What does The New Normal mean?
Our routines are changing as our lives are upheaved by the changes brought by COVID-19. We are entering a 'new normal'. We all know that places across the world are beginning to deploy almost every way to quell any uncertainty ushered in by the coronavirus. With no cure in sight, everyone even Politicians and youngsters were affected and have no escape to this life perpetuated in the rhetorical phrase 'new normal'.
As we weigh our personal and political responses to this pandemic, the language we employ matters. It helps to shape and reinforce our understanding of the world and the ways in which we choose to approach it. The analytic frame embodied by the persistent discussion of the 'new normal' helps bring order to our current turbulence, but it should not be the lens through which we examine today’s crisis. Far from describing the status quo, evoking the 'new normal' does not allow us to deal with the totality of our present reality. It first impedes personal psychological well-being, then ignores the fact that 'normal' is not working for a majority of society.
This framing is inviting: it contends that things will never be the same as they were before — so welcome to new world order. By using this language, we reimagine where we were previously relative to where we are now, appropriating our present as the standard.
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One thing I have learned this pandemic is to be creative and resourceful that's why I always use my essence as a fashion enthusiast to show off my style despite having a lot of issues in our society nowadays.
The New Normal outfit will always remind us to keep safe and stay on our track as we always look forward to better days!
Allowing ourselves to cope means not normalizing our situation and quickly moving forward, but giving ourselves the time to truly process it. Psychologists advise that it’s important to identify the losses we are feeling and to honor the grief surrounding us through methods like meditation, communicating our struggle, and expressing ourselves through art or by keeping a journal. In uncertain times, the 'new normal' frame reinforces an understanding that the world and our emotions should by now have settled. Surrounded by uncertainty, it’s okay to admit that things are not normal. It’s okay to allow ourselves to grieve or to be scared. It’s okay not to be comfortable with what is going on. In fact, all of us should feel uncomfortable with our present condition because the 'new normal' describes a reality to which many do not have access.
Not only does the 'new normal' framing inhibit our ability to heal ourselves, it constrains our ability to think expansively about fundamentally transforming society because it imagines a world that only functions for the elite. Popular strategies focused on social distancing and personal protective equipment remains the remit of those with the means to fortify and seclude themselves. Stay-at-home orders cannot be observed by more than 100 million people homeless worldwide.
So If your existence is founded on a day-to-day income, you do not have the luxury to 'stay home and stay safe'.
As the pandemic rages on it give us a chance to reimagine the world by tracing history, not forgetting it.
We should revel in the discomfort of the current moment to generate a 'new paradigm', not a 'new normal'. Feeling unsettled, destabilized, and alone can help us empathize with individuals who have faced systematic exclusions long-ignored by society even before the rise of COVID-19 — thus stimulating urgent action to improve their condition. For these communities, things have never been 'normal'.
GUUN-GOGI 구운 고기
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored blog post, but all opinions are our own and based on our experience.
*All Photos are mine and is curated by me. Using these photos without the permission of the author is plagiarism and is a crime*
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Still in the hype of eating korean barbecues? Or are you the one who haven't experienced yet the surreal feeling of eating samgyeopsal? Are you planning to do so? Or even without the desire of eating it, I am very sure that you will like my next adventure!
SIT BACK AND RELAX because Me and Louisse Tan got your next food trip! 😉
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Introducing the newest and latest Korean Charcoal Bbq Restaurant in town! Located at 202, EASY MART, BLOCK 7 Batasan-San Mateo Rd, Above Robinson's, Quezon City, Metro Manila, the famous samgyeopsal craze continues... 
📍 Pro tips when visiting Guun-gogi:
Arrive during non-busy hours if possible to avoid huge crowd. Best time to visit is around 11 AM and 4 PM.
Feel free to experiment with your hotpot. You can put buttered corn, beef cuts, kimchi and etc. into your free hotpot
Do ask their staff for a refill of charcoal when needed.
Make sure to come light, leave heavy.
🚙 How To Get There:
📍 °From UST/España or Quezon City Circle, you can ride a UV going to Sm Fairview,
°Drop off at Sandiganbayan or Batasan Rd.
°From there, ride a jeepney going to San Mateo/Plaza, and
°Drop off at Easy Mart Robinson's
📍 °From Sm North, ride a jeepney or UV going to Batasan-SanMateoRd.,
°Drop off at Easymart Robinson's
Guun°Gogi is a Korean Charcoal Bbq Restaurant that is said to be the First and Best korean charcoal spot in Batasan, Quezon City.
