Asian Unity in Diversity Exhibit

A photo contest was organized by Asia Society Philippine Foundation Inc. together with Shangri-La Plaza, AirAsia, Inc., Metrobank and Smart Infinity Business group. I dropped by Edsa Shangri-la last November 3 to check it out. There were selected judges who will have the final say but viewers can vote for their favorite entry to win the People's Choice Award. So I grabbed the pen got a ballot and voted. The photos were all beautiful and inspiring but I could only vote for one so I chose the photo entitled "Unity in Anonymity" by Michael Steven Ibarra.

I'm not an artist nor an expert or anything but I liked the against-the-light effect which shadowed the faces of the children. In unity, there's really no selection nor judgment. It happens when the people are all overpowered by the will to be as one. You don't look at one's race, gender, religion or background. In the picture you will just see the silhouette of the children hand-in-hand but not knowing their identity. For me this perfectly matched the theme.

[Note: Dear Mr Ibarra, I hope I'm not violating anything by sharing this.] 

I would also like to congratulate all those who joined as they were all deserving to win. =)

Weekend Eye Candy: Dreaming of a White Christmas

Saw this at Edsa Shangri-la mall. (Rustans g/f) last weekend.

Who said Christmas is just red, green or gold?

No ornaments just plain lights on a white tree, yet it was a lovely sight. =)

Kill Time at Resorts World Manila

Too early for your flight? No problem! Here's a short side trip if you have some hours to kill.

PLAN: Go to Game Zoo and Have coffee while watching a live band.

Bought a card at Game Zoo for P150 (P50 refundable upon return of card) (Time: 2-3pm)

Shoot some hoops, kill zombies, ride a motorcycle, hammer some mushrooms.

Feel like a race car driver, and play the most disappointing game EVERR. The price to catch was quite tempting though-- Magnum and Cornetto ice cream =) 

Release your stress with Penguin Paradise or if you have a friend with you, play ice hockey. =)

The price for each game was quite expensive if you would compare it to Time Zone, but I liked that it was not too crowded and it was very clean.

I'm sure you got a little tired. Now, its time to relax and unwind. Go to the casino area, order some drinks and enjoy the live band. (Time 3-4 pm). At first the band was playing some good old songs and later on they were singing new songs from Lady Gaga, BEP, J. Lo and even Carly Rae Jepsen (Call Me Maybe). If you know the songs, you can sing along (well, I did haha). 

I had so much fun that I almost forgot about my flight. I immediately rushed to find the the shuttle to T3 and catch my 6:30 flight. =P My major booboo was I missed the shuttle and took the cab instead and my flight was not at T3. Major panic!! But that's another story. =P I'll be doing this again soon =)

Quick Fix

Noticed something different about my Starbucks planner? Take a closer look.

The left side of my planner had a little mishap and the part with the paper got torn huhu =( Being the OC person that I am, I wanted to put it back together but the "injury" already had a scar. To cover it up, I decided to use my decorated scotch tape which I bought from Landmark. For it not to look like a freakin' band-aid I covered the whole left strip haha. 

I know it looks a bit weird but at least I wouldn't be bothered by the scar. The cute design, bright color and its peculiarity is just so me. Now I'm the only person with an amped SB planner =)

Love it or hate it? Share your thoughts!

Weekend Eye Candy: Vintage Luggage

Vintage Luggages at Shoppesville Greenhills

Saturday Trade Fair

I think this is the only trade fair attended by 5 people, but this is one of the best I've ever gone to. I called it a 'trade fair' because we got to exchange books, movies, series and whatever we had =P Remember the days when we trade up stationery and stickers? (aww.. i miss those days * reminiscing*) It was exactly like that. Plus a time to catch up, relax and plan for our October trip =) We met up at Army Navy BGC and had our burger lunch. It was my first time to try their burger and it was really good. I got worried the black sesame seeds would get stuck in my teeth (not good for photo ops and cute guys alert haha!). My friend Kai was also happy with the burger. (Thanks Gian for suggesting this.)

After lunch we decided to go to our next door neighbor (Starbucks), to chill, have coffee and plug our gadgets =) I was really amazed with the beautiful interiors of that branch. I think it's the first "Filipinized" Starbucks.

Then we became busy checking out what each one brought. While the girls were happy chit chatting, the boys played with Magic cards. 

