After more than three months, I have finally come to terms that moving to Boracay is, somehow, for good. Well, at least, for now.

Adulting…

This morning, when my shoot was rescheduled by a client, I passed by the grocery to buy some cleaning agents: walis tambo or broom, cleaning brush, some rags, floor wax and an insecticide. You see… I have always dodged the idea of permanence since I got here on April 6, 2019 and every time there is an opportunity that has any semblance of commitment, I veer away from it to recalibrate my gears.

My Mountain Bike – Phantom

RM, my best buddy on the island, lent me his mountain bike for my convenience. Phantom, the bike’s name, has been helpful to me as I shuttle to and fro the stretch of Boracay Main Road and its side streets daily, rain or shine.

Phantom has already undergone a number of repairs under my care. In fact, I have already spent so much on it that RM told me to buy it from him already. Up to now, I have not paid RM a cent. Lol. I guess it is time to pay him for good and take ownership.

Watch how I start my typical day on Boracay Island

My Dog – Dorito

I spend most of my days and nights by the beach and I frequent Cocoloco Boracay Beach Resort where they adopted a daschpin- a crossbreed of a daschund and a Pinoy dog.

Dorito, the daschpin, was rescued by one of the guests at the beach from a kid. From what I heard, the kid was trying to drown Dorito. Poor pup. The guest brought Dorito to the hotel, bought dog food and spent for a visit to the vet and medicines. But the guest had to check-out eventually to go back abroad and asked one of the hotel staff to take care of Dorito instead.

Dogs love me for as long as I can remember. I guess they can sense if someone is pure-spirited. Lol. And, Dorito is no exception. The dog adores me. She comes running towards me everytime I arrive and would persistently make me get her to stay on my lap as I work on my laptop for some quality time.

One day, one of the hotel staff asked me if I wanted to adopt Dorito since she is greatly enamored to me. As expected, the elusive me did not say ‘Yes’ and reasoned out that I will not be able to take good care of her since I am almost always out of the house less I tag her along everywhere and anywhere I go.Now, Dorito lives on the mainland. Sadly, Gie, the hotel staff, brought her to their family house for good. I miss Dorito badly. I missed my chance to be a dog’s best friend.

My Packed Luggage

Ever since I moved to Boracay, I have not really made any effort to unpack my stuff. Somehow, I have harbored this lingering feeling that anytime I would just quit and return to Manila. For the past three months, I have been living out of my suitcase. Everything is still intact inside my luggage so that, in case, I feel like leaving, I can instantly roll away and get on a boat back to the city.

My Living Quarters

With still packed luggage, I did not find any reason to clean my living quarters (eeew, right?) and make it more comfortable until last night when I had to unpack all my stuff while looking for a camera accessory for my supposed shoot this morning. I had to put my stuff on the floor. Only then did I realize that the floor needed some serious cleaning. I mean really. The dust (or sand) has found its new home on my floor apparently. Lol.

My Friends

In a span of more than three months, apart from RM, I think I have significantly made friends with some of the islanders: some here for work, some local residents.

My Visiting Friends

Since my non-Boracay friends learned that I already live here, I have become sort of a ‘tourist spot’ and they include me in their Boracay itinerary. Lol. I meet different visiting friends almost every week. It feels great to be missed. Heck, have I not moved here, I would not have had the chance to meet up with dear friends from way back. Guys, thank you for meeting up with me. I highly appreciate it.

End Of Contract

One of the projects where I devote half of my time just recently ended contract. Although the contact with the client was mostly online and by phone via Viber, it was also the only project that had got me anchored to Metro Manila since most transactions were done there. And, if it was required of me to attend a meeting, I planned to just get on board the next 2Go ship to Batangas and bus to Metro Manila. This project was the last thread that was keeping me tied to my city life. Now that it has been cut, the prospect of staying in Boracay longer became more probable.

Ongoing Projects On The Island

Currently, I am up to my neck with ongoing projects as an online content creator, videographer and a licensed drone pilot. Projects vary from audio visual presentations to social media management with Boracay-based clients. Likewise, I still have pending travel vlogs and videos and some low-key businesses on the side. There is no way that I am saying ‘No’ to these wonderful opportunities. I am thankful for the blessings that come my way. I am hoping to help more businesses on the island prosper through my online content.

Moving Forward

Today, I am taking that bold step of embracing the unknown and the uncertain and to inevitably start growing my roots on the island. And, I know that buying my first broom is just the first step of many.

I guess there is no turning back now. I hope that one day in the not so distant future, I will look back to this and smile and say I made it. I will make this work. I will keep the Faith and pray. So wish me luck!

Let us connect on Facebook for daily updates. Signing out for now. Peace!

The post BORACAY IS HOME appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

Last month, I visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to attend a meeting with a prospective client. Aside from blogging, I do marketing and business development consultancy work for a number of multinational companies.

