I.F. You Asked Me What I've Given Up, It Would Be This

Like what the title says, if you asked me what I've given up, it would be this: eating from six in the evening up until ten in the morning. Now in case you're wondering why the "if" is "I.F.", it's because I've recently started Intermittent Fasting.

Back in the day, I've tried a number of diet plans and they all worked for me. But, the temptation of food is just so great that limiting your carbo intake is just so challenging; pasta, pizza, turn overs, donuts, ramen… Plus, it doesn't help that I do have a food blog (https://tira-tirahan.blogspot.com). So, I get back what I shed off. Until age caught up and my natural metabolism wasn't as active as it used to. Even if I went back to the diet plans, exercise routines, it was taking more effort than it used to.

Eventually, I gave in and just accepted the fact that this is my fate. I've reached the weight of 80 kilograms. That's very heavy. Already on the obese side. I missed the days when I was just 64 kilograms heavy. I know that however I worked out and diet, I would never get to that weight again. Until one day, I heard of a technique that was new to me. It made sense because I know that the body, when it has no more carbohydrates to burn, it will start to burn stored fat. And when the fat is all out, it will start to consume protein. I also know that the brain consumes the most energy. The problem was, I didn't know how it actually works or how to activate the process. This technique told me how the process was activated.

But since I've let myself go for so long already, I never really paid much attention to it. I was skeptical since at my age, with my slowed down metabolism, it just might not work. So yes, I did not do any fasting in any form.

Then came our company's annual physical examination for 2019. When I went on the scale to get my weight, it tipped at 99 kilograms. Oh my god! Almost a hundred. Sure I was seeing myself getting bigger and bigger every time I go by the restroom mirror. And I didn't mind. But getting an actual number attached to that size, that was different. That was almost 20 kilograms from the last time I checked. That's when I decided to give intermittent fasting a try.

The first week was the difficult one. Suddenly adjusting my eating habits from "eating when hungry" to "eating just within the window" was quite difficult. I almost gave up. But I thought to myself, "Let's see where this takes us for at least a month, then we quit if it goes nowhere." So with a lot of will power, I persevered.

One week went on and the second week was a lot easier because my body had already adjusted to my eating window of 10AM to 6PM. After three weeks, it was already clockwork. And then a month went by without me noticing. I only realized that that I needed to check on my progress after a month and a half in. When I checked, I was down to 84 kilograms. It actually worked. And I could feel the changes as well; my shirts felt bigger, my pants as well. Some of the clothes that I couldn't wear because I got bigger started to fit again.

The wonderful thing about intermittent fasting is you can still eat whatever you like as long as you eat within your eating window. So I never gave up on the carbs. However, if you do choose to give up on the carbs as well, it might accelerate the fat loss since your body will skip the carbo burning and go straight to fat burning. That's just what I think.

If you want to know more about intermittent fasting, there are a lot of information out there about this technique. Just be sure that you're okay with it. I'm sure this is not for everyone, especially those with stomach problems like hyper acidity and ulcer. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

For now, I'm sticking to intermittent fasting until I get to the lowest weight I can get to. Even though getting to 64 is quite a stretch.

#Shopeescam, This Hashtag Says it All

Let me start off by saying that I am not a fan of BLACKPINK, nor am I a fan of BTS, Twice, etc. In other words, I am not a K-Pop fan. I am just overwhelmed by the trend of the above hashtag, saw a few videos, and was disgusted by what happened.

I'm sure a lot of you already know about this, since I think it's been days after what happened: Top buyers from Shopee won tickets to see their fans. They spent thousands to be top buyers. They were notified that they won. And on the event, on location, they were told that it was an error. That is bullshit. Why wait for date of the event before giving the notification of error? Why not a day before? Why not a week before? Shopee got the fans' hopes up and pulled the rug from right under them. All to get influencers and celebrities to get in, and most of them are not even fans.

I heard Shopee followers on social media are un-following, or unsubscribing. That's good. I hope they go out of business. And there Shopee thought that the influencers and celebrities would give them good publicity and promotion. Unfortunately, 500 plus fans has a lot more influence than mainstream celebrities.

That's all I have to say about this issue. Credits to the owner of the photo above, I'm not sure who.

Below are the links to the YouTube videos of Claro the Third and Nico David about this issue. Have a watch. Since I'm not sure if watching the videos here would give them views, I thought I just place the links.

Nico David's video.

Claro the Third's video.

Let me end this with a piece of advice. Don't go jumping onto a promo from on-line sellers that seem legit, that require you to cough up large sums of money. The mystery boxes seem like a big bust. Then came Shopee. Just think about it... a lot.

