MaH Shoulder/Messenger Bag

  

Yesterday, I bought a new bag, and this time, I chose a MaH messenger bag!

MaH was founded in 2010 by three college guys who initially did everything themselves, from designing and packing the bags to answering customer messages. Their goal was to create bags that are stylish, spacious, comfortable, durable, and, most importantly, affordable.

I decided to buy another bag because the leather-like bag I purchased a few months ago turned out to be disappointing. Its zipper broke, and I also found it a bit heavy to carry and not roomy enough for my needs.

Then I discovered MaH bags. Since I have been commuting more often lately, I wanted something lightweight, practical, and comfortable to carry. My husband rarely drives our car these days because gas prices are soaring, and he is often too tired to drive. Our car is also currently at the mechanic's shop for repairs.

I prefer this MaH messenger bag because it is very lightweight and spacious enough to accommodate all my essentials. Weighing only 400 grams, it has a 7-liter capacity, making it roomy without being bulky. Its dimensions are 33 × 24 × 9 cm, or approximately 13 × 9.4 × 3.5 inches.

The bag is made of polyester, which makes it water-resistant and resistant to everyday wear and tear. Of course, water-resistant doesn't mean completely waterproof, so I would still avoid exposing it to heavy rain for extended periods.

I also appreciate its practical features, including:

• Roomy compartments to keep my everyday essentials organized.
• Adjustable shoulder strap for a more comfortable fit.
• Front sleeve with a magnetic button for convenient access to frequently used items.
• Back zipper pocket for keeping smaller belongings secure.
• Lightweight construction that makes it comfortable to carry during my daily commute.

Another thing I like is its simple, clean, and professional design. It looks appropriate for the office while still being practical for everyday use. For an office worker and commuter like me, this is exactly the kind of bag I need!

In terms of maintenance, the bag is not machine-washable. It can be spot-cleaned or gently hand-washed in warm, soapy water. After cleaning, wipe away excess moisture and let it air-dry, leaving the pockets and flaps open.

The online price is $29.99, which I find reasonable for a bag that combines style, functionality, and convenience. I was able to buy this bag for $14. 46 (Php 927). 

Overall, I am very happy with my purchase! The MaH messenger bag is lightweight, roomy, practical, and stylish, and the price was just right. I'm glad I found a bag that suits my needs without breaking the bank. I look forward to using it on my daily commute!

Jamay F17 Portable Cooling Fan

 I recently bought a new portable fan, the Jamay F17, to add to my collection. I have been using a Jisulife fan for almost a year, but I decided to get another one because this model comes with a cooling feature.

What I like most about the Jamay F17 is that the air it emits feels cooler, especially when used outdoors, where the heat can be unbearable. Usually, when you're outside, the air produced by a regular portable fan can also feel warm. It is often only when you're in an air-conditioned room that the breeze feels truly cool. That's why I was excited to try this cooling fan!

The fan arrived in a nice box with minimalist packaging. Inside, you'll find a lanyard necklace, a USB cable, a cleaning brush, another lanyard (which I discarded), and some cute stickers.

Operating the fan is easy. Simply press the power button once to turn it on. To activate the cooling feature, press and hold the power button for three seconds until the temperature in Celsius appears on the display. Another thing I appreciate is that the Jamay F17 is quieter than my other portable fan.

Here are some of its features:

• High-speed brushless motor: Reaches speeds of 10,500 to 20,000 RPM.
• Maximum air velocity: Up to 18 ft/s.
• Dual air ducts with a turbo design: Designed to maximize airflow.
• Three operating levels:
  • Level 1 – Gentle Wind: Up to 14–15 hours
  • Level 2 – Strong Wind: Up to 8 hours
  • Level 3 – Cool Breeze: Up to 4 hours
• Versatile design: It can be worn around the neck or crossbody, hung around the waist, or adjusted 360° to function as a tabletop desk fan.

Overall, I find the Jamay F17 much better than my previous portable fan, especially because of its cooling feature and quieter operation. It's also available in different colors, and I chose sky blue, which I find really cute!

If you're looking for a portable fan that offers more than just the usual airflow, the Jamay F17 is worth considering. I'm happy with my purchase so far!

Judydoll Lipstick

Judydoll is the first Chinese cosmetic brand I've ever purchased, and I'm really happy with it. I like that it's affordable compared to many other foreign brands. I've wanted to try some of the more popular makeup brands, but they're simply too expensive for me.

As a mother and a career woman, I have to be wise and practical when choosing cosmetics. I want products that are good, affordable, and won't put a strain on my family's budget.

I recently tried Judydoll's new 12-Hour Moisturizing Shine Lipstick, and I really like it! The packaging is beautiful, and the formula is very moisturizing, just as advertised. The shade I chose, 104 Calm Nude, looks very natural on me. It comes in seven lovely shades, so there's something for everyone.

