Slider Section

MOVING FORWARD! SEE YOU IN MY NEW HOME!!!

By on

pointandshootwanderlust.com

Hi! Darlene here. Yes, I'm moving! After deciding to finally get serious about blogging, I've since been busy with my new website. I still have a bad case of wanderlust and ever hungry stomach so you may follow my adventures and foodscapades over at Point and shoot + Wanderlust. 

 Will still be keeping this in the meantime until I figure out what to do with it. But all posts from now on will be published in my new site. :)

Cheers and see you on the other side!


0 comments

Event Recap: Do It Write's Freelance Writing Workshop Batch 1

By on


Photo courtesy of Nizza Gueco

Two weeks ago, I was nervous to attend my first workshop on online freelance writing. I knew a few people who are already doing this as a part-time job and I had even started working on my profiles in the different platforms that offer freelance work. I had never gotten around to finishing it though as I got distracted with the other projects on my plate. Don't get me wrong, I was ecstatic too. I like attending workshops and seminars to learn something new.

While it is true nowadays that we can learn so much with just a few clicks on Google, but there is still something to be said for social interaction and building new connections.


Do It Write Solutions’ Nizza Gueco, the main speaker, is a successful freelance writer specializing in eBook writing. An architect by profession, she is also an entrepreneur, baker, wife, and a mother of a beautiful baby girl.


Participants were provided with a handout to help as a guide through the workshop. The topics were clearly outlined per chapter and everything was covered on the designated schedule. I loved the informal setting of the workshop wherein we could ask questions as we go along the topics and even share some tips that we know of. It would have been more fun to start it all off though with an introductory activity to better acquaint the participants with each other. Don't worry though, because, at the end of the session, you'll have known each other better. 


As promised, you will be introduced to the world of freelance writing and Ms. Nizza will guide you throughout the creation of your profiles. 

 Tip: A complete and accurate profile is important to get hired.

 Participants will also be asked to write a piece that can be used as an application piece for Do It Write Solutions and other online platforms. 

Having started on my profiles before this workshop, I was very much interested to learn about the usual rates for different writing jobs as well as what are things that I need to consider and remember when choosing and bidding for the job. Fixed priced jobs and hourly contracts were also differentiated.

Tip: Write a winning proposal or cover letter to stand out from the other applicants.



Some of my favorite tips from the bonus part are:

·         Withdrawing your earnings: PayPal account is important if you want to pursue an online career.
·         Time Management: Take note of your deadlines and set quota per day.
·         Productivity: Pomodoro Technique!

Other practices that one must remember in pursuing a freelance career are:

·         Under-promise and over-deliver
·         Set clear expectations
·         Respect deadlines
·         When in doubt, ask

But it doesn’t stop there! Ms.Nizza also invited a guest speaker to inspire us to budget, save, and invest our present and future earnings.



We also enjoyed the sweet treats from Paulette's Choclettes, baked by the host herself!



At the end of the session, I can definitely say that I had a great time learning tips and insights on freelance writing. I also had fun sharing stories and interacting with the other participants. After the workshop, I must admit that I’m more inspired now to pursue a freelance career to sustain a life of traveling! 

Girl power! (photo courtesy of Nizza Gueco)
Read more »
2 comments
Labels: , ,

IFEX Philippines 2015 - A Photo Essay Review

By on

The International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines has just celebrated its 10th edition with an even bigger show this year at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

This 4-day event occupied both floors of SMX and showcased diversity, innovation and food trends from Asia and the rest of the world.  It is also an official parallel activity to the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting this May 2015. This biennial event was organized by DTI-CITEM.

IFEX badge and pass



APEC top brands showcase

Here are the highlights of our visit to the last day of the recently concluded Asia's Ethnic Food & Ingredients Show:


PHILIPPINES

What's not to love with this booth full of Guimaras mangoes? Truly the best mangoes in the planet!


An up and coming food company from Zamboanga, Deli Foodline, showcased their Calamansi juice and concentrate, as well as their Durian Jam.


Had a taste of the "smallest, tastiest and crunchiest mini cucumber" cultivated by Mam Dewi, who I learned had also graduated from UPLB.


Representing my city was Taguig Fish Processing Producers Coop. with their very innovative and healthy products like Fish Burger Patty and Fish Nachos. Had a chance to talk to Ms. Feli Trinidad, who told me briefly how she started the business from scratch and what her future plans are. Very inspiring woman!


For soy lovers, another dish to add to your list is Miracle Tofu Sisig made from 100% food grade and non-GMO soybeans.


This is also the first time I've heard of and seen the Batuan fruit (Garcinia binucao) which can be used as the base for sour soups like sinigang.


Of course, what's a food expo without the chocolates? Here are my favorites:

Malagos Dark chocolate! I have been seeing them everywhere and I just can't get enough of it. Sooo good!

