Chibi in a box made by yours truly!💜
Has this year hopped by so quick? Or perhaps, it was just utterly eventful? I randomly don’t like the number ‘23’ for some reasons yet I remained hopeful that this year would be better than the previous—and certainly, it was. 2023 has been my milestone moment despite sad days, a heartbreak and irrational decisions. But these challenges shaped me to become better that led to new beginnings (with travelling on the side, of course😉) as I reached another decade.

So welcome to my world. Here’s my annual year-in review…for better or for worst. NB: all thoughts are of my own.

2022 Memories

Oftentimes, I have been asking myself if I had a good run this 2022? The year progressed with a promising note that the world recovers from a 2-year pandemic. Hence, we welcome this ‘new normal’ with open arms while everyone had their own battles and shining moments. And for me, I guess the year has been a bittersweet ride. Were there struggles behind the flags I went? Even people bears it own red flags as well. Not every moment in life has diamonds and glitter. But they are still happy, difficult times in which I commend myself for being brave to overcome it.
This entry might come a little personal as this is my own year-in review. So welcome to my world, folks! Brace yourselves for this narrative post.

2021 MEMORIES

Twenty-twenty ONE thing’s for sure: that this year has been a lot better than the previous despite how COVID continues to evolve its variants. But as least now we are on the verge of getting fully-vaxxed and boosted on the way to normalcy!

Here’s to share my annual highlights in a year of face coverings (and lateral flow tests) ;p

My 'Business Class' Diary

(28Jan21)The day has cometh and I really hate to leave my hometown yet 😞 It truly breaks my heart to be away again from my family. Let alone, the feeling is similar to Yoon Seri who can only see RJH every 2 weeks/year in Switz (whereas for me is a family matter). But life is not all glitter and pink clouds--we have to wake up and face the harsh reality. And so, I'm back in Londres. Everything felt like being back to square one. Likewise, I'm in the midst of nursing my jetlag soul with a pinch of homesickness as I write this blog. Nevertheless,let me cut off my lamentations now. I believe that this will just take time and I will get through this.

Anyway! Even if I carry a heavy heart of travelling back to this country, I had an interesting flight with a Dubai layover and a first to be in business class. 🙈💖
I am no chaebol or a flighty heiress but things just happened that way after getting my full refund from my cancelled flights. Plus, I needed extra storage for the bulk of my baggage (clothes, BinJin merch, pinoy stuff, etc). Hence, here's my experience to travel like a boss lady and a little guide for OFW's who'll be going back to the UK from Manila. **note: I couldn't share my process of LHR to MNL anymore 'cause the protocols have changed since my arrival there last December

Thank You 2020, Next?

 

will COVID go away if we say 10 nice words a day?

Thank goodness that this year has reached its end; The world has faced so much struggles and devastating events throughout this time from the occurrence of a pandemic to societal issues. 2020 may not be the perfect vision that we expected but I believe that there are still little sparks of joy while we adjust to 'the new normal'. Hence, here's my top 5 precious moments during the this 2nd decade.

lets WALES awhile

Helloooo!Sorry for this superr delayed entry that I didn't even get to post something for a month!😅 I have been very busy during my birthday celebration as it was a blast both in personal and fan girl life 🥰 I'll be posting an entry about it this November as a peace offering, I promise! ;)

(22SEP20) This is absolutely, the most spontaneous trip I've ever had. Never in my existence have I booked something 2 days prior to date! Though, this is one of our friend's ideas so fortunately, the expenses of going to Wales at that time wasn't expensive (it is cheaper compared to Cornwall). Hence, we had a 3-day staycation in Cardiff--the Southern highlight and capital of Wales.
Among the 4 Great Britain countries, Wales could be the least mainstream of them all. If you're thinking of a go-to place to relax and zone out from modern day life, then this is your area-to-be 😉
*NB: Safety COVID precautions were strictly observed during these tours.

My Princess Diary: A Cornwall Staycation

Nope, I won't let this year end without any new musings. Has it really been 8 months

since my last travel? The thought is frustrating and home sickening to me as an overseas worker. Nevertheless, I'm glad that it's inching back to normal here in the UK and I hope the other countries (especially, my dear Philippines!) would go the same as well. We deserve a huge break from this quarantine biz.

Since it's still a hassle to embark on other countries at this point, I'm resuming my travelventures within the UK border instead! This is even my first time to visit the local outskirts of England 😊 Last 14th August, me and my housemates went on a staycation to Cornwall located at Southwest England.

Cornwall felt like the Philippines' Subic or Clark, Pampanga to me. It is home to sandy beach resorts with lodges/facilities owned by a family business. Thus, here's our 3-day itinerary covering some of the go-to places and must-eats in this beautiful harbor!

