I know I have been on hiatus for a very long time, I know... and here's the reason why...

Lost motivation

This would be the first thing on my list why I was gone. Don't get me wrong, I was in a very good state of my blogging/vlogging career, brands and PRs are coming in and I have several commitments I need to fulfill. It was fun at first but then I came to a point wherein I got overwhelmed, exhausted and then lost focus.

I feel like since I am committed to them, I won't have the freedom to say whatever I want or work to whomever. I realized I can work better if I'm independent. I can give myself the freedom to work on my own pace, work with brands that I truly believe and stop whenever I needed.

Preoccupied work, studies, life balance problem

If you have been with me for a very long time, I know that you are aware of how much I put effort into everything I do. Now that I'm finally a graduating student and there are so many things on my plate, I need to sacrifice things to put more effort into the things that are more important. Don't get me wrong, blogging is very important to me. However, I need to put attention to balance my work (that one who gives me stable income), studies (I'm going to graduate next year), life (I cannot take aback to my responsibilities).

I just need to make a 180-degree term in my life and perspective.

I had to accept that I cannot handle many things all in one time.

With that, I need to let go of some things to allocate my energy to the ones who are more important today which is my studies, life, and my regular job. (Also, I have to be honest that during this process, I was able to build a business with my bestfriend which was pretty awesome)

Newly found love

Jerico, my one-year partner has been in most of my social media posts and I have a series of blogs with him in it. Tell you a little bit about him, he is a chef and he's working in a well-known restaurant in the Philippines. He was also a blogger and he was my follower way back my Tumblr days.

Meeting him was fate and with him in the picture now made me a new idea to rebrand my whole persona in my blog- Not your ordinary girl by Mhow so that is something that you need to look forward.

He's a very supportive guy and I couldn't thank him enough for all the love and support he has been giving me and Edmund; something that I didn't expect. Ever.

So what's next?

I want to end my year with something awesome! So hopefully, I can get my sht together and compose more blogs. What's different now is that my blogs have better substance compared to what I normally post. Expect that this will still have beauty blogs, reviews, features, and more travel blogs because Jerico and I loves to do a staycation, I will also do more blogs related to self-empowerment which is one of the things I am aiming to do but not implemented until now.

I'm excited about the future. ♥

You have read my Tagaytay Escapade happened last February and there's a little bit of our adventure that I didn't show there because I intentionally made a separate post, hence, this blog post.

My boyfriend and I are pet lovers (to be honest, it's more of him than me *lols*) and it has been my ultimate dream to try out a dog cafe but because of a hectic schedule, I haven't had a chance to visit and indulge myself with a fun day with doggos.

On our final day, we left early in our condo unit and since we're bumped that our vacation is almost ending, our friends decided to have a stroll and think of where we would be spending the remaining days before we go home.

While driving going down Tagaytay, we stumble upon a tarpaulin of a dog cafe and since we are simultaneous people, we decided to give it a go.


The long-run

Looking for the destination, we used the WAZE app to tell us where to go as soon as we got the photo of the tarpaulin, we pinned our drop off location and started driving. However, when the WAZE ended the trip because we "have reached" the destination, we saw an abandoned-like house. Curious because we didn't saw Tabby Town Cat Cafe & Corgi Club, we decided to call the number provided and my friend, Abby asked a bystander to find out that it usually happens- several tourists are looking for the same location but it seems that the address written on the tarpaulin was incorrect.


The Salvation

Good thing the number provided on the tarpaulin was working and we asked for the correct address which was the one we pinned on Waze and started driving. Ahh, Tagaytay air never fails to make me feel relaxed. I wish that I don't need to go home - really.


The Little Nook of Good Heavens

Tabby Town Cat Cafe & Corgi Club is a small cafe that offers drinks to guests in exchange for a free visit to the dogs and cats. They actually have three options: to visit the dog cafe only, to visit the cat cafe only or both cafes. Since I'm allergic to cats, of course, we don't have any choice but to visit the dog cafe.

As soon as we enter, corgis immediately said hello and I was really stunned since it was my first time to see a real-life corgi.


Their dog cafe has tons of dogs that you would surely love. My favorite was their two poms who are so sweet and picture friendly.



Overall, Tabby Town Cat Cafe is something that you look forward to when you like to just relax with the comfort of animals. To be honest, their price for a milkshake which is the only thing from their menu is something on the pricey side in my own opinion (maybe I'm just a cheapskate) but the experience with the dogs for over 2 hours is something that money can't buy.

If you may know me, I have been suffering from astigmatism ever since I was in high school which results in unbearable headaches and it makes me hard for me to be efficient. All the time, I've been dependent on Advil but as I age, my migraine attacks become worse and worse and it came to a point wherein Advils and other pain relievers don't work anymore.

So I am in desperate need of a migraine companion that will give me immediate results.

A Friend in Disguise

Jenni Wilson, a doTERRA mom for a decade introduced me to the world of Essential Oils. She studied Natural Medicine specializing in herbs and essential oils while her husband Mike is in the special field.

