Here we go again! Not proud of my book count, as usual. I think I may have gotten over my love for reading. Which sucks. Because it's like one of my proudest hobbies. It's when I learn the most; write the most. I don't want to give it up. I believe it's just a matter of finding the right books, and intentionally giving it time.
I enjoyed The Kite Runner and A Man Called Ove. They're both really good reads. I finished each book in less than a week, which is a personal best, given my dwindling attention span.
Whitney, My Love was a re-read. I remember being so hooked with this type of period romance ten years ago. But now that I'm older I find it annoying haha. Clayton and Whitney need to learn to COMMUNICATE. It's marriage 101, my goodness. Then again, this book wouldn't exist without the pettiness that miscommunication brings. Oh well.
Maybe I'll re-read Nicholas Sparks instead.
I watched a whopping 47 movies this year. All with my husband. Mostly Marvel because we decided to re-watch everything that leads to the infinity saga.
We also "re-watched" Kung-fu Panda. Putting it in quotes because my husband insists we've already watched them together more than ten years ago, and I have no recollection of it. I do remember dreaming about Mr. Ping's restaurant in the past but I'm not sure if it was halfway into the movie haha. I tend to fall asleep watching movies at home.
Besides re-watching, we also enjoyed a bunch of films that came out recently, like Weapons, Novocaine, The Companion, and Quezon.
My favorite series of 2025 has got to be Severance. It's so freakishly mind blowing. I would love for Mythic Quest to go on but apparently it got cancelled after four seasons.
That's about it for 2025. Hope to get back to reading more books and picking up on KDramas!
It's that time again where I pretend to realign with my long forgotten goals. So yeah let's do this haha
I want to jump into this trend of fighting overconsumption by reducing the things I buy this year. This means no new clothes, shoes, anything personal and material, except of course if something breaks or runs out. Like my hair ties and body oil lol.
Besides limiting my purchases I also want to continue decluttering items we don't use anymore, just to make space, not for something new, but for the sake of regaining storage space. Our house may not look that cluttered but I assure you every cupboard and drawer is full and we could probably throw away 50% of the stuff in this house. Maybe I'll do a weekly declutter. It's so easy to give away stuff within our condo anyway.
I always tell myself to limit doomscrolling as well, but I couldn't get myself to quit Instagram or Facebook. It's where I discover and document things. Maybe I'll quit Facebook instead and focus on Youtube and Instagram? I don't know yet, but I know that I want to write more and scroll less.
Speaking of writing more, that goes hand in hand with reading more - in my case. My 2025 book count was dismal (3), but at least it's not as bad as the previous year where I only finished a single book, regretfully at that. This year, I really want to read more. In fact I've just made my first ebook purchase, for A Thousand Splendid Suns, because the copy I downloaded for free was so horribly transcribed.
While jotting down my bills payments earlier I happened to look into the sum total of our credit card expenses and learned that we've spent close to 8 million pesos in the past 9 years. What a sum. I couldn't imagine we've spent that much. We're not even businessmen.
Which is why I want to save more money this year. My goal is to be able to save a million pesos at least, and put it in MP2. Should be easy if I don't spend a lot on unnecessary stuff! Also food! Argh!
Oh well, we'll see! Here's to still trying in 2026!
I don't know if there's value in recording my daily vlogs in 4k 60fps. While I appreciate the high quality and smoothness, my phone's memory doesn't, and I've been editing on the laptop for the past few weeks because of it.
Pros. I got to learn more about DaVinci Resolve, which is a desktop editing app that's pretty powerful for its price, ie. FREE. I've been able to get the hang of editing through it, getting used to the shortcuts, the different workspaces, it's been great. But honestly I still prefer my editing process in VLLO just because it has more cute assets haha. Also it's easier to generate intro highlights in VLLO.
It's Friday and the last working day of the week. Most people are going off for the holidays next week, I'm working on Monday because I don't have enough leaves haha. At least I can work peacefully for a day! Hehe
I want to get the iPhone 17. I think it will be a great upgrade to my 13 pro. It's lighter too. Probably can process 4k 60fps without lagging. But maybe that's just VLLO? Idk. I'm still happy with my 13 pro, but sometimes I wish I had more storage.
Anyways. Back to creating more videos for @kumi.sounds
One quiet afternoon, Mrs. Vina sat sipping her tea, letting out a long sigh before laughing softly. “Oh, Alea,” she said, “sometimes I feel like a walking contradiction. I want to look polished, you know? I’m fifty-five—but still fabulous, thank you very much.”
She grinned, then continued, “A little smoothing underneath my kebaya or modern outfits can make such a difference in how confident I feel. But then, I start thinking about the world—about what I’m actually wearing.”
“I’m a size XXXL, so finding something that fits well is already a struggle, let alone something that doesn’t feel like I’m wrapped in plastic or gives me a rash. Sometimes it feels like I have to choose between feeling good in my clothes or feeling good about what I buy.”
Alea leaned forward, clearly engaged. “I totally get that, Ma’am,” she said with warmth in his tone.
“So many women feel like they have to compromise—between wanting something that truly fits and wanting to be kind to their bodies and the planet. But the good news is, the industry is finally changing. It’s no longer just about ‘slimming’—it’s about conscious contouring. I really believe the answer lies in combining sustainable shapewear with innovative, skin-friendly fabrics.”
