X-Factor Philippines Final Three

If you guys read my blog you'll know that I always watch X-Factor Philippines. Now that the road to the finals is almost here (October 6 and 7), almost everyone is making a guess on who will win. The final three has been announced already and I'm rooting for KZ Tandingan. The other two are Daddy's Home and Gabriel Maturan. KZ's rendition of John Legend's Ordinary People gave me goose bumps. This girl's voice is truly amazing and unique. I'm definitely tuning in next week to find out who will emerge as the first X-Factor Philippines grand winner, taking home P4 million worth of prizes and a recording contract.

Not in the Mood

I'm currently having a writer's block. I absolutely don't know what to write about or how to start. I don't know if you guys experience the same thing but it really is frustrating. I've been feeling down this past couple of days so that's probably the reason why I'm not in the mood to whip up some words or share anything to my readers. I do hope my writing mojo comes back soon. Wishing you all a blessed Sunday!

The Voice vs. X-Factor

I love watching reality TV shows like The Amazing Race, The Voice, Survivor, The Apprentice, and Project Runway. It's the new season of X-Factor and The Voice and as early as now I quite know which show will get higher ratings. I think Britney Spears' and Demi Lovato's addition to X-Factor wouldn't help it a bit in the ratings department. I like The Voice more, not because of its judges but because of the show's dynamics. It's a show that gives more importance on the contestant's voice rather than his/her looks. The blind auditions are really fun to watch. I'm looking forward to more exciting episodes of The Voice, especially since there's another Filipino-American contestant named JR Aquino on Cee Lo Green's team.

Addicted to Zalora

I just received the earrings and bracelet I bought the other day at Zalora. I love them! Shopping at Zalora is starting to become a habit, something that I don't want to give up any time soon. Hahaha! With all the products that this online marketplace offers, who would want to? The free shipping is an added bonus. Plus, you get your purchases really fast. Please visit Zalora to see all their cool stuff. You might get addicted though :)

Multi-layer Bracelet from Mia Casa (P275)

Antique Gold Earrings from Mia Casa (P100)

2nd Payment from EasyHits4U

I just received my 2nd payment from EasyHits4U. Though it's not big, I'm not complaining. Money is still money. I'm hitting two birds with one stone in this website since I'm able to get extra traffic and at the same time earn a little from my clicks.

If you wanna get some traffic and earn some extra cash, just visit EasyHits4U.

Mukhang Pera's Rainy Day Giveaway

Mukhang Pera is giving away $30 Paypal cash to one very lucky winner. Here are the generous sponsors:

Mum Writes

Out of Town Blog

Good News Manila

Philippine Travelogue

A Woman's Story 

It's very easy to join because there's a rafflecopter. The steps are easy and there's a lot of time to join. Please visit Mukhang Pera for more details.

The giveaway is until October 24, 2012 and is open worldwide.

Gracia Fashionista's Cash and Cetaphil Giveaway

Gracia Fashionista is having a giveaway and she's giving away the following items:

1 Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (250 ml)
1 Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer (118 ml)
1 Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion (85 g)
$20 Paypal cash

The mechanics are quite simple and you can do them by accomplishing the rafflecopter. This giveaway is open to Philippine residents. Please visit Gracia Fashionista for more details.

This giveaway is open until October 15, 2012.

The Exciting Survivor Philippines

I was able to watch the premier telecast of Survivor Philippines on Jack TV last Thursday. I stopped watching Survivor but this season I'm going to watch every single episode. The aerial views of the islands are absolutely breath taking. I've never been to Caramoan, Camarines Sur but I swear after seeing the beauty of it in Survivor, I really want to visit. This is good for our tourism industry since a lot of people all over the world watch this show.

This time there are three tribes: Tandang (rooster), Kalabaw (carabao/water buffalo) and Matsing (monkey) with 5 members on each tribe. I don't have any favorites yet since it's much too early in the game. I don't like Russel though. Survivor Philippines airs every Thursday at 2:00 pm via satellite with a replay every Friday at 10 pm on GMA News TV Channel 11 and every Thursday at 9 pm on Jack TV.

