Friday, October 1, 2010

Halloween -- Trick or Treat?


I've long been meaning to write however, I just started my new home-based job so I am reading a lot of modules and training materials to better equip me to face the challenges ahead.

September will be over in a couple of minutes [maybe it will be over even before I publish this post]. As early as the first week of this month, as I was doing my usual mall rounds [ha!] I've seen the usual Halloween stuff. Ah, these retail stores are gearing up for the Halloween as early as September (?) I though, do we really celebrate Halloween as they do in other countries? I'm not talking about the visiting of the departed dearly beloveds armed with flowers, candles and what-have-yous. I am referring to the commercialized aspect of Halloween -- attending costume parties here and a li'l of trick-and-treat there, you get my drift? Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against going to parties and dressing up as what - a vampire? LOL. fairies, princess, witch, ghouls and sometimes even superheroes. In fact, back then, we will always dress up and have a family reunion with a Halloween theme!

I remember, as a child I always ended up with the wicked witch costume, while I love the black polish and the goth make-up [not to mention, I can easily get away with my antsy and bratty attitude], as a kid I would like to experience dressing up as a dainty, li'l princess or fairy! But I've come to terms with the idea that I may not be too dainty to be that all sugar-y sweet character/s! Ah, bitterness sucks! :P

Nowadays Halloween is highly commercialized and overrated! It would be nice if we spend this season with friends and family [with our departed loved ones] to party  to remember them or to just simply pray for the repose of their souls instead to partying with some random colleagues who are just really backstabbing strangers!

Anyhoo, below are the displays and other Halloween stuff of some famous malls.


The usual 'hideous' masks
Halloween Display
Masks with feather
 Below is a photo of li'l witches from last year's Halloween party.

Ah! I remember my childhood costume! lol.

With this, I wish you all a spooky Halloween! ^_^



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Thursday, September 23, 2010

A Weekend of Laughing, Babies & Stories


I keep on forgetting that I should be posting something here in my own blog -- it is just so easy to blog hop and read what everyone else wrote. Sometimes Oftentimes, I am just so engrossed reading other people's blogs, their opinions on food, fashion, new gadgets, make up, what they have to say on the most latest movie/s or where they travel [I think I can go an entire day sticking up my nose on other people's life - or in this case, cyber world! HAHA]

Anyhoo, I love easy and light Saturdays with a lot of laughing, goofing around and story-telling. Yes you guessed it right, I spent my weekend over with my BFFs and visited the family [aside from our own] that has been close to our hearts. I missed them a a whole bunch as it seems we haven't seen each other since forever. Ever since we graduated from college, we have been perennially busy and so, what used to be the every-Friday-date turned to be twice every month to once a month and been recently down to every two months or worse, quarterly. Haist.

But on to the good news...  We went somewhere in Rizal and visit the minions.. err, babies of Ate Y. The firstborn is already almost 2yrs old and we well I, still haven't seen them again, in person that is. We chatted, gossiped, laughed and throw jokes at each other as if we've seen each other only yesterday. It's good that we can be apart for a long time and yet when we get-together, it seems that time was never really lost. Ah, good friends!

Here are some of the photos I took...
She is tiny and looks so fragile.
She's a breech baby, the reason her mom delivered her via CS.

Ain't she a cute li'l bundle?
The following photos are of the camera-loving li'l boy.

This is the first time we met and when I whip out my camera, he gave a ready face. LOL


A popcorn lover. Yay!

Aww.. his 'pity-me-look' when you won't give him iced tea.
Look at those chubby cheeks.. so cute.. was able to pinch 'em! Ha!
The gist: We played with Ethan [who looks more like a toddler than a 1.5 yr old babe that he is]. We had mini photo shoot courtesy of my uber photographer friend, Jo! 'Twas fun being with your closest friends and the babies! Yay!


photo taken by Jo, swiped from his Facebook

Hoping for a weekend getaway, this time let's hit the beach again! Ah, can't remember the last time we went out of town! [Our trip to Anawangin, Zambales doesn't count as it was just a day trip! Boo!]


BTW, allow me to share my portrait of the day.. please be kind to my bare, makeup-less face, I had this taken after a long and tiring day without re-touch! lol


hah! I think I need to learn makeup lessons.
Maybe I should attend the lessons this Saturday, eh?



How's your [last] weekend? Sending some weekend love.. Oh! It's almost weekend again! haha

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Friday, September 17, 2010

BDJ Rendezvous: Unleash Your Personal Style


The ultimate fasyon planner is cooking yet another rendezvous not long after its recently concluded event entitled, BDJ Rendezvous: Your Confidence Check-Up.

