How to increase credit score in credit karma

 This is something that is like trial and error.

But I discovered that you can increased that by maxing up to 25% of your credit score and leave it until end of the month.

Miso soup

 Boil water with diced onions

Add dashi and dissolve according to instruction

Add bokchoy

Add tofu

Add miso paste

Enjoy!

Ginataang kalabasa

 

Saute ginger then garlic and onion until light golden brown. Add small amount of butter

Add the shrimp. Let it cook halfway. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper 

Add the kalabasa. Saute for a bit

Add Blue dragons coconut. Season with Patis, salt and ground pepper. Adjust according to taste

Credit score Uk

 

Less than 25% utilization

Before end of month pay

Before generation of statement date

The Romance Between Tiger and Rose

 The Romance Between Tiger and Rose

Why is Sweden anti alcohol

 

I was talking to my patient and he was saying that Sweden and they had laws on alcohol and it has something to do with their history

Kdrama - Shadow Beauty

I'm mostly bed rotting when I'm home because of the cold weather. It's nice for a change that I have accomplished finishing a series of Korean drama though it is only 13 episodes. Technically, I watched it in one go. Yay! You can watch this in Viki.

The story was good. It revolves around Koo Ae jin, a high schooler who is bullied for her looks so she has her alter ego, Genie, a popular influencer which she made using her photoshop editing skills.

What also made me watch this drama is Cho Bomin. I thought that he looked familiar. He was is 18 again and I found him cute there. I looked him up and was surprised that he is an idol.

 Yutaka White Miso Paste

I was craving for a sour broth in salmon with miso which we call in the Philippines as "Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso". I remembered that in the social media I saw, some use the miso paste instead of the usual white miso that can be found in the local palengke when in the Philippines. 

This costs around 1.75 GBP for a 100g in TESCO which I can gauge be used 1-3 times for dishes. 

It has a great depth in umami flavor which is quite different what we normally have. White Miso in the local palengke/supermarket in the Philippines has coarse bits of the soybean and it is usually sour (because it is fermented).

Melitta Coffee Filter #4

Because I was able to brought back my favorite ground coffee beans from the Philippines, I need some coffee filter paper. Unfortunately, UK supermarkets doesn't have readily available coffee filter papers as I researched that they are more consuming espresso drinks which I have not verified this yet.

Anyway, I've looked in Amazon and they costs around 2.99 GBP for 80 pieces per box. This can be used for filter coffee machines. I haven't anticipated that the pour over coffee which I also bought was smaller so it looked like this:

Probably a #2 then. Ahihihi. 🤣

Anyone care for some pink onions?

Would anyone care for some pink onions? Well, it caught my attention that onions has also a pink variety.

Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso using paste

Sinigang is one of the known signature Filipino dishes. I've been craving for some sinigang, but make it a salmon as one of the main ingredient. Head of the salmon could make this dish a chef's kiss, but I'd kept it simple for now.

Ingredients:

• Oil
• 4-5 chopped garlic
• 2 big red onion diced
• 5 cherry tomato
• Fish sauce/Patis (approx 2-3 tbsp)
• 3 tbsp Miso paste
• 500 ml water
• Salmon fillet
• Pak choi

In a heated pan with oil, saute the garlic, onion and tomatoes until soft and translucent. Add the patis and the miso paste. Mix well. Add water. Once near boiling, adjust broth according to your taste. Add salmon.  Cook for around 6 minutes. Add the Pak choi and simmer until soft (6-8 minutes). Enjoy!

You can also add cut long beans, radish/Daikon, eggplant into the mix. Just put it before the salmon.

 Italiamo Pecorino Romano

I'm still constantly looking out for a cheese which has a resembling taste to Eden cheese back in the Philippines and this one I think is the most nearest taste that I've tried so far. Only that, it has more depth of flavor. I bought it at Lidl for 1.99 GBP.

Pan-fried Soy sauce based Salmon

Shessh. I don't remember now how did I cook this but what I know is that in this recipe:

I coated the salmon in flour first and fried in the pan until lightly golden brown.

Put equal parts dark soy sauce, Yutaka Mirin and the Blue Dragon Mirin in the pan. Cook in medium heat until caramelized.

Cooking Angus Beef Patties

In the Philippines, we rarely opt for the Angus Beef because it is expensive.

I am not familiar in cooking beef patties which are thick so I made again another experiment and can conclude that these patties are cooked 4 &1/2 to 5 minutes each side.

Garlic Butter Mushroom stir fry

Ingredients:

• Chestnut mushrooms 

• Butter
• Oil
• Garlic
• Garlic granules

Heat small amount of oil in the pan.