Mysterious Door

This picture of a strange looking door caught my eye right away. I looked closely and saw this face staring back at me. It's both mysterious and beautiful and like nothing I've ever seen before. Its intricate design is unique and exquisite. The door is located at 29 Avenue Rapp, Paris, France.

I'm joining Wednesday Windows.

My 2nd Oasap Purchase

I was doing nothing earlier so I decided to visit Oasap and take a look at their fabulous pieces. I saw this really cute pair of earrings and decided to buy it right away. It's only $8 and that made me happy. I do hope that it reaches me sooner than the first time I bought something from them. That took weeks to arrive. 

Genzel Kisses and Kmmyp Giveaway

Genzel Kisses and KMMYP are giving away fabulous items like Wet n' Wild Lipstick, Shining Pattern Palette, Suesh Face Roller Brush, Strip It Hair Removal Sugaring, Pair of Necklace and Earrings from Seasons, Panda Earphone Holder from Roll Friends and many more to 1 lucky winner.

There's a rafflecopter to guide you through the whole process. So again it's very easy. Please visit Genzel Kisses for more details.

You can join until October 9, 2012.

Let's Move & Let's Love

I've always considered myself blessed. I can buy the things I want, eat delicious food, get enough pampering to my heart's content, and go to different places for leisure. But more than all those material things and rather trivial pursuits, I'm blessed because I have a wonderful family who cares, supports, and loves me unconditionally. I know that God does love me. I also had the privilege of having a good education and finishing college without ever thinking of where to get the money for my tuition fee and everything else that I needed. I never had to work while I was studying because my parents paid for everything. Having said that I would sometimes wonder at how difficult it would be for a poor parent with many children to pay for their children's education. Some children only get to finish elementary education while others don't even get to graduate. The saying "mahirap maging mahirap (it's hard to be poor)" is indeed very true.

Countless times I have thought of ways to help the less fortunate but I haven't really acted on that desire. But seeing my healthy, intelligent, and happy nephew playing and running around the house, enjoying his childhood to the fullest and having everything he needs, makes everything clearer to me. I want to help indigent children go to school and eventually finish college. This I could do by sponsoring a child through World Vision. I learned about this organization through my mom who is also sponsoring a child. Imagine for just $1 a day you can make a difference in a child's life! Isn't that great?! You'll also get to track your child's progress because World Vision will send you updates on how he/she is doing in school.

There are really countless ways to help and love others if we find it in our hearts to commit to helping them. I already feel happy and fulfilled that I'm sharing my blessings this way. I know it's not much but it's way better than doing nothing and being blind to all the poverty you see and hear about.

http://perfumes.benetton.com/

The Door

I saw this beautiful picture of the bronze door to the famous Vrouwekathedraal or the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium. I so like its mysteriousness. Just looking at it makes me want to go inside and explore whatever I find there.

I'm joining Wednesday Windows.

Cute Cupcakes

Aren't these cupcakes cute?! They're giveaways at my niece's christening. They sure look yummy too...  :)

My First PollBuzzer Payment

I registered at PollBuzzer only a few days ago and already earned my first dollar. I did that by answering just one question! I hope that in the coming days I'll receive more questions. Remember 1 question equals $1. They automatically placed the money in my Paypal account. I didn't have to cash out.

Join in the fun guys and let's all earn together at PollBuzzer!

Shopping at eFoxCity

eFoxCity is an online shop based in China supplying dresses, gowns, wedding dresses, jackets, shirts, blouses, accessories  and clothes in many boutiques worldwide. They have clients all over the world including the Philippines. They have many payment options like Paypal, wire transfer, and Western Union and ship to most countries around the world via Registered Air Mail (Standard Shipping), DHL, EMS, UPS, FedEx and TNT. They have a fashion blogger program wherein bloggers may get free clothing worth $20 to $200 every month if their blogs qualify and review the stuff that they get. However, if your blog fails to qualify, you can always join their affiliate program instead. You can earn a 12% commission on all referred sales. So it's really a win-win situation at eFoxCity. You get to buy stuff you like and then earn money at the same time. 

