A Year End Report for 2013

This past year was probably the best so far. It taught me a lot this year, gave me a lot of adventures and learned how to treasure every single day.


TO KEEP ON APPRECIATING MY JOB.

2013 taught me to appreciate my job - may it be unknown to most people, usually mistaken to municipal officers, BIR Tax officers or census conductors, the benefits of travel and understanding more of the consumers and the sellers are the best part of my job.

I have been in the Marketing Research industry for the past 6 years or more, been into two companies, traveled in the major provinces in the country, met new people and made quick friendship along the road. I might be open to new opportunities, but the right one hasn't come along. Still waiting for my target company to call, and by that time, I would be most willing to leave and probably, make a mark on the company before I leave.

TO KEEP ON WALKING AND WANDERING.

This year, with God's grace, I have been to 5 countries - Hong Kong, Macau. Singapore, Malaysia and Japan - with the best people in my life.

In celebration of my first year in the new job, my former officemates and I were able to visit Hong Kong and Macau, experience our first non-Baguio cold weather, got sick on the road and finally, visited my aunt in Hong Kong. Though we have different ways of travel, we managed to pull out this trip and finally understand each other.

Our annual Atei trip was a rough road as we came nearer to the trip. Many financial problems encountered, got late on the Trinoma bus to Clark (because I left my friend's credit card), walked around the foreign lands, got late on the last bus back to the City Terminal, got scared and chickened out on the Universal Studios roller coasters, splurged on TWG Singapore, late night hotel check-ins, late night uwi to the hotels after a long day of walking and met nocturnal carabaos on Night Safari. Despite all of these, we were able to have our annual fun, celebrated a birthday along the road and realized that these two women I always travel with will be my forever favorite people.

Japan was the unexpected travel I had this year, since I need a visa to get there. When I was approved, though I am on Singapore-Malaysia mode, my boyfriend is busy with the itinerary that we will have. It was the first solo trip to another land (well, in terms of plane travel) and for the first time, I wasn't planning on the whole trip.

It was the memorable one to date - we celebrated our 7th anniversary together, our 3rd time to do so. And while at it, I got engaged on a pirate ship with the ring on my precious treasure chest box. :)

TO KEEP ON VALUING FRIENDSHIPS AND RELATIONSHIPS.

The best gift I had this year is my relationships to other people. My friendship with my Ateis is stronger than ever, I believe, We were able to know each other better after 7 years of friendship.

My officemates are the people I am with for most of the year - with 8 hours together, messages even after work for tsismis and lutang moments at the office.

My family is stronger than ever as well. Towards the end of the year, we were able to give our parents new stuff and by next year, be financially capable to buy them a new small house.

TO KEEP ON LOVING AND STAYING IN LOVE.

Since this 2014, I will be a Mrs already, I will definitely be with another family, meet extended ones and plan for my own. Despite this, my fiance will still be working abroad, while I stay in the Philippines. Its another year of us on long distance relationship.

Cheesy it may seem, but we believed that our wedding is simply a formality between the two families and our relatives and friends, since we have been together for the last 7 years and been on several trips on ourselves. :) We have known each other, lived with each other and aware of how picky each other or how loud his snore is.

As we all claim, 2014 is a year for another adventure. A non-negotiable annual trip with my Ateis, probably if my fiance's work calls, spend Holidays again on foreign land and another year to my current job.

For the people who have been a part of my 2013, thank you very much. I look forward to another part of our adventure together.

I'm back with few announcements!

I missed my blog. I have 3 months worth of backlogs, 3 country travel notes and a lot more pictures to stamp.

I'm so sorry (as if andaming nagbabasa ng blog ko) for being MIA for the past 3 months. Its been a crazy, rollercoaster ride last quarter for me.

I have yet to write my entries on my Singapore and Malaysia trip last September but I would like to skip that on this entry, since my Japan trip was the highlight of my year.

