flow like water

Three years fast forward since I've created a blog entry on how to achieve your target IELTS score, here I am sitting in front of my laptop typing and wow, how I miss writing. Not that I would consider myself a writer in that sense.. Looking back to my previous posts, which I would say not a lot, just mainly focused on cosmetics and also there's this particular post which I've published, unpublished and republished (don't ask me why) on what made me say goodbye to the airline industry, I finally had the courage and the interest to update this blog.

2016, that's the year I started dreaming and made sure that dream turns into reality. I'm not a very active individual, I'm lazy and it normally takes me some time to just "move." But I can also be goal driven and highly motivated. Once I set my mind and heart in it, I won't stop. (Remember the number of times I applied at different airline companies? 16.) Yes, as soft as I seemingly am, I can also have that heart of a lion, my tenacity can be quite dangerous. 

So yes, 8 years.. and now living in the Land of the Free. I was able to survive my one year, and as much as I'm tempted to put into detail my day to day struggle since I came here, I'm just thankful that I'm still breathing. I'm grateful for the people who've helped me settle, who've become my friends and second home almost 10,000 miles away from my first. I came with a purpose and still would like to believe that I'm fulfilling it 'til the present day. 

Every day is difficult. Some days are just less. Being away from home and the need for financial stability, I would say, are the biggest challenges I've ever faced. I've practiced my independence, and have shed tears at random moments. This is for sure the longest time I've ever been away from my family, I was very sheltered growing up, I've never really relied on myself in decision-making until now. The present circumstances make me stronger, responsible, and self-reliant. 

I would like to think of a conversation I had with one of my patients in the unit where I work in. He asked me if I love my job and if I am happy with it. I responded to him "I'm not gonna lie to you. There are days when it's really hard. But, I try." And he replied "Trust me, I know." And it's true, sometimes we just have to try. Sometimes, we just have to go with the flow. 

"Flow like water and you can find your way through any rock."

Katrina

IELTS: HOW TO AIM FOR THE BAND SCORE YOU NEED

For this entry, I will be providing you a brief introduction on IELTS and its format. I will also be revealing to you my IELTS scores (including each subtest and overall band score) and sharing with you some tips and advices on how to get the band score you need beginning from the course of review until the day you receive your exam results.

Disclaimer: The tips and advices I will be mentioning are purely based on my experiences and on some of my mentors as well. These may not work for everyone else. Also, I am not paid by review or testing centers to write an entry on this.

If your goal is to live and work abroad, then surely you would have heard of IELTS being one of the requirements along with a series of examinations depending on your purpose and country of choice. It is an exam that gauges the user's English language proficiency. IELTS or International English Language Testing System is widely used among several countries such as the United Kingdom (UK), The United States of America (USA), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etcetera. Some of these countries accept other English exams such as OET (Occupational English Test), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and PTE (Pearson Test of English). Some test takers would prefer these over IELTS due to certain reasons. But here, I will only be discussing IELTS. 

I would advise that prior to your application process whether it be studying or working in another country, clarify with your agency or employer regarding the English exams they only accept. For IELTS, you also need to be informed on which module to take (Academic or General Training). There is a difference between the two particularly in the Reading and Writing subtests and also the scoring. 

There are two qualified testing centers namely, IDP and British Council, that administer IELTS in the Philippines and it should be noted too that there is no difference between the two organization's manner of conducting the exams, format and the scoring. Do note that you can also take the exam on the computer or on paper. I will be touching on the pros and cons for each (Computer based vs. Paper based) as we go along. You also have to know that in IELTS, there is no passing or failing score. You just need to get the band score you need based on your requirement.

For this post, I will be focusing on the Academic module and diving into all four subtests (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) and will be providing the links and pages where you can view the tabulation of scores for each, and how these are interpreted.

Generally speaking, the whole duration of the exam takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes for all four subtests. For computer based test, you can take the Speaking exam on the same day, with the other subtests. What I have heard before, for the Paper based exam, Speaking test is conducted on a different date. Situations may vary according to the type of exam delivered, availability of slots and most likely, quarantine protocols as well. It's best to inquire this with your preferred testing center.

