tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24825130795014675312024-03-06T09:05:11.841+08:00Extra Seksi!lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-20444720936445126122021-12-23T01:07:00.008+08:002021-12-23T19:44:07.586+08:00Christmas 2021 Wishlist<span style="font-family: georgia;">It's the time of the year again when we receive <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXrHiLvhG4J/">the spirit of love, compassion and hope</a> </b>(and possibly generosity). Also, it's the season when I advocate to support local brands, attempt furoshiki or simply refrain from using gift wrappers that will just end up in the landfills and <b><a href="https://mindfulnessexercises.com/a-complete-guide-to-mindful-gift-giving-this-year/">giving mindful gifts</a></b>. Growing up, I've disliked giving out wish lists; it makes me feel materialistic and unappreciative of whatever the gift-giver will hand to me. But, now, after decades of receiving gifts that eventually gather dust somewhere, I realized it's okay to express what you really, really want. (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new", courier, freemono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">♫♪♫ </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">So tell me what you want, what you really, really want...</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new", courier, freemono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">♪</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new", courier, freemono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">♪</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">)</span><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">This year had been life-changing. After surviving severe COVID-19 (read: 17-day hospital stay), I have learned that self care is the best gift we can give ourselves EVERYDAY. And just like <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=254046556825626&id=106993248197625">what Thich Nhat Hanh had said in his book</a></b>, "To take care of ourselves is to take care of our whole community," This is what some working mommas (like me!) tend to forget. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, I shall attempt to make a round down of my wish list slash self care recommendation for us all:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Change-Your-Handwriting-Life/dp/0890876932"><b>Vimala</b></a> font for my blogs</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Since December 2020, I've been trying to change my life one sketch pad at a time. I've been learning to correct my hand grip (it's been wrong all my life!) and practice self-acknowledgement, among others, through cursive handwriting. So, I wish I can see Vimala letters on my blogs as well. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx9JwRFfwwlTk_KwlRq342qd91EWGn6DHrzgk5j9V06K6h_XzT3-4pFWci7Q5A95RAHI4wf5baf7d6ApsbDQuPrQMCOtePUcNQAZ4XNSjfZbDiDffBqw1xlnzHHC5UHtqfwK3V8PcR38/s413/W.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="413" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx9JwRFfwwlTk_KwlRq342qd91EWGn6DHrzgk5j9V06K6h_XzT3-4pFWci7Q5A95RAHI4wf5baf7d6ApsbDQuPrQMCOtePUcNQAZ4XNSjfZbDiDffBqw1xlnzHHC5UHtqfwK3V8PcR38/w640-h458/W.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;">W: The letter of the teacher</div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">2. Sign up for <b><a href="https://www.changeyourhandwriting.com/life-coaching.html">this kind of Life Coaching </a></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have benefitted from life coaching this year! And I would love to be coached by Jennifer Crebin because.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">3. To finally take home our own <b><a href="https://www.nugabestph.com/n4">N4</a></b>! We're almost there! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Before the pandemic struck, I have been frequenting the nearest best house to get the warmth I badly needed. (In my consultation with <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brawners-Holistic-Therapy-Services-QC/101018368194211">Doc Brawner</a></b>, he advised me that I need warmth. Long story.) I looove how this heating massage makes me feel relaxed while releasing toxins (without making me run and my knees cry out). </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">After an 1-hour session, I can feel my back pains go away and j</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">ust 3 consecutive days of use, I noticed the disappearance of dry spots on my arm. I can't wait to finally take home our own unit and for the healing that awaits me and my family.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">4. The great outdoors! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I was truly blessed to spend my birthday weekend in Indang, Cavite for some badly-needed date with Mother Nature. Took my daughter and our friends for a morning of <b><a href="https://forestschoolphilippines.com/">forest school</a></b>-ing and laughter and everything immune system-boosting! I'm glad that <i>Tita</i> Shawi allowed the kids-at-heart to hang out with the kids this time (during our first time to try this, <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzKfeH3nmxe/">us parents ended up having coffee</a></b> while the kids explored the scenery) so we had our share of sunshine, fresh air and wet-look <i>kodakan</i> with awesome crown shyness as our background. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjijePK3QUFjk62W3h2lcpzK3oA0OVZA0-3MRdtXjd_KYuFSZwoMXP18a94iSRTcpawSp87N48eDl_kLZiO0pNGOzOS-Oc0Z5joD7KGSu7rP3EBsVggyUNu_r-0kSDqqjW2TO5fIZsLOHEYIwqpEcmAYBd1JlxZfuXHxf8Tf1Uz3Pir8rvztBW3oPHh=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjijePK3QUFjk62W3h2lcpzK3oA0OVZA0-3MRdtXjd_KYuFSZwoMXP18a94iSRTcpawSp87N48eDl_kLZiO0pNGOzOS-Oc0Z5joD7KGSu7rP3EBsVggyUNu_r-0kSDqqjW2TO5fIZsLOHEYIwqpEcmAYBd1JlxZfuXHxf8Tf1Uz3Pir8rvztBW3oPHh=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Photo by Cheryl Fajardo</span></div></blockquote><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">5. <b><a href="https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/product/feelings-kit-essential-oil-collection">The FEELINGS kit</a></b> (and possibly all the essential oils in the world!!!)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">In pranic healing, we believe that a disease can be seen in the energy body even before it manifests itself on the physical body. As somebody who tend to soldier on, I knoooow I've been ignoring layers upon layers of sob stories by being too engrossed in crossing out tasks in my never-ending to-do list. I hardly pause to smell the <strike>tequila</strike> black coffee in front of me.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">When I tested positive for COVID-19, I knew it was a reminder to release those pent-up thoughts. In traditional Chinese medicine, loneliness is associated with lungs and fear is connected to the kidneys (the latter I probably need to explain in a separate post). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Thankfully, I got to experience the FEELINGS kit, and my heart truly sighed and wept for the declarations we had to say for each oil (Example: </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">"</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">I allow myself to connect with my inner child and regain my true essence back,"). Aside from this, I am truly indebted to the great souls who took the time to listen to my woes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbxujtRvHxd9W8OC7gAytDFcN-VqSuY0pbolFgJqvoiRSCPWreZod17mOO-cFcjrYcmnnDTlnC0uJ61BiALSiKJreIGtawEpWzNgG93qpTxXshoqpXNiyOk-TlHiJwmSs9t9ri-i_18O0jlY5bD6ORtK3UABNhnBgJGmDo5cftY4cj3SexvF5Sb_hF=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1770" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbxujtRvHxd9W8OC7gAytDFcN-VqSuY0pbolFgJqvoiRSCPWreZod17mOO-cFcjrYcmnnDTlnC0uJ61BiALSiKJreIGtawEpWzNgG93qpTxXshoqpXNiyOk-TlHiJwmSs9t9ri-i_18O0jlY5bD6ORtK3UABNhnBgJGmDo5cftY4cj3SexvF5Sb_hF=w554-h640" width="554" /></a></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Photo by <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/croatedbyroa">Roa Anne</a></b></span></div></blockquote><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Which leads me to my next point. I'd like to pay it forward. I'd like to host the same scenario and invite equally overwhelmed mommas or grieving friends or friends-of-friends for an afternoon of soul-baring, exchange of it's-okay-not-to-be-okay cries. In fact, I have long been imagining this kind of gathering, and, for moms, I wanted to provide activities for our kids to be busy with and happy adults to watch over them while we are engaged in this circle. Sighs. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">6. Sign up for <b><a href="https://courses.amygalper.com/aromatherapy-in-action-open?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fcourses.amygalper.com%2Fa%2F38863%2Ff4wU2rTs">Aromatherapy in Action</a></b>!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Speaking of essential oils, why not take this healing experience deeper and dive into a study so I can help me and my community better? *sniffs <b><a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_PH/products/abundance-essential-oil-blend">Abundance essential oil</a></b> so I can receive $997 out of nowhere*</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">7. Tea-rrific time at <b><a href="https://twgtea.com/home?gclid=CjwKCAiAtouOBhA6EiwA2nLKHyO0kr9yRg-wuM1J11o5BM4-18y5K5KSsV_fivw4oR7fLyb-XHd5aRoC1eQQAvD_BwE">TWG</a></b>!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Friends, please date me! This extrovert badly needs it!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">8. More </span><b style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="http://firstvitaplus.net/fvp_firstvita_gold_guyabano.html"><i>guyabano</i> juice</a></b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">(for me) and</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><b style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="http://firstvitaplus.net/fvp_firstvita_gold_dalandan.html"><i>dalandan</i> juice</a></b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">(for my daughter)!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We looooove these drinks so much!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">9. Fun designs for new bras!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Well, it seems that we will start to slowly return to the 'old' normal, and so I might not be alone in this need to unearth our forgotten armors. Mine took a long break and it could use another break. And puuuuh-lease, where can I find fun designs?</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">10. A night with <b><a href="https://www.adele.com/">Adele </a></b>(<i>kahit</i> virtual<i> lang</i>) and then we'll sing <b><a href="https://www.thespicegirls.com/">Spice Girls</a></b> songs!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have this feeling that singing (badly) and the ensuing laughing can help me strengthen my lungs (yep, I was told full recovery could take mooooonths). Don't you just miss belting out with your buddies? It doesn't have to be as grand as our <b><a href="https://www.pinaycurvies.com/event-recap-spookyokenight-a-halloween-bloggiversary-bash/">#Spookyoke Night</a></b> back in 2013, but it has to be THAT fun! </span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">11. Bloggiversary celebration! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Speaking of <b><a href="https://www.pinaycurvies.com/">Pinay Curvies,</a></b> I have completely forgotten that this blog has turned ten-year-old this year! I'm such a bad momma! Well, I'm blaming it on my inability to manage my time well and the determination to pursue bloggable ideas in recent years. Don't worry, I've started following <b><a href="https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/">this procrastination coach</a></b> and I'll arm myself with planners this 2022. But right now, I would really like to celebrate 10 years even though most of the time I was rather inactive. <i>Pwede ba 'yung tipo ng </i>celebration <i>na a</i>-attend <i>na lang ako</i>? Hahaha!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">A girl can dream, right?