I know I have not been writing as much, so this topic seems to be a big deal, right? What is this new word? Who are these unfluencers? It’s a fairly new word that sprouted last year (2019) attributed to the article by Marisa Meltzer The Cut.  Before we actually dive into the definition, let me take you back in time to my personal story, in the time when this digital world found me.

The Role of Blogging in my Life

We find ourselves spending hours on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok. Social Media has a huge impact on our lives. I admit, 11 years ago when I started this blog, I was at the frontline of those pushing for the importance of Social Media for brands. Looking back, I remember speaking to huge audiences, both corporate and academe, about online content creation. I have encouraged students to start blogging and create their personal brand. I have been involved in guiding brands on how to manage their online presence.

Back then, Social Media Managers do not exist in payrolls. We were hired as freelancers. It was great to be there at the forefront of the rise of Social Media. Fast-forward to 11 years and things have shifted dramatically!

The Glory Days

I advocated for “The Good Life.” This was my mantra when I was blogging. I was a fresh graduate and I wanted to conquer the world! I did not grow up privileged, so traveling was a luxury for my family. Long story short, blogging gave me all that I hoped for when I was young: sponsored trips around the globe, tech partnerships, gadgets and products on my doorstep for review, hosting a TV show, commercials, and being featured in magazines and newspapers.

I was encouraging people to follow their dreams! It happened to me, so it can definitely happen for them. I had to risk my CPA job, dropped that, and explored the digital universe! I did not end up being super-rich financially, but I know in my heart how rich I am in experience!

The Burnout

The contracts, the feeling that I have become fake, the stress, the things happening on my personal life, and the anxiety of having to maintain my social media image took a toll on me. I am not alone in this and I am sure a lot of bloggers felt this as well. I may have not done a better job as some others did in managing the energy to continue. But I found myself going on hiatus from time to time.

FOMO or JOMO?

At first, I kept pushing myself because of the Fear of Missing Out. And then I got sick often, and I am not the type to do so. I am the type of person who gets sick when I’m under intense stress. And so, I had to force myself to slow down. This is where I discovered The Joy of Missing Out! I realized that I can live my life without certain things I thought I needed like going out a lot to parties and events just to stay relevant!

And then, I found myself again. Here I am now, just doing the things I love – staying at home, gaming, cooking, continuously learning, and yes – I’m still dancing!

Social Media Break

There was a time where I didn’t even browse through Instagram or Facebook. It felt great! I had time to do other things like self-improvement and attending workshops and classes again. I had time to learn new things and I enjoyed it!

And… I’m back, but not really!

I would take a peek on my different social media platforms and I’ve seen how things slowly changed! Personally, I was focused on gaming, streaming, and eSports. I was devoid of this growing Tik Tok culture! It looks fun though, people enjoy it and I’m all for it if it makes people happy! I personally don’t see myself doing that though. I think I’m too old for it, maybe, but that’s a different topic. I just think that I don’t have to be on it, just because everyone’s on it. It’s not my platform and I’m not comfortable with it.  I have this thing lately, where I try to take photos and videos without filters. I think that the world is WAY TOO FILTERED! And that’s probably why I don’t like Tik Tok. It’s all filtered, with these face and body slimming filters in real-time. You really don’t know if the one you’re idolizing is the real deal.

Going back to my topic – I browsed through Instagram and I see myself rolling my eyes at some “influencers.” I realized this WAS me too. I’m not hating on them, there are a handful of influencers who are doing it right – who fight and stand for their own truth. The ones that I am cringing on are those who just look like an ad-board to me. I know, and I’m self-aware, that I WAS once like this! And this is probably one of the reasons why all of this got discouraging to me at some point. I was not proud of it anymore.

Let’s talk about Unfluencers, finally!

Okay. The real meat of this blog post are these people called – the unfluencers. Off-topic, I feel like I can make a podcast out of this because I think I have so much to say! What do you think? Let me know on the comment, or DM me in one of my Social Media pages. It’s not difficult to find my profile (lol).

