I'm Virtual Vikki :) Is blogging even still a thing? We'll see. Most entries are about travel + tech + life (and if you scroll far enough, my past life lol) Thanks for stopping by! *Thoughts, my own.
Where my 15 year old self thought I’d be at the age of 25:
- Married to the love of my life.
- Have my own fashion brand.
- Working for my family’s business.
- Living the same old good life in the Philippines.
Where I am now at the age of 26:
- Doesn’t conform to culturally rooted pressures around marriage.
- Multiple shifts in passion over the years and more to come in the future.
- Barely involved in our family business apart from signing papers & providing advise.
- Left home in 2016 and been working remotely full-time, living a semi-nomadic lifestyle and loving it.
Mind. F*cking. Blown.
Here I am. 26 years old and doing anything but what I thought I would. And yes, I’m writing this a year late because honestly 25 was a full year of me sorting through my quarter life crisis.
Did I panic and get multiple anxiety attacks? Yes. Would I ever change a thing? Hell no! Here’s what my quarter life crisis taught me:
1. Plans NEVER perfectly fall into place.
When plans didn’t work out for me, even better/greater things came my way. It came in the form of new human connections, newfound passions and opportunities. Plan for your future but don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t work out or you don’t hit the goals you’ve set for yourself.
2. Live a little. No. Live a LOT.
If you’re on a wake up - go to work - count down the hours - go home - sleep - repeat type of cycle, I’m sorry to break it to you but you’re not actually living. Ok. Hear me out. I know how a lot of us are neck deep into our career and life goals or are pressured out of our minds from societal expectations of success but please. Recognize the fact that you only live through your 20s once. Do things that make you feel alive.
3. Grow at your own pace.
As a naturally competitive person, I’m constantly out doing strides towards self-improvement and career growth. It took me a while to just calm tf down and do my own thing. The more people I met and the more conversations I had, the more I came to realize that we all have different backgrounds, different goals, different passions. The fact is, we’re all just figuring life out.
4. Don’t be afraid to try!
May it be a new opportunity coming your way or on days curiosity sneaks up on you - there’s no harm in giving it a shot! As Wayne Gretzky said, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. It gets scary at times especially when it involves big changes like a new job, leaving home, or a difficult skill but trust me when I say, trying is better than living with ‘what ifs’.
5. Impostor Syndrome sucks.
A friend once told me mid convo at work, ‘Why are you putting yourself down? You’ve done great work!’ That was the moment I realized I get Impostor Syndrome and how it has prevented me from being the best I could be. From that moment I became more self-aware and learned to not let self-doubt get to me. But it happens, even to the most accomplished people out there.
6. Don’t let unnecessary pressure get to you.
Coming from a traditional Asian family, there are certain pressures and expectations that have been ingrained in me growing up. From when to get married to the career path I choose and well, everything else in between! But honestly, moving out after uni, leaving a toxic relationship and deciding to build my own life was the best thing I ever did for myself. Remember, this is your life and nobody else’s. Prioritize your happiness.
7. Invest in yourself.
This spans out to a number of things: self-care, health, mental health, education and more. Go on a trip, buy yourself that online program, or treat yourself to a spa day! We tend to forget about ourselves in the midst of dealing with our quarter life crisis. But really, if anything, this is the time for you to focus on yourself more.
Obviously, there is so much more I learned from this part of my life but some things are just meant to be private self reflections. Excited for what my late 20s have in store for me! How are you dealing with growing up?
It has been 3 weeks since I posted my last entry where I promised a blog a week. As you can see, I haven’t. Why, you may ask? Well, my immediate superior at work quit his job. I’m not going to go into details but long story short - there was a lot of shit to do. Been spending the past 3 weeks catching up and taking over his tasks. Sadly, this meant I was working on my set ‘project days’ aka weekends where I completely sign off of Slack to focus on personal projects like this. But all’s good. I think I’ve officially caught up mentally and have a good system going. So much so that I got to take a break yesterday to recharge.
It’s now Sunday but that also means I’m not yet too late for a post this week. I’m currently sitting in my little work corner at our house up north drinking vanilla almond milk while munching on a slice of Nutella smothered multigrain bread. I’m ready to finish my drafts.
The year is 2020 and I’m trying to be better at this.
TL;DR. I’m sorry I flaked on you again. I’m currently in iso and attempting to break that bad habit. Officially back to blogging, posting once a week.
Hello, beautiful people! Wow, is blogging still a thing these days?
