Shimmerjjang

안녕~! I'm Andy from Manila, and I'm the girl behind this blog that's been up and running since 2011. This space is my mini online home wherein you'll see tidbits of my life as well pretty much everything that randomly pops into my mind. Contact Email: [email protected]

[shimmerjjang]

Missing Taiwan

For some reason, I keep coming back to Taiwan. I'm just so drawn to this beautiful place, and it's a place perfect for a complete reset. 🌸

I have become the person who barely posts anything while traveling. Or when I do, I just post them once I'm back home ㅋㅋㅋ That's why I have all these photos from last year's trip to Taiwan popping up on my Google Photos memories. For that reason, I'm randomly writing this post on my blog, along with the photos I took during that time. ✨

It's fulfilling my promise to myself to give in whenever I have the urge to write and to not let these photos go unseen — hitting two birds with one stone.

Took this as I was crossing the road towards Raohe Night Market. The Songshan Ciyou Temple (松山慈祐宮) is just beside the entrance of the market. It's fascinating how one look at a place's architecture can say so much already about its history and culture. 🫶

One of the best things I love about Taiwan is that you can see so many different facets of the country with just a few train and bus stops. Wulai is only around 2 hours away from the city center (Ximending), but it felt like I'm in a completely different place. It was a rainy and chilly day, but I can't help but be in complete awe of its beauty. 🥹

Traditional homes, gorgeous mountains, clear rivers, waterfalls — a total 180 from the city. 🤍 Went up using the log train and not knowing the trip ends at 5pm, we had no idea that there's no train going back down. It was getting dark and I was legit anxious (All the horror movies I've watched are making solid flashbacks in my head). But because I felt safe, the walk down through the mountain trail in my floral dress became one of my best memories ever. 💐

Falling in Love with Capybaras - Yilan Township

Even before seeing real capybaras at Zhang Mei Ama's Farm, I was already deeply in love with capybaras. My capybara-filled bedroom will tell you everything. ㅋㅋㅋ So basically, one of the main reasons of this Taiwan trip is to see my capy babies irl. I was in that farm for nearly 3 hours (I just checked the timestamps on my gallery).✨

Left the farm with many capybara goodies ㅋㅋㅋ Laoban老闆 is so funny and kind! He even gave me stickers for free 🥰

Food Food Food for my "뚱이 Things"

Omg. What is even a trip without a bunch of great food?!

My favorites:

Fuhong Beef Noodles - Apart from being one of the most delicious meals I've tried during my trip, I guess it's also because it was a memorable experience for me. This place is famous and is usually packed (with long lines during lunch and dinner). But this one is open 24hrs and I visited it at around 3am because I just woke up suddenly feeling hungry. No lines, but there were some people.

Sushiro - I love sushi and sashimi, most specifically salmon! I was told Sushiro is a franchise, but this is my first ever visit here. Super fresh and it's relatively affordable too. I can just salmon sahimi there all day.

Fong Da Coffee - Honestly, the coffee there is good but I can't say it's super special. But what I really loved are their coffee beans! Bought 400g of whole coffee beans back home and I instantly punched the wall because I should have bought more. For me (for me lang ha!), it's way richer than Lavazza, which I also love so much. This is me hoping my Italian friends won't ever read this loool

365台灣小吃 (365 Taiwanese Snacks) - It's just beside the famous Tian Tian Li food stall that basically sells the same thing. Tian Tian Li always has very long lines and I'm not up for that so I went here instead. And honestly, the food is pretty good here too that I ended up coming here twice during the trip! Super cheap and filling.

尖叫 雞翅 Wings & Fries - Stumbled upon this chicken and beer pub in a small alley along Ximending. Draft beer is really good and they also gave me that funny chicken toy for free! Looool

TAIWANESE TEA EGGS 1000000000/10 - I will never ever get tired of these tea eggs that you can basically find in every convenience store or Taiwanese food places. It's my go-to meal. It's so yummy and the taste just directly links me to the fact that I'm in Taiwan. I don't think I can have this exact same kind of tea egg anywhere else but in Taiwan.

Every corner is picture-perfect

There are spots if you love the city, traditional architecture, arts, temples, night markets, skyscrapers, mountains, nature — pretty much everything with just a few bust stops and train rides. I can't wait to see more when I come back.

I know I'll discover more places in my life, and I'm hoping to see more of the world in the coming years. But I just know that Taiwan will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a place I visited when I was at my saddest and at my happiest. Each visit, each city and province felt different. I can't wait to see more of it soon!

[shimmerjjang]

My 5 Non-Negotiable Fragrances of 2026

Quick disclaimer - I have been using some of these for years now. But I wanted to put the year on the title because I know I'll continue using them this year too. Need to ROI these things! loool

I’ve loved perfume for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching my parents and my grandma spritz something on before heading out, and I was always fascinated by the bottles lined up on dressers. They felt precious and they all just give this very classy vibe. I didn’t know what top notes or base notes were back then, I just knew that smelling nice felt important. 💕

Now, I genuinely can’t imagine leaving the house without fragrance. Even on quiet days at home, I spray something light just for myself. It shifts my mood and it also feels like it just completes the outfit. These five scents? They’re my non-negotiables for 2026. The ones that represent different sides of me and somehow always feel right ✨

Ultra Feminine | YSL Supreme Bouquet & YSL Lavalliere

YSL Supreme Bouquet Notes: Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Pink Pepper

Whenever I wanna feel like my girliest self, I reach for Supreme Bouquet. It’s a rich white floral that feels lush and elegant without being overly sweet! I first got a sample of this and tested it for almost a month before committing to a full bottle. I needed to make sure it was “the one.” I also get compliments whenever I wear this perfume, and I was told it leaves quite a beautiful scent trail.

YSL Lavalliere Notes: Fig, Rose, Black Currant, Bergamot

Lavalliere is the softer sister. It’s lighter, fruitier, and perfect for spring and summer. I first smelled it at the YSL pop-up in SM Megamall and it was love at first whiff 💗 The fig note gives it this airy brightness, while the rose keeps it feminine but not overwhelming. It’s effortless and easy to wear. Supreme Bouquet is my statement floral. Lavalliere is my glow-from-within everyday scent.

Mysterious & Minimalist | Maison Margiela Replica Dancing on the Moon

Notes: Aldehydes, Frangipani, Musk, Jasmine Sambac

The first time I sprayed Dancing on the Moon, I didn’t like it. I actually wiped it off because it smelled kinda weird - like wet soil (?) 😅 But after leaving the store and walking around the mall, I kept catching this clean, slightly creamy, soapy scent. I thought it was someone passing by… until I realized it was coming from my wrist!

