My Blogging Journey | A Decade of Gratitude and Positivity.

They say Lent is a time for self-renewal and reflection, and today, on a Palm Sunday, as I plop down in my favorite chair with my morning coffee in hand, I started to think about my blogging journey and what life has been like in my nearly-a-decade of blogging. There goes my plan of a quiet Sunday morning doing absolutely nothing. I just had to open my laptop and write this story down.

Truth be told, I actually started blogging in 2005. Back then, my blog was a lot more personal, known only to a few friends and some people that I have met in online forums/communities. As a twenty-something "yuppie" (the term sounds so obsolete, I know), I blogged about frivolous things like what I bought with my last paycheck, where my boyfriend (now husband) took me on a date, or how I went through another mundane day at the office. 

In 2008, I got married, had a baby, and
became a full-time, stay-at-home-mom.

In 2008, I got married, and then gave birth to our son, Yue. This was the year that I stopped working because our company began downsizing at that time, and I was one of the many employees who were "let go". I wasn't bitter about that - in fact, I considered it a blessing at that time because I would be able to focus on my family, especially my newborn son. I became a stay-at-home mom, and in the end, I had to stop blogging as well. As a new mom, I had very little time to sleep, let alone blog. My hands were full with just taking care and looking after our child. 

As Yue grew older and started schooling, I also started to "get back on track" - you know, enjoying my hobbies once again and going out with friends from time to time. One of my good friends encouraged me to start blogging again. She was a blogger herself, and at that time, she was already earning money from her blog. It sounded like a wonderful idea, but making money from blogging was the furthest thing in my mind back then. All I wanted was to reconnect with my greatest passion - writing. And all I needed was an outlet for my "creative" juices - this blog. 

2011 was the year I started this blog. 
Actually, I just wanted to show the world that I celebrated my 30th birthday
with my favorite K-pop group Super Junior as the party theme. Haha.

I started this blog in 2011 with a very simple purpose: I wanted to write about the things I love - makeup, K-pop, food, travel, and of course, my family.  And as I wrote about these things on my blog - my latest shopping haul, a new recipe, our weekend beach trip, Yue's latest milestone - opportunities eventually came in. Brands would send me products to test and review, agencies would invite me to events and product launches, advertisers would sponsor raffles and giveaways that I ran on my blog. I loved it! I especially loved the fact that I was doing what I love to do, right in the comforts of my home. The perks that came with it, I considered them a bonus.   

Blogging opened up a whole new world for me. I met different kinds of people (including MMA fighters and Korean celebrities), went to different places, made new friends... I even appeared in an ad, was interviewed by a newspaper, and got featured in a magazine! Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine for these things to happen. But it did, thanks to my blog. 

Summer 2018, attending a product launch in Seoul.

These days, people would use the term "influencer" to refer to those who are in the same line of work as I am. Honestly, I'm still iffy with calling myself as an influencer. I'd still refer to myself as a blogger, if you understand what I mean. But when strangers would talk to me out of the blue and tell me that they know me from the internet, that they read my blog and find my work fun and interesting, I get all fuzzy inside. You know that feeling when you're a kid and you'd get praised by your teacher or your parents for doing a good job at school? That's the kind of feeling I get. Whenever I'd receive a message on my Facebook fan page or on my Instagram asking for my thoughts on a certain skincare product, or which places to go to in Korea, or even the oven settings to use for a particular recipe, I feel like in this sense, I am an influencer in my own right. 

On that note, blogging also gave me so much to thank for: My husband, who has always been very supportive with whatever it is that I want to do; my son, who has been my inspiration since day one; my friends, who always trust my recommendations whether it's a skincare product, a Korean drama, or a new item on the fastfood menu; my fans and followers who continue to read my blog, support my social media pages, and try out my recipes; and all the brands and agencies whom I have worked with and continue to trust my work. Finally, I'd like to thank that friend (you know who you are!) who gave me that big push to go back to blogging, to pursue my passion, and to never stop writing. I wouldn't be here, and this blog wouldn't be here if not for you. :)

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2019 | My Roller Coaster Ride of a Year.

