
- ✔ The impact of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media
- ✔ How this commercial challenges stereotypes and societal norms
- ✔ The importance of visibility and acceptance in Filipino culture
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(From left to right) Me, John Daniel Castillo, Lauren Balanay & Jean at Griffon's Italian Restaurant. |
Yesterday, I had the chance to reunite with my college friend after eight years! We met at The Podium Ortigas, shared cocktails, pasta, coffee, and fries at Griffoni’s Italian Restaurant, and had some of the most meaningful conversations about life, career growth, and skillsets.
One of the biggest takeaways from our catch-up? The importance of saying no.
In a world that constantly demands our time and energy, learning to say no is not just about rejection—it’s a life skill. It helps set boundaries, protects our worth, and allows us to focus on what truly matters. And that’s something I wish I had learned earlier in life.
Yes, "saying no" is a skill, and like any other skill, it requires practice and confidence. Here’s why mastering this can significantly impact your personal and professional growth:
1. Self-Respect and Confidence Building
Saying no when necessary demonstrates that you value your time, energy, and priorities. It’s an act of self-respect. The more you say no to things that don’t align with your values, the more confident you become in making decisions that benefit your well-being.
2. Boundary Setting: Protecting Your Time and Energy
Not everything deserves your time and attention. By saying no, you establish clear boundaries that prevent overcommitment and burnout. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so protect your energy by prioritizing what truly matters.
3. Assertiveness: Expressing Yourself Clearly and Respectfully
Mastering the art of saying no involves assertive communication. It’s about expressing your needs without being aggressive or overly passive. The key is to be firm yet kind, showing respect for both yourself and the other person.
4. Saying No is Not Just a Word—It’s an Intentional Decision
Many people struggle with saying no because they fear disappointing others. But declining a request doesn’t mean being rude. It’s about making thoughtful decisions that align with your priorities. If needed, offer an alternative solution or a polite explanation without feeling guilty.
If saying no makes you feel uncomfortable, here are some ways to practice it effectively:
As we grow older, we realize that time is our most valuable resource. Saying yes to everything can leave us exhausted and unfulfilled. Learning when and how to say no allows us to invest in the things that truly matter—our passions, health, relationships, and personal growth.
Saying no isn’t just about rejecting requests; it’s about embracing a life that aligns with your values and priorities.
So, have you struggled with saying no? Let’s talk about it in the comments! And if you want to hear more personal stories and insights, check out my latest vlog on this topic.
"Gaydar" is a slang term that refers to the supposed ability to perceive or recognize someone's sexual orientation, particularly whether someone is gay, based on intuition, behavior, appearance, or other subtle cues. The word is a blend of "gay" and "radar."
While some people believe in the concept of gaydar, research suggests that it is often based on stereotypes and assumptions rather than an actual ability to detect someone's sexuality. It can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or reinforce harmful biases.
💋✨ Welcome back to my channel! Today, I’m taking on a Drag Queen Makeup Challenge by transforming into the legendary Tina Turner! 🎤💃 From her bold hair to her fierce makeup, I’m going ALL OUT to channel the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll as I prepare for an exciting lip sync battle.
Turning into Tina Turner is no joke! Her signature look is all about:
I’ll be walking you through every step of this transformation, from contouring my face for that sculpted drag queen effect to perfecting the eye makeup that screams rockstar realness. And of course, I’ll be lip-syncing to some of her greatest hits – because what’s a Tina Turner transformation without a little performance?
Let’s be real—drag makeup is an art, and I’m diving in headfirst! Will I nail this Tina Turner look or end up looking like a hot mess? Either way, it’s going to be a fabulous, fun, and entertaining ride!
Traveling is all fun and adventure—until your health suddenly takes a hit! My third day in White Beach, Puerto Galera took an unexpected turn when I suffered an asthma attack due to the cold and humid weather. 😷💨
Luckily, I always carry my trusty nebulizer, which I quickly plugged into the hotel socket to regain my breath. It was a frightening moment, but after resting and taking precautions, I was ready to explore again!
Despite the health scare, I still managed to:
This trip was full of unexpected challenges and beautiful experiences, proving that even with setbacks, you can still make the most out of every moment.
🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:Customer service can be tough, but this viral call takes it to another level! 🤯📞
In this vlog, I’m reacting to "The Battery Call"—a recorded conversation between a frustrated caller and a technical support agent that has taken the internet by storm. Joining me is Melissa Perilla, a seasoned BPO employee with almost nine years of experience in the industry.
As a call center trainer, Melissa provides expert insights, breaking down what went right and wrong in this high-pressure situation.
As someone who has been in the industry myself, I know how intense customer service calls can get. This video is both educational and entertaining, especially for those working in the BPO sector or anyone curious about what really happens behind the headset! 🎧💻
🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:The holiday season is full of unexpected surprises, and this time, I got three! 🎄✨
First, I’m unboxing a holiday hamper from the City of Mandaluyong—PAMASKO NI MAYOR! 🎁 It’s always heartwarming to receive something from the local government, and I truly appreciate this simple gesture.
Next, my work-from-home setup just got a major upgrade! 💻📦 My company sent a special UPS package to help me boost my productivity as a young professional in the call center industry. Working remotely has its challenges, but having the right tools definitely makes a difference.
And lastly—there’s someone new in my life! 🐶💖 A new furry companion is joining my simple life in Manila, making my home even cozier and filled with love. Want to meet my new buddy? Watch until the end and get ready for more updates next week!
🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:💙 My Puerto Galera adventure has finally come to an end, but this last night was one for the books! 🌴🏖️
We were all set for the famous White Beach night party, but Mother Nature had other plans—rain poured down just as the night was about to begin. 🌧️ Did it stop us? Of course not! Instead, we took the fun to a KTV bar by the beach, where we sang our hearts out, enjoyed drinks 🍻, and partied with foreigners and fellow tourists.
The night got even better when fire dancers put on an incredible performance right at the beach gutter to avoid the rain! 🔥💃 The mix of fire, waves, and music created such a surreal vibe—it’s a moment I won’t forget.
In the morning, I woke up to the soothing sound of waves 🌊 and had a peaceful breakfast by the shore 🍳☕—the perfect way to wrap up this unforgettable Puerto Galera trip!
🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:After 18 hours of straight work, I was beyond exhausted and had no choice but to book an UberPOOL—for the first time ever! 😵 Since I usually prefer solo rides, this was a new (and slightly awkward) experience for me.
UberPOOL is definitely a money-saver, but let’s be real—is it also a way to meet new people? Or better yet… find FOREVER?! 🤭 Imagine meeting "the one" in a carpool! LOL. Join me in this vlog as I share my first UberPOOL adventure, from awkward introductions to unexpected conversations with fellow commuters.
Will I do it again? Was it worth it? Watch the full video to find out! 🚗✨
🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:Hey guys, today’s vlog is a mix of drama and food—because life loves to keep things interesting! 😱
Recently, I became a victim of identity theft—someone used my full name to spread negative statements about President Duterte. While I know I had nothing to do with it, the most disappointing part was that my own relatives, the ORBUDA clan, believed the troll! Without even verifying the truth, they started hating me over something I never said. It’s crazy how fake news can ruin relationships, even within families.
But let’s take a break from all that negativity and enjoy something comforting—boiled saba banana with ginamos (fermented anchovies)! 🍌🥣 This classic Boholano merienda brings back so many nostalgic memories of simple provincial life, and I’m excited to share it with you.
P.S. Major vlog fail! 😅 I just realized too late that this video has no audio when I rendered it. But hey, life goes on—hope you still enjoy watching!
🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:Still single in a world where everyone seems to be in a relationship? Same here! 😅 But hey, let’s talk about it! In this sit-down vlog, I’m breaking down the Top 10 Reasons Why You're Still Single Up Until Now—whether it’s by choice, bad luck, or just life being life.