I also borrowed Kai's book which made me look crazy (laughing alone in one corner). I'm so jealous she was able to get her book signed! =P

I'm a big fan of TMR. Kai and I are planning to visit them one day =) 

A fun-filled Saturday with my folks: Kai, Gian, Steph and Vic. It seems 5 hours is not enough haha. Can't wait for our trip =) See you guys soon =)

Loco Over Casio Retro

I’ve been borrowing my brothers’ stuff ever since I can remember. From shirts, to caps, belts, accessories and anything that I would find interesting. Every time I don’t feel like wearing anything in my closet, I would just go to their room,  and  check out their stuff haha =P They end up wondering why the top I’m wearing seems so familiar (haha sorry!). Then, I started noticing my older brother’s peculiar collection of old watches. I knew they were already out of style but I still borrowed it to complete my usual casual and/or sporty look. Surprisingly, he’s not the only one who is fond of retro watches, even my office colleagues are also part of the vintage-lovin’ bandwagon:

Let me start with my older brother's stuff:

(From left to right):

A. Casio Vintage Retro Gold Digital Watch A168WG A168 

B. Casio DBC-610GA-1DF Gold Retro Databank Watch

C. Casio Retro Style Digital Watch F-91W

This is my younger brother's watch which he just bought two weeks ago:

Casio Databank / Calculator 437 438 Black

A lot of watches from my boys right? Here are more awesome watches from my cool colleagues:

That's PD wearing his shiny and brand new silver Casio Retro A168 watch 

Meet Lovely. She's wearing a Casio 643 A300U "World Time" which was handed down from her mom =)

and last but not the least,

meet the ever-stylish Draco wearing Casio Databank (DBC-610A-1) metal band in silver

I know I don't have the eye for vintage stuff but while I was preparing for this post, I was surprised to know that my very own watch was also a Casio classic:

Mine was a Casio W800HG-9AV. It's quite big because it's for men haha. I like big watches and I'm one of the boys =P

I think this is the newest fashion trend. I visited a Casio store recently and I heard they are getting a lot of orders for these kinds of watches. They said it would take a while for the orders since they would get them from Japan. If I'm not mistaken, I think these watches are also being sold in Hong Kong because I saw some of these when I went there last June. =) Unfortunately, there are limited shops here in the Phil which offer vintage models. I got mine from an old watch store called "Citizen Emporium" in Manila a few years ago. I wanted to go back but I heard from my dad that they already moved (boohoo). Most of these watches were bought online.  So if you're digging this look, you can check Ebay or Multiply. You can also ask around because there are some people who directly sell these stuff. Prices range from P900-P4000 depending on the seller. =P Not bad right? Also, Casio is known for its quality that's why it would really be worth it. So, are you joining the club? =)

Hotspot: Robinsons Magnolia

A lot of my friends were checking in at Robinsons Magnolia and everyone just keeps talking about it so I decided to check it out last weekend. It was very accessible for me since it was only 1 ride away. I got out of the house, took the San Juan-Cubao jeepney right in front of our gate, hopped in and stopped at Hemady Street and I’m there! 

The main entrance is at the Aurora Blvd. side so I walked a few steps since all the side doors were all closed. 

The majestic hall reminded me of Greenbelt 5 because of the dazzling chandeliers and marble floors; and when I turned to see the stores, it was really like Greenbelt. 

Most of the stores were still closed but you can already see the “coming soon” signs of branded shops like GAP, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Muji, Beauty Bar, and the most-awaited Cotton On etc. While the mall is loaded with chic stores, their department store is really small =( Since I’m not really up for branded stuff, what would lure me back to this place are the yummy restos like Buffet 101, Yabu, Big Better Burgers and the new Ramen Bar which I’m really excited to try. 

Even their food court is quite upscale seeing Pepper Lunch! =P I would also like to try the new seats of their cinemas with some free popcorn haha =P  Lastly, I would like to reminisce my childhood days at the new but smaller version of Magnolia House to have some dessert or merienda and possibly have a short walk along the grass-covered area to burn the calories haha. 

Can’t wait for all the shops to open! This will definitely be a new hangout place for QC/San Juan peeps =)

What I'm Lovin' Now: Melona Ice Cream Bar

I've always wanted to try this ever since I first saw it at Saizen. Thanks to my friend Ching's birthday treat, I got the chance to finally taste it. I thought it was an ordinary melon-flavored ice drop (like twin popsies) but upon my first bite I was surprised that it was not "icey" but instead it was really creamy. It was really an ice cream bar on a stick! I loved the flavor (melon) and it had the right level of sweetness that would not make you sick haha. I could actually have another one but I was already freezing to death in the office=P
I can't wait to try the other flavors, I heard they are also good =)

Ching bought this from Rada Mart at P25 =) Melona ice cream bars are available at Korean convenience stores and certain supermarkets. Prices also range from P20-P40.

Bizarre Bazaar

Welcome to MSCI's first ever bazaar. This encouraged entrepreneurs in our office to showcase their own products and at the same time help raise funds. Even though I was only able to attend the first day, I'm glad I was able to try a lot of delicious food. =)

There was a booth that offered packed lunch but unfortunately I wasn't able to try it. It sold out after a few minutes before lunch time =P There was also a booth that offered cool shirts for men =)

 

Another sold out booth is Jaja and Sunny's "Yummy Treats". Good thing I was early and I got the chance to try their yummy red velvet cupcakes and their cheesecake bars =)

My favorite booth would be Tippi's corner, which had polvorons and the ever famous Blondies =) A lot of fanatics were already waiting for her delicious pastries before she even arrived.

