WORLD PREMIERE: That Long Light Green Dress / 13th of the 27 Dresses

You've heard of my plan to attend 27 weddings and bring my hopeless romantic energies with me each time, just like in one of my favorite chick flicks of the same title. You may see my prior entries about my adventures so far here and there. 

This December, I was hand-picked to co-host two weddings, namely the Ino-Gladys and Clark-Krisha nuptials. Looking back, I'm second-degree friends with the former couple. Ino is my best friend Ina's big brother and, for the longest time, my frustrated dive instructor. Gladys, on the other hand, started to become a good friend since we shared the same table during Ina's wedding. In spite of Ina's requests to channel a true Filipina (refined, silent, you name it) during the reception, I just can't turn off my madahldahl self. I recall Gladys, Joey and I agreed to get rid of the centerpiece. It gets in the way! Needless to say, when Ino and Gladys announced their engagement, I immediately expressed my willingness to attend the wedding. 

To cut costs during this typically expensive holiday, I planned to recycle one of the earlier gowns or dresses for this wedding. But that all changed as soon as I spotted this long custard green dress in the tiangge inside our office compound. With the purple-green motif, I felt so justified to shell out a little to look fab for the event.

But you guys know me too well. Before I turn fab, there's always a hilarious or simply-wrong back story to share. I am fully aware that make-up preps call for robes or any buttoned top to prevent any make-up-related mishaps when we ladies change to the actual gown. That early morning, I can't find any so I slipped into my usual casual tee. As you would expect from a make-up artist, he asked me to use the complimentary robe (luckily, the bride brought her own robe!) instead. When the groom's mother arrived, she inquired how come I'm wearing the robe and my friends were quick to connect the dots that I'm in the mood for some role-playing. And so I did some poses as, uhm, the little bride.

Little bride este emcee duties

Feelingera!

Everybody likes my subdued look

Looking tall, thanks to my platforms from Payless

With my friends Joey and Ina*

With my co-host, Alvin

That's how we are in action!

Hosting the reception...in barefoot! Ouchie footsie!

***

All right, enough about me and my dress. I find this ceremony truly special simply because it felt like an union of two families, not two souls alone. Everybody truly had a great time, everyone had their turn to vocalize their support and commitment to grow old with the couple, everybody had their chance to perform Gang Nam Style as if this planet's days were truly numbered (yep, the secondary sponsors entered the venue dancing to that song). It was also touching to see the groom shed tears while his bride took her walk along the aisle and how he invited everyone to their 25th anniversary. Something that you can expect from a Pausanos kid. 

The newlyweds!

Awww <3

The bride surprised the groom with moooore Gang Nam Style

Aside from how intimate and fun the night turned out to be, I specifically adore the fact that the newlyweds chose DC as their official footwear. Gladys wore green while Ino wore purple socks. If you've visited this humble virtual niche for the past months/year, you're probably aware how I often come up with excuses to avoid high heels. Except for occasions like this. But, hey, I daydream to wear something equally comfy for my big day, too. I just dunno what particular footwear yet, though.

The first of many romantic dances

Photos from Tita Connie Pausanos. 
* - from Joey

Feeling Extra Ready and Looking Extra Seksi for Coco Beach Photo Contest

How time flies! In less than a month from now, Extra Seksi will turn 2-year-old and we shall celebrate it as  if this blog won't turn 3-year-old at all. And if you've been visiting here for the past months, you can probably tell what's my idea of birthday par-teys. All together now - BEACH DAY!

Yes, I'm giving away an overnight stay for two in one of my favorite sanctuaries - Coco Beach Island Resort! All you have to do is shoot me an email, state why we should choose you and show us what you'll be wearing during your stay. It's that simple!

Make sure to send in your lovely messages on or before January 10th midnight. After deliberating the entries with the panel of judges, I'll be announcing the winners here and in my fanpage on January 20th. For more details, check out the flyer below.

I'm looking forward to receiving your email! Good luck!

Design by Mark Gerad Oliva

Thank You for Your Votes for Curvy Blog Award 2012

Remember how I begged for your votes in this entry? The voting had ended last Sunday while I was still high from my recent 4-day traipse in Coron. I didn't make it to the coveted Top 10, but I'm super delighted to see that I ranked 24th. Not bad, right?

Again, big, big thank you for showing your support! Next year, we'll try harder!

WORLD PREMIERE: That Ruffled Pink Bikini and Pink Bra / Postcards from Coron Part 1

As you can tell in this entry and the succeeding bikini postcard entries like here, there and everywhere, I can rock any maillot and tankinis. Exposing my muffin top in a two-piece, however, is something I need to find courage to do. Little did I know that I would finally do it during my recent Coron getaway.

I've long wanted to world premiere this ruffled pink bottoms since I bought it from a friend last year. But I can't seem to find any silver or blue tankini that would complement it. Then, my at-work-and-play friend Chi (you've met her here) gifted me a pink bra whose hue slightly matches the bikini I mentioned earlier. Perfect match indeed! 

