Why I'm So Excited That It's Finally March

It's March! A few days to go before my whole world will have a complete re-vamping. I am so excited for the exciting things that this month has to offer. It's like this has been the moment I have been waiting for. I'm finally going to be alone. :)

For the longest time, I have always wanted to live on my own. I was just never permitted and didn't have enough money to do it. But now that my sister is getting married on the 25th (yes, this month too), I am finally living my dream! I am so happy because now I can finally be independent. Since I've chosen to move to Makati, who else should I feel like but none other than Sarah Jessica Parker's character in the hit TV series Sex and the City! For one, she's a writer and she's living in the big city. Although my taste and knowledge in fashion is not as deep as hers, it's still a rough imitation of life. 

Umm... no... this is Carrie Bradshaw's bedroom

if only I had a Mac already... 

Aside from this, I am going back to school. Yes, school. But not culinary arts--this will forever be a part of me that I can never get back. I mean, I still like to cook and experiment on new dishes. But as far as the stress involved with professional cooking, I'll pass thankyouverymuch. 

I will be starting school next week. It's just a short course on iOS Programming (e.g. learning how to create iPhone apps). It will last for the next 6 months. 

Another change that is going on with my life right now is that I have started meeting new guys. For those who can remember, the last time I dated was in 2009 and that did not end well. So this time, I'm still on the stage where I meet new guys of different culture, family and lifestyle backgrounds. I guess it's safe to say that I'm not playing around. I am just meeting new people. Period.

Also, I was very shocked to hear that Anywhere Philippines chose me to be their February Blogger of the Month. In line with this, I get to join them on a trip to Baler. SO EXCITED FOR THIS! 

Plus, just last week the DLSU-Writers' Guild asked me to be their guest speaker for their event called Nomnomnom Food Blogging Talk together with a friend blogger, Smarla (Everyday Sweet Notes). The event went really well. 

image c/o Smarla (Everyday Sweet Notes)

With all these changes, the one that I'm most excited about is the big move. One thing I'm not too keen on is the fact that I'll no longer have free Wi-Fi at home. I do have a postpaid Smart Bro Plug It. But I'm worried about my iPhone and iTouch. I still want to be able to download new games and chat with new people on Skout. Plus I want to my laptop to be free of any USB connections and cables. 

So this got me thinking... that this is the best time for me to subscribe to a personal broadband connection. Since I'm already using Smart Bro Plug It and I am thoroughly pleased with the connection I have been receiving, I think I should subscribe with them too. 

I am not only assured of the speed of their internet connection, I just discovered that it's the best time to get  a Smart Bro broadband connection because they have an ongoing promo called Smart Bro's Broadbandest Blowout.

If I subscribe to the SMART BRO Unlimited Home Broadband Plan 999 or 1995, I can get several freebies such as:

• Free All-in-One HP Printer
• Free Call & Texts with SMART Gold Lite Plan 300 for 6 months subscription
• Free 1 Month Broadband Subscription

Since I'm sure of Smart Bro's consistency in surfing speed and stable signal, I will have no trouble submitting my work in time. I do have to think about it intently since this promo is only running from March 4-June 4, 2011.

Wish me luck guys! I'll be starting to haul my stuff to the new place tomorrow!

If you're interested in the SMART BRO Broadbandest Blowout promo, you can get more information by visiting your nearest SMART Wireless Center or any SMART BRO accredited agents. This promo is covered by the Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 1871, Series of 2011.

I Hate Copycats

There are just some questions that I am afraid of answering, not that I don't want to but simply because they make me question myself. I know everyone goes through these questions on a daily basis and I have even been asked these questions several times already. And for each and every time, I always give out a different answer. Not because I'm lying or I want to sound cool, but simply because my interests change a lot. One day, I may be interested in a genre of music, the next day I'm not. I have learned to accept that this is the way "I roll" and everyone should just accept it. It's also one of the reasons why I write/blog.