Hello everyone! I've been extremely busy lately (so many things to do at home!) that I hardly have the time to sit down in front of my laptop, and update my blog. But because this has become a tradition of sorts, I definitely wouldn't miss the chance to do a year-end blog post.

2019, for me, was a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. This year has been quite good to my family despite Yue's hospital confinement because of pneumonia.  Husband is doing well in his job (and still with his same old employer), my boy is doing great in both academics and sports (three karate tournaments this year with good results, still with high honors in his class), and as for me, as you can see, my blog is still alive and kicking. I've worked with some really awesome brands this year, and even became a Beauty Ambassador for BeautyMNL.

However, unlike the previous years, we weren't able to travel to Korea for the holidays, or anywhere outside the country for that matter. We had planned to cut back on (travel) expenses this year as we're saving up for something big (ergo, our own home), and thankfully, with the help of my dear parents-in-law, we're almost reaching our goal.

It would have been awesome if my best friend could see this dream of mine finally come to life; unfortunately, 2019 also gave me the biggest heartbreak. My best friend passed away all of a sudden last August, and it took me awhile to come to terms with the fact that he's gone. I miss him terribly, and I break down in tears whenever I think of him - which I still do very often.

"The best is yet to come" so goes the Frank Sinatra song, and I do hope that the new decade will bring better, brighter, and happier things for all of us. Welcome 2020! Happy New Year! :)

Thank you, 2019!

Letting Go of the Past and Learning Forgiveness.

It is certainly true that the past dictates how one behaves presently. Unfortunately, past traumas or circumstances which impacted us have shaped how we perceive and relate in the present. If this is true, then the opposite can also be true, too.

Letting go of the past can shape the future and improve your present state of mind and being. We don’t have to remain hostages of our past. There is a certain freedom and release that happens when you are able to forgive and move on. This is easier said than done, especially if traumatic events have played a part in the wrongdoings of others. Fortunately, there are ways to address forgiveness in constructive and healthy ways, but first, let us examine the health toll it takes on our bodies.

Song Seung Heon in Black (2017).

The Toll On Your Body
Many people don’t know that holding onto a grudge or anger is detrimental to their health. Feelings of negativity, resentment, and unforgiveness affect the physical, mental, and emotional health of a person. Often, the negative effects of grudges manifest in physical ailments or diseases, which further affect the negative cycle of distress. Prolonged or chronic anger can affect your body in the following ways:

• Increase your blood pressure, which leads to an increase in heart disease 
• Affect your quality of sleep, which affects cognitive functioning and recovery
• Lead to overeating or malnutrition
• Increase levels of anxiety
• Contribute to depression
• Keep your body in a state of fight or flight mode
• Affect your immunity Increase the risk of diabetes
• Increase cholesterol Increase in the stress hormone cortisol
• Incidence of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Therefore, the act of forgiveness and the release of that burden will affect your health in positive ways and reduce the toll it takes on your body. Forgiveness is literally good for your health.

Lee Dong Wook in Goblin (2016).

The Freedom Of Forgiveness
Understanding the connection between past experiences and the way it affects your current state of being is paramount to letting go and moving on with your life. Past experiences have shaped your behavior and feelings and altered how you cope with certain circumstances. Understanding and deconstructing the process of how your past is affecting you is a step in the right direction when trying to move on with your life through forgiveness and acceptance.

The psychological aspects of healing are best dealt with in a holistic manner. Counseling sessions, healing sessions, and the support of loved ones are the strongest tri-factor in overcoming grudges. Psychological counseling sessions can address the root of anger and resentment whilst providing coping skills and psychotherapy. Spiritual healing sessions can provide the inner peace and energy realignment needed to fully let go. The support and understanding of loved ones improve the mental space of the person who is suffering while working through their emotions.

Cantabile Tomorrow (2014).

The Alternative Option For Healing
In addition to counseling or psychotherapy, energy medicine is an option that can aid you in letting go of the past completely and restoring the balance within yourself. The process of forgiveness is a tough and laborious one as it involves the active and conscious decision of letting go. Letting go of hurt, anger, disappointment, resentment, and hate. These negative feelings, especially if harbored over a long period, have a certain resilience and tend to linger when one has decided to finally forgive and move on.

