Dashing with My Gal

Every time school is out, I like to bring my favorite goddaughter to Dashing Diva for some Little Diva service. That includes a kiddie maniped and some nail art.

I don't know...it's just my panata to her. So, summers and Christmas breaks, sometimes even sem break, we go to Dashing together.

But had my nails done just recently so it's probably just her today. But I think their Manhattan Collection is out too. Might check that out.

I'm recommending to her their Neon Collection. It's suppose to be their summer colors in the US but of course, our summer months are different here. Still, the popping colors are such eye candies! She likes pink. I'm sporting the neon purple. I forgot the name but I'm wearing it for the holidays.

Looking through the glass windows...

I'm hoping we'll spend one Christmas in the US since my brother will start school in NYU in April. I'd love to walk around Central Park covered with snow. Then probably see the big tree in Rockefellar Center.

Of course, one "must-see" in New York during the Holidays are the window displays of department stores. Unlike here in the Philippines, they go all out there.

Here are some notable displays for this season...

"Have a Witty Holiday" by Barney's (inspired by 35th Anniv of Saturday Night Live)

"A Compendium of Curiosities" by Bergdorf-Goodman

"Miracle on 34th Street" by Macy's

"Snowpeople" by Sak's Fifth Avenue

I did dream of doing window displays as a career. But I don't think I'm creative enough. Or maybe if I was living in New York I'd be inspired.

Wishlist! Ho-ho-ho!

It's three days before Christmas. This wishlist might be a bit late but I don't mind getting gifts after Christmas...




1. A retrospective book on one of the greatest Filipino designers, Salvacion Lim Higgins.

2. A medium My Pilipinas tote bag (check! got it!)

3. Bobbi Brown Make Up Books

4. Glee OST Vol. 2 - have the volume 1 already...although a friend copied me all the songs they sang in all the episodes of the 1st season.

5. NARS Lipgloss in Sweet Revenge

6. NARS Lipstick in Dolce Vita

7. Complete set of MAC Cosmetics brushes

Seven is a nice number. I think I'll end there...I'm sending this to the universe just in case...

Hubby!!! Now you know!

C2 My Pilipinas Tote Update

After calling several branches, finally found one that has still one in stock. Although it's in chocolate brown with black Pilipinas logo. It's in Market! Market!

Wish there was another color. But...

I should be happy I found one!

Yey! Picking it up later.

Looking for C2 My Pilipinas Tote please!

It has happend to me so many times already...

I find something I really want but I don't get it at once...maybe for budget reasons or just waiting for the right time. Then, when I have the chance -or the cash- to get it, it's gone. Out of stock already. Never to be produced again.

Argh!!!

Several months ago I visited the C2 store in Powerplant and find the Pilipinas logo on bags!!! There were three sizes then. I wanted the medium tote bag with leather straps. The size was okay enough. Not so mommy-ish...but then I held myself back. I was saving up for my baby's 1st birthday and was trying to limit my unessecary shopping trips.

Now that's it's Christmas time, I wanted THAT bag for myself. My sort of Christmas gift to myself. Apparently the bags are limited edition only. Sniff. I think they're out of stock already. I've asked Powerplant and Greenbelt 5 branches and they don't have it anymore.

Sniff.

I'm so sad. This was one of the things on my wishlist. Bad trip.

Sigh. I've gotten tired of posting my wishlist on my blog. My hubby doesn't read my blog anyway.

Payless goes to Manila

Philippine Star reports that Store Specialist Inc. of the Rustan's Group will be bringing US shoe retail giant, Payless, here in Manila.

"MANILA, Philippines - US footwear giant Payless announced it has entered into a franchise agreement with Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI) of the Rustan’s Group to sell its products in the Philippines with the first stores planned to open by the middle of next year.

In a press statement from Topeka, Kansas, Payless ShoeSource said the Philippines will be the next country in its continued international expansion of the Payless retail chain.

SSI has a strong background in developing well-known international brands in the Philippines, and is the leading fashion specialty retailer in the country, managing 72 well-known brands and 340 retail stores.

“We are thrilled to bring Payless and all it represents to the Philippine market,” said Anthony Huang, SSI executive vice president. “As a retailer and fashion brand, Payless is doing tremendous things for people across the globe with its mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories for all to enjoy. We believe this brand promise will do well here, as it has in the US and other areas of the world.”

