4 Types of Online Shoppers

After bringing you a helpful article about how to spot legit online shops last year, which became the most viewed/read article to this date, I want to share with you my own experience both as a shopper and online seller this time. In my country, online selling has become so easy (yet risky) through the use of different social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. These platforms have given small-scale and start-up online sellers a lot of opportunities in showcasing their homegrown goods as well as the imported goods.

Valentine Special: How To Move On From A Recent Breakup

While others talk/write as an attempt to paint the town red with their romantic articles, I'll be writing something that would negate all the cheesy sweet nothings that have been all over the place recently, for a change. Yes, I am defiant like that. I've heard and read a lot of pieces of advice about moving on and they are all seemingly right except that we have to apply those theories in a way how grown-ups normally would, of course. 

How To Take Better Selfies

Have you ever wondered why they take better selfies than you do? That doesn't mean they (at least not every one) resort to various editing applications just to manipulate their default photos, maybe, they just know how to do it right.Well, instead of endlessly alluding like a baby and immaturely comparing yourself to others on social media, here are some tips how to take selfies properly:

Finding the right angle

Straight-face shots are okay but not flattering all the time especially if your face is wide like mine. There is nothing wrong with having a wide face shape but if you want to look slimmer in photos, you better stay away from the poses done in 90s and tweak your posing style.

Tip: If you want to have a slimmer face, try tilting your head a little bit and avoid looking straight to your camera. Focus on your most flattering angle which is the most balanced and symmetrical; it could be the right or left side of your face. No one knows your face better than you.

Moreover, extending your arm out helps reduce the bloated face effect. Holding your camera up high gives you the illusion of bigger eyes and longer neck while placing your camera below your chest level will just showcase your double chin.

P.S. Do you look better when you smile with your teeth showing? Or without?
 
Bad vs. good posture

Elongating your neck will make your photo slimmer, too. Bad posture will just accentuate your bad angles and bulges.

Pay attention to your camera's orientation

Knowing the difference between landscape and portrait orientation in your camera makes a lot of difference. Some lenses make your face even wider when landscape orientation is used while portrait makes some faces way longer and slimmer. Remember not to hold the camera too close to your face. Your camera's distance is another factor to consider.

Find your light

If you want your face to look brighter, turn towards the main light source (e.g. window). You can also have the back lit effect by turning away from the light which will make your photos softer and more mysterious.

The power of makeup artistry (totally optional)

I usually take selfies if I have a new look to showcase or a new blog post to promote to my readers. Being a lifestyle blogger that I am who usually tackle things about cosmetic reviews, beauty hacks and so on, I make use of makeup to enhance my features. Contour and highlight is one of the best ways to emphasize assets and conceal unflattering features to achieve better selfies. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with it as long as it's done in moderation. Lastly, I'd better use makeup rather than undergoing a cosmetic surgery; expensive and risky.

Don't 'FLASH' it

Avoid using flash in your photos as it gives you an unnatural lighting and it overpowers your features.

Make a background check

Check your background because no one wants to see things that are unpleasant to the eyes. Do you remember the couple who took their photo together having a burning building (Burj Khalifa if I'm not mistaken) as their backdrop? Don't give bashers the reason to bash and bully you.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Don't take a selfie showing off your cleavage then ask for respect. Don't make fun of yourself. Just don't.

Don't overdo it and know your limitations

• Nothing is more annoying than having a cloned default picture using a 6-photo-layout collage (some use 9). To be honest, your friends don't really get the point. Collage is used when you want to showcase mixture of pictures and not just your single cloned face.
• Posting more than a couple of selfies a day is some kind of attention-grabbing disorder. One is enough, please.
• Over-filtering and over-editing defeat the purpose of this how-to blog post. Furthermore, these apps cause your facial features' disappearance (barely-there nose, wax-looking faces, etc.)

Thought to ponder on: No matter how good you are at appearing pretty in front of the camera, it still doesn't define your personality and real attitude as a person. Everyone can be beautiful in their own way if they learn to appreciate and love themselves. Be BE-YOU-tiful inside out.

What Would Make You A NON-RETURNING CUSTOMER?

"It is easier to entice new customers than 

to keep them."

This is what I learned during my BPO days that still resonates in the current trend of industries like sales and marketing, respectively. Why? Because a new customer can be sold on a product given that it has a good quality, branded (usually), innovative specs, useful, and the list could go on and on. It is easier for a customer to be sold on if the pitch has been well-executed by the sales person. What is difficult is the after-sales service. It doesn't mean spoiling the customers but it basically means you take care of them. You make sure that every inquiry and concern they may have is addressed in a very timely manner. You make it a point that you are satisfying and meeting their needs to gain their loyalty and keep them in your customer-base for a long time. You treat them well as they are the main source of your company's revenue. That is how most business works. 

