Drowning Equilibriums

Ode to the 90's

2012-01-29T13:48:00.001-08:00

I miss being a kid and all the craziness that came with it. I just realized it last night after spending the night bonding with my family. I actually feel quite sad for the kids of today. Well, the new generation is cool, no questions asked, with new found intelligence, technology advancement and all, but I am thankful and glad I was able to experience the "simple" life as the 80-90s kids know it. Do you agree that life was more fun back then? This post is an ode to the life I miss starting with some outfit shots...

Thrifted sweater, Jhajing pink blazer & ring, Bench jeans, H&M flats, Built to Wear lego necklace

COLORBLOCKING. I'm not sure of it's origin but I'm sure it was big in the 80s-90s. Thank you design & fashion gods for reviving it. So onto my outfit! Wore my newly thrifted yellow sweater and paired it with my new hot pink blazer from Jhajing. I love that it's lightweight and long. Thanks Jaja for this!

Decided to wear flats (errand day) so I wore my colored H&M flats then topped it off with this cute lego necklace given by Kat Austria (thanks love). Lakas maka statement ng colorblocking noh?

I'll continue this post with things I mostly miss from my childhood. Mich and I got lost in nostalgia and ended up reminiscing and exchanging stories for 2 hours! I know most of you would be able to relate (haha aminin!) so come with me down memory lane. Game!

Before text messaging was paging! The only way to reach your crush dati! Mega dictate ka pa sa operator ng message kahit natutunaw na sa kahihiyan. Sometimes song lyrics pa haha.

Maggi noodles with free Disney--mostly Lion King--stickers! Andami ko nito! hahaha

Luminous stars! Buhay pa sila sa room ko in Marikina! 13 years and counting..Shinape ko pa ng constellation! And nakaspell ang name ng ex-crush. Asa ceilng pa til now. Lols!

before Wikipedia was Encarta! major upgrade sa encyclopedia. Mas madali na ang research!

But before Encarta were Encyclopedias! Best friend ko ang World Book dati! Pahirapan ang research!

NBA cards anyone? Mahal na to dati! How much are these now? Andami naming ganito!

Nido story mini mini books. madami ako neto! haha

Coke yoyos. ang wala nito hindi cool!

Before Starbucks tumblers were Coleman jugs! Mas cool if may ice yung tubig mo. Haha.

Yakee super sour bubblegum. Fave ko yung red! Hate ko the green one kc sha yung pinakamaasim!

Everyone has to wear and own a Swatch watch!

lalo na the Pop Swatch! na pwede pa idikit sa damit. hehe.

The only time na masaya uminom ng vitamins! gawin daw bang candy! Fave ko yung red!

Sikat ka if yung pencil case mo madaming compartments and buttons! Minsan may laruan pa sa cover.

amazed na tau sa graphics ng Game & Watch noon!

at shempre ang walang kamatayang family computer. Eject! Eject! Hinihipan pa yung bala pag naghahang! Our favorite game was Contra!

View Master! My favorite toy! before there were 3D films ito muna! Kakamiss.

i even collected trolls!!!

trolls on pencils! haha

laging regalo sakin pag Christmas are Polly Pockets! But I wasn't able to keep them. Sad. :(

before Starbucks planners or laptops--SHARP or CASIO electronic organizer muna! Feeling techie na to nun!

Roller blades complete with elbow and knee pads. Haha

Before itunes or cds--60,90,120 minutes blank cassette tapes ang pang record ng favorite songs! I often record my fave songs from 97.1 LSFM's top 20 countdown with Triggerman! Haha!

of course, alam nio na lahat the story ng nanganganak na kisses if nilagay nio sa cotton. Lols.

i buy a gazillion bazooka bubble gum...

para lang sa free comics inside! lavet!

Before Technomarine was Baby-G. Sikat ang meron nito just like pag meron kang Swatch. Haha

and before the SIMS or pet society nauna na ang TAMAGOCHI! I remember P500+ isa nun dati. Haha

Before mechanical pencil was this. Meron pang iba ibang color!

before Iphone, ito na nauna! Analog phone! haha

and this is how our lunch boxes looked like before. Tama?

only the rich kids in school wears this! kaya nakikipag swap nalang me sa rich kids kong friends. Hehe

uso din ang kickers! with the red & green magkabilaang signature tag

iniyakan ko din ng bongga ang pagcollect ng sustagen lids (dahil mejo kamahalan) in exchange for Susie & Geno merchandise! haha

and kilig na kilg tau kase laging naglalandian si susie & geno. haha. *photo from http://shierylssi.bravejournal.com

before stylish bangles and cuffs, slap bracelets muna!

and stick on earrings. haha

we also begged for a trapper keeper...

and Lisa Frank binders and everything!

hindi sha cute but we just had to ask for an ALF stuff toy!

before Gossip girl or Mean girls there was Cher and her bffs of the movie CLUELESS! And sino hindi napa wOW sa revolving and digitized closet niya!

and aminin ginusto nio din magaudition or maging part ng Ang Tv! Haha!