Their conversation that afternoon flowed easily but carried depth—a gentle reflection on style, awareness, and the journey of being a modern woman who wants to look beautiful without sacrificing comfort or compassion for the world she cares about.
The Modern Dilemma: Conscience Meets Curves
For women who have embraced their curves over the decades, like yourself, the practical need for effective shaping remains strong. We are past the days where shapewear meant stiff, agonizing corsetry. Today, we seek support, smoothing, and an enhanced silhouette—a beautiful foundation for any look. However, the environmental and health considerations have become just as crucial.
As a size XXXL woman, you require superior construction that doesn't roll, pinch, or dig. As someone who cares deeply about the environment, you want materials that are biodegradable or made from recycled content, produced ethically. And critically, as someone mindful of health, you need fabrics that breathe and won't trigger allergies on sensitive skin.
The beauty of the current evolution in intimate apparel is that these demands are no longer mutually exclusive.
The Health Imperative: Why Natural Fibers Matter for Mature Skin
When we talk about skin health, especially for those of us experiencing hormonal changes or simply having skin that demands more gentle care, the fabric composition is paramount. Synthetic materials, common in traditional shapewear (think heavy nylon and spandex blends), excel at compression but often fail in breathability and biocompatibility.
The key insight is; many traditional shapewear fabrics trap heat and moisture. This warm, damp environment is a breeding ground for irritation, rashes, and even infections. For skin that's already more delicate with age, this is a significant concern.
This is where the move towards sustainable shapewear becomes a health benefit, not just an ethical one.
Hypoallergenic Qualities: Materials like organic cotton, bamboo viscose, and certain Tencel blends are inherently hypoallergenic. They are processed with fewer harsh chemicals, meaning they drastically reduce the chance of contact dermatitis or allergic reactions common with synthetic dyes and finishes. If you’ve ever experienced an itchy waistband or a rash under the tightest part of the garment, an eco-friendly, natural-based textile can be a revelation.
Superior Breathability and Moisture-Wicking: Fabrics derived from plants, especially bamboo, are exceptional at wicking moisture away from the skin. This constant airflow keeps the body cooler and drier, a massive benefit for comfort, particularly in a tropical climate like Indonesia’s. Good ventilation is your best defense against discomfort.
No "Forever Chemicals": The push for sustainability often targets the elimination of PFAS and other toxic chemicals used in textile finishing. Choosing certified eco-fabrics ensures you are minimizing your skin's exposure to these substances, which can be a real win for overall wellness.
Eco-Friendly Style: The Materials Driving the Change
The sustainable shapewear market is rapidly innovating to meet the demand for effective shaping using planet-friendly materials. These fabrics manage to deliver the necessary stretch and recovery for true shaping power while retaining natural softness.
Bamboo Viscose: The Soft Powerhouse
Bamboo is a champion in this space. It’s fast-growing, requires less water and no pesticides to cultivate, and the resulting viscose fabric is unbelievably soft—often feeling silkier than cotton.
Support & Feel: It offers a lovely, gentle yet firm compression that molds to curves without feeling constricting. For a size XXXL, this provides smoothing over the tummy, hips, and back, acting like a second skin. Look for collections that emphasize bamboo shapewear for its incredible softness and cooling effect.
Recycled and Regenerated Fibers
True sustainability often involves turning waste into something useful. Many modern sustainable shapewear lines utilize recycled nylon or fibers derived from renewable resources like wood pulp.
Performance: These materials often mimic the performance of traditional synthetics—offering excellent four-way stretch and durability—but they significantly lower the carbon footprint and reduce reliance on virgin petroleum products. This is where the technology really shines, giving you high-performance shaping that aligns with your environmental values.
The Underpinning: Thinking About Panties
If the foundation isn't right, the whole look suffers. The choice of asses panties—or shaping briefs—is vital, especially when prioritizing comfort and skin health. Traditional briefs can cut in unflatteringly or bunch under outer layers.
When seeking out eco-friendly options, look for shaping panties that feature:
Seamless or Laser-Cut Edges: To disappear under clothing and prevent visible lines, which is a major confidence booster.
Natural Gusset Lining: Even if the main fabric is a blend, a 100% organic cotton gusset is essential for maximum breathability and hygiene in that critical area. This small detail is a hallmark of health-conscious design.
Appropriate Compression for Your Size: A size XXXL often needs firm, targeted support, not just a light hug. The best eco-lines are now engineering their fabric structures to offer this targeted support across the entire size range.
Achieving the Perfect Shape at Size XXXL
The biggest hurdle for many women in larger sizes is finding effective compression that doesn't create new lumps or feel like a torture device. Here’s how sustainable options are mastering the balance:
Targeted Compression Zones
Modern, well-designed shapewear—whether synthetic or eco-based—doesn't rely on uniform squeezing. It uses different knit structures in different areas:
Midsection & Tummy: Requires higher, more stable compression for smoothing and support.
Legs/Thighs: Needs graduated compression to smooth the silhouette without creating a harsh line or bulking near the hem.
Back: Strong vertical support helps improve posture, which is incredibly valuable as we age.
Comfort for All-Day Wear (and Beyond)
You want to feel supported from your morning kopi until your evening routine. For extended wear, especially for someone who prioritizes comfort, features like silicone grips (if they are skin-safe and non-irritating) or seamless construction are key to keeping the garment in place.
