It's Been a Month

 

September 2023 is the month and year to remember forever. I moved out from the big city and back to the city where I was adopted, a place where I have a piece of home in my heart and where I have my own place to live - Cebu.

I always fly home when I can to visit my family and a few close friends, the longest I stayed here was two months and then I had to go back again to Manila because that's where my life was. 

Now that I'm officially back in Cebu, there are so many new developments and new and familiar trends here. First of all, I am so happy that there are stores and restaurants that are now open here that are from Manila which is good. 

New transportation - you can't see the original classic jeepneys and you will see the minibus in the city with one signage going to I.T. Park - like, wow! And because of that, I still go for booking a grab car and riding a cab. Soon, I will drive my own or rent a car to do my errands and go around the city. Which is what I miss the most - road trip. 

New buildings and condominiums - wow, so many new buildings here and hotels and condominiums that I can say give a lot of new options where to live conveniently. I love my place tho, but to be honest living in a low-rise building is good and prone to earthquakes, but I miss the elevator for easy access and less hassle carrying grocery stuff and luggage going up. I miss my old place in Manila. 

I moved here in a decision that my partner and I had to make because we are entering a new journey together. (KILIG!) 

Anyway, I just couldn't believe I've been here for a month now and I am a tourist exploring new options where to go for groceries, malls, shops, beauty salons, spas, and new places to hang out. 

I'm happy to say that I am closer to my family even though they live on the North side and hang out with a friend on weekends for coffee and dinner and life updates. Looking forward to meeting other friends who are currently busy with life and careers. 

Time to get to know new people and be known in this small community where I live. Good thing there will be a Halloween Party and Playground and Basketball Court blessings and dinner for all. 

I have to buy more chocolates for the kids trick or treat and think what to bring for dinner. 

That's all for now. xx

Halloween Costume Ideas 2023

Halloween is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about your costume. If you're looking for inspiration, check out these popular Halloween costume ideas for 2023: 

 Pop Culture: 

Barbie is always a popular Halloween costume choice, and this year is no exception. With the release of the new Barbie movie, you can expect to see even more Barbie costumes this Halloween. To get the look, simply put on a pink dress, some high heels, and a blonde wig. You can also add some accessories, like a Barbie doll or a Barbie car. 

Ariel from The Little Mermaid: Ariel is another popular Halloween costume choice, especially for kids. To dress up as Ariel, you'll need a red wig, a green bra top, and a purple mermaid skirt. You can also add a seashell necklace and a fork to complete the look. 

Maverick from Top Gun: Maverick is a popular costume choice for both adults and kids. To dress up as Maverick, you'll need a flight suit, a bomber jacket, and a pair of aviator sunglasses. You can also add a mustache and a goatee to complete the look. 

Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler from Yellowstone: Beth and Rip are two of the most popular characters on the TV show Yellowstone. To dress up as Beth, you'll need a cowboy hat, a flannel shirt, and a pair of jeans. You can also add a gun holster and a belt buckle. To dress up as Rip, you'll need a cowboy hat, a denim jacket, and a pair of jeans. You can also add a beard and a mustache. 

Wednesday Addams: Wednesday Addams is a classic Halloween costume choice that never goes out of style. To dress up as Wednesday, you'll need a black dress, white stockings, and black pigtails. You can also add a pale complexion and dark lipstick to complete the look. 

Barbie Costume

Wednesday Addams Costume

Other popular ideas 

Superheroes: Superheroes are always popular Halloween costumes, and this year is no exception. Some of the most popular superheroes this year include Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, and Captain America. 

Villains: Villains are another popular Halloween costume choice. Some of the most popular villains this year include the Joker, Harley Quinn, Venom, and Thanos. Animals: Animal costumes are always a fun and popular choice for Halloween. Some of the most popular animal costumes this year include cats, dogs, lions, tigers, and bears. Food: Food costumes are another fun and unique choice for Halloween. Some of the most popular food costumes this year include pizza, tacos, hamburgers, and ice cream. 

Batman Costume

Women's DC Heroes and Villains Collection Harley Quinn Costume

DIY costumes 

If you're on a budget or you want to be creative, you can always make your own Halloween costume. There are many easy DIY costume ideas available online and in craft stores. No matter what you choose to dress up make sure to have fun and enjoy the holiday! 

Tips for choosing a costume When choosing a Halloween costume, there are a few things to keep in mind: 

Comfort: Make sure to choose a costume that you're comfortable wearing. You don't want to be spending all night adjusting your costume or feeling uncomfortable. 

Weather: Consider the weather when choosing your costume. If it's going to be cold outside, you'll want to choose a costume that will keep you warm. If it's going to be hot outside, you'll want to choose a costume that won't make you too sweaty. 

Budget: Halloween costumes can range in price from very affordable to very expensive. Set a budget for yourself before you start shopping so that you don't overspend. 

