ELYU Weaving Handwoven Inabel Towels

Last week, I saw in ELYU Weaving's IG story that some 'hater' said that they were copying designs from another local seller.

It was a long response but here's the gist (It was a much longer response, read the thread here).

1. Inabel weaving is a centuries-old traditional method in the Philippines so of course there's going to be similarities in designs. 
2. Inabel weaving is also a dying tradition -- all the more we need to keep it alive by supporting the artisans, rather than sow animosity and unhealthy competition.

But you know, haters gonna hate... so *shrug*

Anyway, thanks to this 'hater' and to ELYU Weaving's passionate response, it led me to check out their profile and found something I wanted to give to my friends for Christmas!

I ended up purchasing the beach towels on SALE (a set of 4 towels for 950). My total bill ended up 3 sets x 4 + 300 shipping fee -- it comes out 263 php per towel -- which I think is a pretty good deal!

Also, I'm very thankful to ELYU Weaving for being able to squeeze everything in one JRS Express package so I don't have to pay more for shipping. (Thanks a lot Ms. Nogueras for the great customer service!)

The following day, it arrived! Super quick since it came all the way from San Fernando La Union! 

Check out the details up close. The weaving is very neatly done and the designs are consistent. As with any woven products, be careful with pulling and keep away from objects that could snag the fabric.

It can also be a scarf because it's super cozy and it falls just right. It can also be a throw blanket in the living room. I honestly think it's too pretty to be a towel, but if you're an avid instagrammer, this towel would go great with your #SwimsuitOfTheDay beach pictures.

I hope you check out the rest of ELYU Weaving! Aside from beach towels, they also make personalized towels and blankets. Here's a sample of the personalized blanket being made.

View this post on Instagram

Bedsheet wedding giveaway for the wedding of Mr. Airan & Ms. Hannah ❤️#weddinggiveawayph #personalizedph #giveawayph #inabelph #abelph

A post shared by INABEL - HANDWOVEN PRODUCTS (@elyuweaving) on Apr 19, 2018 at 12:33am PDT

Also, with Christmas around the corner, I hope you consider a good chunk of your gifts locally. With the country's inflation and the price of peso going down, it's getting more difficult for people to buy basic necessities -- All the more we need to support the local businesses so our fellow Filipinos will have a happy Christmas!

ELYU Weaving

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoguerasWeaving/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elyuweaving/

Squeaky Clean Kids: A Soap That Helps!

I got introduced to Squeaky Clean Kids when I met Dr. Winston, the founder, in one of the break-out sessions from the Spark Fest. He told me that Squeaky Clean Kids aims to educate and train children on proper hygiene. It's actually not as shallow as it initially sounds because really, millions of children die from diseases often prevented by just washing their hands before meals. Hygiene and preventing the spread of disease is just as important as providing meals and giving them access to education.

Here's an excerpt from an article by UN experts:

Good hand washing practices are said to be the single most effective way to avoid contracting diseases, such as acute respiratory illnesses and diarrhoea-related diseases like cholera and dysentery, he noted in a news release. These diseases cause 3.5 million deaths among children under five each year and they are preventable.

- UN experts

I asked "How can one contribute to Squeaky Clean Kids?" and here are the answers:

1. By purchasing their organic goat milks soap with honey and oatmeal at 100 pesos (as of March 2018) each plus shipping. For every soap you purchase you also provide soap to kids in an under-served community.
2. By volunteering in their upcoming activities. They're going to have one this April 2018. Follow them on Facebook to find out more.
3. By donating in cash or kind like hygiene kits, books, and educational toys. They don't have a designated drop off area yet but they can arrange for pick-up.

I took option #1 and ordered some soaps for 100 php each, plus 180 php shipping. I thought it was a very good deal (I mean, if you order more than one to spread out the shipping costs). The whole ordering and shipping process was easy and quick! I ordered 10 pieces via Facebook and shared some with my family and friends.