Add chopped garlic until light brown. Add butter.

Add mushroom.

Add small amount dark soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.

Add mirin.

Cook until tender.

Fresh Touch Spa

When I went to a brief vacation in the Philippines this year, it was in my plan to pamper myself and my family. I thought that I will not be able to tick this item in my checklist but during one Saturday, my brother jokingly commented that we need to have massage after going to Mass. It is a good thing that we were able to secure 4 persons reservation in the morning, and the massage was in the evening because I forgot to call them a day prior.

This is not the first time my family and I went in Fresh Touch spa. Their basic massage price has gone up from 299 php to almost 500 php. It is not posh but I could say that it was relaxing and worth it for it's price. They got promo packages which you can check out and honor senior discounts. They also accept cash and credit cards. My brother decided that we have Package 5 which costs around 549 php.

Package 5 - 759 php

Body Massage

Chinese Foot Massage

Ventosa

One thing that I won't repeat anymore is the Ventosa. Not really a fan once I've experienced it.

Eye Republic

3800. 800.

9k

675? 750?

...

 

Making Kwek kwek

 Making Kwek kwek

1 cup Plain flour

1/4 cup Cornflour

1 tsp Baking soda

1 tsp Magic sarap granules

Salt

Pepper

Food colouring

Water

Trying out Argos' Click and Collect

Hi there! I am Trying out Argos' Click and Collect because curiosity won.

So when you proceed to the checkout, you pick the click and collect which will let you save on delivery fees and you can get the product right there and then.

I thought that you have to collect it on the same day so that's why I've been holding back in trying this service.

Fret not as it takes multiple days before they take out in their storage the unclaimed products.

Anyway, back to the story. After checking out. They will send you multiple emails which one of them contains the acknowledgment and receipt that they had received your order. Inside one of those e-mails is the details and the bar code which you might want to keep on your phone. This will be scanned by the store attendant in order to process your order.

It took less than 10 minutes (was it 5?) to get my items. Which was cool, BTW  

Making Mashed Potato

 

Making Mashed Potato

2 big potatoes, cubed

Salt

Water

Boil potatoes in a hot water with dash of salt for 15 minutes or until fork tender.

Drain potatoes.

Using fork, mash potato and add lurpak butter.

Adjust according to your preferred creaminess. The higher amount of the butter you put in, the tastier it gets.

Add small amount of whole milk in order to make it a bit fluffier

Season with salt or pair up with your meat. Enjoy!

Making Gyudon or braised beef?

 Making Gyudon

500 g lean diced beef

1 large red onion diced

Dark Soysauce

Mirin

Sugar

Pepper

Marinade overnight

2 large onion julienned

Oil

Fry until half translucent

Add 1 beef bullion 

1/4 cup water

Soysauce

Mirin

Mix

Add marinated beef

Slow cook for 1 hour

Add Soysauce, adjust accordingly

Gyoza Dipping Sauce

 Gyoza Dipping Sauce

Knorr LIquid Seasoning

Yutaka Mirin

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year! I may not be in the best festive mood today as this is my first time celebrating(or not!) so celebrating the New Year as I slept up until 12:30 midnight due to exhaustion of my previous long day duty.

To tell you the truth, I'm starting to feel like an empty cup. And I know for sure that I'm not feeling homesick.

The gloomy weather here doesn't help either.

Tweet tweet

Make it matter. - Sanegeal Farmhear

Cup of Tea - Desiree Dawson

To tell you frankly, it's almost year end and I'm almost a year here in the UK. At first it was exhilarating. But when the novelty passed off, that's when I started to feel the emotion of loneliness. It didn't helped that family back home is not always available to talk to (well, obviously due to the time difference and their busy schedules). To make it a bit harder is the gloomy weather here in the UK which you should not definitely do underestimate. It also doesn't help the feelings of hopelessness and stupidity I'm feeling recently. I hate being a burden to anyone and I felt like being useless. But I'm backing myself up again. 'Cause I'm all I've got. (I retract that one, I've also got God and Jesus so yeah. I'm still alive and thriving - hopefully)

Anyway, sharing this lovely song from Desiree Dawson.

Things I'm Thankful For - JJ Heller

Things I'm Thankful For - JJ Heller

British names

There was a thing that I was curious about and I noticed that the British people have no second first names. I was then like, is a second name not popular here? How will they be able to distinguish a person to another if ever they have the same first name and surname?

But when I asked a British colleague about this, they do in fact have second names! They only use their first name though. Their middle name is their 2nd first name which is different from the middle name in the Philippines as you will be using your mother's maiden surname instead.