MY NEW STATUS

Yes, I am getting married next year. My boyfriend of 7 years proposed at our Hakone trip on our 7th anniversary last November. It was an unexpected event, but we have been jokingly talking about marriage since we entered our 5th year. We are not serious then though, but simply parinig and sharing pictures via Pinterest.

I won't go so much on the proposal details, kasi hindi naman talaga that sweet, down-on-his-knees proposal. We are on a ship with many, many people and we don't want to have that spotlight on us. In any way, we are not that typical couple of sweet nothings.

MOVING ON

Since I have been busy gathering stuff about weddings and reading wedding blogs, I missed out that I have a travel blog to maintain. I am back to the writing dashboard, rest assured that I will be finishing all the trip entries within the year.

And also, due to my (our na pala) priorities next year, travel has to take a backseat and maybe, all the travels that I will have are only work related. Buti na lang, my job gives me the opportunity to travel once in a while. But will still squeeze in some leisurely side trips after work.

AND MY NEW PROJECT 2014

I know, I am having troubles on maintaining this one, but I would like to help others on their wedding needs, so I decided to create a blog that would cater on them. Though I am still thinking if I would just write the entries on this blog and just create tabs for weddings.

I have few more days to finish things up and decide on the new project, and I better start now! :)

What's In my Smartphone?

Its a cliche of having a blog entry of "what's in my bag", and since everyone of us are stuck with our smartphones, I believe, its time to focus on them.

Being a traveler by heart and as one of my perks in the job, the pen and paper will not always be reliable. I often leave my planner at work (since it is quite heavy) and I have a lot of notebooks inside my bag, I tend to forgot what my trips are. Good thing, there are FREE applications for android phones that can substitute as my travel diary.

So what did I download on my reliable smartphone for my upcoming trips? here's the list:


1. TripIt Travel Planner. FREE ON ANDROID PLAYSTORE.

It basically keeps track of your upcoming travels, including flight time, airline and destination and even who are you with on these trips. If you upgrade on Pro, it will also be able to track your mileage points and share it to your network.

How to use it:
1. Send your itinerary receipts to plans@tripit.com. The soft copies of your tickets, or even your itinerary will be uploaded to your phone and that's it.

You can print this itinerary via wifi connection to your printer.

2. XE Currency Converter: FREE ON ANDROID PLAYSTORE

Every traveler needs one of these converters, especially when you are on your budget trips. I chose the XE Currency Converter app since I find it more user friendly.

How to use it:
1. Choose the currencies you want to track. Just don't forget your local currency for budgeting.
2. You can choose at most 5 of these currencies, and set them into Rates and Inverse (on settings --> currency details --> rate and inverse), so you can keep track of the inversion rates too.
3. You can set the currency you want to keep track of. Since I will be bound for Hong Kong in the next two weeks, I have HKD and Peso on the top of my list.

The XE currency automatically updates itself on current market buying conversion and even tells you when was the last update. Just keep in mind that selling and buying rates are different from each other but at least, you have an idea of how much are you spending.

3. EHK Hong Kong MTR app: FREE ON ANDROID PLAYSTORE

As I have mentioned, I will be going to Hong Kong and since they have a very good MTR system and I don't want to be lost on foreign land, I downloaded the EHK MTR app that can be found in the tourist website of Hong Kong and on the Android Playstore.

I find this app useful on checking how to get into one station to another. It has the different MTR lines, including transfer lines that you need to take from one point to another. Aside from the stations, it is also presents the duration of the trip and the cost.

I have more apps on my phone, but I believe these are the best for travelling.

An ode to the Gay Community

Father to his son, drowning him on a plastic/metal drum: Ano ka?
Son (gasping for air): Bakla po!
Father: Ano ka sabi?
Son: Bakla nga po.
Father: Ano, ano ka?
Son: Sirena, itay, SIRENA!

This joke is old. Yet, I believe, there are still people who do this until today.

I have been living all my life with the happiest friends - gays to be exact. Though one hasn't been out of his closet yet, I have a wide circle of these people. They are the most life loving, funny and true friends that I have.

