It's Been a Month

 

September 2023 is the month and year to remember forever. I moved out from the big city and back to the city where I was adopted, a place where I have a piece of home in my heart and where I have my own place to live - Cebu.

I always fly home when I can to visit my family and a few close friends, the longest I stayed here was two months and then I had to go back again to Manila because that's where my life was. 

Now that I'm officially back in Cebu, there are so many new developments and new and familiar trends here. First of all, I am so happy that there are stores and restaurants that are now open here that are from Manila which is good. 

New transportation - you can't see the original classic jeepneys and you will see the minibus in the city with one signage going to I.T. Park - like, wow! And because of that, I still go for booking a grab car and riding a cab. Soon, I will drive my own or rent a car to do my errands and go around the city. Which is what I miss the most - road trip. 

New buildings and condominiums - wow, so many new buildings here and hotels and condominiums that I can say give a lot of new options where to live conveniently. I love my place tho, but to be honest living in a low-rise building is good and prone to earthquakes, but I miss the elevator for easy access and less hassle carrying grocery stuff and luggage going up. I miss my old place in Manila. 

I moved here in a decision that my partner and I had to make because we are entering a new journey together. (KILIG!) 

Anyway, I just couldn't believe I've been here for a month now and I am a tourist exploring new options where to go for groceries, malls, shops, beauty salons, spas, and new places to hang out. 

I'm happy to say that I am closer to my family even though they live on the North side and hang out with a friend on weekends for coffee and dinner and life updates. Looking forward to meeting other friends who are currently busy with life and careers. 

Time to get to know new people and be known in this small community where I live. Good thing there will be a Halloween Party and Playground and Basketball Court blessings and dinner for all. 

I have to buy more chocolates for the kids trick or treat and think what to bring for dinner. 

That's all for now. xx

HELLO YEAR 2022 - WE ALL FEEL YOU

 

When we hear the number 22 we always think of Taylor Swift's song and we totally sing this line "I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22!" 

So there are unfortunate series of events that happened in our family before the year ends - First: my sister was pregnant and about to give birth last December and required to take a series of RT PCR tests for Covid19. On her fourth test, she was tested positive. The whole family got quarantined for 14-days! Our dad's birthday was celebrated at home again and I couldn't go home because it was useless not to bond with them. Turns out that the rest of the family are all NEGATIVE after they had a swab test at home, but still quarantined for 14days. After few days, it was Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) hit the Visayas - Mindanao and the top tri-cities in Cebu province gained a lot of damages mostly are roofs and some houses made of light wood materials got smashed. Everyone I know are safe. Laban lang. 

As for me, my family told me not to go home until water, electricity and telecommunications are stable. So, I booked my solo New Year's Eve countdown in the hotel near my place and tadah it was all worth it with the 360 views of fireworks and personalized mini bottle of champagne for souvenir. 

I was hesistant at first to go there alone, but eventually I have met these siblings, Jen and Robi from Cebu. They evacuated here in Manila just like my other friends for New Year's celebration. They are also planning to work and stay here for a while. 

The countdown begins and the fireworks display are all awesome and welcoming 2022 really feels so good. Im kind of carrying some emotional excess baggage, but just like decluttering my skincare products before I started writing this blog post, I will for sure slowly letting go of those baggages that I know there will be no room for this year. I will miss those moments and feelings, 2021 is one crazy roller coaster ride for all of us. I had encountered so many plot twists and received so many "Sorry". 

But here I am, trying to pull up myself from the mess I've been to. Hoping that I can have a good year and less bad vibes because I am a happy ball of sunshine outside and l am so close to shut down every windows and doors in my life that I know I can't do that because at the end of the day, I want to feel light and happy and peaceful. 

VLOG about my New Year's Eve here: 

Life Updates is a weekly VLOG content created by Jewel Delgado to share my life updates in a week to inspire single independent adults out there to have life-work balance and slow down filled with life living alone, adulting, minimalist lifestyle, reviews and travels.

Cheers to 2022! 

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 

Stay At Home Quarantine Workouts

How are you all doing? A common question that we are all asking even before this global pandemic.

Today is Day 63 of our "stay at home" - we call it Enhanced Community Quarantine or ECQ with limited movement in the outside world. Now we are in Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine here in Metro Manila there will be little movements outside world such as going back to work, mall operations and other businesses that are on the government's list. 

Everything stopped. EVERYTHING. But we have to live inside our home. To be honest, I thought I can do a daily blog about what I did in a day, but nope! I realized that being in my home is not a new thing to me, as I work from home for a year now. Except that I can't go to places or at least have lunch or coffee in my favorite restaurant on a weekend. 

