Let’s face it—TikTok has become the new mall. From skincare finds to kitchen gadgets, I’ve been guilty of adding-to-cart more times than I can count. And recently, I caved in and bought one of the most viral travel items on the app: the 24-inch Travel Luggage by Globe Trotter in a beautiful gray blue shade. I haven’t taken it on a trip yet, but I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts and first impressions!
Aesthetic Meets Function
The first thing that caught my attention was the gray blue color—subtle, classy, and definitely eye-catching. It's a perfect blend of style and function. I love how it instantly gives off that minimalist, modern traveler vibe. A head-turner without screaming for attention.
But beyond the looks? The features are impressive, too!
Spacious Interior
Although I haven’t packed it for a trip yet, opening it up showed me just how spacious it really is. It has:
* A zipped divider on one side to secure clothes and essentials
* An elastic cross-strap on the other to hold bulkier items
* A deep main compartment that can easily fit 4-5 days’ worth of travel stuff
It definitely looks like it can handle my usual weekend or short holiday trips without any issue.
Tech-Savvy Features
This luggage isn’t just about looks—it’s also tech-ready! One standout feature is the built-in USB power bank slot (inside the luggage), allowing you to charge your devices on the go. Just slide your power bank in and connect your cable—convenient and very handy for long queues or airport layovers.
Cup Holder + Bag Strap = Traveler Goals
Two more features I didn’t expect (but totally love):
* A dedicated tumbler/cup holder, perfect for coffee lovers or those who always bring a reusable water bottle
* A bag handle hook at the front where you can securely place your handbag, tote, or backpack while rolling the luggage. Super helpful when you’re juggling items or going hands-free
Smooth Mobility
Though I’ve only tested it around the house, the 360-degree spinner wheels roll like a dream. Combined with its telescopic handle, it feels easy to maneuver—even in tight spaces.
TikTok-Worthy Value
For something this stylish and functional, the price from TikTok Shop was very reasonable. It arrived fast and well-packaged. I’d say it's definitely a great value for money.
Even before taking it on an actual trip, I’m already loving this luggage. From the sleek design to the smart features like the USB charger and cup holder, it’s thoughtfully made for modern travelers like me.
If you're looking for your next travel companion—or you just love beautiful and useful things like I do—this 24-inch gray blue luggage from TikTok is worth checking out.
👉 Watch my unboxing and full review on TikTok @palrainedotcom, and if you're interested in buying, it's linked in my Yellow Basket!
As someone who loves covering events that inspire, uplift, and empower communities, I felt incredibly honored to be invited to witness the Cotabato Kulayaan Queen 2025 Grand Coronation Night — my first time ever attending this meaningful event. Held at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, Cotabato, this was more than just a beauty pageant — it was a movement.
Now in its second year, Kulayaan Queen is Cotabato’s celebration of Pride and Respect for the LGBTQIA+ community. As a lifestyle blogger, this kind of advocacy deeply resonates with me. I believe that every story deserves a platform, and this night gave voice — loud and proud — to the queens who proudly represented their truth.
From the moment I stepped into the venue, I was swept away by the energy. It was colorful, loud, emotional, glamorous — and filled with love. The production was impressive, but it was the spirit of unity that really stole the show.
The event was hosted by two of the country’s most charismatic icons — KaladKaren and Hana Beshie — who added flair, fun, and heart to the entire program. Their presence reminded everyone that this wasn’t just about beauty; it was about bravery.
The panel of judges was just as iconic:
* 👑 Ms. Jade So
* 👑 Khanna with a K
* 👑 Eva Le Queen
* 👑 Ms. Yllana Marie Aduana – Miss Earth Philippines 2023
* 👑 Ms. Chelsea Fernandez – Miss Cosmo Philippines 2025
* 👠Jojo Bragais, founder of Bragais Shoes
* 🤵 Jull Messiaen, Man of the World 2025
And one of the most kilig moments? When Mr. Vin Abrenica took the stage to serenade the Top 23 candidates. It was a romantic, emotional highlight that made the night even more magical — you could just feel how special it was for everyone on stage.
The New Queens of Kulayaan
The QUEENS together with the Judges
The competition was tough, but the results were well-celebrated:
* Yuan Gubaton from President Roxas was crowned Cotabato Kulayaan Queen 2025 — a truly regal and powerful queen!
* Khiara Lumantao of Kidapawan City earned the title of Kulayaan Queen Charity
* Jysn Sore of Pigcawayan was named Kulayaan Queen Tourism
Each of them walked the stage not only with grace but with a clear purpose — to represent their community, their truth, and their pride.
