Of Ghouls and Witches and Other Horrible Beasties...

Halloween is finally here!

While most kids associate this spooky holiday with trick-or-treating, I, however, view this as a time to spend with family, sharing ghost stories and of course, watching scary shows on TV!

Dessert Comes First's 1st Food Photography Workshop

I've always had a fascination with photographs.  In just a single click of the camera, a moment, a memory, evidence is captured for all eternity.  I've always believed that no one dies.  With photos, your print is forever etched in history, whether you're a superstar or an ordinary citizen.

Photography is a good, albeit very expensive, hobby, but the rewards, I believe, are well-worth it if it means knowing that the Little One will get to know about my life way before she was born.  Hence, reading photography books and attending seminars have greatly appealed to me if only to further harness my craft and creativity.

Quite recently, I was bowled over by none other than the master of food photography himself, Mr. Mark Floro, when I attended Ms. Lori Baltazar's Dessert Comes First (DCF) Food Photography Workshop.

Photo taken from the Dessert Comes First blog

PR: Filipino Brands Get Bigger and Better at Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011

Yabang Pinoy—the pioneering Filipino Pride movement known for fun, creative, and contemporary Filipino pride projects and events—constantly strives to convert Filipinos into shouting proud Pinoys.

Now, Yabang Pinoy is out to prove that Filipino brands are getting bigger and better with the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011, a showcase of local products made with 100% Filipino Love and Pride, on November 5-6,2011 at the Rockwell Tent.  The organization encourages everyone to put the Filipino First and patronize home-grown ideas, products, and services.

Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 is zoned into Fashion, Pinoy Art and Design, Music, Tropical, and Home and Travel.

Mark your calendar now for the best Filipino Christmas shopping experience.

***

And here's another treat for all Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 visitors!  Shoppers who will be wearing an all-Pinoy outfit during the bazaar will receive a gift from Yabang Pinoy.

Just look for the fashion police!

***

For more information, visit http://www.yabangpinoy.com/, email them at bazaar.globalpinoy@gmail.com or call them at mobile # 0927 826-3926.

Sharing: 10 tips to enhance your leadership EQ

Being in the Human Resources profession certainly gives you opportunities to be able to work with people from all walks of life -- from the messengers to the higher-up executives.  And each has their own special needs and require a certain way of dealing with them through everyday interactions and transactions.

As such, I've always believed that the development of one's Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is actually important and necessary for every worker.  My good friend, Yvonne, shared this very interesting article from Ms. Jasbindar Singh which details 10 tips to enhance one's leadership EQ.

Creativoices: The Company that Launched a Thousand Characters

We are a society who loves to be entertained.  Let's face it.  Fantasy TV shows would not be exciting without the special effects.  Dramas would not be as touching without the tear-breaking musical backgrounds.  Puppets and radio shows with high-pitched dialogues are what fascinates us and fuels our imaginations.

You might have probably wondered who these people are.  Those who work behind the lines.  Those who give voice to the commercial puppets and voice-overs.

Well, while at Blogapalooza, we were presented with a special treat by one of the well-known voice companies in the country -- Creativoices!

Pocholo Gonzales of Creativoices

And Then There Was 1: Winner of SM's Plus Size Model Search

Hundreds joined the cause.  Plus-sized women everywhere showed everyone what it took to become very fashionable ladies.  In the middle of the game, 8 deserving finalists were chosen:


The 8 beautiful finalists



The Perils of Blogging

I took up blogging as a form of relaxation.  Being in the Human Resources profession for almost 8 years, I decided I needed something else to occupy my free time aside from work (believe me, our kind of work is never with rest periods as you have to constantly be in touch with your people.)  Don't get me wrong, I love my job.  It's just that I also believe that life needs a balance.

In my dealings with other HR blogging professionals, I've found that they write to let off steam, to convey free HR-related practices and advice to those who do not have the priviledge of an accomodating Human Resources division.

I could have easily taken that path and followed in their footsteps.  God knows I've been in Human Resources for quite a while and have dealt and experienced a lot of different scenarios already.  But instead I chose a different route.  One where I could talk about everything and anything besides work, hence The Average Jane was born.

Fighting the Good Fight with The Peninsula Manila

NOTE: Picture heavy post.  J

The Peninsula Manila is perhaps best-known for being the music video location of Regine Velasquez's "Written in the Sand", and infamous for the military rebellion led by now Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.  Remember the tanks ramming up and destroying the lobby?

Well, it's come a long way since then, baby.  J

Bubble Tea Dreams and Memories

During one particular trip to Singapore to visit my ex-BF (now hubby) a few years back, I came across a small stall selling, of all things, grilled chicken curry.  Yup.  You read it right.  It's grilled and it's curried.  Well, I love anything fowl -- grilled most especially -- and anything curried, so this unique combination to me was like a delicious, gastronomical meeting of sorts, simply calling out to my palate.

And try it out I did!  Never have I tasted such a great combination that my succeeding visits found me ordering the same thing again and again.

Well, this isn't Singapore, baby!  So alas, I couldn't have it here and would content myself with the occasional taste twice or thrice in a year.  =(

Well, that was before Bubble Tea Restaurant (Tokyo Milk Tea Place) offered me a similarly delicious alternative.