Could it be unrealistic standards holding you back? Maybe modern dating is just way too exhausting (hello, ghosting and situationships!). Or perhaps, just perhaps, being single is actually a blessing in disguise? 🤔
Let’s get real, laugh at our single struggles, and embrace the solo life together. Drop a comment if you relate—this is a judgment-free zone! 😆
🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:Representation matters, and "BAG" is a thought-provoking gay-themed commercial that dives deep into identity, acceptance, and LGBTQ+ struggles. 🏳️🌈✨ In this special sit-down vlog, Ma Buendia and I react to this impactful ad, sharing our raw emotions, insights, and personal experiences.
As members of the LGBTQ+ community, we couldn’t help but reflect on how this commercial challenges stereotypes and highlights the importance of self-acceptance and love. 💖 What message does it send to society? How does it resonate with our own journeys? We’re diving deep into all of it.
Watch our full reaction below! Let’s keep the conversation going—leave a comment and share your thoughts. 🌈
🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:Jollibee never fails to bring us heartwarming and emotional stories, and this time, I found myself deeply moved by "Kwentong Jollibee – Kahera." 🍔 This powerful commercial follows the journey of a young cashier-in-training who faces harsh criticism from a tough customer. At first, it seemed like just another bad day for her—but what happened next completely changed everything. 🥺
As I watched, I couldn’t help but relate to her struggles. Just like the Kahera, I’ve had my fair share of challenges, doubts, and moments when I felt like giving up. But just like her, I pushed forward. That’s why this ad hit me on a personal level, and I couldn’t wait to share my own story in this vlog.
🎥 Watch my full reaction and life story below! I promise this one will be worth watching. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!
🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:What seemed like a convenient shortcut turned into a disturbing encounter, exposing the neglected state of public infrastructure and the deeper challenges faced by a marginalized sector of our society.
As I approached the pedestrian overpass, I was met with an overwhelming scene of neglect and disorder. The staircase and walkways were littered with trash, food leftovers, and even human feces. Swarms of flies buzzed around, the stench was unbearable, and broken glass littered the path, making the overpass not only unsanitary but hazardous for pedestrians.
Adding to the chaos were makeshift shelters created by the homeless—cardboard, old tarpaulins, and abandoned belongings scattered everywhere. Vandalized messages directed at the barangay authorities were also visible, seemingly left by those displaced during recent clean-up operations.
At first, I felt sympathy for the homeless people who have turned the overpass into a makeshift dwelling. It’s a harsh reality that they are part of a neglected sector in our society, left with little to no support system. These individuals don’t choose to be in such dire circumstances, and their plight reflects a systemic failure to address homelessness.
But as I walked further, the frustration set in. The overpass—built for pedestrians like me who pay taxes to fund public infrastructure—had been reduced to an unsafe, unsanitary space. It was evident that no efforts were being made by those occupying the area to keep it clean, adding to the inconvenience and risks faced by regular commuters.
It made me question: Is this negligence on their part a form of protest or simply disregard for the shared spaces we all rely on?
This situation underscores the broader issue of fairness and accountability. While the plight of the homeless demands empathy, it should not come at the expense of others’ safety and convenience. Overpasses are public infrastructure designed for pedestrians, not makeshift shelters.
Local authorities, such as the barangay and LGU of Mandaluyong City, need to step up. Regular maintenance, stricter enforcement, and alternative solutions for the homeless are essential. Temporary shelters or relocation sites need to be provided to address the root cause rather than pushing these individuals from one place to another.
For the homeless community, there must also be a sense of shared responsibility. Leaving the area in a hazardous state only fuels resentment from the very society that could advocate for their rights. Respecting shared spaces is a step toward rebuilding trust and sympathy.
This post is not anti-poor; it’s a plea for fairness and mutual respect. The overpass serves a vital function for the working class who rely on it for safe passage. Neglecting its upkeep and misusing it creates a ripple effect of inconvenience and safety risks for others.
It’s time for both the authorities and the homeless sector to work toward a solution that benefits everyone. Fairness, empathy, and accountability must coexist to create a city that is inclusive and functional for all its residents.
To better understand the situation, I’ve included footage of the overpass during my encounter. I hope this helps shed light on the urgency of addressing this issue.
🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:Let’s raise awareness and push for a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive urban environment.
#ReliancePedestrianOverpass #SocialIssues #UrbanNeglect #FairnessForAll