In my private "dress rehearsals", I realized the bikini was at least one size bigger (yeah, I'm suck a sucker for ruffles!) and wearing two-piece alone will be too risky. I have no plans to reach the shores and then realize that the waves took my bottoms away. I have no plans to expose the gateway to heaven! So I decided to bring this coral sleeveless top with me as cover-up.

Check out my ruffles!

Still in Banana Island

Remember how I love jump shots? My BFF Carl and I wrapped up our stay in Banana Island  by doing such and, at one point, I had to stop as I felt my bikini fall down, exposing my buttcrack for the male photographer and young locals to witness. How mortifying!

 And the Kodakan continued in Malcapuya Island...

When the sun finally felt less cancerous (we arrived in Malcapuya Island by noon), we took a long dip in spite of the wild waves. Carl and I took turns to take photos of each other and, at one point, she encouraged me to take off my coral top. I was initially hesitant. But in the end, I agreed. Man, it felt good! 

My poor attempt to look like a calendar girl

 That glorious moment when I decided to take the cover-up off

Take 1: Ooops!

Frolicking with Jovi and Mars

WORLD PREMIERE: That Printed Purple Jacket

A week before our long-awaited trek to the highlands of Baguio, I was told by friends that it was super cold. Hence, I packed my colorful muffler and my new jacket, plus my old hooded jacket and bonnet for my boyfriend Waldo in preparation for this trip. Wait, I just re-read the prior sentence and something feels off. My new jacket? Technically, it’s somebody else’s old jacket. I need to clear that out. (Were you thinking something hand-me-down for Waldo, something spanking new for me? Nah. Haha!)

Like I’ve mentioned here, ukay ukay shops had always been my source of fab finds; they always have something kikay for me and my big bust, something that makes me express my inner boho better and something that other women won’t likely buy elsewhere. Since they offer second-hand items from countries abroad, they manage to attract buyers for winter jackets, coats, boots and other thermal stuff for less. Imagine branded jackets that range from PhP100-500 and I can already imagine you panic-buying for stuff we don’t really need in a tropical country like ours. So why did I purchase this printed jacket I’m about to show you? Well, I decided to scour for winter clothes in hopes to attend my best friend’s winter wedding in Australia early this year. Turned out I can’t fly there and stand as a witness. Not yet!

Read the rest of this blog entry here.

BIRTHDAY WISH: Your Votes for Curvy Blog Award 2012

Wow, writing about this feels harder than pinging friends via BBM or Facebook. Haha!

I heard about the ongoing Curvy Blog Award by navabi and, after a minute of mental tug-of-war, I nominated myself to register. Why not? An all-expense paid trip to London to attend the London Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2013, 500€-worth shopping voucher and meet-and-greet opportunity with Anna Scholz are at stake! And this much-awaited chance to get my virginal passport get dirty and...and...and this slim chance to spot the Spice Girls and/or David Beckham in the flesh! Ok, I'm already thinking ahead.

I know I'm no fashion champion like the other known plus size fashion bloggers. I recall one of my guy friends saying he can't determine my fashion style as I switch from donning feminine to ethnic/bohemian to sporty to casual and what-else-next. I know there's nothing distinct nor outrageously daring about my style. At this time, I like it comfortable but not too comfortable either. Fashion for me is about functionality and individuality. But it doesn't end in what we wear, really. A big and genuine smile is still my favorite accessory.

So what the hell was I thinking to compete with the fatshionably forward ones? Well, I'd like to give it a try. At this age (yep, I just turned 30!), haunting what-ifs are not listed in my future plans. This blog attempts to capture the plus size lifestyle - the first-time highs, the make-up madness, the sale alerts, the unending path to healthier diet and fitness, girltalks, the search for inspiration from God, fellow real-life goddesses, appreciative men,  motivational music, movies and poetry. And I'm hoping this holistic approach can convince the jury that I deserve this opportunity.

But, hey, before the jury could review the candidates' blog entries, they need to determine the Top 10 out of the 285 nominees. Please, please vote for my humble virtual niche here and help this birthday girl make it to the Top 10 before November 25th. Pretty please?

 

Badge customized by Heineken Ong Hua

MUSIC MONDAY: MIKA - Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)

♪♪ No need to fantasize ♪♫ ♫♫ Since the words are my praises ♪♫ ♪♫♫ A watering hole with the girls around ♪♪ ♫♪♪ And curves in all the right places ♪♫♪
Some people really know how to crack me up, some how to make me feel glowing with gratitude. But only a few can make me feel that way at the same time. And that's what my BFF succeeded to do in this unexpected birthday tribute. I urge you to watch it. But, hey, make sure your kids get parental guidance. Extreme close-ups can get quite shocking. Haha!

Judging by this post, you can tell how much I adore this song. It's the most fitting song to introduce this musical segment of my blog. Put that music and my favorite photos and a few of my quotable quotes together and I'm ready to cry like a 2-year-old kid.

