Happiness is:

Hello, my friends! How have you been? Hope you weren't one of the many people stranded in the streets due to the recently finished mass action! If you were, let's just be thankful that it's over.

READING
Shopaholic to the Stars by Sophie Kinsella. I also don't know why. I was a big fan of the series, until I grew up and found Becky Bloomwood's antics and propensity to lie irritating. I should just quit and not finish the book but somehow I find myself hate-reading it, and I don't know why I'm doing it to myself when I have tons of other books waiting to be read.

WRITING
My still-untitled StrangeLit piece. The deadline is this Saturday already so I am now giving myself permission to panic. AHHHHH!

LISTENING TO
Still Carly Rae Jepsen's Run Away With Me again and again and again 'coz you make me feel like I could be driving you all night, I found your lips in the street lights, I wanna be there with youuu. ♥

THINKING
Of how I could possibly add more words to my short story if only I were writing that instead of blabbering here.

FEELING
Happy and I wish I stay in this bubble for a while.

WANTING
To finish ny StrangeLit story tomorrow so I can send it to the editors!

NEEDING
To finish ny StrangeLit story tomorrow so I can send it to the editors! Stop procrastinating, self!

STILL WISHING
I unlock the secret to writing without procrastinating. (Same as last week's.)

I hope you are all well and happy and loved, my friends! Take care of your hearts. ♥

My favorite things to do to unwind after a particularly stressful week are curling up with a good book, writing on my journal, catching a movie, and getting a massage. However, the small spa I go to here in Navotas closed down recently so I have no choice but to let go of this mini luxury instead of traveling all the way to the nearest city to get my massage fix.

It's a good thing that spa-at-home sets have become more readily available lately. Yep, we can now enjoy spa treatments in the comfort of our own homes, because with the traffic and bipolar weather we've been having, sometimes living like a hermit just sounds perfect. Escapism starts at home, indeed.

The Body Shop launched Spa of the World™ just last Thursday, and I'm so glad I was able to go to the event! It was a long and tiring day of meetings for me and they gave me just the right level of rejuvenation I needed before I saw my boyfriend later that night.

We explored the world to discover the most treasured ancient beauty rituals, cherished for their precious effects on skin. Infused with the finest natural ingredients, our refined textures and delicate fragrances will take your body and mind on the ultimate sensory spa journey. Making you feel so good, inside and out. Our ranges help to give back to the earth by improving the livelihood of the local communities, and sourcing the finest and kindest Community Fair Trade ingredients from diverse areas of the world.

When you're feeling tense, fast-track to relaxation with this calming spa ritual. This ritual is a perfect way to de-stress, unwind and reconnect with body and mind.


AFRICAN XIMENIA SCRUB (350 ml - P1,950)
Handpicked in Namibia from the ‘Tree of Life’, the ximenia fruit seed yields a luxuriously rich oil, leaving skin feeling smoother and softer.Use this rich exfoliating scrub as part of our relaxing ritual when you’re in need of a fast-track to tranquility.

HIMALAYAN CHARCOAL BODY CLAY (200 ml - P1,395)
Charcoal powder is an ancient Asian beauty secret proven to draw out impurities from the skin, up to thousands of times its own mass. It has traditionally been used to draw out tensions from the mind too, de-stressing and calming. Use this purifying body clay as part of our relaxing ritual when you’re in need of a fast-track to tranquility.

JAPANESE CAMELLIA CREAM (350 ml - P2,350)
Camellia oil has been used by Japanese women since the 8th century to gently soften and moisturize skin. The exquisite scent of this pure and elegant flower allows mind and body to reconnect with a moment of profound peace. Use this rich body cream with a light, velvety texture as part of our relaxing ritual when you’re in need of a fast-track to tranquility.

FRENCH LAVENDER MASSAGE OIL (170 ml - P1,195)
In the 14th century, King Charles VI of France demanded pillows filled with lavender to soothe him to sleep. Lavender essential oil has a natural relaxing scent which promotes a sense of well-being. Use this calming massage oil as part of our relaxing ritual when you’re in need of a fast-track to tranquility.



When you're feeling tired, run down or sluggish, invigorate mind and body with this energizing spa ritual.