Giving her thankful and remarkable speech, Congresswoman Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos Representative of the Third District of North Cotabato (2025)
This beautiful and empowering night was made possible through the leadership and vision of Rep. Maria Alana Samantha Taliño Santos, and the strong support of Governor Emmylou "Lala" Taliño-Mendoza. Their dedication to inclusivity, representation, and acceptance in North Cotabato is truly inspiring.
Opening & Inspirational Speech from Governor Emmylou "Lala" Jacolo Taliño-Mendoza, Read by Vice-Governor Rochella Marie “Ella” Taliño Taray.
More Than Just a Pageant
What struck me the most is that Kulayaan Queen isn’t just about the crown or title — it’s about giving the LGBTQIA+ community the space they deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. It’s about creating safe, vibrant spaces in Mindanao where authenticity and pride are welcomed and uplifted.
The word "Kulayaan" itself, a blend of “kula” (color) and “kalayaan” (freedom), reflects the heart of this movement: a celebration of colorful identities, united by the desire for freedom and respect.
As a first-time witness to this event, I left feeling emotional and empowered. It reminded me of why I do what I do — to share stories that matter. Stories that bring people together. Stories that break barriers.
So thank you, Cotabato, for opening your doors and hearts to this movement. And thank you to everyone who poured their passion into making Kulayaan Queen 2025 not just a coronation — but a celebration of identity, equality, and love.
To the queens, the organizers, and everyone who believes in love and authenticity — thank you for making my first Kulayaan Queen experience unforgettable. Next year, I won’t just be watching… I’ll be celebrating right beside you. 🌈💖🤞
I was lucky enough to be invited to an exclusive Samsung Galaxy Unpacked media preview held last July 4 in Makati City, where I got a firsthand experience of Samsung’s latest game-changers—the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.
As a content creator, witnessing this technological reveal before the official launch on July 9 was an unforgettable moment. The hands-on preview gave me a close-up look at how Samsung continues to redefine mobile innovation with sleek, powerful, and flexible devices that cater to both productivity and personal style.
🔹 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Powerhouse for Gaming and Multitasking
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 isn’t just made for productivity—it’s also built for next-level mobile gaming. With its expansive main screen and improved refresh rate, this foldable transforms into a portable gaming console the moment you unfold it. During the preview, I tested a few high-performance games and immediately noticed the smoother graphics, faster response time, and immersive gameplay experience.
* Improved cooling system keeps the phone from overheating during long sessions
* Top-tier processor handles heavy games without lag
* Split-screen multitasking means you can chat, stream, or browse walkthroughs while gaming
But beyond gaming, it still stands strong for blogging, content creation, vlogging, and social media management. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 lets you edit photos or videos on one side, monitor analytics on the other, and even take notes with the S Pen—all at once.
Whether you're raiding dungeons, editing reels, or managing multiple apps, the Z Fold 7 adapts to your every move.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 felt like a mini workstation in the palm of my hand. With a more durable hinge, sleeker design, and improved multitasking interface, it’s made for power users like entrepreneurs, professionals, and creators.
📱 Key features I noticed:
* Refined folding mechanism – smoother and sturdier
* A brighter and more vivid inner display
* S Pen compatibility with a more intuitive layout
* Seamless transition from cover screen to full screen
* Lighter and thinner compared to its predecessor
This phone is for those who demand more from their mobile device—whether it’s split-screen productivity, editing content on the go, or reading documents comfortably.
🔸 Galaxy Z Flip 7: Compact, Chic, and Totally You
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 remains a top pick for users who want style and function in one sleek, foldable form. It’s compact enough to slip into a clutch or pocket, yet opens up to a full-sized smartphone with Samsung’s signature Infinity Flex Display—perfect for selfies, content creation, and all-day connectivity.
💡 What stood out:
* An upgraded FlexWindow lets you do more without opening the phone: check messages, take selfies, or control your playlist.
* Enhanced nightography features on the camera elevate low-light photography.
* Available in fresh, vibrant colors with a sleeker, more durable hinge.
💖 Bonus Hands-On: Galaxy Z Flip FE (Fan Edition)
Aside from the Flip 7, I also got to experience the Galaxy Z Flip FE—a more affordable version of Samsung’s iconic foldable. Personally, I really liked it. It delivers the core Flip experience in a lighter, more accessible package. Though it doesn't have the Infinity Flex Display like the flagship Flip 7, it still folds beautifully and performs impressively for everyday use.
🌟 My quick thoughts:
* Perfect for casual users who want the foldable lifestyle without the premium price tag.
* Great for social media, selfies, and daily tasks.
* Sleek and stylish, with fewer bells and whistles but all the fun of the flip!
Whether you're going all-out with the Flip 7 or trying out foldables for the first time with the Flip 7 FE, Samsung is clearly making the foldable experience more inclusive for every kind of user.