The dry down is where the magic really happens. It smells clean but not as plain as their famous Lazy Sunday Morning, as Dancing on the Moon feels like it has more depth. Super love how the soft musk create this airy, almost powdery freshness that feels minimal. I feel like it's such a clean girl scent. This is the perfume I wear when I want to feel calm and a little mysterious 🌙 I'd recommend this to people who are generally not fans of perfumes but want to smell good.

Expensive, Old Money Aesthetic | BDK Parfums Velvet Tonka

Notes: Almond, Orange Blossom, Tobacco, Tonka Bean, BourbonVanilla

Velvet Tonka was a blind buy that made me nervous. I was actively looking for a unique vanilla that wasn’t sugary or dessert-like, and I decided to trust my gut after reading so many good reviews. Thankfully, it paid off. The almond and tonka create this creamy warmth, while the vanilla feels smooth and refined instead of sweet.

This scent gives sophisticated careerwoman energy. It smells composed, confident, and someone completely in control of her life (loool at least I can fake that part with this scent). It’s also my most complimented perfume to date. Every time I wear it, I feel classy and luxurious; like I know I'll smell like no one else. 🤍

Unique & Androgynous | Diptyque Orpheon

Notes: Juniper Berries, Cedar, Tonka Bean, Jasmine

I’m not usually a huge Diptyque fan, but Orpheon stayed with me. I first sampled it at their boutique in Lotte World Vietnam and casually tossed the sample paper into my bag. Days later, when I was back in the Philippines, I could still smell it lingering inside. That alone convinced me it was special.

It’s woody, clean, and slightly smoky with a soft powdery finish. It doesn’t lean feminine or masculine. Honestly, smelling this feels so nostalgic. When my cousin used this, she said it reminded her of our grandma — and I totally agree! It doesn't mean that it smells old or dated, but we somehow associated this to our memories with our grandma. We can't explain what it was exactly, but I guess it's its vintage, classy vibe. Must be the cedar and juniper notes? When I was reading reviews about this, I also saw similar comments from people who have used this an it was quite fascinating honestly! ^^

How I Bring Them to My Travels

I never bring full bottles when I travel because I save space and weight as much as possible! (Don't wanna spend on excess baggage) 😭 I usually buy small refillable bottles from Shopee or TikTok and transfer my perfumes using a syringe(?). It makes packing lighter and honestly feels very organized. I also stick little stickers on each bottle so I know which scent is inside. It makes my mini collection feel personal and cute 🌸

I’ve been thinking of getting a mini thermal printer so I can label them properly next time. That would make everything look so aesthetic and put together. If you have good recommendations, please let me know 😆

I also have this thing where I always associate certain scents with specific memories. So I like bringing 1-2 scents when I travel because every single time I will smell it, it will remind me of my trip! These five fragrances feel like different versions of me, and I love having the freedom to choose who I want to be each day 💫

[shimmerjjang]

It's 2016 again...

(Warning: photo-heavy post ahead)

It's 2016 and I was just a 25-year-old girl trying my very best to navigate through the highs and lows of adulthood. It's a time that was both exciting and terrifying — always wondering where life would take me 10 years later.

2016 was 10 years ago. How crazy is that?

Early this month, I noticed a wave of posts from people I follow on Instagram where they posted a series of their snaps from 2016. I even found myself tagged in some of these photos, most particularly my blogger friends who have attended similar media events with me during this time.

Blogger Life

I started blogging in 2011, but the years when I was most active were from 2013 to 2017. This meant being on PR lists and attending one blogger/media event after another.

The blogosphere isn't as huge as it is now, so media events felt very intimate. I'll see the same group of people in many different occasions/events, which made it easier to connect. I'm super fortunate to have met all these wonderful creatives who paved the way for today's content creators and influencers.

They were the ones who genuinely started from scratch, not knowing where this would lead. All I knew was that it was about sharing a bit of our lives and the things we love.

I sometimes wonder how I managed to juggle being a full-time writer, a part-time English teacher, and an active blogger at that time! There were times when we're invited to attend 3 or 4 consecutive events in one day! And because, like I said, it would usually be the same group of bloggers and YouTubers invited to come in these events, we'll either get an Uber together or carpool. It was so fun!

I remember this day when we attended 3 or 4 events in a day so we just carpooled and made a loud mess singing in the car. It was crazy!

Blogging was so much fun, not only because I got a ton of PR products on a regular ㅋㅋㅋ but mostly because of the people that blogging led me to.

Fellow bloggers, brand owners, marketing people, YouTubers — everyone that I met just because I'm doing what I love doing.

Beauty/Fashion Trends I Tried (Some I Will Never Do Again)

Oh how I thought I looked so bomb in a full matte, taupe lipstick that I so carefully applied. ㅋㅋㅋ Everyone was overlining their lips and wearing bold, unusual colors. I took a break from my default Korean-style lip tint and tried this to follow my favorite Beauty YouTubers at that time! But now that I'm looking at it, I looked like I've been dead for 4 days already!

Gladiator sandals — hmmm. It's not that bad, I guess? But I won't be wearing anything like this in the near future!

To be fair, people still wear light-colored lenses until today. it's not totally outdated, but I guess during that time, with K-Pop's heavy influence, I also gave super light gray lenses a try. I really liked it at that time! Would I wear it again in 2026? Maybe not.

Sponsored K-Pop Concerts

Ever since I got into K-Pop in 2011, I always tried my very best not to miss concerts. When work got a bit more stable and I started earning extra, I'd easily shell out money for concerts I want to attend. My first major K-Pop concert was with BIGBANG in 2012!

But in 2016, I managed to watch big K-Pop concerts for free because of my blog! The feeling is different because apart from not spending money for the concert, I was even asked to bring a plus one and we're even served with snacksand chocolates from the corporate suites! Thank you KitKat PH!

Media Events and Not Knowing Who Millie Bobbie Brown was

In 2016, I was invited to Asiapop Comicon as a media attendee. I was thinking about cosplays so to be very honest, I wasn't too interested at that time. But because it's a huge event, there will be international celebrities coming and when I saw Nicholas Hoult in the list — I'm going!

He was my biggest crush at that time! I loved him in "Warm Bodies" and it just all started from there. So I made sure to be in his presscon! Seeing him up close was just surreal.

What I didn't really realize at that time is that right after Nicholas Hoult's presscon, Millie Bobbie Brown is also having a photo op with fans who purchased tickets. I had a media pass and I was allowed to go there and take photos and videos. I didn't do it because I didn't know her at that time. ㅠㅠ Total regret!

But that's what made me curious about her, and then I went to search about her show "Stranger Things". The rest is history.

2026 - A Decade Later

35-year-old Andy says "Hi".

I probably didn't realize it until now — but my 25-year-old self did so well. At that time, I knew I still had so much to learn, and while I felt confident about many things, there were many moments when I was so hard on myself by dwelling on things where I felt I was severely lacking. But looking back at that year, I knew I did my best and I was where I was supposed to be.

