Vision Board Works

I first read about vision boards last 2016.  At first I thought it to be interesting, but I didn't get to do something like it until the midyear of 2017.  I said I would like to try this out if this works.  I made this vision board last 2017.  I thought since I was depressed during that time due to my illness, I thought I have to make something positive to fight the sadness and negative thoughts, and I set this vision board effective for 1 year.

So what is a vision board?  Well in my simple mind, you find pictures or texts or quotes, whatever you think can represent your dreams and goals.

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Toxic Duty Myths

You can hear these myths the moment you start your clinical clerkship rotation.  Endorsements from nurses, previous clerks, interns, residents.  And this usually is carried on until you graduate from residency.

These are myths, some believe in them, some don't, some really applies to them.  I recently asked for these myths in social media, and these are so far the response I got.

1. Pancit / Noodles

Photo from panlasangpinoy.com

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Gastronomic Experience in Seoul

I'm way behind on my blog posts.  Anyways, Korean food is my favorite cuisine.  Before the Samgyeupsal craze, I love eating in grilled korean barbecue restaurants, and my favorite even is Sariwon (#notsponsored).

So anyways, I thought I'd share with you my food experience in my recent trip to Seoul.

I would start with airplane food.  It was our first time to ride with Korean Air, and I think the food we had on our trip to Seoul was worth mentioning, for someone with 1st time experience like me.

Yes I was so much fascinated with what I had on the plane.  Bibimbap!!!! and it's even good.  So there's a separate pack for warm rice then with little kimchi, there's even bean soup, then beef bibimbap.  See the tube of white thing on top of the plate of meat and vegetables? That's the sauce for the bibimbap, amazing isn't it?  I really had fun eating this in the plane.

Upon our arrival in our airbnb, was around dinner time already, so we were hungry.  Our itinerary was supposed to eat streetfood, but we were really hungry already so we ate a little at a restaurant just beside our airbnb.

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Korea Trip Winter OOTD

This is some kind of a new type of content for the blog. I love posting ootd in my personal facebook account.  Posting it there was for no reason, just showing my love for dresses, clothes and dressing up.  So transferring some of it to a blog, I don't know how it will do but whatever, this blog is supposed to be something I want to post anyways.

To give you a brief overview, I'm a size L-XL usually or UK 10-12 depending the brand, US 38-40.  Anyways you get the picture, I don't have the body of the model 👅.  Also I went on a trip on the last week of November.  So the weather in Korea is already winter, with daily temperature of 1- 8 degrees celsius.

Let's begin:

On my way from the Philippines to Seoul (so from tropical climate to winter climate)

In this picture, I'm wearing:

• Mango long sleeves top - I got this from Ivan, (chosen by Tita Cecile of course) as an anniversary gift.  This is in M by the way, which I usually don't fit, but turned out it kind of fit anyways.
• Divisoria Checkered Pants - This are one of my old pants that I have, in size L, I love travelling with this because of the zipper pockets.
• Nike Rubber Shoes - I only have 2 rubber shoes, the other pair replica Nike of neon orange color, and this one, black Nike shoes.  I really prefer rubber shoes in travelling, because it's just comfortable and ok for walking long walks

Also in the hand-carry the thermal top, pants, gloves, scarf, jacket were stored, in case I was not able to tolerate the cold weather upon arrival in Korea.

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Myeongdong Street Food for a First-Timer in Korea

It was our 1st time in Korea, I put this in our itinerary as our 1st activity the moment we arrived in Seoul.  We arrived in Seoul around 7:00pm so just in time for dinner.  Well actually since we're already so hungry upon check-in at our Airbnb, we ate at a nearby restaurant a little first since we'll be taking the subway to Myeongdong from our Airbnb.

Just a brief background of our trip, we went November 27, 2018.  It was beginning winter season already and our conversion rate during this time was: 1Korean Won = Php 0.048.

So here were a few of the streetfood we ate at Myeongdong.

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Experiencing Filipino Culture in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

We had relatives coming from abroad to visit the Philippines, they're not much of beach persons so our extended family decided to bring them to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan.  We went last November 1, 2018.

I just joined up to the last minute since I was lucky I was not on duty that day.  It's been long since my family did a local road trip anyways.  From Manila to Bataan it was around 5 hour drive.  We actually got lost for a time since my dad put the wrong Las Casas in Waze.