Announcing the Winner of the "Have an Action-packed LazerXtreme Experience" Giveaway!

First of all, I'd like to thank you all again for joining my giveaway.  J

And after checking and tallying the results, I am pleased to announce that the winner of a pair of tickets to LazerXtreme is...

FOUND! Levi's® Outlet Store

Discovered a new outlet store today.  This time in Robinson's Place, Imus, Cavite.  The Levi's® Outlet Store!

Levi's® pants and shirts go for as much as 50% off.  Plus they also offer Dockers® pants as well. 

There is, however, quite a limited choice of women's shirts and blouses.  But other than that, they have a very well-maintained stock for their other items.  J

HE Said, SHE Said: Perspectives on Polecats Manila's Polarity (Guest Post)

First of all, I'd like to thank Kayleen Dy and the rest of the Polecats Manila team for their very generous invitation to watch Polarity, their 2nd anniversary show held last October 16, 2011. 

I was, however, unfortunately indisposed at that time and requested 2 very dear friends of mine to watch the show on my behalf (Thank you again Sandii and Dex!  I so owe you guys one.  Make that two.  ☺)

Thank you, friends.  Love you lots! 

Here's what they had to say about the show.

Putting my War Face on: The Catwalk Cosmetics x Etude House Princess Make-up Workshop

NOTE: September was a really busy month for me.  Aside from adjusting to my new mommy role, I also found a little time to attend some workshops I found really interesting.  Expect a few backlogged entries as I will be posting about them in the following weeks to come.  ☺

I'll be the first to admit that I have no make-up application skills whatsoever.  Sure, order me to develop a sustenable Organizational Development program.  Easy peacey.  Ask me to sing a lovely tune?  In a snap!

But doing my own make-up?  This was not a part of my God-given skills.  I tremble at the thought!  BB creams confuse me.  Lipstick color leaves me staring into open space.  The only thing I can get away with with my way-below-par make-up skills is at the office, where you're usually required to and simple is indeed simple (or else a memo would come your way.  Hehehe!)  ☺

But like everything else, I knew this had to change.  I had to learn some time right?

And so when Marj Sia of The Traveling Heels blog and owner of Catwalk Cosmetics offered a half-day basic make-up workshop, I literally jumped at the chance; took it as a sign from God; and happily registered and paid for a slot.

Photo taken from The Traveling Heels blog.

Hits and Misses at Mann Hann

Mann Hann has a lot of great eats to offer.  What started out as a grocery store, has slowly evolved into one the well-known Chinese restaurants in the Metro.  In fact, it's one of the places our family frequents whenever we find ourselves out together for lunch or dinner (extended family included ☺). 

There are, however, a few hits and misses.

Mann Hann

STYLE FOR LESS: Ice Watch's Sili Forever vs. Unisilver Time's KW962-1660

THE SPLURGE: Ice Watch's Sili Forever ($110)

I love the color orange.  It's such a refreshing and perky hue.  So when Ice Watch came out with their Sili Forever watch in this shade, it definitely caught my eye.


Photo from the Ice Watch website.



Now I just have to figure out how to save up $110* (roughly Php5,000) for it.  =)

*$1 = Php 45

Of Starbucks Sandwiches and Drinks

Starbucks needs no introduction.  They're everywhere you look.  What I like about them is the fact that they always up the ante by featuring new items on their menu from time to time -- both coffee-based and non-caffeinated drinks, and sweet and savory treats. 

Here, I present 2 new offerings I've sampled just recently plus one very old favorite I want to share with you all.  ☺

Starbucks, anyone? ☺

Found! Mango Outlet Store

If you ever find yourselves in SM Dasmarinas in the near future.  Be sure to drop by the Mango outlet store located at the upper ground floor level.

Mango outlet store

Clothes and accessories are offered at 10 to 50% discount.  Half of the store even offers their newer collections at original price.  ☺

***

Mango outlet store
Upper ground floor, SM Dasmarinas
Governor‘s Drive, Brgy. Pala Pala,
Dasmarinas, Cavite
Philippines

Sofi(tel)'s World

When the ex-BF (now Hubby) and I first started dating, we once caught ourselves passing by Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila while strolling at the CCP.  While admiring this very impressive structure, Hubby, always the architect and with a glazed look in his eyes, said; "we'll stay there one day."

Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

And ever true to his word, we did...  ☺

Kameraman Photos-to-Go: Changing the Way we View Photobooths.

Like a lot of recently married couples, Hubby and I also opted to have a photo booth during our wedding reception.  It's a genius invention, in my opinion. 

Rather than providing our guests with souvenirs that would most probably gather dust in some remote corner of their homes, we decided that photos were the best choice -- you have a remembrance of our special day plus you most probably won't be throwing it away since your faces are plastered all over it.  ☺

Our photo souvenir

The Endless PossibiliTEAs of Lipton

I've never been much of a hot tea drinker.  Oh sure, I love iced teas but I consider them to be in a different league.  Hot tea drinks for me connote British afternoons and grass pasture infused with whatever fruit there is (with the taste that still was reminiscent of grass.  Yuck!  No offense meant to the millions of tea aficionados the world over.)  L

And so it was with great trepidation that I reluctantly accepted the conction prepared by the kind kuyas of the Lipton tea booth at Blogapalooza (guess they just didn't know what they were getting themselves into.  Hehehe!)  ☺

The kuyas of Lipton tea

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Polecats Manila Shows How Flexible They Can Be

It's not everyday that you meet people with the flexibility and the grace to do this...