Furthermore, never underestimate the power of a good fit. Even the most eco-friendly garment will fail if the size is wrong. Always check the specific size guides for sustainable shapewear brands, as fits can vary.
Making the Conscious Purchase: Value Over Volume
It's easy to get drawn to a massive shapewear sale, but when you are prioritizing ethics and health, the focus shifts from the cheapest price to the cost-per-wear and the garment's integrity.
A poorly made, all-synthetic piece might be cheap upfront but will lose its shape quickly, need frequent replacement (creating more waste), and potentially irritate your skin in the meantime. A well-made, durable, and sustainably sourced piece—even at a slightly higher initial price—will serve you better, last longer, and align with your values.
When you are browsing, look for transparency. Do they state what fibers are used? Do they have certifications? Do they offer options in your size? Checking out the eco-series collections from brands committed to this cause is a great starting point.
Alea smiled warmly and said, “Mrs. Vina, don’t think of this as compromising—think of it as an upgrade. You’re stepping into a new era where your clothes don’t just fit your body, they also support the planet. You still get that sleek silhouette you love, the anti-allergy comfort you need, and the satisfaction of helping the environment—all wrapped up in one meaningful, functional piece.”
Hearing that, Mrs. Vina’s eyes lit up. Her voice turned bright and energized, “Wow, Alea, I feel so much better hearing that! It’s not just about finding something that fits—it’s about finding something that cares. I’m definitely going to look for bamboo and organic cotton blends now. Knowing that the softness against my skin is also a kindness to the Earth—that’s the kind of support I truly need. Thank you, Alea, for making it all feel so meaningful.”
Conclusion: The Future is Form-Fitting and Green
The journey toward truly functional, comfortable, and ethical shapewear is well underway. For the discerning, size-conscious, and environmentally aware consumer—like our experienced friend Mrs. Vina—the message is clear: sustainable shapewear is no longer a niche category; it is the future standard.
By prioritizing natural, breathable, anti-allergy textiles, demanding inclusive sizing (XXXL and beyond), and looking for durable construction, you can finally enjoy the confidence a perfect foundation garment provides without compromising your commitment to health or the environment. The perfect blend of style, support, and sustainability is finally within reach, offering a firm but gentle hug that is good for your curves, your skin, and your conscience.
I didn't know Youtube had a content detection feature that detects potential copies of my videos.
Here it shows eight videos that have copied and uploaded my content to their channel. Five of them are 100% matches or complete copies! I can't believe it! Fortunately they didn't really get much traction. But I'm still going to request for removal because how dare they!
I recently subscribed to Suno so I could put up a lofi bgm channel on youtube. I know they have stricter policies now with regards to AI generated content but I'm curious where this will take me. I've already accepted that I may not get this channel monetized but at least I get to listen to my own AI playlist haha.
I got the idea after realizing the bgm I've been nonstop listening to on youtube is actually AI generated. That's the time I submitted to the fact that AI is just gonna get better over time and I need to embrace it. It makes life easier in a lot of ways.
People are quick to dismiss the effort it takes to monetize AI generated content but even with Suno rendering the tracks through my prompts, it still takes me hours to edit the video, create a thumbnail, and write up a fitting description.
I don't know what to say about life lately. It's been okay, despite my mobility issues.
✨ I just turned 35! Celebrated with family since we couldn't go out of town in my condition. Normally we would be in Tagaytay or Baguio, just my husband and I, of course Koomi. It's been a while since I celebrated my actual birth date with my parents. I've missed them. My mom who's still regaining her strength from heart surgery was able to carry down the stairs so we were able to eat together in the dining area. It's the first time in months we got to dine properly. Ever since her surgery we've been eating in the bedroom instead which can be uncomfortable. But hey it has AC! 😄
✨ I recently got a recognition from my manager for my automation efforts. It came in the form of points which is redeemable in this rewards hub that we have. It's the biggest I got so far. It converts to 8,000 Sodexo credits that I will gladly spend this season! Yay! 🥰
✨ I finished two books this November. The Kite Runner and A Man Called Ove. They were both very good reads and easily became my favorite. Then I started Blood Meridian upon my husband's recommendation. Not a tenth in and I found it difficult so read so I had to park it. The words just flow very slowly in my head, and I can only read it in silence, with a fully focused brain. The introduction has compared his style to Faulkner's. And as I read an excerpt from one of his classics, I have to agree.
✨ Might go with A Thousand Splendid Suns.
✨ I have so many things to do at work and my priority is still improving the AI capability of our Power BI dashboard. My manager was going to present this feature two weeks ago but the meeting got moved to a month later so now I have to really focus on it this week because I need to show something by Monday next. Whew.
My darned knee has made it impossible for me to enjoy life lately. I hope it doesn't last forever. I miss playing badminton. I miss malling. I miss being able to go down the stairs. I miss swimming. I miss walking for hours. I miss being able to cross my legs. I'm already lamenting at the thought of not being able to walk around Bangkok next year. 🥹
My legs get tired very easily lately. I think it's because I've been trying to walk a lot. I was advised to strictly avoid any twisting or turning motion that could impair the surgical site. I didn't know that was part of the recovery process until I went back to the gym and told my coach my knee hurts whenever I try to pivot. He told me it will probably take 90-120 days to recovery fully. I cannot wait. Hope I don't injure myself further in anticipation.