</span></div><div><br /></div>lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-56543403631171051942021-02-13T18:26:00.002+08:002021-02-13T18:26:22.384+08:00Real-Life Goddess: Asher Ann Cabangon<span style="font-family: georgia;">Have you ever met a stranger and felt sooo drawn to her? I'm sure you can relate.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I met this beautiful stranger in a </span><a href="https://pranichealing.com.ph/get-started/workshops/southern-luzon-pranic-healing-center/" style="font-family: georgia;" target="_blank">pranic healing center</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> and spent time talking about energy bodies. Today, we finally get to talk about our physical bodies! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I would like you to meet my dear friend, Asher.</span></div><div><div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Lornadahl: </b>How would you describe your personal fashion style?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Asher: </b>Very simple and comfortable. I usually wear sleeveless, plain and dark-colored t-shirts, shorts and leggings. But I am now transitioning into wearing dresses since I find it comfortable and more formal.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Lornadahl: </b>Which celebrities serve as your style icons?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Asher:</b> Actually, I don't have one since I am happy with the way I dress up.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> How hard is it to get clothes that fit you? Any particular body part that makes shopping extra challenging?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Asher: </b>OMG! So hard! I rarely buy new clothes but when I see something that I like, I definitely go for it. However, I usually have a hard time fitting them in my bust, arms and legs. <i>Ang</i> ending, I can't buy it <i>na</i> since it doesn't fit me and it really feels frustrating 'coz I looked like <i>suman</i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Lornadahl: </b>That's sad. How about accessories? What's the best for big women?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Asher: </b>Hmmm...I think earrings. You can wear them without worrying that they won't fit your body. Also, it highlights your face especially when you tie up your hair.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> If you were to endorse a local clothing for big women, what would it be and why?</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Asher: </b>As I've said, I rarely buy new clothes so I don't usually have a local brand. But when it comes to sportswear, I recommend <b><a href="https://www.decathlon.ph/">Decathlon</a></b> since they have a variety of sizes that would fit me unlike our local brands.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> When you pick up a magazine or watch TV, do you see bodies that look like yours that aren't being desexualized, or used to signify laziness, ignorance or lack of self-control?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Asher:</b> In magazines, NO! But now that social media is becoming a new platform for advertisements, YES! I am happy to see commercials and billboards that show plus size models! I really admire those companies that show the reality about our body especially women's.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> How do you deal with I'm-so-fat-and-ugly days?</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Asher:</b> I exercise or I eat ice cream! Either of the two, depending on my mood. Haha!</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> Do you think a great number of <i>Pinoy</i> men appreciate big girls?</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Asher:</b> Not really. There may be some but most of them still like girls who have small waist, big boobs and butt. You can see it on social media. Men like and react more to sexy girls than big girls. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> If you would appear on a billboard or magazine cover, how would you look like?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Asher: </b>The way I am. No make-up, no accessories, wearing a nude color sando and shorts in a forest with waterfalls. Just like when Eve came to the world but not totally naked. Haha! Seriously, I just want to look natural, looking afar.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> What's the secret behind your self-confidence and body acceptance?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Asher:</b> My only secret is just to be happy the way I am. If you keep listening to the people around you, to lose weight or to refrain from overeating, you will end up being frustrated. It's YOUR BODY! You are the only one who has the right to decide what you want to do with it. So choose to be happy without listening to other people's opinions. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Lornadahl: </b>For most people, including myself, acceptance took a long while. Tell us how your journey went. Any defining moment, any influential person in your life that made it happen?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Asher: </b>It took me 3 years before I fully accepted the new me. Not to brag, but I used to be one of those girls who were idolized during my teens. There were times that I was afraid to attend meet-ups or reunions 'coz I don't want to be the topic and end up getting embarrassed. I even stopped posting pictures on social media 'coz I was afraid that old friends will criticize me. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;">My defining moment was when I went to Masasa Beach in Batangas with my friends and my mom. I used to wear bra and shorts whenever I go to the beach but I was really hesitant to wear the usual outfit that time. There were boys and they might compare me to my friends. My friends loved taking sexy pictures and, as #SquadGoals, they want to pose along with them. But I wasn't really comfortable with it since I'm big. As expected, I kept hearing people's comments like I am a <i>balyena</i> and the likes. Then, my mom took off her rash guard and had her photos taken with me. So I told myself, "My mom can do it, so how can't I? I don't care anymore what other people will say. I'm here at the beach to have fun and I won't let their body-shaming comments get into me!" So there, that was the defining moment for me.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vHEYhGMXJ42T432pTckR3ipPkFwMZC-SaK8gPcNRrjl8hr6sbkcaSWs5EjJe2nkBw6yO3o8kcDLylybGz-i4MmlsjyofZ-rHlMDE6g7Qm_3KXR_8hVoleLdrhKLtXthNYbew1Ixjawo/s1440/60961451_2766676670025751_2935308708831297536_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vHEYhGMXJ42T432pTckR3ipPkFwMZC-SaK8gPcNRrjl8hr6sbkcaSWs5EjJe2nkBw6yO3o8kcDLylybGz-i4MmlsjyofZ-rHlMDE6g7Qm_3KXR_8hVoleLdrhKLtXthNYbew1Ixjawo/w640-h640/60961451_2766676670025751_2935308708831297536_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIX8yiNt_3aZ2GQbEtZoQVccikjSH1AUooh8-s8DKbw15oMxutZvw2NgEsA4O0bT_RUyJ0sroIxHErREpICL4V48diKu_pPC1uI2FYnoS28fThqDkB7juEUQI_FjQggQ3WN5KSrHYpWFk/s543/Asher+Ann.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="543" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIX8yiNt_3aZ2GQbEtZoQVccikjSH1AUooh8-s8DKbw15oMxutZvw2NgEsA4O0bT_RUyJ0sroIxHErREpICL4V48diKu_pPC1uI2FYnoS28fThqDkB7juEUQI_FjQggQ3WN5KSrHYpWFk/w640-h516/Asher+Ann.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">Lornadahl: </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">How did you discover <b><a href="https://pranichealing.com.ph/">pranic healing</a></b>? Was it part of your self-love or body acceptance journey?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Asher:</b> I discovered pranic healing through my mom. She made me attend the courses which were very helpful for my whole being. Pranic healing is an energy school conducting meditation and healing. You're right, it's a big part of my self-love journey. I understand myself even more! I learned to forgive myself and to give more love to people who continue to criticize me. Also to be more kind to myself and other people. It made me realize that inner beauty is more important than being beautiful only on the outside. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> True! I recall being drawn to you because you project this positive aura and you have this infectious smile! <i>Sana</i> all! So, what is beautiful about being big?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Asher:</b> People can easily recognize you! Sometimes people mistook me as an expectant mom and they allow me skip the long queues. Haha! Kidding aside, I think I became prettier and sexier with the curves that I have right now. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Lornadahl: </b>How do you respond to the argument that obesity is unhealthy?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Asher: </b>Actually, this may vary to different people. There are people who have underlying medical conditions which is why they can't lose weight. There are some who have eating disorders who can't control themselves. And there are people who have genetically obtained their body types. Some people may be skinny but has more medical problems than those with bigger bodies. I'm just saying that we have no right to judge other people without knowing their story. Yes, obesity is unhealthy but we must consider some factors before we blame them for being obese or unhealthy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Lornadahl: </b>Do you worry that, when you talk about feeling of sexual attraction, people are repelled or disgusted by the size of your body/</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Asher:</b> Yes, it's so humiliating! Some even tease you of who can possibly endure the sight of your body!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> How do you feel if people stare at you? yell degrading stuff at you? Do you ever experience that?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Asher: </b>I'm not really comfortable when people stare at me even during my skinny days, how much more now. I experienced people say degrading stuff, this is common in public transportation. Especially in jeepney drivers who force you to move so they can squeeze in more passengers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Lornadahl</b>: Do you ever confront people? What happens when you do?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Asher:</b> Rarely. It's okay for close friends to tease me. If random people, it's not okay. Some apologized to me and let them feel sorry for what they have done. But I let it go when I feel that it was a sincere apology.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Lornadahl: </b>What do fat people want to be called?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Asher:</b> The way they prefer to be called. We should ask. In my case, I want to be called by my name.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> Does a big woman's self-appreciation and self-love root from the culture/environment she's accustomed to? What can you say about Filipinas and their self-appreciation?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Asher</b>: Somehow. Even if you have a strong belief in yourself, there are times when you will feel down because of the negative comments you hear from other people, including your relatives.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">To Filipinas out there, build your confidence. We cannot expect from other people that they will boost ours. Sometimes it's our fellow Filipinos who drag us down. Crab mentality is still an ongoing issue. So, be your own happiness.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> Some big girls are unaware that they're beautiful and sexy. What would you tell them?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><b>Asher: </b>Start finding your inner beauty. Being kind to yourself is the first step. Appreciate the small things about you. Keep on reminding yourself everyday that you are beautiful. What you perceive in yourself is what others will perceive in you. Stay positive and believe in yourself!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f4e79; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">.