DEAD SEA SALT SCRUB (350 ml - P2,150)
Dead Sea salt is precious for its high mineral content and its coarse crystals, the perfect texture to reveal fresher-looking skin and stimulate circulation when massaged into skin. Use this invigorating scrub as part of our revitalizing ritual when you want your body and mind to feel instantly re-energized.

MOROCCAN RHASSOUL BODY CLAY (200 ml - P1,395)
Rhassoul clay is treasured by Moroccan women for its skin firming power, as this mineral-rich mask absorbs excess water and oil, allowing skin to tighten and feel firmer as it dries. Use this toning mask as part of our revitalising ritual when you want your body and mind to feel re-energized.

THAI LEMONGRASS MASSAGE OIL (170 ml - P1,195)
For centuries, lemongrass has been cherished in traditional Thai massage for its revitalizing effect on body and mind. Its invigorating scent is known to boost vitality and awaken senses. Use this stimulating massage oil as part of our revitalising ritual when you want your body and mind to feel instantly re-energized.



When you're feeling in need of luxury, indulge your body with this sublime ritual.

POLYNESIAN MONOI RADIANCE OIL (170 ml - P1,295)
Used by the women of the Pacific Islands for over 2,000 years for luscious, glowing skin and hair, Monoï is a sacred blend of coconut oil and fragrant tiare flowers – a sublime escape to paradise. Use this radiance-enhancing oil as part of our blissful ritual when your body is in need of luxury.

HAWAIIAN KUKUI CREAM (350 ml - P2,350)
Hawaiian women, exposed to the relentless sun for generations, have held the secret of kukui oil to nurture their skin. Bursting with luscious moisture, kukui oil helps restore skin’s natural suppleness, leaving it feeling nourished and soft. Use this skin cherishing cream as part of our blissful ritual when your body is in need of luxury.

TAHITIAN ORCHID MASSAGE OIL (170 ml - P1,195)
Throughout the sensuous rolling hills of Tahiti, vanilla orchid is treasured in traditional massage. Blended with ylang ylang and patchouli, its exquisite scent tantalises the senses with unrivaled enticing and sensual properties. Use this pleasure-enhancing massage oil as part of our blissful ritual when your body is in need of luxury.

I love how the ingredients of the different products under this range were ethically sourced from many different parts of the world. One sniff here and you're in Hawaii, one sniff there and you're in France! Isn't that awesome? Seriously though, I like how The Body Shop took the best ingredients from each host country and combined them together to formulate no-brainer products for us to relax with because surely, thinking of complicated what-nots are the last thing we want to do when we're stressed out.

I've had the African Ximenia Scrub for quite a while now and I have to say that aside from their Body Butters, Hand Creme, and Instablur, it is one of my ultimate favorites from The Body Shop because I just looove how soft and smooth my skin feels whenever I use it in the bath. What a treat! It was used on me at the event along with the Japanese Camellia Cream and Thai Lemongrass Massage Oil and I felt so relaxed instantly I wanted to sleep right then and there. Hee.


I still look haggard in this photo but I swear I started to relax more immediately after my quick massage, thanks to The Body Shop. Now I can't wait to start my own spa at home and work on a more organized relaxing, revitalizing, and blissful ritual! You know where I'm headed to next payday *wink*

"You don’t fall in love like you fall in a hole. You fall like falling through space. It’s like you jump off your own private planet to visit someone else’s planet. And when you get there it all looks different: the flowers, the animals, the colours people wear. It is a big surprise falling in love because you thought you had everything just right on your own planet, and that was true, in a way, but then somebody signaled to you across space and the only way you could visit was to take a giant jump. Away you go, falling into someone else’s orbit and after a while you might decide to pull your two planets together and call it home. And you can bring your dog. Or your cat. Your goldfish, hamster, collection of stones, all your odd socks. (The ones you lost, including the holes, are on the new planet you found.) 

And you can bring your friends to visit. And read your favourite stories to each other. And the falling was really the big jump that you had to make to be with someone you don’t want to be without. That’s it. 

PS: You have to be brave."  

- Jeanette Winterson
(lifted from here)

And that is the story of how I experienced ToyCon for the first time this year, and why I'm looking forward to the AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2015 (APCC Manila) happening from September 17 to 20 at the World Trade Center!


I love everything pop culture (I get a kick out of pop culture references in books and movies) and  I can go on total fangirl mode; since APCC Manila is gearing up to bring together the very best in movies, television, entertainment, comics, toys, collectibles, gaming, and cosplay, then I say COUNT ME IN!

