Lakwatsa sa Singapura (Day 1)

Early this year, we were just talking about spending some holidays in Singapore, but it wasn't until our unexpected Tagaytay trip that we finally proceed with the plan, booked our flights via Tiger Airways to celebrate Daryl's birthday and Riza's moving on trip Part 2.

There are quite so many reasons why Singapore is a perfect get-away for your hearts break-away... 

1. No visa needed

2. Just a 3-hr flight from Manila

3. You have a friend who could adopt you

4. You have a friend who could sponsor your food

5. You have a friend who could be your tour guide

So pretty much summed into having a friend there! We arrived a little after 9PM from T3. Managed to hoard the remaining Mary Grace ensaymada because it was sold out from their MOA branch, and bought another box from Sweet Ideas' to bribe our dear friend Jomaru-san for adopting us for a couple days. 

NAL what?

We arrived at Jomaru's place via Canberra Link around 10PM, nearby shops were already closing after 10 because of NAL (new alcohol law). Shops could be fined USD10,000, and the buyer could be fined USD1,000. No welcome booze for the arrival? (Boo) Welcome to one fine..fine country! Alright, time for beauty rest then! 

OMG I'm in SG

Woke up early for breakfast to Daryl's cooking ham and eggs. We were lucky because Jomar let us slept in his room while he stayed in the couch he stayed up all night playing DOTA. Ok, so thank you DOTA. I've been to SG quite a few times, but normally for work, so it's nice to wake up without stress and dress casually for the day. While at breakfast, we went through where we want to go, and quickly googled places. I can say- unexpected trips are really the most interesting trips. A warm and comfy bed, a nice breakfast where we could cook, free hot coffee, free WIFI, Jomar's place is definitely 5 stars! 

Testing, literally woke up like duh?

Here's what we have planned for the entire stay, according to online poll, the most Instagram worthy places to visit:

1. Art Science Museum 11. Cloud Forest

2 Open Dome 12.Supertree Groove

3. MCI Building 13. Helix Bridge

4. Bugis 14. Haji Lane

5. Library @ Orchard 15. cast Iron Bridge @ Bukit Timah

6. Japanese Garden 16. Pulau Ubin

7. Red Dot Museum 17. Henderson Waves

8. Buddha Relic Temple 18. MRT ?

9. SG Flyer 19. Attitute Gallery

10. Flower Dome 20. NGS

So with so much to go and see, we decided to go to USS (oh di baah, priorities) hey, we're flexible, and then a City Tour tomorrow, afterall accdg. to our tour guide most of these Instagram worthy places are just within Marina Bay area. Ok lah, selfie muna...

Universal Studious Singapore 

The only thing I can complain about traveling with friends is that, I always end up being the photographer for that one insta-post. So as soon as we arrive, unli shots na this. Jomaru-san was kind enough to prebook our Ride-ALL-but-can-you?-tickets. Now, on top of the list - Transformers Ride!

excited much mga kids?

Yesssss, excited much. 

I think we nailed the looking- scared-pose for the Transformers Ride..

Our game face on!

and survived channeling our open-minded ka-ba-pose. That pyramiding thumbs-up.

Riza be like: I'm a bit lost here, tara lunch?

So we took a quick lunch break after Transformers Ride. Quite a handful of foods to chose from the hawker resto located within the USS. After we filled up our tummy, next to some extremely FUN ride..so Jomar went alone, while we opted for "more" extreme ride...like below.

The Egypt Ride 

Welcome to Egypt! No its not just for kids... 

Looks fun don't you think??

The Puss-in-Boots Ride

Looks less fun...but beware PIB could be tricky..

So while they went for a quick puss-in-boots ride, solo photo for me. 

The JP Ride

For the art of fun, lets do it! Next ride, a boat ride. 

Looking bored because the long queue's. Let's put a smile on your face..

Are you ready?

Although I know how the ride would end, I'm still excited whenever that familiar rush gets in and yes, I screamed the loudest! But at least not a splash of water on me, Jomar had to buy a set of shorts and shirt to change! Drying pods are available after the Transformers Ride. Super fun!

and finally, a warm cup before the remaining rides..

Watched the parade. 

and Waterworld... 

Far far away Land

Wait, more selfies

aand, yes, jumpshot this time.

Hawker Night

We made it to the finale show of the day- Crane Dance after of which, we walk to the nearest hawker for dinner. 

This is what busog na pagod looks like, and it's just the first day! 

