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Ica [ee-kuh]Frederica Mendez | 25 | MNL A crazy wanderer who enjoys talking about herself and her life, her adventures and misadventures. Beauty Marketing Manager, Former ice princess, child of the water, and mother of food & shoe babies. Warning: This blog contains foul words and I'm too lazy to proofread.(c) Most of the things I post here are owned by me, unless stated otherwise.Send me some love at [email protected] Instagram: @f.rederica

[thechaoticwonderland]

Incase you didn’t know, I made the big leap! 😛

I have recently resigned from my Account Manager post at one of the biggest Advertising Agencies in the world, to take a shot at planning how to sell something close to my heart -- make up! 💄

I have always thought that change is good - right?! Being in advertising for about 4 years take more or less, I know it by heart. I have started thinking about moving to a different industry when work and school started to get quite hectic. I knew I had to find something else...

Currently, I’m working as a Brand Marketing Manager for a beauty start up that partners with influencers and personalities around the world. We help these people create their own make up brands - from production down to the marketing. For the past few days, I have been working with a global influencer who’s well known for her iconic nude/pink lips *hint hint*! We’ve been in talks on the phone and on WhatsApp and I am extremely excited on what’s yet to come!

Choosing to work for beauty’s been a no-brainer decision for me. I mean, WHY THE FUCK NOT? I love makeup, I know makeup - I must know how to sell them right? RIGHT? lol. I always thought moving in to brand would be boring coming from the fast-paced, exciting world of advertising. My instinct says I need to find something I like so I won’t get bored working on just one thing for life (or for the rest of my stay in a company). I applied in different industries - eyewear, food, fashion, and cosmetics. But what made my current company special is that I was hired in just one 20-minute phone call from Singapore. Our CEO presented what the company is and what is stands for, she casually asked me about my experiences and what makeup brands are my favourite. I knew I’d love working with her based from one phone call -- and I regret nothing. 

I am currently blogging from Jakarta (Tumblr is blocked here but thank God for VPN!) because our main office is here. Literally a beauty lover’s dream office -- see those palettes on my header photo? Pat McGrath Labs, Huda Beauty, Too Faced, Jeffree Star? We got it. ☺️ I have spent most of my time at work, but I take breaks infront of this gorgeous vanity table with a shit-ton of beauty brands we’re free to play with. I cannot wait for our Manila office to finally open - hope we have makeup palettes to use too 🤪 

Though this trip is not all glam and makeup. I had to sit through long hours of meeting after meeting since most of the team are from here - we needed to close a lot of things and make the most out of the trip. Thankfully, we got to pin down designs for the box packs and the PR kits. I am so excited to show everyone once it’s out! My team and I worked so hard on everything and this is my first Global project that I am calling the shots for. It’s unbelievable. 

I’ll create a separate teaser post for it but there are some sneaks on my Instagram stories and Twitter. 👀

[thechaoticwonderland]

I finally have time to write, damn it! I have been MIA for the longest time (and Twitter has been basically my place for word vomit) but I swear I have been trying to write something here -- as proven by my numerous drafted posts. LOL. 😓

If you’ve been following me on Twitter or Instagram, I TURNED TWENTY FOUR a few months back. Yup, I have officially changed my profile every where to 24. I still can’t believe I am THAT old but meh. 

I celebrated my birthday walking dogs and getting drunk around Sheung Wan and Central Hongkong with my boyfriend -- super low key but probably one of the best birthday celebrations ever! 💜 But I’d probably save a different post for that -- WHEN I FIND THE TIME AND ENERGY TO DO SO. (Possibly never, but let’s see lol)

And since I am T W E N T Y F O U R (ack!), I have decided to come up with a blog post on 24 life realizations I have at 24 - some are realizations I’ve had leading up to my 24th but you get my point. 😂

1. Love comes when you least expect it - cliché, I know. But I met my boyfriend at this random birthday party I gate-crashed AKA his 30th birthday. 😁 Long story short, we’ve been going out for over a year now. We both weren’t looking for anything then since he just got out of a toxic relationship, and I was casually going out with random people. But here we are. 😜

2. No need to rush things, do things at your own pace - I started my Masters over 2 years ago, and you’ve guessed it, most of my batch mates have their Masters degree already. 🙆🏾 At some point, I wanted to study full-time cos I’ve gotten envious of my friends. But since my parents are still (yep, I know. Shame on me) paying for my tuition fee, I don’t want to burden them with allowance expenses + my living expenses (If you’re new here, I actually live alone lol) so I need to keep my job. Now I’m 1 subject away from defending my paper! I’m almost there! And it’s actually not bad. 🤗

3. Don’t live beyond your means - Ahh, my dad’s favorite life lesson. I never thought about it then since I was living under my parents’ support, but now that I live alone I have to make ends meet month on month. In layman’s terms IF YOU CAN’T AFFORD IT, JUST DON’T. 

