Style and Soul

Aside from some "me" time, sleep is the next thing that I consider most valuable to me right now.

I know, I've already said countless of times how busy life has been for me these past few months. Seriously, I haven't been getting enough hours of sleep because of my projects. Currently, I have on my plate: TV programs, indie films plus other video production projects, styling stints and hosting gigs. Ah, the life of a freelance diva of all media!

However, despite my ultra hectic schedule which left me with almost no time to do anything else (and yes, that somehow includes blogging), some of my friends and workmates wonder how I'm able to jump (or as they say, tumambling, haha) from one project to another without losing my zeal and energy for the things I do. 

Well of course, passion and faith is a major factor that fuels my positive attitude towards work. Nevertheless, nothing beats sleep! I'd like to believe that there's more to a good night's sleep than eight or more hours of bedtime. The most important thing is that you're able to go to bed with a clear conscience -- knowing that you haven't wronged or harbored any ill feelings towards anyone.

To those of you who have been keeping a close eye to what's happening in the fashion blogging circle, you are probably aware that anonymous accounts had been created (at present, a notorious and controversial blog has been recently shut down) to bash other bloggers. To see all of these happening and to hear rumors and accounts circulate like wild fire isn't entertaining at all (for some of you, yeah maybe it is).

For the first time ever, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera goes to Manila in order to give the Filipino audience a chance to experience the legendary and longest-running musical on Broadway. According to one of the show's producers James Cundall, since its launching last August 25 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), this theatrical masterpiece has received "massive" standing ovations every night and was well received and appreciated by the locals. 

Due to the "overwhelming positive reception and popular demand," The Phantom of the Opera in Manila has been extended until October 14. To celebrate the Broadway classic's successful season here in the Philippines, the producers treated a few selected people from the press and social media to an exclusive press preview.

To those present, it was finally the chance to grab a seat a few meters away from the stage without paying for the hefty ticket price of more or less P7,000. Friends from the media were only shown excerpts of this musical but nevertheless, it was satisfying.

To find one's edge is essential. "Edge" is what keeps you different from the other and makes you stand out -- that little extra something that puts you one step ahead of the pack. It's in you all along but most of you haven't found it yet. In order for you to do so, you need to explore the world around you, learn new things, experience life out of your comfort zone, jump into the uncertain and push yourself to do the impossible. Achieve all these things in the realm that knows no boundaries and you'll come out bolder and edgier than you've ever been, ready to take on life's greatest detours and challenges.

Although this idea of "edge" may not be the direct and exact point of Wrangler's Fall/Winter 2012 Collection campaign, I think it's good to exercise thinking and interpreting a brand's ad campaign beyond what its press kit says. For Wrangler, the Boundless Traveller is a free-spirited, adventure-seeking nomad, always on the move to his next destination day and night. Its latest campaign for the season "Find Your Edge - Boundless Traveller," revolves around the tale of two people who are driven by their passion for discovery and armed with "functional yet edgy outfits for every journey."

Others can probably relate to the campaign for they are experienced jet-setters who have toured many different places while in their most stylish yet comfortable clothing staples. I, on the other hand am a boundless traveller myself for I have lived my  life without rules. I've taken some short cuts, I've taken a detour. I once turned left from the 'right' path, deviated from everyone else's route. I've run away and on certain moments I've taken my time. I've constructed my own road and walked on it freely. Looking back, I know I'm miles away from where I began. Each one of us has our own journey - literally and figuratively.

Wrangler's empowering slogan for its campaign is not only open to one's relative understanding. It is also accompanied by a collection of bright-colored tops, tailored cover-ups and light-weight denim bottoms. A few weeks ago, the brand showcased it's new array of apparels at Robinsons Place Manila. Let the Wrangler #RoadShow begin!

Even though I'm not very fond of the beach, when I got an invitation from Globe Tattoo to go to Boracay for a little getaway, I said yes. I figured, declining would only mean how much of a KJ (kill-joy) I am for not having fun every once in a while, and how dumb it could possibly be to say no to an all-expense-paid trip.

Weeks before the trip, I couldn't stop imagining the outfits that I'd be wearing during my 3-day stay there. But I was lazy to ready my things and kept on putting it off and little did I know, I got so busy till I realized it was only three hours before my trip! Nakakaloka. I was sooo unprepared. All my imagined outfits are in the laundry, Raleene and I were texting each other what we'd be bringing at 1:00AM and I ended up stuffing random items in my bag. Gaaahd, I hate cramming so much.

I then arrived at the airport two hours before my 7:00AM flight. While waiting, I was wondering what the other bloggers would be like since the only familiar faces that I'd be seeing are Raleene, Cheyser and Megann (who currently works for Tattoo).

At first, I was anxious about socializing with strangers, but knowing myself, I usually loosen up after a while till I become my talkative version. Believe me, sobrang madaldal ako and being one has a mixed review. Either people love it or would find it too annoying.