Mental Health

As much as I would like to read news from the first two weeks since we got hit by this Covid19 virus. I lessen watching the news - I only watch the news in the morning at 6AM - CNN Philippines - New Day through their Facebook live. It is only thirty minutes of news and updates on what's going on in our country. 

What I also do which I have to do since I can't go out for a walk is that exercises! Good for mental health too.  So after I work, I take a nap and then workout. 

Here are my stay at home quarantine workouts I do in the afternoon. These are so quick and only will take a little of your time every day. 

Abs Workout

Arm Workouts 

 

Belly Fats Workouts

 

Full-Body Workouts

 

I love Lucy Wyndham Read home workout videos! They are short, but targeted and effective! I have no workout equipments at home so these workouts are perfect for me. You can also check her youtube channel for more workout videos. 

Don't just say you JUST 7 minutes. Take out JUST in your vocabulary. 
Say I DID 7 MINUTES WORKOUT! 

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY EVERYONE!

Three Types of Personalized Custom Jewelry - (A Perfect Gift)

We all want to be on-trend when it comes to clothing, shoes, hairstyle, skincare products, gadgets and lifestyle. But sometimes, we do want to have our own style or at least some details that only ourselves have it. 

Investing in jewelry is good. Just like other things, there are only a few that are limited designs and we want more unique and has characters that fit us. I stumbled upon this online shop called Custom Necklace: https://www.custom-necklace.com/. I love the necklace with a heart pendant, but there are only a few designs that you can find from your favourite jewelry shop. 

Here are the three types of custom necklace that you would like to have: 

Name Necklace

This type of necklace will never go out of style because it has your name on it! You can have it in gold, rose gold or silver style. You can definitely wear this to any occasion. 

Birthstone Necklaces

Well, if you don't want to show off your name necklace, well, you can never go wrong with birthstone necklace! This is also a personalized piece of jewelry you will wear and unique. You can also pass it on to your child or future kids if you want to. "Gem with romantic entrust, hidden forever promise." 

Heart Necklace 

Yes! This is my favourite design of necklace - Heart. The heart-shaped is a symbol of love. It is a perfect gift for a special someone or to yourself. 

More designs here (Source)

So if you are looking for a personalized gift visit Custom Necklace website to  SHOP necklace here.

Have a great day everyone!

xx

To My Day Dream ( A Poem )

They said you can't make homes out of human beings.

But for the past weeks, we've been together,

You became an answer to a "what if" question.

You became a force, you became an adventure.

You became home.

I never got the chance to tell you this,

But every moment I spent with you is worth it. 

This is me keeping you in my memories. 

I miss the way you said my name because I can't hear it that way anymore. The way your smile became just a little brighter when you looked at me. It just felt perfect - how we made each other happier. I must have gone through hundreds of moments in my head with you and me. 

It was like a Ferris wheel of times. You were making me laugh and you bit your lip in that beautiful way you do. The time we spent together was an entire orchestra of sounds. It's like we met in the dark and you slipped away, but I'm looking forward to your hand to hold. I just miss you, that'all. I miss us. Thanks for being part of my life.

Have a great day everyone!
xx

VLOG: Bi-Suppon Collagen Review

I started taking it since June. I love how I have a good night sleep even though I sleep late. Even for health-conscious women in their 30's, skin aging is inevitable. That's why I rely on #BiSupponCollagen to keep signs of aging at bay and stand out with her dewy, radiant skin.

Watch my short review of Bi-Suppon Collagen by Blue Bee One PH. 

When it comes to collagen supplements, there are loads in the market that promise good results, but so far, only Bi-Suppon Collagen worked for me. It made my skin firm, soft, and dewy just after two weeks of regular use!

Made from “suppon,” a great source of amino acids, Bi-Suppon Collagen helped me get naturally glowing skin. It’s also easy to remember how to use Bi-Suppon because you just need to take all 3 capsules at once, before you sleep.

This beauty pill is also 100% organic plus it has glycine, which is known to improve sleep (it’s no secret that beauty rest is a must when you’re in your 30’s).

I might be an official “Tita” now, but my skin doesn’t have to show it, thanks to Bi-Suppon. It’s really worth the money. Try it and transform your skin in just 2 weeks!

Learn more about Bi-Suppon Collagen here.

P.S.  I am waiting for my 2nd pack to be delivered before I fly out again this week.

Have a great day everyone!
xx

FYY Phone and Tablet Case: JewelClicks Approved Travel Companion

Gadgets have become a vital part of our lives. There is a great need to keep them always by our side in case we need to answer client inquiries, emails, communicate with friends and family, or (actually what I consider the most important thing) take photos. I’ve wanted to make sure that my gadgets are safe and that’s when I’ve learned about FYY Case. 

