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Sunday, January 5, 2014

A Must Try! 52-Week Money Challenge

January 05, 2014 0 Comments
Source: http://stuckathomemom.com/
          This challenge has been passed on from blog-to-blog, shared from one platform of social media to another and is very timely that I saw it circulating on the web. I've been wanting to save money but is having a hard time doing it. When I saw this, I told myself that THIS IS IT! I MUST TRY IT! [Sound effect from an arcade game: Here comes a new CHALLENGER!]

          Found this from a shared link on Facebook and it looks like a great idea to start my 2014. Here's an image of the template we (if you are brave enough to take the challenge with me) can use to track our weekly savings. 
52-Week Money Challenge
          Download the template (or make your own) and stick it in your coin bank or any container designated for this savings. You can set your goal on how you will spend the money at the end of the year. Probably a new gadget, travel budget or gifts for holiday season. Or maybe, you can transfer it in your bank account as your emergency fund.Just remember one important rule: Never borrow money from it. Just don't. 
          Few days after I composed this, it came to me that this task is easier said than done. If I look at the first few weeks, I know I can make it but when I look down to the last weeks, whoa! How can I produce 2k plus every week? However, I still want to take the challenge so I decided to adjust the starting amount of Php 50 to Php 30 so I can still have a total of Php 41,340 at the end of the year. (It is like saving Php 3,445 every month) Not bad, right? So here is the Php 30 version.
          I hope this method will help me learn the art of saving! 


Wednesday, January 1, 2014

What Planner Suits You this 2014?

January 01, 2014 0 Comments
          It is already 2014 and yet I still can't decide what planner to buy. Last year, I got the BDJ Power Planner from my very first attend of BDJ Fair. It was useful indeed and I get a chance to attend some of their organized events but since I missed their recent fair, there are other planners I have in mind now and I'm confused. Anyway, let me share my choices :D

1. Belle de Jour Power Planners
BDJ Power Planners
Matte Leather - Php 680
Matte Laminated Cover - Php 598
Bookbound (Smythe-Sewn) - Php 598

2014 NAVI & Everything is Possible Planners
Php 598

Belle de Jour Power Planners


          The eighth edition of the BDJ Power Planner is jam-packed with our special features, articles, and over Php40,000 worth of coupons that make living life to the fullest possible for all our BDJ Bellas. At BDJ, we believe that everything and everyone around us plays a part in shaping who we are, and who we can become. Every little thing we do affects one another, and they’re all woven together to create a beautiful tapestry of life. 
          The 2014 BDJ Power Planner has 200 full-color pages, stickers to mark those special dates, and a coupon holder. It comes in either a matte-laminated or a matte leather hard cover, has an expandable back pocket, and is 5.7in wide by 7.9in tall.

Source: http://www.belledejourpowerplanner.com/

2. Starbucks Planner
Collect 18 Stickers
Php 2,025
(But I checked sulit.com.ph and there are some that sells it for Php1,200 only!)

Starbucks Planner
Cost of Starbucks Planner

3. Filed 2014 Doodle Planner
Php 545
Filed Doodle Planner

Features:
- 18 cm x 13 cm x 2 cm
- Available in black and white
- Matte laminate cover and smythe sewn binding
- Page Muncher template for you to make your own bookmark!
- Doodle fun pages per month to design and color
- More spacious monthly and daily views and additional Notes pages
- Cute and awesome artworks by Thought Wagon Design Studio!
- Monthly expense tracker
- Moodi, the mood tracker, of course!
- Life and 2014 plans
- Movies to see, books to read, places to visit and restaurants to try

- Kraft pocket

*Moodis are only available for online purchases and subject to availability

Source: http://www.filed.com.ph/

4. Muni x Moonleaf 2014 Planner
Monthly art by 12 promising and extremely talented local illustrators and graphic designers which promote healthy, alternative lifestyles