Thank goodness I sat beside Kring Elenzano during the flight. We instantly hit it off. To those who aren't familiar with her, Kring hosts a humor blog and anything-korean or K-Pop blog plus she's a video blogger with as much as 600K views (wow). She considers herself as one of the 2nd generation bloggers who have been posting online since around 2006, when blogging wasn't that popular yet. Finally, I found someone who talks more than me, haha! I listened to her narratives of how things used to be way back when she started.

1) Boracay airport photo by Yoshke.com 

2) Coy Caballes (Social Media Manager of Tattoo), Ivy of wheinmanila.com, Raleene and Kring

3) Raleene and Megann

4) Caticlan pier, about to ride a boat going to Boracay

As soon as we reach our destination, we immediately settled in our 2-bedroom suite at The Palms of Boracay. Raleene and I shared a room together while Megann and Cheyser were roomies for the time being.

Our room had awesome lighting I promise! Look at Ral and Megann giving it a try.

It's interesting how the competition between mobile broadbands has gotten tougher. 

Tattoo, powered by Globe, recently introduced LiveTattoo.ph, a new online lifestyle website where subscribers can get a chance to "fuel their passions" through an array of exciting privileges and discounts from various brands.

Over the weekend, I couldn't believe I flew all the way to Boracay together with fellow bloggers from various fields, magazine editors, TV and print journalists, models and celebrities to participate in Tattoo's beach activities and witness the  LiveTattoo.ph grand launch.

According to Dong Ronquillo, head of Tattoo, introducing LiveTattoo.ph means it's time to move on from the topic of which mobile broadband is cheaper or faster. It's now a battle of which one gives more than what  its users pay for. In a media press conference, he proudly presented Tattoo as a brand which wants to give its 1.3M subscribers the chance to "celebrate individuality and satisfy their lifestyles without limits."

Dong Ronquillo (in stripes) and female Globe executives.

I honestly felt like a celebrity for once in my life that day. The Parisian Bloggers Pictorial Party was the first-ever event that I've been where all the bloggers were given such a special treatment.

Picture agad, as soon as I got in with Belle and Alex!

Upon arrival, I was welcomed by a name tag and name plate on my table, along with two lovely pairs of shoes. The location, Elite Studios in Makati, had awesome party lights, a DJ playing dance beats, catered food (eat all you can!) from Bizu, cocktail tables and waiters serving us with our every need. I could sense how much effort was put into the event, everything was well prepared and personal. It was impressive.

Recently, local brands are in this big battle of flying in international celebrities. Penshoppe has introduced Ed Westwick from Gossip Girl and Thai model-actor Maurio Maurer as its new ambassadors last year. Meanwhile, over the weekend,  Bench has launched Pretty Little Liars actress Lucy Hale as one of its new international endorsers joining the league of American Idol finalist David Archuletta, Jerry Yan of F4, Michael Trevino of Vampire Diaries and Fil-Am singer Bruno Mars.

These international celebrities add "premium" and prestige to the brands; especially now that the fashion and retail industry has been extremely competitive and cut-throat. This manifests that Filipino labels are making it in the global market.

The addition of  Lucy Hale in the roster of Bench's star-studded endorsers seemed to be a smart move. I've seen  Lucy in my favorite series like Privileged, and Pretty Little Liars and I've always liked her. Aside from being cute, pretty and bubbly, she actually has a good track record. She doesn't get herself involved in partying, alcohol, drugs or any controversies for that matter unlike other Hollywood celebrities her age or even those who are way younger than her.

People are filled with praises and kind words for the 22-year-old actress which I thought at first was only 16. Haha! Almost everyone will tell you that she exudes a kind and humble personality which is rare these days since fame can actually get in anyone's head. 

I find it actually a bit funny seeing local celebrities talk about how "down-to-earth" she is when they themselves act all "proud" when you see them around. How ironic isn't it? Makes you question what do they really know about humility. Haha. Pardon the sarcastic tone because it's one of my after thoughts that I couldn't really keep to myself. Something we all should reflect upon I guess. :)

But putting that aside, I feel really bad that I came to the event too late and missed her! I thought of following her to the Bench outlet store in Mall of Asia but I wasn't a die-hard-fan that would do so. I remember passing by two teenagers, begging to their mom to see Lucy, "Mom, please, please let us go to Bench and see Lucy Hale!"

Then the mom answered, "No. You've seen her already. Ang daming tao dun."

The teens rant about it, "But moooom!"

And I said to myself, aaaaw ang kill joy ni mommy. Haha! 

L-R: Aisa, Thyz, Reg, Me, Ben Chan, Paul, Arnie, Ava

Took a photo with Mr. Ben Chan, proprietor of Bench

Catch  Lucy Hale on the latest ad campaign of Bench. Take a peek at the behind-the-scenes video of her photo shoot!