✨ My Experience at the Preview Event
Held at a stylish venue at Shooting GalleryStudios - Studio Red in Makati City, the media preview felt like stepping into the future. Samsung set up experiential zones where we could fold, flip, snap, and test the new devices with expert guidance. I also had the chance to network with fellow tech enthusiasts and digital creators.
We were encouraged to explore how the Fold 7 and Flip 7 would fit into our daily lifestyles—whether for productivity, content creation, fashion, or entertainment.
Both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Flip 7 FE impressed me with their sleek design, refined performance, and purposeful innovation. Whether you’re a multitasker, trendsetter, or storyteller, there’s a foldable for you.
Watch my video at my Tiktok @palrainedotcom now. And I’ll be sharing more impressions (and maybe a wishlist!) after the global launch. 💙✨
Davao Bloggers Society, Davao TradMed & Davao SocMed & Content Creators with Ms. JOANA of TaroAox
Thank you so much Samsung Philippines & TaroAoX for inviting me again (for the 3rd time). Hope to see you again soon!
Galaxy Unpacked Batch 3
Election Day has always held a special place in my heart—not just as a citizen fulfilling a democratic duty, but also as a daughter to two wonderful senior citizens who’ve taught me the importance of voting. For May 12 #Election2025, I was up before the sun, ready to assist my parents, and face what would become a day filled with observations, unexpected turns, and a bit of comic relief.
Early Start with the Seniors
At exactly 5:00 AM, I was already at our designated voting school with my two senior parents. Since I did my homework a day before—getting our cluster numbers, precinct numbers, and their Certified Voters List (CVL) numbers—we were able to proceed smoothly.
We were assigned to the same cluster room, so I lined them up accordingly. In no time, the election staff ushered them in. I handed over a paper with all their info for faster searching in the CVL (highly recommended, by the way!). Because my mom has trouble seeing clearly, I was asked to present an ID and got officially logged to assist her with voting.
The Marker Chronicles: A Smudgy Situation
Once we got the ballot, my mom and I sat down to shade her choices. That’s when the real challenge began. The marker provided was messy, blot-prone, and unforgiving. It felt like I was in an art class trying to color within the lines—with ink that had a mind of its own. One wrong move and it could’ve invalidated her vote!
Despite the inky ordeal, we managed to get through it. Her ballot was successfully fed into the Automated Counting Machine (ACM), the receipt came out, and we verified the entries—everything matched. She had her finger stamped and her name validated in the CVL. My dad followed with the same smooth process.
A Curious Detour: The Priority Polling Place
After my parents went home, I joined the regular voter line. While waiting, I noticed a room marked PRIORITY POLLING PLACE (PPP), intended for Seniors, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and Pregnant Women. Curious, I asked one of the staff why there was no ACM inside.
The response puzzled me.
According to them, the PPP does not have its own ACM. Voters there still use official ACM ballot forms, but won’t see their receipts or know the result of their vote right after. Instead, all the ballots would be manually transferred at the end of the day to another precinct with an ACM for processing.
This raised a red flag. Where’s the transparency? These are the very people who need assurance that their votes are counted properly. The staff simply replied, “That’s what COMELEC instructed.”
Efficient Crowd Management
Fortunately, in our precinct, the Cluster Chairman did an impressive job managing the voter traffic. By 7:00 AM, there were still a lot of seniors, so she implemented a system: 10 regular voters and 10 priority voters served alternately. It made the process more orderly and efficient. As a result, I was done voting in just an hour.
Done voting at 7:45am
My Election 2025 experience was a mix of fulfillment, observation, and reflection. While I’m grateful for a fairly smooth process and commend the local staff’s efforts, I also couldn’t help but feel uneasy about the lack of transparency in the PPP setup.
Everyone deserves a fair, clear, and secure voting experience—especially our seniors, PWDs, and expectant mothers.
Here’s hoping future elections address these gaps and bring even more improvements.
Until the next vote!
Growing up, Maundy Thursday in our family was sacred—not in the extravagant or ceremonial way, but in the quiet, intentional rituals that we kept year after year. We never left the house. It was our little sanctuary where we honored the day with stillness, simplicity, and reflection.
As we observe Maundy Thursday, it’s not only about fasting or solemn reflection—it’s also about remembering the deep humility and love Jesus showed during His final hours. This day marks the Last Supper, when Jesus shared His final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion (Luke 22:7–38). It was during this sacred meal that He instituted the Holy Eucharist, breaking bread and offering wine as symbols of His body and blood.
One of the most touching acts during this night was when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, teaching them the essence of servant leadership and humility. This act is detailed in John 13:1–17, a powerful reminder of how we should serve one another with love and compassion.