Pop culture fans are promised a content-rich experience across the spectrum of toys and collectibles, comics, games, cosplay and animation including appearances by film and television celebrities, entertainment performances, exclusive screenings, panel sessions, product launches, competitions and fun activities that can be enjoyed not just by geeks and hardcore fans but also by the entire family.

Headlining the show is Hollywood star Jason Momoa, the famous Khal Drogo from the critically-acclaimed and Emmy-nominated first season of the HBO series Game of Thrones, who will also star in the much anticipated DC Comics films Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League,

Additionally, APCC Manila is proud to partner with the Cosplay Authority Global Challenge (The CAGE) for the world’s biggest and first-of-its-kind cosplay competition. The CAGE aims to promote the spirit and craftsmanship of cosplay through costume and prop-making workshops as well as provide a platform for cosplay enthusiasts and fans to compete on an international level. The grand champion of the Open category will be determined by an impressive panel of expert judges including international prop and costume maker Bill Doran, cosplay superstar Alodia Gosiengfiao, Philippines’ own cosplay photographer extraordinaire Jay Tablante, traveling artist and global cosplay phenomenon VampyBit Me, and actress/model Allison Harvard of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12 and America’s Next Top Model: All Stars. And, get this: the winner will receive a record-breaking payout of up to USD$10,000! Awesome, yes?

Participants will also experience an all-star entertainment treat with actress/model/host LeeAnna Vamp, or the "Ghoul Of Your Dreams,” joining the roster of cosplay stars who will definitely spice up the event. Vamp is the host of “I Love Nerd Girls” and “Fiends Forever.” Then there’s more for the cosplay aficionados with the special appearances of internationally-acclaimed cosplayers Monika Lee and Riki ‘Riddle’ Lecotey. The two are well-loved “characters” in the costume and anime-loving world, both of whom starred in SyFy channel, Heroes of Cosplay. To join, visit their official website and like them on Facebook. You may also follow them on Twitter.
APCC Manila tickets will be going for PhP500 (one-day pass), PhP800 (two-day pass), and PhP 1,000 (three-day pass).  Visit their official website, official Facebook Page, and Twitter account to get information on how to get your tickets as well as to check updates and announcements. See you there!

ABOUT ASIAPOP COMICON
AsiaPOP Comicon(APCC) will be an international pop culture convention themed around comics, film, toys and collectibles, animation, games, cosplay, superheroes and everything pop culture. The event will attract several internationally renowned artists, celebrities and pop-culture icons to various pockets of Asia, starting with Manila in the Philippines, and draw the attention of ardent fans. APCC will feature exhibitors from genres of pop culture and top studios from the across the globe, to bring popular brands and exclusive content for the show.

Focusing on delivering the ultimate fan experience, APCC aspires to bring geek culture mainstream and stand tall as a perfect launch pad to unveil new products and first look of movies for the Asia Pacific region providing a galore of potential opportunities for SMEs in the entertainment business to reach out to big brands and the vibrant creative talent pool from APAC. While the event will serve as a mega licensing avenue for studios to establish a direct access to potential clients through B2B networking, the larger purpose of the event will remain the outreach and communication for celebrities and brands with their fans and engage with them on a one-on-one basis.

ABOUT UNIVERSAL EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Universal Events & Entertainment (UEE), a subsidiary of Al Ahli Holding Group is a premier and dynamic international events management company, headquartered in Singapore committed to be the forefront of pop culture/comic con events globally. The passionate and dedicated team combined has over 4 decades of event management experience in the area of pop culture.

Universal Events & Entertainment prides itself in bringing world class celebrations of pop culture globally that delivers the ultimate fan experience whilst assisting brands to tap into the pulse of pop culture. We aim to build and engage communities and fans at our comic cons worldwide. UEE will kick off a series of comic cons events globally in Manila, Abu Dhabi, Korea and USA in the near future.

I was supposed to write a long post after I saw Inside Out twice this weekend (on Friday with Miah, and then on Saturday with my sister Kyla and friend Mich courtesy of Modworld Production Popcorn Club - THANK YOU!), but words have been evading me lately, so instead I'll just scribble a few words here and then hope I can justify the movie more this week. Let it be said that whilst I didn't really appreciate the movie that much when I first saw it, it grew on me and now I think it's one of my top three favorite Disney-Pixar films ever! 