Photo Credits: Aisa, Ava

Summer is just around the corner and I've already been preparing my wardrobe for this season. Since I've been expecting the hot and humid weather, my upcoming outfits would be mostly chiffon dresses, sheer blouses and a lot of shorts - all in yummy colors. 

It never really occurred to me that I should ready my "make-up" for the season too, not until I was invited to the launch of Face Shop's Spring Trend Line called Pastel Romance. Aside from the fashion must-haves when it comes to clothing, the event reminded me that there are beauty trends that I should consider too when it comes to sporting my summer style.

In lieu with introducing this new collection, Face Shop conducted a makeover event which also featured a helpful tutorial on how to apply make-up in general. For this event's purpose though, the workshop focused more on utilizing the palette of the Pastel Romance line.

Keep it Romantic All Summer
From the name of the line itself, Pastel Romance is a "romantic" look inspired by the "soft pastel and velvety hues of spring floral blossoms." It looks light, fresh and all-natural. For the eyes, the key colors of the shadow treatment are "dusty rose and opaque lilac". The cheeks on the other hand, are emphasized using a combination of pink and peach blush for a natural flush on the skin. Use a highlighter is for that healthy glowing skin and rosy pink lips will definitely complete the whole look. (Source: PR)

Beauty 101
Since I'm not really into make-up but more into clothes, it's a good thing that the event included a quick demo which provided useful and practical make-up tips from the Face Shop's resident expert, Ms. Marge Apacible.

Ms. Marge Apacible conducting the demo with model Janelle Santos

Bloggers listening carefully and watching attentively

Workshop lessons for that day:
1) The "BB" in BB Cream originally meant "Blemish Balm". But since it can now be used not just to cover blemishes but to even out the skin as a whole, the meaning now stands for "Beauty Balm". Anyway, the real tip here is to apply a darker shade of powder to blend if the BB cream you're using has a lighter tone than your complexion.


2) Application of eye shadow should always be outward goin in. That way, the color for the outer creases is darker and becomes lighter towards the corner of the eye.


3) Always blend the eye shadow colors! Make sure the difference from where the other color starts isn't obvious.


4) Curl your eye lashes first before applying mascara (or your false eye lashes). BTW, if you feel like using fake lashes everyday, just go for it. It's now acceptable these days.

5) Connect the upper eye liner to the lower eye liner on the side (corner). Apply as near as the lash line as possible. When doing the cat-eye style of eye line, always consider the shape of your face first. Make sure the angle of the line looks like a connected extension of the lower lash line heading towards the temple.

6) There are no rules to wearing any shade of lipstick now! Wear any color at any time of the day.
7) For the face, less contouring and more highlighting! This, I also agree with.

Makeover Time
After the demo, each blogger was treated to a spring look fitting each one's persona and style. According to Face Shop guru Marge Apacible, the whole make-up team of the brand's Philippine arm were all trained in Korea.

All of us had a make-over after! Fun!

Who needs TV when you can watch almost everything online? 

For a lot of us who just seem to ignore the fact that access to internet is still a privilege we enjoy, just so you know, most of the Filipino population (talking about those in C, D, E classes especially in rural areas) still lack the means to be able to surf the web. If that's the case, imagine how few can afford cable? The numbers may seem big but comparing it to how huge the actual populace is (we're talking about millions here!), the percentage of Filipinos getting quality television shows is very little.

For so many years, Pinoys who rely on free TV for their daily dose of amusement and information had no choice but to endure some horrible and idiotic TV programs shown on leading networks. It's a good thing that recently, some of the shows on air are getting [a little] better and the general public has [a little] more channels to choose from.

In 2011, one of the newest channels on free television is ETC. This was made possible by Solar Entertainment, the media conglomerate which is also behind cable networks 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Diva Universal and Universal Channel. Celebrating a fruitful 2011, Solar held "Destination Entertainment," a thanksgiving party last January 17 at Genting Club in Resorts World Manila. It was a night of food, music, prizes and presentation of the media company's line up of shows for this year.

After the Pinkbox event, I still managed to go to the party just to show my support to Bloggers United's ETC family. Dubbed as the No. 1 channel for the young female demographic, ETC has believed and supported our  [Bloggers United] event since the beginning and the least that I can do was show up. 

Kudos to  Solar  for such a grand gathering!

Patti Grandidge and Kim Jones - the hosts of Etcetera

Shows You'll Love 

American Idol, Season 11 (ETC)

Coming Soon: Project Runway Philippines (ETC)

I'm such a sucker for reality shows that feature talent and hard work. Being a big dreamer like everyone else, I believe I can relate to the contestants and knowing their life stories are always a good source of daily inspiration.

Two Broke Girls (ETC)

How I Met Your Mother (2nd Avenue)

Big Bang Theory (Jack TV)

Modern Family (2nd Avenue)

Friends with Benefits (ETC)

Smash (2nd Avenue)
From the makers of Chicago, Smash is a drama series about a girl who wants to make it big in broadway. Think of Glee but for a more mature audience with a better treatment at its production numbers.