Getting Ready for Winter: Plus Size Winter Clothes in the Philippines

Ever since we booked our roundtrip tickets to Seoul(Promo flights from Cebupac @ 50% off, woohoo!), I have been researching (a LOT) about tourist spots, accomodations, as well as the weather conditions during our trip. We will be going there around the third week of January. And from what I have gathered, I now know that January is the coldest month and the peak of the winter season. I mean, woah, no biggie, negative degrees lang naman yan. Who am I kidding? For a Filipino, anything below 20°C is considered cold(mejo OA haha).

Since it'll be our first time visiting the country, we want to maximize the time that we have there. So in order for us to enjoy our trip, we have to prioritize keeping our bodies warm. And we all know winter clothes ain't cheap, especially here in the Philippines. What's more is that it's already hard to find affordable winter clothing here, but add to that the fact that we had to find plus sizes. Wag nalang kaya kami umalis, haha.

But fret not all ye out there, finding affordable plus size winter clothing in the Philippines is hard, but not impossible. I will be sharing to you my experience in plus size winter clothes shopping in the Philippines.

1. Hit the UK!

I'm sure most Filipinos know what "UK" mean. It's a haven for bargain hunters like me. From what I've read on other blogs, there are lots of UK's in Cubao. I haven't gone there yet but will probably do before our trip. The only UK that I've been to yet is the one in EDSA Crossing. There's only one UK shop in the second floor so you can't miss it. It's near the entrance/exit to the MRT station. They have an entire rack dedicated to jackets and coats. The ate there told us that everything is PHP450/piece but since my mom and I got 2 pieces each, they gave us a discount and we only paid PHP400/piece. I know it's still expensive compared to other UK's where others have bought bubble jackets worth 180-250, but we still bought it because it's hard to find jackets and coats in big sizes in UK.

Black down coat with faux fur lined hood.

This was a snug fit but I still bought it 'cause I fell in love with the faux fur!!!

Grey wool(?) coat with hood (I'm not really sure if this is wool)

They also have an assortment of winter boots but I didn't buy one 'cause I already have two and I plan on buying one in Korea.

2. Surplus Stores

Another great place to buy winter clothing is in Surplus stores. It's not as cheap as UK but at least you'll have more choices when it comes to size and color. Surplus stores are also great for those with hygienic issues haha. There are lots of Surplus shops in Manila but the one we went to is in Megamall. They have two branches there, one is beside the supermarket in Building A and the other one is beside the Sumo Sam in Building B. We went to the one in Building A. We went inside and I immediately saw their assortment of winter clothes at the back. Sadly, there were no down jackets / bubble jackets for women, they only have those thin jackets in small sizes. So I went the the men's section. There were more options for winter wear in the men's section, those that are suitable for snowy weather. I bought this super light windbreaker / down jacket in XL. I found it funny but it has a built in speaker(in both sides of the collar), in-ear headphones, and an audio jack in one of the pockets. I immediately thought that it won't work and that the reason why it's being sold in Surplus is because it's deffective. I wasn't really interested in that feature so I bought it without testing. Then we got home and I decided to test if it was working, and to my surprise, it was! I'm not really sure if I'll be able to use this feature in Korea but I still love this jacket because it's so warm and fits just right.

Really not bad for PHP799.75

One down side to this jacket is that the stickers are really hard to remove. :(

Audio jack in one of the pockets

        

Buttons for controls

Speakers and In-Ear Headphones in both sides of the collar

I also bought this red beanie for PHP199.75 which has a fur lining inside.

Bonus:

There is a clothing section in SM Hypermarket Pasig. I chanced upon this Columbia fleece vest. It's only PHP 500 and there are lots of colors to choose from: White, Black, Gray, Violet, Sky Blue and Red. There are big sizes as well. I was planning to buy the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down vest which was PHP 1,990 but good thing I saw this first.