ALDUB On Christmas Day

First of all, merry Christmas to everyone! I would just like to share with you how most Filipinos celebrate Christmas. We usually go to church before the eve of Christmas or on the actual day and have noche buena. Some families would stay at home and gather with their relatives and loved ones while some would go to the park (or theme park), kids would visit their godmothers or godfathers for aguinaldo and some would go to the shopping malls or cinema to watch their favorite Metro Manila Film Festival entries which we (my mom and I) did just to deviate from the norm this time of year. I have the sweetest mom to have just asked me a simple present for Christmas - to watch My Bebe Love. I agreed right away because to those who really know me, I, myself is an ALDUB fan, a proud one. 

Good thing that I came across the announcement on the internet that all SM cinemas will open at 8am nationwide so I immediately informed my mom. We had our noche buena earlier than usual so we could retire early last night for our movie date, the following day. 

We arrived at SM Rosales at 7:30 am and while waiting for the entrance to open, we made some friends while in the waiting queue. We met Joy (thanks for the photos) and Ate Annie (who happens not to be in this photo). We made our time worthwhile by talking about our expectations on the movie. Every one was smiling and seemed to be channeling good vibes that made the atmosphere so light and fun!!!

We were lucky to be in the first screening because it was still convenient from purchasing the tickets to going out of the movie house. We sacrificed some hours of sleep to be early birds because this was the scene after the first screening...

The excited crowd was still manageable despite how thronged the entire floor. Everyone was anticipating to see Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza together in widescreen. It made us laugh through out the film but I won't spill the beans as I don't want to spoil it for the benefit of those who have not seen it yet.

It is really obvious here in the province that My Bebe Love really did well on its first day contrary to what is being claimed by others. It did well in Pampanga, Baguio City and of course in Manila. From what I have heard, it was the most viewed entry in Visayas and Mindanao regions, as well.

A lot of us have been trying to maintain our composure after seeing some information being circulated in the social media that there have been shenanigans going on in some cinemas. I can't believe this is really happening. An endless head shake to my disbelief. Goodness gracious. It is okay to be competitive but in rather in a healthy way. It should have been like that. Anyhoo, I will stop here.

Going back to Maine and Alden, they are undeniably loved by many, from all walks of life, from young to elderly. I am proud to be one of their supporters. 

On the other hand, another thing that made me joyful is that I was able to fulfill my promise to my mom and see her priceless smile. We had a great time with my aunt, uncle and two of my cousins who arrived just after we finished viewing the movie. That moment that you were so jumpy and you actually forgot to take a group picture, that's exactly what happened to me. Good thing, I was able to secure a photo with my cousins (thanks Arra).

So there you go, that is how my Christmas day went. I am so blessed to have met new friends and my favorite people in my life again. I couldn't ask for more.

Ooops, again, if you are a new reader of my blog, I am so happy to announce that my blog giveaway is still on going. Join now and show some lovin' by letting me share my blessings with you. Once again, Merry Christmas.

(You may tap the image to join or click here)

I can't thank you guys enough.

Emotion Is Energy In Motion

Hi there, my beloved RaveViewers! What are you up to this weekend? Are you just going to curl up by your fireplace while checking on your social media accounts? May I ask a favor? Could you please include me in your activities to be done and spare me 30-seconds (or less) of your time by voting for the photo above, which is my friend's (Jumel Caraig), entry in a photo contest happening now until the end of the month. Don't worry, it is just easy peasy. All  you need to do is to click on the photo (or click here) so you'll be redirected to the voting page and press/click/tap on VOTE button. 

Your votes would mean a lot to me, guys. My Christmas would be merrier and brighter, I promise. Thank you so much in advance and again, have a great weekend. 

Have You Achieved Your Goals For 2015?

It seems like yesterday when we welcomed and embraced 2015, yet, it is about to end. In a matter of weeks, I will also be celebrating my first blogsary. It is truly a great milestone for me ever since I took blogging seriously. For those who don't know yet, RAVE & VIEW is already my third blog and this is the only blog I was able to keep up with for the entire year. 