</span></div><br /></div></div></div>lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-52049050945350024642020-08-23T02:50:00.001+08:002020-09-13T22:20:33.285+08:00MUSIC MONDAY: Peter Gabriel - My Body Is A Cage<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PkNtBuwWq_o" width="459"></iframe></div><br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♫♪♫</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span>I'm living in an age <span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♪</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♪</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♫</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♫ </span>Whose name I don't know <span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♪</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♫</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♪♫</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span>Though the fear keeps me moving <span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♫♪♫</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♪</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♫</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♪ </span>Still my heart beats so slow <span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♫</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">♫</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This 2020, our own body has become a cage. Out fears took over; we can't afford to be generous of our own presence, to warm others with our smiles and embrace. And why not? There's too much uncertainty going on.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But, hey, fears weakens our immune system. Let's try to breathe deeper and imagine ourselves in a group hug while out in a park or in a sea shore. Do it now. And then tomorrow.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Allow me to share this verse and may it help you on our joint journey to health and normalcy:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Health Verse</b></div><br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">O spirit of God—fill my I,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fill my I within my soul,</div><div style="text-align: center;">On my soul bestow a strength’ning force,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Strength’ning force too for my heart,</div><div style="text-align: center;">For my heart that seeketh Thee,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seeketh Thee with deepest longing,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Deepest longing for good health,</div><div style="text-align: center;">For good health and trust in life,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Trust in life that through my body streams,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Streams as precious gift divine,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Gift divine from Thee, O Spirit of God,</div><div style="text-align: center;">O Spirit of God, fill my I.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-64538580090685147272017-07-30T15:43:00.419+08:002020-11-05T01:56:23.547+08:00Everything I Need to Re-learn, I Learnt in Kindergarten<span style="font-family: georgia;">Who would have thought that a desk jockey like me would end up being a kindergarten assistant teacher? I admit I have avoided babysitting duties ever since I nearly lost grip of my newborn cousin headfirst on a cemented ground back in the early 90's. Even after giving birth, I felt fearful tears blurred my vision and had to delegate the supposedly blissful task of bathing my daughter to my experienced mother. Fast forward today: I am acting as<i> loco parentis</i> of not one, but about twenty young children. What gives?</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Having a child of your own will make you retrace your steps to your own childhood. If I breastfeed too long, will my daughter show up in school carrying a milk bottle like I did? Should she go to school early like everyone else or should she show up when she turns six-year-old like I did...and end up breaking a pencil on Day 1 since four- and five-year-olds outpaced her in writing As in a sheet of lined paper?</span><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">The next thing I knew, those baby steps turned into giant leaps, and I found myself opting for a career change with lots of trembling. I was convinced my daughter is asking me to follow in the footsteps of our countless foremothers - something that my mother asked me to veer away from. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">That's probably enough flashback for you. This is going to be a long read, so let me begin sharing what I have finally re-learned and embraced in my surreal return in kindergarten:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>1</b>. <b>White is Nice!</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Like what I have disclosed <b><a href="http://extraseksi.blogspot.com/2013/07/going-all-white-world-premiere-that.html">here</a></b>, I am too clumsy to be charming in white. Even avoided wearing white on my wedding day! White outfits are hardly welcome in my closet, so imagine my worry when they said kindergarten teachers should wear pastels and plain whites, the latter being necessary when we are to perform puppet shows.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">My mentor, <i>Tita</i> Marie, said kindergarten teachers should personify angels, making it ideal that we wear light-colored, flowing dresses underneath our aprons. What's more, I learned that, in a Waldorf school, what a teacher knows is just a bonus. What truly matters is who she is. A teacher stands as a loving authority worthy of imitation and his/her personality influences young children on who they will become. I've heard of this countless times before, but it finally became experiential knowledge when my students' playtime or my daughter's drawings mirrored my own thoughts or feelings (even if they were suppressed). And I've seen older students who took after their Main Teacher. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">So it took me a lot of conviction to wear whites in and outside the classroom. And the pressure to channel celestial beings made it doubly difficult. And the heavens heard me: it's the children instead who taught me. When they get soaked in the mud, they shower and change. When they get stained, they shrug it off. It's not permanent, anyway. So why can't I do the same? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">One time, when I thought I left my worries behind before I stepped inside the classroom, I was dumbfounded when this child shouted, "TEACHER, LET GO!" Of course, he meant that I should relinquish him as he swings on the ropes, but it felt different. It haunted me for days and nights until I started to loosen up.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmn02KDjVTnQMQ2IQJ4sKDaMHVjQwEPVxhcJCm0ZRrEz3UKgxjermdxEGE9ql9fmDA_4VZCYdVh6F2UopxwNgncePU5iJxh0c-4nIXFiOs_IswpqxRFMYsUu3adLaHxj1HHA9yZOpRUA/s693/IMG_20201103_165757_954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="693" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmn02KDjVTnQMQ2IQJ4sKDaMHVjQwEPVxhcJCm0ZRrEz3UKgxjermdxEGE9ql9fmDA_4VZCYdVh6F2UopxwNgncePU5iJxh0c-4nIXFiOs_IswpqxRFMYsUu3adLaHxj1HHA9yZOpRUA/w640-h498/IMG_20201103_165757_954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91td0IUTU6CnK2-tGP5QPieMPs0k-O7iy_HTyqtNDrxtfFSBaSz_QYorv6AN6CbOkNYyQs6ONEGfRzSpClLegbpndHZrhzwub6cZ_vZQGFbMjsQI39TKtsl3KuiOjzmH0Naqh9_QnFKg/s613/IMG_20201103_170034_401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="613" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91td0IUTU6CnK2-tGP5QPieMPs0k-O7iy_HTyqtNDrxtfFSBaSz_QYorv6AN6CbOkNYyQs6ONEGfRzSpClLegbpndHZrhzwub6cZ_vZQGFbMjsQI39TKtsl3KuiOjzmH0Naqh9_QnFKg/w640-h564/IMG_20201103_170034_401.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhUrt63q4Jj_9tI8XujPAyG2waUM6AE5xLq6ZpW8SHVdMCAfvmjDA6dQrcQjBqJshh44PZKHrxVXNBYMIT7tUpfkf6czT-LMrDbmnatBZFTan8gVvhFDf8lTT2PLxuERl6t-vYyh8L6U/s562/IMG_20201103_165134_744.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="562" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhUrt63q4Jj_9tI8XujPAyG2waUM6AE5xLq6ZpW8SHVdMCAfvmjDA6dQrcQjBqJshh44PZKHrxVXNBYMIT7tUpfkf6czT-LMrDbmnatBZFTan8gVvhFDf8lTT2PLxuERl6t-vYyh8L6U/w640-h614/IMG_20201103_165134_744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">NOTE: These outfits were NOT worn inside the classroom. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>2. Take Off Your Armor.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Suddenly, I found myself bare-faced. Gone were my signature dangling earrings, pussy red lipsticks, vanilla-scented lotion and cucumber-and-melon cologne. Well, it's really not advisable to wear jewelry in the presence of young children to prevent any torn earlobes, scratches and the likes, and I have been trained in that since my daughter arrived. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">But I confess I struggled in getting rid of my make-up and scents. See, I have been accustomed to centralized air conditioning since my first job in 2003 and my overactive sweat glands sobbed hard when I discovered our classrooms will be well-ventilated. But artificial odors in colognes and other products were not recommended for young children. It's the first of <b><a href="https://www.waldorflibrary.org/rudolf-steiner-resources/articles-by-rudolf-steiner/725-mans-twelve-senses-in-their-relation-to-imagination-inspiration-and-intuition">the twelve senses</a></b> that would prompt them to make judgments and they are not yet ripe for early intellectualization. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is also the point when I truly realized why I love bright red lipsticks, aside from the fact that I find reds extremely attractive. Upon deep introspection, I realized that I hated my dark lips and I wanted to hide them! But, just like my belly rolls and other flaws, it is a part of who I am and I will not allow something like this prevent me from performing my duties to the children of the world. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">And so I decided to let go. This is my face and my face wants to do an <b><a href="https://www.lennyletter.com/story/alicia-keys-time-to-uncover">Alicia Keys</a></b> Appreciation Day every school day, whenever I feel like it. It was liberating!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0G36UR_iKITj2bnNiYwCP_gRumUmI4cwvfqY9zy6djKPDyf0NYmVpFBYHcX6da82E_CSxG2rN6N2mp3nvZO6uTsMpY2y2YdcuBVLtJ7UJ_S-obUEgiWjwprq-aB8trG4Ywq9ARbetul4/s960/20476130_10155474853978340_229575888368863787_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0G36UR_iKITj2bnNiYwCP_gRumUmI4cwvfqY9zy6djKPDyf0NYmVpFBYHcX6da82E_CSxG2rN6N2mp3nvZO6uTsMpY2y2YdcuBVLtJ7UJ_S-obUEgiWjwprq-aB8trG4Ywq9ARbetul4/w352-h640/20476130_10155474853978340_229575888368863787_n.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>New me</b>: Bare face, bare feet and covered all over</div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>3. Finding the Silver Lining.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Little did I know that I would be calm over the appearance of my salt and pepper hair. I recall going gaga upon seeing the first wave of silver hair during graduate school (2005-2009) and heaving a huge sigh of relief when they disappeared. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's making a loud comeback this year and I welcomed it as a manifestation of wisdom creeping in. I just hope I can live up to it! If I don't, then I'll forgive myself. Which is something these lovely children can generously give me. What have I done right to finally learn to laugh again and cease taking myself too seriously?</span></div>lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-47695581815443746012016-07-13T09:34:00.000+08:002016-07-30T13:51:03.066+08:00Why I'm Rooting for Nadine Lustre<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When my fellow plus size women and/or post-pregnancy mums get bashed for wearing swimsuits in the beach, it is always initially infuriating. Then I calm down and remind myself that most people are still not ready. But when the likes of Nadine Lustre gets a seemingly endless round of nasty remarks for doing so, I can't help but feel appalle</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d an</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> sad for them. So who are the select ones 'allowed' to be seen donning a bikini? Are we talking about a small fraction of the world population? That's nuts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some of <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nadzlustre/">Nadine Lustre</a></b>'s post about her recent getaway</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">[Seeing these actually makes me wanna run to the beach, too.]