Five Frugal Ways to Weight Loss

I was wondering how weight loss subject is such a big deal for a long time. Check YouTube and it’s one of those videos that will easily earn millions of views even if the tips in there are just a spin-off of an article somewhere. But at the end of the day, it boils down to one practice that may or may not be effective for everyone given lifestyle, genetics, and other factors.

 This road to thinness hype is getting so much in almost everyone. And you will get tired of hearing people ranting about how they are to hit the gym, eat just fruits, or  try that no rice diet. The thing is dieting can be very expensive. Detox, gym membership, fruits, organic rice, blah blah blah.

 Standing for 4’11 and weighing 35-40 kilogram, depending on my activities, I think I am not very thin but thinner than I was six years ago. The secret? Here you go.

 1 . Repeatedly eat the food that you really like until you get sick of it.

I like a lot of food before—pizza, potato, adobong kangkong, bread. Four years ago, I was a pizza addict. I like it very much I think I am gonna pledge allegiance to it over everything else. So I ate it most of the times to a point that my burp smelled like pizza. And I got sick of it.

 The trick here is you eliminate the foods you like very much until you end up with no much choice. Or you eat very little of it because you can’t even stand its smell.

 2. Just sleep it away.

I am the laziest person on earth when weekend strikes. I don’t cook because I hate washing dishes. Going out to buy some is also not an option because sun-rays hurt my eyes and will just give me migraine anyway so why bother. I’ll just drink water and sleep the day. Make sure to sleep before you feel hunger because if you don’t, you will never doze off.

 3. Read a very gripping book.

A lot of people are looking for economical tip to lose weight. Well for book lovers out there, you can relate, can’t you? A gripping book is worth the hunger. There are times that I would trade not eating or not even taking a bath over a book I am on because it will just haunt me anyway if I do not finish it.

 4. Volunteer in an initiative where food is scarce.

My love for bread when I was in college put some weight on me. Like you can literally call me a ‘healthy baby’. But after a month-long volunteer work I shrank into my size today. Everyone was wondering why. Well, to start, I told you already I am lazy and I love reading so during weekend that is just what I do. I only had a glass of milk cereal and a biscuit for the day and eat rice during dinner. Hell, I do not believe that after 6 diet stuff. Then came this fieldwork where food was not really good I only took a bite or two in order to survive.

5. Self-control.

Now this is cliché sounding but the best thing in losing weight without spending too much is having that strong urge to say NO to food. Even if it is your favourite chocolate cake or afritada. When I am served with all my favourites, I would just tell my brain, “No it is not the end of the world yet. Just have what you can take”.  Or I would think the consequence of the eating too much i.e. heavy tummy, reflux, etc.

How To Move On: The Unusual Tips

Forgetting that special someone who had been part of your life is never easy. The longer you have been together the more painful it is. Worst if you are the one being  left out.

But here are few tips that can help you jumpstart on a brand new beginning:

On your social media: Most common tip in moving on the internet might teach you is to unfollow or block that person. Of course, who wants to see updates of him/her having a good time or worst changing his/her profile pic in facebook with the new one? None. But you see, the more you get to see this, the more you get immune and be reminded that he/she is not worth your while. It’s okay to delete your pictures there though.

On your phone: Blocking or deleting his/her number. Hell, what is the point in all of that if you memorize it? Just let it stay there until you get tired of looking it. You will surely have the impulse of messaging that person once in a while but just be resilient. If you fail, then what now? You might be contacting that person yet it won’t change the fact that you broke up already. Send 10,000 “Hi’s” until you get so frustrated and get the hang of no message from him/her.

On your daily activities: You get to think of that person too much because you have so much spare time in doing it. Go get a hobby you can think of. Get loads of books if you happen to be a reader. Jam-pack your hard drive with movies if you are a junkie. Go solo backpacking! Learn guitar! Enrol free online courses at Coursera! Join organizations in line of your interest! Blah balah blah!