Group Selfie Road Trip

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November 2018 Empties

These are the collective empties that I've accumulated.  Some were not really empty, but they've reached the 1 year limit I set for my makeup products.

Some random rant: I'm not liking the new algorithm of Facebook, wherein in order to be in the news feed of your friends, your post should have comments and shares and not just likes.

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Welch Sparkling Juice Dupe

I'm a big fan of the Welch Sparkling Juice, but living in a dormitory/condominum, sometimes you don't have access to grocery nearby.  Convenient stores are now more accessible than the major supermarkets.  

This is not a total replica, but at least "Pwede na" if you're craving for a 1 glass drink.

Ingredients: (I bought everything from a convenient store).

• Welch grape juice
• Sparkling water

Recipe: 

Pour 30% of Sparkling Water into a glass and 70% of Welch Grape Juice.

You can alter the to taste.

My AUA Experience

When I was in 1st year, this was one of my goals I've set,to be able to go to attend AUA.  I was inspired by my senior residents before, they were talking of how inspiring it is to attend AUA.  So nainggit ako in short.

The way I thought of how to get to AUA was to have a research paper for presentation.  I submitted 4 research papers and only 1 was accepted for presentation.  This is to let you have an idea of how difficult it is to get in.

So this year's AUA was held in San Francisco, California. I've never been to USA before, so I don't know what to expect either.  I've always felt I'm doing something in my own effort when I go to these presentations.  Even if I'm just relying on my parent's money for the expenses of the whole trip, I felt I was paying them in return in a way of presenting internationally.  So I won't feel guilty that I'm spending their money despite being an adult already.

So we arrived to AUA convention 1 day before the main event to register.  I was given an email beforehand already with QR code, which I printed and they will just scan it and my badge would have been printed.  Good thing though that we arrived 1 day before, because during the main event, there were lots of guards/ushers and my parents couldn't get in to get pictures.

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Colourpop Disney Designer Eyeshadow Palette - Review

I've always wanted to try Colourpop eyeshadows, because there were really great reviews about Colourpop eyeshadows in general.  But I always prevent myself from buying a palette because of the price.

But then I saw this on Youtube, and I was no longer able to stop myself with the justification that my Heimish Dailism Eye Palette has already reached 1 year and I already hit pan to several shadows already.

I'm a Disney fan, grew up with Disney and this collaboration really was the reason I was not able to prevent myself from buying this palette.

Packaging

I was really amazed when I received this, the box is just soooooo.... luxurious!  The front has the signatures of the disney princesses in gold lettering.  And at the back are the names of the shadows. Then when you open the box, you get this black, made of cardboard palette.  This has a magnetic lid also so you will hear a light click to maintain the lid closed.  The packaging is just so amazing!  The inner child in me just is so giddy right now.  The back fo the palette also contains the names of the shadows.

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Fisherman's Wharf

It was my first time in USA, so this trip was something I should remember.  I was in a peak though of my negative thinking during this time.   As I am now looking back I thought I did not appreciate this experience as much as I did when I went to Japan.  But now, I'm thankful for this experience.

We went last May 2018.  I scheduled this on our itinerary as our 1 full day.  I was with my parents, so this is not the typical getting the most out of your short time in a foreign country.  I was with people who can't walk too long and we take frequent breaks in between.  This was the reason why I love DIY itinerary.  I can customize it according to health conditions of people you're with.

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Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder - Review

This was very popular in the makeup community, late with the bandwagon.  In reality have to finish old makeup first before trying out a new one, so I can control my purchases of makeup stuffs.

After finishing the Savvy Mineral Loose Powder, here's now my new loose powder.

Packaging	This comes in big plastic tub with twistable orange cap.  It has a big puff also.  I don't know it this is an advantage or not?  I find the big tub to be too bulky and takes up a lot of space in my makeup bag.  I actually transferred the content to the Savvy Mineral Loose Powder case because I like the size of it.

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L'oreal Lash Paradise vs Heroinemake Kissme Long & Curl Mascara

I've been using the Heroinemake Kissme Long & Curl Mascara and has been my holy grail mascara ever since I tried it.  I really stock up on this when I went to Japan.  

Then I recently tried this L'oreal Lash Paradise and I was really impressed with it that I thought it is holy grail material.  So I decided to do a battle with my Heroinemake Kiss Me Long & Curl mascara.