4. Don’t put your eggs in one basket - I know I am not the best person to be all preachy about money (cos I am bad at handling my own finances, but I try) but I have 3 savings accounts in different banks. It comes in handy when one bank fucks shit up (like goes on a nationwide shut down *cough BPI*, or one that just eats up your card and your money from time to time *cough BDO*). 

5. Your past doesn’t define you or how you’d succeed in the future - Another cliché saying, but I swear you get to realize why people say it often. I’ve done so much shit when I was younger but believe me when I say such experiences will help you realize stuff later on. After all, we learn from our mistakes and such mistakes will push us to be better people tomorrow. 

6. Your choices in life are your own, don’t let people tell you otherwise - You will never share the exact same beliefs with everyone, I’m sure about that. Just do you and brush off other opinions, they don’t matter - believe me. 

7. Keep your circle close and small - Your real friends genuinely care, the others are just curious. Be cautious.

8. Always be kind - And this applies to everyone: guards, maids, janitors, etc. Believe me, if you’re nice to everyone, it’s easier to ask for favors. 😜

9. Travel alone - You should try this at least once in your life, me thinks. It gave me a sense of liberty and independence! I did this when I was trying to mend my cracked heart - and I came back to Manila feeling all refreshed and happy. I guess I learned that I don’t need a man to survive! HAHA! 😂

10. Don’t complain, do something about it - Ranting is fine, human nature. But if you will just sit down and whine when something could actually be done, then maybe you should rethink your life choices honey. Instead of wasting your time and energy complaining, why don’t you stop and think? Things and answers won’t always be served to you on a silver platter, FIND WAYS. 😊

11. Don’t forget to remove your make up at the end of the day - PLEASE. Do yourself a favor and let your face breathe! 😛 

12. ALWAYS MOISTURIZE AND PUT SPF - *i-capslock mo para intense!!!* I couldn’t stress this enough. I actually keep various moisturizers depending on the weather, I have intensive moisturizers for when I travel and light ones for the Philippine heat. Just please, never skip it! 

13. One at a time - My boyfriend would always tell me this when I’m stressing over work, school, among other things. It helps, actually. Stop, arrange your thoughts, and do things one at a time. 

12. Treat yourself - Now before you go crazy and tell me that this is a bad thing, I didn’t say you have to buy that expensive bag you’ve been eyeing on for so long because “I DESERVE IT”. Going back to point number 3, if you can’t afford it - IT’S A NO. It can be as simple as “I did a great job today, I deserve good coffee - not my usual pantry coffee”, which is my usual way of treating myself. If you can afford to buy that expensive bag to treat yourself, BY ALL MEANS DO IT. But always remember POINT NUMBER 3!  

13. Family will always come first - Ah, this is one of the many things I realized growing up. Of course I was super excited to grow up so I can go out with my friends whenever I wanted to before. But when I moved out, I always look forward to weekends so I can come home to my family. What a baby, I know right?  

14. Let go and let God - I am not the most religious person in the world, heck I barely even hear mass (I’m busy, but that’s not an excuse I’m sorry). But I really believe in greater power from above. I always find myself in hopeless situations, where I find my shitty ass crying myself to bed on most nights (add that I also live alone so imagine how bad it must be lol). But I usually find myself just getting through the worst days with little miracles. And I always thank God for that. 

15. If you feel so happy with the wrong person, image how happy you’d be with the right one? - Eep, another cliché saying c/o me lol. But seriously, I thought I couldn’t be happy anymore when I once got my heart broken HAHAHA. Cut to mid-last year, I’m extremely happy -- waaay happier than before. Not saying I’m already with the person for me, though I really do hope so (HAHAHA yuck cheese) but I’m happier than before and I’m sure the person I’m with is a better person amongst all the guys I went out with before.

