Bratmates BORACAY Reunion

Last time I went out of town with my fashion school darlings was ages ago so you can imagine my excitement when Kriska texted me a few weeks ago asking if I'd like to go to Boracay for some much needed R & R. Luckily, Jia was in town and Choc was free so off we went to paradise...

There's really nothing like bonding with old friends...but next time I'm hoping the rest of the brats will be there!

The plan was simple: EAT, SLEEP and BE MERRY. In short, we lived like pigs for 3 days! Wanted to extend but we all had things to do over the weekend...so til next time bitches! :-) Missing everyone already!

Blogging From Boracay

I'm laying on a lounge chair in Mandarin as I type this. Feels great to be away from everything and everyone (except my 3 fashion school bratmates who are basking in the sun with me at the moment).

I am seeing the light now--and i am not just talking about the Boracay sun, which by the way is extra hot today--I know there will be much changes wen i get back. Pictures to be posted soon.

Thank you De Paris Bar for the Wifi. :-)

BROKEN

Leaving you was difficult. But it had to be done. It's not fair to be with someone when he only has half of your heart. When I've lost the fireworks and the passion--elements that keep a relationship alive.

Please let me find myself and pick up the pieces again. If in time, we really are meant to be then I'll find myself crawling back to you. Whether you accept me again or not, then at least I found myself.


Lessons in life are best learned the hard way anyway...

You are my angel, always have and always will. I am crying as I type this...


But for now, I am signing off. Hoping for the best. Hoping to regain the other half of my heart. Hoping to be better...

For me and hopefully for us.

Back!

My blog has been on "idle" mode for a while now. The main reason being this:

Things went smoothly so I'm not complaining! My bitch Pam's wedding was a beautiful one and I cried and cried at the wedding! And then I ate and ate at the reception! Lavish it was and this couple definitely knows how to throw a par-tayyyy! It's a good thing I wore my flowing bias cut gown or my exploding tummy would have been evident after downing all those prawns!:

(With bride and bitchmate Pamee in her 2nd dress, also by me of course!)

And now moving on to other exciting projects such as the upcoming L.A. based online store Dog.And.Bat. Expect my ready-to-wear pieces there soon! :)

"Dream Sprouts"

As promised, here are photos of my S/S 2009 Fashion Week collection (thanks to the talented TSARD CHUA!).


A collection aptly entitled "DREAM SPROUTS", I was inspired by my yo-yo circle placemat project back in 4th grade. It is a very girly collection embellished with dreamy circlettes and origami squares--all in pastels.


FABRICATION: Japanese jusi, crepe, linen, taffeta, plain chiffon (all materials c/o my lovely supplier in New Jersey)








COLORS: Cream, Mint Green, Navy Blue, Rich Blue, Pale Pink



SHOES BY:
Would also like to thank everyone who came to watch Luxewear B as well as apologize to my clients and friends whom I didn't get to talk to after the show. I was sick as a dog and harassed backstage that night. :-(





Kisses,
Cza

Games, Games, Games

In life, we are all playing a game. At work. At school. With your friends. With the opposite sex. We all have a Chuck and Blair in all of us. Strategies differ but the goal is all the same: to WIN.


Other players are aggressive, some choose to be on the defensive side. Others like to wait it out, and go in for the kill when the prey is caught off-guard. Others pretend to be on the same team when they are actually double agents.


It's funny, these games people play. I find myself playing once more after ages of dormant existence in the ball game. Quite rusty but doing good I suppose. Being on the defensive side, I choose to act based on my opponent's next move. The upside being I am usually on the safe side, the downside being I am usually the impatient party if the opponent is taking too long to make a move. They say that offense is your best defense. I say I'm too chicken shit to find out.


So what's your next move cowboy?

Left Or Right

I'm filled with tempting thoughts that I never thought existed at the back of my head. Fueling my confusion and adding to my impatience. Do I take the road on the left or the right? Should I stick to this road or make a turn towards a far more exciting route that I am absolutely unsure of?


He doesn't know what I'm talking about. Noone knows what I'm talking about. Because that's exactly it... a secret I cannot reveal, a nagging thought in my head that I try to forget about every single day.


Maybe I'm plain crazy. Maybe I'm just an asshole. Or maybe I have just been taking way too much antibiotics. Damn this typhoid fever. Damn him. Damn this situation.