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And all keyboard warriors unite to find faults in her body and her bikini. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Photo lifted from Google Images.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just like how Boy Abunda reacted to these photos, I find Nadine Lustre sexy...in a holistic way. I like how she often smiles and how she makes my <i>bungisngis</i> self want to laugh along with her. Her hair is beautiful and I like how she seems to prefer it tied up in a ponytail when she's off-duty. I appreciate her <i>morena</i> skin (and I hope she keeps it, in spite of <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Met.Tathione/videos/vb.110467005766229/852809754865280/?type=2&theater">this</a></b>). An</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d her eyes! An</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> her clavicle! An</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> her legs!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> To put it simply, I find her beautiful and yet very relatable.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> So why criticize her for having stretch marks, baby fats, unflattering bra and God knows what else when </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><u>you</u></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> can most likely see the same thing/s on your body? An</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d why look </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">down on her as if having <i>Pinay</i> attributes is something to be ashame</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d of?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the book <b><i><a href="https://www.nationalbookstore.com/team-real-your-all-access-to-james-reid-and-nadine-lustre-s-world.html">Team Real</a></i></b>, Nadine Lustre admits she finds herself ordinary-looking and even went on naming her flaws. The thing is, she embraces her body - assets or imperfections alike. For someone who has a longer list of so-called 'factory defects' and probably longer history of body-shaming and self-doubt, I find it truly mature for a 22-year-old to embody self-acceptance. It took me longer to fully love and celebrate my own, you know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now let's go beyond the physical. I've seen a million behind-the-scene clips, I've watched her in press cons and I've seen her in the flesh once and and I can say that there's more to love about this woman. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Let's hear it from this guy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now let's hear it from Ms. Personality herself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You gotta love this girl. <i>Simple pero</i> rock. There's a lot of testimonials saying how independent, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">own-to-earth</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">,</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> accommodating and warm she is. On- and off-cam, mind you. They say she'll drive herself to work and carry her own stuff to the set. She can't say no to requests for photo opps</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> And I could just imagine how she can light up the entire room when she walks in. By now, you've probably seen photos of how involved she is in home renovations or household chores. In this day and age wherein self-entitlement somehow becomes more common than common sense, I consider this a welcome change. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Plus I fin</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d her really smart (watch her interviews an</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d you'll know what I mean)</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> an</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d talente</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. I like the quality of her singing voice</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">,</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> her comic timing an</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d I'm particularly impresse</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d with her photography an</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d e</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">diting skills</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. Seriously</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, I can har</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dly wait for the follow-up music vi</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">deo to <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj9f-vdkSVs">this</a></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Much respect for stars with behin</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d-the-cam aspirations</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, too</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fans calling her a "game changer" must be right; she's truly someone tomorrow's generations could emulate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, wait. There's more! Nadine Lustre sometimes explodes...and she's not scared to express it. If it were true that <i>talo ang pikon</i>, then she's probably not frightened to lose. How fierce! For me, it's always better to be honest if you're hurt or pissed off than give everyone a false impression. She's as real as it gets and, if it were true that everything she does is merely publicity stunts, I'm sure she'll eventually get tired of being someone she's not. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And it's OK if you don't share my opinion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of her '<i>patola'</i> moments...that ironically made me appreciate her more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've read so many demeaning comments directed to her in so many who-wore-it-better polls and showbiz articles and I'm actually shocked they never run out of negative things to say. This la</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">y har</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dly </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">deserves it! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sure, some of her poses look kinda awkward and some of her portrayals calls for improvement, but I choose to appreciate her for who she is and I refuse to compare or associate her with somebody else. I choose to be inspired by how she remin</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ds us that beauty an</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> sexiness can't be tie</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d to our flesh alone</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I choose to laud her for giving her best now and for aiming to be a better artist tomorrow. I choose to look forward to the days she'll remain grounded while being able to entertain us in a different level and at the same time motivate us plain Janes and '</span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">pangets'</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> that we can reach our dreams, too. That's why I'm rooting for her</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, not just for FHM or any awar</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-giving bo</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dies</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. I'm rooting for her success in all aspects in life. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Achieve </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">na</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> achieve!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And for the bashers, I don't expect this short blog entry will make you change your minds about Nadine Lustre. But I appeal for you all to watch your thoughts and be more careful in judging others. After all, your hurtful words reflect more about you - your background, your issues, etc. Let's just agree to disagree and refrain from spreading negativity. And if you don't like what you see on TV and billboards, then just look away. Stop the hate!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcYRj7YReIql6mm9Gt6hT93XKUWw4Fr7NYiwg1368vciIm6_4keuiK7A_SVizcJzWKzbt6cyi0X9hv-iWE4Ig1WzuQ8r7nAQ6EsGBLTT7Lt4zPUGYzQoZrpQZihtVSS-aDV8jtM9FZI4/s1600/Stop+the+hate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcYRj7YReIql6mm9Gt6hT93XKUWw4Fr7NYiwg1368vciIm6_4keuiK7A_SVizcJzWKzbt6cyi0X9hv-iWE4Ig1WzuQ8r7nAQ6EsGBLTT7Lt4zPUGYzQoZrpQZihtVSS-aDV8jtM9FZI4/s400/Stop+the+hate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hellobangsie/status/713674452781805568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sprea</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: left;">d</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> love!</span></a></div>
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lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-12575709769210094302015-07-20T14:56:00.001+08:002015-07-20T14:56:22.175+08:00MUSIC MONDAY: Daysha Edewi - What If I Knew I Was Beautiful…<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D4s6b1XNAaE" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"You say I don't know I'm beautiful</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>But what if I did?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>What if I looked in the mirror and actually liked what I saw?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Make-up or no make-up, flaws and all</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>What if I woke up really feeling myself</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>And could pose a selfie on Instagram without any self-doubt</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>No questions, contemplations or hesitations</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Because the only person's confirmation I would need... is my own"</i></span><br />
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Beautiful words for YOU, beautiful woman! :) </div>