So now that I've given you a background on Squeaky Clean Kids and their cause, I'll move on next to sharing more about their handmade soap. In doing so, I'm hoping it would help you decide if you want to buy them -- which if you did, will be a great help!

#1. First off, I want to share the benefits as I've experienced.

It says on the label that it's anti-bacterial and moisturizing.

Well, it's a given that soaps are indeed anti-bacterial. I mean it better be. Isn't that the point of soap?

As for the moisturizing part, indeed, it doesn't dry out my skin as much as regular supermarket-brand soaps do. Ever since I was young, I usually itch for half an hour after showering due to dryness. I would have red spots and "pantal" which go away after an hour or so. When I use natural soap, I usually don't get itchy anymore. The moisturizing bit is a big plus because I have no patience for putting on body lotion.

One thing that's not mentioned in the label is the exfoliating benefits. When I run the soap around my skin, the exposed oatmeal bits exfoliates my skin. I think I can skip the body scrub!

#2. The value you get and the price in comparison to others

Let's be real, the regular soaps you can find in the supermarket are cheaper by half and they last longer. However, with these soaps, companies put in a lot of harsh chemicals (like triclosan and triclocarban) to make it last longer. Just so you know, your body will be paying for it in the long run as our skin (the largest organ) absorbs these harsh chemicals and later on turn up as cancer.

Read: 
Antibacterial Agent Triclosan linked with Breast Cancer by Ecowatch.com
FDA Bans 19 Chemicals Used in Antibacterial Soap by NPR.org

The Squeaky Clean Soaps are 100 php. It's made with Virgin Coconut Oil, Goat's Milk, Honey, Oatmeal, Vitamin E, and Olive Oil. No harsh chemicals.

Comparing it with other locally made organic soaps (as of March 2018) but not necessarily exactly the same, Squeaky Clean soaps come out reasonably priced somewhere in the lower-middle spectrum. Whether it's a better product, I can't say because I haven't tried all of them -- but I can say at the very least, that it's a damn good bar of soap.

• Human Nature Natural Exfoliating Bar - Php 89.75
• ECHOstore Lavender Mint Soap Bar 100g - Php 95
• Be Organic Bath and Body Soaps at Beauty MNL - Php 80 to 90
• Milea Bath and Body Wellness Soaps (with variants like Calamansi, Honey Propolis, Egg Firming) - Php 95
• VCO Soap 90g at ECHOstore - Php 100
• Ilog Maria Honey Glycerin Face Soap Bar at ECHOStore - Php 160 [I gotta try this one next time!]
• Soak Artisan Soap - Php 245 [These are cute as hell! I want one.]
• VnM All-Natural Handmade Soap: Poppy Plush (Emu Oil Based) - Php 295 [They don't sell this anymore but I bought three right before they stopped selling it]

If you do decide to go for the natural soap route, check out these tips to make your natural soap last longer. Read: "How to Make Your Natural Soap Last Longer" by It Takes Time


#3. Lastly, by buying a bar of soap, you're also giving a bar to the kids in the community. 

It's like you're buying two bars but giving away the other one who really needs it. However, I don't want you to think of this as a pity-purchase. Pity-purchases is not sustainable. Go back to reasons #1 and #2.

Up close after a week of use. See the oatmeal bits?

I hope I've convinced you to check out Squeaky Clean Kids organic soap. Not only will you be helping yourself, you'll also be helping other kids. Perhaps join up with your friends so you can save on shipping costs! Perhaps think of them too when you start your Christmas shopping. :)

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/squeakycleankid2017

Update June 4 2018:
Squeaky Clean Kids came out with a new packaging (super cute) and other variants!

Christmas Sights Around Ayala Triangle Makati

Every year during the holiday season, the Ayala Triangle Park holds a Lights & Sounds show. Since I had an hour to kill before dinner, I walked over to the park to watch the show, snap some pics, and get some fresh air (...well, as fresh as it gets in this city).

