To the guy who gave me false hope

          Its almost a year now since we were connected from each other. I should be over you by now. But how can that be? When we still haven't closed the door we never opened.

          My mind is still fresh looking back the days when we first met, our first conversations, our pa-cute  with each other. I was excited everyday to to see you coming to our workplace. I strived to be fast so that I could get you as my client and process your transaction but everytime I don't get the timing, my day becomes disappointing. Every transaction with you was like a second. I can still remember how we caught each others eyes when we look at each other secretly. I will never forget our denials to them how we like each other. When we had our chance to exchange text messages and Facebook chats, I get so excited to check my phone every now and then and wish it was you even if we always ran out of topic. I miss the moment of our first date and laugh at those times when you told me how nervous you were the first time you asked me out. You told me you like me and you wanted to become "us" someday. You called me "mine". But I remain silent because deep inside I want you to tell me those words while looking in your eyes even if deep inside, I wanna tell you how I like you.

           I don't understand what took you so long to make a move when Im giving you the hint that I like you. If I never like you I wouldn't give the attention I gave you. I wouldn't give you a reply, go with you after work or invite you to our church. Yes, you told me you like me but you never said you love me. With that, I had doubts with you which I know you were aware and I was afraid that time would come and you would realize that don't love me after all, leave me and all your words would become nothing. 

          And I wasn't mistaken. Because after few months of our daily communication, everything was getting lie low. I just woke up one day that the person I expected to become my man was gone leaving no woords. I waited almost every minute everyday for my phone to beep. My mind was floating almost everyday dreaming you would come back, surprise me and do your promises. There was never a day that I checked you in Facebook to know how are you, if you have new status, pictures or even read my last message to you. But times have passed and I realized that I wasted my days waiting for nothing.

          Now I conclude that I am not a part of your plans. I am not a part of your priority. I know I don't have a right to demand you to tell me everything about you because there was never an us. There was never a door opened for us. But what about those words you told me that you want to be us? Was it nothing to you? Was everything a game for the two of us?

          I don't know who to blame for the hurt I am feeling, is it you who gave me false hope or is it me who believe in your false hope? I tried to get over you but I find it very hard. I couldn't even delete you in Facebook because its the only way I can hold on to you.

           My only wish is that you tell me why you have to leave. Were you bored at me? Was I too hard for you? Because if I had a chance to turn back time, I would try to become the woman you always wanted to love. Even it costs my feeling, I would be willing to hear the reason why you went away. I would rather choose to discover that you have someone new than left me hanging and hoping for nothing. But this is the reality. I don't know nothing about you,not even a shadow of yours and it breaks me even more.

         Just like love, we never know when heartbreak starts and when heartbreak stops. It feels so sad to know that you have invested emotions to someone who won't become yours. We give time, effort, excitement, tears. Because for me, love is an investment which you have to keep on growing. As I keep on looking at the calendar and our last conversation, hope this is enough reason to awake me that you are not coming back. :'(

I realized...

            As my age gets bigger, I realized that life gets simpler. You know what u want and go for it. You know what you don't want and ignore it. Living in an unfair world where power and favoritism leads to promotion, I realized that it is not important to always win. Whats important is doing your best without regrets and be victorious without stepping others' rights. The world that seems to be simple is now floating on materials. Medals, trophies, tokens and recognitions will fade and soon forgotten. The best  best thing to do is to enjoy life and share the experiences to the next generation. I would like to quote Ecclesiastes 2:18 "Suddenly I realized that others would someday get everything I had worked for so hard, then I started hating it all." v.21 " When we use or wisdom, knowledge and skill to get what we own, why do we leave have to leave it to someone who didnt work for it? This is senseless and wrong. v.24."The best thing we can do is to enjoy eating, drinking and working. I believe these are God's gifts to us."

        I also realized that people arent really interested in our lives. The number of likes and comments, they are like comets passing by without  leaving any marks.So why announce everything to catch everyone's attention? No one can really help if you are in this place eating this or doing that anyway. Its better to keep silent and enjoy life than to shout your privacy and win others' appreciation. We truly dont know if their appreciation is done honestly anyway. Friends come and friends go. Who stays with you are the ones deserving to be called friends. I dont have any grudges to the modern world I live in, I am just expressing my realizations.

