I love Bali!

Although it is on my bucket list, travelling outside the Philippines is not really my priority unless there is really a need to do so because of the fact that I am hooked at work and other activities in my place. I am also an economical type of person that does not want to toss money around because I know how hard it is to earn it. I like saving my extra pesos for future uses and for my expensive list of wished items. Travelling can be very expensive especially the airfare and place accommodations. If you don’t want your pocket to get empty then this might not be a good option for you. Although it is like that, travelling to other places or at least to one country annually surely offers lots of good things for your life. It is kind of addictive. For most people, it fulfills their souls, curiosity and inner desires. A person is not destined to stay in one place forever and ever. 

A lot of my friends travel from places to places and countries to countries.  As for me, I have traveled to several islands here in the Philippines and to one country abroad – Bali Indonesia! I was with a few friends on that trip and it was one of my most unforgettable adventures. I have learned more of myself on that trip. I can talk for hours about what were my days like when I was in Bali, but for now, let me just share about a very lovely day I had in Bali that I will never forget. I will be writing more posts about my Bali trip so stay tuned.

Through Airbnb, we booked ahead a place that we could stay and sleep. We chose VillaVictoria. It costed us more than five thousand pesos per night. Since we were five friends, it was just affordable to us because we divided it. The place was very beautiful. It resembled a mini jungle in the middle of the city because of the many flowers and plants. Even the bathroom had wild plants!

After eating my dinner the night before, I went straight to the bedroom to nap for 10 minutes. I planned to take a shower, clean myself and brush my teeth after that 10 minutes that I've set in my mind. The bedroom was very cool and cozy. It was pure white all over and there were kalachuchi flowers scattered around – on the floor and on the bed. Smelled so good, ugh! Guess what? I never woke up on that night! Hahaha. My sleep was so deep. I am pretty sure our mountain and temple adventures the day before contributed to my uninterrupted sleep, but the bedroom played a great part as well. And oh, I love the curtains over the bed and the plants at the corners of the room.

For me, this is one of the many ultimate highlights of that day. My first ever floating breakfast! Yes, I ate breakfast in my swimsuit. I have heard of drinks by the pool and party by the pool but breakfast in the pool sounded like a fantastic idea! Even better! Anybody’s Bali vacation will not be complete without trying their famous floating breakfast. A Floating Breakfast is not just something you do for the ‘gram, its entire existence was created purely for it.

If you are wondering if it is in any way practical, I don’t think so. Our floating breakfast was very expensive. Because of that, we ordered a floating breakfast good for one person only (hahaha). We just added other foods in the floater since we bought foods and other important items in one of the grocery stores the day before. Good thing I was with my four good friends. I liked all the foods, fruits and drinks that we prepared except the Balinese bacon that was included in the floating breakfast meal. I didn’t know if it was just me but I found it’s after taste like rotten clothes soaked in the dirt. Sorry.

If you haven’t known yet, I really, really like soaking myself in a bubble bath. It is one of my favorite forms of relaxation. It distresses me. After a long day, there is nothing better than soaking in a bubble bath until the stress melts out of my brain. (Plays a slow jam, lights the candles, gets undressed, steps one foot in at a time, lays down and sips wine. Yas, paradise in heaven!) Too bad I don’t have a bath tub in my home. I only got to do this when I have getaways and stay in hotels and resorts.

Good thing I have experienced a bath in Bali! It was not just an ordinary bath but a flower bath. I was with thousands of pink and red flowers. So relaxing! I was so happy.

It was quiet an expensive trip but it was very worth it (dopamine rush)! This travel made me realize to would definitely travel more especially to other countries soon. If you are wondering if I want to travel to Bali again, I am definitely down for it but next time,  I would like it to be with my one and only. ♥

A big Thank You for all the life lessons and opportunities. 

You let me experience what it was like to be a friend, a colleague, a lover and an independent woman. Random challenges were what you had prepared for me along my path. Some were easy while some were hard. They all helped me become a better version of who I am. You made me feel about people and what various characteristics there were in general. You threw rocks on me, some hit me hard, some did not and by then, I knew the ways on how to guard myself from those. From you, I learned so much about myself and my limits. You offered me bounty of life lessons that I could carry throughout my life journey. You taught me to see my failures as part of something great on what was ahead for me. I saw my limitless potential that I never I knew I had before.  You stretched my comfort zone by forcing me to confront my fear instead of running away. You tested my resilience, my persistence, and my determination to live truly and authentically and I was so glad that I rise above the challenges and be myself.