So much has changed in the past 10 years. It went by real fast and the process was packed with happiness, sadness, challenges, and growth. At 35, I'm still hopeful for many good things to come, even though it's not always easy. 10 years later, I hope I can also tell myself — "You did so well. You're on the right path, and you're exactly where you're supposed to be".

Love, Andy

[shimmerjjang]

New Cafe Find: Shiba Katsu Cafe

If there is one thing about me that will never change, it’s my borderline obsession with coffee. I don’t just like coffee. I'm really particular with how I want my coffee to taste like so it's fair to say that I'm quite picky.

That’s also why I don’t easily fall in love with cafés. I’ve been disappointed too many times. You know the type, pretty interiors, cute cups, but the coffee tastes like warm milk with a hint of regret. ㅋㅋㅋ

While I was on my way home, I stumbled upon a small café in Marikina and just decided to stop by out of curiosity. And if I’m being completely honest, more than the coffee, I was curious about their dog.

So yeaaa, I stopped by for coffee. And for Haru. Mostly for Haru. 🐕

Randomly spotted this newly-opened cafe in Marikina and I couldn't help but say hi to the cafe PAWprietor, Haru 🩷#shibainu #cafe #dogsoftiktok #coffee #fypage

Coffee is spot-on!

I ordered their Spanish latte first because it’s always my test drink. I really love how it's nicely balanced and, just like what most millenials say, "hindi sya masyadong matamis" (it's not overly sweet). It's such a big let down when the coffee would taste more like milk and sugar than actual coffee! Good thing it's not the case here.

What surprised me even more was their Creamy Americano, which is the barista’s choice. I almost skipped it because I gaspeed at the thought of it containing heavy cream. But I’m so glad I went for it. It was light, smooth, and still had a strong coffee flavor. I think I’ve officially found a new favorite drink here.

Plus, I gotta say their dark chocolate and red velvet cakes also paired perfectly with their coffee. Both were moist and rich in taste. Easily 100/10 for me. 🍰

Work-friendly ambience

The café is relatively small, which actually makes it feel more cozy than crowded. Even when there are many customers, I don't think it'll feel stuffy. The seating is spaced out well, so you still feel comfortable and not cramped.

The tables and chairs are comfortable, and they have outlets, which makes the place very work-friendly.

The interior is also very aesthetic without feeling forced. It’s perfect for taking photos and videos, but it still feels natural and relaxed. Definitely a nice place to work or just unwind. 📸

Food is very good, but serving time could be improved

I honestly didn’t expect much from the food because I felt like they're more of a coffee shop than a restaurant. So I was pleasantly surprised when their katsudon and tonkatsu turned out to be really good. The meat was crispy, tender, and well-seasoned.

For the price, the quality is impressive and worth it. Their ramen was flavorful too, though I wish it came with more broth to fully enjoy its richness.

The only downside was the waiting time, which was around 30 minutes. Normally, that would bother me when I'm "hangry", but they’re still fairly new, and I arrived an hour to closing time, I think. I’m willing to give them another chance and see if this improves. 😅

Will go back for sure!

They even gave us a super cute gift!

The café is about a 20-minute drive from my house, so it’s not exactly nearby. Still, I don’t mind making the trip because I genuinely enjoyed my time there (with Haru, most especially haha).

The place feels like the kind of café you visit when you need a quiet reset. So yes, I’ll definitely be back. For the coffee, the cakes, and of course, Haru. 🐾

[shimmerjjang]

What I Learned About Myself: Vietnam 2025

Hi stranger,

Been a long while.

So while I'm on a holiday break at work, I suddenly had this urge to write here in my semi-abandoned blog lol

My recent trip to Vietnam came to mind, and I thought of some things that I learned, which may or may not be new to me. But then I’ve realized it’s always good to pause and reflect. I’m not naturally a traveler and tbh, I’m someone who needs to talk myself into packing, into airports, into unfamiliar beds and schedules. Traveling is something I only started doing more intentionally in my late 20s, almost like a quiet promise I made to myself to step outside my routines, even just once a year.

Last September, I went to Hanoi and Sa Pa. It was my little reward to myself after months of nonstop work, deadlines blurring into each other, days that felt too fast and too exhausting. Somewhere between the chaos of Hanoi’s streets and the calm green views of Sa Pa, I had this soft, steady feeling settle in my chest. A feeling that said, “You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.” ✨

And while there, I've learned some interesting about myself.

I could eat Vietnamese food everyday

Every single day in Vietnam, I made it a point to eat Vietnamese food. No exceptions. Whether it was a Michelin-recognized place, a tiny grandma-run shop, or a random stall along the sidewalk, I wanted to experience it all! And honestly? Not a single dish disappointed me! Every meal felt like something I could eat every day of my life!

Bánh cuốn quickly became my favorite. It’s so simple, yet so satisfying (love Vietnamese rice paper!). The only downside is that most local spots close by around 11am, and I’m really not built for early mornings. There were days I missed it entirely and felt genuinely sad about it.

One of my more adventurous food moments was trying snails 🐌. I took Erceflora probiotics beforehand just to be safe hahaha! Especially since I had them the night before my flight home. They were soooo good, especially with beer. It’s one of those flavors I still think about randomly.

I still love unique fashion pieces, just like in my teens to early 20s

I’ve always loved unique clothing. Even as a teenager, I hated looking like everyone else, so I gravitated toward pieces that felt expressive and a little unexpected. Somewhere in my 30s, though, I leaned into simpler pieces and neutrals. A capsule wardrobe (aka tita outfits) felt easier, calmer, and more practical.

Vietnam’s fashion scene reminded me of the version of myself who loved experimenting. The vintage stores and reworked pieces that I spotted felt playful and creative! Walking into places like Lon Xon Clothing in Hanoi brought me back to my early 20s, when my clothes were all about unpredictable patterns and eye-catching cuts.

Maybe my closet doesn’t need to be so serious all the time. Being in my 30s isn't a valid excuse. ^^

Gel extensions aren’t for me

Love my nails from @mardollhouse Hanoi 🇻🇳 #nails #gelnails #nailart #vietnam #vietnamtravel

I absolutely loved the gel extensions I got in Vietnam 💅. I've always loved doing my nails but it was the first time when I actually got extensions. My nail artist at Mardoll House Hanoi did such a great job with creating the design I wanted, even with the language barrier. My nails made me feel so *extra* throughout the trip, and I genuinely enjoyed looking at them every chance I get!

But I also learned something about this whole gel nail experience — I don’t like long-term commitment like this kkkkk~ After about a week, I was already getting tired of it, but I couldn’t remove them on my own. Also, when it was finally time to take them off, my nails were noticeably weaker (even up until now!).

As pretty as they were, gel extensions are simply not for me. I like flexibility when it comes to my style choices. I like changing things whenever I feel like it. Soo, Press-on nails will always be a win for me, hands down!