This blog entry will just be a series of photos I've taken during this evening. I didn't post all of them on Instagram so I don't annoy my followers. Enjoy!

Ceiling art in the underground path in Ayala Ave cor Makati Ave

The intersection of Makati Avenue and Ayala Avenue

Filipinos rushing to get a spot in the bus along Ayala Avenue

Approaching the lights and sounds show, coming from Ayala Ave

The Lights and Sounds show of Ayala Triangle!

Going further into the garden

The Philippine Stock Exchange in Makati

I'm ashamed to say I don't know what this is for but it's pretty

The lights change with the colors of the rainbow

Al fresco dining outside of the restaurants

Romance on the grass?

The Shang Grand Tower, Enterprise Tower, and The Philippine Stock Exchange

A Jeepney along Makati Avenue

I'm no professional photographer, but I'd appreciate some credit should you use any of the pictures. A simple link back would be great. Thanks!

Aranaz Blue Flamingo Tote (Review)

Isn't this beautiful? Ever since I saw it on the Aranaz Instagram, I fell in love with it. In September, I pre-ordered one through email. On payday weekend, I was able to pick it up from their store. I was so happy that it wasn't as expensive as I thought it would be!

This Blue Flamingo Tote is from their Garden Party collection. The embroidery looks so dainty and shiny. I already feel like I'm in a chill mood just looking at it.

Up close and personal with the blue flamingos

I've got this bias for blue thanks to my high school and college. Aranaz has a lot of really pretty items but this blue one just popped out for me. I like that this shade of blue it works with other bright colors without clashing and at the same time brings out the fun in neutral colored outfits.

Last weekend, I brought it out! I paired it with a blue t-shirt and black jeans, nothing fancy. I didn't go to any pickpocket-prone places so it was fine that the bag doesn't close all the way.

OOTD shot in a dark restroom

Hanging out at Coffee Project. I love their interiors!

At first, the raffia fringe poked my forearm and it was a bit itchy. Later in the day, the fringe curled away from my arm and it didn't poke anymore. I was thinking of flat-ironing the fringes so they stay uniformly up, but then I realized it looked better messy.

Here's a few more pictures!

Inside: one pocket, magnet button closure

As of now, the Blue Flamingo Tote is sold out again! Check out this link to pre-order yours: https://aranaz.ph/collections/garden-party/products/blue-flamingo

Ladies, we know you've been waiting for this! 💙Available now at www.aranaz.ph #FreeShipping for all purchases made this weekend! within the Philippines only

A post shared by ARANAZ PH (@aranazph) on Oct 14, 2017 at 2:54am PDT

Philippine Passport Renewal in DFA Megamall 2017

My passport is set to expire next year May and I need to get it renewed before December (6 months before expiry).

It's tough getting an appointment since it's always fully booked. I have friends who've scheduled appointments in Batangas, Pampanga, Davao, just because Manila didn't have any slots. Back in the first week of July, there were no slots available for Metro Manila for until September. However, October hadn't opened up yet. Even outside of Metro Manila, there were no weekend slots available in driving distance. I can't leave town on a weekday just for passport!

I told myself: No matter what, I am getting a slot in October 2017!  Every morning, I checked the Passport Appointment Scheduling site. One Saturday morning in July, the October 2017 slots opened up! I booked appointments for family and friends as quickly as I could for DFA NCR East Megamall.

Fast forward to October 2017...

In preparation for my appointment, I gathered the following documents:

• Birth certificate from NSO
• Printed out form - This is from the download link from appointment confirmation email, not a blank form that you fill out by hand
• Photocopy of passport first page and last page
• Photocopy of other valid ID - mine was driver's license

Note: The requirements will vary, depending on what kind of old passport you have. I had the Machine Readable Passport (2007 onwards). Check the DFA Website for the other types of old passports and corresponding requirements.