Creativity: Don't be afraid to be creative with your costume. You can always put your own spin on a classic costume or come up with your own unique idea. With so many great Halloween costume ideas to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect costume for you this year. So get creative and have fun!

Travel Diary - Hello Singapore

 

YEY! Finally first trip abroad after two years! 

When my friend Jaz posted in our group chat to go to Singapore - I said YES! Because I really wanted to go back to Singapore with just leisure and not work and I want to go to Universal Studios and have fun there! I don't usually go to theme parks when I travel because I travel solo on most of my trips abroad.  

We booked our trip with a Travel Agency and we submitted and complied with all the requirements such as Singapore Arrival Card, Vaccine Certificate, and Travel Insurance before our travel. 

So here are my photos of the arrival and finally Jewel at Jewel Changi Airport! Thanks for the welcome signage, SG! hahaha just kidding. 

In my next post, I will share to you my fun experiences in Universal Studio Singapore. 

I felt so happy to see this familiar spot again since I just had a photo here back in 2016. So long! 

Have a great day everyone! Until the next post! xx

HELLO YEAR 2022 - WE ALL FEEL YOU

 

When we hear the number 22 we always think of Taylor Swift's song and we totally sing this line "I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22!" 

So there are unfortunate series of events that happened in our family before the year ends - First: my sister was pregnant and about to give birth last December and required to take a series of RT PCR tests for Covid19. On her fourth test, she was tested positive. The whole family got quarantined for 14-days! Our dad's birthday was celebrated at home again and I couldn't go home because it was useless not to bond with them. Turns out that the rest of the family are all NEGATIVE after they had a swab test at home, but still quarantined for 14days. After few days, it was Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) hit the Visayas - Mindanao and the top tri-cities in Cebu province gained a lot of damages mostly are roofs and some houses made of light wood materials got smashed. Everyone I know are safe. Laban lang. 

As for me, my family told me not to go home until water, electricity and telecommunications are stable. So, I booked my solo New Year's Eve countdown in the hotel near my place and tadah it was all worth it with the 360 views of fireworks and personalized mini bottle of champagne for souvenir. 

I was hesistant at first to go there alone, but eventually I have met these siblings, Jen and Robi from Cebu. They evacuated here in Manila just like my other friends for New Year's celebration. They are also planning to work and stay here for a while. 

The countdown begins and the fireworks display are all awesome and welcoming 2022 really feels so good. Im kind of carrying some emotional excess baggage, but just like decluttering my skincare products before I started writing this blog post, I will for sure slowly letting go of those baggages that I know there will be no room for this year. I will miss those moments and feelings, 2021 is one crazy roller coaster ride for all of us. I had encountered so many plot twists and received so many "Sorry". 

But here I am, trying to pull up myself from the mess I've been to. Hoping that I can have a good year and less bad vibes because I am a happy ball of sunshine outside and l am so close to shut down every windows and doors in my life that I know I can't do that because at the end of the day, I want to feel light and happy and peaceful. 

VLOG about my New Year's Eve here: 

Life Updates is a weekly VLOG content created by Jewel Delgado to share my life updates in a week to inspire single independent adults out there to have life-work balance and slow down filled with life living alone, adulting, minimalist lifestyle, reviews and travels.

Cheers to 2022! 

VLOG: IKEA Philippines Shopping Experience - Budget Shopping and Haul

HELLO EVERYONE! 

Sharing my IKEA shopping experience in Pasay City. I have scheduled my visit through their website also make sure that you have IKEA Family Membership para may points kayo. 

I pronounce IKEA differently. It should be EE-KAY-UH in Swedish accent. Sharing para sa mga nalilito din. 

“When Ingvar founded IKEA in 1943, he of course pronounced it with a typical Swedish accent: 'ee-kay-uh'”

I spent less than php3000 when I visit. We also tried their food sa restaurant. My reviews ako sa food nila and super mura lang din. I hope you enjoyed watching this video. 

Please subscribe to my small channel. 

 Thank you!!

 

My shopping buddy, Nabi

We ordered "almost" everything on their menu. So we can try them all. 

16 Pieces Meatballs PHP250

Baked Salmon PHP349

That's all for now.
Have a great day everyone! xx

Road Trip to Subic - Inflatable Island

 

We have finally had a chance to travel outside Metro Manila with my friends. The last time we were together was last February. Last year, we also had trips for few times. Nakakaoka!

We booked our all-day soaked at Inflatable Islands PH. Unfortunately, some of their inflatables were down due to typhoons this past few months. Also, they are only open during weekends only. It was perfect weather, so sunny and hot.

Finally, sand, sun, fresh air and beach

The whole crew! 

Seph, Jonah, Shelly, Jewel

Our sunset sesh.

What a great day! 

I love the sunset and pink skies.