I have attended the event last September 11 at The Ramp Crossings, Shangri-La Mall, Edsa and haven't blogged it yet, so that would be an entirely different post. For the mean time, those who wanted to join the event can read on the mechanics and more details after the jump.

click to enlarge
Belle De Jour's third Rendezvous event of the year is entitled Unleash Your Personal Style will be on September 25, 2010, Saturday between 1PM to 5:30 PM at The Ramp Crossings in Trinoma Mall, Quezon City. 

TOPICS:
MINDING THE DETAILS| Give yourself a fashion makeover with these foolproof styling techniques! Buy smarter and look better to get a totally fabulous new look!
STYLING YOUR NOOK | Reinvent your space with these amazing room designsolutions!
GETTING CRAFTY| Learn how to construct and craft these Do-It-Yourself gifts in time for Christmas season!


HOW TO JOIN:
This will be an intimate affair, open to ACTIVE Belle de Jour Girls. To make this more exciting, we will be offering exclusive invites to the FIRST 60 GIRLS. For an added twist:
1. Only the FIRST 20 Room Photo Entries will be accepted. (Send a photo of you in your favorite room in your house while holding the 2010 Belle de Jour Planner.) Also, answer these questions: (1) What room is it? and, (2)  why is it your favorite part of the house?
2. Only the FIRST 40 Coupon Photo Entries will be accepted (send a photo of 13 used 2010 BDJ coupons).
E-mail your photo, name, e-mail address and cellphone number to bdjgirls@belledejourpowerplanner.com and await our confirmation e-mail. We're accepting submissions from September 15 to September 23, 2010.

Hurry limited slots only! Hope to see you there!

Will you be joining another tete-a-tete with the fab girls?  Send me some love,




*Photo/poster owned by Viviamo Inc!, send to my inbox for announcement purposes only. No copyright infringement intended. 
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Thursday, September 16, 2010

[Event] Manila Sound at Resorts World Manila


Resorts World Manila has been creating a buzz lately, though it's not that surprising as it is one of the most luxurious chains of hotels in the world. It is a sister company of Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore and Resorts World Genting in Malaysia. It is a new luxury casino resort located in Newport City, across Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. This resort is said to be a joint venture between AGI and Star Cruises.*

RWM is inviting everyone to get groovy and catch the Manila Sound Project at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Go disco-dancing to the music of Hagibis, Hotdog and VST& Co. on September 25, 2010 at 7:30 PM.

Tickets start at P1,000. Call 836-3333 for more information or visit any TicketNet Outlet.  Poster after the jump.

photo source: RWM 

If you are asking what or who Manila Sound is, well, I did a li'l research for you guys. So read on..

Manila Sound is a musical genre based in the Philippines that began in late 1960s and flourished in the early to mid 1970s. This was popularized by a pop rock band called Hotdog with their hits, "Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko", "'Manila'" and "Beh Buti Nga", it was characterized by catchy melodic phrases. It is said to characterize the disco fever in the Philippines during that time.  It also ushered a procession of calculated radio hits by groups such as Cinderella, VST & Co., Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, Florante, Rico J. Puno and Hagibis, among others.*


Do you love OPM disco music too? Drop by the event and groove to the beat.


love n kisses,







*Photo owned by Resorts World Manila and was sent to me for announcement purposes only. No copyright infringement intended.


*Manila Sound info source: Wikipedia
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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Akira Kurosawa Film Fest


I have always been a fan of stage plays and film festivals featuring international artists/directors and even those local indie films (they are called such because they are created by independent film makers, not sensationalized by local network giants) that are usually not given prime tube ad spot. Those that doesn't have the latest 'it boy/girl' in their cast. Those that 'flop' in our local film industry but are given due recognition by international entertainment tycoons. Ah, the ironies in life.

Anyhoo, I am not here to discuss and unravel details and difference of mainstream films and those that are 'indie'. I would like to share that there will be a Kurosawa Film Festival running from September 15 to 19, 2010 at the CCP Dream Theater. Screenings are open to the public and free of charge.

in original 35MM format
photo source: CCP website


Screening Schedule

Sept 14 7 PM Throne of Blood (Invitational) **
Sept 15 10 AM The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail
          1 PM The Bad Sleep Well
          4:30 PM To Live (Ikiru)
          7 PM Judo Saga (Sugata Sanshiro)
Sept 16 10 AM The Most Beautiful
          1 PM High and Low
          4:30 PM The Hidden Fortress
          7 PM Drunken Angel
Sept 17 10 AM Sanjuro
          1 PM Red Beard
          4:30 PM Stray Dog
          7 PM In the Woods (Rashomon)
Sept 18 10 AM No Regrets for Our Youth
          1 PM Seven Samurai
          4:30 PM Yojimbo (a.k.a. The Bodyguard)
          7 PM Judo Saga Part 2 (Zoku Sugata Sanshiro)
Sept 19 10 AM One Wonderful Sunday
          1 PM Dodes'kaden
          4:30 PM The Lower Depths
          7 PM I Live in Fear

** Invitational event at the CCP Little Theater, signifying the opening launch of the film festival.

For more information, check the Cultural Center of the Philippines' website.

