Successful launch of Travelooza with Regina Victoria Y. De Ocampo of Yamaha & upcoming events of TAG Media

Last September 28, 2017 at Makati Sports Club the first convergence of tour operators and travel agencies was launched to promote the Philippines as a premier travel destination. Travelooza is the current theme of Asia Digital Marketing Expo which is celebrating its 3rd year anniversary.

Special thanks to the following for making the event a success: Payoneer, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, Victoria Court, Tupperware, VV, Sunlife, The Artist League, Marv Ragamarv, Zoomanity Group, Tree Top Adventure, Light Network, Elabram Systems, Alveo, Crown Regency, E- Hotels & Resorts, PNB, Citibank, morethanjobs.ph and Tresmore.

One of the leaders in the Philippines supporting Travelooza is no other than Ms. Regina Victoria Y. De Ocampo of Yupangco Group of Companies, the grand daughter of the former Philippine President, Jose P. Laurel. According to her, supporting these kind of events create awareness that the Philippines is a beautiful country, and a destination like no other.

For this year 2017, after 50 years, G. A. YUPANGCO & CO., INC., through its present complement of 31 stores and 35 music school centers across the Philippines, continues to serve the needs of the Filipino musician and music enthusiast, by providing state of the art musical instruments and sound reinforcement technology. Zoomanity Group, the theme park management headed by her brother, Robert Laurel Yupangco is the number 1 theme park destination and is expanding in the Philippines. The next events under Tag Media and Public Relations will be the biggest this year. Two events are lined up already and as follows

• Asia Leaders Forum in Real Estate 2022 & Beyond will be on December 14, 2017 at Makati Shangrila Hotel from 10AM-4PM with leaders as speakers from different chamber of commerce, business and government officials with the partnership with Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission and Malaysia Chamber of Commerce. 
• Socialooza is the annual event under Pinoy Blogger Team which is created by Tag Media and Public Relations simultaneous with the annual Christmas Party of the group. Partial list of speakers are as follows:
• RJ Nieto  - Thinking Pinoy | DFA Consultant | Political Blogger 
• Sonnie Santos  - Presidential Communications Operations Office Consultant | Corporate Blogger
• Ericsson Moredo - Multibiz Inc. Head | Lifestyle Blogger
• Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas - Tag Media & PR Co- Founder | Corporate Blogger 
• Ailene Co - A-List & Partners Consulting Group | Co-Founder of Trend Hotspot Online Magazine
• Jaypee David  - City of Dreams Manila  Sr. Executive | Digital Marketing and Multimedia | Travel Blogger
• Rod Magaru - CARE  | Regional Finance Supervisor for Middle East & North Africa | Entertainment Blogger 

For more info and to register at Tag Media & PR next events (Asia Leaders Forum and Socialooza), please send inquiries to events@travelooza.asia or call (63)9166299381 or (02)9170213.

Oh hi!

Hey blog! Long time no write! It's been a while since my last real entry so let me fill you in with bullets. But first, a photo.

Shot by Dave Sarabia

• 12 days a wife! Though I'm not really sure HAHA because apparently, the marriage contract we signed on the day of our wedding was outdated LOL. The civil registry suddenly decided to issue new forms with a different format so yeah that makes our contract invalid, charottt LOLOLOL. Thankfully, we've got a new form now and it's out being routed to our principal sponsors for their signatures. ANG HASSLE POWHZ.
• Overwhelmed with the gifts. Seriously, while Jeckie and I are aware we're gonna rake in some cash especially that we mentioned to give monetary gifts instead on our invites - still, we didn't expect them to pour in like that. We got a fraction of our wedding gastos back so thank you Looooorddd!
• But of course it went by like a dream. Or like our salaries. Or like a snatcher. Basta. 
• The days after our wedding were so freaking exhausting. Not because we got busy consummating our marriage LOL TMI na ba? But because we moved to a new place and had to haul a ton of things with us.
• We're renting a 1 bedroom unit in Mandaluyong which is barely furnished. HAHA I mean it's really bare. We took it that way because it's cheaper and we plan to get our own furniture and appliances anyway. Which we thought was easy BUT FRIGGIN NO. #TodayWeLearned
• On our first day as a married couple we've managed to get an AC, a mattress, a stand fan, and a bonus knockout from exhaustion. 