I’ve fallen in love with all the choices they are offering. I can only tell you how difficult it was for me to pick a single phone and tablet case because I honestly wish I could have them all. If you are looking for the best phone and tablet case, here are the three reasons why I think FYY is worth every centavo you spend: 

Quality Materials 

I am so particular with the kind of materials for my gadget cases because they are practically my life and I want them protected not scratched all over. FYY’s high-quality materials really top my list. 

Compartments Galores

I like to keep my phone and cards with me all the time and I am so thankful that FYY’s phone cases have compartments for my card, headset, and portable Wi-Fi modem! This is truly a great help especially when traveling. 

Style 

Of course! Strong and independent women want their stuff to reflect their style and FYY Case has exceeded my expectations. They come in the most stylish shapes and the cutest of colors. This is really where I had the hardest time because I really want them all! 

FYY Case’s phone and tablet cases get the JewelClicks stamp for a great value. I highly recommend

it to friends and my followers. If you get one of their products, do send me a photo because I would love to see you have them, too.

Check their store here:

https://www.fyystore.com

Have a great day everyone!

xx

Storage Facilities in Manila and Transportify Philippines - Where to Keep Your Excess Things

(Photo: Loc&Stor24/7)

Adulting is hard. So don't grow up! Just kidding.

When I moved back here in Manila, my mom moved to Cebu and all she took was her clothes only and some important stuff. Then there is this super skyway construction project that hit the apartment when she was living in Caloocan. Ugh. Sad.

To the rescue, I have to get all her stuff from there to? I paused and think WHERE WILL I PUT HER STUFF?!

So basically the panic is on, so I looked up for a room for rent for as low as PHP2000 per month. Just a room that I have to put her things somewhere nearby, but unfortunately it will take time to look for that.

That's the time I think about the storage warehouse I always passed by on my way to work here in Makati. Good thing they have locker storage available for as low as PHP1500 per month. As an independent woman living solo who pay a lot of bills this will have another expense per month. That rate is still expensive for me. So I told myself, I will look for lower locker storage soon.

Here's what I did when I moved out my mom's stuff:

Transportify Philippines

My friend recommended this new "lipat bahay truck service" which is more convenient and cheaper than you can book via an App. YES, cheaper especially when you will just need a lift for 4 balikbayan boxes.

"Transportify is a mobile and web app that allows you to book and manage pickups and deliveries of almost anything. Our marketplace connects businesses and individuals with qualified drivers and their vehicles to provide affordable courier services according to our high-quality standards."


I booked an L300 Van and plus one helper to lift my stuff.  Pick up point was in Caloocan going to Taguig (can you just not, it was a North to South trip!) but I only paid less than PHP1500.

Safehouse Storage Facility

The only available locker storage that time was in their Taguig facility! So I had no choice, but to grab it because this was urgent and unexpected. Locker storage rate is PHP1500 per month. The staff was accommodating and nice. The facility is ok and organized.

Loc&Stor 24/7

After 8 Months,  I found a storage facility near my place here in Makati. They are offering a lower rate of PHP999 per month for locker storage. What I like about their facility is that it's highly secured that you have to enter your pin to enter and exit the facility and clean! I booked my L300 Van again to transfer my things to Makati from Taguig. It was so convenient!

"Loc&Stor 24/7 Secure Self-Storage, offering world-class storage space for rent. Store your home and business possessions, goods, and documents with us. We are a World-Class Self-Storage Facility, providing secure, convenient and professional storage units for rent."

Have a great day everyone!

xx

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!

VLOG: My Lasik Surgery Experience at Shinagawa Lasik Center - Goodbye Eyeglasses

Finally sharing with you guys about my Lasik surgery experience at Shinagawa Lasik Center last May 16 and 17, 2018. I had my eyes screening last January. If you are reading this then I survived! 

Backstory: My video photo before my right eye laser surgery this morning. Last May 16 I had my Lasik surgery and it was not fully done due to some bubbles occurred on my corneal flap in my right eye so the doctor couldn't proceed with the laser. So I only had my left eye done that day. Then I have to go back the next to see if the bubbles are gone to conduct the laser surgery. I can't describe my feelings when I know what will be going to happen or how the laser procedure works.

Watch VLOG:

I will be posting another blog post answering FAQs from friends. Shout out to Dr. Albert Dela Cruz III and to Shinagawa Lasik Center in Enterprise Tower, Ayala Avenue, Makati. 

