capital city of Hungary which is Budapest. Tired from traveling for consecutive days, no pauses unless we were on sleeping trains, Budapest was refreshing and exciting and brought back so much of my energy.



“Baby, you are gonna miss that plane.” | Finally, My Vienna Travel Blog!

Friday, December 28, 2018


I had to pause my Euro blogs for months because of info and photos overload (lol). I had to live my life a bit again, go to new travels, and finally--after everything's settled--I am back again in those summer days in Austria.



Alternative Tokyo Itinerary: Other Things To Do On Your Nth Trip To Japan!

Thursday, December 27, 2018


It's my fourth time in Tokyo, and Cea's second, so we've been to the usual must-sees. Although our main agenda for this Japan trip is to go to Hokkaido, we both agreed that we will not leave Japan without spending a day or two in the big bright city.

If, like us, you can't get enough of Tokyo but want to steer away from the usual Harajuku, Ginza or Shibuya, here's an alternative itinerary that we did on our latest trip.


Hay nag hihinayang ako. I lost some of my Japan phone pics. I have a whole lot more in my phone compared to my camera for those "instant" moments where I don't need to fuss so much about composition, but just to keep a piece of the memory. I think hindi ko nasave yung photos ng maayos sa laptop kong mababa ang memory (Macbook probs huhu). Mabuti nalang talaga most of these pictures and videos landed on my Instagram, IG Stories, or my family's private FB group. The more that I am grateful na I am the real time poster that I am!!

Anyway, moving forward!

We arrived in Tokyo and the sun was already down. It was dark out as I peered through our taxi's window, I think it was even drizzling. It was cold, but not as cold as Hokkaido. Bright lights of Shinjuku greeted us to Tokyo's modern city. I love it, every contrast our next stop is lending us from where we just came from were perfect.

I had my phone's Google Maps out just in case our cab driver starts to do something fishy, but I doubt it coz we're in Japan. As we were nearing the capsule hotel that I pre booked via Agoda, I felt more and more excited and even at home! Hahaha! Welcome to the KOREA TOWN of TOKYO!



Merry Christmas guys! I still have about travel backlogs from this year, but iniisip ko nalang na at least there are so many stories yet to tell in this blog! Hopefully before the year ends, we are down to zero backlogs so we can start 2019 with new pages! 

Anyway, we're down to our last few hours in Sapporo, and honestly the days prior this Cea and I were  already running out of ideas. We wanted to do so many things but they wouldn't fit the time frame before our flight back to Tokyo. These other things include a visit to an onsen, a few more day-trips outside Sapporo, Mt. Moiwa, etc. But since we only had 3-4 hours to spare before we check out and ride the airport bus for our flight, we decided to just play it safe and visit one of the places I often see in Sapporo blogs: Shiroi Koibito Park and Ishiya Chocolate Museum

Finish Your Grocery List Online: Shopwise Now In Honestbee!

Monday, December 24, 2018

    
My hidden talent lol: I can stay in at home almost the whole week, and not even feel bored, haha! In short, I am a certified homebody.

But with the holiday season nearing, I had to go out for either 1) Christmas gifts shopping, which I just finished yesterday in SM Makati's Uniqlo, 2) To attend parties and gatherings (baptism of Aki), and 3) To of course buy some groceries in Shopwise!

Now you can drop the latter, make your list , and tick all of them without even leaving your home!

Lee Jong Suk in Manila!

Friday, December 21, 2018


This year has been crazy for this Kdrama fan girl. Even though I am on a temporary 5am-Club break, I had experienced the most unbelievable thing for a person who looks up to K Idols, and that's to see them in the flesh!

If you know about Korea's celebrity status, sobrang strict nila and you won't just see them in the mall or the streets unlike here in the Philippines or for Hollywood stars. But the lines are blurring because of these organized fan meetings, and I am grateful that out of the thousands of cities in this world--these Korean stars chose Manila as one of their stops (keep them comiiing!).

