Great Buys of the Week: Bags from Accessorize

It has been over a month, but I just want to share these some nice pieces I got from Accessorize during the mad sale which happened sometime in February.

On my first visit, I got this nice brown bag which has been my office bag. It was the first time I am buying something made of this material, and I was worried that the material might peel off after several use. But I am glad it didn't. Nice quality. Got it for only Php700 (70% off)

To know more about my great buys, click Read More...

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The Philippine Fashion Week Feat Bacudio x Diaz x Delos Santos x Ramirez

The weekend went so fast. It has been a hectic weekend. I took the leave last Friday and promised myself I would be working from home on Saturday morning. But I failed. Now, I am too scared to open my work inbox. I just made sure my Out of Office Notification is on.

So what happened? Seemed like I only stayed at home to sleep. Friday morning, I spent it in the mall - to buy shoes and blazer needed for the shoot (Saturday). I realized I do not have black pumps (a must-have in every women's shoe rack), so I thought it is the best time to buy one. My favorite place to buy shoes - Payless. But I am quite disappointed that they are not stocking on new releases. I saw some nice pairs in Makassar before, hoping that we will also have the same designs in Manila. Fail. Anyway, I bought a classic black pumps.

The best thing - I used my BDO Credit Card and got 10% discount. Yey. Then, off to SM Cubao to search for nice fitted blazer. It is hard to look for the best fitting blazer. I found one nice blazer with shiny lapel in TheMall.ph, but it is too small for me. The seller gave me incorrect measurements, and I am too tired to send message about it.

Anyway, I was feeling lucky that morning, and found a nice long blazer with white lapel collar (on sale!). The problem - the shoulders sleeves are too short for my arms. I bought it anyway, thinking I can always fold  the sleeves - 3/4s style.

So finally got home after lunch, and got to bed at around 3PM. My wake-up time was supposedly 6PM but mom woke up at 7PM! I thought I would miss the show. I only had 1 hour to prepare, and off I made it to the SMX - still a few minutes early.

Here are some pictures. I really need to buy a nice camera especially for covering events.

Doors had not open yet.. 

During Fashion Week, expect a lot of fashionistas!

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A Men's Fragrance for Women?

I need to buy new bottle of perfume. I need to add that on my to-do list. I have been using this DKNY Be Delicious Perfume, and my coworker said I always smell like an airplane - in a good way. He said, I smell fresh, and good. So whenever I see him, I always ask him - coffee, tea or juice? 

We always have fun at work, and there are just too many funny anecdotes and stories to share. I suddenly remember this one time I forgot to bring my facial wash in the office, and my friend offered me a sachet of Master by Eskinol. She said that she uses it for convenience. How funny it is to be using a product specially designed for men? I used it anyway. I needed to wash my face.

Then, I remember this post I made about Axe. I think I was the only female blogger who wrote about the End of the World Survival Kit which is mainly designed for men. And although I am running low of perfume to use for the day, I am still not spraying a men's perfume.

And then, there is Axe Anarchy for Him and Her.

Here's the TV ad that you won't be seeing on TV.. violence? romance? 

To read more about the Axe Anarchy for Him and Her and the raid, click Read More...

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What's Up With Me and (Nescafe & South Bark) Contest Winners!

Don't hate me. And I know the image below doesn't match the title. I just became so busy with work and all other commitments. I started "working" and I mean handling assignees who are sent to different parts of the globe to do business. Imagine how challenging it is. Then, Philippine Fashion Week this week (and I don't have anything to wear yet.. I thought of not going to some shows), and I have a pictorial on Saturday (I will probably blog about this once finsihed). Then I am given an opportunity to work with the team I so wanted to be part of! I am also excited for the New Kids On the Block concert! And of course, I am going to be a "judge". Not for the beauty contest. But I cannot talk much about it yet. The point is, I have the power to change people's lives - who will then be given the chance to touch somebody else's life. How cool is that?

Gorgeous Men!

I don't even have time to attend events, and even go to the mall, or even spend time with my friends (guilty mode). I have a friend getting married next month, and I am surprised that my super friend is going to Guam tomorrow! (for vacation only)

Oh and by the way, I just had my hair permed. Not the same "waves" that I wanted. But I like it!

Anyway, enough of the talk. I just thought I need to share what's keeping me busy. So here are the winners -

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Lander Personal Care BIG-Sized Products Launch at Mind Museum + Giveaway

With only a half hour of sleep coming from work and cold shower, I battled traffic from Manila to the Fort to celebrate Family Day with Lander Personal Care and mommy bloggers.