Loving It

Noone else wears this dress like she can!! Judy is so happenin'!!



Thanks for the photo, Jane! :-)

ENOUGH

Not that I owe anyone any explanation regarding my actions but I am writing this to put an end to all the questions and messages I've been getting.

NO, I didn't want to dig up skeletons and old issues because I want to get back at him. I wanted to know because I knew it was a friend and now I am right, it was a "friend". One who I trusted and confided to. One who also backstabbed me in unimaginable ways. Perhaps he was laughing inside while I cried and he even gave me advice. Advice that he was later going to use as ammunition against me.

I have already moved on career-wise. Whatever I lost, is lost. I just want to be more careful now. And that person can't harm me again.

Yes I agree with the person who told me that it is an issue that has closed months ago. It was the site that closed. But this to me is an issue of real friendship and it is only now that it has concluded in my part.

I do not wish to pick a fight with anyone. Not even him because what's the use. I believe in forgiveness and I can only wish him well.

This is the last time I will speak about this issue. Enough.

Judy Aldridge

A few months ago I sent over some of my creations to the very chic Jane and Judy Aldridge of Sea Of Shoes mainly for the reason that I am a fan of their style and of course, their shoe collection!

My sissy Martin called me earlier saying Mabuhay Girl blogged about Judy Aldridge in my Fashion Week A/W 2009 rust number. So I rushed back to the shop from the fabric store and voila!

This is one of the pieces I sent over...

Now this definitely made my day. :-)

Going Old Skool

It is already mid October and I haven't blogged anything yet. Blame it on my long working hours now that Philippine Fashion Week S/S 2009 is just around the corner. Would just like to share with you my inspiration: My 4th grade yo-yo circle placemat project.

Don't expect any placemats or furnishings from me anytime soon though. Tweaked in a few other ideas and vamped it up a bit for originality purposes. Runway photos to be posted at the end of October.

Luxewear B of the Philippine Fashion Week is on October 25, 7:30 PM at the SMX Convention Center.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY ANGEL!

He is perhaps the only person who knows me inside out...



Tolerates my crazy fickle mindedness and other annoying traits...


Loves me unconditionally...




Drives me around (and tolerates my driving)...



My ever supportive, loyal fan who would sacrifice his own time and energy just to take me to fashion errands and events...


The only man who ever really got me and whom I am willing to give up anything for...


HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY my angel ARLEE!!! :-)

Tick Tock Tick Tock

A few more days and I'll be on download mode every Tuesday (Manila time) once more. I had just seen the Gossip Girl preview at Chuvaness and I can hardly wait!!


On the other hand I am beginning to get sick of the whole headband craze so I am finally keeping my appointment at Studio 546 for another hair rebond next week. Everyone is sporting a wavy or a short do these days and since mine is both wavy and a bit short, I'm doing the exact opposite. My love for the scarf however, will never end.

And I would also like to take this opportunity to curse whoever stole my yellow and black striped silk Jaigger scarf. HOW DARE YOU!


OK enough rambling, now back to work...

Touched By A Client

Anna, you are the sweetest, cutest thing on earth! I wrote that post a few minutes after you took off and while Pam and the rest of the entourage was still somewhere in EDSA. I am touched, seriously. *hugs hugs*

Anna's husband, Paolo, took these photos of me and Anna while I took her measurements. Adorable couple. :-)



You don't look like you're in your 2nd trimester already! Skinny, skinny hot momma you!!



View Anna's blogspot here (a fun read I tell you!):

http://bluelawbyanna.blogspot.com/



Now I shall cut Anna's pattern after Pam's. :-) Love you Annaaaaaaaa!!

A Holiday For Everyone But Me

It's a holiday but I'm working overtime as always. Woke up at 6:30 am to hit the gym and grab some healthy grub before I finally headed to the atelier. Today, I'm taking my bitchmate Pam and her entourage's measurements (they should be arriving any moment now). While waiting, I've been contemplating whether or not to join the next fashion week which is in October. I clearly am behind schedule If I do join and I think I have ran out of creative juices. So clueless at this point. I should take my tired arse to the beach but there's no time. I have back to back meetings after this.

Wishing I was anywhere but here... I'm looking at this photo from my last trip to Fuego and I can almost feel the water...