Of the five emotions, Sadness is my favorite. I mean, with her super cute gloomy puppy dog eyes and downtrodden disposition, how could you not pick her?

She perfectly matches my current disposition as well as I have been feeling a little bit weepy lately.

Here is a list of things that made me cry this week:

I think I need a cleanse. If other people do juice cleanse, I cleanse via tearjerker books or movies. I find that unloading feelings through shedding tears is one of the most effective ways to make myself feel and breathe better, so I do this every time I feel my chest getting heavier with pent-up stress and unreleased emotions. My go-to tearjerker used to be The Notebook (both the book and the movie) but now I think I have to update and upgrade my preferred emotion poison.

Here is this week's Currently!

How much are you willing to pay for your coffee? If you are based in Manila and have at least a moderate interest in gadgets and accessories, I'm sure you're familiar with Digital Walker and their wide assortment of noteworthy music headgear, portable speakers, gizmo guards, and a few cult-loved gadgets. Well, tech-savvy peeps would be glad to know that they brought a new twist to how we normally enjoy our gadgets and tinkering with accessories: Recession Coffee by Digital Walker is the first pay-what-you-want café in Manila, and I'm sure it will be a hit not only with techies but also among coffee enthusiasts and even casual coffee-lovers here.


Located at the third floor of Eastwood Mall, its Pay-What-You-Want concept challenges coffee aficionados to show their love for coffee by giving them the freedom to pay as much as they want for a cup.


Recession Coffee is located inside Digital Walker so you can enjoy your coffee while browsing the shelves for your next speaker or earphones or even phone cases. The place is excellent for hanging out with friends in, too, due to the store's fun vibe.


The café collaborated with the the EDSA beverage design group to come up with a variety of drinks that their patrons would gladly part with their money for. Where else have you heard “Dark Matter Theory” to describe espressos? Cool beans, yes? (Yes, pun intended.) Meanwhile, those who prefer pour over coffee can choose among Panama Carmen Estate (taste notes: candied fruit sweetness, rasins, apple, and sweet plum), Ethiopia Sidamo Guji Suke Quto (taste notes: sampaguita aroma, grape fruit acidity, black tea, orange zest tang, long toffee finish), and Kenya Wakulim (taste notes: cherry, lime, honey, muscovado sugar) grinds.


You can also pair your choice of poison with a host of colorful, delectable confectionery offerings by Chef Miko Aspiras. I was able to try all of them (don't ask me how or why, heh) and my favorite is this:

Honey Ombre Cake Layers of golden butter cake in between cream cheese and honey frosting I love that it's light and dainty and not too sweet. I love the bright cheery color, too!

Of course, no one should leave a Digital Walker branch without at least trying on the products on display!

We had a launch with bloggers earlier today, and it was a fun afternoon filled with coffee, pastries, gadgets, and chika! We also had a mini contest where we asked the guests to take flatlays!

Which was worth it because...

Here is Jonel's winning photo:

A few more photos!

With Kisty and Ava

Bestie and Michael

With Paul

HUGE thanks to everyone who came despite the rain!

Admittedly, I am not a coffee connoisseur but I do appreciate good things. Having said that and having tasted Recession Coffee's offerings, I personally believe it would be quite unfair to pay less than P100 for a cup.

( ^-^)_旦””


Visit the first branch of Recession Coffee by Digital Walker from the hours of 11am to 10pm at the 3rd floor of Eastwood Mall, 1880 Eastwood Building, Eastwood Avenue, Eastwood City, Quezon City. For live updates, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and track them with hashtags #digitalwalker and #recessioncoffee.

Last week I celebrated my third anniversary with ARC Public Relations, Inc., and I guess there's nothing much to say that I haven't said before except that there's something new to learn every day, and every day I am thankful.

Thankful for my officemates, thankful for everyone I have encountered and worked with, thankful for all the learnings, and thankful for the Chinese feast we had that day, hee. Indeed, this is one of the best mistakes I have ever made!

[STILL] READING
The Philippine Graphic/ Fiction Awards Prose Anthology. I don't have as much time for reading as I had before, and whereas I used to read in the van on my way to work, I just use that pocket of time for a quick nap before I begin another long day.