Thank You for the great relationship.

I used to associate endings with regrets, fear and loss of something good I had once. I was drowned to the idea of broken pieces of hearts, things and my whole self. My young self thought it would not get better. In reality, it would get better. Things improve overtime and everything would be whole again. You helped me realized more that for every hard goodbye, a fresh new beginning was waiting and very excited for me. Though far geographically, a loving man was there for me all throughout your 365 days. He did not miss a single day of making me feel he was just there for me, laughed with me and planned the future together with me. When I was happy, he was happy for me, too. How did I get so lucky?

Thank You for the good health and my family.

You taught me that health is wealth. I used to sleep for only four hours before but you helped me change that habit into at least 7 hours or more. Change may be shocking and painful but often necessary. My life is mine. I am responsible for myself and living and expressing my most beautiful dreams. I could not fulfill my desires if I was sickly. I knew the hype of technology would left me awake all night long if I gave in to myself's wants. Thanks for making me do something that matters to me.
Family is a home I could always go back when things fallback. I am beyond blessed for their support and advises. 

Thank You 2018 for the sweet victories and challenging trials. You made me a better version of myself now.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf celebrates its 15 years in the Philippines. As the company celebrates 15 years of innovation since its journey in the Philippines, and years of bringing simply the best to its customers, they remember all the moments and memories they have shared with the people who have been a part of their story in the Philippines.

Born and brewed in Southern California since 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is one of the oldest and largest privately held specialty coffee and tea retailers in the world. Since opening their first café in Brentwood, California, they have always been passionate about connecting their loyal customers with carefully handcrafted products. Though they travel far and wild to discover the flavors you love, they always bring it home. Delivering the look, taste and aroma of the world’s best coffees and teas is what they do best, and every sip should take you to the corners of the earth where each flower was culminated. They aim higher that the standard, selecting only the top 1% of specialty grade Arabica beans and the top two leaves and a bud of the finest hand-plucked, whole leaf teas. The company prides itself of its direct relationships with the growers and individual farms and estates to be assured of he best coffee and tea harvest available.

A brand centered on passion, their story began when Herb Hyman, once called the “grandfather of specialty coffee in the U.S.” brought the concept home and helped turn it into the phenomenon it is today – taking coffee from a basic commodity to a full-on cultural occasion, since then, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has has had a history of breakthroughs in beverages such as the Original Ice Blended back in 1987, even before frozen coffee was craze. It is simply in their nature to constantly push for the freshest and most innovative products all over.

Enchong Dee, one of the Philippine celebrities who are deeply committed to sports, supports Sun Life’s wellness thrust. Swimming has been part of his life since he was a six-year-old kid. This year, Sun Life announced that he have been chosen as one of the company’s ambassador to promote such cause. The whole Sun Life family are very happy to officially welcome him into the team because with his commitment to fitness and his ability to connect with his audience, they are very confident that he can help the team cahmpion health and wellness among Filipinos, especially the youth.

A group of bloggers, including me, were invited to witness his speech about one of his dreams becoming a reality by being part of a company that does not only help Filipinos about financial literacy but also healthy lifestyle. He said he is much honored to be chosen to do something from a company that is very close to his heart.

On that same day before he joins the Ironman 70.3 race, he also led a special swim class for kids in Shangrila Beach Resort to train them a life in sports and reap its benefits:

1) Tones muscles and builds strength;

2) Maintains ideal weight, healthy heart and strong lungs;

3) Improves posture;

4) De-stresses and relaxes;

5) Loose belly fat; and

6) Fun form of fun and recreation time

Welcome Enchong to the family and thank you for visiting Cebu!

This year, the people behind this upbeat company join one of the most known event in Cebu, Ironman 70.3, also known as Cebu’s Half Ironman. It is a series of long distance triathlon races in the city. The "70.3" refers to the total distance in miles (113.0 km) covered in the race, consisting of a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) swim, a 56-mile (90 km) bike ride, and a 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run.  Shangrila Beach Resort hosts this particular event in August 5, 2018. With more than hundreds of participants, Sun Life Financial Philippines Triathlon Team is also joining in this amazing triathlon to mark their fifth year.