I'll be dropping by with college bffs over the weekend, then perhaps Manila Book Fair after.

How are you gonna spend your weekend? Do you ♥ films too?


*Photos are owned by respective owners. No copyright infringement intended. 



love n kisses,

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Sunday, September 12, 2010

The Great Asian Secrets Giveaway: P40,000 worth of prizes!


Every girl wants to look good - some makes extra effort to look really good and put on enhancers, like make up, while others are much simpler and loves their face, au naturelle. But whether you are the girlie-girl type or the simple gal you definitely have secret rituals to keep your skin clean and looking fresh, yes? After all, a clean face is a good canvas (if you're going to put colors/makeup).

Let me share some of my not-so-secret skin care regimen.

#1 Cleanse. If you are wearing make up, you need to have a good cleansing oil to remove all the grime. Personal favorite is Shu Uemera (you can also use Pond's cold cream), then followed by your trusty foamy facial wash to remove the oily feeling or the oily traces from the cleansing oil. I have a sensitive skin and the only products that don't make me break out are Neutrogena Facial Cleanser and Celeteque Facial Cleanser.

#2 Tone. Toners are facial lotion or wash that cleanse the skin and helps tighten pores. However, I've recently learned from a dermatologist that if you have dry skin, it's better to skip the toner as it will rid your face of moisture. In the past, I have bumps on my forehead (it's not really a pimple, it's more on well -- for lack of a better word, a bump!)  and so I used VMV Superskin 2 Primer as I have a combination skin type -- for the un-oriented, it is when the T-zone, meaning the forehead-nose-chin area, is oily and the cheeks are dry. I used it once a week for 1 month, then 2x/week for another month and then every other day for one month as prescribed by in-house dermatologist. I'm happy to report that it worked for me (yes me who have a real real cosmeceutical-sensitive skin!).

Currently, I switched to Human ♥ Nature Tomato and Lemongrass Toner, an organic and gentler toner as my forehead is already bump-free.

#3 Moisturize. A good moisturizer is your skin's best friend. No matter how oily you think your face is, do not skip moisturizers, instead opt for a water-based one, like Celeteque Facial Moisturizer. It contains Pro-Vitamin B5 (deep penetrating moisturizer), Aloe Vera (natural extract that soften and soothes skin)and Glycerin (binds water to the skin to prevent moisture loss) that provides optimum hydration without the greasy and icky feel. Now I'm sounding like a commercial voice-over.
**During nighttime, I use Emu Oil to soothe and rejuvenate my skin.

#4 Protection from the sun. I never leave the house unprotected. Exposing your skin to the sun's harmful rays without any sunblock on, is like going to the battlefield without bullet proof vest. Put sunblock and half the skin battle is won. I swear by Neutrogena Ultra Sheer with Helioplex SPF 50 as it's waterlight, hence good for daily use without the heavy feel that are typically associated with sunblock.
**BTW, I use sunblock even if it's cloudy as the UV rays are just hiding behind the clouds and also, UV rays penetrate the clothes.

#5 Exfoliate. Once a week (aside from my daily body wash of course), I make it a point to use body scrubs to help my skin dislodge dry and dead skin cells and make way for new ones. I use the rice bran scrub my mom got me from Human and the Spa Milk Salt from Venus&Mars (an online store which houses organic products and the famed emu oil) [segue: I also got my antibacterial, soft, non-irritating and affordable make up brush set from them!]
 Whenever I'm feeling really masipag, I use my own concoction which contains brown sugar, olive oil and calamansi/lemon (you can also use rock salt, but I prefer brown sugar as it has a finer texture).

I love scrubs so it's really nice if I will win so I can try the Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub (if I don't, but I really hope I will! haha, I will still buy it so I can try it! :D) Oh! btw, I have tried a soap with lulur as the active ingredient and I love it, it's one of my favorite soaps.