Thank you to Lander Personal Care for organizing this event, and to the Mind Museum for opening its doors for the whole family. As soon as I came inside the venue, I saw mommies and daddies with their kids, getting to know other families and enjoying the games. It is really a family affair. I wish I brought my mom so we could bond too, and I would be the "kid blogger".

Fashion Blogger Sarah Tirona with her kid! Isn't she both hot and cool? 

You might be wondering what was I doing in this family event? More than being gracious with the invitation, and the excitement of seeing (and experiencing) the Mind Museum, I wanted to get to know the brand - Lander Personal Care. I know I have encountered this brand a long time ago - I must have seen it in the grocery, but the thought that it is a US-based (with a US-sounding brand name) gives an intimidating image (which means pricey!).

Lander products come in different varieties and sizes!

To get to know the Lander Personal Care products, click Read More...
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(Finally) Meeting Petra Mahalimuyak: Host for Kanta Pilipinas

I finally met Petra Mahalimuyak! There was no need for me to go to the US to meet her. She is here in the Philippines and she is here to stay (I think). Remember, that I even sent her interview questions and wished that we were doing an interview while sipping coffee, and just being crazy? Read my blog about it here.

But coffee shop is not where we met, but in Robotosan (The Fort, Taguig) together with other bloggers and very friendly people of Future Entertainment and TV5. So what is Petra Mahalimuyak (or Megan Ashley Rivera in real life) doing in the Philippines? She will be hosting TV5's newest singing reality search - Kanta Pilipinas!

She is so funny! What a riot!

I find it hard to take a picture of her, because she is always moving..!

But she is really nice and cute!

My friends know that I am not really into singing. So imagine my horror when I found out that we have to sing during the event. Thank God that the host, Jhai Ho-Ang is very forgiving. I didn't need to sing. He is so funny! He so much reminds me of my friend.

To know what happened during the event, click Read More...

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Wishing for Genie, Fairy Godmother & Santa Claus: A Wishlist

I love shopping and online shopping (click the link to see some of my purchases). It is a fact that you can include in my profile in Wikipedia (that is, if there is anyone who would bother to care and create one for me).

I have been shopping way before when sellers would post their items/advertisements in forum, upload the pictures of their items in PictureTrail, and the only way to pay for the item is to meet-up. There was no shopping platform back then. But I have been transacting online and doing online window shopping of nice items from US online stores (wishing that we will also have online shops here in Manila).

The law of supply and demand kicked in. I am just glad! I have witnessed more and more online stores launching to my delight. And I cannot miss this new site called Zalora which houses a lot of interesting products - both imported and local brands - from fashionable pieces to household stuff and pet goods!

Too bad I missed the Zalora launching, but my friends were able to go and I know everyone was talking about the new site.

Now, I promised myself that I will lessen my online transactions, but how can I NOT browse through the site? It is so easy to navigate. There is an option to select by brand, by type, by size and even by price. Items are cleverly categorized, showing how many available items are there in the category. There is even an online support, and my favorite section - SALE!

What really got me is that they offer same day delivery! Their Facebook and Twitter accounts are active too, which means that it would be easy for me to raise any concerns regarding my transaction (if there is any). No more nightmares dealing with sellers who refuse to accept exchanges and returns! Yey! Zalora offers 30-day return policy! (another yey!).

I wish Genie, Fairy Godmother and Santa Claus were real so I can send them a wish - actually a wishlist of the things I want from Zalora. But thank God for Nuffnang is real, and I got a chance to get my wish granted..

What is in my list?

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What to Discover in The Mind Museum?

I finally got the time to visit The Mind Museum! Weeee!!! Last year, I remember blogging about it here.

There had been a lot of opportunities to visit the museum, but schedule conflict didn't permit me. It was timely that I was invited to the event held in The Mind Museum; and even if I only had half hour of sleep, I took the chance to roam around the museum and be a kid again.

Why am I so excited?! It is dubbed as the "first world class museum in the Philippines", and everyone was excited for its opening. I, personally love visiting museums and exhibits - and the thought that we would have something like this in the Philippines makes me so happy. How fun it is to be kids today?!

I don't want to bore you with too much introductions.. Let me tour you around.

To see more of The Mind Museum, click Read More...



