I'll start my latest blog with a sour note, but please hear me out first. 

To be honest, at first, I didn't have any plans of reading "Not Invisible: A Memoir" because I thought I wouldn't relate that much with the book. Frances and I have different backgrounds: she is married and I am not (well, I used to be); she has three kids and I only have one; she is considered one of the respected bloggers in the Philippines and I'm just a humble one with a few following, and the list goes on. Despite my not having an interest in the book, I helped in promoting the book because I know that she is a good storyteller and I know that there are lots of women out there who can relate to her stories.

When Frances told me that she will send me her book, I was excited. I have already heard good reviews about the book and how the book made some women cry. To prepare to get in the mood for reading, I wore the daster included in the Experience Kit. I also lit up the scented candle from the kit.

"Not Invisible: A Memoir" is a 72-page book published by Ukiyoto Publishing early this year. It is a compilation of Frances' 30 most-read essays for 10 years. She included her favorite essays from her blog, Topaz Horizon, in the book because she knows that a lot of women can relate to her stories. Frances is a career woman, a wife, a mom, a daughter, a friend. In the short blurb of her book, Frances mentioned that she didn't plan to have a family until she fell in love with Vince who later on became her husband and the father of her three kids.

As I read the Acknowledgment part of the book, I already felt how thankful she was that her first-ever book was published. She thanked her avid readers, her closest friends who never stopped believing in her, her prayer group for always supporting her and reminding her about God's love, her loving husband, her kids, and her mom. Even if Frances' mom is no longer alive, she has lots of fond memories with her, which she included in the book.

"Not Invisible: A Memoir" is a book not just for wives and mommies. It is a book for women. It is a book for career women, daughters, and BFFs. You can relate to the book because you're a woman. I was wrong to conclude that I couldn't relate to the book because there were some stories in the book that I can relate to very well.

Here are the things that I've realized after reading "Not Invisible: A Memoir":

1. Mommies, you are not invisible! Never, ever think that they don't see your efforts anymore because you take care of your family more than yourself. Make yourselves visible by dressing up, spending quality time with your kids, and taking some time off from mommy duties. It's okay to have a pity party at times because of exhaustion and stress, but towards the end of the day, you must pick yourself up and get ready for the next day.

2. Love your mom--always. Frances' mom passed away in 2008. Her mom didn't see Frances' kids anymore. When things get tough in her mommy life, Frances will always remember her mom, wishing that she is still alive to lift her spirits up. I am lucky that my mom is still alive, but I know that soon, she'll join my dad in heaven. My mom has been my supporter until now. Even if we are already adults, she still makes sure that we're fine. You know what, she still buys my underwear!

3. Sex is important for married couples. Frances realized that having sex is crucial in keeping the marital relationship alive and strong. Couples should still make some private time for themselves despite being busy being parents to their children. Frances wrote some tips on how to make the couple's sex life alive and kicking in her book, am not telling it, buy the book!

4. When everything else fails, seek God for help. Frances was honest to say that it came a point in her life that she turned away from God. However, when life started to be challenging, she realized that she needed God. Since then, she always consults the Lord for every decision that she makes.

5. Being a parent is hard--acknowledge it! One thing that made Frances loved by her readers is her authenticity. Frances will tell stories of her life without sugarcoating it. While she loves being a parent to three wonderful boys, she also acknowledges the fact that it is hard to be a parent especially if the age gaps are not far away from each other. Frances felt that parenthood stole her chances of climbing the corporate ladder, but as soon as she realized that her sons made her life worthwhile, she didn't have any regrets about it.

6. Mommy, you are a supermom! Not all heroes wear capes; they also wear aprons, daster, and scrunchies! Mommies in general can be called superheroes. They don't need to be career women while taking care of the family. They don't need to be helper-less to be called supermoms. Mommies, in all forms, are supermoms, embrace it!

7. Never be afraid to tell your story. I was touched by Frances' message to me in the book that I should never stop telling my story. Each story is unique, so never be afraid to tell yours because people may learn a thing or two about it.

For those who are interested to read "Not Invisible: A Memoir", here are the ways to purchase it:

1. Amazon--available both in paperback ($7.00) and Kindle editions ($2.99)

2. Shopee--you can buy the book only (Php350) or the experience kit which includes a daster, scented candle, and a classic bookmark (Php750).

"Not Invisble: A Memoir" is one book for women! There is no dull moment in reading the book. You can finish the book in one sitting. There are lots of takeaways from the book! Let's share notes after you have read the book, okay?!

