Poetic Isolation

I know I haven't filled this blog as much as I promised myself I would, but I love coming back to 'old-school' blogging, where I just get to share my ideas and all the other good things that I've tried and experienced.

There's so much to write, honestly, and I would love to share those moments with you. I'm also still into reading people's blogs. With the advent of AI-created content, I always find it refreshing to read people's thoughts, especially unhinged ones that reflect their emotions. No restrictions, no pressure, just beautiful humans writing their thoughts and sharing them with the world. There's bravery in that, and, not to sound narcissistic, I'm proud of myself every time I get to put myself out here.

Here, in this humble space, I get to be who I am. And if you find my blogs helpful, inspirational, or entertaining in some way, that's a big bonus for me.

‎I'm starting off with something good with this blog, sharing my favorite products. These products aren't randomly selected; they're all tried and tested by me, for years or months. The ones mentioned here are a mix of international and local products, so if you're not Filipino, you may still come across these products.

Anyways, as I dive into the ingredients of some of these products, you might find something familiar since they're also used by other companies. Hence, if you can't try similar products, you'll get an idea of how products with similar ingredients work. The products here have something to do with wellness, mostly skincare.

Everything I'll be sharing about a certain product here is based on my experience with it. Understandably, if any of these may not work as well for you if you ever get to try them, know that it's alright since we have to account for the differences in our physiology and genetics. What I want to say is that I don't claim these products are one-size-fits-all.

Also, if you have serious conditions, please get advice from a professional rather than relying on reviews or blogs like this. I blog, but I know how important it is for us to listen to advice from medical professionals.

✅CELETEQUE Dermo Science Acne Spot Gel

I can't highlight how much I have tried and tested this product. I've learned about this from Ms. Camille, the content editor from the Japanese business magazine I worked for in 2016. Yep, I've known about this product for almost ten years. And while I don't religiously use this, this always works. I only use this when I have glaring acne.

I'm blessed not to have acne-prone skin, but sometimes, it happens that I get one or two "ripe" pimples. I've tried other products as alternatives or just out of curiosity to see if they work, but nah, they don't. Only Celeteque Dermo Science Acne Spot Gel has lessened my pimples and gotten rid of them. This works so well that sometimes, I find a pimple completely gone overnight! This doesn't remove pimple marks, though, and I find that for hard-to-get pimple marks, only a Diamond Peel treatment has really worked for me.

✅LUXE ORGANIX Cica Soothing Gel

I love LUXE ORGANIX products, but prior to using this, I didn't know if this soothing gel would work or not. Last year, I went to Manila and Baguio, and I don't know why, but I've been having pimples during that time. Also, my chin area was feeling so red and itchy. I have no idea why. I didn't use new products on my face at that time, nor did I eat anything that would trigger any allergic reaction. I planned on having my skin checked by a dermatologist when I get back to Cebu, but I decided to try applying aloe vera gel on it and see if it works.

Luxe Organix's aloe vera gel got rid of redness on my cheek years ago, so I thought it might also help with my chin at that point. I planned to purchase the aloe vera gel, but I accidentally picked the brand's cica gel. I know, lol lol lol. Anyways, cica, also known as goto kola, is also known for its healing properties, so why not try it? Lo and behold! The redness and itchiness on my chin went away. Thanks to this gel.

✅Vytle™ Gentle Moisturising Cleanser

I've been using a local carrot soap for my face before using Vytle's moisturising cleanser. I didn't know anything about the product before, and I've also never heard of it until I discovered that a skin and aesthetic clinic here in Cebu is using it for their clients. A dermatologist gave me one as a giveaway gift, and after thorough reading about the product, I decided to use it.

I love how gentle this cleanser is. It's so gentle that it doesn't even produce bubbles like the usual soap we have. It is also made of natural ingredients, which gives me peace of mind knowing that I'm not using harmful chemicals on my face. Since then, I never looked back, and I'm still using and loving this product until now.