Aside from Ang TV, we also camped out infront of our TV sets to watch Cedi, Dog of Flounders, Remi, Julio at Julia, Mathinik, Hiraya Manawari, Bananas in Pajamas, Princess Sarah, Tabing Ilog, Shaider, Ultraman, Power Rangers, Ewoks, etc! Aminin mas masaya the teen & children shows and telenovelas before noh? And di lang si Hello Kitty and bida sa Sanrio noon.. We also got obsessed with...

Kerokerokeroppi! We even had a huge pillow (that my sister and I share) before!

Pochacco for dog lovers.

Ahiru No Pekkle

Zashikibuta!

The Runabouts --andami kong panyong ganito dati!

my favortie til now--My Little Twin Star

uso these wallets before! Andami ko din nito!

I will never forget that my favorite segment in Batibot was "Pa-pa-pa-pa-Palaisipan!". I even have my "Palaisipan" box (containing paper, pencil, crayons, scissors, ballpen, ruler) before that I excitedly take out when I hear the segment's opening song. Haha! Kaloka. That's it for now. Now excuse me as I go watch the cuteness that is Ang TV and Bananas in Pajamas on Youtube. Baboosh! :)

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BAGS IN THE CITY x DE

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SERIAL APPAREL x DE

BEDAZZLE x DE

Winter in Macau

2012-01-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

Here's what I wore to our quick side trip to Macau! It was freezing (8 degrees) hence the bonggang layering. :) Will post the rest of the photos tomorrow or Monday! How I miss you winter..or cold air or whatever.

Mango top, SM skirt & coat, Topshop tights, HK boots, Greenhills scarf & gloves

Wore red coz it was the Chinese New Year! Went colorblocking with my Mango top and SM skirt. Kept warm with other paraphernalias--scarf, bonnet (which I hate wearing but I have to), gloves, boots. I really thought I was ready to conquer Macau, but I still nearly died of hypothermia. Lols. It was fun though! And why is it easier to look chic in countries with cold climate??? I just threw everything on and hoped for the best. Hehe. Hope you like it! :)

Bye! Let's catch up tom:) Signing off to watch Big Bang Theory. Toodles.

P.S. Join my existing giveaways! Gow! 

LITTLE NOOK x DE

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Hongkong Diaries: Disney Escapade

2012-01-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

We were supposed to go to Lantau/Big Buddha, but it was exceptionally cold that day (8 degrees!) so we decided to skip it. We just walked around, ate and ate and ate and then headed to Tung Chung for dinner and a random Disneyland visit! We didn't enter the park though (been there before and that's enough hehe), we just wandered around, enjoyed the view and took lots of photos. Heh. Here's what happened starting with an outfit post!

Forever 21 sweater, SG shirt, Clothes for the Goddess jacket, Topshop tights, Cotton On knee high socks, Mango boots, Accessorize metallic scarf

I was actually wearing a blue buttondown shirt under the sweater (d lang kita haha). Kahit sa pag layer preppy pa din the peg! And would you believe that I bought the tights for just P99 and the scarf for P350? Yuuup! I love sale events!:) The bowler hat was a gift from Mich. D daw ako makatulog so we went back to H&M just to buy it (together with the orange one). Hihi. Anyway, here are more photos!

nakakagago the sign! we were looking for KFC! they moved it na pala!

Finally!

nomnomnom

waffle fix!

train from mongkok to central to sunny bay to disneyland resort! whew.

cute!

hello hello!

freakin' cooold!

Aisa to Mich: Hala! hogwarts pala to eh! Classmates yan ni harry potter!

told ya--happiest place on earth! happy nila:)

i had to cover my face coz it was fuhreeeaaakin colddd. Konti nalang mag-ice nako.

shuttle going to the Disney hotels

Disneyland Hotel

hangkyooot ng costume

feel mo te? parest lang!

nice interiors!

hang gandaaa maze-mazean the peg!

run aisa run!!!

lakas maka castle! lavet!

hanap mo te?

my garden yees

disney princess! cute!

ayn naman pala si snow white lumalafang sa cr!

indoor pool. shushal

shuttle back to the MTR

hello Hollywood hotel! I miss you na!:) stayed here before with the fam:)

headed to Citygate Outlet mall Tung Chung for dinner!

where we bought pasalubong!

My last Hongkong post would be our Macau sidetrip! Abangan tomorrow!:) Thanks for reading:) Have an awesome Friday!

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A Few Announcements: American Idol & Coca Cola

2012-01-26T02:48:00.000-08:00

Hi guys! Here are a few exciting and important news! Share!:)

Our favorite show is back!!! Experience American Idol like never before as ETC offers fans a chance to have their voices heard! Simply rant or rave with other viewers via ETC’s Twitter, Facebook and website and you could win great prizes from ETC or see your comments on-air. What are you waiting for? Join the conversation now #aionetc!

American Idol features host Ryan Seacrest and returning Judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. This year, watch as we travel across the United States to witness auditions held in Savannah, Aspen, Galveston, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego and St. Louis, all in the search for contestants who possess raw talent and the potential to become the next American Idol.

