ARE YOU OKAY?

 

The most frequently asked questions these days: 

How are you doing?

What are you up to?

How are you holding up in this quarantine life?

Are you okay?

And the easiest way to answer all of these questions is "I'm good." As simple as that. 

As much as we would like to rant or say so many things from our thoughts - it could impact a friend or a family who you are talking to the negativity that you have in your mind and they might absorb it and they will end up feeling bad about everything. 

So, I have started to write snippets in my 2020 planner and yes, I have that because who would have thought that this year will be in this mess? I just write down what are the highlights of my day and what are my plans to do when I feel like to do it like typing this blog post right now. 

I always remind myself that, first of all, it is not only me who is experiencing this kind of feeling - call it whatever you want to call it. It depends on how you handle situations or things. 

They said that it is okay not to be okay. Sure, that was the Korean Drama I watched recently. It is okay to breakdown for a bit, then roll back again because there will be no one else to do that for you except yourself and God.

The good thing that I am buying stuff for my little space improvement. I am basically living in a small pod and I managed not to have the stuff that I just bought because most of the time I am on travel. Now that I am staying at home for five months, I need to comfort myself to buy the things that I need so I could stay at home and keep myself not to go out and buy essentials every day. 

I will share to you what I was doing this quarantine life, such as the food I ordered from small businesses, stuff for home improvement, affordable loungewear and the latest quarantine home workouts that I do - yes, I keep on working out every day. :) 

This is just a quick life update. I will write again soon. 

Always remember to pray and thank God every day for the blessings that we received. 

xx,

Jewel 

Plot Twist: Life Lately and On Being Top 3 in Philippines Photography Blog

It's the time of the year when I have to contemplate about what's going on with my life lately. How I've been dealing with different kinds of issues, but still being kind to people and to the universe. I am always like this - when nothing feels right, go left. Uhm, but this time, I have to face them all and deal with it until IDGAF. 

On Personal Goals

We all have personal goals that we would like to achieve and as much as we planned it out ahead of time, there are some challenges that you have to deal with and distracts you that will make you feel like unmotivated. I've been living on pushing myself to work harder and I came to the point that I need to learn to chill and slow down sometimes to make sure that things are working on according to your plans. 

On Making Decision

Living solo for the past 2 years in the city makes me feel like I AM AN ADULT and I own it. Deciding on small things to big things such as having Lasik Surgery at Shinagawa Clinic was really a life-changing for me. If I didn't do it, I think, up until now I am still thinking when I will be doing that surgery and seriously I hate having "what ifs" in life. I will share FAQs I received after I posted my experienced of my LASIK surgery on my YouTube channel - Happy 3rd month HD vision. 

On Doing What You Love

I am not always updated here on my blog compared to my previous years. I came to the point that I want to keep my experiences private and just post at least five photos on my Instagram account with some on-point captions, but blogging is always been part of me, I love doing it online since 2006. Sharing experiences with my readers through my photo diaries is a good feeling and can be a good inspiration for them to travel when they have time. 

Recognizing my blog since 2014 as a Best Cebu Photo Blog up to now being on Top 3 out of Top 10 Philippines Photography Blogs is an achievement for someone who shared little information on the internet. I am happy that you are here reading this plot twist (personal post) because that means, you're curious. HAHA! 

Top: Uniqlo | Pants: H&M

Plot Twist

It is okay if you did today is (just) to survive. It is alright also to express how you feel and It is time to stand for what is right. Always see the good in every bad situation and when you can't take it anymore. You decide. HAHA 

xx,

Jewel

Have a great day everyone!

On the Rocks at Ilig-Iligan Beach

I was refresh more than pressing the F5 button in my laptop keyboard when I went to Boracay Island last July. I was longing for a beach trip after April. I thought that was my last out of town because you will never know what lies ahead. Life lately was in a rollercoaster ride that you can still manage not to throw up when you reach the highest peak and going down landslide. BAM!

I leave to live. I stayed home for less than a month and left again to live. I remember my last year trips whenever I go I always go back. Now, whenever I'm home I always want to leave to look or find something I don't know yet. Isn't sounds crazy? 

Honestly, whenever I go home I don't unpacked my stuff right away. It takes a month after or whenever I have to packed my things again. I find it tiring now. I even mastered packing my things couple of hours before going to the airport. I thought I will never get tired of this, but I guess I do now. 

Booking tickets for less than a month trip is what I was up to. I still believe that spontaneous is fun, but I guess I don't find it any fun now. The excitement is there, the feeling is high, you are happy, but the impact after is kind a long-term than you were happy. These are experiences that you bring home and sometimes it became excess (emotional) baggage that you have to deal with.  

Looking back, I don't have any regrets, I'm just happy and let me use this "feeling blessed". 

Not "sometimes" I think "we should" go somewhere we can breathe and clear our mind somewhere we can relax and forget and leave everything we don't want to remember. After all, good or bad those are experiences that we have to encounter and will make us tougher, stronger and wiser.

I thought I will not feel this again, but I am on the rocks right now (with myself), I feel comfortable that I should be more aware of my decisions in life.