Listening

Duration: 30 minutes

Total number of items: 40

In this subtest, you will be asked to listen to recorded conversations and to answer the questions given based on what you heard. Common scenarios include an individual talking to a travel agent, two students writing a report for a class presentation, a speaker lecturing on wildlife and nature, etcetera. You might hear different accents such as American, British and Australian. There are four sections in this subtest and as you progress towards the end, the level of difficulty increases.

You will encounter different types of questions such as filling-in gaps (structured in forms, notes, table or diagram, maps, sentences), multiple choice, short-answer questions, matching, etc. For filling-in gaps, you will be instructed on how many words you are allowed to write in as your answer (e.g. "Write no more than three words for each answer.").

For Paper based test, you will be allotted 10 minutes to transfer your answers on the answer sheet which will give you enough time to review your answers as well. It would also be easy to take notes if it's on paper. On the other hand, the computer delivered test requires you to answer directly by typing in your answers as you hear the recordings. At the end of the exam, you will be given only 2 minutes to review your answers, a slight disadvantage in comparison to the Paper based test. 

Tip:

You will be surprised that you might receive a higher mark in the Listening subtest compared with Reading, Writing and Speaking. Of all the subtests, it is one of the easiest (usually, but this may differ from one test taker to the other). The best way to get a higher mark in this subtest is to watch English and British movies or television shows and to listen to podcasts using a variety of accents using the English language. I am a fan of Korean Drama and I strongly advise that you avoid watching such for the time being while you review. This goes the same for Filipino movies. Expose your ears to hearing English as the medium of communication. I cannot stress enough how practicing works well. I can just remember when I just started reviewing for the IELTS. Initially, I got low scores during the practice tests but eventually, I was able to see a huge improvement in my scores. Practice tests, some of which are published by Cambridge are available online and are included in my review center, 9.0 Niner, which I will be tackling in a moment. On this part, focus on the conversation you are hearing. You have to "be in the present", listen attentively and most importantly, in case you miss the previous question, move onto the next. Dwelling on the missed one might affect how you answer the succeeding questions. Focus is the key here.

Reading

Duration: 1 hour

Total number of items: 40

This subtest basically gauges your reading comprehension. You will be provided questions that you have to answer based on the reading articles with varied topics. You will be encountering three lengthy reading passages and these may involve a discussion on an invention, climate and nature, history and global issues, etcetera. Unlike in the Listening subtest, you will find that in Reading subtest, there is no increasing degree or level of difficulty but some questions may be challenging from the rest.

Some of the common questions in this subtest are similar to those of Listening subtest's. In addition, there are particular questions that you will only encounter in the Reading subtest, and these are: Matching Headings and the very challenging True, False, Not Given question type.

Tip:

If you grew up surrounded by books and are fond of reading literature, then you might be receiving a high mark in this subtest. If not, do not be alarmed. As I always say, practice works well. It's not too late to brush up on your reading skills. You can read academic articles online and practice with a timer. Yes, a timer. Why? Because this part does not only test your ability to read but also how you answer correctly under timed conditions. For this test, it would be helpful to skim and scan. For some, it would be helpful to browse the questions first just to give you an idea and then go back to the article and search for the answers. But for other people like me, I prefer reading each paragraph very quickly first before jumping onto the questions and then revert to the paragraph to look for the answers. Remember, always do what works for you. I would also like to share that in the Computer based test, there is a feature that will allow you to highlight words or phrases that you will find extremely helpful when answering the questions. I took advantage of that feature when I took my exam and I can say, it did really help me finish it on time. This is a major advantage over the Paper based test, where you are only allowed to underline or take notes using a pencil, which may be difficult to spot in comparison to the different colors when you "highlight" in Computer delivered exam.

Writing

Duration : 1 hour

This subtest is divided into two parts: Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. 