Oh, in the UK, you will also encounter filling up forms with the term Forename instead of First name!

Fish and Chips

 Fish and Chips

If you are residing in the UK, you might already know that every Friday is Fish and Chips day! I saw previously on Tiktok of a Filipino nurse who asked his British co-worker why is it a Fish and Chips day. She said that it goes down to history (i think they are more Christian in religion during the past) that they were fasting and refrain from eating red meat every Friday which Catholic Filipinos also do during Semana Santa. But aside from turning to only fish meat, monggo guisado is rather the well known viand during Fridays of fasting.

The other day, I also learned something new about fish and chips. One lovely lady was having her fish and chips for lunch and she was querying how there is no vinegar. I looked into her table and pointed it out. Then the one I was assisting to the toilet, answered my question that it was necessary to have vinegar with fish and chips. It makes sense though to have the vinegar in order to ward off the fishy taste.

Seatguru

 Seatguru

Trying out Skyscanner!

 Trying out Skyscanner!

If one is an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) or foreign worker for the first time, homesickness is one of the problems that may arise. Fortunately, due to the fast paced technological advancement, we can face time or videocall our loved ones any time we like (provided that they are awake) by the use of cellular phones and a wifi connection or a mobile data. As they say that there is no place than home so it is essential that one should make a goal to at least go home once a year. Everyone of us has different circumstances, others have much more financial responsibilities that is why it is trickier to purchase a plane ticket that is not cheap by the least.

I have been hearing about this Skyscanner before I went here in the UK. It was when my friend recommended that she had been using this application since she was 19 years old and it didn't fail her. After some time browsing and thinking on what ticket I need to purchase, finally I was able to push through with my plans.

You have to download the Skyscanner app in your Apple or Google Playstore. Then search for the flight, date, and time which is nearest to the one that is acceptable to you. There are cheaper flights than the one that I got, but there are certain factors that I considered especially that it will be my first time going back home and flying to an unfamiliar airport.

Things which I considered were as follows:

LAYOVERS - It is recommended that a layover in a connecting flight is 2 hours. This will give me an ample time to go to my final flight if ever (fingers crossed that it will not be) the first flight is late or one might be lost in the airport.

BOARDING TIME from source and to destination - I will be travelling on my own without a car so I'll be taking a bus going to the airport. There is a bus from where I currently reside however, it is limited. I got a tip that it is better to pick up the night boarding time so that I could catch the bus to which I heeded. I tried to maximize my vacation leave so I choose the earliest time that I could be back so that again I could catch the bus.

Oh, before I forget, do not go searching for flights every now and then because airlines have a way of checking that you are and they would raise the plane ticket prices. Check and purchase then on a Tuesday or Wednesday night.

I hope that helps!

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G

 Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G

My Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro was utilized to the fullest in the past 2-3 years and I am satisfied with it. However, with every phone that is now considered as a consumer good nowadays, the camera in my phone is now blurry and my sister is teasing me to get another phone so that I could take better photos to send them.

I was contemplating between an iPhone and an Android. From the start, I had always been a fan of Android because of the things you can do with it. You can do a lot of things in an Android when comparing to an iPhone. But..... the thing is, I was torn between the two because of iPhone's reliability. In terms of finance, we all know that hands down iPhone is more expensive and I think that it is right because of it's safety features (I think) and reliability when compared to an Android phone.

After some time, I finally decided to settle on Android and this time it's the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G. I was eyeing the latest one which is the Redmi Note 14 Pro but it is expensive for now for its price. What I do with my phone is the usual messaging, banking, movies and games. The good thing about how I bought it is that I was able to purchase it in 3 month installment. It is priced at 299.99 GBP for a 8gb /256 GB which may be a bit pricier than if in case I bought it in the Philippines.

Pins

 Credits to the author

Pins

When I was sorting out my files, I found this pin and thought why not share this awesome art with you? This is credited to the creator in the end portion of the drawing and it is not mine.

First ever Credit Card!

 First ever Credit Card!

We need to celebrate my little win today! I am absolutely elated and thrilled to bear the good news of getting my first ever credit card from HSBC today! Yip yip hurray!

A story I could tell you was that I was always declined when I tried to apply for a credit card in the Philippines. Maybe it's because I got no credit history which makes me somehow regret not taking the chance back when a BDO teller offered a credit card when I was starting high school. What made me decline it is because of financial illiteracy and I was worried on how to pay it and thought of it as a trap (which could really be the case if you don't know how to handle your finances wisely).