  If you've been reading my entries on this domain, you might know that I'm actually a gamer. In fact, gaming is one of my hobbies aside from writing. In continuation of one of my previous entries, here's a rundown of 5 "A-list" video games you and your child can play to kill some time. 

1. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo Switch)

  Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is one of the best games you and your kid can play on this list. Why? Well, firstly, this fighting game has a large roster of characters with different attacks and abilities. Secondly, the violence in this game is purely cartoonish, so you have nothing to worry about.

It's also one of the best fighting games in the current generation, so you and your kid should give it a try sometime.

2. Mario Kart 8 (Wii U and Nintendo Switch)

 Mario Kart 8 is worth giving a try if you and your kid are into racing games and arcade-style gameplay, then this game is for you! Mario Kart 8 has you drive a variety of vehicles. From anti-gravity karts to gliding motorcycles, the possibilities are endless! This game also offers a ton of fun tracks to race on!

3. Splatoon 2 (Nintendo Switch)

 If you're looking for something more action-packed, but still low on violence, then look no further! Splatoon 2 not only offers cartoony violence but also ink-packed squid action on the battlefield! In Splatoon 2, you are given an arsenal of non-lethal, paint-loaded weapons, such as paintbrushes, assault rifles, paint buckets, and dual ink pistols!

4. LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS3 and PS4)

 And last but not least, Minecraft. Like LittleBigPlanet 3, this game lets you be creative! But creativity is not the only thing Minecraft has to offer. You can roam around a sandbox area and survive in it in the game's adventure mode!

It is a fact that all of us had experienced bad customer service. I also had my share of bad customer service experiences that made me never go back to the store or establishment. 

I had been exposed to different cultures because of our travels and my encounters with foreigners, that was why my expectations with regards to customer service were high. Moreover, I also read and learned from the stories of people about their good and bad customer service experiences. I was able to set my own standards with regard to customer service.

In the Philippines, I commend several companies for providing the best customer service to their customers/clients. I am loyal to those companies that can truly understand the needs of their clients. To be honest, I am sometimes can be demanding but still, I have high praises for those who can pacify and address my concerns despite my difficult behavior. 

To name some, here are some of the companies that I like because of their good and efficient customer service. I am naming these companies based on my experience, so if you have a horrific experience from the companies I mentioned, I respect that.

1. Toyota

2. BPI/BPI Family Bank

3. Security Bank

4. Shangri-la Hotel

5. Sky Cable

6. Uniqlo

7. H&M

8. Japan Airlines

9. Power Mac Center

There were also some SMEs that also provide good customer service. One time, I ordered a dessert in one of the small food businesses in our village and I said that there was a staple wire. Without probing further, the seller sent me a new tub of dessert the following day. I also became a loyal customer in some of the small food businesses in our village that they are already giving in to my special requests (e.g. extra soup, etc.)

Sadly, there were also SMEs who do not put so much value on customer service. They feel that they will lose profit if they will go beyond the client's expectations.

As an online business owner, I also provide the best customer service to my customers. I want them to feel that their money is well-spent on my products. Moreover, I also make them feel that they are heard and their requests are granted. I give recommendations to my customers regarding their request, if they are feasible or not.

Good customer service establishes customer loyalty. When a customer is loyal to a company, that person will always say good things about it and would even refer friends. Good customer service is a win-win situation for both the client and the company.

Recently, I encountered a bad customer experience. I won't name what institution anymore as I also do not want to be in trouble. I was called "masungit" by the representative because I didn't give the person an opportunity to talk at all (hell yeah, I really am "masungit" and I won't apologize for that), didn't listen to my needs (I SPECIFICALLY asked for someone to talk with but I was redirected to a different person instead), and even dared to talk to another person higher than me in our company (excuse me, I'm the boss). 

Anyway, I'll share with you my standards as a client in customer service. 

1. Regards children as customers. This is very important to me as I also let Kib transact on my behalf. I like it when store clerks/agents/staff regard him as a client too. They listen to Kib and never ask for an adult to talk with. I frown on people who do not respect my son's requests and needs especially when he was younger.

2. Listens to the needs of the customers. There are customers who know what they want and need. Before offering an alternative, give what the customer is asking for. Customers can have specific needs, so immediately offering an alternative will definitely irritate the customer. Give what the customer needs first and after realizing that it is not what he/she is looking for, then provide an alternative.

