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 Philippinesseminar 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.
After a few months with SPARK Magazine, they were finally able to release their maiden issue last September. I was able to get my complimentary copy and was looking forward to seeing my articles posted on their blog. (I was their blogger).
A few days ago, I got an email from them announcing the launch of their blog. Of course, I had already been aware of it since I check the website everyday! To share with everyone, here are the photos I took for SPARK features and such.
Super model Jo-Anne Bitagcol
I took a picture of Jo-Anne Bitagcol and the contents of her Balenciaga bag as a feature of the mag's "What's In Your Bag?" Read the article.
Jo-Anne Bitagcol's Balenciaga bag
One of the best things I got out of SPARK was that I discovered I had the talent to take beautiful pictures. Armed with my dad's Sony a380 camera, I played around with the gradient lighting and fixed the settings through what I felt was good. I do have basic knowledge in photography so I used this to "intelligently" tinker around with the settings of the camera.
With the many shoots I have done for SPARK, the shoot with Bea Valdez for the "Behind the Scenes of Our Cover Story" was one of my favorites. We worked from 10am until 8pm and it was worth it! I ended the day with hundreds of raw images waiting to be criticized. This was perhaps the first that I shot with a real model, as I was taking pictures of food and inanimate objects in the past. Read Article.
Polaroids taken by Jan Michellardi
Taking a photo of Bea with the photographer, Jan
Another set of Polaroid shots by Jan
I remember my editor, Carla Sibal, loved this shot!
Bea, gorgeous as ever, on the 7th wardrobe change of the day
And who could forget the delicious feature I covered for Cafe 1771? Not only was the food so delicious, I was also able to take loads of photos here! Too bad SPARK only uploaded a few of them. READ ARTICLE.
Cafe 1771
I'm looking forward for the next batch of articles SPARK posts under my name. I'm especially eager to see the features I wrote on Fat Michael's Place, L'Incontro, Manila Collective, MINI, and The Room Upstairs. These were the articles which I also took beautiful photos of!
Aside from that, I look forward to the next photo shoot I take (not necessarily with SPARK). Keep posted on SPARK Magazine by following their blog!
After several months of being SPARK Magazine's first issue being launched, the next thing you have to look out for is the sparkazine website that we have all been working so hard on. I wrote several articles for the blog and I am very excited to see that some of them have already been posted.
You can now read articles I've written as well as see some of the pictures I took. Simply go to the website of the magazine! http://sparkazine.com.
Aside from reading my articles, make sure you click LIKE on SPARK's Facebook fan page. You get a chance to win something!
Win a P50,000.00 shopping spree at Fred Perry! Just click ‘Like’ on Spark Magazine’s Facebook page to join!
Today, I was finally able to get my complimentary copy of SPARK magazine from the office. For those who already know, I was the Web Marketing Manager of SPARK for the past 4 months. I was in charge of writing the blog posts for every month as well as supplying images. Recently though, I resigned from this post as I wanted to explore my world more. It was because of SPARK that I was able to discover I had a talent for photography. Because of this, I am forever indebted to the people behind the magazine as they have motivated me to continue this craft.
But unfortunately, I had to let go of the position so I could get to travel more and to achieve my life goals. Despite the fact that it (working for a magazine) has always been my lifelong dream job, I knew it was time to let go and move on. I have always been having trouble getting into the magazine industry as I am not a graduate of this field. But my heart has [and always will be] been in it. Even today, I am still going to continue this but as a contributor.
Despite my goodbyes though, I was very happy that I was able to work with such an esteemed magazine. Not only was I under the supervision of one of the country's most deified EICs and personalities, I was also able to get a chance to showcase myself. Having the opportunity to work with them was really the highlight of my year, if not, my entire life. I look forward to working with them again sometime in the future.
Because this is the very first time I had my name on a magazine, I could not help but feel proud of it. Maybe on the second time this happens to me, it won't feel like this but I cannot help myself as it is really the first time I was able to get included in a magazine. Instead of having a camwhore moment, I took pictures of my name.
