For short and petite people like me, the struggle is real in terms of buying clothes that would fit our body type. Of course, we can just purchase anything from a random brand, but that would mean compromising our comfort. This is the reason why I was excited when I heard the buzz that Uniqlo was opening in Davao City.

And F-I-N-A-L-L-Y, they opened not only one but its first two stores in Mindanao on two separate dates. The first one opened on May 26 in SM Lanang Premier, and the second one on June 2 in SM City Davao Annex. I'm certain the waiting was all worth it for all Davaoeños because at last, we are now able to experience what Uniqlo is known for—high-quality clothing that is universal in design and comfort—without having to go to another city.

It's cool that Davao now have the brand that matches the city's laid-back lifestyle as Uniqlo constantly develops clothing based on Japanese values of simplicity, quality, and longevity. LifeWear, they call it. Apparel innovations geared toward bringing clothing that's not disposable by evolving the ordinary to produce more warmth, more lightness, and comfort that's not time-bounded.

Here's some of the photos from the VIP and Media Launch that I luckily got to be a part of:

Also, here's some photos of myself during my Hong Kong wearing the Uniqlo pieces I got from the SM Lanang Premier branch:

Men's Dry Pique Polo Shirt (Designed with form and function, the Dry Pique Polo Shirt is equipped with quick-dry and moisture-wicking properties. Made with a classic silhouette and solid color, this polo shirt is a staplee fitting for every body type.)

If there is one state I'm constantly in, that's reverie. At work, I'm always caught staring blankly at just about anything random. There are times when I don't even know what I'm thinking about, but oftentimes, I know I'm just daydreaming about the comfort of a better life.

I went to Verdon Parc one evening, and right then I saw right before my eyes what BETTER LIFE truly means.

When I got the invitation to be at the Private Screening of Jerrold Tarog's freshest film, BLISS, I already started mulling its title over, and how it relates to its initial MTRCB Rating. [It was originally Rated X but got R18 after the second review.] I never got to watch the trailer so I didn't have a clue, but given that BLISS is an indie film, I thought perhaps it's one of those indie films that fail to make to the big screen due to their overly erotic content.

But I was WRONG. True, the film contains adult themes and language but BLISS is not at all PORNOGRAPHY. While there honestly were some nudity and sexually charged scenes, those were not the focus of the film. It focuses on uncomfortable realities such as the cost of fame, existence of artifice, rape, and other forms of psychological abuse.

The film revolves around Iza Calzado's character named Jane. It tells the story of an actress who's under the strain of the expectations coming from all directions. Unlike the real Iza Calzado, Jane isn't taken as seriously in the business which was what led her to decide to produce her own film—determined to gain the industry's respect. Unfortunately, things took an awful turn for Jane, and it was worse that she could imagine. Her mishap brought her trapped in a house where various uncanny phenomena would take place; not to mention that she was under the care of probably the weirdest nurse. Jane basically just dreamed but she ended up in a nightmare that seemed to not have an end.

I expected a lot from Iza given that she's one of the most award-winning actresses in the local scene, and boy she was brilliant. This is only the second film I watched with her in it, and on the first film, she had minimal appearance so I don't have much to compare her performance with, but judging her prowess based on other big stars' career highlights, I can honestly say that hers is not fabricated. She was too perfect for the role as if Tarog had her in mind while writing. But the fact is that she wasn't, and even if to Calzado's account she's "never satisfied" with her performance, in this movie, she delivered quite an undeniably satisfying performance—proving that along with her current teleserye co-star, Bea Alonzo, she is here TO LAST.

After watching the film, it became clear to me that when it comes to dealing with uncomfortable truths, MTRCB isn't quite there yet. I feel like if there's anything that needs to be reviewed first, it's their rating system, because it's obvious that it's not in sync with the current reality.

Like Tarog, I also believe that the Filipino audience have always been ready for this type of film. All it takes is a chance and an outlet for them to see it. Also, with Bliss' artistic merits—with Iza Calzado bagging the Yakushi Pearl Award for Best Performer for her perfomance in this film—it would be unfair that the Filipino audience themselves could not judge it on their own.

During the Q&A, I asked Tarog if there's anything he'd like the audience to take away after watching his film. He said he did not make the movie to provide any answers, but to raise questions.

I got out of the movie house with one question that disturbed me even while I was still watching the film. Maybe you'll have your own question if you watch it as it comes out uncensored on May 10 in cinemas nationwide, but mine was...