3. Daiso

I think Daiso is a heaven sent, not only for travellers but for anyone generally. You can find literally anything and everything in Daiso. There are lots of Daiso branches in Manila but those that I know of(and have visited) are in Robinsons Gallera, Market Market, and Greenbelt. The first being the biggest one that I've been to. These are the items I've bought so far:

Foot socks, Arm Warmers, and Mittens all for PHP 88 each

I also bought earmuffs that looks like this(forgot to take a picture hehe), also PHP 88

They also have vacuum sealed bags that are great for space saving, organizers, and lots more! (Not sponsored BTW)

4. Thermal Wear

I think when it comes to thermal wear, don't be too stingy. I haven't experienced it yet, but from what I've read, your choice of thermal wear can make or break your whole trip. This is why I bought mine from Uniqlo. I've read lots of great reviews about their Heattech line so I decided to give it a try. Their Heattech line consists of regular Heattech, Extra Warm and their newest product, Ultra Warm. Each has a better heat retention respectively. I bought these Ultra Warm Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt and Leggings for PHP1,290 each. The material is very soft which is nice because you have to wear it next to the skin for it to work. The sales lady said that the Ultra Warm can retain heat even in negative temperatures, I sure do hope she's right.

It comes in these cool boxes as compared to the other Heattech thermal wears that come in plastic pouches.

Bonus:

Keeping the hands and feet warm is also important because frostbite occurs to the parts of the body that are farthest to the heart. That is why I invested in these Uniqlo Heattech Leather Gloves and Heattech Socks.

Heattech Gloves, PHP 790

2 Pairs of Heattech Socks, PHP 590

I also got these cute earmuffs from Snow World in Star City years ago! I think it was PHP 150?

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I will be updating this whenever I find more affordable options and share my experiences as well after the trip.

Thanks for reading!

Korean Visa Application for Filipino Family

Hey guys! It's been over two years since I last posted here and what I will post now is probably the whole point why I created this blog. I'M FINALLY GOING TO THE MOTHERLAND!!! (South Korea for all you non K-fans out there). Well, not yet, anyway. I just submitted my application earlier so I have to wait 5 long days to know the result. ㅠㅠ I will write here my whole experience in getting a Korean Visa(hopefully). 

Requirements

BDO released a promo last 2015 for Gold and Elite credit card holders. This promo makes them eligible for a Multiple Entry Visa for 3 years and 5 years respectively. We weren't able to submit our application last 2015 but thankfully, they extended their promo till December 2016(I think this is a sign!!!). Said card holders are exempted from submitting their ITR and Bank Certificates. You need to present a copy of the recent monthly billing statement and the present qualified BDO issued credit card, as written in their website. I have a slightly different experience which I will explain in detail below.

You can read more about the BDO promo here.

Here are our profiles:

My dad - Self Employed
My mom - Housewife / Unemployed
My sister - Unemployed (27 y/o)
My niece(my sister's daughter) - 2 y/o
Me - Unemployed (21 y/o)

Here is a table of the requirements that I submitted for each applicant(Please note that we availed of the BDO promo. In case you will not be availing the promo, please check the embassy's website for the complete list of requirements):



For the documents that are the same for each applicant, what I did was I provided a photocopy for each applicant(Just to be sure), but when the consul checked our papers, she returned the photocopies and accepted the original ones(which was filed under my dad's). I will explain this further below.

Regarding me and my sister's application, since there was no specified list of requirements for unemployed on their website, I used the Student requirements as a guideline and just didn't include the school certificate and copy of school ID.

A photocopy of each applicant's birth certificate is a must if you're applying as a family.

Embassy Experience

Since Visa application is from 8:30am-11:00am only, I wanted to go to the embassy early. I arrived at the embassy around 8:20am(like I said, early) and there was a short line of about 7 people outside. I thought they were the only people applying for a Visa for that day, but it turns out, it was only a line for the log sheet. After writing my info in the log book, I went inside. Unlike what I have read in other blogs, I wasn't asked for a valid ID. After having my bag checked, I just went straight inside. At 8:25am there are more or less 200 people inside(I counted the chairs haha) and a long line to get a number. There is an area where people can fill up their application forms as well as glue in their pictures(free glue!!). Since I have downloaded the application form from their website and filled it up before going there, I went straight to the line. I suggest you do this also so you can save time. It took about 20 minutes to get to the table to get my number. When it was my turn, I said to the personnel that it's a family application and that we're going to avail the BDO promo. He asked for the Monthly Billing Statement and he attached it to dad's application. He gave me a number and asked me to sign on the sheet for Window 3. When I took a seat, the number currently being served on Window 3 is 421 and my number is 447. After about 30 minutes, my number was called and I submitted all our documents. To my surprise, the Korean consul speaks Filipino! She checked each of our requirements. She gave back documents that already has a copy in my dad's application. She also didn't ask for the credit card, but I brought it anyway. After that, she gave me a slip which includes the date when I can claim our passports which is exactly 5 days after the date of application. I was very relieved when she gave me that slip because it means that we have complete requirements and that I didn't need to come back the next day and line up again. The whole process starting from when my number was called didn't take longer than 5 minutes. I left the embassy at 9:25am feeling somewhat relieved because the consul took our application but I also felt nervous because I don't know if we'll be denied or not and I also felt excited because I am one step closer to my dream of going to South Korea.

