Getting Back on Track: My Journey to Fitness

A few years ago, I committed to intermittent fasting, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the world on lockdown, working from home in the IT industry here in Cagayan de Oro made it easier to strictly follow the 8/16 fasting routine. The fear of going out and socializing also played a role—no random food trips, no late-night cravings from eating out with friends. It was just me, my routine, and my discipline. Eventually, I even pushed myself further, sometimes doing one meal a day (OMAD). Surprisingly, my body adapted well, and hunger wasn’t as much of a struggle as I initially thought.

Within 3-4 months of strict fasting, I lost over 10 kilos. It felt amazing—my body felt light, movements became effortless, and simple things like tying shoelaces or walking up the stairs felt like a breeze. But as the weight dropped quickly, I decided to shift from fasting to portion control instead. It was a more balanced approach, and I maintained my progress well.

However, as the world reopened and the pandemic restrictions lifted, social life came back in full swing. Going out with friends and family almost always involved food. While I still tried to control my portions, the little indulgences here and there led to gradual weight gain—not too much, but enough for me to notice. My once-flat stomach, where I could proudly see and flex my abs, now has a bit more volume than before. These days, I find myself reaching for a shirt before posing for a photo instead of confidently showing off my progress.

Now, my biggest challenge is getting back into the fasting habit. Unlike the lockdown days, maintaining discipline feels harder with all the social gatherings, celebrations, and restaurant invites. Work and other responsibilities also take up most of my time, leaving little room for exercise, especially my once-regular morning walks and strength training.

But I’m determined to change that. From now on, I want to refocus on my fitness goals—to shed a bit of weight, get back to my ideal size, and regain that feeling of lightness. I’ll start with small, consistent steps, like walking every morning again. It won’t be easy, but I know that if I did it before, I can do it again. Here’s to getting back on track and working towards the body I truly want!

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Why Some People Are Toxic to Some, but Not to Others

Human relationships are complex and multifaceted. One person may be seen as toxic by some but deeply cherished by others. This phenomenon can be puzzling, leading people to wonder why perceptions of the same individual vary so drastically. The answer lies in the different levels of understanding, personal experiences, interaction styles, and even emotional spectrums that shape how people perceive and relate to others.

The Subjectivity of Toxicity

The idea of someone being "toxic" is subjective. What one person finds intolerable might be acceptable or even endearing to someone else. Factors such as personality compatibility, past experiences, emotional intelligence, and personal biases influence how people judge and interact with one another.

For instance, a person with a blunt and straightforward nature may be perceived as rude or harsh by someone who values diplomacy and subtlety. On the other hand, another individual who appreciates honesty and directness may find that same person refreshing and genuine. This is why the same behavior can be admired by one person while being detested by another.

The Role of Experience and Emotional Spectrum

People’s reactions to others are largely influenced by their own experiences and emotional spectrums. Someone who has had negative encounters with individuals exhibiting certain traits may be quick to label a person as toxic if they display similar characteristics. Conversely, those who have had positive associations with such traits may feel a connection instead of resentment.

For example, an assertive leader in the workplace might be seen as inspiring and motivating by some employees, while others might perceive them as overly aggressive and dominating. The difference lies in individual sensitivities, upbringing, and the experiences that have shaped their views on authority figures.

Level of Understanding and Interactions

Each person processes interactions based on their level of understanding and social awareness. Close friends of a seemingly toxic individual may see a side of them that casual acquaintances or strangers do not. Deep, personal relationships often allow for more context, enabling friends to see beyond the behaviors that others may find problematic.

Moreover, the frequency and depth of interaction influence perception. Someone who only encounters a person in stressful environments may associate them with negativity, whereas those who engage with them in relaxed settings might perceive them as fun and kind. The context in which people interact plays a crucial role in shaping opinions about one another.

Why Some Hate, While Others Love

No person is universally loved or hated. Some individuals naturally align with others due to shared values, interests, and personalities. At the same time, clashes occur when differences become irreconcilable. This is why an individual may be adored within their circle but disliked by others who fail to connect with them on the same level.

For instance, a comedian with a dark sense of humor may be admired by fans who appreciate that style but offend those who find such humor inappropriate. A person’s traits and behavior are not inherently good or bad; rather, they resonate differently depending on the observer’s perspective.

Embracing Differences in Perception

Understanding that people perceive others through the lens of their own experiences and emotions can help foster empathy and reduce unnecessary conflict. Instead of labeling someone as entirely toxic or wholly good, it is helpful to recognize the complexity of human nature.