During their intimate media event held in Shangrila Beach Resort, a total of 13 racers in the admired competition had been named. Race leaders are brand ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Enchong Dee, Toniel Ty and their executives. Sun Life Chief Investments Officer Michael Enriquez will also see action on the bike, alongside Sun Life Business Development Manager for Partnership Distribution Toots Malapad and Sun Life Sales Training and Development Head Ged Custodia.
Side note, the CEO and Country Head Benedict Sison were very friendly and accommodating to us.

Piolo and his son Inigo

Piolo – does the biking;

Enchong – does the swimming;

Toniel – does the running.



"It's a thrill for us to once again be a part of Ironman 70.3, which is a perfect venue for us to highlisght Sun Life's health and welness thrust," Sun Life CEO and Country Head Benedict Sison said.

Relationships are built on promises: the promise to love, to care, to secure, to protect, and to provide. This is something that Piolo Pascual, Philippine actor, knows all too well, committed as he is to the promises he has made to his family as a son, a sibling, and a father.

But when financial troubles arise, bringing such promises to life becomes a challenge.

“Like any other person, I want to give my family the best life possible. I am a man of my word, that is why I work hard and seize every opportunity that comes my way,” Piolo said. “But more than just earning money, it’s how you manage your finances that makes a difference. Fortunately, I have the guidance and help of one very special lady: my very own sister, Chiqui Pascual-Gonzales, who also happens to be my Sun Life Advisor.”

According to Piolo, Chiqui has been instrumental in ensuring that his dreams for his family will all come true. “It’s a partnership through and through. With her help, I’ve been able to make it all happen while still pursuing my own passions and advocacies,” he said. Piolo and Chiqui’s story is but one of many in Sun Life Financial, where lifetime partnerships are developed and nurtured through the years. In fact, this has inspired Sun Life’s latest campaign, at the forefront of which is a new TV commercial highlighting Sun Life’s presence in a client’s life throughout the different stages of her life. It represents the many promises that Sun Life has helped bring into fruition for the past 123 years of its existence.

Sun Life hopes that the campaign, as well as Piolo’s own story, will inspire more people to take the same path in their financial journey. “As the longest-standing life insurance company in the Philippines, we have witnessed many promises being fulfilled throughout the years and have served generations of clients. It is an honor for us to serve all our clients and help them secure their future and those of their loved ones” Sun Life Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa said.

“The promises we make to our loved ones are sacred, and Sun Life knows this. That’s why it’s committed to helping its clients achieve their goals, no matter what happens,” Piolo said. “You can’t ask for a better lifetime partner than that!”

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial Inc. ("SLF Inc.") is a leading international financial services  organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2017, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management ("AUM") of $975 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com. Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. 

HUSSLE. Fail your way to success. The successful person has failed 10 times more than the unsuccessful one. Don't just be a dream girl. Be a dream, girl!

I used to wonder why money exists and why it is so important. Everyone uses it. We all want it, work for it and think about it. Its uses in our society is so established that many of us will go through our lives without questioning why those pieces of colorful coins and thick, sometimes tattered, papers have value. Why do they exist? While the creation and growth of money seems somewhat intangible, without a doubt, money is the way to get things we like and need. 

I am not here to discuss the theories and evolutions of money. The task of defining those belongs to the people who dedicate themselves to the discipline of economics. I am here to share some input about what to do with your money and where you can put it. I am not an expert financial advisor but I hope you can lear a thing or two based on these. I just think that imparting what I learned and experienced would help.  You see, money is a very important material thing on Earth and having an idea on how to properly grow it, use it and safeguard it is a crucial need everyone of us should be aware. 

How to manage funds without sacrificing the fun?

Saving has always been the advice of almost all the people around us. Well, it is true! My parents fed me the idea and importance of saving at an early stage of my life I think even when I was still in my mother’s womb, lol that could be the reason why I am very keen about my money. 

Saving funds in the bank sounds okay but we have to know that it will not grow abundantly. It will just sit there securely. You can of course save it all you like but you might as well consider investing it. I am currently investing some of my money to SunLife Financial and have attended quite a few talk events about managing funds and growing it.

Last Sunday, together with Cebu’s brightest personalities, I was invited to witness another gathering on how one can pursue his/her passion while also enjoying financial freedom in Let’s Have Some FUNds at the Ayala Center Cebu. Kathrynn Dawn S, an architect and Blind Clothing really inspired me. There were also raffle draws with equivalent awesome prizes including investment starter funds worth Php 5,000 and Ayala Cinema movie tickets.