//START KWENTO (but first, an ad banner)

• Being the total newly-weds that we are, we were expecting that shopping would be a breeze. Just point and pay, and they'll have it delivered to your house pronto! BUT NO. We didn't think that deliveries have schedules haha. In the end, we had to look for items that have stock and can be pulled out immediately. And because we can't fit a ref in our car, we hired a different mover for that who can deliver within the day. 
• AC and foam mattress can't fit in my car as well so we decided to get a 6-seater GrabCar for that. Which means Jeckie and I have to split ways. He goes with the Grab, and I drive the car to our condo.
• Which stressed me out biiiiig time. It's my first time driving around SM Megamall, and I didn't have anyone to hold my phone for me to watch Waze. HUHU. I ended up counter-flowing after exiting the parking basement. Well, signal was poor down there and I was waiting for Waze to pick up. Also, it's my first time driving in a month (after an incident). No wonder all the oncoming cars kept on flashing their headlights on me. JSKLRD.
• I was so scared when I reached the intersection because there was an enforcer on the other side and the right turn lane was blocked with cones. I had no choice but to really turn from the wrong lane. And turn I did. After a few meters I pulled over at Petron to calm down, scold Waze, and also to surrender myself for apprehension in case an enforcer is chasing me. ANG BAIT KO DIBA. 
• Thank God no one came! So yan, with Waze finally awake, I carefully drove to our condo, making sure to follow any road sign, traffic sign, and whatnots.
• While I was nearing the condo I noticed a car following closely behind me AND I GOT SCARED HUHU. I was thinking okay ayan na yung pulis huhu #HelloJail, but eventually I stopped noticing it kasi busy ako makipag-usap sa parking guard. 
• COS HE WON'T LET ME IN. He asked for my move-in clearance, gate pass, achuchuchu, I said we already accomplished the move-in clearance and the owner only gave us a gate pass for the stuff we're moving in. After a loooong while they finally allowed me to park. Yey.
• Just in time because the AC installation guy we hired via GawinPH app is already there at the condo, so yey cos we got the AC installed on the same day! Remind me to rave about GawinPH!
• Anyway. Turns out the car that was following me was Jeckie's GrabCar pala NYAHAHA.
• SO THERE. Day 1 of real life as a married couple. Lots of challenges, lots of realizations. Can't say it's a dream. And that's why I've got a partner. ;)
• And DID YOU KNOW, before heading to SM Megamall, we got apprehended by MMDA enforcers for "beating the red light". After so much chika they returned my sad excuse for a license (a fading piece of OR) and said "kayo na po bahala" or something to that effect. We were thankful and took their gibberish of a sermon as warning, pulled the windows up, and drove off. Saved 500 kotong pesos! Char. 
• That's not all. Before getting apprehended, we were driving back and forth to our parent's house because we kept on forgetting things! Before heading to Megamall, I realized I forgot our gate pass and tenant agreement so we drove back to Fairview to fetch them. Just in time cos ate Wilma, our helper, texted me that mommy is crying 'cos I'm leaving home na daw HUHUHUHU. Sabi ko, okay pauwi na kamiiii stop crying! When we got there I still couldn't find the gate pass, and then it hit me. It was with me all along.
• Wow my mother's tears are powerful. And so are yours, so don't make them cry otherwise God will wheel you around and fly you to her.
• AND SO, we were finally on our way to our much delayed agenda. But not 3km away and mommy called that Jeckie forgot his wallet at home. ANUBA HAHA. Andun lang naman yung pang-shopping namin HAHAHA. So ayun, we drove back and got his wallet. Hahaha #UbosGas diaries.

//END KWENTO

That's it for now. I have so many backlogs about my wedding preps but I promise to work on them once I get over our furniture problems aka my kaartehan, and also once I get a proper workstation at home. Oh yes, once I get our official photos rin pala hahaha.

I've been itching to go back to writing 'cos I need the extra income but I don't know how to work comfortably at home HAHAHA. Lord help me plz. Two weeks into married life and we're broke already HAHA.

How are you gooooysss??

Choosing the right hairstyle for your engagement shoot

Need ideas on how to wear your hair during your engagement shoot? Take a look at the following considerations to help you narrow down your choices.

Your theme

One of our prenup shots by Dave Sarabia

Engagement shoots can go from relaxed casual to full-on dramatic, depending on the couple's taste. If your shoot will be more on the casual side, then you can try light and flowy curls like these. It gives you a refreshing look without looking unnatural. Because you'll be putting on makeup that will highlight your features, it's important to use hairstyles that helps reveal your face.

