Guide in Renewing Driver's License 2023♥

Just renewed my driver's license two weeks ago.  Here are the things to you need to do,  before going to the LTO office: 

• Create a Land Transportation Management System account in the LTO Portal; click the link :https://portal.lto.gov.ph. 

source: Google

• Take the CDE online exam to get a certificate - It's advisable to take the exam online.  The exam is 25 items and I really encourage you to watch the review questions on YouTube, it's a great help because there are questions regarding motorcycles which I am not familiar.  

• Go to your preferred LTO branch and bring all necessary documents - in my case I brought my License, Official Receipt and the printed CDE Certificate, but they did not actually asked for the copy of the certificate.  I just presented my Driver's license.

• Medical evaluation - No actual check up, they will just get your blood pressure and weight.  They just asked me if I am wearing eyeglasses when I drive.  Then they took my photo and attached it on the medical certificate.  Medical examination costs P600.00. (Waiting in line and consultation took around 30 minutes)

• Go to the verification and payment section -  This took so long, waited for almost an hour (before my name is called).  For the 10 year license I paid P585.00 (No computer fee is charged P67.63 five years ago).  And take note: don't expect the Official Receipt same as the perforated and carbonized one.  It's just ink jet printed bond paper.

• Picture taking and biometrics - This really caught my attention, the LTO personnel asks each of us (in line) if we want to retain our signature and photo.  It's kinda weird, because that's one of the reasons why we renew our ID's, passport and etc.  In updating one's information that includes your recent  photo.  Of course I chose to retake my photo which I think is the best thing to do.

• License Release - this only took around 15 minutes. 

All in all it took me 1.5 hours (I'm no. 6 in line), instead of starting at 9am they started the medical evaluation at 9:30 am.  You need to really have loads of patience in acquiring or renewing government issued ID.  I don't know if they have encountered internal problems with the processing that day, but as compared to my 2018 renewal it only took me 45 minutes for the whole process. Total expense for this year's renewal : P1,185.00.

My Ipon Challenge: Invisible 50♥

It's the beginning of the year again... and it's almost one month down.  Here is another way of saving money - The Invisible P50.00 challenge.  Maybe you have heard about this before.  I started doing this in 2018 and I find it fun and of course helpful.  Part of this invisible challenge helped me during the pandemic.  Last year 2022, I was able to save P16,200.00.  Well I know it's kinda small but it's okay than nothing at all. 

I don't really put P50.00 per day on  this Ipon Challenge (but you can do that too).  What I do is if I get a crisp P50.00 I don't spend it and I just put it in my orange box even if I get P400.00 (in a day) I put them all there.  I have this small wallet in my bag and every time I get a P50.00 bill (change) I place it there and transfer it to the box when I get home.  I don't really pressure myself with this challenge, but if you do this P50.00 ipon every day you will get P18,250.00 (P50.00 x 365 days)  at the end of the year.  So I am P2,050.00 short this year. haha :) 

Why is it call Invisible 50?  This means that you will SAVE and not spend every P50.00 that you get.

Actually you can also choose the denomination you want.  You can do invisible P100.00, P200.00, P500.00 or P1,000.00 but I think that's hard to do. 

My take on saving money is that - you should not be hard on yourself.  Set a goal every year without pressure (make saving fun!).  Live within your means, showing off too much on social media will leave you penniless.  It's okay to reward yourself (once in a while) for your hard work but make sure you have enough funds to cover the rainy days.  Aside from Ipon Challenge, Open a bank account and Invest if you can... Pag-ibig MP2 is a great option.

Review: Blk Life-proof Airy Matte Serum Foundation♥

Here is another make up review.  This time I will be reviewing a local brand make up owned by Anne Curtis the Blk Life-Proof Airy Matte Serum foundation.  A little backstory:  I use the L'Oreal Infallible fresh wear Make up foundation, but I think they have already discontinued it because there are limited shades available online (and the shade that I am using was already out of stock for months already).    Ever since L'Oreal cosmetics pulled out their make up from physical stores like Watsons and SM stores and shifted to online selling platforms they have not replenished their stocks.   Sad, but I need to find a good alternative.  Yes, I use make up foundation with SPF because I am in front of the computer for more than 8 hours.  And using it really protects my skin from the skin damaging light from the computer screen.

There are two (2) kinds serum foundations of Blk: Daydream and Airy-Matte.  It's really hard to choose, but the Beauty specialist from their kiosk in SM Marikina explained to me the difference.  I got the Airy Matte in  Butterscotch because I wanted a matte finish foundation and most importantly it's transfer-proof  (so bye bye stained face mask). 

