Updates will be during the 2nd, 12th, and 22nd day of the month, with the exception of posts for Optimistic Monday, and random stuff that I will be posting occasionally.
Are you looking for your next K-drama to watch? Whether you’re in the mood for romance, comedy, or fantasy, there’s always something for everyone. Here are some must watch K-dramas that deserve a spot on your list.
Genie, Make a Wish (2025)
I watched this KDrama in a span of three (30 days only, and mind you, I watched this while I was reviewing for an exam, I was that obsessed! This K-drama is fun to watch, and it can also make you cry. I also haven’t watched any K-drama yet involving a genie, and that made watching this more exciting for me. The chemistry between Suzy and Woo Bin is also a plus.
(c) Netflix
Twinkling Watermelon (2023)
Twinkling Watermelon is a breath of fresh air for me. I just love high school and coming-of-age plots because it feels like I’m reliving the lighter and more carefree days of my life. Anyway, I highly recommend watching this K-drama because it beautifully combines romance, drama, friendship, family, music, and adventure.
(c) Medium
Can This Love Be Translated (2026)
This K-drama is probably the best among the releases this 2026, and one of the best romcoms ever. Every episode feels fresh and engaging. It also has a good combination of romance, comedy, and drama. I also love the backstories of the characters. The chemistry between Go Youn Jung and Kim Seon Ho is also undeniable. Lastly, the scene locations are also top-tier. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it as much as I did.
(c) RRI
Pegasus Market (2019)
Pegasus Market is the only K-drama that made me laugh so hard from the beginning to the finale. The characters and the unpredictable situations made this K-drama memorable. If you’re looking for a light and hilarious drama to watch, this is it.
(c) Amazon
Love Next Door (2024)
I did not expect to love this K-drama this much. It’s very relatable, especially the way the characters dealt with pressures, uncertainties, relationships, and the challenges that come with adulthood. The chemistry between the lead characters felt natural and genuine, making the whole drama more enjoyable to watch. If you haven’t watched this yet, please do because it’s very comforting and heartwarming.
(c) Rotten Tomatoes
Perfect Crown (2026)
This is very interesting to watch. First of all, I am a big fan of IU. Second, the Korean monarchy in the 21st century is fascinating and adds a unique charm to the story. Trust me, this K-drama will not disappoint you because the cast did well in the acting department, and the romance, drama, and politics are blended well in this show.
(c) allkpop
Alchemy of Souls (Season 1 and Season 2)
I cannot believe I have not made a single post in my blog about the best Korean drama to ever exist. I am so obsessed with this K-drama (both seasons 1 and 2). The characters, plot, and cinematography are top-notch. In addition to that, among the shows that I have watched, this has the best combination of humor, romance, fantasy, drama, and everything! If you haven’t watched this yet, you are seriously missing out on the most captivating and unforgettable K-drama ever made.
Regardless if you’re discovering K-dramas for the first time or looking for your next obsession, these series are worth adding to your watchlist. If you’d like even more recommendations, I also made a post on my Top 3 K-dramas a few years back, and if you’re interested, just click here.
That’s all for this blog post. Grab your favorite snack and happy watching!
Focus on yourself because your only real competition is who you were yesterday. It’s easy to compare yourself to others and look into the paths they take because sometimes, life makes it seem like everyone else around you is moving faster and living better.
But those comparisons pull you away from recognizing how far you’ve come.
Progress matters more than perfection. The small and consistent efforts you take carry more weight than beating impossible standards.
And as you grow, don’t forget to live and notice the mundane moments. Let yourself experience life and be present in the moment, instead of always waiting for something bigger to arrive.
Hello there, lovelies! 👋🏻 As someone who spent a lot of trial and error, I finally narrowed down the study essentials which consist of tools, websites/apps, or techniques that keep me focused, whether it’s a long or short study session. Here are my ride-or-die study essentials that I absolutely cannot live without.
Without further ado, here are my five (5) study essentials that helped me focus, organize, and be productive.
For me, this is the most important step of my study routine. I need to put on my calendar the deadlines and my upcoming exams so I can keep track of them and I will not forget what I need to do. Additionally, I also like to do time blocking so I can map out my day and ensure I can get work done.
Personally, I use Google Calendar because it’s the most efficient for me, but I also recommend Notion.
(c) Muji
2. A good pen
A good pen is also a must for me because I like jotting down notes. I recommend writing down notes because it helps with retention. And if you’re like me who likes to write, some of the pens that I recommend are from Muji, Uni, and Paper Mate.
