In December, I lay awake.

The morning disguised;

Shuddering.

I lay awake and still.

Visions are blurred

The windows forcing down

I lay awake and still.

Walking;

Left, and right swaying in;

I lay awake and still.

Is it today?

Yes, maybe no;

December.

Beleaguered moments;

Hush hush.

It’s December.

Idealizing the past;

Disinterested in reality.

In December, I lay awake.

Forward now, never deny.

Soliloquys - happiness above.

In December, I lay awake.

Silence inhibits.

Desire for tonight.

In December, I lay awake.

TIN Card.

Last week, I felt so accomplished. I have finally processed two other government I.D.’s which are required in most transactions and which would also benefit me in the long run. Remember my other post, where I stated that you should count and keep tab of all the documents you already have filed? Then include these two in your inventory: T.I.N card and SSS card.

First up is the T.I.N. I.D. card. This is among the fastest government document you can process in less than a week (working days). Here is the flow:

• To avoid any hassle of queuing up just to get an application form. Directly download and print a e-form from Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (B.I.R.) website.
• Correctly accomplish and have it signed by your current employer. Secure all the required documents and bring it with you. NOTE: Use black ink only in all forms. This applies to other government documents.
• Go to the nearest B.I.R. branch. Upon arriving, log-in their automatic system or the log book, then get a number and quick application form. The quick application form, as I call it, would take you less than a minute to finish. It also contains the claiming stub for your I.D.
• Waiting would seem daunting at first, but within 30 minutes you will the next one to be accommodated (Take not that this would differ from branch to branch).
• After submitting your application form, B.I.R. will then return the claiming stub with the date on when your card will be available. You can actually pick your card later than what is stated in the stub. Just be sure that you won’t take a month to do it.
• The processing of my card took only three days. And the best part is there is no charge or fee for anything.
• Upon claiming your card, just inform the guard that you will only claim your T.I.N card. He will direct you to a table without issuing any number.
• Present your claiming stub then sign the required receiving form (More of just a list of applicants). Finally, tear off your card.

And viola! You have your card. Just paste your picture and have it laminated for protection.

I will do a post regarding the SSS card application.

‘til next post!

Ciao,

Maddie :)

The Wrath of Sendong.

This is a short post reminding us to pray wholeheartedly for our fellowmen whose lives have been changed by Sendong. If you can not donate or volunteer, a prayer is worth to give them strength, courage, faith and hope amid the tragedy that has befallen.

On the Fifth day of Christmas.

Ho Ho Ho Ho Happy Holidays!

Yes it is officially raining and it’s the Christmas season.  Since Christ the King celebration, it marked the official start of the Christmas season. Though sadly I still could not feel it primarily because it has been raining non-stop for days already (Guess ol’ climate change is really kicking hard on us this time). And there is no longer any Christmas break for me anymore (The sad facet about being an alumni haha).

Well, since I’m speaking of the holiday season, let me share to you a not-so-secret tip on gift giving. 

Ahh, yes! The happiness that pours whenever there a beautifully packed box with only our name on it; the uncontained excitement once we start ripping gracefully (LOL!) the obtrusive material hindering the surprise for us. That is the power of the gift giving this season.

As much as I really also want to receive gifts (Ahem, to those who knows me LOL); I also want to sprinkle loooovee this month. Heck do we need to wait for Valentines for this? Love should be all year round and should be more intensified this month.

While making a list two months, I devised a strategy for me to have better options to expand my sources (A.k.a income haha!). So here’s how it is. Let say I have five groups of people who I should give for this holiday, I will then distinguish which of these five will have a groupie gift. What will be left is a special list for my family and loved ones, which entails more preparation. Back to the groupie gifts. Each of these remaining groups will have options A to D. Options A to C will be those items not worth more than my allotted budget. Option D, shall contain those items that exceeds my budget (I have to pray hard that I will not fall in this option haha!). To confirm options A to C, I have to check the following: 1) whether the items I want can be sent on the day itself or earlier, and 2) if I can avail of a discount for buying in bulk. After which I proceeded with making the orders or buying them directly (one to two weeks earlier before the holidays week). One tactic I used is to purchase gift items from stores that does not attract  lot of crowd. So I shy away from Divisoria and other similar places. I also scour group items from sale which happens earlier before the month of December.

After completing my groupie gifts, I proceed with my special list. Well, this one really takes me hours of decision making, because I wanted them to have the best possible gift I can manage. I also think hard on the instances where they mentioned something they really love or recall all my observations on the gift that they would really love and use.

