💸 SeaBank Credit: What You Need to Know Before You Apply

 

SeaBank has been one of the rising digital banks in the Philippines, offering simple and accessible financial services right from your mobile phone. Recently, they introduced a new feature called SeaBank Credit—a credit line you can tap into anytime you need extra funds. But what exactly is it, and is it worth trying?

Let’s dive into everything you need to know!

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📲 What is SeaBank Credit?

SeaBank Credit is a revolving credit line that’s available to selected users inside the SeaBank app. Instead of applying for a traditional loan, you’re given a pre-approved amount that you can access whenever needed. It’s like having a digital credit card, but simpler and often faster to use.

Once activated, you can borrow from your credit line, transfer it to your SeaBank wallet, and repay it based on your schedule and the app’s terms.

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🚀 Why SeaBank Credit Is a Big Deal

• Convenience: Apply and access funds without visiting a bank.

• Speed: Some users report approvals within minutes.

• No Heavy Requirements: Most of the time, you only need your verified SeaBank account.

• Flexible Repayments: Pay based on what you use, not the full limit.

💸 Why Online Loan Apps (OLAs) Are Taking Off in the Philippines

In recent years, Online Loan Apps—or OLAs—have become incredibly popular across the Philippines. From students to small business owners, more Filipinos are turning to these digital lending platforms for fast, convenient financial solutions. But what exactly makes OLAs so appealing?

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📲 What Are Online Loan Apps?

OLAs are mobile or web-based platforms that allow users to apply for loans without having to go through the long, traditional bank processes. They usually require only a valid ID, mobile number, and a few minutes of your time.

🎥 Watch: My Video of Maya Personal Cash Loan

If you’re curious how one of these apps works in real life, I created a YouTube video where I share my experience using Maya’s Cash Loan feature—what the process was like, how much I borrowed, and my honest thoughts.

👉 Watch it here:

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🚀 Why Filipinos Love Online Loan Apps

Here are a few reasons why OLAs are trending in the Philippines:

✅ 1. Quick and Easy Process

Most apps offer loan approvals in as fast as 5–15 minutes. No long lines, no paperwork, and no need to visit a bank.

📱 2. Everything Is Done Online

All you need is your smartphone. Applications, approvals, disbursements, and repayments are all handled digitally.

🧾 3. Flexible Requirements

Unlike banks, OLAs don’t usually ask for payslips or high credit scores. This makes them more accessible, especially for freelancers and small business owners.

🔒 4. User-Friendly Apps

With clean interfaces and Taglish instructions, these apps are designed for all types of users—even those not tech-savvy.

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💡 Popular OLAs in the Philippines

Some well-known apps include:

• Maya Credit

• GCash GLoan

• Tala

• Cash-Express

• JuanHand

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📝 Final Thoughts

OLAs have made borrowing money more accessible for Filipinos—but as with any financial product, it’s important to borrow responsibly and always read the fine print.

Have you tried an online loan app before? Share your experience in the comments!

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What No One Tells You About Being a Freelancer in Pajamas

10 Things They Don’t Tell You About Working From Home and Being a Freelancer

The Remote Work Dream... and Reality

Working from home and freelancing full-time sounds like the dream, right? No commute, more freedom, and maybe even working from a beach in Cebu or a cozy café in Copenhagen. And honestly? A lot of it is amazing. But there’s a side no one talks about on LinkedIn — the weird, wonderful, and sometimes frustrating truths that come with this lifestyle.

After years of balancing client calls, strategy decks, coffee refills, and the occasional existential crisis from various corners of the world, here are the 10 things nobody really warns you about.

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1. Your Wi-Fi Speed Becomes a Core Personality Trait

SEO keyword: remote work setup, Wi-Fi for freelancers

Once you go remote, your relationship with internet speed hits a new level of intensity. You’ll learn to test download/upload like your life depends on it — because sometimes, it does. Especially when your client in London is waiting on a video call and your router decides to take a nap.

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2. You’re the Boss — And Also the IT Guy, Janitor, and HR

SEO keyword: freelance business tips, solopreneur struggles

You have full autonomy, but that means you’re also in charge of everything. Client onboarding, invoice chasing, email management, snack runs, printer errors — it’s all you. Empowering? Absolutely. Exhausting? Sometimes.