Your venue

16 Inch 7 pcs Clip In Body Wave Brazilian Human Hair Extensions (#2 Dark Brown)

If you're working on an outdoor venue, pick a hairstyle that's easy to manage and retouch. Go easy on the mousse and let your hair get into a natural mess every once in a while. It helps paint a nice picture and makes your shoot look very natural and relaxed. For indoor shoots, work closely with your theme to ensure your outfits and hair match. Styling a picture perfect engagement is a combination of proper clothes, great hair and makeup, and of course a good photographer!

You natural features

18 Inch Micro Loop Body Wave Human Hair Extensions (#60 Ash Blonde) 50g

Always consider your face when choosing a hairstyle. As mentioned, choose a hairstyle that will open up your features and complement your face. Knowing the shape of your face helps. Long curls work well with round faces. Medium length hair with soft waves are great for heart shaped faces. Long hair with fringes is a good match for girls with long faces. Search for inspiration and get crazy with your options! :)

3 Tips on choosing your wedding rings

Our wedding rings <3

Caught up in your wedding planning? Don't forget about your rings! You may get overwhelmed by all the major things that's gonna eat up your budget for your big day, but don't neglect your wedding rings. It may be literally the smallest part of your wedding, but it signifies something much bigger than your big day. It's a symbol of your love for each other, a reminder that you guys are starting a new life together. It's one of the few things that's gonna be left with you after your wedding, after the guests have left and the decors have been taken off.

Not sure where to start? Check out the following tips on choosing your weddings rings

Shop early

Wedding rings are usually expensive. On the average you can get a pair of pretty gold bands for around $500 to $1000. Take note that gold's market value fluctuates depending on the season, and so does other metals and gemstones. So if you must shop for it, do it now. Set up a budget and stick to it.

Buy as a couple

3pcs natural green peridot engagement ring,solid 14k white gold wedding ring,marquise promise ring,pave set

Wedding rings come in different shapes and sizes, and the price will depend on a lot of things -- the materials used, the metal, gemstones, cut, shape, etc. Your wedding rings should be something both of you agree on. It's unlike other parts of your wedding where it's enough to have one of you decide. You will wear your rings everyday, so it's important that you love how it looks and you mutually agreed on the design. It's not required to have matching rings, but most couples prefer to have partner bands as it symbolizes their unity. If you guys have really different tastes, there's always a max to mix and match. You like gold but he likes platinum? Why not a braided style intertwining the two metals? Research on different styles and learn that even the most opposite of personalities can agree on a design.

Consider your lifestyle

2pcs 7mm Round Peridot Wedding Ring Set 14K Yellow Gold Milgrain Diamond Matching Band Full Eternity Ring

It pays to get rings that won't get in the way of your daily activities. Who needs a big chunk of sparkling diamond when it's gonna end up ripping off your surgical gloves when you're working in the operating room? Your rings are going to be part of your daily life so consider something that would complement your lifestyle. Choose comfortable rings if you have an active lifestyle because you're gonna have to get used to wearing it everyday.

Happy shopping!

Countdown to 12something

Work's pretty lax right now mostly because I'm still on the onboarding stage. You know, familiarizing myself with the tools, the people, the building aaaargh. It's a freaking maze here. The tools... they're so friggin many. Like they have three external tools integrated to MS Outlook (more, if I ask) and they've got loads of 3rd party applications in use. Hopefully will get used to it in the following months!

My other work, on the other hand IS DRIVING ME NUTS. I promised to deliver 3 articles this weekend but aaaargh I was only able to get 2 done. I was supposed to finish that set then request for a leave (naks may leave ako HAHA) for around a month until we relocate to our new house which is nearer the office. But I don't know! They just dumped 4 more topics to me HUHU HOW DO I LIVE.

My other other work, IS ALSO GETTING CRAZY. I have 2 sets of invites to deliver this month. Oh well. Will stop accepting design gigs in the meantime 'cos this girl is frkn busy. Grr.

OKAY UWIAN NA BYE.

New job, longer commutes, and a road accident

I have so many stories to tell, and there were a lot of times I wanted to write about something immediately but can't because I'm too busy. Now things have piled up and I don't know where to start haha. Okay, so let's do it chronologically!

New job!

I started with my new job last week (August 22). The first four days is dedicated to onboarding us. We learned a lot about White & Case, its founders, the history, vision and mission, the executive committee members, blah, blah, blah. To be honest I've never attended an onboarding this in-depth. Everyday we do a recap of all the concepts. We do quizzes, we recite, etc. Very classroom like. Can't say I hated it.

