in the spotlight

Blogging has become a reprieve to me that it has been my "go to" thing whenever I get off from work or whenever I am on "solo" mode from all the malling, dining out and chillaxing. It amazes me that despite talking for 6hrs and 30minutes every day for 5 days in a week to numerous doctors and clinicians alike, I still have a lot to spare - literary wise. And now, I want to take a semi-breather from the usual posts. Am gonna have my friends take the spotlight. (and they have no idea I am doing this to them.:D ) Meet Patty and Shynie. 

This petite, pretty fashionista right here puts the G in golden. And I am not just talking about the highlights she has going on in this pic. But everytime she dons sheer tops with cut out sleeves, body cons or simply downplaying a night's worth of work with a good ol' pair of jeans and camis, she exudes the extra "bling" and brings out the freshness to each outfit. It could be her flawless skin, or the body swaggers or that amazing confidence that not everyone is blessed with, but she always comes off as a "breath of fresh air". 

 playing up the usual with some armswaggers: beaded turquoise and black stone-crusted crosses

skull studded pastel top and 70's inspired blue hued shorts

one of the things Patty is noted for is her love for chunky accessories and animal printed oversized tops

 

  

probably one of my favorite outfits on her. the tangerine maxi, the gifted beaded swags and the gold snippets splurged everywhere ♥

  

 Taking on my other fashion platfrom would be Shynie.

This hardworking, self-proclaimed family oriented chicca likes things easy breezy. Her fashion staples would be a pair of anything silver as swaggers, pastel-colored tops or bottoms and handy bags that would, if not always, ends up in any shade of pink or white. LOL. That has been a fashion addiction since highschool that got really stuck with her. But putting the color scheme aside, Shynie looks well put together in any given scenario. She may come off as modest-looking but make no mistake, this lady right here means business. She's not only blessed with an unmistakeable intellectual prowess but also an eye in keeping her fashion choices simple, functional yet stylish. And it works! 

 looking all tailored with an onyx blazer paired with her signature pastel flava'

keeping it all clean and well-defined with her black cardigan, white cami, nuback weaved belt and pastel-inspired yellow shorts from Surplus

during one of our "dates" .. I made her deviate a little from the usual pink colored tops without pushing her and scaring her that much. So I chose this striped top (still from Surplus) for a different flava' . not bad. cheers to step 1 Shyn! And we're gonna shake things up a bit for Step 2. so.. :D

I can't wait to see more from these two. ♥

 

shine bright

 And we decide that it's forever
No one else could do it better
If it's love
And we're two birds of a feather
Then the rest is just whatever

 

 Hold our cell phones up in the air
And just be glad we made it here alive
On a spinning ball in the middle of space
I love you from your toes to your face

My feet have been on the floor
Flat like an Idol singer
Remember Winger
I digress
I confess you are the best thing in my life
  

There is so much in this world to be thankful for. And being able to appreciate it despite all the blur makes every bad thing dull in comparison. So LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE! 

surfs up!

Kate Bosworth sported the tanned, surfer chic at Blue Crush who was all for the waves and cared less of looking all donned up. She made the whole thing looked so effortless that at the back of my head, I have always desired to spend my adolescence at a beach, and wear really skimpy shorts and a light tank top and swim and surf all day. But then again, that would not be realistic. And knowing that getting an OD of UV rays is harmful to the dermis, so I deviated.

 

cheetah printed top and denim shorts and belt - Surplus
|| turquoise beaded bib necklace - Gorgeous || fedora hat - Forever 21

And since I am all for what's practical and stylish, this entire ensemble will cost you not more than a 1000 bucks. Pretty good treat eh? Can't wait to strut my flava in these. Til next post!

declutter

My closet is not that humongous. But it is one hell of a cluster mess. So on a Monday, no less, I made sure I am able to keep things on tip top shape.

I've used old containers and made sure that I place these trinkets where it is easy for me to spot, grab and wear whatever that's probable especially when I am running late to work or if I am off for some chill time.


And if you've noticed that in most of my blogs I am, if not always, is wearing a cami, that is because I have got more than 5 colors of it. Been wanting to have this must have ever since I can remember but was not inspired to buy more than 3 pieces 'cause either the fabric wasn't made of cotton or the price was ridiculously over the top.Thanks to Forever 21 for making the basics, simply essential. Notice the word play? LOL. I just love the fit and the feel. So, I got them in various colors.