My easily tired legs have made it difficult for me to work too. I bought foot stools to elevate my legs better, switched to a dining chair because it's lower, and have to sit at the edge of the chair to avoid pressure on the thighs. It barely helped. Sometimes I would work on the bed, where it's more comfortable for my legs. But that means working a single screen laptop. And I'm barely productive that way.
I promised myself to do focused work this week but I had a really bad migraine for 2 days. It was a struggle to look at the computer. I just wanna throw up and cover my eyes all day. It's crazy. It's an unproductive week for me.
On a brighter note. I'm 70kgs today, or 160lbs by the scale. Lightest I've weighed in recent years.
Also, second half of our 13th month pay was credited today. I'm not too excited about it because the whole sum is taxable for me so I was deducted a freaking 25%. Argh. Thankfully I managed to set aside some for my savings, a fancy steak dinner for my birthday this weekend, and lunch and dinner celebration for both my families. It's the first time in the longest time that I'm celebrating my actual birthday with my family and I'm quite looking forward to it. Hopefully traffic isn't too bad.
Drove my husband to emergency earlier because his allergies are worsening. We haven't gotten in touch with an allergologist yet but he's been checked by the ER doctors, his derma, our gym coach who's an ortho, and tomorrow - a dentist. No wonder he's not getting well no? 🤣
I want to update the lighting in our house. Put a pendant lamp above the dining table. Change the home office light to something warm. Install a task light in the kitchen. Figure out the what the other switch in the kitchen is for. I'm specifically looking at the IKEA Skurup for our dining. But I know it's not gonna hang dead center at the table, and I'm not sure if I can live with that.
On the matter of stuff I've been putting off doing, here's a list. Mostly got to do with throwing out things.
☑️ Throw away old boxes. Never mind that they can be used for storage in the future. That day never comes. This includes shoe boxes, apple boxes, and all the big boxes that's out of warranty. Don't even think about just flattening them to save space.
☑️ Clean the rust off the TV console. Try WD-40 and elbow grease.
☑️ Declutter clothes. Socks. Old jackets. Towels. Linen. Find some place to donate it to. Badly need to free up hangers and closet space.
☑️ Give away stuff. Old art materials and books. Unused cookware.
☑️ Throw away old cables, old dog toys.
☑️ Sell stuff. Anything new we don't need can be 50 each. Bundle useless and useful stuff together to get rid of them easier.
☑️ Sell my old smartwatch cos I'm back to using my older smartwatch.
There's a new way of decluttering I learned about. Which is treating your stuff like employees and giving them a performance review every now and then. If it's not doing its purpose anymore, it has to go.
I'm used to the Marie Kondo way of looking at something and deciding if it sparks joy. And it always ends up with me keeping things based on how I feel. This new method feels more pragmatic. Hopefully I give it a try.
I was recovering fairly well after my knee surgery. Until I decided to eat my neighbor's leche flan. I was contemplating on what to get for dessert one night. Magnum classic or a tub of ultra sweet leche flan - that has once (or twice) wreaked havoc on my throat, opening a portal for a host of diseases (mainly flu) to vacation in my body.
Against my better judgment I chose the latter of the two desserts, becoming a five-star superhost, once again, to my favorite visitors: tonsilitis, cough, and colds. Fever usually comes in with them but I've been housekeeping with Paracetamol so it couldn't get in.
For a week I toiled between relieving my sore throat by taking cold drinks, and relieving my flu by not taking cold drinks. It's a damn hassle living with both. I couldn't function properly at work. I couldn't talk. I have a mouth sore that sits on my lower lip, directly touching the top of my tooth that it stings all the time.
As a woman in her 50s, I’ve gone through many stages in life, but one thing I couldn’t escape was the changes brought by menopause. Suddenly, my belly became harder to manage, my butt lost its firmness, and I felt uncomfortable every time I looked in the mirror before heading out.
One morning, while getting ready for my friend’s daughter’s wedding, I stood in front of my closet with a deep sigh.
“Oh dear… nothing fits the way it used to,” I muttered to myself, pulling out a dress I hadn’t worn in years.
My daughter, who was scrolling on her phone nearby, looked up.
“Mom, why do you look so stressed?” she asked.
I shrugged, holding the dress against my body. “It’s not the dress, honey. It’s me. Ever since menopause, I feel like my body isn’t mine anymore. My belly, my hips… they all changed.”
She walked over, smiled, and whispered, “You know, there’s this thing called shapewear. It’s not about changing who you are—it just gives you a little boost. Like a secret superpower.”
At first, I laughed. “Superpower? At my age?”
“Yes!” she insisted. “You’ll see. It’s like a best friend that keeps everything in place while you shine.”
That night, I gave in and wore shapewear under my dress. To my surprise, it wasn’t just my clothes that looked better—it was me. The dress hugged my body in the right places, I felt more put-together, and when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I smiled for the first time in a long while.
Walking into the wedding hall, my friend leaned closer and whispered, “You look amazing! What’s your secret?”
I chuckled softly and replied, “Let’s just say I’ve found a little silent helper.”
The truth is, shapewear did more than smooth out the lines of my dress. It lifted my confidence, reminded me that I could still carry myself with grace, and helped me walk out the door with my head held higher.
