De La Salle Lipa College Department starred at 70s Fashion Show on its 60th Founding Anniversary

Celebrating the foundation anniversary of an institution is an important milestone that marks its history and achievements. This year, De La Salle Lipa carried the theme “DEKADA ANIM-O: Tuloy and Misyong Lasalyano.”

To celebrate this exciting occasion, a set of activities, booths, and exhibits were prepared for Lasallian partners, parents, alumni, and students. Along with the Cosplay Competition, Dulaang Kentawra Recital, Robotics Exhibit, and Concert, one of the highlights of this event is the Decade-Inspired Fashion Show Contest as part of the closing program.

DLSL Lasallian Partners’ were divided into five decades to represent 1960s to 2000s fashion trends. While the college department stunned in 70s fad, its exceptional concept revolved in representing all genres stood out in a decade of glitter and sparkle in popular culture, bagging the 1st runners-up grant.

IN PHOTO: Team 70s on their winning look with their respective College Deans spearheading next year’s founding anniversary celebration. 🏆🥈

FUTURE FASHION
Sir Pat as a Futuristic Icon
Lift this futuristic look on the ground, to infinity and beyond! 🤖

HIPPIE
Ms. Nadine as the Hippie
Mirror Mirror on the wall, she’s the hippiest of them all! 🎸

CARTOON
Sir Rhalf as Fred Jones
It’s fashion-solved mystery, with a Fred Jones’ look mastery! 🐕

TV SHOW
Sir Benedict as Rolly Puruntong
They say the show must go on, and this look serves a 70s fashion revolution! 📺

WEDDING
Ms. Darlen as Bianca Jagger
You’re a bridal stunner, if you got this dress like jagger! 💒

POLITICS
Ms. Maine as the Youth Activist
The right to vote is suffrage, and this look is definitely savage. 📢

MUSIC
Ms. Celine as Donna Summer
You’re a certified disco fashion runner, if you strike like Donna Summer! 🎙️

TRAVEL
Ms. Jhovie as Flight Attendant
Like a bird, like a plane, no it’s not, this fashion is insane! 🧳

PAGEANTRY
Ms. Cruzette as Margie Moran
Flaunt this gown to the world, the universe rather, for a walk like no other! 👑

SPORTS
Sir Joseph as Kareem Abdul Jabar
Carry this sportswear, for you to say, Never say Never! 🏀

MOVIES
Sir Franze as Superman
What to wear? Have no fear, ‘coz Superman is here! 🦸🏻‍♂️

At the backstage, right before the moment that we’ve all been waiting for! 🥶

This fashion show features music, lighting, and other creative elements to enhance the presentation of the clothing. Incorporated is the special theme and concept to tie the designs together and create a cohesive story.

Last-minute rehearsal on stage before the show! 🫶🏻

Truly, this collaborative activity from different colleges built a harmonious relationship because this created opportunities for the faculty members to work together towards a common goal, which lead to a sense of shared purpose and accomplishment.

Day 2 rehearsals at the Sports Center featuring our merienda, sponsored by Doc Tessie. 🍕

It’s definitely when people work together on a project, communication is the key, shared responsibilities, and relying on one another will lead to achieving success. This helped everyone build trust and respect among each other, as they learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and contributions.

Winning an undertaking can be an exciting and rewarding experience for everyone, and I believe it’s important to acknowledge and appreciate the people who helped and supported us along the way. Big thanks to our colleagues in our respective colleges, College Deans, Sir Melvin, for the photo documentation, Sir Benny, for assisting us in the last-minute rehearsals, of course a huge shout-out to Sir Julius for amplifying the background as our voice-over. We were able to reinforce the importance of collaboration in achieving this success, until our future endeavors.

God is good all the time, our deepest gratitude for giving us a positive mindset to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as for letting us appreciate the positive aspects of such situation, and cultivate a sense of contentment and perspective that helped us navigate challenges and setbacks.

Till my next blog! 🫶🏻

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Hellen Keller

📸 Individual Shots: Sir Dennis Dimaala
🎥 Snapshots: Sir Melvin Quiros

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Celebrating Life At 25

I’m so thrilled to share my 3rd Birthday Blog in this safe space as I turn 25 this year. As you all know, this platform became an online scrapbook of my life so, I’ll be telling you about how my 25th birthday went and what are some of the most important things I’ve learned thus far.

