Travelling requires you to pack limited things with you or else, you'll exceed your baggage weight limit. It's a frustrating scenario to imagine when you're already in the airport and you have to add extra charge for a not-so-smart move.

So when you're travelling light, you'll have the dilemma of leaving some of the things you want to bring  during your trip. An example of this is leaving your bottle of perfume because they're too bulky or you're worrying that it will break inside your bag. It's not a problem in my case. I use Travalo, a small perfume bottle that can refill up to 5ml of your favorite scents.

It's very small and lightweight. You can even slip it inside your hand-carry bag. Bring one or two perfume bottles with you, it doesn't matter because the bottle is handy.

Never Travalo without one. You can check their website here for more details.

The controversial and best-selling book, Fifty Shades series has set record surpassing Harry Potter series as the fastest-selling paperback of all time. There are three reasons why I read the book: one, out of curiosity. I want to know why it became a best seller. Two: because it surpassed Harry Potter series which is my favorite. Three, it’s something new to read for me because I am not a fan of novels about love stories.

My curiosity to find out what makes this book written by EL James so famous and controversial moves me to read each page until I got hooked for the story itself. The first book received a lot of criticisms because of its content. It is a book meant only for adult and responsible readers. Although, I have nothing against the book. It is good and the story is interesting.

Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele

Fifty Shades of Grey, the first of the three-instalment book revolves around the two main casts of the story Christian Grey and Anatasia Steele. It tells a story about the emotional struggles of Anastasia, the main female protagonist who fell in love with Christian Grey. Their relationship isn’t what she dreamt of so she wants more from her brooding man, Christian Grey.

Hearts and flowers – the idea of turning a man into a better person can put butterfly in your stomach. Christian Grey is the guy every girl could wish for, of course minus his dark personality which Anastasia embraces making the guy liked her too. It’s my first time to read a book that made me feel so “kilig” while reading. The book has so many sensual parts as told in the reviews making it not an ideal book for younger teens. The story has more to tell but the context is for the adult readers.

Maybe, one of the reasons why a lot of people read the book is because they can relate to the character of Ana Steele, a hopeless romantic. It is a trait that lives in everyone’s heart whether it is obvious or not. Everyone is capable of loving, and that made the book a good read for those who are seeking inspirations about love.

If you will ask me which among the three books is the best, I’ll give my vote for the second book: Fifty Shades Darker. I will tell more on my next post. Meanwhile, the book has been planned to be produced and released on the big screen. A lot have been waiting who will get the role of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.

Actors Who Can Play the Role of Christian Grey

The web has already listed potential actors for the character of Christian Grey, the hot and rich CEO of Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc. described in the book as a beautiful man who looks like a Greek God. For sure, girls will be waiting who’s the perfect actor for this seemingly perfect guy. They should choose wisely so ladies won’t be disappointed. Here are the actors who made it on the top list.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer, the star of USA Network TV Series, White Collar makes it to the top list of actors to portray Christian Grey. This sexy man we’ve already seen on his CEO-like suit with gray ties is really fit for the character. It’s not that hard to imagine.

Ian Somerhalder

My personal choice and also on the top list is the actor from The Vampire Diaries, Ian Somerhalder. I can imagine him as Christian Grey. His stunning eyes, manly cheek stubbles, and brooding look makes him perfect for the character. Although, I am torn between Ian Somerhalder and Matt Bomer - I both like them for the character.

Henry Cavill

The actor who will play on the next Superman movie, Henry Cavill is also made it on the list of Christian Grey actors. The role of Edward Cullen for the movie Twilight was almost given to him since Stephenie Meyer saw him as the perfect Edward Cullen. But he's too old for the role. Cavill also played Theseus in the movie Immortals.

Who is your Christian Grey? Feel free to share your opinion. ;)

Raining gives us an excuse to eat and pig-out because of the cold and cosy weather. Nothing could beat a hot and delicious food to keep you warm and full during rainy season. For some reasons, the urge to eat when the weather is cold and the rain is pouring is uncontrollable. Appetite is increased making you crave for food. You will feel hungry almost every hour especially when you are staying at home. And it’s hard to ignore when your stomach already demands it.

Eating is not a sin as long as you don’t take too much. Even if you’re on a diet, foods are really tempting during this weather. Here are delicious merienda, soup and meal to keep you warm on rainy days.

Disclaimer: This article will leave you feeling hungry and wanting to eat after reading.

Champorado

Hearing the word champorado makes me feel hungry in an instant. This chocolate flavoured sticky rice is one of the most favorite Filipino merienda. Everyone enjoys eating this whether it is raining or not. Pour some milk, add tuyo (dried fish) or beef strips to complete the meal. A sweet and hot champorado can brighten up your mood instantly in spite of a gloomy weather.