Tara na, sa Camotes!

              They say that if you want to explore the beauty of the world, begin exploring the beauty of your home.

              Cebu is one of the most visited province in the Philippines for it has a number of tourist attractions to visit. Historical places,religious places,beaches, resorts, islands, malls, foods, name it! Cebu has almost everything! Though I've already been in some popular tourist spots like Sto. Nino Shrine, Taoist Temple, Magellan's Cross, Mactan Shrine, Simala Church, I promised to visit those places again and make a review for those who wants to go there. But right now, I just want to share this island in Cebu where I spent my one summer weekend with officemates. Ladies and gents, presenting CAMOTES ....

               From Danao port, we have to take a barge to get there. Take note that during summer, "fully booked" is the most common word for Jomalia, the barge we taken, so better be at the port at your earliest. Fare from Danao to Camotes costs P180.

It takes 2 hours to reach Camotes, so smile nalang muna. =)

                 During arrival;  jeeps, vans, multicabs were in line to bring you at the resort you wish to stay. We were lucky enough to have our own service to take us to Santiago Bay.

                  Yes, we were excited to wear our two-piece already but oooppps, time to take our lunch first. =)

                  After we took our lunch, we took a rest then went to the famous Lake Danao and Mangodlong Resort where we also took our dinner.

                                                              

After the whole day tour, time go back in Santiago Bay and go night swimming.

                      Now, its time to hit the beach of Santiago Bay  on our second day.

Day swimming at the other side of the pool. Last hit before we went home !

                Special thanks to Jan Brixx for all the photos . :)

                                                               


           

How to Heal a Broken Heart

         We love. And because we love, we also get hurt. Whether a simple fight with a loved one, relationship break ups or even just a one way love; it all results to a BROKEN HEART :-( . When we love,everything seems to be perfect. But not everyone is given a perfect love story on the spot. Sometimes, we have to experience different struggles in order to find the real one and experience the perfect one.

          Being in the broken stage is the hardest part in loving. Sometimes we ask ourselves "How  could we able to revive ourselves again?" To become whole  again, no one can help yourself except Y-O-U. Broken hearted? Based on my own experience, here are my nine ways to heal a broken heart.

1. CRY. The pain is us and so we have to release it. This is the hardest stage yet the easiest way to release all the pain and aches you are feeling. Reminisce your happy moments together and how you and him/her met, recall your sweet conversations, reread his/her undeleted text messages in you inbox and chat messages while listening to your favorite heartbreaking songs, then CRY, CRY and CRY.

2. EAT. Some people in times of stress focus themselves on foods. Eat!....especially sweets. This is your best friend this time. Sweets like chocolates contain serotonin which acts as an ant-depressant and stimulate endorphin production which gives a feeling of pleasure.

3. ACCEPT. He/she is not with you anymore. Let us face the fact that what is happening right now is not the same as before. Yes, you are still in the "hoping stage" this time that maybe he/ she will be back. You are still holding your phone and waits for his or her texts or be online in Facebook...But does your waiting and wishing helps you lessen the pain? Wake up friend! You are wasting your time! One of the best lessons in life is that we learn that we can't have everything we want. But what holds us to live is the faith that if something is taken away, God will surely replace something or someone better, someone deserves you love and the love you deserve too. For my co-women, if the person you love stopped pursuing you, it means he isn't worth of your love and YOU! You are precious. You must be loved the way you deserve.

4. LET GO.  Okay, fine, he/she is now gone and you already accepted the fact the he/ she won't come back.. but still, you can't get over him/her. Let it go my friend. Let go of the things that reminds you about him/her. Your phone beeps. It means someone is texting you. Before you open your inbox, you are praying his/her name will appear. You open the inbox and your are disappointed that what you uttered inside your mind is the other way around. Why not delete his/her number in your contacts, unfriend him/her in Facebook and unfollow him/her in Instagram and Twitter. No matter you already memorize his/her number after you deleted it, atleast you won't be able to see his/her name appear in your messages and contacts and see his/her status and pictures everytime you log in. It will lessen the pain you know.

5. MAKE YOURSELF BUSY. One of the effective way to forget bad experiences is to keep yourself busy. Do something that will inspire you. Engage in activities you love. Learn something new. In this way, you will realize that there is more to life than crying and waiting for him/her.