At first glance, I thought that unfluencers are those people exposing influencers. Like they decrown influencers. Or they try not to do the things that influencers do. It is confusing but I really thought they are the ones who shy away from doing influencer-y things. I thought it was who I was becoming. Because right now, you cannot let me promote something I absolutely don’t believe in. I avoid promoting something that is not relevant to me, but I was freelancing before and I rely on the money I get from promoting brands – so there were times where I would spread the word like fire, even if it does not mean that much to me. Again, I’m telling you this is why I felt horrible back then.

Don’t get me wrong, promoting the things I love, and getting paid for it – IS STILL THE DREAM! An example is having Philippine Airlines as my blog partner for years! I love getting invited to their events and of course joining familiarization trips to other countries. I still continue to blog and document my trips with them even if they did not sponsor it because I love traveling!

Again, back to the topic.

No one has defined with utmost certainty what an unfluencer is.

According to Marisa Meltzer in her article here, this is how she defines it.

“The person who makes me want to do the opposite of whatever she’s doing and throw out whatever I already own that she has posted about”.

Can you relate to Marisa? I know I can.

Why are people annoyed at unfluencers?

I don’t really know, so if you have your own opinion about this, I would love to hear it. Please leave a comment or a DM. In my own personal opinion though, they would promote too much. I feel guilty about this. I was doing this before. But when I felt that it wasn’t right anymore, I paused and held back.

According to the majority of the articles I read about unfluencers, it is hard to distinguish an unfluencer and an influencer because they could be really both. The criteria are hard to define because it’s all objective so it is hard to point a finger out there. You might have browsed through Instagram and you basically have your own distinguishing criteria. They may spam you with too many sponsored posts and videos, which to me is not bad. But there are those whose posts don’t sound sincere, or they don’t thrive to inspire or educate their followers. They just want to get that advert there.

What this means to brands

Because of this unfluencer phenomenon, I believe brands who are smarter have picked up on this. I see those who prefer nano-influencers, those who have 1,000 to 10,000 Instagram following. Nano-influencers’ audience are small, niched but highly engaged.

Analytics-based results such as views, clicks, and likes are very valid decision-making driving factors to get someone to promote their brands. But brands should also look into comments and reactions. Remember, authenticity is important.

What this means to Influencers

Content creators should be mindful of what they post, how they promote, and their overall personal branding. It’s nice to get dimes but without sincerity, and well-thought content, your audience, the brand, and you yourself, won’t get the most satisfactory result.

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That was therapeutic. I’ve been wanting to write about this for so long. If you’re still here reading. Thank you. I know this post is too long, but I appreciate you for reading until the end.

Stay real,
Flair

List

This list may change and might be outdated over time. Try to check the individual stores’ social media platforms regarding their opening hours and any further updates.

ONLY GO to the grocery if necessary. It is still important to prevent the spreading of COVID 19 if we all stay home during this enhanced community quarantine period. It is also advised that only one person of the household should go to the supermarket to maintain social distancing.

All Day Supermarket – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Landers Superstore – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Landmark Supermarket (Quezon City, Makati, and Alabang) – 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Metro Supermarket – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Metro Hypermarket – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Robinsons Supermarket (stand-alone stores) – regular opening time to 7 p.m.

Robinsons Supermarket (mall-based stores) – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Rustan’s Supermarket and The Marketplace – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. *

SM Markets (Supermarket, Hypermarket, and Savemore, mall-based stores) – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

SM Markets (Supermarket, Hypermarket, and Savemore, stand-alone stores) – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WalterMart Supermarket – regular opening times to 7 p.m.

This blog has opened so many doors, windows, and gates for me! Just check out this blog’s about section if you want to see a non-exclusive list.

People are still on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Twitch, Snapchat, and good heavens they’re on TIKTOK! No, I’m not planning on joining the TikTok craze! I’m still here, though, back to basics, back to my blog. This blog never dies. Vine, Multiply, Musica.ly — they all died, but not my blog.

