Shop Globally with Uskoop

Want something from the US? 9 Reasons to shop with Uskoop

If there's one thing I sorely miss when I came back from the US, that would be the heaven that is Amazon. The level of convenience it offers is freaking over the top. I'm not even exaggerating. Check out how much I rave about it in my tweets. In the 5 months I stayed in Minnesota, I've spent almost $2000 dollars shopping online. No regrets.

If you're an avid online shopper like me, you know that no e-commerce site in the Philippines deserves your full confidence. Countless times you have to double check the merchant you're buying from, even going to lengths such as stalking their Facebook account to confirm if they're legit, and still you get scammed. I never had to do that in my entire US online shopping history (which is really just 5 months lol), and I miss it so bad.

I still have a lot of items in my Amazon wishlist that I want to reach my doorstep and I've found that the easiest way to get them is to go to Uskoop and let them buy things for me!

What?

Uskoop is an online shopping portal that lets you shop from top global merchants like Amazon, Walmart, Macy's, Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, The North Face, Adidas, Nike, etc. You basically tell them what you want to buy and they'll get it straight to your doorstep.

Just take a look at the range of shops you can buy from!

Source: uskoop.com.ph

How does it work?

Source: uskoop.com.ph

3 simple steps:

1. SEARCH - the products you want to get from top global merchants around the web.
2. COPY URL - copy and paste the product URL from above step to Uskoop's site. Click on search button and the product's full landed price will be displayed in Php.
3. CHECKOUT - by clicking the Buy for Me button and have the product delivered to your home at a single fixed price.
   
   The final price indicated already includes the base converted price, plus all other estimated fulfillment fees (ie. insurance, shipping, handling, import, and admin fees).

Here's a video tutorial to help you further:

If you're still undecided, here are 9 reasons that will definitely get you on board

1. One-stop shopping-and-shipping service on one site
No need to pay the merchant and freight forwarder separately.

2. Prices are all-inclusive and Uskoop PH will take care of shipping, customs & taxes with insurance
Yup! No hidden charges, the final price is all you pay for and nothing more.

3. Delivers to your doorstep anywhere in the PH via air 10-15 business days
That means you are saved from personally picking up your items at the customs office, avoiding getting ripped by the duty collectors in the process! WHAT A RELIEF. Also, that's fast delivery considering your stuff is coming from across the globe.

4. No need to worry about credit card acceptance outside your home country
The final bill is in Philippine peso and not in USD so all the necessary conversions are already taken care of. No more worrying about forex rates and international charges to your credit card.

5. No need to pay US Sales Tax
One less thing to worry about!

6. No need to use a US shipping Address
Uskoop uses their own facility to receive your items. No more virtual US addresses and no more pestering your friends and family from the US to buy something for you.

7. Single checkout from different US online stores
Since Uskoop is the one doing all the buying and shipping, you only have to pay Uskoop and that's it.

8. Multiple Payment Options
Uskoop accepts the following payment options:
✓ Dragonpay
✓ Charge2Phone
✓ Visa/Mastercard (Citibank Card Holders)
✓ Visa/Mastercard (SMART Customers)
✓ All Visa/Mastercard

9. Uskoop PH takes care of everything
You only have to tell what you want to buy and Uskoop PH will take care of everything from buying to shipping to your address to customer service and post-sale support.

BONUS!

10. Buy More Save More
I inquired about whether they combine shipping for multiple items of the same kind, cos I noticed that when I doubled the quantity of one item I was gonna buy, the final price doubled too, including shipping and fulfillment fees. I thought it was ridiculous so I asked.

They told me that they're rolling out a new feature, tentatively this Friday, called Buy More Save More. I have high hopes this would work to minimize fees for multiple items so I'm really excited to know more about it!

What's in my wishlist?

To show you how much the items I want from the US are going to cost if I buy via Uskoop, here's a couple of stuff from my Amazon wishlist. They're either too overpriced here or are simply unavailable. Uskoop solves those problems for me.