I have to warn you though, the magazine only contains 3 of the photos that I took. The rest of my work are still set to be posted on the blog of SPARK, which will be sometime this month. If you are planning to buy a copy of the mag to see my work, then I strongly advise that you wait for the blog instead. But if you are thinking of getting a copy because it is an interesting magazine, then by all means GO!
Please stay tuned and wait for the release of sparkazine, the digital platform of SPARK magazine. In it, you will be able to see really amazing photos that I was able to take as well as the 120 articles that I have written.
But for now, please enjoy these pages I have contributed to the first issue of SPARK Magazine:
SPARK Magazine is now available in leading bookstores for only P199! That's quite a buy for 200 pages full of beautiful, creative photos and good reads!
Recently, I was invited to try out Basement Salon’s new treatment called Permanent Brow-dry. This new treatment has been in Manila less than a year. Apparently, this is a Brazilian trend which coats hair with Keratin so that it gets the nutrients it needs to become healthier, shinier, and stronger once more. People who have been rebonding or perming their hair will definitely need to try out this new treatment as it will make their hair softer and healthier.
I first came to know this treatment during my first visit to Basement Salon in Rockwell last May. That was also the day I was scheduled for an interview/meeting with my (now) editor, Carla Sibal. But during that time, I was debating whether or not I should get a haircut or have a treatment. I had shoulder length hair already which I had been growing for the past year and felt like I needed a change as I was entering a new industry—something that I’ve always wanted.
Before my first haircut with Basement Salon
I wanted to feel empowered so I got a haircut which I patterned after Lucy Torres’ short hair in the March 2009 issue of anothermagazine. I felt like I was embarking on a new opportunity that required me to stay tough no matter what obstacle would come my way. And this meant being able to smile, even if I felt insecure with all the beautiful people I will be meeting.
But sadly, my hair never cooperates. It’s been like this forever! Once I cut my hair short (about eyebrow level), it starts to show waves. And this is not good for my intended hairstyle. Just after a few weeks, the waves started to show. So I got Mr. Shin of Beautybrick Salon to cut my hair again.
Haircut done by Mr. Shin
The haircut was a wash and wear hair style. A lot of people commented on it since it looked different from the ordinary straight bob. The problem was it only stayed manageable for a few weeks.
I was planning to get a haircut last time but I was deciding who should cut my hair. Luckily, I was invited by Stefan Wilczynski, an Executive and Senior hairstylist of the salon, to tryout their new treatment. This was after he saw me last Tuesday for an interview for SPARK magazine.
My hair has long been in need of a decent makeover and not just the ones that are temporary. I’ve even considered doing a Britney and see what happens when it grows back. But it’s not my nature and I am so scared to try it. Luckily, this big opportunity came and everyone I talked to advised me to go for it. It was even perfect since I was attending events for the magazine and needed to look my best.
So today, I came into the salon around 12:40 pm even though my appointment was at 1pm. I know, as usual I’m early. But this did not matter as they (Basement Salon team) invited me in. They even sat me beside my editor who, coincidentally, was getting her hair done! ^,^
Obligatory Before Photos
Stefan came over and told Baba (my attendant) to fix the color on the roots of my hair. 15 minutes later, they washed my hair. I was led to a different chair (with better lighting) and they put Keratin treatment on my hair. While I waited for the next 20 minutes, I took out my laptop and started working on some articles that I needed to finish for the day. Thanks to the salon’s Wi-Fi and cool lounge music, I did not feel anxious to finish the treatment. They even offered to give me some refreshments.
Getting my roots retouched
After the 20 minutes, Stefan came back and told me that it was time for the exciting part: the steam. Another attendant led me to a room upstairs where Baba was already waiting, a mask on her face. She asked me to wear another mask before starting to blow-dry my hair. A few minutes later, another attendant came in wearing a mask and started to help her.
This was necessary as the formula typically used for the treatment contains formaldehyde. Once its fumes are inhaled, it can be carcinogenic to the lungs and irritating to the eyes. But the formula Basement Salon uses is formaldehyde free, still they wanted to perform an extra precaution. For this, I was seated below an exhaust so that the Keratin could have a place to escape and not fill the room. When they finished, they ironed my hair straight.