Forgiveness does not happen in a one-off session; it is a gradual process of healing. Once you have identified the need for forgiveness, healing becomes a mindful process of working through the feelings and thoughts and then releasing them. The releasing part is notoriously difficult, which is why energy healing can have a significant impact on the process.

Energy healing can be used to ease or release the suffering and torment associated with resentment. The blockages of energy are caused by mental, emotional, and spiritual suffering, which can be addressed by energy healing. Addressing spiritual hurt is part of the healing process and can provide peace after a long period of suffering and pain.

The objective of energy healing is to address the energy blockages, work on removing them and provide relief. Spiritual healing aligns the inner being and facilitates the healing from within – a sense of true inner peace. It is important to remember at this point in time that you will need to be patient with the healing aspect. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that forgiveness is a process and not just an act of compassion.

IU in Hotel del Luna (2019).

Learning Forgiveness
Forgiveness does not excuse the offender’s actions or validate their behavior. Forgiveness is accepting the deed happened and moving past it. Forgiveness is a self-care act, something that you do for your benefit and healing. Forgiveness is the act of acceptance, compassion towards yourself and finally letting go of the negative aspects of the deed. Forgiveness is not surrendering to the emotional enslavement of trauma, but rather the decision to release anger, resentment, bitterness, and malice. This ensures your life is your own and is not governed by the trauma. Your past does not have to define you.

Interrupting the cycle of resentment and anger, actively working on emotions, and striving for equilibrium within one’s self is the best way to let go and move on. The act of forgiveness is an act of healing. Be kind, be patient, and be present when letting go of the past and learning the gift of forgiveness.

How to Dress Baby for Bed.

When dressing your baby for bed, it is essential to choose a sleepwear made with soft and breathable fabric so the baby sleeps comfortably. A baby's skin is sensitive and it is important to choose the type of sleepwear to avoid rashes and discomfort. This is an informative article on how to dress baby for bed so your little ones will be comfortable when they go to sleep in the night. One of the tips to go by is to dress the baby as per the climate.

Baby Sol, Eulachacha Waikiki (2017).

Onesies and footsies
For the cute little ones who are still swaddling, you can dress them up in a onesie when they grow a little older. A sleeveless cotton onesie is one of the most comfortable sleepwear for the baby to sleep in. A onesie is lightweight and is appropriate for summer, spring, and fall seasons. When it's not the cold season, you can dress your baby in a cotton onesie. Do not layer or overdress the baby when they are going to sleep. You can also wear the socks to keep their tiny feet warm. In addition, you can make the baby wear a cap or booties for bedtime.

Choose a room temperature 
No matter what the climate is outside, let the baby sleep in a room temperature set to 18 degrees. This is the ideal room temperature for the babies to comfortably sleep. Install a thermostat or an indoor thermometer inside the baby’s room to monitor it. Do not put your baby sleep closer to windows or air conditioning vents. Feel the tummy of your baby to check if they are feeling hot or cold.

Baby Sol (Han Yeo Reum in real life).

Swaddling babies 
Choose a lightweight fabric to swaddle babies. Lay the baby over the blanket and swaddle the baby folding the blanket over it. Use a soft and breathable fabric to swaddle the baby. Ensure that it fits snuggly and is not tight. The way you swaddle the baby should not restrict the baby’s movements. You can use the swaddling fabric for the baby up to three to four months. To check when to stop swaddling the baby, leave one of the arms of the baby out to check if they are able to sleep well in this position.

Use a light blanket 
A blanket made of fleece or any light and soft material is good to cover the baby when it sleeps. Do not choose heavyweight or furry blankets for baby when it sleeps as it would suffocate the baby. Avoid using materials that increase the body temperature of the baby as this can be hazardous to the health of the baby and lead to SIDS.

Layer the sleepwear during cold seasons 
Check how comfortable the baby is when you are layering it with clothes when sleeping. If you feel that the baby is feeling too warm then you can remove one of the layers. The body temperature of the babies is usually colder than that of adults. You can remember this point when layering the baby’s clothes in the cold season. Babies feel cold easily because of their body temperature. This is the reason you can layer the body of the baby with lightweight fabrics until the little one feels comfortable.