Rather than engaging in harsh judgment, practicing open-mindedness and acknowledging different perspectives allows for healthier relationships. People are not one-dimensional, and everyone has both positive and negative qualities. Accepting that perceptions vary can lead to greater acceptance and understanding in human interactions.

Conclusion

People are seen differently depending on who is looking. What one person considers toxic, another may see as loyal, honest, or even admirable. Differences in experience, emotional spectrum, interaction levels, and understanding shape how people perceive and relate to others. By acknowledging these variations, we can better navigate relationships with empathy, patience, and a more balanced perspective.

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Love Beyond Valentine's Day!

As Valentine's Day draws near, the world prepares for a grand celebration of love. Romantic movies will dominate theater screens, restaurants will be fully booked, and florists will sell out as red roses fill the air. Chocolates and sweets will disappear from store shelves, love songs will play on repeat, and inboxes will overflow with heartfelt messages. Everywhere you look, red will be the color of the day—red shirts and hats for men, red dresses and ribbons for women. Heart-shaped chocolates, balloons, plates, and even kiss marks will serve as symbols of affection.

But should love be confined to just one day? Why celebrate it once a year when we have the chance to make love a daily expression? Imagine a world where love and kindness take center stage, where peace replaces hatred, and violence becomes a thing of the past. A world without conflict, without senseless destruction—a dream, perhaps, but one worth striving for.

This Valentine's Day, let’s go beyond tradition. Let’s embrace love not just for a single day, but as a way of life. Let’s be kinder, more compassionate, and more understanding—every day. Because in the end, love isn’t about grand gestures on February 14th; it’s about the small, everyday moments that make the world a better place.

Wishing everyone a heart filled with love, today and always. Happy Valentine's Day!

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How To Convert You CebPac Flight to Travel Fund and How Use it When Ready?

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve every day, most of the travelers need to cancel their flights as countries and cities have closed their gates from travelers outside. Rebooking flights can be done but we are still not certain when can we really travel safely to our planned destinations. Also, rebooking a flight can cost you more than your original booking fee.

So airlines such as Cebu Pacific amended their policies to provide travel flexibility for passengers. They are extending the coverage of their travel options for passengers with flights from July 1 to September 30, 2020.

While they plan to resume their operations, here are two options for your upcoming trip:

Option 1: Put the full cost of your ticket in a Travel Fund or virtual wallet, which you can use as form of payment for future bookings. They have extended its validity to 1 year, so you have plenty of time to decide on when to fly for your next trip .

Option 2: Rebook your flight once for FREE by clicking here. To help you in this challenging time, they are waiving the change fee. A minimal fare difference may apply.

If you want to convert your flight to Travel Fund (which is the best option as of this time) here are the simple steps below BEFORE your scheduled flight date:

How to convert your booked flights into TRAVEL FUND?

If you have a GetGo account:

1. Log in to your account here
2. Search for your flight by selecting “My Bookings” and click “Manage”
3. Choose “Cancel Flight” and follow instructions to convert your flight to Travel Fund
4. Your Travel Fund will be stored under your account. To use the fund, just log in to your account and book your flight as usual.

If you don’t have a GetGo account: 

1. Click here
2. Retrieve your booking using your booking reference number and passenger’s surname
3. Choose “Cancel Flight” and follow instructions to convert your flight to Travel Fund
4. Your Travel Fund will be stored under your booking in our system. To use the fund, contact us through any agent-assisted channels.

Once you’re ready to book your next adventure, you can select dates as far as 1 year out. We will also send you an email reminder 45 days before your Travel Fund expires. Here’s an illustration as an example:

How to use your TRAVEL FUND?

Here's how to use your travel fund!

1️⃣ If your Travel Fund was made with a GetGo account, sign in to your account (If not, skip this step!).
2️⃣ Choose a flight or select add-ons for your booking.
3️⃣ When you reach the Payment page, choose "Travel Fund" as the payment option.

If you're not logged in to GetGo, enter the Booking Reference Number from your original booking and click "Use Travel Fund".

4️⃣ Click ‘Pay Now’ to confirm your booking!! 🎉

💡 Your travel fund can be redeemed for any passenger, as long as the GetGo member (OR one passenger from the original booking) is included in the new booking.

Be sure to enter this passenger's name in your new booking, exactly as it was in the original booking. eg. Jose Rizal, Jr. vs Jose Rizal Jr

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The historic Balangiga bells are back in the Philippines after 117 years.