The two companies said they expect to start opening new Payless stores in 2010 and that the Philippines – the 12th largest country by population with over 90 million people, and a family-oriented culture that is attracted to affordable fashion – appears to be a strong fit for the Payless offering and brand promise."

read rest of the article here.

Payless carries brands such as Airwalk, Fioni, American Eagle and zoe&zac. They are know to carry affordable but fashionable shoes for the mass market. Although, price points may differ since it is an imported brand.

Well, it's one thing to look forward to next year. Tori Burch has already opened in Greenbelt 5 and Hermes will be opening soon too. I heard H&M will be coming to our shores in the near future too.

And we're back online!

I have been a very busy mommy the past several weeks fixing my baby's first birthday. And for all the mommies out there, you'll know that the 1st birthday is one big production number. My baby's party is no different!

My days were spent making sure everything is complete while my nights were spent finishing up his AVP. His is a basketball-themed party. My father and husband wore referee shirts while my mother and I wore cheering outfits. My brother went as Pat Riley and wore a suit.

Everything went very well. Our host, Astarte Abraham, was very good and the kids enjoyed her singing. We had a mime-magician that went around since the start of the party to do tricks. He also performed for about 20minutes getting kids and parents to participate in some of his tricks. Then acrobats from the PAGCOR show, Flow, also performed. Who doesn't love acrobats!

Now, things are back to normal. Although my son's room is now full of toys and his closet full of new clothes thanks to all his family and friends. But I guess the busy schedule caught up with me and I'm now down with tonsilitis and colds.

I can't wait for vacation to come so I can have a day or two of rest. Hay!

Prayers

Please...stop this violence.

Jumping Ship

Sorry Team Edward, I think I'm jumping ship and sailing away with Team Jacob.

Watched the premier last night (tickets courtesy of my BFF's big sister) and seeing Jacob all buffed up standing beside the pale and waspy Edward it's obvious who has the better bod!

I mean...just look at the difference!

New Moon: Twilight Saga

Man! I can't wait!

Ayala Cinemas started selling tickets weeks ago. I heard the first couple of days are sold out already.

Jacob goes shirtless several times...he is a werewolf after all. Not to be outdone, Edward takes his shirt off too...

Sigh.

Blue Blood Series

Okay, so Twilight opened a floodgate of vampire themed novels. My officemates are so into vampire novels that somehow it rubbed on me. Never mind that most of the stories are so high school-ish. One series that caught my fancy was the Blue Blood Series by Melissa dela Cruz. Name sounds Filipino? Actually, she is! She was born here in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family. She has written several series for teens.

The Blue Blood Series is like Twilight meets Gossip Girl. Vampires in the Upper East Side. They're rich teens with fangs! The premise of the vampires in Melissa's books is they reincarnate and were fallen angels. The plot doesn't feature only one character. Sort of a mesh of the different lives of these vampire teens. So far there have been four books released. Although from forums, the author says she will be doing ten...six more to go!


It's difficult to get hooked on the book coz now, I have to wait a year for the next one. And the last one was really a cliffhanger.


I recommend it because there's no more Harry Potter to look forward too. Other than the last two movies. I wonder if they turn this into a series, how it would look?!

I'm a GLEEk!!!

I love musicals. I love singing and I love dancing. GLEE has both. And it's about high school. What's not to love about it?!

This is one of my fave production numbers.

Speaking of musicals...have you heard?

CATS will be staged here in Manila with an international cast. Our very own Lea Salonga will be part of the cast too! Tickets will be sold exclusively to Citibank cardholders from November 3 to December 6 and there's a 10% discount to those who will purchase tickets from now until December 31, 2009. The show will begin July 24, 2010. Paylite terms are available.

It's been awhile since I've watched a good musical. I'm writing this down on my calendar! In the meantime, lemme go watch Glee again.

I Wonder...

Hermes at Greenbelt

Look who's coming to the Philippines???

On my way to a baby shower a month ago I saw the familiar orange color...and got really excited! I had to slow down and take a picture.

But I'll probably enter the store just to check the yummy loot. I'll never get to buy anything there, unless I win the lotto...then I'll buy the scarves in all colors...

It's still exciting nonetheless. It means Philippines is becoming a center of fashion and style too, that big name brands are putting up stores here. And I'm sure people will still buy despite the exorbitant prices.

I will just wait for my mother dear to buy her own. The perks of being the only daughter is that I just borrow from her closet. She almost bought a Kelly the last time she traveled. They didn't have it in black though, which is what she wanted. Awww...