During my early 20s, I always contemplate things that I should’ve figured out what my life and my dreams would be. Perhaps a house, driving your own car, having insuravests, travelling to different cities and countries. And here I am at 25, still thriving to tick some of these. And what I’m proud of is that, I definitely can say that I am currently on track to go where I would want to be while having exceeded some of my expectations for what I wanted to achieve by this age.

So, here’s to more days and years to choose to put my best foot forward and be better every day. The experience thus far will inspire me to take more chances and feel rewarding.

And oh, by looking at the surrounding things, I have been blessed to have the best people who appreciate me. God has already given and prepared so much for me.

Cheers to 25 years! ☀️

I don’t know what the future holds, but one’s thing for sure, life will never be straightforward, the thing is, sometimes what you really want will only come to you when you are ready. And sometimes what you really thought you wanted isn’t something that you do when you are older.

I’ve been blessed in so many ways as I turn 25. Well, I’m so excited and grateful to share the next chapter of my life with you. See you then! 🤞

“Age is merely the number of years the world has been enjoying you.”

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Mental Health Break: A Day at Tagaytay and Nasugbu

It ain’t new that the demands of the work from home setup plus the pressure have caused many of us to experience both physical and emotional exhaustion. Everyone definitely needs time to pause, breathe and take a step back to reflect. Certainly, taking a mental health break is needed for stress relief and burnout prevention.

In support of the De La Salle Lipa Inc. employee wellness, the institution scheduled a week of Mental Health Break. Definitely, this is a great opportunity for the students and Lasallian partners to pause, reset, and come back with greater levels of energy and a fresh, less-stressed perspective indeed.

And as for me and my colleagues, we spend a day of self-care and compassion by taking a trip to Tagaytay and Nasugbu — an opportunity for us to rest our minds from the day-to-day routine of work-related tasks.

Napa Valley feels at Tagaytay Crosswinds. 🍃

Ma’am Donna and Ma’am Nelia here with me for today’s blog. 😂

NAPA is a new ride destination with great food and great ambiance. Alfresco dining with a nature view. 🌲

The good thing about NAPA at Crosswinds is that they have open seats to accommodate groups of visitors unless it’s peak season. You can choose to sit and chill inside or vice-versa while having to enjoy the California-feels ambiance and sceneries outside. I must say that every corner is Instagrammable and picture-worthy to flood your connections feeds and showcase your OOTD.

It takes us to a different experience with an ambiance captured from a different side of the world. 🍄

Everyone wants to see this new hip spot, it gets crowded easily, but not in today’s case. 🌫

Bringing to life a beautiful place that will give me fond memories with my closest colleagues. 💗

This cabin-themed look is inspired by rustic houses in Napa Valley, California. It took an hour-drive from Tanauan City to Talisay Sungay Road also dubbed as “bituka ng manok” by locals, the very steep road is full of hairpin turns, which can make driving challenging and dangerous to NAPA at Crosswinds Tagaytay.

A new protocol has been mandated to pay a parking fee which costs PHP 100.00 and a PHP 400.00 consumable to any café of your choice. Here’s a sample ticket to be bought inside and presented stub upon exit.

This strawberry frappé has been becoming my go-to quencher lately. This costs PHP 250.00 at NAPA.

It’s definitely worth the visit, you’ll lose count of the nice views outside because there are just too many to choose from.

This short trip to NAPA deserves a good groupie shot. 📸

Surely, spending time in green spaces or bringing nature can benefit both our mental and physical wellbeing. 🌾

The views and the ambiance here are spectacular, but to tell you honestly, the foods are overpriced and quite underwhelming, tho. But the experience of chillin’ and peace of mind setting it’s the best.

Here, we decided to take our lunch, it’s 26 mins drive from NAPA at Crosswinds.

Just facing Bulalo Point, we bought the best buko pie in Tagaytay. The buko pies are freshly made and always served warm and have the freshest and most tender coconut meat. This costs PHP 325.00. 🌴

It has been quite a good visit to Tagaytay since we’ve been given very good weather to stroll with. A 30-minute drive, we headed to Caleruega Church also known as the Transfiguration Chapel located at Bgry. Caylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas.