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3. Productivity Isn’t a Straight Line (It’s a Rollercoaster)

SEO keyword: productivity tips for freelancers, work from home motivation

One day, you’re in the zone knocking out projects like a machine. The next, you're reorganizing your Google Drive folders and watching videos about productivity... instead of being productive. The key? Learn your natural rhythm and build systems that work with your energy, not against it.

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4. People Think You’re Always Free Because You're Home

SEO keyword: work from home boundaries, remote work misconceptions

Friends and family assume "home" equals "available." You’ll get texts like, “Can you help me move a couch at 2PM?” or “Since you’re not doing anything…” Setting clear boundaries (and sometimes just turning your phone off) is essential.

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5. The Line Between Work and Life Gets Real Blurry

SEO keyword: work-life balance for freelancers, remote burnout

You’ll promise yourself you won’t check emails after dinner — and then find yourself replying at midnight. Working from home means your office is always right there. Create physical and mental separation, even if it’s just a different chair.

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6. Isolation Sneaks Up on You (Even If You’re an Introvert)

SEO keyword: freelancer mental health, remote work loneliness

No coworkers to chat with. No spontaneous coffee breaks. It’s peaceful... until it’s not. Virtual coworking, regular check-ins with fellow freelancers, or even working from a co-working space can make a huge difference.

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7. Clients Are Like Dating: There’s Ghosting, Chemistry, and Red Flags

SEO keyword: client communication tips, managing freelance clients

Every new client is a mini relationship. Some are dreamy. Some ghost you after the first project. And others? Red flags everywhere. Learn to trust your gut, set boundaries early, and always get things in writing.

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8. Your Calendar Becomes Your Lifeline

SEO keyword: time management for freelancers, freelance productivity tools

You’ll start scheduling everything: deep work blocks, walks, client calls, lunch, and even “do nothing” time. Without structure, the day runs you. With it, you run the day.

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9. You Redefine Success (And That’s a Good Thing)

SEO keyword: freelance career path, defining success as a freelancer

Success might not look like a 9-to-5 title or a corner office. It could be a client you believe in, a four-day workweek, or working remotely while spending time with your kids. Freelancing helps you design your own version of fulfillment.

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10. You Wouldn’t Trade It — But You're Still Figuring It Out

SEO keyword: freelancer journey, remote lifestyle challenges

Despite the chaos, the freedom is unmatched. You’re constantly learning, adjusting, growing — and that’s part of the magic. The freelance life isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s real, and it's yours.

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Final Thoughts: Welcome to the Club

Working from home as a freelancer isn’t just a job shift — it’s a mindset shift. One where you wear many hats, make your own rules, and learn a lot (often the hard way). It’s not for everyone, but if you’re here for the journey, it can be incredibly rewarding.

👉 Over to you: What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before going remote or freelance? Drop it in the comments or share this with a friend who’s just getting started.

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Top 10 ESL Companies in the Philippines Hiring Online English Teachers in 2025

Are you a Filipino looking to teach English online in 2025? The demand for English teachers remains strong, especially in the Philippines, where many ESL companies actively hire local tutors. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just getting started, here are the top 10 ESL companies to consider this year:

❗️Please note that these pay rates are approximate and can vary based on various factors such as experience, teaching hours, and additional bonuses. Always check the company’s official website for the most current and detailed information.

1. Preply

Preply is a global tutoring platform that connects English teachers with students from all over the world. Filipino tutors appreciate its flexible schedule, competitive rates, and the ability to set your own prices. Whether you're focusing on conversation, business English, or test prep, Preply allows you to tailor lessons to your students' goals.

Pay Rate: $10 – $25 per hour (depends on your experience, ratings, and the price you set for lessons)

2. EF Education First

EF is a well-established name in the ESL world. They offer online English classes to both children and adults in Asia. Filipino teachers are often hired for their strong communication skills and cultural compatibility with Asian students. EF provides structured lesson plans and a steady stream of students.

Pay Rate: $14 – $20 per hour (depending on experience and position)

3. Cambly & Cambly Kids

Cambly is popular for its casual conversation-style teaching. You get paid per minute, and there’s no need to prepare formal lesson plans. Cambly Kids is its version for younger learners. These platforms are great for teachers who prefer a laid-back, flexible setup and want to work with students across different time zones.