Writing Task 1

For Writing Task 1, you are instructed to write an academic report on the presented figure or illustration following the Task Description. This may be in a form of pie chart, table, line graph, bar graph or flowchart, map, diagram. You need to write a minimum of 150 words and this task comprised 33.3% of your total score for Writing subtest. 

There is an appropriate format and a set of rules when accomplishing this task. You need to include an Introduction, Overview and Specific Details for this test. An Introduction is simply a paraphrase of the Task Description. Overview is a general summary or an overall trend of the figure. And lastly, Specific Details as the phrase suggest, include the important points in detail that can be observed in the figure. Furthermore, you need to write based on facts. This means that it's a no-no to state your opinions.

Writing Task 2

This task requires the test taker to write a minimum of 250 words and the remaining 66.6% of the total score for Writing subtest is attributed to this section. In this test, you are tasked to write in response to the Task Description, following the format: Introduction, Body and Conclusion. There are types of questions you will encounter, such as:

1. Do you agree or disagree?

2. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

3. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

4. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

5. Open-ended questions

There is a slight difference in the format depending on the type of question. To cite an example, an open-ended question type would not require you to give your stand, unlike in the question type "Do you agree or disagree?" Another example is that for the question type "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?", you are required to state and elaborate on one disadvantage and two advantages if your answer is yes.

Most test takers who opt for Computer based test have the advantage of using the feature "word count" since it can be difficult and time consuming to count the words if the test is conducted through paper. 

Tip:

For all subtests, it is essential to be familiar with the format of the exam. However, I would want to emphasize that piece of advice particularly on this subtest, which can be the most challenging one for most test takers. Before you practice writing, make sure that you have understood the format and reviewed all the types of questions. It is of utmost importance to familiarize with the Criteria as well. For both Writing Tasks, your score will be graded on task Achievement and Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Vocabulary and Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. All of these contribute to the band score that you will get. Reading model essays prior to practicing would also help. Next is to write and write as many tasks as you can. Practice writing with all question types and with a timer, also. Make it a habit to write at least one task per day. I would also suggest that you schedule your one-on-one coaching sessions regularly because coaches will be able to provide you an estimate of your band score based on how well you performed. They will be able to correct your errors for you to further improve your writing style. 

Speaking

Duration: 11-14 minutes

This subtest is divided into three parts: Introduction, Individual Long Turn/ Speaking Task Card and Two-Way Discussion. The Introduction is like a "warm-up" where you will be asked basic questions such as your name, work, family, hometown, etcetera. The Speaking Task Card or the Individual Long Turn is wherein you will discuss for about 2 minutes on the general question handed to you, without interruptions. You will be given 1 minute to prepare for this. Lastly, the Two Way Discussion which consists of a set of follow-up questions by the examiner.

Tip:

There's no other way to get a high band score in this test other than using the English language when talking to other people. I know that this can be a bit unnatural since the national language in the Philippines is Filipino, unless it has been a norm to speak in English in your own homes. I found this subtest the most difficult among the four. Reviewing the format is not sufficient. You have to speak the English language. In my case, I only had one week for coaching session and on the day before my exam, I had a private coaching session for around 3 hours to mainly focus on Speaking. I even installed a mobile application called IELTS Speaking Practice a few days prior. I did not foresee that I would struggle in this subtest, getting a band score much lower than my requirement during the one-on-one coaching. So it is best to practice speaking with a partner or a coach. I highly recommend 9.0 Niner, an established IELTS Review Center, since they have coaches available almost 24/7 which can really be convenient for those future test takers who are working on shifting schedules. This subtest, I must say, can also be nerve-wracking for some, including myself. Try to relax, do some breathing exercises and be naturally talkative. And "Answer as if your life depends on it." as my coach always said.