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Loreal Voluminous Lash Paradise - First Impressions

The moment I watched this from Tati, the following day, I looked for it in the Loreal counters.  However during that time, it was not yet available in the Philippines, even online.  So when I went to AUA this May, this was one of my "must-buy" makeup.

Packaging	The plastic tube is metallic rose pink with a twistable cap.  The length of this is 12.2 cm with 1.5 cm diameter.

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Mumuso Perfect Rhombus Eyebrow Pencil

I think I bought this when some of my Daiso eyebrow pencils ran out, anyways I really can't remember. Well I think this is a blessing in disguise I think, good thing I did not decide to sell this too since I was able to replenish my Daiso Eyebrow Pencil in past Japan trip.

Packaging	White plastic body pen, with brown cover.  Below is the picture when it's still sealed with plastic.

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Vice Phenomenal Liquid Lipstick

I was kind of behind the bandwagon for this 😜😝.  Well I was kind of sad one sunday afternoon and then I find myself buying this and the Ever Bilena Kris Liquid Lipstick.  Even if I have lots of lip tints already.  Shopping therapy I guessed kicked in.

Packaging	Plastic tube with metallic pink twistable cover.  This has the very similar package with Colourpop liquid lipstick. This contains 3.0 mL

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Battle of Purple Gel Pens

I love gel pens, I use them on my note-taking now in residency, and I love different colored gel pens since they're more fun to see the different colors. More than I realized, I've accumulated a lot of gel pens and I thought why not review these brands as well.

I'll be reviewing the purple gel pens below.  I'm still deciding if I will review other colors, but for now, let's start with the purple ones.

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Kose Lip Gel Magic - Review

I was supposed to write something about medicine-related post, but words couldn't seem to flow and I can't get my thoughts into words for some reason.

I've been conflicted lately, worrying about something again, then I realised, that I didn't do something wrong, it was an achievement, it was something positive and if a negative thing will stem out of it, it's beyond my control already. Then maybe it wasn't supposed to be in the first place.  As my consultant advised me, "Develop a strong piece of mind and always stay on the right side."

Anyways, let's get on with this...

Packaging	Comes in a small plastic white tube with silver chrome twistable cap.

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Jam for Jim

This was a fund-raising event that my friend/batchmate organised to help one of our consultants in general surgery.  I personally was not close to him, since I rotated in GS only for 2 years.  But I always had the impression of him being very kind and easy to talk with.  My encounter with him usually were when I call for an appendectomy case and he's the service consultant.

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International Paper Presentation

This topic has been revolving in my mind for almost 2 months already.  And it kept bugging me (yeah, I'm that neurotic).  I guess I just have to finally blog about it so it will get off my chest and I can concentrate on studying for my in-service exams.

I'm not an expert on this stuff and I'm writing this merely on my experiences.

So how can one resident from a developing country get to present a research paper in the international community?

Well first of all, you got to have a research paper, and have it approved by the ethics committee. I know having it approved is a pain and a challenge you have to hurdle, but it makes your life once your paper gets accepted for presentation more easier.

2nd is that you have to believe in your paper. Yup this emotion is important (at least in my opinion), you and your paper are in this together, and your paper needs your moral support too you know.  Have your paper checked also by others before submitting, especially your adviser/co-author. He/she may give you more insights to make it better and your wrong spellings will be corrected.  Be prepared also emotionally to be shouted upon at anytime of the day (yup, even at 1am) because of your errors and lousy writing.  Just keep in mind that both your adviser and you were aiming at the same thing, to have it accepted.

3rd, of course is that you have to look for the international convention.  Look for the international conventions and look at their requirements and deadlines.  Each convention has a different set of rules and regulations, and you have to follow them.  We don't want your paper getting rejected for mere technicality right?

4th, SUBMIT your paper with your adviser's approval before or on the deadline date.  During this time you will get negative thoughts actually, I'm just a mere resident, this might not even get accepted.  I had this when I was 1st yr, 2nd yr urology.  But eventually I told myself, "I'm just submitting anyways, if it gets accepted I'll be happy, if not, then there's nothing to lose." Yeah nothing to lose, only you will know actually, you'll receive an email if yo get rejected, and you can even not tell it to anyone else right? So what's there to be afraid of?