Pay Rate: $10 – $12 per hour (Cambly pays per minute, roughly $0.17 – $0.20 per minute)

4. iTalki

iTalki gives you complete control: set your own rates, choose your schedule, and decide what you want to teach. Filipino teachers can offer conversational classes, grammar lessons, or even help with test preparation. It's a good option for freelancers looking for flexibility and independence.

Pay Rate: $10 – $30 per hour (depends on your experience and the rates you set)

5. SkimaTalk

This platform focuses on one-on-one lessons with adult learners. SkimaTalk is known for being beginner-friendly for new tutors. If you're just starting your ESL journey, this might be a great entry point.

Pay Rate: $8 – $12 per hour 

6. Engoo

Engoo is one of the most popular ESL companies among Filipino teachers. Based in Japan, Engoo offers consistent bookings, round-the-clock student demand, and pre-made lesson materials. It’s ideal for those who want structure without the hassle of creating lessons.

Pay Rate: $5 – $10 per hour (Engoo offers bonuses based on performance)

7. Lingoda

Lingoda is a Europe-based platform offering English classes for individuals and small groups. They cater to adult learners in Europe and South America. If you're comfortable teaching adults and working European hours, this can be a lucrative choice.

Pay Rate: $15 – $30

8. Open English

A well-known ESL company in Latin America, Open English hires Filipino tutors to teach both kids and adults. It’s an excellent platform if you’re interested in working with Spanish-speaking students.

Pay Rate: $12 – $18 per hour

9. Fluentbe

Fluentbe connects teachers with students in Europe. Their system includes group and private lessons, with provided lesson materials. It’s a great platform for teachers who enjoy more interaction and a classroom-like feel.

Pay Rate: $12 – $15 per hour 

10. Lyngo

Lyngo is another Japanese company that offers structured lessons to learners of all ages. They hire both native and non-native speakers and provide good training for new teachers.

Pay Rate: $8 – $12 per hour

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Final Thoughts

The ESL industry continues to offer incredible opportunities for Filipino teachers in 2025. Whether you're looking for flexibility, structure, or a particular student demographic, one of these companies is bound to be the right fit. Make sure to research each platform’s pay structure, requirements, and class formats to find what works best for your lifestyle and teaching style.

Ready to start your ESL journey? Let 2025 be the year you thrive in the online English teaching world!

📢 Want more tips and insights on teaching English online? Check out my YouTube channel Life's A Charm for more resources!

Work From Home: A Dream or a Disaster? ☕💻

Ah, working from home—the ultimate freedom fantasy! No more morning traffic, no more office drama, and best of all, no more pants (hello, comfy pajamas!). It sounds like a dream, right? Well, not so fast. While the WFH life comes with some serious perks—like rolling out of bed and into a Zoom call—it’s not for everyone. And if you’re thinking about diving in, you’d better have a Plan B, because let’s be real: this gig isn't always as stable as that 9-to-5 corporate job.

Not Everyone is Built for the WFH Life 🚀

Sure, working from home sounds fun until you realize your fridge is five steps away and suddenly, you're having lunch at 10 AM. Or maybe your "office" is also your living room, where your pet thinks your keyboard is their new napping spot. Distractions are everywhere, and without serious self-discipline, it’s easy to go from "I'll take a quick break" to binge-watching an entire Netflix series. Plus, some people genuinely thrive in an office environment, feeding off the energy of their coworkers. If you’re someone who needs constant human interaction or struggles with self-motivation, WFH might not be your best bet.

Job Security? Think Again. 🤷‍♂️

Unlike traditional corporate jobs, which often come with benefits, paid leave, and a steady paycheck, remote work—especially for freelancers and contract workers—can be as unpredictable as WiFi during a storm. One month, you're swimming in projects; the next, you're refreshing your inbox like it's a slot machine. Companies can cut budgets, projects can get canceled, and suddenly, you're left wondering if your skills can pay the bills. This is why having a backup plan (or multiple income streams!) is non-negotiable.

Final Thoughts: Love It or Leave It? 🎭

The truth is, working from home is a lifestyle, not just a job. It takes discipline, adaptability, and a little bit of luck. Some people thrive in this setup, loving the flexibility and independence, while others find themselves missing the structure of a traditional workplace. If you’re thinking about making the leap, make sure you’re prepared—mentally, financially, and with a solid backup plan. Otherwise, you might find yourself wishing for that old office desk (and maybe even the office coffee machine).