If you are planning to have you lasik done or you know someone who needs this visit their clinic or  you can contact them via: 

Mezzanine Tower 2, The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Avenue corner Paseo De Roxas Makati 

Call (02) 368 5238 

www.facebook.com/pg/ShinagawaLasikCenter 

www.shinagawa.ph

Have a great day everyone!
xx

5 Ways to Identify Signs from the Universe

Every day, a higher power reaches out to you. Whether you define this power as God, your Inner-Self, or the Universe, it is constantly sending you messages. To “get” and interpret these messages, you must learn how to listen and understand the universe’s language. Have you ever had the feeling that someone or something was trying to tell you something? It is not uncommon for your surroundings and subconscious to be signaling to you. Here are some of the most actionable ways to identify signs from the universe:

1. Tune into yourself.

We are constantly surrounded by noise and distractions. While technology can make life easier, too much may block subtle messages from the universe. The universe uses all your senses to shed light on your situations. 

Daily meditation and visualization are excellent ways to fine-tune your senses to cosmic wavelengths. When you meditate on a problem and visualize the solutions, you are prepared to receive universal signs. Your expectation keeps you in the present moment and this process can lead to deep, fruitful introspection.

2. Start a life journal.

For years, mental health professionals have touted the benefits of journaling. Writing down your thoughts keep you connected to yourself and the world around you. Compose your life journal however you choose.

It does not need to be a long narrative; instead, just jot down pertinent events of the day and any thoughts that came to mind. If you saw, heard, or felt something unusual, write it in your journal. As you review each notation in the evenings or on occasion, you may notice patterns and signs. The universe is trying to get your attention! Write down patterns as you take notice of them.

3. Record your dreams.

In the wisdom of many ancient cultures, dreams were the gateway to the other worlds. They believed that the divine spoke to them during sleep in symbols. How the people interpreted these symbols created the map for their lives’ journey. 

Do you pay attention to your dreams? They are the most common ways that the universe will communicate with you. Keep a notepad by your bedside, and write down anything you remember about a dream. In the morning, review your notes and look for symbols that correspond with situations in your life. Make a whole section in your life journal for dreams. Not every dream holds significant meaning, but many do with careful analysis, especially as dreams help us interpret and process our daily thoughts, feelings, and events.

4. There are no coincidences.
 

How many times have you chalked up obvious signs from the universe as just coincidence? For example, have you thought about a friend you have not heard from in years, and you get a call from her that day? What about the times that you were struggling with a project at work, and you saw something or talked to someone who inspires you with the solution? Is it a coincidence? Likely not. We and everything in our world is connected in complex ways, small and large. The universe will give you sublime clues if you accept them. They might not all be immediately life-changing, but they are often substantial enough to help guide you throughout your daily life. 

5. Keep an open heart and a willing mind.

Often, the universe offers us answers, and we do not want to accept them. Have you lost opportunities in your life because you were afraid to trust your gut instincts? What we call “instinct” or “intuition” may be signs that the universe gives us at certain junctures of life. 

Look at some of the goals in your life journal. Are you procrastinating on your dreams, because you think someone will laugh or you might fail? Keep your heart and mind open to universal advice—whether you understand it or not. These signs may be what you need to realize your goals and make sound decisions that help you live peacefully (and to your maximum potential).

Receiving signs from the universe requires all your senses. You do not have to be an overly spiritual individual to benefit from them. With a little practice and an intuitive mind and spirit, you will find that the universe has been talking to you all along. Listen with your heart and discover your true destiny. 

Guest Post by: 

McKenzie Brower is a contributing writer and media relations specialist for H & H Sign Supply

All photos were shot in Taiwan, by yours truly. :) 

Travel Thoughts - Suitcase

Hello there guys! I know it's been weeks since my last update. I was caught up in dealing with my personal life and work life and things I want to do that has been pending since. 

So here we go again with packing and unpacking and packing again for another trip. I'm like this for almost three years and I have no right to complain because hello? I will gain experience and I'll create new good or bad memories. (If you are following me on Instagram you will know: jewelclicks)

Whenever I pack for my destination, it always excites me (who doesn't right?) I noticed that I improved my packing skills. I don't bring my whole closet anymore and I only bring what matters and buy there just in case I ran out of clothes. Which is good. However, packing going home from my destination is a different feeling. It is like you are fighting for it because you want to stay longer, but you really have to go and just take all the good memories with you. 

My last year, life between departure and arrival made me realized to leave my comfort zone and moved back in Manila where I grew up and living comfortably solo and do things I want to do.

I can't believe it. It will be my first anniversary this April since I transferred here in Manila. YAY!

"We travel because we need to, because distance and difference are the secret tonic to creativity. When we get home, home is still the same, but something in our minds has changed, and that changes everything."

All photos taken in Tokyo and Narita, Japan.

Camera by: Huawei P9 (dual lens camera Leica)

Leaving you this song. I hope you like it!

PS: I've been receiving questions from my Japan trip details and happily answered them, but I'm thinking to write the full details about my DIY trip as soon as I can. :D Leaving again this weekend.

" I wish that I could take you in my suitcase."

Have a great day everyone! 
xx

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