How I De-stress

           Life has its own set of ups and downs which will test our overall strength. These days, I feel like life has taken its toll on me. I don't feel good in most aspects of my life particularly regarding my career. It's not that I am in trouble, but there is this mental confusion that I have to deal with. I'm still on my early 20s, but I know that I have to have the courage to deal with the questions that sat on my plate. 

        Whether I like it or not, I have to compromise a lot of things and reinvent should I wish to survive. Time and emotional support are definitely not on my side either. I'm currently at a point where the lines of hope and inspiration are both blurry. All I hear right now is noise, but I'm not covering myself to feel the sun's magnificence crawl on my skin again. My soul is under the weight of a pale and gloomy weather, and I can only hope that sun will dawn upon me soon. Dear God, I really hope so.

      With all the drama going on, I'm glad that there are some things that make me see life in a brighter hue. These things make me feel less stress and a whole lot better. 

Here, I'm sharing them in this post and I hope these can help you when you need to de-stress as well.

Drinking Authentic Tea

      It has been proven that aside from its antioxidants, teas can also help relax our mind and body. When our mind is relaxed, we can control our body and our emotions better. Teas are also great because when you need it, you can easily find and buy one. The only thing that you have to consider is the authenticity of the tea.

        Trust me, it pays well to try an authentic tea hand-picked and brewed in the finest way possible. I like getting mine from Twinnings and when out, I get a fresh aromatic cup from Island Tea Co.

 Getting a Good Sleep

       I spend most of my time wistful thinking and well, crying in my bedroom when I have to. My room is my personal Xanadu where I can be myself more than anywhere else. When I feel that everything is failing, I let out a cry if I have to and sleep. I think it's becoming a habit, but it does make me feel good. I feel much better after sleeping of my problems. When I woke up, somehow, my mind feels much invigorated to think and come up with a plausible solution to solve my problems.

Listening to Good Songs

       Music, like any other art forms, has its own special way of soothing our wounded soul. My choice of songs depends on my mood, but it's mostly indie and electronic pop songs. I'm currently obsessing over the band Oh Wonder and the soundtrack of the film "Call Me by Your Name". I feel empowered listening to Imagine Dragons too.

 Visiting Pretty Places

      I love my city. Though some parts of it are chaotic, my city makes me feel so alive. To let off the steam, I often find myself visiting Instagram-worthy places such as cafes and art galleries when the conditions are favorable. I'm also on the look-out for creative events which can open my mind to more and better perspectives. That includes meeting different people in other walks of life. The most recent event that I've attended is the Creative Crisscrossing at Crossroads.

Reading a Good Book

        It's not a secret to my readers how much I adore books. Reading makes me feel inspired and more focused. I love how the act more pushes me to imagine and visualize certain scenarios be it fictional or not. I'm very much into fiction, but I'm also a fan of creative non-fiction works that can have a positive impact on my well-being. Stay tuned for my list of favorite books soon!

Being One with Nature

      We may not know it, but it's probably all the noise that's making us feel stressed. It's not a surprising fact especially if you're naturally comfortable with calm and silence. It's great to be in a place with lush and healthy foliage. Not only does it freshens up your senses, but it can also surely calm one's mind. Don't know where to start? hike somewhere, visit a nearby garden, or plan a staycation in an eco-friendly place.

Meditating

      I used to visit a Buddhist temple before for the sole reason of meditating. I am not practicing the religion, neither do I adhere to its standards. However, I do appreciate and try to embody some of its values. I've read a number of materials regarding Eastern religions and it was both overwhelming and great. It somehow, made me understand others. 

      Some people might have a notion that meditating is difficult, but it isn't. You don't really have to try so hard in doing it. You don't have to do it in a temple or anywhere sacred either. All you need is to immerse yourself in the beauty of silence. Breathe in and out. Try your best to silence that noise that has been disturbing you. Gather your thoughts and let your inner calm overcome your body and soul.

      Right now, I no longer go to temples, but I do try to cleanse my mind by meditating in my personal space. You can do it too. After all, our body is a wonderful temple.

I hope my personal ways of de-stressing can help you in any way. Tell me, what would you like to add on my list? Which one among those do you practice? Let me know in the comments section below.

love lots,
Tin

Dresses for the Oscars Season

        In case you missed it, the 2018 Oscar nominations were announced earlier this week. That means we get another chance to see the buoyant charms of our favorite actors and actresses on their best attires. It's also the time for us to discover some of the best and trendiest outfit ideas as the stars get on their perfectly chosen designer clothes.

