Lux Thinking Aloud Bacolod Wedding Suppliers Review By A Bacolod Bride 10:06 PM I'll be sharing my Bacolod Wedding Suppliers review here based on personal experience and some tips which I hope makes your planning easier. One of the most daunting tasks in planning a wedding is finding the right supplier. So I made a vow that after I'm done with everything, I'll pay it forward and help the soon-to-wed couples. Bacolod Wedding Suppliers Review 💡 Tip! Create an Excel file. The file I created has different Sheets or Tabs, one for each supplier category (P/V or Photo Video, Wedding Cakes, Souvenirs, and so on).I added a DON'T BOOK sheet in glaring red tab color. Every time I find a new supplier, I check them first on that list. The suppliers in this category are those with 1 star review online as well as those NOT recommended by people I know based on their own experience or a wedding they attended. I kept adding names here based on my own personal experience of talking with the suppliers. If they're unresponsive, rude or unprofessional, they automatically make my DON'T BOOK list. Where to find Bacolod Wedding Suppliers Word of mouth Facebook search Facebook group Google search Word of mouth First, I asked my married friends for referrals and advice. From florists to HMUA (hair and makeup artist) to event organizers to cake suppliers, I asked anyone who might know someone. Facebook search I spent all my vacant hours every day utilizing the search bar in Facebook. I will be forever thankful for technology. I don't know what I would've done without AI suggesting pages or business I might be interested in. My florist, coordinator, photographer and souvenirs were all from Suggestions that Facebook's Artificial Intelligence ever so conscientiously recommended in my Feed. Facebook group Another heaven-sent is the Facebook group WAWIES. My (now also married) friend invited me to join the group while we were both planning our weddings. All the tips, recommendations, supplier reviews and lessons shared in the group helped me a lot throughout the wedding preps. It's like a support group for wedding preppers because during this time, who else can understand what you're going through, right? Google search What suppliers I see on Facebook, I search on Google for reviews and vice versa. Again, the internet is a life-saver. You can also visit Bridal Fairs. Check mall events schedule. Personally though, none of my suppliers were from the wedding expo. These are all the flyers I got from the event I attended in SM: After coming home from Wedding Expo. Overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Our Bacolod Wedding Suppliers Church - San Antonio Abad Parish Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What we wanted for our church: Small Air-conditioned Well-maintained We found out 3 days before the wedding that our officiating priest does not have a license yet. To avoid delays in processing papers, we looked for another. Unfortunately, majority of the priests were in Manila for a conference. Mandi, the parish secretary, helped us find a missionary priest fast. Everything happens for a reason. Fr. Sanjib Pani, our officiating priest, was great. He met with us and gave us a quick interview. He also agreed to do our confession the day before the wedding. I recommend him 100%. Price: Php 19,400 including use of AC, carpet, Canonical interview, paper works + choir + 2 principal sponsors Quality: They were really helpful and accommodating from day 1. Their choir was great, the audio was clear. I like the simple but elegant interior of the church. Communication: We get answers to our questions right away. What could be improved: They could use some re-painting. There were also a some candy wrappers in the pews. This didn't show in the photos or videos but could be an eye-sore for some. Please note that it was our choice to only have one pair of Principal Sponsors. You may call their office at (034) 434 9391 and inquire how much they charge now. Reception and Catering - Sugarland Hotel Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We chose them because they're close to the church and they're known for serving good food. Price: 23,540 for 50 pax and 3 hours use of venue + 6 LED lights (LED lights are optional but there's a corkage charge for each light if you bring your own) Quality: Although during the food tasting they served us cold food, they assured us they'll serve it hot during the wedding. They delivered. The staff assisting us during reception did an excellent job. Communication: MJ was our salesperson and she was clear, concise and professional. Accommodation: ⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you'll ask me about accommodation however, it's a different story. The night before the wedding, there were parties downstairs which we could hear loudly in our rooms. Brides need their beauty rest and you bet I didn't get mine as the party ended after 10. The heater in the bridal suite was not working too. Entourage dresses - Atet's Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I opted for infinity dress for my entourage so I (and my bride squad) don't have to deal with the whole process and hassle of having the dresses made. Plus they can use it even after the wedding. The infinity dresses were from Atet's. Someone from the Facebook group recommended them. Although they are Manila-based, they ship to Bacolod. I don't know them personally. You will realize that this whole wedding preps requires a lot of faith. 😅 Price: Php 550 + shipping fee (depends on the location) Quality: The fabric's quality was not compromised for the price. 👌 Communication: Responsive, courteous, professional Delivery: Fast. They gave an ETA of 2-3 weeks but as far as I can remember it didn't take 3 weeks for my order to be delivered. They sent my orders via JRS Express. What could be improved: Payment mode is only through Palawan Express, LBC and Cebuana. I wish they had bank transfer or PayPal options so it's more convenient and safer. They don't allow meet-ups. So even if you're in Manila area, you will need to pay additional shipping fee. Wedding dress - South Shores Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We were walking in a mall when I saw a long white dress inside a shop in a hanger and transparent garment bag. My then fiancé suggested that since we're already there, I might as well try it. I was hesitant. I didn't get that THIS IS IT! feeling when I saw it. Only when they took it out of the bag and I tried it did I realize how pretty it was. I bought it right away. Price: If you're a 'budgetarian' bride, you'll love it. I was amazed by how budget-friendly it was despite how elegant it looked. I don't want to post the price but you can ask me here. Quality: It looks expensive. 