I also made a blog post on my favorite pens, so if you’re interested, feel free to read it here.
(c) Stabilo
3. Highlighters
Highlighters are also a must for me because it helps me to process the texts that I’m reading, especially when I’m reading cases. I like to assign colors for facts, issues, ruling, and the doctrine.
Another reason why highlighters are one of my essentials is because it gives color to your notes, making it more pleasant to read. Personally, I dont recommend using all the colors of the rainbow on your notes or books. If I’m being honest, 1-2 colors are enough, but should you need more, 3-4 colors will do.
To all my girlies who also love using highlighters, I recommend Stabilo, Faber-Castell, and Artline.
Note: highlighters can sometimes be passive, so try to supplement your study sessions with active recall and self-assessments.
A good study medium is very important. If you’re like me who likes taking down notes, finding the right choice can make your study sessions more productive. If you like handwritten notes, notebooks, and index cards are a must. For my girlies out there who prefer digital notes, I highly recommend using Google Docs.
Personally, I use all three depending on the circumstances. For short notes and whenever I only want to write down the summaries or only the most important details, I use index cards. For concept heavy topics or if I want my notes to be more comprehensive, I use Google Docs. As for anything in between, I use a notebook.
I recommend Veco, Corona, or Advance for Index Cards, and you may buy them online or on National Bookstore or SM Stationery branch near you. For notebooks, I recommend the notebooks, as well as the binders and fillers from Muji. Veco and Deli also have affordable notebooks.
Note, you don’t need to use everything. What matters most is that you have the note-taking medium that fits your needs.
I would like to share that I am selling my note-taking template. You may message me here or visit my site Polaris Studio Ph on Raket PH to avail. I have a Sanrio Theme template and a Seasons Inspired template.
5. Earphones
For my girlies who like studying out in cafes and libraries, earphones are a must because sometimes, we cant control the noise that surrounds us. Regular earphones or noise-cancelling ones can help to make you be less distracted and more focused on the materials in front of you.
Other Study Essentials
Below are some of the stuff that I can live without but I prefer always having them with me whenever I study because they complete my life!!
Coffee
Coffee is a must for me. It helps me to be awake as I read tons of cases and books for law school. Personally, I don’t like instant coffee because it doesn’t kick in as hard as the ones I got on my favorite cafes.
Insulated Tumbler
I need my water with me. Water keeps me hydrated and fuels my brain to keep going 😅
Thank you for making it until the end. That’s all for today and happy studying!
A new school year or a new semester gives an opportunity for a fresh new start. This post provides a guide to help you take intentional steps to regain your focus and motivation for the upcoming semester.
Creating folders for each class or subject
At the start of every semester, what I would first do is to create a folder for each class, then further add subfolders consisting of Activities, Notes, and Other Materials. The Activities folder contains all my deliverables. As for the Notes folder, this consists of notes that I made for the specific class/subject, and all the other files given by my professors. Lastly, the Other Materials folders are for the files I gathered from online sources.
Through this, I remain organized, and each class or subject remains separate, and nothing overlaps. It also helps me to find easily what I need when I’m studying or doing a requirement.
Saving a backup of the files online
This step is a must for me. I back up the files on my laptop to a cloud storage, preferably to Google Drive. This helps me to ensure that if ever my laptop gets damaged, I can still access my old files. You may also use a hard drive or flash drive if cloud storage is less convenient on your end.
(c) Google
Clean my study desk
I actually do this every day before each study session because a clean work desk is a non-negotiable for me. This just makes learning more conducive since my mind gets haywire when my desk is messy, or there’s a lot of stuff on it.
Keep track of what I have and what I need
This is connected to the previous step. When I clean my desk, as well as my bookshelf and cabinets, I am bound to organize my stuff and keep track of the things that I still have. This step ensures that I don’t buy unnecessary stuff before the start of the semester, and I will only be buying what I truly need. For instance, I kept buying pens and notebooks in the past without knowing that I still have unused ones in my cabinet.
Buy books or codals
I like to buy books in advance so I can also study in advance.
Back when I was still in my undergraduate program, I bought the books that I needed before the start of classes. But this step also requires that our professors or seniors have already informed us of the books needed for each class. Otherwise, if there’s no announcement yet of the books needed, I will not be buying anything because I don’t want to waste money on books that are not required.
Now in law school, I like to buy the codals that I will be needing for the semester before the start of the class. As for books, I wait for our professors’ announcement first to make sure I will be buying the correct one because books are hella expensive too.