Will stack on more. *wink

And speaking of stackin' more of something, found these armswags from my recent beach trips to Bora, Iloilo and Malapascua Island. Others collect keychains, shirts, pictures.. well, I collect bracelets. Lookin' forward to having more. 

 

My Monday did not have much buzz. I was hungry and really tired for the most part but felt productive. Well, there you go. Now I am off to bed!

MAJOR discovery

So.. I have always fancied mannequins and sewing machines. And for some reason, it gets me on 7th heaven just by seeing pictures of it. I would be happier if I get to own both. But then again, I don't know how to handle the latter. DIYs and tutorials at youtube are just senseless for me. I may be a visual learner but I would very much appreciate and learn faster if I learn those tricks the traditional way. Unfortunately, there aren't much avenues for that kind of passion here in Cebu - until last Friday morning when I was all crazed up in getting inside one of IT Park's loos. 

the front desk

got this pic from the web. amazing designs.  

creative area: the best way to get those hands busy and dirty

Fashion Institute of the Philippines is the perfect platform for aspiring designers and fashion enterprenuers a like. It provides classes for various courses ranging from Basic Fashion Designing to Haute Couture techniques. They even offer courses for Bag designing, Fashion Embellishments & Beading and even Photography and Fashion Hairstyling. Talk about getting your hands on all sorts of creative places. You will never run out of possibilities with them. It's like a one stop rendezvous of all things related to fashion. I was so starstrucked with my discovery that while I was talking to Anna, employee from FIP, my eyes were busy gazing to the dressed mannequins, the framed walls amplified with various pictures from previous designers who took the very same classes at FIP and just the thought that one day, I won't be some random inquisitive hopeful anymore -  I am going to be a creative by product of unrelentless talent and drive.

Discovering this little fashion haven has magnified my passion to gargantuan levels. After all the wait, my beloved Cebu has made extra room for another creative hot spot. Kudos FIP! and cheers to all designers!!!

February: Un-complicated Fashion

When people hear the word beach, they all get amped up with it right away 'cause it equates to FUN! True. I get to think of something else whenever I hear it though. What Am I Going To Wear?

Very typical. But going to a place where makeups are the least of your concern and getting stripped down to your basics is what matters the most, I dread it to some extent.
Well, of course, more of that stress seemed to seep in if the said get away was sort of unplanned. I would always cram and end up getting unnecessary purchases online or from within the metropolis' shopping mall. Considering that I have matured a bit, I made sure I will not be stressing myself about it this time. So I deviated - beach wise. I never spent a single dime to any of my outfits. I wanted it to be as spontaneous as possible and the entire planning less complicated. So I made use of what I had and the few stuffs I have not worn yet. And since I was saving up, it made the whole thing mesh well effortlessly.

 

I know neon is the whole new fad right now but I really don't see myself getting all hooked up to it anytime soon.  But without depriving myself for my love for colors, I donned the coral cami and gold studded royal blue shorts plus the boho hat all from Forever 21.

Now, down to my beach wear. 

 

 Mirror shots were my forte eversince. Plus, you just gotta love the thorns.

Sitting at Malapascua's beachfront was crazy chilly. :D

And here's me on another morning after work.

 taupe cami & black studded pants - both from Forever 21 || red and black striped bag - Parfois

preppy flats - Parisian Shoes

Oh! I came across Cheyser Pedregosa's blog and was blown away by this latest update. American Eagle Outifitters has graced our country with its easy breezy genre of designs by launching its very first branch located at High Street, Global City Taguig. I know, I know. Taguig is nowhere within the Visayas region. Although, it is something to look forward to whenever you are in Manila. And an addition to the many fashion hot spots where simplicity and being carefree is definitely the cream of the crop. For more info, check it here.

Hobo Life : Sunkissed and Waves in Malapascua Island

It was early April of 2002 and I was anxiously thinking about college when a friend of mine suggested we all go to the beach. Not being all too keen with Cebu's beaches and its locations , I knew for a fact that this certain beach was going to be miles away. After a few chitchat, it was then I've realized that not only was it located miles away, but we literally had to cross it, sail on a motor powered boat just to reach that said beach. It was practically an island of its own.. because it was!

And as expected, I had to miss it.