One of the unexpected K stars who visited Manila year is Lee Jong Suk. I first watched him in W Two Worlds, but the drama that really made it to my forever Top 5 is While You Were Sleeping. I've said this a million times over and I'll say it again, it's the Kdrama na napapalakpak talaga ako every end of an episode. I love the suspense of the storyline, and of course, Jong Suk and Suzy Bae were really A+++ actors in this series!

Months late but let me share to you some highlights of the LJS fan meet below. I also included a video compilation! Enjoy, fellow fan girls, and my 2019 wish is for every Korean fans to see their favorite Korean stars in the flesh!


Day-Trip From Sapporo: Furano / Biei

Wednesday, December 19, 2018


Ahhh again, when weeks passed by after a trip, my brain starts to take out some of the details which is very unfortunate as a blogger. So I will just try my very best to look back on this day to still make a comprehensive blog even with the delays!

Furano and Biei is a city and town in Hokkaido that traveller friends highly highly recommend. If you have time, budget, and energy to hop from one Hokkaido city to another, then you have to include Furano--and stay there for a night or two. I would have done so if not for time constraints and our huge maletas.

Furano / Biei are known for their lavender fields (Farm Tomita) with a wonderful view of the Mount Tokachi, the Blue Pond, and for their ski resorts. If you are into nature and the great outdoors, then make sure to visit Furano / Biei when you're on this side of Japan.


No Place To Hold Your Holiday Parties And Get-Togethers? Check out Zen Rooms!

Thursday, December 13, 2018


Last weekend, I had a staycation with Zen Rooms at the fancy Gramercy Residences, a luxe condominium in Makati right next to the Century Malls. My goal is to book for a spacious room to accommodate the annual Christmas party with my blog friends, and I think this place is perfect for such gatherings!


Gift To Me From Me (Gift Ideas For Yo Self This Christmas!)

Wednesday, December 12, 2018


The past days had been extra hectic that I can't wait to actually rest which means Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for me, haha! By being hardworking or for simply surviving another year, I think we all deserve a treat or two even if its means the present comes from no other than ourselves! Haha!

Here are some gift ideas that's best wrapped and sealed for you from you. 😁💛




Good news to those who don't have or don't use credit cards, but have lots of awesome 2019 travel plans already!


Updated Skincare: December 2018

Thursday, December 06, 2018


Annyeong! I'm back! I realized I haven't done an updated skincare post in a while because I got into a reeaaaally really lazy phase! I've been using sheet mask for weeks, most especially during my consecutive travels where I cannot afford to bring all my jars and bottles! Haha!


It's the most wonderful time of the year once again! Sharing to you this good vibes story on the best gift ever this Christmas: A home--a space where you feel at ease and loved. ❤ Read on!

Note: Story not mine, just want to share this to everyone! Other than the good vibes, I think that a lot of us might find this useful.. especially Loc&Stor Self Storage solutions that I just heard of now!

Jung Hae In in Manila: #SarangHaeInManila Fan Meeting

Tuesday, December 04, 2018


I can't believe hindi ko nablog to??? Or baka na delete ko ba?! Anyway, I was looking through my "fan meet" blog posts when I realized that I forgot to blog my Jung Hae In fan meeting experience last July 2018.

I super enjoyed this fan meeting, and narealize ko na naka ilang solo fan girling narin pala ako. "Walang makakapigil" lol. Just as long as I am here in Manila and afford ko, suportahan ko lahat ng pupuntang Kdrama oppas dito! Hehehe.




Korean girl group Momoland (Hyebin, Yeonwoo, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, and Nancy) is back in Manila for an exclusive, one-day-only fan meeting organized by multi-level marketing company Frontrow International. This private event is the company's way to thank its loyal distributors.


5 Exciting Pasta Sauce Flavors You Can Try This Holiday Season!

Monday, December 03, 2018


I have to admit, I am one of those whose go-to dish when tasked to cook is pasta, haha! Sure kasi na no-fail and masarap. It's also my staple meal at home when I am alone, since my sisters all go to office daily and I work home-based. 

