I have been a long time fan of Ellana Cosmetics, but I admit -- I don't have any items from the brand as the price range is a bit too steep for me. 

So when I saw on Facebook that they were having a clearance sale, I didn't even hesitate, and FINALLY got my hands on my most coveted items. 

I mean, the items were discounted up to 90%! Who wouldn't want to go and grab one? (or two, or three, or more lol)

So, here are the items that I got! 

Ellana Minerals Loose Mineral Foundation in the shade Almond Latte and Chai Tea

Shopee: https://shopee.prf.hn/l/784lAJ8

screenshot from https://www.ellanacosmetics.com/

Ellana Minerals Satin Stain Shine Hydrating Lip And Cheek Serum Stain in the shade #lovewins, #motivation, and #selflove 

Shopee: https://shopee.prf.hn/l/7YJ3O8g

screenshot from https://www.ellanacosmetics.com/

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Empty Refillable Mirror Jar 10g

Shopee: https://shopee.prf.hn/l/7x34Ron

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Original Glow BB Foundie With SPF50 Mineral SkinShield in the shade Biscotti

screenshot from https://www.ellanacosmetics.com/

Shopee: https://shopee.prf.hn/l/K9eag4O

screenshot from https://www.ellanacosmetics.com/

Ellana Minerals Cosmetics Skin Smoothing Blur Primer With Allantoin, Talc-Free

Shopee: https://shopee.prf.hn/l/K9emqA8

screenshot from https://www.ellanacosmetics.com/

Ellana Minerals Cosmetics Cooling Balm Beauty Balm 

Shopee: https://shopee.prf.hn/l/7Ex3OoV

screenshot from https://www.ellanacosmetics.com/

Flower Power 3-In-1 Facial Multi-Mist With Izayoi Rose Extracts And Vitamin C

Shopee: https://shopee.prf.hn/l/6ZRYxg5

Loose Multipurpose Face And Body Highlighter in Halo

Shopee: https://shopee.prf.hn/l/KzOnAvg

I will be doing separate review posts for these items and will link them here in the future. 

P.S. I am an Ellana Minerals Cosmetics Radiant Advocate and when you use my code, "CZYPHR" when you purchase your items, you get 25% off! (P250 off, for every P1000 spend!)

For more information about Ellana Minerals, here's where you can find them online. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellanaminerals/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellanaminerals

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP2eWE_r80JiwqLuqgfRBoQ

Website: https://www.ellanacosmetics.com/

The Manila Hotel joins Manila Restaurant Week from Sept. 20 to 27

Great food and great company are two of life’s simplest pleasures. So mark your calendars and get ready to feast on scrumptious food as The Manila Hotel’s famed Café Ilang Ilang participates in Manila Restaurant Week happening from September 20 to 27, 2020.

Indulge in a choice of starters like the savory Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli in light Parmesan Cream Sauce or Pomelo-Prawns Lumpia in Calamansi Honey Dressing; main course of sumptuous Beef Tenderloin in Balsamic glaze with marble potato and market vegetables or Pampano cooked in Tandoori Oven with Peas Pilaf rice and stir-fried Asian vegetables; and dessert of Fresh Fruits Salad with Ube ice cream or Mango panna cotta as dessert. The starter-main-dessert set is offered at only P980 nett per person, but cannot be availed of in conjunction with other promos or discounts.

Manila Restaurant Week is an event under the “Manila, Support Local” Campaign, launched by the Bureau of Permits and City Government of Manila. The city-wide project aims to promote local food establishments in Manila that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. About 80 restaurants will be offering prix fixe menus at affordable prices during Manila Restaurant Week.

Launched on September 15, The Manila Hotel played one of the hosts of the multi-venue simultaneous kick-off, which was livestreamed on social media platforms. The other hosts were Bayleaf Hotel, Lucky China Town Mall, and Robinsons Place Ermita. The virtual launch was marked by an online performance of Lea Salonga who sang her new single, “Dream Again,” the official theme song of the campaign.