✅Kerasal Multi- Purpose Nail Repair For Fingernails Or Toenails

‎I used this product when I noticed that one of my toenails had gotten thicker. I didn’t know why—it could have been fungal. It didn’t hurt or anything, but it did bother me. I know it’s better to have it checked by a professional, but I saw this product online and read raving reviews about it. I tried it just to see if it worked, and it did. My toenail went back to normal after about three days of applying the product twice a day. I’m just happy that the product worked for me.

✅Deoflex Deodorant by Mixtrue

What type of deodorant do you use? Creams, sticks, or roll-ons? I usually use an organic roll-on deodorant, and it works well for me. I didn’t originally include this on the list, but I also have another product that works really well, a spray deodorant from Mixtrue Beauty, a Filipino brand known for its gentle skincare products.

I don’t use it religiously, but I bring it with me when I go jogging, running, or attend a yoga session. Since it’s a spray deodorant, I can easily apply it to my underarms after a strenuous workout. I just don’t think it’s a good idea, or very hygienic, to use my roll-on deodorant when I’m sweaty. I prefer using my roll-on only after I’ve taken a shower.

I use the spray because I don’t want to commute home feeling sweaty and worried about body odor after exercising. I do change my clothes after a workout, but I only shower once I get home since I don’t like using public showers. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but the point is: the deodorant works, and I don’t want to be smelly. Haha.

✅The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil

I learned about this product from a co-teacher while I was still in university. What happened was that I had a wound on my toenail, and it really hurt. It wasn't exactly an ingrown toenail, but somehow, the manicurist nicked my toe. My co-teacher said tea tree oil would help my wound heal faster. She gave me some tea tree oil from The Body Shop, and honestly, my wound healed faster.

Once again, I'm not a medical professional, and there could have been other factors that helped heal my wound. I'm only writing from my own experience, but there are countless studies about the potential benefits of tea tree oil.

I have tried more wellness products recently, but I still have to see how they work in the long term. Hopefully, they work as well as the products mentioned in this post.

I was browsing through my mobile photo albums when I stumbled upon one that perfectly encapsulated my trip to Siargao Island last year. Siargao has become a favorite destination among tourists in the Philippines, and it's a must-visit for many reasons. It's amazing to think that despite being a relatively small island, Siargao has so much to offer, especially when it comes to food.

I've been meaning to write a separate post about my overall trip to the island, but this blog focuses on my dining experience at Lyma Siargao. After a tiring day of island hopping, I started looking for somewhere to eat. I'd come across Chef Marc on Instagram and discovered that his restaurant, Lyma, serves exceptional food. The timing was perfect; I was still in the General Luna area waiting for my ride back to my homestay, so I thought, why not have dinner at one of the best restaurants in Siargao?

Lyma describes its menu as a delectable fusion of Spanish, French, and Asian influences. Promising, right? It's also one of the most highly recommended restaurants on the island, so I had to find out why. I'm glad I did because I had a truly satisfying dining experience and loved everything I tried. 😋 Lami kaayo tanan. 😜

Let's hope they open a branch somewhere in Cebu someday. But for now, if you ever find yourself in Siargao, Lyma is a great dining option. I don't think you'll be disappointed! 😉

Here's what I had at Lyma:

WAGYU BOMBON

24h slow cooked Kitayama locally raised Wagyu in a crispy dough, 7 days fermented black garlic mayo, lokal herbs

For my appetizer, I chose Lyma's Wagyu Bombon. I absolutely love the delicate texture of Wagyu beef; tender, savory, and incredibly satisfying. What made this dish even better was the crispy pastry, which added a wonderful contrast in both texture and flavor. The black garlic mayo was rich and flavorful, yet balanced enough not to overpower the star of the dish. Every element worked harmoniously together, making it a memorable start to the meal.