OK enough. I am officially pathetic.

ALMOST FAMOUS Now Open!

The chic (and very happenin') new store at Bonifacio Global City I mentioned in a previous post is now ready to cater to your trendy needs 11AM - 7PM Mondays - Thursdays and 11Am - 9PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Clients may also contact the following numbers for appointments before or after store hours.: (0917) 537-5629 or (0927) 797-0795.

FEATURED LABELS:

12TWELVE
Czarina Villa
Finina
Kathang Kamay
CRISE DE NERFS by Mel orlina
Puey Quinones
Mich Dulce
SassaJ
Sarilazaro
Maisie
Maco Custodio
Cocotini
Gionna Cabrera
Princess Sarte
BC
Louis Claparols
NJ Sneaks
Nikki
Shoescape
Dapper
Senada
Disaya
Jurigunga
The Pony Tale
164cm
Alex And Chloe
Holly

and lots more...


Almost Famous is located at 1H Kensington Place Condominium 1st Ave. cor. 29th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.


MAP BELOW:



INSIDE THE STORE:

Love Is In the Air

Been seeing diamond/s set on white gold (or titanium) on a lot of my girlfriend's fingers these days, thus affirming my belief that (true) love is in the air.


I was onto my 4th engagement party for the month of August when I realized how much my social calendar has changed. When I was 17 or 18, it was about debuts and proms. At 21 and 22, I went to friends' college graduations. Now at 25, it's all about engagement parties, weddings, christenings and kids' birthdays. Wat's next, kids' graduations? I am officially old.


Today is a Sunday and I had just spent the whole day watching DVDs and having dinner with the family. And I can't help but realize that everyone around me is building families of their own now as well. It's elating, knowing that my long time friends and I have been there for eachother through it all and I will still be a part of another chapter in their lives. Someday I too will tie the knot but right now I can only be happy for my girls who are lucky enough to find true love in this crazy world. It makes me realize miracles still do come true. I found mine and will someday follow their steps. But until then I'll be here cheering you on from the bleachers, ready to support you in your new life ahead.

Congratulations to all my engaged (and newly wed) chicas. You know who you are. :-)

Cast Of The Gossip Girl Pinoy Version?

I always add the question mark at the end of my subject whenever the topic is the GG Pinoy version because I still refuse to accept it as a fact (in the hopes that it is all just a rumor or the producers will still change their mind).

So now I present to you the supposed cast of the show (photo grabbed from a friend in Multiply). I have no words. What do YOU think?

Flicks That Make Me Crave...

Unbeknownst to some, I am quite gluttonic. Back in my younger days in JASMS, I had the appetite of a teenage boy. I would down a plate of sizzling beef with rice and veggies for the 10 AM snack time followed by a lunch of either a Big Mac meal or menudo and rice from the cafeteria. Dessert would be ice cream and a bag of Doritos then after school and soccer practice, I'd be in Mcdonald's again with my teammates having either a cheeseburger meal and a sundae or 1-piece chicken (thigh part) with extra rice. If you think that's enough food for one day, think again. Our old helper cooked so well that I'd usually have a late dinner at home too. Rice again of course. Carbs, carbs, carbs. Now at 25, I luckily still get to wear my Levi's from my junior year in highschool although I'm no longer in the soccer team so now I have the gym.

One of the things I can never suppress is my love for food. I easily get swayed by glossy features, commercials and most especially, movies. I used to always have Lucky Me pancit canton in the house because whenever Edu and Lucky's commercial went on air, I'd start craving it. Whenever I'm reading Preview, I make sure to check out Dish's featured restaurant of the month and show my boyfriend the scrumptious looking photos so he'd get urged to go there on our next date too. Being the movie buff that I am, I usually take note of what the actors are eating and how they indulge in it. The more convinced I am that it's good, the more I crave it. Forget that I just ate or that it's late. And when I crave for something, I gotta have it or I can't sleep at all. Worse, it's usually junk food! It's crazy really. I do realize though that I am not getting any younger so I need to eat healthier now.