Well there you go, I told you it's not really a secret haha. But I do hope you find another "Light Bulb" idea while reading my post.

Happy Holidays!

'til next post.

Ciao,

Maddie <3

Penny for your thoughts.

If you are not the first and can't be the last: be the significant in-between.

-R.D.V. (2011 November)

Paper and Passion.

Inspiring words to live by :)

Note: Photos are from SpreeCreations SC page.

One of my close friend actually started her own business. Inspired by her longing to apply her aesthetic prowess in the material she would often use: paper, she launched SpreeCreations SC.

Such a feat, I’d say considering that there are only a few who would dare to venture because of feeble excuses or, no excuse at all. Nowadays, people are drenched in their own fears of what may come – negatively and not see the infinite possibility first. She was among those who were bold enough to chase reality. I relate this to the different personal stories I hear, about how they could not start their own business because of this and that. Yes I know that it is risky to start your business, but if you think of it as a passion rather than a financial thing only, then everything else will follow.

Why don’t you see for yourself what my friend has to offer? I’m sure you will fall in love with what SpreeCreations SC has: quality work woven with quirky designs. It’s a must for those who simply want to put a zest in their daily routine. And would suit as a perfect gift for the holidays!

'til next post!

Ciao,

Maddie <3

Majo Majo: My first ever MU workshop.

In all my obsession with make-up, I have never been to a make-up workshop ever. My closest so far is only through Youtube.com. Well all of that changed when I got the most exciting news (at that time hahaha!) so far. I got in for free in Studio SnRxMajo Majo workshop.

I was really ecstatic over it, until I realized how horrible I look. That was no joke. My face was all red and blotchy from pimple marks, and on top of that I was still on the first week of my medication. A few days before the event, I was apprehensive on whether I should go. But in the end, heck do I care. It would be such a waste not to go (Talagang makap lang ang fez ko haha!).

Arriving at the event (I was late again), it was already halfway through the tutorial for day eye make-up. Since I was late, I just focused on taking shots of the goodies in the table.



I got so intrigued by this! I'm gonna buy this next time :)



Hello there! What sweet surprise do you have for me.

After the tutorial, we were shown the other products by Majo Majo. It was both a yey and nay for me. The former because I got to test the products without a S.A. following you around (I am the leave-me-for-awhile type of buyer). The latter - I could not test the products directly on my face. Ouch!



Aurora Tear Liner

We also had our break which served as the continuation for us to ask more questions from the MUA. I liked how they were attending to each participant.







 The experience for me was memorable and at the same time just okay. Memorable, because I really learned a lot about eye make-up (And despite my condition at that time, people there were really kind and polite). Just okay, because, well of some factors. Of course one (and the number 1)  factor is that I was still conscious of how ridiculous I looked at that time. The other factor is the presence of the oh-so-awkward dead air. It is really important for me that Before the event, I thought the workshop would be all about make-up - face, eyes and so on. But I was surprised that only the eye make-up was taught. Ms. Sydney explained to us that each brand has its own make-up specialty, it so happened that Majo Majo is known for their eye make-up.

PS. Ms. Sydney is really sweet. She personally talked to me and gave me some advice.

In the end, I am happy because I went there. If I had not, then there would be no post about this one; I should not have met Ms. Sydney; and I should not have known how brave I was for exposing myself to all those pretty ladies (Yuck. I sound as if I did something bad haha).

'til next post!

Ciao,

Maddie <3

Enchanted Kingdom.

When I was a kid, I was not the type to throw tantrums because my parents did not take me to the carnival. Why? Well, apparently, I am scared of rides – until now. The ones that make my head spin uncontrollably that I vomit even after an hour of stepping out of the ride. But I love all those games you could play and win prizes from haha!

It was decided that carnivals are not my immediate go-to list whenever I plan a simple trip. I find myself saying it would be just a waste of my money since their main attractions are the rides.

Anyhow, my family went on planning a simple trip to visit Enchanted Kingdom. Everyone was excited (except for me LOL) because it would be just our first time there (Yes, the first time. Sorry we are homebody people after all haha).

We arrived at the place 15-10 minutes earlier than 11:00 a.m., however we already saw some people inside the venue (The place opens at 11:00 a.m. as stated by their Customer Service and website). The parking area was spacious enough to accommodate buses and bigger vehicles. Although it was an open parking, it was safe because there were rounding guards (I saw it while waiting for our turn at the Dodger ride).

