ONLINE SHOPPING!??

I was really curious as to how online shopping works as well as scared to try it out because of scams because honestly, years back, I experienced scam. And I never really tried buying aything online again. But there are really good items online that you can't find in a brick and mortar store. Most online shops has items that can only be found in their sites,customized goodies, which I think adds to their value which makes people more willing to pay at the set price even if sometimes I think its overpricing. Also I think the increasing fame of internet is one factor that makes online shopping more effective because most people nowadays hang out more in internet than go out to malls and such. It also didn't require them much capital to be able to start their business.

So I came across this online store, which is an accessory store, and I really liked their products especially their bracelets. I love it so muuch! And I haven't seen it anywhere else yet during that time.

I really liked it that I decided I would try it out again for once. They also repost photos of their customers upon receiving their orders for security purposes of the potential customers. They ship the orders depending on the customer's choice. The customer is also the one shouldering the shipping cost and the number of days of waiting time is 2-3 days after payment. So yeah, for me it took a lot of risk and courage to finally pay via LBC and wait for my package to arrive at my door.

and true enough, after 3 days.. I GOT IT!! :D

Rate 10/10

Yaaay!! hahha  was sooo happy! The past 2 days was really a torture to me haha. I thought I'd never get it. And what added to their brand equity for me is that I did not only get my orders. I got more than my expectations. I thought they're just gonna deliver me my orders itself. that's it. But when I opened the package, it was concealed in this nice packaging and they also have this cool freebies, another bracelet which looked like it was made out of fabric then a loomband haha. it also has a note that really created this relationship with me, the customer. Haha, they know how to build customer relationships. the only downside to this for me is the price. I think its too pricey, haha. But overal, I like it. I'd definitely order for more. I just wish they could have discount promos hahaha

Food Trip Series; Terriyaki Boy

After the Hillsong concert, we all really had a hard time going our separate ways that we decided to go out and eat for a while before we go home. Also, there would be no one who'd take me home but them so why not join in, right? We decided to eat at Harbor Square and just weigh from there where we want to eat since we can't really decide where we want to eat. By the time we reached Harbor Square, it was around 12MN, a lot of restaurants has already closed and so the only restaurant we saw that would aceppt us is Terriyaki Boy hahaha. I originally don't really want to eat there because I know that it's kind of costly. But then I was just like What the heck, being wit these people doesn't always happen anyway soo.. hahah

I seriously had a hard time choosing on the menu for almost everything is over 200 pesos! hahaha. As far as I remember, their lowest price is around 180 pesos,which is soup I think Hahahaha. I'm also not a fan of japanese food so I didn't really think it would be worth it. so I just closed my eyes and ordered for a chicken bento. It was around 300 pesos, if i'm not mistaken. 

Rate 10/10

Well.. what can I say? It's delicious! haha I liked their service. The accommodation is also good. The place has a pleasant smell and all the dishes they offered, I believe, really lives up to their value. But I'm not really sure if i'd do a repeat purchase. Yes the food is all worth their value. It's just that I can't afford much to like regularly eat at places like this. It's just I'm fine with a simple restaurant with offering the same kind in a lower price. Considering that I'm not a fan of japanese food, it's really too costly for me than to feel like I gained more than what I paid for haha. 

PLAY Through: BONNIE AND CLYDE!

I have this wonderful friend who is an ambassadress  for ticketworld and all and she's really an amazing person, really incredible skills and talent when it comes to her field, Theater. She heads an organization in UST, specifically Mediartrix. Mediartrix usually conducts an adaptation play every year or every semester (I'm not really sure).

I personally LOVE their plays. Great story lines, great actors, great music, great production. And this year their musical adaptation is.. BONNIE AND CLYDE! Okay I'm not perfectly aware of this broadway play but this friend of mine shared to me the plot and everything and I just got so excited! It has a nice twist to it. I've also seen one of their rehearsal clips that just got me hooked up and right there and then I decided, I'm gonna watch this play!

IT'S THE OPENING DAAAY!

I watched their very first show. It happened in the Albertus Magnus Auditorium.