Polecats Manila
(Photo taken from the Polecats Manila website)

Pole dancing is definitely one of the newest fitness craze to hit the Metro.  Not only does it develop your flexibility and stamina, it's also a very good form of exercise and I'm sure your man wouldn't mind watching you practice to your heart's content (*wink* *wink*)  ☺

Seriously though, this new form of exercise is empowering women, and even men, of all ages and sizes building up that sensual confidence that we know everyone possesses.  And this is what the people behind Polecats Manila aim to do.

Join BC Bloggers!

I love reading and following blogs.  I'm addicted to them.  Whether it's a more personal one or about the mainstream lifestyle, I devour them all.  It's like living through their adventures.  You feel sad with their defeats and shout with joy at their triumphs.  You can almost see, taste, smell their travels and you learn new stuff.

Since the internet is so vast, it's definitely going to take me years to go through the web in search of new blogs to follow, which is why I'm very excited to hear that BC Bloggers is back!

It's definitely a new way to meet new blog friends once again.  I'm so excited!  =)

***

To learn more about BC Bloggers, visit www.mommydiary.net.

FAB FIND: Grab Travel Bag

The family has been using those recyclable shopping bags even before these became fashionable here in RP.  Originally introduced to us by a pair of Japanese friends as pasalubongs, mom and I immediately loved the concept and have been using these ecologically-friendly staples ever since.

Fast forward to the present day and you'll find almost a lot of shoppers becoming more aware of the environment, forgoing plastic bags in favor of their own reusable shopping carriers.  You see almost everyone carrying one everywhere.

Aside from being more eco-conscious, another reason for the popularity of these bags is the fact that these things now come in such cute designs.  It's enough to make you shout Kawaii!  Take the case of this new bag I just bought from SM.  =)

Grab travel bag in Harajuku design



GIVEAWAY ALERT: A Celebration of Filipino Love and Pride at the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011

The Yabang Pinoy – Filipino Pride movement celebrates its 6th year by celebrating Filipino Love and Pride.

Together with Yabang Pinoy’s community of Filipino entrepreneurs committed to Filipino artistry and craftsmanship, Yabang Pinoy will once again stage the 7th Global Pinoy Bazaar on November 5 to 6 2011 at the Rockwell Tent, Makati City.

Our The Heritage Hotel Manila Experience

Hubby and I love checking-in hotels every now and then.  Since he can only stay in Manila for a few days, we treat this as a sort of vacation.  Stay-cation, if you will.  All these without the need for us to step out of the Metro.

On one such occasion, we decided to give The Heritage Hotel Manila a try.

Phiten's Aqua Titan Rakuwa

I've heard of Phiten products years ago. 

Using what is known as a "Phild process", Phiten changes various metals into ionic states which are then infused into the fabrics that make up their products.  These tatanium-infused necklaces are then said to promote wellness and holistic well-being by regulating the body's bioelectric current, an imbalance of which causes fatigue and various body aches and pains.

Having been a long-time sufferer of body aches due to stress, I'm just about ready to give any little thing a shot.

Phiten's Aqua Titan Rakuwa

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Win Tickets to the Fashion Gives Back Bazaar!

Christmas is just around the corner, and I'm sure that you're all scrambling to find that perfect present for your loved ones.  But since this is the season of giving, wouldn't it be better to do your shopping while helping others at the same time?


Fashion Gives Back Bazaar!



GIVEAWAY ALERT: Have an Action-packed LazerXtreme Experience

Ever secretly dreamed of becoming an international spy, shooting bad guys and preventing crime?  Or are you just bored with the usual haunts and want some excitement in your life?  Maybe you've had a lover's quarrel and want to let off steam in a physical way without the icky bloodshed?

Well, I think I might have the solution for you...

LazerXtreme!

Announcing the Winner of The Average Jane's Mini Giveaway!

Entries have been verified.  Checked and double checked.  And so I am pleased to announce the winner of my Mini Giveaway!

Drumroll please...

Show Your School Spirit at Regatta!

Merriam-Webster.com defines the word regatta as a boat/sailing race.  And what better name to use in describing a store simply infused with a refreshing nautical theme?

Photo from the Regatta facebook page

This One's Definitely ForMe...

ForMe has been my go-to shop for most of my clothing needs.  In fact, some of my favorite pieces are from this store.

Me at Singapore's Chinese and Japanese Garden wearing
my fave pair of jeans from ForMe.  ☺

Does Size Really Matter? (Size Matters Flame-Grilled Sausage Burgers)

Does size really matter?  ☺

Well, that's what the people behind Size Matters Flame-Grilled Sausage Burgers seem to think so. 

Does size really matter?