OUR TRADITION
We always began the day with worship songs. The soft melodies would play throughout our home, setting the tone for peace and gratitude. It was our way of welcoming the day and inviting the presence of the Lord into our hearts and space.
Our tradition was simple yet meaningful: a marathon of biblical movies played in the background, the Bible sat open on the table, and we took turns reading a verse or two throughout the day. Our meals were humble—usually fish, vegetables, and bread—signifying the start of our fasting. No meat, no indulgence. Just a day to pause and reflect.
When I moved out and entered college, I brought that tradition with me. Even in the busyness of dorm life and academic pressure, I made space every Maundy Thursday to return to that calm. I added something personal to it—my journal. I would write my thoughts, reflections, and even prayers. It became a sacred space between me and my faith. A quiet tradition that gave me clarity and peace.
Now that I’m a mother of two young adults, I find comfort knowing that the tradition has stayed with me—and somehow, it's evolving too. As I write this, it’s Maundy Thursday once again. The house is calm. My eldest daughter is curled up on the couch watching Kdramas, and my youngest is in her room, typing away on her thesis. She’s graduating this year, and I couldn’t be prouder.
We still follow our simple Lenten food tradition. The smell of grilled fish fills the kitchen, and we have vegetables and bread ready for dinner. The biblical movie marathon is on, quietly playing in the background, almost like a heartbeat reminding us of what this day is about. And yes, worship music still plays in the background—grounding us, lifting us.
While we all do our own thing now, the spirit of Maundy Thursday lives on in our home.
It’s not about being rigid or perfect with our traditions—it’s about remembering. It’s about passing on values of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and stillness in a world that never seems to pause.
And as I write in my journal today, I smile knowing that Maundy Thursday will always be my day of grounding, whether as a daughter, a student, or now, a mom.
Have you ever watched a Korean drama where the characters eat noodles with such grace using chopsticks, and then suddenly you find yourself drooling—not just over the food, but over how cool they look doing it? Well, that’s me. Every. Single. Time.
I’ve always admired people who use chopsticks effortlessly. Whether it's a Thai street food scene, a Japanese sushi date, or a late-night Korean ramyeon binge, there’s just something so stylish and refined about eating with chopsticks. I’ve seen my colleagues on social media flaunt their hot ramen bowls, complete with perfectly held chopsticks. Honestly, I used to feel a little... jealous.
A Quick Bite Into Chopstick History
Before I dive into my own story, let’s take a moment to appreciate where these elegant utensils came from.
Chopsticks originated over 5,000 years ago in ancient China. Initially, they were used for cooking rather than eating—think stirring fires or picking food from hot pots.
It wasn’t until around 400 AD that chopsticks became the go-to dining tool, thanks to population growth and the trend of chopping food into smaller pieces to conserve fuel for cooking.
From China, chopsticks spread across Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand, each country giving them its own cultural twist. For example, Japanese chopsticks are typically shorter and rounder, while Korean ones are made of metal and often paired with a spoon. Thai people traditionally use spoons and forks, but chopsticks are often used when eating Chinese-style noodle dishes.
Today, chopsticks are more than just tools—they are symbols of heritage, etiquette, and even elegance.
Me and My Chopstick Dilemma
Despite how often I eat Asian food—hello, sushi nights and noodle cravings—I never quite mastered the skill of using chopsticks. My first few attempts were disastrous. Noodles slipping, sushi falling apart, rice flinging across the table… it was like a mini battlefield on my plate. I’d often give up and resort to a fork. How unglamorous.
But every time I watched a drama or scrolled through a friend's Instagram story showing off their ramen mastery, that feeling of “I wish I could do that” hit me again.
So, I made a decision: I’m going to learn how to use chopsticks, once and for all.
My Learning Curve (And Wobbly Fingers)
I started practicing at home. At first, I tried with uncooked rice and later moved to slippery stuff like noodles and dumplings. YouTube became my best friend, and I even watched TikToks showing the right way to grip.
Eventually, it clicked—literally and figuratively. Holding chopsticks felt natural, and for the first time, I could finish a meal without switching to a spoon halfway through.
It wasn’t just about eating anymore. It felt like I was finally part of a tradition that spanned centuries and cultures.
Why Learning Chopsticks Felt So Rewarding
Honestly, using chopsticks made me feel more connected—not just to the food I love, but to the stories, cultures, and people behind them. It’s like being invited into a whole new experience. There's beauty in mastering something that once felt out of reach, and now I eat my ramen or pad thai with pride.
So, if you’re someone like me—someone who once envied others skillfully using chopsticks—don't worry. With a little patience, practice, and a few dropped noodles, you’ll get there too.