An entrance fee of PHP 30.00 and a PHP 40.00 parking fee are being collected at the entrance.

This church and grounds have a spiritual feel. It looks like an aged edifice from Spanish influence.

Signage to know what other spots inside are to be explored.

“Close to Nature, Close to God“ The fountain compass is the first thing you will see when you arrive at Calereuga.

Here are some plant souvenirs available. They also sell seedlings.🌼🌻

Hanging Bridge heading to the Tent Chapel.

After hundreds of steps, we reached the Tent Chapel.

Here’s a view from the top of the chapel.

Here you can attend mass, meditate, or engage in other religious activities. 

Caleruega has lush surroundings, a perfect place for relaxation and time with friends, colleagues, family, or your special someone. This place provides greenery that will let you reflect on life and refresh your thoughts.

Ma’am Donna still can strut a pose after the long walk and hike. 😂

Jed looking tired and so is her mom. But it’s worth it after 2 years of lockdown with no long walks. 😂

This week of Mental Health Break is a special gift to oneself to have the time to do self-care, self-improvement, and be engaged in things that will make oneself happy and relaxed.  And for us on this trip, it’s definitely worth it that once in a while we take breaks and travel to places we don’t visit often. God is good, all the time!

Even if you don’t have the option to step away from your job, you can still set boundaries that support your mental wellbeing.

Care to share some of your trips away from work or activities during mental health break? Let me know. If you love this blog, pin it!

Puerto Galera Adventures: Sun, Sea, Sand and Fun

Sheesh! It’s May, and it’s summer break for some, including us.

It’s definitely about chasing the sun, white sand, and water, right? So, we planned out our beach getaway. We don’t know yet, how we even choose wherewith so many beautiful summer destinations around.

In the first place, we are craving a comfortable paradise to relax with, and an off-the-beaten-path discovery, and we believe Puerto Galera fits our liking! It is a town on the Philippine island of Mindoro. It’s known for its dive sites and beaches.

Reached Batangas Port at 7:30 AM to catch our Roro going to Puerto Galera.

Tourists and residents are at their peak number since the national election will be in just two days.

From Batangas Port to Puerto Galera, the roundtrip fare for an adult costs Php 685.00 and Php 585.00 for a student.

To avoid getting tickets at the last minute and worst might cause delay, it is important to have advance bookings to avoid long lines and to proceed to the boarding gates in an instant. We were assisted by JACN Puerto Galera Tours to book our trip going to Puerto Galera.

Our Roro Reina Delas Flores waiting for us. 🚢⚓️

Actually, we’re 13 and here’s the first batch for 8AM float 😂
Aaron, Kyle, Paul, Russell, Me, Ric, Claire, AC, Jaryl 👩‍👩‍👦‍👦

Uhm, let me have this moment to stare how blue the sea is. It’s been 2 years, since the last time I went in a ship for a trip. 😅🌊 🌫

Normally, it will take a 2-hour ride on a roro (ship) and a fast craft takes an hour. Since it’s affordable to take the ship, so we did. It’s important to carry water and sweet treats with you when taking a ship because the motion of the wave can make you feel nauseous.

Landed at Port of Puerto Galera just in time, 10 AM. We were welcomed and accompanied by the personnel of the Travel and Tours we booked.

Rode on our service jeepney heading to our hotel. 🚙💨

Authorities require us to present our vaccination card, S-pass and pay the environmental fee amounting to Php 120.00 per head. S-pass was also processed by our travel agency to avoid hassle on documents.

Here’s the Villa Monica Hotel where we stayed for our comfort in Puerto Galera.

We were accommodated in this family room, which has a capacity of 10 persons. 🛌🏼

Our check-in time is 1PM and the hotel accommodation includes air conditioning plus the fan 😂, cable T.V., hot and cold shower, Wi-Fi connection, CCTV, kitchen on the rooftop, bathroom, and towel.

We arrived here, and it’s still not overcrowded since it’s 10:30 AM, besides it’s pretty early for the tourists to roam around on a Friday morning. ☀️

Fresh Buko Juice to refresh and quench the thirst I’ve been feeling since we arrived. This costs Php 100.00.

