The Girl Behind the Pen

There was a time in my life when I felt the odds were in my favor—I had a stable income, a happy soul, and great career opportunities. While the opportunities were beyond what I have imagined, they were overwhelming to the point that I had to let go of some things so dear to me, including my most stable job in one of the Philippines' biggest TV networks.

I did this so that I can pursue my biggest break at that time. But that move was something that terrified me to the bones for many reasons. One, I'll be working with one of the country's most sought-after celebrities; two, it's going to be my first time doing the job; and three, I have nowhere to return to if this project fails. Before and after I said yes to the project, I questioned myself every day if I can really do it. 

Long-overdue update on this post: a lot has been accomplished, and it went well. At first, at least. But after two months, the celebrity decided not to continue it. Therefore, all the production staff (including me) lost this huge project in a snap, without any warning. 

Fast forward to today, I found myself in the same position as I was in years ago. This time, it's a lot more challenging and a lot more terrifying. Just like before, I have to let go of something I've already loved. I have to step out of my comfort zone again to enter a new path. I will be doing something I find most difficult to accomplish. Doing something I’ve tried to avoid for the longest time. And doing something that scares me… again. 

But this has always been me—doing something I was a little not ready to do. 

Well, this is me: saying yes to new things even if it’s absolutely daunting. Saying yes to something that’s totally new to me. I can’t risk letting the opportunity go. So just as it has always been, I said yes and will just figure things out later. Because at the end of the day, I know things will fall into place.

You see, it's okay to be scared. It's normal. 

But if you let your fears stop you, you're not going to grow. 

You might end up spending a lifetime thinking of regrets and what-ifs because of the job you never applied for, the places you never traveled to, the person who got away because you didn't tell him or her how you feel, and the chances you didn't take.

There’s always going to be something that will scare you. It might be touching the head of a puppy, or jumping thousands of feet from above. It might also be letting go of someone dearly. But the most terrifying of all is failure, right? Because what if we fail? What if it doesn't get better?

But what if we don't? 

What if we do it and actually get everything we ever wanted?

You must do the thing you think you cannot do. — Eleanor Roosevelt

Looking back, although I felt like a failure for choosing what I thought was a "wrong" decision at that time, it was only years after that I realize it was a huge lesson and certainly one of the best opportunities I had. It actually led me to bigger things. That project, although short, opened so many doors for me. Did I fail? No! Am I still going to be afraid? Most probably! Will I stop venturing into things I know nothing about? Certainly not! 

My dreams are bigger than my fears. And I hope yours, too. Today, I hope you learn to embrace discomfort. I hope you will allow yourself to grow. I hope you will believe in yourself that you can do it. And finally, I hope you do the thing that scares you.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Valentine's Day is always a great excuse to dress up and wear the most stylish outfit you've been planning for I-don't-know-how-long. This special day screams hearts and red dresses for Valentine's Day, but in case this is not exactly the Valentine's Day outfit idea you're going for, your friendly little black dress got you girl!

Here are the reasons why you should opt for this classic dress this Happy Hearts Day.

1. It's a classy Valentine's Day outfit

Whether you're planning an intimate dinner for two, a Galentine's party, or just some alone time, the LBD is an obvious choice for Valentine's Day that calls for instant chic. 

2. An LBD is a Valentine's Day dress that makes you look hotter

ICYDK, the color black has a slimming effect. Darker shades help you hide the little weight you've gained the past holidays, thus creating a slimming illusion. But hey, just so you know, you don't have to hide those extra pounds 'cause no matter what, you are beautiful. 

3. It's a Valentine's Day dress that's easy to match with

Black goes with everything so even if you add different colored clothing items to your look, it will still look fabulous.

4. If you're clumsy, your date won't notice

When wearing a little black dress instead of a red dress for Valentine's Day, you wouldn't have to worry about spilling on yourself because black hides the mess so well. However, this doesn't mean that the spots are invisible, it will just be harder to notice so girl, leave the clumsy self at home, 'kay?

5. An LBD is timeless

The little black dress is not just the best Valentine's Day dress but also a wardrobe piece that will outlive any fashion trend. An you know what? I think it's worth investing in a high-quality piece that will last for years. 

What Valentine's Day outfit are you going for this year? Share in the comment box below! :)

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's high time to prepare the perfect date night outfit. So if you still don't have any idea what to wear on the most romantic day of the year or you just need a fresh inspo for February 14, here's a Valentine's Day outfit idea that will definitely make your date swoon!

When it comes to fashion, there are pieces that just make sexy look easy. Among these is the classic no-fail red dress. 

Here I'm wearing an off-shoulder red dress from Shein. What I love about this dress are its intricate details that make this Valentine's Day outfit idea unique. From the sleeves down to its hem, every detail is oh-so-stunning. 

While red is an obvious choice for Valentine's Day, you can still spice it up a bit more. So what I did to make this Valentine's Day outfit idea stand out is style it with a pair of eye-catching white platforms. I'm petite so the extra lift really helps. I think this pair is going to be my new go-to heels since it's very comfortable when worn. Unlike other 5-inch heels, these pair of platforms were made for walking! With this, I don't have to worry about stumbling or tripping in front of my date. 

1. Choose a piece that will both make you look and feel beautiful. Decide which piece of your outfit would you like to get attention on.
2. Pair your Valentine's Day outfit idea with the perfect shoes. If you want to look sexier, go for sleek strappy heeled-sandals; if you want to look preppy and cute, go for a pair of doll shoes or sneakers.
3. Wear the right accessories. Since you're already wearing a striking color, keep your accessories at a minimum so your Valentine's Day outfit won't be a sore to the eyes. 
4. Lastly, wear your best smile and confidence. These are the two most important things that will make your Valentine's Day outfit idea a win!