PS: Also another tip, when asking for your adviser's approval for submission.  Be sure to have it in writing, whether email, or text message and save it! My senior actually advised me regarding this, at first I thought it's impolite to inform your adviser of such important event just by texting or email, so I did inform them personally actually and they agreed, but eventually they forgot that they approved of it so you ended up with a punishment instead.  So I learned my lesson, I document my conversations with these things because you'll never know when they suddenly forget, and you'll have no way to defend yourself.  

5th, once you submitted, pray and wait for it.  The different conventions each have their own style of informing you.  Most of the time they'll write the date when the accepted abstracts will be released.  Either you'll receive the news through email, or you have to log-in to their respective websites.

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Sticker Storage Tutorial

I just suddenly realized today that I made 2 posts of the same content, the Sticker sheet Tutorial.  Anyways, I just retracted the latest post, haha... lapse on my memory I guess.

Still related to stickers, because I'm into creative / kawaii journaling lately.

For this tutorial I'm almost using exclusive Muji products, this post however is not sponsored by Muji.  There maybe cheaper alternatives, but I just prefer the size of this and I felt Muji products are more available.

Materials

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Magnetic Lashes - 1st Impressions

This was a request by one of my friends for review.  I don't know how to put false eyelashes so honestly I was not really too keen on this.  Haha, I just did this anyways for fun.

Packaging	Round plastic case with transparent top cover and black bottom.  There were stickers at the bottom to hold the lashes in place. This is the Half Lashes

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Sticker Sheet Tutorial

I'm into photojournaling lately and I'm kind of addicted to stickers.  I'm sticking them in my planners, bullet journals and journal. I guess I'm kind of  forcing myself to look into other things and not focus on all the negative things my mind is replaying in my head over and over.  Journaling kind of tries to force my mind away from it.

And so I've been buying lots of stickers, in fact I'm kind of looking for a sticker album.  I remembered when I was in gradeschool, I have 1 notebook filled with shiny pages, those pages were similar to the back of a sticker paper.  And I place my stickers in it, and we even exchanged notebooks with my friend.  I'm kind of looking for it again... If you any place or online store that sells these types of notebooks, please comment below.

So I bought lots of sticker flakes and sometimes it's just irritating since it's difficult to remove the back of the sticker... So I thought of putting those sticker flakes into something so it'll be easier to remove by the time when I needed it.

Let's get on with this simple tutorial:

Materials:

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Peripera Cloud Ink Velvet - First Impressions

Such emotional turmoil I'm having, anyways this won in the votes when I asked which next to review in my FB page.

Packaging	This has the same ink bottle plastic packaging similar to the ink velvet and airy ink velvet line.  The bottle is opaque and matte.

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Pastel Highlighters: Stabilo Boss vs Zebra Mildliner

I've been thinking of doing a review on some journaling or art supplies or studying supplies for 2 months already.  But I guess I was thinking of how to approach this since I'm not an expert in this matter.  But there's no harm in trying anyways and since this is my blog, I think I can write what I want to write here anyways.

I've chosen to compare these two since I've been always curious with Mildliners and they look so cute!

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Ever Bilena Kris Matte Matic Lipstick - First Impressions

I was actually holding myself from buying this since it was introduced in Kris's facebook.  I was fascinated that she agreed to collaborate with Ever Bilena.  Ever Bilena is one of the popular and actually nice quality local makeup.  It's affordable and what's great is that it can compete with international brands.

Packaging	The box is black with the name of the shade on the top.

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Australia Beauty Haul - Overall Review

I went to Australia to present a research paper last Aug 2017.  It's been almost a year (11 months to be exact) since I went there.  I've purchased a number of cosmetic products there and now I think I've tried most of it already.  There were still others though that I haven't opened yet.

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Rohto Lycee Contact Eyedrops - First Impressions

When I went to Nishiki Market, we went to this drugstore with 2 floors.  The ground floor have all the items cosmetics and some souvenir items.  And I went crazy since it was tax free.  And we were already in our last day shopping for pasalubong already. 

Packaging	Let's begin with the really pink box! hahaha, very eye-catching.

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Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Palette - First Impressions

I did not plan on buying this, since this is a luxury brand.  But when I travelled to San Francisco, I saw this 1 day before my last day in USA and it was on sale for 50% off at Macy's and even if I already bought a matte eyeshadow palette, I couldn't resist and bought this one also.

