I've received a number of invites to give talks in different schools and universities but I've always had to say no because I'm terribly shy and awkward. What if I mispronounce some words? What if I say the wrong things? What if I blank out and forget what I am supposed to say? What if no one laughs at my jokes?? But when an invite from Mass Communication students from my very own Alma mater came, I couldn't find it in my heart to say no. I cannot stress how HUGE a deal this is for me.

Last Saturday found me back in the grounds of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, a place where I spent four years in in anticipation of the "real world".

Our college occupied the fifth level of Gusaling Lacson. Every day we had to go up and down the stairs because we didn't have an elevator. I literally worked my butt off.

After ten long years, I went back for Gear Up, a talk for incoming third year students about what it's like to work in Public Relations. My hope was to inspire some of them enough to want to belong in this industry someday. Crazy and stressful as it may admittedly be, there's no industry I would rather be in.

How many times have I walked in this hallway with my classmates and friends. ♥

My fears were unfounded because everyone was so nice and all the attendees were so receptive to the deck I prepared and the things I shared. The slides that garnered the most attention were my photos with Sandara Park and Lucky Blue Smith, heh.

How to be an effective PR practitioner? "Don't forget to have a life outside of work." Very important.

Seeing them was exciting for me also because it reminded me of where I came from and how far I have come. There are still so many things to learn, sure, but I'm grateful for my job and the company I keep.

It's one of the classrooms we've had when I was still studying here. It's been ten years since I graduated and nothing has changed. It's sad that nothing has changed.

If there's one thing I wish for them, I wish for better facilities for students that will be more conducive for learning.

"My goal is not to wake up at 40 with the bitter realization that I've wasted my life on a job I hate because I was forced to decide on a career in my teens."

- Daria Morgendorffer

Same.

An additional goal is to wake up at 40 with the same skin I had in my late 20s.

For reference, I am 30 years old (going on 31 on April 6) and this is what my bare face looks like*:


*Photo taken using the front cam of a Huawei P9. No filters used but the photo's brightness was adjusted using A Color Story.

Whilst my skincare routine may still be considered "simple" and by some, I'd have to agree that it has become more complicated as compared to the simple facial wash-and-go routine I was used to. Nowadays, aside from my trusted facial wash, it involves exfoliation two to three times a week, facial masks at least once a week, toner, moisturizer, serum, facial oil, makeup remover, and SPF.

If you think about your skincare rituals from five to ten years ago, the basics were able to keep your skin clear and well-hydrated BUT if you take a closer look at our environment now and analyze what our skin faces each day — like pollution, harsher UV rays, and stress — you’ll realize that these basics are no longer enough. Today’s Filipina is in need of modern-day skincare solutions that can keep up with her ever-evolving skin needs and on-the-go lifestyle.

That's where Pond's comes in. I love when brands innovate and tailor their products to the needs of each stage in the life of their target market, none of this one-size-fits-all hoopla. Here are the NEW and improved Pond’s Acne Clear, Pond’s White Beauty, and Pond’s Age Miracle ranges, especially formulated for today’s modern woman.

Pond’s Acne Clear for the Blooming Teen

Clinically proven to clear acne in just three days. It contains the breakthrough Lock and Clear Technology, which is the first in the world to lock bacteria cells and clear it from the inside for beautiful, acne-clear skin.

Pond’s White Beauty for the Girlboss-In-Progress
Uses the all-new, patented ingredient called Vitamin B3+, which works by lessening the production of melanin that causes skin darkening, and preventing the melanin from surfacing.
Pond’s Age Miracle for the Empowered Woman
Helps reduce worry lines, wrinkles, skin sagging, and age spots. It has Retinol-C Complex that works 24 hours non-stop, helping to reduce wrinkles to give you a youthful glow.

Of these three, Pond's White Beauty is the best fit for my personal brand of being a #girlboss in training.

Whether she’s climbing the corporate ladder or making waves as a successful millennial, this hardworking woman is eager to show the world what she’s got. She lives an on-the-go lifestyle and commutes constantly for work, leaving her skin vulnerable to the sun’s damaging rays and pollution.

I work in Public Relations, one of the most demanding and stressful industries there is, but we can't let any of this stress show in our face. I love how after just two weeks of using Pond's White Beauty Day Cream every day has evened out my skin tone and reduced the dark spots brought by pimple scars. I don't really have problem skin but I'd get a zit or two every once in a while, and sometimes they'd leave scars, but this cream has taken care of those.


The Pond's White Beauty Day Cream has a floral scent that fades away after a few minutes.

It's also very economical to use. Have I mentioned the 20g tube costs P70 only? Meanwhile, the 40g tube is even cheaper at P140. But, get this! If you log in to Sample Room, you can even get a sample for free! Just visit Sample Room now and visit this link. ♥

Pond's White Beauty Day Cream is also Sample Room's Editor's Pick for the month. Clickity-click here to read the article.