Extreme motion sickness is something I never expected from myself

I’ve never had issues with motion sickness growing up. Cars, boats, planes, I was always fine. So I was genuinely shocked when I took the sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sa Pa and felt sick almost the entire 5-hour trip! Like bruhhh 😭

I took meds mid-ride hoping I’d just sleep through it, but the rough driving kept waking me up. I didn’t throw up, thankfully, but I felt nauseous, dizzy, and anxious the whole time 😵‍💫. It was exhausting. I was so excited to see SaPa but my brain keeps telling me: "What have you done to yourself?"

That experience reminded me that my body has limits I didn’t know about! But was SaPa worth that crazy ride? 101% YES.

I could feel tremendously tired and tremendously happy at the same time

Hanoi was hot and humid, and even short walks felt like workouts. Sa Pa had cooler air and beautiful views, but the uphill walking still left me sweating and exhausted. Physically, I was tired almost every day.

Emotionally, though, I felt so full 🌿. It was such a healing trip. I made memories that felt deeply personal, some shared and some quietly my own. I may have even shed sometears during this time (but this falls under memories that are quietly my own kkkkk~). The people are warm and nice (except for the mega grumpy bus transfer driver who drove us from the SaPa hotel to the SaPa-Hanoi bus station). Like sir, you need a solid break.

Vietnam gave me so much more than photos and souvenirs. It gave me clarity. It reminded me of parts of myself I’d forgotten and introduced me to new sides I didn’t expect. I left feeling more connected to myself and to the important people in my life.

I already know I want to go back. 💛 Not to chase the same experiences, but to create new ones. To eat more bánh cuốn. To walk more streets. To feel that quiet, reassuring feeling again that tells me I’m exactly where I need to be.

[shimmerjjang]

8 Years of Love

Three days have passed since I gave you my final goodbye. You were such a special boy. You have this sad, grumpy expression that stays on your face even when you're having fun playing. It's always so funny to look at! You're the cutest grumpy puppy ever.

Tears would just suddenly fall when I look at random corners of the house where you used to eat, sleep, or just laze around. I will miss the times that you'll rest under the dining table, and you'll give my feet a semi-aggressive nudge while I eat, asking me to give you a chest massage. You never fail to give "the paw" when I ask for it. What a good boy you are.

I want you to be my little baby boy again when I see you in paradise. I will always pray that you remember me and recognize me as your mom who always give you a light belly rub every 4am in the morning and blanche your favorite kangkong veggies.

I've always had dogs in the household since childhood so I'm no stranger to losing one. I've long ago accepted the fact that they'd live a shorter life compared to us humans. But still, despite going through a loss of a pet dog multiple times, there will never be a way to work around the pain and grief. After all, they're not just pets, they're family. Peanut was a family member I loved with all my heart.

I miss you so much already my baby Peanut. I wish we had more years together. Even if you don't really play much because you're one unbothered, lazy baby, you could've gotten more belly rubs and kangkong treats. Maybe next time. I will make it up to you. I love you.

[shimmerjjang]

It's my 13 year anniversary on Tumblr 🥳

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Oh wow, this is crazy.

So I haven't logged in for a while because I have been extremely busy with work. But because I'm updating a new device, I just had to check my blog and I saw this notification. I didn't know Tumblr does this! 13 years. The first few months being a constant stream of reblogging K-Pop, Visual Kei, and Fashion content. Then I got into K-Beauty and decided to write random stuff about what I tought about Etude House's newest BB Cream, Tony Moly's popular Egg Pore Blackhead remover, and Lioele's full line of princess-worthy makeup products. All those and the rest is history. It's been super fun and I'd say it made my life extra shimmery. I may not be as active as I used to - because that's just life - but wow, 13 years. It's a reminder that I have been here all before Instagram influencers, YouTube creators, Tiktok stars - it's nothing but incredibly amazing.

Let's see how many more years we'll have! This also reminds me to renew my domain next month lol

Love, Andy

[shimmerjjang]

HIFU V-Lift Treatment Review at Glam & Fab Aesthetic Center SJDM Bulacan Branch

Last February 9, I traveled outside the metro to visit Glam & Fab's newest branch at San Jose Del Monte Bulacan! If you're from the North, then this should be accessible for you.

📍Unit 1B JDB Blg. II 368 Carriedo St., Brgy. Muzon Proper San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

I usually get my treatments at their Sumulong Branch so if you're near Antipolo, Marikina, Cainta, then I'd most likely see you there!

The opening of the new branch in SJDM was jampacked! I was with Jeneena of @aneentries and even ran into Ana Victorino, whom I've known since the baby days of the Philippine beauty blogging scene! It was pure nostalgia as we talked about how different it was back then haha~

There were so many clients that day so I decided to get something that's quick and something I haven't really tried before. I went for a HIFU V-Lift Treatment.

What is HIFU V-Lift Treatment?

HIFU is a non-invasive type of treatment that uses high intensity ultrasound to tighten, firm, and smooth the skin. HIFU uses thermal energy to have the skin produce collagen and elastin.

It offers quick results and you can even see slight changes right after the treatment. But more visible results can be seen in a week or two. I also maintain it by getting RF treatments on my V-Line area every week or every 2 weeks.

This photo on the left was taken last January 30, 2024. I was about to go on a video conference call for work when I noticed this annoying double-chin peeking out even if my face was resting! It was a moment of realization tbh haha! I had to look at myself for a hot minute just to see if what I'm seeing was real.

The photo on the right was taken last February 26 after my recent visit at Glam and Fab. I had cold RF Treatment that time, which is a good treatment to pair with HIFU to boost results. So it's been 17 days since my HIFU Treatment last February 9. HIFU is quite an intense procedure so I was told that this is something you should get in around 3-month intervals.

How's the procedure like?

It was quick. Only took me 15 to 20 minutes (excluding basic facial cleansing). The aesthetician will run the device on the target area and you will feel a strong snapping sensation. It was my first time so the intensity wasn't set on high. I was told it was between low to medium.

I have high tolerance to pain because I'm used to these treatments so I'd say the snapping pain I felt during the procedure was no more than 3 out of 10. But I guess for those who have lower pain tolerance, you'll feel the pain somehow (nothing intolerable though). Tiis ganda lang talaga.

Maintenance & Aftercare

There's no downtime after undergoing HIFU V-Lift treatment so you can go to your usual routine as usual. There were just a few reminders:

Don't put too much pressure on the treated area for 2~3 days. I temporarily stopped using my Gua Sha and LED Therapy Device.

Don't wash the area for 8 hours.

As for maintenance, it's actually optional. It's really up to you if you'd like to speed up seeing results. That is going for RF Treatment every week. You can only do HIFU once in every 3 months. I highly suggest going for a weekly RF treatment because it really helps, especially if you have skin-aging concerns (I'm 33, so I pay more attention to my skin now more than ever lol). It's only 349pesos per session at Glam and Fab so it won't break the bank for sure!