Happiness & love,

itsmelory (^.^)

Waltzing away (One Facial story)

I think I am just being human (and a girl) when I try to be vain sometimes. The last time I had a decent facial was a year ago- on a holy week when its the only downtime I could afford to get zapping my face, this year I took advantage of the holy week vacation, and decided to get some pampering done! Unlike my previous facial experience, this year proved to be the most stressful, ahuhu. When the scar is more troublesome than the warts itself! So my advise, in the case of facial problems, make sure to get service from a reputable clinic, because you can face any problem, but what if the problem is your face?

Facial where?

I tried Gold facial + electrocauterization from Corderm Advanced Dermatology Center, and it was really a breeze, plus Dra. Margaret was literally the best derma I had, but yes pricey talaga.  I also tried the no-downtime-facial at Shinagawa Facial because it's very accessible to me and they were giving away free vouchers last time. Last week, I got a leaflet from the spa center I would normally have my nails done, and surprised to see that they do facials too, so voila! I decided to give it a try! My plan was to have laser warts removal, Diamond peel, and Photo Rejuve combo. The leaflet 's price is P2,500/ area, but she told me to avail the Laser treatment for P3,000, faster healing (which I doubt), and guaranteed you could wash it next day. Uh uh she got me. 

Facial time

I went there Friday afternoon before the long holiday to get the warts removal treatment. I mean I don't really have a lot, but I just hate the feel of small bumps on my face, and that its contagious so that it needs zapping. The ladies were very polite, I like them since they were all accommodating. Didn't wait too long because I was lead to a pink room immediately. 

The "room" barely separated by a see-through curtain from the main spa room 

is with thin wall dividers so therefore I could look into my left and see another customer who's having facial too. Ok , no big deal. 

The Procedure

I was expecting they'll ask me to wash my face but she asked me to just lay down. Next, she put some mask on my face to clean it, and massaged it which is relaxing by the way. Then a lady who introduced herself as Ms. Nurse started applying atopic anesthesia on my face to numb it for the laser treatment. Then comes my-not-so-favorite part- waiting time for like 45mins for the cream to settle and skin absorption. I felt like my skin is thickening na, this is what it feels like to have a makapal na mukha, lols. Finally, the doctor came by my area to start the procedure.

I only felt a slight prick, not painful except that I was too conscious when she started targeting the eye area, and could actually smell something is burned. It took her like 30mins, wow that much? I had warts that much on my face? Really?

By that time she was finished, I was so relieved. Ms. Nurse cleaned my face and put some antibacterial cream. Next thing, I felt the stinging sensation esp. on the cheeks area, Ms. Nurse keeps coming back to put more cream on my both cheeks. 20 mins later, I'm feeling ok, the sting have subsided na. 

I was given prescription for Fucidic Cream 3x day (antibacterial cream after washing), use of Cetaphil (she prescribed me a Dermablend facial wash) but I insisted I have Cetaphil pa, and sunscreen.

The waiting game begins...

Day 1

Fresh from the warts removal, I used the mask to cover up my face. 

Hm, its not that much I'd say.

Day 2. 

The wounds are starting a bit to heal, I wash it with Cetaphil very gently. 

It feels kadiri when you wash it, you could feel the scabs on your skin , arte ka ghorl?

 and apply Fucidic Cream 

Day 3.

The scabs are now darker. 

So that leaves me at home lang, with nothing to do.. 

Day 4.

I wish they'd fall off soon. Downtime is boring, I would stare at my face all day! 

Day 5. 

I had to do some errands so I just put my mask on, and sunscreen. 

Here the scabs are really obvious. Yikes.

Day 6. 

Ok, so I have to be in the office na, so I just use my ala-KPOP mask and shades on.

Used a BBCream, sunscreen SPF50 lang. The scabs are not even visible! Keep it coming.

Day 7-8

I think they are all healed na, but I wish they'd be gone very soon. 

Day 9.

Ok, so I went to the spa center to get my Diamond Peel + Rejuve. 

I had a slight pricking on my face, Diamond Peel with small vacuum like needles which feels really good on the skin. The girl ask me about my skin condition and explained to her I had warts removal week ago, it kind of funny because she's just ask me now! Next, the Photo Rejuve which is a laser treatment for scars, and collagen production of skin, max 15mins-20mins.  The cold facial mask is just relaxing!

Imagine the horror...

After like 30 mins, I almost died when I saw my face, red pricks, and obvious scars everywhere! In fact I almost never want to go home because of the result of the Diamond Peel+ Rejuve, and to think I have to work tomorrow na! The lady prescribed me a Hydrocortisone for the swelling and told me to apply 3 x day, up and max of 7 days. Of course I'm aware of the impact of steroid creams! 