6. BURN OUT. Remember step number 2 that you eat, eat , eat because of your stress with him/her? Burn everything that turned into fats. Just like step number 1, we have to release the heaviness we feel emotionally and physically. Not only you will feel good but you will also look better. Jog. Play a sports. Do pilates or yoga and say hello to the new you! =)

7. CUT YOUR HAIR. You are new right now. Let your hair symbolize your newness. Go to your favorite salon and let the hairstylist do the hairstyle different from the way your hair used to be.

8. SMILE AND MEET NEW PEOPLE. Hello new (insert your name here)! You are now different from they used to know. You are now stronger person and ready to love again. Remember, your smile is not limited for him/her. There are lots of people who deserves you smile too. Besides, there are number of reasons why we have to cheer up.

9. CONTINUE PRAYING. In Psalm 37:4, it says "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart". Pray for the right person to come. And if one day you experience being broken again, you know already how to heal your broken heart. :-)

Life Lessons From a Bank Teller

         Regular na ako!!!! For five months of  probationary as Bank Teller, at last, my prayer has already been answered!

         I always wanted to handle cash even back when I was a kid. I could still remember when I became a bank for my classmates. They let me kept their savings and I even made a paper passbook for each of them. But of course walang interest yun ha and since they were my friends, my services for them were for free. Yes, it was not a burden for me. My purpose was to help them anyway. Talented naman kasi ako when it comes to keeping money. I was trained by my parents since I was 6.

         As I grow older, even if I did not dream to work in a bank, fate lead me in one of the top banks in the country.

         People usually see bankers as having a relaxed job. Sitting down in an air conditioned office while in front of computer whole day, some people believe its one of the most dreamed job. Though their perception is partly true, they didn't know the high risk of working in a bank. And for almost six months of working as a teller, I've learned the basic "must be-s" of a Bank Teller which in turn can be associated in real life situations.

       

1. A teller must count every piece of cash they put in and out. The Lord always shower us with blessings. Every little things we have are blessings come from the Lord we may not realize it; every air we breathe, every bite we take,every single particle we see, the home we live in, the job we have, the people that surrounds us are all from above. Those things may be simple for us to realize but if we put it by heart, we will be more than thankful to receive those things. We may not be deserving enough to be showered with everyday blessings but because of God's undeserved love and grace, he extends his mercy to us. And remember,God gives us something so that we could also give something to others. How great is the feeling to become a blessing for others!
2. A teller must be careful in receiving cash, it might be counterfeit. Just like in life, we cannot trust everyone nor please everyone. Not all people who smiles at you are your friends. They may be smiling in front of you but stub you at the back.
3. A teller must balance its cash drawer against money processed during the day. In real life situation, every person must also balance their daily activities, emotions and rights. Bawal ma-short or ma-over. You wont feel rewarded if disbalanse ka sa life. And if you dont feel rewarded, it would result to low self-esteem and therefore you become ineffective in all the things you do no matter how simple it is.
4. A teller is called "teller" to tell. Honesty is the best policy. People keep their valuables in the bank because they "trust" the bank to keep it safe. Honesty starts with one's self. If you want people to trust you, prove to them how trustworthy you are. Being trustworthy begins if you have the heart to help and be responsible to handle all challenges that may come in life with an honest heart.

           Count. Careful. Balance. Honest. Verbs and adjectives which are common to our ears yet not easy to put into action. Thats why it is important to start the every day with a prayer admitting how weak we are without God. Because with God, every thing is secured and safe.I am just so glad that I am happy with my job now far from my previous one. I am enjoying the job's nature and the way I bond with my officemates and clients. For me, its not how long we are in a job and its not what the job can give you but how much you give yourself to the job and how much you are willing to learn from it. =)

My Everyday Beauty Regimen

        As  a woman whose nature of the job is to provide good banking services to different clients, it is  a must too look presentable in front of the clients most of the time. I believe that to look good is to feel good. To those who know me personally, you know guys how conscious I am when F-A-C-E is the issue. You know how more than willing I am to spend much for a good face. Yes, physical appearance is not what any big companies are looking for (unless you are applying for a model). But hey, dont fool me, aside from educational background and personality, the way you handle yourself is a big score.