If like me sawa ka na with the usual red sauce, then check out these five exciting new flavors brought to us be Del Monte's Spa Sarap Squad!


Theme Park Day with GoPro Hero7!

Thursday, November 29, 2018


NOTE: All pictures used in this post are screenshots from footages using GoPro HERO7.

I really want to edit the clips I was able to take from our Enchanted Kingdom day with GoPro weeks ago, but I still have to find the time + buy my laptop a new external hard drive because #memoryprobs. Anyway, I got our videos from the GoPro Hero7 lent to us, and decided to share screenshots from this fun theme park day. 

Ang saya coz I've always loved the craziest and the most extreme rides, but never had them documented like this day!! If I have an ultimate wish this Christmas, Santa please give me a HERO7 for my travel and adventures this 2019!!! 😍🙏



Toby's Sports, Philipines' leading sports retailer, just launched their biggest store at the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig! The 1000sqm, two-story flagship store houses about 25,000 premium assortment of footwear, sports apparel, and equipment from the world's best brands! I'm literally DROOLING! Haha! Not just for the athletes, if you are also into sneakers or athleisure style like me, then this is the one-stop-shop we've all been waiting for here in Manila!!!


Day-Trip from Sapporo: Quaint Port-Town of Otaru + Sapporo At Night

Wednesday, November 28, 2018


I am so excited to take you around Hokkaido's quaint harbor town of Otaru. ❤

Autumn in Japan 2018: Full Day in Sapporo

Monday, November 26, 2018


When my sister Cea (the youngest) and I planned a trip to Japan by end of this year, specifically in its northernmost and coldest part called HOKKAIDO, we weren't thinking of movie locations (Kita Kita in Sapporo) or that we're in for dairies overload. We wanted to see more of the snow haha.




Imagine this: The sound of waves crashing on the shore and the sunlight peeking through the window wake you up on a lazy Saturday morning. You slowly open your eyes, afraid that you're just in the middle of a dream. But you're not. You stand up as you feel the gentle sea breeze touch your face. You go out of the porch and look at the horizon. You take your time to enjoy the beauty of the blue skies and the deep sea. The yacht will be waiting for you whenever you're ready, anyway. That's the promise of Avara Nature & Yacht Club-the easy life of the seaside. 


INNISFREE OPENS IN MANILA: Store Launch + Prices + What We Have and Don't Have Yet, Etc.

Saturday, November 24, 2018


I have a lot of fond memories with Korean beauty brand INNISFREE.


Malaysia Bucket List: To Stay In Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa!

Tuesday, November 20, 2018


If I see myself in Malaysia again, I have two main things on my bucket list: 1) Go to Penang, and 2) Stay longer in Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa!




It has been proven... I get more inspired to dress up during and after my autumn trips! I love the colors associated to this season, and it's so lovely to watch people walking by the streets of Japan or Korea with well-coordinated clothes imitating the colors of trees during fall: golds and reds, oranges and browns. Everything's so breathtaking from the nature view to people's fashion sense!


Fast Break: VIETNAM! | Cruise Stops and Traveling As Part Of A Cruise

Monday, November 19, 2018


I used to ask how travels go when you're part of a cruise. I experienced it first hand just recently when I joined a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

The Royal Caribbean Experience: Ovation of the Seas! | Ship Tour + Cruising FAQs

Sunday, November 18, 2018


As usual, I want to write about my cruise experience while it's still fresh. New trip is coming in a week, and I want to have this blog post up before that for everyone to learn more about the cruise life. I noticed the sudden up in interest with this kind of luxury chill type of exploring, getting direct message inquiries on my social media postings. Even my own family is already dreaming of a cruise for my mom's 60th birthday next year, my sister prefers the same ship I've tried HAHA (Ovation of the Seas)! It's that GOOD!

Anyway, in this post I will try to include: A ship tour (get ready for a photo loaded post), some stuff I experienced and learned while on a ship for 7 days, rates, and a lot of your FAQs answered by Ms. Alexa of Royal Caribbean.