HIFU V-Lift costs 4,999/session as per writing. To see the prices of other procedures, check the photo below:

I also made a dedicated IG Stories Highlight for my #SkinDiaries if you'd like to keep track on my progress with me!

[shimmerjjang]

Favorite Haircare Products 2024

Hello, 2024! I was supposed to post this in December last year because I often get told that my hair looked really nice so only then that I realized that the hair products I've been using, plus new ways of taking care of my hair are really effective.

But as usual, life got so busy so I had to postpone publishing!

Anyhooo, these products have been a constant part of my haircare routine since July 2023 and I still use them til now. This is how my hair looks like as of January 2024.

Of course, I still have bad hair days, especially on days I forgot to apply Argan oil! But on lazy days where I don't feel like styling my hair, I make sure to apply a hair mist.

Lifestrong Hairfix Advanced Hair Mist

This one is a total favorite! I saw this on Nikki's IG stories (AskMeWhats) mentioning how it was on sale at Watsons that time. I got it for just 160-ish pesos at that time so I decided to get both variants and that's one of the best 160 pesos I've ever spent that!

I spray these anytime, anywhere, and apart from they smell so good, they don't leave any sticky feeling. My hair looks so shiny after and did I mention that this has UV protection, too?

I also find this useful before heat styling because it makes my hair more manageable.

Lucido-L Argan Oil

Okay, this is truly THE BEST hair product I have ever come across. I have been using Argan oil on and off for many years, maybe more than a decade now. But I would usually stop at one point because it makes my hair and scalp so greasy and it smells like wet grass for real. Not that it's a bad scent, but it's not something I'd like other people to smell on me.

This Lucido-L Argan oil was an impulse purchase when I was shopping in Hong Kong. I got it from Mannings for just 70HKD (500pesos). I tested it there and I liked the non-sticky consistency and the "expensive" scent so I bought it without expecting too much. But OMG this helped me so much with my damaged hair. I barely get tangles and washing my hair every other day became bearable because it's not icky at all. (Yes, as a tropical girl I used to wash my hair every single day, even 2x or 3x a day!)

Vitress Cuticle Coat Instant Relax

Vitress is such a classic haircare brand and I've been using products from this brand for a long time. My current favorite is their cuticle coat which I apply only at the ends of my hair after heat styling. It basically just adds shine and it makes my hair straighter. That's what I noticed about this, it's not really the best when I'm curling my hair because it weighs my curls down but when straightening my hair, this works wonders!

BENCH Fix Professional Dry Shampoo

Like I mentioned earlier, I used to wash my hair everyday, and during the scorching summer, maybe even 2 or 3 times daily. But these days, I try my best to preserve my hair's natural cuticle buy not stripping it off its moisture every wash. To counteract the grease, I just use a dry shampoo. This one from BENCH is super cheap and works well in getting rid of oil. I like how it adds volume, too!

My hair would look like this without heat styling! I'd just wash, apply hair mist and let it air dry and it'll still look like this. Applying Argan oil the night before helps so much as well :)

[shimmerjjang]

Solo Travel Budget Planning During Inflation

It's no secret that 2023 has brought with it a wave of inflation that has affected our pockets. Budgeting, especially if it's just for leisure travel, has been more challenging. But I'd say that it is still very much on the table, especially if you're considering a solo adventure in neighboring countries, like in my case, Southeast or East Asia.

Budgeting with Calculator.me

Now, let's talk numbers. Budgeting is crucial, especially in times of inflation. One fantastic tool that I've found incredibly helpful is Calculator.me. This site provides a straightforward and user-friendly interface for computing your savings and planning your travel budget.

Start by inputting your total savings, taking into account any additional income you expect to receive before your trip. Next, set a realistic daily spending limit. Remember, this should cover accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and a bit of wiggle room for unexpected expenses.

The beauty of Calculator.me lies in its ability to break down your......

budget by category. It offers estimates for various expenses based on the location and type of accommodation you choose, helping you make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.

Accommodation: A Balance of Comfort and Cost

Choosing the right accommodation can make or break your budget. While luxurious hotels offer plush amenities, they can also put a hefty dent in your wallet. Consider opting for budget-friendly options like hostels, guesthouses, or even vacation rentals.

In Asia, you'll find a plethora of charming guesthouses that offer comfortable stays at a fraction of the price of high-end hotels. Not to mention, these places often provide a more authentic and personalized experience, allowing you to connect with locals and fellow travelers.

Navigating Transportation on a Budget

Getting around is another aspect where careful planning can save you a bundle. In many Asian countries, public transportation is not only efficient but also incredibly affordable. Trains, buses, and metro systems are excellent ways to explore cities and regions without breaking the bank.

For longer journeys, consider night trains or buses. They not only save you the cost of one night's accommodation but also ensure you wake up in a new destination, ready to explore.

Savor Local Cuisine and Street Food

One of the most exciting aspects of traveling in Asia is the diverse and delectable food scene. Street food vendors offer a wide array of mouthwatering dishes that won't strain your budget. Whether it's Pad Thai in Thailand, Pho in Vietnam, or my ever-favorite dumplings in Hong Kong, you'll find culinary delights at every corner.

Sampling local cuisine not only provides an authentic taste of the culture but also offers a cost-effective alternative to dining in upscale restaurants.

Embrace Free and Low-Cost Activities

The best experiences in Asia often come free of charge. Explore local markets, hike through breathtaking landscapes, visit temples, and soak in the vibrant street scenes. Engaging with the community and immersing yourself in the local way of life doesn't have to cost a fortune.

While inflation might be a concern, it shouldn't deter you from embarking on a solo adventure in Asia. With careful planning, a trusty budgeting tool like Calculator.me, and a willingness to explore off the beaten path, you can make unforgettable memories without emptying your wallet. So pack your bags, fellow adventurer, and let's go make some incredible stories! Happy travels!

[shimmerjjang]

Shopping Finds: 4 Exquisite Shapewear Pieces You'll Love

Shapewear and comfort are two things that don't usually get associated with each other. Since we're all used to the tight, uncomfortable fit of shapewear, many of us tend to give it a skip. But here's where style and practicality meet - at Waistdear. I'll be sharing the four best shapewear pieces on this site. Each of them is perfect to boost your shape while putting comfort first.

Boyshort Shapewear: Where Comfort Meets Chic

Waistdear's Boyshort Shapewear is all about being simple and effective. With no seams and coverage from the waist to the thighs, this classic piece is a must for your everyday wardrobe. They ensure that you do not lose comfort while you give your body a unique curve. Thus, they ensure shaping doesn't mean giving up comfort. It makes these boyshorts perfect for daily wear.