Ondoy on my Birthday

When I was born, there was also a storm. My mom wrote it on my baby's book. It was Waling. Since then it seems that every special occasion in my life, it rained.

So I guess Ondoy on my birthday shouldn't surprise me anymore. It really shouldn't if only I was stranded at home. But I was stranded on the road with my family. We were on the road trying to get home almost the whole day. We finally gave up when the bridge in Marcos Highway overflowed. It was our last hope. Great birthday. We ended up staying at a family friend's place in Mandaluyong.

And the scene we found on the way home the next day was devastating. It was heart wrenching to see people lose their homes and their loved ones.

I hope they can rebuild. I hope this will be a lesson to us to take care of our environment and to take care of each other.

Life is really short.

Video Posts

I finally started posting pics from our US trip. It took me awhile coz our internet connection bogged down and when I was finally back online, our laptop is starting to conking out. It's out of disk space. I really need to get an external hard drive. I'm planning to buy the 1TB (a friend said, we'll find a way fill it up) but all our budget for the next few months are reserved for our baby's first birthday.

So, while I try go back into blogging mode, let me just post some videos. Some may be days or weeks old, but hey, it will still make you laugh... i hope.

C'mon, admit it... it's pretty cool huh?!


What a jerk...

So the president calls him a "jackass"


I have to update myself with more of the "happenings"...

Back and back!

I'm back in the Philippines... and finally back online. Been home since the 5th but been out of touch because our internet was down. I missed blogging so much!

I'm so behind with my posts, specially pictures. My aunts and uncles in the US are bugging me to post pics of our trip in my Facebook. I have so much it will take me days!

Anyway, let me sort out all my posts and I'll get back to regular programming...

Where in the World?!

Arrived here at St. Louis last Friday. I was thinking our pocket money would be enough for us since St. Louis didn't offer that much in terms of shopping.

Gadammit I was wrong!

1 Cole Haan black heels
1 Coach silver sneakers
1 BCBG brown sandal wedges
1 Steve Madden gold sandals

...and that's just shoes...

Argh!

Oh, and finally got a new camera. It's waterproof and I'm excited to try it in water.

Nobody But You!

Yes, more video posts. I've been missing out on stuff because I'm busy packing and getting ready for our quick vacation to the US for a cousin's wedding. It's our little family's first time to travel sans the yaya and everybody else. I'm worried about my little boy being comfortable throughout the trip. And also scared that we won't be able to handle our little brat. Oh, he is a brat. An adorable one, but still a brat. Just like his mom! Haha!

So, been posting lots of videos because I don't get to go anywhere and do anything else. Just t.v. This has been amusing me for the past weeks now.

I've learned the dance... I think I do it better than these thingamajigs...

Sobrang CHEEEEESSSSSYYY!

To Greenwhich and Publicis JimenezBasic... hats off to you to these funny, unique and endearing ads!

Grabe, sobrang cheeeessssyyy talaga!!!



...And this is our favorite...syempre it's with Chris Tiu!

I saw THE sign

It was one of those days when I just wanted to be alone and escape office for an hour or so... then, I saw this sign in Greenbelt 5.

Opening Fall of 2009

I have time to save up for a pair of flats. But since I'm an impatient cow... maybe I can convince my mom to look for a pair in SFO.

Wish us luck.

The Things You Say

I find him crass when he talks to the audience and his staff. This is no different. I think ABS-CBN was partly at fault here. Instead of feeds like this, they should have just done a newsbreak, or totally not do Wowowee altogether.

But Willie said all the wrong things, the wrong way.

Ayan, galit na naman mga tao sayo.

Our helpers are watching Wowowee with Willie nowhere in sight. Suspended na sya?!

I was there...

I am not apathetic after all...

I was too young to understand what was happening in 1986. I knew something was going on and there was a bad president fleeing the country, but I couldn't grasp the intensity of the situation. Now, I'm glad I was part of this.

(Photos from my camera phone)

I'm a MOH!!!

I'm so excited I'll be a matron of honor for my cousin this end of the month in the US! The whole family is flying to Illinois, including our baby boy. My cousin said he'll be the ring bearer... how we'll do that when he's just 8months old, I dunno. Maybe just decorate his stroller and let his dad push it. Haha!