She sent me an Introductory Kit containing three (3) essential oils: Lavander, Lemon, and Peppermint.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential Oils (EO) generally comes from plants as they believed that it contains powerful compounds that are highly concentrated and potent. These compounds are the "oils" that gives plants the aroma and protect them from harsh environments.


It has also been a long-time tradition that steamed from many ancient civilizations. These are used as medicines, beauty aids, and food preparation.

doTERRA steps up the game of Essential Oils

Compared to other brands, their very own are carefully distilled from plants that have been harvested at the perfect moment by the skilled growers from around the world. Each oil was also carefully tested, following the Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) quality Control.


The Introductory Kit

The Introductory Kit as I have mentioned a while back comes with three (3) Essential Oils-- Lavander, Lemon, and Peppermint.

Lavender is good for Anti-infection, Anti-inflammatory, Burns, Cuts, Calms the Nerves, Relaxing Qualities, Sleep Aid, Anxiety, High Blood Pressure, PMS, Diaper Rash, Dandruff, Cramps, Tension, Insect Bites, Headaches

This is also called universal oil due to its wide effects

Lemon is for antifungal, antiseptic, PH Balance, Mucus, Respiratory Problems, Coughing. Heartburns. Ulcers, Allergies, Antioxidant, Acidosis, Kidney Stones, Gallstones, Strep, Immune Support, Purify Water, Mood Enhancer

Peppermint is for Anti-inflammatory, Respiratory Challenges, Arthritis, Joint and Muscle Discomfort, Lower Body Temparature, Stomach Problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Headaches, Circulation, Blood, Heartburn, Colds and Flu, Memory, Fevers, Liver Problems, Gout, Tendonitis, Ease Breathing


My Oil Bularyo Journey

When I first got it, I immediately experienced a migraine and without second thought, I decided not to drink any medicines instead, I applied the peppermint on the temples of my head, it might have made my eyes water because of the minty-flavor content of the peppermint, after 10 minutes, the pain was relieved and I was amazed by it.

Now, I always bring EO whenever I go, I even bring my very own mix of EOs with me. I placed it on a rollerball applicator with a good amount of Virgin Coconut Oil and EOs Peppermint, Lemon and Lavander content, I mixed it all together and I call it my very own "migraine companion"

I also diffuse every now and then (most especially if I'm in need of relaxation and while reading a good book, I smell a wonderful aroma brought by EOs) my current favorite is the Lemon and Peppermint for relaxation.

So call me an "oilbularyo" now!

With the fast pace of the makeup industry, many brands nowadays keep up with the current trend by releasing up-to-date products that will match the weather here in the Philippines and give the comfort to its users-- reducing the need of touch up, creating formulation that can stay on one's skin for a long time, giving a coverage, oil control features and such.


The Skin Bureau, one of the fast-rising cosmetic brand that provides skincare and beauty products for men & women. This brand promotes self-acceptance while in the process of self-discovery.

Last October 21, 2019, they have launched their 9th product from their line which is their BB Serum.

What's good?

BB Serum is a lightweight BB Cream that contains high-performance ingredients in the form of serum. This has a double action that penetrated moisture deeper to the skin and gives natural-looking coverage.

The BB Serum has a skin time adapt technology that makes it suitable for all skin color.


Lastly, it is infused with Sakura Extract which is essential fatty acids that repair the skin's natural barrier to promote smooth and suptle skin. It also has a Centella Asiatica that speeds up the healing of acne and helps prevent scarring.

The product has SPF 30 to protect the skin against the UVB/UVA rays.

Behold, the BB Serum

Looking at the packaging, it is really chic and sleek which fits your makeup bag without adding too much weight.

It has a pump applicator just like any other serums.


The container is a thick glass-like (for me) but I don't think it's fragile which means you can place it on your luggage when you want to go to the travel

In my next article regarding this, I will share with you my first impression and later on a full wear test of this product.

Stay tuned!

If you have been a follower on my Instagram, you would probably take a chance to see my post that I was hospitalized due to fatigue.

Back Story

I came from an errand and I was riding the Angkas as I normally would, after an hour of riding the motorcycle, I suddenly felt sleepy -- to me it was normal because I tend to feel sleepy but not to the point that I will sleep; take note, I have been riding motocycle ever since I was a teenager so I am always used to this feeling but I NEVER sleep while riding it. Suddenly, along Commonwealth Highway, I felt a little dizzy (thinking that it was because of the feeling of sleepiness I felt earlier, I didn't mind it at first) next thing I knew, I was sitting on the curbs of the Commonwealth Avenue becuase I couldn't ride the motorcycle anymore.

View this post on Instagram

Yesterday's turning point I was going home from an errand. I was riding angkas (as I normally would). Heading Commonwealth Ave. I suddently felt sleepy then turned dizzy. The last words I remembered saying to my angkas rider is "Kuya itabi mo, nahihilo po ako" next thing I knew I was sitting in the side of the sidewalk along Commonwealth. When I felt a little better I decided to wear the helmet again and try to ride the bicycle, however, I felt worse. God was just so great that I was near Diliman Doctor's Hospital so I told the angkas driver that I couldn't ride the motorcycle anymore and please rush me to the ER. I then realized that I need to give myself time to rest and recharge my batteries and most importantly, achieve a healthier lifestyle. Stay healthy, folks #notyourordinarygirlbymhow

A post shared by Ramona Jessica ✨ (@mhownai_) on Oct 4, 2019 at 5:10pm PDT

The Switch

After several minutes, as I regained my sanity, I asked my Angkas rider to rush me to Diliman Doctor's Hospital because I am not feeling well. I rushed myself to the Emergency room, the hospital personell did the necessary procedures and assisted me to lie down on one of the hospital beds.