Gays in the Philippines are so called "tampulan ng tukso", they are the life of the party, bordering to them being the joke itself. Many of the gays, or in a correctly political and social terms, the LGBT community, are the most creative minds I have ever met. From drama/sitcoms, to backdrops to powerpoint presentations... to changing their deepest, saddest emotions to funny jokes and antics, these people do not only deserve equality but they should have the rightmost respect and if possible, be given the highest honors on living life on the most positive way ever.

This post is inspired by the latest video by Gloc 9, a rapper who write songs about the society, politics and everything in between. Many of these gay (and happy) people are victims of domestic violence, their fathers (if not brothers) would box them, telling them to be a man. These struggles begin in their childhood and will continue on during their school years.

Lately, I noticed that these gay students would walk in a group, feeling that the road is their own runway. I love looking at them as they peg themselves as beauty queens or runway models. If I could just clap without insulting them, I would certainly do so.

I never imagined my life without these people. They are the most responsible people I have ever known. Them without their own future family, tending the family business and taking care of their old parents, they certainly win over those straight people who left their own parents in a elderly shelter or worse, forget all about them.

My outmost respect and love to all my gay friends. You may be able to relate to parts of this song, but believe me, you have been one of the greatest people in my life.

Loving the happy people,


Deng

Unboxing Pavizio X1: Getting more than what you pay for

This entry have been long overdue. I promised I will be writing an entry on this, however, due to my tight schedule of trips and office work, here it goes.

In early July, I was able to buy a new addition to my electronic family, to wrap up my birthday month. I have written a teaser entry about it, since I need to use it on its full capacity to be able to write a more comprehensive review.


UNBOXING THE TABLET
One of the best features for me about this tablet is that it doesn't have its front buttons, one that can be found in the front panel that serves as back buttons on Ipads and Samsung Tablets. On a landscape screen mode, you will see two buttons on top of it, one for the volume and another for the power button, that also serve as the lock button. Back panel comes in two colors - black and white, similar to Galaxy Tab. However, there is no difference on the specifications despite the color.

Back panel

NOTE: All the following walk through on placements of buttons are on landscape mode.

Its basic features are its 0.3 MP camera on the upper right hand corner. the power indicator light can be found below the camera lens. Blue light suggests its powered on and turns red when its near its depleting when you are charging the device.

Front panel

 On the side, you will see the charger, USB and earphone jacks, as well as slots for SD card.

Buttons, Ports and Jacks

With Charger, Earphones and USB connected

STARTING UP
Turning on the tablet takes about a little less than a minute. However, if you are using the pattern security log-in feature, it may need several seconds more to react on your fingertips.

On the lower right of the screen, you will see basic icons such as the clock, battery, wifi notifications, system updates, downloads and external device connectors. On the lower left of the bar, you can see three major buttons: back, home and current running programs. Three dots appear beside the running programs icon for program's basic options (i.e on web browser - back, refresh and forward icons), depending on what program you're currently using.

Home Screen

Running apps - Home Screen

You will see you home screen, similar to the desktop and laptop screens that we are used to. This contains the shortcut icons for the main program that you use. On the upper right, you have the menu buttons that brings you the list of applications/ programs you have installed in your tablet.

Menu screen

PERSONALIZING YOUR TABLET

HOME SCREEN
Your home screen "houses" icons of the programs you want to easily access without clicking the menu icon. From the menu screen, you can drag an icon to the home screen and create its shortcut. You can eventually organize home screen icons - on placements by a long push of the icon, until a grid comes out and you can put them wherever you like them on the home screen. You can also organize all games shortcut by selecting one and dragging them on another game icon. Similarly, a remove button will be displayed in case you want to remove some of the home shortcut icons.

To make your device reflect yoru personality, you can as well personalize your home screen wallpaper. However, because it runs on Android ICS, menu screen remains black.


APPLICATIONS/ PROGRAMS
Because the device runs on Android, you expect that you;ll have Google Market where you can find loads of free and paid application. As of the moment, I have an ebook reader, 4 games from Google Market, an office application (for Documents, PDF, Powerpoint and Excel files I review and make) and web browser.