The Korean phrase guun-gogi (구운 고기) means grilled meats in English. Guun-gogi offers unlimited samgyeopsal with variety of side dishes and hotpot perfect for those who have huge appetite. Very satisfyingly, this place will surely the answer to your prayers now!
Korean BBQ restaurants are a trend lately so the competition is really steep but not around Guun-gogi’s location since they are the first one to open up a decent restaurant. We like that the owners Sir Gee Jay opted to take the unbeaten path by bringing better Korean BBQ experience and set to elevate your dining experience!
Me and Louisse were very excited to finally have an exclusive food tasting and restaurant visiting here at guun-gogi so here's our review about Guun-gogi!
Food Rating:
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They offer 2 kind of menu combinations. The first one is the Combo 1 which includes, an unlimited korean pork bbq (plain, kalbi and bulgogi). The best thing about this combination is that you can only get it for Php 349.00 only! Very cheap yet satisfying!
On the other hand, the Combo 2 comes up with Unlimited Korean Pork and Beef Bbq (Plain, Kalbi and Bulgogi) for only Php 449.00
*all combo includes 11 unlimited gastrically satisfying side dishes plus a free hot pot for noodles and shabu shabu*
Sad to say because beverages are not yet included in the set but, you may opt to ask for service water, or buy separate bottled soda cans and soju.
Interior Rating:
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Talking about the design concept and the style of its interior, we like that they kept it simple yet the vibe is really inviting – black painted with faux brick wall, nice lighting and ventilation, and perfectly planned table spacing. (i really love the darkness and contrasting of the colors) These elements have seem to function accordingly so i have nothing against with it.
Unlike any other Korean Bbq Restaurants, what makes Guun-gogi more notable is that they use charcoal grill instead of butane (which made us feel safer during our visit). Based on experiences, we think that charcoal grill gives off better flavor to the meats and that it adds kick to it.
I like how the cooking process prolongs the momentous experience while staying here.
The place is superb, they have proper ventilation, well-planned spacing, the lighting fixtures are naturally amazing too!
Me and Louisse just really love that the place can never feel too crowded or suffocating compared to other Korean restaurants that we have visited that tends to overcrowd their place. Also, we like that each table has its own overhead exhaust pipes that makes ventilation better. To be fairly honest, we fell in love with their customized table wherein diners can grill on the other side and cook and experiment on their hotpot on the other side as well.
Staff and Services Rating:
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The moment we entered the restaurant, all their staffs were very welcoming and pleasing and that's what really important in every dining experience. Nothing's much better than an overwhelming service and very accommodating and approachable employees!
OVER ALL EXPERIENCE :
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☑ Guun-gogi now adds up to our #SamgyeopsalCrazeContinues It is a place wherein everyone can indulge in very good quality grilled meats and experience authentic Korean cuisine.
Their staff are very approachable and accommodating to every diner, they gladly asks diners if they need anything like refills. We really love how satisfying the price too because it's very affordable and fair enough to pay. This restaurant saved our taste buds! For the best and unforgettable dining experience, we are highly recommending all korean food lovers out there to come and experience the difference here at GUUN-GOGI 구운 고기
We do hope they will eventually branch out to many places. SOON!
Thank you Sir Gee Jay for having us! We really enjoyed Guun-gogi's food and services.
PROS:
☑️Very convincing location
☑️Aesthetic Interior Design
☑️Proper Ventilation and Lighting Fixtures
☑️Welcoming and very approachable Staff
☑️Flavorful and savory fresh meats
☑️They uses Charcoal grill instead of butane
☑️No Time Limits
☑️No Plate Limits
☑️Plain meats doesn't really taste plain at all.
☑️Variety of side dishes coming your way!
☑️Ssamjang sauce is heaven to earth
☑️Best Shabu shabu noodles so far
CONS:
😐Only three meat options
Suggestion: please add more meat like Tong Samgyup, Dae Pae Samgyup and Yang Nyum Beef
GUUN-GOGI 구운 고기
Address: Unit 202, Lot 2 and 3 Block 7 Batasan-San Mateo Road, Batasan Hils, Quezon City (Right above Robinson’s Easymart)
Operation hours: 11 AM to 11PM, Mondays to Sundays
Contact number: +6399294766924
Facebook: Guun-Gogi 구운 고기
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored blog post, but all opinions are our own and based on our experience.