Rate 10/10

THE PLAY. IS. AWESOME!

I truly loved it! It's one of my most favorite plays that I've seen my entire life! It really has a depth in the story, not to mention that it's based in true story. Yup, it's based on a true life story. Bonnie and Clyde really existed! Okay, am I the only one who did not know this? haha. Damn me. The musicality is perfection. The production is superb! I love the chemistry between the leading man and leading lady. They also both have their own charisma as an individual. Though there are some technical difficulties, most of the fail points are because of their lapel mics, but overall.. Its just perfect.

My Concert Experience: HILLSONG!!

HILLSONG!

Okay, I am a BIG fan of their songs! Their songs keep me going. Some of my perceptions were based on their songs which makes them a big part of my life. That's why when I heard that they're having a concert here in the Philippines, I contact everyone whom I know would also love to be there especially my orgmates which were my family in God. We bought tickets online via credit card and agreed to pay at the said event. We got a lowerbox seat at Php 1600. Not bad, for me atleast haha. I thought its worth it :D

As the day is nearing, I thought I'd grow more excited each time, instead I didn't feel anything. I even forgot what day is the concert happening haha. I got too occupied with academics and organizing org events and papers. Then the day before the concert.. BOOM. that's when it hit me, that the concert's happening tomorow! haha. And then I was so flustered because papers and presentations are in due for our thesis that week. I'm assigned as a project head in our org's CommDev that will be happening on the same week. Also its the campaign period for the next Student Councils, college-based and univ-wide, everyone's so busy. I almost backed-out of the concert with all this deadlines, just like some of our orgmates. My classes ends at 8pm and the cncert starts at 8pm. GREAT. There's too many constraints. But then I told myself "Man, I need a break." So yeah, I pushed through the concert.

I went to Mall of Asia Arena straight right after my classes. By the time I got in, It was already starting! It was a bliss. Seeing the ocean of people opening up to God's love and praising him with all their heart, raising their hands.

There's this part in the song where it goes "Shine our light and let the whole world see, We're singing for the glory of the risen King.. Jesus!" then as the song progresses, people began lighting their phones and waving it in sync with the song! It was magical :) They sang all my fave songs such as the Mighty to Save, Oceans, and of course Broken Vessels. I felt closer to God than ever before. It brought out the depth of my faith. I felt closer to God. I felt His unconditional love. It felt like a celebration of us, His children, uniting with God. I just wished it would last longer  Its like time stopped and before I know it, it was over.

We were all left hanging that the crowd demanded for more and then we were surprised when they got back on the stage and the unexpected happen, they sang another song, a classic song which is.. ONE WAY! Yeah, it's a really old song but still! The feels is just as it is as it was newly released. The crowd got crazy, jumping up and down, savoring our last moments with Hillsong haha.

What made it more special is my company with these amazing people. In ordinary days, they are the people who God made as an instrument to make me feel His love and see Him in them. It felt special.

I thank for these people whom have become my role models and symbols of God, if that made sense haha. They're my family.

Rate 10/10

It just felt like a paradise :) everything went smooth and great. It could be one of my happiest days in my whole life haha.

Travel Series: Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort

Yes! My first Travel blog! Hahah I've been wanting to share this with you guys, of my experience and how beautiful Caliraya is. Usually when talking about summer escapades, you don't see Caliraya as one in the lists, or may just in my case. Normally, Baguio, Tagaytay and such are the places that comes to mind when you here "summer".

And these past few months, my mom is really obsessed with MetroDeal, like we always go bowling in SM Mall of Asia because of their promos posted in the site (gonna post a separate blog about it :D). So as my mom was browsing the site, she came across this promo.. and yes! You guessed it haha. It's Caliraya's Mountain Lake Resort. And theeeen, me and my sister's birthday is coming up. So we thought "why not celebrate it there?",right? We really love travelling and we've been wanting to travel to some place new because every time we just go to Baguio and Tagaytay. We really didn't had time to search about a new place to travel so we only go to places we know to reduce the risk of not being able to attain our desired satisfaction.