So, she emailed the color for me and the bridesmaids. Watermelon. Well, if orange is a color, why not watermelon. It's between red and pink. Since I am the MOH and my cousin gave me freehand to choose the style of my gown with just two instructions: don't wear halter, that's for the bridesmaids; wear long gown. I went through my magazine stash for some inspiration.

I wanted a design different from the off-the-rack styles in bridal shops in the US. I fell in love with these two designs.

Jerome Lorico on Lea Salonga for Metro Magazine

Charina Sarte on Bea Soriano for Members Only Fashion Series event

I love the Grecian style. This was even my inspiration for my own wedding... well, for the entourage at least. I'm hoping our designer can make it work. I'm excited! I hope my BFF gets married soon... I wanna plan a wedding again!

(photos taken from www.stylebible.ph and www.afleasalonga.multiply.com)

What's the opposite of "chick flick"?!

My husband is such a fan of history so when Public Enemies came out, he told me he wanted to watch it. I hate "man movies", or whatever you call the opposite of chick flick... but because he would sit through Confessions of a Shopaholic and Devil Wears Prada with me just because he loves me... I just had to say "yes". Johnny Depp stars in it so, what the heck! Last Friday night we went to Powerplant to watch it.

Did I enjoy the movie??? Lemme put it this way... I enjoyed Johnny Depp. He's the only one that kept me on my sit awake.

The next day I was with girlfriends and we watch The Proposal. Aside from the fashionable bags and shoes Sandra Bullock was wearing, Ryan Reynolds was sizzling hottt!!! The plot was ok and not overly cheesy... thank God! But I was drooling over Ryan Reynolds!!! Omigosh!!! And he did take his shirt off just to make girls like me super happy! Oh, but for the boys, Sandra was more than half naked there too...and her body looked fab too.

There's a nice post at i am shallow on the movie... nice read.

Next week it's G.I. Joe... and now you know... and knowing is half the battle...

Mother of Philippines Democracy: Corazon "Cory" Aquino (1933-2009)

I believe there's is no other Philippine president that is most beloved and most admired.



I will wear yellow today.

Wondergirls

One of my guilty pleasures is to watch Koreannovelas. First got addicted to Full House, then Lovers in Paris, etc. And I watched it in Korean. I had to make do with the subtitles coz I hate watching it dubbed.

Even my hairdo is Korean inspired. I went to a Korean salon in Makati Ave called Shine Girls. The stylist is awesome! And they give away membership cards too. Aside from that, I'm totally addicted to bulgogi tukpegi, jap chae and kimchi.

So, when this song hit the airwaves, it didn't take long for me to get it stuck in my head. It's been my LSS for a few days now.



I'm so loving the video! I had to look for it in YouTube coz I've gotta learn the dance!

SUPERGA-ga!!!

I feel like a rebel in the corporate world because I hate wearing corporate clothes. Our company is very strict when it comes to the proper office attire. I feel like I want to break out and scream! So for me, weekend are Havaianas, and Grendha time, showing off my pedicure and letting my toes free. But I also love wearing sneakers. It's so college... such a no-brainer putting together an outfit.

Aside from Converse, I'd love to collect Superga sneakers! It's an Italian brand that began in 1913. Since then their classic design, Superga Torino have evolved to more fashionable styles.

The country shaped like a boot would know everything about shoes right?!

distressed looking Superga Bologna

their first style, Superga Torino

I'd wear this with minis and tights, Superga Rimini (also comes in gold)

Of course, if I'm maporma, my baby boy should be too! I'm excited to dress him up in cool pogi clothes when he grows bigger. I've started already with lots of Gingersnaps outfits. Wouldn't it look great with these on his tiny feet?!

Superga Stadio

Superga Torino for kids

Adorable right?! Sigh! Wish I could wear sandals and sneakers to work again...

(Superga store at Greenbelt 5 and available in Rustan's)

Ang Pekeng LV ni Giselle Sanchez

My friend sent this through email. She said it was from Giselle Sanchez's blog. I find it funny yet insightful! Just wanted to share it.

Fourteen years ago, I was also in the same place, but I was not smiling like this. The Spanish Steps is a very popular place, especially to tourists and Europe ’s Rich and Famous, because this is where all the designer shops are located.

Fourteen years ago, I was also invited to hold a comedy concert for the Filipinos in Rome through a group of Batangeño producers. Pagkatapos ng concert ko, sumama ang sosyalita kong kaibigan na si Cutie del Mar sa akin para mag-bakpak at libutin ang buong Italya.