16. Take long walks. - I enjoy this so much especially abroad. I went on a birthday trip in Hong Kong and I spent 70% of the time walking - thinking and reflecting. 😅 I think long peaceful walks are good for everyone’s sanity.

17. Cut off toxic people. -  Not everyone you lose is a loss. If they aren’t doing you good, what’s the use of keeping them? 

18. Life is what you make it. - If you want something to happen, the first step starts with you. 😅 If you don’t take the first step, nothing will happen. SERIOUSLY. Everything doesn’t happen by chance!!!!! 

19. You don’t have to have a reaction on everything. - I believe there are things better left unsaid. I know a lot of people would disagree. But I still think the saying “If you have nothing nice to say, just zip it” is still superior. Lol.

20. Work isn’t everything. - I recently had to stop working for a week and a half due to some health concerns. It sucked balls. But I came to realize work isn’t everything -- YOUR HEALTH (mental health included) IS WAY MORE IMPORTANT.

21. Quite connected to the bullet prior, Work can wait. - I have learned to keep work within working hours. Remember, work will always come and it will never be done. Know what’s most important and prioritize! That’s the key. Whatever’s left can be done tomorrow. You don’t have to spend 12 hours in the office all day and stress out on work, tbh.

22. Choose your battles. - Not everything is worth stressing over. (remember point 19!) 😋

23. Respect begets respect. - Respect opinions, respect people - young and old alike. Sometimes we just have to learn to agree to disagree. 

24. Live life to the fullest. - Another cliché saying, but honestly you’ll never be as young as you are today. Make mistakes so you will never make the same ones in the future, learn the ropes of life through the decisions you make everyday. Not everything will go our way, that’s for sure, but life is only what we make of it. 

I hope you got to pick something up from my blabbing. To be honest, it took me months to finish this list since I barely have time in my hands. Lol. 😬 

I missed you, Tumblr! ✨  

[thechaoticwonderland]

Most of the time when I am alone in the condo, I would just opt to hug my unicorn and try to sleep. I have an 8AM calltime for a shoot tomorrow so I am pretty much tossing and turning since 9PM 😂 But I thought to myself, why not write something on Tumblr to get my mind running for a bit, yeah?

• I have been attempting to book my birthday trip since last week. I badly want to go to Tokyo and be in Disneyland on my 24th birthday because I have never been to Disneyland! What a way to celebrate before my quarter life, right? But since I am trying to regain the funds I lost from my recent trips to Taiwan and Singapore - I am quite skeptical about spending 10,000php for a one-way fare. 

• I am hopefully finishing my masters in 2 years. YAY! My load lately’s been very light since my work is immensely demanding so I am literally crawling my way to a Masters Degree. But seriously, after this I really want to move abroad and probably study again while I work. Which takes me to my next point...

• I found myself sending out my CV to companies in London, Austria, and Budapest. I have been itching to move out of the Philippines since I realized that I don’t think there’s anything here in store for me - in many ways than one. Lol. Okay, love life included. HAHAHA! But seriously, I am so sold in moving to another continent. I just really want to find myself and see if things elsewhere would be better for me. 

• I got new glasses. 😂 As showcased in the photo above. My old pair of specs randomly broke, like it was badly broken! So I was forced to shell out cash and get a new pair. I really think it flatters my face though!

• I am at a point of confusion - I feel like I am burnt out of my job and I really need a break. SERIOUSLY. 

• Right now I really want ramen.

Good Night world! 💖

[thechaoticwonderland]

I have posted this on my Twitter and Facebook accounts but I really want to share with you guys my recent trip to Singapore. Given that I just got back from Taiwan and totally forgot that I have a trip in 2 months, I had to settle with a small pocket money for Singapore. It's really a mystery to me how I still pushed through with a trip to one of the most expensive cities in the world with very little cash - but I guess that was part of the adventure and the thrill of it all. 😋 4 days in Singapore, I made it fit in 3 minutes take more or less. I am quite sad that I wasn't able to take a lot of videos in USS since they don't allow taking videos for most rides but hell I got to ride 5 roller coasters - including both tracks of Battle Star Gallactica! 🤙🏾 Out of all my travel videos - this has got to be my favorite so far! 💖✌🏾

[thechaoticwonderland]

4 days = 4 outfits in wonderful Singapore.