😅 I love the details too especially the beads and laces. Communication: The salesladies at the store were helpful in assisting me while I change. So why only 4 stars out of perfect 5? What could be improved: Unlike traditional bridal boutiques, I only got...the dress. No free veil, gloves, free use of mannequin for wedding day pictorial and other accessories. Not even a free hanger or a proper box or bag. My husband helped them pack it in two large eco bags and wrapped it securely so it won't get dirty or damaged. Because they didn't have a bag large enough to fit the gown. They told us that the dress was from Hong Kong. When we had the length adjusted in a dress shop, the woman assisting me said that based on the quality of bead work, it's made locally. She's been in the dressmaking industry for 20 years now so she said she can tell. 🤷 South Shores is located at 3/f SM City Bacolod. I bought my veil at Jimmy's textile at Bacolod Plaza Mart for less than 100 Php. We rented mannequin at Fit & Curves Lopue's East for Php 500 for one day use. Bridal Makeup - Ms. Marie of David's Salon Rating:⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We booked Ms. Marie right after our trial makeup. She's easy to work with as she's a pro and we like the no-makeup makeup she did during the trial. Price: Their policy is that if the makeup is done outside the salon, the price is double. Plus you pay for their transportation. In total, we paid Php 3,300 on the day of the wedding. They don't offer a bridal package. Quality: This is the sad part. We were both pleased and satisfied with the hair and makeup during the trial. Unfortunately on the day of the wedding itself, the lighting inside the bridal suite was too low so she ended up putting more makeup than intended. Communication: Ms. Marie (and Jessa who did my hair) were both pleasant to work with and well-trained. What could be improved: The call time was 5 am but they arrived around 5:20 am. It's not their fault that the room was dimly lit and the call time was before sunrise. But I think the makeup didn't turn out as good as expected because they were rushing as they started late and the room was not properly illuminated. We could have moved next to the window and opened the curtains so it's brighter had they requested it. Maybe David's Salon can also change their policy. My HMUA still had to report and work full hours on that day despite working a good four hours on our wedding. Makeup trial at Php 1,200 Entourage's makeup - BeautyLove by Stef Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I've known Stef since she was taking makeup lessons. So I also know she gives 110% in her work. Price: Php 4k for mother of the bride and maid of honor. This may be a special price so it's better to ask her for a quote. Quality: According to my sister, she didn't want to wash her face after the wedding because she loved her makeup so much. Everyone's call time was 5 am but Stef was up and ready at 3 am. The night before, she already prepared her things in my room. Communication: Straightforward and professional My husband didn't like his makeup on some pictures but I do. I think it's a man's thing to not like to see themselves with makeup. Florist and Event Stylist - Sweet 25 Flowers and Decors by Gilbert Taguines Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Couple Gilbert and Jinky Taguines were the 6th florist we talked to. We have had apprehensions with other florists. Either something's off in their contract, they don't have a permit, their offer is too good to be true or that they kept rescheduling our meeting and giving us excuses because we asked them to adjust the price. Price: See the price list they sent us below. Quality: The day before the wedding, Cebu Pacific flights were delayed (as usual). So the flowers they ordered were stuck at the Manila airport. The airline promised to send the cargo first thing in the morning. They went to the airport 5 am. The wedding is at 10 am. Yet while they were doing my makeup, Jinky already handed me my bouquet. The church was how we wanted it: simple and elegant. We were amazed by how they arranged the venue for reception. It was a small blank room that transformed into a romantic lovely scene. Flowers, tables and backdrop were arrange in a pretty way.Our guests loved the reception decorations, and so did we. Communication: Although there were some delays in their responses as they're also busy with other events, they are easy to communicate with, respectful and patient. Delivery: Late only for a few minutes during first meeting. They finished the flowers and styling before the ceremony and program started despite delay. What could be improved: I wanted a stargazer for the center of my bridal bouquet. Unfortunately, because of the delay at the airport, it stayed in cargo for 48 hours. This kind of flower wilts fast when not kept in a cool place. Before going to church, the edges of the stargazer were already starting to brown. The delay is obviously not their fault so I'm not taking a star off the perfect 5 rating. LED lights in the room change in color and there are photos that are too pink or dark. On the Day Coordination - Jinky Taguines Rating:⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We were happy when we found out that Jinky also does coordination. So we booked them for the flowers and we booked her for coordination. I opted for OTD Coordination because I know I wanted to be hands on in choosing other suppliers instead of letting another person decide. Price: 10k Quality: I didn't want to give Jinky 3-stars because we saw how organized and good she was. The problem was that on the day of the wedding itself, she hired freelance coordinators so she could help focus with the flowers and decors. Unfortunately they weren't as good as her. They're called 6 Angels. Instead of helping dissipate the stress, they were adding to it. I saw them frowning because they're in a hurry as the makeup and photo shoot started later than expected. According to my entourage, they were rude and unprofessional while rushing everyone. I think they were also pissed because they asked my then fiancé for the rings which will be used for the documentation on P/V but he refused. Obviously, you won't give rings to people you only saw that day. We weren't introduced to them by Jinky because she had to rush to the airport before 5 am. The whole time I was trying to ignore their unhappy faces and negative vibes because I wanted to be happy on my wedding day. But even the guests weren't happy with how they're doing their job. My husband was the one who guided the guests where to sit because he said he saw them do nothing about it. The seating arrangement was discussed with Jinky. A photographer who's not part of the team we hired kept snapping photos and they did nothing about it. We requested this to Jinky and even sent a copy of Couple's request and she acknowledged. Maybe she didn't pass on the message. My mother asked one of them to give the female sponsor's fan to my friend who stood there as the sponsor didn't make it, but they didn't do as she said. It's only a small fan with flowers but it's