Can you believe 2021 is almost over? There’s nothing like seeing your favorite planners on the shelves of bookstores to remind you that the new year is coming. Always on top of the planner game in the Philippines is Viviamo Inc., the female-empowered company behind the bestselling Belle De Jour (BDJ) Power Planner, which is celebrating its 16th year.
While the BDJ Power Planner is the star of the show, they have plenty of other planners in their yearly collection, including the travel-themed Navi Planner, which I’ve been using for seven years now.
Watch my vlog for a flip through of the 2022 planners, plus classic notebooks and cute stationery from their shop.
Have you figured out which planner best suits your personality? Let’s take a look at this year’s collection.
Belle De Jour Power Planner 2022
A little backstory: When the coffee shop planner craze took over the Philippines in 2006, Dar Ty-Nilo couldn’t find a planner that suited her personality, so she created her own. The Belle De Jour (BDJ) Power Planner was the first to introduce the concept of coupon booklets for planners. The rest, as they say, is history.
This year’s theme is “I Am,” as BDJ invites you to tap into your inner wisdom and identity as a powerful, deliberate creator. There are five versions available, all using the vertical weekly format. Except for the Petit version, each planner version comes with a “Perks of a Bella” coupon booklet and magnetic bookmark, while the covers can be customized with your name for an extra ₱50.
For loyal BDJ users, you’ll still find your favorite pages there, such as the menstrual tracker, checklists, inspirational quotes, bills tracker, dream board, and fun worksheets.
Insider tip: Scan the monthly QR codes that will take you to exclusive content and fun activities at ilovebdj.com.
Say hello to my planner bias! I’ve been using the Navi for seven years now, and this year’s theme is: “magnificent staircases around the world,” which you’ll see from the cover design to the inside pages, including the monthly dividers that feature picturesque staircases from around the world. It has a horizontal weekly format, which is my personal preference for a planner. Bucket lists and checklist pages are there to help you map out your next adventure. There’s also a #travelcurious coupon booklet in the keepsake pocket. The cover can be customized with your name for an extra ₱50.
If you use your phone to scan the monthly QR code, it’ll take you on #ExperienceMore adventures around the world! For better effect, use this with the I Am Cardboard VR 2 Lite, which you can purchase from crazyaboutpaper.com for ₱650.
Made for the goal-getter, the EIP has reflection pages, like a review of the year that was, My Gifts, and Wheel of My Life. There’s also a vision board, and lots of interactive pages dedicated to your goals. There are 12 monthly dividers with affirmations to keep you inspired. The weekly pages are vertical. The cover can be customized with your name for an extra ₱50.
If you need to tame the chaos in your workaday life, the Focus planner just might be for you. Each monthly divider features a power word designed with creative typography. You’ll find special pages such as “My Vision,” “Road to your best life” and a letter to 2022. The monthly calendars and boxed weekly pages are clutter-free. The cover can be customized with your name for an extra ₱50.
Essentials Planner
The minimalist of the bunch, the Essentials Planner is lightweight. Each weekly page has lightly dotted spaces, which is perfect for bullet journaling, list-taking, and doodling. The notebook cover can be customized with your name for an extra ₱50.
Other Gift Ideas
Through the years, Viviamo has evolved into two main online shops—I Love BDJ and Crazy About Paper, where you’ll find not just journals, but un-dated notebooks and stationery, crafting materials, and collaborations with Filipino artists.
Some of my top picks are:
All in the name of fun and inspiration, Dare To Be Cards remind me of tarot cards, except that you don’t have to be a trained tarot reader and you can just pull out a card anytime you need a whiff of inspiration. For your daily dose of encouragement, pick from the three themes—Grateful, Courageous, and Creative.
Here’s an alternative to notebook planners. The calendar pad is un-dated, so you can use it anytime and it doesn’t expire. You can turn it into a monthly or weekly calendar. And if you need an instant way to de-stress, grab your coloring pens or pencils and fill in the coloring page on top.
Another Viviamo item I’ve been using for years, the quest journal makes me feel like I’m Ernest Hemmingway whenever I take it with me on my travels. I doodle, write, and scrapbook while I’m on the train or plane en route to my next destination.
It comes in various sizes—from pocket-sized small to extra large. Each year they release new colors. This year’s standout hues are metallics, aquamarine, and holo. You can purchase refill notebooks anytime—grid-style, dotted, or plain. The cover can be customized with your name, mantra, or quote for an extra ₱50.
The Viviamo 2022 planners are available at all leading bookstores nationwide. For bulk deals and discounts, purchase from crazyaboutpaper.com and ilovebdj.com. Use my coupon code VIVIHOLIDAYS2021 to get a 10% discount upon checkout. They’re also available on Shopee.
Planner Giveaway
Want to win a 2022 planner? My friends and I are giving away planners and notebooks from Viviamo!
1. Subscribe to my podcast, #ChicasAndMargaritas, on Instagram and Facebook. We are giving away planners and notebooks.
2. Join my YouTube giveaway:
• Subscribe to my YouTube channel.
• Leave a comment on my any of my vlogs. Each substantial comment (from December 1-10, 12nn) counts as a raffle entry. Dummy accounts and lazy comments like “Nice!” or “Love it!” will be disqualified. Comment as many times as you like.
• Raffle winner will be announced on this blog and my social media accounts on December 10.
• One winner will get a Focus planner, Essentials notebook, Discover archive notebook, and coloring calendar pad.
• Only legit subscribers with a Philippine address can join.
3. Join my Instagram giveaway:
• Subscribe to KateWasHere.com. Look for the subscribe button below.
• Follow me on Instagram @replikate.
• Leave a comment on my 2021 blog posts and Instagram posts. Each substantial comment (from December 1-10, 12nn) counts as a raffle entry. Lazy comments like “Nice!” or “Love it!” will be disqualified. Comment as many times as you like.
• Raffle winner will be announced on this blog and my social media accounts on December 10.
• One winner will get a Navi Planner, Essentials notebook, Explore archive notebook, and Quest journal.
• Only legit subscribers with a Philippine address can join.
Good luck!