O.N.E. Naturales: ONE for P199 Sale!

Last year, I was invited to the launch of a new product that embraced its audacity to manufacture skin care products that are Organic, Natural, and Eco Friendly. Abbreviated as O.N.E. Naturales, the products of the company can be classified as natural luxury but without the hullabaloo. Amidst its retro-ish design and clever advertising measures, it greatly appeals to the market because of its affordable prices. What’s more was that it was marketed by a local team of Filipinos who researched, developed, and manufactured the products on their own. Spearheaded by the genius that is Charade Galang, the brand has launched into instant stardom.

Charade Galang 

Fast forward to a year later, I am still using and loving their products such as the Berry Delicious lip balm, You Wild Coconut, You! body butter, and the Cherry Blossom Trails body scrub. I personally know a lot of my friends who also love O.N.E. Naturales and their products and I’m sure they would be pleased to know about this new promotion that they have.

As part of its first anniversary, O.N.E. Naturales is giving something back to its loyal customers. From July 31-August 19, 2011, you can buy the different products at only P199. Yes, P199 for each of your favorite O.N.E. Naturales products! Even the delicious Body Scrubs (originally sold at Watsons’ for around P600) can be yours for only P199! The only product that’s not included in this are the lip balms, which are already being sold for P199. It is still part of the promotion but it’s now priced at P199 for 2.

Online Sale: June 30-July 30, 2011

Image borrowed from Traciethediva.blogspot.com

But wait! That’s not all!

Starting June 30, you have a chance to win 1 coupon to buy any product you want from O.N.E. Naturales. All you need to do is LIKE the Facebook page and you’re instantly qualified for the online raffle which will be happening on July 30. Entries will be raffled off through Random.org and the winner will receive a coupon to buy any of the products from O.N.E. Naturales.

Can’t wait until July 31st to buy your favorite O.N.E. Naturales’ products? Here’s some good news for you!

Why wait until the end of July when you can start buying your favorite products NOW? O.N.E. Naturales can now be purchased through the same options just like you would normally do with your favorite online stores: Gcash or through Bank Deposit. Hurry, this online selling is only available from June 30-July 30. To buy online, just send a PM in Facebook!

A Promotion for Bloggers

Aside from the online raffle, O.N.E. Naturales is also rewarding one lucky blogger to win a complete line consisting of 9 different products valued at P 4,231. If you’re a blogger and you would like to join this promotion, simply visit my blog so you can find out more about this sweet deal that you can get!

 

ONE Naturales' Product line

This is your time to buy all your favorite O.N.E. Naturales products at a cheaper price! You don’t even need to deal with a Groupon site and wait until the deal becomes active. All you have to do is to get in touch through the Facebook page and you will be properly accommodated. 

Get a Free CBTL Ice Blended Drink on Sunday!

CBTL lovers, guess what? Our favorite coffee shop is introducing a new drink on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Visit any CBTL branch (except DLSU Cybernook, University Mall- Taft Avenue, and Ayala Avenue Convergys) so you can get a complimentary 12 oz. Espresso & Cream Ice Blended drink! Just go to any Coffee Bean branch (except for the ones mentioned above) between 10am-12nn this Sunday so you can get your complimentary drink! I love it when Coffee Bean has an open house. They always inform their loyal customers about it! :)

For CBTL branches, click HERE.

See you there!

My Sister's Wedding-- A Late Congratulations from Me

A month ago, my sister got married to her boyfriend of 4 years. The wedding was a beautiful one and I have seen how everything has transpired. Of course, I should know these things because I was always there when my sister and her fiance spent a hundred Saturdays going to different places in Metro Manila to find their wedding venue, dress, caterer, band, and whatnot. I have been both an accomplice and a rival since we only had one car at that time. Since most of my Saturdays were spent at Greenbelt, I did not have a car to go out of Paranaque from. That's why I ended up staying home the whole day.

Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Lao

The preparation for the BIG day started around June 2010. That was the time when my sister formally told me that she was already engaged. But even so, she was scared to tell our dad that she was engaged. It was only in September that my sister's fiance got the nerve to talk to my dad. Considering they were already adults and that they have been together for 4 years, everyone just thought that it was the right and logical thing to do.

During the preparation, I specifically asked NOT to be the Maid of Honor. I was too busy with work and hearing the sort of stuff that were lined up for a Maid of Honor, I got cold feet and knew that I would not be able to work as much if I accepted the responsibility. Also, I always thought that the Maid of Honor should be someone whom the bride is closest to. Although it was only recently when my sister and I got close, I could not help but recall the weeks and months when we would not speak to each other. (Yes, I tend to shut someone out of my life if I am mad at her/him. Even if we live in the same house, I can last a year without talking to him/her.) That's why I asked not to be the Maid of Honor.