An academic reset is not about being the perfect student; it’s about making small and consistent steps to support your goals and dreams. As you begin the new semester, focus on your progress and celebrate small wins that you make along the way. That’s all for today, and happy studying!
Summer had always been the perfect time for me to slow down and unwind after a busy school year. Over the past few months, I’ve added quite a few books to my reading list, and this season gave me the opportunity to dive into those stories. Here are some of my favorite summer reads that I would like to recommend to all of you lovely people.
1. Picking Daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti
Picking Daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti is a light and charming read. Honestly, the book felt dragging for me, and it was difficult for me to finish it. I have honestly read a lot of friends-to-lovers tropes, and this one was not as interesting as I hoped it would be. Additionally, I feel like the book was made to be viral, which, for me, came at the expense of lacking depth and connection. Overall, it was okay. Honestly, I think I would have liked this book when I was in high school and when it was released alongside The Selection or To All The Boys.
Rating: 3/5
2. I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang
I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang is probably the only book that made me feel seen and understood. I have connected with many stories over the past, but none resonated with me on a personal level as this one. The plot, the characters, the struggles, and everything felt so real, and I’m sure you will also see a part of yourself in this story. Although I felt like the ending was rushed. I was hoping to see more of Jessica and Jenna in the end. Overall, it’s the kind of book that stays with you after reading the last page.
Rating: 5/5
3. The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
The Upside of Falling by Alex Light made me giggle and feel so kilig while reading it. It has the young adult romance that I have been looking for in the books that I’m reading over the past few months. The chemistry between the characters felt so natural, making me smile throughout the story. Overall, it’s a sweet and feel-good story that will leave a smile on you smiling from beginning to end.
Rating: 4/5
And that’s it for my summer reads this year. If you’ve read any of these books, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. Feel free also to share your book recommendations as well. Until my next blog post, happy reading!
Hi, lovelies! 👋🏻 My name is Erica and I am a Certified Public Accountant who passed the December 2024 CPA Licensure Exams. This post will contain all my CPALE/LECPA and Accountancy-related posts, so aspiring CPAs can easily navigate the information they need throughout their journey.
Books I used during college and while reviewing for the CPALE:
I hope this masterlist helps you in your journey and makes your life a little easier. Wishing you all success in your studies and the very best on your path to becoming a Certified Public Accountant. La vie est belle and happy studying!
Finding the right pen can make your notes or journaling even more satisfying. A smooth and reliable pen can completely change your writing experience. So without further ado, here are the pens that I use in law school and keep reaching for on a daily basis.
Muji pens are probably the most reliable pens in the market right now. It writes smoothly and consistently. The clean and minimalist design is also top-notch. Personally, I love using the 0.38 variant for journaling and the 0.5 for exams.
The Uni-ball Signo RT is also another reliable pen that delivers a consistent and smooth writing experience. I love that it is also precise, such that there is no ink bleed or smudging. I also noticed that the ink dries quickly, making it a great choice for note-taking, journaling, and everyday writing.
Personally, this is my go-to ballpen during exams because the ink does not skip and it makes my handwriting look neat.
Paper Mate has some of the cutest designs out there. Paper Mate pens, especially the Mallows and Cookies ‘n Cream series, make writing both functional and stylish. I love the soft grip, which makes long writing much more bearable.
Deli has so many pens, but the Deli S40 is my favorite. I like the 0.3 tip because it makes my handwriting neat. It also does not make my notes look cramped whenever I try to fit a lot on a single page. Aside from the tin tip, it writes smoothly and is a reliable pen for jotting down notes.
That’s all for the pens that I use. Each has earned a spot in my pencil case because they all write smoothly and consistently. And although there are countless pens in the market, these are the pens that I would always gladly recommend to anyone who is looking for a reliable pen.
There’s just something about a good lippie that pulls a look together. Over the years, I’ve tried numerous lip products, and some of them are either drying, easily disappears after eating, while some just hits the spot on my list. So today, I’m sharing my fave lip products that I keep reaching for and the reason why I love them so much.
First on the list is the Bare Water Tint from Peri Pera. I love that the formula is thin, not drying on the lips, and lasts quite long. I love glossy lip products so this one is my ultimate go to. I also got mine in the shade Chat Cool PT and I recommend this shade for my fellow cool undertone girlies out there.
The Issy Gelée lippie is probably one of the best formulation among Filipino products. It’s very moisturizing, glossy, comfortable on the lips, and not sticky. Mind you guys, this lippie saved my dry lips because there was a time I was working in the city and I forgot my lip balm at home in the province and this is the only lip product that I have with me for the whole week. On the other hand, one con that I have for this lippie is its not long lasting. It’s staining power is not as long lasting as the other products on this list hence, you need to frequently reapply.