WRITING
My still-untitled #StrangeLit piece. I sent what I have written so far (essentially a fifth of the story, heh) to my beta readers last night, and now I'm waiting for their comments.

LISTENING TO
The rain and the beat of my heart.

THINKING
Of how sleepy and tired I feel and how nice it would feel to sink into my pillows later.

FEELING
Exhausted because of work + worrying for my Dad who is still in the hospital until now.

LOVING
This crystal growing kit I got for myself and Miah last week.


I am such a sucker for science experiments, heh. We're now in a competition to see who could grow the better crystal, and I will win. MUWAHAHAHA.

WANTING
Rest. Sweet, sweet rest.

NEEDING
Rest. Sweet, sweet rest.

WISHING
That my Dad recovers and heals soon so that he could already come home from the hospital. I miss having my parents here at home.

I hope you are all well, my friends! By the way, you might want to join my Shakey's Time giveaway! Go here to know how. That's it. Take care of your hearts. ♥

Ask anyone who knows me in person and they'll all agree when I say I get the craziest cravings. (っ˘ڡ˘ς) There's no logic or rhyme when it comes to the range of food I look for; all I know is that when I look for something, I most absolutely have to have it, lest I go like this:


And so it gives me great joy when my favorite food places make following our cravings a lot more convenient! Case in point: Shakey's has made it easier for us to get our Shakey's fix anytime, anywhere! With the new innovations that my favorite pizza places has cooked up, it's Shakey's Time, All the Time!


What is your favorite food item off Shakey's menu? Is it their mouth-watering Thin Crust Pizzas? Their most loved Chicken 'n' Mojos? Their Pasta? Or their desserts? As for me, give me a basket of Chicken 'n' Mojos, at least three slices of Angus Steakhouse Pizza, their Seafood Marinara Pasta, and a pitcher of their iced tea and I'll be ECSTATIC. It's good to know that I can get hold of these even without going to the nearest Shakey's store. All I have to do is dial 77-777 OR order online thru www.shakeyspizza.ph using a computer or their mobile site OR tap a few buttons on the Shakey's mobile app, free to download from the Play Store and the App Store! Now I'm ready to create Good Times and Great Memories with my food buddies anytime, anywhere!

And because Shakey's is feeling generous especially now that it's on its 40th year, I am holding a fun giveaway where you can win a gift certificate for a Shakey's Monster Meal Deal! Let us how far your creativity will go for the sake of pizza. (^_~)


1. Like and Follow Shakey’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2. Download the Shakey’s Mobile App on your mobile phone so you can have your Shakey’s pizza anytime, anywhere!
3. Follow Krissyfied on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
4. Post a creative photo of yourself on Instagram of where you dream of eating your Shakey’s pizza. Be as original as possible! Upload this photo on Instagram with the hashtags #ShakeysTime and #ShakeysTimeXKrissyfied AND the caption “I dream of eating my Shakey’s at ___________ with ___________.”

Got it? Here are some samples!

I dream of eating my Shakey’s in a space ship while travelling out of space with nothing but the twinkling of stars as company. #ShakeysTime #ShakeysTimeXKrissyfied

I dream of eating my Shakey’s while televised on national and foreign news with a beam of pride in my eyes. #ShakeysTime #ShakeysTimeXKrissyfied

Fun, right? This contest is open for everyone living in the Philippines so go get your creative thinking caps on and upload your photos! I will be choosing the best one on September 6! Good luck!

Ladies, it's Beauty Fair season in Robinsons Department Store again! Time to hoard and stock up on your favorite beauty products and personal care essentials!


Expect huge savings and lots of freebies when you shop! Here are some of the exciting deals and discounts you can enjoy when shopping at Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide:

UNILEVER
FREE navy blue sling bag for every purchase of Dove products inclusive of Dove Hair Oxygen Nourishment
FREE pink cellphone pouch for every P250 worth of Eskinol, Vaseline and Block & White lotion
FREE grey sling bag when you buy P450 worth of any Ponds Flawless White items inclusive of Ponds Dewy Rose, and a chance to win a Michael Kors wallet
FREE white scarf bag when you buy P800 worth of Ponds Age Miracle and BB Cream 25g plus a chance to win 1 of 3 Michael Kors watches
FREE white and pink cosmetics pouch for every P250 worth of Creamsilk products
FREE black weekender bag for every P750 worth of Tresemme products
FREE brown sling bag for every P300 worth of Unilever Men’s (Axe, Master, Vaseline Men, Ponds Men) personal care products and a chance to win 1 of 3 Nike Gym bags
FREE checked toiletry pouch when you buy 2 roll-ons or 1 aerosol deodorant inclusive of Rexona Invisible Dry

