Ever since I decided to go back to blogging, life has been more exciting. Walang halong biro but I feel so alive! Haha! 😛
I was recently talking to a former colleague, sharing with her how fun it is to blog again. A lot of us have been bitten by the bug too. You see, it was also a decision for me to DO MORE. I have work so I am online all the time. But majority of those hours were spent on Twitter, Facebook, blog-hopping, stalking, etc. I was wasting my time. But since I started blogging again, I became busy with more important things like reading, researching for topics, testing mobile apps, reviewing, helping other start ups, attending a conference, and meeting new people. I guess I missed meeting people IN PERSON after being stuck at home for more than five years now.
And so I want to go to this Nuffnang Blogging Event on Sunday, November 18. I haven’t decided yet because that weekend, I’d be very busy. It’s a ticketed event too so that means I’d have to spend again. But this could also be an investment. You meet new people and get new opportunities.
The Philippine blogosgphere has so much changed since I left the corporate world. It’s a bit scary because of all the bloggers out there who can write about a certain person or brand that could make or break an image. I find this one overwhelming too. How can I thrive in the Philippine blogging scene? Earning from this isn’t my objective. Why I’m blogging again? I’m blogging for LOVE and for GOD. I decided no more ranting or hate posts. I just want to share my thoughts. Who knows, I might be able to help or inspire other people.
I still have 4 days to decide. I know my husband won’t mind me going. It’s just that this weekend is full. Can I still squeeze this event? It’s a 9AM to 9PM event. Ang tagal! Pano ba to?!Sana may mag magandang loob at mag-sponsor. 😀
Remember my Home Vintage Pillows by ARQ Curtains post? The company saw my feature and sent me more photos of their latest products to share. The Bodega Sale 2012 is happening this weekend: November 16, 17, and 18 at the Mandaluyong Warehouse. New pillows are being delivered to several Our Home branches in the Philippines right now.
You’ve seen a “Keep Calm & Carry On” poster, I’m sure. It’s almost everywhere: T-shirts, bags, notebooks, button pins, mugs, phone cases, iPad cases, etc. A government project is currently using it. Remember Keep Calm and NOAH Muna ? But do you know the history behind it? Do you know the meaning of Keep Calm and Carry On? It was a propaganda poster produced in 1939 by the UK government during World War II. Objective was to raise the morale of the British public. (Source: Wiki)
Original 1939 Keep Calm and Carry On Poster
I forgot where and when I first saw the poster but it made me “calm” in a way during those times I was too stressed over a situation that I had to resort to ranting online (which by the way was a huge mistake). I posted it as my profile pic on Facebook, trying to convince myself to have a calm spirit. I failed. Continue reading Keep Calm & Carry On→
When I use a brand that’s good, I try to stick to it as much as possible. I’ve recently discovered the local brand ARQ Curtains that sells decorative pillows and designer curtains in Manila. I mentioned how I discovered that its warehouse is just in Mandaluyong.
I’m into decorating and home interiors now. It’s the Martha in me. Oh how I wish we’d have our own place so we’d be able to renovate, install permanent fixtures, or finally invest in quality furniture pieces. I don’t know when but we don’t have any plans to buy a house or condo anytime soon. What we’re doing is pray for a miracle though. Hehehe.
I love the pillows by ARQ Curtains. So classy and yet so affordable. I’ve been seeing the brand name over at Zalora but when I added the company on Facebook, I became more interested. Whoever handling the Facebook page account was kind enough to reply to my queries. I’m excited to see the new collection and finally go to the warehouse for the bodega sale. I know I’ll be spending again but Christmas is near. I can’t pass up this opportunity to buy their stuff at lower prices.
Looking forward to these pillows:
Reminds me of the Tardis…Ganda! I want all! Architectural Series in Black and White
Merry Christmas!
I saw these pillows when we went to SM MOA. I was inspired by Jenni Epperson. Gusto mo fresh look ang bahay mo? Ayan sige. I quote Jenni, “change pillows every change of season or during special occasion.” Haha! Enough of the tiangge-bought P50 pillow covers. They won’t last talaga. Buy pillows from ARQ Curtains. Available in Home World and Our Home. 🙂
I was never really a fan of Halloween and Trick or Treating because I think there is no reason to celebrate the holiday. I’ve long forgotten our traditions of going to the cemetery since we stopped going to the province during Novembers. In the Philippines, November is the time to celebrate All Saints Day and All Soul Day. Halloween is too foreign and Trick or Treating for kids is not as popular. The latter is a practice that’s beginning to become more popular each year.
As a Christian, I don’t like the idea of everything spooky, ghosts, skeleton, etc. I decided long before my son was born that we wouldn’t let him join such activities until this year. Honestly, I had second thoughts whether to join the “Trick or Treat” at my son’s playschool. But then I thought it’s only for fun. His teacher said it will be a fun affair, no spooky stuff, and scaring the children. The students won’t be going around the building, instead, booths will be setup at a function room.