Why do I need/or want a credit card you may wonder? It is because it is more safe to use your credit card rather than a debit card for purchasing or paying for things online. Stolen money from a debit card is less likely to be retrieved than from a credit card cause you can try to challenge it.

Some of the feedbacks that I came across was that to put 2k for at least 3 months in your account. And you have to be at least 3 months in your residence. Or wait for 6 months before applying or reapplying as it may take a toll on your credit score.

How did I do it?

First, I inquired in the bank where I opened my bank account because when I try to apply in the app, it shows an error. 

During the bank account creation, my cohorts and I were offered an overdraft. But because I do not know about it, I declined.  

And what happened was that the account that we have has a tag of "no lending" or limitation that we were not allowed to loan because we were at that time in a hospital accommodation (I think we were presumed to be high risk that's why). I updated my residence and information. She said that she will lift the limitations up and advised me to apply again online after 3 months (I did this almost 3 months).

I tried the free Experian statutory report which got delivered in the house I'm currently residing. It showed no report and I'm thinking that it may be because of the tagged account.

I downloaded Clear score app and the CreditKarma app which I found it more reliable.

Aside from that, I downloaded the Klarna app and bought some stuff which is payable in 3 installments. I found out later when browsing the CreditKarma that when you close the payment for Klarna, it is also shown in your credit report. So if you got some stuff (especially big ticket items to purchase), utilize Klarna. When you successfully pay it on time, there is a check tick on the month of it.

One thing that I also did was to leave at least 2000 GBP in my current account for almost 3 months. To tell you frankly, this was the hardest part as I'm thinking of the potential interest wastage as the current account do not accrue interest.

But anyway, I took the big leap this morning and was really nervous especially when the app prompted if I have a credit card history from the Philippines and opted for the no instead as I don't have it and it may potentially impact the decision. I was also reminded that there was a feedback that said that their cohorts who were not approved were those who don't have any credit card in the Philippines.

When I shared my experience to my friend, she said that it may be because there was a certain period and massive issue in time that HSBC was fucked up by Filipinos who were under student visa, took out a loan and then went back to the Philippines without ever paying them. And maybe that's why they are now very strict in screening those who they give credit to.

Buldak

 Buldak

I have been seeing this Buldak even when I was still in the Philippines but I haven't attempted to try it up until now.

I like the taste of it though spiciness is about 6-8 in scale.

One tip I could give you to make it more enjoyable is to put grated parmesan cheese in it and mayonnaise! Pair it up with toasted bread and a side of pickled gherkins! Yum!

Fin Carrè Honey Salted Almond Milk Chocolate

 Fin Carrè Honey Salted Almond Milk Chocolate

I was curious on how this chocolate tastes like so I grab one when I was doing my grocery at Lidl. This costs around 1.99 GBP for a 200 grams.

I absolutely adore their Almond Milk Chocolate. But I guess I have to pass on this one. This one has more texture to it when you eat it.

 Hi-yahhhh!

So how are you doing guys? I'm almost a year in here and it's getting colder (much colder in the town where I am now). Well, what could I say? I think, the things here are way more laidback. I am not really a fan of clothing styles and make up and skin care that are available here, which makes me miss the Philippines more. Or maybe the cities offer more?

Anyway, I hope you are all alright and doing well. To tell you the truth, there are times that I feel alone and sad, and I sometimes cry, but listening to Christian songs relieves that sadness. I am used to being alone, and am usually fine being alone. (One tidbit about me is that I was able to do karaoke by myself when I was in College!)  But I guess, you can still feel that isolation at some point in time.

However, don't get me wrong. I'm utterly grateful for all the things that God has given me. In fact, I feel blessed because last year, I don't know where I'm going and here I am now. I can provide more for my mom and my siblings and Kobe.

Freixenet Italian Rose Sparkling Wine

I'm in my exploration era now so I was intrigued by alcoholic drinks. So I started with wines. I bought some from TESCO and luckily, they carry small bottles of wines which I could try. This is an Italian Rose Sparkling Wine produced by Freixenet which is a combination of Glera and Pinot noir. And it costs around 3.75 GBP for 20Cl. It contains sulphites, so to those who have an allergy to it, beware.

This is sparkling wine with alcohol content but I think that this is not for me.

Brewers Fayre

If you're heading to Bideford Affinity Outlet, you might want to check out Brewers Fayre, a family owned restaurant/pub which offers affordable meals. They currently have a value meal which offers 2 of their mains (so if you're not a big eater, have someone to share it with) for only 11.69 GBP. Just a disclaimer - I am in no way affiliated with the restaurant. My current favourite is their Gammon steak.

