I became part of Philippine fashion history last night, and until now I am still reeling from the excitement of it all!

Move to the Vibe of Glorietta was held in Palm Drive to celebrate the opening of Glorietta's new wing. This is not just any other event, mind you. More than anything else, it aimed to beat the current Guinness World Record [held by Istanbul with 1,967 models] for the Most Number of People Modelling in the Catwalk! So, did we succeed? Read on.

I walked for shoe brand Ferretti through the invitation of its PR and Marketing Manager/ blogger Liz Lanuzo. I told you how I conceptualized the Holly Golightly-inspired look I went for on a previous post, and here's the result (thanks for taking my photos, Kira!):

Headband - SM Accessories | Dress - Miss Sixty | Heels - Ferretti

Lace gloves - SM Dept Store | Necklace - SM Accessories | Bracelet and ring - YRYS

What do you think? Can I have Breakfast at Tiffany's any time soon?

Special thanks to Miss Mira Villanueva, Estee Lauder Philippines, and Miss Rose for my makeup. I couldn't have looked like this without them. I wish I could look like this every day: pretty without going too overboard. :)

Rose put this specific shade on lipstick on me because I told her I have a tube of it, making it easier for touch-ups. I will publish a review of this Estee Lauder lipstick soon!

I was not able to take a lot of pictures after our makeup was applied because we stayed in the holding area for more than an hour before the event started. I was calm and collected at first, even sharing tales-from-our-teenage-years with these beautiful beauty bloggers:

Shen

Jheng and Martha

Matching colored shoes with Martha

Butterflies started fluttering in my stomach once we were called to proceed backstage.


Before I knew it, it was time to walk the ramp!



Big thanks to Ana for taking my runway photos! To be honest, everything was a blur the moment I stepped on the catwalk. I do know there were a lot of people based on the cheers I heard, but those from Ana and Earth were the loudest so I was able to see them ♥ I don't know if I walked properly, and I wasn't even able to hold my pose in front for four seconds. I'm just thankful I didn't trip nor slip because everything felt so surreal!

The event was hosted by Billy Crawford and Bianca Gonzalez and aside from the catwalk show, international sensation Kyle Patrick and OPM legend Bamboo were also there to serenade the audience. A lot of my blogger friends were also part of the show but I wasn't able to see them because of the crowd, but it's alright because you know what? We did beat a world record that night!

Photo from AVA

All 2,255 of us models ensured the Philippines gets the top spot! The results were declared official by official Guinness World Record representative and judge Kirsty Bennet. I felt so happy when this was announced because it made all the preparations worth it!

This is definitely one for the books - something to tell my future grandchildren (and anyone who would care to listen LOL) someday. Huge thanks to Ayala Malls-Glorietta, AVA, Tattoo Black, Estee Lauder Philippines, Ferretti, and Liz for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

So the thing I've been excited about since last week is happening tonight: to celebrate the opening of Glorietta's new wing, Glorietta Vibe. Ayala teamed up with AVA to organize a fashion show that will attempt to beat the Guinness World Record of Most Number of People Modelling in the Catwalk! I, together with several beauty bloggers, will walk for local shoe brand Ferretti, our make-up will be done by Estee Lauder brands, and the look I will go for was inspired by Holly Golightly. Isn't that exciting?

The show will start at 6 PM and admission is free for all, so come if you can! For those who can't, you can also watch it online.

It'll be my first time to walk down the runway so I promise I will try my hardest not to trip or slip or whatever. I guess the number of cameras that will be sure to document that misfortune for posterity is enough motivation for me to not mess it up! ;p

So many preparations for what is essentially a 30-second exposure, but as you know I almost always prefer the preparing-for-an-event part more than the actual event itself haha. Look, I even painted my nails last night!

