An Older but Hopefully Better Me c:

I have been mentally reviving this blog for the longest time but unfortunately, I haven't done much to make that a reality. It's been more than a year since and boy, it truly feels good to be able to blog again. Since my last post, a lot had happened but I, more or less, still like the same things. I've mellowed down a bit where makeup is concerned and I am no longer as impulsive as I used to be. Career-wise, I'm still stuck (sounds negative?!) in the same job for about five years now but I'm happy because I'm feeling the love in the workplace and my almost five years-in-the-making MBA degree is a bit closer in sight now. I'm still as in love as ever with the love of my life and my family still remains to be my inspiration to become better at everything I do. 

I wanted so much for 2012 to end fast because that was hell of a stressful year. This year will be a major turning point in my life because I have resolved to finally make BIG decisions this 2013, choices that will determine how the rest of my life will go. All those questions which I have long procrastinated in answering should have answers by this year. 

And so, I'd end this post with a cheerful note and optimism that things will go exactly as I wanted it to be. 

Kung Hei Fat Choi

I'm back! It's been such a long time since I last blogged. I feel happy because I am able to squeeze in some blogging time in between all the tasks I need to complete. Ever experienced knowing you have a lotta things to do and since you don't know which to do first, you end up doing less urgent stuff like Facebook-ing (guilty!), and bloghopping? This is one of those times. 

Before anything else, I'd like to greet everyone a wonderful "Happy Chinese New Year." I'm kinda happy that this day was declared a non-working holiday because it allowed me to have some needed time off from work.  

 I was so excited for this year to begin since I really wanted to fast forward 2011 then. So far, it's been a really challenging start of the year for me. I'm harboring a lot of worries and skepticism in my mind that I can't seem to focus on the things that I need to really work on. Nevertheless, I am happy because despite all the not-so-nice stuff life has thrown at me, I still have with me the people who matters in my life, and that for me, is what matters most. What makes me even more worried were the forecasts that this would not be the best year for those who were born during the Year of the Dog (me!) :(  Hopefully, with prayers and good acts, I would be able to turn around whatever nega vibes the stars have in store for me this year. 

Love Gifts

I was so delightfully surprised when my boss texted me one night asking if I'd be in the office the following day. She said she'd be leaving some stuff for me in my table. My heart skipped a bit when I saw this.  

 

 

I immediately used one of the Wet N Wild lippies and to my surprise, I actually liked how it looked on me. You see, I usually would wear light pinks and you would barely see lippies in my stash that have hints of red. It was a bit drying though so I had to put lip balm as well as lip gloss on top. In terms of staying power, this stayed on my lips the entire time I was out so happy, happy! I also love the Revlon Creme Gloss in Cherry Tart. Will do a more thorough review of some of these items next time. 

Ciao!

Bantayan Island!

I've been out of the blogosphere the previous weeks. Spent time off with boyfriend who just finished his medical internship, last week in Bantayan Island in Cebu. It's definitely one of the most relaxing places I've been to albeit the long and tiring travel to and from the scenic island. For those who are looking for a travel destination that is less commercialized and busy than Boracay, you might want to consider this place. That is if you haven't gone to Panglao in Bohol yet LOL (Yeah, I'm biased!)

Ciao!

Trinkets & Stuff c:

Aside from makeup, I'm also fond of wearing fashion accessories. Out of this love, an online shop is born. Please click this Facebook page and "like" it if you love what you see. Feel free to leave me a message if something catches your fancy. Thanks sisses c:

Trinkets & Stuff 

 

See more exciting stuff by clicking the above link. Thanks!

Uber Flattered!

Wow! Despite being inactive in the blogging world during the last few months (or was it a year?!), I was flattered to receive an email just recently from Cozycot.com. I was invited to write an article for them in their revamped online magazine. I'm not sure though if they extended the same invitation to hundreds or perhaps, thousands of other bloggers. Nevertheless, I feel really overwhelmed and inspired to know that some people took notice of something that I never really took that seriously. I don't know if I'll accept the challenge though and I don't know yet the consequences should I decide to move forward. Right now, I'm just happy and reveling in the feeling :P

Ciao! 

I'm Back!

Helo chicas!

I know I’ve been a bad blogger lately because of my sporadic blog entries but I do apologize. Life had been so demanding that I had no choice but to place blogging in the backseat. Nevertheless, my love for makeup had not waned even during these recent months of online respite.

Since July (my last entry was still then), a lot of things have happened (as in A LOT)! These were the highlights:
> BF and I broke up, got back together after a week, and we can say we've never been better :)
> conquered my fear of heights by ziplining in Danao with BF (will post an entry about that!)
> did the makeup of my BF's sis for her prenup
> got my UD Naked palette. I had an extra one which I sold to Sis Sol. Long story.
> trained for Prulife UK and is now preparing for the licensing exam
> finished the first semester at work without committing a major, major blunder
> turned a shade darker because of a recent sojourn with workmates to Anda beach.