As part of our initiation (as I'd like to call it) to the company, they made us complete this signature sheet and human bingo card where we had to hunt for people and get their signatures. It wasn't supposed to be competitive but there's a consequence for losing so might as well put some energy into it. Argh.

True to their values, the entire week was indeed very engaging. I met a lot of people and gained new friends. My introverted self was challenged to the core and eventually has gotten used to the cringing sensation of shaking hands and introducing myself. What have you, even public speaking didn't taunt me that much. Noice.

Longer commutes

I remember being scared of leaving Pointwest because for three years I'm only 30 minutes away from work, and I don't think I'm ready to journey back to Ayala every freaking day. But thank God my schedule is midshift so I wasn't too worried about getting caught in traffic. The only problem is going home! Even though the ride home is a breeze (Ayala to Fairview in 45 minutes can you believe it), it's already too late and too dark and I have to cross the super well lit overpass at FCM (note sarcasm) pa to reach home. So I tried bringing the car to work, not really to Ayala but I found a flat-rate parking area at Centris Quezon Avenue so the plan is to leave the car there and commute to work, then go back for it after my shift. I was happy at the thought of not crossing the overpass anymore.

But well, two days into it an I got into a road accident!

This time with a PUJ

My poor Vios getting used to my incompetent driving.

Can't dive into the details but in summary: I hit (was hit by) a jeepney while turning to Quezon Avenue. Thank God I was not alone. I was with three of my officemates and they're all such great moral support. As in, just the fact that someone's there with you makes a lot of difference. One of them called the MMDA to check so in a few minutes we got authorities at the incident.

We went to the police station and filed a police report, and because me and the jeepney driver is accusing each other and there's no concrete evidence, we have to elevate things to the court. OMG. Thank God I have insurance so I can leave the dirty work to them.

A bunch of learnings:
- In case of a traffic accident. DO NOT MOVE YOUR CAR until you've taken pictures and videos of the situation. Get out and record the scene, you need to get an angle of the road, where you are, where the other car is, your surroundings, the damage, and even the signages around. Who knows if the jeepney was entering private lane? Or you are crossing theirs?
- If you can help it... JUST LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE AS IS until the first responders arrive. Don't let anyone move their car without agreeing to certain terms. If they move, they're guilty. Char. If the scene remains untouched, the MMDA can sketch the incident and decide who's at fault. If you're causing traffic, make sure you've taken enough pictures before moving your car out of the way.
- SAVE MMDA HOTLINE - 136. Have extra load with you because it's not free to call. GRR.
- If you must really take matters to the precinct, ask the MMDA officer which Police Station covers the place of accident. In our case, Centris is covered by some police station at Project 8. We were escorted to the place and filed an incident report there.

Sobrang hassle but thank God because:
- We're all safe
- I have friends with me. What do I do without you guysss. Thank you Bear, Tats, and Mhy for staying with me! Shempre na-abala ko sila so I felt bad for wasting their time but I'm super thankful at how supportive they were <3
- My load didn't expire until I got home, whew. I was able to call my dad for help but since he's with my mom at the hospital, he called my uncle to back me up.
- My uncle followed me to the precinct. So overall I wasn't too fazed by the situation hahaha.
- My dad is very very calm. Every time I get into accidents like this, he always makes sure I learn something from it first before telling me what my faults are.

Hay! It's less than a month before my wedding and I damaged my bridal car hahaha. Sana mapaayos agad haha

Ang haggaaaard!

I can't believe it's already Wednesday! I was imagining my one week vacation to be peaceful and sweet but here I am running errands everywhere. In chronological order starting last Friday...

Friday - last working day at Pointwest

To be honest I wasn't too emotional about leaving Pointwest. Not until my onsite teammates started sending me well wishes that I realized, man I love my team! I wanted to send a goodbye email but I didn't know how to start. In my awkwardness I even had to Google "How to send goodbye email at work" HAHA and mind you, they were really helpful. I'll probably get to it this week, before they kill off my access.

Photo by Keats!

We had a subteam lunch (which is midnight) at Shakeys Katipunan and a team breakfast at Ral's Technohub so you could imagine how terribly full I was the entire day.