Anyway, I have compiled a short list of films that make me crave the unhealthy stuff. Hopefully it's also making someone hungry out there. LOL. :-)

Here goes:




MOVIE: WHITE CHICKS
SCENE: When Marcus Copeland (Marlon Wayans) goes on a date with Latrell Spencer (Terry Crews) at Bella and he disgustingly gorges on ribs, steaks and onion rings, among other fatty fatty yummy things.
FOOD CRAVING: Chili's baby back ribs















MOVIE: FOOLS RUSH IN
SCENE: The Grand Canyon scene where Isabel (Selma Hayek) surprises him on his birthday.
FOOD CRAVING: Gray's Papaya hotdogs! But since we don't have it here, Ogie Doggie hotdogs will do. :-)














MOVIE: HOLIDAY
SCENE: When Miles (Jack Black) and Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet) has lunch at a Japanese restaurant, she never really got to eat her spicy tuna roll but for some odd reason it made me want one too (plus some California Maki).
FOOD CRAVING: maki from Wasabi or Saisaki












MOVIE: MAN OF THE HOUSE
SCENE: When Ranger Roland Sharp (Tommy Lee Jones) gets takeout (all meat) pizza while the skinny cheerleaders have salad for dinner.
FOOD CRAVING: Pizza Hut's Super Supreme Pizza with Cheesy Pops.








MOVIE: YOU'VE GOT MAIL
SCENE: Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) and Birdie Conrad (Jean Stapleton) grab sandwiches for lunch.
FOOD CRAVING: A Slice Of Meat's Tuna Sandwich







MOVIE: FENG SHUI
SCENE: All the dinner scenes (corned beef seems to be the only thing they have)!
FOOD CRAVING: I don't like Chunky Corned beef. I prefer Hereford.





MOVIE: 13 GOING ON 30
SCENE: When Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner) goes back to her old home and has strawberry pancakes for breakfast.
FOOD CRAVING: Cafe Christina's or Pancake House's strawberry pancakes.













MOVIE: TALLADEGA NIGHTS
SCENE: Family lunch in the beginning of the movie.
FOOD CRAVING: Kentucky Fried Chicken (with mashed potatoes, coleslaw and the works).







MOVIE: CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL
SCENE: Nicole Oakley (Kirsten Dunst) and Maddy (Taryn Manning) takes Carlos (Jay Hernandez) home after the football game and they grab some grub at a Mexican place.
FOOD CRAVING: Burritos, soft tacos and nachos.





MOVIE: HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS
SCENE: 2 scenes - a.) When Andie (Kate Hudson) eats a burger for lunch with her work mates.
b.) When Ben (Matthew McConaughey) makes her grilled lamb for dinner.
FOOD CRAVING: Again, Chili's baby back ribs (I can't eat lamb so for some reason I crave this instead) and Brothers Burgers cheeseburger (with a side of onion rings that is).








MOVIE: DOWN WITH LOVE
SCENE: Catcher Block (Ewan McGregor) pretends to be some scientist and invites Barbara Novack (Renee Zellweger) over for dinner.
FOOD CRAVING: Chocolate souffle





Bon appetit!

Gossip Girl Pinoy Version?

Say it isn't so! Been reading about it and the news has been spreading like wild fire among Gossip Girl fans in Manila. I hope it's not true because seriously, most of those who watch local channels here can't really relate to the whole Upper East Sider mumbo jumbo. We don't even have such an area (Makati doesn't even qualify) and it would be hilarious if they call it "Forbes Parkers" or "Global City People" or something as ridiculous. Besides, I wonder what the fashion will be like?! My oh my, what a dreadful thought.

I say let's just stick to the Dyesebels, Tiyanaks and Marimars. Pinoy Idol is flop enough, let's not copy another successful American TV show yes?

THRILLED

Today has been full of lovely surprises. It all started after brunch with one of my bestmates, Chere, who took me on a short trip to the secret store where I was amused beyond my wits. *winks at Chere* . Chere always knows how to make my day and now I have to thank her again for helping cure my hangover. LMAO.

Then it was followed by an unexpected email that has absolutely made my week. Updates to follow. I just feel so blessed right now. The world has revealed new doors opening for me.

In the meantime I'm packing my overnight bag for a long road trip to Baguio with the family tomorrow night. Cousins from London flew in a week ago and are currently in their compound in Baguio. The Manila chapter of the Villa clan will be following tomorrow night as we all need to get together for our late grandma's birthday on Sunday. I am so relieved I won't be staying in our lola's haunted house but at the same time bothered at how cold it is in the province right now. I should have bought those Uggs after all!