3. Offers products that are suited to the needs of the customers. There are customers who are clueless about what they want or need. Good customer service will ask leading questions to help the customer identify what he/she needs. Good customer service will not hard-sell any products to make the customer feel that he/she needs them. Good customer service will only provide for the specific needs of the customer.

4. Provides assistance all the time even if it is out of his/her league. Good customer service will go the extra mile to make the customer happy. Even if the staff won't answer the customer's needs, he/she will still be glad to offer help to the customer and not leave the customer hanging until another individual assists him/her

5. Respects customers regardless of rank, position, or status. Good customer service will give respect to all kinds of customers without looking at his/her socio-economic status, fashion style, position, nationality, gender, age, culture, etc. Good customer service will be the same to all kinds of people.

6. Does not hard sell their products. Good customer service may also upsell or cross-sell some of their products, but they won't push the client to avail of the product. They may introduce the product and make a follow-up, but won't let the client feel pressured to purchase or subscribe. If that happens, you might lose the client once the subscription has ended.

7. Treats customers like a royalty. Well of course, the statement is a bit exaggerated, but what I mean is that a good customer service makes the clients feel that they are very special. The clients are immediately given a seat, offered a drink, or other ways to make their time valuable. Good customer service do not make their clients wait for no reason. They give specific timeframe or if they need to extend, they immediately give heads-up to the clients.

There you go! These are the things that I look for with regards to good customer service. What about you, what else do you look for in a good customer service?

Aside from owning a house and a lot, people are also dreaming of having their own car. 

In my case, I was forced to drive when my father got sick. My brothers were living in the United States and my mom wasn't confident to drive. My father didn't let me attend driving school before, so there's no choice but to learn how to drive.

I first drove a manual transmission vehicle, our Toyota Lite Ace.

Later on, our van was showing signs that it needed to retire already. We've spent thousands of pesos on the repairs. My Tito took pity on me and gave me the secondhand car (a Mitsubishi Lancer) he was using while he was in the Philippines. He bought another secondhand car (a Honda Civic) for himself.

Later on, the car that I was using was again, showing signs that it wanted to retire already. Prior to that, I was praying to the Lord to give me a later model of a secondhand car. I'm not really praying for a brand-new car as I was afraid of the responsibility and I'm not sure that I could be approved for an auto loan. 

The Lord is generous; someone from the bank has called me to tell me that I have a pre-approved auto loan! I'll be finished paying for the car this year and I'm thankful to the Lord for providing me the money to pay for the amortization.

My Tito, on the other hand, also bought a brand-new vehicle, an SUV. The Honda Civic was sold only last year.

So, I have both experience driving a secondhand car and a brand-new car. Let me tell you my thoughts on which you should consider when you want to have your own car.

Some people say that they prefer a secondhand car because of the depreciation cost of the cars. Once the brand-new car drives out of the dealership, it immediately depreciates. 

Others will say that driving a brand-new car is better because of the performance and insurance. Second-hand cars older than five years old have more expensive comprehensive insurance compared with brand-new cars.

Basically, I didn't buy my first car. It was given to me. But when I experienced driving a brand-new car, I was able to see the difference in terms of handling and performance.

Going back to the question, if budget is not a concern, will you go for a secondhand car or a brand-new car?

I'd say GO FOR THE BRAND NEW CAR. You will be assured of the warranty, the performance, and the technology.

Buy a secondhand car IF you will pay for it in FULL. DO NOT get a secondhand car and apply for an auto loan. Secondhand cars do not have a warranty. Brand-new cars have warranties, the length of coverage depends on the model and the car brand. 

Get a secondhand car from someone you know. Buying a secondhand car from dealerships has some risks involved, as you don't know the history of the car. There are some dealerships too that are into shady business transactions; they tend to 'cheat' on some parts of the vehicle.

Get a secondhand car if it is less than five years old. Well, it's still okay to get cars that are more than five years old, but you really have to know the history of the vehicle. Ask all the questions that you have from the seller, on how the seller takes care of the vehicle.

Get a secondhand car if you are not confident in your driving skills. If you think that you will be careless in driving, develop your driving skills first in driving a secondhand vehicle. 

Whatever you choose, either a brand-new car or a second-hand car, as long as you're happy with your decision, go for it! Make sure that you have weighed all the pros and cons, but then again, aim for a brand-new car as much as possible. Pray to the Lord to give you the wisdom in deciding which is more beneficial for you and your family.