In the milestone 400th episode of the show on February 29, Wednesday, the first group of semifinalists will take to the Idol stage as they perform live for the first time, with the second group of semifinalists taking to the stage the following night, March 1, Thursday. The competition then takes a dramatic turn as on March 2, Friday America’s votes reveal the first set of finalists, and leave the remaining contestants one more chance to perform for the judges who will round out the group of finalists with their wild card picks.

Catch American Idol Season 11 via satellite every Thursday and Friday at 6PM with a primetime replay at 9PM on ETC.

Last January 17, 2012, in line with its 100th anniversary in the country, Coca-Cola unveiled simultaneously in key locations across the country (North EDSA in Quezon City, Highway Seno in Cebu and Ulas Highway in Davao), three incredible tansan billboard structures- the first of its kind in the world! All bearing the special insignia of the brand’s 100th year celebration headlined with a simple “thank you” message, the eye-catching road ads were erected to officially open up the year of happiness in the Philippines.

As we head on to a new chapter in our nation’s history, Coca-Cola, through its spectacular crown billboards, invites us to look back and cherish the past one hundred years of opening happiness and to make the pledge to continually open more towards the next 100 years. Coca-Cola. Maraming Salamat sa 100 Taon ng Saya. Ituloy ang Happiness! Visit the Coca-Cola Facebook fan page and/or coca-cola.com.ph for more information.

Have you watched American Idol? I especially love the episode when Jim Carrey's daughter auditioned! And have you seen the billboards? I haven't, but I'm sure they're awesome! :)

P.S. Join my existing giveaways! Gow! 

MULTIPLY x DE

LITTLE NOOK x DE

BAGS IN THE CITY x DE

Hongkong + Mail Hauls

2012-01-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

I didn't really shop til I dropped in Hongkong. I don't usually shop a lot when I travel. I only buy what I really really want and what I won't usually find here in Manila. Anyway, here are my Hongkong hauls as well as a few sweet things I got in the mail yesterday!:)

H&M colored flats ($99 each) and White fur boots from Mongkok ($200, had to buy it coz it was super cold and my feet hurt from the Mango boots)

H&M bag ($99), bodycon skirt ($49), silver necklace ($69), black & orange bowler hats ($99 each).

Cotton On bracelet & knee high socks (Mich bought the socks coz I was freezing!)

Shirtdresses from Mongkok 2 for $100!

(Mich made me buy it coz it was super cold and I didn't have clothes to layer)

From the mail...

YSL inspired ring

Tangerine mullet skirt

lightweight pink blazer

striped dress/top

All from Jhajing Shop. Thank you!

For updates, follow Jhajing on Facebook & Multiply. :)

cute chiffon top from Style Hub

leopard print sheer shirt from Style Hub (plus another cute top that's currently in the laundry)

cute limited edition Chinese New Year flipflops from Bling Duck! I can feel summer na:)

Bling Duck is also available in all Schu stores in TriNoma, Glorietta 3, Mall of Asia. Chocolate Schubar in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell and soon in Schu Ayala Center Cebu.

http://www.blingduck.com/

http://www.facebook.com/BlingDuck.FlipFlops

http://twitter.com/BlingDuckHK

lovely vintage earrings and ring from Viva La Manika!

Watch out for their grand public launch soon! Be updated by following their pages:

Facebook: http://fb.com/vivalamanika

Twitter: http://twitter.com/vivalamanika

Blog: http://vivalamanika.com

That's it for now! Blogger's Chinese New Year party later. So excited to catch up with everyone (after my long hibernation hehe). Have a great day!:)

P.S. Join my existing giveaways! Gow! 

MULTIPLY x DE

LITTLE NOOK x DE

BAGS IN THE CITY x DE

Hongkong Diaries: 10,000 Buddhas Galore

2012-01-24T10:14:00.000-08:00

So on our 3rd day in Hongkong, Mich and I headed to some quiet town called Sha Tin. For Hongkong returnees, this tour is for you! It's quite easy to discover new places if you just research. :) We weren't able to see the cutie patootie Snoopy Land at Sha Tin, but we'll save that for another HK trip (soon I hope). Photos below starting with some outfit shots!

From facebook (forgot the store) peter pan collar top, Chocolate Clothing gold metallic pullover, Forever 21 leather leggings & neon green socks, SM surplus coat, Mango scarf & boots

Layered this gold sweater over my newly altered shirt!

cute rock-paper-scissors & mustache rings from Shop O' Jewels!

our new lucky (and blessed) feng sui bracelet from 10,000 budha monastery!:)

Here are the rest of the photos!

Mcdo breakfast!

train ride from mongkok to kowloon tong and then to Sha Tin

fasyown

DMs;)

yummy ice cream for $8!

So when you exit the MTR station just turn left and keep walking. There were no street signs as to where it was, so we ended up getting lost for like 20 minutes. Funny story, we saw this huge temple-ish place and thought that was it, turned out it was a cemetery! FAIL. So that was why people were looking at us when we entered. Lols.

umeemo pa eeeh

lechon offering

feel na feel ko pa pag sindi ng incense! kakahiya lols

After realizing our honest mistake (hehe), we finally found it!!! And yes, it was just THERE--before you actually enter the pangmayaman cemetery. The sign was not visible lang!

