I recently got myself cheap earbuds from Anker. It's like 700 something pesos only. Been hearing lots of good reviews from the brand. I know they make great powerbanks, but I was surprised to see stellar raves for their audio products as well. 

So here's the Anker Soundcore K20i

It looks very much like the apple airpods. Infinitely cheaper too than the 9k I paid for my airpods2 which broke in 4 years. With this I don't mind getting disappointed every year lol. 

It's pretty decent for its price. Since my airpods broke a few years ago I've relied on the wired apple earpods for private listening. And it's been great. It's literally wired airpods. But I can't help note the differences in audio experience coming from an apple product.

Anker's is noticeably lighter, plasticy and less premium to the touch. They boast about the bass but I had better bass on my apple earpods and I didn't need to change any settings. The earpods are also a bit bigger than Apple's so I can't dismiss the feeling in my ear. On the other hand, I tend to forget I have my airpods on. Bluetooth connectivity is fine, but coming from something that switched seamlessly between apple devices, it's quite an adjustment. 

Anyway I do love that there are better tap controls on this one. I don't know if they made these in the newer airpods but I can now tap to control the volume on this thing.

Overall I would say I still prefer the Apple Airpods but no way I'm spending 7k on something thats breaking in 4 years. Mine's battery just got wonky over time. They won't charge equally, the left ones dies earlier, and the charging case isn't holding juice anymore.

Oh well. Still pretty pleased with this!

Two shoes I blame for my self-diagnosed plantar fascitiis. 

1. The pair of birks I ruined cleaning. It was looking very grim at five years old and I wanted to restore the footbed to its former unsullied glory. So I sanded it. Reddit says it works. Well it did remove the black oil stains from my foot, but it also made the footbed incredibly hard it became painful to walk with. I don't know what I did wrong. Oh well. I just bought a new pair of birks and I'll be more careful with it.  

2. Next is my allbirds flats. I thought I got a good deal with it, it's a bit cheaper than Vivaia sitting around 5k/pair and it's incredibly soft when I tried walking with it. It's like walking barefoot on a carpeted hotel room. I had to be specific with the illustration because no way I'm walking barefoot on a public carpet. I've been wearing it at least once a week every time I go onsite. Which was okay at first but eventually I realized this old and frail body needs its arch support and this pair doesn't offer any. To remedy, I bought insoles for it but I have yet to put it to the test. We'll see.

So much to do. So little motivation. 

I'm in the middle of doing various little things at once. Harvesting bits of dopamine in each activity, but never focusing on something long enough to complete it.

I'm bouncing between generating music on Suno, looking for vacation rentals on Airbnb, and learning a guitar tab for Dust in the Wind.

I would do anything but work on the hours I'm expected to do so. And I'm not proud.

-- 

I have a discipline problem that I'm trying to address. I've never been able to stick to a diet enough to see results. Never pushed myself hard enough to leave my comfort zone. Never challenged my bad habits. And the result is being overweight for years, getting easily injured, easily tired, perpetually disappointed in my fitness levels, always hating how I look in photos.

I want to change that. And for accountability purposes (blog, don't jinx) I'm writing it down.

I'm committing to at least 30 days of calorie deficit. That's 1500cal per day, give or take. I mean I just started 2 days ago and I'm already over 300cals haha. Actually let's make that 1600? My maintenance calories is 1800+. A 200/day deficit is like cutting on midnight snack. How about let's start by quitting snacking at night?

Urgh, see it's impossible!

I don't find myself blogging as much as I used to. I think vlogging has replaced it, in terms of purpose (documentation) and the time I spend on it. Not that it's the same creative pursuit. Sometimes I find myself wanting to just rant mindlessly on Twitter, then I get too lazy, too conscious to air out my thoughts.

I do miss writing though. It's not the same as vlogging. I think I'm a better writer than a vlogger. Not that I excel at writing, I'm just saying that relative to my vlogging skills I'm a more creative writer than a filmmaker, if you wanna call it that. My vlogs are boring and template. It's literally just my day to day. In snippets arranged chronologically. No color grading, just captions, and AI generated music.

But writing, writing is more fun. I get to recall events and narrate them. Rack my brain for memories, and words to describe such memories. Try to make it interesting. It's very mentally stimulating for me. And it takes me the same amount of time writing a detailed account of the week and editing my Weekly Monotony. The only difference is that editing vlogs has become muscle memory for me, whereas writing poses a fresh challenge every time.

I'm really just waiting for my vlog to render, then I will TRY to sleep. I have trouble sleeping. Maybe because I drink coffee too late in the day. One in the afternoon and one during meetings. 

I had a big wart removed on my foot the other day. It's actually a recurrence. It's been removed last year but I wasn't able to take care of it properly so it grew back and looked much worse. So yeah. Derma had to inject several mls of lidocaine to the skin around the area and it's painful as hell. I hated the procedure so much I vow not to let it happen again.