FREE Myra hand & body lotion 50ml for every Myra hand & body lotion 200ml
FREE pH Care 30ml for every purchase of Myra hand & body lotion 100ml
FREE Myra VitaWhite facial moisturizer 6ml for every purchase of Myra hand & body lotion 50ml
FREE 2 Myra VitaWhite facial moisturizer 6ml for every Myra VitaWhite facial moisturizer 50ml
30% off on Myra face powder

L'OREAL
10% off on L’Oreal Paris True Match Foundation
10% off on L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Reds Lipstick
15% off on L’Oreal Paris Quad Eyeshadow
P100 off on all Casting hair products
P100 off on all Excellence hair products
25% off on Revitalift Laser X3 Day Cream and
Revitalift Laser X3 Night Cream Mask, plus
10% off for Robinsons Rewards Card members

P199 only for 2 Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief 75ml toothpaste
P149 only for 2 Colgate Optic White toothpaste 100g
P149 only for 2 Colgate Plax Ice Mouthwash 250ml

30% off on Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick on August 1, 2, 14-16, 28-31

FREE Kojie San Lightening soap 65g for every P199 worth of select Kojie San products

FREE Celeteque pouch for every Celeteque Hydration Facial Wash 250ml

FREE pouch for every Vitress 30ml
FREE coloring cape for every Kolours hair products
FREE cotton for every Extract facial cleanser 135ml

MAYBELLINE
10% off on Maybelline All in One and Maybelline Hypercurl Mascara for Robinsons Rewards Card members 10% off on selected Maybelline products
P50 off on BB Cream, BB White and BB Stick
P50 off Color Show Lipsticks for every purchase of BB Silk
P15 off on select Baby Lips
Swap and Save exchange your old compact and get White Super Fresh primary two-way cake for P199

SKINWHTE
FREE SkinWhite Hydrating Soap with Lycopene 90g for every SkinWhite Classic SPF10 whitening lotion refill
FREE SkinWhite Hydrating Soap with Lycopene 90g for every SkinWhite Power Whitening SPF20 whitening lotion 200ml
FREE SkinWhite Hydrating Soap with Lycopene 90g for every SkinWhite classic SPF10 whitening lotion with pump 350ml
FREE SkinWhite Power Whitening face cream 75ml for every SkinWhite Classic face cream 20g

P&G
50% off on second purchase of select Olay Regenerist products of Robinsons Rewards Card members
FREE 2 Pantene Conditioner 40ml for every Pantene Shampoo
FREE toothbrush holder for every Oral B Ultra Thin
FREE luxury pouch for a minimum P1,000 worth Olay Regenerist and White Radiance
Price decrease on Safeguard multi-packs

See? There's A LOT TO LOVE! Robinsons Beauty Fair happens the whole month of August at all Robinsons Department Stores nationwide so take advantage of these deals and discounts now!

The human body is a great miracle. Just imagine that network of veins, organs, blood, bones, and cells all working together so we can perform our day-to-day tasks effectively, even healing and repairing itself when something goes wrong. Amazing, right?

I really need my father's human body to speed up its repair and recovery right now.

He's been in the hospital since Thursday. He has been dealing with stomach pains for at least a week before he decided to go to the doctor, and after a few tests they were not allowed to come home anymore. Appendectomy had to be done stat, but unfortunately his appendix has burst already. Because of this, toxins have already entered the bloodstream. His condition is still being monitored but in the meantime he had to have blood transfusion and would probably go through endoscopy or colonoscopy.

Hospital visits give me excellent fodder for my #StrangeLit story but I am sick with worry. I hope and pray he recovers soon. Your prayers are very much appreciated.


READING



The Philippine Graphic/ Fiction Awards Prose Anthology. For #StrangeLit purposes, you see. *whispers to self as I justify further acquisition of more books than I can hope to finish reading in this lifetime* (⌒_⌒;)

WRITING
My still-untitled #StrangeLit piece. This watercolor painting I did yesterday was inspired by the story I'm writing. I hope I can finish it before the deadline.