I recently went on a leisure trip to Singapore - which I mindlessly booked days after my 23rd birthday. My friend and I tried to survive with no checked in baggage + a full itinerary per day - which obviously killed us since cabs in Singapore are very expensive so we had to walk around 85% of the time.

I regret wearing my new pair of Puma Basket Heart Sneakers for this trip only because I'm still trying to break into them - so they weren't the most comfy pair of sneakers I own. I spent most of my day 2 complaining and half of my day 3 wishing I wore sandals instead. Lol.

I packed really light clothes and comfy ones since Singapore's heat is quite as intense as in Manila. And I knew I'd be moving around a lot so I kept my outfits as comfy and "low maintenance" as possible. 😛

[thechaoticwonderland]

Hi Ate Ica. Namiss ko magbasa ng mga posts mo kaya bumisita ako. Hihi. I thought "sana laging updated blog ni Ate Ica" but i realized you're busy pala sa work and school. I know i might sound creepy pero kasi I really idolize you Ate. I also follow you sa twitter bc fan eh. Haha. I even tell my friends about you na "meron akong finofollow sa twitter na sobrang idol ko kasi grabe ang cool niya"! Stalker? Nope just a fan. 😉

HAHAHA WHY ARE YOU CREEPING AT 2AM THOUGH!!! 😋😂

Thank you so much, messages like this warm my heart ❤️ Hope you’re not on anon though so I can thank and address you properly!!

As you can see I’m really trying my best to update my Tumblr when I can, I have a few in my drafts but I never find the time to finish. But I will, I swear lol!

Again, thank you for your kind words! I really find my life uninteresting and boring but it makes me happy that you think otherwise! 😚💓

[thechaoticwonderland]

Inspired by Kris Aquino's vlog about fitting her essential make ups in a pouch, I have decided to fix my own make up kit by leaving unnecessary stuff behind and just bring as needed. Tbh, it wasn't so hard for me to do this since I just got home from Singapore (which I'll blog about soon) with no check-in baggage. So I kept my make up kit as travel friendly as possible - sans all the heavy liquids. 1. NARS blush in Dolce Vita - One of my few investments. I'm not really fond of buying expensive make up but I figured it's time for me to invest in such. Lol. I got it in Changi airport for 40SGD (roughly 1,4php) and I love how it lasts super long and it's super pigmented! Super worth every peso, tbh. 2. Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara - My favorite forever. I have really short eye lashes and I really need to use extensions every so often before. Now I found my holy grail mascara because it has fiber extensions YAY!- but the sad part is it's not available in Manila. I normally ask people from Europe to get me atleast 5 of these just so I could survive for the next year or two (I don't open them though, I believe expiry dates start when you open it lol) 3. Maybelline Hyper Curl Mascara - I love love illegal length to the core, but the downside is that it's not water proof. Fear not though, I do one coat of Hyper Curl to help my Illegal length mascara set. It does the trick! 4. Benefit Hoola Bronzer - Wonder why I have prominent cheek bones? Yup, Benefit's got my back. I love how subtle this is that I can use it everyday. It's also buildable so I can emphasize more on my cheekbones as needed without the harsh lines. Winner! 5. Shisheido Eyelash Curler - Although I have a Shu Uemura curlash, I still opt to use my Shisheido one because I'm just waiting for it to actually break before I use my newer one. Lol. And I just stole this from my mom. HAHA! 6. Atomy BB cream - My masters classmate gave this to me when he went to Korea. One of the best BB creams I've ever used. I use it everyday and it gives me that amazing pink glow!! No kidding. Although it has sun screen, so I avoid using it on night outs because it has a white cast in photos taken with flash. Lol. 7. EOS lip balm - I love EOS and I hoard their lip balms and hand creams. Lol. And I often get chappy lips. 8. The Face Shop Designing Brow Pencil in Brown - It's super easy to use and it's not at all harsh! I love it - plus it's super cheap! 9. Benefit Porefessional Primer - I also have it in full size but I use this travel size for - well - travel purposes. I rave about this product since I started using it - I have put this one to the test during a night out, amusement park visit, and what have you. It holds your make up all day - no exaggerations!! 10. NYX lip creme in Rome - My everyday lipstick. It's like my lips, but better! Lol. 11. L'Oreal Infallible in Miel Honey - Love this!! It doesn't cake and it doesn't melt. And it's relatively cheap!! But it oxidizes quickly so you have to apply it really fast before it does! 12. Palladio Rice Powder in Natural - My holy grail! I've been using this since highschool (about 10 years ago lol). I love everything about this product - except the fucking packaging. 🙄 I am really tempted to email Palladio to change the packaging tbh. The product does wonders! My face doesn't oil and my make up is really held in place. But the shitty packaging wastes so much product. Ack! 13. MAC technakohl liner in Clay - This eyeliner sticks to your lashline and waterline like glue! I am a liquid and gel liner kind of girl, but I love this liner so much that it deserves a space in my make up bag out of all the eyeliners I own. Lol. What are your favorite make up products? I recently threw a shitload of expired make up so I'm trying to rebuild my collection. Let me know your favorite products and how they work on you! 💖🙃