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lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-18833643515994782412015-03-07T22:43:00.000+08:002015-07-18T23:00:07.083+08:0015 Local Kikay Brands To Support<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This 2015, I encourage you to to look for local brands to support and pass on your raves to family, friends and online followers. Allow me to contextualize <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/168744317262398913/">this friendly reminder</a></b>: Buying from local businesses makes you assist work-from-home <i>nanays</i> put food on the table, <i>tatays</i> pay mortgage or <i>kuyas</i> pag college tuition instead of helping <i>bossings</i> or country managers purchase his third home away from home. Besides, gone were the days when our own products hardly look enticingly world-class and only foreign consumers can enjoy our finest exports. Let me give you 15 reasons to believe in <i>tatak Pilipino.</i><script type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.) <b>Human Heart Nature</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you've been following this blog, you'll notice that I mention this brand a lot and you've probably read my disclosure that I'm a dealer myself. See, true to their core values as pro-Philippines, pro-poor and pro-environment, <b><a href="http://humanheartnature.com/">Human Heart Nature</a></b> has been producing all-natural personal care products using locally-sourced and ethically-acquired materials and employing <b><a href="http://www.gk1world.com/home">Gawad Kalinga</a></b> residents and farmers since 2008. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a testament to the safety and effectiveness of their products, particularly their best-selling items like sunflower beauty oil (read: 23-in-1 miracle worker for pimples, stretch marks, dull hair, sun burn, eye bags, insect bites, dark lips and more!), hair care and facial wash and toners, their following continue to rise after every product release. In the recent years, they introduced their mineral make-up line comprised of the popular pressed powder, mineral blush and tinted lip balms. And they refused to rest on their laurels; PR Manager Tish Martinez-Castillo says they release spanking new products every 8 weeks and they offer improved formulations for existing products depending on clients' feedback and requests. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nurse/dealer Edzel Love Suobiron, for instance, loves the latest batch of <b><a href="http://humanheartnature.com/buy/index.php/mineral-make-up/mineral-colorcreme-lipstick.html">Mineral ColorCreme lipsticks</a></b> the most for its creamy feel on her lips and for being the perfect match for her dusky skin tone. And speaking of, Human Heart Nature does NOT intend to come up with whitening products because they believe in the awesomeness of the <i>kayumanggi</i> skin. Awesome, right?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4q3IXW1BG5I6P8zsroZBhnBWcyyMqo_saTEPajq_lKTAyXiUzcDA_heIq2PmoMlf4-RVmZFGMzYkY-Zsp4TqPztzVgy4FbSPWKJBtv3HQa_SWWLaXamapwZWQsVzraFBunUbgsiFjaUg/s1600/HHN+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4q3IXW1BG5I6P8zsroZBhnBWcyyMqo_saTEPajq_lKTAyXiUzcDA_heIq2PmoMlf4-RVmZFGMzYkY-Zsp4TqPztzVgy4FbSPWKJBtv3HQa_SWWLaXamapwZWQsVzraFBunUbgsiFjaUg/s1600/HHN+final.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of Human Heart Nature's best-selling items. Photos lifted from the website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2.) <b><a href="http://www.milea.ph/">Milea Bath and Body Wellness </a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Edilee Omoyon was just making natural soaps and moisturizers for her son who's long battling with skin asthma. Little did she know that her intensive research would lead to creation of soaps as requested by family, friends and eventually clients, thus giving birth to Milea. This journey made her build more products for <b><a href="http://www.milea.ph/bath-and-body/">All Organics</a></b> (bath and baby), <b><a href="http://www.milea.ph/baby-care/">Milea Baby</a></b> (baby products), <b><a href="http://www.milea.ph/cosmetics/">Milea Mineral Make-Up</a></b> (chemical-free cosmetics) and <b><a href="http://www.milea.ph/bee-products/">Coco Bee</a></b> (bee products). You guessed it right. Her solution for skin asthma, particularly the goat's milk honey oatmeal soap, and lemongrass facial toner (works as make-up remover, too) are the most in-demand items. In their cosmetic line, clients are raving about bee propolis concealer stick, metallic powder eye shadow (available in 14 shades), powder blusher (available in 5 colors) and sassy lip creme (available in 10 shades).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When asked what makes Milea different from other organic brands, Edilee says they do not mass produce to ensure customers will get to use fresh cosmetics. They also grow their own raw materials in Milea Bee Farm in San Jose, Batangas. In fact, Edilee allows "<i>beesita sa bukid</i>" for interested parties. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-XYh7ErQCE9IKQq5zU4PSWzeW1Z7cxxI_VXOkLrA3B9zMjA7ADbrDxONp3Byhvy8rYw24XJyu_DfsjtpM-pcGHN6ldmojwgRtjRXGN_7RcYJ_lYcaTXXc87Ixg_dTKtQE-QCX2z19mI/s1600/Milea+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-XYh7ErQCE9IKQq5zU4PSWzeW1Z7cxxI_VXOkLrA3B9zMjA7ADbrDxONp3Byhvy8rYw24XJyu_DfsjtpM-pcGHN6ldmojwgRtjRXGN_7RcYJ_lYcaTXXc87Ixg_dTKtQE-QCX2z19mI/s1600/Milea+final.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Milea's most-requested products. Photos lifted from the official website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3.) <b><a href="http://rags2riches.ph/">Rags2Riches</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It takes gifted eye to see fashion in scraps of cloth, yes? But don't be quick to conclude; Rags2Riches founder <b><a href="http://www.rolexawards.com/profiles/young_laureates/reese_fernandez">Reese Fernandez</a></b> has a bigger fashion statement: she asks YOU to wear your compassion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I recall being moved during her turn to speak about her enterprise during <b><a href="https://scorpionsyrup.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/unilab-ideas-positives-social-marketing-bootcamp-day-3-of-3/">this social marketing bootcamp</a></b>. Upon realizing how middlemen exploited the rug-weavers in Payatas (controlled access to the market hence so little profit), the team opted to empower these artisans and train them to make creative fashion pieces and, eventually, home decors, using upcycled scraps, organic and indigenous materials. They even teamed up with big names like Rajo Laurel, Oliver
Tolentino, Amina Aranaz-Alunan and Olivia d’Aboville to give their handwoven
handbags, wallets, purses, wristlets and others an appealing touch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, R2R
continues to expand and lift talented Filipino artisans from poverty. After
all, her company’s philosophy is firmly rooted on People (quality of life +
quality of dreams), Planet (shared home and shared future), Profit (surplus for
sustainability) and Positive Influence (belief in the power of generosity).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7THq2zpsmqQoaqlUr5rL1NWsjulIH1URL0Bnrrn5R8m8iKSraF235k6CbHPeZ-3KS_Z8wANlgSAUVqdU6nDp-cQXSmifT-HHstwV6UWe4OnBuqCOCP58bUa2RKiEwavO01_y8MMeG1_E/s1600/R2R+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7THq2zpsmqQoaqlUr5rL1NWsjulIH1URL0Bnrrn5R8m8iKSraF235k6CbHPeZ-3KS_Z8wANlgSAUVqdU6nDp-cQXSmifT-HHstwV6UWe4OnBuqCOCP58bUa2RKiEwavO01_y8MMeG1_E/s640/R2R+final.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of R2R's awesome designs. Photos from their fanpage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4.) <b><a href="http://www.jacintoandlirio.com/#/home/">Jacinto & Lirio</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Did you know that production of leather necessitates slaughter of billion animals every year? These industries also use dangerous chemicals like mineral salts, formaldehyde and coal-tar derivatives, among others. Read about it <b><a href="http://www.peta.org/features/leather-industry/">here</a></b>. Good thing Filipino innovators discovered that the stalk of water hyacinth or water lilies can be turned into a leather-like material!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jacinto & Lirio founder, Noreen Bautista, collaborated with <b><a href="http://www.corajacobs.com/cjdrafthomerev4.html">Cora Jacob </a></b>(or Cora Jacobs as she is known globally), the renowned Filipino eco-chic bag designer and regarded as the pioneer of Philippine handbag design, for their first collection of plant leather bags. And the rest, as they say, is history. Aside from handbags, they now have made journals, iPad cases, planners and laptop wraps. And it's exciting to know what new items they'll come up with next!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GBwX9AhUQWfa8Fq5pSK85Uhd4h1XA0R4DrCnpnlPLBvGxgUpgdQ87BthVGZ1_ay28v5YNtzn5C796l99iM3ZqkBJwqwHasoGfdQ0eKJn1GMxzhZfSmeWifVYx_Kpnau6M2Qd5IpJG8Q/s1600/Jacinto++Lirio+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GBwX9AhUQWfa8Fq5pSK85Uhd4h1XA0R4DrCnpnlPLBvGxgUpgdQ87BthVGZ1_ay28v5YNtzn5C796l99iM3ZqkBJwqwHasoGfdQ0eKJn1GMxzhZfSmeWifVYx_Kpnau6M2Qd5IpJG8Q/s640/Jacinto++Lirio+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of Jacinto & Lirio's bag and planner designs. Photos lifted from their official website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5.) <b><a href="http://everbilena.com.ph/">Ever Bilena</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ever wondered what's in sexy star Ellen Adarna's kikay kit and what particular cosmetic the award-winning actress Eugene Domingo hoards? It's Ever Bilena's lip and cheek tint! In <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-qhat6lrxM">her KrisTV guesting</a></b>, Ellen swears by how it gives her a long-lasting natural-looking blush. Such a good steal for P135!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIchy-Lc5bsWfUvGad62ckGh12J54mfWLXuZL_qyOxTWOfz-uVxZJ1xewM2UfVmS4HIq1SDZibXKKzdTAbyMhS61NGK-S58U2-q7vY7qQt4blPObkVzgsEfrSSfemKv2L_rueG7zjxs0E/s1600/Ellen+Adarna+EB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIchy-Lc5bsWfUvGad62ckGh12J54mfWLXuZL_qyOxTWOfz-uVxZJ1xewM2UfVmS4HIq1SDZibXKKzdTAbyMhS61NGK-S58U2-q7vY7qQt4blPObkVzgsEfrSSfemKv2L_rueG7zjxs0E/s640/Ellen+Adarna+EB.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ellen Adarna raves about her kikay must-have from Ever Bilena. Screenshots from YouTube. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For make-up artist Danielle Leonardo, she appreciates the creamy texture of their black and brown eyeliners as it is truly easy for her to blend it with eye shadows. Also, she lauds their matte lipsticks, particularly the Pink Flame and Skin shades.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In a nutshell, most blog reviews spell satisfaction in how this household name can keep up with international brands and provide high-end quality for affordable price tag.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6.) <b><a href="http://www.fscosmetics.com/">FS Cosmetics</a></b>, formerly known as F21 Cosmetics</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Make-up artist Fanny Serrano's own cosmetic line had been getting the much-coveted nods from beauty awards since 2004. Their eyelash curler, for instance, is something beauty blogger <b><a href="http://www.theredlippieadventures.com/2012/09/revisited-fanny-serrano-single-eyeshadow.html">Jolly</a></b> considers a "nice dupe of Shu Uemura" happens to be a Cosmo Beauty Award winner in 2006 and 2009. Make-up artist Danielle Leonardo raves about the two-way cake for being good-to-go upon application and being as effective as M.A.C.'s studio fix powder. Both Jolly and Danielle adore their pigmented eye shadows; it's easy to blend, long-lasting, budget-friendly, plus it offers wide array of color options that complements the <i>Pinay </i>skin.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3d8DFvyhA_rGiNOUTHdSsVV5RJZXLmhQs2VoT9QsyYgz1yC5KQTeqPSMKtteKYkh97z3_Dnl93KAL1BET8D1CUkOe1euVrmTct8dHchywr7RkDN4S23Vare4b-H0cNUV_Ho8tqJx8QY/s1600/Fanny+Serrano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3d8DFvyhA_rGiNOUTHdSsVV5RJZXLmhQs2VoT9QsyYgz1yC5KQTeqPSMKtteKYkh97z3_Dnl93KAL1BET8D1CUkOe1euVrmTct8dHchywr7RkDN4S23Vare4b-H0cNUV_Ho8tqJx8QY/s640/Fanny+Serrano.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fanny Serrano Cosmetics' award-winning products: concealers, eyelash curler and blush-on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7.) <b><a href="http://store.happyskincosmetics.com/index.php">Happy Skin Cosmetics</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="http://store.happyskincosmetics.com/index.php?id_cms=11&controller=cms">Everybody loves Happy Skin!</a></b> Celebrities, beauty experts and bloggers here and abroad are raving about their high-quality products. Their fun, witty product names such as Don't Get Mad Get Even, Eye Need A Miracle, Eye Love View, Feeling Sculptacular, Shut Up And Kiss Me, along with their eye-catching packaging, delight make-up junkies. What's more, the products are true to their promises. The lippies are moisturizing, pigmented and long-lasting. Founders Jacqe Yuegtian-Gutierrez and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo truly know how to make <i>Pinay</i> skin happy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eSJMauYNLEFNl254a01JFqDcCFnzyoufLYHQ7AcfxJDuelDRb__tp6qAc1hBQXdZHUcXNfroRVTIHl4hp1krJzX_hwNTfXy0rmYRGlaMqVXZ7xVP3OGtBR7lM6pqscs-_4H7kR2Xznc/s1600/Happy+Skin+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eSJMauYNLEFNl254a01JFqDcCFnzyoufLYHQ7AcfxJDuelDRb__tp6qAc1hBQXdZHUcXNfroRVTIHl4hp1krJzX_hwNTfXy0rmYRGlaMqVXZ7xVP3OGtBR7lM6pqscs-_4H7kR2Xznc/s640/Happy+Skin+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clever product names! Photos lifted from their website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8.) <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheShoeCycle">Shoe Cycle</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you know that burning rubber tires produces toxic pollutants that affect the air we breathe in? According to <b><a href="http://greenliving-tv.com/">Green Living</a></b>, there are approximately 2.1 million waste tires in Luzon alone every year. Such an alarming figure, right? Thanks to Shoe Cycle, those discarded tires get converted into comfortable and impressive footwear. Oxfords, boat shoes, espadrilles, sandals, name it - they've got it! Also, each "scraptire" is carefully handled by Marikina shoemakers, so you can count on its durability.