part of the package we paid for. I don't know where it went. I only saw it in the photo. The prizes I prepared for the games were not given to the right winners. I got an excess prize back so I don't know who didn't get the right prize and what they gave instead. I had a table games file sent which they printed and gave to the MC. Communication: Jinky was okay but 6 Angels weren't. It's seems they're not happy with what's happening. Delivery: Our guests and entourage were annoyed by them. We didn't like how they handled the pressure. What could be improved: If you decide to hire Jinky for coordination because again, she's good, ask her to hire a different assistant. We paid (for both Sweet 25 flowers and decors and) coordination down-payment during contract signing. We transferred the second payment a week before the wedding and paid for the balance after the wedding via mobile banking. Photo and Video - Rocket Lab Photography Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ While I was searching for P/V I would send the links of their works to my photographer friend abroad. Out of many, he liked their work best. In his words, it's more raw and not filtered. You can see the person's character and candidness in the shots. Price: Photo + Video (full and highlights) = Php 20k. This is way cheaper compared to other well-known photo/video suppliers. Quality: Some shots are really good, others just okay. I counted 36 shots that were almost a duplicate of another shot, off-centered, eyes closed, or those that didn't have to be included. Maybe they just forgot to remove from the file. They're young and dynamic. They helped lighten the mood so we can be more relaxed and have fun during the shoot. Communication: Responsive, courteous, easy to communicate with. Delivery: Call time was 5 am but I think they started working around 5:30 am. Thus, the delay and rush. But the photos and videos were delivered fast. Photos were uploaded on their page four days after the wedding. Video was uploaded 21 days after and we got the copies in USB the next day. They also gave us printed copies of the uploaded photos. What could be improved: They could be more punctual next time. I was expecting the moment my husband and I met at the altar to be included in the full coverage but it was not. It's a sweet moment when he said "You look beautiful, honey." Unfortunately, the camera man had to change spot at that moment. Also I thought full coverage meant the games and other parts of the program will be included. They cut to the speeches and some highlights. We paid 1k down-payment on our meeting and contract signing and I transferred the balance via mobile banking after the wedding. Rings - Hearts & Arrows Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We've searched far and wide to find the perfect ring that would compliment my engagement ring. Only to realized it's just in SM City Bacolod. 😆 Quality: We went to different jewelry stores in different cities but so far theirs is the best. I love that when you look under a colored lens you'll see hearts and arrows shapes in the stones, thus the name of the store. Communication: The girl who assisted us was knowledgeable and they're all accommodating. Delivery: They messaged us that they already have the stock before the date we're supposed to pick it up. My husband bought his ring online because we have different preferences with design. Wedding cake and dessert table - Sweet Peas Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I found Sweet Peas in WAWIES. I contacted them after I read the positive review. I spent hours browsing through their albums and fell in love with their work. Price: Php 3,500 Quality: I wish they have a physical bakeshop so I can buy their cake whenever I miss it. Love how elegant the desserts and our cake looked. Love her arrangement. Our cake was moist and chocolaty. The cake pops and cupcakes were also delectable. Communication: Responsive and courteous. Delivery: I only sent photos of how I want the cake to look, a some preferences and gave her the freedom to decorate. I paid online for the 1k down-payment. They arrived even before the stylist was done with the reception. I had my coordinator pay the balance so we never met in person. Souvenirs - Porte Verde 7225 Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I wanted a souvenir that is useful and environment-friendly so I opted for succulents. Price: Php 1,550 for 40 pcs Quality: I love the layout in the sign they added. Love the succulents too. Communication: Responsive and patient with all my inquiries 😁 Delivery: They arrived before the reception was decorated and I also had the coordinator pay in full. No downpayment required because it's only Php1,550. We also didn't meet in person. I will not post a detailed review of my groom's suit. But do yourself a favor and don't have it made at Slim's. I lost count of the times we had to go back to have it readjusted because it's either too loose or too tight. Finally my groom got tired of three months of coming and going so he just paid for it and we left. Not worth it. Ring box, invitations, candles and other accessories we did ourselves. 😊 Here's what my creative husband did for our arrhae, cord and ring box. Our wedding's theme is Simple and Elegant. As much as possible, we didn't want to spend on nice-to-haves so we can focus on the must-haves. I didn't feel oblige to follow the 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' tradition. It took me almost a year searching for and booking for all the suppliers. It didn't all happen in one trip to the Bridal Fair or in one day. Although that's the dream, isn't it? I learned valuable lessons and realized in the end that there is no such thing as a perfect wedding, but mine was beautiful because I married my best friend. If you have other questions about these Bacolod Wedding Suppliers, feel free to send me a message here. Reach out to them as well because they may have changed their rates. Happy preps!