I’m also very happy, and somehow, proud to share to you an FOTD of mine during a company affair. I describe my makeup application skill as, well, average. So, I’d naturally feel flattered every time I’d get compliments on how nice my makeup is. The cosmetics I used are also not very expensive so you might want to give some of these a try.

Face: 
 Olay Total Effects Moisturizer 
 Clinique Superfit Foundation in Creamy Beige  
Kokoryu Summer Cake in Russet  
VOV Cover Foundation (as concealer) 
Eyes:  
MAC Shadestick in Beiging (primer)  
Stila Golightly e/s  
Stila Wheat e/s  
Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara
Cheeks:  
Nars Blush in Desire  
The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter
Lips:  
Colour Collection Sheer Pink Pearl  
Revlon Super Lustrous Lippie in Pink in the Afternoon  
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine

Not naman bad for an amateur noh? hehe :)

Thanks girls :)

Voter No. 121 Precinct 68C

Last Monday, May 10, the country had its first automated elections. It was the third time for me to be able to participate in this process. Alas, it was also the worst experience I ever had. Methinks that next time, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) should institute steps to make sure that the people would not be subjected to too much stress and hassle just to be able to exercise their right to vote.

My brother and I went to the polling precinct at 8:30 a.m. When we got there, throngs of voters were already in line. I did not have a difficult time finding my name (and my parents’ names) in the voters’ list because we were listed in the same precinct that we voted in during the last two elections. My brother’s name was listed in another precinct as he was a first-time voter.   

As soon as we knew of our precinct and voter number, we immediately fell in line thinking that we’d be able to vote after an hour or two. Our experience, however, exceeded expectations ( and not in a good way!) because we had to endure four and half (4.5) hours of waiting. Our stress was made even worse by the humidity during that day. I remembered praying fervently that it would rain that time. In fairness, everything was a breeze once we got to the polling room. The PCOS machine did not falter during our turn. It was already almost 1:00 p.m. when we got home. And soon as we stepped out of the room, it started raining (talking about answered prayers!)

My parents ended up not voting because although they went at 5:30 p.m. to the voting area, there were still hundreds of voters who were also in the line with them. It was already 10:30 when they decided to go home because my mom needed to have her insulin shot already.

Nevertheless, I never regretted voting because I was able to vote for someone who could have been the best President we ever had. (Go GT!) And while my heart is filled with sorrow that he did not win, I could not feel any resentment towards our President-in-Waiting as he had already been warmly congratulated and accepted by GT.

 Me sans makeup and with a slightly sunburned face 

(and sporting an indelible ink!)

By the by, I think all of the problems encountered during the Election Day are just birth pains considering how new we are to automation. I am looking forward to a breezier electoral process in 2013.The real winners that emerged in this exercise are not the candidates who ran and defeated their rivals but the voters who did not waver and made sure that their votes were counted.

Happy Mothers' Day!

Before we'd all be busy worrying about the outcome of the elections on Monday, let me first greet the most important woman in my life a "Happy Mothers' Day!".

Happy Mothers’ Day!

Thank you Mom!
For giving me life.
For giving me two wonderful brothers.
For being a good wife to Papa.
For constantly worrying about us.
For being just a text away ALWAYS.
For working hard so we’d all get college degrees.
For being our harshest critic.
For being our greatest (and sometimes, only) fan.
For giving up your dreams so we’d realize ours.
For being love personified.

I hope I’ll be as great a wife and mother as you have been to us!

Gloria Gloria!

Sorry girls for not having new posts the past two weeks. Been busy with work. 

Anyway, just want to share one of the most memorable events in my life. 

How many girls have stood inches from the incumbent President of the Philippines? Not many, I'm sure. 

I am lucky I'm one of them. I even got to shake her hand :)

Sorry for the blurry pics. They were taken from my phone. The PSGs were so pesky I did not have any time to take decent pics. Personally, I am not a fan of GMA but I was still enthralled and starstruck when I saw her. She's a lot prettier in person than on TV. Her makeup was fabulous despite the non-elegance of the affair. (I'm sure she has a plethora of MUAs for that lol.) 

Ciao!

Walking Around with a Heavy Heart

My work allows me to constantly interact with young people. This is one of the things that I love about my job. They make me feel younger than I truly am. I always feel this positive vibe that emanates from them whenever they surround me. And, words would never be enough to express how honored I feel whenever they would look at me as if I am the smartest person around. I  now understand why my colleagues would say that the classroom provides them refuge since it is indeed one of those places where we truly feel that we are doing something right.