CATCH OF THE DAY

Fishermen's catch, served with wild garlic meuniére, capers, mojo verde, fondant potatoes, Siargao seaweed, crispy leeks

I had a heavy lunch earlier that day, so for dinner, I was looking for something lighter and easier to digest. I'm sure all of Lyma's main courses are worth trying, so I asked one of their staff members for a recommendation.

He suggested the Catch of the Day, which features freshly sourced fish, exactly what I had been craving. The dish is served with potatoes and meunière sauce, a classic French butter sauce. As someone who loves potatoes, I thoroughly enjoyed the pairing. The fish was fresh and perfectly cooked, while the creamy, buttery sauce complemented it beautifully without overwhelming its natural flavor.

BURNT BASQUE CHEESECAKE

Creamy carabao cream cheese, semi-cured cheese, with a caramelized top

For dessert, I ordered Lyma's Burnt Basque Cheesecake, one of their bestselling treats. The moment I took my first bite, I immediately understood why it's so popular. It was absolutely delicious, rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. In fact, I'm craving a slice right now while writing this post.

If you ever find yourself dining at Lyma, do yourself a favor and order their cheesecake. Trust me, it's worth it.

WATERMELON FIZZ

Sweet, ultra-refreshing summer drink

I didn't put much thought into my choice of drink; I simply wanted something refreshing and fruity. Their Watermelon Fizz perfectly satisfied that craving.

I would have loved to try their coffee and wine selection as well, but I was planning to rest once I got back to my homestay. Besides, I'm a lightweight when it comes to alcohol, so I'm always careful about having even a sip of an alcoholic drink.

I love everything about Lyma. The food and service are top-notch, making it well worth a visit. I also adore its cozy tropical interiors and how spacious the entire restaurant feels. Whether you're dining as a couple, with a small group of friends, or with family, there's a perfect spot for everyone.

The restaurant is also impeccably clean, including the comfort room. Yes, that deserves a mention! Cleanliness is something I always pay attention to. I've visited beautiful restaurants and cafés with unpleasant-smelling bathrooms, and unfortunately, that has affected my overall dining experience in those places.

Kudos to their attentive servers, who are warm, welcoming, and accommodating. You can clearly tell that they are well-trained and take pride in what they do. I also appreciated that they treat all guests with the same level of hospitality. Sadly, it's not uncommon in the food and hospitality industry to encounter staff who seem to favor foreign guests over fellow Filipinos. While that attitude does exist in some places, I was happy not to experience anything like that at Lyma.

If you're in Siargao and looking for a restaurant that delivers both excellent food and outstanding service, be sure to add Lyma to your list.

By the way, I visited as a walk-in customer. I was initially hesitant because I assumed reservations might be required, but when I approached their staff, they warmly welcomed me and happily showed me to a table. That said, I would still recommend making a reservation before your visit, just in case they have a private function or exclusive event scheduled.

Lyma by Chef Marc

Nestled in the pristine shores of Siargao Island, Lyma By Chef Marc represents the essence of tropical fine dining. Every dish tells a story of local ingredients transformed through innovative techniques, creating an unforgettable culinary journey.

Location: Purok 5 Tourism Rd, General Luna, 8419 Surigao del Norte (next to Bed & Brew)

For reservations and inquiries, call +639297561379 or email pearl@lymaculinary.com

It’s been a while since I’ve written an update about my life, and it just dawned on me that it might be good to write about it. Not that I’m a celebrity whose life you should know about, but because I enjoy writing for you, my dear readers. After all, I consider all of you my friends, even though most of us haven’t met yet. It’s funny because I’ve technically removed the comment section on my blog due to spammers, so I wouldn’t know what you think about my posts. However, you can always email me or DM me on Instagram. I’d be ecstatic to hear from you.

April and May are considered summer in the Philippines because they’re the months when students get their two-month vacation break. They’re also the hottest months of the year in our tropical country. So yes, most of us here are enjoying the sun, although we need more sunscreen to do it. Honestly, I’m not a big fan of extremely hot weather, but I take it as a chance to travel locally and get some vitamin sea.