So if you're also piqued with interest on the cruise life, read more below and see why this is an experience you should try at least once in your life (but I doubt you won't want to go back again after the first try!)! 🚢❤



The Hostel Life: Budget Accommodations in Korea

Saturday, November 17, 2018


I am sure almost all autumn trips are already set, but to those still booking last minute tickets or those planning to spend winter (or even early Spring!) in Korea, I decided to collect some of the hostels and guesthouses I've stayed in during my group and solo trips.


7 Alternative Things To Do On Your Next Trip to Malaysia!

Friday, November 16, 2018


Malaysia is one of those countries that you can easily go back to every year. I love going here as it is close to home. Aside from being rich in culture, food is also good (lots of vegetarian options!), and you can travel to Malaysia even on a budget. Their transportation system is also easy to learn, plus they have some Korean stuff we still don't have here in the Philippines (an Innisfree store, some Korean magazines in their bookstores, etc hehehe--priorities!). I can go back to this country for these + to see more of its other cities like George Town, Malacca City, and Kota Kinabalu.

I didn't realize that I've been going to Malaysia at least once a year for the past three years. If you're running out of ideas on where to go and what to do, I listed in this blog post the itinerary for our short trip for Tourism Malaysia and Cebu Pacific. You might pick up a thing or two! Happy reading. :)

TikTok celebrates winners of first 1 Million Audition in the Philippines

Friday, October 19, 2018

TikTok, the world’s fastest-growing short-form video app, has announced the winners of its first-ever 1 Million Audition in the Philippines, besting over 31,000 videos received in just two weeks. Led by three celebrities Bela PadillaElla Cruz, and Donnalyn Bartolome, the 1 Million Audition contest aims to find the most talented creators in the country.


Update: Current Skincare (Simple Skincare That Works!)

Wednesday, October 10, 2018


For this month, I decided to take it easy on my skin. First, I suddenly feel lazy to go through my usual 10-step routine since about a year or so of starting one. Ngayon lang ako tinamad uli ng ganito!

Second, I really want to test out the Taiwanese sheet mask brand Dr. Morita's effectivity by not mixing it with too much products. I received a box of the Hyaluronic Acid Essence Mask variant (10 pcs) during their Manila media launch more than a week ago. Up to this day, I still use a Dr. Morita mask DAILY, and even repurchased in Lazada because I already finished up the ones they gave me!! Highly recommended!

RAWR Awards 2018: List of Nominees


LionHearTV.net's #RAWRAwards2018 is back, and Anagon's Blog is a part of it as one of their media partners! The event is set on November 14, Wednesday, 6pm at Le Rêve Pool Party Venue and Events Place. 


In A Nutshell: Slides From My KTO and KLOOK Korean Drama Locations Talks!

Wednesday, October 03, 2018


I had two consecutive guest speaker stints in less than a month, and as an introvert, I still can't believe that I was able to pull off both public speaking engagements well! I mean, I am not greedy, I am already satisfied after committing just a few minor buckles and no dead airs so yey! 😂

While You Were Sleeping KDrama Shooting Locations!

Tuesday, September 25, 2018


Sobrang minsan lang ako mapalakpak sa isang Kdrama, and I did this so many times while watching While You Were Sleeping. 👏 The plot is sooo good, yung pag bagsak palang ng dramatic background music sobrang perfect timing, plus backed with great actors--I can't help but put this drama on my top Kdrama favorites!

For this post, I am sharing to you my While You Were Sleeping shooting locations, but as a Kdrama tour itinerary. I think you can accomplish this in a day or two. I still have a lot on my Korea bucket list, and might follow this when I have the chance to go back again in Seoul soon! 

Where to go, where to eat, and what to do???

Let's follow Jung Jae-chan (Lee Jong Suk) and Nam Hong-joo (Suzy Bae)'s journey!