Finally!!!

there were Kuyas re-painting the Buddhas! i think in time for the Chinese New Year?

Now meet our friends! We were amazed by the 1 million variation of Buddhas. As in wow. Disclaimer: If you think you will be offended by my captions, pls don't scroll down. Please do know I respect the Chinese religion. I swear, If I'm not a Christian, I would really be into Buddhism. :)

Nappy buddha

hmmm san kaya nauntog si kuya?

lagpas lagpas lipstick!

i'm cold

daydreaming buddha

buddha beads

hello hair:)

----

the standing buddhas

magic CARP-et ride

master buddha

bangs:)

love the leeeps

congratulatioooons!

sarimanok bongga

big daddy

Add caption

It's a long walk up (500+ steps!) and we had to take a break every few minutes. It was worth it though! It was in a way a self imposed sacrifice/penance.:) Plus, the view was breathtaking.

meet the godfather, the big boss!

gorgeous view

long handed naman mashadow

love this shot--if d lang blurred. Lols

We then headed to their version of Home depot afterwards. Wanted to visit IKEA but got distraced by food na naman! Ate here...

cheap food! but not that yummy--well, for me.

After our late lunch, we killed more time reading a book while sipping on tea at a nearby coffee shop. Went back to the city at around 5pm and shopped a little at H&M.;)

haul post next!

Gong Cha fix!

bought dinner at some sidewalk stall again. Yum!

sausage wrapped in bacon AGAIN and waffle with peanut butter! Yum!

Haul post next! Plus, the last leg of my Hongkong trip! :) Now excuse me as I work on a gazillion things. I'm definitely back. If only I could ask my heart and mind (still in vacay mode) to do the same. :)

P.S. Join my existing giveaways! Gow! 

MULTIPLY x DE

LITTLE NOOK x DE

BAGS IN THE CITY x DE

Win Tickets to Anne Curtis' Concert!

2012-01-24T00:57:00.000-08:00

Here's how...

Go join na! :) Visit PRIMADONNA's facebook page for more details and to view the existing entries. Goodluck!

DE 2012 Giveaway Series: MULTIPLY

2012-01-23T23:55:00.000-08:00

You all know how Multiply.com supported the Blogger's United event and bloggers in general. We currently have an ongoing project with them which is the new and exciting MULTIPLY BLOGGER's PICKS! It's a cool new "feature page" where bloggers share their favorite Multiply products according to their signature styles. Multiply will feature 3 bloggers every week (or is it every 2 weeks?) where they'll share their favorite shops and products.

It garnered a positive response (yey!), so Multiply wanted to give back by doing a back-to-back-to-back giveaway! Two (2) winners will win P1k GC each. :)

How to join:

1. Must be a follower of this blog via Google Connect or Bloglovin.
2. Share this Facebook wall post on your FB wall (make sure its public).
3. Retweet this tweet on twitter.
4. Leave a comment below with the following details:
Name, Email Address, Link of YOUR shared FB post and Twitter usernames

Contest ends on January 31, 2012! Open to local residents only!

Check out: Multiply Bloggers' Picks

P.S. Join my other exisiting giveaways!!!

Little Nook

Hongkong Diaries: Meeting the Stars!

2012-01-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

As promised, here's my Madame Tussauds entry! Entrance is $170 for adults. In fairness, it's worth it naman. There are 4 areas inside where you could have your photos taken with your favorite celebrities. Here's who we met!

bet ko ang quote ni bruce lee.

umaarte

forgot his name but ang gwapo nia no?

nicome kidman, parang totoo lng!

hi mom and dad. chos!

effect haha


lola meryl and mich

d ko sha knows pero cute sha

music box ang peg


how to make a wax replica--creepy!!!

Princess Diana

Jet Li

the royal family. haha

papa george bush

the new president! kyooot!

walking with my idol - Gandhi

rembrandt and his masterpiece

mozart looks weird pala noh?

reviewing shakespeare's work

we hetchu!


geekery

weh?

coffee with my new friends

kakaloka


ate audrey

styling johnny depp? no,, tinitirintas ko sha!!!

feeling bond girl haha

new attraction inside na never ko papasukin! baliw baliwan daw sa loob. heart attack! haha

playing with yao ming!

bend it like beckham, feel mo te?

caddy ni tiger woods

yakuza!!

moves like jagger

hello friends!

lady gaga daw oh

epic fail na moonwalk

sino ka naman te? bonggels your costumey ha

gwapo ni koyaaaa

hahaha. yun lng.

And now.. meet the Madame of all the Madames!

madame tussauds! kaloka! 1800s pa pala sha gumaganyan haha

1st madame tussauds museum 1800s

1800s wax replicas.

May history pala yan. Read about it HERE. It's a little pricey but I think it's worth it naman. Try it when you go to Hongkong. Okay, that's all! Happy Chinese New Year!:)

P.S. Join my other exisiting giveaways!!!