[thechaoticwonderland]

Since I oddly got a Tumblr ask out of nowhere, it somewhat inspired me to write something tonight despite the fact that I have a lot of pending episodes to watch on Netflix. 😅

Crazy how it’s true that if someone believes in you, it just inspires you to continue. Case in point, the Tumblr Ask I got today made me so giddy that I found the heart to write a blog post. WOW. 🖤

To tell you honestly, since “blogging” became an industry, I thought I shouldn’t be in it and that I should focus more on other things I’m good at. Apparently, blabbing and ranting about my life isn’t one of them. So I lay-lowed and just post whenever I feel like doing so... mostly just to document something I feel should be officiated by posting in the inter-webs. Lols. 😂 

But somehow, I miss connecting with strangers through my blog and it’s crazy how people actually claim I have inspired them or helped them in a way. I think, why not? 😛

The universe isn’t on my side lately. Although it may seem otherwise, but the universe threw some pretty bad rocks my way for 2017. Trying to keep positive, I’m still going through day by day and I consider myself victorious whenever I fall asleep with happy thoughts and not thinking about how my life sucks. Little victories, as they call it. 💕🤷🏾‍♀️

I have a lot of things in mind: things and people that I miss, things I’d rather do, places I’d rather be. But one thing’s for sure: I am a work in progress and later on I’d be strong enough to dodge those hard rocks. 😄 I always think that other people have it worse, and that I know I will be able to happily pick up my broken pieces one day. 💜

For now, I will forever be grateful for people who constantly cheers me on through it all. Who puts up with me and my constant rants about life (and what have you). 

I’m just taking it a day at a time. 💟

[thechaoticwonderland]

Hi Ica! Been a follower since 2014. I super love your blog. How to be you po? Hehe. Anyway, i am here because i want to ask you some questions about skin care and body image stuffs. Do you grow hair on your legs? If yes, what do you prefer waxing or shaving? Any shaving cream that you can recommend? (If you're shaving or you know someone shaving their legs). Thank You!!

MY BLOG IS DYING WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE I AM SO KILIG HAHAHAHAHA 😭❤️😘😘😘

Trust me, you don’t want to be me. LOLjk

I AM SO BALBON YOU HAVE NO IDEA. And I am the laziest person to take out my leg and arm hair lol Although I do sometimes when I feel like it, I get it done professionally ~ SHOUT OUT TO MY WAXING LADIES OVER AT BARENAKED G5 AND ETON MAKATI ~ ❤️ Or Veet when I have no time. Don’t touch that razor, please. You’ll regret it.

But if you ask me, I don’t give a shit. I love being balbon. Lol. 😛💕

[thechaoticwonderland]

Oh Taiwan 🇹🇼 I am terribly missing the weird cold then warm weather. It's been almost a month since I came back but I cannot wait to come back to finally try more streetfood! 👅 Here are some interesting photos I took from my trip. Although I cannot really find the time to blog extensively, I am still lurking around Tumblr almost always! 💕

[thechaoticwonderland]

Since I’m trying to blog here lol and I got comments about my outfits when I was in Taiwan on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook - I’d love to share them with you.

Mostly I got comments about my leather jacket - which I over abused primarily because I researched before packing and they said Taiwan weather wouldn’t be super cold because it’s already spring going into summer… WRONG. I packed a lot of light jackets and sweaters (I think I have 4!) and one thick Zara leather jacket - latter which I clearly ended up wearing for 3 days. RETURN OF INVESTMENT!! Lol.