Shapewear Is Not Just About Looks, It’s About Confidence
There’s a common misconception that shapewear only exists to hide “flaws.” But in reality, shapewear is about support—both physically and emotionally. When your body feels tighter and more defined, your mindset naturally shifts to something more positive.
For me, shapewear has become a part of self-care. Just like skincare, light exercise, or eating healthier, shapewear helps me feel comfortable and confident in my own skin—without forcing myself into extreme diets or endless workouts.
Why Black Friday 2025 Is the Best Time to Shop for Shapewear
When it comes to shopping for shapewear, the 2025 Black Friday shapewear sale is simply unmissable. Discounts are massive, new collections are released, and you can grab premium-quality shapewear at much friendlier prices.
Especially for butt lifting shapewear and tummy control pieces, which usually cost a bit more, Black Friday is the perfect time to stock up and invest in pieces that will last.
1. Shapewear Bodysuit: The All-in-One Lifesaver
If I could only choose one shapewear piece to wear daily, it would be a shapewear bodysuit. It hugs the body, providing support from the belly and waist all the way down to the butt.
As someone dealing with menopause belly, the bodysuit is my secret weapon. Dresses fall more smoothly, blouses no longer cling awkwardly, and my butt looks naturally lifted.
2. High Waisted Shapewear Shorts: The Menopause Belly Solution
For skirts, jeans, or fitted pants, nothing beats high waisted shapewear shorts. They don’t just flatten the tummy but also give the butt a subtle lift without that suffocating feeling.
I wear these often for work or casual outings. The fabric is lightweight, yet the effect is powerful: my belly feels flatter, and my posture improves instantly.
3. Shapewear Leggings: Lift Your Butt, Shape Your Legs
I never imagined shapewear could come in the form of leggings, but once I tried them, I was hooked. They don’t just lift the butt, but also shape the thighs and calves, making the legs look longer and leaner.
Perfect for coffee dates or casual strolls, shapewear leggings make me feel both sporty and feminine at the same time.
4. Tummy Control Shapewear Panty: Simple Yet Effective
Sometimes, you just need something simple. That’s when I reach for tummy control shapewear panties. They’re easy to wear under jeans or casual dresses, but they still deliver results: a smoother tummy and a perkier butt.
They’re the type of shapewear you can rely on daily without feeling like you’re trying too hard.
5. Full Body Shapewear: A Confidence Booster All Day
For special occasions—weddings, reunions, or even photoshoots—I go for full body shapewear. It’s a little more “serious,” but the results are unbeatable. My entire silhouette feels sculpted, my butt looks lifted, and I can go through the day radiating confidence.
How to Choose Shapewear That Fits Your Body
After experimenting with different pieces, I’ve realized there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to shapewear. The right choice depends on your needs:
Struggling with belly fat? → High waisted shapewear shorts
And always remember: breathable materials matter. Comfort should never be compromised.
Lifestyle + Confidence: How Shapewear Became My Menopause Companion
For me, shapewear isn’t about hiding weaknesses—it’s about reclaiming confidence in this new stage of life. Yes, our bodies change with menopause, but that doesn’t mean we should stop caring for ourselves.
Shapewear is my “quiet companion” that helps me show up in the world with self-assurance, without constantly comparing myself to how I looked in my 30s or 40s.
Conclusion: Black Friday 2025—The Perfect Moment to Invest in Yourself
If you’re looking for a small yet powerful boost of confidence, give shapewear a try. And with the upcoming 2025 Black Friday shapewear sale, now is the perfect moment to invest in yourself without overspending.
I believe every woman deserves to feel beautiful and confident—at any age. Shapewear is just one of the tools that can help us embrace that truth.
Knee surgery was a success. Thought it was going to be a difficult recovery but three days later, after the anesthesia has worn off, I don't feel so much pain. I only needed crutches for a day but the following days I'm able to walk around the house, albeit limping. I was hoping to get two months WFH approved but I think I'll be back to normal in no time. I hope so.
I've been eating fast food a lot the whole time I was confined. Thanks McDo. I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights. A night longer than expected. I wasn't cleared for discharge on the same day of my operation since the anesthesia has not completely worn off and I'm still being observed.
So what happened to my knee? I have a lateral meniscal tear on the right knee and a cartilage defect. I underwent chondroplasty to smoothen and reshape the damaged cartilage, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy to remove the damaged part of the torn meniscus, and debridement to remove any damaged tissue around the wound. So much damage lol.
I'm looking forward to recover fully because it's Christmas season and it's gonna be so busy I don't want to miss out.
My surgeon sent me a photo of my intact ACL and inner meniscus which is good news. I don't know which is which in the photo I only care than my ACL is good. Yey!
Thankful that my HMO was able to cover everything in full (except for a very minimal miscellaneous fee). The final bill amounted to 180k+, with Philhealth covering around 60k. ☺️
I'm scheduled for right knee surgery on Friday. Please pray for me. I have a meniscal cyst that needs to be cleaned up. Then possibly they could also repair my meniscus. Stitch the torn part together. I don't know. My knee started locking frequently this year. By frequently I mean it happened five times since March. It's super painful when it happens. Like 8/10 💀. I've mentioned it a couple of times in this blog. The pain has been worrying enough for me to consult about it. After an MRI we've confirmed a cyst that's big enough to cause the frequent dislocation of my knee.