The Balangiga bells are three church bells which had been taken by the United States Army from the Church of San Lorenzo de Martir in Balangiga, Eastern Samar, Philippines as war trophies after reprisals following the Balangiga massacre in 1901 during the Philippine-American War.

The bells’ homecoming is an opportunity to revisit forgotten places, literal and figurative, in Philippine history. It is high time that Samar be brought front and center in our discussion of historical patrimony

The Balangiga massacre was an incident in 1901 in the town of the same name during the Philippine–American War. It initially referred to the killing of about 48 members of the US 9th Infantry by the townspeople allegedly augmented by guerrillas in the town of Balangiga on Samar Island during an attack on September 28 of that year. This incident was described as the United States Army's worst defeat since the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.

In reprisal, General Jacob H. Smith ordered that Samar be turned into a "howling wilderness" and that any Filipino male above ten years of age capable of bearing arms be shot. From the burned-out Catholic town church, the Americans looted three bells which they took back to the United States as war booty.

source

Balangiga Church at San Lorenzo St. Balangiga, Eastern Samar

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Gawin, Creating The Leading Marketplace For Professional Services

Hire the best service providers for almost any service you need from Home improvement, events and many more.

Creating The Leading Marketplace For Professional Services.

Gawin is growing fast and the leading services marketplace in the region. Thousands of people have hired a service provider through Gawin, with millions worth in sales transacted. Thousands of service providers rely solely on Gawin for business. Gawin is expanding fast into other major cities in Southeast Asia.

Gawin thrives on the value it provides to small and growing businesses. We're dedicated to giving them more customers and helping them become better marketers.

#1 FOR HIRING TRUSTED PROFESSIONALS

The Gawin group is the #1 services marketplace in Southeast Asia, providing a faster, more dependable way to hire services you need from plumbers to photographers.

Just tell us what you need and get introduced to vetted and trusted professionals within minutes or hours. Read real customer reviews and hire with confidence.

TRANSFORMING BUSINESSES ACROSS SOUTHEAST ASIA

Gawin is transforming small and medium sized businesses like never before. They receive thousands of requests for their services on their smartphones, tablets and computers everyday, allowing them to make an instant connection with new clients at an unprecedented rate.

How It Works?

• Request. Tell us what you need.
• Get Matched. Pre-screened and qualified service providers will respond.
• Hire. Pay directly to the service provider when the job is done.

Tens of Thousands of Filipinos have found & hired great service providers from Gawin, so visit them now at www.gawin.ph

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Explore Langkawi, Malaysia, Truly Asia with Malaysia Airlines

Find the most convenient flights for you to visit Langkawi with Malaysia Airlines Year End Sales! All-in return from NZD 905, Travel period: 1 Nov 18 - 30 Nov 2019

Discover Langkawi A tropical paradise with a mix of natural wonders and man-made attractions. This legendary archipelago of Langkawi is a UNESCO Global Geopark located on the Andaman seas bordering Thailand. Discover everything from its 99 karst limestone islands, to its vast history and mythology.

Attractions at Langkawi, Malaysia:

Cenang Beach

This is one of Langkawi’s most popular spots, and its waters are perfect for activities such as jet skiing, banana boating, and parasailing. Luxury hotels and nightspots line the shores, providing for a great time at all hours.


Skytrex Langkawi

Located at Langkawi Perdana Quay, this outdoor attraction makes for great fun for the entire family. It doesn’t matter if you’re travelling alone or in a group, sky-trekking will bring you closer to nature, with a bit of adrenaline to boot.

Dayang Bunting Island

Dayang Bunting is the second largest island out of the 99 others in Langkawi. It gets its name from the mountain formations that resemble a pregnant woman. It’s easily accessible, and a 15-minute boat ride is all you need to witness this natural wonder for yourself.

Langkawi SkyBridge

Langkawi isn’t just about nature. There are also man-made marvels that warrant a visit whenever you’re in the area. The SkyBridge is the world’s longest free span and curved bridge. Hanging some 100 metres off the ground, the SkyBridge is a great place to gain a new perspective of the archipelago.

Underwater World Langkawi

Get acquainted with marine life and more at this educational aquarium. Learn all about creatures from different parts of the world, ranging from the freshwater rivers of the Amazon to the cold waters of Australia. There are aviaries for you to explore as well.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls

Arguably the best waterfall in Langkawi, Telaga Tujuh boasts beautiful sights peppered with the best of local flora and fauna. Its name translates to ‘Seven Wells’, which is a description of its seven pools made from seven separate waterfalls.

Book your flight earlier now with Malaysia Airlines and get a lot of savings!

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