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?

I LOOOVVVEEE KIDS. In fact, I've always wanted to be a child psychologist. So, to be invited to McDonald's Kiddie Crew launch brings me a flurry of excitement and joy. (I was too stoked that I was the first one to arrive at the venue. Haha.)

Now, of course, you've heard about this program, or been at least served by a tiny crew for once. That's it! It's that time of the year again. The longest flagship family program is here once again as it celebrates its 25th-year run.

It couldn't be any more special because this time, alongside the kiddos from Padre Pio Home for Children, I also got to experience how to make my own Cheeseburger and Oreo Sundae! The kids, however, also got to try how it's like to work on-floor, at the drive-thru area, and over the counter. They even got to stand as tiny guards at the entrance to greet the customers. It was not only a fun scene to look at, but also a heart-warming one given these kids' background. And I'm happy and proud to see the eagerness in their eyes as they did what they did.

A post shared by Myth Reid (@mythreid) on Apr 9, 2017 at 6:09pm PDT

A post shared by Myth Reid (@mythreid) on Apr 6, 2017 at 6:47pm PDT

If you have a loved-one who's aged 6-12 years old, you have all the reasons to enroll the kids to the workshop. Experiences in this psycho-social stage—childhood—are the most critical foundations of a person's development. So, might as well give your kids, or your little sibs/nieces/nephews the early training that will one day make you feel at ease.

McDo Kiddie Crew Workshop is a time-tested setting where values such as teamwork, hard work, discipline, responsibility, and sharing are all established and honed. I'm sure kids in this generation are all glued in front of their gizmos. It's time we give them the right kind of exposure, and a summer-break to remember.

Lake Holon, T'boli, South Cotabato.

When I was a kid, I never had any idea what traveling was. For me, traveling meant going down from the mountain to go to church or go to school, or visiting my relatives in Davao or they visit us in Bohol. I had never even dreamed of going overseas to work. It was either that as a child, my imagination was quite limited or I had the understanding of the only resources we had available and where they could take me. But if there's one thing I was aware of at such a young age was that I already wanted to ESCAPE. It was only when I already started earning though that I could finally fulfill that wish. And although it wasn't all crystal clear to me yet, traveling was already in the works of changing me and of course, my life.

At the outset, it was all really just about 1. Escapism. First, it was because working in the BPO industry was too stressful. Second was because life is stressful in general. It wasn't about anything deep at all like finding zen or what-not. It was always like this-life's-hell-so-let's-get-outta-here sort of thing. Things eventually shifted, however. Escapism was still part of the goal, but one tick off the bucket list after another made traveling mean more than just that.

2. Traveling provided me a vehicle to memory lane.

Through traveling, I have learned about the whens, and the hows, and the whys of the places I've visited--some facts I may never even find online. It's nice to be able to look back to stories of yesterdays.

3. Traveling brought me closer to nature.

In an age where it's easier to get unhealthily boxed off, traveling is helpful. It brings a person out to breathe fresher air. Traveling has given me an avenue to observe nature, experience it through different sensations, and appreciate the magic it often offers.

4. Traveling opened my eyes to more and more art.

As if getting to see creative photos on Instagram isn't exhilarating enough, getting immersed in the actual places yourself gives you a more wonderful feeling. Being able to see art outside a four-cornered device is always magical to me. Capturing them even with just my own eyes is a perspective I would always look forward to getting.

5. Traveling let me see more good people.

From people who would remind you to care about Mother Nature by picking up your left-over stuff to people who would carry your backpacks all the way to a campsite to make a living is the sweetest scenery you can watch. This is what's most amazing--knowing that humanity still stands a chance. For me, this is definitely the most meaningful part of every journey. Learning these peoples' lives and culture is some lovely add-on!

I could go on, but the point is not about how many things I could list down, it's about how each destination, each experience has touched me. The thing about traveling is that you don't even have to force it to change you. It just happens. You do not need to choose which lessons to pick up and make something out of. The lessons choose you. And if you let it, it changes you completely--unbeknownst to you or not.

That's what I did. And even if for the many times I've come home I still end up seeming like the same person I was before I left, I know down deep in, I am more valuable because I learned. I am now equipped with knowledge about the world and its people which is helping me form new perceptions about them.

This is how traveling changed me. And with changed perceptions, it's changing my life as well. Progressively.

Share how travel changed your life, too through this link.

#TravelokaPH #WhyITravel #TravelokaStories