What made me more excited about the event was the fact that the Toddlers Class where Noah belongs was doing a Beauty Salon booth. It was suggested by David’s Salon’s very own top stylist Laura Charlton (David’s daughter). I got too excited so I suggested a French-Parisian Chic theme with pink and black as the main colors. During my first unofficial Parent-Teachers Conference, the toddlers’ parents decided what things we’d bring. Since we were all busy with work and home, we had to communicate through SMS. There were only four of us communicating so it was easy.
The excited mommy in me volunteered to bring my nail polish collection, bring hair accessories for the little girls, treats, and do the decor. Each one of us would bring treats and whatever stuff we could donate to the class. Needless to say, the busy moms had to do with whatever resources and little time we had.
I was excited! The Parisian Chic Theme was my chance to unleash my kikay decorating powers. I have a son so decorating and doing girly stuff with kids involved is very much limited. This was my chance I thought. The other mothers thought so too because they also had little boys. Hihi.
I started researching on the Internet as soon as I got home but only got to do the shopping and the decors the night before. I enjoyed every second of it even if I had little sleep. I bought black and pink paper from the bookstore, hair accessories, small cheap gifts for the kids, and other pink and girly stuff for decor. I was on a budget so I went to a Divisoria-like mall in our area. I scored small gifts (mirrors, pens, notebooks, toys, etc.) for P10 each. I bought a lot but I thought the extra items could be used for Noah’s upcoming birthday party. I wasn’t able to buy candies as treats because I was in a hurry, had no time to pass by the grocery.
Pinterest helped me a lot. It’s such a godsend I tell you. Sure, there’s Google Image Search but searching for stuff in Pinterest yields more relevant results and images.
I made this pink and black Happy Halloween bunting. I saw a pack of black cut-out letters, cut the triangle buntings, and attached them to a used kraft paper thread:
Happy Halloween Bunting | I find this ironic? How can Halloween be happy? 😀Bon Appetit!Eiffel Tower Silhoutte Art Print
Our HP Printer was running out of black ink but good thing I was able to print all these. I used white, black, and pink paper:
French Chic Party Decor
Since we had the stylists of David Salon coming over, I thought of copying David’s Salon logo. I knew Laura wouldn’t mind since it was for our kids’ class:
The party favors, I wrapped each pne and printed cute party favor tags:
Parisian Chic Party Favor Packaging
I even bought a few bottles of nail polish for the nannies and the moms:
Nail Polish Party Favor for Girls
I brought these stuff to Noah’s school during lunch time because I knew I would be late later. When I arrived at the party venue, the Toddlers Class booth was all spruced up! I loved it! Kudos to the other moms and lolas too.
I bought my French vintage luggages, small Ikea lamp, and a few other framed art prints. I borrowed an Eiffel Tower display from a friend. It’s more special because it was fresh from Europe! I also downloaded French-related music to play at the booth: Amelie Soundtrack, Club Soda Vol. 4, Qui de noud Deux, Ratatouille Soundtrack, and So Young But So Cold Underground French Music.
Obviously, I went overboard again! What’s funny was that Noah wasn’t officially enrolled at the school but his mommy supported the event. I got too excited that I slept only an hour. I relied on the power of coffee the day after. My husband didn’t say anything because he already knows me when it comes to parties, decors, and stuff.
What’s ironic, I forgot all about Noah’s costume! Haha! I planned on making him a LEGO Minifig Costume because he is in a Lego phase but mommy was too busy with the girly stuff. I just had him don his Batman costume.
Batman Halloween Costume for Kids
My son loved his Batman costume until he saw the other kids wearing Iron Man, Captain America, and Call of Duty. He still had no concept of trick or treating or the candy collecting part. He was running around the whole night–like a tornado.  I think between the two of us, I had more fun. I enjoyed the preparation and I gained new friends too. This Trick or Treat was our very first.
What I loved most about that night was I remembered how my parents –my mom and dad– supported me all throughout school. I remembered my childhood that night. I thought about how my daddy would help me with my projects especially those with drawing and art required. He would drive me to school every single day too. I remembered how my mom would support our school activities, cooking for me and my friends (sometimes the whole class), and going up the stage with me to receive my medals at the end of the school year. Â The two of them were always present.
I think my excitement in volunteering for this school activity stemmed from the fact that my parents were there for me…for me and my siblings. My classmates and teachers knew my parents so well because they were visible. That night, I was thankful to God because I grew up having very supportive parents–the two of them. I hope and pray that Joshua and I would that supportive to Noah. We want to be involved in his school activities someday.
The night wasn’t just about Halloween anymore, it was me remembering my childhood and my parents. Maybe next year, Noah would be able to understand the concept and enjoy his time more. Never mind the ghosts, monsters, and all the gore. 🙂
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12
My son turns 3 today. I wish to share a lot of new things today about my son but one day won’t be enough. I have a number of posts on draft already but I have no idea when I’ll be able to finish them.