On your new relationships: They say getting a new apple of your eye is the best way to get over someone you treasured. For your sake and that of your future rebound, please don’t do it. It is just a waste of time, money and effort. Savour being single and jump into it when you are ready.

On being sentimental: Feeling like all the sad songs were meant to be written for you? Seeing someone who is a carbon copy of him/her in manners? Watching that movie you watched on your first date? Yeah, that is very normal. Just remember that you are not the only person going through it. And really, with the right attitude it won’t kill you. Always think you deserve the best. J

Taking the #PerfectOOTD with OPPO F1s

I could spell I-N-S-E-C-U-R-I-T-Y at the age of 5. Trust me, you do not want to grow up being compared to your beautiful sisters. I have lumber jack shoulders, a face as round as the yahoo messenger icon and a not so impressive height.  On my teenage years, I hate wearing tight clothes because it emphasized how ungifted I am on the chest area. I am skinny and have the most unproportionate body. Every morning, I stare at the mirror and silently whisper, “I hate myself”.

Fast forward. College. With the help of the people I surround with and the ideologies I started to embrace, I finally made amend of my imperfections. Like really, I had to accept who I am or else I had to work my ass off to earn money for surgery. Kidding, the latter is not even an option.

Amidst all these struggles within, I had a dirty little secret.  I love fashion. I daydream of modeling the clothes I created. Geez, God knows how obsess I am with Project Runway, America’s Next Top Model, and all other shows that has to do with runways, models, and fabric. I go gaga when I enter boutiques trying to mentally mix-and-match the stuff inside.

Taking the perfect outfit of the day is very important to me because I really wanted to express myself on the clothes I wear. For me, it is art. But one of the major challenges I had to face on this quest is being uncomfortable in front of the camera. Yes, I learned to embrace the blotches of my physical appearance but there is still this small voice of insecurity that is holding me back.

What will the world say if I post this photo? Will they notice how flat-chested I am? Will they ridicule me because I don't even look like a model? Will they hate the entirety of my look because it does  not scream sophistication and glamour which is the stereotype of fashion?  

And then it dawned unto me. What now if they hate everything about me? Or maybe, I was just creating this hate thing in my head? What would I lose if I try it? Thanks to the support of my family, I am now getting out of my comfort zone. I can now smile and pose in front of the camera with ease because I know the person behind it loves me unconditionally no matter how I look. Yes, my family members are my photographers.

It worried me at first because I really am not into makeup. And according to most of the fashion blogs I follow, good make up must go with your fashion. I am just thankful that OPPO F1s hosts plug-ins and filters that I can play with to have the endless opportunity of sharing creative photos. It really is a savior because I am no fan of makeup. All you can find in my mini kit is a facial moisturizer and a lip tint.

Also, I am just an ordinary working student. I fear that the fashion community would oust me if I could not afford signature clothes. But then again, for me, if you really are passionate about it, you can pull off fashion without splurging too much. Fashion is not expensive. Fashion is a challenge to be creative.

I am still continuously building that confidence to dress, express, and share. With the journey, I came to realize that the formula for a perfect OOTD shot is an attitude that you can pull off everything and a camera that supports your goal like OPPO F1s.

Exploring Tinago Falls, Iligan City: Easy and Budget Friendly

It was really a loss not exploring Tinago Falls when I was yet a student. How could I miss that unfathomable cold

blue water that is one of the most visited places in Iligan City when I was just more than an hour away from it? Nevertheless, I had an awesome date with my mudra and bro there just  months ago. The day after my bro's grad we decided to have an instant picnic and it was one of the best getways I ever had. Iba talaga pag pamilya kasama!

All About Food

If you are just from the area and want a quick plunge, I think grabbing few chichirias and soda will do. However, since I am a glutton (sometimes) and I did not want to starve my family, my brother and I went to the city market for ready-to-eat foods. I was very happy about the fresh fruits at very affordable prices. I bought a large slice of jackfruit for just P20! For those who want to do some hardwork, you can buy fish and meat and grill them at the area.