I wanted to draw pretty faces on my mask... ^,^
After about an hour, they led me back to my original spot. They then told me I needed to wait for another hour so that my hair could take a rest. During this time, I was sort of anxious already. I was a bit lazy to write and wanted to see the change. I kept touching my hair and it was indeed softer than before. I then came up with an idea to take pictures of myself and post them real-time via Twitpic and Plurk. Of course, the first few procedures were already finished then.
By this time, my hair already felt softer
When the hour was over, they washed my hair before placing another conditioning treatment. This one, smelled good though and only needed to stay for 20 minutes. By then, I was thinking of what my new hair will look like. I was also starting to check pictures on the internet for hairstyles I want to get done by Stefan.
Last process
The 20 minutes went by fast and Baba was back to wash my hair for the last time. When she finished, she blow dried it using just her fingers. The end product was very smooth, shiny and soft. I swear, my hair has never been this soft in my entire life.
Finished product... So soft!
Look! There's Stefan's reflection!
Stefan came back and checked up on me. He was very pleased with the result and told me that my hair did not need any cutting. He even showed the result to my boss. =) And since he’s the expert, I trusted him and will return for a regular haircut after 2 months. Back at home...
If you’re interested in a change of hairstyle, try the Permanent Blow-dry. You won’t get disappointed.
What you need to know about the treatment:
1. The process takes a long time. So make sure you bring a book or your laptop.
2. It is not for those who want to straighten their hair. My hair only got straightened because it is a SIDE-EFFECT of the Keratin. After a while, it will go back to being wavy but still maintain its soft and smooth texture.
3. After the treatment, you need to use a shampoo that does not contain any sulfur. This is because the keratin only coats the outer layer of the hair so it becomes shiny, smoother and softer. When you use harsh ingredients that commercial shampoos contain, the keratin will get washed off easily.
4. You can get the treatment done as often as you like.
Basement Salon is located at:
Edsa Shangri-La,
Carpark Building, Shangri-La Mall, EDSA
+632 638 2222/ +632 638 6666
Rockwell Center
2nd Level Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City
Yesterday, I was in a sudden urge to get my hair cut. But I was deciding if I should get it done by Mr. Shin (Beautybrick), Billy (Univers Kaizen) or by Nelson (Tony & Guy). Billy has long been my hairstylist until I met Mr. Shin, who Angel totally supports. Nelson, on the other hand, was the cover shoot’s hairstylist that I met. I wanted to try out his power on my hair. At the same time, I was also debating not to get my hair cut. So I decided to forget about it for the meantime.
Haircut with Mr. Shin, Nov. 2009 (me, Mr. Shin, Angel)
I was scheduled for an interview with Stefan Wilczynski of Basement Salon for SPARK Magazine in the evening so I headed there via MRT. If you ask me, I’m fond of using the MRT since it reminds me so much of the trains of Hong Kong and Bangkok. And I was so fascinated by those transportation options that every time I ride in our own, I still feel like I am in another country.
MTR Ride in Hong Kong
The only thing that bothers me with our MRT is the fact that people don’t have discipline. I mean, come on! I know everyone wants to get inside a tram the soonest time possible but can you at least wait until people have stepped out? Plus, look around you. You can’t act all “siga” /tough and cut in front of other people who are lining to step inside the train. This, I think, is one of the biggest flaws of our country. I’m sure if we (Filipinos) follow rules like in Thailand, I’m sure our system would be orderly!
Angel, Me, Sam on our way back to Siam, Bangkok MRT
So anyway, when I got to EDSA Shangri La, I was an hour early. I decided to get coffee and gather my thoughts on what the interview will be. When it was time for the interview, I arrived in Basement Salon and talked with Stefan. He was very accommodating and interesting to talk to. I learned a lot of tips from him. But of course, those tips will be featured in the blog of SPARK.