1. Pyrex glass food containers

I actually brought a set of these with me when I came back so when I lost it during one of my commutes, I was devastated. I've looked up Pyrex in department stores and they don't seem to carry this particular product. I'm not a fan of clip-on lids like the usual we have here so actually, arte ko lang to. But stiiiill.

2. Wireless, front closure bra

Joke lang yung size ko bes, wag ka na mainggit

Also not available in the Philippines, this bra is super haveyyy. Wire-free, has front closure, and thinly padded, this is the most comfortable bra I've ever worn. I wanted to buy more of these but during the sale where I got it, there's only one stock left in my size. MUST.GET.MORE.

3. Bed Rest

I haven't found this kind of pillow here. It's perfect for reading and I badly want one! For products that are bulky or have indefinite dimensions, the final price isn't indicated yet. You have to click on Get Quote for the Uskoop crew to manually assess the product and compute for shipping costs.

As of now I'm still waiting for my quote. Will update this post as soon as I get word.

Edited to add: Uskoop finally updated the final price of the pillow!

4. Herbalife Total Control

This one I couldn't find here even after inquiring to local Herbalife distributors. It has been very effective in my weight loss agenda, and is one of the few slimming products I didn't suffer any side-effects from. Highly recommended!

5. GoPro Hero 5 Black

Your favorite travel buddy just got an upgrade, if you're itching to get one now, do so with Uskoop. Online stores charge almost the same but you have to pre-order to get one. Physical stores are definitely going to charge higher, maybe ₱25k to ₱28k for this gem, when it comes to shore. And when is that?!

You know the deal, gadgets are much cheaper sourced online and abroad, with shipping being the biggest setback. Thankfully, we've got Uskoop!

Start shopping!

It's almost thanksgiving season and you know what that means, SUPER DUPER MEGA HUGE SALES. And you can expect that to go on until Christmas and New Year season. I'm not kidding, during the holidays I got shirts from Gap and Banana Republic that are only $2 each, and Adidas are Nike shoes are effin cheap, I swear.

Consider this a pre-holiday gift, use promo code USKOOPTEN% to get 10% off shipping and handling :D

Expiring November 7, 2016

Follow Uskoop

To know more about Uskoop and the latest deals happening in the US shopping scene, you may visit their website at www.uskoop.com.ph

 USkoopPhilippines
 uskoopph

Happy shopping!

*Disclaimer: This post was created for a Nuffnang x Uskoop PH contest. I haven't their service yet.

UPDATE

I won 6th! Yay! Will finally get the chance to review Uskoop PH for real. Thanks Nuffnang and Uskoop! Here's my review of their service, check it out!

TravelBook.ph: Your newest travel buddy

In 2012, TravelBook.ph, under the management of Summit Media, started as an online catalog catering to more than 4,000 hotels and resorts in the Philippines. The company was established by Recruit Holdings Company, one of the biggest media conglomerates in Japan, and specializes in classified advertisements, publications, and human resources.

To date, TravelBook.ph is the fastest growing Online Travel Agency (OTA) in the Philippines and boasts more than 2,700 hotel listings all over the country. Over the past three years, the company has achieved a record-breaking 200% growth rate and an average of 3,900 paid bookings per month. With various offline and online marketing efforts, TravelBook.ph has gained exposure through media partners such as TV stations GMA NewsTV through programs like PopTalk and Biyahe ni Drew, CinemaOne, and radio stations Love Radio, Monster Radio, and Barangay LS.

TravelBook.ph also boasts increasing 1.6 million monthly page views, with 455,000 monthly unique visits, 52,000 registered members, and 299,000 newsletter subscribers.

Its social media presence also continues to grow: it has more than 540,000 likes in Facebook, while its Twitter and Instagram accounts have about 2,900 and 10,300 followers respectively.

Why Book with TravelBook.ph?

TravelBook.ph aims to cater to the needs of the ever-growing market, which is why it continuously develops and expands its strengths through various customer-driven initiatives.

1. Convenient Booking

TravelBook.ph focuses on improving its offline bookings through 24/7 Customer Care that offers competitive room rates, promo plans, rewards points, membership promos, and GetGo promos.