Since this weekend was also the 3-day sale of SM Megamall, I used Uber since parking would be hard. I went into the A side of the main mall, went to level 5, then turned right to the connecting bridge to Building C.

If you're driving, park in Building C so you just need to take the elevator to level 6.

Step A: Verification

One person checked the printed out form I brought if I was on the right schedule. He scanned the barcode on the print-out. He stamped it then told me to go to the next step.

To the right, there is a sign that says everyone who comes in on a Saturday is by default "Express Processing" (delivered in 7 working days) so we had to automatically pay Php 1200. Regular processing is Php 950.


Step B: Processing

In the Processing Section, the guard told me to go to any available booth. I didn't have to wait at all. The man in the booth checked all my documents and stapled the printed out form and the photocopies of my passport and ID. He gave me back my birth certificate. He also gave me an invoice which I had to bring over to the payment line.

During this point, they will ask if you wish to have your passport delivered or picked up. If you choose delivery, they will punch a hole in your info page. If you need your passport in the next 2 weeks, you have to personally come back for pick-up so they can punch holes on your old passport.

If you don't have a photocopy of your old passport and ID, there is a Copier at the back of the room. It would be better to have it photocopied before coming in, so that's one less thing to worry about.

Step C: Payment

The line for payments moved quickly. I gave the invoice from Step B along with Php 1200. They gave me back a carbon copy of the invoice with marked payment. Don't lose this!

Step D: Encoding

Now here comes the long wait! I waited about 40 minutes for my turn. Thanks to smartphones, 40 minutes did not seem so unbearable.

In the encoding step, they will have you verify and sign a couple of things. This is also where they take your picture and fingerprints.

Click to zoom in on the posted guidelines for picture taking

Picture-taking guidelines were posted on the wall. For the ladies, remember to remove your jewelry and don't wear heavy makeup (no false eyelashes or contouring). I remembered not to bring any earrings that day but I forgot I had my necklace on -- the lady had me take them off. There was no mention of collar requirements, but I wore a collared polo just in case. I did see a couple of people with no collars and they didn't get kicked out.

Step E: Courier Delivery

After the encoding step was Step E. No photo for this because I was in a hurry to use the restroom (I was also in a hurry to go shopping in the SM 3-day sale!).

They will check their system for your name and ask you for the delivery address. This is where you pay Php 150 for LBC to deliver your passport.

Don't lose the piece of paper! They will ask for this when the passport is delivered. If you are not the one receiving the passport, make sure you've prepared an authorization letter

Update: October 26, 2017 morning, I got my passport! 

It was quick!

Volcanic Cooling Body Scrub from Human Nature (Review)

The color purple grabbed my eye when I went to the Human Nature website. There were three new rosemary-themed products on the front page, so I decided to give them a go. I ordered the Rosemary Strengthening Plus Shampoo (Php 159.75) and Conditioner (Php 159.75) and the Volcanic Cooling Scrub (Php 495).

Purple!

For this review, I'm only going to do the review on the Volcanic Cooling Scrub.

I've only used the Rosemary Strengthening Plus Shampoo and Conditioner once so I don't see any immediate effects yet. All I can say is that it smells like rosemary but in a "relaxing-spa-way" rather than the "roasted-rosemary-chicken-way". I can't tell at one use if it gave me stronger and fuller hair, but studies show that rosemary helps with hair growth (see rosemary benefits).

Going back to the Volcanic Cooling Scrub, it contains rosemary oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, bamboo charcoal, and volcanic sand. The essential oils mixture cools the body and smells great. The bamboo charcoal (read benefits) and volcanic sand (read benefits) helps with drawing out toxins from the skin. Overall, it's designed to give you that home spa experience.

When it comes at the price, Php 495 for a 200ml bottle seems a little steep. It's nearly double the price of Human Nature's Natural Body Scrub (Php 275) and the St. Ives scrubs you find in the supermarket. Spas also have minty foot scrubs but I'm not sure how much they are and if they're even for sale. However, the incremental premium you're paying for is the bamboo charcoal (also known as activated charcoal) -- it's a trendy ingredient in today's beauty products.