You can look at their current menu at https://www.brewersfayre.co.uk/en-gb/locations/devon/brewers-fayre-bideford/menus

Oh, before I forget, they also offer unlimited refills for some of their drinks. The hot drinks I think are unlimited (I got Latte the last time I went there)

Ferrero Rocher!

I'm currently trying not to cry cause it brings back memories. This chocolate, I rarely had the chance to eat as this is too pricey in the Philippines. When I try to search in Google, it would be 1000 pesos for this. But it is on sale on TESCO and the 24 pieces is only priced at 5.00 from 6.50 GBP (perks of being a Clubcard member!) which is almost half the price in the Philippines.

Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop

 Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop

I got books in my shelf to finished and I just can't help myself in purchasing another book! I've been eyeing this one for couple of weeks and I finally got it for 9.99 GBP.

Tap and pay contactless using your phone!

 Tap and pay contactless using your phone!

I'm just thrilled to share that I was able to tap and pay contactless using my phone today!

If you're like me who is getting intimidated, try to use it on a self checkout first.

In order for you to do this awesome thing, you have to add your card into Google wallet and I think you also have to make sure that NFC is on.

A once wise woman said

 A once wise woman said

"Basta may google maps ka at may pera ka, hindi ka mawawala."

XD

Weight Watchers Salmon and Broccoli Melt

 W's Salmon and Broccoli Melt

If I am able to allot more budget into ready made meals, I would like to buy this one Weight Watchers Salmon and Broccoli Melt. I was wondering what WW means.. and then I learned that it is weight watchers. Maybe that's why there were few salmon in it. 

 Making my first ever Pastil!

This is my first time of attempting to make a pastil. I'm glad that it turned out well. But I think there is a room for improvement still.

Ingredients:

chicken in cubes fillet
ground pepper
whole black pepper
bay leaves
half white onions
chicken cubes

cooking oil (lots!)

garlic 1 bulb

white onion 1 whole

1 tsp ginger

3 birds eye chilis dehydrated

 

Boil until cooked

saute garlic, onion then ginger, chilis

If now aromatic

Add shredded chicken

mix thoroughly

Add 3 tablespoons of light soy sauce

3 tablespoons of Mama Sita's oyster sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

a dash of smoked paprika

ground pepper

2 bay leaves

Mix thoroughly

Add 1- 2 tablespoons Datu Puti Vinegar over and around the dish

Do not mix

Let the vinegar evaporate/cook - which means you will not smell the vinegar anymore

Mix thoroughly

Let the chicken dry out for a bit. Add 1/2 inch butter. Mix

Adjust according to taste.

Let it cook for awhile if you want it on the dry side. It depends on you if you want a dry one or a not so dry one.

English words

 English words

One thing that shocks and at the same time amazes me is how the locals can converse with deep English words (well, that's how I perceived it.) which we don't normally use in the Philippines. But then I realized laer on that English came from Britain so what's new about that?

I am reading a book which I recently purchased from Waterstones and my oh my, I find myself going back and forth from book to Google. Thank God for the latest technology because way back when internet was not accessible yet, I used to refer to English dictionary which could take some time because you have to flip through the pages in order to find the meaning of words.

What I Wish I'd Known when I was young

 What I Wish I'd Known when I was young

I'm enforcing myself to go back to the things which keeps my sanity in place. And one thing which pulled me through during my dark times was to read.

When I was in my second year in college, I think I was depressed. I think that my coping mechanism is to bed rot and sleep. I used to sleep and sleep. But I made it a goal to read a book each time. 10% each day or higher.

Yesterday, I went to the bookstore and this book caught my eye. I think I can definitely relate to it minus the successful part.

Oblix by the Shard

 Oblix by the Shard

We all know that almost all in London is expensive. But sometimes, you need to experience finer things at least once in your lifetime. If you're looking for something to which you can chill out and have some drink and food while enjoying the skyscraper's majestic view (too bad I got no camera which can capture its beauty... Well who knows if I'll be back? 😜), we recommend the Oblix. Their fried squid on the menu is to die for! I think my friend mentioned that she paid for 100 GBP for 3 drinks, martini, gin and tonic and another drink plus the fried squid and the chicken for sharing. This is a worthwhile place to hang out if you've got a bit more to spend!

Hey!

 Hey!

Give yourself some credit.

You've been working hard.

You deserve a treat.

Let's eat the 50% off Mac and cheese with a Latte too which I've got from Costa for 6.35 GBP!

Tip: Drop by prior to the closing time. 😸