The day came..

We made iiit! :D Okay let me tell you something, when we availed of the voucher, hotel rooms ran out that nipa huts are the only vacant rooms we could avail of. We were hesitant but we confirmed anyway haha. We though it could add to the experience. But as soon as we were nearing the place, it was raining sooo hard. The photo above was taken after the rain stopped but afer 15 mins. it came raining again, nonstop! And it was such a waste because we didn't get to tour around the resort or do some activities which is their main product or service. And, the thing we worried about the most is that we're staying in a nipa hut! which is outdoors! which means we're exposed to the heavy rain! and it was really really cold. But as we got there, we requested if we could squeeze in the hotel rooms and with all the luck we got a room! haha

After checking in, we can't do anything else so we just ate lunch first and thank God for the entertainment room! Something to do in our stay indoors as we wait for the rain to stop.

And the most exasperating thing happened. The rain didn't stop. We got stock in the Hotel. We can't do anything but jsut to eat dinner, play billiards, darts, watch TV, play billiards some more. We played billiards 'til dawn by the way haha.

                           

We just maximized our vacation in the most possible way that we could.

The next day, we were psyched! the rain was gone! haha we could finally go around do some activities in their activity area! We also got to appreciate the interiors of the hotel and the beautiful view of Caliraya :D

The activity area was fantastic!

It all looks so fun! we wanted to try everything! Just watching other people, how much they enjoy the activities, its all very anticipating. And as much as I don't want to spoil out the fun, after 30 minutes of our stay at the area, lo and behold, THE RAIN STARTED POURING. AGAIN. Dream crusher. Hahah yeaaah. it sucks. We didn't pay for this. But yeah, we know that it's not the resorts fault. Its just really a bad experience. Just recalling our experience there, and to think that its out BIRTHDAY. Ugh. It makes me want to punch someone haha

Rate 5/10

It's feels like we go to Caliraya just to play billiards really :)) because after the rain poured that morning, of course we had no choice but to go back to the hotel and if it isn't obvious, what else is there? billiards.

Food Trip Series: UBelt Express

Okay, so this restaurant I'm about to share with you is something that I've never heard of. I actually just noticed this restaurant while going to my friend's house to work on our thesis papers and such. It is somewhere in the España side of UST. You could pass by here when you go straight by the street where Calda's Pizza is located. It's location is not by the main road which means foot traffic is lesser here, that I figured why they're kind of low in external sources like word-of-mouth. It's beside a burger restaurant called Yummerz which looks cool by the way.

Anyway, one of our blockmates mentioned this place as we were dismissed by our professor and I thought "Oh yeah, I remember that place", so we reached a consensus to eat there and try it out. One more thing, this place was known for it's Menu. Wanna know why?

HAHA. It's so RAD! Right? hahaha. They used the names of some of the famous colleges in their menus! As soon as we saw the Menu we got really excited to place our orders haha good marketing. Okay I've got to be honest, when I saw the prices, I wanted to go home immediately hahaha. but yeah, I thought it also could be an opportunity for a Food Trip Series :D haha. I didn't had a chance to take a picture though but the place is also good. Not too stuffy, very comfortable. and also they have this wide LCD Screen right in the center of the wall beside the Menu. I liked the idea. it entertains us while we were waiting for our orders. 

So the waiting time for our orders is quite long. I guess it's about past 30 minutes? We were already really hungry by that time so we got a little annoyed.

Then our orders came! Haha. Aaand I ordered for a... T-Bone Steak! Haha yeah, sucks right? I know, I know. I also wanted to order some of the courses with famous college's names especially the Tiger's Bulalo Steak but I'm not feeling it haha. 

My T-Bone Steak! <3 Its appearance isn't that attractive but it smells delicious. and as soon as I got a taste of it.. WOW. It's fantastic! I don't know about you guys but I enjoyed every minute of my consumption with this product. hahahha I just loved it. I guess I could say its worth it. :)

Rate 9/10

Everything's fine, the place, the food, the service is a little slow though, as I mentioned before. And the steak is a little small than I expected, which upsets me, but I didn't had a problem having a shortage of the viand hahaa. Its a good place to chill with your friends or a good late night place to hang while talking with someone you love, not necessarily in a romantic way, about how did their day go or what are his/her plans for the coming week or what. I don't know. I just get that kind feeling in that place haha.