Call-time for make-up and other stuff is 2:30. Wish me luck and I hope to see you later! :)

Classic and oh-so-elegant, Audrey Hepburn's portrayal of Holly Golightly in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's is probably the most influential fashion icon that film has produced. People from all over the world were smitten by her charm, and many have attempted to emulate her style, or at least create looks inspired by her,  myself included.

I've already told you about me being asked to walk the runway for Ferretti on Thursday for the Philippines' attempt to beat the Guinness World Record for Most People Modeling on a Catwalk. Liz chose which shoes will be assigned to us depending on our personality and style and I must say, I love her choice for me! We need to come up with our own black-colored outfits though, and because I love dressing up for things like this ― my favorite part is always the dressing up part; I love it even more than the event proper itself ― I've already decided on the look I will go for the moment I received Liz's email.

Here is the inspiration board I made:


That is not the exact dress I will wear. I will actually wear a calf-length sleeveless bodycon dress from Miss Sixty but I can't find a photo of it online. It being a bodycon (read: not forgiving on extra flabs), I need to make sure I won't look bloated on Thursday! The back is also made of just lace so it's elegant and sexy without looking too daring. A layered pearl necklace, lace gloves, a mini tiara or headband, and Laura Mercier Moderne Red Nail Lacquer from the Art Deco Muse collection will complete the look. Oh yeah, the Estee Lauder group also offered to do our make-up on the day itself, yay!

And this is why I'm so happy about the shoes Liz assigned to me! I will wear this:


I planned to ask for an all-black pair instead, but I figured the red-orange details actually add a touch of modern sophistication to the over-all look I am going for.

So what do you think? Did I pass the attempt-to-emulate-Audrey Hepburn test? What about you, who are some movie characters that you consider your fashion icon? My other answer is Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw.

I hope to see you on Thursday! :)

The sights and the sounds, the scents and the smiles. Ahhh. Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year!

Anyone here done with their Christmas shopping already? I have prepared my list but I haven't accomplished any shopping yet, although I've gone on a few trips to the mall for some blogging errands. That being said, here are some of my recent finds that you might find useful for yourself or someone else ;)

I've wanted my own Oxygen Reversible Jeans since last year but the ones I tried before were too big for me. Yesterday, I arrived a little late at the Pop of Colors party held in the TriNoma branch (I actually got there too early so they told me to return after a while but I didn't notice the time haha) so with just twenty seconds to spare, I grabbed the first thing that caught my eye! Good thing it's this pair! I've been "collecting" jeans from different brands lately but I don't have red-colored ones yet plus this is Reversible so this is perfect. At P1,499 a pop, Reversible Jeans gives you more bang for your buck since it offers two instant looks in one. I love it.

After a quickie-but-goodie shopping stop at Oxygen, my blogger girl friends and I were ushered to ForMe for another round of shopping. My closet is still filled with clothes I've been wearing since high school and college (read: a little too young for me) so I figured I should update my wardrobe soon. I made a beeline to the section carrying these tees for casual days (plains: one for P398, buy one and the second shirt will cost only P199 | striped tees: P598 each) and also added a black sleeveless top (P1,398) for the office.

On Thursday, the Philippines will aim to beat the Guinness World Record for the Most People Modeling on a Catwalk to celebrate the opening of the new Glorietta Vibe, powered by AVA. I have been asked to walk the runway for Ferretti by Liz, brand consultant and beauty blogger. I am so excited for this that I even made an inspiration board! I'll show it to you tomorrow, but right now all I can tell you is that my look will be very Holly Golightly-inspired, thus the pearl choker and headband (I think I would prefer to wear a mini tiara, though, since Audrey Hepburn was wearing one in the movie.) ^_^

To ensure that the shoes we will wear to the show fit perfectly, we are asked to visit the store to try them on. I haven't received my design assignment when I went there last Thursday, but I still enjoyed trying on the different shoes available. When I slipped on this particular pair though, I fell instantly in love. The color's so pretty and I swear it is the most comfortable pair of pumps I've ever tried on! A steal at P1,699, I wanted to get it in all colors (aqua, yellow, black and soft pink)!