*All Photos are mine and is curated by me. Using these photos without the permission of the author is plagiarism and is a crime*
SKINCARE PRODUCT #1 : The Good Life ( JC Premiere) X Hypione Review
By ezequiellumbang - December 29, 2018
Are you taking care the right steps to care for your skin?
I will tell you my secret on how I achieved a brighter and younger skin look in just a couple of weeks.
I used to hate my skin every now and then because It gets darker as I were exposed to extreme sunlight. My skin always gets dry and I hate how I spent money buying expensive whitening soaps, lotion and facial creams that were not really effective. It felt like wasting my money for stuff that were used only for commercial products but are not efficient and necessary.
Good thing I've found Hypione, which is a reselling Business handled by young Entrepreneur, Mr.Keanu Habawel Tocyap under JC Premiere.
JC Premiere Business International Inc. is a direct-selling organization whose global presence includes branches in Dubai, Taiwan, and Philippines as well as business centers in Hong kong, Malaysia, Oman and Singapore.
It specializes in high quality products formulated from the best ingredients in the world which could help individuals lead healthy, balanced lifestyles. Its health and wellness products are made from natural and organic materials while its beauty and personal care items are developed using the latest technology.
JC Premiere Business International Inc. is committed to uplifting the welfare of its distributors and employees by providing them with a satisfactory working environment and a generous compensation plan.
In particular, its progressive system of commissions encourages distributors to build an active and substantial customer base, which would help them secure a stable and rewarding future that they can pass on to the next generation.
In collaboration with HYPIONE,
Mr.Tocyap and I had a great deal about Hypione and JC Premiere so after while, i tried using #GlutaFit and #OmniWhiteSoap and here are the good things I've found!
SKINCARE PRODUCT #1
#OMNIWHITESOAP
#OmniWhiteSoap
Php 228.00
Personal Rating:
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JC Premiere Business International Inc. is committed to uplifting the welfare of its distributors and employees by providing them with a satisfactory working environment and a generous compensation plan.
In particular, its progressive system of commissions encourages distributors to build an active and substantial customer base, which would help them secure a stable and rewarding future that they can pass on to the next generation.
When I first heard that there are whitening soaps from JC Premiere, I got curious. I've heard the brand/company JC Premiere years ago but honestly, I haven't tried any of their products until now.
OmniWhite Soap is a highly effective whitening product that contains the ingredients of oxidized Glutathione, Licorice and Alpha-Arbutin. It is an antioxidant that results to a brighter and youthful skin.
*Key Ingredients:
OXYDIZED GLUTATHIONE
It is stable in water, cream, lotion and other aqueous solutions thus it can easily be absorbed and applied directly on the skin during bath.
It helps lighten the skin
It helps reduce the effects of aging
It helps maintain healthy, smooth and glowing skin
ALPHA-ARBUTIN
It helps promote skin lightening
It helps even out skin tone on all skin types
It helps block the formation of melanin in the skin
LICORICE
It helps aid for a faster skin cell regeneration
It helps lighten skin discoloration
It helps even out skin tone
It helps enhance the reproductive ability of skin cells following ultraviolet light damage
OXYDIZED GLUTATHIONE
It is stable in water, cream, lotion and other aqueous solutions thus it can easily be absorbed and applied directly on the skin during bath.
It helps lighten the skin
It helps reduce the effects of aging
It helps maintain healthy, smooth and glowing skin
ALPHA-ARBUTIN
It helps promote skin lightening
It helps even out skin tone on all skin types
It helps block the formation of melanin in the skin
LICORICE
It helps aid for a faster skin cell regeneration
It helps lighten skin discoloration
It helps even out skin tone
It helps enhance the reproductive ability of skin cells following ultraviolet light damage
The packaging comes in a white box and the soap is color white too. The scent is very mild and smells like a milk. 1 box/bar of soap is priced for Php 228.00 for 135g.
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When it comes to skincare, there are certain words that we regularly use to indicate positive results.From “bright,” to “bouncy,” to “plump” — we know all of these words mean our skin looks beautiful and youthful — but what exactly does each word mean?Better yet, how do we get our skin to be bright, bouncy, and plump?
#GLUTAFIT
Php 2588.00
Personal Rating:
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GlutaFit comes now with a new look.
Php 2588.00
Glutafit is the first daily supplement which helps achieve glowing skin and slender body. It contains a combination of L-Glutathione which lightens skin, Chitosan for slimming the body and Hydroxyproline (collagen) for a youthful glow. “Stay White, Stay Fit with Glutafit.”