Get it here

One-piece Shapewear Briefs: Confidence in a Single Piece

Do you want full control over the midsection and coverage for the thighs? Waistdear's One-piece Shapewear Briefs are the answer. No seams mean no worries about visible lines, and the stretchy fabric moves with you. This all-in-one shapewear piece shows our commitment to practicality and comfort. So, check out these amazing wholesale body shapers and increase your wardrobe collection.

Get it here

Faja Body Shaper: Confidence with Precision

This Faja Body Shaper goes beyond regular shaping. By targeting specific areas, it sculpts the waist and highlights natural curves. Perfect for those who want a more defined look without compromising comfort. This amazing pieces shows their commitment to effective solutions. It caters to the needs of all those who love fashion and want to look good.

Get it here

Open Crotch Body Shaper: Easy Shaping

Innovative and practical, Open Crotch Body Shaper mixes shaping with everyday convenience. Its open crotch feature makes it great for daily wear. You will get midsection control and thigh shaping without giving up comfort. Such a thoughtful product reflects Waist Dear's dedication to understanding consumer needs. It is a shapewear that should fit into your lifestyle.

Get it here

Give Yourself Confidence in Every Shape With Shapewear!

This isn't an online store; it's a place for those shaping their confidence journey. The platform celebrates personal beauty and offers a range of diverse needs. With a focus on quality, style, and comfort, Waist Dear is a trustworthy companion. You can also take a look at their hot sale custom waist trainer for confident curves.

How to Get a Personalized Shaping Experience?

Those thinking about wholesale body shapers can have options for bulk orders. You do not have to sacrifice personal preferences. For a more personalized experience, it offers waist trainers and other products. You should know that all products let you tailor your shapewear to your unique needs.

Go Beyond the Ordinary With Your Style

The shapewear or body shapers  go beyond the basics. Each product is not only an item of clothing. It makes an excellent company in your styling journey. Let's embrace and celebrate your unique beauty with Waistdear.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Waistdear

[shimmerjjang]

Skin Diary: Whitening Laser Treatment Review (for Minor Scars) at Glam & Fab Aesthetic Center

One of the biggest downsides of being fair-skinned is that scars take longer to heal (for me, at least) and they are also very noticeable because of the drastic difference in pigments! This has always been my struggle, especially when I deal with acne or when I undergo skin procedures.

When I had my mole removed in 2014, it didn't scar badly but it took a year for it to completely match the natural color of my skin. Last August, I went to Glam & Fab for a warts/skin tag removal treatment and usually, this process has no significant downtime at all. But because my skin heals slower than most people, I had to deal with dark spots (brown scars).

They are not pitted, so they are not serious scars at all. But I have to admit that they are extremely annoying especially because they look so obvious on my lighter skin tone. I consulted Glam & Fab as to what treatment they would recommend to address this problem. They recommended that I do the "Whitening Laser Treatment".

Procedure

Whitening? I was skeptical too at first because I personally don't like undergoing any treatments that would change my natural complexion. But as they have explained to me, this laser treatment aims to "whiten" dark spots to even out the complexion and deal with the spots left by the scars.

The treatment is very simple and it only takes around 15 to 30 minutes depending on the scale of the area you'd like to treat. Check my IG reels here to watch how the procedure is done. It basically just involves facial cleansing and then straight to the laser treatment.

Aftercare Serum

I'm advised to apply hydrocortisone cream twice daily for 5 days after the laser treatment as per usual. Then to help lighten the scars quickly, they gave me this serum that I should apply after the 5-day hydrocortisone streak.

I used this twice daily as well, one in the morning and one in the evening. I had no problems using this under makeup because this serum is super fast-absorbing! I think this helped so much with the scars so it made a perfect skin treatment companion for the laser treatment.

I'm in love with it and I've been using it regularly up until now.

3 months after the 1st treatment session

I wrote *2 months* in the photoset caption below because they were taken 2 months after the last whitening laser treatment. But basically, it's been 3 months since the 1st one I got.

I have no doubts about the results! The dark scars on my neck that would usually heal on their own for nearly a year were all gone in just 3 months! Of course, if you zoom in pretty closely, you'll still see some leftover marks. But they are barely noticeable compared to how dark they were in the beginning (refer to the first photo).

Price and How to Book

Here’s their price list! But their skin professionals will examine your skin first and the price will depend on how much warts are to be removed.

It’s very easy to book your appointment at Glam & Fab. Just message them through Facebook or Instagram and choose which among their 8 branches nationwide you’d like to visit.

[shimmerjjang]

Skin Diary: Skin Tag Removal at Glam & Fab Aesthetic Center

I first realized the existence of warts (also known as skin tags) when I was 20, because the electrocautery procedure came with our health insurance card at that time and so I was entitled to get mine monthly/quarterly. So I had mine done at The Medical City that time and it already cost around 2,000pesos (This was in 2011!). Good thing I paid nothing because of our health card lol 

(Most recent photo I took a month after the procedure)

Fast forward to my recent visit at Glam & Fab, I had my skin fully examined. Turns out I have some on my jaw area, a few on my right temple, and my neck. They were all barely noticeable because they were flat and maybe because I’ve got lighter skin, so I never really thought about it that much. I wanted to get rid of them all so I decided to get the warts removal treatment at Glam & Fab’s Kalentong Branch.

Why should you do this regularly

I didn't know I had them at that time not until the dermatologist examined my skin. Warts are often harmless, and in my case, barely noticeable. But they can spread so it’s very important to address them immediately. You usually get them from skin to skin contact, even from the mere fact that you share things (clothes, towel, etc...) with someone who has them.

What to expect

It involves “burning” the skin tags off. But topical anesthesia will be applied an hour before the procedure.

It will hurt if you’re not used to skin treatments. If you have medium to high pain tolerance like me, it won’t bother you at all. To compare, it stings pretty much like laser set on high.

After clearing all the warts/skin tags, you’ll start seeing small scabs (and this is a good sign!)

I’m so thankful to the nurse assigned to me because she was so gentle with the process. She checked on me every single time to make sure I’m not feeling any discomfort. She’s so detailed that I think she got every little bit that needs to be removed! Even the ones I don’t even see!

Aftercare

Don’t wash the treated area for at least 12 hours.

Apply Erythromycin twice a day. You can get it from Glam & Fab Clinic as well.

NEVER EVER pick your scabs. Let them fall off naturally because it’s part of the healing process. Again, don’t pick them off or else you’ll slow the healing down and most likely cause scarring.

Skip any skincare product that has strong active ingredients for at least a week. (Retinol, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, AHA/BHA). Just stick to a gentle facial wash and hypoallergenic/non-comedogenic moisturizer 

Healing Period

It takes around 3 to 7 days for the scabs to completely fall off. 

In some cases like mine, the scabs were all gone on the 3rd day, but the discoloration is still healing.