The Transportation

From Iligan City, you can hop on a jeep going to Buru-un. Fare is just P15. Ask the driver to drop you at the junction going to Tinago Falls. From there, you can take a motorcylce for P25. For convenience, we hailed a cab that brought us to where we needed to start walking down to the falls. We only paid P250 and I thought that was fair enough. Be sure to talk to your driver for the fare before jumping in.

The Experience

The majestic Tinago Falls is tucked in a deep ravine. On the way down the 600 steps, I took
note of not getting too drunk because I wanted to get home with intact ribs. It is steep. I had difficulty going down. I could not imagine going back up.

I am not fan of swimming but this one inflicted me with very swollen arms because my brother and I keep on wading for the rest of the afternoon. I don't know how to swim so the I guess it must be life jacket that gave me so much confidence. We also tried riding the balsa and it literally had stopped my breathing. I was overwhelmed by the water falling down with such intensity and it drove me crazy how to get away from it. I've almost drowned twice and it drew that feeling back.

The Disadvantage

First thing that really turned me off is the unpleasant smell of the water. I do not know how to put it but it smells malangsa sometimes especially if you stay just on the rocks. Second thing is the comfort room. I wish that some of fees collected will go to the construction of a better rest room. I mean, you have to pay P5 everytime you use it but you have to make do of a cubicle that has overflowing water and a door that threatens to fall on you any minute because it is damaged. Most of the cottages had no roof as well so it is really hard to keep your things dry if it rains.

Budget

Guide  - P150 (My brother is frequent to this place so we really didn't need any tour guide. However, people insisted and mudra favored for it because we will have someone to watch for our things and take our photos) 
If you are on a budget

Cab Fare (Iligan City - Tinago) - P250
Motorfare (Tinago - Junction) - P25
Jeep Fare (Junction - Iligan City) - P15
Environmental fee - P70
Life jacket - P30
Food - Depends on you

Four Mountains In A Day (Climbing Mt Marami, Mt Buntis, Mt Nagpatong and Pico De Loro In One Day)

“Ruth di ba sabi ko sayo walang baguhan? Baka di niya kayanin!” 

Once upon a summer, I was invited to a mountain climbing. As an adventure junkie, I went for a go in a heartbeat. It was my first official climb. Not to mention my first four mountains in a day climb. That was one of the most exhausting experiences in my entire life. But one of the most valuable experiences that made me better understand life itself.

At 2 am, we were on our way to the first peak to conquer, Mt. Marami. Meeting my fellow climbers looking so professional about this thing had me worried if my 2 bars of Snickers and a liter of water would get me through the day. I was even ready to bail out when one of the organizers said to the person who invited me, “Ruth,di ba sabi ko sayo walang baguhan”.

I felt backing out. Why go through this when I could sleep and read the whole day? But that person told them I can do it and winked at me. My mind argued. How dare is she to believe I can do it? We are talking about four mountains here! But on one note, what would I lose if I do this except for few calories. I decided to stay. They already had my registration anyway so Mr. Giving Up you are not an option. That person believed that I can do it. And when I signed up to this I also thought I could do so.

The first 30 minutes of the trek was fine but as hours passed it was killing me. My sweat trickled from anywhere and I panted like a dog. Hopelessness seeped in upon hearing them we were not even half of the trek. I was hungry and thirsty and starting to think if my colleagues were on drugs. Like how could they walk normally and steadily while my heart was ready to explode? Ah, pain… Endless pain…

Then I found myself standing before a crystal clear calm stream.  I was staring at myself and asked, why do I keep on whining? Pain is part of the journey. Can I just enjoy this? I looked around realized how the morning sun could be so beautiful when clouds and fogs try to hide it. There were wild flowers silently screaming to be noticed. Climbers who were willing to share their stories. It made the climb easier. Sometimes in life, we are just too itchy to get something done that we failed to notice and be enthralled by the simple things that come along the way.

