I dared not believe it would really happen until I was aboard the plane bound for Palawan because I was scared I would jinx it, but dreams really do come true—almost two weeks ago, I went to El Nido for 7-Eleven's Big Bite Dream Big promo.

The best kinds of OotDs are those that come with sand on your feet

7-Eleven Big Bite held a fun promo where you can choose among your Fashion, Concert, and Travel dreams. The Fashion dream winners had a shopping spree and a makeover, the Concert dream winners went to their dream concerts featuring their favorite artists, and the Travel dream winners had an all-expense paid trip to El Nido, Palawan with their respective plus ones. What a treat!

I can't even begin to tell you how beautiful El Nido is, and I have a lot of photos to show you!

Too giddy and excited to be sea sick

This sight greeted us after our delayed flight and 45-minute boat ride

We stayed at the El Nido Resorts in Miniloc Island and we enjoyed every minute of our stay; the service staff and tour guides are all warm and accommodating, the amenities are top-notch, and the buffet spreads are always A+++.

Our villa

I shared the room with Irish of 7-Eleven

Travel essentials: BEACHBORN Sea Salt Spray and BEACHBORN Didi Cupps 2 in 1 Shampoo Bar

This magnificent view greets us every time we go to the dock to go to other islands

Feast your eyes with this view from the lounging chairs by the pool

We had the grandest time marveling at the lush beauty of the many islands and lagoons we visited

Ariel from Krissyfied Makes's Sea Maidens collection

Golden hour The sunset cruise was so romantic, and I wish I can go back here with J

Dinner under the stars at a private island while being serenaded It was perfect

Vloggers Daniel and Bret with 7-Eleven Big Bite Dream Big winners Gem and Rhea with their respective plus ones Mac and Ruan

Our second day there was filled with more activities, transferring from island to island, and swimming. It was my first time to kayak and although it was tiring and challenging, I really didn't mind because the views more than made up for it.




I also got to snorkel! It's an experience I will treasure in my heart forever huhu.


My only regret is that I didn't use the Action Camera I brought underwater to take photos of the fishes and coral reefs because I was too scared I would lose it, but I promise to get to it next time. There WILL be a next time.


I am also very thankful to be able to experience a starry night as beautiful as this again because I only see skies as star-lit as this one when I go to the province. Photo taken using my Huawei P20 Pro, and I am happy I get to keep this as a special memory. My heart is full.

I was there for work but it felt more like a paid vacation as Bret and Daniel didn't make it stressful for me. You should check out their vlogs because they always have great content.

What a treat to meet these girls and be like an annoying big sister to them for three days. Good luck on your future endeavors Gem, Mac, Rhea, and Ruan! May all of your other Big Dreams come true!

Travel is a luxury but it is something I would willingly save up for if it would mean visiting places as beautiful as El Nido. My takeaway from this trip is that I wish we can take care of our environment more to preserve these beautiful places so that more generations can see them.

Huge thanks to 7-Eleven Big Bite for this amazing opportunity! I will start joining more contests now because, who knows, Lady Luck might blow my way and make my dreams come true next time. 

I started this year with a promise that I will be more mindful in all my actions, including my purchases, but honestly it gets difficult sometimes. I appreciate shopping websites that help me to easily search for things I like and whose reviews help me determine which products to add to cart.

For all things KBeauty, I rely on Althea Korea.

I am happy to show you everything I have shopped for from the site, but right now I am more excited to tell you about Althea's new exclusive products under their homegrown brand.

First, their collaboration with Indonesian actress and singer Titi Kamal, the Stay Fresh Body Sparkling Mist. This is also Althea's first body mist!

Envelope yourself in a feminine mix of fruity and floral scents with Althea’s latest collaboration with Titi Kamal! The Stay Fresh Body Sparkling Mist is a sparkling mix of sweet orange and peach, followed by an ever-graceful echo of rosy floral notes. Not overbearingly strong, this gentle perfume lingers on the body for a long-lasting scent. It also has a non-sticky formula that feels comfortable on the skin, and it embodies the elegance and beauty of Titi in a bottle, perfect for the urban femme.