        You know guys that I wasn't given a hundred percent flawless face. You can see it on my previous posts. So, I have to take care of my skin through the food I take, activities, cosmetics and my skin care regimen.

       Everyday, I have these skin care routine with my favorite skin care products. For a start in the morning, my first step is to :

1.) Cleanse my face with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

This gentle, soap-free cleanser was originally formulated by dermatologists, specifically for everyday cleansing of even the most sensitive skin.

 - Soothing, non-irritating cleanser ideal for face, hands and body

 - Helps skin retain needed moisture

 -Rinses easily and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy

 - Mild enough to cleanse a baby's delicate skin

 - Non-comodogenic, fragrance free, pH balanced

2.) Followed by toning. I use VMV Hypoallergenics Superskin 3 as my toner .

Deep-cleaning, acne-managing, firming, mattifying +brightening therapy.

   - for the treatment and control of acne

   - for the prevention of signs of photoaging

   - helps promote brighter, firmer, clearer skin

Validated Hypoallergenic:

VH -75/76. 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100%, Dye-Phthalate-Paraben + Preservative-Free. Usage, Patch + Clinically-Tested (in vitro in vivo; evidence-based, randomized, double-blind). Non-Comedogenic. For men, women, teens and younger (ages 9+).

3.) Lastly, moisturize. For my moisturizer, I use VMV Hypoallergenics Spring Fresh Oil-Free Nourisher.

Light, fresh, oil-free hydration; softens + skin’s suppleness without adding shine or clogging pores. With monolaurin, a coconut-derived antibacterial for gentle yet effective anti-acne disinfection.

Validated Hypoallergenic:

VH -75/76*. 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100%, Dye-Phthalate-Paraben + Preservative-Free. Non-Comedogenic. Non-Drying. Usage + Patch Tested. For men, women, teens and younger (ages 9+).

            After applying all these three, I apply my favorite make up to look even better.

           After the day entire day, before I go to bed, I make sure my make up are removed by these following make up removers:

Innisfree Olive Real Cleansing Tissue

With its rich antioxidant ingredients and vitamin nutrients from the finest organically grown olives, this highly enriched cleansing tissue helps you to easily remove makeup and retain skin moisture. 

VMV Hypoallergenics Quick and Complete Make-up Remover

Water-based, easy and swift, no-rinse clean for

rapid, non-drying, non-irritating makeup removal.

Validated Hypoallergenic:

VH -76/76. 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% Dye, Oil, Phthalate, Paraben + Preservative-Free. Non-Comedogenic. Usage, Patch + Clinically Tested (in vivo + in vitro). For All Skin Types.

       I cleanse my face again with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser  and tone it with  VMV Hypoallergenics Superskin 3 Toner  . I then treat my blemishes with

              

Nu Skin Clear Action Night Treatment

It helps amend remnant marks associated with past breakouts for a smooth, clear complexion.

Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid (0.55%)

 or whenever I have an active pimple or feel that a pimple is starting to appear, I immediately apply this Red Spot Corrector still from VMV Hypoallergenics

A uniquely non-drying acne balm made specifically for rosacea-related acne papules and pustules.

Validated Hypoallergenic:

VH -76/76. 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% Steroid, Dye, Phthalate, Paraben + Preservative-Free

Believe me, the zit will shrink right away and doesnt leave a mark on your face.

           Please be reminded that we all have different skin types. What is suitable for me may not be suitable for you. I have an oily type of skin for everybody's information. Finding the right product is not that easy. So if ever you found one, stick to it and never switch. But if you are still searching especially for the ones who has the same skin type with me, I highly recommend to try the products I am using and I'll be happy to hear how you will love the products just like me.

       Have a beautiful you =)

Shiseido Shampoo and Conditioner Review

                Last week, my sister  brought us Shiseido Shampoo and Conditioner to try on. She discovered how amazing it works during her trip in Japan. Actually, she only fell in love with the conditioner only. So when she had her vacation here in the Philippines, she brought us the complete package.

