Delia D.

 Finally, unlike last year, I was on the early side of watching a "musical".  Delia D. Is the newest jukebox musical with songs by Jonathan Manalo,  running until early June 2025.

As someone who dislikes this particular genre, and with no idea of who Jonathan Manalo was before a quick google and the experience of last year, I had phenomenally low expectations. 

But I was pleasantly surprised.

I have to say that I was very entertained from start to finish. Costumes and dancing was on point. The dialogue up to date and engaging - though some points could have been taken further. The cast sang and acted well, despite the thinness of the plot: The first act was a tension-less afternoon show while the second, more emotional act requires a massive suspension of disbelief (which I will not go into because spoilers) but was done with a believable depth of feeling. However, the show seems to have handicapped itself by muting the mics of the cast. The spectacle outshown the soul.

Still, I believe this is the most enjoyable watch of this type of musical (as a Filipino from X generation, I am not ashamed to say I like this more than Mama Mia) and I see the potential in this.

Watch this this year, and maybe 20 years into the future.

Travel Empties 2025

As someone bitten by the travel bug, I've actually been using face masks  I've had left over and some minis. While I've thrown some of them, here are what I've managed to empty during the current week. 

Aside from face masks, these are now what I mostly bring during a trip and empty. This is because shampoo and shower gel are still given in the places I stay in (but not conditioner, unfortunately).

This week's travel empties are:

My Floor Wiper System

 Dirt and dust gets everywhere but (almost) everything goes down, so floor cleaning is a must. As someone that lives in a condo sans broom, mop or vacuum, I depend on my daiso purchased floor wiper for my floor cleaning needs. Sadly, I also do not have a washing machine so THIS IS NOT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.

In the 3 years I've used it, I've developed a floor wipe system that works for me.

Watsons Dental Floss

 Singularly the most terrible floss I have ever tried. Breaks and runs like crazy.

Only positive point is its refillable state.

Would not repurchase.

Lip Balms of 2024

I've already finished two out of three of these after quite a long while.

First is A'pieu Honey and Milk Lip Sleeping Pack. This was the first one in but I actually had a hard time finishing the tub. It took so long that this product has been discontinued. I purchased this as a way to replace the Langeige mask. But like another dupe, this failed at giving my lips the love it needed.

Ever Bilena Plus Serum Tinted Lip Oil in Toast of New York

 Not a real empty, but at this point, I think I can give my thoughts about Ever Bilena Plus Serum Tinted Lip Oil in Toast of New York.

First of all, I did purchase this originally on sale with a lipstick of the same brand. Sadly, I lost it after a week despite my like of it. Somehow though, thanks to C, it made its way back to me. Thank you!

Loyd's Cold Infusion Tea Bags in Mint, Lemon and Lime.

Inflation as well as shrinkflation, is real. One glaring example that comes to mind is a sachet of powdered juice/tea that used to retail Php 5 to 8 to add to a liter of water now goes for Php 22-25 to add to 700 ml. 

Which is why I decided to try Loyd's Cold Infusion Tea Bags in Mint, Lemon and Lime.

MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

Here's an old mini empty of MISSHA's Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence thats peeling like crazy. I have no idea which generation this is given I've no idea when I got my hands on it. I do know that it has been living in my travel kit, which I didn't do so much. 

Innisfree Black Tea Youth Enhancing Skin

The empties bin is intense. This is the old version of Innisfree Black Tea Youth Enhancing Skin and it's already been repackaged and reformulated.

I actually bought it because I wanted the Amore Pacific Essence but I didn't want to shell out and I mistook which one I was supposed to purchase. Did I enjoy it? Yes. It brightened and strengthened my skin with 1-2 layers 2x a day. However, will buy the new version of the ESSENCE once on sale because I did not check what I purchased.

Interstellar on Imax 2025

Finally got to watch interstellar on IMAX at 2025 at SM Mall of Asia.

NO REGRETS, worth the ~ Php 1,000 for premium seats bought online (to ensure the best seats in the house).

For those interested in buying, the website is buggy but try to purchase tickets online beforehand to get the best seats. I strongly suggest going to MOA for the best experience. Don't buy at the concessionaire if you get premium: it comes with a free giant softdrink and popcorn. Empty your bladder beforehand.

Just sit back, relax and enjoy a 3 hour masterpiece.

D'Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum

 I've been super late to the game given that this was promoted to high heaven years ago but I finally bought and finished a bottle of D'Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum.

Betadine Gargle

  It isn't just me... there is a lot of viral illnesses around and I think I've been affected.

Whenever I feel the beginnings of an illness, I turn to this giant bottle of mouthwash: Betadine gargle.

Does it work? It helps. Its an antiseptic of povidone-iodine 1% that I gargle to head off and sooth a sore throat or sniffle. However, I use it exclusively when unwell because well....

The Bath Lab Hand Cream

 You know something is to good to be true sometimes but you check to see if it could be a hidden gem? 

A total fail was this Hand Cream from the Bath Lab.

This was actually purchased by M but she said it was a pass for her... and gave it to me instead.

I ended up finishing it to save it but its not something worth purchasing, IMO. Not sure how much this was bought for but its currently Php 63 on shopee.. and on sale for good reason.

While cost per ml is low, it's a light lotion that's only advantage is that it comes in a convenient tube.

There are far better options out there. Use it if free but don't bother buying.