FOOD TRIP SERIES: The Eatles

 So this restaurant is what I was talking about in  my last blog. Me and my blockmates were about to go home because we were dismissed earlier than usual. Then one of our friends persuaded us to try out this new restaurant around P.Noval corner Dapitan St. because she saw its facebook page and thought it could be a cool place to hang out. And when we reached the place, no kidding, it really looked promising! Haha. We all got excited and started taking pictures. Right from the entrance to the interior design, everything was really impressive! Their doorway is The London's Iconic Red Phone Booth. Its just cool :D

Then the interior of the place is really nostalgic. It gives a a retro-feel and of course most of it's design are The Beatles inspired. Hence, the name. haha. And what surprised me is that even down to the condiments and tissue holders is in sync with the theme haha. Its just really impressive.

Also their kitchen area is really awesome. They put it in a "retro bus" which I like because they make even the unnoticeable things look interesting. 

Rate: 7/10

Everything looks perfect. But I guess I expected a lot from them. The food is okay. I just thought it was overpricing because there was nothing special about it. I guess what we're paying for here is the place. The food is too small in amount. Price range for meals is around Php150-300.Then Pastas are around Php100-300. There are also Burgers and sandwiches which are the cheapest on the menu prices ranging from 85-150, I think. Another reason for my rate is that when we ordered, most courses in the menu is not available! I mean.. whaaaat? Its just really disappointing. and also the room temperature is bad. It's kinda hot. And one more thing that really disappointed me is the menu list. The name of their courses is a little peculiar that I think they should have included the ingredients in the menu list. Of course if I'm going to buy something I'd want to know what its made of so that I could determine if its worth what I'm paying for.

But yeah, I'm considering that the day we went there is just their soft opening. They're still putting things together but they should also know that First Impressions are CRUCIAL. It could be a basis for the customers for a repeat purchase or not. But hey, They're just starting, let's give them a breather :) There's a lot more room for improvement.

FOOD TRIP SERIES: The Burger Boulevard

Every Thomasian is perfectly aware what's hip or trend nowadays around UST campus.

BURGERS.

Yes.. burgers! After the milk tea craze, it's time for the burger restaurants invasion! Though I'm not really sure about the 3 other corners, but this truly applies in the Dapitan corner of UST. I don't really know what triggered the demand that burgers are everywhere you look. Maybe it suits the busy lifestyle of the students that needs a handy food to which they could feel full and multi-task at the same time. Also, it's such a delicacy! It's tasy and satisfying.

There are also a range of different prices each restaurant that you could choose from. Some Restaurants sell at Php85.00 for a quarter pounder and some sells at a higher price, some at the lower price. And I went for the lower price haha.

During the week of our Preliminary Exams just early this month, me and my blockmates were really worked up and stressed out with the exams that during our break, we decided to just eat it out somewhere nice and new. Fortunately, there's this burger restaurant in V. Concepcion which just opened that day itself!

Rate 9/10

It was actually a soft opening :) they're still putting up some of their decorations but nevertheless, they're mostly done :D The place is kinda small which can accommodate roughly around 15 pax. But I do think that this is better than Critus (around Antonio St.) because their place is a lot smaller than Burger Boulevard. The atmosphere though seems nice. I could definitely see myself hang around here sometimes.

 Also the prices are very affordable considering that burger restaurants are now popular around UST. But one of the main reasons why this caught my attention is that they're offering something that I think is in great demand from the students. Usually, their competitors take a plenty of time to prepare their orders. So Burger Boulevard is now offering a service of "10-15 minutes of waiting time". I also like the idea that they included the components of each course in the menu for some restaurants leave it out like "The Eatles" (which I'll be posting up soon after this review). It's just confusing like how would you know what you would want to order when you don't know if the contents of that course is worth the price or if it has something that you don't really eat like pickles, for example.