L-GLUTATHIONE
• It helps lighten skin pigmentation
• It helps maintain healthy glowing skin
• It is a powerful antioxidant
• It helps detoxify the liver
• It helps lighten skin pigmentation
• It helps maintain healthy glowing skin
• It is a powerful antioxidant
• It helps detoxify the liver
CHITOSAN
• It helps as fat binder
• It helps eliminate the waste products of the body
• It helps in bowel elimination • It helps as a fast-pacing weight loss partner
• It helps as fat binder
• It helps eliminate the waste products of the body
• It helps in bowel elimination • It helps as a fast-pacing weight loss partner
HYDROXYPROLINE
• It is the purest form of collagen
• It helps rebuild skin collagen
• It helps lessen the signs of aging
• It helps rejuvenate the skin
• It helps maintain moisture for firmer and smoother skin
• It is the purest form of collagen
• It helps rebuild skin collagen
• It helps lessen the signs of aging
• It helps rejuvenate the skin
• It helps maintain moisture for firmer and smoother skin
FINAL VERDICT:
I like that both soap and oral glutathione are very mild on the skin. The Omni White white soap smells like milk and made my skin moisturized and soft. It doesn't dissolve easily so I was able to maximize the use of 1/2 bar in more or less 2 weeks with every day use. For whitening, I can't really say that it made me whiter in an instant but I noticed that my skin is visibly brighter and glow-y this month. For the price of Php 228.00 per bar, I think it's a nice investment for the skin plus combined with #GlutaFit both gave me a bright glow on my skin in just 2 weeks of use!!! :)
For more info about the Omni White Soap from Hypione under JC Premiere , you may check out the link below:FACEBOOK
How about you? Have you tried this one? Or any recommendations you like to share? Please don't hesitate to leave your comments down below. Hope to hear from you. :) Thanks for reading :)
LEUPP Wristwatch: Purveyors of Time Machines
Written and Photos by: Ezequiel Lumbang
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"A good time piece is not only an accessory but a statement ofstyle, elegance, and self expression."
In everywhere I go, I usually having a hard time thinking of an accessory that will best match my outfits. I'm stuck in between choosing a good bracelet or a watch; But most of the time, my wristwatch neither complements the style of my ootd's nor adds up highlights on my over-all look. So instead of giving me an outstanding image, grotesque watches just ruin my fashion sense.
Great thing I've found LEUPP Watch : The Purveyors of Time Machines!
I can now flaunt in high-class with their wristwatches. This new go-to watch is really genius in style and aesthetics. Unlike any brands nowadays, LEUPP produce a variety of traditional wristwatches with the touch of contemporary designs. It has the ability to reduce the complicated to the simple. The modernist watches provide a neutral look and a subtle or serene ambiance that actually balance your street-style and classy image.
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PRODUCT REVIEW:
THE IKEDA
your new go-to.
Description:
⌚ : Analog
| Brown Leather Strap (also available in grey and tan)
| Copper Steel Case
| Quartz Movement
| 3ATM Water Resistant
Care label: Use a soft dry cloth to wipe off dirt, perspiration ad water from the case and crystal.
A minimalist and efficient wrist watch is just as perfect as your clothes for any occasions and on-the-go outfits. Its leather strap complements with the analog clock providing you a balanced and proportional look. The design is not only eye-catching, its simplicity gives a smart highlights to whoever sees it. And unlike any accessories, it gives a lovely affection to anyone who wears it. I love how simple the design is and it's just stunning to wear something like it because it gives me a classy look and at the same time its just perfect for any occasions.
Nowadays watch designs are more complicated, there are lot of details which are not really necessary and is highly irrelevant, so i am really stunned how this IKEDA watch plays in simplicity and elegance.
You can view and shop this IKEDA by LEUPP at : http://lynxinbio.com/f4mmx
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THE IMAKO
Anything but Traditional
Description:
⌚ : Analog
| Leather Strap
| Steel Case
| Quartz Movement
| 3 ATM Water Resistant
| Black (also available in Camel and Tan)
Care label: Use a soft dry cloth to wipe off dirt, perspiration ad water from the case and crystal.
Do you find your traditional watch boring? It's a big NO NO for The IMAKO watch by LEUPP. The genius design of traditional and contemporary style creates a very promising and appealing look to anyone who wears it.
I really love how it gives me a sense of style which contributes to masculinity. The strong appealing effect becomes now a high demand to any men because wearing traditional watches is anything but just perfect for any casual and formal events.
This IMAKO watch recreates the traditional design with a contemporary look but the function remains the same and its just really cool knowing the fact that it's your old designed watch yet it rocks your look so you will stay trendy and fashionable!