I am not sure if it comes with age, but I find myself more drawn to floral scents lately. I liked the Stay Fresh Sparkling Body Mist because it hit all the right notes for me: floral scent, stays long so I don't have to spray the whole day, and convenient to bring anywhere. I just need to be careful not to spray too much to prevent it from being heady.

Another exclusive Althea product they released recently is the Pore Purifying Serum Cleanser.

This beauty superhero whisks away makeup, dirt, and oil with mint extracts while ensuring the skin stays cool and hydrated throughout thanks to a dual moisture cell system that envelopes the skin in a serum-like formula. It prevents the skin from drying out and effectively minimizes enlarged pores, keeping it smooth to the touch. This product also helps to balance the pH levels of the skin to keep it working in tip-top shape! Best of all, it's gentle on the face and suitable even for those of us with sensitive skin.

I love this! I have been using this to remove my makeup and double cleanse ever since I got it and my skin feels so clean yet not tight and dry each time! Truly a cleanser and serum in one!

How to use the Pore Purifying Serum Cleanser?

To remove makeup:

Step 1: Pour an adequate amount of the product onto the palm of your hand.

Step 2: Massage the product all over your skin in circular motions to remove dirt and makeup.

Step 3: Rinse off the residue with water. You may also use a second cleanser to completely remove any residue.

To cleanse the skin:

Step 1: Dampen the skin and apply an adequate amount of the product onto the palm of your hand.

Step 2: Gently massage the product all over your skin in circular motions for 5-10 seconds before rinsing it off with water.

Visit Althea Korea now and grab these products at amazing deals!

I love being an Althea Angel because I get to try all their amazing products, and I love the little (and growing!) community of KBeauty sisters we have built online. ♡ 

It is a truth universally acknowledged that hair becomes its most beautiful the moment you decide to chop it all off.

Since the time I wrote my last post I have unveiled a new Krissyfied Makes collection, bought the Krissyfied Makes domain, opened a new bank account, arrived at a major decision that will shape my future, and had my hair permed.

Hello, friends! I'm manic pixie Krissy girl.

I didn't grow up wanting curly hair. Growing up in a world where TV commercials, billboards, and print ads revered straight long hair, I longed for my naturally thick and wavy hair to transform into magically straight hair that goes back to its perfect state even with all the elements forcing it to look unkempt and messy. So much so that I almost killed it with all the hair treatments I went through.

And then I grew up and got more exposed to the fact that beauty cannot be defined by just one certain look. I embraced my thick wavy hair and wore it proudly until I cut it all off for a pixie cut, and then my pixie cut grew into a bob, and my bob grew long. Too long, actually, that my hair got past shoulder-length.

Still, my hairventurous self grew restless and I found myself contemplating another hair makeover. I remember wanting to have a Digiperm before but the salon did not allow me because my hair was rife with chemicals willing it to straighten itself (but not succeeding). I figured I could finally do it now because my hair has been left untreated for almost four years, and the New Year provided the perfect backdrop for my need for a new look.

I immediately booked an appointment with Belle, my trusted hairstylist in BENCH Fix Salon in Serendra.

I almost stopped at this look but no, I was a woman with a mission.




And that mission was THIS.



I was pleased as punch!


Special thanks to Belle for making my curly hair dreams come true!

Aside from my lavender pixie cut (which is truly in a different league), I can definitely say that this is my most favorite hairstyle yet! Whenever I get sad, I just remember I have curly hair and my mood improves a lot! It really is a great upgrade—when before my hair was just always unkempt, now it's meant and intended to be unkempt.


I thought it would be high maintenance at first, but it is actually the easiest hair routine I have ever had! Just remember the three step-process: wash-curl styling milk-wear. So easy.