Our Priceless Treasures September Giveaway

Our Priceless Treasures is having an awesome giveaway. There will be 10 winners of the following prizes:

1 WINNER of P3,000 worth of Gift Certificates from Slimmers World
2 WINNERS of Diamond Peel Treatment Gift Vouchers (FOR TWO) at The Zen Institute
1 WINNER of Body Massage Gift Vouchers (FOR TWO) at The Zen Institute
1 WINNER of Anti-Gravity Yoga (First Timer Package for TWO) at Beyond Yoga
5 winners of Premium Elegant Themes for WordPress (worth $39 each)

SPONSORS: Our Priceless Treasures | The Journalistic View | Fad and Glamor | Divine's Memoirs | The Food and Travel Buff | Hot Fun Stuffs | Rediscovering Health | Pilipinas Ngayon

There's a rafflecopter which makes the whole process easier. But it's only open to Philippine residents. For more information just visit Our Priceless Treasures.

The giveaway is until September 30, 2012.

Hallo Hallo Purchase

The silver pouch bag I bought at Hallo Hallo Mall arrived yesterday. I again didn't pay anything for this since I used the points I earned when I signed up (300 points). I still have 100 points left.

Earrings from Oasap

The earrings I bought at Oasap finally arrived this morning (our housekeeper actually claimed it at the post office). I've been waiting for a month and I'm happy that it's already here. I love it! Though I didn't pay a single cent for this purchase because I paid if off with the credits I accumulated, I was still a bit worried that it wouldn't reach my address. Anyhow, the cute earrings came with a special discount card given to all customers. The initial discount upon using the card, which by the way, you have to link to your Oasap account is 21%. The discount increases the more you shop. So just keep shopping with Oasap!

Clozette: Shopping Haven

I've been a member of Clozette for some time now but I've never tried shopping there. I visited the site again and explored some more. They have so many shops or bazaars that I can't decide where I'm gonna shop. Clozette is a social network for those who love fashion. Aside from the bazaars, there are articles too about beauty and all women's issues. Members can also share the collections they have for other members to admire.

Another thing I like about Clozette is that it's also a marketplace and you can open your own online store. You just need to upload 20 items or more to be able to do that. If you have less than 20 items, you can still sell your things in the marketplace.

There are many other cool things you'll see at Clozette. Just visit the website to see for yourself how addicting it is.

Join PollBuzzer

I recently signed up with PollBuzzer a new, consumer research tool, offering clients immediate survey results and panelists an easy way to get paid for their opinions. Each time you answer a single question, you'll be paid $1. The question is sent through your email and you have to answer within 24 hours. 

They also have a referral system  wherein you send your referral code to everyone you know. When someone signs up using your code and they answer four questions for the first time, you'll be paid $1. Payments are processed via Paypal. You can also choose to donate your earnings to charity.

Mango Tree Bistro Gift Certificates

Last week was yet again another lucky week. I won P2,500 worth of Mango Tree Bistro gift certificates from Appetite.ph's "I Like Appetite" Facebook giveaway. I must admit I know very little about this restaurant but once I get to use all these GCs I'm sure that's definitely gonna change. Thank you Appetite and thank you Lord for all the blessings!

Shopping at Hallo Hallo Mall

I signed up last night at Hallo Hallo Mall, an online marketplace housing 5,000 shops. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I got 300 points for simply registering and liking their Facebook page. I in turn was able to use the points to buy an item I like. Isn't that great! I actually only used 200 points for a silver pouch and that already includes shipping. But the catch is that you should use the 300 points within 10 days. So I'm browsing the many items for sale so I can use my remaining 100 points. My parcel is expected to arrive within a week.