Last week, I received the tragic news that a former student got into a vehicular student. He sustained head injuries so severe that he had to be airlifted to Cebu. He is now in a comatose state. Luckily, he is a scion of one of the most affluent families in the city so they have access to the best medical care. Despite this, the family had been informed by the doctors that even if he would recover, he would be left with permanent damage to his physio-neurological skills. I felt EXTREMELY sad when I heard this. In fact, I even had to take a seat while the news was relayed to me. That time it seemed as if  energy was zapped out of my body.  Memories of him talking to me last year flashed in my mind. I remember seriously threatening him that I'd drop him in my class due to his absences and he would retort by telling me sob stories (a common modus unfortunately). He constantly pestered me for consideration and would follow me around school pleading his case and so I ultimately gave in. In the following semesters, he would always greet me boisterously in the hallway and though I would get embarrassed, such incidents make me laugh.

I pray to God that he would recover. For his sake and for his family. And I swear I will help in whatever way I can to help bring back again that young lad who somehow touched my life.

Happy New Hair!

I had always wanted to have my hair rebonded. The thing was three years ago, one would cost us an arm and a leg. Now, perhaps due to heavy competition, it is no longer as financially prohibitive as it used to be. I wanted so badly to have my hair rebonded because my hair is naturally wavy and since my hair is shoulder-length, it tended to fly away. The frizzy appearance is another problem altogether. I wanted to have it rebonded last year but the salon attendant advised me to wait till my hair would grow past my nape.

Last Saturday, I went to Cebu to spend the weekend with The BF. Fortunately, he had the entire weekend off from internship duty (he’s a 4th year Med student in Cebu Doctors) so at least we had time spent with each other before our lives return to normalcy. Aside from our couple time, I made sure that I fulfill one of the things that I had long wanted done, get a hair rebond. NOW, I am really really happy with my crowning glory.

lol nakakaloka ang background... the grocery was a floor below 

the salon and i had to buy some snack items to take for my return trip. 

the first ever pic of my new hair.

Thanks ladies!
Care to suggest a hair care regimen that would be appropriate for rebonded hair?

I Love You, Goodbye!

No, I’m not saying this to a boyfriend or a potential romantic partner nor am I referring to the movie produced by Star Cinema for MMFF’09. I’m dedicating this line to my 2009 Belle De Jour Planner. I loved this planner so much that I wrote about all of the good and the bad things that happened to me in year 2009 on the pages of this thingie. I also like the chic and girly design and illustrations which make it a refreshing change from the typical and outright boring planners that we often find in school supplies sections of department stores or in National Bookstore branches.

Every now and then, I get this urge to look back in the past and I always have a great time reading the entries in my planner. The BDJ planner has so many interesting features that make it really useful especially for the busy Pinay. Among all these, I find the menstrual tracker feature really useful lol. I also liked the articles that were  included as each new month was ushered in.

As year 2009 will end in two days, I am now on a look out for a 2010 planner. Do you have any suggestions? Do you think the 2010 BDJ planner is a good buy?

Thanks pips!

Esme Floyd’s 1001 Little Beauty Miracles

A colleague of mine gave me this book about two months ago. I did something for him while he had to go to England to present his study. He gave this to me after his two-week stint abroad. I’m so touched by the gesture because we don’t really talk much. He probably noticed that I’m always made up at work so he chose to give me this. I’m actually glad that he did because I really learned a lot from this. So, if I don’t have time to compose blog entries, I’m thinking of posting some of the beauty tips from this book.

The book’s publisher is Marks & Spencer. Author Esme Floyd is a freelance writer specializing in beauty, health and lifestyle subjects and contributes to numerous UK publications. She has also consulted on television documentaries for Channel 4, Discovery and BBC.

 

Book Summary:

With direct remedies for beauty problems as well as advice on everything from make-up application and skin care to antiageing and fake tanning. 1001 Little Beauty Miracles offers short, simple ways to improve and maintain your natural good looks. It includes helpful hints for such beauty quagmires as tweezing brows, disguising blemishes and making thin hair look luxuriously thick. Even if you’re an ungroomed, nail-biting, hair-yanking, exercise-phobe, these corner-cutting ideas will set you on the path to looking your finest with the minimum of fuss.

Ciao! 

Thanks 2009!