The best thing about my curly hair? It already looks great on its own that I don't spend as much time on doing my makeup anymore. Whereas before I had to do the whole "production" in my everyday work-and-play life, now I'm just a powder-and-lipstick kinda girl and I'm good to go!

I regrettably forgot to ask when I can expect for the curls to go flat, but I've read blog posts about this topic saying it should last around three to six months.


I am making another BENCH Fix Salon appointment the moment my curls turn into waves. ♡ 

It is the third day of the year but unlike previous years, I did not pressure myself to start on a blog post straightaway but instead focused on taking a break. I am not able to take the restful break I longed for since I still need to work over the holidays, but I am extending my vacation by taking leaves from work until Friday. My work-year technically doesn't start until Monday, January 7, but of course there are work emails and messages that need to be attended to. Still, I'm glad for the chance to spend time with my family and loved ones. 

Official photos from our office Christmas party have been released and, well, here is a photo of myself displaying reckless abandon.

I don't really remember what I was laughing at, but I believe this was taken before the winner for Best Costume was announced. I didn't win, but my Night Sky costume is my favorite themed costume so far because I enjoyed conceptualizing the look and putting everything together.

Cheers to more can't-contain-myself, more-fun-than-I-can-handle moments this 2019!

I welcomed the new year with My Love, and for 2019 I wish we can have more dates and more opportunities to spend time together. My favorite moments are when we share our goals and brainstorm on how we can work on them together. He is my best friend and I enjoy getting the chance to know him more. 

There is value in writing things down, and every year I list down my goals here on the blog and on my journal. Most of them I was able to fulfill before the year ends, but some (like writing at least one short story) remain unsuccessful. It's quite disheartening, really, so I guess this year I will stick to one goal that will encompass everything I want to accomplish.

This year, I will be more mindful.

Mindful with my finances because I don't need that nth lipstick, thankyouverymuch, and because I really want to follow through with Krissyfied Makes.

Mindful with the products I use and their impact on the environment.

Mindful with my social media use. 

I intend to limit idle scrolling so I can be more productive.

Mindful with the media I consume.

Mindful with the words I use. 

Mindful with my relationships.

Mindful with work and hobbies.

Mindful with the way I spend my time.

Mindful with the way I live my life because I want to choose to live with purpose and intention.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* Happy New Year, everyone! *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

May 2019 be bright and bold and colorful!

Wow.

What a year, this year.

2018 is the year I grew so much, and all I can do is marvel and be thankful.


My 2018 highlights include: being introduced to One Ok Rock • meeting Adam J. Kurtz • undergoing a myomectomy and having 11 myomas removed • going on a two month-long break from work • watching and hearing John Legend perform live • turning 32 • getting invited to the Richprime office and seeing the most number of Barbies I have ever seen in my lifetime • going to a jazz concert • ARC Public Relations, Inc. being acquired by MullenLowe Philippines and becoming reintroduced as MullenLowe MARC • celebrating our third anniversary • moving out of my parents' house again and moving closer to my office • losing my Lolo Julian • celebrating my 6th year in PR • going to Cebu for the first time • finally putting up Krissyfied Makes •

I shed so many tears, but the joys far outweigh the sad things. Most importantly, I am the most me that I have ever been, if that makes sense. It is never too late to become my own person, and 2018 is a great year as any to do that. I am grateful.

I have been wanting to switch to a menstrual cup for some time now because of couple of reasons: I'd like to help lessen my waste and at the same time save money by eliminating the need for disposable pads and tampons. Also, ever since I had a myomectomy I became more conscious of my reproductive health, and I have heard horror stories about raw materials used in sanitary napkins that can't be good down there. My friend Alex is a new menstrual cup advocate and influenced my decision to finally go for it. 

When I chanced upon the Anytime Menstrual Cup being offered on sale in BeautyMNL, I decided to go ahead and purchase one. It took me a while to decide on the size to get and I had to answer an online quiz to see what is best for me (although it wasn't that helpful because I don't know how to check if I have a high cervix) but I needn't worry about that because only Size 2 was available, LOL. Anyway, the description says Size 2 is for women 30 and above, so I thought I'll just take my chance since it's being sold at half the original price. I bit the bullet, bought it, and patiently waited.