So alas! The big day came. Everyone arrived at Parque Espana while we were still having breakfast. The makeup artists arrived then the bridesmaids. It was a good thing that I got to take shots of the items before the photographers arrived. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to take pictures of my sister in her wedding gown-- I only got the behind the scenes shots.

My sister's custom made shoes

Cute di ba? Ronnie's shoes also has 'I DO' on the bottom 

Stuff for the wedding 

Well, these aren't the real wedding rings... 

The gown and the bouquet

My sister's make up artist Shin Chua did her magic on me. I was really amazed at how well I looked that day. But most importantly, I have never seen my sister so beautiful. In fact, it was the most beautiful that I ever saw her.

My awesome makeup by Shin Chua 

I stole this shot. :)  

Beautiful!

Too bad my brothers weren't there...

At the venue, I became the unofficial Maid of Honor-- escorting our relatives to their seats, making sure that no one would trip on the loose carpet, tending to guests who were already hungry, etc. I was wearing around 3-4 inches heels (I think) and I was able to run around in my gown.

As she was walking down the aisle with my dad, I could not help but shed a few tears. I even saw some relatives making a fuss that they saw me crying-- but who cares. I was ecstatic for my sister and I could not control myself.

My dad and sister 

Ronnie sung the bridal march -- Angels Brought Me Here

My sister's trail

When I was told that I had to give a speech to my sister, I was shocked. I knew that my dad had to give a speech so I prepared his speech already. But I never knew that I would speak in front of people as well. One by one, the bridesmaids and groomsmen went on stage and congratulated the couple. They talked of how this new union would be and how they hope it would last forever, while I sat dumbfounded, I could not think of what to say!

When my turn came, I joked that I would not go on stage because it was too difficult to climb down on my heels. With my heart on my throat, I mentioned my sister's name and looked back at her. When I saw her crying, that was it for me. Tears streamed down my face like never before. This was the first time that I cried good tears for my sister. The other times that I cried were all because I hated her and another because of a fight she had with my older brother.

Me and my emotions!

She came over to hug me and I still could not stop crying. I knew I had to say something so I just talked about how I wished we were complete during her wedding day. I told her how happy I am of the person she has become and that Ronnie has truly brought that out. I know my sister has come a long, long way and our new life in Manila has changed everything about us. The past 4 years have brought us together. And now she was marrying the love of her life; her rock and her inspiration. I imagined how it would be if Mom was still there-- if she was there. And I could not imagine anymore because deep down I knew that my sister has always acted as my Mom.

Ack!

I was a bottle of tears that day. I could not help myself. Sayang ang makeup! But yes, it was a beautiful celebration. I am truly happy that my sister found someone to take care of her. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Lao!

After all the drama....

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 :)

2011 Philippine StarBall: Dance Festival of Champions

As promised, here are more pictures of the 2011 Philippine StarBall: Dance Festival of Champions. I attended the press conference held the previous night. This celebration was held last February 12, 2011 at the Makati Shangri La Hotel. From the looks of it, it was a night full of fervor and amusement. 

[Press Kit] 

Where can you watch the top dancers and champions of 6 different styles of dance in one night? Where will you find dancing at its best? People are talking about an event that’s in the works and will soon be brought to our country.

On Feb. 12, 2011, The Philippine StarBall will have a Dance Festival of Champions at the prestigious Makati Shangri-la Hotel. Still at the helm of production and organization is Michaela “Pinky” Puno, the lady responsible for bringing in top international ballroom dancers during the last 3 years.  She herself is a Pro-Am competitor in the US. Her vision to expose the Filipinos to the best in the world remains firm.

Ricardo Cocchi and Yulia Zagoruychenko

In lieu of a competition, The Philippine StarBall format will be exciting and new, the first of its kind in Manila, the first of its kind in Asia … in fact of the entire world! It will feature Show Dances from top couples of 6 different styles of dance – International Latin, International Standard, American Smooth, American Rhythm, Theatre Arts, and the current rage in Manila- Argentine Tango.

Yulia Zagoruychenko and Riccardo Cocchi, who recently took the world title and became the champion of the WDC competition in Germany will honor Manila with their presence as they rumba, paso doble, and chacha their way into the hearts of the crowd once more with their fabulous Show Dances. Joining them in more Latin dances will be #1 in Blackpool (considered the Olympics of ballroom dancing) Michael Malitowski and Joanna Leunis from Poland, #1 from Germany Franco Formica and Oksana Lebedew, #1 from Russia Sergey Surkov and Melia.