Travels 8 Best Things To Do In Rishikesh for Couples 12:33 PM Camping in Rishikesh is a Perfect Thrill for Honeymoon Couples Rishikesh which is also known as the ‘Yoga Capital of India’ and ‘Gateway to the ‘Garhwal Himalayas’ is one of the best places for honeymoon couples in India. In this glorious pilgrim town, honeymoon couples can also enjoy the various water sports and adventure activities by Camping in Rishikesh. Isn’t it interesting – adventurous honeymoon!! 8 Best Things To Do In Rishikesh for Couples 1. River Rafting River Rafting is one of the best things to do for honeymoon couples filled with young and adventurous energy. Moving against the rapids of the Ganges that gushes through the mountain rocks is definitely thrilling and a wonderful experience. The months of October to June are advisable to enjoy river rafting as the river gets too violent during monsoon months. You can choose amongst the three grades for rafting depending upon your experience. The 3 grades are: Grade 1 & 2 – Basic Grade 3 – Standard Grade 4 – Expert You need to follow all the safety instructions which are given by your rafting masters. 2. Bonfire and Camping in Rishikesh If a honeymoon couple wants to spend some time on the riverside with candlelit mountain valleys, it is the right place. A calm breeze under the stars and burble stream gives immense pleasure to your body and soul. You can also soak in your feet in the nearby stream to get more relaxation. 3. Ayurvedic Spa and Massage To give your mind and body a perfect serenity and harmony, ayurvedic massage and spa are the most wonderful options. Rishikesh provides you the best places for spa and massage that can rejuvenate you easily. It reduces your fatigue in minutes and relieves you from stress. 4. Yoga and Meditation Experience yoga and meditation with a panoramic mountain view in Rishikesh to calm down your nerves and give yourself inner peace. In Rishikesh, experienced yoga gurus help you to learn the best yoga and meditation techniques. Away from the noise of the city, yoga in an open and fresh air eliminates bad toxins from your body. 5. Kayaking and Rock Climbing Kayaking and Rock Climbing are other thrilling activities for sports enthusiast couples. You can visit various camps where expert trainers train you for these activities. 6. Para Gliding Camping in Rishikesh is a never-ending joy. The list goes on and on which also includes para gliding. Para gliding can be enjoyed by all the age-groups. It gives you an ultimate bird feeling when you can touch the blue airspace. 7. Trekking Waterfall Trekking in Rishikesh is famous amongst the tourists. You can drown yourself in the beauty of the serene Himalayas with this adventure. There are lots of treks in Rishikesh such as Nag Tibba Trek, Roopkund Trek, Valley of Flowers Trek, Kunjapuri Temple Trek, and many more. 8. Flying in Shivpuri Doesn’t it sound more adventurous? It’s not para gliding. It is very different from para gliding where a harness will be tied to you and you will fall free towards the ground from a height of 7 meters above the ground. It goes and comes back at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour. This activity is allowed for the age of above 12 years. The weight range is 20 kgs to 130 kgs. Hence Rishikesh is a place for couples with an adventurous mindset where they can enjoy being together. Rishikesh is a one stop where you can find a blend of spiritual energy and vibrant thrilling energy. You can enjoy the charm of Ganges River with rafting and camping in Rishikesh. Have fun and have a Happy Honeymoon! If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
Health & Wellness Breaking Addictions: World No Tobacco Day 12:00 AM The 31st May is World No Tobacco Day. By now, we are all well informed about the dangers associated with smoking. Mandatory education programmes, packet warnings, and advertising bans have all had an impact on the number of smokers in the UK (which has been in steady decline for many years now). However, many millions of people still struggle with the compulsion to light up a cigarette. It’s estimated that 25,000 people die every year in the UK from smoking-related diseases. Many of these people have been trying to quit for years – but addiction is a powerful thing, and smoking is by no means an easy habit to break. This year’s World No Tobacco Day will be focusing particularly on lung health, which is a hugely important facet to the smoking problem. However, for the moment we’d like to take a step back from the physical effects of smoking, and take a look at the way smoking interacts with the brain. Breaking Addictions: World No Tobacco Day How do people get addicted to smoking? The addictive component within tobacco is nicotine. Nicotine is a potent chemical but, oddly, when isolated it has far fewer physical effects than tobacco does in general. It is the tar, irritation, and clogging effects of tobacco smoke which are largely responsible for the lung cancers and cardiovascular diseases for which smoking is known. However, this does not mean that nicotine is harmless. Far from it. Without the nicotine, it’s doubtful that people would continue to spark up cigarettes despite knowing the horrendous health hazards they’re exposing themselves to. It’s the nicotine which keeps people going back for another packet of smokes. Nicotine triggers the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is part of the human brain’s ‘reward’ mechanism. Essentially, dopamine tells us when we’ve done well. It gives us a happy little boost. This boost not only feels nice, it also reinforces the behaviour at a subconscious level. It’s a very important process, and one which is absolutely vital for learning. For example, being praised (or even simply succeeding at something) also triggers the release of dopamine, which helps us to act in praiseworthy or successful ways in the future. However, certain chemicals (like nicotine) can hijack the dopamine reward system in the brain. This trains the brain to crave these chemicals, and thus an addiction is born. How addictive is nicotine? A nicotine habit can take a long time to develop. But, once established, it’s very hard to shake. Once the brain has come to rely on nicotine, it protests heavily at its chemical crutch being taken away. The effects of nicotine withdrawal may include: Irritability Anger Trouble concentrating Increased appetite Headaches Intense cravings for cigarettes Anxiety Abdominal cramps Low mood Sweating Nicotine patches and other nicotine supplements can help to combat these symptoms. However, many people also find that quitting smoking is additionally difficult because of how much the action of smoking has become a part of their lives. If you are used to having a cigarette at a certain time or within a certain situation, it can feel very strange (and even uncomfortable) to be without a cigarette in your fingers in such contexts. Getting help for quitting smoking The above all sounds pretty bleak, we know. But it’s really not as bad as all that. The worst of nicotine withdrawal tends to pass after about three days. If you can stick it out for that long, you’ll be over the worst. Then it’s just a case of keeping the habit down. Breaking the habit of smoking tends to work differently for different people. Many find that nicotine replacements like patches and nicotine gum are enough to get them through the worst of the cravings. Other people find that more psychological therapies help them the most. Recently, some apps have really helped people to monitor their no-tobacco journey and encouraged them to stay on track. Examples of common stop-smoking aids include: · Nicotine vapes. While there has been some controversy around exactly how safe vapes are, many people have found them useful in transferring their smoking habits to something less harmful. · Medications. Some medicines have been proven effective in reducing nicotine cravings and