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!