Hopefully I recover fast. The procedure isn't as complex as my ACL reconstruction so hopefully I'd be walking in no time. Hopefully. It sucks that I have to pause coming to the gym for this. I don't want to waste all the progress we've made when we started with Coach Gene. It's been great working out. I've never felt this good with my body despite still being on the obese scale haha. I feel stronger and leaner. I really wanna be in shape and become fit. I need the strength. At the state of my knees I really wanna grow old strong.
It's sucks that I already have osteoarthritis this young. Really limits my movement. Then again, it's kinda my fault my body deteriorated this early.
Anyway, I've been working 8 hours straight this isn't me. But also I don't wanna stop? Urgh.
It's office day today! New company policy says we have to leave 10pm onwards if we want to be eligible for the shift transport allowance (STA) which is like Php300 something per day. They used to be very lenient with this, as long as you clock in the office and stay at least 4 hours you'll get an incentive. But now they're being strict. Oh well! Guess I have to wait then!
Time check: 7:27PM
Just got back from dinner and a leisurely stroll. Had pho and spring rolls at Em Ha Noi next door, then walked to Muji to look around. I was gonna get a foot massage at a nearby spa but realized I have a meeting in an hour, and also, I need to work haha.
Pressure
I just finished two low priority items recently and was excited to start with this one big task that I've been pushing off for so long because I wanted to do away with the easy stuff first. Now that I'm ready to sit down and pour my brain into it, my manager told me to prioritize something else! Hahaha
So this new priority involves exploring the AI capability of the Power BI dashboard I created last quarter. It's a really curious task, except that they wanted to present this to the higher ups next month so there's the pressure. Whew.
Time check: 9:16PM
Normally I should be home right now but I have to wait for 10PM, also I have a call then so haaay. I've never stayed this long in the office. It's usually pretty quiet during the early EMEA hours, but when the NA shift starts people start pouring in and taking calls left and right. It's noisy!
I can't believe it's been a month since we flew to Bangkok to celebrate our eighth anniversary. It's the first time we celebrated outside the country. Quite honestly it's a bit spontaneous, booked flights and accommodation just a week before. Partly because we had money to spare at the time. We got our condo at Avenida refunded, lost 50% but the other half we got was more than enough for a good vacation outside the country. It's the best vacay ever! Can't wait to be back!
Here's my Bangkok vlog:
For the whole trip which was 4 days we spent roughly ₱91k
✅ Roundtrip flight was around ₱40k with PAL ✅ Four nights at Maison Hotel Bangkok was ₱17k ✅ Cash pocket money was around ₱21k ✅ And credit card spending was ₱13k
Not bad at all! Which is why I can't wait to go back already! I could imagine spending way more for a metro staycation had we stayed here. Not considering the flight, we'd probably spend more than 50k for a fancy staycation and a steak dinner hehe.
Here's our complete itinerary:
Day 1 (arrival at night)
Dinner at SW1 Market
Day 2
Lunch at Bangkok Train Station (Lap Paak)
Ayutthaya
Dinner at McDo
Day 3
The Grand Palace
Wat Pho
Lunch at The Deck
Malling and dinner at ICONSIAM
Day 4 (departure at night)
Lunch at Nobu Bangkok
Anyway, here's what went down at Bangkok:
Day 1: Arrival and SW1 Market
We arrived at Bangkok around 7PM. Obviously didn't have the whole day so as soon as we got to the hotel, we just dropped our bags and walked to the nearest night market which was SW1 Market.
It's like one kilometer away from the hotel and a good 16min walk. It was pretty far for my standards but it was a great place to experience their night market! Lots of food options! Some good, some bad. My favorites were pad thai, crispy pork, and crispy pancakes. Thai milk tea was also good! We tried crispy insects which literally tastes like seasoned nothing haha it's just crispy, nothing special. The mango pomelo sago I tried was also underwhelming, their mangoes aren't that sweet, pomelo isn't too, and the coconut meat was not real it's like coconut gulaman? Mango sticky rice was quite good though. Their mangoes are big but not as sweet unlike Philippine mangoes which is a bummer cos I really love mango sticky rice here. But their sticky rice and coconut cream? So goood! Then we also tried some skewered stuff, crocodile meat, chicken, and beef. Nothing special, I guess I didn't like the barbecue sauce. Wish I had the capacity to try a lot more dishes, but I got full already!
Today I clocked in 12k+ steps! Whew!
Day 2: Ayutthaya and McDo
This was an adventure. We didn't join any tours so we really planned this day out. Ayutthaya is famous for being the old capital of Thailand, before the Burmese attacked and occupied the city. They obliterated every royal structure, burned down temples to extract gold, and beheaded buddha statues everywhere. Now it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to historic parks, preserved ruins, and Buddhist temples.
We took a cab to Bangkok Railway Station and bought a train ticket to Ayutthaya. It was only 30baht for the two of us which is really cheap. The train is PNR levels though, fan only, and had so many stops. It took 2 hours to get to Ayutthaya. It's 80km north of Thailand.
After alighting at the station we booked a tuktuk tour, they're right by the entrance offering packages to tourists. They're not tour guides but they're gonna drive you to your chosen destinations and wait for you while you look around. We found it really convenient especially that the temples are far apart and we got there around 2pm already. They have a list of all the popular temples, parks, and attractions and you just point to where you wanna go and the driver will get you there. Depending on how much time you have, cos temples usually close at 5pm, the driver will suggest spots that are near each other so you can maximize the tour. It cost us 1,200baht for 3hours. Quite steep but pretty convenient if you ask me!