My priority this year is my privacy. I am no celebrity, but I do have stalkers and eyes everywhere. Some people can’t stand to see other people happy. The past two years have been trying years for me, but I found my peace towards the end of 2019. I’m still trying to figure out the correct balance between what to share, and what to stay hidden. Nevertheless, my creative mind needs an outlet and this blog has always been a great venue for it.

Exciting things are happening for me this year. I have surpassed a surmountable amount of challenges. They did not kill me; they made me stronger. The biggest thing I got out of everything is PEACE. I am in a great place right now, and I think it’s about time I land home. <3

What are my plans?

I don’t like putting plans on my blog; they don’t usually happen. I guess you’ll have to wait and see.

xoxo,

Flair

Subtle change in hues… Looking forward to the rising sun soon.

I have not smiled this big in a long time. I survived a hurricane of emotions that I have endured for so long, I’ve forgotten how good it feels to be myself.

P.S. I wish I have the freedom to be a creative without having to worry about finances. Then again, we do the work-grind, passion on the side type of life.

This is one of the few things I realized over these past few weeks that I’ve been isolating myself with my own thoughts. I want to choose the ordinary life, but ordinary life does not choose me. I want to be simple, but does simple also mean ordinary? Quite not so. I am not the most eloquent person, so I usually struggle to put words and lay out the logic of my opinion. Hence, I typically lose a debate. But, nevertheless, I will try my best to explain.

I guess simple means minimal. But it does not mean ordinary. Simple means embracing the basics. While being ordinary means nothing special. I can be simple yet create something extraordinary. I can also be the opposite of simple, that is, be complicated but create something ordinary.

I hope you get my point by now.

I guess ordinary means you follow the norms dictated by society. I am not this person. I find myself breaking the status quo, going beyond expectations, and rebelling against certain traditions that I am not comfortable following.

Most people find it difficult to understand, that’s why I also have difficulties in finding a life partner. This is really some personal thing I’m pouring out on my blog, but holler at the comment section, or dm if you can relate. Or like this post or whatever, let me know if you feel me, people!

Video edited using:
Huwawei y7 pro 2019
Cyberlink PowerDirector mobile app

I received this a while back, but only had the chance to do the unboxing today. Oh, I miss doing this! Comment below if you think we should do more of this, and what products should we unbox or review. 🙂

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$22.99 mintMONGOOSE Black

• 4 mintMONGOOSE-exclusive pieces of adorable, high-quality jewelry (with a retail value of $55+)
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• An EPIC free gift every 3 months — think a pack of adorable socks, full-sized purse, or pair of must-have headphones!
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Shipping rates

This depends on where in the world you are located. On my end, I got charged $10 (Php 530 pesos) for shipping.

Check out their official website for more details: mintmongoose.com

Partnership with Sweatcoins

I purchased my first mintMONGOOSE box via Sweatcoins that offered a 50% off the first subscription price. So I paid $6 for the sub and $10 for shipping. Total of $16!

I just wanted to try and review the service and since I’m in need of a Jewelry upgrade, this one was perfect for me.

Sweatcoins is an app that can give you sweatcoins everytime you walk. So it counts your steps and converts it to sweatcoins that you can use to purchase products and services via their app. They are just starting up so they are still getting in touch with different partners and working on so many things to make sweatcoins a more marketable currency.

Check out and download the app here: http://sweatco.in/i/hannah810586

I am a Sweatcoin affiliate so everytime you sign up using my link, I get 5 swcs. This helps support me as a human being 😛

Thank you!

Wow. We’ve come a long way in this industry.

I have a very weird resume. I started out as a CPA, a Financial Analyst, then as a Social Media Manager, an eCommerce Analyst, a Website Manager, Product Manager, a TV Show host, then the whole blogger/vlogger/streamer thing which will always be a part of me. Oh yeah, I am a Certified Pole Dance instructor too!

You call me the jack of all trades. Why do I keep exploring? Because it is fun, and because I can. I don’t know what would have happened if I had a kid or a family in my early years. I probably wouldn’t be able to do all these things.