As Year 2009 comes to an end, let me just share 12 things that I am truly thankful for this year:

• The good health of my parents and my two younger brothers. My mom was diagnosed December last year with Diabetes and had been maintaining Levemir insulin injections since then. I am thankful that God gave us the means to be able to maintain these medications. While her diagnosis was not exactly good news, I am happy that her condition was detected before any serious health complications could set in. I am the only girl among three siblings and I am very close to my parents. While we are not rich, I have always felt contentment that my parents never failed to give me all the things that we needed. When I hear of stories of child abuse on TV, I always whisper a prayer of thanks that I have parents who never even once laid a hand on me as a form of physical punishment.
• The opportunity to live again with my parents and be a witness to their lives. In the past, I have always insisted in working in Cebu coz I wanted to live independently. This is why I am very happy that this time, I listened to my parents and worked in our province after spending so many years in Cebu where I studied in a college. Since I’m a parasite, I now have more money to spend on things like makeup, clothes, and shoe wear. What’s even better is the fact that cost of living here is less expensive than in any of the other places I have been to. 
• My “Alex.” It’s now almost seven years since we hooked up but we are still as crazy for each other as we were back in 2003. Whenever I have unanswered prayers, I would always tell myself that it’s okay because I have him. He more than makes up for all the heartbreaks and disappointments I had encountered in my life. 
• My job. Since I graduated back in 2003, I have never EVER stayed with any employer for more than 2 years. It had been 1.5 years since I worked for my current employer and I’m hoping to break the curse with this one (and I have a good feeling that I will lol.) Where I live, people consider the institution I work for as very reputable and this I was able to prove while working on a case documentation for the CSR projects of Ayala Foundation Inc. Also, my job allows me to wear makeup to work without making me feel so overdressed lol. 
• Respect and Friendship of Colleagues. It is uber flattering to be trusted and respected by people who have already established good reputations in our place. Despite being practically a newbie, I am glad that my colleagues think that I am capable of handling bigger responsibilities. I am also thankful for all the trainings and seminars that I got to attend (in Bohol and in Cebu) as a representative of our institution. 
• MBA degree. I am now a Feasibility Study away from graduating with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. I’m also in the running to graduate with honors. My school is no Ateneo or La Salle but hey, we are a Level 3 PAASCU Accredited Institution. That’s just one level lower than the Big Three Universities in the country. And I get to graduate in toga, an experience I didn’t have when I graduated in elementary, HS, and college. 
• Joanna, Vanessa, Kathy, Aging. For keeping in touch all these years and for allowing me to be there in all their ups and downs. These people breathe life to the word “friendship.” As early as now, I have already made up my mind that these fine women shall be among my bridal entourage. 
• My Prulife U.K. Premium Fund. I’m glad I decided to invest on this since I really need to spruce up on my long-term savings. Aside from being an investment tool, this also offers an insurance shield feature should I be diagnosed with any serious medical illness. 
• Renovation of our house. After more than two decades, our house finally got a much-needed facelift lol. We now have a newer, more durable steel roofing which I hope would weather another two decades. And what’s more? All of us now have brand-new rooms that we can use. 
• Facebook. I admit I am among the last to jump into the FB bandwagon (joined only last Sept.) I’m thankful that I did because it allowed me to reconnect with people I haven’t seen for a long time. 
• My makeup stash. These babies make me happy every time I see them. My mom would always remark that I have more than enough and that these would take a lifetime for me to use up. Still, I can’t seem to stop myself from buying more.
• My Blog. As of this writing, I already have 18 followers. This number might be puny compared to the others but I’m happy and flattered that these beautiful people chose to follow my blog.
  

P.S. I am not posting this entry to brag or whatsoever. I only want to acknowledge and show my appreciation to Bro through this blog for all the blessings he had given me this year.

Mushy BUT so so TUMPAK!

If you love someone, ask them for nothing. Don't hold them back from their destiny. Don't keep them from going off in search of their own answers. 

Don't ask them for commitment. You will know commitment is real when it is something given willingly and not as something obligatory. 

Don't ask them for promises. If you are patient, if you have faith, you will know in your heart when the right time for promises has come. 

And when that time arrives, then you will see that you have both lost nothing by setting each other free, and have instead gained a richer, fuller life, a wealth of experiences, and a stronger certainty of your desires. 

But should they not return to you, then life hasn't cheated you because no promises were broken. 

Your bitterness will not last long, and you will feel thankful and blessed that at the very least, this beautiful soul has colored your life, that knowing them has already made life infinitely more meaningful. 

By setting a person free, you run a risk of them not returning. But always remember that you found them beautiful precisely because they were free. 

People are like sunlight. You can feel their warmth, and their glow, but you can't hold them in your hand and keep them with you forever. 

People choose to stay. But a choice is made more meaningful when it is made despite so many other options. 

Love has no restrictions and it is through mistakes that sometimes we see the right answer. Because if you love someone, you ask them for nothing and they will come back to you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
P.S. i lifted this from a forwarded email... i just can't resist but post this here as its message moved me and made me come up with certain realizations about my relationships.