Style and Soul

It's not about the money, money, money... We just wanna make the world dance. Forget about the price tag. 

Is there anyone here who doesn't know this song? Jessie J has a valid point. Not everything in this world is about the cha-ching, cha-ching. In a lot of my posts, I've been saying this over and over because I have experienced it myself. Having money does not guarantee happiness. However, we also have to admit that money is undeniably essential for us to survive. In fact, being broke can be sort of depressing.

Being an entrepreneur myself with my own small-scale business (which will have a comeback this 2013), I can truly say that having a business can be a pain in the ass, haha. To give you an idea, I do research on the latest fashion trends and runway reports, scout for suppliers and items to sell, buy stocks, style and shoot my products, edit the photos, update the store with promos and ads, coordinate with the clients (answer inquiries, go through order forms) and ship the purchases -- all by myself without 100% assurance of profit.

These tasks can be overwhelming and time-consuming for someone like me (plus imagine how much seed money I put out), someone who is crazy busy with indie film shoots, hosting gigs, wardrobe styling stints, personal projects like blog collaborations, and social media and PR work. How I manage to do them all? I honestly don't know, haha. There were a few moments when I've been such a disorganized mess trying to juggle everything. 

With bills to pay and a lot of dreams yet to be fulfilled, it is important that I am at least financially stable. Because of that, I have no choice but to work my butt off and try to find additional sources of income.

If you are in the same situation as I am and are also searching for other means of earning extra cash this new year, putting up your own business is a good option. The question now is, what type of business should you engage in?

Not everyone has celebrated Halloween yet. A lot of you have probably waited until the very last minute (again?!) to decide whether or not you'll attend a "spooky" drinking-slash-costume party this weekend. I'm guessing you're not really digging the idea of wearing a costume as well but you sort of have to just so you won't be such a pooper. 

Without much time left for you to be "creative" enough; plus you aren't really willing to spend, what now? 

It's crunch time and the only choice you have is to go for the overused characters. Luckily, you have a closet to scour and here are a few ideas on how to stylishly pull off the costumes that almost everyone has been wearing.

Not unless you're a client who's willing to shell out thousands of pesos for a designer creation, or probably a close friend, then I'm assuming it's not usual for most people to get access to the personal work space of renowned Filipino designer Rajo Laurel.

A week before the launching of Rajo! For SM Parisian collection, I had the opportunity of visiting the House of Laurel  (thanks to work) to check out Rajo's exclusive sketches and designs for The King and I. He was also nice enough to hand us a personal invite to his Rajo! For SM Parisian Fashion Show (which I missed to attend due to work as well, ugh) and he graciously shared with us a sneak peek of his entire shoe collection which is in collaboration with a department store empire, even before its official release.

To those who haven't been to House of Laurel, here let me show you around first. 

When I confirmed my attendance for the shoot, it hasn't really sunk in yet that I'd be getting myself in some kind of mini "competition" with my blogger friends. All I know is that, I haven't been in a blogger event for the longest time and I missed attending one. I wanted to see a lot of familiar faces from the social media world plus I got to play dress up for a day.

I'd be totally lying if I say I don't want to win. Of course I do! But all of us deserve it and I know a lot of people will be rooting for my fellow bloggers as well. I'm not keeping my hopes that high but like what's on everyone's minds, I also think it's worth a try, haha. 

I'm counting that you'll vote! Not necessarily for me, but for the one you simply like. :) Voters will also get a chance to win P20,000 GCs from SM as well. Not bad right? Vote for Aie Corpuz, Alex Lapa, Ana Gonzales, Ava Te, Belle Fenix, Bestie Konisis, Cheyser Pedregosa, Ingrid Nieto, Jheng Santos, Joanna Ladrido, Krissy Cruz, Lissa Kahayon, Marj Sia, Melai Entuna (me!), Patricia Prieto, Raleene Cabrera, Reg Rodriguez, Sarah Tirona, Tara Cabullo, Tracy Ayson, Valerie Chua and  Danah & Stacy Guitierrez!

Voting is easy (as much as 3x a day), just go to Parisian's facebook page and click the Parisian Challenge application!

I'd like to open this blog entry by saying a big THANKS to everyone!

Bloggers United has an ongoing project with Multiply Philippines, the no.1 online shopping site in the country. It's called, Multiply Bloggers Picks campaign wherein selected bloggers are featured on a special curated page along with their selected products from Multiply's merchants who are using its new shopping cart system.

The launch of the campaign included us, Bloggers United founders: me, Aisa and Ana. The reason why saying thanks is the best way to open this post is because so far, according to Multiply, the curated site is gaining positive feedback and a good number of hits. Really, all because of your overwhelming support, so thank you, thank you!

Starting tomorrow (or next week) you'll be seeing new bloggers on the campaign and before our feature ends, I'd like to share with you my Multiply picks!

I felt chills the first time I saw this. I've never been on an ad before other than the Globe Tattoo billboard campaign. Happy lang!

Isa pang mataray! I never imagined Ava being this fierce. She's so cheerful and sweet kasi in person. This girl worked it! 