My package arrived after two days.

It's pretty straightforward: inside the box you get the medical grade silicone menstrual cup sealed in a plastic bag, an instruction manual, and a pouch for safe-keeping. I'm not entirely sure if there's a difference in the size between this and Size 1 as I didn't see a photo nor infographic comparing the two, or if Size 1 is a bit thinner and softer, but I found the mouth of the menstrual cup I got to be thicker than the ones used in online tutorials, and looked a bit more difficult to fold.

I couldn't delay it any longer; it was getting late, I'm on the 3rd day of my period, and I needed to get on it. It's currently past midnight but I'm so psyched I don't think I would be able to sleep before writing about this. Indulge me and let me give you a blow-by-blow account of the past hour.

22:45 - I started boiling water to sterilize my menstrual cup with.
22:50 - I put my menstrual cup on the boiling water and let it sterilize for five minutes.
23:00 - As per the instructions in the video, I washed the cup with a mild cleanser and warm water.
23:03 - Stripped down to just my bra in the shower, I went to work. I squatted, tried the U-shaped fold and... Nothing happened.
23:25 - I tried squatting on the floor, I tried sitting on the toilet, I tried standing up, I tried many different kinds of folds, still nothing happened. It was getting a bit bloody. I started praying to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Roman goddess Venus.
23:30 - I shouted through the bathroom door for my boyfriend to bring me a mirror. Maybe it would be better if I could see?
23:45 - The bra has come off at this point. I could see in the mirror and I still couldn't do it. There were instances when I could put it halfway in but I would feel my muscles tense and I couldn't put the rest of it in anymore, and it HURT. I started remembering previous fights my boyfriend and I had. I started seeing patterns on the bathroom tiles I have never noticed before. I started getting anxious about the coming year as well as the choices I have made in life that brought me here, to this specific moment, and tears may or may not have fallen. I prayed to St. Anthony de Padua and all the other angels and saints.
23:51 - The spirit is willing but the body is weak. Squatting on the floor, feeling frustrated and alone with just my menstrual cup in a 7-shaped fold as company, I got ready to give up but for the heck of it I tried again and I swear without thinking about it I started to stand up and : POP : I wasn't holding the 7-shaped menstrual cup anymore? Instead I am seeing just the stem jutting out. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT BECAUSE I WAS SO AMAZED?

And that is how I was able to put my menstrual cup in after just 51 minutes.

You think that was difficult? You should have been there when I tried using a tampon for the first time. I literally had people on the other side of the bathroom door shouting encouragements at me. Yes. It was during a beauty event out of town and I suddenly got my period but thankfully I brought a tampon with me because I brought my swimsuit that day and I really wanted to take a dip.

It wasn't immediately A+ perfect, though. I had to poke around for a bit because I felt it was still folded inside and hasn't completely assumed the proper shape of a menstrual cup, which proved to be challenging because yikes, I haven't trimmed my nails for more than a week. (Note to self: clip nails tomorrow.) After a few minutes poking around and adjusting, I believe it is now secure and firmly in place. I still wore a liner though, just on my first time of using it, in case I didn't put it correctly and I get leaks.

Additional trivia that I don't think will be of use to you: I know the menstrual cup can't get lost inside me but I still needed to check the stem a couple of times and ensure I can easily pull it out, heh.

I believe I would purchase another one, in Size 1, to see if it's the better fit for me. But right now I can say that it hasn't even been three hours yet but I think I am now the newest menstrual cup convert and advocate! Hooray to not needing disposable feminine pads again!

It is half past 1 AM and I shall go to sleep soundly knowing I was able to succeed in the mission I set for myself.

Are you a menstrual cup convert? How was your experience? OR are you looking to switch to a menstrual cup? Let me know how it goes! Good luck!