Life Is #Wonderful Despite The Odds

While others say, "Life is unfair", I still find it beautiful and amusingly, larger than itself. The simplest things in life make it more wonderful. Do you ever wonder sometimes why most of us feel discontent and unhappy despite how successful we are in terms of the position we hold at our company and the multiple figures we see on our paycheck every month? That is because, we oftentimes see what we lack rather than appreciate what we already have. How about counting our blessings from now on instead of focusing on troubles? How does that sound to you?

My life is far from being perfect. In fact, I have been through a lot and I guess that made me who I am now - stronger, compassionate, appreciative and independent. That being said, let me share with you a few of the things that kept my optimism after all these years.

Life is a bit dull without music. This is one of the elements in life that influence our point of view in almost everything. As an only child, growing up alone with busy parents was not a piece of cake so music accompanied me handling my self-issues. Alternative rock is the genre I am into because it depicts more of my personality and the era of my life exploration. Music makes me laugh, smile, smirk, shout or grieve. It holds different kinds of emotions. Artists or writers even consider music as life's soul. People nowadays even take their hugot lines from the lyrics of their favorite songs.

If we have comfort songs, each of us has his own comfort place, too.  Right? As for me, it is Baguio City. This is the only place that helps me find myself when I am lost. There is something in this city that is so mystical. When time seems to be running out for me, Baguio is there to extend and show endless possibilities that I neglect paying attention to. Pain is being replaced by hope; doubts by faith. The cold weather dries up my tears and promises a new beginning. And did you notice? Just the thought of the city, makes me more poetic. 

Another thing that I consider wonderful was my relationship with my Pop. Yes...was. He was over-protective of me but he also taught me how to be independent and be firm when I am right, at the same time. It takes a great parenting skill to be able to do that. He trained me to be strong and endure everything full of dignity. He taught me a lot of things not usually seen on books. He let me face life without any shield but my brave heart. He dreamed of me becoming a lawyer but I defied him because I preferred writing, better. But one thing he believed in was that I would go places and I am living his dream. Our dream. Sharing your dream with others is good but living that dream is the best.

During those times that I had to deal with my own ordeals, I would usually pause, gauge every circumstance and ponder on my purpose in this world. It's normal to get hurt but what is not, is to dwell on the pain and not being able to move on. Our time is short so we must consume it wisely by looking at the things we should be grateful for. I may or may not see what is called the "God Zone" through this post but what's important is knowing that life is still wonderful despite the odds.

 

Philippine Airlines flies to Auckland, New Zealand starting December 2015. Book now at www.philippineairlines.com.

This is my official entry to Globe's Win A Trip To New Zealand.

Taking Gifting to the Next Level

It's the thought that counts. I used to hear this from my mom a lot especially during the time of the year when people exchange gifts like the Yuletide season. Perhaps, it was one of her ways to instill good values in me and make me realize that being materialistic would just make me unhappy. 

But let's be realistic, who doesn't want to have a present to unwrap and unbox during this season? Truth be told, we all become kids-at-heart because no matter how expensive or simple the presents are, unwrapping them brings the adults to their childhood memories. Every box or bag you hand to a child puts a priceless smile on his/her face. That is the real spirit of Christmas - sharing (what you have) and appreciating any blessing that would be given upon you. 

The question is: How to take gifting to the next level? 

Let us start by making a list of our wish for this Christmas for the benefit of those who are planning to give us presents. Let us make their lives easier. It is more practical to jot down the things you wish for, so the giver would be able to prepare something that the recipient would certainly appreciate. Something that is useful and suits the recipient's personality. 

Here's mine: 

• Silicon case for Alcatel One Touch Idol 3 (I have been looking everywhere but this darling is so hard to find.)
• Reader's Digest - ALDUB Edition (Yes, I'm a fan.)
• Planner (Store bought is fine, DIY is better. I'm a DIYer so I'd appreciate any effort.)
• A cactus plant. 
• A red matte lipstick.
• Authentic or faux moto leather jacket in medium (brand new or preloved will do)
• And more intangible blessings...

The hardest part of gift-giving is the planning stage. Yes, you heard me right. We need to plan what to give our loved ones and here is where our creativity comes in handy. Here are some of my own tips on how to make your gift-giving a lot easier:

1. Write down all the names of people you are planning to give gifts to according to your priority and level of friendship/relationship you have with that person. First on the list is my mom, my better-half, my close friends and some relatives.

2. Have something to say about them, their personality, interests and the likes. From there, you can easily decide on which to buy or create (if you are DIYing). This would help you more in saving a lot of money because purchasing something they won't be interested in, could be avoided. I'm thinking to give my mom a kikay kit or set. She loves beautifying, too.