Little Nook

2012 Giveaway Series: Little Nook

2012-01-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

Here I am blogging via my iPod touch because my laptop's wireless connection is acting up again. That bitch, argh. But it won't stop me from bringing you another set of giveaway! Happy Chinese New Year y'all!:) This time the fabulous prizes were sponsored by one of my favorite clothing store, My Little Nook.

1st (polka sheer top)

2nd (leopard mullet skirt)

3rd (yellow knit pullover)

Mechanics:

1. Must be a follower of this blog.

2. Follow Little Nook on FACEBOOK.

3. Share this giveaway & spread Little Nook's link via your blog, facebook, twitter.:)

4. Comment below with your name, email and URL of your post.

Contest ends on Feb. 6, 2012. Goodluck!!!:)

P.S. Join my other exisiting giveaways!!!

Hongkong Diaries: The Peak & Avenue of Stars

2012-01-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

My 2^nd HK post! Sorry if delayed. :/ I wassupposed to blog last night but I fell asleep while Mich was massaging me (hadsevere back and leg pain! Tanda ko na boo!). So on our 2^nd day here,we visited Victoria Peak (3^rd time in HK’s a charm! FINALLY got tosee this place), Madame Tussauds and Avenue of Stars. It’s still cold here andwe’re so loving it! It definitely makes long walks bearable. :) Here’s a photo diary,starting with my 1 million variations outfit post… Lols.

Thrifted dress & coat, Dorothy Perkins tights, Mango boots, SM surplus scarf, Greenhills gloves

Lunch at the MTR station

$50+ lunch--not very good. eek.

walked from Central station to the Peak Tram terminal

paid $195 for a 2-way tram ride + madame tussauds museum

bongga the outfit nila ate and kuya

went there at around 3pm, perfect lang coz d pa madami peeps

the train was at a 45 degree angle!!! coolio

We first went to the Madame Tussauds museum where we spent 2 hours goofing around and taking photos with waxed replicas of celebrities. Will save that for another post (too many photos!). Chilled for a few hours before heading down. :)

mahalia snack--$70 for the coffee and sandwich!

pero cge worth it naman the view:)

it was foggy that day--hit and miss if you tour during the cold months

wala pa din masight. boo

so cute this resto!

thank you rock, thank you self timer

After visiting Victoria Peak, we then decided to just tweak our itinerary and head straight to the lights & sounds show at the Avenue of the Stars...

self timer galore

mich got all giddy when she saw this Cuttlefish stand! hehe

happy with my red bean mochi we bought at the MTR station fo $12/pack. nomnom

emo

epic fail coz it was foggy that night. Sorry but i got bored so we left after a few minutes. HEH

chungking mansions--not that bad naman pala

favorite station color--bright yellow haha

we love their street food!

my cheap dinner-- $20 for this veggie wrap + sausage with bacon on a stick

That's it for now! Will try to post another entry later. Have to head out now! Happy Sunday loves!:)

P.S. Join my other exisiting giveaways!!!

Hongkong Diaries: Getting Here!

2012-01-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Philippines, Hello World! Chos. Lol. Going online is a bitch here in Hongkong(hotel only has wifi at the lobby and not much free wifi anywhere), hence thedelayed post. Heh. Anyway, 1 day down (huhu) and 3 to go. Mich is now sleeping soundly (complete withloud snoring hehe) in our room out of exhaustion. We walked for almost 10 hourstoday! I really didn’t mind it though coz I’m super loving the weather here.Feel na feel ko lng na winter. Anyway, here are photos from our first nighther starting with my outfitey...:)

Chocolate Clothing tunic top & yellow cardigan, CFTG jacket, Greenhills leggings, Mango boots

flew via Cebu Pacific!

bye Philippines!

train going to the other airport building. shushal

mini garden inside the airport. Bongga.

expensive Burger King dinner. I paid 90hkd for our whole meal (P540)!

we came with Mich's officemate Gaizelle!

airport express train going to the city ($100hkd)

hello again Mong Kok!

And here's our room at Anne Black YWCA hotel...

It's decent enough considering the cheap price (compared to other HK hotels) but the wifi service suckssss. You can't even plug in your laptop to their sockets. That's all. Will try to post another entry tomorrow. Toodles!:) Miss you all!:)

P.S. Join my other exisiting giveaways!!!

DE 2012 Giveaway Series: BAGS IN THE CITY

2012-01-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

Hope this is something that would wake you up with a smile. :) Another giveaway from one of my favorite multiply shops, Bags In The City! But first, a brief introduction...

Bags in the City Manila Co. is a manufacturing company which specializes in a wide range of promotional bags. Name it and they have it! These are al proudly Filipino made using the best quality of different materials. They have dedicated themselves into producing high quality products for more than 15 years now.

They 3 specialty stores/boutiques located in Mandaluyong, San Juan and Alabang Town Center. Aside from pretty bags, they also sell clothes, accessories, organizers, shoes and bean bags! I personally love their clothes. :) Here are some pieces I'm eyeing on...

love that it's canvas! perfect summer bag

paperbag highwaist trousers!

highwaist shorts

Now here's what you guys could win...