GENERAL TIPS WHILE REVIEWING

Remember that even if you are not a native user of the English language, you can achieve the band score that is required of you. Practice everyday 'cause there are no shortcuts here. A trusted review center offering services such as coaching sessions is extremely helpful. They boost your confidence which you will need as you take the exam. And just like while preparing for other examinations, it's best to have enough sleep and rest and not to skip meals. One of the most important advices I can also give you is to have that great support system. Some of my colleagues and friends knew I struggled with Speaking test and I am very grateful that they motivated me and prayed for me.

BOOKING AN EXAM

I booked my IELTS exam with IDP with a fee of PHP 11,300. They had a promo allowing you to choose your preferred review center (9.0 Niner) with a discounted fee of PHP 3,500. Make sure to secure the booking summary for your examination day.

TIPS ON THE DAY OF THE EXAM

You have to bring your passport with you since they will be taking a picture of you and be verifying your identity using your passport. You can wear comfortable clothes (casual attire) but you may want to avoid wearing short skirts, sleeveless shirts and slippers. Some buildings where testing centers are located might not allow you to enter their premises. Be aware of the health protocols as well, especially during this pandemic.

Follow instructions - from simple instructions such as where to put your valuables or when to stop speaking when the examiner tells you so. For each subtest, there is an instruction. Do not worry because the staff from IDP will guide you throughout the examination. Do not hesitate to ask questions especially when you are in doubt.

And of course, give your best and have faith.

TEST RESULTS

Fortunately, for Computer delivered test, you will be able to view your results online within 3-5 business days. They will also contact you through email if you want to pick up the results at their testing center or have it delivered to your mailing address. You will receive your Test Report Form and it looks like this:

MY BAND SCORE

OBS: 8.0

Listening: 9.0

Reading: 8.0

Writing: 7.5

Speaking 7.0

Requirement for my employment: OBS 6.5 | Speaking 7.0

--------

For a tabulation of scores for each subtest and band score interpretation, you may visit IDP and IELTS LIZ.

And here is a link of my review center that enabled me to review online, hassle free: 

9.0 Niner

Good luck and God bless on your exam. 

PRAY, it works. I just knew it when God spoke for me during my Speaking Test.

xoxo,

Katrina

References:

Wikipedia: International English Language Testing System

IDP Philippines

IELTS LIZ

9.0 Niner

I Said Goodbye to the Airline Industry.

Just recently, I quit flying. Finally, I have put an end to my so-called dream of being a Flight Attendant / Stewardess / Cabin Crew. I took a step back, went to pursue my calling, my chosen profession, Nursing once again. And here are some of the reasons for my sudden career change:


1. Less Chances for Migration

I didn't know I wanted to settle in another country until I reached "quarter life crisis." After being able to travel to USA and Canada, I have witnessed how seemingly great, peaceful and close to perfect life is abroad. Forget the adjustment period, every foreign land or a new environment has its own. Of course, USA and Canada are just two of the countries to name. There are, however, more "first world" countries to choose from. I am, in fact, eyeing one already.

Having Cabin Crew as my job will take me to places, depending on the airline company I work for. As much as how great the travel benefits are, or how far where layovers would be, I know there's a lesser chance to be able to migrate, unlike other jobs or professions which are in demand abroad, allowing an employee to be able to reside permanently, if committed.

Nursing, however, will allow me to achieve this. Some of my colleagues from my Nursing school back then have already settled abroad, with established career as a Nurse.

2. Career Growth

This job being a Fight Attendant, is one of the jobs in the Philippines in which the salary is more than those of the minimum wage earners. And admittingly, it is the topmost reason why letting go of it is a bit difficult. But there were just days when I wanted to accomplish greater things in life, than be in the aircraft performing cabin duties because it's not that glamorous as you think it is. I felt like I was going nowhere, like I was traveling to different places but stuck in one place. Ironic, I know. And of course, I couldn't imagine what would happen to me when I reach the age of 35 or 40. I won't be able to fly by that time, that's for sure.

There are times when other people ask me if I am a Registered Nurse or if I am a Board passer or a license holder, I would make a joke on how I only use my license as a valid ID when in fact, I do not know how to feel about it whenever they threw these questions at me. So I'll make use of this license this time because as for now, I am determined to stay long in this field. I see a better and secured future.