“I believe we can do a lot in restoring the City of Manila back to its former glory under the leadership of Mayor Isko Moreno. We in the private sectors will always support you in this very worthwhile undertaking. Soon, Manila will be great again,” said Atty. Joey Lina, The Manila Hotel President, in his opening remarks during the launch.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuña gave their respective speeches before checking the 11 restaurants that showcased their dishes at The Manila Hotel’s Roma Salon—namely Café Ilang Ilang, Century Park Hotel, Scorched, Golden Fortune, Luneta Park Hotel, Ilustrado, Tanabe, Jus & Jerrys, Patio de Conchita, Pares Kimchi, and Harbor View—and visiting the other venues, which was watched by thousands via livestream.

The Manila Hotel and all its outlets operates in strict compliance to health protocols, so our guests are assured of the highest standards of food safety and sanitation measures in accordance with the government guidelines.

For more information, you may check us out on Facebook or Instagram (@TheManilaHotel), or call 85270011 or 09989501912. For reservations, email resvn@themanilahotel.com.

We all have heard about the disastrous situation of farmers all over the world. Due to the pandemic, there have been numerous breaks in the produce supply chain.

Farmers usually have a crop system, wherein they know when they should plant, when they can harvest and when they can immediately sell or supply their crops. Unfortunately, the pandemic greatly affected transport freedom and lockdowns all over the world seemingly happened simultaneously. Farmers suddenly lost their buyers, ways of transportation and worst of all, ended up with tons of produce that they are not able to store.

See:

https://rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/farmers-trash-spoiled-vegetables-urban-poor-hungry-coronavirus-lockdown

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/01/coronavirus-disrupts-supply-demand-farmers-throw-flowers-milk-fruit.html

Some choose to sell their produce for an ultimate bargain, going as low as P3 per kilo which I have been told is even less than the cost to plant. This means they are losing money by selling their harvests instead of gaining any profit. Most choose to just throw away their crops as they see it as a cheaper route.

Screenshot from GMA News Facebook page

Imagine throwing away tons of produce that should’ve been your family’s income. Even seeing the videos and pictures online of fruits and vegetables being thrown away hurts my soul. So, when I came across Sagada Harvests on Facebook, my interest was immediately piqued.

Sagada Harvests is an initiative by the team of Mr. Christian to help our northern brothers.

From their Facebook page:

The Sagada Harvests Project seeks to expand the market of highland produce to Metro Manila households as a way of helping farmers cope with the coronavirus pandemic. This is an initiative of private individuals as requested by the affected farmers.

What sets them apart is that they charge reasonable prices for the goods (equal or cheaper than regular market prices) and they give the farmers the majority of the profit.

They started in mid-August, and I was luckily able to purchase a few items during their September 15 batch.

Here’s what I purchased from them:

They also offer a variety of other items such as fruits, vegetables, bread, and others.

Here’s how you can order.

• Like their Facebook page as they release a Google Form for pre-orders. The Google Form is where you’ll be able to see the full list of items that is going to be available for that batch.
• Wait for the order confirmation via text message or email from the Sagada Harvests team
• Pay your balance via bank transfer or gcash
• Wait for the go signal when you can pick up your order via Grab/Lalamove/Mr. Speedy
• Enjoy your Sagada Harvests! Make sure to post and tag them on Facebook to spread the news as well!

If you missed the pre-order, you can also order on or after the Metro Manila touchdown. However, this will not guarantee that your preferences will be available as there is a limited quantity of items.

• Check the list of available goods on their Facebook page.
• DM the page with your order list and wait for order confirmation.
• Once confirmed, pay your balance via bank transfer or Gcash
• After payment, coordinate the pickup of your order with the Sagada Harvests team. You can use Grab/Lalamove/Mr. Speedy
• Enjoy your Sagada Harvests! Make sure to post and tag them on Facebook to spread the news as well!

They will be opening their next batch very soon, and I highly recommend that you check them out. The Sagada Harvests team is very amiable and understanding, and will definitely do their best to accommodate your orders.

As someone who grew up listening and playing music, I always get a little excited when anything music-related is released -- whether it be a music video, a pop-up booth, or a clothing line, like High Breed Clothing. 

