Rochelle Rivera

In our lives, people come and go, some will leave a mark and some don’t. One thing is for sure, and I have been holding on to this – everything, everyone happens for a reason. That’s a given. A fact in this world that I need to learn to accept. It’s a challenge when that person occupied a huge space in my heart and changed the way I see friendship.

Jenny. This name will forever be etched in the deepest corner of my mind and being. Her friendship is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. I feel so lucky and blessed to have her in my life.

The day that cancer took over her body was the same day my world fell apart. When she passed away last July 16, I knew my life will never be the same again

She was more than a friend to me, Kaye and Michelle. Ate Jenny made us her sisters even before we started to be collectively called “Fab Four”.

We’re always there for each other in good and bad times. She’s the most compassionate being I have ever met. She offered her ears to listen to us, her shoulders to lean on, her hands when we felt like giving up, and her eyes to show her sincerity. Everything about her was just unbelievably good and pleasant that’s why we always loved being with her. Though we’re not connected by blood, the bond we have could be stronger than that of real siblings.

She was my mentor. She changed me for the better without me even knowing or her saying it. When I didn’t believe in myself, she did. She accepted me whether I succeeded or failed. Her beautiful soul radiates and reaches every single soul around her. I kind of imbibed her positivity. When everything seemed too difficult to face, her energy was very inspiring. It almost felt unreal, but I was so grateful to have been influenced by her loving personality.

She was a mother to me, too. I admired her for not missing my kids’ birthdays and mine ever since we became friends. She would fill the room with so much happiness. Her heart was enormous and generous to accommodate us. I must tell you, she welcomes literally everyone so warmly in her heart. My respect for her was like tantamount to my reverence to my parents. She became a part of our family. Her love was unconditional, we had her support come what may.

She was the best friend I ever had. I loved that she’s the kind of friend who would tell you the truth even if it’s painful. I will never forget those moments. She made them special because, no matter what, she pushed me to do my best, and she never gave up on me. She knew what makes me laugh or cry. It was almost contagious like music when we giggle together. Because she would also feel bad whenever I’m upset, she made sure that I’m smiling before the day ends. It doesn’t matter whether we’re together or apart, she would do anything.

I learned to appreciate even the smallest act of kindness. She taught me to treasure every single second of my life because that’s how I give its meaning and that’s how I will become myself. It was like she’s already preparing me from the very beginning when we agreed to seize our memories together in photos.

She loved taking pictures - lots and lots of pictures. As much as possible, we attend the same events to be able to spend more time together and share the activities we both love to do.

She would snap her camera here and there to record every experience we create. So, even if she’s not physically here anymore, she will never ever be forgotten.

I have developed that habit of taking pictures as well because of her. Anywhere I go, a mobile phone with a high-end camera could come handy. And when we’re talking about capturing incredible images that will keep every memory alive, Huawei P9 can change the way you see mobile photography.

Huawei P9’s camera is co-engineered with Leica. It has dual lenses that produces high quality photos and allow users to take amazing monochrome, slo-mo, colored, light painting photos among others. It’s amazing how every single moment, emotion, action can be recorded clearly.

Moving on is harder than I thought but I will live by the good things she imparted to me. I know she’s in a better place where pain and sufferings are unknown. Now, I realized saying “She changed the way I see friendship” could be underrated. She changed me. She changed my life. I will forever miss you, Ate Jenny.

I’ve got a secret to share.

And I can assure you that it’s not only going to be interesting. This will definitely be helpful especially for moms and ladies out there who are into online shopping and discounts like myself.

I have, to date, earned Php 1393.38 from buying different stuff through the internet.

Yes, that’s right!

Modernization has undeniably made a lot of tasks and things quick and easy for us to do – that includes shopping. Buying stuff online has been a great help for a mom like me. It’s super convenient! I can buy a whole bunch of goodies - clothes, shoes, makeup, perfume, bags, travel packages, tickets and gift certificates, gadgets, kitchenware, the list could go on endless. Saves me time! Basically, everything can now be bought without having to physically go to the mall or groceries, fall in line, and face the giant traffic fiasco everywhere. It only takes a few clicks and a few days for whatever you ordered online to be delivered right at your doorstep. Just a friendly advice while we’re at it though, you also have to know your merchant. There are many trusted websites to your shopping, but some bogus ones here and there, too. Be careful.

As for me, I have been shopping in Althea among other famous sites such as Sephora and Zalora for quite some time now.

Althea Korea is a popular K-beauty shopping site that ships internationally. I love their products and how fast they deliver straight from Korea to home. Now, here’s the best part.

Aside from the already obvious benefits of shopping online, there’s ShopBack, and I simply love it! We usually get rebates from using certain credit cards on purchases, but interest charges are involved. Almost same idea applies when you go to ShopBack.ph and register. But the big difference is you don’t pay ShopBack anything. Shopback pays you to shop online. Great, isn’t?

As soon as you land the homepage of ShopBack, you’ll see a list of merchants and how much cashback you’ll get when you transact with your preferred online shops. Your savings can range from 2.5% up to 12% of your total spend. All you need to do is shop like how you normally would. As soon as you’re done with your transaction, your cashback will reflect immediately on your ShopBack account. Tracking your savings is pretty easy. And when the time comes that you’re ready to reap what you sow, you can either cash it out to your bank account or PayPal. You can do all of these using your smartphone app or computer.

TIP: Make sure to use the same browser when you shop for the cashback to be credited.

You shop, then get some of your money back. Take note, that’s on top of what you can save from marked down prices of what you buy. I’m glad my favorite online shops have partnered with ShopBack. From every Althea transaction, for instance, I get 5% rebate.

I guess my questions to you now are “Why do you shop online?” and “How do you want it to be?”

My online shopping experiences are the best because of ShopBack.

You should sign up now as my referral here and get Php100 cashback instantly on your account. Refer your friends to earn more and check out special promos. Shopping couldn’t be better than this. Enjoy!