There are many high-quality Chinese-made products out there—you just have to know how to choose wisely.

Zhang Yingfei (Linda Walker) Meet and Greet at SM North Edsa Annex

 

Yesterday, June 10, I had the opportunity to attend the fan meet-and-greet of Chinese actress . She is best known for her role in the popular Chinese short drama, "The Heiress Won With Brains" . She is currently in the Philippines to promote the importance of education and inspire students to pursue academic excellence. I left early from work just to attend this event.

I arrived at the venue at the SM North EDSA Annex Building at around 2:15 p.m., and there was already a large crowd. Most of the seats were occupied, and the line was quite long. Fortunately, I was able to find a seat at the back. I also brought a chicken burger sandwich with me in case I became hungry while waiting.

I had the opportunity to take a photo with Ms. Candice Tan, the host and interpreter for Zhang Yingfei. I also received a small souvenir fan card featuring the actress.

Security at the event was very strict, so I was unable to get close to Zhang Yingfei. In addition, due to the large number of attendees, I preferred to remain seated and observe the event from a comfortable distance. 

The event was made possible through the efforts of the FFCCCI and China Embassy Manila, whose support helped bring this meaningful educational program to Filipino students and fans.

Meeting Prominent Chinese-Filipino (part 2)

 I have long been an admirer and supporter of Bahay Tsinoy. This Chinese-Filipino museum is very close to my heart because it tells the story of the ties and shared history between China and the Philippines.

It was there that I first met its former president, . He is an award-winning Chinoy writer, former Secretary-General of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, former President of Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran, and a recipient of an award from the in 2025.

I have read his translation of Lagalag sa Nanyang, and he once gave me a Chinese phrasebook containing 300 useful phrases. When my husband and I moved to Bulacan, we donated most of my collection of Chinese and Filipino-Chinese books to our barangay library, as my husband wanted to declutter our home.

Fortunately, I still have a few books that I purchased from Bahay Tsinoy. I was also able to meet Mr. Sy again at the inauguration of the Confucius Institute about a decade ago.

He is one of the most prominent Chinese-Filipinos I have encountered throughout my journey of learning about Chinese culture and Philippine-Chinese relations. I remain grateful for the role he played in my learning journey and for his contributions to the Chinese-Filipino community.

Meeting Prominent Chinese-Filipinos

 

I am truly happy to have met these Chinese-Filipino personalities who excel in their respective fields and crafts.

One of the reasons why I am deeply fascinated by Chinese culture and everything related to it is because of the remarkable excellence and contributions of the Chinese people in so many fields that I cannot even enumerate them all here. I admire their resilience, discipline and strong family values. 

Many of the most successful businesses in the Philippines were founded or are managed by Chinese-Filipinos. There is also a common belief that Chinese people are naturally good in Mathematics, perhaps because they're known for being good in running businesses. Don't forget the abacus came from them. ✍️
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1. Wilson Lee Flores is a respected Filipino-Chinese entrepreneur, writer, and cultural advocate. Through his businesses, writings, and cultural activities, he actively promotes appreciation for Filipino-Chinese history, identity, and traditions.

2. Jose Mari Chan is one of the most beloved Filipino musicians and composers whose music has become part of Filipino culture and family traditions. Beyond music, he is also admired as a successful businessman and proud Chinese-Filipino who represents excellence and humility.

3. Teresita Ang See is a prominent Chinese-Filipino civic leader, educator, and author who dedicated much of her life to promoting Filipino-Chinese heritage, cultural understanding, and anti-discrimination advocacy. Through organizations such as KAISA and the Bahay Tsinoy Museum, she helped preserve and educate future generations about the rich history and contributions of the Chinese in the Philippines. (source: Google)

Seefulun (Sifulun-Sephora) Bags

          I've heard of luxury Chinese brands like Songmont, but I can't justify spending that much. As a working mom with a young child, I try to spend my money wisely.

About two or three months ago, I bought a bag from Bagsmart, a brand designed in the U.S. and manufactured in China. Nowadays, there are many well-made and affordable Chinese brands available, such as Bostanten. This time, I decided to try another brand that isn't as well known but has an official store on Lazada.

My husband keeps asking why I bought another bag, but this one is genuinely well made. It is crafted from first-layer cowhide leather and is very practical for everyday use. I purchased both a handbag and an RFID wallet, which helps protect IDs and cards from unauthorized scanning.

The brown bag is surprisingly spacious. It can fit a bottle of body spray, several wallets, IDs, and other daily essentials. It also has multiple zippered compartments inside for better organization. The wallet is equally roomy, featuring a zippered section for coins or bills, along with numerous card and ID slots.

Who says you can't find a good-quality bag at an affordable price? You might want to check out Seefulun (which Google Translate amusingly renders as "Sephora"). So far, I'm quite happy with my purchase.