One of my favorites again, Paul Jatayna! I have sooo much respect for Paul because he's original, he's passionate and he's a fashion daredevil who doesn't give a f*ck. He's the perfect role model for someone successful in his own field but really worked his way to it. Salute to you!

I can now finally cross out having a billboard in my bucket list.

When I was a kid, a part of me secretly wanted to be a commercial model for TV and print. I've always wanted to be the next Candy or Meg Magazine cover girl and/or someone from a really recognizable TV commercial bordering on wanting to be on showbiz (not to be a celebrity) because I simply wanted to perform.

When I was in elementary, I took workshops (like most of you) on singing, dancing and theater. And even though I wouldn't want to admit it, yes I secretly auditioned for some of those star searches on television or go-sees for some campaigns and never bothered mentioning it to anyone because I didn't want to feel embarrassed when my friends would find out I didn't make it.

So there, I said it. I didn't make it - in almost anything I tried out for as a child; as far as these fields [modeling / showbiz] are concerned. As I got older, I have realized the truth that in these careers, even though I believe that I have talent, it's never going to be enough because society's notion of what beauty is will always be the prevailing or deciding factor. Here in the Philippines, the main standards are tall, white, chinita or any foreign-blood look, biz-related friends or families or connections.

I know, not everyone in the industry adheres to these qualities. But most of them though. Even Danica Magpantay (who yes, has defied these standards) had her foot at the door of the modeling world because (even though she won the competition through hard work) it is worth noting that she's also a daughter of a supermodel to begin with (falls under the category of relatives working in the same business). And if there are any exceptions like Nora Aunor, Melai Cantiveros, Ai-ai Delas Alas, Eugene Domingo, Pokwang, Kiray, Boy Abunda, Allan K. and some others (local showbiz personalities), let me just repeat that they are merely exceptions (either really talented or just being made fun of, really).

This little childhood dream that I once had was long gone and I'm happily working behind the camera for various production work now (management, design, styling, photography) and hosting events every time a project offer comes up. The only moment that I relive that dream is when I get to be the star in this humble, little blog of mine (haha). But to clarify, I blog not because of fame. I blog because I like to write (isn't it obvious how long and chatty most of my entries are? haha).

And to tie up my first statement at the beginning of this entry to everything that I was just saying, all these references to my little childhood dream, is because I had been given a totally unexpected opportunity to be featured in my first billboard (L.E.D) for Globe Tattoo's "I Choose Tattoo" campaign. Funny because I knew then that I'm not made for this but it was a blessing that landed to me because of this blog and our Bloggers United endeavor. Being a pioneer of a blogger-initiated event for a cause with Aisa and Ana, Globe thought of having us in their roster of online personalities and social media mavens.

False humility aside, there's a small part of me that feels so shy being next to Garovs Garovillo, Camille Co, Dominique Tiu, The Plump Pinays, Paul Jatayna, Lloyda Lim, Vince Golangco, Lauren Dado and these other awesome bloggers! But... I am a part of the pack for a reason and I need to work on that disbelief and start turning it around and claiming this for myself. Mental note: Confidence is key.

The billboard shoot took place around the last week of September and some of the other bloggers have already blogged about the behind-the-scenes shoot on their blogs. On the other hand, I decided to wait for the billboard to come out before saying anything. However, I wasn't totally mum about it because I posted a status message about it on my facebook wall. Haha.

Thinking about what to wear on the shoot was never a problem because we were initially told that the shots are medium close-ups anyway and that, they would put markings of a fake "I Choose Tattoo" tattoo on our body parts. I think my best asset are my shoulders so that was what I wanted to emphasize in my photo. I wore a plain off-shoulder shirt, crochet cover-up with golden beads and striped shorts. Everyone looked fabulous by the way!

We also met new bloggers over pizza dinner at Cyrus Panganiban's photo studio.

Would you believe this was my first time (and only time yet) wearing fake eyelashes? I would want to wear it more often sana if only I know how to put it on without it looking too fake. Haha.

The shoot was a lot of fun and you can really tell by looking at Paul and Ana here. Halooo guys!


I felt so much pressure after seeing these guys work it! Siyempre, di papakabog lola niyo! I wanted to look great in my photos like them. But if you're wondering why I don't have the others' photos, it's either they were already done by the time I arrived or I was busy chatting with everyone on the set. Haha.


Our billboards are finally out! Catch them at Katipunan, Edsa Pioneer, Lawton Manila. Will post the final photos in my next entry. :)  I just feel super blessed right now... I'm just so thankful to God for this, and for all his plans for me in the future.

#thankfulfortheblessings

Additional photos from Ava and Ana

Click for full feature here and see other bloggers like
Patricia Prieto, Vern Enciso, Danika Navarro, Ana Gonzales and more.

I find it really funny that during events, I'm always asked to pose for an outfit shot by photographers from either magazines or fashion websites. However, every time I check, I get a little bit sad because I always don't get to see myself published. But most of the time, I didn't mind and just shrug it off; always laughing my way to it and telling myself that "Oh, I didn't make the cut.Maybe the editors didn't like it or didn't find it worth publishing anyway."