Blog Hopping

Taking a break from beading the wedding dress due on Sunday (come to the Crown Plaza Hotel Bridal Fair people, I heard it's going to be an ultra fabulous one!) and I came across this chic blogger called Professionally Trendy. Check out the guy's jacket. Some Filipino who migrated there must have donated it to a thrift store who in turn sold it to them.




http://professionally-trendy.blogspot.com/2008/07/shopping-day.html


In fairness the sewing is excellent. :-) If the jacket was worn here, it would scream varsity whereas with them it's quirky cool. Much like the Malaysian costume I'm wearing on the photo below which I got from an international bazaar at the PICC last December. The Malaysian consul who sold it to me said it's a costume of some sort but to me it looks luxe and perfect for lounging. :-)

Back to Reality

I'm back in the city and I have to drag my ass around because I was gone for 2 working days and I am still feeling very lazy!! My sewers seemed relieved to see me back though (I wonder if that's a good or a bad thing). Anyway, yours truly had to do a bazillion errands right away and the traffic welcomed me with arms wide open as if to mock my return from my brief getaway. Hate it.

My work week ended today with a 5pm--errrr, 5:30pm because I came late due to heavy traffic. Why does Quezon City have to be so far from Taguig?!--meeting with the ladies (and man) of ALMOST FAMOUS. It is a fabulous, fabulous high end store that's about to open in Bonifacio Highstreet. So excited! Launching details to be posted soon. Watch out shopaholics! :-)

And so the weekend is back again but unlike everyone else, I actually have to work (way too many sketches to finish. Boo!). Partying is now reserved on week nights with my highschool pals (the Saturday night crowd makes us feel like senior citizens) as well as my movie dates with my boyfriend so that leaves me with working weekends. I am officially a weirdo.

I DREAM...

Of going back to the most serene place I know...








Away from crowds and pollution (both air and noise) and the overly annoying Manila motorists...








Where the water is clean and clear and the sand is fine (naturally, not faux Boaracay)...







Where I can snorkel and swim and then come home to this...






... Then take a long hot bath in this...









There's no other place like FLUSHING MEADOWS in Panglao... It was definitely love at first visit. I'm definitely going back. Until then, there are always closer destinations for weekends...







So this weekend, I'm off to Fuego with a couple of bitchmates. I need some R & R...


Don't we all?



HAPPY WEEKEND EVERYBODY! :-)

My Genie To A Healthy & Glowing Skin

Today was all about errands and more work-related stress. I decided to hit the gym and run on the treadmill for a little bit before my next and final appointment of the day: DRA. JEAN MARQUEZ of SKIN SPECIALIST.


Dr. Jean is one of my fabulous clients (my first dermatologist client actually), and for the past 2 years or so, her clinic--which is conveniently only about 10-20 minutes away from my place--has been my go-to whenever I'm breaking out. The last few weeks have been sleepless, event-filled and well, stressful. Lots of late nights and parties that require gunks of makeup that clog the pores and irritate the skin. Needless to say I have been depriving my skin of its much needed monthly treatment that I finally decided to keep my appointment and make peace with it.

Everyone at Skin Specialist is well-trained. It's the only place where my zits get pricked and zapped and it doesn't even hurt (coming from someone whose pain tolerance is so low). I wonder if Dra. Jean weights their hands upon application to make sure everyone in her staff has a touch that's as light as a feather. Their new rejuvenating mask is so divine, I almost dozed off. I came home happy and totally relaxed, although a teeny bit red from all the pricking.

She also does laser hair removal among other fantastic "beautifying" treatments. You might want to check out her website:

http://www.drjeanskinspecialist.com/


What's even better is that she doesn't charge as much as other dermatologists in her caliber. Dra. Jean Marquez even hosted a segment at UNTV from 2004 - 2006. :) Is she fabulous or what?!

DRA. JEAN MARQUEZ clinic is at:

Ground Floor Sir Williams Hotel
#39 Timog Avenue, Quezon City Philippines

LANDLINE Number:
+63 - 2 - 374 - 8087
+63 - 2 - 407 - 7210
MOBILE PHONE Number:
+63 - 917 - 810 - 1319
voip (voice-over-ip)
8422676