PS: Going out with the whole family! Mom's birthday too! :)

Until next drama-rama post.

xx

IG / Snapchat: jewelclicks
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Plot Twist

Last days of January. I'm still thinking what are my actions to my plans this year. I was like "what am I doing with my life right now?" Don't worry, I'm still on track, I just need more signs if I will do it or not. Do you believe in signs? 

Sharing you my photos of me beachin' It's like "Do not disturb me, I'm on beach time." 

Hat: From Bohol | Shirt: Bench | Pants: Thrifted | Sandals: Charcoal

Looking back to my 2014, I really enjoyed it, I don't know how it will turn out this year, but I am up for the challenges. Summer is coming soon, so I am missing the beach so much. I still have a lot of "to go list" this summer, hope to visit and cross it off my bucket list.

I love this quote:

“When something goes wrong in your life, just yell “Plot Twist!” And move on…”

Have a great day everyone!

xx

Let's follow each other on instagram: @jewelclicks

Happy 116th Philippines Independence Day

Independence Day (Filipino: Araw ng Kasarinlan; also Araw ng Kalayaan, lit. "Day of Freedom") is an annual national holiday in the Philippines observed on 12 June, commemorating the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on 12 June 1898. It is the country's National Day. read more.

Took this photo at Luneta Park in Manila, I remember I was there during the 100th Centennial Philippines Independence Day that was 1998, I was one of the Girls Scout of the Philippines who participated during the event in gradeschool.

So when I had a chance to dropped by at Luneta Park where you can see the monument of our National Hero, Jose Rizal, hats off and paid respect to our National Flag that symbolizes the Freedom that we gained from the countries that invaded Philippines.

I Salute! However, there's still a question that some can and some can't answer with one word: 

"Are we truly free?"

 

Happy 116th Philippines Independence Day to all Filipinos!

MABUHAY!

Ang sarap maging Pilipino :) 


I love this video! 
#SarapMagingPilipino  

Have a great day everyone! 

 Follow me on IG: @jewelclicks

When I Met You in the Summer

YAY! I can't believe this, the weather right now is opposite in these photos. I miss Mr. Sun! Whenever I feel like "I don't want to wear pants day" at work, I always look find ways to look smart casual. Especially that I still have event to attend not-so-formal event, but still want to look formal. I'm finally wearing this pair of shorts I bought a year ago. I almost forgot I have one or maybe I was still thinking what top to match with this awesome shorts. Good thing, I found 6ixty 8ight pink polo! :) 

I love the weather that day that makes missing the beach! :( Speaking of, two weeks from now and it's the Labor Day Weekend in Boracay! Gaaaah! As much as I want to go with my friend and experience the fun, still can't find affordable flights until now. :( I should have bought tickets in advance, like what she did! #LessonLearned #BudgetTraveler alert! 

So love the outdoor shots of my Samsung Note 3. :) 

Polo: 6ixty 8ight | Shorts: American Eagle | Belt: Forever 21 | Shoes: Korean |
Watch: Charlotte Russe | Sunglasses: SM Accessories | Bag: Ayla

Anyways, I can't wait to spend my Holy Week out of town. YAY! :) 

Leaving you this summer song playing in my head while writing this post and where I get my blog title for this post. HAHAHA :D

How will you spend your Holy Week? 

Have a great day everyone! 

Follow me on twitter and instagram!

I will follow you too :) 

Hello April!

Let me start this post by saying: Woooohoooo!!! 

YAY! for April :) Whew! Time flies so fast. One month after our beach outing and we want more! Sad to say, we postponed our beach outing this coming weekend because of conflict of personal schedules. It's alright because we already set another date to our destination! I can't wait. :) 

It was my dream come true to wear distressed jeans at work. You can't blame me, it's summer here in our country and I am just finding ways to beat the heat. This is the perfect excuse to wear this jeans at work!

Shirt: Next | Jeans: Crissa | Shoes: Forever21

Though I am missing one piece of cloth to complete the look, I still manage to pull this off at work without looking so rugged. Just add plaid polo and tie it on your waist and voila! (just imagine...)

I always make sure that I chill after my work. You know, treat yourself. ;) Something good can work. ;) 

 I pulled a prank by posting it on my Facebook as status (no, not being a pregnant or getting married) for the first time for April Fool's day!  I posted that I am leaving Cebu for good and will be transferring to Manila. I received calls, messages from my friends in Manila and inviting me to see each other, I felt so guilty! So, at the end of the day, I told them the truth and it was a success! :D

Jump shot! Wohooo! :D What a busy week for me, can't believe its almost weekend! :D

2013 Taught Me

#2013TaughtMe hashtag was trending last week before Christmas Day. This made me realized what has been this year taught me. I considered this year as not my year. I know life has ups and downs, zigzag and straight drama. That's what I experienced this year. While writing this, few hours from now I will be travelling going to Manila to meet my friends and my Mom.

