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.