Back-label of the Volcanic Cooling Scrub. Now, I'm curious, where did they get the volcanic sand from?

Upon squeezing out a bit at first, the product is dark grey. I'm guessing the bamboo charcoal is uniformly mixed into the liquid portion while the black scrubby beads are the volcanic sand. I'm happy they didn't skimp on the volcanic sand so the exfoliation part was quite effective.

What the Volcanic Cooling Scrub looks like

After lathering and scrubbing, I left it on for about 3 minutes. It doesn't say in the instruction to leave it on, but I just thought I ought to give the bamboo charcoal some time to absorb the toxins and for the rosemary, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils to sink in. It would be such a waste to rinse it off so quickly!

While rinsing it off, the minty-ness stuck around. I felt the coolness even more when contrasted with hot shower water. I could still feel the coolness while towel-drying. It was super relaxing. My skin felt so soft. The entire bathroom smelled like mint. *Heaven*

Final thoughts: At first use, I loved it. I thought at first it was expensive, but then this product is unique (for now) and the incremental benefits were worth it. When this bottle is finished, I'm definitely going to reorder.

Make the Most of Metro Manila Traffic

Metro Manila traffic must be the bane of every working Manileño's existence. Every year, travel time is incrementally worse. I had a friend that measured travel time every year on the final Friday before Christmas. He found that every year, same route, it takes him 20 minutes longer to get home from work. 

However, Manila traffic as of now is just something we need to make the best of. It takes me 1-1.5 hours to get home everyday. People who haven't been to Metro Manila in years are shocked at how much worse it is.

Personally, it's not something to get pissed at, because I'm used to it already. I'm sure a lot of us have gotten used to it and found ways to cope. Here are the ways I've been making the most of the downtime. Perhaps after I've shared mine, you can also share yours in the comment section!

Listen to an Audio Book from Audible

Audible App while listening to "Einstein: His Life and Universe"

I've been a subscriber of Audible (from Amazon) for 2 years and I've been able to finish over 20 audio books. Each year, I pay $149.50 for 12 credits, where 1 credit is 1 audio book. I use my credits on books that cost more than $13 to make the most of each credit. The length of each audio book can range from 6 hours to 40 hours. By the way, the first audio book is free during 30-day trial membership!

This is a very good way to keep learning (or entertained), even with your eyes closed -- that is, if you're not behind the wheel! The most recent audio book I finished was The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder. Last year, I finished the entire Eragon series through Audible. I'm currently on Einstein: His Life and Universe.

One of the major conveniences of listening to audio books on Audible is that you can pause in the middle and easily get back to where you stopped. It also syncs across all the devices you use, so you can switch from mobile > tablet > PC without getting lost.

This option is not only good for traffic jam. It's also good for generally anything that requires waiting. Like waiting for your turn at the doctor.

Learn a new language for free

Duolingo's web version

Prior to our European trip, each of us in the group decided we should learn a bit of local language. My friend recommended I check out Duolingo. It's a free app that teaches you the basics of the language. They have courses on most European languages, and then there's also Japanese, Turkish, Vietnamese, Swahili. Aside from writing and reading, the app also trains your listening and speaking skills. With Duolingo, I learned pronouns, numbers, and food.

I guess if you're not preparing for a trip abroad, there's not much motivation behind learning a new language. It's quite tough keeping the discipline to learn a new language if you don't have reason to do so. If you don't use it, you lose it. As of now, my French is back to near-zero as I haven't any practice after the trip.

Read the Local News

Philippine Daily Inquirer on Kindle App

In the morning on the way to work, I usually read the Philippine Daily Inquirer on my Kindle App or on my Kindle device. The fee is $10.99/month (~ 550php). Subscribing through the Inquirer Plus mobile app is cheaper at $9.99/month. I prefer the Kindle to lessen eye strain (no back lights).