counterbalancing some of the negative mood issues caused by nicotine withdrawal. Ask your GP for more information on medicines to help you quit smoking. · Apps. The NHS has a therapeutic app for those who wish to give up smoking. It’s called ‘NHS Smokefree’, and it works by providing practical support, encouragement, tips, motivation, and tracking over a four week programme. · Group support. While it’s not for everyone, many people find that it’s easier to quit with the support of a group of others going through the same thing. Stop-smoking groups challenge, encourage, congratulate, and motivate one another. · Professional support. Look into your local NHS stop smoking service. Expert advice and support can be highly effective. And then, of course, there’s counselling. Counselling for stopping smoking There are many forms of counselling for addiction. The right one for you may take a while to find, so don’t be afraid to shop around. Therapies counsellors may offer include: · Behavioural therapy. Behavioural therapies work with the connections between the way you think and the way you behave. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a commonly used form of behavioural therapy which encourages you to notice (and therefore to have power over) your thought processes. · Talking therapy. Talking therapies are often steered by the client. Talking therapies can help you to express your frustrations, emotions, and struggles around the issue. You may be surprised at how much you uncover about yourself and your attitudes towards smoking. Whichever variety of therapy you go for, an accredited counsellor will provide you with a non-judgmental and supportive space. The expert advice and help of the right counsellor really can be a huge help for anyone who is trying to quit smoking. Visit our website for more on finding the right accredited counsellor for you. If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
Health & Wellness Counselling For Individuals Coping with Autism 9:24 PM One-to-one counselling can be the starting point for many people as they begin their recovery from depression, addiction, or other mental health issues. But counselling for individuals with autism can be a much different journey. While many autistic people find counselling effective and worthwhile, their needs can vary greatly, with more focus on coping strategies and relaxation techniques. Counselling for Individuals Coping with Autism What is autism? Autism is a lifelong developmental condition. Caused by irregularities in the way the brain develops and works, it affects how a person might interact or communicate with other people socially, as well as how they view and understand the world around them. Communication difficulties Many autistic people find it difficult to interact socially with others - and communication plays a big part in this. People without autism can instinctively rely on both verbal and non-verbal communication - such as visual clues in body language, appearance, and spatial awareness as well as someone’s tone of voice, sarcasm, or jokes when they speak. But without the ability to pick up on these visual or verbal clues effectively, autistic people can have difficulty feeling comfortable in group situations or understanding conversations. Overwhelming feelings or emotions They can also be overwhelmed by intense feelings and emotions. This can be a confusing experience as they might be suffering a high state of anxiety or nervousness, but not know or understand why they feel this way. Over time, many autistic people develop their own personal coping strategies to help them when faced with such situations. And while they may be seen as unconventional to a non-autistic person, they should be accepted as the best way for that individual to help themselves. Senses and sensitivity Other common traits of autism can include feelings of hypersensitivity - to sound for example - or the experience of either high or low extremes of the physical senses of sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell.It’s also common to see extremes inability - some autistic people can be exceptionally skilled in certain areas, but struggle greatly in others. What’s known as Executive Function Disorder can also play a big role in the lives of autistic people. This means they can find it difficult to plan, organise, or schedule everyday duties or tasks - especially those that involve certain timescales. Such difficulties can leave them feeling tired and emotionally drained. While many autistic people may share similar characteristics and mannerisms, being a spectrum condition, every diagnosis is different. Therefore, every autistic person can have experiences that differ greatly, but with some common similarities. Why is counselling for autism needed? Life with autism can be difficult and, at times, the daily challenges can get the better of all people living with it. This will obviously affect the mental health of some, so talking with a counselling professional can make a big difference. But counselling for autism can also be helpful for friends, family, or carers too, giving everyone extra support as and when they might need it. While there are no cures, counselling and talking therapy can help people on the spectrum, and everyone who is living with autism, find ways to face up to or cope with their daily lives. Getting a formal diagnosis is also important or helpful for some people with autism. Some prefer not to be put into an official ‘pigeon hole’, preferring to celebrate their uniqueness. But for some, having a diagnosis can be beneficial, giving them an understanding of why they might feel different from others, as well as opening avenues of support for them. Addressing mental health The number of people with autism affected by mental health issues is likely to be higher than those who aren’t on the spectrum. But sometimes their issues can be missed or overshadowed by some autistic behaviour patterns. Anxiety can be an area of concern in many autistic people as they struggle with the effects of stressful situations in a social context. Another highly common issue is depression. Coping with any potential anxiety issues as well as the daily challenges autism brings can make lives harder. But while dealing with these challenges is a positive step forward, it can be difficult for autistic people to reach out for help. Change can be unsettling and talking about their feelings can be hard, but the right counsellor, especially one with experience in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can help with the range of emotions, anxieties, and confusion. CBT therapy Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a recognised and common therapy treatment for people suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression, which is why some autistic people benefit greatly from it. Looking to change the way autistic people think and behave, CBT can help patients deal with the bigger