I will be updating this blog on October 25, when I get our passports. Wish me luck guys!!!

Belle De Jour Power Planner 2014

Hey guys! I just got my very own Belle De Jour Power Planner 2014 courtesy of my very generous friend!

Here's a sneak peak to the many awesome features of the planner.

It also comes with cute stickers at the back!

[Not in the picture] There are also amazing coupons inside! From Ace Water Spa, CBTL, Celeteque, Parisian, J.Co, Revlon and more!

The writing at the front page is really inspiring.

I'm still waiting for my BDJ Card to be delivered. I'll post it once I receive it!

Want to have your own BDJ planner?

You can buy from the BDJ Website for only PHP 598!

BDJ planners are also available in leading bookstores nation wide.

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Pantene and BDJ #choosetoshine

I just received my free (Yes, Free!!!) Pantene Treatment Kit earlier from BDJ! It contains a Pantene All Day Smooth Miracle Water and Pantene Daily Intensive Conditioner!

Want one? Just complete a short survey at group.ilovebdj.com and wait for your Pantene Treatment Kit to be delivered right at your doorstep!

Thank you BDJ and Pantene!

#choosetoshine

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Etude House Christmas Haul

Hey guys! It's been a long time since I last posted here. But anyway, Merry Christmas everyone!

So yeah, I'm just posting my Etude House haul. Reviews of the products will be posted soon!

First Up!

Dear My Blooming Lips Talk PK004

PHP 478

Next!

Precious Mineral BB Cream Cotton Fit Honey Beige W24

PHP 798

An all-day pearly bright skin BB cream contains Pearl Extract to purify skin, perfectly gliding onto skin providing clear and bright complexion with Baby Mineral Powder & Cotton Vell Powder for a smooth, cotton-like powdery finish.

(Description from Etude House PH website)

Last but not the least.

Precious Mineral BB Compact Bright Fit SPF30 Honey Beige W24

PHP 848

...and my favorite! If you spend PHP 2,000 and above, you get a very cute Etude House 2014 Calendar!

There's also space inside to put little trinkets such as pins and clips!

That's it!

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Korean Eye Liner Reviews [Liquid / Pencil / Gel]

Anyeong! Most fangirls know that in South Korea, makeup is a need. It is a part of their daily lives. Even men become endorsers of many different cosmetics brands.

Kim Hyun Joong - The Face Shop || SHINee - Etude House || JYJ - Tony Moly

The most commonly used type of makeup used is the eyeliner. Korean men and women are born with monolids, so in order to have double eyelids, they either have it surgically done(Double eyelid surgery), or use makeup.

Lee Joon - MBLAQ || Kevin Woo - UKISS || Key - SHINee

Why am I using only men as examples? Because I love them, that's why.

Oh! I forgot this was a review. I got caught up by these lovely men. LOL Here it goes.

First, is the Etude House Oh 'M Eye Line #1

It is a liquid eye liner and it costs 198 pesos. It's not waterproof but it doesn't smudge even if it gets wet. Compared to other eyeliners included in this review, this is the hardest to remove even with makeup remover.

Etude House Styling Eye Liner #1

It is a pencil eye liner which costs 128 pesos. It has a twist type packaging. It doesn't last long and can easily smudge. I don't really like this eyeliner because if my face gets wet(or when I cry), it looks like I'm crying black tears. It can easily be removed by makeup remover or even water.