1000 Pesos Makeup Challenge!

Monday, September 24, 2018


Last weekend, I decided to book for a staycation in QC area because of my tight schedule. We celebrated a friend's last few weeks as a single lady last Saturday night at around Ortigas, and early morning of Sunday I have a shampoo bar making class with my sister in Tomas Morato and a fashion event in Trinoma. All my life I live in the south, but the past weeks my commuting experience was the worst! I think spending a few bucks for a comfortable weekend was worth it!

Anyway, I decided to post my Php 1000 makeup challenge since I did packed my lightest and most affordable makeup for a weekend away from home. I've been on the lookout for affordable makeup after getting requests whenever I post anything beauty related on my blog or Instagram... so here it is!

PRAGUE: Inside A Dark Fairytale Book

Thursday, September 20, 2018


We left Berlin from where we entered it. We took a 4-hour train going to the country of Czech in their city called Prague (aka Praha). Inside the train, Ate and I were in front of a couple seemingly nursing a hangover, their legs inconsiderably stretched up to our space. They also placed all their humongous backpacker bags on the floor in front of us instead of putting them on top along with the other passengers' bags so we have more space. I plugged my earphones and endured the ride.

We arrived in Prague at about past lunch time, and compared to our first two destinations, looking for our accommodation is a bit swifter thank God. I pulled my carryon through cobblestone streets, quaint medieval houses as backdrop. It was an overcast day (my kind of weather although it looks bad on photographs) that I was in such a good mood in no time!


My Favorite Klook Travel Bookings + Are You Ready For A Different Kind Of Travel Fair!?

Wednesday, September 19, 2018


I guess it's true. Gone are the days when you have to book a full-on tour guide service when traveling. Anyway, I have never been a fan of following certain time frames, visiting places because of a set schedule (even ones I am not interested in), and go around with groups of other tourists.

These days, travellers enjoy planning everything on their own. I actually learned to love pre-travel activities like booking, researching, and creating itineraries. I can be flexible with my travel plans, but I also have to make sure that I am ready for a trip para sulit since it's not cheap to travel!



Thinking about it now, my main activity involves lots of brain churning. 

I am a writer, and I have been writing for over a decade. I started with feature articles for different publications including Smart Parenting, Candymag, and Current (Meralco's company publication). My course in college is journalism. Now I write solely for my blog, and have since been used to writing with my own voice. So when it comes to writer's block, I think I've been through it so much that I want to talk about it in this post.

Lessons from Kdrama My ID Is Gangnam Beauty

Monday, September 17, 2018


I just finished watching the final episode of the latest JTBC Kdrama My ID is Gangnam Beauty starring Im Soo-hyang (Kang Mi Rae) and Astro's Cha Eun-woo (Do Kyung Suk).

The drama's plot is about a girl who went through full face plastic surgery before entering college, after getting bullied for not fitting society's standards of beauty during her whole childhood. Will this change her life? 

I am sure a lot were able to connect to these characters in one point of their lives. From growing up feeling they are not enough, from caring too much for what others will think, and seeing the things beyond what the eyes can see... Here are some of the lessons I picked up from one of -- if not -- the BEST kdrama of 2018! 

(Spoiler Alert!! Do not go beyond this if you are not yet done with the series!!!)

Berlin Travel Blog: Snippets of this Cool City in Germany

Friday, September 14, 2018


People use the adjective COOL for Sweden, but I have no other better words to describe this city in Germany called Berlin.

Stickers are plastered all over their walls and street sign poles that my Ate had to ask our tour guide where she can buy some as souvenir (haha, they're free and used as advertisements by brands!!).

It is dirty, it is lively, and it has so much (his)story up their sleeves.



News From Tiktok Philippines!

Thursday, September 13, 2018


Celebrities Bela Padilla, Ella Cruz, and Donnalyn Bartolome will lead TikTok's 1 Million Audition in the Philippines!


Sleeper Train To Berlin

Wednesday, September 12, 2018


As most people say about life: The journey is the destination. 

