I am perky and enthusiastic, sometimes overly so. I am also very, very excitable. A lot of things excite me, but of all the things I get excited about, one of my favorites are lipsticks. I have strong opinions on colors, shade names, formulation, packaging, and finish, and I never go out without a swipe of it. I can't even leave the office during breaks without putting on lipstick first.

Lately though, I've been feeling too much in the dumps that I couldn't even muster enough energy to apply lipstick. When I let even *one* day go by without applying lipstick, you know there's something wrong. It's been days, friend.

It's weird because my relationship's going great, work's OK, all that jazz. I *should* be okay.


I have terrible mood swings, and sometimes I burst into tears for no apparent reason, or when my mind suddenly conjures horrible thoughts.

It's difficult when I can't even pinpoint what's wrong because then I can't address it.

My guess is that it's an effect of the pills I'm taking for my myoma, but what can I do when my medicine that aims to heal me also affects me this way? Good thing I'm seeing my doctor on Saturday so I can bring this up.
Yesterday I decided I'll just ride it out until it passes. Or until a new lipstick shade sweeps me off my feet.

Helpful friends piped in and sent good wishes, which are deeply appreciated. I do hope it's just the weather and not an ominous sign of worse things to come.

My friend Nashe suggested I "put on a lippie I never considered, or haven't used in a while, and see if it helps get things moving". I tried that today with my Maybelline Powder Matte Lipstick in Make Me Blush, and it was nice. I even did my brows and went the extra mile and put on shjimmery peach eye shadow on my lids.

I also used my lunch break to get a haircut.


I liked it. I didn't realize my head could feel this light again. I just need to get a blow-dryer to maintain its bounce and volume, but first I need to find the energy to shop for one and wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual to be able to squeeze it in my morning routine.

I miss being perky and enthusiastic.

When I was still studying, I had this habit of reading my school books immediately after my Mom buys them for me at enrollment. Even before the official school year rolls around, I have already finished reading all the stories in my Filipino, English, and Christian Living books.

One of the books I devoured was Ibong Adarna, which was required reading in our Filipino subject when I was in first year high school. This folk tale follows the journey of three mighty brothers—Pedro, Diego, and Juan, as they search for the magical bird whose voice possesses healing powers. There's drama, comedy, adventure, and of course, romance.

Imagine my delight when I found out that Ballet Manila is doing their own interpretation of Ibong Adarna!


For the past couple of decades, Ballet Manila has constantly made great leaps in classical dance. Now on its 22nd performance season, the company is again raising the bar as it prepares to just take off and soar.

With the title Flights of Fantasy, the upcoming season is opening with the world premiere of Ibong Adarna featuring the choreography of principal dancer Gerardo Francisco. The multi-awarded choreographer and gifted danseur is set to bring to life the magical kingdom of Berbanya at the Aliw Theater stage.


The ballet will feature original music by Diwa De Leon, son of National Artist Felipe de Leon Jr. Adding magic to the script by Angela Blardony Ureta, new costumes and sets were designed by Make It Happen Workshop just for this production. Everything is tied together by Gerardo’s libretto, which will showcase its range and creativity through scenes such as the Alitaptap Dance, the Monkey Dance, and the scene between Juan and the Ibong Adarna.

Ballet Manila's CEO and Founder prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde describes the show as “a modern ballet with neo-classical and classical styles that serve as the cornerstone of the dance vocabulary.” Ballet Manila is known for its Vaganova roots, and this ballet highlights the company’s strength and foundations—creating a sleek and distinct look for all of Ballet Manila’s performers.

Ibong Adarna promises a world-class show that will make any Filipino proud. Other than the magical story itself, Gerardo used elements like music and traditions from all over the Philippines. Through this combination, he shows the country’s rich culture not only a Filipino audience, but also to the whole world.

Taking on the starring role of the Singing Adarna is Lisa’s sister and West End actress, Gia Macuja-Atchison, whose credits include The Lion King (Princess Nala), Miss Saigon (Gigi and Ellen), Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene), and Here Lies Love (Estrella Cumpas).

I wish we can also support Filipino talents and productions the same way we support foreign acts who go here.

Ibong Adarna’s world premiere is tomorrow, August 26 at 6:00 PM. Other show dates are: September 2 at 6:00 PM, and on August 27 and September 3 at 3:00 PM. All shows at Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

For more information about the shows, including ticket prices and schedules, you may visit Ballet Manila's website or follow Ballet Manila on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Tickets are also available through all TicketWorld outlets. Please call 891-9999 or visit their website for more information. In addition, those who are planning to watch all the shows may take advantage of the company’s Season Subscription Programs, which offer up to 50% discount on ticket prices. For more information, you may visit this link and click on ‘View Details’ under ‘Season Subscription Program’.

It all started two Sundays ago. My boyfriend and I chanced upon Re-Ment miniature toys when we went to his toy haunts in Greenhills, and I waxed on and on about my toys when I was young — my play kitchen sets, my Barbie dolls, my miniature doll houses — every thing I lost when we lost our house to a big fire back in 2001. Jeremiah suggested we build my collection again, and to start with a Barbie doll.

We stayed far too long at the Barbie section at Toy Kingdom with me ooh-ing and aah-ing at everything I saw and him documenting my reactions, but I couldn't decide what to get. He suggested I get a Made to Move Barbie because it's fully articulated and I could play with different poses, but I was hesitant because I thought its clothes were too "simple". I finally yielded, but asked to take a look at the Disney Princess dolls first to look at Jasmine.

That's when I saw them.

In one seemingly forgotten corner of the store, the Ever After High dolls were just there, and it was like they were waiting just for me. I shrieked because, hello, how could I not? They were sons and daughters of fairy tale characters with beautiful hair and fabulous accessories?? They're perfect!

Apparently it's a show on Netflix that I added on my list a while ago but forgot about. We spent a longer time there because I just couldn't choose, until I finally decided on Kitty Cheshire (daughter of the Cheshire Cat) and Featherly (a Forest Pixie)!

Less than two weeks later, and here we are. I've already devoted a huge chunk of time watching the show, reading about these characters, visiting toy stores, and talking my boyfriend's ears off about them. If you haven't yet, I suggest that you watch the show because it's HEXCELLENT and SPELLTACULAR! It's funny without being corny/ cheesy and the characterization and dialogues are fantastical and wonderful!

I'm sad that I'm already at the last chapter of the series, and I'm crossing my fingers that Mattel produces more episodes. Until then, I've set my heart to collecting Madeline Hatter (middle name: Xylophone) dolls because she's my favorite forever after!

Notice my puffy eyes? I burst into tears after seeing all these beautiful Madeline Hatter dolls!

I love Maddie because she's kooky with a good heart. She and her lines are just so amusing that I found myself drawn to her character from the start! After weighing all my options and considering my budget, I ended up with this:

EXTRA TALL MADELINE HATTER!

I was so confused as to why she is the only one with an extra tall version, and I learned why in the Way Too Wonderland chapter.



I burst into guffaws and applause at these scenes and I am not even kidding.

Here she is, with my iPhone 6S for scale.

I finally opened her yesterday, and here she is, with her full out-of-the-box glory:




The outfit is a perfect rendition of the animated version, the face and hair are beautiful, and it's really well-made all in all. I just wish they included more accessories like a hair brush and a purse, and maybe a pair of earrings, too. But aside from those minor nitpicks, I am very happy with this doll and I intend to take her to many adventures!

I even created an Instagram account for her. Follow @madelinexhatter if you would be so inclined!

My boyfriend and I did a mini shoot with her yesterday. We were so excited we didn't even mind the rain, hee.



I am looking forward to getting more Madeline Hatters from the other series. I particularly like the Way Too Wonderland, Legacy Day, Sugar Coated, and Getting Fairest versions. I would also love to have my own Hat-Tastic Party Playset but I would need space for that. Heh.

My heart is grateful that my boyfriend and I support each other's interests.

We're awesome at matching outfits, too.

By the way, if you're also interested on toys, there's a big toy event happening this weekend (August 26-28) at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura. He'll have booths there, and I'll be there on Friday after work and whole day of Sunday to assist him. Pass by if you can/ if you want to!

See you when I see you! ♥

Hello, friend. I hope you are well. ♥

Time flies. I celebrated my fifth anniversary with ARC Public Relations yesterday. For an industry that can be fickle, five years is a long time and is already a milestone. To commemmorate this occasion, I got a Pandora Globe Charm to symbolize how big my world has grown since I stepped out if my comfort zone and started anew.

Five years is a speck, really, in the grand scheme of things, but when I think of everything that has happened in this span of time I still get amazed. Five years in this company and I still learn something new every day. Of all the risks I took, this is by far the best.

In other news, we moved to a new office! I miss the open spaces, SM Aura, and cute doggos being walked by their humans in BGC but commuting to and from home is much easier and cheaper now.

The new office is more cramped than the previous one we had but I'm so thankful to be given my own work-space.

One of my favorite additions to my new work desk is this watercolor portrait gifted by Avon. She believed she could so she did. This takes me back to that giant leap I took five years ago. I remember how I said "my friends have such faith in me and in what I can do that it's hard not to believe it too." Look at me now. I recognize how much I've grown since then and I am thankful for every thing that led me to this.

If there’s one thing the world should know, it’s that an empowered woman is unstoppable. Beyond their beauty, Filipinas are among the most powerful and fearless women in the world. I can't resist mentioning Avon here because I love their new Believe in Yourself Bangle.

This jewelry aims to serve as a daily reminder to all women to always appreciate and assert their worth. My Fitbit Charge HR is currently out of commission so I'm back to using my regular watches, and my bangle complements my two-tone watch nicely. Shop your Believe in Yourself Bangle through any Avon Representative or online.

As what my colleague Gian said during our team meeting earlier, the work can get really difficult and stressful sometimes but having awesome officemates negate that.


Aside from our driver Kuya Edwin, it is I who have been with the company the longest. I've already lost track of the number of officemates who've come and gone, but I am thankful for each one.


As a special treat to my officemates for my work anniversary, I bought a whole Basque Burnt Cheesecake from Workshop by Le Petit Soufflé for us to share. (Thank you for pitching in, Joel!) It's so goooood. It's light and fluffy and delectable and decadent and just the right amount of sweetness that will make you yearn for bite after bite after bite. I wish I have enough dispensable money that I can afford to buy one every day. It's that good. ♥


I know no one asked and it's not really customary, but my work anniversary wish is for me to never forget to appreciate things and people around me more. It's easy to take things, work, and people for granted, but I always strive to put value to everything I do and the time I spend with others. That's the little touch that puts the "extra" in extraordinary, and when the time comes for me to leave, I would hope I'd have left enough of a mark to make my presence missed.