Do you love BB Creams but find blending it with your fingertips too tedious and/ or messy?

I'm the same!

When I read about BB Cushions from Korean beauty brands, I instantly wanted to try but found the price off-putting. Seeing Maybelline Super BB Cushion - their BB Cushion version of their instant cult favorite (also one of my favorites) Super BB Cream - made me so excited to get my paws on it stat!


The new Maybelline Super BB Cushion promises radiance from morning to night in just a tap tap.


The Maybelline Super BB Cushion is housed in a nondescript compact perfect for working yuppies like me. I bring it in my bag every day so I can attest to its durability.


I'm not sure how many shades are available but I got 03 Natural.




I like that the mirror covers the compact completely. More space to see your face with, yes? ^_^ I also like that there's a cover separating the sponge from the BB Cushion itself for hygienic purposes.


And that's what it looks like. Yup, it's your favorite Maybelline Super BB Cream thinned out to a watery consistency, poured into a compact, and topped with a sponge. Every time you press down on the "cushion" with the makeup sponge, the liquid formula is released.


So how does it fare?



The new Super BB Cushion offers eight (8) benefits with just a tap tap: (1) Radiant skin, (2) Perfect poreless skin, (3) Intense moisture, (4) High coverage, (5) Even skin tone, (6) Zero stickiness, (7) Lasting coverage, and (8) SPF 29PA+++. Created to give that poreless, perfect skin for a polished daytime look, Super BB Cushion is enriched with pure mineral pigments and keeps skin moisturized.

That's a pretty tall order for a drugstore product but you know what, it delivers! With the combined formula of the Super BB Cream and the "magical" sponge, the Super BB Cushion indeed evens out my skin tone, gives it a dewy appearance, and lasts the whole day! Maybe my current skin care also helps, but my officemates compliment me a lot more when I use this. It has now become a staple in my makeup kit and I will definitely repurchase!

By the way, you can wear it as it is or as makeup base. It also lasts long whether you set it with powder or not, but I do set it with my Maybelline White Superfresh Powder due to force of habit.

The Maybelline Super BB Cushion costs P749 and is available in all Maybelline counters nationwide.

Disclosure: The product was sent to me by Maybelline Philippines' PR Agency but I was not required nor compensated to write this post. All opinions are my own. You may read my complete Disclosure Policy here.

The weather has been extra gloomy these past few days and it was tempting to just stay home and eat champorado yesterday, but it's not every day that The Philippine Readers & Writers Festival and the AsiaPOP Comicon happen on the same weekend so despite the lure of my bed I got up and left the house.

First stop: Raffles Makati for The Philippine Readers & Writers Festival.

Never mind the crappy handwriting. I got my books signed by Arnel Patawaran and Eliza Victoria! Authors are my rock stars so I'm a happy fan girl. ♥

My boyfriend picked me up after the morning session.

Second stop: SMX Convention Center for AsiaPOP Comicon.

A conversation between my friend Ed and myself while walking around the Artist Alley:

Ed: Ang gaganda ng mga gawa nila, no? Ang gagaling ng mga artist.

Me: Oo nga, eh. Nakaka-insecure. 

Ed: Nye, magbenta ka rin dyan, malay mo bestseller ka rin.

Me: Awww talaga?
Ed: Kasi limang piraso lang ibebenta mo.

Me: -____-

Me: Pero hindi, feeling ko maraming bibili ng gawa ko kasi they would find my art relatable. Masyadong aspirational 'yun iba sa sobrang ganda eh.

Ed and Miah: ...

We ran out of copies of BEYOND during the launch so I was only able to get a copy when we replenished our stocks. I'm so happy to have caught Mervin and Harvey at the Beyond the Box booth, and to have bumped into Mina! 

All in all a day well spent in the company of books, toys, and pop culture-related stuff with my favorite person. Everything is awesome. ♥

Because I already ran out of comic books for Manix to sign

It's not a secret that I'm a HUGE fan of Manix Abrera. Exhibit A: I lined up for six hours to get his autograph. Exhibit B: My boyfriend and I went to Baguio to attend his talk. To work on a project with him? That's the dream.

Well, as Paulo Coelho said in my favorite book The Alchemist, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

I work in PR and Beyond the Box is one of our clients. To celebrate the amazing talent and creativity found in Filipino comic book artistry through the use of technology, the Apple Premium Reseller brought together some of the country’s most respected and known comic artists to create a one-of-a-kind comic book compilation made solely using the iPad Pro — the first of its kind in the Philippines.

Harvey Tolibao, Manix Abrera, and Mervin Malonzo have been challenged to write and illustrate under the theme “beyond” as an ode to Beyond the Box as a brand that encourages pushing limits and exploring possibilities.