Day 10.

Concealer does the trick. But I still can see the dark spots. 

I called the clinic for follow-up, but unfortunately the doctor is not available on my available time, ok reschedule nlang... 

Day 11.

I noticed that my scars are raised, and not flat as my previous experience with warts removal, although completely healed, it kind of formed a keloid. Annoying, when I have a jam-packed schedule this week, the only breather I have is Monday which is a holiday! So no choice. I stopped with Hydrocortisone na. I still put moisturizer and handful of sunscreen to protect the face. 

Day 12.

The scars are so bothersome day by day. It looks like I had allergies!

In fact my friends and officemates asked me what happened to my face daw. 

#whenthescarsareannoyingthanthewartsitself. 

Day 19.

Today, I managed to schedule a follow-up with Dra. Veronica Policarpio. She examined my face and I asked her about the raised scars on my face after the treatment. She asked me what took me so long to go back and do my follow-up daw, I almost like my God please don't make me, but I just kept my cool and told her the schedule did not work. 

She explained that Laser treatment daw, normally unlike electro-cauterization does not go deeper to the skin, so therefore there is a possibility that the patient would go back for another treatment to remove the warts- I was like- what?!

Her solution: Go back for another session to remove the remaining "warts". So I told her, I cannot afford another downtime, really trying hard to fight the need to shout because of frustration. Really, this is totally, totally unacceptable! I was offered a Vitamin C derivative to whiten the scars which I have to pay din, Php1,200/ bottle. 

Dermaviews Vitamic C derivative to whiten the scars

My Key Takeaway

If I could go back to, I wouldn't want to have done it HERE. It was meant to be a de- stressing time for me, but turns out- the whole thing gave me more stress! And the fact that you can not do anything about it except wait, for the bottle of Vitamin C to take effect, and praying it will. I guess, the reason I'm sharing my face in all it's un-glamourous state is to hopefully help you decide, when you're planning to do something about your face, body etc., to think twice as much!!! It's okay to have it done, but make sure you know who's going to do it, and they are well capable of doing it. Talagang GMG ng gmg lang! 

So in the end, I got the Vitamin C bottle, and I pray it would work, I plan to go back for follow-up in 2 weeks time, but honestly, I hope I will not find the need to go! 

******************UPDATE!***************** 

Day 28

Photo taken in Shanghai , China while on business trip, and yes, I look like 

I bumped myself on a plate full of needles.

Day 38

A month and a week after the procedure, despite all efforts of religiously putting some Vitamic C derivative, the scars are still visible, so that leaves me to take it to 

the next level,.that is to get scar laser treatment to remove the unwanted 

reminder of that procedure. In my mind singing #neverenoughNeverNever 

********MORE UPDATES!**********

Last May 25th, I went back for a back job, this time, the procedure was ok, probably because they know I'm all too complaining. Start off with a cleanser, then anesthesia on parts that needs to be done again in this case on my cheeks area only.

The session was fast, and no single stinging felt!

Day 45

Photo taken June 8th, 2 weeks after the back job work. 

All scars gone, and still using the Vitamin C moisturizer. 

Oh di ba pwede na umawra, keber sa stress! 

Be beautifully YOU, 

itsmelory (^.^)

Our Lucena weekend with the girls

January started quite slow after the holidays, people like me have a hard time getting back- literally jetlag from the holidays! If there is one thing that excites me and that I look forward to is our planned road trip to visit a high school BFF to celebrate her homecoming after being away for like 10 years! Supposedly before the  holidays but  come December, traffic simply doubles. Every corner you look spells- crowded. Finally we have agreed to go on the last weekend of January after her threat to use the bags she ought to give us. On our feet and took the 2-3 hr midnight bus to Lucena.

How to?

You may chose in either 2 terminals in Buendia, we opted  JAM Liner since they have midnight trip. We took the 11pM  Buendia - Lucena Grand Terminal for  Php210.00/ person.

To Lucena

Carina was being such a baby after I showed up 1 hour late, since I had to come from MD's send-off dinner, and a bit under Mojito(s). Daryl picked me up from Makati and drove to Buendia. We had a super hilarious experience! Anyway I proposed I treat her to dinner, but I realized, I forgot to get some cash. so in the end she paid for my Wendy's burgers and soda, and even my fare. I tried hard to make up for her with some warm hugs. Come here BFF. Peace? By 11PM, off we go! Wesing karaoke kept us busy!