After confirming the meeting dates with the client, I immediately contacted my fellow travel blogger Erica Poyauan to help me find a decent and affordable accommodation that should be near the meeting venue, i.e., the Pullman KL Bangsar Hotel. Fortunately, Erica was able to book a deluxe room for me at the same hotel at very friendly rates. I only paid USD 71 per night. That was a total bargain for a five-star hotel accommodation.

It was my second visit to the Pullman KL Bangsar Hotel. The last time was two years ago to attend a major conference conducted by the company I used to work for and I had a good experience then so I was pretty excited to go back. On both occasions, too, I saw groups and groups of tourists billeted in the hotel.

Pullman KL Bangsar Hotel is not just a business hotel. It offers amenities that are conducive to tourists alike. The hotel is strategically located in the center of the commercial and entertainment hub of Bangsar. It is only 5 minutes away from Mid Valley Mega Mall, a shopping destination. It is easily accessible to all major parts of the city via the Kerinchi Light Rapid Transit train and KL Sentral Station- KLIA Express Train.

Pullman KL Bangsar Hotel has 513 rooms and suites. It offers the following amenities:

• Internet access in the room (WiFi and wired)
• Complimentary mineral water in the room
• Iron and ironing board available in the room
• Safety deposit box
• Minibar
• iPod docks
• TV with cable channels
• Free accommodation and breakfast for up to 1 child under 12 years old sharing the parents room (by using existing bedding, or if room is large enough, a crib or a roll away bed)
• 24-hour room service
• Free Wifi in public areas
• Free shuttle to KL Sentral
• Access to the fitness center
• Access to the outdoor pool
• Free self parking
• Designated smoking areas
• Executive lounge access extended to children

The room I stayed in was spacious and clean. It had an urban and modern interior design. Everything in the room smelled new and fresh from the linens to the towels. The air conditioning was functioning properly, too.

Hotel slippers and toiletries were provided compliments of the hotel.

Instead of a wall, the toilet and bath had a window. For privacy, just draw the blinds.

There is also a convenient store on the lower ground floor of the hotel open 24 hours. How convenient is that?

The pool is located on the 4th floor along with the spa and gym. Complimentary use of fresh towels for swimming pool goers are available at the fitness center counter.

Further, Pullman KL Bangsar Hotel has an Executive Lounge and a Business Center to cater to your business needs. It has three restaurants and six bars.

When I visited, the hotel lobby was adorned with Chinese lanterns in time for Chinese New Year.

HOW TO GET TO PULLMAN KL BANGSAR HOTEL… FAST!

Below is a vlog of my commute from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 to Pullman KL Bangsar Hotel upon arrival:

In case you do not have time to watch the vlog, here’s how to get there via the KLIA Express Train:

1. Upon arrival at KLIA 1 or KLIA 2, proceed to the KLIA Express Train Station. A one way ticket to KL Sentral costs MYR 55.00

2. The commute via KLIA Express takes about 28 minutes from KLIA Terminal 2 to KL Sentral. At the KL Sentral Station, look for the MRT Terminal that will bring you to the Universiti Station. Train Token is MYR 2.00

3. From the Universiti Station, Pullman KL Bangsar Hotel is a mere 10-minute leisure walk.

For booking inquiries, visit Pullman KL Bangsar Hotel’s website here. They also have a Facebook Fan Page.

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3983.91959405305!2d101.6634996!3d3.1159732!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x31cc4981bc449525%3A0x403c9d9bc7af5066!2sPullman+Kuala+Lumpur+Bangsar!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sph!4v1520185180758&w=600&h=450]

Signing out for now. Peace!

Note that the route I took walking from the Universiti Train Station to Pullman KL Bangsar Hotel may not be the best route if you have a lot of pieces of luggage with you. Take the route below instead. Thanks to Pullman KL Bangsar Fan Page for this suggestion. It only shows how they truly care for their guests.

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d3983.9203438608265!2d101.65891709231556!3d3.1157751037458086!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e2!4m5!1s0x31cc49802952f4bf%3A0xabc8948f76134f56!2sKL+Gateway+University!3m2!1d3.114616!2d101.661639!4m5!1s0x31cc4981bc449525%3A0x403c9d9bc7af5066!2sPullman+Kuala+Lumpur+Bangsar%2C+No+1+Jalan+Pantai+Jaya+Tower+3%2C+Taman+Bukit+Pantai%2C+59200+Kuala+Lumpur%2C+Federal+Territory+of+Kuala+Lumpur%2C+Malaysia!3m2!1d3.1159732!2d101.6634996!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sph!4v1520420678815&w=600&h=450]

The post PULLMAN KL BANGSAR HOTEL IS NOT JUST A BUSINESS HOTEL appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

I have always wanted to do a Random Blog Giveaway (RBG). My first RBG is Proactiv Integrated Acne Treatment System 30-Day Kit composed of one 60 mL Renewing Cleanser, one 60 mL Revitalizing Toner, one 30 mL Repairing Treatment and a bonus tube of Refining Mask.

Total worth of this giveaway is at least P3500.00. Good deal, right?