         The Oscars is definitely something that movie and fashion enthusiasts are enthusiastic about. Unfortunately, not all of us can get ourselves to Hollywood and grace on its spectacular and infamous red carpet. On the bright side, we can always dress as if we're about to attend the Oscars with the help of some of the best long party dresses online and in our favorite boutiques.

           The spectacle begins once you have a special event to go to. May it be a formal party with your coworkers or classmates, you're good to go once you find the best dress that could match your overall look. A couple of years ago, my students went for a Hollywood glam when they went for an Oscars inspired JS promenade. Formal party organizers often have a theme on their mind and recently, Oscars-inspired gatherings are one of the most popular. If you're not going to any parties anytime soon, that means you have an ample amount of time to choose your perfect Oscar-inspired dresses. 

Here are some of the best long dresses that you might want to consider on your future parties. 

Snazzy Sleeveless Zipper Natural Chiffon Evening Dresses

      This all black long sweeping gown is best if you are going for that classic Hollywood look. Remember Audrey Hepburn? she's known for her simple yet sophisticated looks even in a simple black dress. This is also best if you are attending a party with a dress code in mind. It could be challenging but you can still have the fun by choosing the best accessories that can spice up your look.

A-line/Princess Applique Floor-length Prom Dress

This white princess applique dress is perfect should you want to embody an ethereal look. Too simple? check its details. Look for the one with playful cuts and fabrics. Consider a fun embellishment by sporting a bold hair or body jewelry that will compliment your dress well. 

Glamorous V-neck Backless Empire Criss Cross Bridesmaid Dress

If you're thinking of a sexy yet classy dress, this backless crisscross gown is perfect. I love how the criss-cross creates a fun yet glamorous appeal. Its pretty silhouette makes it a dress perfect for an A-list Hollywood star! If blue is not your cup of tea, worry not, a similar gown in the classic ruby shade is readily available for you. Find some of them online. You can always go for cheap party dresses australia that are stylish and affordable.

Strapless Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress

This strapless chiffon dress is another perfect outfit for girls who are into minimalist and delicate class. I know some ladies who are not into sequins and shimmers and if you're in the same boat, this dress might be for you. It's also great for that after-party fun where you have to dance all night. This can also give you the opportunity to play with your well-kept chunky pieces of jewelry for an extra glam. 

Featured above may not be the fanciest of the fancy but it's really all about how you carry a dress. Of course, a good pair of heels and some of your time-tested accessories can help.

Tell me — which dress do you love the most?  What kind of dress would you wear for Oscars?

Regardless, have fun and know that you are always beautiful.

love lots,
Tin

Summer's Secret Love Song

“He came. He left. Nothing else had changed. I had not changed. The world hadn't changed. Yet nothing would be the same. All that remains is dreammaking and strange remembrance.” 

― André Aciman, Call Me by Your Name

It all blossomed in the summer of 1983

in a picturesque paradise in northern Italy.

One is a wild berry absorbed in archeology;

the other is a virgin peach with the blessings of Debussy.

Theirs isn't a love at first sight.

The peach hated the berry with a certain might.

Days pass, things seem to go all right.

Then the berry told the peach to meet him one midnight.

When the passionate moon drove the lazy summer sun away,

their burning hearts gladly made their hips sway.

In Bergamo where the sun stays longer, they seized each summer day.
But when summer grew tired, the berry left the peach in grief and dismay.

They both knew it will never be the same

since the night they call each other by their name.

Forever they'll bloom and remember, but winter came

with a phone call that puts the other one in an eternal flame.

- Cristine A. Despares

Hello poets! I recently watched Luca Guadagnino's widely-acclaimed film 'Call Me by Your Name' and it was breathtaking! Somehow, I feel that I need to get something out of my mind that clogs in my chest after witnessing such motion picture so here, a poetry of the film's highlights. I'm planning to write more poems about my favorite films so stay tuned. But for now, let's linger with this first. I hope you'll like it. If you haven't watched the film yet, do so and let your hearts bloom.

Ciao,
Tin

The Mad Man by My Door

My mind is a mismanaged room.
I try so hard to keep it
clean and organized
- free from the dust of the past.
But Sadness,
like a mad garbage man,
always finds his way of messing it up.
He likes leaving my books
open on the floor after reading them.

Sometimes when I got home from work,
I find my dirty shirts all over my bed.
I pity them.
I know they’re the ones who receive
his frustrations when he loses his temper.

Last night,
a few minutes before Sleep
commanded me to start counting sheep,
he discreetly placed candy wrappers on my bed.
How do I sleep with pain crawling softly on my skin?

This morning,
I saw Sadness resting by my bedroom door.
I bet he’s drunk.
Weak as he seems,
I know he is never tired.
He’ll have another reason
to crawl back into my room
and conquer my mind.