TravelBook.ph also has a user-friendly mobile app that offers double rewards for bookings to make the service available for the growing number of smartphone users in the Philippines.

2. Multiple Payment Options

Since only about 5% of the whole Philippine population are credit card holders, TravelBook.ph has made sure that it has various online and offline payment methods to make booking hotels for every customer convenient.

Aside from using their credit cards, customers can pay via online and offline bank deposits or over-the-counter payments. They can also pay at 7-Eleven branches, Robinsons Department Store, and SM Department Store branches, Bitcoin, and the newly launched Pay At Hotel, which allows the customer to pay upon check-in.

3. Corporate Partnerships and Alliances

TravelBook.ph has also partnered with top brands and companies in the Philippines, including Cebu Pacific, Robinsons Bank, Sun Cellular, Toys R Us, JG Summit, Robinsons Land, Robinsons Department Store, and Universal Robina to strengthen its presence in the business through various campaigns.

The company also has special partnerships with GetGo, BDO, Union Bank, Eastwest Bank, and Security Bank.

4. Tours

TravelBook.ph will soon launch its 359 Tour Package Plans to cater to the travel needs of its customers.

5. Affiliate Program

The recently launched Affiliate Program now has over 600 partner bloggers. Through this program, both seasoned and new bloggers are able earn income from the hotel bookings made in their websites.

6. Promotion of Philippine Tourism

More than just being an e-commerce company, TravelBook.ph aims to Philippine tourism by encouraging everyone to travel more in the country. The company believes that traveling should become a lifestyle as it promotes education, quality time, and bonding with families and friends.

TravelBook.ph also comes up with various creative campaigns to promote local tourism such as the recently concluded #Juanderlust, an international competition where travelers all over the world participated to be the lucky “Chosen Juan” who will embark on an 80-day adventure to 80 places in the Philippines. The winner, Mr. Dave Agbayani, traveled around the country to explore and experience the best things that the country has to offer.

6 Anti-aging tips from Dr. Pao Bellosillo

Dr. Juan Paolo Bellosillo, International Fellow of Integrative Medicine and American Association of Integrative Medicine, sat down with us one rainy afternoon to discuss and talk about one of the biggest concerns of beauty lovers: AGING.

Doc Pao, as he is fondly called, was kind enough to give us 6 tips on how we can age gracefully or if possible, stop time from showing on our skin.

1. LIFESTYLE CHECK. Since aging is a process we all have to face as we grow old, we must ensure that we start from within: our being. Beauty is definitely not just skin deep. It emanates from within. The stress we encounter daily will show up in the form of eye bags, dark spots, wrinkles, and what not. To ensure that this can be avoided, do a lifestyle check. Your lifestyle choices will reflect on your wellness. No amount of moisturizer can ever beat clean living and a peaceful mind. Anti-aging should start at the biological unit, our cells.
2. BE REALISTIC. There is nothing in this world that can really stop your skin from aging. It will happen. However, you can delay it with the right skin care and the right ways of living.
3. YOUR HEART. The one thing a lot of people overlook when they yearn for anti-aging is their heart. Your heart is the one solely responsible for pumping blood into your body and if it’s not healthy, you will definitely see the results on your skin. We only have one heart. Once it stops beating, we are gone. This is a saying that I often remember and it reminds me that on top of everything, my heart is the first one I need to take care of the most.
4. STRESS. Every time you allow stress to impact you, it actually becomes a threat to your life and this could even lead to death. When someone is stressed, it shows on their skin. When someone is stressed, it will show on their hair, eyes, lips, everything. Never allow stress to make an impact on you. Learn to control and let go.
5. NON INVASIVE TREATMENT. With Doc Pao, you can get photoplethysmography, a method that determines the age of the artery which has been impacted by lifestyle and exposed to many stressors. This will allow you to truly gauge what changes you need to make and what maintenance you need to follow.
6. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT AND WHAT YOU DRINK. The food and drinks we take in affect our body. There are many foods that yield good vitamins and these are the things we should eat more of. Berries, salmon, almond, walnuts, spirulina, and green leafy veggies are a must if you want to achieve that youthful glow. All the food mentioned here also have anti-inflammatory properties that will help reverse the ageing of the artery. Acai drinks that come with banana and spirulina have high anti-oxidant and free radical battling properties that can actually reduce the inflammation or stiffening causing factors or thrombus formation in arteries.