1. To Let Go

I value things, moments and people who are part of my life. Early this year, I have to let go of a special someone that has been part of my life for a long time. I've tried it for few times and we always go back to each other. This time, it's different. I have to learn to let go that I knew for the fact that it is not working anymore and not worth to fight for. It's a sad thing, but we all know that we all have to move forward and time will heal the pain that we experience.

2. To Moved On

I always keep myself busy at work and work after work and to other things such as hanging out with friends, travel and do yoga. This is not the same attitude I did when we first broke up. No party instead I put my attention on some things. :)

3. Life Goes On

When life get fucked up. I learned to stay positive and goes on with my life. That's life anyway. :P There was this one time on my way to work, I stripped off the street while walking, the shoes I was wearing got broken, so I have to go back at home, my cash in my wallet was PHP100! When I get back to work again, I stopped by an ATM machine to withdraw money for my taxi fare, but my ATM card plastic was already torn and can't be inserted! I was like WTH that time. Good thing I still have my other card from other bank. I just smiled and continue my day at work. That was a great experience of bad luck early in the morning and ended the day with a bottle of beer and pizza.

4. Be Brave and Strong

When someone from my work before kicked me out (harsh term) I was surprised, I didn't cry or had a violent reaction. Instead, I took legal actions as a professional, I deserved to be treated good and they should be treated as (insert appropriate term here) I was touched when a friend cried about what happened to me and me? I walked out with my head up high and smile, because once again, I knew there's something good out there waiting for me.

5. To Take Chances

For the first time when my friend asked, me if I want to go to Bohol for a tour, I said YES! without thinking twice. Then I had a best summer ever! Since then, I love to go to places that I never been to. I love being spontaneous! Yung Go lang ng Go! Mahirap na mag regret diba? :P

6. Try to open my heart

Errr.. I almost fell in love with a guy, but it didn't work out. We just had our mutual understanding stage. Thanks for making me feel special and kilig for a short time. I missed you, but goodbye!

7. Take Risks - For #5!

8. Acceptance

Learn how to see the positive side on every bad situation I'm in.

9. Be Independent

"Me time" being single you should enjoy the moments all by yourself. (I don't have an idea what I'm trying to say is at least)

10. Count your Blessings

11. Share and Give Love

This year is about giving and sharing blessings to others especially for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. I am so happy that I'm able to give what I can to those who are in need of. 

12. Love Yourself - Do I have to elaborate this? :D

Wohooo! Thank you Lord for this year and I would like to say THANK YOU and CHEERS! to the awesome people being part of my life this year. I'm looking forward for more memories with you guys! :) XOXO

Loving this quote posted by a friend: 

So what's your plans next year? :) 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! WELCOME 2014! :D

Gear up for The Outlets at Pueblo Verde Opening! | December 14, 2013

On December 14 — that’s 3 days from now — AboitizLand will open the first outlet shopping destination in the Visayas and Mindanao, The Outlets at Pueblo Verde. The new commercial community will showcase top brands with year-round discounted prices —Nike, Levi’s, Dockers, Adidas, Timberland, Oakley, Reef, Converse, Giordano, and so much more!

The Outlets at Pueblo Verde is not an ordinary commercial area. Apart from the #greatdeals and #greatfinds that are waiting for you, there will also be a mix of dining outlets and green open spaces that will support your shopping adventure with your family and friends!

Here's a map for you!

We’re excitedly gearing up for the upcoming launch. You can see (and hear) us everywhere—roadside banners, newspaper advertisements, radio airwaves, and online. In fact, #TheOutlets community on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheOutletsAtPV) is aiming to reach 5,000 members!

Will definitely visit the store and check out their items, can't wait! :)

SOTD: Six Degrees of Separation - The Script

Okay. I don't know if everyone can relate to this song.



I really, really, do like the lyrics, forgive me If I am being an emo, I swear, this is the last :P

First, you think the worst is a broken heart
What's gonna kill you is the second part
And the third, is when your world splits down the middle
And fourth, you're gonna think that you fixed yourself
Fifth, you see them out with someone else
And the sixth, is when you admit that you may have messed up a little. 

Note to self.  (-____-)

How was your weekend?

Have a great week everyone! :) 

Sinulog Weekend 2013

Sinulog Festival here in Cebu is the most awaited event this year, great way to start 2013 with a bang! This year, I didn't join the street parties in Uptown Cebu area, but I went out Friday and Saturday night to watch fireworks competition and post-Sinulog parties! :D

Amazing fireworks!

Chin-Chin and my brother Gelo, his first time to experience Sinulog Festival! :)

After we watched the fireworks competition, we went to Mango Square to check out the traffic, I mean the parties. We hang out with Boyfriend's cousin Chris and his wife Ashlyn, also her first Sinulog experienced.

Xander <3 nbsp="">

Hello Kitty nail art and henna tattoo is love.

Our look that night. Stripes for this year is for the win! :)

If you are following me on instagram, yes, I have an account (finally!) I posted my new baby: wedge sneakers, Isabel. :)

Follow me on instagram: @jewelclicks

How are you? :)  

Have a great day everyone! :)