You can actually pile up your points by visiting the site daily. Remember that points are good as cash (1 pt = P1). If you're an online seller, you can open a store too at Hallo Hallo. There are thousands of items for sale and I'm sure you guys would like to shop there too.

Getting Rid of Blackheads

I hate blackheads because they look unsightly. I don't have any acne but I do have blackheads. I'm not the type who goes to a salon every week or month for that matter. Only when I feel like it which definitely should not be the way to go. What can I say?! I'm quite lazy when it comes to beauty matters. :) If you guys want blackheads-free skin, have a facial every 3 months. But if you're on a budget or don't have much time, there are home remedies you can try to remove blackheads.

1.)  Use one tsp. of lemon juice and one tsp. of ground cinnamon as a scrub. Use this daily and see the results after a month.

2.)  Apply a mixture of lemon juice and two tablespoons of honey.

3.)  Apply warm honey for about 15 minutes. You can also combine it with sugar to be used as a scrub.

4.)  Apply fresh mashed tomato on the affected areas daily.

5.)  Use oil-free moisturizers.

6.)  Mix some lemon juice, yoghurt, oatmeal, and olive oil. Apply this paste on your blackheads.

7.)  Combine vinegar and cornstarch and apply on your nose and other affected areas.

8.)  Take the pulp of grapes and apply it on the nose. Let it dry thoroughly and then rinse your face with warm water.

9.)  Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Virginia Olsen Mineral Makeup

I received an email last Sunday from Virginia Olsen Philippines, a cosmetic brand that manufactures and sells pure mineral makeup. They said that they're going to send free samples in exchange for a product review. I replied right away and emailed my details along with the shades I would like to receive. Virginia Olsen has an extensive range of eye colors, that's why it took me a while to pick the shades I like. I chose Copper Low Luster and Sun Bronze. These natural cosmetics can be used interchangeably as eyeliner, highlighter, or eyeshadow.

The samples arrived this afternoon along with a CD containing their press kit. I love the shimmery colors and light texture. The makeup is very easy to apply and both colors go well with my skin tone. I'm really excited to use the products the next time I go out. For sure I'll look better when I have them on. If you guys want to order, just go to their website. I found a couple of items I really wanna buy.

Copper Low Luster (left), Sun Bronze (right)

Copper Low Luster (left), Sun Bronze (right)

Designrs Hub Apple iPod Touch Giveaway

As a way of saying thank you to all their readers, Designrs Hub is giving away an Apple iPod Touch on their 1st anniversary.

It's very easy to join because there's a rafflecopter. The steps are easy and there's a lot of time to join. Please visit Designrs Hub for more details.

The giveaway is until September 30, 2012 and is open worldwide.

Late Shipping

About three weeks ago I bought a pair of earrings at Oasap. I was so happy since I didn't pay a single cent and used my credits which I got from their Thank You Points program. The thing is, they haven't arrived yet. I've decided to email Oasap regarding this and I hope they reply promptly. Too bad because I really want to shop for more items but I'm now hesitant because shipping takes too long and I don't have any guarantee that I'll receive them. I'll wait for my earrings to arrive first before I buy some more.  

PLDT Woes

I've been having problems with my broadband connection ever since the monsoon rains about three weeks ago. I'm using Sun Broadband USB stick and its unstable signal is driving me nuts. I tried applying for a PLDT DSL connection to be bundled with our telephone line but I got so irritated with PLDT that I cancelled our application. I applied last March and was so excited because I thought that within a week they'll be able to install the modem. But months have passed and still no sign of a PLDT lineman. Adding insult to injury is the fact that they're already billing us the DSL charges. I kept following up the installation and they kept promising that they'll do something about it but unfortunately they never did. I got so pissed off that I just gave up on them. I know I'm not the only one who has experienced this because this also happened to a friend of mine. I'm researching and asking around for a better internet provider. For the meantime, I'll have to make do with my Sun Broadband USB.