BATTERY AND CHARGING
I don't really expect much on the battery of the device, since it only costs a little over Php 5,000.00. However, when I am using it with an ebook reader, web browser and 2 games running, it gave me a good 5 hours of usage (all running, but I'm not using them all at the same time). When on standby, it gives me almost 48 hours.

I feel that when I am using the tablet, and it is charging, it will take about 3 hours before it is fully charged. When its off, on the other hand, it will only take 1 to 1.5 hours before its full. So, I make sure I turn off the device when I am charging it.


THE VERDICT
For almost 2 months of using the device, I can say it has served its main purpose for me. I no longer bring my laptop with me, since I can create, edit and review documents on my tablet. I can also be online and be able to read ebooks.
But because I have low expectations on the device because of its price, I felt that it gives more than what I paid for it. I can play Temple Run on the device (its has gyro capabilities, you can swing it left to right too, like other devices) and read ebooks. However, there are times that it has its lag moments, keyboard sometimes appears slow when you use the address bar on the web browser or it is not responsive to your touch.

Now, its up to you if you want to buy the product, but come to think of it, if browsing and reading materials are all you want to do, then, Pavizio X1 is good for you.



Self proclaimed gadget freak and techie,

Deng

You are old when...

I came across this 9gag post last week, in time for a friend's wedding.

Yes, I am not young anymore. I just turned 26 last month, and I can feel I am on the mature side of the spectrum, backed up by the image above.

It is my first friend's wedding, since I was more into attending relative's wedding. :) Aside from being my first wedding ceremony, I have the fun and pleasure of taking pictures of my good friend and her husband, their families along with former officemates and arms and shoulders of that photographer. (Good thing I was using the long range lens of my camera, I was able to capture moments while sitting and staying away from that arms and shoulders.)

Anyways, below are the pictures (not-so-artistic) I have taken during and after the ceremonies. Forgive me, as it was my first time and I have more to learn on my camera.

I forgot to take a picture of my wedding outfit, but I am planning to re-do it since it was comfortable. My lone picture of the wedding (the disadvantage of being a photo enthusiast): 

PS. I still have to write my Pavizio X1 review. I plan to write it by the end of the week. Sorry for the delay.

Last Hurrah on my birthday month: Unboxing my New gadget

FINALLY!!!! I got what I have been wishing for! :)

To cap off my birthday month, I bought a new gadget as the final addition to my gadget family. To date, I have a laptop, a gaming desktop, 2 digital cameras, a DSLR and finally, a tablet! :) Luckily, I have good people around me that made these purchases possible. The computers and cameras are credits to my boyfriend (he was investing gadgets on me) and the final one was credited (today) from my officemate.

I consider myself as a techie bud: above average knowledge in any machine, gadget and techie stuff. However, before making turo of what I want, I have to read reviews, check prices, check my own finances and ask approval from my boyfriend. He is my accountant and auditor. He would never let me buy new things unless I have the right reasons for it.

So enough of my gadget history, I have written entry on my DSLR and now, I would like to present to you my new baby, Pavizio X1.

Its tech specs:

- Android 4.3 Ice Cream Sandwich
- 4GB storage, expandable until 32GB
- 512MB DDR3
- mini HDMI and USB 2.0 slots, memory card slot
- Front camera: 0.3 megapixels
- CPU: Cortex A8

Screen size: 7.0 inches, 800x600 resolution
Wi-fi enabled

Price: Php 5,990 (but on sale at Php 5,499.00)



My purchase history:

I have been looking for a decent tablet which I can use when I am on field, which was basically the full coverage of my job. Aside from my Jurassic office computer, I have been using my personal laptop, which I bring in and out of the office during workweek, because I need to compile 100+ slides from our Manager's presentation. My shoulders have been cursing me from the everyday weight of my laptop, and I think, my laptop too is getting tired of its everyday travel.

My officemate purchased an I-Ped, a China-made tablet with sim card slot for Php 4,000.00. I never liked the idea of the sim card slot and I don't want to use it either. So I have been looking for something that would give me the benefits without compromising my system and my finances.