When you are about to conquer the peak, the ascent could be very rocky it will hurt your hands. The path is getting narrower you have to look closely. You have to grip well in order not to fall. You have to be mindful every step of the way until you get there. Thirst, starvation, wounds, scars, they are just few of the pains to deal with but they won’t matter when you finally stand at the peak, feeling on top of the world as you savor the earth’s splendor. No pain, no gain, they say. Same goes with life and successes. You have to work for it. And you just don’t give up.

Upon descent, the summer sun was hostile hot it felt like my head was to be ripped off. I barely had any water left and I was tired my surrounding started to blur. I walked and stumbled, walked and stumbled for eternity. My exhaustion tricked me to give up and just when I was about to, I caught a glimpse of our jump-off site. Funny it is with life. You won’t really know if you are approaching the finish line when you focus on pain too much. But if you keep going, you will be surprised it will be over. And it pays when you just don’t give up.

And there one mountain down, three more to go and it was already 12 midnoon. Next stop, Mt. Buntis. Everyone was eager to take over the next peak except me. Dehydration had me down. I wanted to push through. Prove these people this rookie can do it but my feet were not just up for the challenge. Swallowing my pride, I told them, I’d wait at the van. People call it quitting. I call it being smart. I could feel my system dying. If I don’t listen to it, I could be courting more serious trouble.

Accepting failure in life is never easy. Most especially if you are trying to please spectators. But in the end, I should know that we are talking about my journey here and not theirs. Yes, I made a pass in climbing this peak. I’ve learned that giving up is not a bad thing at all. Giving up when you know you cannot do it at the moment because of circumstances you are not in control of is fairly okay.

It was already dark when we reached the third mountain. This time, I felt better and was back on the challenge. Mt Nagpatong was an easy climb. This taught me that after every fall, you just keep going and you’ll be stunned how things unfold.

By 8 pm, we arrived at the last peak, Pico de Loro. My mind, body and soul was morose I could not take anymore mountain. I decided not to climb it. Almost all of us did except the four hardcore mountaineers. I was not ashamed of it anymore. And adage could say he sky is the limit but reality is, at some point, you need to acknowledge constraints that are way beyond your control and seek the best option. You can always get back into it the next time. You just don’t simply give up when you intend to try it again next time when you are capable and ready to do so.

Life is full of rocky mountains to climb. It sure is to be thrown with tons of pains, struggles and bottleneck the most tempting to do is give up—our dreams, our goals, our passion. Just keep going. But if it is way too much and you could not take it anymore, give yourself a break. Learn to rest. Learn to breathe. It is part of not giving up.

Basic Speech No. 10

Pioneer Trailblazers Toastmasters Club

Affordable Summer Spree at Bohol Island

At the infamous Chocolate Hills.

For two years now, I've been able to set foot in Bohol during summer time. I've been to quite a number of provinces in the Philippines and this city is one of my personal favorites because it has so much to offer. From the picture perfect Chocolate Hills, scenic falls, and white sand beaches to mouth-watering seafood.

Strolling at Panglao Beach in sneakers.
Yeah, I know, I know!

Thrift Experiences

Transportation

As a budget traveler, my mantra is always to spend less and experience more. As we head out from the airport, barkers offered us a cab for P600. The fare price did not make any sense to me because going to our accommodation will probably take us 5-8 minutes. Had we known how to get to there and had the sun been friendly, we might opt to walk. In the end, we hailed a tricycle for P8 each. What a save!

There a number tour offerings here according to your budget. Tricycle drivers offered us P2500 for a day tour. There are also SUVs who do touring for P1500-P3000 depending on the tour specifications. If you are alone and hiring one could be so pricey, go commute. It is not as hassle as deemed.