Arroz Caldo

 

Perfect as meal for breakfast, lunch, merienda or dinner, one bowl of arroz caldo can make you feel relaxed and fulfilled during rainy days. This rice and chicken porridge is a perfect meal for any season but it can be more special when it’s cold and raining. Mouth-watering and hot arroz caldo topped with garlic, onion, fish sauce and calamansi will satisfy your food craving.

Ginataang Halo-Halo

 

What is your ideal afternoon snack during rainy season? Ginataang halo-halo is your ideal sweet dessert in the afternoon. Cooked glutinous rice balls, taro roots, sweet potato, tapioca pearls with coconut milk make ginataang halo-halo a perfect stress reliever when feeling down on a cold and gloomy weather.

Sotanghon Soup

 

This soft and silky noodle soup is one of my favorite meals when it’s raining. When cooked and mixed with chicken or sardines, this noodle soup will tickle you taste buds and satisfy your grumbling stomach. It’s like an extra ordinary meal for a cold and cosy day.

Sinigang

 

Thinking of what to eat for lunch or dinner? If you want something to invigorate your senses, you cook sinigang for meal time. This sour and rich tasting dish with tamarind flavor is your escape from the usual fried menus during lunch or dinner. There are different varieties for sinigang depending on your diet. You can choose pork, fish or chicken. After eating, this meal will make you feel warm and fresh as it invigorates your taste buds while eating.

Bulalo

 

Another favorite meal for the rainy season, bulalo is a tasty combination of tenderly cooked beef, spare ribs, corn, and cabbage. Imagining this meal is making me feel hungry now. It’s hot and tasty soup will leave you wanting for more. After eating bulalo, the next thing you’ll think about is sleeping lazily in your bed.

I know you are hungry now and I understand you because I feel the same way. I sympathize with your stomach so go ahead and do not deprive yourself. Eat and enjoy your meal! :)

Change of season means changing of style and updating your daily wardrobe to match the weather. How can you be trendy during this rainy season without sacrificing comfort and style?  Don’t let the weather bring you down. Rainy days might leave you feeling gloomy but it is not an excuse to dress down. This weather is an opportunity to use your styling prowess and brighten up the mood by wearing the right clothes and accessories for rainy season.

What to Wear During Rainy Season

Slip on Those Jelly Shoes

Leave those leather shoes when it’s raining outside. You wouldn’t want your favorite shoes to be damaged, would you? Jelly shoes are ideal replacement for your normal daily footwear. You can checkout latest style and choose a trendy pair of shoes to match your outfit. Jelly shoes are available in different styles from boots, flats, wedges, platforms and heels.

Use Matching Umbrella for Your Outfit

Who says that bringing umbrella can ruin your overall look? Umbrellas are actually nice when you choose the right color that matches your outfit. It can serve as an accessory that can complement your look. Also, the right style and color of your umbrella can stand out in the crown if you will choose a bright and sunny color.

Experiment on Layering

Rainy season gives us the excuse to play with our clothes and experiment on layers which we can’t do during hot weather. Take advantage of this opportunity and try layering your clothes. Make sure to match the colors, patterns and prints. You can be experimental too as long as you know that you look good wearing your own style.

Leave Your Leather Bag

If there are jelly shoes, of course, there are nylon bags to pair with your outfit. Leave your leather bags for now and use a water-proof nylon bag. The materials of the bag won’t get easily damaged by rain plus it can keep your things inside safe from getting wet.

Outfit for Rainy Days

It is your chance during rainy season to try something new and bring out your stylish side. Here are some trendy rainy season outfit inspirations you can wear when it starts drizzling again. 

Almost everyone loves to watch horror movies to scare themselves, to feel some excitement and to be thrilled. There are hundreds of Filipino horror films produced, although not all are scary enough to give us creeps. From the movies you watch since you were young up to the local films you see today, horror movies are part of the movie industry and it will always be one of the undying genres of film.

Comparing those horror movies we watched when we were younger, it seems like those are a scarier than those which were produced recently. But, the modern filmmakers won’t just let that happen. In the recent years, successful and top-grossing horror movies were filmed. November is still ages away to talk about horror movies but I’ll be giving my own list of scary Filipino horror movies then and now.

Then…

10 to 15 years ago, horror movies seem to be scarier and more original and realistic (when it comes to storyline). I guess it’s because of the era. During that time, stories about aswang, tyanak and other monstrous creatures and scary stories about spirits are often topics in your barangay. Films can reflect the current situations and stories happening in real life. And during 1980’s to 1990’s here are the top scariest movies I think everyone has seen and heard of.

Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara

I don’t know which movie is better, the original film first produced in 1974 or the 1995 remake. The 1995 film remake was directed by Chito S. Rono. This movie became a TV series too in 2008. What I can say is that this movie or story is really scary. My cousin told me that she can’t sleep after watching the movie.

The story is about Ruth who committed suicide because of anxiety over the real feelings of his husband Nick towards her. She committed suicide out of jealousy towards her sister Barbara whom she suspects to be having an affair with Nick. After committing suicide, Ruth haunts the house where her family lives to take revenge on Nick and Barbara.

Halimaw sa Banga

I was too young when I watched this movie which doubled my imagination making me feel so scared on this movie. It gave me nightmare for months. The movie is part of the two-part film Halimaw directed by Mario O’Hara and Christopher de Leon.

The story of the movie revolves around an ancient jar (banga) owned by an attractive woman who is an art collector. She purchased the jar which was excavated from an ancient cave and used it as a display in her backyard. Unknown to the owner, the jar is being haunted by an angry spirit of a witch who was crucified and condemned by villagers years earlier. To take her revenge, she used the jar to take lives and fulfil her vengeance.

Shake Rattle and Roll III. (1991) Episode – Nanay

I know you have seen this film if you were born in the 90’s. Part of the three episodes of Shake Rattle and Roll II, Nanay is more popularly known for its villain called “Undin”. This movie scared the hell out of me. I was too young by that time and it is easy to freak me out. The episode was directed by Peque Gallaga & Lore Reyes.

Undin is a sea creature which was disturbed by humans who were hunting her eggs. She avenges for the loss of her eggs by killing all the people involved one by one. I think, what makes this creature scary is its slimy green color and its habit of appearing from the comfort room’s bowl. The thought of made me feel like not using the restroom for a while. (I was six during that time).

Now…

Feng Shui

After years, I guess, a film to scare and thrill the Filipinos was produced. Feng Shui became the top grossing film during the time it was released.

The story of the film revolves around Joy. She bought the bagua and brought it to her home to bring her luck, but unfortunate events happened afterwards. Anyone who looks at the bagua will die and death will be associated to the person’s Chinese Zodiac. The bagua belongs to a woman in China who was trapped inside a burning house and was burned alive. She died leaving a curse to the bagua. The ghost is the movie is more popularly known as Lotus Feet or Lotus Lady.

Sukob

The story is about Filipino’s “pamahiin” or old traditional beliefs or superstition about weddings. It is believed that you should not get married in the same year that a relative dies, or no siblings should be married in the same year.

Sandy and Helen unluckily and accidentally ignored the superstition which gave them series of unfortunate events.  The movie was directed by Chito S. Rono and became a box office hit and highest-grossing Filipino Film of all time until 2009.

Sigaw

Produced in 2004, Sigaw (internationally known as The Echo) was translated into other language and was released in other countries. It was released in Singapore and Malaysia. The film had its US remake “The Echo” in 2008. It was directed by Yam Laranas.

Marvin, the protagonist, hears strange noises from his neighbour when he moved in to his new house. The murmurs and noises made him curious. His actions brought him into getting involved in a scary situation as he discovered what’s really happening beyond the doors of his neighbour.

There are still a lot of scary Filipino movies I haven’t listed here both produced from the past and some were just released. Asian horror movies are really scary. It will never fail to freak you out in some ways.

PS: I hope these photos I researched and the memories I recalled from these movies won’t give me nightmares. I sleep alone in my room. L

There is only one massively multiplayer online role-playing game that caught my heart and made me an addict MMORPG player – that’s Ragnarok. It was commonly referred to as RO. The game was first released in South Korea in 2002 and after that in other countries around the world. Ragnarok was a hit and I am one of those online users who got hooked on this game during its fame. 

Characters in Ragnarok are in 2D while its environment is in 3D. Most of the servers in Ragnarok supported three types of gameplay: Player vs Environment, Guild vs Guild, and Player vs. Player.

I played Ragnarok in 2005 in Freya server. During that time, you have to pay for the time you spend when playing. My character in the server is a wizard. It was so hard to turn a mage into a wizard during that time especially when you don’t have a phen clip. It’s an accessory used by mage class so their casting won’t stop even if they’re being attacked by monsters. The exam for job change for mage class is located in Geffen.

