This 29-year old self is writing this letter in the middle of the pandemic. We're already on our nth lockdown? 3rd wave? We're currently facing the Delta variant and the first Lambda variant case was recently confirmed. This is the 17th month since the pandemic started and we still don't know when it will end.
I'm writing to my future self to remind myself of how things were and how I imagined myself in ten years.
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Today, I turn 29. I'm nearing the end of my calendar years, and in the coming year, I'll be in my early 30s (WHAAT!! Can someone please stop time?!) I had plans for today, but here we are, on the nth lockdown, fighting the pandemic. I'm bored at home with nothing to do and no plans, so I decided to write a letter to both my 19-year-old and 39-year-old self.
Looking back at my 2011-2012 files, I realized how transformative my 19th year was. It was such a thrill and I remember how fun it was - trying so many new things and meeting new people. In 2018, I posted my Korean Skin Care Routine (Night) which was during the hype of the 10-step Korean Skin Care era and I was not conscious of the chemicals found in the products I use. Back then my purpose was to have the most coveted perfect Korean skin (glass skin, no pores - HOW?!) but as I explored and discovered more on skin care (at the same time, getting old and having different priorities) I realized I wanted a healthy skin rather than a perfect one.
I focused more on having a clean skin care routine with products that don't have harmful ingredients. It took a while before I actually had a "good" routine that fits for my skin. I've tried different brands and products, I had bad breakouts and very oily skin because of it. With skin care, you have to research about it then try a sample size and observe if it fits your skin or with the other products that you are using. Most importantly, you have to know your skin type. It's very crucial because some products can be too drying and some could cause too much oil. Not because it works for your friend, it would work for you too. It's not one size fits all. Again and again, you have to find the product that would suit your skin. This blog is to help you on your research and considerations on what you want to achieve. Now that I'm older, I want to focus on keeping my skin healthy and with youthful glow. These help in preventing dullness, fine lines and dark spots or discoloration that is caused by aging. It might be too much and overwhelming for some people but if I need to choose four - it would just be Cleansing Oil, Timeless Vit C, Versed Retinol and Sunscreen. These are my holy grail and these are for long term use. In few years time, they would still be relevant with me. Pampanga is known for its Sinukwan Festival, the giant lanterns and of course, the good food but for me, one of things that makes our balen beautiful is the language. We have a lot of Kapampangan words that cannot be directly translated to Tagalog or English. I've decided to share my favorite words/phrases with you, most of these I use often and some, I hear from our elders, songs and during mass. So while you're reading this, make sure to play this song "Mekeni Tuki Ka! Malawus ka Pampanga!" (Let's go, come with me. Welcome to Pampanga) |
She wonders and wandersMonica writes about her life, what she eats, what she reads and where she goes. This space is where her thoughts, experiences, memories and feelings turn into words. She's glad that she can share with you. Archives
August 2021
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