In this day and age where everyone is obsessed with looking young, always remember that to look young on the outside, one must feel young on the inside. Be wise. Live a legacy before you leave a legacy. When you take care of your heart, you take care of everything else from within and this will always give you the youthful glow you desire.  

Today

... I noticed how enthusiastic my sister was when we talked about this business we want to put up together. She'll make the products, and I'll take care of branding and marketing. She was so eager. I was so excited. I wanted to make this work because I've never seen her this confident in something.

She would always rant about how being a financial adviser saps all her optimism away. I knew it wasn't for her, but my parents needed someone, one of us, to kind of inherit the business. That or they were just giving her a chance to discover what suits her best. I don't think my sister is happy though.

... I checked a couple of my drafts, and added some more details into them. Somehow I couldn't get myself to publish them even though it's more or less complete. Maybe it's my confidence about them that's hindering me from sharing. Hm.

... My diet is surprisingly working for me. It's been 2 months and I lost around 10 lbs already. Pretty slow, I know. But 1 lb per week is good enough. The goal is to reach 141, which was my weight before I went to the US, then take it easy until 120.

In fairness, I've noticed my portions are getting smaller and I get full easier too. I want to be able to hold on when I take out all my slimming aids (pills and tea). I remember getting some kind of withdrawal when I finished my bottle of Herbalife Total Control. It's not available in the Philippines so I got worried. Then I recalled I still have a bottle of Hydroxycut hiding somewhere. I'm using that right now. Hehe.

... I'm praying that my US Visa application won't be denied. I'm scheduled for interview next week and even though I'm less scared compared to my first time applying, I'm still scared nonetheless. There are just so many red flags with my application. Hay Lord. I wasn't really excited at first, but when I got my interview packet I saw that my dummy booking has a layover at KOREA. WAAAAAAHH!!! As if naman makakalabas ako ng airport no pero juskolooooord KOREAAAAA!

... I'm watching a new KDrama series. It's called "On the way to the airport" and it promotes infidelity in marriage. Err not exactly cos I see the characters are struggling naman haha but gosh the chemistry is just so over the top. I'm questioning my morals right now. Is it even an excuse that both of them are seemingly married to the wrong people? I don't want to think of marriage as something disposable but the dilemma posed in this series is as real as it gets. It's scaring me that a lot would find this relatable.

... I'm taking the regular shift right now. Yey? I was supposed to work midshift but I couldn't sleep so I decided to come early instead. We have a midnight test (that's noon here) so that means no sleep for me cos I just came from the nightshift. On the other hand that means I'm getting more sleep later cos I'm already antok na now na aaarg.

... I want a full body massage.

How are you doing?

Kick-start your Freelancing Career: Learn how to become a VApreneur

If you're always wondering about how online freelancing works, here's the right venue to learn about it!

This October 22, 2016, join us in a day of learning and discovery by attending #VApreneur: One Day To FREEdom! Workshop. This event aims to help aspiring and existing virtual assistants to develop their business, identify their core skills, meet more clients, and charge competitively for their services.

What is a virtual assistant and what does it have to do with freelancing? 

A virtual assistant or a VA is a person who provides services to a client remotely from home, may it be technical, creative, or administrative, it depends on what skills the VA has to offer. That said, VAs are freelancers too, offering services online and remotely to clients that are mostly overseas.

VA vs. VApreneur: the difference

The term VApreneur is a play between VA and entrepreneur, and was coined by Ms. Rochefel Rivera, one of the organizers and speakers of the event.

As a VA, you work as an independent contractor, providing services to your client, and is being paid a fixed rate or an hourly rate, depends on what is agreed upon. A VApreneur is more than that, your mindset is not just confined to a remote employee but a business owner, a service provider offering intangible products of high value to the clients. This shift from employee to entrepreneur mentality is what sets them apart, and is going to be tackled further during the event.