Hotels

On my first visit, I stayed at a hotel (I forgot the name) for more or less P1500 per night. The rooms were clean and they have a very relaxing ambiance. I thought that was the most affordable I could get. El Portal Inn is way affordable. It only costs P900 per night. For barkada escapade, they have P1200 room good for 3 persons already. The linens could be a bit shabby looking but were clean and staffs are approachable.

All About That Food

Golden Cowrie's grilled squid, mango salad,
spring rolls and baked tahong.

I am very picky when it comes to food. I always wanted something that is 'lutong-bahay'. On our first day, we had lunch at Golden Cowrie. This restaurant has a wide array of Filipino food to fill my growling tummy. This island really screams teeming seafood. I mean, you can have a baked tahong for more or less P250 that you will get the metro for double or triple price? I am just so amazed! For vegetarians, their adobong talong is love. There is no meat on it but it's hella delicious. Gee, my mouth is watering just the mere thought of it.

Bee Farm's complimentary appetizer, steamed fish,
organic avocado ice cream, halang-halang,
and grilled fish with organic garden salad.

For dinner, we went to Bee Farm. A restaurant that offers organic food. It is a bit pricey for a budget traveler but the food is worth it. No not just worth it. It is hella good too. The serving is very generous. I had grilled fish with organic garden salad on the side. I am not really a salad person but I was curious to try some. For fish lovers, try their steamed fish! For desert, chill yourself with organic ice cream. It comes in avocado, ginger, langka, and malunggay flavour.

Good food with good people.

On our second night, my colleague’s friend, a local there, brought us to Abi's Restaurant. I never imagine buffet dinners could be so affordable. Imagine dining with unlimited grilled fish,  baked tahongs, pork adobo, squid adobo, fresh fruits and many many others for just P250.

Nganong Nailad Ka Sa Mga Daang Pelikula?

Hi mga friends! Dugay na sad ta wa nagkita. Na busy kunuhay ko sa akong life isip working student. Pero dili kana ang atong hisgutan karon. Adtong Sabado, naglantaw  akong Mama ug You are Still the One ni Maja ug Dennis. Dayon pag uli nako gahapon, ang yaya sa akong ate pirting lurata sa pelikula ni FPJ sa PBO. Ako pod kay usyusera lage tan-aw pod. Pero mao gyud ni akong problema sa mga Pinoy nga sine-sine:

 Sa mga Daan nga Pelikulang Aksyon!

1.   Tanang bida naay side kick. Kasagaran sa ila, kung dili maot, kulang ug buot. 

2.   Kasagaran sa estorya kung dili dato ang leading lady, ang leading man. Talagsa rako makakita nga pobre sila pareho.

3.   Sexy dapat ang leading lady para bastuson sa kontrabida dayon mo-eksena dayon ang bida.

4.   Ang away magsugod sa pagyabo sa lamesa.

5.    Kusog kaayo ang sound effects sa suntok ni FPJ.

6.   Maayo kaayo mulihay ang bida.

7.   Kung ang bida ug kontrabida nalang gani ang mahabilin, magsige pa sila estorya ayha magpabuto.

8.   Kung ang bida o kontrabida wala nay pusil, muingon dayon, "maglaban tayo lalaki sa lalaki", dayon mag-karate sila.

9.   Dugay mamatay ang kontrabida. Lisod pod humananon dayon ang estorya.

10.                Mapulisan ang bida dayon  mag 50/50 sa ospital pero mabuhi ra diay.

11.                Maulahi pirmi ang pulis ug abot.

12.                Basta mag 50/50 na estoryahon ra o kissan sa leading lady, okay na. Buhi n!

     13.                Naay pirmiy moment si leading man ug leading lady nga happy dayon muabot dayon ang kagubot.

14.                 Ang mga moment ni leading lady ug leading man kay kung dili picnic sa ilalom sa manga, dakpanay ug gaksanay sa kasagbutan.