 Shiseido Shampoo

 Shiseido Shampoo for Damage hair

 Shiseido Conditioner

               Though I have a rebonded hair, I still tend to suffer may sabit hair since I dont condition my hair everyday. For everybody's information, I condition my hair every other day only.hahaha. So after my first try of Shieseido shampoo, not more  than a second, I declared to myself how I love the shampoo.
               Aside from that I love the smell, the texture and formula of the shampoo is so smooth that made it obvious that it will leave the hair smooth. When I combed my hair after shower, my hair is so soft to comb as if I applied a conditioner. The softness of my hair made me feel so light and I can now comb my hair using my hand. Its like all the promises of Philippine brands are put in here. "Ang gaan ng feeling", "Kinamay lang umayos na", and "Walang sabit" ! Uh-uh, no exaggeration. I love not only the shampoo but also the conditioner. It functions as its name implies.
             Unfortunately, the said product are not yet available in Shiseido stores Philippines. In other words, I have to order the products in Japan. Whatever the mode of purchase, there is one thing for sure, for my complete hair care,  I definitely switch to Shiseido. =)

Im going DARK and ORGANIC

             I love chocolates!.. and i will always love chocolates. In fact, its sooo sooo hard for me to say 'NO' when someone offers me a chocolate. Ang hirap magpakipot. How can i even say "no" to the sweet tasting mouthwatering  tongue satisfier?Uuuhhh. Super duper hard. Promise! No joke!...And whenever I eat more than enough, I always feed my mind "That's alright Minie, those chocolates are antioxidant and a broken herat healer. besides, it reduces the risk of heart disease, provides good memory and helps lower cholesterol level." O, lusot di ba? hahahaha...But unfortunately, though I tend to feed myself with positive effects of chocolates I still couldn't hide the fact that chocolates contain high sugar and fat which leads to weight gain and my biggest enemy, PIMPLES....And because Im trying to lose weight and achieve good skin, I dont have a choice but try to avoid these ooohhh-so-heaven chocolates.
              But hey, dont feel sorry for me for depriving myself from eating these chocolates. 'Cause from now on, I am going dark and organic.And to start my year with sweets, I  will reward myself with these favorites:

LINDT EXCELLENCE

Lindt Excellence gourmet chocolate is prepared especially by master chocolatiers who, from selecting the highest quality cocoa can offer, demand nothing less than perfection. Contains cocoa solids 70% minimum.

TRADER JOE'S

Trader Joe's with raisins and peanuts. Sweet raisins and flavorful pecans are blended with 57% cacao dark chocolate. The result is a sophisticated chocolate as with the intensity of fine dark chocolate and the texture of premium ingredients. A classy bar with a sassy attitude.

Ingredients: organic dark chocolate (organic evaporated cane juice sugar, organic cocoa butter), organic raisins, organic sunflower oil, organic pecans, dry cocoa solids 57% minimum.

 Trader Joe's with almonds. Premium roasted almonds and 73% cacao dark chocolate are stars of this bar. Together thay form a decadently delicious sweet treat that has an intense chocolate bite and a delightful nutty texture. Ingredients: organic dark chocolate (organic cocoa mass, organic evaporated cane sugar, organic cocoa butter), organic roasted almonds, dry cocoa solids 73% minimum

CAVALIER

Belgian. No added sugar. Dark Chocoalte sweetened with maltitol-lactitol. Ingredients: cocoa mass, sweetener (maltitol, lactitol), inulin (alimentary fibre), cocoa butter, emulsifier: soy lecithin, natural vanilla. Cocoa solids: minimum 55% produced in a plant processing milk protien, wheat and nuts. Excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Contains naturally occurring  sugar.

GHIRARDELLI

A perfect combination of rich slow-melting cool mint filling. Ingredients: sugar, unsweetened chocolate, high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, cocoa butter, water,milk fat, corn syrup, soy lecithin-an emulsifier, vanilla, peppermint, potassium sorbate-a preservative gelatin.

             Dark chocolate have much higher cacao content compared to other chocolates. Cacao appears to have an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Cacao powder, reportedly, has nearly twice antioxidants than red wine and up to three times antioxidants found in green tea says Nibmor.com. In addition, cacao has a high content of beauty minerals, Sulfur, that builds strong nails and hairand promotes healthy and beautiful skin. So the more chocolate is processed, the more benefits are negated since more flavonoids are processed away. Plus fats found in cacao are healthy fats.

              Friends, if you wanna change you chocolate diet, lets change together. But remember, everything that is too much is not good. Have a happy sweet day!