Harvey Tolibao is a Filipino comic book artist who has gained recognition by pencilling and inking for Dark Horse, Marvel and DC Comics. He is currently a cover artist at Zenescope Entertainment, a comic book artist at IDW Publishing, an artist at Nautilus Comics, and a cover artist for DC Comics.

Manuel “Manix” Abrera is a Filipino comic artist best known for his daily comic strip Kikomachine for The Philippine Daily Inquirer and his webcomic News Hardcore! on GMA News Online. 

Mervin Malonzo is a Filipino freelance designer, artist, animator, illustrator and cartoonist for web, video animation, print, and comics. He is known for writing and drawing the National Book Award-winning comic Tabi Po and his work with writer Adam David for Ang Subersibo, a comic adaptation of Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

We launched Beyond at Hole in The Wall in Century City Mall last Tuesday (that's a couple of days before I had my hair cut, heh) and oh my, if only I could absorb even half of the creativity and awesomeness in the room!

Hi, Sab!

The project is a creative collaboration between the CEO of Digits Trading Inc. Charlie Paw and Graphic Designer Dan Matutina, who jump-started the idea.

Three variant covers by Harvey Tolibao, Mervin Malonzo, and Manix Abrera

With my friend Ed

With my blogger/ TV host friend Alvin who I haven't seen in so long

With Emile, Donna, and Natasha

With Manix and Mina! Do I smell a collaboration?

That's what I loved about this day, actually: seeing great names from the art industry together in a non-comic convention (but still somewhat related) event. Too bad some of the comic book artists and writers I invited couldn't go because of other commitments (e.g. day jobs), but I'm hoping we could have one again in the near future.

A photo with my idol! Yay!

Through this collaboration, Beyond the Box hopes to empower Filipinos to do just that—to go beyond their limitations by exploring the possibilities of their creativity using power of modern technology. The three artists took turns showing a quick demo of their art using the iPad Pro and there wasn't a single soul in there who wasn't amazed by their expertise and the ease with which they used the gadget!


Beyond the Box launched this comic book compilation along with artist signings with Harvey Tolibao, Manix Abrera, and Mervin Malonzo at the AsiaPOP Comicon that started today at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Each book costs P350 only. I will be there on Sunday to have my copy signed by Manix! Rakenrol!

For more information, you may visit Beyond the Box's official website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

I used to lug heavy shoulder bags to work and that put a lot of strain on my shoulders, made worse by the fact that I am compelled to bring everything anywhere I go. Lately though, I started using a backpack and that made it a LOT easier for me. However, the backpack I have makes me look like I'm still in college. Flattering, yes, but doesn't leave a good impression especially when I'm on client meetings and events.

The solution: Get a "mature" backpack.

My friend/ officemate Alexandra went with me to SM Aura to look for one.

The problem: I didn't find any I liked enough.

We went around some more but we still weren't successful. On our way out of The SM Store, I spotted this:

Long story short, I have a new pair of eyeglasses.

I had an eye checkup and got the lens fitted the same day. I've had my current pair for two years now and I've been meaning to have it replaced so I couldn't have chanced upon these "granny glasses" at a better time. I got my glasses with the correct grade earlier today; it took longer because of my astigmatism.

I'm also in love with Maybelline Creamy Matte in Burgundy Blush. Review coming soon. ♥

I've also been feeling weighed down by my hair so today's impulsive decision was to have a haircut. I had it done in FIX Serendra. I couldn't decide between a pixie cut and a long bob so my stylist Belle gave me both.


With the lipstick (still Maybelline Creamy Matte in Burgundy Blush) still on even after a couple of hours.

Belle actually suggested that we shave the left-side of my hair but seeing that I have no prior experience with her and the said salon, I decided to err on the side of caution.

Having said that I'm not sure I'll even be ready for that kind of commitment. Heh.

What do you think?

I'm drowning in backlogs but I'm slowly easing back into blogging. Thank you for your patience. ♥

Hold your horses — and your wallets! It's Beauty Fair season again in Robinsons Department Store! Hoard and stock up on your favorite beauty products and personal care essentials and enjoy great discounts and freebies on brands like Unilever, L’Oreal, Maybelline New York, Celeteque, Colgate, Garnier, Procter & Gamble, Myra, Revlon and many more!

Here are just some of the amazing deals you can score until the end of the month! Hurry!

#WinningBeauty 2x Rewards Points
Get 2x points when you buy from the Beauty Department from 10am to 2pm all Saturdays of August
Get 2x points all month of August when you buy Unilever and L’Oreal products!