Some people admire my adventurous soul. But more people question it.
I’ve done a lot of reflection for myself these past few months, and all I can say is, I wouldn’t have traded all my experiences for anything else. It has been an incredible journey, and after all, we are all just living in a borrowed time in this world.

As for the title of this post. I feel a lot of pressure from Social Media lately. I feel like my thoughts are getting clouded by other people’s opinions, and I must succumb to the urge to dive into people’s expectations and go back to the basics. My blog has been around for almost 11 years! It’s my blog’s anniversary on May 1! I still feel like this is the safest place where I can express myself.

I know most of my readers have now evolved into higher statuses in their careers, became parents, changed jobs, some of my loyal readers have even passed on to another life. ?

But I’m still here, guys. I don’t know if I’m always inspiring people to pursue the best things in life. I am probably not in any condition to do so right now, but I do hope you see that like everyone else, I do have my own personal struggles, and I’m doing all I can to overcome it.

People who will read this are probably those who are still subscribed to my FeedBurner. You will probably get a copy of this in your email. Most will unsubscribe at this point because they don’t think my posts are relevant to their lives anymore, but it’s okay. ?

Anyway, that’s all I have to say for now. Will probably write more nonsense here. I call it freewriting.

‘Til the next one, laters!

My blog has been existing for over a decade already! Can you believe it? And now, I am as excited as the time I wrote my first blog entry!

We’ll get to talk about my comeback in another post.
In the meantime, I am reviewing this product that I have been eyeing for!

In the meantime, I am reviewing this product that I have been eyeing for! I was chosen by Try and Review PH to test this new product of L’Oreal.

I miss doing this, where we get to be the first to try and test new products! I can’t believe I’ve forgotten how this feels like!

Look, feel, smell

It doesn’t have a strong smell. If ever, there’s a hint of an almond oil smell, but it’s barely there. I’ll practically call it fragrance-free. Extra scent/fragrance on any makeup is a turn-off for me! Except for lip glosses that may have “flavors.” It feels super light, granules appear really thin, but smooth.

Application notes

Based on the physical appearance, you can already tell that it’s going to be my face’s best friend. I always look for light powder to use for my everyday look. If I had enough sleep and my skin is feeling fresh, sometimes I even skip wearing any loose or press powder at all! I try to avoid feeding my skin with chemicals as much as possible. But I keep one handy press powder in my bag, just in case I’ll bump into someone who will offer to go “cocol” coffee coffee lang 😛

It came with a soft powder applicator (not a sponge). I like this type better than use a sponge for powder because it can apply lighter powder on my skin better. It is easy to use, you don’t have to think or worry about bringing anything else because the container also has a mirror.

Coverage and Feel

As expected, it feels very light on the skin. It covered minor impurities such as a part of my skin that slightly darkened due to a pimple that just healed. It didn’t cover the entirety of it, but my skin still looks natural and natural – some flaws. Showing some flaws could be beautiful. It’s okay.

I also wore this on top of a full-on makeup before going to the pub with my friends one Friday night.

I wore a primer, plus foundation, and finished it with this True Match powder. I brought it with me to dab on the skin for a retouch after a few hours.

You can’t really tell from this picture anymore because it’s so dark, but I think I still look human.

It basically provided me with a matte finish on top of the layers of makeup that I used. It blends well too!

Usage

I recommend for daily use, especially if you need to go out every day and have casual meetings at the office. On the weekends, no need to vamp up Heart Evangelista style, to buy corned beef! Unless this is really your thing, then go for it you unicorn you! This powder will make you look all neat and presentable but still natural.

I found it even helpful to only apply it to my T-zone area, where I need it. I didn’t use on the sides of my cheeks because I don’t seem to need it there. So I just applied in a few areas, yet

I don’t look patchy, so it does blend well to my skin.
Like today, I wore this to my derma appointment. I just had a minor scalp surgery, no biggie 😛 My doc Lot of Skin Health clinic at Sta Lucia East Grand Mall in Cainta is fantastic! She’s super good, maybe this is for another blog post!