Puerto’s hair braiding is popular as it serves as a hair souvenir that you are on an island. Price varies depending on styling, Php 250-300.00.

Claire getting her hair done in pink yarns since she’s a proud kakampink??? 🌸🎗

Jaryl, one of his hair goals is to get it braided and PG made it happen. 🏆

There’s also Taho (Filipino Silken Tofu with Sago Pearls and Syrup) which costs Php 30.00 for the smallest size.

It’s almost sunset, and it’s the golden hour. 🌅

This Ice Scramble is quite different from what’s available in my town, it has pearl sinkers in it. It costs Php 30.00 for the smallest size. 🍨

I also get to enjoy playing beach volleyball with random guys in PG. No warm-ups, just dive on the sand. 🏐

Our first group photo by the beach. We’re complete here, catching sunset before diving into the sea. 💦

Our first dinner in “Foodtrip sa Galera”, each order costs Php 200-250.00, and it’s unli-rice with either chicken, Pork Kebab, Tilapia, Liempo, Squid, and the fruit shake costs Php 100.00. 🍗🍡🦑

That’s a wrap for our first day stay in Puerto Galera before we finally began to explore more of what the island offers for its tourists. We have had ample time to soak into the sea and talk about things that we don’t normally talk about on busy days. We have the time to enjoy the cold water in the sea, vibe with the music, eat dinner, and enjoy the nightlife during happy hours.

Hello Travelers! 👋🏻
“Enjoy the sea, not the bed” ~ Ma’am Beth 🤍

On Day 2 at Puerto, at 9:45AM we were picked up by our driver to start our activities for the day. Our package tour is an Island tour which costs Php 1,580.00 for 10pax above including the hotel accommodation. The Island tour activities include an underwater cave, giant clams, snorkeling in a coral garden, sandbar, Muelle heritage park, Spanish galleon replica, Canon replica, and Muelle bay (one of the most beautiful bays in the world).

Muelle Bay

Muelle Heritage Park

Spanish Galleon and Canon replica

Muelle Bay

Sandbar ⛱🏝
Jaryl, Me, Aaron, Kyle, King, Maan, Clarence, Cris, Ric, Claire, Paul, AC, Russell

Before we go to water activities, we were reminded of several instructions to mind before diving into the water. There are also aqua shoes being offered, it is a type of footwear that is typically used for activities where the feet are likely to become wet, such as kayaking to prevent abrasions when walking in wet, rocky environments. It costs Php 100.00.

With my co-two-faced Gemini buddy, Ric. ♊

With the always feeling, Jaryl. 😋

With the rumored top-student and fave, Claire. 🙄

We went boating as we head to the giant clam and snorkeling. ⛵️

We were amazed by the creatures that we were able to see underwater. It’s my first time, and it’s really admirable. 💦

In the underwater cave, it’s just the annoying life-vest that makes it very complicated to float. 🤣

At the stop-by mini-shore near the underwater cave. I’m holding here the super pricey-worthy Calamares 🦑 (breaded fried squid dish) that costs Php 60.00.

The scorching heat of the sun really burned my skin, in spite of having layers of sunscreen. It was pretty late lunch that we finished all the water activities like around 2:30 PM we went back to our hotel to freshen up and change. We were tired and rested, and got asleep till 4PM. We had the chance to explore the place and look for souvenirs and items to bring home to our loved ones.

And oh there’s a café here on the island where we could stay that’s cozy if there’s an urgent call for work.

Also, available are souvenir items, the usual clothes, keychains, ref magnets, mugs, tote bags, slippers, and a lot more.

There are far more stores, bars, and food stalls to explore in the place and yet to be experienced once. We enjoyed our second night by watching comedic stunts by the bay, we ate dinner, had happy hours, and rested.

Morning breakfast by the beach. Each meal costs PHP 119.00 with unli-fried rice, and free coffee/iced tea.

Here’s our view while we’re on breakfast.

A legit strawberry milkshake. Super tasty at PHP 170.00 💯

It’s our last day, we need to check out at 11:30AM and catch the 12:45NN ship back to Batangas port. We only have a few hours left to enjoy the island and take pictures of and with the place.