1. Know the means. You must be good at something. Earn from your core gifts and use them with passion. Get paid by doing what you love and what you are good at. Start young, enlarge your skills, expand your network and don’t limit yourself within your territories. 

2. Be a goal digger. One of the best woman to date is the goal digger. (Raises my hand). She has an overview of what her life would be in the coming years and she is taking steps towards it. it will be difficult. But is that surprising? no. Nothing of great achievement comes easy.

3. Know how to manage. Raising your financial I.Q is very important because as what they say, financial ignorance is more expensive than any designer bag. If you are like me who only knows IT stuff, better get a trusted financial adviser. I currently have one and I usually bombard her with questions. She helped me a lot in areas that seem blurry to me.

Look for true mentors and books, avoid bad debt they way you avoid your ex’s ex, protect yourself adequately, automatically save 20% of your income and invest as early as you can.

4. Identify the discerning things. Do not believe in Madonna’s song, “We are living in a material world and I am a material girl.” – NOT! Know what to and what not to spend on. Live within your means. Period. Differentiate asset from liabilities.

Asset – when you buy things that put money in your pocket.

Liability – when you buy things that put money out of your pocket.

Reward yourself accordingly. Enjoy the fruits of your labor but hit your targets first so that you will spend without the guilt right after walking out the mall.

“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.”

-Will Rogers

5. Accelerate. Ride something to wealth. Do not be limited with the bank, ride as many vehicles as you can. Earn even while you are sleeping through creating passive income. Since profits are better than wages, make your way to earn exponential income through investing your money with trusted records and reliable financial advisers. You will be amazed on how your money could grow instead of just putting it on the bank. Do not forget to network with people and build bridges.

How about you, what are your own ways of managing your funds while not compromising the fun?

Learning while having fun with Cebu friends.

Let’s Have Some FUNds is presented by Sun Life Financial as part of its celebration of Financial Independence Month this June. After Cebu, the event will also be mounted in Davao and Iloilo. Follow Sun Life (@SunLifePH) on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to know more. The event is also supported by BAI TV, Cebu Bloggers Society, Cebu Content Creators and Ayala Center Cebu.

For a young professional like me, I always want to look good because it makes me feel good. From clothing mix and match to trying out hair care tips and following skincare routines, I have known and distinguished things that bring out the best in me and also those that do not work for me. 

I am strictly following a weird skincare routine for a long time now because guess what, it is the only method that works for me and my acne. I had teenage acne before that lasted for years which bothered me a lot. It caused me to try lots of products found in the pharmacies, online stores and even dermatologists’ clinic. Sadly, none of them work until I found the little ninjas that I am using right now. This is not the famous Korean 10-step Skincare Routine nor the Models Routines you see in Youtube. This is more like of a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) that is invented by me and my sister in Taiwan. 

I also visit skin clinics and spas in my current city once in a while to treat myself with relaxing facial treatments, satisfying massage and lots of self-pampering. For the month of June 2018, I visited Bioessence spa in 3rd Level, SM City Cebu. It was such a perfect timing because it was their grand opening and they welcomed me dearly there.

Like any other Filipino event, there was an opening mass participated by the owners, staff, therapists and us – social media influencers. It was followed by holy water blessing, cutting of ribbon and lots of picture taking and then food feast of course.

Holy Water Blessing and Ribbon Cutting

A beauty clinic with 34 branches in the Philippines, Bioessence is a non-invasive skin services center in a relaxing environment. For 23 years of service now, true pampering is the essence of their brand. Experience “me time” here where every pamper session is a journey to wellness, a holiday for the skin and body as well as a rejuvenation for the mind. Their relaxing Spa packages ranging from P999 for Body Massage with Facial, to P2499 that includes a Body Scrub, Body Massage with Facial.

Choose the product that suits you.

Bioessence’s founder, a renowned dermatologist and skin care specialist, Dr. Emma Beleno-Guerrero (Dr. EBG) upholds utmost professionalism in the practice of skin care and wellness and she passes on the same ideals to all her staff and employees who are all well-trained in their respective fields of specialization.

For Skin Wellness, Bioessence’s skin treatments are scientifically proven and have gone through rigorous research and studies to customize procedures with the unique Filipino skin. The treatments are done by licensed skin therapists so clients are assured of safe and effective results.