So, is WFH the dream life or a recipe for disaster? That depends on you. But hey, at least you don’t have to wear pants, right? 😆👖

Unpublished Thoughts During the Pandemic

Hello stranger! 

It's a little weird that I feel as though a totally different person is scribbling this blog now. Wow! Guess that's all I could ever muster at this very fortuitous moment. I can't imagine how I've forgotten my little blog vice after all these years now appearing like a prodigal child. Seems a lot has happened that has flipped my world and turned everything upside down. I'm lost... Adrift in the sea of uncertainty not knowing where to begin amidst the sickening pandemic that has stopped the world from revolving.  

The Hideout in the city

What?

• Papa's 64th Birthday

We opted to do away with our usual birthday lunch or dinner celebration today for our dear old man so we decided to look for a new place to celebrate. Glad we didn't have to go far away to find the perfect venue... 

pardon us! i know its pop's birthday -- just wanted to share a poolside snap hehe

Where?

• The Hideout - a residential house located in hillsview drive subdivision in Lahug which is just within the city. 

Place rental: Php 1800.00/8 pax (good for 8 hours) wow!

Inclusions:

Free use of swimming pool  

Free use of kitchen 

Free use of dining area

Unlimited Karaoke

Add-ons:

Php 150/pax for additional guests over 8

Php 500 = use of 1 room

Billiards table = Php 350.00 (whole day)

Php 150.00 = use of gas range

The swimming pool is not that big but is perfect for small groups with a depth of 3ft - 6ft.

You can cook your meals at the location but we just brought with us our own food provisions since we found it more convenient.

They have a number of song choices for the oddballs like me who go cray for karaoke... I must say among all of us, there's no doubt it was ME who enjoyed it the most haha! 

We had the place for ourselves from 10am - 6pm today -- which was actually the best part! The hideout is a private place for you and your loved ones to chill in the city and enjoy each other's company as if you're in one of those out of town trips. 

Digyo Island: Last Hurrah for Summer

Summer trips are fun when you travel with the fambam... It's almost like an annual tradition of the gang to go on a short yet sweet summer escapade to my mother's hometown in Inopacan Leyte for the feast of their patron San Isidro Labrador that's celebrated every 15th of May. It's something that we have always looked forward to when summer months unfold. This tradition has been an awesome opportunity for us to visit and bond with our relatives whom we only get to see once a year --- not to mention the good food and the beautiful white beaches everyone including an oddball like me would love. 

Leyte province is undeniably gaining popularity these days because of Kalanggaman Island and Canigao Island. Local and international tourists have flocked their way to these islands to marvel at nature's finest waters. However, aside from the well known Canigao and Kalanggaman Island, Inopacan Leyte also has its own pride; the "Cuatro Islas" (Mahaba, Himokilan, Apid, and Digyo Island). 

How we transported ourselves to the Island?

We had to go to Inopacan's Baywalk / Reclamation Area  which serves as the docking area for all boats going to the Cuatro Islas.

Rates:

Boat rent ranges from Php 2500.00 - Php 5000.00

Environmental Fee - Php 10.00/pax

Entrance fee: Php 60.00/pax

while waiting for our boat...

with the man - my favorite travel buddy

We have been to the other 3 islands before so we skipped the island hopping and headed straight to Digyo Island for our most awaited swim -- haha!!!

Digyo Island --- is the smallest among the 4 islands hence its called digyo which was derived from the old Cebuano word "digyot" which means small. True enough, the islet's land area is pretty small that we've circumnavigated or literally walked around it in less than 30 minutes. We rented a cottage for Php 300.00 only for the day but you can do away with the cottages if you bring your own tent with you, especially if you plan to stay for the night. 

The island offers inviting crystal clear blue waters, white sandy shores and its own sandbar that glares brightly under the sunlight. No wonder the number of beach hungry tourists have increased overnight. I used to love it here since I get to enjoy the serenity of the island with my family and a few other people who knew about the place but with its soaring popularity, it's now jam packed with a lot of tourists and I fear people may abuse this virgin island and strip off of its beauty.