Palibhasa, hindi ako sanay na isang bakpak lang ang dadalhin ko para sa isang linggong paglilibot. ‘Di ko yata kayang magsuot ng parehong Tshirt sa loob ng tatlong araw. YUCK! Ang baho na nun ng over! Kaya dinala ko ang isang Louis Vuitton na hand carry. Pero, ito ay isang Louis Vuitton na peke, japeyks, class triple-A, galing Greenhills. Alam ko na mali ang bumili at gumamit ng peke pero sana maintindihan ninyo ako. Fourteen years ago, nag-uumpisa pa lang ang career ko. Kapiranggot lang ang kinikita ko at nagandahan lang ako dun sa maleta kaya binili ko. Wala pa akong malay sa brands noon. Kaya ganito na lang ang pagkukutya ng kaibigan ko sa akin.

Cutie: Oh my god! Is that a fake I see!

Giselle: Sorry, hindi ako anak ng Congressman tulad mo!

Cutie: Giselle, ano ka ba! Giselle Sanchez ka na! You can’t be seen with a fake! You already perform for the rich and famous not only in the Philippines but all over the world! When In Rome , do as the Romans do! Halika, punta tayo sa Louis Vuitton diyan sa Spanish Steps and buy yourself an original!

Ang bilis lumakad ng sosyalera, wala ako choice kundi sumunod kahit wala akong planong bumili.. Plano ko lang tumingin at bilhin yung usong model sa Greenhills uli. O.A. kaya ang presyo ng Louis Vuitton bags. The cheapest, smallest bag will cost you P25, 00. Regular bags range from P35,000-90,0000. And the big and real nice ones cost P125,000-P180,000. Sa pinakamurang bag, mapapakain ko na ang pamilya ko nang limang linggo. At sa pinakamahal na bag ay mapapa-aral ko na ang kapatid ko ng college! Ako pa naman ang breadwinner ng pamilya.. Why would I waste my money with such over priced bags? Eto na, pumasok na kami sa napakarangyang Louis Vuitton Shop. Siyempre, hindi ko naman maiwan yung peke kong maleta sa labas, so sama si japeyks sa loob. At pagkakita ng mahaderang manager sa bag ko, bigla akong nilapitan, inikutan at tinignan mula ulo hanggang paa.

LV manager: Excuse me, but what is your Nationality?

Giselle: I’m Fil…(hindi pa nga tapos)

LV manager: (whispering but loud enough for me and Cutie to hear) I knew it! You Filipina maids come in here to copy our designs. Get out of my store!

Giselle: Excuse me! I am not a maid! I am an actress and I came here in Italy to perform for these “maids” you were referring to. And don’t you ever call them that! They are called Overseas Filipino Workers. Do not look down on our OFWs because they have dignity in labor. Do you work on commission, what’s your most expensive here?

LV Manager: (Points to this type of a cabinet where the bags are displayed). This one! It cost ___ million lira. (Nakalimutan ko na yung value, basta million-million kasi lira yung currency. Basta halaga ng tatlong buhay ko.)

Giselle: Ganun! What’s your second most expensive?

LV Manager: (Points to a luggage na kapalit ang dalawang buhay ko)

Giselle: Forget it! You! (pointing to a cute salesman in the counter) I will not buy from you, Mr. Manager. I will buy from him so he can take the commission! I’ll buy this, that, this, that, and this! It’s too bad I’m not an overseas Filipino worker because they can buy more than what I can!


So what is the price of dignity? P500,000.00—maxed on my credit card; paid slowly for three years; with my mom screaming on my ears every now and then.

In fairness to these overpriced bags, they are very durable. I started using them fourteen years ago and I still use them up to now! People think I’m so classy using coordinated Louis Vuitton handbags, make-up kit, and shoe bags. Little do they know that Giselle became classy because of her being crassy. Moral of the story, kung di niyo kaya, huwag manggaya at baka mapahiya. I never realized that paying for your sins can be quite expensive! Di bale, basta mapagtanggol ang dangal ng minamahal kong Overseas Filipino Workers! Mabuhay kayo…kahit mamatay na ako sa utang!

(original post can be read here)

I thank you Eastwood...

I seldom (okay, very seldom) check my Yahoo email because... well, just prefer the Gmail interface. So, when I had extra time last night and checked my email there, I was pleasantly surprised that there was an email from a Megaworld representative getting in touch with me about my nasty experience at Eastwood last June 27 (read blog entry here). She sent last July 1 pa pala!