The trip was shorter than expected, we arrived 130AM at Grand Lucena Terminal and we were fetched up by Madam Joy. A nice welcome midnight snack of Paella Valenciana, soda, and a couple of beers to cap the mornight, because hello we haven't seen each other for a while, and we couldn't stop talking! Timecheck 330AM, are we sleeping yet? Gosh, who needs sleep when you're with these 2 talking machines.

First day fun

Good morning Lucena! I had a quick but refreshing sleep. We woke up to some news that, kaching! Walang tubig. Oh no. Anyway, we still have water for coffee and playtime with Dren-dren muna while we belted on videoke. Tita Neng cooked us some KBL, kamusta naman ang diet ko ya? I think I had 2 rice or more. By a little after lunch, water is back, so finally maka-goli-goli na! Alright.

Where to, what?

SM Lucena, Yes...All because me want some meds badly. I'm back with packing sheet of ubo and sipon. Joy wanted some body bag too so we joined her to shop for one and so after the errands we ended up in Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes which was super nakakatawa we couldn't stop laughing. The movie was straight blunt, and undeniably things like hetero-beki-whatever is for real. People nowadays are more open about their sexual preference, and I think people have come to accept that it is happening! So still under ADMR, we went to get some coffee, and our random convo leads from former HS friends, to classmates, what happened to what, to who and so on. At the some point, my own love story was brought up. Ok, maybe it was the coffee, or the movie, but for some reason I began to talk about my own side of the story. 

Anyway fast forward, we drove back home and had dinner- menudo and rice, layuan mo ako. Goodbye diet for good na talaga! Freshened up after chatting with Daryl and next is another chilled wine in hand, tempura with spicy sauce, tried to video call  friends but failed. And before we know it, we finished the wine 330AM na. Gosh, literally need a vacation from a vacation.

Sunday in Lucena

After a cup of coffee and a warmed Valenciana breakfast with my favorite bread and peanut butter, our plan is to drive to Kamay ni Hesus. Thanks to Madam Joy for being our fun driver. We reached the place in less than 30 mins. I'll try to upload our video snippets!

Someone's kilay is really on fleek!

aaaand pancit luglog, tasty and filling  lunch! 

Coffee and memory

I think the best conversations happen in a coffee shop. We drove to a nearby coffee shop to unwind, and just to catch up more. We have not done this for a long time, like really talk about life. Carina shared about her escapades while she's in UK, an affair she's been happy about. Joy's plans now that she'll be here for good, exciting holiday plans ahead and plans about hopefully doing a beach trip with the girlfriends and cross fingers sana complete na ang RAINY next time with Vinnah and Anny. As adults, we realized the most important thing talaga you could give someone is your time, with work and obligations, we don't have that much luxury, but sabi nga, never lose hope, who knows? We can be together soon!

Capping our trip over a nice kuppa, and warm hugs until the next bonding, love you girls!

See you again Lucena,

itsmelory (^.^)

The life at the world of being amazing @ 30something

Once I was 7 years old, and 30 is like an ancient number where 3 perfect 10's is an indication you have successfully lived through 3 decades- and although I know I'll come to that point in my life, I still cannot accept- ok there you go ladies and gents, I just spilled the beans.

Looking back

Days of the ancient past, my life is indeed truly and absolutely blessed. I am grateful! Let's start at the very beginning- there was once a penultimate slightly curled hair and bouncing baby girl born on the eve of the 26th, and on her 7th month was welcomed to the Christian world on the same fiesta day of Taytay Tanate. 

At 7 years old, I cannot even recall or in anyway have seen any souvenir photo of my 7th bday. My other sisters birthday was however well celebrated with a chiffon cake on top of the green cake holder we now use as palangana, a fruit punch with some tiny glasses hanging around it and a fruit juice scooper, hotdog on sticks, buns, more buns, and ginataang bilo2x, and before I forgot a bilao of pancit, or spaghetti, and a striking photo of my cousin's fierce eye on-the-hotdog.

At 18, and already in a university- quite not really the happiest day of my life, but I remembered  I stayed at my apartment because I had some school work to cope up with. To be honest, it wasn't the 18th bday I dreamed of. In my tiny brain it was just a fairytale party with all the important people in my life a.k.a crush1 and crush 2 dancing with you, ok chos lang..like you know, the ones on movies. But anyway, my sister Lei surprised me at my apartment and we went malling! She bought me shoes and I could recall in fact I wrote on a piece of tissue during dinner how I celebrated my 18th, and kept it as memorabilia- which I just realized now, I lost it pala. She even gave me money for grocery and hell, that's the best part!!Student life indeed being dumb, young and broke..huhubels.    