Take a peek... 
#phonephotography 

the gang en route to Digyo Island :P

3 bananas underneath the big blue sky! lol!

fambam  "ohana"

sandbar :)

happiness <3

On our way back to mainland Inopacan, we had the most amazing experience with unexpected beautiful creatures. Our boat was filled with shrieks of delight as we saw magnificent and playful dolphins swimming alongside our boat. Boy we were in for a treat! The only regret I had, all our cameras and phones ran out of juice. .. :(  Nevertheless, it was one fine summer day... definitely another one for the books! 

Shells on the Shores of Lambug Badian

Beachfront

woke up like this snap! :)

Been looking forward to beach bumming since summer started this year and alas got the chance to crash an outing -- haha! Finally, Lambug Badian is another one that's off my bucket list. Heard about it from people's blog-pages but never really got the chance to see it till this weekend.

Thoughts:

Didn't expect much from this place... It was prolly my way of trying not to be disappointed if it turns out otherwise from the the blog posts I've read.  

Transportation:

We transported ourselves to Badian by taking a bus with Cebu-Bato (via Barili) route from the South Bus terminal. The air-conditioned Ceres Bus only costs php 130.00/pax to get there. Whew! It's a 3-4 hour ride, shout out to the man-friend for the good playlist we listened to throughout the entire trip. We had also taken power naps along the way and busied ourselves in munching on some chips. 

We dropped off the bus and took a motorcycle to get to the resort. Don't be deceived, the motorcycle fare only costs php 25.00/pax. 

Accommodation:

There's really not much to choose from if you're looking for nice and fancy hotels. However, they have cottages decent enough to stay and light on your pockets. 

We stayed at Magic Beach Resort. 

Standard Room Rate: php 1500.00
Air conditioned Room Rate: php 2500.00
Tent: php 500.00
Own Tent: php 200.00

The resort provides plates and utensils for their guests and a dirty kitchen to cook meals out back and a refrigerator too. The shower rooms and toilets were clean even though its common for all house guests.  

Food and Drinks:

Well, we brought our own food provisions to Lambug Badian. Buying drinks and chips was rather easy since they have convenient stores just right beside the resort. The convenient store also offers a Karaoke Machine to sing our hearts out for php 5.00 only and get to have two song choices. Now isn't that a bargain? 

Verdict:

The white sands, the blue waters, and the fine weather made it almost perfect -- But it was his company which made it complete!   

Here are some snapshots I took with my phone camera...

with my man! <3

Karaoke at the beach

Karaoke at the beach

Breakfast - shout out to mommy aimee for preparing our meals!!!

Fun on the sandy shores

Strike a pose with mother :)

Just strollin'

Kawasan Falls - #itsmorefuninthephilippines

Oh how I love being spontaneous!

Wearing our I <3 Cebu Shirts :)

Thoughts:

We had an unplanned trip down south one fine day and had the chance to dip in the cold waters of Kawasan Falls. Had absolutely no plans that day when Mama woke me up early urging me to go with them to Kawasan. Half awake, I found myself all packed up for the trip just like that. 

How we transported ourselves to Kawasan:

We took a bus at the South Bus terminal at 3am. The fare was only around Php120 to my surprise going to Badian. It was approximately a 3-hour ride to get there so I was able to catch up with sleep and slept my way through the whole bus ride. Since we left early dawn, we managed to get there at 6am in the morning which was perfect. 

The Experience:

It was my first time to visit the place... I was psyched! I gotta say I was pumped up since I got out of bed that morning! Must have been so pumped we went swimming as soon as we rested our bags at the table we rented for Php 300 which I find affordable though. The water was literally ice-cold, yet the cold did not bother us anyway.... haha! They have tables, bathrooms, toilets, and rooms for those who wished to stay for the night. It's great to know you can witness such a beauty without having to travel far away from the city and you don't even have to spend much.

Verdict:

It was nature at its finest! Will definitely go back one of these days... #itsmorefuninthephilippines

Here are a few snapshots we took with my phone camera (sorry for the low quality photos) :

moi

my love

just look at that bamboo raft!

wearing our buoyancy vests that we rented for php 50.00

Boracay Island - Travel on a tight budget

Thoughts: reminiscing paradise

 Albeit it's a little late, just wanted to share a little bout my sweet escape to paradise...