Or a huge chunk of life, at least. Imagine just eyeing your great goal and then forgetting everything else happening at that moment. I now realize that this also applies when traveling. We often just see photos or videos of travellers once they reached that coveted Instagram-worthy tourist spot, but how often does one enjoy and write (or vlog) about how they slept in airports, or how they still made sure to do their nightly skincare in a small cubicle toilet of a sleeper train, or went claustrophobic seating on a tiny reclinable chair of a night bus? 

When I look back to these in-transit travel moments, I cannot imagine how I survived with just the bare minimum!

Late To The Party! Sunnies Face Fluffmate + Autumn Trends + Lessons from Charlie

Monday, September 10, 2018


I know!!! I am super late to the party, mwahaha! But hey, with all the good reviews for this brand, I am sure Sunnies Face is here to stay! Hopefully a month late won't hurt!! 👅 


SOMEWHERE IN STOCKHOLM: Expensive Food, Modern and Medieval, Etcetera.

Friday, September 07, 2018


I miss going to an unfamiliar place. The past months I've been traveling to countries I've already been to, and although it's a different city or season, you can't take away the sense of fulfilment or should I say "adventure" when you go to a totally different continent, with a different language, currency, culture, and timezone!


Got You Girl! +GIVEAWAY!

Tuesday, September 04, 2018


Ladies, we all go through a lot of things and no one can really fully understand us.. Unless she is a woman too. 🙋


BTS of My Mimi Shop Makeover Experience! (More Photos, Conversations, Etc.)

Monday, September 03, 2018


Let me take you back to the night before the shoot day.

I was keeping everything to myself. I tried so hard not to post too much information online partly because we might not be allowed to post yet, and also partly because I still can't believe this will actually happen to me. And if in case it won't push through, at least hindi ako mapapa hiya haha!



40 Fave Finds at www.tobys.com | Happy 40th, Tobys!

Friday, August 31, 2018


My family has always been based in the south, and long before we had sports stores in our main malls (Festival and ATC), we've always had Toby's Sports.

Last night, I celebrated with Toby's Sports as they marked their 40th year anniversary with a grand party called "It's Game Time". The event was held in a huge venue in Metrowalk Ortigas, graced by Toby's supporters from all walks of life: from the big bosses, employees, franchisees, partners, athletes, and us friends from the media. They commemorated all the people that were part of their four successful decades in the industry. It also coincides with the retirement of Toby's chief executive officer Mr. Bobby Claudio.

Sharing photos from last night's event, and my "if I have the money" list of stuff I am eyeing in Toby's!


Unexpected Korea Trip! My Hotel in Hongdae + Visited New Kdrama Locations

Tuesday, August 28, 2018


Don't we all dream of something like this?

One seemingly normal morning, and you get up on your usual wake up time since there were no events and meetings that day. You go through the usual social media notifications, friends' updates, and dog memes, and then open your email and swipe swipe swipe deleting spam mails. Then you saw an event invite with the title: Invitation To Join Mimi Shop Makeover.

Upon opening the email, you read through and your heart started pumping fast as it turns out to be an invitation to fly for free to South Korea and meet Sandara Park in her new show! 😱 Otoke! Is this real!?? Is this legit!? Of course it is, the email sender is from Viu Philippines!! You checked the dates alongside your calendar, still disoriented since you just woke up, and then realized that the flight just happened to be scheduled THE. NEXT. F. DAY.



Simple Steps To Help You Achieve Glass Skin

Friday, August 24, 2018


"Glass Skin" equates to poreless, dewy, translucent, and even healthy skin. It's no wonder why a lot are going gaga just to achieve it! I first heard about Glass Skin from Koreans I think almost a year ago. Amidst all the clamor for anything matte (lips, face, etc), here is a look that finally made me appreciate my oily skin. The key here is to look more natural and effortless.

There are several ways to fake glass skin through makeup, but I learned from yesterday's events that when you take care of your skin, Glass Skin becomes effortless! I am thinking of writing a separate post on how to achieve glass skin with makeup since I did need to cheat a little a little help for having uneven skin tone and acne marks. But for now, the base is important so let's focus on skincare!