Faux snakeskin speedy bag

How to win this:

1. Must be a follower of this blog.

2. Follow Bags In The City on FACEBOOK and MULTIPLY.

3. Share this giveaway on your blog, twitter or facebook. Don't forget to share BITC's link!:)

4. Comment below with your name, email and URL of your post.

Contest ends on February 2, 2012. Good Luck!:)

P.S. Join my other exisiting giveaways!!!

How To Travel On a Budget

2012-01-17T03:48:00.000-08:00

My family are not risk takers. They have mundane jobs (my dad's been working for Bangko Sentral for 25 years and my sister works in IBM as whatever haha--sorry guys). So when I brought up the subject of traveling to Hongkong for a vacay, they were all reluctant at first. They said they didn't want to spend that much on one place alone, "sayang pera" that's what my Mom said. Eventually, in my own sneaky way, I persuaded them. I helped them with the budgeting and other stuff. Two years after, they're still dreaming of Hongkong and bugging me where to fly to next. :) Nothing excites me like a family trip. I can say we definitely became closer after (my dad had a break from drinking and my brother from excessive online gaming). Better do it now while the sister has no kids yet and my parents can still walk, coz cmon I know they're not getting any younger. Oh, I'm happy to say we have a trip to Palawan this March and planning to go to Singapore on November!

MEMORIES -- HK '09!

Anyway, I find it weird when people assume that just because you travel frequently, it means you have a LOT of money. Somehow they equate traveling with being "loaded". Duh. I can honestly say, I am not rich. Haha! The secret to traveling is persistence and planning. Like me for example, I don't have a fat bank account (invested my money on insurances/stocks) and I have bills to pay. I often book a trip with barely anything in the bank (chos) haha. But whenever I book, I immediately form a plan of action on how to SAVE for a particular trip. I usually save a certain amount every payday, sell more Archive or personal stuff, get extra jobs (in tagalog: rumaraket galore). It also helps to have a financial consultant-ish partner to motivate and remind you of your "goal".

Here are some quick tips:

1.) PLANE TICKET - Watch out for PROMO FARES from different airlines! Remember: Persistence is key. Hehe. They often announce these seat sales on the newspaper. So it's best to book super early in the morning (while the world is still sleeping) to get good dates and seats (especially when you're traveling in a group). Here are some airlines that offer them:

* Air Philippines - for domestic and Singapore flights (booked an SG tix for P2300 roundtrip!)
* Cebu Pacific - for domestic and international flights (our HK trip next week was just P2400 roundtrip! Was also able to book a Palawan trip before for P90 roundtrip)
* Philippine Airlines - for domestic flights (was able to book a trip to Boracay for P1500 roundtrip)
* Zest Air - for domestic (haven't tried yet)
* Jetstar - for Singapore flights (was able to book an SG trip before for P3500 roundtrip)
* Air Asia - for Malaysia flights (haven't tried yet but my friend was able to book a P2500 roundtrip tix to Malaysia)
* Tiger Airways - for Singapore and Malaysia flights (haven't tried yet)

2.) HOTEL - After you've booked your ticket, start looking for a place to stay! I usually book for a hotel months before our trip. It is a huge risk (you never know when your trip might get cancelled), but it's definitely cheaper! It's also good to research early on best places to stay. I'm quite an expert on this--finding quality budget hotels. Haha. I spend HOURS, as in 8 hours straight just googling away. When I'm hooked, I'm hooked! I actually enjoy browsing through different hotel websites, looking at rooms, bathrooms (yes hehe). I read reviews, I search for actual photos, I check the location and proximity to the main tourist areas. I usually read reviews on:

* Trip Advisor - where hotels are ranked and members can share their insights, comments, experiences as well as actual photos. I am a member/contributor as well!

* Google - I search for blog posts to see photos and honest opinions.

I usually book hotels via 3rd party sites because they're cheaper. I decided to use Anne Black hotel, Hongkong as an example. Click screenshots to view the price difference (chose the same date) for a Standard room (w/ private bathroom)! Here are just some of them:

* Agoda -tried and tested. It's my 1st choice when booking hotels. Encountered no problem checking in or whatsoever.

* Asiatravel - tried this too. Booked Ecotel, Bangkok before through this site. Encountered no problem either.

* Expedia - haven't tried yet but I heard they're reliable as well.

* Hotels Combined - Now this is cool. They consolidate all hotel deals from different travel websites!

(click photo to enlarge)

*When comparing prices, don't forget to check if prices are inclusive of taxes & fees or breakfast. ;)

Remember: Find a hotel that is near public transportation (like train stations). If your flight is at night, it's best to just spend the night at a super cheap hotel, like what we did when we went to Singapore last year. We stayed at a backpacker's inn (shared bathroom and all), then transferred to a nicer hotel the next day. It's to save money coz even if you check-in at around 10pm, you still have to pay the whole per day price. You can even sleep or stay at the airport nalang. It's best if the room rate includes breakfast na para you can save on food. :) But it would be awesome if you can just stay with a friend or relative. Huge savings!