3. Family and Social Life

Every job has its own demand and most of the jobs would take up much of one's time. But since I got accepted as a Cabin Crew, my life revolved mostly around work and sleep. Working on a duty for around 12 hours for 5 or 6 consecutive days is normal in this type of industry. Unfortunately, I only got to see my family during my days off because my previous workplace is quite far from home. And during those days, I felt so tired that I couldn't even go out, I just wanted to sleep in.

And sometimes, when I would leave home and go to work again, I felt really lonely. It's a very weird feeling of being far away from my loved ones even when I am just traveling to a local destination only. I just lost my daddy three years ago, I don't want to be far away. Family always comes first.

I think, when I begin to work as a Nurse, I will have more time for my family and loved ones, and including the family that I will be having in the near future. Maybe I'll get to travel with them more even when I don't have travel benefits.

4. Risks

A job as a Flight Attendant is a tough and a risky one. All jobs have their own risks, as one of my friends told me. But when you are 30, 000 feet higher, the risks are greater. This is why I recently chose a land- based job instead.


Being a Flight Attendant is a noble job and I never regretted being one. I even dreamed of this for 5 years. I learned a lot. I gained friends. I became more confident and I was able to hone my interpersonal and communication skills but I believe this is the time for me to venture out, to get out of my comfort zone, to embrace change, to pursue my calling. I was constantly running away from my profession for a very long time but now I am up for the challenge.

Note: I don't intend to insult, offend anybody. I am just speaking from own experience and expressing my feelings towards the two jobs that were mentioned. I was once a Ground Attendant and a Cabin Crew and I will forever be proud that once in my life, I was able to achieve that dream, to become a part of this industry which I first loved. Goodbye, Airline Industry.


xoxo,
Katrina

Review: Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick in Rich Blood

I don't understand myself but I seem to be always looking for the perfect shade of red lip color to wear. I thought I found the "perfect" red for me when I purchased MAC Liquid Lipstick in Dance With Me. However, the more I apply it, the more I notice and realize that that "close to perfect" shade turns to a shade of wine the longer it stays on my lips - which I don't really like because... I am not a fan of shade of wine and I guess it doesn't suit me well. So when I bought the Jeffree Star in Rich Blood, I stopped using the other product for a while.

I purchased Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick in Rich Blood from Tupped Boutique, my trusted seller, where I usually purchase cosmetics.

By the way, I hope you have read my previous post Review: Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick in Rose Matter. I was looking forward to writing posts on this particular cosmetic brand because it's really amazing.

Upon opening the box, you'll see a fancy looking tube. The transparent tube shows a rich shade of red. It is indeed a "rich blood" as its shade says. I have to say, of all the liquid lipsticks I have bought, this has the most creative packaging.

What I also like LOVE about this liquid lipstick is that its brush applicator is the easiest to use, among all of the ones I have tried. The brush, as I have mentioned in my previous post, is a bit flexible and bendable which makes it quite easy to apply.

(Pardon the pouty lips.)

You will notice that the shade is a really nice color of red when applied. I found the texture smooth. And the good thing about it is that it gives a bold color, a tinge of shiny effect with just a right amount, but a Matte finish. I didn't find it very drying like the other liquid lipsticks. (I didn't put on lip balm prior to application). Also, two coats would suffice. No or less retouching needed. It lasts for hours.

And here is a close up photo of me wearing this shade.

I really really LOVE this lip color. In my opinion, it is really unique because of its outcome: shiny effect yet bold and Matte.

After having bought two liquid lipsticks of the same brand Jeffree Star, I won't purchase a different brand for now. Aside from having enough number of lipsticks and avoiding my habit of hoarding, I just feel that I already found the perfect lip colors (liquid lipsticks) that I had been looking for quite some time.

Really, Jeffree Star liquid lipsticks are the best!!! 