15.                Inig ka ending kay manayaw sila sa beach. As in managligo gyud dayon?

When Was The Last Time

When was the last time you read a book, wrote a poem, sang a song?

When was the last time you walked barefoot, chased the sun, sat by the coast?

When was the last time you climbed mountains, watched sunsets, strolled country sides?

When was the last time you shivered in cold, sweated in heat, panted in pressure?

When was the last time you wept for loss, sighed for relief, cried for joy?

When was the last you spoke your thought, screamed your ire, shared your experience?

When was the last time you dribbled that ball, played that guitar, drew that sketchbook?

When was the last time you found love, lost in love, fell in love again?

  

When was the last time you lived?

Priceless Tips On How To Survive Metro Manila Traffic

Commuters, D-R-I-V-E!

Hunger Games. That book series turned to movie where two representatives from different districts have to participate in an annual death match in the name of food.

The battlecry? Survival of the fittest, elimination of the unfit.

Our day to day life is indeed a survival of the fittest and elimination of the unfit. You need not read or watch Hunger Games to see that. Just try commuting in the Philippines. And it’s more fun in Metro Manila.

For those who have cars, all you have worry are the following: money for gas and toll fees, coding days, plus double, extra, super patience for the metro’s traffic.

For us commuters, what we have to worry are just two deadly things: 1) running out of bus to ride, and 2) running out of oxygen chasing buses along with other feisty and desperate-to-get home passengers.

As an experienced EDSA commuter where falling in line is a deviant practice, I urged everyone to D-R-I-V-E!

D is for Diet. Imagine a pack of tigers, only they are humans, pushing everyone around in order to get in the bus’ minimal door. No offense meant but being thinner (and flatter) is helpful in slipping inside a bus swarmed by hungry passengers. But like toothbrush that needs toothpaste for better result, diet must be coupled with exercising. I learned it the hard way. Being petite makes it easier to just slip but also it is easier for you to get off balance when the big bad guys are your competitors. Okay, time to hit the gym and put some muscle here (my triceps I mean).

R is for Run. Cheetahs are the fastest land animals on record, so the report shows. I beg to differ, ladies and gentlemen. It’s humans! Go to Ayala bus station during rush hour and you’ll see what I am talking about. Hundreds of them running like hell to approaching buses just to get in.

I did not entertain this novelty of commuting so I missed a lot of dinner at home and soon grew tired of this so I learned to play the game. I am an experienced runner now and still on training every day!

I is Ignore Good Manners. My mom brought us up with utmost respect especially to elders. So when an oldie gets on I gave way. You’re welcome. And that’s one of the reasons I get to my destinations late. I know better now. I must be objective. Who cares about the PWDs, the pregnant women, the mothers with their infants? Put your game face on! But just like drinking reminders, do it moderately.

V is Vigilance. Once I too preoccupied getting to office on time so I made my way through the crowd as quick as possible. When I finally boarded, I fished for my smartphone only to realize it was gone. Should I scream? No, I would be nuts to do that! Should I call the police? Oh God! Where are the police? Lesson? Use handphones.

Vigilance is also necessary for all sex maniacs out there who pretend to brush off your chest or butt when the bus is jam-packed or in sudden break. This is also as equally important for those conductors who do not dispense tickets and play deaf when asked for change.

Extend Patience. No matter what you do, shit happens. I wonder how many commuters out there had their relationship shattered after being late on a date or on a birthday. I wonder how many business deals were postponed and how many love letters they got from the HR giving suspension for the well-performed lates. In all these, patience my dear, patience.

I cannot pinpoint what really is the root of this problem. Is it so many people that our vehicles cannot accommodate? Or just so many undisciplined people that makes commuting an agony? On the one hand, could it be that we have so many vehicles our roads can longer accommodate or simply a lack of effective system. Might as well call MMDA…

Meanwhile, if you want to be on top of surviving, go DRIVE.


