Let’s talk about the facial mist that has quietly taken over my skincare routine: the D’Alba First Spray Serum. If you’ve spent any time scrolling beauty TikTok or diving into Korean skincare, you’ve probably seen this sleek gold bottle pop up more than once. The hype? Completely justified. And just so we’re clear, I’m officially starting on my second and third bottle. Yes, I loved the formula so much that I got another bottle for my vanity and a small one for my bag.

This is one of those products I picked up thinking it would be a cute addition to my vanity even when I was initially skeptical about it. It turned out to be a staple I can’t live without.

The “Flight Attendant Glow” in a Bottle

They call this the “flight attendant spray” in Korea because it’s what flight crews use mid-flight to keep their skin fresh and glowing. Honestly, I get it. It’s part mist, part serum, and full-on luxury.

Inside the bi-phase formula (give it a shake before using) is a beautiful mix of white truffle extract, niacinamide, and natural oils like avocado and sunflower seed. Together, they hydrate, brighten, and soften the skin without any greasy residue. The mist is ultra-fine, no heavy droplets or uneven spraying here.

The scent is light, clean, and elegant. It feels like a boutique spa in a bottle.

How I Use It

This isn’t one of those occasional mists that collect dust on your shelf. I use it constantly.

• In the morning, after toner and before moisturizer
• As a mid-day refresh to bring life back into tired skin or makeup
• Right before events when I want a fresh, glowy base
• Sometimes at night as a final step when I want to feel extra pampered

It layers beautifully under and over makeup, giving your skin that healthy, lit-from-within finish. Even on tired skin days, it perks me up instantly.

And here’s the magic: it makes a full face of makeup look like natural skin. Somehow, it melts everything together and takes down the powdery, flat look without ever messing up your base. Foundation, blush, highlight — it all just looks like your actual face, only better.

Is It Worth It?

This is definitely a luxury product, but it earns its place. You’re getting the benefits of a toner, serum, and mist all in one, which simplifies your routine without compromising on results.

After finishing my first bottle, I noticed:

• A more even skin tone
• Softer, smoother texture
• A natural glow that made me want to skip foundation
• And yes, my makeup started looking way more seamless and skin-like

Now that I’m on my third bottle, I can confidently say it’s a forever repurchase. It’s not just skincare. It’s a ritual. At 43, I am getting compliments for my skin's healthy glow.

Final Verdict

The D’Alba First Spray Serum is a skincare essential for anyone who wants that effortless, hydrated glow. It’s a quiet luxury moment that actually delivers, and it fits into both simple and more elaborate routines.

If your skin needs a boost, or your routine needs a refresh, this is the one. It’s glow, it’s glam, and it makes you look like you were born with great skin — even if you’re wearing a full face.

May the glam be with you always!

Okay so if you’ve been anywhere near Netflix in the past few years and love a spooky binge with actual feelings involved, then you’ve probably already been haunted by Mike Flanagan. The man doesn’t just do jump scares. He does grief, trauma, long monologues, and yes, the occasional ghost in the corner of the room that you don’t even notice until your third rewatch. Here’s my rundown of just some of his Netflix creations that I love and highly recommend to all my friends.

The Haunting of Hill House

This one is legendary for a reason. It’s scary, yes, but also deeply sad in a “wow this family really needs therapy” kind of way. It’s all about childhood trauma, family dynamics, and ghosts that may or may not be metaphors. The storytelling is super smart. Some episodes are told from different characters’ perspectives, and one is basically a single shot the entire time. Iconic. I recommend starting here if you’re new to his work. This is a loose adaptation of Shirley Jackson's novel of the same name.

This is the movie that made me a Mike Flanagan fan and also where I first saw Kate Siegel, who happens to be his gorgeous and talented wife.

The Haunting of Bly Manor

This one’s softer, slower, and more about love than fear. Still creepy, but it’s a different kind of vibe. It leans into gothic romance and heartbreak. There are some really touching moments and strong performances, especially if you like ghost stories that focus on emotional payoff instead of jump scares.