At the forefront of skincare science and innovation since 1846, Pond’s continues to show why it is still a leader when it comes to providing superior solutions for cleansing, anti-aging, and lightening. My earliest memory with Pond's was when they had those Beauty Powders with the TVC and print ads featuring Karel Marquez and her secret admirer! Several years on, it's amazing to see this brand still making waves in the beauty scene. Cheers to beautiful changes with Pond's!

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

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

... goes one of the most remarkable lines in literature.

“What is essential is invisible to the eye,” indeed, but makeup never really did hurt anyone. But we are not here to discuss the merits of applying makeup, are we? We’re here today because I’d like to share with you a makeup look I created as inspired by my favorite book of all time.


I am talking about The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This book has influenced me a lot and is a big driving force in my life, and I’ve lost count of how many collectible items I have amassed of the Prince and his friends, so I guess it’s fitting that my first FaceBookIt entry is dedicated to him.

For the uninitiated, FaceBookIt is a section in BookBed where contributors come up with makeup looks based on their favorite book covers. I've been a member of BookBed for quite a while now (in my bid to put myself out there more) and this is my first contribution. I was wary at first because the possibility of reading harsh comments can be daunting, but what the heck, right? I've seen really nice FaceBookIt entries in the site and it's a big honor to be part of it!

Anyway, back to this makeup look. Far from being fancy-schmancy, I actually made a look that is very wearable and not at all costume-y because I wanted something that I could apply even on ordinary days. Well that and the fact I don’t have yellow nor green eyeshadows LOL.


Click here to visit the original post on BookBed to see the products I used and this FOTD's progression from my bare face to becoming fully made-up. Au revoir!

I was in Fifth Grade when I graduated from using baby powder on my face and blending it with my handkerchief to using my very first "makeup," an Avon Teen Colors (now known as Simply Pretty) Pressed Powder in White. Add to that my Avon Teen Colors Lip Balm and I felt so pretty and mature, like I could take over the world. If a compact and a lip balm had that effect on me, just imagine how I felt when I was in sophomore year and my Mom bought me another Pressed Powder from the same Avon Teen Colors line - this time in Pink! I was beside myself in excitement for my first "blush"!

Blame Avon for igniting the spark of my interest for beauty and personal care products. My love for makeup now can be traced to that rush I felt the first time I opened my first compact, swiped on my first lipstick, and applied my first clear mascara - all from the Avon Teen Colors line.

A truckload of makeup later, I still feel like the same wide-eyed girl who's amazed by the boost of confidence a perfect swipe of lipstick can bring. Even with my current makeup collection, Avon cosmetics have a special place in my heart because of my early memories with the brand, even more so because they are shared with my Mom, who used to be an Avon Lady.

Yes, my childhood memories are laced with whiffs of Imari, Sweet Honesty, and Forest Interlude. This love was strengthened further back in 2012 when I was invited to visit their plant in Laguna and I witnessed Avon's stringent quality control, the efficiency and precision of their machines, their discipline when it comes to hygiene and sanitation, and the way they put importance to their employees' well-being and recreation.

I recently got the opportunity to revisit Avon and its rebranded True Color line and suddenly I felt like I was that wide-eyed girl again, curious of all the wonderful colors in front of me! Avon True Color promises true colors that are easy to apply and last for hours, fuss-free, and affordable.


There's comfort in familiarity with a brand that has been around since I was a tween, yet it's also exciting because of the new promises it holds.


Avon True Color Oil Control Plus Dual Powder Foundation SPF24/ PA++ (P289) in Neutral is a perfect match for my skin tone! It can be applied dry for a light coverage and wet for slightly heavier coverage.


This swatch of Avon True Color Skin Goodness CC Powder SPF30 (P299) is a little too light for me but there's nothing good blending can't fix. It provides instant color correction in powder form and contains maximum levels of some of Avon's most potent brightening skin care technology. With SPF 35.


Avon True Color Skin Goodness CC Cream SPF50/ PA+++ (P399) is a lightweight foundation, 24-hour moisturizer, and SPF 50 protection in one color corrector while the Skin Goodness Moisturizing BB Cream SPF 20/PA++ (P399) hydrates with Moisture Essence and nurtures with vitamins A, C, and E. These are perfect for me since I don't put foundation every day. Heavy makeup is reserved for special events, while BB Creams and CC Creams are for my everyday no-nonsense makeup looks.


Avon True Color Luminous Blush in Rose Luster (P370). I love its pop of fresh color and micro-shimmers that leave a luminous effect.

Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Glow Teal

Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Romantic Mauve

Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Urban Skyline

Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quads (P399 each) let you create an effortlessly beautiful eye look. It's formulated with True Color Technology and promises all day crease-proof wear that stay true to its color on the pan. The colors are also easy to blend and are buildable, however I would still suggest that you use a primer for these.


Avon True Color Lipstick contains Color Awakening Technology. I love how vibrant the pigments are!


Avon Perfectly Matte Lipstick (P399 each) gives 100% true matte look with lasting comfort.


