Travelling is the best thing in the world. Unfortunately, it involves one of the least favourite things in the world: packing. There’s nothing worse than booking your dream holiday and not having enough room for your best evening dress or the most comfortable hiking boots.

So, how do you travel when you are going for a solo trip as a female? Here are the ten travel packing tips for solo female travellers.

I have two brand highlights for this post: Lipault and Plains & Prints. Both brands cater to women, both I currently rave because they fit my style. I turn to Lipault for my not-the-usual everyday bag. I love that it can keep up with my lifestyle--imagine I just dump my stuff in my purse whenever I'm in a hurry! Very sturdy. Meanwhile, Plains & Prints surprises us with another Vania Romoff capsule collection. The pieces are all very unique, a reminder of not so distant summer days. I lust to own one to two before it runs out!

Read more below to see what I'm talking about! ❤

Some of the people I look up to are the ones who've been in their industry for a long time. To name a few, there's Coldplay, Drew Barrymore, the Olsen Twins, and so much more. I noticed that they all have one thing in common other than their staying power, and that is their ability to reinvent themselves. 

Coldplay band, though still in the music industry, plays around with different sounds and other types of music such as EDM. It is risky, but because of that they continue to excite me for every new song or album release. Drew Barrymore has been trying out different roles as an actress, and now I admire her as the CEO of a makeup company and a mother of two. Meanwhile, the Olsen Twins started as young actresses, style icons, and now they have their hands on fashion designing. I am a big fan of their brands Elizabeth and James and The Row!

Speaking of keeping up with the times, a local brand comes to mind. I went to New World Hotel a few days ago for the launch of Vida Nutriscience's newest and very innovative product that I've been using for over a month already: the Snow Crystal White Tomato. They also introduced the endorser that fits very well with their brand.

I realized that I am not much of a lipstick person. Whenever I encounter "situation questions" where I have to choose only one between kilay or lipstick, I always go for the former. It's just that lipstick becomes so high maintenance for me lately, it needs reapplying that I get so lazy to maintain it throughout the day. But there's no denying that a lipstick changes your whole look with just one swipe! My favorite dark violet-brown makes me feel edgier, while a red shade makes my face instantly brighter! Hay, now I actually miss wearing lippies!

Nude lips for everyday wear:

 

Annyeong, Chingus!

Two weekends ago, my Korea In Manila friends and I were invited to check out the first ever Korean Product Festival in the Philippines. The event was held for three days at the SM Aura SMX Convention Center, and we were there on its second day. It was already a packed Saturday for us as we already planned to check the Japanese film festival in Shang prior the invite, but basta all things Korean, we're super game! Anyway, sharing some of my finds at the fair's beauty section.

So many things had happened since I last went to Japan. During the first 2 months of "Japan separation anxiety", my friends and I created the @japaninmanila Instagram account to post our food, fashion, and other Japan related sightings while here in the Metro. On the 5th month, I started binge watching Terrace House, Good Morning Call, Atelier, and other Japanese shows and dramas on Netflix! By the 6th month, I've already moved on to Korea and Kdramas.

But even though I've been posting more Korean content now, there's a special place in my heart for Japan. Every memory from this travel still gives me the feeling of longing and chills. I miss it! Imagine my excitement when I saw photos of the orange torii gates on display at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall! It's like being in Kyoto all over again!

I never ask for directions whenever I travel in Korea. 

I knew, since the first few times I tried, that I will either get 1) a brisk wave of the hand the moment I utter “Excuse me…”, an embarrassing turn down even before I get to ask my question; or 2) the person I asked for help will voluntarily WALK me to my desired destination no matter how far or out-of-the-way it is for him, just to avoid any conversations. One funny incident was when an ahjussi (a middle-aged man in Korea) walked with me through several streets, all the while just leading me to the nearest taxi stand!!

A few days ago, my sisters and I were able to watch the War for the Planet of the Apes in advance at the Rockwell Cinema. The movie screening is courtesy of streetwear brand Mossimo, which is also a cool way to introduce their Planet of the Apes capsule collection for Fall 2017

The past months, I am constantly on the look out for anything Korean here in the country. Something accessible, since I cannot always go to Seoul whenever I miss it (I wish lang diba!). It's not only because my blog is recently turning into a klog (Korean themed blog), but these things really interest me as of the moment. I am the type who, once I get into something, I go all-out. That's the reason why never ako nag attempt to start mag Everwing because I just know kakainin din ako ng sistema once I do! 😂

Anyway, if you're also an enthusiast for all things Korean, here are some "Korea In Manila" discoveries by yours truly or with my friends. Some are blog invites, but most are just stuff we tried on our own. If I encounter more K stuff here in the Philippines, I'll be making more posts like this in the future and hopefully turn this into a series. You can also follow our group on Instagram @KoreaInManila for our random, day-to-day finds and happenings. Kamsahamnida! ❤

After making all our concert bucket list happen for the past years, Smart Music Live has MORE for us for the second half of 2017!

If there's only one thing you need to pick up from the glorious 10-step skincare made known by Koreans, it's the first step: Double Cleansing.

I just created some Kdrama stickers with my new Canon Pixma E470 printer!

Sharing happenings during my hangout at the re-opened Newport Mall in Pasay last week!

I can't believe that it's already mid 2017!! 😅

Although I am feeling just a bit anxious with how fast time flies, I also feel fulfilment from all the things I was able to accomplish during the first part of the year. First, I was able to catch TWO of my most favorite bands (Coldplay and Goo Goo Dolls) live in concert. And second, I was able to travel out of the country three times in just 6 months (Singapore, Korea Spring, Korea Summer)! Hoping and praying for more to come!

With all these wonderful moments, I am just glad that I am BIG in documenting everything that happens in my life. Before, I just write down all my feels on a diary. But in this day and age of technology, I have my blog, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and even Instagram Live to immortalize everything!

Where do I get inspiration? Other than in traveling, I love catching a good show whether it's a concert or theater. I love seeing performers giving their all, and an all-out production serving magic through beautiful set designs, costumes, lights, and sounds. Who will not be inspired to see live art in front of them??!

Last June 23, I was able to watch the Manila leg of Cirque du Soleil's Toruk: The First Flight at the Mall of Asia Arena. I had zero expectations, but I knew I was in for a treat! If it's the international group Cirque du Soleil, it just means you're watching something world-class!