From their Facebook page, 

High Breed Clothing is streetwear with a relaxed vibe. Normally, streetwear is edgy, sharp, and dark but High Breed Clothing is much more than that. High Breed is all about good vibes while enjoying great music wearing comfortable clothing.

I definitely see and feel the vibe that they are going for! I mean, just look at their teaser video! 

Women Step Up to #TheNewBrave with Whisper 

This pandemic has shaken our world to its core -- it is constantly challenging us in many ways, both as individuals and as a community. The overwhelming effects of this global crisis may seem insurmountable, yet a whisper of hope persists and continues to grow stronger, letting us know this crisis is not impossible to recover from. 

This pandemic has shown us a tremendous amount of hope in womankind. It’s no secret that through history, women have continued to inspire with a brand of bravery that’s empathetic, persistent, and unapologetically themselves. In this new normal, as we are all forced in a new environment we need to adapt to, we see a new brand of bravery from women also emerging. 

Embrace #TheNewBrave 

Whisper’s call to action during this new normal is #TheNewBrave campaign. In these changing times where bravery no longer means the same, Whisper celebrates the new bravery women have embraced in this pandemic by adapting to the situation. Developing a new hobby, learning new skills to complement their work life demands, learning how to relax and gain new self-care practices, and reawakening older interests are just some of the things women are doing to step into #TheNewBrave. 

#TheNewBrave is not about defeating struggle; #TheNewBrave encourages women to embrace their vulnerability because we know that discomfort is temporary and growth awaits us on the other side of our struggle. 

This campaign is about finding joy and victory in the small things, believing in our strength, and celebrating who we’ve become. #TheNewBrave is about thriving and growing through the pavement, learning how to bloom where we are planted. 

Today, we are brave; Tomorrow, we are braver -- and on days when it feels like we’re taking a step back, #TheNewBrave mindset reminds us that even though our growth isn’t linear and all our paths are unique, we are growing and getting stronger all the same. 

Be Brave When You Need It Most 

Whisper’s campaign aims to amplify #TheNewBrave at a time when people are most afraid of life’s uncertainties. 

WHISPER #THENEWBRAVE CAMPAIGN PRESS RELEASE 

Women understand physical and emotional pain because it comes to us every month in varying degrees which has developed a brand of bravery that’s rooted in empathy. Now, more than ever, the world needs this culture of empathy and acceptance so others can get involved in finding their new bravery as well. 

Whisper’s 3x better protection* holds space for our most vulnerable moments as women, allowing us to move freely during our periods. The Whisper Pink (Cottony Soft) variant comes with dermacare lotion which helps reduce skin allergy, moisturizes and reduces friction, and improves the skin barrier. Whisper helps enable women to still embrace #TheNewBrave and be the best that they can be even during even their most difficult cycles. 

Whisper’s support extends beyond its already impressive pads with 3x better protection. More than being the pad trusted by millions of women all over the world, Whisper uses its platform to celebrate all manifestations of our womanhood. 

For a glimpse at what #TheNewBrave means, watch Whisper’s new video below. Together, let’s celebrate our small victories, find joy and meaning in where we are today, because as women of Whisper, we can face it together and embody #TheNewBrave in this new normal. 

Five months ago, I had enough saved up for a couple months of travel. Because I wanted to travel in 2020. I wanted to try it out. I have never ever tried to travel until it was planned by someone else or if I was going to be with a trusted group, so I felt like it was about time, you know?

Finally travelling on my own as a 24-year old.

But then, smack center on the eve of my birthday, the pandemic lockdown happened. It started as a “two-week preventative measure”... and then a month… and then another couple weeks.

Now we’re on our sixth month of quarantine.

So, my travel fund became a “make my apartment work from home friendly” fund instead. I bought a new table, new shelves, new fans, new wallpaper. I also bought stuff to “improve my home content” which, we both know didn’t happen. Home content is something that I can’t seem to master or even do.

My boyfriend also moved in with me around the same time as the lockdown, so that’s another change. We had to get a bigger bed because two people won’t fit in my single bed comfortably. We also bought more storage boxes because more stuff = more clutter.