So when Candymag.com representatives asked me to pose for a "spotted" feature, I told myself, here it goes again. I actually didn't bother checking if my photo was put up. Not until I saw Ana's blog post about it.

It's my first "spotted" feature ever. Thank you Candymag.com! I finally have a decent outfit photo of what I wore during the SoFA graduation show which I blogged about a few posts back.

What I wore: F-STOP | Fashion Stop Blazer (SHOP VINTAGE), thrifted sequined top (not seen), Jellybean tutu skirt and F-STOP Fashion Stop Lego heels (SHOP ASIAN).

I got this tutu skirt during the brand's end of season sale for such an affordable price! My mom actually insisted that I shouldn't buy it because the skirt seemed to be one-hit wonder. But I told myself that I could wear it to different occasions and I'll try to come up with various outfit ideas to prove to her that the only key to maximizing a closet piece is experimenting and mixing and matching; ain't that right? *wink*

Anyway, I here are Maja Salvador and Laureen Uy sporting the peach tutu as well!
I'm loving Jellybean nowadays for realz! I'm usually a sucker for edgy and androgynous pieces and so, I didn't really mind going to any Jellybean branches because its styles are too girly for my taste. But after pulling out a couple of clothes from the store with Aisa for our Meg Magazine July and August 2011 styling stint, I realized how cute its items are. I suddenly rediscovered the fun of feminine and flirty dressing. I can't wait to grab more pieces from the store especially the stylish shoes!

70s is said to be the fashion era that gave women more freedom when it comes to dressing up. It was a decade of hodgepodge styles: 1) from disco fashion of crazy eclectic prints, 2) to 60s hippie inspired fashion and ethnic looks, 3) to nostalgic influences from the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.

Recently, Kira of Elegantly Wasted, also a fashion and beauty writer of the Philippine Online Chronicles wrote an article about the modern and groovy 70s fashion of today. It features some key trends of the decade that are "now re-adapted to fit into a more modern template."

It's an honor for me to be a part of her feature along side my blog sister Pax of Drowning Equilibriums, Gela of Boat Ride Through the Sky, Angela of Lush Angel, including some of my favorite bloggers, Alex of Reluctant Stylista, Kookie of Death by Platforms and Bestie of The Capricious Club.

This is the look the I submitted for the feature.


I wore this crazy polka wide-legged pants during the first half of the Bloggers United event. I was so haggard I didn't even bother taking an outfit shot of it. But I loved the pants so much and so I said to myself, I would give it justice and hence, took a better photo of it since I had it up for sale on my shop, F-STOP (Fashion Stop).


We were all asked certain questions about how to avoid looking like a fashion victim when you wear this trend. The funny thing is, all of us have the same answers, well in essence; you know. Haha. To summarize, the main points (that we brought up) on wearing 70s fashion are:
1) Mix it with modern pieces to "update" the look.
2) Focus on one key piece at a time. Flare pants today, disco prints tomorrow.
3) Don't overdo it by going too crazy on the prints or accessories.

But then again, as Pax said, everyone's breaking the rules now. So if you're a daredevil, go ahead and wear what you want, how you want it! Just make sure kering-keri mo!
Read the rest of the article here and special thanks to Kira for the feature! :)

Photos by: Sarah Pascual

The girls were out that night!

Last February 28, I went to a radio show guesting with two of my best blogger friends Ava and Ana. Honey was supposed to be with us but it was so sad when at the very last minute she wasn't able to make it. I didn't bombard my blog and social networking accounts with announcements about it because I didn't want other people to perceive that I'm making a big deal out of it when honestly, in my heart, it actually is! Hahaha.

Thank you, thank you Karl Leuterio! You invited us to the Red Mango anniversary and product launch. If not for that, we wouldn't have met DJs Sam and Rick (Red Mango endorsers). I didn't really expect that they would invite us to come over to their show.


Blessing talaga yung nangyari. I know they go online everyday and they could have just searched the list of Philippine top bloggers but instead, they chose us. So I'm grateful for the experience and exposure Magic 89.9's Boys Night Out has given us. It's a humbling moment.


I remember while waiting, the three of us were just dead nervous and it showed in the interview! Obvious na nahihiya si Ana. Meanwhile, Ava (the one with the cutest voice) kept her answers short and sweet. On the other hand, baliktad ako, my jitters totally left me talking a lot (sorry naman, hehe mic whore? hindi ah!)... and stuttered a lot (kaloka!).


We had a lot of fun simply because the trio had great sense of humor and kept us laughing the whooole time - on and off air. After the show, I got greetings from clients and surprised friends who were tuned in to the show that night.

Firsts are really special. I know I speak for Ava and Ana. Love you girls! Ang saya! Namiss namin si Honey at Aisa (sayang wala kayo *frown*)!


Here's a copy of the show for those who missed it or for those who want to listen again. Nakaka-shy man, go lang, sige lang, haha! Enjoy!