A lot of people ask me all the time what kind of phone/camera I use for my photos and I feel like putting this up can finally put all those questions to rest. I've been using the same DSLR since 2010, I've added a few new gears through the years but most of the photos I have online are all a product of my old but reliable Nikon D90. We all know a common concern for DSLR users is the weight and the convenience in carrying it out. I mean, I love the shots I get from my camera but tbh, it's not always handy. I used to bring it with me all the time just so I don't miss anything but it really weighs me down! So really, thank god for Smartphones! Since the dawn of smartphones, it has been extremely convenient for me to document most of my food adventures which is why today, I'll be sharing a few tips that I've learned along the way when it comes to mobile photography!

I've always been an iPhone girl but for the past year, I've been using an Oppo F1s for my mobile photography. You can check my Instagram feed for photos. 'Cause let's be honest, who has time to bring a camera all the time? I got a Sony mirrorless camera last year, but even that I can bring myself to carry on a daily basis. As a disclaimer, most of these tips you've probably heard of and read about but these are my personal take on these tips so enjoy! PS All photos used in this post are from the OPPO F1s!

The Place

Hey, everyone! Before I begin with the updates, I'd like to greet y'all a happy new year. I know it's overdue but still warranted, right? I know the blog has been quiet for some time now. In between my little space on the internet and the real world, haven't really had enough time to sort my shit together especially during the holidays. But I've cooked up a surprise to make up for that; and a bunch of updates just so you all know I haven't gone missing or six feet under. Ready? Ready!

1. SCHOOL. Majority of what has taken up my time over the past few months would be school. I remember mentioning before that I decided to take on Graduate School because hey, when are we going to start doing something for our goals? It's fun and exhilarating, but the level of difficulty, I just cannot. I'm good with most of my subjects as long as there's no numbers involved. My god, why am I so bad with numbers?? Haha! Luckily, I passed all my subjects last semester so all good, bruh. 

2. ENROLLMENT. So, still related to school. After the holidays, I went back to Manila a few days early so I can start working on b/vlog backlogs and also finish my enrollment. I was able to finish enlisting all my subjects but I spent the rest of my vacation just sleeping and drinking since I wasn't able to drink at home over the holidays, lol. I think I'm allowed to slack a bit before school and work officially starts. 

3. HOLIDAY RUSH. And when I say rush, I mean every bit of the word. Unlike last year, I had work until the 22nd which means no extra time for buying gifts and other last minute errands. I was also partly in charge of the household since my Mom just got out of the hospital and couldn't really move around. I initially planned on doing my blog backlogs at home but oh well, life comes first. 

4. WORK. Also had to deal with a lot of ~pahabol~ work before the holiday break which, again, meant no time for the blog. I've been really active on Instagram stories though 'cause that's the closest thing I can get to telling you if the food is good whenever I try something new, lol. I haven't even uploaded a new photo on Instagram since November, can you imagine, lol. 

5. FRIENDS AND FAMILY. I've also been devoting most of my time to my family and friends. My mom recently got sick and had to undergo several major and minor operations. I've also been needing constant support from my friends because of everything that's been going on with my life and I couldn't be more thankful. You know the kind of friends who'd drop everything with just one text because they know and feel how much you need them? Yes, those friends. Thank you for making my year tolerable and memorable!

I have a ton of things to be thankful for, like having the financial capacity to pursue further studies while still being able to help my sister out with her own studies, my Mom's successful operation, continuous career growth at work, a solid group of friends who will take a bullet for me, good grades despite being too rusty with memorizing things, new places I've explored and of course, all the new culinary adventures I was able to take on--all because of you guys. 2017 was indeed a blast and I'm doing this giveaway as a simple thank you. To each reader who manages to go through my lengthy posts, to every follower who never fails to check up the blog for new posts, to every subscriber who reminds me that they miss me and they wish a new video would come out--THANK YOU. My heart is full and content. Soooo, enough of the lengthy text, on to the mechanics of the giveaway!

• Fill out the Rafflecopter below. 
• Open to Philippine residents only. Non-bloggers are welcome. 
• Giveaway starts on January 18, 2018 and ends on January 25, 2018.
• I'll announce the winner on January 28, 2018 over at my Facebook page. 
• I'll be taking care of shipping and handling, but I won't be responsible for damaged/lost parcels.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

And that's it! I've prioritized the subscription to my Youtube Channel because Youtube recently came up with a new policy that if you're unable to reach 1,000 followers, you won't be able to monetize your channel anymore. And while content is more important than money, my Youtube earnings help me fund my food and travel adventures which means more useful content for you guys so I hope you don't mind that bit of the giveaway. Drop by a line in the comments section if you have any questions! Again, wishing everyone a happy new year and goodluck! ❤

1. My acne situation is a little better. I’ve gone to a dermatologist at The Medical City and I’ve been religiously following every advice she’s giving me. I’m currently taking Accutane and I have a strict skin care routine. I have also been undergoing several procedures on my face since my case is hormonal and can’t just be treated with topical treatments. I’ve been spending a lot and it’s waaaaay out of my budget, but I have to do this ‘cause I have a client-facing job. Huhu I’m currently dealing with acne marks, so if you have recommendations, I would greatly appreciate it!

2. My skin ~looks~ and ~feels~ healthy! I mean, beyond the acne marks, I can feel that it’s so soft and smooth. Moisturizing really does pay off! I’ve also been trying to drink more water despite my unhealthy habit of just drinking one glass a day ‘cause I don’t like the fact that it’s tasteless, lol. I’m also trying really, really hard to quit smoking so I can help my skin out. 