Watching this midway reminded me of a book and movie I've seen before and later on saw that it drew a lot from The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. If you haven't read the novel or seen the movies based on that, I suggest you check those out too. While you're at it, you might also wanna watch Marlon Brando's Nightcomers.

Midnight Mass

This is a slow burn in the best way. It’s about religion, addiction, forgiveness, and guilt, all set in a quiet island town that’s hiding something deeply unsettling. The pacing is deliberate and the dialogue is heavy, but it works. It’s one of the most thoughtful horror shows I’ve ever seen. The ending will stay with you. 

This is a Mike Flanagan original and you can definitely see the talent he has. He is not only gifted in retelling or basing stories on other people's work but he is also able to conjure up a plot that is multi-faceted and riveting.

The Midnight Club

This one is aimed at a younger crowd but still carries that emotional weight Flanagan is known for. It’s about terminally ill teens who gather at night to tell scary stories. Yes, it’s sad, but it’s also hopeful and creative. Each episode has a short standalone story within it. Sadly it got cancelled.

While it is still worth the watch I would say that it is my least favorite one, though. It's a little campy and a little bit like the Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark series for me. My kids liked it though. It's a less serious tone than the others.

The Fall of the House of Usher

This is the most dramatic and stylish of the bunch. It takes Edgar Allan Poe’s work and spins it into a modern horror soap opera full of rich people getting exactly what they deserve. It’s gory, fast-paced, and a little over the top in the best way. If you’re here for revenge, ghosts, and a dash of luxury horror, this one delivers.

I am definitely an Edgar Allan Poe fan and this was definitely my favorite of the bunch. Each of the series' installment building up to the inevitable conclusion of the cleverly intertwined tales and poems. 

So yeah, if you like horror that isn’t just scary but also says something classic and meaningful, Flanagan’s work is a must-watch. Every show has its own mood and message, but they all hit that emotional horror sweet spot. Perfect for nights when you want chills with meaning.

Not everyone deserves a front-row seat in your life. Some people bring energy that feels like sunshine. Others? Like storms. And while we can’t control how others act, we can control what we allow. That’s where boundaries come in. Not as walls, but as doors with locks. Boundaries aren’t cruel. They’re clarity. And when it comes to protecting your peace, they’re not optional. They’re essential.

What Are Healthy Boundaries?

Healthy boundaries are limits you set to protect your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. They’re how you say, This is okay. That is not. Boundaries help you honor your needs without guilt, shame, or apology. They’re not about punishment. They’re about self-respect.

If someone consistently disrespects your time, manipulates your emotions, oversteps your comfort, or drains your energy, a boundary isn’t selfish. It’s survival.

Peace Is a Non-Negotiable

Let’s be clear: your peace is not up for debate. It’s the foundation of your health, focus, joy, and purpose. Anyone who threatens it, no matter how close they are to you, must either adjust or lose access. That might sound harsh, but it’s not. You weren’t put on this earth to be emotionally available for everyone who disrupts your balance.

You don’t have to accept chaos just because it comes from someone you love.

I've read so much about this because I always felt like I was at the end of my rope. Struggling to breathe, not wanting to wake up in the morning, almost always waking up in a panic or unable to sleep at all. I haven't mastered setting boundaries but here are just some signs that help me to be aware if something needs to be nipped in the bud.

Signs When I Feel I Need Stronger Boundaries

• I feel emotionally exhausted after interactions with certain people
• I constantly feel guilty for saying “no”
• I feel like I'm walking on eggshells
• My needs are always on the back burner
• I dread texts, calls, or visits from specific individuals
• I feel unheard and my refusal is not respected

These are red flags that tell us it’s time to draw a line, not out of spite, but out of self-preservation.

Boundaries Without Guilt

Here are just some things I've picked up from so many people online and in my life. It took me years to actually see that I needed to say goodbye to guilt and to start valuing myself more.