Alright, happy weekend!

I don't think I'm gonna live long.

I'm 35 and in a lot of pain. Mostly in my knees since 3 years ago. Now my foot. And my lower back. It's been difficult getting up in the morning. Literally. How I wish I could just get rid of all this body pain. 

Every year I earn a new pain point. When I hit 40 I'm probably just gonna drop dead.

I skipped work today because of a terrible migraine. The one that pounds on the back of your head and creeps unto your neck. I almost slept the whole day. But still woke up with the same pain. Then I tried to get up and my lower back complained. I tried to stand up and my left foot shot me back to bed. Hay. 

I'm at a point in my life where I don't mind discovering that God may actually be just a nerd who ran a simulation in his computer. And that we're all just bits and pieces in a loop that's meant to simulate life, whatever that is for our supposed creator. It's not his fault he spawned a species who evolved with a penchant for the divine and worshipped anything that came close.

I'm also at a point in my life where hell doesn't scare me so much. Only those who believe in it fear it. And I think I've never really feared it in the first place. Being born and raised in a "Christian" household I never questioned my indoctrination. I never doubted. Not because it's indisputable. But because doubting requires questioning, and questioning required thinking. And I, never thought. My belief came from being conditioned, not convinced.

[Review] Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam

 

Had a pleasant 6-night stay at HIEX Bangkok Siam early this March! The first time we stayed at Holiday Inn Express was seven years ago at Singapore Katong. We loved the concept where only the basics are provided, prices are kept low, and you get the same Holiday Inn hospitality. Perfect for tourists who are mostly out the entire day and only wanted a safe and comfortable place to sleep in.

Here's my Youtube feature of the hotel:

 

Room and price

We got the Queen Standard with breakfast for around ₱4,600/night. Upon check-in we were upgraded to stadium view which was nice. 

Queen Standard

 
Stadium view 

We knew we could get a cheaper place but I don't know, for 6 nights I wanted to make sure we're staying at a credible hotel with thick walls so we can sleep soundly in the evening.  

Room is quite spacious at 23sqm, there's a Smart TV, floor to ceiling window, water kettle, cups, coffee and tea, and a mini ref. They also have soft and firm pillows, as usual and a very comfy bed!

Toilet and shower area is impeccably clean and towels are replaced daily. Water pressure is good, but the cold shower doesn't get that cold! Hot shower can get really hot which is nice, but I'd like to alternate with a cold splash once in a while and unfortunately the water just won't get that cold. Must be the weather. It's a very hot week in March.

Location 

 

I rate this place 10/10 for the location. BTS National Stadium is just 1 minute away (80m) and it's a terminal station too so it never gets busy. 

Ground floor has McDonald's and a bunch of cash machines. There's also 7Eleven nearby at Mercure hotel.

There's a coffee shop too along the driveway. And Lek Massage next door.  

Aaaand it's also walking distance to Jim Thompson museum (300m).

If you're looking for a place to buy pasalubong there's Lotus's Rama 1 Supermarket which is 600m away.

It's also one station away from Siam central station where the subway and Sukhumvit line interchange is. This is where all the big malls are huddled around. Near enough not to get stuck in traffic! It's very very central and we loved it so much.

Amenities

Being an "express" hotel, don't expect five-star amenities here. No swimming pool, no grand lobby, no fancy breakfast spread. Everything is basic and kinda self-service.

 

They have a 24-hour gym which has enough equipment for cardio and weightlifting.

 

They also have a spacious outdoor garden right outside the gym.

There are designated smoking areas, a meeting room, and a 24-hour laundry room where you can also fold and iron your clothes.

We also love that there's an ice machine! Perfect for when we're about head out and needed to fill our tumblers with ice water. As we've learned, water isn't free in Thailand. Even ice! 

Breakfast 

 

Breakfast is served from 6-10am at the Great Room. You can either dine in or Grab & Go - they provide take away coffee cups and bags for pastry. Really appreciate Grab & Go because I love their coffee!

 

They have a modest spread but quite frankly it's more than enough for us. We tend to skip breakfast anyway. The usual spread is sliced bread, croissants, muffins, fresh fruits, yogurt, milk, juices, rice, sausage, beans, pasta, congee, eggs, vegetable stir fry, rice, and something special called the hero's dish. Some days it's chicken stir fry, other days it's Pad Thai or Tom Kha. It varies. 

 

My favorite part of breakfast is probably their coffee. It's so good! 

Finally

Overall we had a great stay. Wouldn't mind staying here again and 100% recommend it to anyone who wants to explore Bangkok! 