Our orders came on time! ^_^ I was satisfied and my expectations of a desired service were met. And let me just tell you this one thing I liked the most in this restaurant. The Crew. I LOVE THEM! ^_^ They're really adorable haha. They fool around with their customers. they ride with your jokes. They're really fun people :) It just gives off a light atmosphere that brings it up a level higher.

The reason why I didn't give a 10 is that it is not "The Best" burger I've tasted. Like I'd choose Zark's over this. But yeah, I think its acceptable for their brand positioning is for the middle class people while Zark's is more on catering the upper class people. But for a typical burger, and for convenience.. they're definitely one of the best :D

My First "CONCERT" Experience: AGAINST THE CURRENT and ALEX GOOT CONCERT!

Alright this happened around August but I just wanted to share it to you guys :)

As I was surfing the net, I spotted a poster, an article.. 

I was sooo EXCITED! I've been a Youtuber fan since my early high school days and I've been supporting them for over 4 years now. I have always dreamed of them having a concert here in the Philippines which I know is impossible to happen. BUT.. Yaaayy! seeing this poster, it feels so Surreal! I was flustered as to where to buy or better, reserve a ticket because I won't dare want to miss this one in a lifetime experience. Then I came across this FB Page saying they reserve tickets for the said event. I was hesitant but yeah, I wanted to see them so much that I took the risk of reserving mine even if there's no certainty. We met up at Trinoma Seattle's Best Coffee then..

Yayy! I GOT IT! I was shaking! I bought a VIP Ticket so I could see them up front :D I can't believe that I would be able to see them, PERFORM, LIVE, IN PERSON! I can't sleep for weeks! Even if it's Finals Exams the week after the event, I didn't think twice to come.  By the way let me tell you, I'm not sure if I could call this a "concert" hence, the title, because I find it weird that they're holding it in CCP Main Theater. I think everyone does haha. Even Chrissy can't believe it! She tweeted about it. It's just that it's not suitable for a band concert. Like how are people gonna mosh, right? How are we gonna jump to their songs and reach our hands to them when you are limited to only stay at your seats? The seats were too far from the stage! and cameras are not allowed! how is that even possible!?

And then the day came..

It was opened by Monique Lualhati, the one who once joined X Factor then The Voice. She was good, really nice voice :) She sang a few songs. 

Then after her performance, the lights dimmed. We were all hyped up. the crowd's cheering then, 5 minutes passed, The crowd grew tired.. 15 minutes passed, They were still prepping the stage. The break was too long! The hype has gone. In my opinion they should've gone directly to the next performance to keep the hype up not have a 15-minute break. Theeeeen.. AGAINST THE CURRENT came in smashing the stage! They totally killed it! 

People weren't supposed to crowd up in front of the stage but as soon as we saw them, BOOM! Everyone practically ran to the stage!  Of course I was one of them haha. We had a "MOSH PIT" anyway ha! 

Chrissy was Amazing! As soon as she stepped out in the light the crowd went CRAZY! She hyped the crowd up throughout their whole performance. She was really adorable and beautiful! And I really love her voice, it was astounding! :) not  the typical high-pitch-voice. 

CAMERAS NOT ALLOWED? Haha! Looks like nobody noticed it :))

It feels like a dream! knowing that reaching out, you're only inches away from your idols. When they look at you you feel like your on top of the world for they are noticing you at that veryoment. haha

 Chrissy doing her signature move!

Right about the end of their performance, the bouncers/security kept on pushing us away from the stage, telling us to go back to our seats or they will stop the event. In the first few seconds the crowd dispersed but as soon as the bouncers were gone, we again crowded to the stage haha. We can't help it.

After their act, the bouncers again pushed us away from the stage and threatened us that we will be banned if we don't go back to our seats. We all went back to our seats disappointed.

And that's when Alex Goot came in..

Alex was incredible! His voice really is wonderful. It puts you into a daze. He filled the room with every emotion a song can take you. It was soft but at the same time strong. You could feel his passion. He sang some covers and of course, his original compositions.