We had a quick lunch before all the action. Their food choices were not limited, but not that special either. They have Ice Monster, Pizza hut and the like. Unfortunately, we had a bad experience with their resto (The one near in Swan Lake). First up was the food; the taste can be forgiven but the fact that the serving was small (For the whole chicken and rice) makes you just want to buy a box of pizza for lunch. Second was the service. I have to return for three times to make a follow-up on our orders. They only served us three cups of rice instead of eight cups of rice we ordered. Then, I have to make them remember that we ordered two seafood baskets (Which came in when we were almost through with the first three cups of rice). And another thing, when we ordered the whole chicken, of course we trusted that every part of the chicken was to be included, but the wing part was missing. My parents informed one of their staff, to which she replied “Ah, baka po kasi nahiwa po”. We closely inspected the chopped chicken but no sign of the missing wing part. This was unforgivable and unacceptable to someone who serves to tourists (Filipino and foreigners alike).

I remember we even came in before lunch time so there were only a couple of diners yet their service was like poorly executed. I do hope the management would plan and improve their service in the future.

When we finished up the remaining food, we immediately went for the rides, but each ride we came to had a very long queue. You really need to be patient in waiting for your turn. Based on my observation, it takes 30-45 minutes for you to line up. There are a number of attractions you could actually try. And some are kid-friendly - I had let my six year old cousin to ride the Dodger alone. While others, well my heart really could not manage the height haha!

By sundown, we were already going out of Enchanted Kingdom. If we had ridden and entered each and every attraction there is, maybe we could have stayed up until 9 in the evening.

Over all it was a good experience (I told you I am not a fan of carnivals). I would like to go back there and try out all the games they offer (When I told my BF about this, he said “Mag-perya na lang tayo.”  Haha!).

TIPS:

·         Wear light clothing only (No, not those uber skimpy and see-through ones haha. When you sweat uber skimpy clothes will make you feel uneasy; see-through ones, well you know already).

·         Wear sunscreen. The whole place is an open area (Though there are some attractions which are under a roof and there are shaded resting places like the food court) so expect that sunrays will be saying hello to your skin.

·         You can buy tickets before coming to Enchanted Kingdom (Check out Ticket World). This will save you time in entering the place.

·         Also check out if they are offering special discounts. For example, we availed of their Sem-break promo for students.

·         Plan on how to get there. If you plan to travel by private vehicle, you can use the Bicutan-Taguig way to SLEX (Note: Check if this would apply to you). If you plan to commute, Enchanted Kingdom offers transportation service which can be located nearby Makati Square in Ayala.

Have you been to Enchanted Kingdom already? Do share your experience.

‘til next post!

Maddie<3

AIDA.

In college, we were taught many theories and principles. Period.

I do not mean I am not grateful to have ever learned those stuff, but we were not able to expound those principles better. The focus was scattered into pretty much not-so-important lectures hence the lack of application.

I, myself is a confessed "theorist" - depending on the formulas and theories I read on books. Without these books, I'm completely lost. I would not be able to defend why I told a client to choose my plan over theirs. So I am really thankful for the stuff I read and digest online.

Instead of posting my review of the events I've been to (Excuses again LOL), I am going to share to you something which caught my attention; made me curious enough to read it; gave me new perspective; then made me satisfied so I am now sharing it.

6 + 1 Model for Copywriting

Hope this helps in giving a new side to the story whenever creating an effective message. Though I'd still say this is still part of a bigger and amazing picture of advertising.

'til next post!

Ciao,

Maddie

The Big Bang Sale.

Don’t you just love the word sale.  I think it is the most consumer-friendly word – ever, created by marketing gurus. For most of us, the word “sales” makes you perk up and go ga-ga over the stuff you could purchase (aminin kahit hindi sweldo mapapagastos lol). 

Anyhow, this is going to be a short post about something so great. *drum roll please*


THERE ARE THREE DIFFERENT SALES HAPPENING TODAY UNTIL SUNDAY! Yes, it has to be in bold and capital letters.

First up the two busiest malls around Ortigas area:

Then, we also have the hot spot for one-of-a-kind events and sales:

I know, it is too tempting (crossing my fingers that I could muster the urge not to buy too much haha) to go shopping right now. But, there is this one reason you should all stay calm and just buy what is necessary. I'll let you on to a little secret, my friend told me (don't worry, she's a credible person on this subject matter lol) that the best time to really splurge on a sale is after the holidays. You want to know why? Basically, the marketing strategy here is, these brands know that people really don't have any money to spend on come around January and February. So they would put up sales (this time, it's for real) and just say that it is because of the last season etc, when it s really not.