As you can see, I posted my re-introduction a year ago and have yet to follow-through with new posts. A horrible habit that you’d be well aware of if you’ve been a follower since 2013. Do I feel bad? A little bit. But if you follow me on Instagram (@iamvirtualvikki), you’ll know I haven’t strayed away from the Virtual Vikki brand - I just moved to different platforms. But with the global pandemic putting me in isolation for almost 2 months now, I decided to bring certain projects back to life. So here we are.
Anyway, how are you holding up? How are you adjusting to the new normal? Are you guys even still on Tumblr? Or maybe, you’re back here like me? Lol. I’m probably alone here now but it feels kinda nice being able to write again, play around with HTML, and cringe on past entries. I’ve grown up so much on this blog and I hope to continue to do so from here on out. I’ll be posting a blog once a week! For now, vibe with me :)
TL;DR. My name is Vikki. I grew up traveling a lot so the itch to leave for a new adventure has always been there. I moved to Japan, backpacked for a bit, scored a kickass job in the tech scene and have been traveling all over the world since. I have been blogging since I was 14 and have honestly never lost the love for creating content. After chatting about a trip to India in 2015 that I wrote about here, I found myself resurrecting this blog. This time, with a clearer view and goal. Come here for: Travel + Tech + Life :)
Hi, guys! My name is Vikki. I’m a 20-something world citizen or whatever people who don’t have a long term permanent residence calls it. Having to travel a lot for both work and leisure, I created ‘Virtual Vikki’ as a way to stay connected with my friends and be present even in a virtual way through the utilization of social media. Although I live a very fluid and at times nomadic lifestyle, Japan was my ‘homebase’ from 2016-mid 2019.
Living the gaijin life in Japan land.
My first visit to Japan was back in 2015 when I was still finishing up my degree in uni back in Manila. It was just a spontaneous weekend getaway but that’s all it took to convince me to move to Japan.
After graduating, I got into a uni in Tokyo for further studies. Coming to Japan as a tourist and as a student were totally different experiences. Apart from studying, I explored the city, lived like a local, tried starting a business and created some crazy memories in between.
Accidental Nomad.
After my program in Tokyo, I continued on with pursuing further studies in Kansai where I lived for a few months. After finishing my program in Kyoto, I decided to go backpacking for a bit around Japan and in other countries as well because eat-pray-love is a real thing.
While I was living the nomadic lifestyle of jumping from one city and country to another (basically the moment when I thought my life in Japan was over), I managed to land a job in Tokyo. This transition gave me the chance to come back to the big city. With the type of job I did and working in the tech scene, I was lucky enough to travel a lot for work plus had the flexibility to go on trips because working remotely is normal in our field.
This lifestyle came with new learnings and realizations along the way. I continued gathering thoughts, collecting memories and creating valuable connections. Life has been pretty crazy hectic but - to say it simply - fun!
It wasn’t until an old trip to India in 2015 was brought up during a chat with my family that I remembered that this blog existed. Looking back at my posts, I decided it’s about time I pull this project out of the graveyard and off of the drawing board and bring it to life again.
So why am I back?
I have always wanted a space to share my stories. I always have since I was 14. Just Google me and a bunch of blogs and accounts of past lives of mine will resurface. Now I’m in a whole different chapter and so much has changed. My mindset, the way I see life, my experiences, and everything else in between. So why the hell not? On this blog I will be talking about -
- Travel
I may not be a seasoned traveler or your typical nomad rocking braids in my hair but I know I’m not the only one living this sort of lifestyle. Come here for some tips, tricks and stories of my travel (mis)adventures!
- Tech
No, not like reviewing cameras and telling you which iPhone to buy. I’d like to share my stories about working in tech and what it’s really like to be in this field. Spoiler: I have zero tech background! (For now hehe)
- Life
Keeping it true to its original goal, this blog will continue to be my online equivalent as I share my stories, thoughts and ideas as an attempt to stay connected to you.
I’ll do my best to share as much as I can! Stay passionate🌟
Hey there! Here's a short intro and a quick rundown of what you guys can expect from my channel. I'm so excited for all the videos I've got planned for you g...
Sorry I’ve been MIA lately but I was busy working on a new project. Join my virtual family? :)
Craving for some ramen and real sushi? Want to experience Japan’s amazing culture every waking moment of your life (or at least until your visa expires)? Well, I felt the same way a year ago. I may not know everything but here’s a quick guide based on how I made it to the land of the rising sun as a foreign student.
1. Research. Research H A R D.
I really wanted to pursue further studies so I decided to apply for post graduate programs in different universities. Make sure to check their websites for details, deadlines and requirements for application. Application periods vary but for Spring Semester (April), applications start around September or October while Fall Semester (September) applications start around March or April. Research doesn’t stop with uni programs. You have to keep researching about how to actually get your ass to Japan. And that means legal matters, visa requirements, and so on.