Php 350
Muni x Moonleaf Planner

Source: https://www.tackthis.com/shop/3461/#/product/22581

5. Pag-ibig Planner 2014 by Witty Will Save the World, Co.
The "Relaks, pag-ibig lang yan, parang kagat lang ng langgam" Planner 2014

Php 450 Online
Also available at Fully Booked, Bratpack and Quirks (SM Megamall A, SM Aura, Powerplant Mall and Shangri-la Plaza Mall) for Php 490


Pag-ibig Planner
Features:
Hardbound
Size 4.5" x 6"
Smythe-sewn
Ribbon bookmark
Back pocket

With:
Pag-ibig-packed daily pages
Pag-ibig-struck trivia and holidays
Umiibig of the Month
Monthly Love Horoscopes
Katangahan sa Pag-ibig Tally
Umiibig Nang Wagas' Creed
Snakes and Ladders Pag-ibig Edition
Pag-ibig Coupons
Magic Pag-ibig 8-Ball
30-Day Guide Para Malimutan Siya

and MORE!

Source: https://www.facebook.com/wittywillsavetheworld

6. 2014 Daily Interact Certified Positive Planner
Php 549
Daily Interact Certified Positive Planner

Features:
Size 5.4" x 7.7"; Weight 400g 
Perfect matte finish combined with special gloss effects

Learn a thing or two every month with all the fun and fascinating trivia about The Bible;
Get your daily dose of positivity with our weekly views which includes inspirational verses and a Bible reading plan that will guide you all through out the 365 days;
Share your positivity with your friends and co-workers with Certified Positive motivational cards that will surely make them smile;
Stick these stickers anywhere for a #CertifiedPositive experience.
Follow the daily Bible Reading Plan with ease using The Daily Verse Tracker;

OTHER #CERTIFIEDPOSITIVE FEATURES:
1) Break down your expenses and monitor your bills with our Bills Payment Checklist;
2) Write down those Spiritual and Personal goals! Make them happen this 2014!
3)  Want to do #CertifiedPositive outreaches? Contact our featured NGO’s and get to know how you can help;
4) Put that frown, upside down with these 12 #CertifiedPositive testimonials full of faith, hope, and love;
5) Dig deep and have time for God with our reflection page;

Source: http://certifiedpositive.com/

7. Papemelroti Pocket Planner
Php 19.75

Size 4" x 5.75"
papemelroti planner

          So these are the planners I might wanna get. My top 3 are BDJ, Starbucks & Filed Doodle planners. BDJ planner because I have theirs last year and probably continue using it for this year; Starbucks because I already collected 4 stickers but still has a looong way to go (but a coffee-addict friend offered help in collecting stickers, wew!); and Doodle planner because it might help me practice my skills in drawing (atleast just to make it a habit).

          My bottom 2 are Papemelroti & Pag-ibig planner. I was a Papemelroti planner user when I was in college and it was very useful to me. It is also a great gift idea to classmates & co-workers. However, it only has the monthly spread perhaps because of its price & size while there are other planners that has a lot to offer. Pag-ibig planner on the other hand is very witty & humorous but mostly tackles about "katangahan sa pag-ibig" and I think it is more applicable to those that are friend-zoned, loveless, & still single (as of this moment).

          So, do you already have a planner that can track your activities & help you organize your schedule throughout the year? Among these planners, what suits you best?

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Island Hopping Tour A and C Combination at El Nido Palawan

October 06, 2013 0 Comments
El Nido Beach Front
First, here's a plain itinerary of our 4D/3N Vacation at El Nido & Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Day 1:     Flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa
               Arrival at Puerto Princesa Airport
               Ride a shuttle van going to El Nido
               Check in at Strong Tower Inn
               Sleep           

Day 2:     Wake up
               Quick breakfast
               Start of Island Hopping Tour A and C Combination
               End of Island Hopping Tour
               Shower, Dinner, Idle time, Sleep