I was actually on the hunt for a matte eyeshadow palette when I went to USA, I was very specific, should be on the "brown" or neutral shade, and with matte colors.  Something I don't usually use.  I am a pink glittery eyeshadow type of person.

Packaging	I will begin by showing the box that it came with.

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July 2018 Empties / Declutter

It's been almost 1 year since I first made a post about empties.  Can't believe I've been doing makeup posts for almost more than 1 year already.

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Lanolips 101 Ointment Multibalm - Review

I got this from my previous trip to Australia.  This is on the high price point, but my sister and I hoarded on this because she received this before from one of her friends as pasalubong and she really loved it.

Packaging	This comes in squeezy plastic tube.  It has a chrome twistable cap.

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Focallure We Care Your Favors - First Impressions

I bought this as part of my shopping therapy.  Hoping it can make me happy and feel better.  I got influenced by youtubers to buy this palette.  This is really on trend, because it's really affordable and you get to have a lot of shades.  Which was why it was really popular.

Packaging	I bought this online and for its price the packaging is actually really decent. I mean it looks sleek, and sealed properly.

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Kose Fasio Cheek Color - Review

This is my first blog after what happened.  I couldn't write any blogs after what happened, it just hurts so much and I lost a lot of drive.  I was actually willing to give up everything already.  Kind of haggling with the heavens, exchanging all that I could just so he can get better and wake up.

Anyways, I woke up today and July welcomed me with a more positive feeling and suddenly I decided, I would make a blog today.

I bought this when I was in Japan in Don Quijote, this was not in their shelf of Cosme #1 where all the best-sellers were displayed there, which was really convenient for someone who's new into Japan cosmetics.  But as I swatched those displayed there, I just don't like their consistency.  I prefer powder blush but there's just no blush there in powder form.  So I just bought this instead.

Packaging	This is rectangular black semi-glossy plastic package.  What I like about the packaging is the clear rectangular window on the cover, which makes you see the shade of color inside.

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Nyx HD Photogenic Concealer - First Impressions

I ran out of my Saem concealer while I was travelling in San Francisco, so I bought from one of drugstore brands.

I've always mentioned this in my previous post and I realised I hadn't made a review of this yet.  This is currently my holy grail concealer.  I'm currently using my 2nd tube and I've been using this for more than a year already.

Packaging	This comes in a plastic tube with twistable black cap.

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Inspiration from Walt Disney

I'm a definite Disney fan, I practically grew up with Disney and up until now even as an adult I still watch Disney animated films and computer animated films.  And the films still never cease to amaze me and give me such joy.

I've been to Hong Kong Disneyland, and I loved it there! There's just pure joy, and just "magic".  But the place I went to this time really touched something inside me, The Walt Disney Family Museum.  Going here was not part of the itinerary, but on our free day, I decided, I've been feeling really down lately, to the point I felt I was not able to enjoy fully the AUA Experience.  I know, people will say I was lucky and everything.  But I can't help it, it's like the song, "Lucky" by Britney Spears.

Anyways I was glad I made the decision to go here, this one legendary guy can give you really just the inspiration you needed.

Let's begin with my favorite quote I got from this trip:

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Food in Nishiki Market

This was actually an unplanned part of our trip.  On our last full day, we just decided to make it less stressful.  Somewhere near our AirBNB so that we can always return whenever we get tired.

Japan leaves a mark in your memories because of the unique experiences it offers.  I think this is one of the strengths of travelling to Japan.

This is an overview of the path of the Nishiki Market.  I think it's one of the great places in Kyoto.

The first thing we tried upon entering the market are the seafood skewers. The names that I will state here were all invented by me, meaning I don't know the real name of the food. There were lots from Octopus egg (Quail Egg as head of octopus and the tentacles of octopus), Grilled/scallops on a stick, Octopus tentacles alone, Fish etc.  I collectively call them seafood barbecue 😜.  There's a "fishy" smell to the food, but I prefer the scallops personally since they were tasty and fresh.

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UAA 2018

I watched a youtube video, saying that if you're sad, down, blue, depressed etc. You should start by looking at the things you're thankful for.  That gratitude is a way to make you feel better.  So here I am trying that advice...

When I submitted my research to UAA 2018, I have initially no plans of going.  Well because of a lot of reasons, I felt guilty about it, I felt I was punished for it, I felt I'm not making a difference and  lots of reasons. 