2. Sort out your finances.
Yes. It costs a lot to move to Japan even though you’re a student. If you’re fortunate enough to have a financier or amazingly supportive parents or maybe you have saved up enough money from working, then all you have to worry about now is making sure that you prepare all the requirements that both the school and the government may require. (e.g. financial statement, show money, etc.) Got no doe? Don’t worry. There are a lot of options and opportunities for you to study here in Japan. Here are a few:
(i) Check your school’s partnerships and exchange programs. There are some programs wherein you will only be required to pay your tuition fee and other fees (plane ticket, processing, etc.) for you to be able to spend a semester or a year studying abroad.
(ii) Apply for a scholarship or maybe a fully-funded cultural exchange program. The Japanese government and as well as private institutions have scholarship programs for foreign students. Some scholarships are inclusive of everything (tuition fee, dormitory and fees, monthly stipend, etc.) while there are those that offer partial scholarships (1/2 of the tuition fee, dormitory, etc.) There may be a lot of competition but there is no harm in trying your luck.
(iii) Look for an organization that can help you finance your studies. Check if your government sponsors study abroad programs but if they don’t, you may also opt for private organizations like Jellyfish Foundation who promotes and provides education and work in Japan.
(+)If you work for a Japanese company or a company that does business with Japan, it may be possible for you to be sent here to study or do training. Since I have no experience on coming to Japan with a working visa, all I can point out is the fact that I have seen it happen and that this is truly possible so you should explore the possibilities! But this means: work hard = play hard!
3. Check your options.
So you’ve done your research and sorted out your finances. Now all you have to do is choose the perfect fit for you! Are you an undergraduate student? Maybe going for an exchange program with your school’s partner university here in Japan would be ideal! Already done with university? Come over through a postgraduate program or you can simply go for a Japanese language school! Still in highschool? Go for summer programs. Don’t want to quit your job but still want to be able to live in Japan? Go for a short-term program. For scholarships, if you fit in the requirements like a puzzle, I say whatever you’re doing in life, just apply! You’ve got nothing to lose!
4. Process.
So at this point, you start gathering all the documents you need, meet specific deadlines and wait for your golden ticket to the Land of the Rising Sun. The process will vary but the wait will feel the same. Instead of constantly refreshing your inbox, use this time to improve your skills and to learn about the culture. The process does not stop with the paperwork. Mental and emotional preparedness is very important as well. In my case, I decided to take a short Japanese course at Yuno Japanese Learning Center to prepare myself if and when I got accepted. Once you get the go signal, more processes will come your way. From handling more paperwork to applying for your student visa. The The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines has a list of partner agencies who can help you with processing your visa. (I highly recommend Rajah Travel Corporation) Once you get everything stamped, prepare your finances and get your passport back, you’re good to go!
5. Pack, breathe, fly out with your one-way ticket.
You made it! You’re a full pledged gaikokujin now! Enjoy Japan!
Obviously there is more to this 5 step process and experiences may vary but I hope this helped you see how moving to Japan is definitely achievable! It will take a lot of time but with the right amount of drive, you can make it here too! Good luck and I hope to see you soon! :)
PS. Got more questions? Throw a question my way or hit me up on any of my social media accounts! I’d love to help!
My friends and I went on a two day ski trip to Nagano to kickoff our springbreak a few months ago. It was, to date, the best trip I have gone to! The scenery was beyond words, the snow was beautiful, and I earned the record of most falls on the slopes!
I grew up in a tropical country so obviously I haven’t been killing it on the slopes since I was five unlike all the little cute Japanese babies we saw but hey, it was a great trip! Here’s a quick video I made of our quick getaway!
Yup. You read that right. I have been living the gaijin life for 8 months now. Off the top of my head, here are a few thoughts and, well, I guess an update as well about me and my life in Tokyo so far!
1. I still suck in nihongo.
I have been studying the Japanese language for a total of two years now but I never took it seriously up until a few months before flying out here. I mean, of course I have gotten better compared to when I was in the Philippines but it’s still pretty bad. But you know what, I still have less than a year left here so let’s hope my future self won’t slack off.
2. I’m way more quiet now than before.
My friends here would definitely disagree but that’s only because they didn’t know me when I was in the Philippines. I don’t know, man. When it’s dead silent around you, there’s just no other way to go but to conform. You don’t want to be that obnoxious gaijin who knows nothing but disrupt the social norm and order of things.