We were so exhausted after visiting 4 or 5 templates that we wanted to get back to Bangkok as quickly as possible and have dinner at Hia Lek Chinatown. Initially we bought the same ordinary train back, it arrives much later but drops us off near Chinatown (Hua Lampong). But after learning that there's another train that leaves earlier, has less stops, and arrives earlier at Bangkok as well - we decided to take that. Even if it means riding another train to Chinatown because it stops at a different train station - Krung Tep Aphiwat - which btw looks like an airport wow.
Train to Bangkok was super full. People were standing. But it's not MRT rush-hour full haha. After getting off at Wat Mongkon MRT station (Chinatown) we walked so far to Hia Lek only to find out it's closed! It's not even 9pm! We were so tired that we just decided to go back to the hotel area, find a nearby McDo and eat something local haha.
Clocked in 15k steps today!
Day 3: The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and ICONSIAM
It's ferry day today and day two of temple hopping! We woke up pretty early (before lunch) to commute to our destination. Getting around Bangkok is pretty easy once you figure out the train system which is very efficient and interconnected. We walked to BTS Nana station, rode 'til Siam, transferred trains, and went down at Saphan Taksin station where Sathorn pier is. This is where the river ferries are.
All of the temples in our itinerary are best accessed through Chao Phraya river ferries, and so we decided to go this route. Also, for the experience! We bought an all-day pass with Chao Phraya Express Boat for 150baht each which allows us to ride the ferry unlimited times throughout the day. We thought this was the cheaper option because we had four destinations and each ride costs 40baht but then we realized that there are other boats going around the river that are nearer our destination and that we don't even need to ferry from The Grand Palace to Wat Pho haha.
The Grand Palace was huuuuge! Unlike Ayutthaya which is more nature park like, The Grand Palace screams royalty. Every building inside is meticulously adorned with all the shiny and colorful things. It's a different kind of awesome.
After getting lunch at The Deck where we had a pretty view of Wat Arun, we rode a ferry to ICONSIAM which is freaking enormous mall. It's so overwhelmingly big we got lost in a food court wth. It's also so very beautiful and have lots and lots of food and shopping options. One part of it looks like Podium and the rest is a maze-ing! Haha lol
Learned that we can ride the BTS train home because it's linked to the gold line. It's also at this point that I realized I lost the BTS Day Pass the hotel gave us huhu.
Anyway, it was a really exhausting and fun day! Got a relaxing and amazing foot massage a Sook Siam food court before going home. Then when we got back to the hotel we tried smoking a joint because it's legal in Thailand (medically). There's a smoking lounge right by the hotel. It's our first time to try mary jane and also we're not smokers so we're the ultimate weed virgins. Waste of money I tell ya. We got something beginner friendly that would just calm us down, like 22% something, shared a joint and followed their instructions to inhale twice, wait a bit and puff it out. Then drink water. Well I drank a lot of water cos inhaling that thing dried my whole throat. I brought my tumbler with me which was a bad idea because now my tumbler straw tastes like weed urgh. I hated it. I didn't even feel sleepy.
Anyway, walked 17,500 steps!
Day 4: Nobu Bangkok, flying home
Last day in Bangkok. We booked a Grab car to the airport in advance because we noticed how difficult it is to book a ride here. Or maybe Bolt is better? Had lunch at Nobu which was pretty disappointing because there was no Omakase during lunch and the menu is quite limited. Not to mention it didn't taste any better than Nikkei, which is loads cheaper.
Should've just eaten breakfast at the hotel!
We left Bangkok at around 7pm and got to Manila 11pm. It was definitely our best anniv celebration yet. It's so easy to plan vacations like this when you have money on hand no? Doesn't happen always so I'm really grateful for this year!
Converge has been down for almost 10 hours now it's ridiculous how they've not restored connectivity yet. On top of that, our supposed backup - Smart and GOMO - are both super weak today. Couldn't get any work done the entire day. Good thing I only had one meeting.
Anyway. Just another day in the Philippines, where services are bad and customer support is worse.
The other day I had a thought. We weren't really looking into greener pastures in other countries. I thought we had it good here. 6-figure salaries, stable jobs, comfortable lifestyle. But then I looked at our current pay and wondered how long is this gonna sustain us before we had to switch companies again and look for bigger salaries? I thought I could retire at my previous company cos the culture and the work is perfect, but eventually the salary couldn't keep up with inflation, and I had to leave. If I stayed there, we have to tighten our budget year on year because there's no way the annual increases are gonna match the rate of inflation. Every year we had to downgrade, find some way to limit expenses, or God forbid work another job (not going back there again).
Then I wondered about my colleagues in other countries. How come they were able to stick to a company for more than 5 years without complaining about the salary? How different is the salary structure here vs there that we had to jump ship every now and then to inflation-proof our lives? I don't want to keep changing companies. It's troublesome and you lose retirement benefits for it.
Then I realized maybe we should just move to a different country. A red state in the US, or Australia, or New Zealand, wherever there's opportunity. Maybe Bangkok. I don't know. The more I learn how we have it bad here, the more I get jealous of those who were able to migrate.