But do you believe me when sometimes, Divine intervention really wants you to do something??  And suddenly there were lots of signs thrown to you urging you to do something.

I'll begin with receiving an email.  From UAA itself! Inviting me to the convention.  I felt honored, well because this is the first international convention to send an email to me, a mere resident only.  It may be a bulk email to random people, but I was really touched by the gesture from their part.  

So after receiving the email, I thought to myself, too bad I couldn't go... hay...

Then came the next sign: my paper was accepted for presentation! I was happy and giddy with the news.  But again, my mind told me... "they will not allow you to go, ang dami mo ng labas..."

The 3rd sign was when the PURA president called me, "Avy! Gusto mo mag UAA? Naghahanap sila ng 3 senior residents na papadala dun, sponsored yun hotel and yun precongress workshop."

So I then asked my dad, "Pa, they're offering me to go to Japan, they'll sponsor the workshop daw. Do we have money to go to Japan?"  Then my dad said, "It's a rare opportunity, you should grab it, I'll take care of how we get the money to go.  Though you should ask permission first to your head"  So I did, I asked permission from our RTO and our Chief of Section.  Eventually I was allowed to go.

I actually felt really bad after the conversation.  But hey, it's new year's eve, so I can't welcome the new year with a very sad and negative feeling.

Then the 4th sign came: I was chosen by UAA to represent the Philippines to do a lecture in the precongress. I mean Wow! And this was discovered by one of my consultants and he emphasized to everyone that this indeed is an achievement not only by the resident but the section as well.

So my dad, being the best supportive dad that he is, went with me to UAA.  

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Sailormoon Liquid Eyeliner (Miracle Romance)- 1st impressions

Been really down lately,  morbidity has always been a very difficult bitter pill to swallow.  For a physician and you've always dreamt of alleviating diseases in patients, these instances are very difficult to accept.

Anyways, I've noticed that I couldn't write anything on the blog, nor apply makeup ever since that happened, 2 activities that I used before to combat my depression.

Well today, I think I'm feeling better than yesterday, the day before that and the week before that.  So I was able to write something for today.

I've been wanting to buy this to try this out, however I was disappointed when I went to Kyoto and I couldn't find a single Sailormoon makeup!  I guessed it was out of stock that fast! So I ended up buying online here in the Philippines instead.

Packaging	This was the main reason I think all people buy this, at least at first.  I'm not a total sailormoon fan by the way, when I was young, I was forbidden by my parents to watch sailormoon on television.  Something because the anime talked about relationships, crushes, boyfriend/girlfriend etc, and from my parent's perspective I was too young to watch those genres.

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Giraffe Body Painting - 1st Time Experience

Just finished crying, I couldn't write a blog just a while ago, but after I've found composure decided to write something to lift my spirits up at least just a little.

I've written that one of the induction to PUA as an incoming urology resident is Body Painting.  Here's my experience as the contestant.  Now, I'm sharing the experience, as the painter.  This is my first time doing body painting.  With no experience, without studying about it, just do it, "Bahala na si Batman".

So I was requested by my junior to help him out in his body paint.  I didn't agree at first, well because I've been so tired lately.  I felt blank, unmotivated, tired etc...  Eventually, after around 3 days since he requested, I somehow was able to recover so I found myself in front of his poster paints.

Warning though, DO NOT USE Poster Paints to your skin.  There's a reason why there's such a thing as body paint.  Poster paints were not made to be placed on your skin.  But these were just the paints bought by my junior so I have no choice anyways but to use them.

So below were the materials: yellow, brown and black poster paints, paint brushes, bowls and makeup sponges.

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Kimono Experience

This is one of my bucket-list, to be able to wear a kimono in Japan.  Actually in my trip to Japan, this is the one I'm most excited about.  As long as I'm able to do this then I couldn't ask for more.  Luckily Japan has made it easy for tourists to rent kimono.

I booked online for my kimono, I reserved and scheduled for a kimono in Wargo Kyoto Tower branch.  I knew about this from Kimdao, one of my favorite youtubers.  Well actually I kind of followed her suggestions on things to do in Japan.  That's how much I love her!

So let's begin the kimono wearing process.

At first, through online, I got the couple standard kimono package, with additional of fixing my hair.  I didn't get the makeup add-on since I think I'm happy with my makeup skills hahahaha.  Besides, my focus is the kimono anyways.  As I was browsing online and deciding for the date and time of the kimono, I asked my dad if he wanted to wear one too.  I'm really lucky that agreed with my craziness.  #cooldad, hehe.