Adorable Baby Sol. :)

Things to avoid putting a baby to sleep 
Ensure there is no smoke in the environment. Put the baby to sleep on their back instead of their stomach or on the side to avoid SIDS. Never cover the face of your baby when you are putting it to sleep. For babies older than 12 months you can use sleeping bags. If you find the baby sweating, damp hair, rapid breathing, or a heat rash, remove the layers of clothing. Do not check the body temperature of the baby by testing the temperature of their hands or feet. This will not give you an appropriate queue if their body is overheating.

Fabrics for bedding 
Choose proper fabrics for bedding as well. Bedding made with thick fabric can increase the body temperature of the baby so make sure they are soft and lightweight. Check for rashes on the baby and change the blanket if it is coarse. Always choose an organic mattress as they do not emit toxic gases. They are firm enough for the baby to rest and develop their muscles. This is how to dress baby for bed and keep them comfortable through all the seasons.

Kim Jung Hyun with Baby Sol.

Also, you can take a look at various types of baby products or baby related queries on Parentprime.com.

Pampered at Purple Strawberries Salon & Spa.

The new school year is almost upon us, and I, like most moms, am savoring the last few hours (barely 24 to go! ) of summer. And so before I go back to the daily grind of waking up early, preparing my son's meals, helping him with school work, organizing lecture notes, and writing reviewers and mock exams, I treated myself yesterday to a bit of pampering  at Purple Strawberries Salon & Spa.

Purple Strawberries Salon & Spa.

The spa is located at Colago Avenue, right across the Community General Hospital. Ironically, this place is just a few meters away from my son's school, but it took me years to finally come and visit. At first, I thought this was just an ordinary nail bar which offers the usual manicure, pedicure, and nail enhancements. I guess that's the main reason why I never bothered to come here despite its 'very accessible location'.

Purple Strawberries at Buena Ventures Trading Post.

My indifference changed to interest when I learned from a friend that Purple Strawberries now offers massage and body care services. My poor, aching back had long been pining for a massage, and I had been meaning to get my nails done for the longest time. And with this salon offering both nail care and massage services, it's like killing two birds with one stone. Yay!

The reception desk/waiting area.
Photo credit: Purple Strawberries.

I booked an appointment for Saturday afternoon, after Yue's karate training. I made it a point to call the salon a day before my visit, because weekends are usually the busiest days for businesses like this. Yue and I arrived a little after 3:30 pm, a few minutes ahead of my 4 pm appointment.

The Nail Bar/Nail Care area on the first floor. 

I was ushered to the Nail Bar on the first floor, where the nail care services are done. I was planning to have the massage first, then the footspa and pedicure later, but the receptionist told me that the schedules got a bit mixed-up; the couple at the waiting area had to be massaged first since they were availing the couple massage at promo rates (Php 500 from 11 am - 4 pm).

Locking in the moisture on my feet with lotion, cling wrap, and a warm towel.

The therapist who was in-charge of me that day was apologetic for the mix-up, and assured me that my nails will be dry before I get my massage. (She used a nail dryer to dry my toenails, lol). At least she did a nice job with my foot spa and pedicure. The foot spa was very relaxing, and I did not feel pain the whole time she worked on my toenails. (Goodbye, ingrown and dry cuticles! So nice to get rid of you, finally!)

The Nail Bar.

I like that Purple Strawberries has a wide selection of nail polish, most of them from imported brands (think Zoya, Orly, and the like). So don't be daunted by the rates if you see their price list. They're pretty reasonable considering the (high) quality of the brands. Aside from the regular manicure and pedicure, they also offer nail stamping, with various stamping images to choose from. I'm not really into nail art since I do house chores, plus the fact that I always wear sneakers when I'm out and about, so I chose a purple Zoya Matte Velvet nail polish instead.

Color selection for Orly Gel Nail Color.

Massages and other body care services are done on the second floor. Their body massage is a combination of Swedish, Shiatsu, and Thai, with rates depending on the duration of the service. A 1-hour full body massage at Purple Strawberries costs Php 350 - still at par with the rates of other spas here in my hometown. I'm not sure if you can request for a specific type of essential oil for your massage, but mine had a minty scent. Something like eucalyptus, which I actually prefer.