This is a spur-of-the-moment blog post. I didn’t draft this, and I’ll be publishing it as soon as I finish writing. It’s a great exercise for me to organize my thoughts and just write freely. Similar to my previous “Life Currently” posts, I’ll be writing based on the same prompts.

⋆🌸₊˚⊹♡❀˖°𐙚 🌸Reading

I am currently reading The Song of Achilles, a novel by Madeline Miller. I wouldn't say Miller is one of my favorite authors (yet), but I did enjoy reading Circe, an earlier work of hers. I didn't plan on reading The Song of Achilles, but one of my besties gifted me the book, knowing that I love reading and Greek mythology. It's just wonderful to know that someone put thought into what to give you. I'm blessed to have such thoughtful friends, and it's only right for me to fully embrace both their presence and their presents. Lol.

I have so many books in my pile, and I'm trying my best to read them all. Honestly, I find it challenging to read leisurely because I also have to read a lot of materials for work. I'm still working full-time as a writer, but this time, I'm focusing on technical write-ups, where I have to do my best to come up with informative and precise articles. Every writer knows that one cannot write well without reading well. I see reading as the process of eating, and writing as the process of digesting. Without doing one properly, the other cannot be done properly either.

Anyway, wish me luck so I can finish reading the books on my shelf because I still have more on my to-read list. 🤪😁

⋆🌸₊˚⊹♡❀˖°𐙚 🌸Listening

Ever since I watched Dream Academy on Netflix, I've been a fan of KATSEYE. I love the girls' energy, and although their songs aren't usually my type, I enjoy how upbeat they are. I know there have been issues surrounding the group, particularly involving Manon, but regardless of what happens, I wish the girls the best. Pinky Up has been on repeat on my playlist lately.

⋆🌸₊˚⊹♡❀˖°𐙚 🌸Working On

I am working on creative and business side quests. I've been flower arranging and baking cakes. I can't say I'm successful at either of those yet, but I love exploring projects beyond just work. I feel like they spice up my life and somehow make me feel grounded.

⋆🌸₊˚⊹♡❀˖°𐙚 🌸Feeling

I feel a bit sad and anxious at the moment. I had this huge crush on someone, but unfortunately, I said goodbye to him. Not because I don't have feelings for him, but because I feel like he's not exactly into me as much as I am into him. He said he likes me, but I'm not too young to know that actions speak louder than words. Having been raised with tough love, I don't want to be a soldier lover. I want to be loved with certainty. It's 100% all in or all out for me. I don't know whether the connection will flourish or vanish, and it hurts, but you know, what's meant for us will always find its way to us.

I'm also feeling anxious about work. I will be having my annual performance review with our American manager, which could make or break my career. I know that I still have so much to learn and improve on in my work, but I'm hoping I can keep my job because who else will buy food for my pets? Lol. Seriously, though, having pets is definitely not cheap.

⋆🌸₊˚⊹♡❀˖°𐙚 🌸Hoping

I am hoping for good things to come and for everything to turn out well. Sometimes, I get too optimistic about things. Actually, my optimism can be either a positive or a negative trait. For instance, it makes me feel giddy and encourages me to give people a chance, but I also feel like it sometimes keeps me from seeing harsh realities clearly.

I know balance is important, and I know I can't be right all the time. Sometimes, I also become too imaginative and pessimistic, which often leaves me feeling lost. I have to admit that being in control of a situation feels comforting because it offers a sense of security, but I'm also aware that life can be very unpredictable. I'm trying my best to stay present by being grateful for what I have, cherishing the people who choose to spend their time with me, and praying.

I hope you, who are reading this post, also find peace and are reminded to do good and be grateful. The world can be so noisy and chaotic. Inner calm is always a beautiful thing to hope for.

love lots,

Tin

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My Favorite Wellness Products

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Dinner at Lyma Siargao

The Summer Currently