So after paying through credit card, we just arrived at the Kyoto Tower station around 30 min before our schedule.  And with standard kimono, I was asked to choose from 4 shelves standard kimonos.  Then they asked me to choose from the Obi? (belt thingy I think).  After choosing, I was asked to go inside the female dressing room (no pics, it was forbidden to take pictures inside).  There I think I wore like 4 internal clothes before wearing the outside kimono.  Lots of tying around, no wonder they don't allow pregnants in there, the wrap around was really tight.  

PS: My dad took a huge part in the selection of kimono process, he said, "You definitely have to wear red. Mas maganda sa picture." Hahaha.

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International Lecture Experience - UAA 2018

Millenials were always accused of not seeing the big picture, focusing on the goal and not seeing the process towards that goal.  And this was the explanation given why lots of Millenials quit on their chosen field.

I'm a millenial if based on its defined year I was born.  So here, being a millenial I would like to share the journey towards this experience I had.

Before I start with anything I would like to give my sincerest gratitude to UAA 2018.  For me, UAA will always hold a very special place in my heart.  It's UAA convention when I first experienced attending an international convention last year (UAA 2017).  And now, UAA has yet again given me one of most unforgettable experience again, being able to give a lecture in an international setting.

To give you a brief overview, I was chosen as one of few residents all over Asia to give a 10 minute lecture in the AURC (Asian Urology Residency Course) which was held last April 15-17, 2018 in Kyoto, Japan.

It all started with me submitting a research paper for presentation in UAA, then luckily it was accepted for unmoderated poster presentation.  Afterwhich, I received a call from PURA (Philippine Urology Residents Association) president if I would like to attend the the AURC since I'm going there already to present my research paper anyways.  According to them, the course itself and hotel during the AURC will be sponsored by UAA itself.

After lots of asking permission and getting scolded from my consultants, I was eventually allowed to attend UAA. (Why scolded? Don't ask, I still don't get it either, basta napagalitan ako). So with much help from my parents, I was able to book a plane ticket and find a place to stay in Japan.

3 weeks before the AURC date, one of the residents who was chosen to attend UAA also said to me, "Di ba maglelecture ka?" (Isn't it you will give a lecture?), I said, "HA?! San?! Kelan?! Bakit di ko alam?!" (What?! Where?! When?! Why don't I know about it?".  Then he said, "Meron sa AURC Program, nakita ko name mo." (It's written in the AURC program, I saw your name).  And I checked online, and he was right, I was chosen as a lecturer! And so I panicked, then I realized, hey, this is great honor and experience also.

2 weeks before the AURC, I received an email stating that I indeed was a lecturer and I'm to give a 10 minute lecture with the topic:

So I was excited and scared at the same time.  I then messaged my consultant, Dr Letran to ask help, and advice in giving lectures.  Luckily the topic was urooncology and among our consultants, he has the most experience in giving lectures internationally and locally.  I asked for tips as well on how to give effective lectures.  I was lucky that he was more than willing to help me, checking my slides, asking me to give mock presentations in front of all our urology consultants.

Also since I received this task and assignment during the Holy Week, I did my research and studied for this during the Holy Week (yes, sacrifices had to be made).  I downloaded the 2 original research trials and some meta analysis etc etc. 

Then when I arrived in Japan, since I'm staying in AIRBNB, I studied how to get to the AURC site.  Studied how to commute by subway, train etc. 1 day before the scheduled lecture, I then checked in in the sponsored hotel.  

On the day of the lecture, I was amazed to see so many residents from all over Asia!

Few hours before the said lecture, I had loose watery stools (aka: diarrhea), I couldn't listen to the previous lectures before me as well.  I was so nervous, when I submitted my powerpoint to the computer, I was instructed that of how to operate the buttons to proceed to the next slide.  I asked, "Is there a presenter's view?" (because my script is on the presenter view).  She said, "No, no presenter's view."  Then I panicked! Thinking, "Oh no... I need the presenter's view."  So I just got hold of a printed copy of my report (luckily I printed it) and I wrote my script there in the paper.

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Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist - Review

I'm way behind from posting contents for this month.  Better late than never...

Packaging	Plastic green translucent spray bottle.  There's a green spray nozzle as well.

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