Basic Speech No. 6 (Pioneer Trailblazers Toastmasters Club)

Why You Buy More Than You Think In Malls

Where is your favourite mall? Imagine yourself inside it. You decided to buy a pair of running shoes. Just a pair running shoes. But with its big ON SALE sign across halls, wide array of clothes, beauty products, etc, etc.. You ended up with a number of shopping bags. Inside-- traveling pillow, bag, new headset, powerbank, new t-shirt and lastly, your running shoes. Then it hit you. Your credit card is badly hurt or worst,  you won’t be eating right for the next 2 weeks to cope up with your diminishing budget.

Good evening fellow toastmasters! Life is tricky. There are times that despite our strong will to just stick to what we need, we ended up wanting and getting things that are not supposed to be part of our list. But what is it with malls that make us disobedient shoppers?

Come let us go shopping as we uncover the science of malls!

Let us start at the very entrance. Here, there is nothing much to look at. It’s called the decompression zone. Purposely designed for you to acclimatize. Designed to allow us contemplate about proper spending mode.

And then once you are into the mode…

What scientist called scripted disorientation technique kicks in…

 Have you noticed that there are no clocks in malls? Inside we enjoy so much of the goods and bargains and the next time we know it, it’s closing time. Usually we can tell what time of day it is but inside you can’t. Unless you check your watch once in a while which is rarely. This is so because aside from having no clock inside, you can rarely have a view of the outside. Plus the lighting and color schemes. It’s  always day inside and the more we think it is still early to go home yet, the more we are vulnerable to throwing unnecessary stuff to our shopping cart. A very genius way of skewing our perception about time.

Malls. They are designed to make you spend money and sometimes you do not realize it making you vulnerable to impulse buying. Something called the invariant right is one of the culprits. You see, we grow up to walk and drive keeping right. Unconsciously, we also do so in our shopping and the retailers knowing this keep their bargains and most of their goods at the right.  So maybe next time you like to keep left? :)

And same thing is applied in supermarkets! You see, they could have put the condiments, the meat and the dairy in the same aisle for us to save time. Are they just so OC about arrangements? You buy meat and because you need ingredients in cooking it, you have to go to the condiments section. And on your journey there, a lot of discounted products caught your eye and before you get to the section you intend to, you have a bottle of shampoo in your cart.

Christmas is fast approaching. And in this season of giving, a well thought gift is well appreciated by receivers. Be it a signature bag or a simple pen, malls offer us the convenient venue to shop. But remember, malls can make or break us. It may have almost everything we need but if we won’t be cautious, we might be spending for something we don’t truly need.

Life is tricky. But as tricky as it seems, there are always ways out. One is, knowing the shop for wise SHOPPING.

Happy Holidays!

Basic Speech No. 8 (Pioneer Trailblazers Toastmasters Club)

Why do we love SELFIE!

#ATM, # Abs! Abs! Just woke up! No filter!

#ATM. My friend Payee busy with her selfie as I savour
the moment reading at the peak of Pico De Loro. 

Imagine these selfies flooding your FB, twitter and instagram accounts every couple of hour? Like me, you might be a bit annoyed. Good Lord! What is happening with the world? But what is it with selfie that more and more people get hooked to it?

Good evening ladies and gentlemen! I am Aiza, and tonight, we will talk about that thing called Selfie! And when I say ‘selfie’  that does not mean giving you thousands of reasons to condemn selfie-holics but digging into the science on why do we do it.

The first selfie was taken with a mirror. So we tried to get the feel.

Selfie. The term made it to the Oxford new lexicon late of 2013.  It means  a photograph taken of oneself typically taken with a smart phone or a webcam and shares it via social media. Many thought this is a millennial thing but back in 1839, a renowned American photographer, Robert Cornelius had already taken the first selfie. And it was not until early 2000s when the term was officially mentioned during an Australian Internet Forum.