Ragnarok Free to Play Servers

I quit playing in Freya until a free to play server in the Philippines opened. Playing RO in a paid server is very expensive so a F2P server is a saviour for those who wanted to play. Aside from Valkyrie, which is overly populated by RO players, I decided to try the newly opened free to play server Valhalla (formerly Thor). As usual, I created my favorite character under mage class.

On My Quest to Changes of Jobs

When I reached level 70+ for my first character, I got bored of my Wizard so I guess it’s time to try a new job class. My friend told me to try a Champion. It’s under an Acolyte Job Class. 

Guess what? I didn’t become a Champion, instead I decided to change my job to High Priestess! During the early age of Valhalla (few months after it opened) there are a lot of characters playing in Payon. Since I am an Acolyte, players need me in their parties. I enjoyed it when people ask for a favor of healing them of giving those players buffs. Plus I am always in a party. Another reason why I decided to choose a High Priestess job than a Champion is because HP looks cuter than Champs. And I guess, I am not that skilled to pilot a Champion.



Levelling up got more difficult when I turned 80+ priest. It is not easy to level up when you have shared exp. and priests can't level up without being in a party or shared exp. So I need to boost another class to level up. Unlike with other characters, they can level up on their own.

Since I am very patient and addicted to this game, I was able to reach 99 and change job to a High Priestess after talking to Valkyrie. Then after that, the rest is history. Kidding. I continued playing and become more addicted to the game as I explored and discovered more things to do like boss hunting, WOE (War of the Emporium), chika time with friends and guild mates in Prontera, selling expensive items and more.

Ragnarok Job Classes

There are different job classes in Ragnarok. You can choose from the characters which you think you will enjoy playing. I have tried piloting a lot of characters like High Priest, Sniper, Champion, High Wizard, Black Smith, Gypsy, and more. My favorite is character is a High Priestess.  It will take time to discuss all of them so I will just be showing you pictures because at the back of my mind, I know that you are reading this because you played this game once. 

Right now there is a Third Job class for Ragnarok after the Renewal Episode. I am not sure of these job classes (because I already stopped playing years ago) so again, what I can share are pictures.

Ragnarok Towns

The world of Ragnarok is composed of several maps and towns. Each maps are added in each episode. When I checked, Level-Up Games Philippines, it’s already in Episode 25: Port Malaya. 

On my future posts, I will be showing you screenshots of my characters. I hope I won’t be that busy so I can open my account again.

On my last post, I talked about travel essentials, those things you should not forget to bring when you travel. Some of those travel essentials I mentioned can also make you look fashionable when you travel. Look your best by wearing the right clothes, pair of shoes and accessories. You wouldn’t want to look ugly on pictures, would you? People will judge you depending on your looks, since you are in a different place, it is better to look at your best. Here are simple fashion tips for those who love to travel.

5 Travel Fashion Tips

Wear Shades. As one of your travel essentials, wearing shades will make you look fashionable in an instant. Aviators and Wayfarers are ideal pair of sunnies you can wear when you are travelling. Just make sure your pair of shades matches the shape of your face to complement your look and highlight your face. Aviators are my best choice for shades.

Use Comfortable Sandals. Use a trendy and comfortable pair of sandals or shoes when you are travelling. Although rubber shoes or running shoes are comfortable, leave them behind because those are too oldies. Revamp your look when you travel by wearing flat sandals or boat shoes.

Match Your Style with the Place. Travelling in a different place means doing an experiment in your style too. Depending on what the people wear in the place you will visit, you can blend with the crowd by wearing what’s hot there. But this doesn’t mean your outfit should look common, you can still be fashion forward by playing with colors, patterns and accessories. If you’re going in a place with cold weather, it’s time to play with boots and layers of tops plus sassy leggings for ladies. For men, you can try those stylish and comfortable jackets and head accessories to keep you warm. Tip: don’t wear a tourist shirt. It will be obvious that you are a tourist making you prone to expensive deals.

Don’t Be Afraid to Wear Accessories. Wearing accessories when you are travelling won’t make you feel uncomfortable. I actually wore wooden bangles while I was snorkelling in the middle of the sea in Cebu. It makes you look sassy and cute. Just don’t over accessorize and don’t wear heavy burloloys.

Carry a Nice Bag. A bulky bag is a no-no when you travel. Leave them in your hotel and bring a smaller bag enough to store your cameras, mobile phones and some travel essentials like sunblock. Your bag can complement your outfit so choose wisely which bag to bring with you. Ideally, for travelling, a small sling bag is both comfortable and fashionable to bring anywhere you go.

Being fashionable when travelling makes you feel better and comfortable during your getaways. When you travel, there is no excuse to look grumpy. You can still look fab even if you’re riding on a wooden boat or when you’re on top of a running vehicle on a grumpy road. 