problems or emotions that overwhelm them by breaking them down into smaller pieces. As CBT deals with issues and problems that are felt by the patient currently (rather than focusing on issues that have taken place in the past like other talking therapies), it gives them realistic ways to help improve their state of mind and the way they feel day-to-day. To provide successful therapy to autistic people, counsellors may have to modify and adapt their methods. But a counsellor with specific training in or experience of CBT would be best placed to deliver the recommended treatment for a positive outcome. Chrysalis training courses Whatever area of talking therapy you work - or want to work - and specialise in, CBT counselling is a perfect way to help autistic adults and children. With more on offer than just a job, it’s a chance to make a difference in their lives and help them overcome their daily challenges. And a counselling course with Chrysalis can be the first step of your journey. Chrysalis is the UK’s leading trainer of counselling and therapy courses. Accredited by the National Counselling Society, all courses can help you gain valuable qualifications - whether you’re taking an introductory course or if you’re an already qualified counsellor looking for career development. So if you want to specialise in counselling for autism, achieving accredited qualifications from Chrysalis Courses can be a rewarding step to take. For more information and more details about all Chrysalis counselling and therapy courses, visit www.chrysaliscourses.ac.uk, email enquiries@chrysaliscourses.co.uk, or call 01278 401352 today.
Listicle Top Tips When Planning a Trip to Hawaii 6:51 PM Hawaii is definitely one of the dream destinations for anyone who wants something more out of their vacation. There are many things to see and do across all of Hawaii, and its natural beauty is a given. There’s almost too much to do in Hawaii. To get the most out of your Hawaiian vacation, you’ll want to prepare by using these top tips. Top Tips When Planning a Trip to Hawaii Go During the Right Time of Year It’s important to make sure you plan your trip during the right time of year. A vacation to Hawaii doesn’t come cheap, but you can spend a lot less money when you book your flight and during the off-season, particularly from around the middle of April through the middle of June or in the fall from September to the middle of December. Another great reason to visit Hawaii during those times of year is that the weather is actually pretty perfect then. Overall, you should also avoid planning to visit during the school holidays as the prices are very expensive for flights and hotel bookings. Just The Right Hotel If you have been planning a trip of a lifetime, you want to stay at a memorable place. One of the most popular destinations for ambitious travelers is the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. This resort is located right on the beachfront and has an award-winning spa. It also boasts over 60 on-site boutiques, fun cultural activities, and a world-class 24-hour fitness center. This Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa would stand alone as a great destination in its own right, but its breathtaking location means it’s just the icing on an unforgettable cake of a vacation. Limit Your Trip to One or Two Islands If you are planning on visiting Waikiki Beach, you will be on the island of Oahu. To enjoy your trip immensely, you will want to stick to only one or two islands during its duration. It may be tempting to go all out and travel from one island to another every other day, but this can be tiring and overwhelming at the same time. When you keep yourself limited to one or two islands, you can still have an incredible time during your vacation. You can enjoy the sights, go on a tour, soak up the sun and enjoy a dip in the ocean without wasting a lot of time island hopping. Look Into Packaged Deals Exploring packaged deals is one of the top tips for getting the most from your Hawaiian vacation. A deal that includes your airfare, hotel bookings and a rental car is a great way to save money on your trip to Hawaii. There are many options available that are specifically tailored to customers looking to travel to the island state. In many cases, you can find high-quality combinations for a reasonable price. Plan Your Itinerary in Advance A great way to plan your Hawaii trip is to set out your itinerary in advance. You can decide on the activities you want to do once you get there based on your personality and preferences. Maybe there is a local event going on the second night you will be there, and you want to check it out. Or maybe you’re more laid back and simply want to relax on the beach most of the time. Whatever the case, you can plan your itinerary by using an app on your smartphone or by jotting it down in a journal. Spend Extra Money on the Adventure of Your Choice If your goal is to make your trip to Hawaii as memorable as possible, you definitely can… for a price. What better way to do that than by going on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Whether you want to go snorkeling, take a tour over waterfalls or go kayaking in the beautiful blue ocean, you should spend extra money to do it. These tips can help you to plan your ultimate trip to Hawaii. You will enjoy it even more for all your diligent preparation. If you like this blog post about life, love and travels please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
Marriage How To Change Name After Marriage In The Philippines 9:58 PM After the stress and bliss of wedding preps and the wedding day itself comes a new challenge for the new missus: how to change name after marriage. In the Philippines (and many other countries), it's not required to change your maiden name. I want to write about how I changed my last name after marriage because I know it could be confusing and overwhelming without guidance. It's really not. But since we're talking about government offices in the Philippines, expect that it could take a loooong time to accomplish everything. Let me share the process (as of April 2019) with commentaries, tips and rants here and there. Sorry can't help it. How to Change Name after Marriage in the Philippines First off, make sure you have a copy of your marriage certificate from PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) or formerly known as NSO (National Statistics Office). Here's a tip (that I wish someone told be beforehand): Get at least 5-6 copies of your marriage certificate to avoid argument with the spouse. 