Etude House Drawing Show Brush Liner

It is a liquid eyeliner and costs 498 pesos. It is waterproof and has a thin brush, great for lining upper and bottom lash line. It lasts long and doesn't smudge.

Tony Moly Backstage Gel Eyeliner 01

It is a gel eyeliner which costs 498 pesos. It comes with its own brush(as with most gel eyeliners). It lasts long and doesn't smudge. Since I like to use only a thin layer to line my eyes, I don't really like this because it produces a very thick line.

Brushes

The Drawing Show Brush Liner has the thinnest brush compared to the other three and IMO is best used for everyday natural makeup. The Oh 'M Eyeline is a cheap alternative to the Drawing Show Brush Liner with a 300 pesos difference in price. The only difference is that the latter is waterproof. The Backstage Gel Eyeliner is best when going to events, parties or night outs because of the thick line it produces. For the Etude House Styling Eye Liner, I don't really recommend it because it easily smudges and doesn't last long.

Using only one stroke

TL;DR

Etude House Oh 'M Eye Line #1 - 198 Pesos

• Cheaper alternative to Drawing Show Brush Liner
• Not waterproof but doesn't smudge
• Will buy again

Etude House Styling Eye Liner #1 - 128 Pesos

• Not waterproof, smudge easily
• Will not buy again

Etude House Drawing Show Brush Liner - 498 Pesos

• Thin brush
• Waterproof, doesn't smudge
• Will definitely buy again

Tony Moly Backstage Gel Eyeliner 01 - 498 Pesos

• Produces thick line
• Not really waterproof
• Not sure if I will buy again ~_~

Bonus:

I use this Tony Moly Simply Style Make Up Eraser to correct any mistakes when lining my eyes. It is very convenient and easy to use. Recommended! It costs 398 pesos.

Thank you for reading! <3 p="">

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Crazy Little Thing Called Love 2: The Missing Years

OMO! Finally! The sequel that we all have been waiting for is here! Well, it's still in the making, but you get the point. Mario Maurer, a.k.a P'Shone and Fern Pimchanok(mwo?), a.k.a P'Nam is back yet again to melt our hearts. Though I don't really consider this as a sequel to the first movie since it says "The Missing Years". 

Basically, here's what happened in the ending first movie:

Mouse over to view clearly.

...Three years have passed by since the beginning of her story. Nam secures the first position in her exam, which means she will get to stay with her father in the States. Nam and her friend finally realizes that the book did not do much help and decides to use the 10th recipe: Direct confession. On the closing of the school year, Nam finally confesses to Shone, only to find out that she is too late. Shone is already going out with Pin, his classmate. That night, Shone comes home to find out that he is accepted into a trainee program in a professional soccer team, and has to leave for the camp the following morning. He goes into his room and takes out a diary. That diary contains all of Nam's photos. Shone has always loved Nam but never managed to pluck up enough courage to tell her. Shone leaves his diary in front of Nam's house.

Nine years later, Nam is a successful fashion designer who recently came back from the States and is asked to appear in a variety show. Shone is now a professional photographer. In that variety show, Nam and Shone reunite.

Hooray for Wikipedia! ~_~

Wha.. whaaat?! Mworago?! Nine years later?! P'Nam finally finds out that P'Shone liked her from the start and you skipped it?! NINE FREAKING YEARS LATER?! -- I bet that's how most people watching that part felt. I most certainly didn't react like that! Like seriously! Why would I freaking be annoyed by the fact that they skipped the best part of the story?! Why?! 

Okay, sorry about that. So yeah, most of us were wondering what really happened in that nine years that P'nam and P'Shone went separate ways. In this 'sequel'(I don't really consider this as a sequel, but since I don't know what to call it, I'll just call it a sequel!), we will find out what happened in the nine years that they were separated.

Wait, okay! Do I actually have proof that this 'sequel' will grace the theaters soon? Hell yeah I do!

This... This 8-word comment right here, is enough proof!

Wait, what, who is SahaMongkolMedia?! They are the distributor of CLTCL! Yay! As you can see, the comment is made a year ago. Let's hope that we can watch it by the end of this year. Aja Crazies! Hwaiting!

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