That's Tippi or commonly known as Trish. Not only did she sell sweet pastries but it was also sweet of her to donate the proceeds to the victims of the recent 'Habagat'. 

Just before lunch time, a booth opened to sell different kinds of pasta. Since I was a pasta freak, I really wanted to try all (takaw lang). Since I know I couldn't finish everything, I just decided to try the penne and it was really good. =)

Congrats to the organizers for a successful event! Happy Shoppers and  Happy Sellers =) Looking forward to MSCI's future happenings =)

Weekend Eye Candy

Colored chandeliers at 50th Avenue Robinsons Galleria

Back to School Kikay Tools

June has officially started and that can only mean two things: it's the beginning of rainy season and kids will be back in school. For those who love kawaii stuff, check out these places where you can get super cute items to complete your school gear.

*['Kawaii' - a Japanese term meaning pretty, cute, lovely, charming]

Why stick to the usual boring stuff when it could be fun (and oh so lovely) =P

These items are from Landmark Department Store (Makati) and are very affordable. Their stuff are also perfect for gifts.

This is not a bookstore but this is in Saizen (Robinsons Galleria). All items are P85 each. The good thing is they don't just have items for school but they have stuff for the house, for the car, for the office, toys and food as well. 

I suddenly missed going to school and how I wrapped my books in colorful wrappers and my complete set of gel pens and highlighters. (My school stuff made me excited to go to school haha)

These quirky finds will surely amp up your campus life.
Start your school year with a bang. Be different. Standout. =) 

Flu Away

♫ Patron on the rocks and i'm ready for some shots ♪... (and I mean Flu shot haha) =P

 

Free flu shot sponsored by our company to protect us from the viral infection that can easily spread by coughing, sneezing and even talking.

Fluarix is an influenza virus vaccine produced by GlaxoSmithKline. 

Before administering the shot, the attending physician will have a short examination of your medical background. They would ask your previous shots, if you're pregnant and your history of allergies.Make sure that you are not allergic to egg proteins because its the shot's main component.

I totally forgot that it was vaccine day and I wore 3/4 fitted polo. (hassle sa muscle haha)

The nurse had to help me fold my sleeve up to my shoulder =S. The shot wasn't so bad. Well maybe because I got over my phobia with vaccines. I remember a time (childhood days) when I endlessly cried just because I was scared to death haha. The only adverse reaction that I felt was the slight pain and a little swelling at the injection site. It feels like I have bruise on my arm but its normal and the pain wasn't irritating. 

Get protected friends!=)

Chillax Friday: Leisure Dive =)

Everyone's constant complaint is how steaming our weather is. Imagine hitting 36.2 degrees? Ugh! Everytime I go out I feel like I'm entering a pre-heated oven. It makes me want to jump in a pool to cool down. 


But do you know there's a new way to throw yourselves in the water? 
It's called 'leisure dive'.
Leisure Dive is basically having a creative 'photo-ready' pose before you actually dive. It's that split-second moment before you hit the water. You must have a good photographer and a good camera to do this =P
I think it's better than planking. The only thing is it's quite hard to catch that moment and it could be dangerous.    


A great website compiled different leisure diving pics wherein you could also send your own entries.
(Photos from leisuredive.com) - - check this site to find more hilarious pics of 'leisure diving'

Cheap Thrills =)

#1 - Colour Collection Vitamin-Enriched Lipstick

I've been using my mom's lipstick for weeks now. I loved the shade and it's not drying my lips. The shade is Coral Flame and can be bought from your direct selling agents for only P169. I would definitely repurchase once this runs out. =)

#2 - Human Nature Citronella Bug Spray + Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil

I needed another bottle of citronella spray since I'm a certified "habulin" (not of boys) but of mosquitoes. =P The good thing about this product is it's organic and inexpensive (P99). It also doesn't just protect you from mosquitoes but it also has essential oils to keep your skin moisturized. The sunflower beauty oil has a lot of uses - makeup remover, hair serum, undereye whitener and can lighten stretchmarks and underarms with daily use. Also, this all-around product is very affordable (P 129.75).

#3 - FitFlops Walkstar I (Black)

I tried my mom's everyday footwear as she told me how comfy it was. I actually liked it but I thought it was quite expensive for me (being kuripot that I am). But thanks to a friend (Ryan) who informed me about the Warehouse sale, that I got my own pair for 80% off =) Yey!

# 4 - Mendrez Camel Sandals

I wanted to have a light-colored sandals, good for everyday wear and inexpensive.

I found the perfect pair at Mendrez for only P599. =)

More kuripot buys soon =)