Day 1 • Taiwan weather is so weird. My first day I just wore a long sleeved off shoulder top (which I bought the night of my flight because it was on sale lol) and jeans - with my ever comfy Nike Kaishi Runs. 💕

I went around Taipei right when I landed from Manila so my bag was also my carry on luggage which had a bunch of stuff - not to mention it was hassle to lug around. Lol.

My cap’s sponsored c/o Popcorn General Store, which obviously explains why I have it in two colors. 😜

Cartier earrings are also sponsored by my ever loving ninong who spoils the shit out of me - clearly.

Day 2 • If you have Topshop Joni jeans, DON’T WEAR IT TO TAIWAN IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO GO ON A FOOD TRIP. DUDE I SWEAR. I ate so much I ended up looking so bloated like Winnie the Pooh 😒😑But anyway, it was probably the coldest day during my entire stay because it was raining - good thing my Nike gym bag is water resistant! ✌🏾

I was really planning on abusing my Nike Kaishi Runs because they’re my FAAAAAVORITE, so I wore them again the next day. Comfort is always a priority when traveling and walking around the city! And day 2 was shopping day HAHAHA!

Giant hoop gold hoop earrings are hand-me-downs from my Tita. I think she got them from India! 🤔

Day 3 • I decided to ditch my caps and wore braids instead. 😜

I thought the weather was going to be a bit hotter so I opted to wear tights instead - which I bought the night I left Manila because H&M was on sale (I’m quite a cheapskate lol). My top is also a hand-me-down from my cousin in the US.

I opted to wear my Nike Suede Janoskis (the swoosh is reflective, über cool!) just because I packed it in my suitcase, then it should be worn atleast once lol.

Bag is from my favorite store in Taiwan, NET. HEAVEN!!!!! 💕

Day 4 • It was 9°c in the morning and I was all out of thicker clothing options so I went with a long sleeved silk top and leggings.

Also wearing my recently acquired sneakers which I bought in Taiwan, Puma Basket Heart! ❤️

✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾

[thechaoticwonderland]

I have been on hiatus for so long, I haven't really gotten the time to like post something exciting - pretty much because the advertising world have swallowed me whole... But let me share to you my recent trip to Taiwan. I tried to fit my 4 days there in 3:20 but hope you find it interesting. 😋 PS: I gained 5 pounds from the trip, screw you Taiwanese food.

[thechaoticwonderland]

I often find myself questioning if this is the actual life that I want. • I live far from the comfort of my parents' home - I have to do all the things to myself. • I work at one of the best advertising agencies in the world, whilst my bosses never fail to recognize me for my efforts - I have to sacrifice time for other things because I have to work long hours. • To top it all off, I have school to complete the stress party. I am nothing short of flattered whenever people say I'm a wonder woman, because really I don't even know how I balance all these things while keeping my condo spick and span. 😂 But although it may seem as if life is going well for me and all these sacrifices would soon pay me big bucks, I always find myself thinking about dropping everything and moving to far far away place to keep my mind off of things. I always think of ways to keep me motivated and be thankful amidst the situation (and stress) that I am in. I have learned that adulting is immensely hard, no one ever said it was easy after all, but you always have to find atleast one thing that keeps you going. That one thing that makes me get up in the morning. There will always be that one thing that will piss you off everyday, don't let that win you over. 🌻🌞 Find that spark of light that will get you through. At the end of the day, life is all about how you make it. 😋

[thechaoticwonderland]

I HAVE FINALLY DECIDED ON CHOPPING 12 INCHES OF MY HAIR OFF! And it's shorter than ever, crazy! Haha! I do this every two years (for 3 consecutive hair cuts and counting!) to bring joy to cancer kids through donating my thick locks to be produced as wigs. It's going to grow anyway, so I think why not? 😋 I highly encourage other people to do the same. There are a few foundations you can donate your hair to and they produce them as wigs for kids with cancer. If you have 12 inches (OR MORE!!) of hair that you want to just chop off, please donate them. 😄 Cuts for Cancer recently started accepting donations again at Papemelroti stores in the metro. Let's bring smiles and hope to cancer kids by doing so! 💕👍🏻

[thechaoticwonderland]

Before I have unintentionally abandoned my blog, I was actually working on my travel posts I did for 2016. And honestly, I HAVE A FREAKING LOT. Despite having an extremely tight work and school schedule, I still have time to take out of town (and out of the country) trips with my friends. 