Thank you for reading my blog, and I hope that you'll soon be able to find the lipsticks or liquid lipsticks you've been looking for, just like me.

Be happy!

xoxo,

Katrina

Review: Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick in Rose Matter

I found out about Jeffree Star Cosmetics when I was browsing through some online stores from Instagram. I love liquid lipsticks and I wanted to purchase Jeffree Star's limited edition "Hoe Hoe Hoe" last December 2015. But stocks were sold out quickly. So I purchased other liquid lipstick from MAC instead. And so, now, I was browsing again, on the hunt for another excellent shade that would suit me. I visited Make Up Your Mind's site and luckily, the shade Rose Matter was available. I previously ordered a different shade from another online store. Actually, I was very excited for it to arrive but this package came first.

The package comes with a special sophisticated looking box and tube. Very pretty and pleasing to the eyes. I think this tube can last for months.

Of all the lip brushes I have tried, I prefer this brush because it is a bit bendable, kind of flexible so it makes application quite easier compared to others such as Mac's and Limecrime's. The brush is angled and not pointed like the Mac's. Very very easy to apply!

The texture is smooth, giving a Matte effect, though not that drying for me even if I didn't apply lip balm. The color itself is natural, pinkish nude.

Here are some photos of me wearing this shade.

If you are looking for one of the best liquid lipsticks, I would say go for Jeffree Star. And if you are looking for one of the prettiest shades but natural to wear (on the go look), you should grab this shade Rose Matter. It is worth it.

Final Verdict:

The lip brush is perfect. Texture is smooth. Not that super drying. Matte effect. Very nice shade. Easy to apply.

I fell in love with this product. After buying this amazing product, I don't think I will purchase other liquid lipsticks of a different brand anymore. I found the perfect liquid lipstick for me.


Be happy.

xoxo,
Katrina

Review: MAC Liquid Lipstick "Dance With Me"

It took me some time to make a review on this latest product from MAC. Now that I found the time... Here you go.

Liquid lipsticks are so "in" these days, more than lipsticks. Also, these remind me of Limecrime Velvetines which are also an amazing find.

I don't think this product is already available here in the PH. I pre ordered this from Tupped Boutique where I usually order my lip cosmetics. Transaction was very smooth and the seller gives you an update from time to time. It took a few weeks for it to be delivered since it would be shipped from the US.

Red will always be a classic shade to wear. It's one of those colors that will always stand out. And for a very long time, I had been looking for a shade that is deep red, one that doesn't turn into purplish side like the MAC Diva nor a bright red such as the MAC Ruby Woo. I wanted something in the middle and deeper than the MAC Russian Red. There are lots of shades to choose from this new collection from MAC but the reds and pinks are the best, in my opinion.

The packaging is the same just like any other lipstick from MAC. The bullet shaped cap which makes MAC unique from the rest of the lipsticks is retained and the tube is a bit big / thick compared to the tube of Limecrime Velvetines. It could last for months, I think.

Below are some of the captured shots of the packaging:

Now when you open the tube, it looks like this:

The brush is a bit pointed unlike for the Limecrime Velvetines' which is angled. I love how pointed this brush is because I can line my lips properly compared to the Limecime Velvetines. I love the texture of this brush more because the Limecrime Velvetines' brush tends to mess the edge of my lips. Careful application must be done. 

I find this liquid lipstick creamy. Once applied, it already gives a rich color, and bold appearance.Though, you can apply twice if you prefer. 

Once worn, it lasts for a day and there is no retouching needed even after eating or drinking. Almost all lip stains or liquid lipsticks, matte lipsticks can dry your lips. So I suggest putting on lip balm before application. Though, in my case, I am not used to putting on such and upon removal, it's not that super drying.

Final Verdict: I think this is a very good buy. It is worth your one thousand ++  pesos. Very rich in color and lasts for a day, no retouching needed. What are you waiting for? Add this to your collection now. Do search for your preferred shades. There are plenty of them. And lots of pretty ones, too.

Be happy.

xoxo,

Katrina