Style and Soul

The UP College Admission Test (a.k.a UPCAT) will be held this coming August 4 - 5, which will fall on a Saturday and Sunday. I can't help but be excited for those of you who will be taking the exam. A college entrance test means you're four (or more) years closer to getting into what the adults call the real world. 

I'm not so sure how many high school students are actually reading my blog. But if you're one of them, well first things first: I wish you the best of luck! I can imagine how nervous you probably are since not too long ago (ooowwws? haha) I was one of those senior high school kids, who like you, applied to the University of the Philippines.

UP is said to be the premiere university in the country. (Emphasize on the word "said to be." I purposely didn't claim it as a "matter of fact" because I honestly believe that a lot of schools are equally competent in giving quality education and have produced successful individuals as well.) Due to this "reputation," tens of thousands of students all over the country take their chances on possibly acing this entrance exam with hopes of studying in their "dream" school.

So let's go back to the title question. Is there really a secret to passing the UPCAT?

Being a freelance events host is one of the things I never thought I'd be right now. It would probably be so difficult to believe that I never hosted any significant college event in the past. One of the things I wish I did in college was to try out for a freshman orientation program (one of the biggest gatherings in UP during my time) or any event that my organizations would set up.

Hosting was something I only did for my classes and the reason why it has become one of the many jobs that I juggle is because it started when my relatives and close friends would ask me to do it as a favor and I just couldn't say no; with all of them assuming I'd pull it off since I took up Broadcast Communication.

And you know what? I'm so glad I was once forced to do it because deep inside I really wanted to. My fear of failure in front of an audience and my own personal insecurities just held me back. Thank God someone gave me one hard push and made me see how stupid it was to second guess myself.
A few days ago, as I was checking out which photos to blog about and found pictures of my hosting stints. I thought to myself, how can I blog about these and my work without sounding like either such a show-off or such a one-note blogger - "Today I did this and that..." "Today I hosted an event and it went like this..." "Today I had a shoot for... and it was so awesome..." Boring right? (no offense meant so don't take anything personally) So we will skip all of that.

A lot of people are afraid to put themselves up a platform - whether its a stage, in front of the camera or a social media account. By exposing one's self to an "audience," people are susceptible to humiliation and judgment; two of the things that a lot of them cannot take. The thing is, all people are gifted. Talents vary from hosting, singing, acting, writing, to several other mind-blowing skills. But of all the talented people in the world, a huge portion of them are really scared to put themselves "out there."

It's the same old problem most of us have. A lot of us are either too shy or too insecure. But believe me, you can and will get past that - the way I managed to.

Not knowing where to buy ombre tights in the Philippines, I searched the ever-reliable Google for shops carrying these products and found BZR Shop in Etsy selling these for a hefty price tag of $50 or around P2,000. Each product is hand-dyed and made-to-order. For budget fashionistas like us, we tend to have a guilty feeling whenever we purchase an item for a price that we know is of worth a lot more pieces, right?

If you're a budget fashionista like me, good thing about our style philosophy is that we don't need to spend to be our stylish self. It simply takes frugal spending and creativity to keep up with fast fashion and trends. In the case of the ombre tights, don't you worry because you can very much do it yourself. Read further below to learn how!

You don't have to wait for forever. 

Forever 21, one of the giant US fashion retailers is now in Quezon City. I bet fashion enthusiasts residing in QC like me couldn't be more than delighted with this news. So far, F21 in Philippines has branches in SM Megamall, SM Makati and SM City Cebu. 

Starting April 20, QC stylistas and F21 fans will never have to go that far. 

Looking back at my experience when the first F21 branch opened in SM Megamall July of 2010, I endured the long lines, the crowded store and the packed dressing rooms. I wouldn't be surprised if the very same scenario occurs once again. 

Since I've been to both F21 openings here in Manila, I've come up with a few reminders which are all based on experience, which you would probably find useful if you're a first-timer this Friday.