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdF_AJ-GyjSWWV5GGukSI-6GxB1FmoGAtBpbLoDv31mFTTxKgPCVEoHn-fwwJ5eUI5c2K-5toJ_BkQdKOyFJGKc0iHL9fAfYOMIp9Zdhej_-tZ4dvaoLx6-Mn4MP-VL80wjb4ns1BOnw/s1600/Shoe+Cycle+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdF_AJ-GyjSWWV5GGukSI-6GxB1FmoGAtBpbLoDv31mFTTxKgPCVEoHn-fwwJ5eUI5c2K-5toJ_BkQdKOyFJGKc0iHL9fAfYOMIp9Zdhej_-tZ4dvaoLx6-Mn4MP-VL80wjb4ns1BOnw/s640/Shoe+Cycle+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out Shoe Cycle's cool designs. Photos grabbed from their fanpage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ONOSKINCARE">Ono All-Natural Skin Care Products</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It all started when Cebu-based May Pono found existing organic brands to be too expensive, prompting her to create her own soaps for personal use. All of a sudden, her Facebook posts started getting inquiries from interested buyers. Her soaps became an instant hit!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Raw vegan chef <b><a href="http://www.lakapati.com/">Lakapati Basa</a></b> says, "Their products work well for me. The soaps are gentle and they are not ridden with chemicals plus the price is right." Imagine paying only P25 for soaps, P50 for deo cream, P50 for body butter and P50 for sunscreen lotion - all handmade, unscented and all-natural! They also have a wide variety of options to choose from - carrot-olive, olive cleanse, moringa lemongrass, milk, oat and rice, coffee and cream, papaya whitening, papaya-turmeric, olive-turmeric, olive tea tree, mangosteen, neem-lemongrass, aloe vera soaps and more!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv5eMXHehvCnx_dS5MgOMwNO4Xq2YbrAjyrcA4XZQ2lqdnp-Www8Gj9Gu_wsIj9LRhYJfmwGiFLRrjnwLhBxfWQ46HkaxabPc4nfdDy2A8OBCASz_78DkPRzy_-ZaACW6KxBiUJtfc9c/s1600/Ono+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv5eMXHehvCnx_dS5MgOMwNO4Xq2YbrAjyrcA4XZQ2lqdnp-Www8Gj9Gu_wsIj9LRhYJfmwGiFLRrjnwLhBxfWQ46HkaxabPc4nfdDy2A8OBCASz_78DkPRzy_-ZaACW6KxBiUJtfc9c/s640/Ono+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ono All-Natural Skin Care Products. Photos from their fanpage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10.) <b><a href="http://www.belleandcat.com/">Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are so many reasons to love this place! Friendly staff, cozy place plus a wide array of services to offer: nail care, facials, waxing, massage, hair and make-up, spa party packages and equally long list of nail polishes and nail art designs to choose from.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But, wait, there's more! Have you ever been in a situation that calls for emergency mani+pedi with polish then you suddenly realize you're wearing closed shoes? Well, Belle & Cat happens to be ready for that que horror moment. They actually sell flip flops! And they have consigned items from proudly-<i>Pinoy</i> brands such as <b>Human Heart Nature</b>, <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/simoyngharaya">Simoy ng Haraya </a></b>(try their 4-in-1 nail care fix!), <b>Snoe Beauty</b> and <b><a href="http://www.leyende.com/">Leyende </a></b>(they'll be re-launching their products soon!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Plus, if you're quite reluctant to have your Brazilian wax or full body massage done after a long, stressful day at work, their neat comfort room can help you relax and condition your mind for the rewarding experience that lies ahead. In case you didn't know you'll end up getting waxed that day, fret not. They have ready all-natural products for you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWc153_3iAD1MG26UgxqfDHCdL3OWI0rIw0S21Igox9JPiC8eJ6xn8Rcke3IjI1G5QOSycu3UpJIINxCjAvi1GSe4YQzgeVGIGNPFZkaV_eqG1nXmBaZ7ce7-6LnbbOEH-LHxQD8jUo4/s1600/Belle+and+Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWc153_3iAD1MG26UgxqfDHCdL3OWI0rIw0S21Igox9JPiC8eJ6xn8Rcke3IjI1G5QOSycu3UpJIINxCjAvi1GSe4YQzgeVGIGNPFZkaV_eqG1nXmBaZ7ce7-6LnbbOEH-LHxQD8jUo4/s640/Belle+and+Cat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Belle & Cat's cozy spot. Photos from their website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Currently, they have temporarily ceased operations in their Esteban corner Dela Rosa Sts, Legaspi Village, Makati branch. They will soon unveil their new location, so stay tuned for their announcements.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">11.) <b><a href="http://www.manosnaillounge.com/">Manos Nail Lounge</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's another great place to get pampered and enjoy peace and quiet. They offer mani+pedi, spa treatments, paraffin, massage and waxing services. You'll be delighted to know that they have mani+pedi services for men and divas-in-the-making (13-year-olds and below), too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sure, most nail salons provide refreshments for their patrons. But it's heartwarming to see that they purposely choose to offer only locally-grown coffee and tea, including the all-Filipino iced tea <b><a href="http://bayanibrew.com/#/alldelicious">Bayani Brew</a></b>. What's more, if you're not fashion or showbiz magazines, Manos has a handful of fictional reads to choose from. And if you're a 90's kid like me, you're in for a pleasant treat!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JLPKZMl4GRP7InYJ-W87-hyYqsf2APkZN04pNcC4LFfOnpN8UT2ntALpOu8apWASspeCTMI3u_c56ifJtWF8njhfG4HNASjzEdbSWumZUhz6P6MosgFCxtNYyMUsPVPwazEgJ6ekaag/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-16+at+11.00.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JLPKZMl4GRP7InYJ-W87-hyYqsf2APkZN04pNcC4LFfOnpN8UT2ntALpOu8apWASspeCTMI3u_c56ifJtWF8njhfG4HNASjzEdbSWumZUhz6P6MosgFCxtNYyMUsPVPwazEgJ6ekaag/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-02-16+at+11.00.44+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Everyday is throwback day in Manos!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">12. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/itsCHUBBLY">Chubbly</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's another brand that plus size fashionistas should know. As Aries de Guzman of <b><a href="http://thepoc.net/index.php/erzullie/">Erzullie</a></b> put it, "Chubbly rocks because Chami Viray, the designer behind it, is a passionate, explorative and highly imaginative person. It reflects on every piece that she makes." Since its launch in 2012, Chubbly had been producing both classic and edgy RTW clothes and accessories for plus size <i>Pinays</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recently, Chami collaborated with proudly-Filipino makers of artisan shoes, <b><a href="http://www.risquedesignsph.com/">Risque Designs</a></b>, for this year's collection. While Risque is known for its signature use of embroidery, wood-carving and hand-weaving and local fabrics, Chubbly x Risque designs are rather subdued, but equally eye-catching and chic!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j86rpNX3p8nHTs36C-7skY9PI27yp80eW_k0RKTcCUrFDBXq9kEf1kG1Q3J9W0D2PIUro7RFKEVJoN0f_No-fZ1W2nh0wN8qxAWXxRvRGKVpYlmV-nC7MMcpSY0XhQrUMwF9BHDvw5I/s1600/Chubbly+throwback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8j86rpNX3p8nHTs36C-7skY9PI27yp80eW_k0RKTcCUrFDBXq9kEf1kG1Q3J9W0D2PIUro7RFKEVJoN0f_No-fZ1W2nh0wN8qxAWXxRvRGKVpYlmV-nC7MMcpSY0XhQrUMwF9BHDvw5I/s640/Chubbly+throwback.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a little throwback of Chubbly's earlier clothing designs. Photos obtained from their fanpage. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4BeQcs9mPui8uZVLrqm0HpQQnJa2dGGB2jGtC-kCJRkbrMz-etvwe9YGdY-hOskXm_c2eJr9ucwNjsj0ed-MEHg1WpbaO-pfDp8sQYpeGAK3l3sD3RORCVTXYYGDkDR8ZepmvoZkky0/s1600/Chubbly7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4BeQcs9mPui8uZVLrqm0HpQQnJa2dGGB2jGtC-kCJRkbrMz-etvwe9YGdY-hOskXm_c2eJr9ucwNjsj0ed-MEHg1WpbaO-pfDp8sQYpeGAK3l3sD3RORCVTXYYGDkDR8ZepmvoZkky0/s640/Chubbly7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chubbly x Risque designs. Photo from Chami Viray.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">13. <b><a href="http://www.snoebeauty.com/#close">Snoe Beauty</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Snoe Beauty, the new breed of all-natural yet inexpensive make-up, started capturing the beauty market since its establishment in 2010. The wordplay in product name such as Stink Positive!, Eau La La, Awesome Poresome, reminds us of the typical <i>Pinoy </i>humor. According to make-up artist/blogger <b><a href="http://www.maitaatienza.com/">Maita Atienza-Diaz</a></b>, their make-up is a good dupe for M.A.C.. In her review <b><a href="http://thepoc.net/index.php/snoe-beauty-cosmetics-glowing-with-pinay-pride/">here</a></b>, she noted how their powder blended well with her skin an how it suits all skin tones. And if you're the kind of consumer who checks the label, you'd be happy to know that Snoe Beauty takes pride in their chemical-free ingredients. They even dedicated a space in their website called <b><a href="http://www.snoebeauty.com/snoepedia/">snoepedia</a></b> to give you an informed choice before you make that purchase. With their clever and well-designed packaging plus high-quality product line, it is no surprise that Snoe already embarked to conquer the world's attention.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqCceILdjB8svJlofDiSr6-Dh3jA7ADT39KIvOBFvSiKKAkmNKxkykjFuD0JxVbdxg-VzEIW1ecA2aX6eODYQM6r5EWudUjWSuq1firckTWOnG1KIpw1JmUj4KHYXFsHWszaQicEoIT0/s1600/Snoe+Beauty+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqCceILdjB8svJlofDiSr6-Dh3jA7ADT39KIvOBFvSiKKAkmNKxkykjFuD0JxVbdxg-VzEIW1ecA2aX6eODYQM6r5EWudUjWSuq1firckTWOnG1KIpw1JmUj4KHYXFsHWszaQicEoIT0/s640/Snoe+Beauty+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of Snoe's beauty products. Photos lifted fro their website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">14. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ganchillyou">Ganchillyou</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What comes to mind when you hear the word "crochet"? How about "crochet fashion accessories"? You should check out Bella Joy Bardollas's designs for Ganchillyou and see for yourself that, yes, it is possible! You have to hand it to this yarn whisperer on how she can whip up colorful, bohemian conversation pieces.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQWggLfof9-AZ591_ylVPJ7k2u4S55802kvXKdQWqoH06fa3q3GyCdemKckHRgvz89pdg0aMzAFfhNxFFTRGhBPM10l2SkyhHeAOW2-tMpdoJX_Crb8UgFG2p0ZfOj1elW2eFcBLIUZ4/s1600/Ganchillyou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQWggLfof9-AZ591_ylVPJ7k2u4S55802kvXKdQWqoH06fa3q3GyCdemKckHRgvz89pdg0aMzAFfhNxFFTRGhBPM10l2SkyhHeAOW2-tMpdoJX_Crb8UgFG2p0ZfOj1elW2eFcBLIUZ4/s640/Ganchillyou.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of Gancillyou's eye-catching designs. Photos lifted from <b><a href="http://www.instagram.com/ganchillyou">their Instagram account</a></b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">15. <b><a href="http://www.apartment8clothing.com/">Apartment 8</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ever wondered where your favorite stars and bloggers get their fun and flirty wardrobe? The good news is, you can get hold of Apartment 8's sexy and highly-popular cut-outs, head-turning prints and other celebrated designs as easy as heart-ing a friend's Instagram post. If you prefer to make your own fashion ideas materialize, you may contact them to do so. And they also welcome visits in their shop in South Triangle, Quezon City and stores in Greenhills Shopping Center and The Ramp outlets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There you go, 15 brands that we can be truly proud of. But, hey, the list of high-quality locally-made products doesn't end here. There's a LOT of proudly <i>Pinoy</i>-made products waiting to be discovered so always be on the lookout for the next <i>kikay</i> find or fashion-forward outfit and share your satisfactory statements about those items with matching #SupportLocalEconomy and/or #PinoyPride on your social media accounts. After all, our country's biggest contribution to the world would have to be our unparalleled artistry, enthutsiasm to serve, passion for pretty things and consistent online presence. Wait, that's four gifts to the world already! Well, that's how well we <i>Pinoys </i>rock!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">NOTE: This article appeared on <b><a href="http://thepoc.net/">The Philippine Online Chronicles.</a></b> Click, click!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zkxfLGeOtztP4zbKIS2lYL2H0IuFgL1hiAL3HWTUl_4UmzE-0-3Q3qfNYuEMlFQ3hTR1__93m5BqBLOmBGR0PmGDZkxAk4PM9UxuPPHjNBWPLDusjQ2qTHU1fcGB7aQTmlbyGAdU7M0/s1600/15810_851429534912997_6347188274938437336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zkxfLGeOtztP4zbKIS2lYL2H0IuFgL1hiAL3HWTUl_4UmzE-0-3Q3qfNYuEMlFQ3hTR1__93m5BqBLOmBGR0PmGDZkxAk4PM9UxuPPHjNBWPLDusjQ2qTHU1fcGB7aQTmlbyGAdU7M0/s640/15810_851429534912997_6347188274938437336_n.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://thepoc.net/index.php/proudly-made-in-the-ph-15-local-kikay-brands-to-support/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Proudly made in the PH Part 1</span></a></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://thepoc.net/index.php/proudly-made-in-the-ph-15-local-kikay-brands-to-support-part-2-of-2/">Proudly made in the PH Part 2</a></span></b></div>