Deej, have I thanked you enough for this surprise? And I dunno what else to say. This really made my day. I love you!

Halloween Costume: Cheshire Cat (Again)!

Although most people find me the life of the party, I've always been the party pooper when it comes to Halloween parties. I'm an 80's kid, you know. Back in the days, Pinoys haven't fully embraced the American way of celebrating it. Instead of costumes and trick-or-treats, we kids busied ourselves with cemetery visits and the renowned Magandang Gabi Bayan horror stories. Fast forward to 2012: I'm joining the trend. Ha!

I actually wanted to be dressed as a round girl for our office par-tey, but I found it pointless if my sparring partner won't be around. Besides, I didn't really have ample time  to prepare for it. That led me to my Plan B: recycle my old Alice in Wonderland costume during my goddaughter's 1st birthday par-tey! This time, with whiskers.

The cheshire cat (I know, where did the cat ears go?)

Purrrfect! Collage via Instagram by @lovelotschookie

Getting some help for my tail

What balloons can do for my tail. Hurrah!

The kitteh feels ready for photo opp with Luffy

Kittykat meets Psy

Gang Nam Style back-up dancers?

With Iza, Achi, Psy and Elaine

The par-tey begins!

But, wait. Where did the pussy cat go?

The team, minus the busy cheshire cat

Pusang gala naman oh! Just when the par-tey was about to begin, there was an urgent bid to work on. To make matters worse, I had to create the pricing case on my feet all morning to keep my tail stiff and cute. When I was done, the bilao-ful of palabok was almost empty and there were no marshmallows left for me. Purrrr!

Luckily, I was idle to join in one of the afternoon games. Thinking it might be an aggressive game and fearful of any nip slips, I grabbed my teammate's shawl for protection. Imagine my relief when the game turned out to be Longest Line.

The shawl and the starting line. Bow!

There goes my flats. What about this stupid headband, too?

To cut the long story short, we lost to the other team and we felt bitter about it. Up to now, we all think we should have won and bagged home the prizes. Haha!

So how do you like my costume? It kinda feels less cute to wear it by myself, actually.

Photos by Edric.

***

Hey, I'm one of the 285 nominees of the Curvy Blog Award and I'd really appreciate it if you'd help me make it to the Top 10. Please, please vote for this kitteh here and choose # 257.



The Philippine Fashion Week| Spring Summer 2013 Experience

You probably know by now that I don't find fashion shows as riveting as football matches and live rock gigs. Neither do I like dressing up as much as I love dressing down. But this year, I resolved to give the Philippine Fashion Week a try even if I am super sure that plus size women won't get represented in the catwalk. So what am I doing in this year's Fashion Week, you ask? That's something I'll divulge in the near future.

Thanks to this giveaway post, I earned my ticket to the Arnold Galang | Jerome Salaya Ang | Philipp Tampus | Renee Salud show last Saturday night. Then, I realized watching a fashion show by myself (my first Fashion Week, to be exact) would be such a snorefest. This is something different compared to going to the cinemas or seeing your suking waxer or shopping alone. Who'll take my photos? Who will argue with me that outrageous outfits can be worn in real life? And so on and so forth. All of a sudden, Feastful Life pinged me to say that she won't make it to the Burdang Taal Habing Filipino show due to hectic schedule and - brace yourself - she has 2 tickets for the same show I'm watching! I can drag friends to join me! Hurrah!

As soon as Jona confirmed she's giving me her ticket, I immediately asked what I would wear. I expect most guests to be clad in their eye-catching and/or branded outfits and, as usual, I prefer to be the laidback spectator. In fact, the sudden shift to rainy days inspired me to go anti-fashion (read: t-shirt, shorts and sneakers). Thanks to my poor memory, I forgot my favorite plaid shorts in the apartment and thanks to my boyfriend's brilliant last-minute plans to switch backpacks, he unknowkingly took my leggings (Plan B) with him. It's currently inside our backpack for the upcoming trek to Baguio next weekend. So, I ended up wearing this flowy Plan D (world premiered as a kaftan here) instead.

Which reminds me, I had a recent debate with some officemates about wearing shorts underneath miniskirts and dresses. I like it extra presko down there and they attempted to change my mind about this preference. That night, I sent them SMS saying: "I'm pleased to inform you that I'm currently wearing my mother's cycling shorts underneath my dress tonight." Ooops. Sorry for too much info.

 That floral dress and black cycling shorts (not seen in this photo)

With my BFF Carl!

We were seated quite far from the catwalk which means we can't even check out the shoes the models are wearing. We can't stand from our seats in respect to the ones at the back. Oh, well.

Our vantage point

Arnold Galang and his mostly leather-and-bling designs

Jerome Salaya Ang's designs

Renee Salud and his red-hot designs

Halata bang di pa kami nagpapa-wax? Hahaha!

Feel free to browse more kikay photos (and some badly-captured ones) here.