(To read about my Singapore trip including hotels and tours, click HERE, HERE & HERE. )

(no tour guides, I just researched all the places we went to including the entrance fees, food, transportation)

3.) ITINERARY/TOURS - you should align this with your budget of course. If you're going to countries with confusing modes of transportation (in my case, Thailand & Vietnam), it's best to just book a tour via travel agencies or tour websites. Believe me, you would be able to save more than just money. You would be able to save time (although you have to do the mandatory gem factory visit, argh), effort and no hassle at all. Unless of course you have a relative or friend who can show you around.

(Click HERE to know how I booked for our hotel and Thailand tour including the travel website!)

(And HERE to read about my Bangkok experience including tips, do's and don'ts and tour highlights! Pls dont laugh at my haggarda photos, hehe)

*We overheard one of our tour groupmate, an Australian, saying he tried to tour Thailand alone before, but he got lost and swindled. He paid someone 2000 baht or roughly P2,500 just to get him out of there.

For Vietnam, booked tours via The Sinh Tourist! Highly recommended!


amazing service--and they speak in English, thank God:)

we have a bus service--even free water!

informative tour + free lunch!

and an amazing tour guide!

We really didn't mind the time constraint (we needed it haha) and it's more fun to tour with a group. We were able to meet new friends!:)

(Click HERE to read my whole Vietnam experience)

For countries that are easy to navigate and have organized transport systems like Singapore and Hongkong, you can just tour on your own. They also have available maps at the airport, get as many information brochures as you can. Hehe. Review them in your hotel. Bring your map ALL the time! (I just realized I haven't blogged about my Hongkong trips! Bummer. I'll document my trip next week I promise. Hehe.)

To be able to save more, look for top-shelf attractions that are free of charge. Madami yan.:) In most countries, there are discounted travel passes that enables you to visit different attractions for one price.

4.) FOOD - You don't have to eat at expensive restos all the time! Well, once in a while maybe. :) In Thailand, Mich and I often eat in carinderias where food is just P30! In Singapore we often eat at Hawker centers (foodcourt) where you could buy a complete meal for $5 or P150 (mura na yan haha). ;) Anywhere you go, there are lots of hidden food places that serve quality (if not the best) food at affordable prices. You just have to discover them. Research or ask the locals. :) Or if you're staying with friends/relatives just make baon so you won't have to buy food outside!

parang banchetto sa Singapore!


$5 meal:)

you can cook lunch or dinner instead of going out!

5. Transportation - Cabs are often expensive, so it's best to go around using public transportation like trains and buses. It's important that you study the routes so you'll have an idea on how to hop from one place to another without wasting too much time. Only ride a cab if necessary. If you can walk, then walk. :) Some countries offer discounted/unlimited travel passes like Hongkong (unlimited train rides for 3 days). It would be a huge help if you're constantly on the go. In Macau, hotels offer free shuttle buses. For ex. if you're going to the Fisherman's Wharf, you can hop on the Sands hotel shuttle coz they're just beside each other.;) Again, research!

Try crossing to another country by land! That way, you'd get to visit different countries at a cheaper price. It's a little time consuming but it would cut your cost by a few hundreds or thousands.

rode a comfy coach bus going to Malaysia from Singapore.

6. Shopping - I don't usually shop too much when I travel. Sightseeing always come first. I also don't buy souvenirs for me or for others (but we always buy 1 cute magnet to add to our ref collection). I only buy stuff when I know it's waaay cheaper there than here in Manila. For example Thailand, this is where you'd be able to find dresses sold here in Manila for P800-P1000 for just P200. Once bought a gorgeous bodycon skirt for P100! My favorite BF blazer I bought for only P300 at Siam Paragon.


biggest weekend market--Chatuchak in Thailand! 15,000 stalls of cheap merchandise. Heaven!

Tips:

1. It's cheaper to travel in groups. That way you'll have more people to divide the expenses with. Heh. You could also get discounted group packages for tours or hotels.

2. Don't exchange your money at the airport, they said it's a rip off. Google for the best money changer in town. In Singapore, there's this money changing booth in Suntec Mall called Fountain Money Changer where the line is always long! They give the best rates. In Hongkong, I heard there's this one inside Chungking Mansions. Just look for the sign outside. Google!

3. If you're going to a place where people can't understand English, write down/print out your destination, hotel name or address in their language so you won't get lost.

4. Always bring a copy of your passport with you! Just a copy...for safety.:)

5. Don't bring all your money when you're touring around.

6. Always be cautious!

That's all I can think of for now! Do you have any tips? Share!

P.S. Join exisiting giveaways here:

Pumped Up Pink

2012-01-16T08:14:00.000-08:00

Hello! I had a busy day, but not much to say. Heh. Well, I'm so eggzited for our HK trip this Thursday!:) Went out earlier to run some errands and shop a little on the side. Bought thermal stuff for Mich and I. I already experienced freezing to semi-death the last time we went to Hongkong, so never again. Lol. Anyway, here's an outfit post!