Doing Show Dances of waltz, tango, foxtrot, and quick step will be Blackpool champions Arunas Bizokas and Katusha Demidova and #1 from Italy Mirko Gozzoli and Edita Daniute.

Hannah Kartunen and Victor da Silva 

New styles of dances will also be introduced from champions in their respective field.  You will be enthralled by riveting but seamless lifts from Hanna Kartunen and Victor da Silva in Theatre Arts, the mambo, swing, and bolero of Jose de Camps and Johanna Zacharewicz for American Rhythm, and the Fred Astaire/Ginger Rodgers style of dancing from Mikhail Zarinov and Galina Detkina for American Smooth.

Also for the first time at The Philippine StarBall is the addition of 2 of the very best couples from Buenos Aires performing passionate Argentine Tango dances. They are Carolina Zokalski with Diego di Falco, Tony Award nominees for best choreography and performers of Forever Tango;  and Miriam Larici with Leonardo Barrionuevo, winners of NBC’s new series “Superstars of Dance” and featured performers and choreographers of  “So You Think You Can Dance.”

In addition to this dazzling event, there will be a Dance Congress during the daytime -- 6 lectures given by one expert from each style. Admission to this is limited.

For additional information and tickets, please contact Marissa at 812 8464. Beneficiary for this show is KYTHE, helping children with cancer.

--- More photos from the event:

Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo

Joanna Leunis and Michael Malitowski

Yulia Zagoruychenko and Ricardo Cocchi

Arunas Bizokas and Katusha Demidova 

Michael Malitowski and Joanna Leunis

 Honored Guests and Friends

Gretchen Cojuangco, Pinky Puno, Cynthia Carrion, Giging Garcia, Maribel Dario, Carol Garcia

Gretchen Cojuangco, Vicky Zubiri, Marvi Yulo Cojungco, Giging Garcia, Coni Araneta

Anne Puno in vintage Rajo Laurel, Charilu Puno Dizon in her own design

Pinky Puno poses with sister Sally M. Finley, and Mother Aurora Mendoza

Vicky Zubiri in Tadashi,  Pinky Puno in Oliver Tolentino, Linda Lagdameo

Photos and Content provided by Philippine StarBall Organizers and Mayenne Carmona

The 4th Philippine StarBall Press Conference

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to be part of the press conference for the 4th Philippine StarBall held in the Makati Shangri La hotel. It was a night where I got a chance to converse with some of the world's best ballroom dancers and asked them some relevant questions about their craft and the complexities involved in it.

with Miriam Larici, Lonardo Brrionuevo, Carolina Zokalski, Diego di Falco

I was invited by a friend of mine, Mayenne Carmona, a woman who I look up to and admire as if she were a second mom to me. Being the socially awkward individual that I am, I always shun away from such occasions simply because I do not know anyone to converse with. But ever since I first met Ms. Carmona, she has always been helping me out-- introducing me to the big names in the industry. I can never truly thank her enough. :)

Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo (London) with Ms. Mayenne Carmona

Since I stopped working for SPARK Magazine, I also didn't get a chance to attend such events. To be honest, I was already starting to miss all the glam and splendor of things. So I was really happy that I got invited to the event.

Because I knew little about the event, I was really surprised at how much talent and passion was in the room. Although there was only a small number of attendees, the dedication of each individual did not escape my eye. While the foreign dancers sat together in one corner, people from the press (myself included) were seated far from the honored guests. It was as if they were scared of what we were going to ask them.

Of course, we only wanted things to be fun and not end up having such a boring occasion, my friends from the press all asked different questions in an honest attempt to pry into the lives of these celebrities. We wanted to know, amidst their beauty and talent, that they were still human after all.

Amidst this, event organizer and dance floor diva Michaela "Pinky" Puno explained the reason for this year's different format. Because of the politics in the dance world, she decided to alter the format and give it a new twist. Thus, it was called as the Dance Festival of Champions, an event first of its kind, and first throughout the world. Honestly, I think it was a great opportunity to turn the competition into a friendly festival.

Event Organizer/Dance Floor Diva Michaela "Pinky" Puno discussing the souvenir program

Since I was really shy to speak in front of a crowd, I drank some white wine to calm away my nerves. The time came for me to speak in front of a microphone and Mayenne introduced me to the audience. There was a slight error as she told the crowd that I am only 22 years old (I was 23 when we first met). I am 24 now. ^^

Because I was interested in how these dancers got to deal with their partners, I asked them about their interpersonal relationships; particularly those who were already married. Out of the bunch, it was the married couple Diego di Falco and Carolina Zokalski (Tango dancers from Buenos Aires) that answered me. I found out through them that their marriage was just like that of any other married couple. Although they had their ups and downs, they were able to set aside the disagreements in their craft so they can make their marriage work. Proud parents, the couple was set to celebrate their anniversary just a few days from the said press con. This means they celebrated in the country. :)

Me with the couple I put on the spot: Diego di Falco and his beautiful wife/ dance partner Carolina Zokalski 

As the night went on, more questions were asked. Some innocent, others more politely intrusive with a hint of tease. It was because, after all, their craft exuded fiery passion. Every time dancers step onto the dance floor, the audience can only wish they had the same kind of passion and chemistry in their own love lives. For this, people love to wonder if the chemistry they share is limited to the dance or off the stage too...