Joining this giveaway is a jiffy. Just visit (and like) any of my Pages: Joel Jaws Andrada or The Skin Care Addict and send me a message telling me why you want to win this giveaway. I will be picking the winner on September 30, 2017. This is good only for people residing in the Philippines.

So what are you waiting for? Hurry and head over to my Page.

Goodluck! Signing out for now. Peace.

The post GIVEAWAY| PROACTIV 30-DAY KIT appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

So the end has come for the Seventh Season of my favorite HBO series Game Of Thrones. The final episode is aptly entitled The Dragon And The Wolf referring to Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow, respectively.

1. LOVE BOAT

One of the most anticipated scenes is the love scene of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen on a boat off to the North. This scene is pivotal in sealing the deal between the two main protagonists, the Mother of Dragons and the King Of The North. I was smiling the whole time while watching this scene. I forgot that they are actually related and that my eyes were feasting on something abominable that is incest. And I must say that Jon knows his pick-up lines and Dany knows how to reciprocate.

2. LOVE TEAM OF THE SEASON

And they meet again. I just love the chemistry between these two: Brienne and The Hound. I wonder who Brienne ends up with? Is it going to be The Hound or Tormund? She also has a short scene with Jamie Lannister where she tries to convince Jamie to join them in the fight up north.

3. BLOOD WINS

This scene has once again proven that for the Starks blood will always be thicker than water. In the last episode, Littlefinger tried to put tension between the sisters Sansa and Arya to bring them into a fight for power and control of Winterfell while the King Of The North is away. But Ned Stark taught his girls well the value of sticking together no matter what.

Who would have thought that Littlefinger will not be able to weasle his way out this time? Yup, after 7 seasons, Littlefinger is no more.

4. THE NIGHTKING AS A DRAGON RIDER

I could be wrong but I can’t help but think that the Night King and Bran are one. Before this scene in which the Night King is revealed riding the undead Viserion, we see Bran under The Tree seemingly warging… as to who or what he is warging into I do not know.

5. THE WALL… OH, WELL…

The scene to top it all is the final scene in which Viserion melts down the mighty Wall that has stood strong for seven seasons. Wait… Is that fire or ice? It has to be hot though to melt the ice, right? And, what should the command be? Dracarys or something else? I guess we would never know until the next season which will air in 1.5 years or so. Yes… that is like two Christmases from now, Philippine time that is… just enough time to do a regular Game Of Thrones weekend marathon from Seasons 1 to 7. Lol.

What is your favorite scene? Let me know in the comments section below.

This is it for now. Signing out. Peace!

The post MY TOP 5 SCENES FROM GAME OF THRONES 7 FINALE appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

The rainy days are here. And with the frequent changing of weather and the ever worsening pollution in Metro Manila, it is once again time to say hello to dry and itchy skin or “skin asthma” as what it is commonly called.
Properly, this condition is called Atopic Dermatitis. The cause is unknown. I get the usual symptoms like skin dryness, redness and itchiness, mostly on my upper arms and between my fingers.

To save the day, I use Cetaphil Restoraderm Moisturizer. What I like about it is that it comes in a big bottle with pump. Just 1 to 3 pumps and I am good to go. No spills. No wastage. Just right. It is non-greasy and easily absorbed. Preservative-free and fragrance-fee. I do not have to worry about diffusing or ruining the scent of my daily perfume.

Cetaphil Restoraderm is clinically proven to moisturize dry, itchy skin.

Cetaphil is ❤.

This is it for now. Signing out. Peace.

The post OH NO… DRY ITCHY SKIN! appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

“ANG TUNAY NA MAGANDA AY MAPAGBIGAY”

The Aesthetics Studio by Kristine Lucas, has asked me to help in coming up with an audio-visual presentation for a donation drive. Who am I to say no to my favorite cosmetic studio that pretty much makes sure I am Instagram-ready? I shall be posting more about their services especially the ones that I, myself, have availed of very soon.

The Beauty Of Giving 

Discover the beauty of giving by donating your used or new skin care and cosmetic items for the benefit of the Baclaran Church Beauty Care Students. Please watch this short video featuring Miss Mylene Vergara, TESDA Trainer, as she shares a part of her life story filled with joy by helping others. Truly inspiring.

SEND YOUR DONATIONS TO:
THE AESTHETICS STUDIO
Richville Corporate Tower,
Alabang-Zapote Road,
Madrigal Business Park, Alabang
Muntinlupa City, Philippines 1750

If your organization needs help in the same endeavor, do let us know. We might be able to help.

Special thanks to:
Paranaque Livelihood Resource Management Office
St Francis of Assisi Educational Foundation and Assessment Center Las Pinas City

The Aesthetics Studio by Kristine Lucas
Permanent Makeup Academy PH
Kristine Rodriguez-Lucas
Lester Mckester
Mylene Pardito Vergara

#TSCAVideoProductions #onlinecontent
Written, Edited, Directed and Produced by The Skin Care Addict
Thanks sa mga kinulit ko for feedback Rachelle Cruz, Ana Madrid & Jem Mark Andrada

The post THE BEAUTY OF GIVING appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.