Another fave lippie of mine is this Happy Skin Lip Jelly. What I like about this lippie is its really long lasting, staining power is good, and it’s glossy too. What made me love this product even more is Happy Skin often goes on sale, so I got this for a fraction of the price.
Initially, I was drawn into the product because the packaging reminds me of the Peri Pera Bare Water Tint, but the formula is far different. Peri Pera’s formulation is thinner and comfier on the lips but both are long lasting.
I swear this is the best lip oil that I’ve ever tried. The formula is really thin and moisturizing without feeling sticky on the lips. I love using it on its own or as a topper for a glossier finish. I love that this can make your lips look juicy and healthy
This water tint from The Face Shop is one of the OGs! I have been using this since senior high school up to now, and it is still one of my favorite everyday lippies. It looks very natural on the lips, and the stain lasts long. I just love that this gives your lips a natural-looking tint. However, it can be drying, so prepping your lips is a must.
Rating: 3.5/5
That’s all for now lovelies. See you all on my next blog post!
Hi lovelies! I’m Aestrophilia and I’m a passer of the October-December 2024 CPA Licensure Examination. Since it’s board exam season once again, here are my tips for CPALE/LECPA takers. I will keep this short and simple so hopefully, this can help you prepare better and feel less overwhelmed during the exam. ✨
1. Get enough rest.
I cant stress this enough. Rest your mind and sleep. I know the jittery feeling will make it harder to relax, but you have to try. I swear, a well rested mind will help you get through the three-day exam.
2. Don’t try anything new.
As much as possible, don’t try any new foods, techniques, or whatever before and during the exam. This is to avoid the risk of getting a bad stomach, unexpected allergies, and unnecessary stress that could affect your performance or focus during the exam. I recommend that you stick to your routine, meals, and study method that worked well for you.
3. Check if all the items you need to bring are ready.
Have a checklist of everything you need to bring that day. Make sure you have your Notice of Admission (NOA), an ID, calculator, pencils, eraser, a transparent envelope, food, and water with you. You may also bring medicines, toiletries, and anything you need. But make sure that you will only be bringing the allowed materials inside the testing site and refrain from bringing your reviewers, gadgets, and prohibited stuffs.
Note: Your bags will be placed in front. You are only allowed to keep the things inside the transparent envelope beside you.
4. Calm yourself, pray, and have faith.
I know you’re probably overwhelmed, scared, nervous, or excited right now. It’s important to remain calm and level-headed during the board exam because panic and pressure can affect your performance or cause a mental block. Trust in your preparations and don’t let any negativity consume you. Have faith in your knowledge, hard work, and yourself. Pray and ask God (or whoever mighty being your believe in) for guidance.
Remember:One question at a time. Take deep breaths, read each question and solve each problem carefully. You got this!
Hello lovelies! 👋🏻 My name is Erica, and I’m a Certified Public Accountant who passed the December 2024 CPA Licensure Exams. And for this blog post, I will be talking about all the essentials you will need as an accountancy/BSA student.
But before I proceed, here are my book recommendations that I used during my college years and while reviewing for the licensure exam.
First on the list, your beloved calculator. Need I say more? A calculator is an accountancy student’s best friend. Without it, how will you solve the problems in your exams? Remember to always bring your calculator with you because most teachers don’t allow borrowing calculators.
By the way, I used Casio JW-200SC in pink, and it’s literally the cutest! I also got it from NNTechMLA (Shopee). I always buy my calculators from that shop and they never fail me. Note: this is not a sponsored post.
Source: Casio
Books and notes. These are essentials because what you need to learn is in your books, or probably written in your notes. Feel free to highlight, annotate, add sticky notes, or whatever it is that can help you retain information.
Yellow pads or any paper are also essential. You’ll be needing these to put down the solutions, either for submissions or a scratch.
A good ballpen is also an essential. This is quite self-explanatory. Basically, you need a pen to write. And honestly speaking, not all ballpens are made the same. Some lose ink too quickly, while some smudge. Personally, I recommend pens from G-Tec, Muji, and M&G (very affordable).
Your laptop or iPad or tablet is also a must. You’ll need any of these for studying, viewing your online lectures, doing your assignments, and deliverables. Also, for subjects that need MS Excel and SAP, a laptop is easier to use.
Thank you for reading until the end, lovelies! Good luck to all Accountancy students and future CPAs!