Chicdriven’s 3=8
OMG! We’ve cracked the code that’s been baffling us since Jose Mari Chan started seeing girls and boys on the street for the nth time and echoed through the malls. Christmas traffic has morphed into a beast because, hello, it’s Decemblur!
But fear not, dear readers! Armed with our girl math and #budoloftheweek insights, and in celebration of the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s 38th anniversary, we’re unveiling the three golden rules and eight Christmas hacks to tame Manila’s notorious holiday traffic!
Rule 1: Simplify
1) Simplify your decision making skills. Can’t choose between two pairs of shoes? Buy both! The mental gymnastics and carbon footprint of returning for the other pair aren’t worth it. Remember, time is gold and so are you!
2) Simplify your hosting game. Why host three separate events on three separate days when you can do a brunch, dinner and lunch the next day (or dinner if you were drunk the night before)? You’ll save on decor, haggle like a pro with your caterer because they are only doing one ingress and egress! Plus you can compress your stress into a single, fabulous day or two. Now you can spend more money on your outfits which will definitely fit you ( those creampuff havent gone to your hips) and some Red Bull.
Rule 2: Streamline
3) Streamline your gifts’ journey. No need to have several stops before your gift reaches the recipient because you can deliver it straight to them. I’ve had experiences with Rustans and Dyson Philippines where they wrapped and delivered gifts directly to the recipient. Better yet just use Lazada or Zalora. It might not have your bespoke ribbons or personalized cards, but it’s one less errand for “Manong Driver.”
4) Streamline your giftee list, too. Being generous is great, but fewer gifts mean less stress. Caught without a gift? Just say, “Oh, I made a donation in your name. They’ll mail you a card.” Just be sure they know you know where they live or you will be Bruh! ( if you dont know what bruh means ask your Gen Z )
Rule 3: Optimize
5) Optimize your OOTD and Content. If you’re hopping between events, it’s a fashion faux pas to be caught in the same outfit! I usually bring an extra top, jacket or even change my skirt to pants for another look. I also change my blings and bring my Dyson Corrale to change my hairdo. Thats maximizing your content without spending so much time and gas!
6) Optimize free shipping! It’s baffling why people don’t see the wisdom in buying more to get free shipping. It’s like getting an extra item at the cost of the delivery fee (plus maybe another couple of bucks, OK maybe several hundred bucks) but hey, free is free!. Simple math, not rocket science.
7) Optimize your shopping trips with friends. Carpooling, free advice, and quality time with the girls – what’s not to love? Sure, you will probably end up getting “budoled” into buying more things, but you got free advice and saved time realizing that you actually need another bag and it’s on sale. Truly its one of the best things in life!
And finally, Rule 8: Simplify, Streamline, and Optimize so you can relish the holiday season with your loved ones. These hacks are for you to save time and help alleviate traffic during the Christmas season. Remember the Why, What and Who of celebrating this Christmas. And those reasons are worth braving the traffic for!
PS: “The holidays are the perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek ways to make life better for those around us. Unless the mall is having a sale, in which case it’s every woman for herself!”