L'Oreal Paris
P100 off on selected L’Oreal Paris Brow Items
20% off on Revitalift Day & Night 20ml for RRC members
Free ecobag for P1,999 purchase of L’Oreal Paris brands

Maybelline
P100 off on all Maybelline mascaras
P50 off on all Maybelline brow items
20% off on Maybelline Micellar water for all RRC Members
FREE stipling brush for every P699 purchase inclusive of any contouring product
P50 off on Hypercurl Mascara and BB Cream/Sticks
Colorshow Lipstick P150 only
Powderswap: P100 off on White Super Fresh
Two-Way cake when you swap your old powder compact

Revlon
P99 on Super Lustrous lipstick when you buy any Revlon Liquid or Crème foundations

Dove
Free tote bag for every P299 worth of Dove
Buy 1 Get 1 Hand & Body lotion 200ml (Free 100ml) and Facial Moisturizer 50ml (Free Hand & Body lotion 50ml)

Unilever
Get a chance to win P10,000 worth of apparel, accessories, and personal care products plus a one-on-one session with a professional fashion and hair stylist to jumpstart your Journey to #WinningBeauty! Get two raffle entries for every purchase of TRESemme, Pond’s, and Dove promotions
Free bucket bag for every P599 worth of TRESemme
Free sling bag for every P199 worth of Pond’s

Procter & Gamble
P500 off on Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Serum 50ml and Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Cream SPF 30 50ml
Buy participating Olay skin items, get 100 GC
Buy Participating #WinningBeauty items, get additional 100 GC
Buy 1 get 1 on Pantene Total Damage Control Conditioner 180ml (Free shampoo 70ml)
Pantene Hair fall Control Conditioner 108ml (Free shampoo 70ml)
Excellence Hair Color P299 only
Elseve P30 off on 170ml and P50 off on 330ml


On top of all the beauty brands’ exciting offers, your total purchase from the Beauty Department worth P1500 inclusive of P500 worth of Personal Care products gets you a free and ultra-sleek beauty pouch. Plus, Robinsons Rewards Card members also get a chance to win an exciting beauty shopping spree with over 65,000 worth of shopping sprees to be given away. So use your Robinsons Rewards Card to be 1 of 10 winners of P5,000 or 5 winners of 10,000 or be the grand prize winner of P50,000 beauty shopping spree. 



Take home the gold with these exclusive beauty treats! Like Robinsons Department Store on Facebook and follow it on Twitter, or visit its official website to know more about #WinningBeauty happening until August 31, 2016 only.

As for me, I'm drowning in body lotion and nail polish. ♥

And here's the proof:

For context: #romanceclass started as a community of local authors and aspiring authors of romance books. This group was started by Mina V. Esguerra as an extension of the romance classes she offered but has since grown to include readers. It's a supportive and uplifting community and I am happy to be part of it. ♥

Just recently, Mina started organizing #romanceclass lectures where they invite personalities from certain fields to give us a clearer understanding of their professions and the dynamics of people in the workplace to either serve as inspiration for possible book characters, or to assist authors in the middle of writing about characters who happen to be in these fields.

Today we had Pia Arcangel and Atom Araullo representing journalists. 

This is close to my heart because I took up Mass Communication in college as being a broadcast journalist also used to be a dream (yep, I had a LOT of dream professions growing up, people). I was so happy I bagged a slot even before I knew who the guests were. Actually, I was feeling a bit sick yesterday and the Internet told me the symptoms pointed to either appendicitis or cancer that I thought of skipping the lecture and going to the doctor instead, but I was really looking forward to this one so I couldn't bring myself to do it. Heh.

Dear Miah, if you are reading this, don't worry, I love you and you have nothing to worry about. Haha!

So anyway. Atom. He first entered my consciousness when I was a kid and he was one of the hosts of the now defunct ultra-cool show 5 and Up together with other tween hosts who used it as a springboard to show business like Chynna Ortaleza and Maxene Magalona. I loved that show and how it sparked curiosity for human interest stories in me. I thought he was cute then and fast forward to today, I think he is even cuter now! No, not cute. Handsome. Gosh, you guys. They say you shouldn't meet your idols so that you don't get disappointed, but with all his answers in today's Q and A, he totally exceeded my expectations! He's every bit as smart and charming as his TV persona - maybe even more so!


Meanwhile, Pia Arcangel is so pretty and carries herself so well. I would like to be her friend, please!

Needless to say I really enjoyed today's lecture and I learned so much from these larger than life characters. My Mass Comm experience in college and my current situation as a PR girl have given me a primer on how a journalist lives his/ her life in the workplace but this lecture gave me a fresh insight on how they handle relationships. Indeed, juggling your career, relationships, and other responsibilities entails sacrifices no matter what both of your professions are but is ultimately rewarding.


I also got to meet Veronica today. She was org-mates with my boyfriend in college and we've only just been replying to each other's Facebook status posts. It's so nice to meet people with similar interests, and that is what joining a community does.


The traffic going home was killer but my conversations with my carpool-mate Caryn kept me sane.


Thank you for you and for doing what you do, Mina! ♥


This is my journalist-inspired outfit for today, never mind that it's a wee short. Heh. Pia and I were almost twinning except she was wearing jeans!