Photo from justcreative.com

As we speak, there are more or less 300 million photos tagged as selfie in Instagram alone. Add FB and other social media and you will a more overwhelming figure. But really, what is it with selfie that even after 176 years since it was first recorded, it’s still on its pinnacle to fame? Well, different social media platforms + affordable smartphones + free internet connection =  SELFIE! Upload! Like! Like! Like!

Do people take selfie merely for self-expression or vanity?

In her article Psychology of Selfies, Dr. Courtney Seiter explains that people like to take selfie as  a self-portrait and as self-expression. We want our selfies to define us. 

Another thing is that we want to feel important. A selfie with Pope for example makes you feel involved. "Hey look at me I was there when Pope was here! I participated! 

My sister Ellen and I having a blast taking selfie on a cold
morning in Baguio City.

Moreover, selfies won’t gain its fame without our support. Maybe after posting 10 selfies and you don’t get some likes and the call of courtesy comments like, “pretty!, gorgeous! Nicceee!”, you would quit. But no! As much as we fancy taking photos of faces,we also fancy  viewing photos with faces. That is because humans notice faces first. On Instagram for example, pictures with human faces  are 38% more like to receive likes and comments against those with none. 

As I peeked to comments of the selfie articles I’ve read, considered worst selfies are those taken without apparent purpose or those taking selfie for the sake of it. Interesting selfiesare those with something interesting to see.Writing this speech made me remember a friend telling me that people like to have selfies to be famous. I beg to differ because currently, we have the Kardashians, Rihanna, Paris Hilton, P Diddy acing it for the most selfies among celebrities with more or less 300 selfies on average.

Psychology says selfie is neither vanity nor a mental illness.  Selfie is one way of crafting our own identity. On the other side of the pan, selfie may pose danger as well. The number of accidents happened while having selfie is accumulating and there are also researches saying it could both boost and lower self-esteem.

We are the master of our own ships. WE have a lot of options on how to use selfie to our own advantage.  So if it makes you feel connected sharing #ATM, if it inspires you to do more to maintain those abs, if it makes you special waking up just the way you are, then take more selfies!

Life is too short to stop yourself from doing what makes you happy. But life is also too short to be a victim of the emerging technology as well. 

(Basic Speech No. 7, Pioneer Trailblazers Toastmasters Club, Makati City)

Random Awesome Sites for Ultimately Bored People

Welcome! I'll guess why you are here. Of course you are ultimately bored as me and I know just few random awesome sites that could be an antidote.

1) Psychology Today - If you want expert opinions and/or explanations on why the sky is blue, if

crocodiles really cry, how the color of your dress affects you dog's mood and many, many others, then this site is good to pass your boredom. Psychology Today covers a wide array of topics--addiction, behavior, gender, philosophy, politics, etc.-- written by a number of psychology mavens. Personally, I never miss a day of checking out the site every break time at the office to check what's new and interesting as they usually react to current trends.

2) Investopedia - Personally, I hate to talk about finance but when I get to work at an insurance company I gradually realized how serious this is. I mean who would want to be still working damn hard until the last years of their lives? Who would want to live from payday to payday all the time? Checking investopedia.com at your leisure hours even if you are not into it will be surely beneficial to you. It talks about personal finance, investing, trading, wealth management and many others.

3) Coursera - Every bored people who wants to be still productive should visit this site. It offers a

wide a array of courses for FREE! Plus you'll get specified courses for few dollars and a certificate. Courses Coursera offered are hosted by different prestigious universities from different parts of the world and participated globally so you'll gain not only education but worldwide friends.

4) 9gag - If you just want to chill out your boredom then Go Fun Yourself at 9gag. It is just darn hilarious at the same time educational.


5)YouTube - Don't judge me! We all know YouTube and the entertainment it brings not only for those who are bored but also to those who are not.


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