Avon 24K Gold Lipsticks (P399 each) are a bit sheer, but enriched with real gold for instantly luxurious, glistening color.


Avon True Color Glazewear Lipgloss (P299 each) gives high gloss shine and rich, saturated color with hydrating, weightless, and creamy texture so lips feel moisturized and smooth instantly. You can use it alone or on top of your favorite lipstick.

Aside from its promises of delivering colors that are true to pan and true to tube, Avon products are also dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, and clinically tested.

I put these products to the test and prepared three FOTDs for you.

Everyday Makeup

This is how I usually look like when I don't have anything special planned yet I still want to look polished and prepared for unexpected curve-balls life might decide to throw at me. For this look I used the Skin Goodness Moisturizing BB Cream SPF 20/PA++ all over my face, a light dusting of Avon True Color Luminous Blush in Rose Luster on my cheeks, and a swipe each of Avon True Color Lipstick in Hot Pink and Avon True Color Glazewear Lipgloss in Pink Watermelon on my lips.

Romantic Date

I make the effort of looking extra nice when I'm seeing my boyfriend, and this is my date FOTD. For this I used Avon True Color Skin Goodness CC Powder SPF30 all over my face using a powder brush, Avon True Color Luminous Blush in Rose Luster on my cheeks, Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Romantic Mauve on my eyelids, and Avon 24K Gold Lipstick in 24K Carnation on my lips.


I work in PR and this is my #girlboss face. For this I used Avon True Color Oil Control Plus Dual Powder Foundation SPF24/ PA++ all over my face using a powder brush, Avon True Color Luminous Blush in Rose Luster on my cheeks, #3 and #4 shadows from the Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Glow Teal as eyeliner, and Avon Perfectly Matte Lipstick in Wild Cherry on my lips.

Don't you just love how we can express ourselves through makeup? My favorite part about this post is how my favorite brand from my childhood has continuously kept its beautiful promises, only by showing its True Colors. ♥

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I was sent the products to review but the brand but all opinions are my own. You may read my blog's complete Disclosure Policy here.

When I was much younger, I liked a boy but he said he couldn't pursue me as he was intimidated because I was "too smart". I was stumped because it was the first time my brains worked against me. He broke my heart then but it was okay, I didn't think he was ready for this jelly anyway. 

Now, I'm happily involved with someone who's secure with himself and doesn't care about these things nor feel the need to downplay me and my abilities so he can appear superior. For what it's worth, he is smarter than me, so yay me! 

So, if there is anyone out there who may be going through the same situation and come across this post by chance, listen to queen Emma Watson and don't be afraid to be smart. In fact, don't be afraid to be whatever you want to be. ♥

In celebration of International Women's Day, I would like to take this opportunity to pause and thank God for peppering my life with strong, supportive, and inspiring women who give more spice to my life. 

I am thankful for my Lolas, my Mama, my Aunt Jean, and my aunts in the paternal side of the family for being my first role models growing up and for continuously guiding me until now, and my sister Kyla for inspiring me to become a better older sister so she can have someone to look up to.

I am thankful for Tita Judy, Chelsea, and Courtney for welcoming me in their family with open arms.

I am thankful for my oldest friends Niel, Carmela, Jellarmine, Dianne, and Aiza for sticking with me through the years. Months could go by without us seeing one another but it's always like no time has passed when we do get together.

I am thankful for all my teachers and professors for imparting their knowledge in and out of the classroom, in the same way I am thankful for all the authors, movie makers, writers, musicians, and artists whose works I enjoyed.

I am thankful for my officemates from my previous company for showing me what it's like to work with the best people a girl fresh out of college could work with.I stepped into adulthood alongside you.

I am thankful for my friend-turned-workmate Alexandra. Work became easier when we became partners because we get each other. I am thankful I gave you a chance to be my friend. WOW.

I am thankful for my beautiful ARC PR workmates for making work A LOT MORE FUN and manageable and for taking my OOTDs upon request.

I am thankful for all the beautiful women with beautiful spirits I met in my line of work. You inspire me every day.

I am thankful for Anne and her tough love. I am thankful for my Breakfast Clubmates Chum, Ate Sheila, Ate Ahyen, and Ate Nina for making the time to still catch up whenever possible.

I am thankful for my blog friends especially Ana, Ava, and Sarah for the continued support not only in terms of my career but also for my personal endeavors. Your vote of confidence means a lot.

I am thankful for Mina V. Esguerra and the #romanceclass community for satiating my need for beautiful stories and happily-ever-afters.

I am thankful for Britney Spears, the Spice Girls, the Mean Girls movie, and the Schuyler sisters.

I am thankful for every important woman in my life that I forgot to include here only for the reason that I am so sleepy and it's 11:13 PM and I still need to wake up at 5AM for work tomorrow.

Happy International Women's Day! May there come a time when we wouldn't need to have a designated women's day because equality has already become the norm and not a privilege granted to a select few. ♥