😅 Some agencies will need to keep the original. The Mister begrudgingly went back to request two more copies but we later realized that it might not be enough to have only three. So after much stressful exchange of commentaries 😂 (welcome to married life), we agreed we should have bought 6. The stress comes from knowing how much people are lining up at the PSA every day, and how early you need to be there because...lines!Another tip: It's better to go to the PSA in the afternoon the day before a national holiday. People are usually on their way somewhere for a long weekend or extra day off. My husband at PSA I've never been a fan of going to government offices because of really bad traumatizing experiences in the past. But, we don't really have a choice, do we? I'd like to clarify that I'm currently based in Bacolod and though requirements listed here may be the same nationwide, the processes (like which window, building, etc.) may differ. For Philhealth, we went to their main office (map below). They're also in Robinson's. For PRC, SSS and PAG-IBIG, we went to Robinson's Bacolod 3/F. If you have the time, it's better to go to their main offices. The lines there may be shorter. I will post about change name in passport too once I'm done. PHILHEALTHRequirements: Marriage Certificate original and photocopy (In my case, she didn't bother checking the original and gave it back to me but kept the photocopy). Photocopy of valid government ID (with maiden name is fine). Printed and filled out PMRF (Philhealth Member Registration Form) that you can download from their website. Their site is often down so just check the link if it works. You can also ask in the office directly if you don't want to download. Or send me a message here and I will forward it to you. 1x1 ID picture with white background. This one's not listed on the website, but you need it for your new ID. Steps:Fill out necessary information that applies. For Purpose, tick off ✔ For Updating. Wait for your number to be called and submit all requirements for checking.Wait for your updated record and ID.Comments:That's it.Philhealth office is my favorite so far. We arrived a little past 7 am. I asked the guard for a number and I was #27. They let us in around 7:40 am (their office hours is 8 am to 5 pm) and started transactions right away. By around 8:15 am, my number was called and in less that a minute I was done! See? That's why it's my favorite. I didn't know that I could get an updated ID right then and there though so I had to go out for 1x1 rush ID picture nearby, and went back to request. But again, it took less than a minute. I think maybe 20 seconds. She just printed my name and pasted my picture. You have to have your ID laminated yourself to protect it from damage. There's a lamination service just outside their office. Philhealth office location: Click photo to view on Google Maps PRCRequirements: Filled out Petition Form from their website Photocopy AND original Marriage Certificate Photocopy of old PRC ID Statutory fee of Php 225 Metered documentary stamp 2 pcs passport size picture with white background and name tag (your married name) PRC postal envelope - this is not listed on the website but required in Bacolod which I think is because they will mail your requirements to Manila office.Steps with comments 1. Proceed to Window 1 with requirements 1-3 above. It kind of pissed me off that I made an effort to look for a lawyer to notarize the petition form because that's what it says on their website, only to be told I didn't have to. 😠 I told Miss Not-So-Pleasant at Window 1 that it's what the website says. I even showed the list I downloaded but Miss Window #1 just said, "No, we don't require that. We don't ask you to do that." Cute. 🙄 2. Proceed to the back of the room where you will have your passport size picture taken (they have blazers if you're not wearing top with collar). They only needed one photo but you'll get 6 copies. This is also where you will pay for the stamps. I paid Php 110 for 2 pieces documentary stamps (which the woman wrote on a piece of paper, not an official receipt), Php 120 for the pictures and Php 25 for the postal envelope. The pictures and envelopes were not written on the paper nor was I given an official receipt for these requirements but I didn't ask why anymore because welcome to the Philippines. 😅 3. Back to Window 1. She pasted the stamps and my picture on the form, wrote some things and gave me back my documents. 4. Pay for the statutory fee in Window 5 (Cashier). No sarcasm, she was nice and helpful. You need a number for this though. You can get from the Cashier after you're done with the requirements but my husband got me a number while I was processing. The cashier already called my number but this good guy in front of the line allowed me to go before him because I said I had to wait for my photo (I did for about 5 minutes because it's quite busy). Bless his heart. They'll give you an official receipt for the Statutory Fee. 5. Proceed to Window 6. Brace yourselves. Major rant is coming. Again, a little annoying because Mr. Window 6 (Brian) was pointing at the notary on my paper to his colleague and sniggering. He did this not only once but 3x because his colleague (Miss Nice and Helpful Cashier) didn't find it amusing that he was acting like a total jerk, pointing at my "mistake" in front of me for having my paper notarized. So I told him, "Your website says notarized Petition Form." 😈 To which he replied that it's only for blah blah blah process. I didn't catch what he said. But he meant it's for something else. It's time to update your website and specify which transaction needs a notarized petition form and which doesn't, PRC. We're professionals, we're not mind readers. And train your employees (or at least Sir Brian at Window 6) to act professionally next time. The P on your agency's name means Professional after all. 🙄 I went back to the woman who sold me the postal envelope for a refund because I said it's not required apparently. But then she said, they should've taken it and called the trooper Sir Brian. He forgot he needed to file it with my papers. He's such a delight! 🙄 Giphy Note: I was instructed to check online (within 2-8 months) if my record has been amended. After that, I have an option to apply for online transaction like I'm applying for renewal of license or just wait for when my present ID will expire. They will then give me an ID with "Duplicate" on it (if I'll apply for renewal right away), reflecting the same expiration date as I have on my current ID. Depending on the number of people applying on the day, transaction may be quick or slow. I think we were there for only about 40 mins.PRC Location:I went to PRC Robinson's Bacolod. The mall wasn't open yet but if you tell the guard your purpose, they'll let you in. SSSRequirements: Two (2) copies of Member Data Change Request Marriage Certificate (must show the original but only leave photocopy) Old SSS ID Photocopy of valid ID with married name Steps:Line up to have your forms checked and get a number. So if you'll ask me, it's better to download the form online so you can fall in line right away. Wait (for eternity 😅) for your number to be called and submit your requirements.Note: I was also told to put my husband under Dependent because apparently, that's automatic when you're married. I didn't know that. They will send your new SSS ID via mail within 30-60 days.Comments:This one's a pain. Although I'm thankful that Robinson's has Lingkod Pinoy Centers where you can find government offices in one place, the lines could be daunting. This took more than two hours of waiting. 