Hannah's Garden Resort and Events Place

It's almost halfway through 2019. I've had one post for 2018 and I sure hope that this isn't the only one for 2019.

Hannah's Garden Resort and Events Place was chosen by the company I work for (which I will not name), to host our annual pre-strategic planning workshop. It is not a hotel. It's accommodations are rooms of different types. Most of which surround it's huge swimming pool that I think is Olympic sized. Although I am not sure how big an Olympic-sized pool is.

First my rants: 1) It is not easy getting here. Most of us got lost on the way. My suggestion is have someone who knows where it is to guide you. Do not use the app, "WAZE." This app only shows the most confusing direction to the site. You're better off using Goggle Maps. 2) Internet connection is not that strong and so is cell service. Even if the place nice for your social media posts, they might have to wait until you get a good signal. 3) No cable. I guess since not many people come here, it is impractical to have cable TV service. Then again, why would you want to stay in your room and watch cable TV when you have Netflix at home. They do have a digital box for each room.

Now for the resort's redeeming qualities: 1) The food here is excellent. If you decide to have them cater to your food needs, their cooking is just great. 2) Since it is not the easiest place to find, not many people go there which makes it a nice place to have even a small to medium-sized group to have fun here and not have other groups hogging the pool. 3) It is a very relaxing place. It's distance away from the metropolis is quite nice. I'm not sure what kind of bird makes that sound (see my video review of the place below).

I cannot really comment on the expense side since the company I work for paid for everything. But by logic, I think this place would be quite pricey. Law of supply and demand, my friends.

Hannah's Garden Resort and Events Place is located at Baranggay Bunggo Silangan, Calamba, Laguna. You may contact them via land line through (02) 504-5747 and via mobile through 0977-805-9156, and you may email them at hannahsgarden.eventplace@yahoo.com. and their website is http://www.hannahsgarden.ph/

My recommendation is to prepare your wallets and pockets if you wish to go there and do your vacationing or relaxing. The stay will make up for the distance and the price. I know the food, at least, did. Watch my video review bellow so you can see how the place looks like.

The Calm After the Storm

The evening of New Year's day is noticeably very calm. From where I was at during that time, it felt like a ghost town. Probably because almost everyone is tired from the night's celebration. But then again, I did not feel the new year come in with a bang. Or on another perspective 2017 went out in a whimper. Just as well.

I never liked 2017. It is the year I wish never happened. I don't know, maybe it's just me but, it was anything but good; financial decline, illness, death, career stagnation. Heck! I wasn't even able to attend ToyCon, and I never miss ToyCon.

To sum up my past year, there is nothing to sum up. It was a big load of steaming crap. I just hope a year like that would never happen again. I'm still in the process of picking up the pieces that it left.

ToyCon is Coming... Bigger... Like Every Year

What better way to re-start this blog than getting hyped for ToyCon 2016.

Like every year, ToyCon grows bigger. This year, it leaves the usual venue of Megamall's Megatrade Halls for a bigger SMX Convention Center at SM Mall of Asia. Check out the teaser poster below.

Like it says on the poster, it's happening on June 10-12 so you better save that date.

I heard Stan Lee's exhibit will be there as well so don't miss out on that one.


That's right, true believers. You better be there.

This is going to be big.


For more information, visit ToyCon's official Facebook page: TOYCON PH: The Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention
Their official website: ToyCon.com.
Follow them on Instagram and Twitter: @phtoycon

ToyCon PH 2015 Day 3

I was able to attend the last day of The 2015 Philippine Toys, Hobbies, and Collectibles Convention late in the afternoon since I went to see San Andreas first.

As expected, the prices dropped. But unfortunately for me, my target pieces are already sold out. That was a gamble but it was fine. Come to think of it, I wasn't able to buy anything today except for something to eat. Nonetheless, I did not go home empty handed.

How?

Unlike the past two days, no freebies since it was already very late in the afternoon. While walking around, there was something hip happening at the Funko area. They were going away free, limited Funko items. I thought to myself, "This looks fun. Maybe I should try it out. Who knows. Maybe I'll get something."

The first giveaway was given to the person who was there the longest. The next two giveaways were literally thrown and whoever catches them, gets them. The last one, the prime prize; a Pop! Asia Funko 01: Freddy Funko. We had to jump, raise our hands, clap and party on to show Funko who really wanted it... No, not want, need.

So we jumped, raised our hands, clapped and partied like the area was a club. I actually felt that my legs were about to give with all that jumping. Seriously. When the time of choosing came, it was me who was given the prize and it felt awesome.

It's not everyday you get to win something this awesome. I think it's even my first time to win anything from ToyCon... ever. My precious. All that effort was worth it. Yeah. Thank you, Funko!