If you're not too keen on paying for news, just visit the websites directly and bear with the ads that pop up in the middle of reading (seriously, very annoying) and potential eye strain.

Reading the news regularly is a good investment. One way to make sure you read everything is to actually pay for it. (Manghihinayang ka kung hindi mo babasahin lahat.). Don't get caught up relying on Facebook for your news. Chances are, most of what you see are driven by biases or lies. People only post news that support their opinions or agenda. The best way to be informed and get ahead of the pack is to read everything with an open mind.

I like reading the Opinion section because it's where news gets broken down and analyzed by intelligent people. I like the Business section because it's where I get ideas on how my stocks are doing or what to buy next. I like Biz Buzz on Inquirer because it's kind of like Gossip Girl but in the Philippine business world.

This option may not be for you if you easily get motion sickness in a moving vehicle. Of course, it's also not an option if you're the designated driver.

Watch Your Favorite TV shows or DVD's

Saving an episode offline on Hooq App

Cars these days can get customized with a built in TV with DVD player. You can get one of those TV Plus devices so you can catch up on your teleserye. 

If you're not into the local TV scene, just save the episodes/movies offline on your mobile app Netflix/Iflix/Hooq while you're on wifi connection. While in the car, pop in your earphones then watch the way home. 

This option is not for you if you easily get motion sickness in a moving vehicle and DEFINITELY NOT if you're the driver. Stick to the radio.

Sing-Along to the Radio or Your MP3 Player

via GIPHY

Depending on who is in the car with you, you can sing your heart out on the way home. It really helps calm one down when you're stuck in traffic jam. Just make a singing playlist from your favorite era then practice your singing for the next karaoke session with the barkada.

By the way, I only do this when I'm driving by myself.

Catch up on Sleep

via GIPHY

If none of the options above appeal to you, just close your eyes and float off to dreamland. Don't do this is you're commuting home by yourself. You might find all your valuables missing when you wake up.

via GIPHY

My Top 3 Lessons in Bag Online-Shopping

In the past two+ years of running the Bag Lust Philippines Instagram account, I've purchased a lot of things that have caught my eye. The activity of scouring what's available online and re-posting them into the baglust.ph account (which I do for free, by the way) is like daily window-shopping and wish-listing. I've ended up buying a lot more than I should!

I've had the pleasure of experiencing the good and the bad when it comes to online shopping. I'll be sharing with you some of the lessons that I've learned in the past 2 years. Feel free to add your inputs and share your experiences in the comments!

#1 Before buying, see and feel the bag yourself!

Most of the time, what you see in the picture is a lot different in person. Online stores will always put the best angle and lighting of the products.  It's not always going to look that way when you receive the actual item.

With leather, you really need to have a feel first before buying. Not all "genuine leathers" are created equally (See Here's The Truth About 'Genuine' Leather'). I ordered before one 'genuine leather' bag whose leather wrinkled in a way that I just hated. I ended up using it once then gave it away after.

Another reason why you have to check it out in person is to see if it fits you. Try it out and look in a full length mirror. Personally, I ask myself: "Does this bag make my butt look big?". There are plenty of websites that say what kind of bags look food for certain body types, but I say let your instincts kick in on what looks good on you.

As much as possible, visit the physical store or check them out in pop ups and bazaars. Perhaps you can also ask a friend to show you if they've previously bought one before. However, going through the hassle of seeing it in person has to correlate to the risk of how much the item is. The pricier it is, the more you have to check it out in person. I know it defeats the purpose of "online shopping" but I'd rather make sure my purchase was worth it. 

#2 What is practical for your lifestyle?