#6 Masks. My extended beauty ritual secrets included facial masks and eye masks. I either use a ready-made mask which I get from Etude House or The Face Shop (they have really good facial masks) or again I use my ingenuity to create my own (LOL). My home-made version mainly consist of A) egg whites, milk and honey -- it tightens pores and minimize wrinkles (this is my mom's favorite as it really tightens her skin/pores instantly and she says her face glows after each use) ; B) egg whites, lemon juice/calamansi, oatmeal, olive oil -- it can treat dry skin, acne and eliminates redness (based on personal experience)

For eyes, I use the good ol' chilled cucumber. Oh, and after washing my face I rub ice cubes all over as it tightens pores and I love the chilly feeling. teehee ^_^

So now it's out! I am indeed vain! *blushes* The above are my moments of vanity and my way of loving and pampering my skin. I have tons of these, like, spot treatments for zits, how to keep my feet from drying and heels from cracking, what home-made mask/s I use for my hair, etc.. but I may bore you to death and mayhap, you girls know it already. :p

You too can share your beauty tips and join the contest Liz (of Project Vanity) is hosting. The mechanics are simple and you can win great prizes. More details after the jump.



 The Mechanics.

1. Simply write an answer to this question!
For the brides: The big day draws near and you have to look perfect. How do you plan to look your best? You're encouraged to talk about your gown, makeup artist, desired look, motif, beauty rituals, and how Asian Secrets can help you on your big day.
For the general readers: What are your beauty secrets? Youʼre encouraged to talk about the beauty products, tips, tricks that you swear by, plus how Asian Secrets can be incorporated in your routine.
2. Once you have it, blog your answer (+1 entry) and/or post it as a note on Facebook (+1 entry). Donʼt forget to include four things: your answer to the question, the contest poster, mechanics, and link to the contest page. You can also promote this contest on Twitter (+1 entry), and Plurk (+1 entry) for more chances of winning. For Twitter and Plurk entries, include the hashtag #asiansecrets.
3. Post all the direct links of your entries in the comments page (below). Donʼt forget this step, because without it, we wonʼt know you joined! Also include a valid email address.
 Prizes at stake.

For the Brides-to-be: full body makeover package worth P15,000. It will include a relaxing spa day, waxing, hair cut, color, facial, nails, makeup lessons, and other similar treatments in the best salons all over the metro. Aside from that, we will also be giving the lucky bride a beauty loot worth P5,000 which she can use on her wedding day. She will also win a supply of Asian Secrets. 
Not a bride-to-be? Don't worry! There will be a second winner. The winner will get a 32 gig iPod Touch to help with her daily productivity and lifestyle. She will also get a beauty loot worth P6,000 full of goodies. She will also win a supply of Asian Secrets.
Reminders:
This contest is open only to those who live or can travel to Metro Manila. Transportation will not be reimbursed.
The winner who wins the bridal package should be personally available on the whole day of October 2, Saturday, for the makeover and turnover of products, which I will cover for my blog. Date is tentative and may be moved.
The winner of the iPod + makeup should be available on October 2 to personally claim the products from me. No shipping. Date is tentative and may be moved.

They will be announcing the grand winners on October 1 at 6 PM. Hop on to their page to see the full details of the contest. Click here.

GoodLuck to y'all! **crossing my fingers and ankles and hoping to win** as I have never won any blog contests to date! ampft..

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Friday, September 10, 2010

On My Side Table: Queen of the Damned


Long before Twilight even exist, there is already the Vampire Chronicles and before we have Stephenie Meyer, Anne Rice already gave us bits and pieces about vampires and their world.

I remember watching Interview with the Vampire starring Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Kirsten Dunst. As a child, I have always been fascinated by the mysteries of vampires and the underworld (I really don't like our local horror stories -- mostly because, local aswangs or manananggals are ugly and really scary, while their international counterpart, the vampires and the famed Count Dracula appears to be really noble and handsome). As Edward says, everything about them is beautiful to their prey.

I have yet to read Queen of the Damned and I guess I haven't seen the movie either (don't worry, I know the lead star! ;p) 

Bear with my watermark, 'tis my first time using photoshop CS5, thank you!
*Anne Rice was born Howard Allen O'Brien on October 4, 1941and is a best-selling American author of gothic, erotic and religious-themed books from New Orleans, Louisiana. She was married to poet nd painter, Stan Rice for 41 years until his death from cancer in 2002. Her books have sold nearly 100 million copies, making her one of the most widely read authors in modern history.

For more information about her and to check her latest work, visit her website. 