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lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-58389426954777850242014-11-15T16:59:00.000+08:002014-11-20T15:03:21.979+08:00Designer Sharlene Borromeo makes in big in Fashion Week San Diego<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I just re-read the entry title and it does sound like an article heading. Actually, I'm blogging about my latest article on <a href="http://thepoc.net/"><b>The Philippine Online Chronicles</b></a>, and, for the lack of creative juices at the moment, allow me to retain the title. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Check out my article <a href="http://thepoc.net/index.php/designer-sharlene-borromeo-makes-in-big-in-fashion-week-san-diego/"><b>here</b></a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For this entry, I'll share this Q&A with <b>Sharlene Borromeo</b>, the <i>Pinay</i> designer behind the brand <a href="http://adoreusfashion.com/"><b>A'doreus</b></a>. She happens to be <a href="http://fashionweeksd.com/"><b>Fashion Week San Diego</b></a>'s first and only plus size designer for 3 years in a row! And she'll be back again next year. Read on to get to know her and her journey in the fashion industry so far.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> Congratulations on being the top designer for Fashion Week San Diego this year! How does it feel?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Sharlene:</b> It is definitely an honor to have been voted Top Designer of Fashion Week San Diego 2014. Truthfully, I have mixed emotions. It was heartwarming to see people literally shed tears of happiness when the announcement was made. I knew people could feel the love and passion I put into my craft. In some ways it's a victory and I'm enjoying my moment of glory - breaking so many barriers, personally and within plus size/fashion industry. On the other side it's extremely daunting. I'm receiving a lot of pressure from so many different angles. People want me to branch out and showcase in New York, offer straight sizes, or mass produce and sell online. It's not impossible but it is costly and I don't think people quite understand that. Whichever direction this journey takes me, it will be one of purpose. </span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBkfqR_nroGExpp4fA6Qlrab-2pfXy6fHnZluxYbXzsQACr7OeEA1uRalptL6q2qHusjxB3Cc81It_SgchhpA6kGBJi_XZkJ9N1ewANS8fMt67PWMTEJCYpAHf1wDTPjJkqBfTqxPgGk/s1600/Sharlene+8+jon+naugle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBkfqR_nroGExpp4fA6Qlrab-2pfXy6fHnZluxYbXzsQACr7OeEA1uRalptL6q2qHusjxB3Cc81It_SgchhpA6kGBJi_XZkJ9N1ewANS8fMt67PWMTEJCYpAHf1wDTPjJkqBfTqxPgGk/s1600/Sharlene+8+jon+naugle.jpg" height="640" width="496" /> </a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sharlene Borromeo's winning moment at the recently concluded FWSD 2014.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Photo by Jon Naugle.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> You've been representing us plus size women in the Fashion Week for the past 3 years. Can you describe your journey to make it to this prestigious event? What does it take to maintain your presence for 3 years?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Sharlene:</b> I have been representing the plus size community all my life because I've always been plus size, yet confident in my own skin. Encountering criticism and seeing the lack of plus size fashion in the industry didn't make me want to change who I was. I wanted to understand and "fix" the stigma that plus size women face because of the social pressures of the fashion industry. I earned a degree in Fashion Business and Technology in 2007 and a degree in Fashion Design and Technology in 2009. It's ironic because I never considered being a Designer when I was younger. I didn't know how to sew and I surely didn't follow fashion trends (I still don't). I'm not about the bells and whistles, fame and glamour. I'm about simplicity and fashion that accentuates a woman's assets.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was through business internship with world renowned Designer and Fashion Icon, <b><a href="http://www.zandrarhodes.com/">Zandra Rhodes</a></b> that I discovered my creative side and was encouraged by Rhodes to pursue Fashion Design. As my Mentor, Rhodes instills in me the concept of "paving my own way". I strive to model her tenacity and determination to go against the grain and not conform. I've made my mark at FWSD as the first plus size Designer. As the winning Top Designer, I automatically get to return for a 4th year. I've ben able to maintain my presence for 3 years because of people like Rhodes who continuously push me and because people appreciate my transparency about my journey. I may not have the largest following, but those that do follow me know my worth and potential.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwpOdNfz6caJlZYK29jZTpH5UrG3RAzdOBAaQ7F20qj6RZ5RlQzQUi6FqvJrBIvEZUNPqsQG4KSEkkEUZdw1QJ90XuBtdNHRmLdUoQVvSUksfEPkfcthQC2127Z3PjFbcARMGG11i1sc/s1600/Sharlene+Zandra+Rhodes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwpOdNfz6caJlZYK29jZTpH5UrG3RAzdOBAaQ7F20qj6RZ5RlQzQUi6FqvJrBIvEZUNPqsQG4KSEkkEUZdw1QJ90XuBtdNHRmLdUoQVvSUksfEPkfcthQC2127Z3PjFbcARMGG11i1sc/s1600/Sharlene+Zandra+Rhodes.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Mentor Zandra Rhodes has all praises for Sharlene. Watch the clip </span></span></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0eJDV2TvPs" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>here</b></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> Please describe your fashion brand A'doreus and what makes it different from other plus size brands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sharlene:</b> My brand, A'doreus, is a direct reflection of who I am. A'doreus is a lifestyle of a'doring and embracing diversityand size acceptance through the many facets of fashion. What sets me apart from other plus size brands is that I use my craft as a way to build meaningful connections. My brand relies on the foundation of "purpose". Many plus size Designers showcase amongst other fellow plus size Designers at events that are tailored to the plus size audience. Fashion Week San Diego is primarily a mainstream fashion event with thin models and a lot of swimwear. Showcasing a collection at FWSD is a way for me to change people's mindset of what plus size fashion looks like and understand its relevance in the mainstream fashion industry, especially because 70% of all American women wear a size 14 or larger. I view my efforts as a social movement to embrace diversity and size acceptance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lornadahl: </b>What are your best design pieces and why?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mXYef7uBx0EDkOwWQ9dYtgz_s6boPH1gqpZHXKLrN8on2nLjelQhF40eHfsM61U1Vn5IYsfhfCovZUXZJ9ey2iCERMy92RP2qIfjQ39c0AXragih1ijYh93n4jjoeMLkhTbJ0siaKwQ/s1600/Sharlene+1+silk+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mXYef7uBx0EDkOwWQ9dYtgz_s6boPH1gqpZHXKLrN8on2nLjelQhF40eHfsM61U1Vn5IYsfhfCovZUXZJ9ey2iCERMy92RP2qIfjQ39c0AXragih1ijYh93n4jjoeMLkhTbJ0siaKwQ/s1600/Sharlene+1+silk+dress.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mullet skirt made of 100% silk</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 115%;"><b>Sharlene:</b> This hi-lo dress, made of 100% silk fabric with black piping was the finale piece to my first collection I showcased at FWSD in 2012. Its elegance brings about a sense of sophistication and grace to be a'dored.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoCNSCxgR4LimnIhI_CK9tssZAiwq2ozCpTO1AmtU8jQco9ejOt7BkzyWfGvvWigFHKZuO_r3oxEAzFl-V84FpL3VYf0qgKXEe14d3tn0-3CMQFnqESEtKxaGjoCmfOYVctuBRjQztl4/s1600/Sharlene+2+key+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoCNSCxgR4LimnIhI_CK9tssZAiwq2ozCpTO1AmtU8jQco9ejOt7BkzyWfGvvWigFHKZuO_r3oxEAzFl-V84FpL3VYf0qgKXEe14d3tn0-3CMQFnqESEtKxaGjoCmfOYVctuBRjQztl4/s1600/Sharlene+2+key+print.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMniYz_3LRWaWPG4o2J9FMN4Ampepgnnot8WCUOLvcqTzlZyvDENoboSOwBvDADuJf0w_9ugqZtSwZFwuGaqOjLgZUtSH4xcHvg64FirhUOU-B6OIdtxc2eNqDkVRlo6TAvjsX3jF05o/s1600/Sharlene+3+A'doreus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMniYz_3LRWaWPG4o2J9FMN4Ampepgnnot8WCUOLvcqTzlZyvDENoboSOwBvDADuJf0w_9ugqZtSwZFwuGaqOjLgZUtSH4xcHvg64FirhUOU-B6OIdtxc2eNqDkVRlo6TAvjsX3jF05o/s1600/Sharlene+3+A'doreus.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Vintage key-inspired pattern design printed on organic cotton sateen fabric</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sharlene:</b> I collaborated with local San Diegan Artist, Rebecca Berenson from </span><a href="http://www.urbanfishdesign.com/" style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><b>Urban Fish Designs</b></a><span style="font-size: small;">. We created a vintage key inspired pattern that we had printed on organic cotton sateen fabric. This dress is truly one of a kind and cannot be replicated. The print was used throughout my collection showcased at FWSD 2013.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPCNunXteIs6I1SlQcjn9r66Px2LgDB63U_ZBSTokBtvgJCyYg6ART9sdm8lVbfauMk8OuAG1oDcQNvK8Apqob0hGc8aoVimD2KJ2cMbcS61-YusHNJS_jl7DNPc-XjsZGm9Kr4-VxRs/s1600/Sharlene+6+sequinmaxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPCNunXteIs6I1SlQcjn9r66Px2LgDB63U_ZBSTokBtvgJCyYg6ART9sdm8lVbfauMk8OuAG1oDcQNvK8Apqob0hGc8aoVimD2KJ2cMbcS61-YusHNJS_jl7DNPc-XjsZGm9Kr4-VxRs/s1600/Sharlene+6+sequinmaxi.jpg" height="640" width="424" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sequin maxi dress</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sharlene</b>: I've never worked with sequins before because I always thought it screamed "plus size" but with the right kind of sequins it can look very chic and contemporary.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v9unyYdCWi7SD1qOWd0swQCIQNNWmNbc-zO2KJxh3Gc8CsBwoFyl0BXAhUGbbhvjYPMWx2P1hbE5UeHXuKicLkBeYtWeyb6EY5P9pe3w8FaBuxyJacFJ_5MsINVDAWU_Gkz0WZtuux0/s1600/Sharlene's+collections2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v9unyYdCWi7SD1qOWd0swQCIQNNWmNbc-zO2KJxh3Gc8CsBwoFyl0BXAhUGbbhvjYPMWx2P1hbE5UeHXuKicLkBeYtWeyb6EY5P9pe3w8FaBuxyJacFJ_5MsINVDAWU_Gkz0WZtuux0/s1600/Sharlene's%2Bcollections2.jpg" height="582" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sharlene's creation for a petite plus size model</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sharlene: I designed this dress for a petite plus size mode. The silhouette is classic with a sweetheart neckline and a hi-low circle skirt. However, the chevron fabric with the sheer eyelet chiffon overlay, pinstripe bow, and gold trim detail makes the dress magical. The drape and movement of the dress is breathtaking!