3. I’m in school again! I’ve been mulling over the thought of going back to school but during the first few years of my working life, the schedule was very challenging. When I transferred to a different company, I was purely having fun enjoying work-life balance that I completely forgot about it. But now, back to my goals of finally pursing a master’s degree. I’m currently only taking pre-masteral classes, but hey, it’s a step towards achieving this old dream. <3 p="">

And there you have it! I know it's a lot, got a bit tired trying to remember everything too, lol. I won't promise to make this a weekly thing, you know what, I'll just make it happen so I don't disappoint you guys with false promises. Whatever happens, I'm pretty sure there will always be something to be thankful for. Have an awesome weekend, my loves!

Traveling to Europe has been in my incoherent bucket list ever since bucket lists started becoming a thing, lol. Aside from the allure of legal marijuana in Amsterdam (lol, kidding Mr Prezzz), there's such awe-inspiring historical beauty when I look at their architecture. Not to mention all the food adventures I'm excited to take on once I finally embark on this adventure. My Grandma also lives in the UK which makes it all the more exciting since I can take a side trip to the UK--that is if I save enough moolah to even finance the Euro trip alone, haha. Being a middle-class citizen in this country is hard, ya'll. 

Anyway, today we are going to look at the best 3 destinations in Europe. Obviously, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in the UK, but we will ignore these for now and look towards the continent. I'll probably go into detail about the UK on a separate post because my Abuella pretty much already has a list of places I should go visit when I come over. 

When people think Portugal, most people will only be aware of the Algarve--the crowded beaches where it's difficult to get any space. However, the Alentejo is completely different. This is a natural area with a smaller population. The beaches are amazing and have some fantastic surf. It actually looks more like the Australian landscape than somewhere in Europe. There's even real tumbleweed for that authentic outback experience. It's cheap to visit too, you can fly for under £50 per person off peak. When visiting Portugal, you will fly into Faro airport. You will find it easiest if you hire a car to drive around since there are many outstanding sights to see, many of which are spread out.

Bulgaria is one of the newer members of the European union. It is becoming an up and coming tourist destination although it's still a bit of the beaten track. Flights and hotels are very cheap, it's possible to stay for as little as £20 a night, with flights not being too much more. Bulgaria has some beautiful historic and modern buildings.

While researching about Bulgaria, I was amazed at how some destinations are so difficult to pronounce--I love it. The places seem mysterious because I'm probably accustomed to more commonly discussed destinations on social media which makes everything so exciting. Try googling Balkan Mountains and Balkan Beers and I'm pretty sure you'll be pumped like I am!

For now, these places are still in my trendy, incoherent bucket list but if you're someone looking into visiting Europe within the year, you may want consider these places. I was just talking to a friend the other night about awesome places and fun stuff to do while in Europe and it definitely fueled my passion to save more for when this trip actually happens. Wish me luck!

With the following conscious choices, I can definitely say my lifestyle has vastly improved. My mood can attest to that. I used to be grumpy and sad all the time, like the type of person you'd love to avoid on a daily basis, lol. But now, fortunately, I've become more positive with my outlook in life. I still get grumpy of course, but not as bad as before when I would consciously make bad decisions disregarding my health, hehe. Here's to better choices for your lifestyle! 

 The first time I tried Magnetic Cables, I was baffled in awe! My usual problem aside from not finding the charging port when the lights are out in my room would be plugging the charging cable in the car! You know how when you're driving and you have to plug it in that part of the car that sooooo way below your level? Yep, that. With the Magneto Cable (http://www.widgetcity.com.ph/product/magneto-cable/), you just have to  put the other magnetic end on the charging port and everything will fall into place. Easy peasy! This may sound like a first world problem but I promise you this convenience can save lives, seriously! Check out Magneto Cable and it's awesome features It's also at 50% off so you only get it for the whopping price of P500! Wow, that sounded like something straight out of O-Shopping, lol! But seriously, you know how much iPhone chargers cost right? So at this rate, it's a steal. Check it out and let me know what you think!

CHECK OUT THE MAGNETO MAGNETIC CHARGING CABLE HERE!

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When I first moved to Manila some xx years ago, I didn't have any idea what was in store for me. I just moved out of my parents' house, I was about to take on my first ~real~ corporate job, I was venturing out ALONE. Wondering the streets of the metro on my first few days, I was scared and clueless. I took a cab everywhere I go using the money I borrowed from my Mom; which, I eventually had to pay with my whole month's pay check. It's safe to say I wasn't ready. Urban living may seem like a dream to someone who's never set foot in the city and it is--given the right guidance and gear of course!

Whenever I look back at that moment, I always get a flashback why I decided to name my blog Ochi in the City. In my head I was saying, it doesn't have a name recall nor will people remember it, but it embodies who I am and what this blog stands for--it's a representation of my adventures and misadventures in the city. If you ever find yourself lost and alone in this concrete jungle, my ultimate goal as a blogger is for you to find refuge in my blog and never feel that you're alone in this city. If you're patient enough, you will also see posts documenting how I got my work requirements, how I got from point a to b via bus, jeep, etc. 

Fast forward to a few years after, I find myself hustling and bustling the busy streets of Manila seamlessly. I may not have familiarized myself with every nook and cranny, but I sure have equipped myself with the right amount of street smarts to get through every waking day alive. And with that, I want to share my must-have items from #Urbanized that keep my lifestyle going as I brave through every weekday and weekend in the city!