Day 3:     Wake up
               Quick breakfast
               Start of Island Hopping Tour B
               End of Island Hopping Tour
               Shower, Dinner
               Ride a shuttle van going to Puerto Princesa
               Check in at Duchess Pension
               Sleep

Day 4:     Wake up
               Underground River Tour
               Side Trip to Ugong Rock
               Buy Pasalubong at LRC Market
               Check out from Duchess Pension
               Dinner at Airport Café to eat Crocodile Sisig
               Check in at Puerto Princesa Airport
               Departure from Palawan
               Back to reality este Manila


Island Hopping Tour A & C: 

Hidden Beach
Our first stop was Hidden Beach. Our bangkero said we can't go to Helicopter Island because of the high waves. 
Matinloc Shrine
Next stop Matinloc Shrine. A very nice place. :)
Top View @ Matinloc
After Matinloc, we went to another island where our guides prepare our lunch. 





I forgot to take a photo of the shrimp that is in the tupperware with pink cover (FYI: I ate most of it and i love it!)

Small Lagoon as our background
Sorry for our sweetness overload in this picture. I didn't think of taking picture probably because I enjoyed there. Our boat was anchored a bit far from the actual lagoon because the water is too low for the boat so we walked in the water then go underneath a limestone tunnel to get there. 
Reissa with the fishes of Shimizu
Next stop - Shimizu. The boat just stopped at the middle of the sea and the guide said we'll have fish feeding there. Reissa, our new found friend, jumped into the water and have a picture taken.

I really can't remember the name of this next island, sorry. And I don't want to mislead you guys so I will just not guest the name but you can still produce great shots in this island full of smaller form of limestone rocks. 

Big Lagoon
Since its low tide we walked to explore what Big Lagoon has to offer. Our guide told us to walk at the right side because they already cleaned that side of the lagoon from the sea urchins.


Our long day ends at 7 Commando beach where we experience the beautiful sunset at El Nido. 
7 Commando Beach
Sunset at 7 Commando
We had our sumptuous dinner at El Nido Skyline Grill. Oh uh! These pictures make me hungry. Haha! :)
Fresh Buko Shake



Check out my other Palawan Travel posts:



Friday, August 30, 2013

El Nido - Puerto Princesa Travel Expenses 4D/3N

August 30, 2013 0 Comments


          Here's a simple computation of our travel expenses when we went to Palawan last Aug 17-20, 2013. Me and my significant other decided to stay longer in El Nido rather than in Puerto Princesa because of the long travel hours going to El Nido. And if we are lucky enough to go back again, we can just stay in Puerto Princesa and experience the city in Palawan.

Check out my other Palawan Travel posts:

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Sapat ba ang kaalaman mo tungkol sa HIV at AIDS?

June 29, 2013 0 Comments


Mamayang gabi (June 29, 2013) ay tatalakayin ng palabas na Magpakailanman sa GMA7 ang isang maselang isyung kinahaharap ng ating bansa — ang HIV at AIDS. Gaano na nga ba natin kakilala ang sakit na ito at paano natin mapipigilan ang tumataas na bilang ng mga HIV positive sa bansa?


HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) ay isang klase ng virus na sumisira ang immune system ng katawan ng tao na kung lumala (kapag humina ang immune system ng tao, madali na itong kakapitan ng sakit) ay mauuwi sa AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) na syang kinatatakutan dahil ito'y nakamamatay. (So, hindi magkapareho ang HIV at AIDS, ok na?)

Hindi lang iyon ang dahilan kung bakit pinangingilagan ang sakit na ito, ang lipunan na kasi mismo natin ang nagdidikta ng kahihinatnan ng mga HIV positive. Imbes na suporta at lakas ng loob ang ibigay natin sa mga may HIV, STIGMA at diskriminasyon pa ang natatanggap nila. Bakit? Dahil hindi naman natin ito lubusan naiintindihan. 