I just want to enjoy this day with my son and husband. No big party this year…just a small one at Jollibee with family next week.
Planning a “small party” is more challenging than planning a big one. I could still remember Noah’s 1st Birthday party when I went all out. I promise to feature his Rockstar Themed Party preparations but I can’t find the time yet. But here’s a video to give you an idea:
Music was by 13Needles–my husband’s old emo-rock band- where he was the bassist. Video by my friend Richard Samellano.
That’s only the video invitation. Hee. 😀
And here is 13 Needle’s Cab One video:
Spot my husband. 😀
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord, let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Psalm 95:1
If one is not grateful and thankful for what blessings life has already bestowed upon them, how can you have room for more blessings? Embrace the goodness around you. – Janeane WilburÂ
A few weeks into this “being positive”, I can say that life is more pleasant. This includes being more grateful to even the smallest or simplest things I experience every single day. I have always believed in the Power of Thank You so I try to say ‘thanks’ as much as possible. It’s a habit that I want my son to have too. When he does say ‘Thank you’, my heart melts. Continue reading On Being Grateful→
I first learned about UNIQLO when I went to Bangkok, Thailand earlier this year. It was the opening weekend of Mega Bangna and I saw a lot of people lining up outside a store. I easily figured out from the paper bags that it’s a Japanese store. And when I got back to Manila, people.. at least the bloggers, were raving about a UNIQLO opening in Manila the following month of June. Ben Chan’s group was bringing the Japanese brand to SM Mall of Asia first on June 15 and other stores would follow around the metro.
I checked out the brand’s official website and found out the store just sells “basic” and “functional” clothes. I thought UNIQLO was the MUJI of clothes for everyone who doesn’t like wearing flashy clothes.
People say the clothes are cheap but if you are a regular bargain-hunter and thrift-shopper like me, you would disagree. For me, any item out in the market that costs more than the ‘Average Daily Cost of Living per Family’ in the Philippines is expensive.
So UNIQLO Manila opened months ago but I only got to visit the SM Mall of Asia Branch last month. I bought nothing because I liked nothing. (Flannel shirts? Knit wear?? In the tropics??) I know though that the quality of clothes there are very good as I recently got a Uniqlo shirt as a gift from TheBeautyBlogMD. It was a plain, pink shirt which I liked because of the fabric and the fit. I was checking out the statement and cartoon character shirts but I didn’t want to spend that amount for a cutesy T-shirt when I don’t often wear such cotton shirts.
Recently though, I got to check out the store items more closely at the newly opened UNIQLO store in Siam Paragon here in Bangkok. If I’m not mistaken, it’s the second branch in the country to open. I wasn’t really in the mood because the toddler was already making a scene. Glad my husband offered to look after our son so I could have explore the store. I wasn’t planning on buying anything as this trip to Bangkok isn’t a “business travel”. By business travel I meant a shopping expedition. We are here to spend time with the family and mainly see the new baby.
But it’s opening weekend so the prices were lower. I think even lower than the opening prices in Manila. Regular price of UNIQLO T-shirts in the Philippines is P790 but during launch, they sold for P590. Here in Bangkok though, the character UNIQLO T-shirts are priced at 290 Baht which is around P388. Pwede. I bought only one. I didn’t bother checking out shirts for my husband because I know he wouldn’t approve of the printed shirts available there.
I got this iconic Campbell Soup by Andy Warhol Graphic Print T-shirt:
UNIQLO’S Andy Warhol Graphic Print T-shirt for Women
I also wanted to buy a Barbie T-shirt but I didn’t like the fit. It was getting late too so paid for the shirt right away. The UNIQLO in Siam Paragon is smaller than MOA’s, I think only half the size. We went on a Tuesday night so there weren’t so many people. In fact, there were only a handful of us inside.
This is the iPhone 5. I got my hands on this Apple phone not in the Philippines but in Bangkok, Thailand. It’ s looks exactly like the iPhone 4 / iPhone 4S, only the iPhone 5 is thinner, lighter, and taller by about a half-inch.
The iPhone 5 looks fragile in my hand I was afraid I’d drop it. I wasn’t able to take much photos because the assistant at iStudio in Gateway Ekamai in Bangkok has been watching me.
I haven’t heard when the iPhone 5 Philippines launch will happen but I’m guessing Smart will have a super lavish one like last year. As for Globe, I’m expecting more affordable postpaid plans for the iPhone 5 albeit a simpler media launch.
I’m not really keen on getting the iPhone 5 because it doesn’t look much different. I know it’s faster but really, I’m not in a hurry to change my iPhone 4. However, my 2-year contract is about to expire so I’ll check the offers first. This or the iPad Mini. 😛