LeNice Boudoir shirt, Miss Sixty jeans, Martina necklace, Diva cuff, Tomato clutch, VNC satin pumps

This Miss Sixty jeans is just perfect. Love the fit, the semi-faded wash and the zippered bottom!

When I saw this faux snakeskin clutch from Tomato, I knew I had to buy it! I have 2 good reasons naman--one, I love the design! two, i need more bags for events. So there. Hehe. This is just P450. Oha.

One of the prettiest shoes I own. The fit is perfect, it's satin and the pink-ness is just right. Thanks VNC for this!:) VNC sizing run big though! Got this in size 5! 2 sizes down.;)

Speaking of VNC, new stocks would be coming in end of January (since they also have a year end sale), so mark your calendars now!:) The theme would be the same as their holiday theme...stripes!

Don't forget to check them out and follow them on facebook.;)

Ending this post with 3 pairs of shoes I took home today!

(l-r) Mango suede boots, VNC pink pumps, CMG suede pumps

Had no intention of buying this but I damaged it on our last Mango shoot, so I had to pay for it. Lols. It's not even in my size! It's cute though. Paid P5k+ for it. Ouch.Anyone wants to buy it? Hehe.

Pretty pink pumps from VNC:) SRP P2190

Thanks Sarah for inspiring me to buy this! CMG pumps on sale for P800:) So pretty.

Okay, that's all. :) Will be updating my blog shop. Need to get rid of more shoes and clothes! Need more closet space, so gooow.

P.S. Join exisiting giveaways here:

DE 2012 Giveaway Series: SERIAL APPAREL

2012-01-16T03:39:00.000-08:00

Here's a giveaway to spice up your Monday night!:) This time 1 winner would win 2 lovely items from SERIAL APPAREL. You should visit their site, they sell the nicest satchel bags! (I especially love the leopard print ones). Plus, they're customized. Coolio :)

Leopard satchel bag

Eiffel tower necklace

How to win these:

1. Must be a follower of this blog.

2. Follow Serial Apparel on FACEBOOK.

3. Share this giveaway on your blog, twitter or facebook. Don't forget to share Serial Apparel's link/site!:)

4. Comment below with your name and email with the URL of your post.

P.S. Join my other giveaways here:

Contest ends on January 30, 2012. Good Luck!

Undertow

2012-01-15T02:39:00.000-08:00

I'm all healed! Well 90% healed. Hehe. It will take 2-3 more months for my gums to fully regenerate. I'm just glad I'm not on a strict diet anymore. The first thing I did after my dentist removed my stitches was eat chicken and drink from a straw. Lol. Also went into a spontaneous thrift excursion to reward myself. Haha. Anyway, here's what I wore today...

Thrifted shirt, Oxyen shorts, Leather bowtie from Paul, I Am Girlie bracelets, Girlshoppe belt, Forever 21 glittery brogues

I'm still in Marikina, hence the outdoor shots. Hehe. Took photos in front of the abandoned lot across our house. Lakas ng effect ng vines! Can I put this on my white wall? Lol. Hmm, why not?

That's it. I'm having a pretty chill day. Professional life starts tomorrow! Will start attending meetings and events next week. I'm all recharged. So game!:) See you when I see you loves!:)

Oh and 1 more thing... wish I'm in Cebu right now! Waaah...jealous! Happy Sinulog!

P.S. Join my other giveaways here:

DE 2012 Giveaway Series: BEDAZZLE

2012-01-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! Here's something to start your Sunday...a new giveaway c/o BEDAZZLE! Bedazzle accessories are all handmade with love by entrepreneur Cat Limson.:) Love her accs and love this girl!:) Win these...

1st Prize

2nd Prize

3rd prize

How to join:

1. Must be a follower of this blog.

2. Follow BEDAZZLE on Facebook & Multiply

3. Share this giveaway on your blog, twitter or facebook. Don't forget to share Bedazzle's link!

4. Comment below with your name, email and URL of your shared post. :)

Three winners would be chosen on January 30. Good Luck!:)

P.S. Join my other giveaways here:

Yabu

Artcessories

Hebe

Yabu: The House of Katsu Contest

2012-01-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

I would make this short and quick. We've all succumbed to the katsu craze, correct? (Read my review HERE) So as a thank you, YABU through Connect Agency, is sponsoring a contest in which you could win limited edition YABU shirts (you know, to profess your love for katsu AND Yabu hehe) + GCs. :) Here's what 5 of you could win!

cute noh?:)

MECHANICS:

1. Must be a follower of this blog.

2. Follow YABU on Facebook & Twitter.

 3. Answer this question: What’s the craziest thing you can do for a delicious bowl of Katsu?

4. And then tweet your answer! Example: @paxieness I will climb the highest mountain for a delicious bowl of Katsu! @YabuPH #katsucraze

5. Leave a comment below with the link of your tweet, your name and email.:)

The top 5 answers will win a limited edition Yabu shirt! The best entry among the 5 will also get a GC worth P500. :) Contest will run for 1 week. Goodluck!:)

P.S. Have you joined my 2012 Kickoff Giveaway Series yet?