Finally, another item in my bucket list crossed out! *insert grinning face here* Last March 28-30, 2014, I was able to get the chance to join a weekend trip to the famous provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.  Actually, we (my boyfriend and I) were not part of the original group who planned the trip but since some of the original members withdrawn on the last minute due to personal reasons, we were able to hop in. Thanks to Mommy Babes and Sir Iket! 

Our trip started on the night of the 28th where we rode a Partas Bus bound to Loaog which departed around 10:00 PM from Cubao. Beforehand, we were told that the trip was to take 9-10 hours to get to Vigan. It was somehow grueling to think that we will be sitting for that long but good thing it was a night trip so we just have to sleep while we travel. Thankfully however, the bus driver was quite a racer because it only took us seven hours to get to Vigan and yes, I quite felt that the bus was close to flying haha! Yet, Partas takes pride in their drivers so I’m confident that no harm will come to us.  I guess since we also only had one stop - that's in Pangasinan, that the travel was fast.

BPI More Fun Prepaid Card

Nowadays, most purchase transactions are already done through cards. In the past, only credit cards  are accepted in electronic purchase orders (EPS) but now we can already use our debit cards. Yet, our debit cards can only do as much because of its limitations. In our country, most debit cards offered by banks can't be used to purchase airline tickets which is very important for frustrated travelers like me. 

Yet, thanks to this new service by the Bank of the Philippine Islands and the Department of Tourism, we now have the More Fun In the Philippines Prepaid Card - VISA powered! This is very good for those who do not want to tie themselves to credit cards and for those who are not good in handling money like me (but I'm working to end this habit hehehe). As this is prepaid, you just have to load it when you need to purchase something and you can use it just like credit cards, everywhere where VISA is accepted. This doesn't require a maintaining balance and you only need to pay PHP 250.00 for the application fee.

Some more features:

Has 16 digit Card Number
Card Validity is 18 months
Card carries Cardholder's name
With signature panel at the back where cardholder signs the card
Has CVC 2/Card Verification 2 (3 digit number located at the right of the signature panel)
Reloadable up to 100,000.00

Note:
More Fun Prepaid Card cannot be used at the ATMs

To apply, you don't need to go to a BPI bank anymore as you can do it online. 

1. Go to http://morefun.bpicards.com/ and click the pink arrow pointing down.

I really like how they set up the page! It's responsive and it's very colorful. I love pastel colors! 

2. On the next page click the Apply call out. You will be directed to Step 1. 

Choose your card design from the gallery or upload your own! See? It's very customizable.

3. Fill in the details needed in Step 2 and Submit.

Find a BPI branch nearest to you where you can conveniently claim your card.

If the card is ready, you will be notified via email. Head to your nominated branch, present the printed Purchase Agreement Form (attached to the email) and your payment to claim your card. To start using it, just load it and viola! Enjoy shopping! :D

By the way, here's my card.

 I opt for the Philippine Tarsier picture because it's our pride (my father is a Boholano) and it's already endangered. I'm showing my support for their protection via this card. I find tarsiers very cute and fragile. I do hope we Filipino people will do our best to protect them especially now that they are declining in numbers. Please please don't take them as pets. Don't support any illegal activity concerning them. 

For more information about More Fun Prepaid Cards click here.

What I Do When I'm Feeling Blue

Today has been a rough day for me. There are so many things going on right now.

 Each of us has a unique way of combating loneliness. What I'd usually do when I feel sad or lonely is to read inspiring quotes or find something to eat or just look at the trees to make to me feel better. But I think the weirdest and vainest thing I do is to look at my pictures, the ones where I'm smiling. Yes, I do that a lot when I feel blue. A picture can paint a thousand words, as they say. Pictures may not be able to communicate directly but just by seeing something positive helps me feel good in a matter of minutes. I find it weird and great at the same time.

As I said earlier, this day had been rough. So I looked at this picture taken in Baguio City. Seeing me smile like this, I feel contentment and freedom from anything negative. Well, this day will end after all. Everything's gonna be fine. Yes, it will be fine.

How about you? What do you usually do when you're feeling blue? :)

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort."

(quoted)