One Fruitful Day :)
“sigh of relief” insert here. 
Before expecting anything interesting about this entry, I’m telling you, DON’T EXPECT! haha! For one, I have my own interpretation of the word “fruitful” on the title. Next, given that I was granted a leave from work on this very day, January 6, 2011, I think I made the most out of it by taking a trip down memory lane! Nevertheless, I think it still deserves ONE. WHOLE. ENTRY. so, here we all are 
ANYWAY…
First stop, I went to the newest building of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Office to… what else? Renew my passport (as if you didn’t know that already! 
)
The DFA's consular office
Nothing much to say here except for the fact that I didn’t know that renewing passports already prepares you for the weather of countries you’re going to visit, especially the cold ones! (Err… not funny, I know. Gawd, just excuse me for my complete lack of ability to humor you. Moving on…) I swear, if you had known what it was like at the “old” building, you would’ve understood me for not bringing a jacket or something to keep me warm. heehee. So there. If you’re going to this new building, I only have one tip: BRING A JACKET! (oh, and don’t sit close to the air-con, please! Brrrr…)
But aside from “temperature issues,” I have to say, kudos to the DFA for improving the system! It only took me one hour (or even less) to accomplish what I went there for. The only thing I need to do now is wait for my passport to be delivered on my doorstep in 10 working days or so. But then again, I was able to use the courtesy lane facility which I completely owe to one of my friends from the DFA, Ms. Arlene Pascasio-Racho of ASEAN Affairs. Special mention also goes to Ate Joy Calunsag of CMOAS and Ms. Zeny Alonzo of OCO. Maraming, maraming salamat po!!!
After the DFA, I had a quick detour to pick up my sister and niece in their Mandaluyong house, then to Quezon City, and finally, to my next destination: Taft Avenue.
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “Taft Avenue”? LA SALLE! (Duh. Well, at least I’m a little biased here. Take note, “just a little!” haha!) Anyway, Taft Avenue has been my home for my entire college life and it still is — now that I’m in graduate school. Heck, whenever I commute to and fro a different city (Makati, anyone?), once I’m already along Taft Avenue, my nerves instantly calm down (I’m always paranoid when commuting, by the way) and it’s as if something always tells me that it’s already “safe.” Yes, that’s right: SAFE. That’s how relaxed I get whenever I’m in this place. Taft Avenue is one of my comfort zones, baby!
But of course, what makes me feel sooo saaafe along THIS avenue? The two schools sandwiching it: De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (oh college life, I miss you so!) and De La Salle University (hello graduate school!) Oh yes, THIS part of the avenue totally bleeds G-R-E-E-N.
Having said that, I went to school to “late” enroll for this term but then again, that’s not really the fun part here, no? So, I first met up with my predicted best friend for 2011, Atty. Emjae Gambon! (he’s not yet a lawyer, but he’ll be one in a few years time! yehesss naman! proud “best” friend ako! HA HA HA ) And then, the fun partS! Aside from being mistaken as an undergraduate student SEVERAL TIMES (ehem, ehem, ehem) … … …
need I say more?
First, I was FINALLY able to buy a drink and visit the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf INSIDE the library! YES, YES, YES — IT. IS. INSIDE!!! Oh DLSU, I think I just gained a new inspiration to finish my Master’s!
What did you expect? It's a DLSU library after all! La Salle = coolness. PERIOD.
Last but definitely NOT the least, I was FINALLY able to taste the Korean snack, tteokbokki ♪♫ for the first time! ♪♫ AND, AND, AND… my favorite Korean ice cream brand, Binggrae, is also present in the Animo Food Haus. I think I just died and went straight to Korean heaven right then and there. DLSU is truly love, love, love… saranghaeyo. <3
tteokbokki
different kinds of Binggrae ice cream
If you haven’t noticed, I kind of have achieved some of my “FINALLYs” this one fruitful day. haha! And according to my dear friend, Mr. Longman, fruitful can be defined as “producing good results.” Yeah, I think I rest my case.