Ms. Karen was very nice and apologized and shared the actions they're taking. Let me share part of her email below:

"...Foremost, in behalf of the Eastwood City Commercial Division management, I would like to apologize for this untoward incident. I personally understand where you are coming from. Your post had been a blessing in disguise for us. With the valuable information you have written on your blog, we became aware of situations like these..."

And since I also know where she is coming from, I really do appreciate the gesture. I did work as a customer service representative in an airline before and you can turn a bad situation better with the right service recovery. I'm happy they're doing something about it. Nowadays, with the advent of internet, doesn't take much to spread word around - whether good or bad.

I feel better now and can go back to Eastwood without getting angry. But I promise I'll drive carefully na.

Again, to Ms. Karen and the rest of the team, thank you.

Oh, and I will still replace the cone. Quid pro quo...

Hannah Montana Hangover

Last Saturday, I went out with my friend and my goddaughter to watch the Hannah Montana Movie. My guilty pleasure is watching tweener movies like this and High School Musical. I even know most of the lyrics... and I don't have a daughter or son at that age who would go crazy with these movies. Well, there's this song I'm sooooo dying to learn the dance steps to.

Sort of like a tribute to Miley's dad's Achy Breaky Heart and L.A. Walk dance steps. She is after all, Billy Rey Cyrus' daughter.

So, here it goes again... altogether let's dance the Hoedown Showdown...

My Phone of the Moment: Nokia N97

If I had P34k I would get this phone... the new Nokia N97.

Man, what a beauty! And look at the specs...

- touchscreen but front slides out in a convenient angle to use the QWERTY keypad instead. It also has a handwriting recognition
- has an internal 32gb memory and slot for microSD for more storage
- camera is 5 megapixels with flash
- uses a Symbian OS v9.4, Series 60 rel. 5
- has WLAN and internet functions


Nokia N97 was released in the market just last month. Nice, sleek phone... that is, if I had P34k to throw away...

Viktor / Viktorino

I miss my Viktor jeans. I had three pairs. After I gave birth I found out that I can't use them anymore. Ever. So sad... I brought them back to check if there was a way to repair them because my hips got bigger and my thighs are bigger too.

So sad. I'm still saving up for a new pair.

So, anyway, I was checking Viktor's site when I saw his newest line... it's actually several months old but still news to me nonetheless...

Viktorino is the little Viktor! For kids ages 10 and below. Wow! I'm excited! I want one for my little Magnus!

look at these shots!!! I really want one... or maybe two or three for my little boy!!!

I asked my mom if she was using all of her Viktors or if I could get one repaired for me. but she's one helluva Viktor fan too and won't let go of any.

Viktor stores are at Greenbelt 5, Trinoma and Podium.

(photos courtesy of http://viktordenimrepublik.blogspot.com/)

Samsung Star

Presenting the Samsung Star...


I don't know why I suddenly find this phone yummy...

I don't like touch screens coz I'm a clumsy gal who usually drops my phone on a regular basis and bigger screen means a lot more surface to break. I also don't like phones I have a hard time using while driving. I know... I know... shouldn't be driving and texting at the same time but it can't be helped. I'm also a Sony Ericsson fan even though everybody else was using Nokia.

But truly, I saw this in person and I love it! I find it easy to use and it's quite affordable too at P10k (that's what my sources say)! It has a sleek design and easy to use interface. It can also convert its keypad to QWERTY or the regular phone keypad style. With a 3.2 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom, it's great for emergency shoots. Check other features here.

My favorite feature... FAKE CALL! Hahaha! Yeah, for times you need to fake a call, the phone simulates a real call! Kudos to the one who thought about this!

It comes in three colors: black, white and old rose.

I have to think about this... grrr!

UAAP Babies

While I'm still in a very UAAP mode, here's another site for moms and dads who would like to share their school spirit with their kids... The Urban Baby carries UAAP outfits for babies and tots.

they have shirts...

onesies...

and rompers...

They only carry lines from the three universities. I already bought a Future Atenista onesie and shirt (for when he outgrows his onesie) and a Future Aktibista onesie as an homage to his lolo and lola who graduated from there. Here's our little imp wearing his oufits...

his Daddy loves that I got this for his little basketball star

Lolo and Lola thinks this is the coolest!