I've crossed paths with several really cute clutches on Instagram and I've purchased some of them. I fell in love with the pictures and thought "They are so cute! I have to have them!". Fast forward to later on, they don't get taken out of the closet much. Why? I realized that since I don't go to a lot of parties (Loserrr! J.K.) I don't need them as much. For casual social activities, I also realized that I'm more likely to leave my bag behind if it's not hands free.

Huwag maging takaw-tingin! (To non-Tagalog speakers, this is a phrase we use when we over-order in restaurants). Ask yourself, what do you need? What are the colors that you usually wear? What do you usually bring during the weekdays and what do you bring during the weekend? What kind of image do you want to project? Invest more on the things you'll use more often vs. the things you'll only use once or twice a year.

On the bright side, in my attempts to salvage my unused purchases, I've forced myself to be more adventurous and creative... to go outside of my comfort zone.

#3 Don't Ask Leather Artisans to Copy a Luxury Handbag

Do not fool yourself. This is a surefire way to get disappointed. The materials that luxury bag designers will use are a lot different from a customized 5000 php bag. It will never behave in the same way in your head vs. what the actual outcome. It'll come out looking like the zombie-fied version of the luxury handbag. You might as well just get a counterfeit bag from tiangge, it would have been cheaper. 

Instead, when customizing bags, have a feel of the type of leather to be used (very important!) and create a design that fits you. It's like getting a prom dress made -- you need to know the design AND the material. You can take elements that you like from luxury handbags but don't do an exact copy.

One example of customization that I like is Ni-Qua's Bespoke. They have set template designs which work well with the type of leather they use so it would always behave in the way you'd expect. You can choose colors and add brass/silver/gold hardware (where it makes sense). Check them out when they hold a pop-up store near you!

Missing Out on the Coldplay Concert in Manila and FOMO

This month, a lot of us are experiencing feelings FOMO (fear of missing out) because of the Coldplay - A Head Full of Dreams Tour.

For me, it began last week when folks watched in Singapore (tickets were cheaper). It continued to last night when Coldplay played in SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Pictures and videos of the concert are all over social media. Those who did not go tweet about envy and regret (like me!). Seeing the Explore section on Instagram today, Chris Martin's face was all over because local celebrities and insta-famous individuals also went last night.

I'm expecting to still be bombarded of Coldplay videos all the way to next week because they're playing next in Bangkok, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo. Those on a Coldplay "high" will still be #latergramming it until next week.

Filipinos have touted this concert as "once-in-a-lifetime". How could we not? Fans have been anticipating this, probably, for a decade already. We also don't know if and when they are coming back. This just further exacerbates the FOMO-ness of it all.

I'm sure majority of the population is mature enough to handle this. But for the sake of sharing feelings and tips on how to deal with it, read below.

1. Acknowledge Negative Feelings

Whenever there are negative emotions, don't be in denial. Acknowledge that they're present and wallow in it. It's not healthy to deny your negative feelings. Your friends went without you? It's OK. You're not alone. Many of us are fans and we feel you.

2. Stand By Your Decision

While feeling the FOMO, take responsibility for your decision. Look back to why you did not buy tickets. For me, I thought it was too expensive. I don't like concerts where there are no seats and open air. I don't like having to go all the way to MOA Arena on a weeknight. I also don't think concerts are worth it if you're not somewhere in front. I also don't like crowds. What was your reason? Think back.

3. Don't Mock the People Who Post

Part of taking responsibility is not blaming those who did go for your negative feelings. Let them post as much as they want. Don't mock them for posting too much. Those who went to see Coldplay spent a fortune on it so let them revel in it.

Remember, this too shall pass. It's not forever. The desire is only magnified because it's all over social media. Next month, the hype will be gone. 

As long as Coldplay isn't retiring, there will still be another one in the future. Maybe not in the Philippines, but you'll get your chance. You'll get a chance to tick Coldplay off your bucket list.

P.S. Someone posted the full concert of Coldplay A Head of Full Dreams on Youtube! It's from 2016 in the US. Para hindi ka na "miss out".