3. I’m drinking like it’s 2010 all over again.
Yes. I’m ‘bout that life again. If you knew me personally from 2010 until roughly early 2013 then you would know how much I loved drinking and partying. Well, I’m back at it! Why? In Tokyo, it’s either you party until midnight and catch the last train or party until sunrise. Plus, nomikai and nomihoudai. You must be wondering what that is, right? Well nomikai is pretty much a drinking party while nomihoudai is something offered by izakayas or bars wherein you can have unlimited drinks for a fixed price! How can I say no to that?
4. I have wasted a lot of money in arcades.
Those cute plushies just waiting to be masterfully picked up by me in the claw machines are just so damn hard to say no to. I’ve gotten lucky a few times but I’ve lost 10000x more. It’s a trap, guys. Don’t be like me.
5. I can’t shop like a local yet.
Which is why I hate grocery shopping here. I just can’t help but compare the huge price difference! A small pack of chicken wings (which has like four pieces btw) costs about what one whole chicken would cost in the PH. Don’t even get me started with the fruits and vegetables! It’s quite frustrating but it is what it is. So what do I do? I buy everything that’s on sale because unlike the Japanese, I don’t mind freezing my meat way past the expiration date (yes, meat here have expiration dates.) But don’t get me wrong, fam. I ain’t broke. It’s not like I can’t buy it. It’s just my stingy side acting up.
6. I have learned to live small.
At first I couldn’t stand how small apartments are in Tokyo. Like in the grocery store, I couldn’t help but compare. The rent I’m paying in the tiny apartment I’m living in right now could get me a three bedroom condo in central Manila. But then again, the biggest perk of this place is how close it is to my uni plus it is quite big in Japan standards. I hated it at first but now I’ve gotten the hang of it!
7. Patience as an art form.
With how fast-paced life in Tokyo is, it’s quite normal to feel frustrated and impatient at times. But living here made me realize that following the social order actually makes things easier and more efficient for everyone. May it be waiting for the train to arrive at exactly 10:24am or the specific time you can come in a sushi bar based on your queue card, it all works. The sense of order here made me more patient than I have ever been before. Instead of just thinking of myself, I follow the proper flow and order which, to be honest, works way better than bumping heads with everyone.
8. I’m not sick of Japan yet.
A lot of gaijins have warned me about seeing Japan lose its charm the longer I stay here but so far, I still love living here! There is still so much to see and do in this beautiful country. I have barely scratched the surface. If anything has changed, really, I think it’s my thirst for more adventure and further immersion in the Japanese culture and way of life.
That’s pretty much what I’ve got for you guys for now. It was great to sit down and reflect for a bit about how much progress and change I have gone through ever since moving here. How about you? What changes are you going through right now?
Just a day after christmas last year, I hopped on the first plane out to meet up with my family in Bali, Indonesia. The trip literally took the whole day but seeing everyone made it all worth it. Here’s how it all went down.
I decided to fly with China Eastern Airlines which my Chinese friend, Kiwi, highly recommended. Online reviews reported otherwise so I decided to fly first class in order to be on the safe side. I figured it was worth it since I was going to be in flight for about 10 hours with a stopover in Shanghai. The flight from Tokyo to Shanghai was pretty good but the food was horrible. The free bread, ice cream and alcohol made up for it though. Seats were pretty basic. Nothing that great except for the extra legroom and space.
When I arrived in Shanghai, I hung out at the lounge and decided to get settled in a quiet corner where I can use VPN without being caught. Yup. You guessed it. Almost every social media site is blocked so I was bored to death. I had a few hours to kill so I decided to stream a few shows while munching on some snacks.
My flight to Bali from Shanghai on the same airline was way better. Nobody was assigned to the seat beside me, it was more spacious, the seats had multiple recline options and the in-flight entertainment was amazing. The food was also way better since you’re given a menu with multiple options. They served better options for bubbly too. Before passing out, I spent the flight watching movies and playing games.
I arrived in Bali around midnight. My brothers and mum picked me up at the airport and it felt so good! Nothing like seeing my family after months of being away. It took about 45 minutes to get to the hotel. I crashed the moment I laid down on the bed.
Day 1: Uluwatu & Fire Dance
My aunt decided to book accommodations at Bali Masari since they wanted a place filled with so much nature that monkeys will literally be hanging out with you while drinking your morning coffee. It was quite far from the central area but I guess it was perfect for a family trip.
We got two villas: one for the oldies and one for the youngsters. Our villa had two rooms, two bathrooms (with a tub and an outdoor shower), a living room, kitchen and dining, a backyard and a private pool.
On our first day, we went to Uluwatu Temple to see the amazing view of the cliff, the temples and the fire show.