Visit The Urban Baby's site here and check out their other designs. The UAAP series is on sale until July 20th.

Dress up in Jersey Dress

Next Saturday, July 11, 2009, marks the beginning of another year of college basketball at its best. Yeah man! And this time I just might get to watch a few games live. I was limited to t.v. viewing last season coz I was carrying our very own future UAAP player... hahaha!

Of course, when watching the game, we have to make sure we represent our school well. Last season, I saw several kolehiyalas in a stylish jersey dress. I finally found who makes them! Jersey dress by none other than... Jersey Dress. Going to a game wearing the generic school shirt isn't enough anymore... gotta be fashionable too!

The Jersey Dress is made of the same material as the basketball jersey. Only cut sexier. Find your school's jersey dress and go in style!

Shout "One Big Fight"! You can even put your favorite player's number and name! Guess who's #17 last season??? I guess, I'll be ordering this one!

Of course, here's from our beloved foes... DLSU Archers... I love their shade of green last season... more alive... (my husband will not like that! hahaha!).

They also have an off-shoulder style.

Other customizations are possible for an extra fee. They also carry styles for NCAA teams. So, fellow UAAP fanatics, you can check out Jersey Dress' Multiply site here.

Oh, Maria!

Hay naku! Enough of the Eastwood drama! Lemme post something fun and positive now.

I saw this month's issue of Preview in Stylebible.ph... look who's on the cover?! One of my favorite local actresses, it's Maricel Soriano! I'm so excited to get my copy! I didn't enjoy last month's issue coz it was Marian Rivera. Not a fan! Her feature also lacked substance.

Kalowka the pose noh?! She looks so much younger here.

My friends and I watched her last movie, T2. I still think Feng Shui (starring Kris Aquino) was better. It started well then it suddenly turned into a fantaserye... was a bit disappointed about that. But still love Maria! I love her katarayan!

Well, anyway, hope my copy arrives tomorrow... I wonder if they deliver on weekends...

Eastwood City NO CITY OF ANGELS

As I begin my story, I have to tell you guys that I do accept my responsibility in this incident. Having said that, I believe that my "cooperation" deserves equal and fair treatment too.

Last night, June 27, 2009, Saturday, my husband and a friend went to Eastwood to watch the Transformers movie. The movie ended around 10pm. It took us awhile to get out of the parking building since it was a busy Saturday evening. As I maneuvered my way to the exit towards the new mall from McDonald's area, I noticed a vehicle taking a U-turn towards the Citibank area (this by the junction of the new mall, McDo and a condo). I decided to follow the guy and took a U-turn too. Then, I noticed the orange cone. I thought I probably did a wrong turn but preceeded nonetheless. But I hit the cone. The guard immediately stopped me and I pulled over by the side of the road.

The guard explained I damaged the cone and I should pay for it. Accepting my fault, I said "o.k.". So he radioed base and advised them of the incident. He was told I was to go to the office to file a report but I refused and asked if we could just do it where I was. Another security personnel came and lots of conversation regarding procedure was explained. They also radioed the engineer on duty to ask how much the cone was. The engineer said P2000 but they buy it in sets of seven. I told them I won't be paying for a set because I only damaged one. The engineer eventually came and told me they will ask for a "promissory note" that I will pay for the cone. I made a note which included that upon payment of the damaged cone I should be getting a quitclaim duly notarized and an official receipt from them. They returned the note and asked me to put there that I will be promising to replace it instead because they couldn't give an official receipt. Again, I complied. Although the trouble started when they asked me to give my license to them so they can photocopy it. That, I refused, because even the police and MMDA cannot get our licenses. I didn't want my license out of my site. They already have my complete details , including my car's plate number, and I even gave them my calling card.

They insisted it was procedure. I told them to take a picture of it instead. It was the same as a photocopy. The engineer answered back "alam nyo kung pina photocopy nyo na yan tapos na tayo ngayon". Eventually they accepted that I wasn't going to entrust them my license. Now, I asked them their names, including the engineer who had been rude. He went back to the office by this time. I wanted his name because he was the official representative from Eastwood. The security guards were from agencies after all. Who do I call for the new cone? Where would I deliver it? This was when all the pandemonium began. The engineer refused to give his name. Ha?!!! Eh ang dami nyang hinihirit while he was there... he even told me "maghintay sya dyan, sya tong may kasalanan" He was also the one who quoted the price of the cone!