I wasn't expecting that a couple of collectors would approach me and offer to buy what I have just won. I had to refuse both of them to their disappointment. I was actually offended by one of the collectors' companion. She said. "Hindi mo naman mapapakinabangan yan kasi collector's item yan. (You won't benefit from that since it's a collector's item)." So I darted back and told her that I am a collector myself. The nerve. This isn't my first Pop!vinyl figure. It's my second; with Dancing Groot as my first.

After all that hype and excitement, went around the venue and passed by Cosplay Circle's booth. Alodia and Ashley were there playing a video game. I don't know what game since I could see through the very thick crowd. 

When the time came that I was about to leave, I realized I didn't take any pictures. So I took a few quick ones since I already have something to remember this day by.

Until next year for the 2016 Philippine Toys, Hobbies, and Collectibles Convention.

ToyCon PH 2015 Day 2

It's the second day of ToyCon Ph 2015 and I was expecting a bigger turn out than today. Last year there was a queue line from the ticket booth located at the fifth floor up until the depths of the mall but, not today. I don't think it's because tomorrow is Fathers' Day.

Despite the less than usual turnout, the venue was still full of attendees. Like yesterday, I got myself more freebies as soon as I entered the venue. Awesome!

And since it's the second day, the gallery is now open. Some of the displays were Coca Cola, comic book characters, Transformers, Zoids, LEGO, famous cars replicas, busts, one-sixth scale dolls, and many more. Check out the pictures below.

Of course, some of the many from the cosplaying community have attended including our very own Cosplay Queen, Miss Alodia Gosiengfiao. She was in her Gogo Tamago costume when I saw her.

Ashley Gosiengfiao and Midnight Meetings was present and performed on stage for the event's attendees. 

Tomorrow, I'm expecting quite a bit of price drops on some items that are for sale. Kind of like last year when I got good bargains on some PS3 games. Also, since it's Sunday and it's Fathers' Day, there would probably be more attendees (or at least fathers) than today.

ToyCon PH 2015 Day 1

Like every first day of ToyCon for the past recent years, the first day is for those who want to get the freshest of the goodies. And like the ToyCons of the past recent years, I was able to procure more freebies than my actual purchases.

I was only able to get away with a purchase of Kamen Rider Gaim's Daidaimaru, Musou Saber, and Banana Lockseed. But that's okay. I stall have another target for tomorrow.

Since it's the first day, the exhibition room was still under preparation. As I walked around, I saw some pretty interesting exhibits; 99,5 Play FM was selling classing vinyl records. You must have a working turntable for those records to play. There was also an area where old classic consoles (SNES, NES, Sega Dreamcast, etc.) were being played with. And by god they still work.

I also passed by a booth where they had helmets of the tokusastu genre. Pretty nostalgic.

At the stage, they had question and answer games with prizes, and showed trailers of upcoming movies such as Batman Vs Superman, Attack on Titan (the live action movie), Stand By Me Doraemon (a 3D movie), and Star Wars The Force Awakens. I'm not really a DC fan but that Batman Vs. Superman movie has gotten me excited.

I would like to thank IFLIX for the free tumbler and button. I really appreciate the freebies.

Enjoy the rest of the pictures that I was able to take shots of.

The other freebies were food so...Yeah. I'm not taking pictures of freebie food at this event.

Until tomorrow.

Hoorah for ToyCon 2015

In the spirit of the upcoming Philippines Toys Hobbies, and Collectibles Convention a.k.a. ToyCon 2015, I say, "Come!"

With this year's theme, "Battlefields of Play," I'm expecting a lot of toys with combat themes and games of the duelist type. (Hey, give Clash of Clans a rest for at least three days, buy yourself a shield).

ToyCon 2015 will happen on the 19th to 21st of June at Megatrade Halls 1, 2, and 3 of SM Megamall. There will be freebies, rare finds and bargains, advance game demos, of course there will definitely be Cosplay. And with Cosplay, comes Miss Alodia. But I'm not saying that she'll be there, just probably will be like last year.

Expect heavy traffic (by that I mean heavy attendance) during the second and third days. By experience, those are the days when everybody seems to come flooding in.

See you guys then.

For more information, please go to:
www.toycon.com
or to:
ToyCon's Facebook page.


Note to self. Target Shift Cars, or if you can get another katana replica, go for it.

Fouljester.com on Hiatus

Wow! 

My last post on this site has been a long time ago, 2011.

I'm having some downtime with my domain (fouljester.com). It is rather unfortunate. 

So for now, this is where I'm placing my posts. 

It's going to be another start up.