Here’s a sandcastle photo booth that costs PHP 20.00, not free either, but you can take a shot as many as you like, you just got to beat the heat of the sun. 🔅📸

Time to go home now. Thank you, Puerto Galera!

We were casually waiting to be called, and we were just in time to catch our float. 😆 We paid Php 10.00 per head for the terminal fee.

How I wish we could stay a little longer, or a day, perhaps. But we need to get back to our home now to face the responsibilities and get back to our same lives in order for us to get back to places such as this. This trip gave me so many realizations, it’s okay to spoil yourself sometimes, it’s okay to ignore pressure for once, and it’s okay to feel free and happy because we all deserve it. Practically, we are all not blessed to have the financial capability to treat ourselves to a vacation we all are craving but, we have the physical capability and the discipline to work hard for something that we really want.

I’m constantly learning the idea of travel, new friends, and food. I always feel the excitement and fear at the same time, but never the boredom, and I think it’s the most rewarding thing above all. Thank God for guiding us all throughout, and we all went back home safely with fragments of memories we once experienced on this trip. Thank you, Puerto Galera.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you.”

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My First Election Rally Experience

The Rule of Law, Transparency, Responsiveness, Consensus Oriented, Equity and Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and Efficiency, and Accountability — factors that measure good governance. And for sure, we don’t want to waste the opportunity to be led by a well-thought leader.

April 30th, my friends and I partook in the historical event of #BarakoParaKinaLENIKIKO who stood up and showed support as our most powerful tool to speak up, and have our fair share to uphold the best people for the job at Catalina Lake Residences Manghinao, Bauan, Batangas.

And to show support “Pihong Kita’y Panalo Rineh kay Kiko’t Lineh” Jaryl made this last-minute placard quote.🤩🤩🤩

The rally was supposed to start at 12NN but as early as 8AM we’ve had already settled in front of the entrance, so we can get closer to the stage to get up close with all the performers and the main reason why we’re here Leni-Kiko and the Tropang Angat Senators.

The early birds 🦅

Jaryl, Maja, Gia, J-Mac are with me at this rally.

Since we’re early, we’re situated near the main stage.

And to show that we’re all one in this battle, several volunteers around the province prepared free meals, water, merch, and snacks, so everyone could not go thirsty or hungry throughout the event.

Ahh! Ice Cream to soothe the scorching heat of the sun. 🌤🍧

Coffee and frappé by cafedelipa ☕️

A lot of talented Batangueños showcased their talents and big stars in showbiz were present to make this event rousing before we finally get to hear words from the main stars of the rally. Singer-song writer Nica Del Rosario and Gab Pangilinan sung Rosas one of the official VP Leni’s campaign song. Some big stars present were Janine Gutierrez, Jolina Magdangal, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Ogie Alcasid, and Sharon Cuneta.

VP Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan gets the warmest welcomed amongst all the present Barakos.
© Barako Para Kay Leni-Kiko

After 9 hours of waiting, they finally showed up to tell their sentiments and plans once they win the election. With conviction, “Konting tumbling na lang, mananalo na tayo” VP Leni uttered. I teared up a little because of the hope that I can feel, and all the attendees’ warm spirits lifted when they appeared on stage.

Kulay Rosas ang Bukas 🌷

Given the freedom, we are proud that we’re part of the 280,000+ Batangueños who are hungry for good governance because we all deserve better, the Philippines deserve better.

© Kiko Pangilinan official FB Page

Never mind how many hours and for how long we have stood, waited, and felt tired during the entire run of the rally, the main thing is we have made the right choice to support the righteous ones for a right government. We are all hungry for good governance, and it’s our time now to make it happen. Ipanalo na natin ‘to! ✨ 

Birthday Blog | June 7, 2021

Yay! I mean, hello, it’s my second birthday quarantine. I’ve never imagined that this pandemic will last long until my special day. However, we were still able to celebrate with minimal restrictions at the present.

Honestly, it’s a little bittersweet entering my 24th year because the past months I’ve been into a not-so-good state. I felt overwhelmed about the situation, which I couldn’t deny that affected my mental and physical health, I must say. I was too drowned to keep grinding that I didn’t take priority of my health. I let it slip and fail to think of how essential rest is. This spoke to me loudly and learned that no matter how preoccupied I am, never ever forget to take care of myself.