I wonder when will he truly leave.

Dine Out with Your Squad at Kampo

While being an adult has its definitive list of highlights, it also has some setbacks such as not being able to constantly meet up with your friends. That happens when you aren’t working for the same company. I had my fair share of such struggles with my friends so our solution is to dine out and chill somewhere extra when the planets align.

Going somewhere with the people you care the most is definitely something regardless if you are spending time together somewhere fancy or not. The most important thing is you get to share quality time and catching up each other’s life. And what better way to do that than to spend it over good food?

Last Friday, I got the chance to visit a new restaurant that serves sumptuous Western foods with Filipino twist. The place is called Kampo Grill and Bar and I reckon that it’s best to visit the place with your squad. Kampo has a unique military base concept which makes its area very “Instagrammable”. 

Here's a photograph of me in Kampo. Shoutout to my fellow Cebuano blogger buddies Wellbein of Pergazine and Sir Herbert of Drift Stories for the photos and Jomar of Laagan Ko for the smoke effect coming from his vape. haha Do check out their amazing blogs as well!

Kampo, by the way, means camp in English. The restaurant doesn’t offer a camping place or some sort of a military training but it does provide staple military foods fit for the brave and the hungry.

With its dishes made perfectly, it is more than just a place to dine. Kampo is a place to chill with your squad while having that feel of training and combat. Here are some of the dishes that I’ve tried in Kampo which will unleash the “food soldier” in you.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

 This is probably my favorite dish from Kampo. I know fried chicken is common, but this doesn't taste like your usual fried chicken! It gives justice to its name is it has this creamy, rich, buttery texture absent to other fried chicken. This is definitely a must-try should you visit Kampo soon.

Meatballs Mountain

Kampo's meatballs mountain doesn't only look appetizing. It is one of the best meatballs I have ever tried and although it has a LOT of cheese in it, it balances well with its sauce.

Pork Sisig with Itlog Maalat

Sisig is one of the most beloved Filipino foods. Sisig does have an egg on top but because of their knack for innovation, Kampo doesn't top their pork sisig with regular eggs but with itlog maalat or salted egg. The creaminess of the salted egg did enhance the savory flavor of the pork.

Crocodile Sisig

One of my goals for this year is to try an exotic food. It's actually a goal of mine since last year but I wasn't able to achieve. The new year means new goals and trying out new things. Tasting crocodile sisig from Kampo is one of the best things that happened to me this year (so far). This is a must-try and as exotic and unusual as it sounds to eat a crocodile, it doesn't. It tastes good and flavorful. It doesn't taste like any other meat such as pork, chicken, or beef. I cannot pinpoint a taste similar to it. It does taste like what a crocodile should taste like and it does taste great! If you and your friends are up to trying out new things, go try Kampo's crocodile sisig if you haven't. 

Dry Rub Ribs

Most Cebuanos are used to treating themselves with savory and saucy ribs but Kampo offers something new and good for their ribs. Their ribs are rubbed with a specially crafted mixture of spices before being baked. If ribs are part of your favorite cuts, go ty Kampo's dry rub ribs.

Chicken Skin with Dynamite Sauce

Chicken skin is considered "sinful" because of its calories and fats, but, you got to save your apologies for Kampo's fried Chicken Skin which is topped with its special made from scratch dynamite sauce which is set to set your mouth on fire with its fiery flavor and spice! 

Smores

Kampo doesn’t have a lot of desserts on their menu, but they do have something for their customers who have sweet tooth. Their smores will take you straight to Charlie’s Chocolate Factory. 

Aside from those mouth-watering dishes above, Kampo also serves food specially prepared for group sharing! Here are two of the bests that I’ve tried.

Highblood Platter

This is a platter full of saucy, oily, and flavorful dishes known to every Filipino plate. By its name, those who have high blood pressure must consume them in moderation.

Seafood Platter

Seafood is always a good idea, and Kampo spiced up such notion with their seafood platter with your choice of crispy fries or southern rice. It’s complete with flavorful seafood staples such as shrimp, crab, and scallops. If you’re a fan of fresh seafood goodness, go grab a platter from Kampo. 

Kampo Grill and Bar is located in North Reclamation Area along with Café Racer. It is the newest restaurant owned by the Pages Holdings Inc. Try their signature dishes and enjoy their creative concept by dropping by at Kampo on their grand opening day this coming January 12, 2018.

Come in your best military-inspired outfit to win amazing prizes. Local bands are invited to serenade you through the night as you enjoy your meals. Stay hungry and brave!

Love lots,

Tin