A couple of weeks ago I was able to attend the launch of Laura Mercier's holiday collection and I loved everything! Told ya fall/ winter collections are my favorite when it comes to beauty products. Please watch out for my post about these soon but for the meantime, check out Sarah's recounting of what happened during the event here. 

At least I'm done shopping for the art materials I'll be using for the Christmas cards I am going to make. I should be able to finish making and sending them out within this week. I am so excited to add a little Christmas cheer to my friends from all over the world!

I hope you liked my finds. Any fashion or beauty finds you would want to share with me? Sound off in the comments!

PS: Please help me improve my blog by voting in the poll at the upper-right side corner of this website.

Might as well tap into my stream of consciousness and type away. As I have found out from several instances before, inspiration strikes best during unguarded moments.

Today was a long day. Our supposed family day-out got moved to next week so it gave me a few hours to myself before I attend a get-together with my oldest and closest friends from highschool for Dianne's birthday, which I used to go to TriNoma for my overdue haircut and to attend Oxygen's Pop of Colors Party. I also got to go around SM North EDSA for a bit to use some of my gift cards. After the shopping party at Oxygen, we also went around ForMe for a bit, where I got a lot of basics. I love it. I'm going to show you the clothes I got when I get a camera, but I just want to say that I'm really happy that I now have one of Oxygen's famous reversible jeans. And it's RED. Perfect for Christmas, yes? :)

There were a lot of food at Dianne's house for her birthday but unfortunately there was a problem with electricity so we had to move somewhere else. Since my grandmother's house next door has been unoccupied ever since they went to live in Malinta I volunteered the place. Long story short, we ended up there, where we had a lot of fun planning our Christmas party while they're drunk. They also had a ball trying on most of my stuff since we've started using that other house as an extended storage space for my things. Since I rarely use most of them anyway I just gave them away. Let's just say that my friends went home happier and with heavier bags hehe.

It's 2:41 AM right now. The whole house is quiet and everyone's asleep. 

It's 2:43. And it's during quiet moments like this when I realize how far I've come from the girl I used to be before, at the same time acknowledging that I still have a long, long way to go. To where? I don't know.

I am being perfectly honest and not being a hypocrite at all when I say I don't have dreams of acquiring lots and lots of money. I mean, sure, having lots of money will bring me comfort and security, but a life of luxury just doesn't appeal to me. Maybe it's because of the short stories I've grown up with, which sort of vilifies money and having too much of it brings. All I want and need is to have enough to spend for my necessities (and maybe a treat or two every once in a while) and I'm good with it. In the same way that I've never done anything with money as the motivating factor, never have I envisioned myself swimming in sh*tload amounts of money either --- it's just not me, and that is why I can't understand some people driven irrationally by greed. I guess I'll forever be a starving ~writer haha.

It's during quiet moments like this when doubt sets in. I better shut them down before they overpower my subconscious.

Forgive me for rambling. I might be half-asleep now without me knowing it. After all, it's 2:55 AM.

So last Friday I went to Miss Sixty in Robinsons Ermita for a fun afternoon of shopping and sharing of styling tips with my fellow "influencers" Kaye, Tracy, and Vern. Ed and Januel of Connect were also there for a quick shoot. As I have proven before, I'm not that used to posing for photos but I'm really excited to see the outcome!

Like Miss Sixty/ Energie Jeans on Facebook to see some of the photos that have already been released. For the meantime, here's a sneak peek of the pieces I got for myself:

I wore the first dress to the shoot. It is a sexy black dress with the back made of just lace, and it has such an Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's vibe that I just had to get it. It was also the last piece remaining in the store so good job, Self. I will wear it when I take part in the Philippines' attempt to beat a fashion world record on Thursday. I can't wait!

Miss Sixty first became popular because of their jeans so I had to try them out to see what's so special about them. The first one is made of soft, salmon pink-colored denim perfect for casual days while the other is perfect for parties and events. I love how they emphasize my butt (which I am proud of haha).