1. Get Clear on Your Limits – You can’t set a boundary if you don’t know what crosses the line. Tune into how people, conversations, or environments make you feel. Pay attention to your body’s signals.
2. Communicate Directly – You don’t owe anyone an essay. A simple, “I’m not comfortable with that,” or “I need some space right now,” is enough. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and don’t over-explain.
3. Enforce Consequences – A boundary without consequences is just a suggestion. If someone continues to violate your limit, take action. Whether that’s reducing contact, changing the dynamic, or stepping away completely.
4. Let Go of Guilt – Guilt is a tool manipulative people often use to keep control. Boundaries may disappoint others, but they protect you. And that’s the priority.

You Can Love People and Still Have Boundaries

Once I had children of my own, I learned the importance of boundaries. I was not willing to compromise on theirs which then made me reflect on how much I valued my own. I learned that it's okay to love people from afar when they are causing too much damage or affecting your peace.

I became attuned to what wasn't acceptable for me and my children. I learned to say no without the intention of harm. I learned to abstain from gatherings that I knew would upset me. At times, I learned to cut off ties that were too toxic to keep. 

Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you care about yourself too. It’s possible to love someone from a distance. It’s possible to forgive without granting unlimited access. Some people are only meant to be in your life in small doses... or not at all.

You deserve relationships that don’t require you to shrink, exhaust, or betray yourself to maintain them.

Your peace is your responsibility. If someone disrupts it consistently, you have every right to protect it.  Even if that means stepping away. You don’t need their permission. You don’t need their understanding. You need your own alignment. Boundaries are how you teach others to treat you and how you remind yourself what you’re worth.

Choose yourself. Again and again. Without guilt, without fear, without apology.

Ma. Florencita Cansino, a Davao-based entrepreneur and founder of Hyatt Diagnostics System, Inc., was used to providing diagnostic services for Filipinos preparing to work overseas. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, operations came to a halt, placing her business in a difficult situation.

Rather than dwell on the setback, Cansino pivoted and looked to another venture for a solution. Her other business, Goldylab Enterprises, which specializes in medical supplies and equipment, shifted its focus to meet the urgent need for COVID-19 testing products. The move not only generated revenue for Goldylab but also helped support Hyatt Diagnostics during the crisis.

This strategic response reflected the resilience she had learned early in her business journey—something she also attributed to having a strong financial partner.

“BDO was with Hyatt during its infancy stage. We always took out loans from BDO because we couldn’t compete effectively at the start, using our own money. We needed additional capital for business development,” she shared.

Less paperwork, more patient care. Ma. Florencita Cansino (seated, 3rd from left), president of Hyatt Diagnostics Systems, Inc., and Golylab Enterprises, eagerly shares with her staff  how BDO's financial solutions improve the operational efficiency of her businesses in Davao.

Leveling Up Business Operations and Processes

As her businesses evolved, so did her financial strategies. Cansino adopted BDO’s Cash Management Services (CMS) to streamline operations and ensure seamless transactions across both Hyatt Diagnostics and Goldylab.

“BDO’s solutions helped us streamline collections and payment processes. Now, I can pay suppliers, print checks, and conveniently pay employees’ salaries online anytime, anywhere,” she shared.

For BDO Unibank First Vice President and Head of Transaction Banking Group CMS-SME Segment Grace R. Caguioa, the goal is to ease the burden of operational tasks for entrepreneurs like Cansino.

“That’s where we come in—we provide tools and services to facilitate easy payments to suppliers, and fast and efficient collection from their customers,” she said.

The improvements were immediate. Processes that once took several days were drastically shortened.

“We used to need a week or 10 days to track check disbursements and expenses. Now, I can do it in two hours no matter where I am. It’s very convenient and fast,” Cansino added.

In the healthcare industry, where precision is non-negotiable, that kind of efficiency matters.

“One error in issuing a medical certificate can have serious consequences. That’s why accuracy is everything,” she stressed.

The Right Tools for Resilience

By staying agile, embracing technology, and leveraging the right financial tools, Ma. Florencita Cansino successfully turned uncertainty into opportunity. With the support of a trusted partner, she was able to keep her businesses running, serve her community, and grow stronger from the experience.

“That’s why BDO is an ideal partner for us. Using their CMS improves our overall business operations and growth.”