It's lightweight, super easy to blend and fragrance free.   It's little thick (when you pump it out of the container) but when you apply it on your face, it's very light and watery.  I don't really use brush or sponge when applying foundation I just use my hands and since it's a serum - the foundation is really blendable. But if your looking for a full coverage foundation this is not for you, it's long wear but it's medium coverage only (Perfect for "No Make up look").  Luckily I don't have that much blemishes, pimple marks but it really camouflages redness, hides visible pores and evens out my skin.  It's long wear!  I am not really the type of retouching my make up... so when I apply in the morning - no retouching until I go home from work. I have been using it for almost a week and so far I am loving it.

source: Blk cosmetics

The Life-Proof Airy Serum Foundation comes in five shades : Oat, Vanilla, Butterscotch, Chestnut and Latte.

  

Life-Proof Airy Serum Foundation in Butterscotch

I bought the Butterscotch shade I always use 1 to 2 shades darker than my skin color.  I really love the JLo look.  The Butterscotch shade is perfect but I also want to try the Chestnut shade next time.  (And I would also like to try the Daydream)

Packaging: It comes with a easy twist pump container which I love - perfect for traveling.

Price: P599.00 - for me the price is just right, L'Oreal foundation costs P829.00 now at Shopee.

Overall verdict: ♥♥♥♥.5 out of 5 hearts 

Note: This is not a sponsored post.

Year of the Boar 2023♥

I was born in 1972 but I am under the Year of the Boar / Pig, metal pig to be exact.  Yes I do believe in Feng Shui but I use them as guide.  I still work hard in order to achieve my goals and most especially I pray to God for guidance, blessings and protection through the intercession of Our Blessed Virgin Mary.

Every year I buy feng shui charms, this year here are the cures and enhancers that the Year of the Boar:

Emerald Pagoda with Om Ah Hum Amulet - this is against the Five Yellow Affliction.  The Five Yellow brings misfortune that impacts many facets of one's life all at once.  It manifests as a loss of wealth, loss of one's source of income, loss of important relationships, loss of good health or even a life-changing catastrophe, so must be properly dealt with anytime it appears in the charts.  The best remedy against the Five Yellow has always been the Five Element Pagoda,   which effectively diffuses it's malignant energies, transforming them into auspicious opportunities and promising outcomes that one can benefit from.  This year, the Five Element Pagoda features gorgeous emerald color to represent the Wood element which further subdues the deadly Earth energies of the Five Yellow.  Carry to stay protected against Five Yellow's ill effects.

Trio of Lions Hanging Amulet - for health, wealth and happiness.  These charms feature the Chinese Lions of Tzi Chi, traditionally used to commemorate important occasions such as a launch of a new shop or business.  They bring superb energies of joy and celebration, attracting blessings from the heavens, dispelling any negative energies that may surface.  They signify getting oneself onto the "Honor Roll".  The Chinese proverb "Tai Kat Tai Lei" means "Abundance of fortune coming your way".  Carry this to attract not just good fortune energies but also Big Auspicious luck as well.

 Joyous Windhorse Amulet - to boost success luck.  The magnificent Windhorse is adorned with 3 balloons, each featuring the wish-fulfilling mantra; red for wealth, blue for friends and green for intelligence.  The trusty steed of King Gesar gives you the impetus to pursue  your goals effectively, to overcome all obstacles, and in the process manifesting magic and stunning success in your life.  A must-have enhancer for anyone with weak levels of Element Success luck (lungta).

Pak Choy Amulet - for wealth and continuous growth.  Attract wealth and lucrative opportunities  wherever you go by carrying this fabulous Pak Choy charm.  The Pak Choy sounds phonetically similat to "fatt choy" which means everlasting growth and prosperity.  When pronounced "Pak Choy" it also translates ti "100 types of wealth luck"/  It's succulent and crisp green leaves symbolize growth and are the color of good harvest/  To the Chinese, this represents money and good fortune continuously rolling in from many different directions.

Royal Elephant and Cosmic Rhino Amulet - against betrayal, theft and money lost.  The Blue Elephant and Rhino make a formidable team against harmful energies of the #7 Robbery and Loss Star.  Carry this talisman to stay safe against theft, violence, betrayal, and money loss.  Essential for anyone regularly put in dangerous situations - walking alone in car parks, staying out late at night or living in dangerous neighborhoods which crime rate is high, as well as anyone in competitive work or business environments where loyalty is most prized.

Please note that the explanation of each Feng Shui amulets are with reference with Lillian Too - Feng Shui magazine for 2023 as provided with my charm's supplier.  I just shared this here so you will know the meaning of each charm.  

Grateful♥

Hello 2023!♥  2022 is not a walk in the park, even though we lost a family member, we are still grateful for all the things that happened.  

Happy that I was able to spend time with my family and relatives more, especially my cousins from down under was able to travel here in the Philippines after 5 years.

Received a lot of blessings in 2022:  Got my first payout from Google Adsense, my Mochi was chosen to be a part of the 50 Most InPawential dogs of 2022.  My online boutique is still in business and on it's 11th turning 12 this year.

Wishing for a prosperous and blessed 2023 to all of us.

xo,

Chiq♥