Cacao de Davao's Durian Filled Dark chocolate, and 70% Dark chocolate organic coconut sugar in coffee, chili, and mint variants.


Choco Locco's Artisanal chocolates in Hazelnut, French Vanilla Coffee Bean, Spicy Chili, Cappucciono and Turmeric.



Mingo, a mix of moringa, rice, and mung bean, is a nutritional food innovation aimed to help children in deprived comunities and victims of natural disasters in the Philippines. Now that's one good advocacy!


Thanks Mama Sita's for using edible cups for sampling! This is my first time to eat one and hopefully this won't be the last that we see this in food expos. If you're wondering what it tastes like, think ice cream cone.


Who would've thought you can do so much with oyster mushroom?



Next time I want to try cooking these vegetable noodles from Healthy Rich. They have variants in Carrot, Saluyot, Spinach, and Squash. 

Had a chance to taste the honey from Milea Bee Farm's Native Stingless Bees. Instead of the traditional sweet taste, their honey has that distinct sweet and sour flavor to it.


Look at these giant sea creatures! Would you want to eat them? Quite scary!



JAPAN

 Made from processed cheese, Candy Cheese comes in the following variants: Black Pepper, Almond, Plain, and Wasabi (not shown in photo).


Assortment of products from Darumaya Japanese Foods Center which includes but not limited to: sake, matcha, gluten-free soy sauce, sesame salad dressing, and Kenko. Visit them in Cartimar, Pasay for your Japanese food needs!


Read more »
0 comments
Labels: , ,

Freelance Writing: where work & play is possible | Do It Write Workshop

By on



Millions of people worldwide have now made the switch to becoming professional freelancers and digital nomads. Here in the country alone, the number of Filipinos doing online home-based freelance work is around 800-900,000 by last year.

The flexibility that online freelancing gives is a very good motivation, as it enables you to work productively and efficiently from home or from anywhere in the world (provided there’s internet of course) while pursuing your passions or while working another full-time job. It also allows you to work and play at your own pace while saving time and money (i.e. transportation and dress allowance) that you can use for other activities.

For aspiring long-term travelers like me, freelance work is one viable option to sustain a life of travel. And for those who love to write, freelance writing is the perfect fit for you to combine earning money and doing what you love!

Photo by Martin Nikolaj / CC BY 2.0


However, signing up for freelance writing jobs is only the beginning. It does not guarantee you with work upfront and the competition is getting tighter every day to get a gig. It also requires a lot of discipline and independence.

This is why Do It Write Solutions wants to help you through a step-by-step workshop on how to become a freelance writer as well as a chance to get accepted for a long term freelance writing gig!

This interactive workshop will help you create your profile and cover letter as well as discover your niche. You will also get to know about differentiating scam jobs from the legitimate ones, bidding, and the usual rates for every writing job.

Knowing what to do when you get the job will also make you more competitive compared to other newbie freelancers. Ms. Nizza Gueco will be conducting this workshop and provide you with the writing tips!


Made with Canva

But wait, there’s more!

You will also leave with knowledge on how to withdraw and budget your earnings. A topic that is rarely touched upon during freelance writing workshops. Extras also include time management and productivity tips since working freelance relies heavily on these two factors.

This workshop caters to both those true beginners and those who have already experience with writing and are considering the move to freelance. Certificates for participants will be provided at the end of the workshop.

Pastries and coffee buffet by Paulette’s Choclette’s!


Interested? See registration details below:

WHAT: Freelance Writing Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, May 23, 2015. 12 nn – 6 pm
WHERE: QC near Welcome Rotonda (details will be given to the attendees)
HOW MUCH: Php 1500 per slot. Refer to the poster for group discounts.

HOW TO REGISTER: Just PM Ms. Nizza Gueco or email her at nizzagueco@yahoo.com

www.nizzagueco.com

0 comments
Labels: , , ,

TRAVEL: How to book your Bangkok to Siem Reap Direct Bus via Thai Ticket Major online

By on


There are a number of ways and transportation options when crossing the Aranyaphratet-Poipet border. Much has also been said about visa scams on that side of Southeast Asia but that shouldn't be a deterrent for you to experience land travel between the two very promising countries. Traveling with a friend and our shopping loot would be no easy task that is why I decided on just taking the direct bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

The direct bus is handled by Transport Co. Ltd. over at the Thailand side and Nattakan on the Cambodian side. Tickets can be bought straight from Mo Chit Bus Terminal or through Thai Ticket Major online.

If you plan to go during peak season and want to have a sure seat, then booking online is the way to go. Just follow these steps:

1. Head on over to Thai Ticket Major's website.

2. Enter the following details over at the right side of the homepage (choose your travel date) then click SEARCH:


3. After loading, you will be prompted to choose the time of your departure. Depending on the date, there are usually 2 time slots available: 8 AM and 9 AM. During our trip though, only the 9 AM option was available when we booked online.