I hope that helps you curb those deadly little sins (a.k.a shopaholic syndrome haha) in you this weekend.

PS. I will be posting more in the coming days! (I won't promise, though. Because promise is such a crucial and precious word and you know how I am. Always fashionably late haha)

'til next post!

Ciao,

Maddie <3

Taiwan's Little Sweets.

Back from one of his business trips (work in short LOL), one of my boss gave us something to remember about the quaint country of Taiwan :)

I gave this to my cousin. Sad to say.

This one is too soft that it crumbles upon opening.

Fills your nose with the enticing aroma of REAL COFFEE!

Chewy and Delish! :)

Oh how I wish I could find a store here which sells Taiwanese foodies (food+goodies=foodies hahaha!).

PS. I know, I have been gone quite a while but a lot of things are keeping me busy. So please bear with me folks (I sound like an old maid here haha). I have a lot of catching up to do, so wish me luck :)

'til next post!

Ciao,

Maddie <3

Penny for your thoughts.

Practice emotional detachment. Not everything is all about you.

Just, not yet.

I am still young. At heart. At thoughts. At experience.

Maybe that is why I am baffled at the things I hear, see and feel whenever I am around those who are reaching the age of wisdom-hood.

Maybe that is why I have some random queries.

I sometimes say to myself, “Are they also that fickle?”. I guess that doubles for the women of any age.

I sometimes wonder why they would advice me to loosen up a bit. “ Wag kang masyadong seryoso. Sige ka, tatanda ka agad.” Isn’t it when you need to become serious to be responsible? On the other hand, I understand that it is no healthy to be dead-serious all the time. They think my being quiet (For now) is a sign that I am way too serious about life.

What I can do in this kind of situation is to be young yet aware of what is happening; what I should do and how to react. Yeah, I think that’s good.

I’d rather also to let them be just random thoughts and live in the moment; for I do not want to age yet. Just, not yet.

‘til the next post.

Ciao,

Maddie

A Little Something for Myself.

Before anything else, I’d like to greet you all a Happy ‘Ber’ Month. I thought it is a good idea to inject a little Holiday Spirit this early haha. You know, just to spread good vibes haha.

Part of my new adjustment, is to purchase something I long for quite some time. I did. I bought myself a wallet. I have been meaning to get another item but did not pursue because what I need most NOW (There are still about 20 something something in my leeming list LOL) is a new home for my green-colored babies LOL!

My previous wallet, which served me good, is now a candidate for Mr. Quickie’s trash bin. It was irreparable. And my cards are already having this weird marks and scratches because of the worn-out wallet.

I have this one particular brand in mind when I thought of buying a wallet. I was pretty determined to buy in there, so it was futile when I did some design and price canvassing.

I had set my heart for it.

NOTE: The photos will tell you why I need to buy a new wallet.

 

The tattered look LOL.

The disheveled look haha!

The mystery gift or not haha. I feel so excited!

I can't explain my gaiety :D

However, there was some mishap along the way. I originally purchased it in a more youthful color - pink. But when I got a chance to closely inspect it. The workmanship isn't very good. Not good at all. I decided to change it. What's the use of buying in a store when it looks like it was made to be sold in Divisoria, right?

Hassle.

What I favor most. Sigh :(

What other brands do you suggest?

‘til next post!

Ciao,

Maddie

How my Guy Learned the Art of Online Shopping.

Aside from my trusty lip balm, I recently found it hard to part with a recent surprise gift to me by my BF. I wanted to try out this type of lip balms because I got curious as to how they TASTE haha. I saw my college mate use her Butterfinger-flavored lip balm and got to know that there are other flavors too (Sorry, I really don’t dig Butterfinger that much. I hate the taste and even the smell).

Forward to the present time, I forgot all about the flavored lip balm; until a friend of mine opened her own online shop. My eyes were glittery when I saw she had these flavored lip-balms and it instantly reminded me that I once wanted to have this.