The temple was huge and there were some restricted areas but the whole place looked amazing. The place was packed with tourists which made it hard to go through some pathways but definitely worth a visit.
The fire show was incredibly entertaining. They packed the arena to the brim until there was nowhere left to sit!
At first we were quite confused with what was happening but soon enough we got the story and enjoyed the whole theatrics.
We also spotted one performer who uncannily looked so much like someone incredibly powerful from the Philippines. Can you guess who?
We then had dinner by the beach at Jimbaran Beach and chatted the night away.
Day 2: Monkeys & Temples
We spent the day going to different temples and learning a little more about Indonesian history. It was quite tiring but seeing the temples, statues and architecture made it all worth it!
We also bought souvenirs and did a bit of shopping. We also ate at a restaurant called Mahagiri which had an amazing view of rice terraces. (Yes! They also have it!)
Before heading back to the hotel, we decided to visit the Sacred Monket Forest in Ubud. We only got to stay for a while since they were closing but it was still great seeing the monkeys in their natural habitat.
I ended up spending the night in bed with my cousins eating snacks, catching up and watching some good old K-drama.
Day 3: Wildlife Fun!
My cousins and I spent the day at Bali Safari and Marine Park. We watched the shows, took photos of pretty much everything and did the safari tour.
We enjoyed the park and the food! Some of the animals didn’t look as healthy as some though which was a bit disappointing since the park promoted wildlife care and preservation.
Day 4: KUTA been better. :(
Since it was our last day, my cousins and I woke up early to go to Kuta Beach to hopefully see the sunrise, surfers and the beach itself! As a bunch of millennials coming from the Philippines, we were expecting a lot from the beach. Our driver wanted to bring us to a smaller beach but we were just so fixed on the famous Kuta Beach.
We had this whole idea of what it looked like (thank you, Google) so we were hella excited. Unfortunately, it was horrible. The sand wasn’t fine, there was trash literally everywhere and every other tourist who came to the beach (in their swimwear!) looked incredibly disappointed. Nobody even wanted to surf because there was so much trash, you could actually end up swallowing something disgusting if you grasped for air in the wrong time. It was so bad I didn’t even take any photos. So if you do go to Bali, go to the less advertised and visited beaches. It would be better if you could go out of your way and go island hopping. I guess Kuta Beach is only ideal for beach parties.
After being disappointed so early in the morning, we found the silver lining which was a mall filled with a bunch of Western brands. We ended up spending the day there shopping and eating to our heart’s content.
We ended our last day in Bali chilling in our villa with boxes of pizza and never ending stories! It was the perfect way to end the trip.
Terima kasih, Bali! You were amazing. I will definitely go back to explore the more exciting parts of you in the near future. :)
I get this question a lot. But honestly, I ended up in a shoebox apartment in Shinjuku just by saying yes to everything. Here’s why I’m here.
I graduated with a degree on International Relations majoring in Japanese Studies, I interned at a Japanese owned publication in Makati, and all the companies who actually called me back after the uni job fair were all Japanese firms. No shit though, right? Those were the obvious answers. But here’s the lowdown, I hated my undergrad. When I graduated, I couldn’t even introduce myself properly in Nihongo. (Fun Fact: my Nihongo sensei back in uni hated me lol) I vowed I’d never open another MNN book nor utter anything Japanese ever again. But alas, here I am. Sitting on my futon in this 5 degree weather typing this instead of working on my happyou (presentation).
I may have hated my undergrad and everything that came with it but I instantly fell in love with Japan during my first visit back in 2015. I have always planned to study abroad after graduating but I have always been dead-set on taking an MBA like my brother did. After going to MBA events and orientations I realized that I wanted to step out of the fixed path I have set myself. I initially didn’t want to but with a bit of push from my brother, I realized that it felt right to give Japan a shot. I only applied to the best universities in Tokyo because, honestly, I had nothing to lose. And well, here I am! I honestly couldn’t believe it. From then on, everything happened so fast. Next thing I knew I was flying out to Tokyo without a return ticket in hand.
So, why Japan? Here are the top five reasons why:
1. I hated my undergrad but I had to make it work to my advantage.
2. As brave as I am to be away from home, I am also pretty scared and this is the safest country I know.
3. Personal circumstances showed me that it was meant to be.
4. I am never going to get this chance again. (I think.)
5. This whole thing gave me a chance to grab life by the balls and charge through it without a single care in the world.
Plus, sushi and ramen, man. How can I say no to that?
That’s pretty much why I chose to take my postgrad here. I think I made a pretty good choice considering I decided on a whim and practically said yes to everything that came along the way. Let this be a reminder that you can truly have whatever you want as long as you claim it. Don’t be afraid to take a chance.