Shop, shop.

Look at what they gave me.

I tried their hand paraffin, in-demand Oxygen Intensive Treatment for my face and the stress relieving back massage. They were very relaxing! 

1. Hand paraffin uses melted wax with aromatherapy. The therapist put alcohol
on my hands first, rubbed them nicely then dipped them thrice to the liquid solution. It was very hot but very relaxing as well.

White hands because they are coated with wax. :)

2. Oxygen Intensive Treatment uses Oxygen Ceuticals infused with natural liquid oxygen. It was applied using a metal airbrush tool.  This is good for skin rejuvenation because as we age, our skin becomes less efficient at renewing itself, resulting in slower cellular metabolism, the reduction of collagen and elastin, and the appearance of fine lines and discolorations. The external effects if sun exposure, air pollution, diet, and day-to-day stress can make skin look dull and dry. When skin is deprived of oxygen, it shows. This treatment is to nourish the skin with the much-needed oxygen.

Oxygen Ceuticals

3. Stress Relieving Back Massage was my favorite of all. I chose the soft massage because I usually got black patches on my body if I choose medium or hard massages. Guess what, it was a perfect decision!

This is where the relaxation happens.

With Miz, Anj and my fellow influencers

My dress blends with the girls'.

Kami shoofa.

Hello everyone! I am finally back from my break for quite several days from this site. A lot of the great things have been happening in my life and I am thankful for all of those. Wow, I cannot almost believe that it’s May 2018 right now - time moves so fast! It feels like I just wrote my last post yesterday.

For this blog, I will share my great summer escapade with friends in Carnaza Island. A laid back, unruffled and serene place away from the city life and city lights. For those who don’t know about this place, this is turtle-shaped island located in Cebu, Philippines. This is a trending destination circulating around the social media world even until now because of its alluring beauty. Almost everyone wants to visit and experience this place and then there’s me who was able to set my feet and enjoy the magnificence of this place. I’m so grateful.

Going to this paradise is a little tedious because it takes bus, boat and tricycle rides plus the 4-5 hours of sitting and waiting for our rides. When we were on our way towards this island, I almost would want to go home because we were waiting for like forever already. I am a patient kind of person but during this, it was just too much to bear. As they said, patience, patience, more patience. Okay, I took a nap hahaha. (to be continued)

Shannon Mead, Country Manager of HMD Global Philippines, said: “HMD Global is proud to continue the story of Nokia mobile through the qualities that we first loved such as durability and innovation, designed to suit every need and style. As a key market, we are committed to building and strengthening our presence in Cebu. We are optimistic that with the new generation of Nokia Android smartphones and our classic but highly upgraded feature phone, the Cebuanos will get the best mobile experience across all price points.” 

The flagship hero you can rely on 

Designed to help users create stunning content, the Nokia 7 plus has the screen, power, design and  features that make it a true hero of the Nokia smartphone range. Combining innovative optical hardware and imaging algorithms, the Nokia 7 plus captures moments in photos that are true to life. With its impressive 16MP front-facing camera with ZEISS optics, the Nokia 7 plus adapts to low-light conditions by increasing light sensitivity to guarantee only the best pictures preserve perfect moments. Enhanced Dual-Sight harnesses the front and back cameras simultaneously to capture the ultimate #Bothie while unlimited photo and video uploads to Google Photos ensure all memories are stored for easy sharing with family and friends. 

To enable you to capture and enjoy more content for longer, the Nokia 7 plus is backed by the powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 660 Mobile Platform. Its large-capacity 3800mAh battery makes sure you won’t have to worry about battery life, even when you are broadcasting your #Bothie

videos live on Facebook or YouTube.

Its gently curved back and slim edges provide a big-screen experience in a comfortable, neat package. The vivid 6-inch 18:9 full-HD+ display makes the Nokia 7 plus perfect for browsing, social media consumption, gaming and entertainment with more content in the same width as a traditional 5.5-inch display device.

The Nokia 7 plus will be available in Black/Copper and White/Copper from April 27 and will retail for PHP 21,990.

Pre-sale of Nokia 7 plus now available through Abenson.com, Argomall, MemoXpress, and on Lazada. You can even avail of 0% interest over 9 months via Home Credit when you apply online through argomall.com.