It has been quite an ordeal patches to stitch and a tough coming-of-age. Still and all, I was able to savor exploring pastures and opportunities. Much as there are adversities, the experience thus far inspired me to take more chances and feel rewarding.

I have no idea on what the coming years will uphold. But I am going to continue to seizing the most of every day God will give me and to connect with people who matter the most, my family and friends. As well as to continue strengthening my relationship with God as I praise my way through the storms of life and my own thoughts. And no matter what this year brings I will continue to be thankful to celebrate every day! I believe that there are too many good things in life worth to feel blessed and privileged.

Above all, I am wishing for more years to celebrate and a good health. Cheers to the next 365 days and thriving to accomplish things real soon.

Sharing here are some photos taken with love —

Every year I got to be blessed to receive birthday cakes from my friends, so much appreciation and love with you all. It means a lot. ♡

They are some of my circle who are present to give birthday present in my special day. But, their presence is more than enough, as always. Still, masks on.

My celebration, wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of my grandmom and OC aunts, of course my dad also, he’s already busy outside with his “kumpares” they say. I know thank you isn’t enough to say that I really am endlessly grateful having them.

Birthday cards and our photos which I took from my Polaroid, simple things to serve as souvenirs to remember this day.

Thank you for reading some bits and pieces of how my birthday went. Till my next blog~

For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.

Proverbs 9:11

Page 366 of 366

The story of 2020 has been tough or even the worst one for most people. Days of mental anguish, financial strain, ailed relationships and existential career crisis. True as it could be, it wasn’t easy. But as always, after every experience paves us way to different life realizations and learnings.

This year, I did nothing but to motivate myself not to stay asleep with my dreams and rather wake up and chase them amidst of all the happenings in the world. I’ve gotten the ideal career where I excel the most, expanded my circle, kept the financial resource flowing and taught to look after myself.

It may be the year that is way far from what we’ve all expected it should be, but it taught us all lessons that we can definitely say, it made us better and stronger in a way.

After all, we always got to choose our own story and everything which makes our life inspiring. It may always not as great as we expected to be, but there are parts that can be captured by the heart which makes everything worthwhile.

How Much Did I Save From My 9-Month Old Money Box?

I can still remember from the onset of the year 2020 I swore that I will save money in a piggy bank. I got inspired with the shared practices of Financial Coach Chinkee Tan. Something that everyone can use for different purposes such as Calamity, Emergency and Investment Fund.

Henceforth, I will place every peso and bills left in my purse and shoot in my container, but still keeping some cash-in-hand on the spot and cash-at-hand whenever needed.

I know that this is quite challenging to be everyone’s resolution, but we all know this is something that we could benefit from. This exercise will then shift everyone’s money mindset in different areas as well.

Filipinos are trying creative ways to save and stay motivated, until different ipon (saving) challenges emerged. One which caught my drive was the Peso Sense Ipon Challenge.

Here’s the Ipon Challenge template I followed:

100 pcs – 1 peso coin
90 pcs – 5 peso coin
80 pcs – 10 peso coin
70 pcs – 20 peso bill
60 pcs – 50 peso bill
50 pcs – 100 peso bill
40 pcs – 200 peso bill
30 pcs – 500 peso bill
20 pcs – 1,000 peso bill

I set no particular rules on saving, soon as I already have the spare specific coins and bills I persist to deposit it in the money box.

And, I don’t forget to shade the circle on the template.

Ta-dah! I was able to save a grand total of 53,750.00 PHP! 

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What did I do to make this happen?

#1 I challenged myself

Growing up, I used to save money in my DIY piggy bank, money jar, or even a box. Even though I have my own bank account, I’m feeling something special, (if you know what I mean) about having a money box, it’s like I’m pouring water on a soil waiting for something to grow and harvest it on the latter. So, I challenged myself from weighing what are the needs and just the wants.

#2 I tracked the progress

So, I got to finally decide this method, the Peso Sense #IponChallenge, but I did it in my own way, something which I think is doable and I’m confident with. I got to easily adjust the amount I save depending on to what my budget allows. Also, consistency is really the key. If I didn’t save up last week, I’ll make sure I’ll be able to save double this week.