SG Raymond Vertuza (left) & SO Fernando Garcia (right) from Anti Crime Security Agency

Eventually my husband came (we came in separate cars) and talked to the guards. He was mad at me for damaging the cone but he was standing by me that the engineer should give us his name. It was unfair that I was giving all my PERSONAL information but they couldn't even give me the engineer's freakin' name! The guards told me their names should be enough. I told them they were from agencies and their contracts could be terminated. What do I have to protect myself?!

We were on a standstill. I refused to give anything more without the engineer's name. My husband tried to get pictures of the cone and the "crime scene" but they told him to stop because it was private property. To settle everything, my husband and I wanted to make a compromise, we'll make the letter THEY WANTED, photocopy my license AS REQUESTED, but in return they should give us the name of the engineer BUT THE GUARDS AND THE ENGINEER STILL REFUSED!!!

I really got pissed off and I decided to ask help from other friends to contact the nearest police station. Yes... the one who did the crime (moi!) was the one who needed to call the police! The policeman I talked to who was assigned in P. Tuazon was very accommodating. Thank God! And he understood my predicament. He insisted for us to go to the station for a blotter but the engineer refused to leave his post. On duty raw sya and can't leave Eastwood (all this time he was still in the office and everything was communicated via radio). The police sent a mobile unit instead.

The cops were all in agreement that the engineer should give his name. After all, he was one of the complainants. When they arrived, the engineer eventually came back to the scene. He was medyo mabait na with the police talking to him but he still refused to give his name. Although the guard mentioned his name once... a slip of the tongue maybe... something like EDCEL, EDVEN, EDRIN...

The policemen, PO2 Ben Pilao and PO1 Jupiter Duruin from Station 8 QC recorded everything down. They asked me if I would replace it. I said yes. It wasn't a question of whether I was going to pay or replace the cone because I was willing to do it in the first place. But I just wanted the names of those involved... including the engineer's name who we doubt was really an engineer (mas maayos pa yung itsura nung mga guards kaysa sa kanya). They couldn't compel him to say his name so I'm blogging everything to share the horrible experience I had with Eastwood guards and engineer. The police where also a bit pissed because it was such a small thing, we just needed his name and he still refused. He should own up to his rank and responsibilities right?! Funny thing was, my husband had to ask the engineer the specs of the cone... he couldn't give us the dimensions and all of that. He even told us "kahit hindi parehong-pareho..."... for an engineer you're pretty stupid...

The police allowed us to finally take pictures of the cone. Mukang walang damage noh?! But my husband said, "kahit mukang walang damage, natamaan mo pa rin yan. Palitan na lang."

Mas muka pang damaged itong isa along the road eh. May butas pa! PO1 Duruin pointed this out. I wanted to get a picture of the engineer (he was around 5'3 to 5'5... probably around 160-180lbs coz he was fat with a paunchy stomach... dark skin or maybe looked darker coz it was dark too...) but it might be used against us so we didn't. When all was said and done, we had to remind the guards to give us contact details of the office or person to whom we were suppose to surrender the new cone. Even the corporate addresses they wouldn't give us.

Here's my problem with the whole incident...

1. They keep on insisting policies and procedures but they kept on changing it...

2. The guards kept on saying they were the "spokespersons" but they kept on radioing back to the engineer for instructions. If he was calling the shots, he should be willing to give his name... The guards were nice enough naman...

3. If he was really an engineer, why couldn't he be more specific with the specs of the cone???!!! Kami pa nagtanong... What kind of engineer kaya sya?

4. They have the whole Eastwood management and Megaworld corporation behind them parang mas takot pa sila saken to give information... what were they hiding? I was the one at fault... they had the upper hand... what were they afraid of?

Maybe when they first saw two women in the car very cooperative they thought they could bully us... hah?! I know my rights dude!!! I learned enough from Criminal Law to know that even criminals have rights too!

Another funny thing was, we seldom go to Eastwood! I just had to watch there last night coz I had to practice bowling too for an office tournament. Hubby and I would always go to Powerplant, Rockwell. Hay, stick to Powerplant and Greenbelt na lang. Sana kasi they had bowling again in Powerplant...

I know Eastwood is under Megaworld... we have lots of Megaworld units pa naman. Sir Andrew Tan... you don't know me but... you should have better training for all your people!

Thank you very much to the policemen at Station 8 QC... they were super bait and helpful!