Ofcourse given my busy schedule, I can only allot time for short trips - but that’s better than nothing! I always find myself looking at travel destinations near the Metro, farthest would mean taking domestic flights. 

I don’t mind camping out and no electricity - leave the city life for a while. Especially if you’re with good company. I am an expert at pitching tents and folding them back to the tiniest bags! I am born to be a happy camper! Haha! 

This here is our spot in Liw-liwa Zambales. We pitched 2 tents and a hammock - and we good. My friend installed battery operated lights so we had the coolest looking spot in the area. 😎

And most of my beach trips this year were actually camp outs! And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My other summer beach trip was in Masasa in Batangas. We came in a large group, hence the tents, but I actually enjoyed getting sun burnt - and ofcourse having no electricity. LOL.

BUUUUUT ofcourse from time to time, I would want a fluffy bed for my vacations too! 😋 I like the fancy treatment from time to time, so I do research on hotels for vacations and staycations. I have various (NO SHIT I DO HAVE A FREAKING LOT OF HOTEL APPS ON MY PHONE) apps for that, old and new. Some apps have very little selections, most promises the best price - but still tad expensive. 

Luckily, I came across travelbook.ph! They have A LOOOOT of hotel selections and I swear they have reasonably cheap prices, better than some I’ve looked into. Just helping out people who love traveling as much as I do. 😜

Going up north in Ilocos Norte and in need of a hotel? They have the best prices! If you wanna go on a beach trip near Manila? Batangas is the place to be! (Explore my home town please! Haha!) If you want to learn how to surf in Zambales? Girl, gatchu covered. 😅 They also have accomodations in Baguio, Tagaytay , Boracay, Palawan... OR EVEN FOR STAYCATIONS IN MANILA!! What I like most about it is that they have hotels that DO NOT NEED CREDIT CARDS. Which is one my hesitations when booking hotels, I always have to ask my mom to pay for it with her card at the onset because I don’t have my own card (nor am I planing to get one lol). They have various hotels at key cities in the Philippines so it would be super cool if you try the site out! 

Now, where do I go next for a nice and relaxing vacation? 😝💕

[thechaoticwonderland]

Crazy how I have abandoned my blog for the longest time! I badly miss writing but I cannot really find the spare time to do so. :( I’ve been working for 7 months with my dream company - and the challenges get tougher day by day. Given that I also balance hectic work with school, it’s a surprise that I am still alive! Haha!

I don’t know if anybody knows (or cares), but I’ve been living alone for 6 months already. But I never really got to do household chores and cook, until this August when I have decided to move to a studio unit so it would be easier for me to live on my own. :P

Being accustomed to having a help clean up my mess for me, this past move really changed the way I do my shit. I always rush home to make dinner and my packed lunch for the next day, wash my own dishes, sweep and mop my own floor, and even scrub my restroom. I do things I’ve never done before and I never learned to do. I make my own bed too, it irks the fuck out of me when my condo isn’t spick and span.

My main struggle is on budgeting my shit - obviously. I’ve been part of the work force for 2 years and I am still a bottom feeder LOL. Monthly dues, water, electricity, and groceries (yup I do my own grocery!!) could be a bitch when you’re so used to going crazy shopping every pay day. HAH! I have learned to kill the lights when they’re not in use, trim down my water usage, and what have you. 

One thing I am most proud of is that I have perfected making brown rice and the sunny side up egg. LOL! I am looking into learning more dishes actually, I spend my downtime at working searching for recipes to try out for dinner. :P Sometimes I invite friends over and make food for them, or we all cook together.

I have learned so many things living alone, and now I understand why my dad’s been trying to “kick me out of the house” for the longest time. I have been immensely unproductive at home tbh. I come home from work, eat dinner, go to bed without doing shit. As a teen, it seemed fun that I never get to do anything apart from go out and party. But growing up, you would really have to learn shit on your own. It’s fun - or I’m just really old. LOL.

[thechaoticwonderland]

Hi can you share links to jologs telegram stickers? Lol

I honestly have no idea where my friends get them!! HAHAHAHAHAHA sorry!!