Now here's a treat for all you fashion fanatics out there! Read, read!

Just follow Miss Sixty and Energie Jeans on Twitter to find out the next Shop with ME schedule. Let's make this shopping trip fun for everyone!

... for the gift of Life, for the sunshine and the rain, for rainbows and candies.

... for breathtaking sunsets, for the dark side of the moon, and for nights that turned into mornings.

... for Time, for Laughter, for Passion, for Wisdom, and for Perseverance.

... for the family I was born in that I didn't choose but would gladly choose again and again if I was asked to.

... for heartbreaks, because although they can hurt like hell they've shown me that I can be strong enough to get through them.

... for the capacity to love and be loved, even though Mr. Not Perfect but Perfect for Me is taking his sweet time to arrive.

... for the capacity to be happy for other people's successes, and seeing other people happy for my own joys.

... for words and language, for music, for movies, and for imagination.

... for books, for magic, and for Neil Gaiman.

... for Greek Mythology and for Italy.

... for dreams that turned to reality, and the grace to accept that not all dreams can come true because sometimes, there are better things waiting in the corner for you.

... for the Internet and for you, reading these words right now. Thank you.

What are YOU thankful for today?

Where did the days go? Is it really November 20? One moment I was busy prettifying and personalizing my planner, then the next thing I knew it is already almost time to shop for a new one! I am crushing on the Starbucks 2013 planner and the Le Petit Prince Moleskine but they're so expensive *sad face*. Anyway, I really liked my simple and customize-friendly Moonleaf Tea Shop planner so I am eagerly waiting to see what design they will come up with for next year. I hope they release it soon!

I feel like I haven't done a random post for so long that I don't really know what to talk about and how to go about writing it so I'm just going to babble here, y'all. You know, get my bearings and shizz, hoping to shoo away this writer's block (blogger's block?) ASAP.

Yesterday was my officemate Anne's birthday so we decided to eat somewhere special - Amici.

I really wasn't feeling well since last night and then I woke up this morning with a slight fever. I actually didn't want to go work but I have to meet my deadlines so I mustered enough energy to dress up.

You know there's something wrong with me when I wear sneakers out when it's not required. Would you believe today was only the third time I wore this since I got it? The first time was for Earth Run 2011, the second was to a friend's surprise dinner party.

And of course, the one day I decided to wear sneakers to work is the same day my bosses decide to have our meeting at Manila Peninsula. I felt so under-dressed with my Vans shirt and Iron Man/ Gryffindor shoes, but it was all worth it when the beautiful decorations inside the Pen greeted us.

We're almost at the end of this post yet I still can't believe it's already the 20th of November haha. I better get on my Christmas lists before the holidaze officially starts!

Are you done with your Christmas shopping? I am starting with cards since posting them might take long because of the holiday rush. I already have a list of lucky people (mehehe) I will send my Christmas wishes to, but I am ready to send more. Would you like to exchange Christmas cards with me? Let me know in the comments! :)

PS: Please help me improve my blog by voting on the poll at the upper-right corner of this site. Thank you!

Ever since I let go of my 5am to 2pm workshift and started working for a PR firm I've become more selective of events I would go to. I prefer to steer clear of events that go well into the night especially on workdays, even more so when it will be held somewhere far. I also began to cherish my weekends more as these are the only two days I can exercise my right to be a slob rest at home and play Chefville to my heart's content. But when I received an invite to go on a foodtrip out of town, I just had to say yes!

I woke up early last Saturday to prepare and go to our meetup place in TriNoma as I was so excited. It helped that I wore an outfit that I think looked cute ;p A little after 11am, we reached Marquee Mall.