So how did I end up owning one? Well I’m really, really, really shy (And excited) to tell you LOL! Here is the side story (Excerpt):

When I saw my friend had these, I immediately commented saying I wish she would re-stock by the time I could afford to buy (I know,  purita times haha) one. Of course she persuaded me to buy one (I was at my limit LOL), but I decided to decline for the time being. After a couple of days, little did I know she messaged my BF (*NOTE: Suave tactic by the way) telling him to buy something for me. She then showed a link where I left my comment and a little talk here and there. Voila! My BF bought one. See, I told you it was a carefully made plan haha.

How my boyfriend gave me the present is another story. If I tell you guys about it, I will just be spacing out mumbling how I was all in shock and happy at the same time. The bottom line is the way he surprised me was really romantic and unpretentious. I know guys who like to have some sort of showy way to surprise their girls because they wanted to catch the attention and praise of all when in fact, they really don’t feel any sincerity when doing it.

What I loved about my friend apart that she made my BF buy one without his girlfriend doing nada LOL, is that she really does assist her customers. My BF is the type of person who hates online shopping and would be the last guy to be seen involved with it. He is not at ease with all the technicalities of shopping and paying for stuff bought online. And that is why I was really shocked that he managed to buy one for me. To set things clear, although my guy and my friend have known each other since third year college, they are really not that close. My guy would not transact business unless he is sure about the quality of service he will get.

I hope you could drop by my friend’s online shop. It is still in initial stage so there are only limited items to choose from. But I have to tell you, hoard on those lip stains (Korean kissable lips) and lip balms. They are so worth your money, considering the service you’ll get from her J

Oh, and about the lip balm I got. I will post a review about it next time.

Do check out her store! Click the image below <3

'til next post!

Ciao,

Maddie :)

Vanilla flavored fish with red bean syrup.

While doing errands last time, we decided to detour at the grocery for some quick replenishment of necessities (By necessities, NO other foods).  We were happy customers (Me and my sister haha!) at the end of the day; though the trip was a failure for two reasons.

First, the ‘quick’ replenishment turned into a three-hour shopping spree haha! (I tell you, I can spend a day in the grocery without getting bored of all the new stuff I can eat buy). Thinking now, I think I can spend as much time inside the grocery as I spend on at least three boutiques.  Weird no?

Second, it was a major failure to RESIST picking up other stuff not considered necessity. All those well-packaged foods (Hello junk foods, chocolates, biscuits, corn, cereals and so on) tempted me to get more that what was planned; so much for my mom’s overly-scratched card.

I’m going to share only one food that was not on the to-buy list, because if I share to you all. Well, it might take a day for me to finish (Just kidding haha!). If I’m not mistaken, three years ago, it was evident that the Korean wave had really hit Manila. One of the things I’m very fond of (Besides boys LOL) is the Korean food. I knew about this particular ice cream because of the restaurant I frequent to during my college years. My good friends Iggy and Marge told me about the ice cream which can be bought in there. Eh, ako naman, basta pagkain. Go! Walang keme keme haha!

That’s where my love for this ice cream started.

Seems familiar?

Being an a food ice cream lover, I find this a perfect ice cream sandwich (Note that I’m not saying ‘the’ perfect because I still have yet to discover it). The vanilla ice cream mixed with rich red bean syrup. It was a new experience for me, but it still hit the right note of my taste buds.

A box of 6 costs approx. 250Php; a piece retails for about 40Php.

Hi there fishy! Why the pout? LOL.

 TIP: There is a tendency that the ice cream would be stuck at one side, so if you want it to be evenly distributed (For that oh-so-perfect-bite at every side hahaha!) I suggest that when the ice cream is still a bit soft, lay it flat on your fridge. That way, the ice cream freezes evenly.

I suggest you try it. Most groceries around the Metro has these goodies on their list :)

'til next post!

Ciao,

Maddie <3

M.I.A.

I have not been active for quite some time right now. I have been focusing my energy and time in adjusting to my new environment (Feels like I left for abroad haha!). Since I do not want to say anything private in this blog, let's just say I'm adjusting to be mature. Vague. Yes. But that is the only detail I can give out to you guys (Feeling artista lang eh haha!).

Having said that, I will be uploading a few reviews (Long weekend to do list :D). For the meantime, I want to share this song that makes me dance LOL! It's been ringing in my head since I heard it (No, not the rap part though haha!)

I find her really entertaining and I can't help but dance to beat of her music. I wish I could have her body (Uhm, except for the insanely, uhmm, upper part. Maybe a toned down version of it LOL).

So, what are you up to this long rainy weekend?

'til next post!

Ciao,

Maddie