You see, my greatest fear is not heights nor death nor being alone. I'm most afraid of losing myself--my thoughts, memories, senses, and identity. It's a constant struggle that I fight with everyday, since I know some people who tend to absorb my personality and claim it their own. When this happens, I often question myself if I really liked that [e.g. music genre] because I chose it or because someone chose it. This is why I'm always happy when people identify me as the person who I want to be. I find it insightful when people will look to me and tell me: 'Yeah, that's your style,' simply because I often get mixed up.

Take for example, my taste in clothes.

Although there are times that I like to blend in with the crowd, there are days when I really want to express myself. A few weeks ago, a friend of mine was laughing at my shoes because "they look weird." To my defense, another friend stood up to me and affirmed that it was indeed, 'my style.'

Brogues by Indigo

This is why I take refuge in blogging. Through my blog posts, I get to re-examine myself and confirm that I really like a particular item. Since I know someone who really annoys me so much by copying everything I like, I have to recollect myself because I do not know for sure if I am still being myself. This girl used to shop in Ukay-Ukay because she loved the feeling of scouring for unique finds. Up to this day, I still cannot stand the smell of these stores. I will not deny that I have been to and have purchased Ukay-Ukay clothes. But I think throughout my whole life, I've only been in these stores 2-3 times. It's not that I find them gross. It's just that the smell of the clothes annoy my nose and they give me an asthma attack. I can't even hurdle through a huge pile of clothes to find stuff that I like without holding my nose.

Anyway, back to this "person.."

When we moved to Manila 3-4 years ago, she started copying my things. Since we were almost the same size, it bothered me so much because she copies my clothes-- exactly the same style, color and brand. What's worse is that we lived in the same house for a while. So it was really annoying, finding out that she wore my pants.

Even when we separated, she still imitated the clothes I would wear. Well, not only me (my sister and in-law too). Even if they did not look good on her, she would force herself to look young and hip. This bothered me so much that it has reached a point where I now hate her so much. You just won't imagine the things she does and still manages to get away with them!

Well, that's a different story. All I'm saying now is that when I write/blog, I get to see who I am. This is something she never, ever can copy.

iPhone Apps: Glee Karaoke (I CAN SING!)

Did you know I can sing? Me neither! 

Here I am singing Baby, It's Cold Outside (Glee version) through an iPhone app called Glee by Smule. I really like the app because it allows me to practice my vocal chords. Plus it somehow restructures my voice so I'm not so out of tune. ^,^

I highly suggest those who are frustrated singers to use this app! :)

To listen to me break out in song, just click on this link: 

Baby, It's Cold Outside- EatsTrixie and Vinney

Stalker for a Day + High Tea at Shangri La Hotel

A couple of weeks ago, I woke up to a message from one of my bestfriends (Mimi) telling me that she wanted to meet with me. She was in town for this year's Super Junior Super Show 3 concert and was only staying for 3 days, 2 nights. Since there was no way we can meet on Saturday, I decided to spend the rest of my busy Friday with her and Angel. But because I already said yes to a Japanese guy for a lunch date, I decided to cut the date short and just meet with him some other time. [Sorry guys, my girls come first.]

with Mimi and Angel

with Mimi and Angel

So while I was having coffee with this guy, I asked my friends to meet me in Coffee Bean and Tea Life. I wanted to eat lunch before heading out with them but since they arrived early, I had no choice but to tag along. Mimi was with 2 of her other Sujusahoe group and they told me they were going to their friend who was staying at Makati Shangri La. At first I was a bit doubtful whether the guard would let them enter since they were wearing flip flops. [See, Bacolod people are fond of wearing flip flops everywhere] I already encountered my share of scrutiny from the hotel a couple of years back because we (my sister, dad and I) wanted to eat in the lobby. But because the host stared at us from head to toe, we weren't allowed to eat in the lobby because they 'did not allow rubber slippers in the lobby' and to think there were foreigners wearing flip flops. (sheesh!)