A lot of freelancers pride themselves as being their own bosses, but behind their desks they're slaves to their clients, overworked and underpaid. It's time to put more value to your work and package your services in a competitive manner, making your client see you as a partner and not just a cheaper alternative to a regular employee.

#VApreneur: One Day To FREEdom! Workshop

In this workshop, you will learn:

1. How to transition from employee to VApreneur
2. How to capitalize on your passion and existing skills while using the business model suited for your lifestyle
3. Possible opportunities behind online entrepreneurship
4. How to find clients that pay and appreciate the value of your work
5. How to take advantage of technology and build your dream business from home

When: October 22, 2016 9:00AM
Where: Bluefin Grill, GF, Metrowalk Commercial Complex, Ugong, Pasig City
Ticket prices (snacks and lunch included): 

• Early bird rate until October 8: ₱888
• Regular rate: ₱1,498
• BFF rate: Learn with your BFF and get the 2nd ticket 50% off - ₱1,332
• Gang rate: Gather a group of 4 and your pass is FREE - ₱2,664

For more information and ticket payments, head over to:
www.professionalvas-academy.com/vapreneur-road-tour-project/

:D

Manage your life with Taiwan Excellence Products

Nowadays, a lot of people find themselves searching for work-life balance. With demands from work, work-life balance appears to be an impossible feat, especially in today’s fast-paced lifestyle.

Stop stressing and start achieving work-life balance with Taiwan’s best brands that bear the Taiwan Excellence seal, assuring customers of the products’ superior quality. A perfect slice of work-life balance can be possible with the following tips and Taiwan Excellence’s sports and leisure products.

Develop daily positive habits 

Commuting consumes a large chunk of one’s daily life. Why not schedule a “bike day” going to work? Take the versatile Link B7 from Tern for a fun and different urban transport. It would cut commute time while simultaneously adding minutes to one’s daily workout. The Link B7 can make your travel more convenient as it folds compactly in 10 seconds and has adjustable handlepost to find the right height ride.

Breathe 

It's difficult to navigate the high demands of one’s career. Work can get so challenging and may lead to anxiety and stress. Avoid this by finding an alone time to regroup one’s thoughts and reenergize for the next tasks. Reflecting, however, is not limited to finding a quiet room. Try clearing one’s mind using Johnson’s Adventure 5 treadmill. A good reflection over a productive work-out session can be a rewarding treat after a long day.

Try new leisure activities 

It’s no fun being stuck in a routine of work-sleep-eat-work. Start simple and try to look for new leisure activities. People who prefer more outdoor activities can commit to swimming classes during the weekends. Before diving into this new activity, make sure to get the must-have items, such as sunblock, comfortable swimwear, and goggles like the waterproof Vision & Vision Jr. goggles that have quality optic lens and multi-colored frame.

Get Moving 

Being static makes the body accumulate pent up energy. Let that energy loose by working out. With many available work-out equipment in the market, one can easily perform a do-it-yourself work-out at home. For instance, Ucheer offers compact and portable kinetic energy dumbbell that combines muscle training and body kinetic energy. Those interested in weightlifting can check Victory’s 5-kilogram bumper plate, which combines durable rubber and plastic in its design for a quality and convenient work-out. Products like these can help maintaining personal health, which should be the priority to the modern generation.

Take responsibility for your own decisions 

You are responsible for your own self. So when it comes to making smart decisions, remember to be always guided. Like a trusted friend, Taiwan Excellence-accredited products aim to enhance the quality of living. Choosing from its variety of sport and leisure products can help in being a step closer to getting a work-life balance.

For more information on Taiwan Excellence accredited products, you can visit www.taitra.org.tw or like Taiwan Excellence on Facebook.

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About Taiwan Excellence
The symbol of Taiwan Excellence honors Taiwan’s most innovative products that provide tremendous value to users worldwide. All products carrying this symbol have been selected for specific Taiwan Excellence Awards based on their excellence in design, quality, marketing, Taiwanese R&D and manufacturing. Initiated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C. in 1992, the symbol of Taiwan Excellence is recognized by 100 countries.