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The Pizza Story and 3M Pizza

Do you guys remember 3M Pizza? Who can forget the brand. Even before we hailed a "cab", "shake" it like mad, and think of nipa "hut", we think of 3M pizza if we want affordable pizza which is unpretentious and truly Filipino.

Last night, we had a New Hire Snack-out to welcome our new hires in the team. We are a team of around 60 plus members, and our management thought that it is important to make the new hires feel welcome and make them feel part of the team. Since our office is in the business district, expect that most of the eating places are expensive. We originally planned to go to this restaurant but it closes early, so plan B was to hold the "mini-event" in this pizza place. We had fun and I can say that it was a success. The new hires introduced themselves (again and again), and answered two questions they picked (like in Beauty Contests). I wish to upload pictures but I am too lazy to get my camera. Anyway, the bill was shared by all tenured members, and it was indeed expensive for a snack. Suddenly, I wished there were a 3M Pizza store near our office.

Hawaiian Pizza from 3M Pizza

To know more about 3M and the changes to its offerings, click Read More...

Let's get cerebral.. Did you know that 3M Pizza has been around since 1969? With 44 outlets, it has been a household name, and I am guessing that everyone knows the brand - our parents, our aunts, our grandmas and grandpas, even your neighbors, and the mommy of the auntie of the friend of your helper.


According to the top honcho behind 3M, Noel Sun, the company plans to expand their pasta
and snacks line to supplement their spaghetti, lasagna and pizzadog. There's going to be a Bicol Express Pizza! I have tasted the Pinakbet Pizza from Ilocos, and now I want to eat Bicol Express.

Interesting update - 3M will not just be a pizza parlor but will also serve pastas, salad, fried chicken, etc One form - transformation. But the brand promises that it would still has its Pilipino traditional taste that our elders know.

Now, I want to try 3M Pizza.. Who wants?

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Getting to Know Mrs. Cynthia Villar and the Villar Foundation

How would you feel sitting in a dining table, enjoying a gustatory lunch with a senator's wife, and getting to know the lady whose passion is to help her people elevate their lives? More than being honored, I feel impressed by the humbling spirit of Mrs. Cynthia Villar. I was lucky to be invited to their house in Las Pinas and get to know the woman behind the Villar Foundation.

For people who are curious about how does an estate property builders' home looks like - I can describe it as homey and simple. What makes it more inviting is the friendly and warm staff of Mrs. Villar who treated us like we were VIP's.

The beautiful ceiling is made of Anahaw
For the privacy of the Villar Family, I would rather not
post the  house pictures here

To know more about Mrs. Cynthia Villar and the Villar Foundation, click Read More...
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A Thank You Note for My Mom

Do you always write notes to your mom? or send a message, or just say I Love You? I don't. The last note I left for her was when I left the house, and I wrote that I was leaving early for work. Then of course, the note which was printed on the card together with the flowers I sent her last Valentine's Day.

 I am just not sure if the text message I sent a few minutes before I flew to my assignment in Indonesia counts.. You see, I am not always cheesy with my messages to my mom.

Yes, she is still using an old phone and I know she wants a new smart phone 

so she can access my blog too ;)

"I am already in the plane. Waiting to fly. Take care."

"Take a rest ma."

This Mother's Day, I thought of blogging about my appreciation of my mom. Mom will always be mom, and her love is the greatest of all the love in the world. It truly defines unconditional love. We heard about stories of mommies working abroad, sacrificing the distance just to provide for their family. I know mommy bloggers who work at home to stay with their kids, and earn extra money to help their hubbies. I read stories in newspapers of moms doing two jobs to give the best for their kids. And there are single moms who play the role of both mom and dad.

My mom may not have worked in another country and spoke a different language. She may not be a mommy blogger who attends events and knows celebrities, but she is also special. It is given that she has provided us good and delicious meals, clothed us literally (yes, she is a dressmaker!), and spent time with us and smiled with us whenever we will stood infront of stage to receive an award. She unknowingly taught us values by being an example to us; like showing us equality by treating me and my siblings fairly. But more than anything, it is the simple things that she does that makes her more special.

To get to know my mom, click Read More...

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SM Launches iButterfly App: Catch Butterflies and Redeem Deals from Partner Merchants!

I went to SM The Block Atrium last Saturday morning, and found this scene. People are raising their smart phones, swirling around, aiming and catching something. Nope, there is no alien invasion reported and the people were not hypnotized or under spell. They are catching butterflies!