The lecture was held in Book and Borders Cafe in Tomas Morato, a cafe that offers delicious food (seriously, you have to try it!) and a wide variety of books to read if you're just enjoying your own company. I would really like to have a place like this of my own someday, except that mine will have a bookstore and not just a public library-type. 'And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.' and so one of my favorite books The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho says.

Speaking of books, I would also like to take this opportunity to do my book cover reveal for my story Once Upon a Sticky Note. I've had it under wraps for a while now (I wanted to publish it in April in time for its first anniversary but April has long been gone) but I haven't had the chance to show it off because, well, I haven't finished the layout and illustration for the inside pages yet. I thought this would be great motivation to finally get around to doing it.


Isn't it pretty?? This cover was designed by my beautiful friend Far Burgos and I LOVE IT. Now please please please pressure me into finishing the inside pages so I can finally have this printed? Please. Thank you. ♥

So grateful for this community, for Mina, for the beauty of words, for fiction, for romance, and for my real-life romance. My heart is full.

If my career in PR doesn't pan out, I think I'll pursue my original dream and become a ballerina instead.

... is what I was thinking of on our way to The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila's new branch in Fisher Mall.

Such wishful thinking. Such lofty dreams.


Yes! As part of its continuing effort to bring ballet closer to the people and the people closer to ballet, Ballet Manila opens a new branch in Quezon City to bring the signature discipline and technique that it has come to be known for closer to aspiring ballerinas and danseurs residing north of Metro Manila.

See? I can even look the part!

I changed into my Penshoppe Power Stretch Jeans before the actual ballet lesson, though. I also changed into actual dancing shoes given by Ballet Manila because my Ylla Ballerina Shoes, although very pretty, are not really for dancing. 


The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila is the only ballet school in the Philippines with direct links to the Russian Ballet Academy of St. Petersburg, staying true to the principles of the art form and for teaching the rigorous Vaganova Academy method of dancing, which is widely accepted as the highest standard of style when it comes to classical ballet.

Yesterday, Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde herself gave us a special ballet class ahead of the new branch's opening, and I consider it a huge privilege and honor. Did you know that she is the only prima ballerina in the Philippines? I didn't know this also but she's the only Filipina in this list.


But first, some of the school's seasoned students presented a special show.



Such beauty, elegance, strength, and grace... That I found extra challenging to emulate when it was my turn to do it!

We were promised a light workout using basic ballet techniques, and we got that and more. It was my fervent wish as a kid to take ballet classes, but my Mom enrolled me for piano lessons instead. It's never too late because I got to have the chance to do it last Thursday, under Miss Lisa to boot!





We were taught the basics, and it's so despairing to learn how out of shape I am because my whole body felt sore immediately after the class until the the day after! I really should exercise more.


I got a gift certificate for unlimited ballet classes good for one month, and I'm already thinking how I can fit this in my schedule. Ballet Manila's Fisher Mall branch offers a lot of courses to choose from like Creative Movement for Toddlers (for ages 2-3), Baby Ballerinas (for ages 3-5), Twinkle Toes (for ages 5-6), Level 1B-Beginner and Level 1A-Advanced (for ages 6-9), Level 2B-Beginner and Level 2B-Advanced (for 10-12 years old), Level 3B-Intermediate (for boys and girls aged 12-16 with previous ballet training and intermediate pointe work), Level 3-A Advanced (for 14 years old and above), and Refresher Class (for those with aged 16 and up with substantial past training and want to be reintroduced to the art’s basic concepts). There’s also a Ballet for Fitness class and Yoga and Conditioning classes. Both are perfect for those with zero background in ballet and wish to learn it for fitness’ sake. In addition, the school will also have specialty classes like Modern Ballet, Zumba, Street Dance and Ballroom. I'm very interested in Ballet for Fitness especially to correct my posture as I always slouch.


It was truly an honor, Miss Lisa! Thank you for doing what you do and for uplifting the art of ballet in the Philippines. ♥


After even just one lesson, I now know that being a ballerina is not a pirouette in the park. It's a long and difficult process and seeing how passionate they are and how much they love their craft made me admire them even more. I don't think I will nor can fulfill my ballerina dreams anytime soon, but I am so happy I got to try it once, with Miss Lisa Macuja-Elizalde herself no less.

The new The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila is now open to the public. Free trial classes for other select courses will be held from August 7-14. For a complete list of the schedules and courses, you may visit Ballet Manila’s website or call their office at telephone numbers 400-0292 and 525-5967. You may also send an email to info@balletmanila.com.ph. Connect with them on social media by following them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Disclosure: I work in PR and Ballet Manila is one of our clients but I was not required nor compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. You may read my blog's complete Disclosure Policy here.