Pros

On the good side, it doesn’t feel heavy, and it doesn’t seem to clog my pores. I could tell after wearing it for a few days. It feels light, gentle, and the application is very smooth. In short, it’s all-natural. I look human. The case is not too big for it to fit the press powder, mirror, and the applicator. It fits well in my tiny purse. Also, it’s fragrance-free!

It also uses natural origin ingredients and mineral pigments that improve skin quality day by day.

Cons

If you wanna look like a unicorn, this product is not for you! 😛 I mean, if you need to use some heavy makeup for studio shoots or stage performances, this may be too light and will not hide 100% all of your skin imperfections. I’d still have this handy on mg bag though for a powder retouch.

Summary

It’s a great everyday powder to have on your bag. Convenient, light, natural, and super blendable. It only costs P399 and should be available in your favorite beauty shops.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review. It included a bit of my life updates, which you will be reading more about in the coming posts.

Hit the subscribe/resubscribe button if you’re happy! 😉
xoxo,
Flair

Additional details from L’Oreal

• skin-hydrating benefits
• up to 98% natural ingredients and mineral pigments
• non-pore clogging
• Recommended by dermatologists, True Match Powder is safe to use even for the most sensitive skin.
• With 8 skin-matching shades that’s perfect for Filipina skin-tone

I’m very happy that I got invited to the launch of Lampe Berger’s new product Parfum Berger. The brand started way back in 1898 and was created to purify the air of hospital wards. It is one of the few technologies to offer real improvement in the quality of air in the home. Up to this day, it remains loyal to its purpose and continues to provide clean air to our homes.

Last May 2018, they launched their new product called Parfum Berger. This product’s purpose is to diffuse a pleasant aroma to your surroundings. I am very happy to receive my own Parfum Berger and have made an unboxing video on my YouTube channel. Do check it out below.

Look Into Tickets Early

Another guide on making the most of the Singpaore Grand Prix spent a lot of time talking about tickets, and we’d direct you back to that guide for reference. The idea, generally, is to book as early as possible (ideally when tickets go on sale in April). This is in part because the event will sell out, but also because you can get some good deals buying early as opposed to waiting until the last minute, or going through secondary markets. Additionally you’ll want to take some time researching the different kinds of tickets you can buy, some of which offer more access throughout the event than others.

Plan On Long Days & Nights

Attending the Singapore Grand Prix is unlike many other sporting events in that it can really take up a full day and night. You’ll want to get to the course as early as possible so as to stake out a good vantage point (within the area you have access to with your tickets of course). Then there’s the actual race. On top of that, however, there is also something of a festival that surrounds the circuit, such that it’s always worth sticking around after the race. At the very least you’ll be able to attend a concert, likely with a fairly major act or two on stage.

Research The Previous Year’s Action

One thing fans don’t always realize until they attend a race is that each grand prix really is its own competition. The drivers are ultimately competing for year-end honors, but there’s value in winning or establishing a streak at a given venue as well – which means it’s always fun to brush up on your history of a grand prix you attend. Taking the Singapore Grand Prix for instance, it’s nice to know that Sebastian Vettel, who’s still competing near the top of the standings, holds the record with four wins at the Marina Bay Circuit. In fact, one write-up last year called him the rightful favorite from a purely historical, technical and skillful level, despite the fact that Lewis Hamilton is always the likely winner these days. This is all fun stuff to know come race day.

Purchase Camera Equipment

This is only necessary if you’re intending to capture good pictures of the action. However, if that’s something you’d like to do, you really will need the right equipment. A standard smartphone camera just isn’t going to get great looks at F1 cars whizzing by at high speed – particularly in the setting of an evening race with lights overhead. We’d recommend if this is important to you doing some research on what types of lenses and shutter speeds people get the best results with at similar events, and preparing in advance.

Learn The Grounds

This may sound trivial, but having a good understanding of the expansive grounds can serve you well. You’ll be navigating in large crowds and with a lot of things going on, and it helps to know where things are and what the best ways to get around might be. You can find a circuit park map for the grand prix online, which makes it fairly easy to study and learn your way around in advance.