At 22 I moved to Cebu City for review and board exam, probably this is one of the most unforgettable experience in my life. We were best known as the 5 1/2 Girl Power Team and
every night was just pure entertainment with Jheny, Berty, Dally, Bamby, Haydee and yours truly! It was also the time when my life had almost perfect routine and harmony:
4AM Pray & study 6AM Bath & breakfast, 7AM school, 12NN Lunch and powernap, 2PM- Study, 5PM Church, 7PM Dinner, 8 Study, 12MN Sleep. REPEAT.

Indeed it was hard, not just physically, mentally, also financially but God has shown us his grace because we passed it! Week by week by week was full of funny moments at Colon Street, grocery bonding, once a month Mang Inasal- all because yes we can't afford it, where a free Julie's pan de coco bread is an instant happy meal for us. Those times when happiness is as shallow as dinuguan and puto, or free laundry, or a simple birthday treat - when one is forced to death to buy Php100 Alfredo's pizza. Haha..

one of those pizza nights.

At 23, we were thrown into what is called the real world. I am blessed to get a day work, I truly am. Hello brand new chapter and so goes my routine:
Wake early, travel to work, rant about traffic, rant about pollution, rant about the crazy walk to office building, rant about the lift, work, eat, rant, rant, sleep.

Is this how is it to be #adulting? please lemme go back to school! But of course, payday is the best day when all I could think was I could eat Mang Inasal na anytime, kag basta importante may lovelife. Yes, at 23, my heart is the happiest, and I'm not broke na. Anyway, going back to Mang Inasal.. hehe.  I was blessed with a promotion and I feel like - I'm the King of the World- ay queen pala! Even much more blessed to travel abroad and meet people. It was truly liberating! I really appreciate work, and feel motivated to work.

circa 2011, and onsite, taking selfie - I mean working..after a selfie.

circa 2014, and 10lbs heavier. Yikes.

Adulting be like..

By the time I was 26th, one would think I have everything I could ever had, but somehow, but I feel at the back of my mind I'm missing something. Yes,  I am happy, but not totally fulfilled. My career reached a point where I feel I did not grow (at all),  yes even in paycheck hehe.  Like you know trabaho andami, ang sahod na parang coke- kung di sakto...zero. Char. I just lost my heart out there, so I had to change, I needed a major career overhaul. When you feel like you are on that situation I believe you just have do it- because staying would be toxic.  I left my amazing 5 year job, my friends at work, my own private room office, my comfort zone for a new career...and never looked back since then!

I moved to a new apartment with my sis afterwards, had to pay rent, do own laundry, cooked, cleaned and so on. It was freedom at its purest form, and I am grateful for that experience now. Even my new work requires me to travel from time to time, Asia, Europe  and always alone.

what Superheroes looks like, after a day at work.

At 28th, I overcome my fear of being alone. I learned to do things alone, operate on my own because I  have only myself to depend on. By traveling abroad, it gave me a different perspective about the world, and what a humbling experience to see how big the world is out there and I am never the same again!

Then it hit me, there are still so many things I could do, so many things I'm capable of doing. So like a time bomb ticking until explosion, I  did stuff I hadn't imagined I would be doing: go to school for certification courses, do gym, try to blog etc. jog on weekends, drink coffee as much as I can, and most importantly enjoy a bottle of beer! Oh look, what I've been missing..

If I had known what I know now..

I think life is but a series of lessons, and one cannot move forward unless you have accomplished its pre-requisite. One does not learn lesson from someone else's mistakes, but you learn from doing your own, indeed true.  Ha and I wish I had listen earlier, maybe I'd been better. I wish I'd paid attention to investing time, energy and money in myself, I'd stop worrying about what other people think of me by taking risks! Being different.. and live according to what I currently have. I wish, I'd been more nicer to people I worked with, and be more adventurous!

Feeling forever young...

So yeah this time, I will just sit down and enjoy my cup of coffee, have a free refill, read a good book,  try some mindless trash because duuh #millenialsbelike.  I think, I don't know how it ends now. I usually flip ahead to last chapter to find out in a book, because I am impatient as that, but maybe this time, I don't need to know!

I will treat people nicely, express myself freely be kind with words at all times.  I will take the longer route, be grateful to everyone I meet, because there's so much more to learn. I'll dye my hair as I want it, even curl it as I please. I will learn to live in suspense and have amazing life because hellooo I'm too thirty to care!!!

Forever young @ 30,

itsmelory (^.^)