How about you? How far are you willing to wing it? Let me know below!
New year, new list of shit I promise myself I’d do. To tell you the truth, I am getting too old for the whole ambiguous, far-fetched and redundant intentions which we have all tried to resolve year after year. So this year, I decided to be hella realistic. Without further ado, here are 5 goals and 5 resolutions that I will surely attain by the end of the year!
GOALS:
1. Create content on this blog and on every other creative platform consistently this year. - I have officially hit my quota of disappearing and reappearing on the interweb. I am now back for good, I promise. I will do my best to post at least two blog entries every week on IAMVV.
2. Be fit enough to do something extraordinary. - I like working out but I love food. Yup. A never ending conundrum. This year I am not making any excuses anymore. I will get fit and do something I have always wanted to but couldn’t! Maybe run a marathon or idk, climb Mt. Fuji?
3. Actually save money (and not spend it at the end of the year). - Yes, I do save, but I also spend a lot. As part of my adulting initiative for myself, I have to be financially practical and secure (or at least try to be) this year. I have to have savings not only for my material and immediate needs but as well as for my long-term plans.
4. Be able to naturally converse in Nihongo. - As some of you may know, I currently live in Tokyo. So far, I can perform basic conversations like ordering food (duh) and expressing some of my thoughts but I have yet to find the confidence nor have I acquired enough Nihongo skills to have an actual conversation in the language. By the end of this year I should be able to express myself in the language without stuttering or pulling out my jisho.
5. Learn how to cook 5 things like a pro. - Fun fact! I grew up in the restaurant industry but due to medieval provincial beliefs, I never learned how to cook. It sucks, I know. But I currently live alone and I have an extremely tiny kitchen where I plan to make magic and burn tons of shit this year. Hopefully by the end of 2017, I can share photos of incredibly delicious and edible plates of food.
RESOLUTIONS:
1. Be nicer. - I can be quite mean at times especially when I’m pissed. I will do my best to be more aware of what comes out of my mouth from now on (no matter how true it may be).
2. Learn to see the good in people, things and situations. - I am an extreme pessimist and over-thinker. I live by Murphy’s Law but I know I overdo it at times. Time to be more positive!
3. Get out more. Live more. - With all the shit that went down in 2016, staying home was basically all I did. This year I shall go out and live more which means more adventures!
4. Be less vengeful. - I like doing karma’s job but I think I should just sit back, relax and let her do her thing this time.
5. Be happy about something everyday (if possible). - I’m not crazy. I don’t want to be ecstatic 24/7 but I would love to smile about something everyday instead of sulking about everything.
That’s it, guys! What do you think? I’m feeling pretty confident about this year’s list! How about you? What are your goals and resolutions?
2016 WAS A FCKING BTCH. LEMME TELL YA. BUT, it also raked in a lot of great things and pushed me to get out of my comfort zone. Now that it’s 2017 and I have officially slapped some sense into me, I am back! Now with a more focused blog, better content, and more adventures! I guess you guys must be wondering where I have been during the latter half of 2016 so here’s a quick update! :)
August: I moved to Tokyo! I am taking a postgrad program on language and culture in Waseda University. I will be here for about a year and a half. Lived in a cute airbnb and lived off of crepes and famima chicken.
September: I meant to update my blog by this time (and I was even supposed to start a vlog!) but so much shit went down and a lot of adulting was required so obviously I failed to post any content. And oh, I celebrated my first month living in Tokyo by going to Ultra Japan with the gorgeous woo girls of Tokyo (hihi)! #winningatadulting
October: To say that halloween in Japan is crazy would be an understatement. Partied at WOMB and took lots of photos with my IJ girls at Shibuya. Definitely one for the books!
November: A lot of shopping and eating and hauls that never made it to this blog. That one’s on me. (Yes, those are real LVs piled up on a long table. ILY JAPAN.)
December: Been living in Tokyo for 3 months now but I’m only starting to become touristy all because of bubba’s Christmas visit.
That’s pretty much it. Obviously a lot more went down in between but those were the highlights that I can still vividly remember today. Sorry for being gone for so long. This year will be better. I promise!
New year, new beginnings! May the months of hiatus, research and revamp work in my favor. Cheers to 2017 and all of its amazing surprises!
After graduating, going through job applications and all the adulthood drama, I thought it was time to get in touch with my inner Mindy. Only this time, I wanted it artistically done through balayage. The Lifestyle Salon by Louis Phillip Kee made it all possible and it only took 11 hours. Yup. 11 long hours of back pain, bum numbness and neck stiffness but it was all worth it!