Healing time is different for every individual. My face is completely free of any marks from the warts removal in just two weeks. Although my neck still has some discoloration from the electrocauterization and it’s because my skin tags there were more prominent. It’s probably also because I have light (pale) skin, so the marks take longer to completely vanish. The rightmost photo is taken under broad daylight so you can see the marks still there, although they are beginning to lighten up and I’m gonna ask if I can laser them up on my next Glam & Fab visit. hihihi~

Here’s the most recent photo I took last August 9 and the marks are still there but barely noticeable. The ones on my face are all gone, just the marks around my neck. Note that I had my treatment last June 30.

Price and How to Book

Here’s their price list! But their skin professionals will examine your skin first and the price will depend on how much warts are to be removed.

It’s very easy to book your appointment at Glam & Fab. Just message them through Facebook or Instagram and choose which among their 8 branches nationwide you’d like to visit.

[shimmerjjang]

ABIB Airy Sunstick vs. Quick Sunstick: What’s the difference?

If you’ve stumbled upon the reel I just uploaded on IG about the ABIB Sunsticks I got from StyleKorean.com, then that’s probably how you landed here on my blog! If by any chance you haven’t seen that short IG reel of me doing the #AirySunstickChallenge, then check it out right here!

Airy Sunstick (22USD on StyleKorean)

SPF50+ PA++++

Semi-matte finish

Features top-tier ingredients: Allantoin, Ectoin & Sunflower Seed Oil, Oil-control Powder

Lightweight, airy finish

Reef-safe

No white cast

What I like about it:

Works great as a pore-blurring base, too! 

Control oil for around 3 hours under hot and humid weather.

Glides smoothly on the skin - like butter!

Can be applied on top of makeup so it’s great for re-application (just wipe off the top after use for hygienic purposes)

What I “kinda” not like about it (Neutral)

Powdery scent. But it goes away in like 10 minutes or so.

Pricey

Quick Sunstick (15.50USD on StyleKorean)

SPF50+ PA++++

Glowy finish

No white cast

Not sure about its key ingredients because unlike the Airy sunstick where they actually showcased its main ingredients, the Quick Sunstick variant didn’t mention anything in particular.

What I like about it:

Affordable price

Hydrating formula (Great for dry skin like mine!)

Glowy finish

Works great under makeup

Unscented (literally smells like nothing!)

Great for re-application (on bare skin)

What I “kinda” not like about it (Neutral)

Doesn’t glide as smoothly as the Airy Sunstick

Not ideal for re-applying on top of makeup. I guess it’s because of the hydrating formula and therefore heavier texture. It moves the makeup underneath.

Overall, I like both of them and I used them in different ways to test them out thoroughly. For the past few weeks, my skin has become so dry so I found myself using the Quick Sunstick (Black) variant more.

Meanwhile, if you have oily skin and you tend to oil up badly especially under the summer heat and high humidity, you’ll love the oil control properties of the Airy Sunstick (Gray) one. I actually gave this to my brother because he has very oily skin and he also does a lot of volunteer work and is always outside. He loves it so far!

What sunsticks are you currently using?

[shimmerjjang]

Adulting 101: Drive Worry-free with Vehicle Insurance

Whether you’re a new driver or not, it's important to recognize the significance of safeguarding your vehicle and your financial well-being. It’s something we usually overlook because we don’t really realize the importance of it not until we get into a car accident.

Okay friends, hear me out. My friends usually know me as someone who hates driving. I’ve gotten my driver’s license when I was 18 and now that I’m in my 30s, I can only count the times on my fingers when I have actually driven a car. The roads in Manila are chaotic and I’m a bad multitasker, I’m just fortunate enough that my dad, sister, and brother took turns in driving me around the city when I have to be somewhere. I’ve barely commuted all my life so I’ve had my fair share of car troubles in my 30 years on earth - from car collisions, natural disasters (one of our cars sank in the flood in 2009), and even simple ones like an engine failure/flat tire/drained battery wherein we find ourselves stuck in the middle of the road. haha!

These things are something that I’m always not crazy worried about because having the car insured will take care of these troubles. Here are more reasons why every car owner needs vehicle insurance.

Secure Your Investment

Your vehicle represents a significant investment of your hard-earned money. Vehicle insurance acts as a protective shield for this valuable asset. 

In the event of an accident or unforeseen damage, your insurance coverage steps in to cover the expenses associated with repairs or replacements. By insuring your vehicle, you safeguard your investment and avoid substantial financial setbacks.

Protection from Unexpected Expenses 

Life is full of uncertainties, and accidents can happen when you least expect them. Without vehicle insurance, you may find yourself burdened with unexpected expenses. 

Photo by Mick Haupt

Whether it's repairing damages caused by a collision, replacing stolen parts, or addressing vandalism, vehicle insurance provides a safety net that shields you from bearing the full financial brunt of such incidents. 

Thankfully, with insurance, you can navigate through these unexpected circumstances without draining your savings.

Safeguard against Liability

Being a responsible driver goes beyond simply protecting your own vehicle. Vehicle insurance also protects you from potential liability claims. 

If you're involved in an accident that causes injury or property damage to others, your insurance coverage helps cover the associated costs. This ensures that you are financially protected and can fulfill your legal obligations without incurring substantial personal liabilities.

Comprehensive Coverage Options

Vehicle insurance offers a range of coverage options to suit your specific needs. You can customize your policy to include protection against theft, fire, natural disasters, or even personal injury. 

With the flexibility to choose the coverage that aligns with your requirements, you can tailor your insurance plan to provide the optimal level of protection for your vehicle and yourself.

Peace of Mind on the Road

One of the most valuable benefits of vehicle insurance is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that you have insurance coverage in place allows you to drive with confidence, focusing on the road ahead rather than worrying about the what-ifs. 

And another story time - it’s very veryyy important to choose the BEST Insurance company to take care of you. I’ve gone through a nightmare before when my sister and I were crossing an intersection and we were 101% on the right of way when a taxi cab blatantly rushed in front of us destroying our entire front bumper and headlights! My car was insured at that time by the in-house insurance company where I bought the car. By presenting a police report, photo evidence and all, it should be easy to file a claim, right? But for the goodness of me, it was such a pain to claim!! It took so many months and in the end, they didn’t really cover everything that was damaged. It was so stressful because my car at that time was just 3 months old! 

So since then, I made sure that I’m with an Insurance company that I can easily talk to. In addition to that, having an agency to handle your insurance makes the service more personal. You literally just have to call your agent and he/she will take care of everything for you. No need to go through the hassle of being transferred from one call to another when you contact big insurance companies!

If you’re currently looking into securing insurance for your cars, reach out to  [email protected] and provide the following:

Vehicle make and model

Year of manufacture

Estimated fair market value (optional)

Receive a customized quote that perfectly fits your vehicle's requirements. It’s fast and super easy. 