#3 I changed my mindset

As part of the Generation Z, I came to face paying bills early. So I got to spend what I can and save what I should. I do not compromise to pay the bills just to save, so I set saving as part of the bills as well haha. If I can’t pay it now, I’ll definitely make a way to increment it next time.

#4 I gave

I also need to take a part of my salary to give. To share to my parents and some sort to my sibs. If I give, it would lessen the money on-hand, then I will be challenged to save again to have something to give in the future. Simple as that, yes, they’ll be asking for some, but they won’t always ask. The important thing is that I have a saved back-up whenever needed.

#5 I set goals

Obviously, the reason behind this stuff is that I have goals, the reason why we all save. Of course, also having in mind about emergency fund, or something to use to what I aim for. It’s good to have things or go somewhere using the money you’ve hard-earned and saved all throughout.

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Now, where’s the money?

Well, it’s all in good hands now. Something is soon to rise that I’d be gladly to share with you all. There’s nothing left from the money box. It’s all gone. Why do I feel that it’s so hard to start over again after the months that I’ve been through with this challenge? HAHAHA

Anyways, maybe the same routine again. One step at a time, until I got to finally shade all the empty circles completely again.

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Saving is essential, but don’t ever compromise your wants. We only live once, we should spend the most out of it. Money can’t buy us happiness, yeah it’s from Price Tag. Just see to it that you don’t spoil yourself too much.

It’s not your salary that can make you rich, your spending habits will. Investment for yourself is a smart move, it’s a good catch for your short-term or long-term goals (coming from me huh?).

So, when are you going to start saving?

What’s In Store For You With De La Salle Lipa’s BorderFree Education?

It’s New Normal!

How’s everyone doing these times? It’s been ages since we’re stuck at home, right? As a sword to fight for productivity, I know very well that some of you had some engaging to webinars, whilst some are having their perfect fitspiration to tone up, or catching up with a multitude of books, grinding their mobile games, binge-watched some series, decluttered storage and closets, and even tried new recipes like dalgona coffee or something that’s all over TikTok, so to speak. 

And of course, you can’t forget to keep in mind that you’re also missing everything about school, perhaps. Rushing your way to school, hearing the sound of the busy city, seeing your colleagues, standing by the chez and having some snack, eating at the secret shop, doing some research at the Library, and Nexus Labs (while freezing) as you wait for your next class.

I believe you guys also missed your professors, their lectures, the activities, exams, and projects and some kinds of school stuff, right? Hmm, I wonder if you really do? Hayy, how I wish and all of us wish that these happenings in the world end in no time. The good thing is that you guys are all safe. 

Photo from http://www.dlsl.edu.ph

Now, it’s official! Welcome back to school. Yes school, it’s not actually a classroom nor a physical school. It’s what we call now the borderfree classroom. So what is actually in store for you, and us teachers with this term?

In response to the challenges in the education system as well as the constraints brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) is moving forward with its Borderfree Education program.

What is BorderFree Education?

De La Salle Lipa BorderFree Education is the “School of the Future,” empowering students to take greater ownership of their learning process. It integrates Academics, Campus Life, and Campus Services supported online by faculty, staff, and other shared services personnel – offering Education-on-Demand.

Why BorderFree Education?

DE LA SALLE LIPA endeavors to create an environment that forms learners to participate in the creation of a just, equitable, sustainable, and inclusive society through the experience of:

A BORDERFREE COMMUNITY of learners that promotes the excellence of the whole person and that together and by association, give witnesses to Faith, Service, and Communion;

A BORDERFREE CAMPUS that is responsive to the needs of learners and supportive of their success in the learning journey;

A BORDERFREE CLASSROOM where learners are guided to become actively engaged in the design of their learning experiences.

The BorderFree LMS powered by Canvas is designed to help usher in a new era of education for De La Salle Lipa students. With the LMS in place, you can take better control of their learning as we, instructors provide important guidance along the way.

The LMS is also designed to foster confidence and collaboration among the students. You are given more meaningful roles as you take part in Borderfree Education made possible by the LMS. Slowly but surely, the LMS helps you become more independent learners.