#2019Recap

Another year has passed and it turned out to be an emotional trainwreck despite my travelventures. From the loss of a family member to bidding farewells to loved ones, it’s been heavy yet I happily survived. ;”) Everything seemed like blessings in disguise with these whir of events.Hence, lets cheers to the ones that I got!

Tour de PARIS

Thanks to Big Bus Tours for the best hop on-hop off experience!

It may sound common, mainstream or whatever but my first EU trip led me to France. I honestly don't have plans of going here this year but due to itinerary reasons and as my parents came to visit me in London (yay!!),this happened. Nevertheless, I have no regrets that I started my Schengen musing here--Paris is absolutely lovely.❤️
I will give out tips and how my 5-day itinerary went in this city of love. ;D

A Princess Diary Comeback in London

 This might be an all-narrative entry for now because I don’t have a PC/laptop to edit my stuff :( I hope I get to buy one soon—when ze budget comes!Hehe. Anyway, I flew to London last March for career purposes.It’s supposed to be ecstatic for me but the thought of being away from my family is utter sadness.Though on a lighter note, all is currently well! It just takes a mindset of being in a long solo travel alongside work and that I have to live independently in which adulting strikes. Truly, the struggle is real! I never thought that half of my life here would be very domesticated.
In this entry, I’ll be sharing my own “British Starter Pack” and how I cope over the past few months. ;)

My Quick Staycation to Northern Ireland

Here’s my first time to travel outside London..as a working resident! Well okay, lets confirm it: For the past 3 months, I’ve been staying in the UK for work purposes ;p I’ve been lurking this all along because I was juggling between duty and study alongside touring (of course! I’ve been going new places every week^^). In fact,my main reason why I got to go to Northern Ireland is for our 2nd part of the licensure exam. With God’s grace, I aced it and amidst the pressure,I was still able to explore the town even for just a very short stay.Truth be told, N.Ireland is like The Philippines’ Baguio or Tagaytay.It’s certainly one of the most serene places I’ve ever been. Why?How come?

#2017Memories

This year has left me with a lot of learnings once again and a question suddenly occurred to me:"Have I become one of the Titas of Manila?" Haha! But one thing's for sure: I've been adulting during ze year and it's never been easy! My priorities are driven for my career yet on the side, I managed to embark on a trip on my own and day-offs spent for family and friends ❤️ Here are my top 5 moments and you may click some picture below to read the full review.

5) 2017 FILMS.
The movies that made me laugh,surprise,"kilig" and...cry.lol I used to not cry in watching but films such as "Beauty and the Beast" and "Coco" had kept me teary-eyed.Though I was touched 'cause it was beautifully produced and yet I have watched these twice in the cinemas! And of course,who would not add Fifty Shades on the list?I can't wait for my fave love story to end next Feb.❤️

4)my newest inspiration.

I've become a huge fan of Maria Poonlertlarp eversince Miss U 2017 began. I find her as the prettiest beauty queen even if she just made it to ze top 5. Majority of her latest updates are in Thai but I really don't care (lol); Some of it have translations which made me like her more and I'm proud to be one of her Asian fans☺️ I hope she gets to tour Asia someday!


3)Nihao HK//Macau!
So this is how my family spent our summer this year: visiting the outskirts of Hong Kong and cruisin through Macau.I certainly enjoyed Macau from its street foods and casino spots even for just a day. While I strongly recommend HK as a go-to place for first time travellers.My 'nihao travel series' might continue next year as I go to Taiwan!



2)Britney Spears' Concert (061517)
Her songs will always be the anthem of a teenager born in the 90's.From the classic "Baby One More Time" to "Oops I Did It Again",I believe everyone could relate to those songs! Likewise, The concert was definitely worth the wait,and worth the expense. 'nuff said!



1)Goin' Solo!
My week-long trip to Osaka has been one of the best experiences I've ever had!❤️Truth be told,many people will always doubt the wonders of solo travel but prove them wrong! My brave soul has taught me to be more independent and even with the slightest mishaps I've had there,I was still able to visit a lot of towns around the Kansai area 😍 Ergo,I promise to come back soon! And this won't also be the last time that I will go on a solo flight. ;)




Lasltly,thank you to all who have been reading my entries! Some of my old entries are underconstruction so please bear with me.I'm finding time to retrieve my other photos and likewise, I assure y'all that I'll make more updates soon!

going back to grammar school---the IELTS way

Almost every nurse in the country aims to work abroad and before they reach that rewarding goal, it is a prerequisite to take an English proficiency exam (commonly, the International English Language Test System//IELTS). So I took the academic module last June 17th at Novotel hosted by the British Council and gratefully, I passed 🎉