Approximately an hour's drive from Manila, Marquee Mall is a regional shopping center that brings together a "rich and unique experience reminiscent of a town plaza infused with an urban vibe." Its contemporary indoor and outdoor design provides a perfect setting that showcases an exciting mix of popular and specialty stores of local and international fashion brands, fastfood outlets, restaurants, four digital cinemas, cafés, and entertainment centers. It actually reminded me of TriNoma but I am not sure which of the two is bigger.

Ayala Malls and MNL-MRM made sure the trip was worth it, as we visited and ate at 17 restaurants/ dessert places that day! Yup, you read that right, 17! Some of the restaurants can be found in Manila while some are unique only in Pampanga, and they all presented to us their specialties or the newest additions to their menu. My tummy loved it!

Ladies and gents, I hope you're not feeling hungry when you come across this post. Prepare for food photos overload as I present to you our itinerary that day:





To be honest, I don't like Japanese food that much and I don't eat mayo. I've also never eaten sushi in my life so I only got to taste the Chicken Teriyaki (which is really good!) and the Classic Milk Tea. I wanted to try the Red Kimochi but I don't want to to go through the event with an upset stomach if it doesn't fare well with the other dishes ;p



That's a LOT! What an overload, indeed! This feast (which comes with a free pitcher of iced tea) costs P1,888 and is good for 12 persons. Good for a mini party, yes?



I especially liked the tender boneless short plate steak, I could eat it all day ♥ Each "feast" costs P1,125. Perfect for three to four people.



Out of all the restaurants we visited that day, this one beats all the restaurants we visited that day when  it comes to production design. The owners were also very hospitable and answered all our questions patiently. They say that your Pampanga experience is not complete without eating frogs or crickets, but (no offense to those who did and enjoyed it!) I just couldn't picture myself eating those. Sure, I've eaten frogs before (they taste like chicken) but I thought of Kermit that day and begged off haha.



Although I think Aria Cucina Italiana's Rucola e pinoli pizza is still my favorite, I still enjoyed this new offering by Pizza Hut. All those cheesy goodness! Sigh, I love.



Again, I don't like Japanese food that much so I didn't get to taste almost everything in this selection save for the Yakisoba, which I liked. I forgot to check if they have katsu, but I woud've preferred to taste that instead.



We were already almost bursting at this point so we just requested for the waiters to brown bag everything as we didn't want the food to go to waste. I got to take home one whole chicken and my family loved it. Thanks, Classic Savory!





Finally, desserts! I love Buko Pandan but I have the tendency to get sick of the taste pretty easily. I couldn't get enough of Nathaniel's Buko Pandan, though. It's just so good! Unlike others, it's not too sweet so you just want to have scoop after scoop of it. Try it to see what I mean!



What sets Kabigting's Halo-Halo apart from the rest is the fact they use pastillas instead of sugar as sweetener. I don't know whether I prefer this from the regular halo-halo found in Manila... I better try it again just to be sure ;p








They served us all their best-sellers and I got the Charcoal-Roasted Milk Tea which I took home. My sister loved it, I loved it, and now I am craving for Dakasi at 11pm huhu what is this life.



Heaven in mini cups of vanilla-choco banana and strawberry-and-cheese, I tell ya. ♥



My tummy and I really had a great time sampling all of Marquee Mall's newest and best offerings. I wish we did a weigh-in before and after so we can gauge whether we gained weight =^_^= I'm typing this now while munching on sweets from Honey & Daisy's and Carreon's, want some?

Glad to have met new people from other parts of the Philippine blogosphere, too!

With Zaya of MNL-MRM and Aileen

Earth, Kat, Andrew, Zaya, Aileen

With Kath

MJ, Ning, Marcelo, Richard, Flow

Now when my friends and I go on a roadtrip to the North, I hope we can drop by Marquee so I can show them around and make them eat frogs and crickets at Apag Marangle. Thank you so much, Marquee Mall and MNL-MRM for this one-of-a-kind experience!

PS: Help me improve my blog by voting on a poll at the upper-right corner of this website? Thanks! ♥