You can view and shop this IMAKO by LEUPP at : http://lynxinbio.com/f4mmx
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These are just actually few of many wristwatches that you can actually shop from LEUPP. There are variety of choices you can get and choose from that will surely match your taste and sense of style!
Visit : LEUPP Watch
GET YOUR STYLE FLAUNTING!
WRIST IT!
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McDonald's NXTGEN:
Set to elevate your dining experience by introducing enhancements that will make everything from ordering to claiming you food a lot quicker and easier!
Written and Photo by: Ezequiel Lumbang
THE FUTURE IS NOW IN YOUR HANDS
-WIth McDonald's Newly open McKinley West Branch, The NXTGEN Store goes very digital with its futuristic architectural design and interactive new system of accessing your order without getting the hassle over the counter.
designed to offer an enhanced experience in terms of dining experience.
Aside from offering the usuals and the classics, this new branch also features a McCafe and a PlayPlace, so it’s the perfect place to be for those who want to grab a cup of coffee or those who want to bring their kids for a quick playtime after school.
LOOK: We've Discovered How To EASILY ACCESS THE SECRET MENU!!!
You might have heard in the past about the McDonald's "SECRET MENU", but admit it, no matter how curious you've been, some of you are still shy to walk up over the counter and order from the crew.
Well, friends here's a way you can easily order from the secret menu, and the glorious burgers on it. Plus the most awaited new BURGERS from the list:
The BCB (Beef-Chicken-Beef) and the Double BIGMAC.
MCDO NXTGEN MCKINLEY WEST
Our first assessment on our first visit: New look and vibe, futuristic but still having birth pains.
The place is well new, and it’s got a new look. Design is different from existing McDo branches, so we can possibly expect old stores to be renovated into something similar.
McDo NXTGEN, from the name itself, is McDo’s next generation of stores. It features self-ordering kiosks where customers can just select from the big touch screen their orders, and supposedly be able to pay via cash or via card (credit card, prepaid card, etc.) In short, self-service. Similar stores are making waves abroad as McDonald’s and other brands are moving towards more effective use of available technology, streamlining their processes for faster turnaround time and rationalizing their operational costs — eventually they get to save on manpower, thereby reducing costs.. |
It is focused on modern design with an option to skip the traditional front counter queue with a Self-Ordering Kiosk
The Kiosk accepts card payments and can accept orders from customers including all of McDonald's menu items. Once the order is completed, your number will be called at the Claim Counter for you to pick it up.
If you’re still not familiar with how the kiosks work, you may also ask for
assistance from the staff on-site! |
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| There's also dedicated lanes for those who want to pay in cash
After placing your order and checking them out, you can tap or insert your card on the card slot to pay for your meal! The slot accepts Paymaya, VISA, and Mastercard. Wait for you receipt to print out and proceed to the claim counter once your queue number is called.
Guest who wants to pay in cash also has an enhanced experience with a dedicated lane for ordering with digital menu boards. There is a separate one for claiming your order.
In addition to that, there are dedicated McDonald's crew who have been trained and specifically tasked to provide customers with NXTGEN experience. These are the crew wearing green whom customers can approach freely in case they needed assistance. Pretty cool right? THE FUTURE IS HERE. RISE OF THE MACHINES.
Suggestion: it might be good for McDo to slowly introduce CLAYGO (Clean as You Go) in the NxtGen stores, anyway the concepts are futuristic and self-service. In more developed countries, there are not too many service crews, only those who man the cashiers and the kitchen. Customers clean as they go after eating, even segregating the trash into food waste, biodegradable, plastic, etc. Here in the Philippines, we got used to too many service crews who serve us, cleaning the tables, getting us water, extra gravy, etc.
The arrival of McDo NXTGEN can be a fun experience to those who just want to eat their favorite burger or chicken. But there’s no denying the fact, the future is here and machines are slowly taking over.
How To Get There? \
From Cubao:
👌 Ride MRT/Bus going to AYALA Station,
↪From Ayala, Get an access to BGC Buses going to McKinley Parkway
↪You'll See McDonald's McKinley West along Lawton Avenue
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Thank you so much McDonald's Philippines for the opportunity to be officially part of the #TeamMcDo
And also, to the whole family of #TeamMcDo for giving us the chance to taste the new Burgers on the SECRET MENU before it was officially come out on the Secret Menu list!
Love Lots!
#LOVEKOTO
#LOVEKOTO