So, long story short, there were a lot of changes. My whole year, which I have meticulously planned didn’t exactly happen.

But enough excuses already. It’s not really about the changes that has happened, but the changes that I am going to do.

I am worryingly out of savings, something that is bad news most especially with how unstable everything is right now, and I do not want to stay that way. With that said, I am going to be taking a page out of Issa of sabvingpinay book and start tracking my finances to the very last centavo.

I will be starting with this blog post, enumerating what I have and what my goals are, and maybe check in every month or so. To start, here are my income streams, or money in. These numbers are going to averages of the past 6 months, so that it will still be relevant. I will just update with actual numbers when possible (note: I am using “my” but since I am living with my partner already, this is actually our combined resources already.)

My “day job” salary: 19,000 monthly ave

My “social media” salary: 16,000 monthly ave

My “sideline” salary: 5450 every 2 weeks ave

Total: 45900 ave

Next, here are my recurring expenses:

Rent: 7000 monthly

Utilities: 4000 monthly ave (laundry, electricity, water, internet etc)

Food: 5000 monthly ave (for 2 people)

Grocery: 6000 monthly ave (household items such as snacks, toiletries, etc)

School: 10000 monthly (tuition, supplies, etc)

If I’m just going to use the number aforementioned, I should be saving at least around 10k monthly right?

Nope. It just vanishes into thin air.

What really annoys me is that I used to survive with just over 14k monthly, back in 2017. Sure, I was living paycheck to paycheck and sometimes I had to borrow from friends, but it felt like I was living much better during that time in my life.

I may never know what exactly changed, it could be my state of living, or my priorities or whatever, but I want to feel that way again. I don’t know how, but maybe documenting it would be a great way to start.

Right now I am tracking my expenses and trying to see what’s my biggest drain (although I know it’s sales and online shopping), and having an action plan to see how I can maneuver through it and come out of this black hole financially successful and stable.

With that said, here are my goals.

1. Create my emergency fund that can sustain me for a year.  

based on my recurring expenses list, my emergency fund should be at least 32000 monthly. Since I want it to be enough for a year, I should be able to put away 384000. I’m rounding it off to 400k. With my current “money in”, I should be able to do this in about a year.

2. Invest in the stock market

This has always been a dream of mine, so I want this all set in about six months. I know the stock market is kind of down lately, but I see that as my chance to buy stocks and play with it without a huge risk.

3. Buy my own property

My goal is to buy at least a 2 bedroom property, and judging from today’s prices, I need an initial of at least 300k for downpayment and 200k fallback

4. Have my 1st million

Now I know this is a bit far fetched, but a girl can dream, right? With my current money flow, I can get this within 4 years. That is if I spend nothing lol.

5. 52 week money challenge

I know, I know, it’s September already, but I believe there’s not really a right time to save. I can just check in after 52 weeks to see if I succeeded.

6. Get my very own SnR/Landers card

Okay, not really a cash goal but I think it can help save me money in the long run, since I can buy in bulk. Or maybe I just want to experience it, idk hahah

7. Enroll in Pag Ibig 2.0

I wanna try that once I have the option to visit my company HR office

8. Start my own business

Right now I don’t really know what business I want but that is one of my ultimate goals in life

Next update will be by the end of September so I hope you stay tuned.

Being bored in quarantine got me like --

So, for those who didn't know, I have hypothyroidism -- meaning my thyroid gland doesn't work.. at all. So, to function as a normal human being, I take maintenance meds,  levothyroxine sodium, which is a synthetic hormone. Have been taking it for about a decade now. Yes, it makes me feel old lol. 

About two years ago, I decided (conveniently neglected) I didn't need to need it anymore, I felt fine, I'm okay without it. Three months later I get alopecia. Turns out my body NEEDS thyroid hormones to function. So, got back on track, never missed a day since. 

Now, I have been out of it for about two weeks. The first few days were okay, maybe a bit tired, a bit lonely, you know, manageable stuff. A week in, I missed Livestream schedules because I have been crying nonstop because all of a sudden I felt like I didn't matter. Because no one cares about what I have to say. Because I gained weight. Because there was this one mole on my arm that looked too light. By day 14 (today) my mind is so noisy I can't even focus on doing what I need to do. So many what-ifs are running through my mind. So many plans. So many worries. And. I. Can't. Make. It. Stop. 