A captured wish

HEARING BUT TRYING HARD NOT TO LISTEN TO
The things that induce my panic attacks. Timehop tells me that I began getting panic attacks around this time last year also. What's with August? I've started meditating again through the Lucent app, and my newly discovered Breathe app. Both are extremely helpful and much recommended.

THINKING
Of how life is so fragile, and that there's really no way of knowing what lies ahead. What's important is to just make the most out of everything.

FEELING
Worried because of my Dad, but also nostalgic.


I left HSBC three years ago - still one of the toughest yet best decisions I've ever made.

LOVING
My current connection with my stream of consciousness. Hope I don't lose it anytime soon, or at least until I finish my #StrangeLit story.

WANTING
My Dad to recover quickly and come home soon.

NEEDING
My Dad to recover quickly and come home soon.

WISHING
For my Dad to recover quickly and come home soon. I hope you can pray and wish with me.

Ending this week's Currently with some happy news c/o our friends from Shakey's!

Did you know that as a special promo in connection with their 40th year, Shakey's is offering their world-famous Chicken 'n' Mojos at 40% OFF FOR ALL MONDAYS OF AUGUST?

Since it opened for the first time in the Philippines in 1975, Shakey’s has grown to become a household name and hang out favorite among Filipinos. From their mouth-watering thin crust pizzas to their all-time favorite Chicken ’N’ Mojos, their menu has evolved over the years to cater to eve-ry Guest’s comfort food craving. It is a familiar place that Filipinos can count on for a good meal and a good time.

In celebration of its 40th year, Shakey’s will be rewarding its loyal Guests with the Chicken ’N' Mojos Monday Madness Promo as an Anniversary token exclusive for all SuperCard holders. 

Thanks to Shakey’s, Guests no longer need to dread manic Mondays. From July 27 until August 24, Shakey’s SuperCard holders are entitled to a 40 % off on all Chicken ’N’ Mojos packs, such as the Solo (3pcs), Buddy (5pcs), Family (7pcs), Party (12pcs) and Blowout pack (20pcs). Only available for dine-in transactions, Guests now have another reason to plan their next get-together at the nearest Shakey’s branch.

We're a group  of six but we ordered TWO PARTY PACKS That's how much of Shakey's Chicken 'n' Mojos nuts we are, heh

Good Times and Great Memories

I hope you are all well, my friends! Take care of your hearts - and your health. ♥

Aside from the love and support from my family and truest friends and my love for books and movies, the one thing that remains constant in my life is my love-hate relationship with my hair. I love that it's thick and wavy, but I hate that it's too thick and wavy. Thankfully there are products that make styling it much easier.

This gift couldn't have come at a better time, really. The worst haircut (and I'm not exaggerating) of my life happened a little more than a month ago: I was between haircuts and I didn't want to shell out extra money for something I deemed to be an "easy job", thus my choice to go to this salon that offers cheaper services. (They did my bangs before and I didn't have a problem with it, anyway.) Snip, snip, snip. After the stylist was done, I looked in the mirror and almost cried. It was so bad. My boyfriend noticed my distress that he directed the stylist to snip a little more, pointing out which spots need to be corrected. Thanks to him it got slightly better but it still looked bad. I looked like a boy! I felt so bad that I literally cried.

A few weeks after, my hair still looks bad but it's still too short for a corrective haircut (that I guarantee you will NOT be done at that salon), so these Vitress bottles are my closest allies.

This reminds me of the Hair Polish my Mom used to use when I was in Elementary, but distinctly remember that one felt greasy and sticky. Vitress Hair Solutions Hair Polish is the complete opposite and I can't get enough of its scent. My favorite is the Sun Protect variant because I hate the sun's harmful rays.

I am in an industry that puts a premium on appearances, so even though I would love to go to the office with just my wash-and-wear hair, I have to put in extra effort lest my thick and wavy hair look unkempt. Good thing Vitress Hair Solutions is here. I love that they're very inexpensive, too. (And pssst! Check out Sample Room because you can still grab FREE samples and try before you buy!) So, yeah, I have a love-hate relationship with my hair, but frankly I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own. Read my blog's complete Disclosure Policy here.