[shimmerjjang]

Travel & Style Diary: Singapore 2023

We’re halfway through 2023 and part of my annual habits is to organize all my photos for the first half of the year. As I was going through all my photos, I realized how I didn’t really post much about my Singapore trip last February and I felt like it deserves more space beyond my little Instagram account. It’s such a special trip for me, after all! Because it’s my first ever overseas trip since the pandemic happened in 2020. I don’t want to forget how healing and liberating that short trip was, so I thought of dedicating 2 posts just to document what I wore throughout the trip.

I had to divide it into two posts to not make one blog post too photo-heavy!

NAIA >> Changi Airport

I bought this blazer from H&M years ago and I’ve literally used it every chance I could because of how much I love it. Since oversized blazers are heavy, I usually wear them at the airport instead of putting one in my luggage to save space. After all, I easily get “cold” in planes and airports. That’s the Manila girl in me feeling cold at 20°.

And of course, I’m wearing my favorite black sandals that I got from Shopee! Would you believe this pair is less than 1,000 pesos ($20)?! As someone who’s size 41, it’s never easy to buy affordable shoes online so I’m super happy that I found these because they are the most comfortable ever! Ordered them in size 42. >o<

I paired my favorite black blazer with my black shorts and a white vintage blouse (with super nice lace details!). The white blouse I was wearing is actually very lightweight and comfortable so it’s a good piece to wear in SG’s 28° weather at that time. I just took the blazer off as soon as I got out of the airport.

Morning Walk at Bukit Batok

During my visit to Singapore last February, the weather was pretty much like Manila’s pre-summer season. In fact, it was cooler and sunnier in Manila at that time! It was always bright and sunny from 7am to 1pm in SG and then it’ll start getting gloomy and heavy rainfall would just pour in the afternoon.

So since it was around 28° to 30° that time, I wore a lightweight summer dress and just layered it with a sailor-collared cape. It’s so I can just take the cape off if I’m feeling too hot. But why wear the cape in the first place? Uhmm... because it’s pretty in pictures?

I also wore my pair of Nike Air Force 1 with the super cool Hydrogel Blue swoosh! Apart from the beautiful color, they’re very comfy too and perfect for long walks. Thanks to my brother for gifting me this comfy pair ^^

This Nature Park in Bukit Batok is a must-visit! We usually just think of SG as a metropolitan cityscape for shopping splurges. But this tranquil side of the country is an absolute breath of fresh air.

Braving the Rain toward Marina Bay Sands

After briefly stopping by Bugis Street, the rain started to pour like crazy! it’s giving Philippines during the typhoon season and we’re like running from one point to another with zero umbrellas. We were supposed to go check the Marina Bay Skypark and Observatory to look at SG’s skyline at night but the rain was too heavy and the fog was too thick so we headed to MBS instead.

I was literally drenched in the rain so thank goodness I wore something very lightweight. My clothes dried up in probably less than 30 minutes thanks (or no thanks) to the freezing indoor air-conditioning. For my top, I wore a pastel yellow knit with subtle sparkles due to its gold threading and I paired it with an intricately pleated Barbie pink skirt with a stylish asymmetrical hemline. This skirt has a very structured fabric so it’s a bit heavy, but still quite comfy. 

Would you believe this entire ensemble (top, skirt & sandals) only costs around $30 in total?! Top is a vintage thrift find while the skirt and sandals were online bargains! This is why I always find it so helpful to read thrifting fashion tips online to make sure I score awesome style finds!

The chain bow clutch I got is also from H&M. I call this my “Doraemon” pouch because of how much stuff can fit inside! It looks very slim and small at first glance but this baby housed my wallet, passport, phone, hanky, a pack of wet wipes and tissue, mini perfume, lip tint, concealer, whiteflower oil (hihi, of course!), and earbuds. See? It’s literally like Doraemon’s magic pouch.

We also stopped by Bacha Coffee because the store is just overflowing with coffee’s divine aroma. I ordered a cup of Orange Seville iced coffee for around 9SGD which is around 380 pesos for a small cup. With its golden price tag, I was hoping for good coffee but..... no comment. haha! Let’s just say it tastes more like bitter orange juice with too much water. Well, at least the place is so aesthetic lol

-----

I’m quite happy with my clothing choices for my first day in Singapore. My only mistake was the absence of an umbrella! It’s always very important to do proper research on the weather of the country you’re visiting so you won’t end up packing uncomfortable clothes.

[shimmerjjang]

Here we are, treading 2023!

It’s insane how time flies extremely fast! And here I am, treading 2023 with so much hopes and wishes in my heart. 2022 wasn’t my best year and I felt like it was a year full of struggles and self-doubt. I’ve battled with myself over and over as walk through 2022 and I have to say that it still carries on up until today.

I still have occasional sparring sessions with myself at times, and even if things are difficult, I’m still more than willing to push myself to do more. This year, I want to do more. I will do more. 

Explore more.

When people think of the world “explore”, it’s usually associated with places. I told myself I’ll explore more places, wherever these places are. But more than the aspiration of going places, I’d like to explore myself more. I thought I have always known everything about myself but I guess, in recent years, I felt like I only know myself to a certain extent. Sometimes, it still surprises me to see what I’m capable of doing. I have been in my comfort zone for so long. This year, I’d want to surprise myself even more so let’s see where my guts will take me.

Learn more.

I want to keep learning my target languages - Korean and Chinese. I was so hard on myself last year when I was beating myself up for still not being able to speak in perfect Korean and so I only grew more upset and unmotivated. I went through a slump in studying Korean last year because I felt like I know so much and don’t know so much at the same time. Korean wasn’t as exciting as before and so this is why I decided to learn something new (in this case, Chinese) to bring the fire back in language learning. This year, I want to take my time. I’ll keep practicing and studying with the goal of just enjoying it and using it to communicate.

I also want to keep learning better ways to improve my teaching. I have been tutoring Korean students for more than a decade already and I think I have already tried everything! Lately, I have more students who are around 7 below - super young! So I try to teach them through online games. I play this one game called Grocery Cashier to teach my kiddos English and Math at the same time!

Love more.

I sometimes hate myself for having the tendency of not seeing the good side of things. 2022 was not easy and I tend to only see how unhappy I was last year, not realizing that I have so many things to be grateful for. I’ve been showered with love and kindness and with that, I’d also want to love more - in whatever form it should be. I want to love my faith more and the people who care for me more.

But also, I hope to give myself more love even if it’s not always easy to do. If you’re like me and you feel like this sometimes, know that professional help is always out there. BetterHelp is one of the most accessible mental health care platforms out there, I think. And they have very convenient ways on keeping in touch with your therapist. I always watch Q2HAN and this is where I found out about BetterHelp. We’ll see where this journey goes but I really hope it’ll help me tread life more gracefully.