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.

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.

Your Quick Guide to Mindanao State University-Marawi

MSU Golf Course fronting Lake Lanao and the mysterious Sleeping Lady.

MSU had been my home for four years and I can’t simply get over it. The breathtaking scenery, the varying culture, the freezing December nights—nostalgia is an understatement. So when I had a business affair to CDO, I sneaked out for a quick trip to the so called Melting Pot of the South.

It is only barely two years since I stepped out from the campus’ premise and yet I already encountered a problem of where to pass the night. I surely have few acquaintances left but I decided to not inform them anyway. It’s difficult and I ponder it is even harder for first timers. So here goes my quick tour to you.

Transportation

From Iligan City Camague Terminal, ride a jeepney going to MSU. Fare is only P50. It will take you inside the campus. The last stop will be at the Commercial Center (ComCent). If you are not sure where to get off, this is the safest way to do so and from there ride a tricycle (P10 minimum) going to your specific destination.

Where to Stay

This has been my ultimate problem when I got there. Unlike metro areas where bars and inns are ubiquitous to accommodate you, MSU has none or if not have very few of it. The place is already quiet at around 8pm. If you know someone where you could stay with then better. But if none, you may consider passing the night at Yuri’s Inn. It is located at the Commercial Center just above Land Bank. It offers room accommodation from P300-P500/night with Wi-Fi, bathroom and air-condition. Just don’t expect a lot. Rooms are poorly designed but fair enough than passing the night on the streets. Nyay!

If you have extra bucks, you might want to stay at Marawi Resort Hotel. It is just a leap away from the Commercial Center and offers better accommodation.

Torogans at the Marawi Resort Hotel.

Where to Eat

When it comes to food, MSU has a lot to offer that will surely fit your budget. The best for me is still Jeco (located at the Commercial Center). Aside from their spicy fried chicken and onion beef that are way better than the others, you will also be treated with an array of abstract paintings.

The Dining Room is a quick option as well if Jeco is full (as always). For shake and café-like ambience, go to Rhatsuos Capade (if I spelled it right).

For more affordable food, you might try Mishka’s fried chicken. At less than P50, you could devour newly fried chicken wings that is perfect with palapa (a native Meranao condiment) served with yellow rice. Along the ComCent is Triple J where you could lavish to vegetables, meat, fish, and many others at a price that won’t torn your wallet.

And dare I forget not, the Fifth Street is the epitome of food in MSU.

Yours truly having a good time at the MSU Grandstand.

What to Visit

Aga Khan Museum

The Golf Course

MSU Botanical Garden

MSU Grandstand

Marawi Resort Hotel

Nearby Mosques

Quick Notes

Speak Filipino to be surely understood (Not always necessary though).

Wear wardrobes with sleeves and as much as possible refrain from short shorts (especially to girls when strolling)

Just be open-minded. MSU is not chaotic as it seems. 

Photos from

http://www.mytravel-asia.com/pois/101503-Msu-Golf-Course

https://www.flickr.com/photos/eazy360/7362286306/