A 4G smartphone for every Juan

The Nokia 1 is a breakthrough in accessible technology, delivering smartphone essentials with the reassuring quality that can be expected of a Nokia phone and a refreshingly familiar design to fans around the world. Giving more people access to technology, the phone comes with Android Oreo™ (Go edition), a version of Android optimized for devices with 1GB RAM or less. 

The Nokia 1 is designed to be smooth and responsive, with full access to the Google Play™ Store. This means you can find all your favorite apps from WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram to mobile banking while also highlighting apps that are optimized for Android Oreo™ (Go edition). You can give your Nokia 1 a makeover, thanks to the addition of the ever-popular Xpress-on covers. Available in a range of vibrant colors, these exchangeable covers let you express your personal style by simply pressing on and off in seconds. Each cover is built with the same precision and attention to detail as the phone’s original cover. Inherently colored, the tough two-tone polycarbonate cover is ready to take on everyday knocks and bumps with its durable design. 

The Nokia 1 is now available in Warm Red and Dark Blue for PHP 4,290.

Built to last, award-winning phone just got even better

Building on the success of its predecessor, the new Nokia 6 packs even more powerful performance and great new features in a more compact, durable body. Over 60% faster than its award-winning predecessor, it now offers enhanced Dual-Sight, ZEISS optics, USB-C fast-charging, a more compact

screen-to- body ratio, Nokia spatial audio and pure, secure and up-to- date Android Oreo™. The new Nokia 6 takes the original’s precision craftsmanship to the next level by combining a unibody, made from a solid block of 6000 series aluminium, with an 11-hour two-tone anodising and polishing process. And by uniting a sculpted 2.5D display with damage-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass, the New Nokia 6’s compact and refined body is built to last. It runs in Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 630 Mobile Platform to deliver fast and smooth performance alongside great day-long battery life.

The new Nokia 6 with 4GB RAM / 64 GB ROM configuration in Blue/Gold color blend will be available starting May 14 for PHP 15,990.

Pure, secure and up-to- date Android experience

With a commitment to a pure, secure and up-to- date Android, each smartphone will stay fresh over time with monthly security updates guaranteed and with no unnecessary UI changes or hidden processes eating up battery life or slowing the device down. All these mean you can enjoy your new phone for longer.

By shipping with Android Oreo™ out of the box, you’ll be able to enjoy the latest Android features of the Nokia 7 plus and Nokia 6, including Picture-in- Picture for multitasking, Android Instant Apps to discover and run apps with minimal friction, 60 fantastic new emojis and battery-maximizing

features such as limiting background app use.

Tailored to devices with 1GB RAM or less, the Android Oreo™ (Go edition) in Nokia 1 comes with a new range of apps from Google, designed to run faster while consuming less data. Optimized to be

smooth and fast, these include the Google Go web search app, Google Maps™ Go, YouTube™ Go and Google Assistant for Android (Go edition) to quickly send messages, make calls, set alarms and do more, simply by using your voice. With fewer pre-installed and much lighter apps on Android Oreo™ (Go edition), you get 2x more available storage out of the box.

Coming soon: Nokia 8110 4G

Today, HMD Global also confirms that the newest member of the Originals family, the Nokia 8110 4G will be coming to Cebu in May.

Being a woman is phenomenal! I cannot stress enough the privilege we have just like enjoying a wide variety of wardrobe choices, conceiving a child, and participating to technological events organized specifically for women. Talking about technological events, I had the opportunity to organize Women Techmakers 2018 specifically for Cebu, Philippines together with a few friends last April 7, 2018 at The Company Cebu. Nope this is not solely for women only, but also for men who believe and support women’s capabilities.

What is Women TechMakers?

Women TechMakers is a series of global events geared towards increasing visibility, community and resources for technical women in our industry. Partnered with Google, it supports, empowers and showcases the work and passions of women by providing a platform to celebrate talents and spotlight role models. Google believes diversity and inclusion is important for thriving vibrant communities. Focusing on women-inclusion is the first step in a larger effort to diversify the global Google developer community.

The event is also an occasion relating to International Women’s Day last March 8, 2018.  GDG Cebu community has shown great interest in this initiative, upholding events that are designed to promote an environment of inclusivity for women in technology, as well as celebrate women leading the industry. We also want to advance, grow, and celebrate women developers, designers, and technology entrepreneurs.

“Building a New Horizon: Breaking the Barriers.”