When travelling, people often forget important things to bring with them. To avoid these problems, I usually write down a list of things I need to bring with me before my getaway. I always do this because I want everything to go according to my plan even from the smallest details. A perfect vacation is possible when you are prepared, although I have nothing against being spontaneous with plans. When it comes to travelling, I don’t want any unwanted problems that might spoil my vacation.

Let me share with you some of the things I always bring with me when I travel. One missing item from this list can make me feel anxious during the entire trip.

Travel Essentials

Camera. Check! Without a camera, I would definitely freak out. Taking photos whenever I travel is very important to me. Keeping memories and capturing moments in a different place is fun and exciting. As much as possible, I want a backup camera instead of bringing just one. Built-in camera in mobile phones will do if you don’t have an extra. I remember during my trip in Bohol, because of too much cam-whoring, my battery went empty when I arrived at the Chocolate Hills. No backup camera for me, so I have to keep some photographic landscapes stored forever in my forgetful memory.

Shades. Your shades can function in many ways when you travel. It protects your eyes from the sunlight. You can use it to cover your eyes when sleeping. Or you can also use it to peak or look at someone without them noticing. Plus shades add style to your outfit.

Comfy Shoes or Sandals. Leave those wedges, high-heels or bulky shoes at home. It is important to be comfortable when you travel. Wear a pair of sandals or shoes that won’t hurt your feet. For sure, you will have a lot of walkathons during your trip so consider wearing a comfortable pair.

Two Separate Wallets. Bringing only one wallet with you can be risky when you are travelling. I guess it will be safe if you’ll separate your money into two wallets in case of unexpected mishaps like losing your wallet, at least you still have money left with you.

Small Bag. Aside from your bulky travel bag, bring with you an extra smaller bag. This will make your tour easier since you can carry it with anywhere you go. Camera, phone and your small wallet can be kept inside a smaller bag. 

Ready to go now? Check all the things you need to bring with you before you go and have a great vacation ahead. :)

Puerto Princes Palawan is one of the top choices when it comes to tourists’ destination here in the Philippines. There is no doubt why Palawan is always visited for vacations and tours. The place is ideal for beach hopping activities, city tour for crocodiles and animal farms. Aside from that, one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, the Underground River is located in Palawan. This wonder of nature is a must-see for everyone who visits Puerto Princesa.

Your travel and vacation in Palawan will be unforgettable. For nature lover, and for those who are looking for real adventure, Puerto Princesa is the best place to explore.

Set your itinerary by knowing the places you need to visit during your tour in Palawan. Usually, for the first day of your trip, it is advisable to start with city tour. This is the most common and best way to start familiarizing yourself with the place you are visiting.

First Day: City Tour

City tour in Puerto Princesa includes visit to Crocodile Farm, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, Mitra’s Ranch and Bakers Hill. This can be arranged and requested to your tour guide before the dates of your vacation.

During the city tour, I enjoyed the experience when I visited the Crocodile Farm, at first, I thought it wouldn’t be fun because I don’t like crocodiles. But after the trip, I found big crocs and baby crocs cute and interesting.

Another interesting place to visit is the Mitra’s Ranch. The place resembles Tagaytay because Mitra’s Ranch is located above the hills and situated in an elevated area overlooking Honda Bay.

At Mitra’s Ranch, you’ll also find Bakers Hill where you can buy souvenirs and pasalubong. Traveller’s tip: don’t miss buying hoping ube from Bakers Hill in Mitra’s Ranch. It is the best hopia that I tasted. If you’re looking for souvenirs, you will love to bag a lot of accessories sold at very affordable prices.

Second Day: Underground River Tour or Honda Bay Island Hopping

On your second day of tour, you can either set a tour at the Underground River or choose island hopping activities in Honda Bay. If you will ask me, I preferred to do both. Three days of tour is not enough when you visit Puerto Princesa. 

During my trip, I stayed in Puerto Princesa for four days so I was able to tour for Underground River and set the Honda Bay island hopping activities the next day.

Third Day: Food Trip at the Town

On your third day, before leaving, don’t miss the chance of visiting the town to look for more souvenirs and try the town’s various restaurants for a food trip. 

Kinabuch is one of the famous restaurants in town. There are also other dine-in local restaurants to try like Bilao at Palayok. Guaranteed, all foods they serve are delicious and worth your time and money.

Planning your trip is important to make the most out of your vacation. There are a lot of things you can do in Puerto Princesa so make a perfect itinerary to visit all the places during your stay. :)

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