DLSL BorderFree Classroom

• Flexible, self-paced, self-directed programs
• Gamified Assessments that may be finished anytime within the 20-week Semester Cycle
• Life-skills training at age-appropriate levels

DLSL BorderFree Student Life

• Enriched and engaged Student Life
• Online athletic and varsity coaching activities
• On-demand life-coaching services

DLSL BorderFree Campus

• Much reduced costs and higher value-for-money
• Full-service help desks to help stakeholders navigate the platform
• Full online access to libraries all over the world

Read more about it on https://www.dlsl.edu.ph

Sooooo, this school year will be fully equipped with online modules, there will be modules given good for the whole semester. Each module has Formative and Summative Assessments to take. Each module will be consumed for several weeks. Isn’t it long enough? You don’t have to feel extra pressured to keep hustling and fill your time to complete and finish the tasks you have.

We are all going through this global pandemic phenomenon, and we are being inundated with tons of anxiety-inducing news about coronavirus update which really affects our mental health. We are stuck in this traumatic experience which adds to our emotional discomfort and unsteadiness. It’s indeed hard to process when we’re still in the battle, so it’s really not a bad idea to give some grace and be more gentle with ourselves during this time.

We are all adjusting, so we have to bear with each other as we face this new normal realm. We have to be open-minded at all times.

Photo from http://www.dlsl.edu.ph

To my students, I am thrilled to guide you all on this journey!

Care to share some of your quarantine stories? And what do you expect to this BorderFree Education? Thread on the comments section below.

Samgyeopsal with Friends: A Quick Escape

The Philippine government under the approval of COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) already imposed to gradually ease restrictions for food establishments but with only 50% capacity to areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Definitely good news for those who crave for their favorite Samgyeopsal dishes. And as for me and my friends, we took this chance soon as we’re free to dig in.

We removed our masks for a second, so there’ll be visible smiles on our faces.

Since it’s Sunday, where we’re all free from work we took this moment to visit Sampgyup Korean Restaurant located in SM City Batangas. In fact, we have other choices, but we have other matters to do inside the mall, so we considered this place.

It’s our first time to eat in this Korean house, the typical ambiance is evident with grilling pan and smoke pipe Korean exhaust blower. Of course, the place is filled with a K-pop playlist where customers can hear some Korean vibe.

Before we finally sit and order, we were first asked to fill out a form which records some of our health histories, given hand sanitizers, and the staff checked our body temperature with the infrared temperature gun. Then, we’re led to sit in a four-seater table. These kinds of stuff of the restaurant were the norms to follow strict health protocol standards imposed by the government since they are allowed to welcome dine-in customers.

We ordered the Unlimited Pork (Bulgogi, Soy Garlic, Gochujang, Soju Pork, Plain) and Chicken (Salt & Pepper, Gochujang) worth 399PHP with side dishes which include Kimchi, Cucumber and Carrot salad (tossed in vinegar and a bit of ginger), Sweet baby potatoes, Japchae (glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables), Korean braised tofu, Lettuce, Korean egg and Steamed rice.

Same with some restaurants we’ve been to, we cooked the meat on a grill pan. For some, they use charcoal grill which somehow brings a better taste to the meat. And some Korean restaurants offer to cook the meat for the customer. But for us, it is always more fun and exciting to grill the meat ourselves even though we’re starving already haha.

We were able to consume two servings of Pork and Chicken which were enough to satisfy our cravings. It’s kinda tiring to grill it honestly so haha. Also, I commend the staffs for their approachable service, the serving time didn’t take too long as well. The music on the screen was a real deal, the playlists that time were Blackpink’s, Red Velvet’s, Momoland’s, and SNSD’s where we’re able to sing and hum too, while grilling. Since we’re not experts, we were unsure if we cooked the meat perfectly or still undercooked. Uhmm as they say, Happiness is cooking with friends and eating together. And foods taste better when you eat it with them anyways. 😊

We were blessed not just the financial needs, but also the time and friendship we have had for a long time. We know that we can’t fully use the time for other stuff, since we’re still on these trying times. We’re just so thankful that we’re all safe and still able to meet and have a quick escape, have good food to eat while sharing some talks about how our lives have been so far while we’re on a distance and quarantined for about four months now.

Till our next food trip. So, how are you and your friends going these times? Let me know down the comment section below.