P.S.: Since this is my first post for 2011, I almost forgot that I still haven’t wished you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! So, there.
<3
Just the Way THEY Are
So news came out today that SHINee’s Kim Jonghyun is in a relationship with Korean actress, Shin Se Kyung. Hmm. I don’t know… but as a Shawol (what SHINee fans are called), I feel compelled to write an entry about it — not to bash them but to DEFEND THEM!
The lovebirds: Kim Jonghyun and Shin Se Kyung
You see, here’s the truth: being a fangirl is hard. But being a fangirl from a different country is much harder. Trust me, I’m one myself. But seriously? When we become fans (and this applies to ALL FANS, K-pop or not), we should already know the difference between fantasy and reality. Yeah sure, dreaming of being in a relationship with one of our idols is fantastic but that’s where it’ll always be: IN. OUR. DREAMS! Not to crush our hopes but that’s life and nobody said it’s fair. I know this is a cliche now but we have to respect our idols’ private lives just like we like being respected on our own. It’s normal to feel disappointed, and to some extent even jealous, but in the end, we should ALWAYS keep in mind the main reason why we became fans in the first place: our love for their MUSIC and TALENT! I know this because for most international fans (like me) that do not understand Korean, their “music” is the only language we speak, which in an awesome way the one thing that also unites us — and that should be more than enough! So, to bashers and haters, back off — or better yet, change your perspective for the better.
Thus, I just want to say that I’m really happy that Jonghyun finally has a girlfriend! I bet just like anyone of us, he’d been waiting for “The One” to come along and it just so happened that she finally arrived. Of course, for the other four members (Onew, my Key, my Minho, and Taemin), them having girlfriends in the future is inevitable so at this early point in time, let’s already BRACE OURSELVES! Love, indeed, is a many splendored thing so let’s just keep it alive in all its forms, whether it’s love for our special someone, our family and friends, and yes, OUR IDOLS. Who doesn’t want to be in love when we all know it’s such a great human emotion? Plus, it really does make the world go round.
Having said that, I have to admit that I’m already preparing myself if the same happens to my Key (or my Minho — what can I do? I’m torn! Haha!) But whatever happens, I’ll continue on loving SHINee and supporting their music, projects, and whatnot.
And since I’m already talking about Key, let me be a little off-topic here. If the same does happen to him, I’ll only have these words to say (or sing) to the one who holds the “key” to my heart *fangirl mode*:
♪♫ and when he smiles
the whole world stops and stares for awhile
’cause KEY is amazing just the way he is ♪♫ *
SHINee’s Key’s megawatt smile <3
So to all my fellow Shawols out there, here’s my message for you — quoted (and paraphrased) from my friend and fellow Shawol, Camille Merza:
“We have too much ‘OBSESSION’ for SHINee. However, not all fans experience ‘LOVE PAIN’ so let’s just say ‘HELLO’ to them and to one another.”
SHINee, FIGHTING!
—
Disclaimer: I do not own the photos.
*inspired by Bruno Mars’“Just the Way You Are”
Only Etude House does.
Having a wide range of cosmetic lines and products that are offered in the market today makes it really hard to pick one. No, scratch that. It is easy to pick but the tricky part is where to put your trust — because after all, it is our skin that is on the line here. And that is where Etude House comes in! The first time I heard of Etude House (which was last December 2009), I just could not wait to get my hands on its products! However, the nearest one is in SM Megamall, which is not-so-near based on where I am residing. But you know, we have a Filipino saying, “Kung gusto, may paraan!” so I really scheduled one day to go there with my friends and visit Etude House. Wonder what I bought? Take a look below. 