This year’s Women TechMakers event has the theme “Building a New Horizon: Breaking the Barriers.” For me this simply means, be bold for changes and be up for challenges. We are challenged by what divides us whether it is job, political views, wealth, race, or lack of confidence. It is so easy to choose to just walk away from things we do not want to deal with or to simply put up blocks between ourselves and others. As human, I also do that - walking away from situations that challenge me. But thinking about it, I have thought that if I could move out from my comfort zone, be brave and back myself up with goals then surely I can gain tremendous lessons and opportunities. I am an example woman in technology with experiences and skills mostly only men have. I am up for challenges and often chase for opportunities that can help me grow personally and professionally even if it means sacrificing my sleeping hours. I know right there that I am building a new horizon and breaking up barriers of women’s standing when it comes to the IT industry.

Flow, Topics and Speakers

The registration started at 8:30 in the morning. All of us were all excited for the awesome event. As organizers, we choose empowered and successful women locally in Visayas, Philippines to discuss about Freelance Work and Web Development, Wireframe Designing, Women in Technopreneurship and Startups, and WomenWill. Two great men also shared their craft about Mobile Sites Certification and Examinitions to the participants.

GDG Cebu Core Team - Organizing Group

It was a productive and fulfilling happening. I love engaging to activities like this as it changes my perspective positively.

Ngiting happy lang; walang ending! :D

Who run the world? GIRLS!

It is International Women’s month once again! And with that, I intend this post to be a little extra special as this tackles about women. Yup, I am one of them and so are your sister, mother, grandmother, aunts and even some of your neighbors.

The role of women personally and professionally all over the world is growing by leaps and bounds. Corporations, countries and most people are showing and recognizing values that women encompass. I am a firm believer of women’s power. I have a strong faith that we, women, have so much potential within us that we should be proud of.

To impart a short personal tale, I was a small, poor, province girl who had no idea what I would want to be when I grew up. I thought my life was meant to be calm, plain and peaceful just like my mother and the rest of the women in my village who did household chores and took good care of the family. I never knew I had so much in me until I uncovered them one by one. Thanks to the people and opportunities that helped me mold who I am today.

It is always a good story to tell about how someone who started zero from the ground, rose into something better anyone could have imagined - even myself. Helping the people that matters to me and improving myself are such a great relief when I think about it. I know I am still young and very courageous. Countless of adventures are out there waiting to be ventured and I am excited for it. My life right now is still what I sought - calm, plain and peaceful but with an added twists, unimaginable opportunities and bounty of happy moments in between.

At my early age right now, I can say that these four characteristics have personally helped me. I share this to some of my friends when we have serious conversation. I am glad to be writing it here as well.
Let us make sure to lead each of our step towards goodness and success. Let us be more valuable out there.

1.  Be versatile
This means our flexibility to being able to adapt to many different situations. This is a thing we should never neglect. Equipping ourselves with skills and knowledge in many areas will mold us into an in-demand well-rounded individual. Who wouldn’t want that? We all have the time needed for this. How about if we push this through? *wink*

2. Be hungry for knowledge
Curiosity is one of the key things that keep our lives full of adventures. Just because we are considered an expert in our field, doesn’t mean we don’t need to learn anything more. Learning new things will only make us more successful. As they say, “Get out of your comfort zone and you’ll be amazed at what you learn.”

3. Be hurt and move on
Human as we are, we are bound to get hurt. It’s one of the most effective teachers we can have in our life. We need to accept that we won't always make the right decisions, that we will screw up totally bigtime sometimes, that we can say unimpressive statements and many more negative things. The key there is to learn from our mistakes, make an effort to correct them and then be better next time.

4. Be the best version you can be
Each day is a new opportunity to grow. Each day we can be better than yesterday.
We hear it all time; “Do your best!” “Be the best you can be” “Be confident”. In a world where standards are raising, everything is more complex and more competitive, if we’re not doing our best – it feels like we will be left behind. Surround yourself with great people you feel you have connection with. Be open to new learnings – own it, learn, push and stay excited.

You go girl!

By the way, if you want to meet like-minded professional women here in Cebu, we at Google Developers Group Cebu, are organizing an event called Women Techmaker Cebu (WTM). It will be held on April 7, 2018 at The Company Cebu in Mandaue City. WTM will feature talks from women in technology across various fields, networking opportunities, and more--all geared towards increasing visibility, community, and resources for women in technology. I will be there and together with me are awesome women with careers in technology. See you there!