4. After choosing your ETD, click Seating Plan. You will now be prompted to register for an account at the website. Just fill out the necessary details and click FREE REGISTER.


5. Now fill-out the necessary information to complete the registration process.


6. Click SUBMIT then click the link to continue. Log in your email address and password. Now, select your bus seats.


7. Be sure to input the correct information at the PASSENGER INFORMATION page. Then click SAVE.


8. Proceed to payment and choose your mode of payment from the following:



9. After completing your payment process, you will be getting a confirmation email that looks like this (with the TTM conditions at the bottom part):


10. Print the confirmation email and pick-up your ticket at least one hour prior to depart time at the terminal. Be sure to ready your ID/passport and credit card just in case. Although when we claimed ours, the lady at the counter just asked for the printed copy of the confirmation email. Counter at Mo Chit opens at 7:30 AM.

For Mo Chit:  1st Fl. or 3rd Fl. of Morchit Transportation Station (Right hand side of second entry)
Safe travels! :)
0 comments
Labels: , , , ,

10 Travel Tips I Swear by

By on


Since this blog’s anniversary is getting near, I decided to celebrate by sharing to you my most favorite travel tips and advice that I can swear by. Some of these are given to me as advice by seasoned travelers and some I learned the hard way. But what’s more important is, we learn something new every day!


1.       Pack light and efficiently

I used to be a pack rat, but I soon learned that traveling light has lots of advantages. Not only is it easier to move, you can also save on check-in baggage fees and your body will thank you for it too. Also, just because you are allowed certain kilos of luggage for your trip doesn’t mean you have to maximize it. Be sure to check the weather too before packing!

A friend of mine taught me the trick to rolling my clothes a few years back and I’ve been doing it ever since. It really does save up space.

Best to travel with a light heart and insatiable curiosity too.

my super trusty High Sierra that's been with me all over the Philippines!


2.       Plan enough but be flexible

Those who know me would be used to my incessant itinerary planning by now. I used to worry over every little detail of the trip. I always research my destination and get advice from travelers and online communities. But frequent trips would make you realize that planning is good, but being open-minded and flexible is better. Always expect that not everything will go as planned. And oftentimes, the best experiences come when you truly not expect it. Don’t be afraid to get lost!

3.       Respect

Learn to respect the locals, the culture, customs, and the environment. Be a responsible traveler. Respect begets respect.

4.       Back up!

Learned this the hard way when my previous phone was stolen. Luckily some of my photos were backed up in cloud. So do not be afraid of technology. Do not just store your important documents in one place. It’s better to be safe than sorry. You can back your documents or photos in cloud storage (i.e. Dropbox, Google drive, etc.), in an external hard drive, as well as DVDs. Have both physical and digital copies of your important documents and identifications.

5.       Learn a phrase or two

While it’s true that English is the only language you’ll ever need in your travels, it doesn’t hurt for you to learn a phrase or two of the local language. Albeit if it’s just a simple “hello” or thank you in their dialect, the locals will appreciate it. There is a plethora of apps that you can download in your mobile to help you with that, like Google translate or Duolingo.

6.       Smile!

A little smile can go a long way! Do not be afraid to smile at the locals even while walking. Don’t take life so seriously. Never ever leave the house without your sense of humor. And always remember to look on the bright side of life.

7.       Eat local

I, for one, have always been an advocate of eating your way through a place. It is a great way to get to know a place and its people. Go where the locals eat. As they say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans”. Don’t be the type of traveler who goes to eat at McD’s everywhere he goes.

trying out the local market across from our hostel in Bangkok

8.       Always bring a first aid kit

You never know what can happen so it’s best to come prepared. You need not bring your whole first aid cabinet. Just a few essentials should do the trick. I always bring the following: a few meds for pain, fever, allergy, motion sickness, diarrhea, and colds; gauze and bandages; tiger balm; and disinfectant.

9.       Hotels are not the only available accommodation

There are plenty of other options, from hostels, inns, bed & breakfast, guest house, pension house, apartments, and even private homes. Why spend so much money for accommodation when you’re only going to spend time there sleeping and cleaning yourself up? There are also a plethora of apps and websites to help you choose your accommodation. Choose from TripAdvisor, Agoda, Booking, Expedia, Couchsurfing, Hostelworld, Airbnb, Hostelbookers, and others.

hostel in Bangkok, Thailand

10.   Be wise. Don’t get scammed.

Best to leave your valuables at home. And unless you walk around with a bodyguard in tow, best not to walk around a foreign country with your expensive bling-bling. Research what scams are popular in the country/place you’re going to. Consider buying a money belt where you can put your money and your IDs. Always be alert of your surroundings. 


How about you? What are the best travel tips and advice that works for you? Feel free to share in the comments below!







0 comments
Labels: ,