We all have that one favorite place that we always find ourselves coming back to—in my case, it's CASA San Miguel in Zambales.

If you haven't read my previous post about CASA San Miguel yet, it serves as the home of the world renowned violinist Coke Bolipata, and a community center that includes a school for the arts and music, art gallery and museum, cafe and a bed and breakfast facility. CASA also means two things: first is home, and the other is Center for the Arts in San Miguel.

Read also: CASA San Miguel: Home Away from Home

From family retreat house to community center

Hospitality at its finest

In the words of New York Times food critic Tejal Rao, "hospitality is both invisible and formidable — it surrounds you. You can find it at a rest stop on the highway, and miss it at the host stand of a fine-dining restaurant. You feel its presence, or you don’t."

Sitting under a tree with the fresh air brushing my hair, I blissfully indulged myself in some of CASA San Miguel Zambales' best-sellers, a mix of both my favorites and new ones I haven't tried. Blissfully because it was as if I was the only person in the place. The staff was making me feel comfortable from the moment I stepped into their gate to the time I went out. And this didn't even happen for the first time. When I went there in 2019, they have already impressed me.

It was the afternoon of December 12. I didn't even tell them it was my birthday that day. So I was really surprised that they remembered my special day. I thought it was going to be just another brunch day out, but my 27th birthday turned out a lot more special than I anticipated it would be, thanks to CASA San Miguel Zambales.

At CASA, I felt cared for and this is something only a few establishments have made me feel. I wouldn't mind driving 4 to 6 hours again just to get a bite of their pizza. 

CASA San Miguel Zambales

So now, I will be listing all the details you need to know about CASA and some of my food recommendations. 

Address: Evangelista St., Brgy. San Miguel 2206 San Antonio, Zambales

Budget for meals: PHP 1,000 for two

Food: 8.5/10

Overall look: 8/10

Hospitality: 11/10

Is CASA San Miguel Zambales open now? Yes they are open

Kids allowed? Yes!

Contact information: info@casasanmiguel.org | (+632) 8551 1003

Food we tried at CASA San Miguel

If you want to know my experience with their other food offerings, read this: CASA San Miguel: Home Away from Home

During COVID-19 pandemic, the world discovered that social media is a great way for us to stay connected even while physically separated. Basically, social media has become our escape from the struggles and stress that the pandemic brought.

There are social media platforms that allow you send connect and reconnect with people; platforms that let you show your creativity through photos and videos. We all do this for fun but what if you earn cash just by posting and engaging with your followers on social media? 

This is what Ohaiii is all about. Ohaiii is the newest social media platform that lets models and influencers create, share and earn from their content.

"The pandemic marked a major turning point of the digital communities worldwide and for our society in general. Along with heightening of uncertainties brought by COVID-19, people's lifestyle, livelihood, and social systems as a whole, underwent major changes. Through these changes, we have appreciated the great power and value of digital technology. These digitally spurred social changes shall be the rock in which Ohaiii was built," says Andrea Delgado, CEO & Founder of Ohaiii. 

How can you earn on Ohaiii?

There are several ways to earn through Ohaiii platform: 

• via subscription  
• via Live Stream 
• via Photo and Video Uploads 
• via Video Request through Direct message

After Lockdown Fashion Show

Another event that took place during the Ohaiii web app launching was the After Lockdown Fashion Show. The show aims to jumpstart the fashion industry through the Philippine Fashion Shift (PFS) which is a sub-branch of Ohaiii. PFS promotes the creations of young local designers. 

Groups of models did their own catwalks at Pasig Revolving Tower wearing the masterpieces of various talented Filipino designers. The designers that have showcased their creations were Paula Villasper, Lyka Ann Chan Racuya, Mercy Asuncion, Franz Uy, Elsie Delos Reyes, Winchelle Castro, Angel Esteban, Chris T Ian, Norman Acuba Designs, and Russ Cuevas.

From the kawaii and colorful anime-like dresses to the classy glamorous gowns fit for balls, Ohaiii presented the designers' works successfully. There were also fashion pieces that promotes the traditional Filipino fabrics and clothing, and some that even featured paintings on dresss similar to Vincent van Gogh's arts. Through the PFS, the budding and known designs were introduced to a larger market. 

If you are a model or an influencer and you are interested in being part of the Ohaiii community, you can send them a message.

Website: ohaiii.com

Email: ohaiiiofficial@gmail.com

Facebook: @ohaiiiofficial Instagram: @ohaiiiofficial

Mobile: 09273059127

Black is usually not my go-to color but I broke the norm and tried it at least once in a while. And you know what, it really doesn't hurt to go out of your comfort zone. In this case, wearing an all-black and white outfit.

To be really honest, I try to avoid blacks because it's too far from my personality and it's like the color of evil (I know, I think like a crazy gal sometimes). But when I tried it, I finally understood why many women love wearing black—it's simple yet chic.

Here I'll decode the all-black and white outfit trend by providing some tips on how to wear it the right way.

1. Go with good-fitting pieces

As many would say, black makes you look sexier. While it's true, it doesn't mean an all black outfit guarantees you the look you're expecting. The secret is to choose pieces that compliment your body.

2. Don't be over the top from head to toe

3. Wear a chic accessory

1. Always stay a student

2. Think that you're not the best at your craft

3. Take small steps

4. Go for the menial job

5. Get out of social media. For awhile. 

6. Beat resistance into submission

7. It's okay to fail