Then after his act, Chrissy came in.. which again made the crowd crazy! haha. It's time for a collab performance!

This moment was really overwhelming. It feels like everything's going too fast. We didn't want it to end. But time is flying rapidly, so we just cherished the moment while they're still "reachable".

And then the event has come to an end! They're waving goodbyes to us and it's really saddening. We can't help but to run up the stage again and reach out to them for the last time. Back to reality. But it is of course, a wonderful experience :) I had a great time, I felt that the price that I paid is worth it :D

And before they left, they took a picture with us! <3 aaaww.. I really miss them so much now!

This was a long post but yeah.. All in all, It was an AWESOME experience! It feels like you're hanging out with them haha. They're all wonderful musicians that really inspire me and I really look up to. And I will keep on supporting them all throughout their journey.

Rate: 20/10!

I'd pay any price just to see them perform again :) 

FOOD TRIP SERIES: Lan Zhou La Mien

Me and my friends met up too early in school so we thought why not have lunch together? And a friend of mine suggests to eat at Binondo, since it's Chinese New Year and all. And then we ate at Lan Zhou La Mien somewhere in Benavides St.

The Cooking Area right in front of the Waiting Area

Rate: 8/10

Okay so I have a lot of comment about this. First, the accommodation is poor. The place is too small. It looks crowded, it feels crowded even if we're less than 50 people inside including the crew. Their waiting area is just at the hallway of the entrance and exit. So it's really bothersome, people keep on passing by us. And we also feel burdened that we're blocking their way. Second, when we already got a table, just as I said, it was not so spacious so we were kind of nudging each other while eating. Third, while eating, we were shocked when someone began to yell at the cashier. She was complaining something about her order not being delivered f I'm not mistaken. Well, that isn't a pretty good environment, right?

Now about the food..

We were told that their specialty here is Beef La Mien but my friend said their dumplings is the best. So we ordered both and another dish which I forgot what its called because its in chinese haha. anywaay, their DUMPLINGS are really the BEST! :D haha I totally loved it! It tastes different from other dumplings I've had before. And the other dish was also AMAZING! I thought it looked like a light food especially there are 5 of us who'll share with just these 3 dishes but we actually got full :) Their self-proclaimed specialty which is "Beef La Mien" though was very disappointing. It tastes very bland. The texture of the noodles would have bee my greatest compliment but it really tastes so plain, like I'm eating raw noodles with soup. they're not complimenting. The beef though tastes good.

So all in all, yeah, I gave them 8/10. Honestly, I would've given them 10/10 because of the food but the service really not that justifiable and the Beef La Mien really ruined it. haha

But you know there's a lot of Chinese Restaurants in Binondo that you could try. I've also tried a number of restaurants there that satisfied my expectations haha. You could give me a heads up whenever you find something better ;)

Have Fun Food Tripping!!

FOOD TRIP SERIES: Starr's Cafe :3

Heeeeyyy.. Who's up for some smoothies?? I AM!! Hahah I've been wanting to experience this Cafe just around the UST Campus.. Starr's Cafe! One of the famous food stops in UST.

We celebrated my friends birthdaaay! :D Happy Birthday Chrystaaaa!

Rate: 9/10

The smoothies were Amazing! The place is nice :) their theme is unique. And they have an LCD monitor which shows youtuber's cover videos that I really like to watch :D so it's a plus to me. The room temperature is also good, not too cold and not too hot. It has the same style as the one in Maginhawa/UP Village called "A taste of Heaven". They also have the same price but due to convenience, of course I'd choose Starr's over the other. So this smoothie is definitely one of my favorites :)

But sadly, there are some downsides. I think they lack a little in accommodation for the place is too small. There are only around 5-7 tables if I'm not mistaken. Then the service is slow. You have to wait for around 30 mins. for just a single order of smoothie. So it's kind of a No-no for me. But yeah, other than that, I enjoyed the smoothie very well and the place is awesome-ish :D haha

I'd definitely go back here once in a while :)