Because I can't find my meds anywhere. It can't be bought at a local pharmacy. The ones usually buy from no longer has it in stock. I have been denied by online pharmacies because they say my prescription is expired because I haven't been able to go to a checkup to get an updated one. Can't pasabuy because... Prescription! I don't wanna waste someone's time just so they can be denied. 

Ang hirap maging productive kung sarili mong utak against sayo. Sarili mong katawan hinahatak ka pababa. I know I always say na "Mindset Matters" pero minsan talaga parang di na kaya. Yung parang may riot sa utak mo sa dami ng nag aagawang idea pero wala kang mapakinggan ni isa. Para kang nagpapatahimik ng classroom na sobrang gulo at walang may balak makinig sayo. Yung gusto mo na lang umalis pero di mo magawa kasi ghorl pano ka aalis sa sarili mong utak lol. Kahit sa tulog at panaginip susundan ka ng gulo sa utak mo. 

Yung nilalamon ako ng inggit kasi alam kong may mas maibibigay ako pero iba yung pinipili. Pero alam ko na sa sipag at output ako natatalo. Kasi bakit ako hihingi ng sobra kung kulang binibigay ko diba? Utak na nga lang ako meron ako, pulilyado pa. 

Tldr, napakaswerte ko po sa genetic lottery opo. :D 

Congrats sa nagbasa nito alam kong wala ka din naintindihan hahaha 

I've always had motion sickness since I was a kid, and my lola's remedy is always something nice to smell. It can be her perfume, an orange peel, or my favorite, a menthol balms. Even now that I am in my 20s, I still have a bottle or a tin of anything menthol in my bag (and on my desk!) to relax and refresh me. It's a scent that I associate with calm and safety. I take a sniff or apply some to my temples when I feel like I need to center myself, or when I am studying for exams (Read: "My Online School Study Tips" to know why!). 

So, when a package arrived from Rhea Generics earlier today, I felt like kid opening an early birthday present!

Rhea Generics is considered as one of the most trusted names in the health and wellness industry. With more than 40 years of producing quality and affordable healthcare products, Rhea is now a by-word of every household.

Here's what they sent me: 

Rhea Cold Rub Ointment

For the relief of nasal congestion and cough associated with common colds.

Rhea Superscent Oil Sparomatic (WINNER!!)

For massage and aromatherapy with lavender scent.

Rhea Superscent Oil 

Superscent’s Methyl Salicylate is imported from France, ensuring its high quality properties. It is effective for the relief of sprains, cramps, stiff neck, rheumatism and other muscular pains.

Rhea Aceite de Manzanilla

Locally applied in the abdomen for the relief of gas pains.

Rhea Hydrogen Peroxide

For the treatment and cleansing of wounds.

Rhea Mentopas

Used for back pain; pain in shoulder joint; tendons; arthritis; muscle strains or sprains; bruising; cramping; anti-pain topical medication; muscle or joint pain and other conditions.

Rhea Povidone + Wipes

Used for skin disinfection of operation sites; wounds; prior to inj; vaginitis; trichomonas and nonspecific bacteria.

Rhea Calcium Ascorbate + Zinc

For the prevention and treatment of Vitamin C and Zinc deficiencies.

You can purchase Rhea Generics items online via:

Shopee: https://shopee.ph/philusacorporation

Watsons: https://www.watsons.com.ph/search?q=rhea%3AmostRelevant%3AmasterBrandName%3ARhea&text=rhea&minSel=15.0&maxSel=225.0&minSlider=15.0&maxSlider=225.0&resultsForPage=30&sort=#

Lazada: https://www.lazada.com.ph/rhea_1/?spm=a2o4l.pdp.0.0.325d5016l2Knzd

Thank you to BrandBuzz PH Millenials for making this partnership happen. 

#SuperscentOilSparomatic #BrandBuzzPH #BBMillenials