Why butterflies? The last time I saw a butterfly was when we went to this tourist spot in the island of Makassar, Indonesia. Then, of course, a bunch of butterflies during my friend's wedding. Why would people ever catch butterflies? with smart phones?!

They are catching butterflies to use for discounts, freebies and deals with merchant partners. SM Supermalls releases the SM iButterfly - an Augmented Reality Application on your iPhone and Android Mobile Devices last May 5, 2012. It uses 3 technologies:  Augmented Reality, for seeing the iButterflies in the real world, Motion Sensors for catching iButterflies using your phone and your phone’s Global Positioning System or GPS for finding where the iButterflies are. It was previously created by Japan’s Mobile Art Lab and has been successfully launched in Japan, Hongkong, Indonesia, and Singapore.


To know more about the iButterfly, and how you can get deals, click Read More..

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Great Buys of the Week: Nude Lace Dress and Flared Pants from Forever21

I got alot of great purchases recently - from bags, necklaces with semi-precious stones, clothes and accessories. I am out of time to share them all, and I am out of money for my trip to India. I promise myself I will save more this year, but I just couldn't resist a great bargain. I processed an online order from Forever21, then I found myself leaving the store in SM Makati with another shopping bag (this was two weeks ago) .

What have I got?

Nude Lace Dress (Php1275) and Flared Denim (Php750)

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Will I Glow With Gloww?

I just felt that I need to pamper myself this weekend. I need to visit my derma, get a haircut and hair treatment, start with my exercise regimen (again), and get glow-ing. My life has been exciting, yet stressful in the past months. I feel so unpretty. Then I found this box in my room. I remember receiving this pack days before the business trip, and I think it is perfect to try this product. I need to glow!

This picture was taken last month during our visit to the Juvenile Detention Center in Makassar, Indonesia. It is part of one of the community services that we did as volunteers for IBM CSC (I have yet to blog about my experience that day). I stayed in the island for a month with other volunteers from different countries - and I witnessed how Asians are so excited and fascinated with the Westerns and those with white skin.

I, personally don't want to change my skin color. BUT I have uneven skin tone - my face's skintone is different with my arms, and legs and whatever is hidden. And since I spent too much time under the sun (beach and island trips), I felt that my skin tone has gotten more uneven. So it is a perfect time for me to try Gloww.

So what is Gloww?

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American Pie: The Reunion - Funny and Sexy Film with Values!

I am not sure what your age was when people started looking at an Apple Pie differently. I was in my freshmen year, and I have seen the film with my friends. I am talking about American Pie (who doesn't know the film?). This is one film I can watch over and over, and I would laugh harder the same way the first time I have seen it. I have actually seen the other American Pie series - American Pie 2 and American Wedding.  The other spin-offs American Pie: Band Camp, American Pie: The Naked Mile, American Pie: Beta House, and American Pie: The Book of Love are also hilarious! After more than a decade, the High School kids who taught us lessons about love, friendship, and curiousity, and defined the term tongue tornado are back in the big screen for their High School Reunion.

I got the chance to watch the uncut version the other night in Gateway Cinema. Thank you to our friends from Solar Entertainment.


I love how the film tackles topics such as career, self-fulfillment, friendship, and (of course) sex for married couples (or the lack of it - and I honestly cannot relate for both topics). American Pie: The Reunion is not an American Pie movie without its signature ingredient - teenagers who are curious about sex, and desperate moves how to get some. The film also (slightly) presented realities such as gay and lesbian relationships. It is nice sitting in the movie theater seeing the original casts - Jason Biggs (Jim), Alyson Hannigan (Michelle), Chris Klein (Chris), Thomas Ian Nicholas (Kevin), Eddie Kaye Thomas (Paul), Tara Reid (Vicky), Seann William Scott (Stifler), Mena Suvari (Heather), Eugene Levy (Noah), and of course, Stifler’s mom played by Jennifer Coolidge (Jeannine), in the big screen - and finding out which characters have changed, who hasn't and who has aged gracefully.

The movie started with trails of clothes - from shirts, underwear and bra scattered all over the floor, and bed banging - only to find Michelle rocking the bed and trying to make his son sleep. The prelude of the movie just shows how scenes would get more exciting and unexpectedly surprise the movie goers as the movie progresses. 

To read more about the movie, click Read More ... I am warning you, there are spoilers!
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