So yesterday, we managed to find Pavizio X1 in Toy Kingdom (of all places, a toy store) and fell in love with it. It was like a Samsung Galaxy Tab - all the specs and running on Android Ice Cream Sandwich. One of the few tablets that I know running on this system.


My review:

One thing, it doesn't have any buttons on the screen itself. It has two on the top: volume and power button. Aside from that, all the buttons (back, menu and apps) can be found on its screen itself. It is sleek and not heavy. I can basically carry it anywhere. Wi-fi connection is alright too, I was connected to our office wi-fi fast.

Buying it earlier this day, I tried it and installed several programs. I have a handful of games (Fruit Ninja, Plants vs. Zombies, Angry Birds, Temple Run) just to try how capacitive the screen is. It didn't fail me. It was far better than the Chinese tablets available in the market. I never have to push hard to the buttons in order to "awake" it.

I managed to download and use Office Suite and I can create and edit office documents and read PDF files in a jiffy. I have yet to know how it handles more documents and be able to present using its connection to the projector. I have to try its connection to HDMI to check if the cable is right.

As of this writing, my tablet is charging and I have yet to determine its full battery capacity. I know, some specs are not over the top, what would you expect on a 5k pesos tablet.

For those who just want to browse the internet, create documents and basically carry a gadget everywhere, I recommend Pavizio X1.


My apologies if I can't write a more comprehensive review right now. Please give me more time to explore my gadget and I would gladly write a new review.


A more comprehensive review here.

Flats for the Birthday Girl

I am a flat-lover. Of the shoes that I have, almost 70% of them are  flats - from ballet flats to sandals to jelly shoes. One, I find it hard to commute when on heels. I love walking (thus the name of this blog) so my feet will curse me when I walk in heels.

My former officemate's wedding is just around the corner and I have been planning what would I wear on the wedding, since I will running around to cover the event (my first attempt to wedding photography). Maxi skirts are in, so I am looking towards this trend and dissing heels since I can't run on them. I find it hard to look for flats that would suit my look (one, they are too pricey for an employee like me and two, when I get to like a certain sandal/flat, they do not carry my size anymore).

Good thing, So Fab Philippines (one of my favorite footwear brand) finally released its new items and found these great sandals (crossing my fingers, hopefully, they would still have my size in week from now). I present to you, my choices for the sandals that I will pair to achieve the maxi skirt look:

Lime

Amaranth

Carnation

Pusley

Nertera

All I have to wait is the payday for next week and I will be buying one (or two) of these pairs. To those who are not financially-challenged, you can order these shoes online via www.sofab.com.ph or visit any of their stores.


Have fun walking in your flats! :)

Uniqlo in Manila: Home of the Bratops

After the US clothing store Forever21 invaded Manila few years back, and soon followed by Muji, a Japanese home store, Uniqlo - another Tokyo-based store reached our own land.

It opened its first store in Manila last June 15, 2012. Situated at the second floor of Mall of Asia in Pasay, where Toy Kingdom used to be, Uniqlo resembles the openness of Forever21 stores. Despite its size, with the wide variety of available clothes in store, everything looks cramped up.

Here's whats in store for you:
- Upon entering, you'll see its compilation line - from Disney to Andy Warhol, to Campbells and Snoopy.
- Straight ahead is the Disney wall of clothes for women. On your right is the rack for men's vintage themed tshirts. On your left is the wall for sunglasses.
- Further down on your left is the 14 cashiers waiting for you.
- Walking further are the pants and polo shirts on your left and underwears on your right. Straight ahead are the formal wears - men's polos and suits.
- Moving on to the end corridor are the 11 fitting rooms, divided for men and women. In front of the fitting room are the t-shirts for kids and pull-overs.
- Underwears for women are located at the corner and as you walk towards your starting point, racks and racks of bratops awaits you - on the walls and at the center aisle.
- On your right are the women's polos and knits. While as you go further along, tshirts are found on center island. At the far end are the shirtdresses and scarves.