My mum and I arrived at the Lifestyle Salon armed with a great mental idea of what we wanted my hair to look like (basically, a more subtle Hit-Girl look because coloring my whole head violet is out of the question). The moment I pitched my idea to Louis, he shook his head and told me to trust him and his vision instead. He urged me to get a more artistically styled hair that just the usual ombre and highlights. He also suggested I get not just purples but blues into my hair for better dimension. And, well, needless to say I was right to trust him!
We started with coloring my hair with an ash brown violet base which would give the perfect transition for my bright locks. (Initially, it looked black but after a few washes the brown eventually showed.) Then, section after section, the colorist carefully bleached my hair. This was the beginning of the process of balayage. With every lock of hair, only certain strands were brushed on with the product. Alternate and full strands were bleached and wrapped with foil. When they finished with the process, I looked like a tin woman from the 50s.
Once my hair was bleached to perfection, it was dried and combed out. The colorist then prepared the purple and blue dye. Upon seeing the colors, I was a bit worried about what it would look like once it’s on but at that point, there was no turning back! The colorist started to section my hair and carefully applied the dye on alternate strands, mixed on certain locks and full colors on certain areas. The careful application of the dye and concentration that the team put on just the application of the color made me realize that balayage was more of an art than a styling method. Every lock which was carefully painted was then sealed in with a saran wrap. After hours of sitting on the salon chair, I finally took my last trip to the wash area. As the excess color washed out of my hair, I couldn’t help but feel excited for how it would turn out!
Before I could see my hair’s outcome, Louis insisted to cut my hair (on the house!) to give me a more youthful look. I hesitated but eventually, I said yes with the condition that he doesn’t cut it too short. He pulled out a yellow salon cape that he put on me. As he combed my hair, he asked me to stand up. I have never gotten my hair cut standing up but I guess there’s a first for everything! He then started to cut my hair as he went around me. Strands of hair were flying all over the place as he gave me one of the best haircuts I have ever had. He cut my hair shorter than I expected (from a lower back to a mid back length in a snip!) but it turned out so good that I didn’t even care. Trusting in his skill and his talent in the art of hair styling made me achieve my look today.
I love how everything turned out and I would do it all again in a heartbeat! An artistic process that took 11 long hours that gave me the best hair style of my life to date. Not only did my mum and I get the best service at Lifestyle Salon but we also got our money’s worth! Here’s the damage. Not bad, right?
If you’re looking to get a haircut, mani-pedi, hair dye or whatever salon service that you may need, do check out Lifestyle Salon by LPK. You won’t regret it!
Lifestyle Salon by Louis Phillip Kee
G/F. Unit 120, Forbeswood Heights, Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City, 1634 Taguig, Philippines.
Telephone no.: (63 2) 856-4848 / 856-3388
PS. Special thanks to my mum for supporting my style decisions and my vlogger-self for being my camera woman the whole day because my arms aren’t long enough to film myself. You’re the best, mum! I love you!
Yeah, yeah. I know, I know. This is a week late but here it is anyway! A short list of what I loved in February. The last one’s for you!
Before I start with product faves, I have to share my current monthly-until-it-fades-oh-so-help-me favorite! I’m back with purple hair!!! It’s so good to see some color back in my locks. Only this time, it’s so much better! My blue and violet balayage was artistically created by Louis Phillip Kee of Lifestyle Salon. (Will talk more about my hair and my experience on another post.)
To maintain the shade as much as I can, I needed to revamp my shower essentials. I threw out my sulfate filled hair products and got safer ones for my purple locks. My favorites among all of my hair color protectors are these two babies! Marc Anthony’s Volumizing Collagen Bamboo Sulfate Free Shampoo doesn’t only help keep my hair color on point but it has kicked my flathead problem away! Since it was recommended that I refrain from washing my hair for the first three days, I had to scout for the best dry shampoo in my area. Coz you know, I ain’t nasty. Eva Nye’s Dry Shampoo helped keep my no-wash freshly dyed hair smelling fresh and oil free. Unlike other dry shampoos, this won’t leave white stains on your hair and scalp and it gives your hair a bit of umf!
Now let’s move on to other shower essentials! Yup. I’m not yet over it, guys. I raved about the Winter Candy Apple scent from Bath & Body Works in my January faves and, well, I meant what I said about how much I loved it. I got the hand soap from the same line (Thanks, mum!). It seriously smells so good!
Speaking of smelling good, check out this golden scent box from Estee Lauder. I have always used the brand’s Signature scent but I believe it is time to move up and grow up. The brand’s Beautiful line elevates their classic perfume to a more sophisticated level.