The Massage/Body Care area on the second floor.

They also offer hot compress and cupping (ventosa) for an additional Php 125 for each service. I tried cupping for the first time in my life, and oh my goodness, I could feel the months (years, even) of soreness and stiffness being sucked away as the cups were placed on my back. It felt so good! Why have I never tried this before???

The place is dimmer in actual. Very relaxing, imho.

Overall, I enjoyed the massage despite the therapist being a bit heavy-handed. I had to ask her to soften it up a bit on my arms because my skin is rather flimsy and  I get bruised easily, and it was only when I got home that I discovered tiny bruises on my left arm. Nothing a concealer can't handle, but I will most likely request for another therapist next time, lol.

Yue hanging out at the Nail Bar. :)

If you're planning to visit Purple Strawberries with a kid, you'd be glad to know that they have free wifi. Just ask the receptionist for the password, which my son boldly did, haha. This kid would be willing to wait for me hours as long as he has his phone, his power bank, and data/wifi connection.

Purple Strawberries Salon & Spa

Buena Ventures Trading Post

Colago Avenue, San Pablo City

(049) 521 2511 / (0995) 1977 037 / (0929) 2515 284 
Operating Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 1pm - 10pm 

The 1st Shoshinkan Invitational Tournament + Life Lessons from Karatedo.

Still on a high from last week's belt promotion, the kids of Demuraha Shito-Ryu Genbukai Laguna (aka our kids) took on another challenge - their first invitational karatedo tournament.

Demuraha Shito-Ryu Genbukai Laguna, represent! 

Hosted by Shoshinkan International Philippines, this event is also a first for the Quezon-based organization. The inaugural tournament was held last Saturday (June 1), at the Sentrong Pangkabuhayan in Pagbilao, Quezon.

The 1st Shoshinkan International Philippines Invitational Karatedo Tournament.

More or less 100 karatekas, mostly from Calabarzon, participated in the event. Most of the karatekas were Shoshinkan practitioners, while some were Shotokan practitioners. Our kids were the only ones who practiced Shito-Ryu, and the smallest delegation at that.

The Voltes V of Demuraha Shito-Ryu Genbukai Laguna. :)

Participants listening to the rules and regulations of the tournament.

They say you should 'keep your circle full of quality rather than quantity' - well, these kids proved just that. They may be few, but all of them won medals in the Kata competition. All those grueling hours, days, and weeks of fine-tuning their moves and stances and practicing their kata definitely paid off!

Sensei Louie giving the kids a pep talk before they hit the mat. 

Yue preparing for his turn.

Winners, Kata Intermediate Division, 9-11 years old.
Yue won bronze, while his teammate Kal-el won silver.

Lance, the oldest in their team, also won a silver medal in Kumite (sparring), Intermediate Division.

Medalists, together with Senpai Jolan, Sensei Danny, Sensei Louie,
and Teacher Digbay of Kaleidoscope Kids Learning Center.
L-R: Daniel won silver in Kata Novice Division, 9-11 years old;
Kal-el won silver in Kata Intermediate Division, 9-11 years old;
Mark won gold in Kata Novice Division, 9-11 years old;
Lance won silver in both Kata and Kumite Intermediate Division, 12- 14 years old.
Yue won bronze in Kata Intermediate Division, 9-11 years old.

It was a very proud moment for all of us, especially the coaches, who devoted their time and effort in training these kids.

With Sensei Ramil Abragon, head of Shoshinkan International Philippines.

But what makes me even prouder is how Yue has completely embraced the karate lifestyle. There came a point in time when he wanted to quit karate because the training was 'tiring him out', but now, he never misses out on training, even if it meant going to the dojo thrice a week for the past two months.

Yue's achievements this summer - his Green Belt in Shito-Ryu Genbukai,
and his Bronze Medal from the 1st Shoshinkan Int'l Philippines Invitational Tournament.

