COCOMANUELL

small progress means big progress. 

​

In 2025, I had two incredible opportunities that brought me to Korea as a representative of the Philippines — and this year also marks my 7th anniversary as a content creator under the handle @cocomanuell ! 🥳

First trip: Innisfree Global Ambassador 2025 I was selected along with ambassadors from 6 other countries (7 countries total) for an all-expenses-paid trip to Seoul from April 29 – May 3, 2025. It was my first time flying Asiana Airlines, and we stayed at the beautiful Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan. We explored Seongsu-dong, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the Amorepacific Headquarters in Yongsan (Innisfree HQ). That’s where I got super close with Pinky, the Hong Kong ambassador! 🩷 https://www.instagram.com/slurpee_pinky

Second trip: Pepero Agent 2025 by Lotte Wellfood Just a few months later, I won again — this time as a Pepero Agent 2025! I represented the Philippines for 4 days, and guess what? Pinky made it into the Top 11 too, so we reunited! Here’s how the trip went:

Day 1 Checked into L7 Myeongdong. That first night we explored Myeongdong, had dinner together, and instantly bonded — especially with Diana from Canada. Pinky, Diana, and I became inseparable in just one night!

Day 2 Visited Lotte Wellfood Headquarters (10 Yangpyeong-ro 21-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul), received our official certificates, and got loaded with so many Pepero goodies! Lotte was incredibly generous. We packed and shipped giant boxes home at Lotte Mall (side note: Peru and I accidentally swapped boxes, so now I’m forever mourning the limited-edition matcha Pepero 😭). Later: professional photoshoot in Gangnam! Photographer: https://www.instagram.com/sihyunhada/ One of the shots: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQyoFU_EhZ8/ Dinner at Sunsetmood Rooftop in Itaewon with the most magical Namsan Tower view 🗼✨ Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ3dj9aklSH/ Team photo after our mission: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRALg9NEgGS/

Day 3 – Lotte World Full day of fun and missions! I really wanted to ride everything, but because of my cervical spondylosis (neck injury) on the left side, I had to skip the intense ones. Health first — I still want a long, happy life! Day 3 reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRBndNDkrLB/

Day 4 – Last day (bittersweet) We visited Gyeongbokgung Palace without Pinky because she had the earliest flight. I was like a kid staring at the hotel door hoping she’d appear, but the bus left without her… I didn’t even get to say a proper goodbye 💔 Day 4 post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRHNRUIkn1G/ Final mission: invite strangers to play a game and win Pepero! Some rejected me, but I found a sweet Korean mom, played Ddakji (딱지) with her, and let her win on purpose so she could go home happy — that’s the real #ShowYourLoveWithPepero ❤️ After finishing early, I helped my fellow Philippine rep Riri by inviting a Russian girl to play with her. Mission accomplished! Then we all headed to Incheon Airport together: me, Riri (Philippines), Milk (Thailand), and Brieart (Peru). Tired but so worth it!

Hope I get to taste that matcha Pepero again someday! 🤞

2025 has truly been a dream: two official trips to Korea, lifelong friends from all over the world, and celebrating 7 amazing years as @cocomanuell. Thank you, South Korea, for believing in me this 2025. 감사합니다 from the bottom of my heart! 🇵🇭🇰🇷✨