I recently got a new work laptop after my old one was marked vulnerable due to having Viber Desktop installed 😅. It's the second time my laptop has been replaced in my three years in the company and I think it's because I kept installing Viber? Haha. I didn't know it was the culprit and I only learned about it this week.
Funny thing is, I got a new model which looks really nice. Seems like I got rewarded for installing illegal apps instead. Still freaking big and heavy, and the screen is more squarish, but it's all good. I couldn't request for a smaller laptop because dev laptops by default are all 15.6 inches. Oh well.
My laptop transfer this time feels more seamless. Thanks to OneDrive. I just had to wait for everything to sync and all my files are back in the same place. However I do need to reinstall everything else. UiPath, SSMS, Notepad++, Github Desktop, etc. And I need to setup my shortcuts again. What I failed to do is backup my Postman APIs so I'm feeling a bit upset about it. I should've created an account. Hay.
I can't believe it's been a week since Charlie Kirk died. My heart still aches unexplainably, and I'm still very angry at the violent liberal freaks celebrating his death, twisting his words, misquoting him, and calling him all forms of phobic when they're the ones who are clearly and evidently incapable of arguing for themselves.
They can't debate him so they called him names. Names an extremist responded to with a gun. That's how dangerous leftist diagnosis is. Instead of discussing why you believe the things you do, with an open mind, with empathy, they label you so wrongly with words that don't even come close to what you believe in. It's lazy. All because their ears start to ring in disagreement. They can't stand being explained to. Can't fathom the possibility of being wrong. Their mentality is built on an echo chamber that crumbles under a test of logic. Weak. Fed only hateful jargon to describe conservatives. They end an argument by walking away and calling you either a bigot, transphobe, homophobe, racist, nazi, or other godawful things just to justify their hate and exit the discussion, or rather an attempt at one.
I'm disappointed at a lot of my friends. But on the bright side, I found new friends to follow. Even influencers.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I read news that Charlie Kirk was assassinated at a speaking event in Utah. It was the first thing I learned when I woke up yesterday and it brought an immense heavy feeling throughout the day.
What disappointed and disgusted me further were the reactions from whacko liberals all over the world, celebrating the death of a man simply for holding an opinion they hate.
Charlie Kirk... who sought to enlighten the youth from the perversions of the current education system who encouraged people to reflect on the privilege of being in America and denounce victimhood who wanted to preserve families, the building blocks of society who values life no matter where it came from
He always discussed and listened in good faith, all the while championing Christian values.
He was a knowledgeable and effective debater. And he got hated a lot for it. Heck he got killed for it.
They didn't like that he supported Trump That he was anti-abortion That he was pro-gun That he was anti-illegal immigration That he was a nationalist etc.
Basically that he was conservative. Whatever happened to free speech? People are so scared to discuss nowadays. So confidently wrong they cannot handle being refuted, instead resort to violence. This kind of radicalism has eaten the west and is unfortunately propagating here.
He wanted to make America great again, by going back to the one who made it great in the first place, God. Is that so unwholesome that he is met with shrieking whales every time he mentions the Bible?
I guess demons do tremble in God's word.
My heart goes out to those who mourn for his death.
Jumping in on this AI scale model trend with our car! It's really cool except for the antenna haha. Here's the prompt:
Create a 1 / 7 scale intelligent figurine in the picture, in a realistic style, in a real environment. The figurine is plattered on a computer desk. The figurine has a round transparent acrylic base, with no text on the base. The content on the screen is the Zbrush modeling process of this figurine. Next to the computer screen is a BANDAl-style toy packaging box with printing. The packaging features two-dimensional flat illusion.
I took a photo of our car from the internet which is from Grab, hence the GrabRentals logo on the box hehe.
I can finally leave all the facebook groups I joined trying sell this goddamned condo haha.
✨ I need another knee surgery
I consulted with Dr. Braganza about the results of my MRI. He's my second opinion doctor, after getting my first one from Dr. Lantin who requested the MRI. Surprise surprise, they both recommend surgery. There's a cyst in my knee that has grown over my meniscal tear which has been causing my knee to lock and be unstable for the past few months. The plan is to remove the cyst and repair the meniscus so it won't grow again. It's non urgent so I just need to get a good schedule. Our gym coach who's also an ortho referred me to Dr. Braganza, says he's the best in the field, and I was thrilled! I didn't think I'd be at a point where I can choose a doctor, for the most part all I cared about was if they're HMO accredited. But now that I'm older and more fragile I kinda want to get the best treatment... from an accredited doctor haha.
✨ I wanna go shopping
Now that I have some money to spare I just wanna go shopping. But I couldn't find the time? We're visiting the parentals this weekend so I don't know when to squeeze some shopping time.
✅ My priority would be new glasses. My current one needs to be replaced already because of the scratches, and I've been eyeing some cute wide specs from Sunnies.
✅ We also need to buy a new blender. Our 9-year old Nutribullet has been slowly wearing off. The rubbers are falling apart, and it's super dirty now. I'm excited to get a new one. Especially now that we're enjoying making strawberry banana protein shakes as post-workout.
✅ As for my non-essentials, I want a pair of machine washable walking shoes from Vivaia and a new cross-over bag to replace my old one. I want exactly the same one I have but Hedgren doesn't carry the same style anymore.
✨ Super swamped at work
So many things on my plate. I have challenging ones and easy ones, but nothing stressful. Thank God!