3. Who said you can't make them happy if you buy something within your budget? Don't underestimate someone's ability to appreciate. If you give something you exerted a lot of effort in, then that would mean a lot to them, too. If you are planning to give them a greeting card, don't give them the ones with a generic Hallmark message in it. Be creative and show your inner artist. Write your own words that depict your real feelings and let them know how grateful you are for having them in your life. That alone is the best gift they could ever give you back.

4. There's no need for fancy wrapping papers. Just like in cooking, presentation counts a lot. You may use old newspapers or magazine. Recycle or reuse old paper bags and include a unique tag that comes with the gift. Trust me, you'd see an excited face while unwrapping your simple present. Here's an example and another one. Creativity is endless. Let your style be shown.

Amidst our busyness and success, let us not forget that the real present comes from your heart. The kindness you make others feel is beyond expensive gifts. 

Stop criticizing others and start understanding them instead. By doing so, you will be more forgiving and trusting. Always give the world the benefit of the doubt. 

If you are an individual who is still searching for your identity, be one of them and don't judge them. Learn to have an open mind and heart to feel their struggles. Do this, this Christmas and carry on until you live.

If you are a teacher and a writer like I, teach from the heart and write from your soul. Don't just teach subjects and write heartless articles for compensation alone. You don't have any idea how your words can change someone's life.  Express your positive thoughts and share them with others. Be a blessing to everyone.

Apart from the joy we feel whenever we receive gifts from our friends and loved ones, the act of giving back to people especially the young ones offers bliss to our hearts. Participating in campaigns like SM Cares Bears of Joy would definitely make a lot of children feel special especially this season of giving. You get to keep a bear and donate the other to children from different orphanages and charitable institutions through the SM Cares Program, for only P200.

To be honest, I had an epiphany on this post. Giving is PRICELESS. After all, my mom was right.

 “For more updates about this year’s “Merry SM Christmas” campaign, visit SM’s official Christmas microsite (https://www.smsupermalls.com/merrysmchristmas2015) and follow its official social media accounts at Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/smsupermalls), Twitter (https://twitter.com/smsupermalls), and Instagram (https://instagram.com/smsupermalls/); and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through Viber (http://chats.viber.com/SMsupermalls). Shoppers can actively share their holiday merriments inside the SM Supermalls by posting their photos on social media and adding the hashtag #MerrySMChristmas2015.”

Are All Daiso Products Made in Japan?

Daiso Stores mushroomed in the Philippines way back then and it became an instant craze among Filipino consumers.  Who wouldn't love Japanese products anyway? From kawaii packaging of each product down to uniqueness of tools for cooking, sushi-making, organizers, washi tapes, makeup kits, etc., Name it, they have it.  You would certainly be amazed of how Japanese thought of coming up with these kinds of products.

How To Spot Legit Online Stores

E-commerce (short for electronic commerce) is a part of trading industry has reportedly been in the business world in 1971 but has gotten its breakthrough when several online stores massively sprouted on the internet in the mid-90s like the Amazon which initially started as an online bookstore. And the rest of the biggest online shopping websites came after and marked their success in the commerce history. 

Online shops have been most of the shoppers' go to places on the internet because of the fact that online shopping is: convenient, hassle free, cheaper prices and the list could go on and on. But the question is, how could you spot legit online shops from not? Some of you might be already aware on how to do so, but for those who are still on the "trying-to-figure-out" stage, this post is for you.

The Blogger's Tag 2015

Good day, everyone! How about doing a different stuff today, just for a change? I haven't done any tag posts in my entire blogging life so I decided to answer a few questions.

Only a few rules:
1. Answer all the questions below.
2. Tag fellow bloggers in post.
3. Link back to blogger who tagged you.
4. When you post a response and you are advertising it please use the hash-tag BloggerTag.

Oxygen G.A.S. (scent on a budget)

I'm afraid this post will be a little emotional and less straight-forward compared to my other posts. It might contradict the title a little bit but let me tell you a story that has something to do with how this body spray was introduced to me.  It was in 2010, when my father who was then fighting for his life dearly asked me (through hand gesture because he could hardly utter a word after he suffered from stroke) to buy him his favorite body spray as my final gift to him. It was only then I learned about Oxygen G.A.S. My mom confirmed it to me that he had been loving this scent so I went to the mall and bought one.