Organized by Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), MOEA
The Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C. is responsible for implementing policies and regulations governing foreign trade and economic cooperation. Established in January 1969, the BOFT's role and position have been adjusted regularly to meet the needs of the ever changing international economic and trade environments. The BOFT has been guiding and working with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) in numerous promotional trade projects and activities both internationally and domestically. Having worked closely with TAITRA for many decades, the BOFT continues to commission TAITRA for various critical government projects relating to business, trade and investment, while promoting Taiwan internationally.


Implemented by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)
Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is the foremost non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organization in Taiwan. Jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organizations, TAITRA assists Taiwanese businesses and manufacturers with reinforcing their international competitiveness and in coping with the challenges they face in foreign markets. TAITRA boasts a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network of over 1,200 international marketing specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters and 50 overseas offices worldwide. Together with its sister organizations, the Taiwan Trade Center (TTC) and the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotion strategies.

Life lately and I'm doing the Master Cleanse again! Char

I told myself I'd go undertime (again) today because I've been wheezing like crazy (allergies) and my eyes can't take it anymore, but oh well, BUGS!

So while waiting for my scenario to run until the 10 minute mark, let me blab about random things that's been happening lately.

I'm doing the Master Cleanse again

Haha, after swearing I won't be doing it anymore because it's not for me, here I am enduring an 80% (cos I still snack) liquid fast for the sake of losing weight. And in fairness, it's kindof working. I started Monday night during work, and when I woke up Tuesday evening, I'm down by 2 lbs can you believe it. I don't, but it's nice to see the scale budge below 150lbs! My second day was not as good, cos I ate more and even had rice, but heyyy I still woke up a pound lighter. I almost didn't want to eat anything after seeing this much progress, but anyway, as if I could.

I'll try to keep my weight below 150 this week. TRY.

Wish me luck! And oh, I'm not doing a hundred percent master cleanse actually. I drink Herbalife shake (with oats, frozen banana, and yogurt) for breakfast and dinner, and master cleanse in between. :D I'm also too lazy to workout this week, so this is purely diet. Lord help me!

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo Episode 11 - the turning point

This is probably my favorite episode of SHR because so many things happened:

• Hae Soo was accused of assassinating the prince and was put on a death row
• Everybody knows she's innocent and that the evil Queen Yoo is the real culprit, however, nobody has evidence pointing to her, so the bitch continues to live
• Sexy prince Wang So shows his unwavering devotion to Hae Soo by protecting her in ways he can, defying every royal order there is because he's that badass. And sexy. For some reason his scar remained concealed despite not having Hae Soo to do his makeup. Perhaps he's finally learned to do it on his own!
• Poor prince Wang Wook was torn between protecting Hae Soo and losing his family or the other way around, but in the end chose the latter because he was pretty much manipulated into it by his scheming sister princess Yeon Hwa.
• Court Lady Oh died in Hae Soo's stead after admitting that she was actually behind the assassination. Again everybody knows they're both innocent but the bitch Queen is unbelievably crafty in hiding her trails.
• The King has lost his one true love (Court Lady Oh) ang everybody knows it. Serves him right.
• Hopefully, Hae Soo should come to her senses that Wang Wook is not his prince charming anymore and that she better accept Wang So's feelings and live happily ever after with the prince that would fight for her.

It was a totally devastating episode for me. I cried so frkn hard when the bell tolled signaling Court Lady Oh's death (by hanging). I'm also so anxious for the next episode but that's a week from now pa so, aaaargghh.

Effin curious about Stranger Things

I'm a big scaredy cat, I can't handle horror movies so I guess a series would do me worse. Is it really as scary as the reviews say? I think what I'm really afraid of are jump scares and ghosts, but oddly Stranger Things seem more sci-fi than horror. Is it? I want to watch it (but preferably in the daylight and with someone)!

On another note, I was able to survive watching Train to Busan. Yey. I must've been spoiled too much or I'm getting better at watching scary movies.