I bet most people think going to Boracay is quite expensive and would mean draining your pockets. Well, I proved it otherwise. It's a good thing there's Cebu Pacific airlines that constantly offers cheap promo flights so might as well take advantage of it. My sister and I booked our flights 3 months earlier and got a really good discounted price. We thought it would be an awesome birthday gift to our mom and to our aunt -- well, err I guess to ourselves. With the daily stress from work and the busy urban life, we all deserve to getaway right? Alas Boracay is just the perfect place to unwind.

Preparations: there's really not much

• read blogs/reviews about Bora
• checked hotel tariff rates
• compared water activities to try out
• familiarized ourselves with the vicinity maps
• checked out affordable restaurants

Fast forward to 3 months later...

Hooray! It's time to go but wait, we didn't have any hotel reservations. We figured there's going to be a lot of cheaper deals we can find once we get there. To our delight there were a lot of friendly locals who approached us when we arrived. They asked if we have hotel reservations and offered us pretty good deals which was really hard to say no. They took us to Jerome's Lounge which I may say was a very decent place to stay. It was neat and very light on your budget (fyi: room rates starts at Php 1500.00). Plus, it is located in Station 2 which is the life of the party. To top it off, it's prolly just a minute or two walk to the seafront.

Where to Dine?

Contrary to public notions, you can find affordable and cheap places to eat. I sure was surprised to see Mcdonald's and Andok's chicken at the d'mall. Yup, we ate there when we arrived... haha! We also tried other inexpensive restos where you can have a meal for Php 95.00 per person and a dinner buffet at La Carmella Boracay Hotel that only costs around Php 350.00/pax. We also bought food, chips, and other provisions from budget mart convenient store since it was cheaper compared to other commercial establishments there.



Water Activities:

There were a lot of fun activities to choose from depending on your budget though. I like the idea that they were offering cheaper prices to locals. We had parasailing for Php 1,100.00/pax while foreign tourists were charged Php 2500-3000 for the same water activity. Isn't that great? here are some activities you can try.

note: we didn't get to try all of them due to time and budget constraints. haha!

• helmet diving
• parasailing
• banana boat ride
• fly fish
• island hopping
• atv and buggy car
• scuba diving

Verdict:

Ooooommmmggeee!!! I sure love it there. I Will definitely visit the place again one day. The people were very friendly and accommodating. I call it a happy place. It's a party where people from different parts of the globe meet and get to interact with one another at the same time enjoying the beautiful white sandy shores and crystal clear waters of Boracay. 

Unexpected Staycation

April 23, 2015 -- I would probably never forget how I had to bring myself to the Emergency Room all by myself at quarter to 4 in the morning. Yes you got that right ALL BY MYSELF!

Woke up the night before at around 10 pm with an unexplained pain in my abdomen. Had to dismiss the uneasiness I felt since I had to report for a graveyard shift that night. I thought it was going to disappear after taking some pain killers but to my dismay it only grew more painful. Paid a visit to the clinic several times and got myself only an hour rest before my break. As I lay down the employees' sleeping lounge I wasn't able to bring myself to sleep and this time I felt something unusual at the lower right region of my abdomen. It was excruciating and I was barely able to walk. Panic hit me... I slowly found my way back to the clinic and asked the nurse to bring me to the nearest hospital because I know something was terribly wrong. Sure I got disappointed to know the company doesn't offer a shuttle service to bring me to the hospital and was told that my manager had to take me to the hospital herself. I waited for my manager which made matters worse. I got furious with her least helpful, unconcerned and passive tone. It was supposed to be her initiative to take me to the hospital since I was her liability. I ended up taking a taxi cab with  a driver who cares nothing more than himself. 

Happy Birthday to Me

Wow! how i missed writing... This is practically my first entry for 2014 following my last post back in August 2013. Had my hands full lately forgetting about my little blog vice.

Mr. Sun hasn't really showed up since December of last year and so I woke up early to this cold Wednesday morning January 22, 2014. Yes, today's the 22nd and is my natal day. Since I'm a year older, I guess I'm supposed to be wiser and smarter. I find it sad, been working my a** off on a graveyard shift for the longest time and didn't realize I am getting older not enjoying life itself as much as I should have.