My apologies for not taking a picture of the whole place as it was out of the blue that I went there earlier today. I promise to get back (since bottoms are still on sale until July 5th), and spend at least something for myself as an end for my birthday month.

What captured my attention are the bratops, since I was looking all over the place for these kind of tops. (That's why I am really writing this entry up). In preparation for our Indochina trip and how to pack lightly, I am looking for two-things-in-one stuff. These bra-tops seemed perfect for this. A t-shirt with bra inside, so I won't be bringing separates for the trip. All I have to bring are these bra-tops. :D

Here are the shots:

Sadly, the sale for these tops are until June 21st only. You can grab this on the discounted price of P590 or its actual retail price of P990.

I will be writing a more comprehensive entry on Uniqlo Philippines when I get to visit the store again by the end of the month. :)

Lazy Sunday: Photography Books

What I love about Sunday is that I can sit around our house and be prisoner of written principles and moments.  I am a reader, not very fond of fictions, but more of non-fictions. I would go straight on business and marketing books and self-help (aside from pens section) once I am in a bookstore. (Yes, bookstores here in the Philippines are not merely "book" stores, but they offer stationary, home and office supplies, bags, kids stuff and magazines. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you would see various gift items (like bands, mugs and alike)).

Anyways, since its Sunday and I have one of the cherished free times in my work, I am busy checking out Photography books. As many of us will notice, teens and young alike are lurking around malls carrying their DSLRs. I wouldn't like to be dubbed as a poser photographer, so I believe it is necessary that I start reading materials that would make me understand my new hobby.

Google is our friend, and thus, I found a list of photography books suited for a beginner. I have two saved in my laptop though, National Geography's Ultimate Guide to Digital Photography and Five Steps in Shooting in Manual. These are light reads, and being a fast reader, I should be buying another book by the end of the month.

So while looking for new books,  I stumbled upon these few recommended for photography hobbyist like me:

My goal is by the end of the third quarter, I will on the next step in photography and will be reading the following:

I would like to think that this is my own way to be able to differentiate myself from those poser photographers. I don't like to be named one, so I am doing these extra steps in improving myself on this new craft.

Personal List 1: Looking for a New Buddy

Since our Indochina Trip is finally on the move, I think it is necessary for me to check out the things that I will need for the travel. I was initially thinking that a luggage would do well for me, but since the girls I am with are taking their own and thus, I need to help them out on this, I need something that I could easily work with, more convenient and comfortable for me. So I decided to look for a travel backpack. 

Now, I am on the search for the backpack that I will be using for the Indochina trip, and hopefully for future backpacking trips. Lalaki naman ako dati, kaya okay lang sa akin ang backpack. While online, I stumbled upon a site which gives great tips on how to choose your travel backpack. That's when I learned about a daypack and a travelpack.

Basically, a daypack is the smaller version of a backpack, which is on my perception, my hand

y dandy backpack (for school or for weekend travels). Think about multi-purpose for my backpack. Moving on, a travel backpack is somewhat similar to the backpacks mountaineers use, that elongated pack with spaces for tent and water bottle. On the site, it discussed what packs are suitable for women and men and what brands are the best for it.

Travel packs comes in various sizes, not by inches, but by volume. According to the site, a 30-45 pack is suitable for a 5'3'' frame like mine.

Deuter and North Face, both international brands, manufactures these packs. With that in mind and thinking of at least 30L of these backpacks, I came across these bags:

(from top Left, clockwise: Deuter ACT Trail 20, Deuter ACT Zero, Deuter Fox 40, Deuter Spectro AC 28, Deuter Futura Vario and Deuter Futura 32)

(from l-r: North Face Women's Terra 40, Terra 45 and Terra 55)

So now, I need to look for these bags, try them on and canvass how much I will be paying for it. Personally, I am setting the budget for my bag, na walang lalampas ng 6,000.

Happy bag hunting to me! 


For more backpacking tips, you may want to visit: http://travelindependent.info/whattopack.htm