Saturday - went by so fast

You know how toxic Saturdays are for night owls like me. It means forcing my body to be awake for 12 hours more because I have things to do. Actually we only had one thing set that day, which was the last leg of our pre-marriage counseling with Paris (our officiating pastor). After our session we ate lunch at RUB Ribs & BBQ at Sct. Rallos where I excitedly ordered a burrito bowl which disappointed me because it has no trace of Mexican in it. Anyway, I guess our last session dissuaded us from having kids early in our married life HAHAHA. Rightly so 'cos we don't really have plans of having a baby yet. Blog, don't jinx this.

Got home soooo tired. Slept 14 hours total. Sarap.

Sunday - haizt

And I thought I was gonna feel rejuvenated after a long long sleep but no. My parents used the car so I had to commute to church. Then I got my period. My mood swung and I can't pick a dress to wear. And then, I can't book an Uber 'cos my phone is acting up. I was literally crying at my first world problems. But everything eventually leveled down. We ate lunch at Shang Plaza where we finally saw their new tiles HAHA. It's been a while since we last went there and every time we do, there would always be men working on the floor, breaking the tiles. God knows how long it took them to replace everything. Anyway, congrats lol.

Also, I bought a bunch of cold-pressed juices from Pure Nectar by Fruit Magic to see if I could do juicing again. I don't like the taste to be honest. I don't think I liked any of the juices that much. They were bordering on spoiling already, so much for the expiry date that's a week from now. Urgh. But what have you, I ordered again for day 2, and 3. Hm. Ang yaman ko.

Monday - the haggardest of them all

Jeckie took a leave from work cos we had to apply for marriage license. Sobrang haggard ng araw na to jusko. I thought I'd have time to go to my RDO branch to have my 1905 stamped but noooo. First thing we did was get our cedula at UP Village. No lines and super cool aircon, love it. Then we went to the city hall to apply for marriage license at the Civil Registry. Then back to Jeckie's to rest and wait for 1pm for the Family Planning seminar. Then it rained so hard while we're about to go to the Health Department huhu so much hassle getting a taxi! Arggghhh.

Anyway. I learned a lot that day. I learned that pills, injectables, and implants are all hormones that make you have regla so you can't bear a child. Other family planning methods discussed were ligation - which I don't care about... and IUD -- which was interesting! Not because I'm considering it but because it's very enlightening to learn about how it works based on the female anatomy of the ovaries.

It's like, okay, the goal is to not get pregnant. What can we do?
The egg cell should not reach the uterus: Okay let's cut the tubes (ligation), or block the passageway (IUD). But that's too invasive! Fine, let's give you hormones so your egg cell falls off and dies when you're ovulating. So cool that there are so many ways to work on a problem and all solutions are valid haha.

Okay after that enlightening yet tiresome seminar, we went home to change and rest a while before we head to our final agenda.

The lobby that smells like pancakes. Or biscuits. Whatever.

We're moving to Flair Towers after the wedding. By God, with our current status I think we may be stretching our living standards a bit but myyyy the place is beautiful. I haven't checked the other condos around but I want to vouch it's the prettiest among its neighboring condos haha. We paid the reservation fee, signed the contract, and heaved a great sigh as we realized that this is it... we're living together soon in this nice building that's next to Rebisco so you could imagine the smell everyday. ARGH IT SMELLS LIKE PANCAKES IN THE LOBBY, WHY.

Tuesday - not better

I am so freaking tired. Monday was all about accomplishing our marriage license requirements. Tuesday was about securing my pre-employment requirements naman. I already have my NBI clearance, so my agenda for the day was really just to go to BIR then submit the papers to White and Case. All the while worrying about my pending articles from freelance work, and the 2 invites I have to finish this week. LORD HAVE MERCY. I wanted to have enough time to spend at home so I could focus on my other jobs but oh Lord. daskjfhdskhfvbsg fhgafsafh

I left Makati around 6pm and rode the P2P bus because I was so tired and I wanted to sleep. But what have you: rush hour, payday, and the horrific accident at Mindanao Ave involving a cement mixer and a car - made our travel from Glorietta to Trinoma a ridiculous 2 and a half hours. I've completed an entire sleep cycle and we haven't even passed Boni. I can't. I was mentally crying at all this.

Side note, back at White and Case I learned that there was only one slot for the position I applied for and HUHU I can't believe I got it. Pressure. That is what you are.

Wednesday - today

I promised to finish the articles due yesterday and I did, yehey, but not after going to Trinoma to meet with our OTD haha. Now that I'm done with my writing, it's time to indulge in Game of Thrones! Also, Bride of the Water God hihi ❤

Hope you had a restful day!

Wait, I have to sleep pala loool.