Let me give you an overview about my Pop. He was a very witty man whose vanity is over the top. He never smelled funky even in summer where people here in the Philippines usually sweat bullets. He won't go out of the house without taking a shower and wear his favorite scent. He loved wearing fresh clothes every single day. He had a huge collection of fragrances; some were local and some were imported. Brand and price didn't really matter to him so long as it smells clean and good, that would do.

Trusted Online Shops | Stores in the Philippines (UPDATED)

It’s been more than a decade since online shopping has started penetrating the market at least in the Philippines and it’s getting even more popular nowadays because of the concept of convenience, accessibility and practicality. Why not? Who wouldn’t love to shop without being thronged and being stuck in the traffic for long hours? Numbers of people are yearning more and more for a more laid-back fashion of shopping and that is the ultimate reason why most people especially the busiest ones buying stuff on the internet. Having that said, I have listed three most popular and trusted names in three different categories when it comes to online shopping in the Philippines plus their respective rating being 5 as the highest.

10 Proven Online Jobs {you can earn from} - UPDATED

I decided to come up with all the online jobs I know that really pay, in connection with my previous post (5 Reasons why some people prefer  homebased jobs). How do I know that they are legit and pay those who work for them? Because I and my fellow homebased workers have already worked for some of them. However, getting in to some of the jobs being offered remotely is not a piece of cake. That is what I'm going to discuss with you based on my and colleagues' experience.Without further ado, let's get to it.

5 Reasons Why Some People Prefer Homebased Jobs

Most of you who have been working for a company for like forever often ask - "Is working from home much better than working at an office?" Or probably, have tons of issues you have been battling with inside your head like:

Is it really worth it to give up my job and be my own boss by working from home instead?

Is the income more stable?

Will there be more/less distractions?

Am I disciplined enough to work at my own pace with ease and comfort? 

The most realistic way to address these questions is to answer each of them in all honesty. First, you have to ask yourself about the things that you are the happiest with. If your instinct tells you that you would be much happier with working from home then it's all worth it. Second, your income would really depend on YOU because the possibilities are endless and the resources are unlimited. It is going to be one of the biggest decisions that you'll ever make so taking things into account is a MUST. Third, there is distraction everywhere so it is within your decision and choosing as to when you will allow distraction to take over. What most people don't realize is that it is more distracting working in an office because of so many things that will be elaborated later on. The answer to the last question is just about challenge. How far are you willing to accept challenges in life?

Top 3 Reasons Why Men Don't Initiate Break-Up

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt the relationship isn't going anywhere but your boyfriend is still keeping you? Have you ever thought why he cheats on you instead of just letting you know he no longer fancies you? Given all these situations, you are still left hanging on some unfathomable thoughts.

To let you understand why, here are some reasons you would like to ponder on or which might give you enough courage to spill the beans:

1. The Keeper

This guy cheats on you but would still want you as his 'spare' girlfriend. He wants to make sure that you would still be there the moment the flame dies down with his other woman. That way, he won't be left empty-handed. He makes sure as well that you won't find out about his infidelity so it won't be difficult for him to maneuver the relationship once his left hand is 'free'.

Cont. Type of People On Facebook (Part 3 of 3)

The last part of this Facebook Series has come (here's the first and second part, respectively). Expect for more brow-raiser items here than what you have seen on the first one which  certainly created a little buzz on some readers who had been hit by the truth.

Well, a writer or a blogger can blog about any topic he/she wants so long as the article is entertaining, informative, not beyond the writer's niche and not libelous. If you are being so sensitive about articles as such, you can relate to it so much and you feel like you are what the article is about, then don't read it. It is not just about you and there are millions of Facebook users out there who fall under each category. Think again, you're being childish. 

Going back to the main topic, have you ever thought about deactivating any of your social media accounts, especially Facebook, because your news feed starts to freak you out? There is a remedy to that, my friend, UNFOLLOW them. After all, they won't have an idea that you unfollowed them. Facebook is discreet when it comes to things like this.

Anyhoo, below are other types of people on Facebook. Again, if you are an onion-skinned mutant, stop reading, I'm telling you:

8 Types of People on Facebook (Part 1 of 3)

I have been a Facebooker since 2008. And I admit, I was once an annoying Facebook user. Until I saw some users who are more annoying than I was, I took facebooking to the next level. I decided to just keep my posts low and inspiring for others as much as possible.

There are a lot of types of people on Facebook but I just compiled 8 of them which you can find (somehow) relatable:

1. Communicator

This is a type of a Facebook user that uses this medium to just communicate to his/her friends all over the world. This user rarely posts status. He/she just enjoys using the chat feature of Facebook to message his/her friends. This user is not annoying.