Mayenne Carmona, Carolina Zokalski, Diego di Falco, Tina Jacinto and David Lim

 The Complete List of Participants in the 4th Philippine StarBall: Dance Festival of Champions:


Riccardo Cocchi and Yulia Zagoruychenko
Victor Da Silva and Hanna Karttunen
Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo
Carolina Zokalski and Diego di Falco
Michael Malitowski and Joanna Leunis
Arunas Bizokas and Katusha Demidova
Franco Formica and Oksana Lebedew
Mirko Gozzoli and Edita Daniute
Sergey Surkov and Melia
Jose de Camps and Joanna Zacharewicz
Mikhail Zharinov and Galina Detkina

with Katusha Dmidova, Arunas Bizokas, Bum Tenorio (Allure)

with Slava Sergiev and Ricardo Cocchi

Slava Sergiev, Mayenne Carmona, Ricardo Cocchi

with Henry and Jojo Zabartre, Yulia Zagoruychenko, Belinda Adora, Mayenne Carmona

*Credit for pictures: Mayenne Carmona (the ones with me)

The Philippine StarBall Dance Festival of Champions was held last February 12, 2011. The press conference was held on February 11, 2011. Please watch out for photos and press article of the event itself.

Immerse in Indian Culture, Music, and Recherché Feasts

Because I am such a huge fan of Indian cuisine, I am reposting this upcoming event called Travelife India Night.

Are you interested in Indian culture, food, and music? If you are, I suggest you reserve February 25 for a night like no other. Travelife Magazine has sent out invitations for a truly unique experience. The event, scheduled on February 25, 2011, will be held at the Dusit Thani Hotel.

I would love a chance to go there but tickets for the occasion is at P 1,499 per person. This includes tickets for the show and dinner that will let you experience gourmet and authentic Indian food and wine. In addition, you will get to witness a concerto of world-class Indian music, truly the best of the best. But that's not all! They have booked a beautiful Indian classical dancer to perform exclusively for the occasion.

Although I would be much willing to pay for the P 1,499 ticket, I do not have anyone to go with. I would love the chance to visit such an honorable occasion and get to meet new people. This will also give me the opportunity to learn more about India. ^,^

If you are interested to attend this prestigious event, make sure you book your tickets now! They have limited seats only and they are getting occupied fast!

For reservations for the Travelife India Night, contact Rachel Ramos (Travelife Magazine) at 02.813.8400 or 02.892.2620. You can also email them at travelife@travelife.biz. Please be advised that the event starts 6:30 pm sharp. Dress code is either cocktail chic or business attire. 

My Take on Valentine's Day

Oh yes, for Valentine's day, I didn't do anything special. Unless you call paying my bills and opening a new bank account special, then yes. It was the day I got close with my banking officers. ^^

But hell, I've been non-celebrating Valentine's day for the past 4 years. Like I said, why should this day be different from the rest? I don't think it's because I'm single. I mean, I'd like to have my bunch of cheesy bouquet of tulips and chocolates but I'd prefer to receive them throughout the year not just on this day alone. I think Valentine's Day is overrated. If you truly want to make her feel special, surprise her anytime of the year. Not on the one day she is expecting you to.

So when I found this YouTube video of Divine Lee whipping up a mean surprise for her beau, Victor Basa. It made me feel human and charmed. It was such a cute video of her cooking some stuff for her boyfriend and it made me wish I had someone to do that to. =(

See, I'm not even being selfish. Even though it's supposed to be that I should expect to receive something from my special someone, I am thinking of ways how I could surprise my soon-to-be boyfriend on a day like today.



I'm such a hopeless romantic.

December 11 is International Angry Birds Day

To all the fans of Angry Birds and Angry Birds Halloween: I just got news that Rovio has decided to make December 11 as the International Angry Birds Day.

What does that mean? Nothing. ^,^

If you're a fan of the game, you can join in on the meetup I created for the game. I just created a meetup for the event to see if any would like to go. If not, we can all stay at home and play the game together.

The meetup is a great way to meet other Angry Birds fans and share techniques. ^,^ If you're interested, just click I'm Interested on this link: International Angry Birds Day.