Kung yung taong makakasalubong ko ay kakilala kong may HIV, mahihirapan din siguro akong makisalamuha sa kanya dahil ang thinking ko eh bawal syang lapitan kasi nakakahawa ang kondisyon nya.
Nabago ang pananaw kong ito nung dumalo ako sa 'YES2Test' campaign ng Philippines Legislators' Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) at UNAIDS through a bloggers forum noong May 31. Tinalakay nila ang tumataas na bilang ng naitatalang HIV positive sa bansa. Akala ko din, kapag may HIV ka na madedeads ka na agad, ngunit nabasag yun nung mameet ko sa nasabing event si Wango Gallaga, HIV positive since 2005. Napabilang ako bigla 2013 minus 2005 = 8 years na siyang may HIV but still kicking! 

"Gaano na nga ba natin kakilala ang sakit na ito at paano natin mapipigilan ang tumataas na bilang ng mga HIV positive sa bansa?"
Maaaring sa part na ito, napaopen ka na ng isang tab sa browser mo para isearch ang symptoms ng HIV o kung paano ito makukuha. Madami yan ngunit para makasigurado, bakit hindi mo itry magpatest? 
"You know na ikaw ay kandidato for AIDS only because you know your own sexual behavior." - Mareng Winnie (Bawal ang Pasaway: Positibo -Usapang HIV/AIDS)

You know yourself better than anyone else. Be brave. Be informed. Say YES to Test!


References:
http://aids.gov
http://www.plcpd.com

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Tribal Hills Mountain Resort Review

June 25, 2013 0 Comments


While I'm surfing the internet, I've been thinking of where to go to this summer together with my significant other. So while I'm on my routine of checking deal sites, I saw this deal in groupon: "Puerto Galera Trip Package with Accommodations at Tribal Hills, Breakfast, and Activities: For Two, Four, Eight, or Twelve Persons". I checked their website, some reviews, and came up with a plan. I discussed it with him and we both agreed on the price of the deal which is Php 3,960 for 2 persons - 3D/2N Package.

This will be our first time to go to Puerto Galera so we're both excited. I just asked some "gala na friends" for directions how to go there and thankfully with God's travelling mercy, we got there safe. The original plan was, he will make sundo of me from work and will go to Cubao to look for terminals going to Batangas Port but we were advised to just wait for a bus in Shaw Crossing so that's what we did. Luckily we are just on time for the boat ride so we didn't wait too long in the Port. (the boat ride goes from Batangas to Muelle Port)

Arrival at Muelle Port. Yey!!! Its Puerto Galera beybi! This is it!
In Muelle Port there is a shuttle that will take the tourists to their designated resorts (but you have to confirm that from the resorts that will accommodate you).

Arrival at Tribal Hills Resort

little fellow that welcomed us
Reception Area
Our Room. We checked-in at room 8. A very spacious standard room. The bed has another sliding bed underneath (sorry dunno what to call it haha!). 
The bedroom with 2 bath towels
Cable TV with red Remote :)
A Cozy Bathroom with Soap and Hot & Cold Shower
Veranda
Morning View from our room


It's there until we checked out
Cutie parrot that mimics some words I can't understand haha lol
Swimming pool & Jacuzzi




Our Breakfast
Good Points:
  • Accommodating and friendly staffs
  • A very nice place. Quiet and clean
  • Big standard room (I saw a mini ref in our room but its not necessary for us to use it)
  • Delicious food
Needs Improvement:
  • The shuttle car only has 3 schedules for rides going to white beach.
  • Food is a bit expensive. (But I think that is normal for a resort not near the beach)
  • No service phone. (It doesn't really bother us because they will give you cellphone numbers to call or text if you need anything)
The Verdict. Our experience in Puerto Galera is even greater because of Tribal Hills Resort. If you're not into night life and just want a relaxing weekend trip with family or loved ones, this place is best for you. Puerto Galera is one of the beautiful place the Philippines has to offer so don't miss it! 

Tribal Hills Mountain Resort
http://tribalhills.com/
(63) 917-575-0599
Facebook Page here