Another favorite brand of mine is Bobbi Brown and I recently purchased two of the most amazing products from them. I am always on the lookout for the perfect non-creasing perfect coverage concealer. Since Anton, my make-up artist, always uses this concealer shade on me, I decided to get myself one! This set came with a creamy concealer in the shade of Natural Tan and a sheer finish powder in Pale Yellow.
But of course, there are some things that concealers can’t cover up so I make it a point to take care of my skin. I decided to purchase Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base to keep my make-up intact while protecting and nourishing my skin. Plus! The shea butter in it makes my face smell and feel like I just got out of the spa.
Since we’re on the topic of looking good, here’s one of the best faves I have ever posted on this blog! I wanted to be selfish about this but, you know what! You guys deserve all the fun that I’m having. IMHO, this is the best fitness app in-store right now. KFIT is basically a subscription that allows you to go to a bunch of random classes that you can choose from in your area. From yoga to HIIT, they’ve got flexible schedules for you. This is perfect for people like me who can’t commit to just one fitness track or one area. KFIT gives you the chance to book classes depending on your schedule, area and preference. Monthly subscription is P999. Check it out!
A bonus fave for this month is this hit counter which I finally found the time to install late last month. This way, I can see how often you guys drop by Virtual Vikki! Thanks for visiting. Talk to you guys soon!
Since I have tons of photos from different restaurants around the Metro, I decided to pick my faves and start a new blog series called NOMZ! Check out what I stuffed myself with the past two months.
Sandaime
Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City
Glorious Japanese food by two amazing chefs who are dedicated in serving nothing but the best on your plate! Try their Gyudon (P448). BEST. GYUDON. EVERRR! Been to this place twice and I still ended up with this bowl from niku heaven.
The Beef Barn
Second Floor, Eastwood Citywalk 2, Libis, Quezon City
My brothers and I have been waiting for forever for The Beef Barn to open. Last year, we would religiously go to the Eastwood weekend food fair to get a serving of Master Chef Ivory Yat’s juicy and tasty roast beef! Now, we can have it any day of the week!
Leona Art Restaurant
45 Matimtiman Street, Teacher’s Village, Quezon City
I have always loved Leona’s simple yet flavourful pizzas but what I love even more is UNLIMITED PIZZAAAA! Which they had throughout the month of February! Try their onion and pesto pizza. The best!
Peperoni Pizzeria
3rd Floor Uptown Place Mall, Bonifacio Global City
Peperoni Pizzeria is one of the few establishments that are already open in BGC’s newest building, Uptown Place Mall. My friend Jude brought my brother and I with him to check the place out and I sure am happy we did! Try their Bacon or Pepperoni Pizza. Also order a plate of their Calamari. Perfect match!
Romulo Cafe
Azumi Boutique Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Everything from this place is amazing but this new found combo is a winner! Crispy Tadyang + Adobo Rice. You’re welcome.
Cafe Laya
EGI Tower, Taft Avenue, Manila
A cozy and artsy space found in between the hustle and bustle of the DLSU campus. Other than promoting local artists and products, they also serve delicious food and drinks with a Pinoy twist! I personally love their Keso de Bola Carbonara. Creamy, cheesy and aldente.
CrepeMan
Archer’s Place, Taft Avenue, Manila
A new spot in Taft that serves crispy crepe filled with all the great combinations you can think of. I had the Yummy Nabana and I have to say, it sure was yuuuummmyyyy! Definitely coming back for more.
Gourmet Farms Express
Eastwood Lafayette 3, Libis, Quezon City
YAAAS! LETTUCE & PESTO CHIPS WITH CHEESY GARLIC SAUCE. That’s all I have to say. And oh! Their Herb Cheese dip is also pretty good!
Japanese Cotton Cheesecake
Mercato, Bonifacio Global City
If you find yourself in Mercato, do drop by the Japanese Cotton Cheesecake booth and get yourself a slice of their classic cake. It literally melts in your mouth! Which so weird because it looks sooo fluffy! The flavor and texture is dense but light at the same time that you’d want to take another bite just to understand what’s going on in this cheesecake. You have to try it to understand. There’s only so much i can explain, guys.
Restaurant 101
Enderun Colleges, McKinley Hill, Taguig City
During a lunch date with my favorite bros, we decided to go to Restaurant 101 to give their degustation menu a try. Everything was delicious but this was the star out of the courses served. This beautiful Chocolate Delice was bomb dig!
That’s it for my first NOMZ list! Hope I made you guys hungry. Now go forth and eat! Talk to you soon. Cheers!