Towards the end of the interview, I got a little surprise. The surprise was so good that I wanted to hug him and burst into tears. It’s really something unexpected and I was so honored for even just hearing about it. I know I’ve long had a problem with this and here he was—the remedy within arm’s reach. [The surprise will be revealed on Thursday’s post!]
After the interview, I rushed back to Makati, ate dinner by myself at Pepper Lunch. If you ask anyone, they will tell you that I am such a big Pepper Lunch fan. There are times that I would just pass by the store in Greenbelt 5 and would have a sudden craving for Beef Pepper Rice simply because I smelled it by passing.
Tonight though, I wanted something else.
I tried their Combo Cut Steak & Hamburger. I didn’t like it. = ( It’s best I stick with my favorite: Beef Pepper Rice!
Last night, I came from a 10 hours photo shoot for SPARK Magazine. I was tasked to take behind-the-scenes footage of what was going on for the cover shoot of the magazine. It was very tiring yet fun. And I was very pleased to see that Bea Valdez and her family were so accommodating to us despite our small group.
I can't show photos of the shoot here as they are for the magazine. I will share with you guys what happened at the last part of the shoot though. And the reason why I share this is because there are some people who take advantage of their mothers. These people usually treat their moms as if they're unimportant and nagging. But you truly won't realize what you have until it's gone.
Bea changed into 8 outfits the whole day. And despite this, she still managed to look her best and be as charming as the last wardrobe. I was very fond of her as she is so pretty, fun, and friendly. Ever so often, she would look back to us and ask if we were okay. Same goes for her mom.
At the end of the shoot, her mom came up to her and kissed her on the forehead as if to say "great job!" That small move made my heart flutter and I had to hold back a tear.
I wondered if my mom were still alive, would she also come up to me, kiss my forehead and tell me that I'm doing a great job? It's been almost 13 years since I lost my mom. And every now and then, there are times that I would feel her presence even though she isn't really there. She always reminds me that she is still with me through simple signs that only I can tell.
Like in the Valdez's house, when I was alone this afternoon, I smelled her usual scent: white flowers. And when I looked around, it was such a coincidence to find those flowers right beside me. To add the small gesture that Mrs. Valdez showed to her daughter made me remember my mom.
And then I smile as Mrs. Valdez comes up to each of us (SPARK team) and gives us a pat on the shoulder and says: "good job!"
I miss my mom. =,(
This is the only photo I have of us here in Manila. The rest are in Bacolod.
I was the first to arrive... If I knew what I was in for, I would have arrived late.
For my 24th birthday [yes, your host is now 24], my sister, Bubot gave me a treat. She got me free basic make-up classes with Suesh. If you can all remember my entry for I Commit to Change, I mentioned that I was going to learn how to make myself look prettier. And this included learning to put on make-up the right way.
I used to be a fan of make-up back in 2008. That was the time when I was always with VIBE Manila so I needed to look good. When I became M.I.A. though, I stopped using make-up except for special occasions such as my cousin, Marielle’s wedding.
Thanks Raissa Sibolboro for making me look pretty that night!
And since I was already with SPARK, I needed to look my best. I am representing the magazine and I know I have to be on my guard. And this is why I attended the workshop a week after my birthday.
July 10, 2010, I arrived at Suesh studio in Greenhills. And knowing me, I was the first to arrive among my class. This did not work for my advantage though as I was chosen by Suzanne Tan to be the model while she demonstrated to the class how to put on make-up. [sorry, no pictures here.]
Suzanne teaching us how to do our eyebrows
Suzanne put make-up on the right side of my face, leaving me to work with the left. So after the demo, I got up and positioned myself with the class. We all did day and night make-up on our faces.
This is my night make-up.
The regime was to put make-up in this format:
1.Foundation
2.Concealer
3.Eyebrow
4.Eyeshadow
5.Eyeliner
6.Eyelash Curler
7.Cheeks
8.Lips
Once I get more knowledgeable on make-up, I’ll expound on each step to give you guys more ideas. But for now, let’s just settle with that and this before and after pictures, okay? ^,^
Obligatory photos: Before, Day Make-up, Night Make-up
Me, Suzanne. [she looks like a bit like Isabel Oli, methinks]