*source about the author:Wikipedia




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Thursday, September 9, 2010

Of Nicholas Sparks and Miley Cyrus (The Last Song Movie)


I have always been a fan of Nicholas Sparks. If I want a good cry, I'll read his books. It's not that his books are one-of-a-kind and 100% extraordinaire, but there's something extraordinary on how he delivers those ordinary stories, you get my drift?  His novels are truly heart-wrenching and a tear-jerker.

A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe, A Bend in the Road (though it doesn't have a film adaptation yet) Dear John -- Name it, I've read it and watched it! I may not like the interpretation of the movie but I have always liked the book.  I have been a couch potato lately; I've watched almost all the new movies that have been released. I then remembered that I haven't watched the movie version of Nicholas Sparks'  The Last Song (and haven't read it either!) During its launch, when the movie have been creating it's buzz, I wasn't at all excited to watch it primarily because of my negative bias the lead star is Miley Cyrus and I'm not a fan, thank you very much. So what made me decide to watch it now? Boredom I may say and curiosity if I may add!

Movie poster of The Last Song
It was awkward watching Cyrus act (not that I have ever seen her perform or sing) and looking at her has not been easy on my eyes. Sure she may have her fair share of fans as a singer, but as an actor, she is rather stiff. The upside is the acting of Greg Kinnear who is quite moving as the ailing father (Steve Miller). There are touching moments within the Miller family drama, but then you snap out of it and fear that Miley Cyrus might belt out a song, I know I was.



The movie's official trailer

The Plot. It revolves around the teenage daughter, Veronica Miller whose life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Tybee Island, Georgia. Three years and rebellion schemes later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, especially her father ... until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer on the the island with him and her brother. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story about love in its myriad forms. It's also about heartbreak, healing, secrets, salvation and second chances.

This film is directed by Julie Anne Robinson.


*Photos and videos are owned by respective owners. No copyright infringement intended. 

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Saturday, September 4, 2010

Let's Party Like the 1980s


I always wonder what was 1980's like. I was born in mid 80's but was not old enough to have a decent experience of this era. All I can remember is the humongous shoulder pads and real big wigs 'do. This is also the era of the baby boomers (methinks!) and the decade with a tremendous population growth.

1980's Hair Styles. This is the glorious era for bangs (as in a full bangs) and teased-hairs.


Shoulder pads. This trend is re-emerging, but still I wouldn't be caught dead wearing it (may pait! haha)
2010 Collection
1980's shoulder pads



Princess of Wales. I remember vaguely that Princess Diana is the Fashion Icon. High-necked frilly ruffled blouses, pearls, floral skirts, romantic ball gowns & tweed suits emerged in the fashion scene.

people mourned at her sudden death during the car crash in Paris in 1997

Music Videos. We grooved into Michael Jackson's and Madonna's music. Who would forget Duran-Duran, Prince, Queen and metal bands such as Guns N Roses and Bon Jovi? You probably tried to do the 'moonwalk dance', yes? And loved the Beatles' and John Lennon too!

E.T. the Extra-terrestrial was such a big hit that your childhood wouldn't be complete if you haven't watched it yet. Star Wars wowed the crowd as well as Batman and a personal favorite, "Who'd you gonna call?", Ghostbusters!

Methinks, the '80s is such a colorful era for the entertainment and fashion industry and became pivotal in shaping the said industries today.

Moving on, I would love to relive that era even through this musical play coming on October. I know that The Wedding Singer is a 90's movie, but hey look at those enormous shoulder pads and humongous big hair. Then, again the theme of the musical is "Let's Party Like it's 1985" 

Poster and details after the jump.




Sunday, October 23 - November 17, 2010 at the Meralco Theater

I love musical plays (well, I love plays per se) and since I wasn't able to watch Cats nor Legally Blonde, as early as now I will be reserving my tickets to this play!


What do you guys think of the 80's? What do you remember? Did you like The Wedding Singer, the movie?

PS: This poster was sent via email by Belle de Jour, yes the power planner. :)



*Photos are owned by respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
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Thursday, September 2, 2010

Oh Mon Dieu! Watch out for Season 4


I know, I just can't get enough of 'em!

image from 'Double Identity' episode (hmm, intriguing huh?)


It's September and one of the many reasons I look forward to this month is the return of Manhattan's upper east side's irritatingly adorable characters!

Are you ready to peak once again at their scandalously interesting lives? Here's a sneak peak..



Mark your calendars, September 13 it is!

You know you want to! *wink*

xoxo,

Gossip Girl.. er.. sorry got carried away ;)

PS: I am also waiting for another favorite series, The Vampire Diaries -- oh yeah! the Kat is back! Yay!



*Photos and videos are owned by respective owners. No copyright infringement intended. 
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