Fast forward to 2013.. After missing Bantayan Island, I swore I would move heaven and earth just to make it to the next beach escapade.  I was itching for a get away. Things were getting really stressful with work and I was figuratively dying out of boredom and knowing that summer was just few days from breaking loose, I knew I had to do something. It was a crazy idea. And that crazy idea was made even more plausible when you've got two insanely amazing friends who would not think twice about packin' their gear, and getting all pumped up with anything that starts with a beach, and ends with a long weekend spent getting all beach-slapped. Before I knew it, we had the perfect plan laid out:  a resort, a budget and an itinerary that does not involve STRESS!!!

So came the 17th of February and at the crack of dawn, I was up and all giddy to get out and enjoy the looong bus ride ahead . I had a simple breakfast at home, took a good shower and was on high spirits while I got dressed despite getting cough attacks in between. Yes my friends, I was sick the entire time but to hell with phlegm! Moments like this seldom happen. Wait, scratch that. It RARELY happens.
And much to my fear of bad weather, the whole bus adventure was very much blessed with the sun's blissful rays, good music , good company and some good food to boot.

After 3hours of bus ride and almost an hour of "hands-on-the-rails-with-eyes-wide-open"  tunda ride, I was riveted by what I saw. Clear waters, white sand and that amazing smell that you could only associate with nature's best. *sigh* I thought to myself, "Damn! This is definitely where I parked my car, Patty's car and Jing²'s car!!!" HOOOOOO MAY GAD!!!!

Enjoy the photo tour:

 tunda at morning bliss

white sand everywhere

native interiors of The Pirates Resto Bar at Malapascua Legend Beach Resort

we got to the place at around lunch time and was exhausted from the travel that we bought lechon manok outside the resort, ordered fruit shakes and rice at no corkage fee! LOL

the lobby fronting our cozy room at 2500php/per night

pool area

the island was amassed with people from different countries and culture that being there felt foreign. lol

sunset at 5:45pm

no words for this

we missed getting on those comfy bean bags during the stay. but that one's definitely marked!

Wanna know what we ate? We had...

dem bacons

 

eggs

cereals and milk

 family breakfast

 American breakfast

yummy Vanilla icecream

* we made sure of trying their spaghetti marinara, cheeseburgers and pizza on our last night in the island. unfortunately, the kitchen ran out of dough. And topping our dismay, we failed to take pictures of the other ones. Got overly crazed in playing Pinoy Henyo and yours truly was slightly drowsy from taking antihistamines and antibiotics. *

You might have noticed that our OTHER MAIN itinerary from the get away was food. Knowing that our gastronomical needs will outweigh the sports adventure and will best compliment our cash (I brought 4000php for the whole 3days-2nights adventure and still ended up saving 200php), we swore in getting our hands on the resort's dishes. And since we were all tight on budget, one of our buddies suggested of having his friend from the island cook us fish dishes. We did the very thing the next day. Tinola and pritong isda were prepared. Orgasmic! It was like a dish away from home. And our dinner meal was pretty singular - but it was worth it in comparison to any hard to pronounce and scantily made dish on some fancy menu. And that dinner was served with.. Drum roll pls... street BAR-B-Q!

Blogging about the whole thing is very nostalgic. The beach will always be my solace, no matter what season I am in. Although, I must admit that the way I handled things with my parents is something I will never EVER recommend to anyone in trying. I had to go behind their backs and had to tell them a whole different story just so I can make my way to Malapascua Island. It was pure defiance on my part. I have always steered clear from anything they would not approve of upfront and it scared the shit out of me knowing I am completely treading on tidal and dangerous waters when I've decided to do what I was never good in doing. I am thankful though me and friends got back in one piece and with too much new memories to hold on to 'til our next beach get away - this time, in full permission from my parents. 

 Oh! I would not want to leave this blog a tad bit on the melancholy side without sharing some quirky pix we've had from the island. Til next time guys! To more sea, sand and sun! 

feeling the touristy vibe. LOL

 Mischa - the official beagle of the Resto

 Happy 5th Anniversary you guys! ♥

 

 lactose overload :D

another arm candy ♥

no PUN intended. just FUN!

 heading out for dinner.. love the "rustic leaves against the white sand" effect

 with BC 45. Don't ask. hehehehe!

I will always be in love with you Summer!♥