🚩 Update: I never got my SSS ID. It was lost in the mail, the post office told me. They advised me to just get a new one. That was more 2 hours wasted including me going back. 🤬 PAGIBIGRequirements: Marriage Certificate (they didn't look for original, just photocopy) MCIF (Member's Change of Information Form) Valid government ID (it's on the list but they didn't ask for mine) Steps:Get a number.Wait for another eternity. 😭😅 Wait for your number to be called and submit all your documents. They will update your information immediately but you'll have to go back for the form with your updated married name. They'll tell you when. For me it's three days after. Tip: Get numbers for both SSS and PAGIBIG at the same time. They're just next to each other. PAGIBIG is a little faster than SSS but in total it still took maybe almost four (4) hours for both transactions to be finished. Giphy Changing name is no fun but it is necessary. It's part of making things legal. Remember to bring with you: black pen some snacks or candy to avoid getting hAngry water a fan (it was hot even with the mall's AC) a whole lot of patience and understanding for uncultured people like Brian at the PRC office 🙊 Hope this helps! If you have further questions, please leave a comment below. What's your experience in changing your name after marriage? Let me know!
Life Lessons 3 Important Life Lessons I Learned From Changing Careers 6:56 PM I'm a licensed pharmacist. Why did I become one? Because my mother wanted me to. 😂 It's not even on top of the things I was choosing when I was about to go to college. From working in a hospital to the corporate world to chasing my own dreams, I've grown. There are 3 important life lessons I learned from changing careers and it's a surprisingly fun discovery. Lessons Learned From Changing Careers I wanted to take up Psychology, Dentistry or Business Administration. But I suck at Math. So goodbye business degree. My grandma told me a terrible story about a dentistry student so I was discouraged from becoming a dentist. And I don't know what I'd do after Psych. Plus---and most importantly, my mother was always persistent (a more subtle way of saying pushy😂) in what she wants for me. I have no regrets. I've learned to like Pharmacy and all the branches of Chemistry that came with it. Even though my grades disagree. I've met friends and got to experience unforgettable things in college. BUT my first love is writing. Even when I didn't realize it then yet. Even when I would have grammar slips from time to time. I like to tell stories through the written word. 1. You always make time for what you love To please my parents or more like to stop them from giving me guilt trips, I followed a career in Pharmacy for five years or so. It was okay but although I got paid alright, I wasn't happy. Obviously that's what happens when you do something you don't like just to please others. Even if it's family or parents you're trying to please. The Bible says honor your mother and father. It didn't say you let them control your life. What pushed me to leave my career even more (as if I needed more reasons) is the toxic environment. I was appalled that in the so-called "professional" world, people could still be so rude, immature and ironically, unprofessional. Everyone seemed entitled. I was adamant that I should not end up like that and when I felt like I was turning into one of them, it scared me. I was working more like an admin/secretary anyway. I never got to apply what I excruciatingly studied in the university. Even during this time though, I would always find time to write. I write online on platforms like Friendster and Multiply or scribble on a piece of paper because this was before I discovered blogging. I've realized that in career as in everything else in life, you will always find the time to do what you love. There are no excuses. There are no delays. If you want to do it, you will and you will find the time. 2. Prioritize yourself Shortly after my Pharmacy practice, I found myself in the corporate world. It was totally unplanned. I was hired within the day. I was happy! Compared to being a pharmacist, this was exciting. I was exposed to online tools and technologies I wasn't familiar with. I was working in a much cleaner, more modern, cooler office and diverse culture. I was suddenly a city girl enjoying my new-found freedom and discovering and rediscovering what I really want. I was able to think about myself first. And you know what? It's okay to love yourself first. Self-love is healthy. You can't give something you don't have. You have to fill your tank first before you can pour it out. Finally, after ten years of working, I was able to take a real vacation. So this is how it feels to be enjoying the fruits of my labor? It was exhilarating. I got to reset and sort out my priorities. But I don't need to do a self-reflection to know that writing is still what I really want. 3. Keep working There will always be hardship. There will always be obstacles as you work towards your dreams. You should be worried if there's none. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It is in the struggles that you learn to be strong. It is in the nothing that you realize what is superficial and what is essential. If you want something bad enough, keep working for it. Before I left the crazy corporate world, I would juggle one or two side jobs. I would be attending seminars which I know could help me in my pursuit of what I want, even if that would mean I would be forgoing sleep. Some friends would ask me to teach them too, but when I tell them what they need to do and sacrifice, they get discouraged. They'd rather sleep in or spend their extra money on their vices rather than invest on what they know is good for them. I'm not saying you should stop having fun and overwork. Enjoy but keep working on your dreams. Even if it's just taking three minutes of your time watching a video tutorial. Or listening to speakers who can motivate you. Or reading short inspiring stories that can help you realize or remember your goals. As Steve Jobs said, keep learning. Especially now that we have different resources available online, there's no excuse not to learn anything. My changing careers didn't make my parents happy at first. But that doesn't make me a bad daughter. I want to believe that it made me a better person. I still encounter difficulties and problems with what I do but again if you really love what you do, you find a way to fix it. You don't find an excuse to walk away. Have you changed career? Tell me about it in the comment! If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