<img class=”size-large wp-image-111 ” title=”My first Etude House products! As you can see on the picture above, my first trip to Etude House was worth it! (Besides, who can resist the charm of Lee Minho, of Boys Over Flowers fame?) And what made it all the more awesome was when I finally tried the products and realized that they actually enhanced my features. In fact, I personally proclaimed it as my favorite cosmetic brand that I even asked my sister and one of my close friends to buy me more products when they went to Korea! I also decided to make Etude House my go-to store for birthday presents for my girlfriends because that is how I want to spread the word and testify my love for the said brand.
Having said that, I have already gathered a few of my favorite individual products and to know more about them, see below:
Dr. Lash Ampule
My lashes are somewhat my “insecurity” because as much as I want to bat them and use mascara, I just could not do so because they WERE (emphasis on the past tense, please) too short. Thankfully, I discovered Etude House‘s Dr. Lash Ampule from a blog I have been reading! Just like what it promises its buyers, the two gel-based wands (one for the morning and the evening) will help your eyelashes grow a few centimeters. From the first few weeks of trying them, I could already see results. And the good part about it? The “morning” wand doubles as some sort of my mascara for the day! How can you not love a product that can make you hit two birds with one stone? ㅋㅋㅋ
Etude House’s Dr. Lash Ampule
Kissful Lip Care (Kissable Lip Moisture Care)
For this one, I have to say kamsahamnida to my friend because it was her “pasalubong” to me from her recent trip to the “land of kimchi.” And I think it is pretty self-explanatory based on its name. In fact, I have to say that it is comparable to one of the leading lip balm brands because Etude House‘s Kissful Lip Care does make my lips SHINY and SOFT at the same time whenever I use it! Tip: it is a good product to use to remove that “dry” feeling on the lips after hitting the gym and sweating it all out in the sauna!
Etude House’s Kissful Lip Care
Baby Skin Veiling Pact
One of the things that caught my attention when I saw this product was the statement that was printed on its box (if my memory serves me well): “This product will make you beautiful” or something like that. Plus, I love the fact that its shade complements my skin color so it practically conceals my blemishes and makes my face appear to be flawless. Oh, and did I mention that its overall packaging can make anyone mistake that its owner is a PRINCESS? Enough said.
Etude House’s Baby Skin Veiling Pact
Happy Tea Time Cleansing Foam (Milk Tea)
Of course, I saved the best for last! I first got this product from my sister when she also went to Seoul, Korea and from the moment I received it, I just cannot get enough it! Etude House‘s Happy Tea Time Cleansing Foam in Milk Tea is what I use EVERY DAY AND NIGHT to wash my face off of dirt and impurities. Aside from that, I love its Milk Tea smell that instantly calms me and makes me think of “sugar, spice, and everything nice” every time I massage my face with it! By far, this has got to be my MOST FAVORITE Etude House product.
Etude House’s Happy Tea Time Cleansing Foam in Milk Tea
So are you still wondering “what” touches my skin? Well, the title of this entry says it all.
Etude House, fighting!!! <3
A Lot Can Happen in Six Months… OR NOT.
After 10 years… I’m back!
Obviously, my so-called “2010 Project” is one you can call as EPIC FAIL so next time, I’ll know better. heehee. Anyway, WOW! SIX MONTHS! I can’t believe we’ve reached the half of 2010 already and in no time, we’ll start singing Jingle Bells and whatnot. So, in my next posts, don’t be surprised to see “new” things I’ve been interested in because they are products of my life in the past sais meses and hope that you can catch up.
Before I end this, I’ll just give you a preview of what’s new:
Nichkhun. That’s all I can say for now. <3
Meet My Boyfriend!
Seriously, I’m not in the mood to write anything AT ALL. But of course, as much as possible, I want to complete this make-believe “project” of mine! And speaking of which, I want you to meet the “apple of my eye” these past few days (yeah, yeah, call me corny! but like I care!):
Meet 최민호 (Choi Min Ho). My boyfriend. My lover. The one who gives me inspiration.
but most of all…
A product of my imagination. (Unless you’re a K-pop fan, then you won’t understand!)
Make-believe, INDEED.
Crazy… in love! heehee.
I AM OUT! <3