So I was really surprised when the guard let us all in. When we got to the lobby, I was even more surprised to find that it was full of young girls. They were all loitering in the lobby, staring at the entrance. That's when I understood I was in for a day of stalking.

Goofing around in Shangri La lobby

Angel

the infamous chandelier

we got bored waiting for SJ

Angel got tired

Super Junior stayed in the hotel. But even though we spent a good couple of hours standing in the lobby, we did not get a glimpse of them. I am not a fan of them and don't have anything against them but still, all the waiting got me pumped up. To add, I have not eaten breakfast nor lunch so I was a bit agitated. Since my friends did not want to move from their spot, I decided to eat in the hotel. [gulp.]

yes, those are the fan girls waiting for SJ

taking a picture of Mimi and her Sujusahoe friends
they met 2 foreigners who flew into the country just to watch SJ

The Japanese restaurant in the hotel was so expensive. Although I had money with me, I did not want to spend P700 for lunch when it was already 3pm. That's why I decided to have High Tea in the lobby instead.

Looking at their options, I decided to go with the Classic Afternoon Tea option because it had my favorite: SALMON!

Classic Afternoon Tea, Makati Shangri La
P530 **

with a teapot of Darjeeling tea

It was so good! I loved everything! It was worth every single cent! Even though it was expensive, it was great! I can't wait to have this again! :)

Raisin and Lemon Scones with clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam

Selection of finger sandwiches:
Goat's Cheese with watercress,
Baked salmon, dill mayonnaise on pumpernickel bread,
Roast beef, caramelized onion and seeded mustard aioli

Chocolate financier
Strawberry Tartlet,
Walnut Brownie,
Lemon Cheesecake

Salmon anyone?

The Classic Afternoon Tea was composed of:

Raisin and Lemon Scones

with clotted cream and home made strawberry jam

Selection of Finger Sandwiches:

Goat's Cheese and Watercress

Baked Salmon and Dill Mayonnaise on Pumpernickel Bread

Roast Beef, Caramelized Onion and Seeded Mustard Aioli

Chocolate Financier

Strawberry Tartlet

Walnut Brownie

Lemon Cheesecake

SPARK Magazine's Launch Party

Last week, I got invited to be part of  Spark Magazine's launch. For those who can remember, I used to be part of Spark and was their Web Marketing Manager. With them, I was able to meet really cool people and discover talents I didn't know I had. This is why I am utterly grateful for the many blessings I have received even if I am no longer part of the magazine.

The event was held last February 23 at the showroom of Milano Residences in Pacific Star Building, Makati City. Being the early bird that I am, I was the 3rd to arrive. Even though I already entered the party at 6.10pm (invite said 6pm), it wasn't until 7.00pm when people started to arrive. It was really packed and full of glamorous people. Because I didn't know anyone in the early part of the evening, I just stood and observed the crowd. A few minutes later, I saw a familiar face: Nina Terol-Zialcita. I knew Nina from a Writer's Block Philippines seminar plus I supplied the photos on her article on the first issue of Spark.

A bit later, I saw another friend, Nicole Torres. I knew Nicole from  the first day I worked at Spark. She's still part of the magazine even though she is a student. I just love Nicole's sense of style plus her pictures! P.S. Nicole, you're my style icon (in case you didn't know that) but I just can't fit into the clothes you wear. :)

with Nicole Torres

As you all know, the EIC of Spark is none other than the ever gorgeous Carla Sibal. During the party, she was exceptional. She was beaming with joy, seeing all her friends and supporters. You can really tell she was excited for the grand things for the magazine.

Carla Sibal welcoming her guests

with Carla Sibal

Here is the gorgeous vixen, introducing the second cover girl: Cecile Zamora-Van Straten (Chuvaness) to the crowd.