Karate has also instilled in him these valuable lessons, which has become his guiding force throughout the years and hopefully, for the rest of his life:

1. Never stop learning.
When you practice karate - or any other form of martial arts - you will come to realize that learning is a lifelong process. Learning all the different katas, for instance, will take years; all the more if you're a Shito-Ryu practitioner, which has 90+ katas in the syllabus.

2. Patience is a virtue.
The road from a white belt to a black belt is long and arduous. The kids' latest belt promotion took almost two years to happen, but they patiently learned all the kihons and katas and practiced their kumite skills until they were finally able to prove to their senseis that they are ready to be promoted and are worthy of their new belts.

Yue during his kumite competition.

3. Confidence is key.
By learning their strengths and working through weaknesses, these young karatekas were able to build their self-confidence. As they gain mastery over their skills, they have a deeper understanding of their capabilities, and can assimilate things beyond it. They become empowered, which gives them the confidence to overcome not only their opponents on the mat, but also the toughest situations in life.

4. Hard work brings great rewards.
For the past two months, the kids have been training really hard for their belt promotion test and this tournament. At times, they would even extend their training by an hour or so just so they could nail their katas to a T. 'You reap what you sow' so goes the old adage, and these kids finally reaped the fruits of their labor with their new belts and medals.

5. Discipline is everything.
Some people think that karate is all about kicks, punches, power, and technique, but one of the first and the greatest thing that kids from learn from it is discipline, which is critical for success in any field. Whether you want to be a black belt karateka, a pastry chef, a professional gamer, or even a make-up artist, you must invest a serious amount of time and effort to do so. It’s not always easy, but being disciplined will allow you to weather the storms and keep you focused to achieve your goals.

That being said, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Yue's senseis and senpais for inspiring these kids to work hard and train harder and for helping them to achieve their goals.Thank you Sensei Danny, Sensei Kenneth, Senpai Louie, and Senpai Jolan! Our kids are so lucky to have teachers like you!

Yue is a proud member of the Demuraha Shitoryu Genbukai Laguna, training under Sensei Danny Bualan, Senpai Louie Gelizon, and Senpai Jolan Asia. Classes are held every Saturday at Kaleidoscope Kids Learning Center. Come train with us and join our dojo! :)

2018 | Goodbye with a Grateful Heart.

And just like that, we're down to the last few hours of 2018.
It seems like it was only yesterday that I was writing about the ups and down of 2017, and now here I am, wrapping up the past 365 days with yet another year-end post.

If I were to rate 2018, I'd say it was a 7 out of 10.
Health-wise, it was not the most fantastic year for my boys - Yue had pneumonia early this year and was hospitalized for almost a week, he had the stomach flu while we were in Korea last spring/summer, and just last week, both of us caught the flu. As for my husband, he had to go through several dental procedures this year, and oh my goodness, dental treatments abroad don't come cheap. (Pain was the least of his worries, lol.)

Thankfully, we had our bases covered. He's back with his old employer, and work - for the most part - is good. As for me, I had the opportunity to work with some very generous advertisers this year, not to mention the PR agencies that collaborate continuously with this blog. Thank you again and again! :)

A few more things that I'm grateful for this year:
- Ten years of marriage, and finally being able to celebrate our anniversary together.

Sun-date with my boys. (Seoul, June 2018).

- The opportunity to travel, and being able to spend time with family and friends abroad.

Coffee with Unni! (Seoul, June 2018).

- My family abroad coming home for a vacation.

Coffee with sibs and cousins. (Laguna, August 2018).

Mum is home for the holidays!

All the Ocampo grandkids, complete!

- Meeting new friends and reuniting with the old.

With Ela and Maan. (Seoul, June 2018).

- Friends that inspire you to dream big and work harder.

My forever friends, my UPRHS barkada!

- My son's achievements and his continued pursuit for excellence.

Another medal for my little man. :)

- Being part of Althea's Beauty Ambassador Community, and all the K-beauty awesomeness that comes with it.

I'm an Althea Angel! :)

- My readers and followers and their unwavering support for this blog! Thank you for the visits, the comments, and all the kind words that you've sent me this year and in the previous years!

Thank you for the likes! :)

Happy New Year, everyone!
May 2019 bring us good health, good fortune, success, and happiness! Ever onward! :)