I then said to myself "Mhow, you need to be healthy"

After that, I then decided to stop smoking and now reducing my cups of coffee and switching to tea whenever I need a hot beverage while working.

Now, I'm trying to cut down my cholesterol level and carbohydrate intake in order to lose weight.


The Hearty Bread

This is not your ordinary bakestore that sells bread with too much sugar or glutten or preservatives.

Hearty Bread is your one stop shop for breads that are Gluten, Sugar, Butter FREE and Water Friendly. Added to that, they don't have any preservatives or margarine which makes it healthier than other loaves of bread available in the market.

What makes it different from other brands is they cater specifically to different needs of patients with diabetes, renal failure and cancer.

Diabetic Cases
The Philippines is considered one of the diabetes “hot spots” in the Western Pacific region. It is estimated that 1 out of 5 Filipinos are diabetic. This statistic is very alarming and calls for attention of the general public. Several cause-oriented group has already started campaigns to spread awareness in the hope to help hinder the growth.
It was noted that unhealthy lifestyle habits of Filipinos is the main cause of diabetes. This was also tackled by World Health Organization and they also included sedentary lifestyles as major lifestyle risk factors, stating that 1 in 3 is overweight and 1 in 10 is obese.

Obesity 
Obesity cases is another red flag in the country. Those who consume excess of sugar and carbohydrate lead to accumulating that excess weight overtime. Per record, Philippines has estimated a staggering 18 million citizens who are either Obese or Overweight.

Cancer Cells feed on Sugar
To clarify, consuming sugar does not cause cancer. Studies have been conducted which proves that sugar essentially feeds tumors and encourages cancer growth. Hence, starving these cells from sugar may help cancer patients.

Photo Courtesy of Hearty Bread

What's on the menu?

Hearty Bread has 4 variants in their menu: Almond Loaf, Probiotic Loaf, Fruit Loaf and Specialties

Prices are as follows

Almond Loaf
Their Almond Loaves are made with pure raw materials that is sugar free, preservative free and margarine free.

• Ezekiel Almond Loaf - 100
• Cheesy Charcoal Almond Loaf - 180
• Coffee Cheesy Almond Loaf - 250
• Garlic Almond Bread Sticks - 90

Probiotic Loaf 
Their Probiotic Loaf are made with gluten-free flour fortified with lactobacillus protectus for optimum digestion

• Premium Sourdough Pandesal - 40
• Premium Sourdough Loaf - 105
• Multigrain Sourdough Loaf - 115
• Garlic Sourdough Bread Sticks - 80

Fruit Loaf
These loaves are made from real fruit such as their banana loaves are made in Saba which has lower sugar content and has more fiber, meanwhile, their pumpkin carrot loaves is a perfect source of Vitamin A that protects our eyes

• Banana (Saba) Sourdough Loaf - 200
• Bannoffee Walnut Sourdough Loaf - 280
• Pumpkin Carrot Sourdough Loaf - 280

Specialties 
Their Coconut Brownies are made with coconut flour with stevia as sugar substitute and you can enjoy the brownies with lactobacillus protectus and walnuts with Stevia as sugar

• Coconut Brownies - 50/piece or 300/box
• Walnut Sourdough Brownies - 50/piece or 300/box

I am not an avid fan of breakfast but when I got a chance to try these loaves, I immensely enjoy it. I fills my empty stomach, it makes me feel full and energized before I start my morning. Even if I only eat one to two pieces of breads every morning, I don't feel hungry immediately-- good for weight loss. The Probiotic Loaves are not my cup of tea because to me, they taste bland but you can easily spice it up with jams that would really improve the overall taste.


To me, this is a pefect alternative for people who wants to cut down their weight and my mom who was a Type 2 diabetic really enjoys it most especially the Banana Sourdough Loaf because she can enjoy the sweet taste of the banana without worrying about her sugar level.

Realizing that eating healthy is not a challenge if you have the perfect mindset and perfect partner.

You may get Hearty Bread on these following markets:

Rustan's Marketplace or Supermarket

• Santolan Town Plaza
• Shangrila Plaza Mall
• Glorietta 
• Paseo de Magallanes

Weekend Market (Friday to Sunday) 

• U.P. Town Center Acacia Lanes
• Eastwood Mall 2/F

Pharmacy Partners Hub

• Mediscount Del Monte
• Mediscount E. Rodriguez

Delivery Hub

• Alabang 
• Paranaque BF Homes
• Bonifacio Global City

You may also check Hearty Bread's website for more information www.heartybreadph.com
Or check their social media platforms
Instagram: https://instagram.com/heartybreadph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartybreadph