Style for Less: The Pinoy Polo Shirt (Collezione vs Bench)

THE SPLURGE: Collezione My Pilipinas series shirt (Php679.75 for ladies; Php800 for men)

It's the trend that started it all.  Fusing nationalism with pop culture, Collezione made being nationalistic cool again.  This shirt has been the favorite of those wanting to show off Pinoy pride and remain fashionable at the same time.

The Incredible Road Rage Toy

Finding that perfect gift for your friend with HUGE road rage issues?  Finding a way to show your dad how silly he looks everytime he loses his cool over the wheel?  Well, your search is over. 

Introducing... The Road Rage Toy!

Style for Less: Backpack (Kipling vs Esport)

THE SPLURGE: Kipling's Tilsa medium-sized backpack (USD64 or around Php2,900)

Kipling has long been known as a brand that manufactures good high-quality bags.  My mom, personally, is such a big fan of this line that she asks me to sniff out sales in Singapore just for this.

Their Tilsa backpack in medium currently sells for USD64.

Kipling Tilsa backpack in black (USD64)

(Source: Kipling website)

Restaurant Review: Grappa's

Lunching out with the whole HR team is a real treat.  Since this is a free lunch (thank you Firm outing budget!) and we rarely get a chance to see how crazy we really are outside of work, we were set to relish whatever gastronomical feats and antics that were in store for us that day.

A stone's throw away from the office sits Greenbelt 3, in the heart of Makati's commercial district.  Like an oasis amidst a desert of concrete, Greenbelt, along with the other well-known Ayala malls, houses, among others, a number of restaurants serving up every possible type of cuisine.  One of which would be our main destination that fine, but extremely humid, Tuesday morning -- Grappa's, Italian word for brandy, -- which specializes in uhmmm.... Italian cuisine.  =)

Regalong Pambahay Outlet Store

Regalong Pambahay Outlet Store

FMF Business Center,

126 Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City

Tel. No. (02) 6320778 to 79 / 6388580

TeamManila Lifestyle Warehouse Sale Part 2 Review

I've been meaning to buy hubby a few shirts at the TeamManila sale last weekend, but unfortunately, I missed it.  Thankfully though, they decided to have another one this weekend and I for one, was definitely not going to make the same mistake again.

TeamManila is known for their artistic take on everyday Filipino culture.  From the mundane jeepney to their iconic Rizal in shades, this brand has long been a favorite of those wishing to show off some Pinoy pride.

Style for Less: Quilted Bags (Chanel vs Landmark)

THE SPLURGE: Chanel 2.55 bag (USD2,500 or around Php115,000)

This famous Chanel bag, originally released in February 1955, is currently enjoying a revival of sorts in  the fashion industry. 

Reissued in 2005 by legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld, it was primarily used to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original bag.  Except for the replacement of the lock, the reissue follows almost the exact same design as the initial bag.

The Tech Tote Giveaway Promo

Winners will be announced on May 30, June 15 and June 30, 2010.

Style for Less: The Ruffled Blouse (Kamiseta vs SM Classic)

The Splurge: Kamiseta's Abrienda blouse (Php1,199)

I've been drooling over this blouse for quite some time now, however, have not yet made time to drop by Kamiseta to purchase one.

This button down Abrienda blouse with ruffled cap sleeves sells for Php1,199.  Also comes in dark blue and white colors (photo taken from the Kamiseta website.)

Fully Booked Sale at Trinoma and Gateway Mall (May 28 - 30, 2010)

Fully Booked Sale

Trinoma and Gateway Mall

May 28 to 30, 2010

Style for Less: Ballerina Flats (Tory Burch vs Kamiseta)

Have you ever noticed how fashionable high-end items just keep on being reinvented by some other brand.  Well after having my eyes checked for fear of seeing doubles (normal daw sabi ni Doc), I decided to scour through the malls in search of fashion doppelgangers.

***

THE SPLURGE: Tory Burch's Reva ballerina flats (USD195 or around Php9,000)

When well-known American fashion designer Tory Burch released her line of Reva ballerina flats, it was an instant hit.  Known for its incredibly comfortable material and structure with a nicely padded sole and an elasticized heel, these babies made a killing and everyone wanted one. 

Sony Philippines 3-Day Big Sale (May 28 - 30, 2010)

7-Eleven Philippines' 500th Store Cup Design Contest

Get your creative juices flowing for 7-Eleven Philippines' 500th Store Cup Design Contest!!!

Open to all Filipinos residing in the Philippines, 7-Eleven Philippines give you the chance create a special cup design commemorating the opening of their 500th store.

Summer Solstice End of Summer Bazaar (June 5 - 6, 2010)

But wait there's more!  Gift bags from the sponsors will also be given to the first 100 shoppers and raffled out throughout both bazaar days.

Tickets are priced at Php50.00 (sold at the entrance).  Contact (0917) 8003330 or visit the Summer Solstice Rockwell Bazaar page on Facebook for more information.

Food Review: Siopao Boy by Masuki

Everybody has one.  You know what I mean.  That well-loved food place that evokes childhood memories of family togetherness and bonding.  That special resto you used to frequent as a kid on family gatherings, celebrations or just on an ordinary Friday night.  Regardless of whether its that corner turo-turo or that snazzy red and yellow place well-associated with a giant bee, one bite of their food and it never fails to evoke memories you thought were long forgotten.

I am no exception.  My time machine of choice?  A small noodle shop in the heart of Binondo by the name of Masuki.

DTI Balik Eskwela Sale (May 24 - 28, 2010)

DTI Diskwento Caravan

Balik Eskwela Sale

May 24 to 28, 2010

8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

WEDDING SUPPLIERS REVIEW: Merriment Event Planner and Wedding Coordinator

At the onset, our wedding expenses were always classified into 2: the "haves" (the wedding essentials) and the "nice-to-haves" (luxury).  The haves were the necessities.  We agreed that these we had to complete first before moving on to the other luxury items just to make sure we were still on budget.

For most couples I know, the On-The-Day (OTD) coordination is usually classified as a nice-to-have.  Their reason: if your family members loved you enough then they would be willing to help out on the actual wedding day issues and headaches.

For me, however, I talked hubby into tagging this as a 'have".  I guess the thought of my mom running around in her finery, talking on the phone while being made up didn't sound all that appealing to me.  It also doesn't help that I am a worry wart and can be quite... uhmmm... expressive when irritated.

So to save my hubby the horror of seeing me pull my hair out on our wedding day, he agreed to hire an OTD coordinator.

Who is Lucky Mouse?

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, a very distant forgotten branch of the Disney clan decided to sponge off Walt's surprising, successful, mouse-tastic masterpiece.  Here is what came out of that bright idea:

Lucky Mouse!

WEDDING SUPPLIERS REVIEW: Iha Dresses

Anyone who's ever been a bridesmaid could truly relate to Katherine Heigl's character in 27 Dresses.  Every one has that taffeta number you keep stored in the closet gathering dust since, well, you don't really know where else you could use it, right?

Well, in preparation for our wedding, I didn't want our bridesmaids to view their dresses as such.  So huge was my worry that I was already fishing for ready-to-wear cocktail pieces in Landmark and SM!

It was in one of my trips in Landmark that I came across this very cute children's dress from Iha, a fashion design company specializing in couture for girls.

Source: Iha website

TeamManila Lifestyle Warehouse Sale Part 2 (May 29,2010)

Trinoma Green Light Sale (May 28 - 29, 2010)

 

Visit http://www.greenlightsale.ph/ for more details.

Schu Outlet Shop

Schu Outlet Shop

G/F Security Land Building,

6797 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(along SMART Building in Ayala)

(02) 8404924, (0905) 329 9358

Ultimate Pampanga Culinary & Heritage Tour (by Our Awesome Planet)

Deciding what to do this Saturday?  Fret not!  Anton Diaz, creator of the ourawesomeplanet blog, invites you to:

The Ultimate Pampanga Culinary & Heritage Tour!

May 29, 2010

Dear Noynoy Aquino (suggestions to a new president) Facebook Page

If you could have a chance to talk to President-apparent Noynoy Aquino, what would you say?  Well, in the spirit of social networking sites, Redrock Philippines gives you a chance to do just that.

Visit the Dear Noynoy Aquino Facebook page and browse all you want.  Who knows, LP might just take your suggestions to heart. 

¡Viva la democracia!  =)

WEDDING SUPPLIERS REVIEW: Mia Barlaan

I have to admit.  Looking for a couturier was one of the last items I did in preparation for our wedding.  Similar to other bride-to-bes, I too was hoping to loose a little weight.  Vanity got the better of me, I guess.  Hehehe!

When I finally realized that I had lost all that I could (darn my sweet tooth!), I then decided to seriously locate a couturier 4 months before the big day.  After undergoing a lot of interviews with different designers (including one who stood me up twice!), I finally settled on Mia Barlaan.

Onesimus Outlet Store

Onesimus Outlet Store

Onesimus Bldg., 592 Cordillera St.,

Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines

(02) 531-6494

Hallmark Snapshots of Love Photo Contest

Know what's the best thing about mom and dad?  Whip out those cameras and show Hallmark in

Hallmark's Snapshots of Love Photo Contest!

Rustan's Red Tag Store in Robinson's Place Manila

NOTE: This entry is in response to my FemaleNetwork sisters who have been curious about Rustan's "warehouse" store in Robinson's Place Manila.  Hope the info I could supply here helps to satisfy your curiosity.  =)

I've been to the Robinson's Place Manila branch of Rustan's numerous times.  Although I've never known it to have been called the Red Tag store before.  If I remember correctly, the first time the store opened a few years back, they were selling the usual priced items found in any Rustan's outlet.  However, my recent visits there has got me thinking otherwise (or maybe they just changed tactics on me.  Hehehe!)

Anyway, I was in Robinson's Place Manila last sale weekend and decided to drop by Rustan's for a while.  I noticed they changed the name of the store to Rustan's Red Tag.  And in the spirit of sale weekend, they too were on sale.

However, no sale duration was posted on any of their banners.  Plus I've been to this store before and they offer discounted Rustan's items year round.  So I'm not exactly sure of this is just a marketing ploy though.  Hehehe!

Cheap Laptop Bags (Below P1,000)

There must be something wrong with me, but I consider laptop/netbook bags priced above P1,000 very expensive.  Considering you can buy a simple P100 laptop sleeve and use just any ordinary bag, you're basically good to go.  One can debate on and on about the advantages and disadvantages of having a special bag simply made for carrying your laptop -- but we're not here to talk about that.  =)

About 6 months ago, I finally bit the dust and bought myself a cute Asus 1005HA eeepc.  And then I realized why the obsession over those laptop/netbook bags.  Laptops and netbooks don't come cheap and protection is needed in order for your babies to last a long, long time.

But, boy!  Were good laptop bags hard to find!  Most of the bags I found were either way out of my budget, lacked enough storage space (was just enough for the lappies), or just plain boring.  Since I won't be bringing my netbook to the office all the time, I decided to go out-of-the-box and look for reasonably-priced, more casual alternatives.

Greenhills Mayfashion Fair (May 14 - June 7, 2010)

Restaurant Review: C2 Classic Cuisine

Last Saturday, while walking through Robinson’s Manila (it's sale weekend!  Of course), I came across Classic Cuisine, or known simply as C2.  I’ve been to this restaurant before.  Having an OFW for a husband who is always hungry for local fare everytime he's here on his short balikbayan visits, you get to try almost all the Filipino-specialty restos in the Metro (hey, it rhymes!)  Missing our all-time favorites, or perhaps being a little nostalgic, I was able to convince my mom to eat lunch there.

WEDDING SUPPLIERS REVIEW: Eloquente Catering Servies

I'll have to admit, finding the right caterer was a tough job for us.  Considering that food will eat up a huge chunk of our wedding budget, we didn't want to book not just any caterer.  We wanted to be 100% sure of our decision.

We did the usual rounds (bridal fares, referrals - the works).  We saw a lot of really impressive ones but budget-wise, not really what we were looking for.  When finally, 2 officemates of mine mentioned Eloquente Catering Services.  Incidentally, both their sisters had them as their wedding caterers.

A Threading of a Different Sort (My Eyebrow Threading Experience)

I was sort of a tomboy growing up.  I abhorred girly, frilly dresses and make-up thinking it was so cool to be a girl acting like a guy.  Good thing I was a 90s teen.  And like most people my age that time, baggy jeans and extra large tops were my primary closet staples.  My old photos can attest to that, which is why I don’t parade them in front of hubby – EVER!
I am what you call a late bloomer when it comes to anything “kikay.”  When before I’d scoff at anyone telling me to have my bushy eyebrows trimmed (I called them Fred and Barney, FYI), I’d roll my eyes and go on my merry way.  Heck! They've always kept me company anyway.

But that all changed when the school make-up artist shaved and shaped them for my college graduation picture.  Surprisingly, I liked it.  I then bid goodbye to my Helga-esque (of Hey, Anold! fame) bushy uni-brows.  Hello sophistication!  I’ve had them shaved ever since.

There are disadvantages of having them shaved though.  First off is the dreaded chicken skin.  Razors tend to brush against sensitive skin near the eyes. I’ve experienced getting rashes and dry, flaky skin after each shaving.

Finally, those darn hairs grow back so fast.  You’ll see small hairs popping out immediately the following day.  Since shaving removes the hair only at the skin level, you see stubble immediately after a few days.  The hair also appears coarser since razors tend to cut hair ends flat instead of pointed.

So how, oh how, can I make do without the fuss and still maintain those brows I’ve already come to love?

CATS (Now and Forever) on McDelivery

You've heard it right folks!  In celebration of Broadway's CATS coming to Manila, McDonalds is offering Metro Manila customers a chance to score free tickets!

Bayo Back-to-School Sale (May 14 - 16, 2010)

Bayo's Back-to-School Sale!!!

May 14 to 16, 2010

Participating stores: Festival Mall, Sta. Lucia East, all Robinson's malls, Market Market!!!

See you there!!!

Fully Booked Sales at Greenbelt 5, Eastwood and Sketch Books branches (May 14 - 16, 2010)

I don't know exactly what's happening but it seems there will be a lot of sales coming up in the days to come.  Good thing for booklovers as well since it seems our favorite bookstores have also decided to follow suit.

Fully Booked (Greenbelt 5, Eastwood and Sketch Books branches)

will be on sale this May 14 to 16, 2010.  20% off on imported books! 

See you there!  =)

The Grove by Rockwell Super Sale (May 21 -23, 2010)

 

Scholastic Book Fiesta (May 15 and 22, 2010)

Calling all booklovers!!!

Don't miss Scholastics Book Fiesta Summer Warehouse Sale!!!

May 15 and 22, 2010, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the

Scholastic Warehouse, 70 C. Raymundo Avenue, Rosario, Pasig City.

Call 9001537 or 6284487 for details.

Sale! Sale! at Market! Market! (May 14 - 16, 2010)

May 14, 2010 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

May 15 - 16, 2020 (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

WEDDING SUPPLIERS REVIEW: Teddy Ramirez (Hair & Make-up)

I was not actually supposed to write this entry this early since I really want to do justice when reviewing Teddy Ramirez's Hair and Make-Up skills.  But due to inquiries I have been receiving about his work, I guess now is the best time as any to release my review.

I can tell you this now though, I am recommending Teddy Ramirez.  I am 100% satisfied with his work.  =)

Wedding Expenses: Our own Personalized Summary of Wedding Needs and Wants

In the hopes of helping all would-be brides out there, I will be documenting and reviewing our wedding suppliers and other related-items in my blog.  We've been in the same boat as you and your fiancee, and blogs with reviews similar to this one, proved to be our saviour dozens of times.  Here's to paying it forward...  J

Free Comic Book Day at Fully Booked!!!! (May 22, 2010)

I've always had a hard time looking for appropriate gifts for my hubby.  Even when we were still dating, I'd always end up giving him something he won't use.  Oh, he appreciates everything I give (its the thought that counts anyway, right?), but I knew I always just missed the mark.

A Day of Change: The 1st Philippine Automated Elections

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

- Mahatma Gandhi

I joined the millions of Filipinos today who despite the heat, long lines and jejemons (joking!), cast their votes in the hopes of a better tomorrow, a better Philippines. 

Robinsons Malls' School Sale (May 14 - 16, 2010)

Lovin' my Sun Tattoo Broadband: Unlocking your Globe Tattoo USB Stick

I didn't have a tv set when I first moved into our place in Quezon City.  All I had for entertainment were a few books and a laptop.  Since hubby, who was still my fiancee that time, is based in Singapore, access to the net was always a necessity for the both of us.

Now I couldn't just apply for broadband internet connection, since I was supposed to follow my hubby a few months after to the Lion City (that was then) and the violation of the lock-in period would have resulted in me paying very high fees.

So we decided that I would share internet access with my brother-in-law (would-be at the time), who was conveniently my neighbor as well.  I  would pay BIL around P500 a month for usage.  Not bad considering I am quite a heavy net user.

Rustan's Fire Sale Review (May 5 - 9, 2010)

After a hard work week of pure unaduteralted torture, I finally found myself at the office, on a Friday, with absolutely nothing to do.  With still 2 and half hours to spare before the final dismissal time, I decided, instead, to file for undertime to take the opportunity to get a head start on some errands I had to attend to later in the evening.

So after receiving my boss' approval, I hopped on the MRT and went to Megamall, where most of my errands lay.  However, I had finished earlier than expected so off I went to Shangri-la Plaza for some much-needed shopping therapy.

Rustan's Fire Sale