New vlogging camera and spotting a fake Legato Largo bag

Remember when I promised not to buy anything this year? I'm out. I just bought the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. What can I do? It was on sale! I got the standard version for 5k less. It's even cheaper than the 2nd hand ones on marketplace. So yeah, forget it. I'm back to overspending and mindlessly shopping for little things. 

New gadget means new accessories. Besides an SD card, I also bought a magnetic mount, and also a new bag. Why a new bag? My current bag would be too heavy with the camera in it, and I needed a bag with more compartments so I could dedicate one to the pocket 3. It's a pretty delicate camera because of the gimbal so I needed to secure it better.

Ever since getting the camera I've been eyeing for bags on Shopee, and what really caught my eye is the Legato Largo line. It's a sister brand to Anello and can be found in some @Tokyo PH branches. It looks like a Longchamp Le Pliage but without the annoying flap. 

I tried it on at the mall and decided on getting a medium beige on Shopee. When it arrived though, I had doubts if it's real. The stitching on the handle isn't clean, and the color also looks off. True enough, when I checked back at the mall, the difference is huge. 

The leather details are bad, but besides that they pretty much got everything else right. The size, the labels, the feel of the nylon fabric, even the tags. I'm actually quite impressed. But the handle and the straps are really screaming fake. So I had to return it (hopefully seller accepts and Shopee refunds me).

I bought the original one at the mall and went home happy. I got the display item cos it's the last one and I love it!

Yet again, buy nice or buy twice. 

On another note, it's been weeks procrastinating on work. I really really need to get something done today. It's my productive day before we head off to a week long vacation. Urgh, I always fail to reserve energy for work.

:)

January

I opened the laptop with the express intent of paying my credit card bill, but the banking app is on maintenance so I couldn't access my statement. So that brings me here.

January went by so quickly. 

The first week we were still on a holidaze. I was editing vlogs nonstop. My phone storage couldn't keep up with the happenings. I had to transfer footage to my laptop. It was so busy. We were out a lot. Meeting family. Meeting friends. It was exhausting.

Then I got back to working onsite after being on temporary WFH setup because of my knee surgery.

I noticed my Weekly Monotony vlogs are getting more views when I put a face on the thumbnail. And so I changed the way I design my thumbnails and now I'm getting 5x more views. Which is cool. 5x seems a lot but on average I get only 10 views per vlog, and now I get 50 hehe. Just by changing the way my thumbnails look. It does look cuter now. 

I promised myself not to buy anything new this year. And so far I've been successful. It wasn't easy though, cos I was itching to get the Osmo Pocket 3. So instead, I rented it for a week. Just in time for our La Union trip. 

It was awesome. But I couldn't quite get the hang of daily vlogging with it. For a bunch of reasons:

• It's kinda fragile. I'm a grab and go type of vlogger and my phone has been extremely handy for that purpose. With the pocket 3 I always need to pull it out from its case, and put it back as well to secure it because of the gimbal. 
• It's an added weight to my bag. If I wanted it to be more handy and still safe I need to change my bag into something with a separate compartment solely for the pocket 3. 
• The footage doesn't sort well in my video editor. When I transfer the files from the mimo app to my phone, it can be sorted by date from the gallery, but not on my editor. In VLLO when I try to sort, it creates date groups that are sorted differently. It's been difficult trying to arrange the clips chronologically.
• So for the most part, if not all, I edit my osmo vlogs on my laptop, using DaVinci Resolve.
• Also because I don't have enough storage on my phone haha.

If I do decide to get the pocket 3, I also need to upgrade my phone so I can continue editing on it, also get more storage. Not anytime soon.

All that adjustment and I'm still leaning towards getting it in the future. Why? Because the quality is superb. These two vlogs are such a delight to watch, at least for me, because I can really tell the difference in quality. 

Anyway. My favorite day in January goes to that one day when I had pho, a manipedi, a foot massage, and iced mocha in one day. Such a great day. 

2025 screen recap

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!

 ETA: I forgot to put in One Punch Man Season 3 lol. It's not that good, but yeah that's 9 shows for 2025.

Nothing new for 2026

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!

High definition

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

Merry Christmas! 🎄

How Can Sustainable Shapewear Combine Eco-Friendly Style with Perfect Shape and Support?

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.

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.

Takedowns

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!

Where will this take me

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.

Oh well, let's see where this goes!

Ah, life

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.

Things I miss doing

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? 🤣

Oh well, happy weekend!

Household things I'm putting off doing

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.

Sick and tired

Literally.

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. 

It's been painful. But mostly over.

This sucks.

Should've gotten a Magnum.

SHAPELLX 4 Top 5 Butt Lifting Shapewear Pieces to Enhance Your Curves in 2025

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
• Want full-body support? → Women’s Shapewear bodysuit
• Active lifestyle? → Shapewear leggings
• Looking for everyday wear? → Tummy control panty
• Special occasions? → Full body shapewear

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.