Cecile Zamora- Van Straten (Chuvaness) and Carla Sibal

I saw another friend, Irish Degala (also from Spark). But she was busy manning the party. I got lucky I was able to take picture with her.

with Irish Degala

That night, I met a new friend who was featured on the first issue of the magazine. The ever famous John Lennon of the Philippines: Clementine. He's the singer for The Camerawalls.

with Clementine

It was a really great night. I was really happy that I got to meet new people and reconnect with my former magazine family.

My outfit for the event:

Dress: Fetish Couture

Bag: Cole Vintage

Shoes: Possibility

For more pictures of the party, please visit: http://sparkazine.com/

What To Do With An Old Oversized Shirt

Because I got bored at home one day and I wanted a new shirt, I decided to cut my favorite oversized shirt. As far as I can remember, I have always been looking for a way I can have an oversized shirt that has a sleeve that drops on one side. I've always wanted to wear this to the gym or on a casual day. But because I can't find any of these shirts available, I decided to cut away!

I'll post a tutorial next time when I get to buy a new oversized shirt that's good to restructure. But for now, just follow these tips:

1. Cut from the neck portion (just under the collar) to one shoulder sleeve. 

2. Make sure that it is not proportion from where you started so you can have achieve the style.

3. (Optional) If you want to crop the shirt, just cut the bottom part of the shirt where you would want the cropped top to end. 

I know I'm having a difficult time explaining how to do this. I'll just post a video next time. :)

A Night of Indie

/Reblogged from my tumblr site

So last night, I went to calm myself down after a tiring day. Also, it was to show support to a very dear friend/relative Kate Torralba and the tribute she offered to Whitest Boy Alive. It was my first time in Saguijo but I must say it's awesome. I liked the whole experience. :)
Of course, I would not have known about the event if it weren't for Clementine (The Camerawalls), a new friend I met when I attended a high society launch last week.

Albeit the responsible freelancer in me was scouring at the thought of being ahead of my deadline, I decided to give myself a break.

It was indeed a break I deserved well. I got to meet new people and listen to awesome music from the likes of:

Bullet Dumas

Ang Bandang Shirley

Kate Torralba

The Camerawalls

Turbo Goth

It was a great night and my craving for indie was satisfied. This would probably be the farthest I'd go to watching a concert and stalking my favorite bands.

I liked photographing Sarah Gaugler (Turbo Goth)! But I'm out of touch with my camera... I should practice more.

//More pictures to follow :)

Shop in Review: Bratty Bonita

I was looking for a new laptop bag a few weeks ago and was quite disappointed when I didn't win Bratty Bonita's contest last time. Since I was the very first to send in my entry, I was kinda expecting to at least be one of the winners. But I guess there was someone else who deserved to win the bag. It was okay though, since Bratty Bonita gave me 10% discount on my purchases.

So when I discovered that I didn't have anymore bags where I could put my laptop, I finally decided to go and buy a laptop bag from Bratty Bonita. It was really nice to talk to the people behind this online shop because they were very accommodating to me. Despite the fact that I have asked them numerous times about the status of a bag I was interested in, they did not get mad at me. This is why I decided to buy my new bag from them.

At first we were set scheduled to meet up in Araneta Coliseum. But because I was so busy that week, I decided to have the item shipped. The day after I paid for my purchase, I got the bag already. I was really excited because I had a new bag plus it's pink! Not to mention, it's for a traveler. With this bag, I really feel like I'm a globetrotter.

Perhaps the only thing I don't like with the bag is that it only has limited space for my things. I carry a lot of stuff with me everyday so I found this a bit of a liability. I had to choose only the things that were important to me so I won't have a hard time carrying my things. On the plus side, I really like how the bag evenly distributes the weight of my laptop.

Overall, I would recommend Bratty Bonita to anyone who's looking for a new laptop bag. They're a great buy!

Pink World Map Bag, Bratty Bonita

Pink World Map Bag, Bratty Bonita

To get in touch with Bratty Bonita, just visit their Facebook page or Multiply site.