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg5LU1ffoLZDWoxQoQZM_lEOWRPq_57vNyqx35fDVFqQS5GIzhIejczPDvp4G6gkfniWqTikKS4sfdoNWt4bh4IZFLNAybQCwxgZ84T5s4MuYUIe21f5AFC2pMylNIa8BHAPQw_lETDA/s1600/Sharlene+7+partydress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg5LU1ffoLZDWoxQoQZM_lEOWRPq_57vNyqx35fDVFqQS5GIzhIejczPDvp4G6gkfniWqTikKS4sfdoNWt4bh4IZFLNAybQCwxgZ84T5s4MuYUIe21f5AFC2pMylNIa8BHAPQw_lETDA/s1600/Sharlene+7+partydress.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> Party dress</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><b>Sharlene:</b> This dress is a signature style of mine. I tend to use several fabrics for my collection. I then like to use all of the fabrics within one look. That particular look then becomes more fashion forward for those looking for something unique and trendy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> Awesome designs! What's next for your brand? Any grand plans we need to know?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sharlene</b>: I have treaded the waters of the fashion industry very strategically because I am a realist and would rather take my time mastering my craft and creating fashion with purpose. I plan to use the next year to promote A'doreus, possibly seek a manufacturing company to begin production, and complete another collection for FWSD 2015 to complete my commitment with them. What happens next? I'm not sure. It really depends on what doors open for me within the next few months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A'doreus will be recognized at the Silayan Filipina National Organization's "Honoring Filipinas in the Arts" on December 20, 2014. I will be specifically recognized for my "outstanding achievements as an artist in Fashion Design".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I recently had the opportunity to meet blogger <a href="http://sometimesglam.com/"><b>Crystal Coons</b></a> (<b><a href="http://instagram.com/sometimesglam">@sometimesglam</a></b>). We are throwing ideas around about a future collaboration regarding a styling book for the plus size woman. She was impressed with my collection and did an impromptu photo shoot with some of the pieces. You can follow her blog at www.sometimesglam.com to see more of the looks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Sharlene: </b>I don't follow trends. I really don't even have a favorite Designer. I'm not a brand snob and I rarely flip through fashion magazines. I really do create from the heart and for the body I plan to clothe. Fashion is so subjective anyway so I don't create to appease the masses. I utilize classic silhouettes, simple style lines and focus on the details of the garment. I love piping. using different trims, and combining different fabrics and textures for a luxurious, one of a kind piece. Often times, I am my own inspiration. I create clothes that I would want to wear. I'm 5'2", wear size 18-20, have big arms, a round belly and thick thighs. You won't ever catch me "hiding" under clothing nor will you ever find me scantily clothed. I like comfortable and functional clothes that will allow me to rip around town effortlessly. My designs are meant too make a plus size woman feel equally feminine, sexy, and refined.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lornadahl:</b> Any message for aspiring plus size fashion brands to make it big?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sharlene:</b> For any aspiring fashion Designer, plus size or not - my advice is to design with purpose. When we do things from the heart, with a conscience mind, and conduct yourself with the highest level of integrity - it's easier to navigate through the politics and competitiveness that comes with the fashion industry. Use your moral compass. As far as making it big... When I figure it out - I'll let you know! Until then, perseverance is key.</span></div>
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</script>lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-56149857275396888502014-05-26T18:22:00.000+08:002014-05-26T18:22:06.645+08:00MUSIC MONDAY: Jade, Sapphire, & d'Rachael's "Unconditional Love"<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After watching <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJbmRN_YFi0">A Beautiful Body Project 2013</a></b>, (check it out, check out out!) I felt it was necessary to look up the photographer <b><a href="http://www.jadebeall.com/#!/index">Jade Beall</a></b> and the uplifting song that played during the video. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As an expectant mum, there are so many dramatic body changes that took place recently and I am so grateful to have started my body love journey way back. I'm not saying the darkening of my neck and underarms and the addition of stretch marks never bothered me, but knowing your self-worth paves the way for everything. It also makes me focus more on the growing miracle inside me and how I can best take care of her. It's such a wonderful feeling!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyway, I truly enjoyed how familial love is overflowing as the singers performed this song. It makes me wish we'll become a musical family, too. Haha! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I dedicate this song to fellow mothers-to-be; may this song remind you that motherhood will NOT ruin your beautiful body. Our bodies are more than artifacts to look at, it's a living proof of strength, among others. Pregnancy prepares us for the biggest manifestation of our physical strength and for our most challenging yet rewarding journey on earth. I am yet to experience this in full, but I already understand the overflowing joy that awaits me and my husband. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Someday, we will take pride in how our bodies expanded to carry our little child/ren and we will express that the stretch marks will be worth it. Someday, the breast pains will stop and we'll feel grateful how our milk and determination were instrumental for our child's wellness. But for the meantime, let's give ourselves unconditional self-love and pass it on to the beautiful soul living inside us, waiting for that destined day s/he'll meet her mother.</span><br />
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lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-3617039405626110062014-05-16T19:23:00.000+08:002014-05-18T20:32:37.981+08:00WORLD PREMIERE: That Blue Ruffled Dress<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We're lucky to discover that there's an ongoing sale for plus size clothes (if it were mall-wide, I wasn't sure) in SM SouthMall last week. The first maternity-dress-for-now-corporate-dress-later that caught my eye? It's the plain red dress with ruffled design at the lower half from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.404500946241491.96753.198130963545158&type=3"><b>Jus Ur Size</b></a>. Upon seeing me giving it a I'm-not-sure-if-I-should get-you look, my mum was quick to give her nod of approval when she saw the price tag: P450 only (originally P800+). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's a lovely dress, all right, but I doubt it'll look good on me and my close-to-flat rear. When I tried it on, I could sense the agreement about the dearth of curves over THERE from my mum's and husband's eyes. <i>Kebs na</i>! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Knowing that my baby bump will get bigger in the next 1-2 months, I asked the staff for a bigger size. But 3L looked quite lengthy at below my knees, so I ended up asking for 2L. Good thing it's made of stretchable fabric so I'm sure my little warrior won't express her disapproval with karate chops when I'm wearing it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And the final concern before I gave in: the color. This dress is available in red, purple and blue and, if you notice, I've worn too many reds and purples in this lifetime. You guessed it right. I reached for the blue one and waited for my mum and <i>ninang</i> to finish their style hunt (more on that later).</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKd-XyI6cUXlVbqTt32GBl0ZezyuR9tcg8A5sgbxsOjP0FHaRBcQhdvo4tXipVjnewKfHFZcgLLYPUqykOgEodvfTER-gqUAi4JYB-g2XPd9UzSKK8KYp9Szo_-pyQpIolP7I6OWXqEU/s1600/Metro2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKd-XyI6cUXlVbqTt32GBl0ZezyuR9tcg8A5sgbxsOjP0FHaRBcQhdvo4tXipVjnewKfHFZcgLLYPUqykOgEodvfTER-gqUAi4JYB-g2XPd9UzSKK8KYp9Szo_-pyQpIolP7I6OWXqEU/s1600/Metro2.jpg" height="640" width="360" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Pang-</i>cover girl <i>ba ang</i> peg? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(<i>Sa</i> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WorkingMom.Magazine"><b>Working Mom</b></a> <i>ata dapat</i> hihi)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jDgHroeRWAWvmV8JwXwIEnJvKAdarrEEqkEadft7IS3p90gws8r0v6uFROJIi0WrZD3E8HlofudHrR7R0OM4dywJYuN4CJNzJtIqP_kNp-iH2yg9X7g13lxrm1r7nbYmWucN6bFNuBA/s1600/MetroMag25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jDgHroeRWAWvmV8JwXwIEnJvKAdarrEEqkEadft7IS3p90gws8r0v6uFROJIi0WrZD3E8HlofudHrR7R0OM4dywJYuN4CJNzJtIqP_kNp-iH2yg9X7g13lxrm1r7nbYmWucN6bFNuBA/s1600/MetroMag25.jpg" height="338" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With this dress, I found the courage the join <a href="http://www.metromagazine.ph/"><b>Metro Magazine</b></a>'s #selfie challenge! Oha!</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Outfit of the Day:</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blue dress from Jus My Size</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blue flats from Solemate, SM Department Store</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Photos by <a href="http://adriangonzales.tumblr.com/"><b>Adrian Gonzales</b></a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">***</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Going back to my cliffhanger earlier, I take pride on the fact that I was the one who found the best dress for Mama! Among the many dresses she tried on, this particular dress brought a sparkle in her eyes. For me, it felt like I've returned the favor for buying me <a href="http://extraseksi.blogspot.com/2014/05/world-premiere-that-black-and-white.html"><b>this</b></a> and <a href="http://extraseksi.blogspot.com/2014/05/world-premiere-that-pink-and-yellow.html"><b>that</b></a> illusion dress. Such an awesome feeling!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQj87_ajPaHoo1DenOKrsbx1rhnSniu8PtkOWiWk7BuNW5nyW9hEyLe5A-6aGjnZ6qMLmp6gX0v27DYE1XmLkIdlWZjmCBjP1CPwyv6Qk2tPSBUiUQRWcl33_5Njb385cm35f0EVXdB6c/s1600/1798702_1419885321613393_224287348870034359_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQj87_ajPaHoo1DenOKrsbx1rhnSniu8PtkOWiWk7BuNW5nyW9hEyLe5A-6aGjnZ6qMLmp6gX0v27DYE1XmLkIdlWZjmCBjP1CPwyv6Qk2tPSBUiUQRWcl33_5Njb385cm35f0EVXdB6c/s1600/1798702_1419885321613393_224287348870034359_n.jpg" height="640" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mama said she'll wear this to the ballroom dancing event she'll attend this month. Cool!</span></span></div>
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</script>lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-81159312356499528792014-05-08T14:52:00.000+08:002014-05-12T14:06:40.230+08:00WORLD PREMIERE: That Pink-And-Yellow Illusion Dress<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So you've seen the 1 of 2 maternity-dresses-for-now-corporate-dresses-later in <a href="http://extraseksi.blogspot.com/2014/05/world-premiere-that-black-and-white.html"><b>my prior entry</b></a>. The other one is equally chic and fun, but never did I imagine I'll wear it when I exchange I do's! Maybe it's the superstition about black dresses on wedding day that made me initially want to avoid it, but me and my baby bump can't fit in <a href="http://extraseksi.blogspot.com/2013/11/world-premiere-that-peplum-dress-17th.html"><b>this peplum dress</b></a> anymore. So I gave in and opted for this pink-and-yellow illusion dress. I'll just make sure to wear something all-white for our Church wedding, yes? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyiQrhU0olfdPuMFBXyHvvD94UY66Sz9nwJ-QEPuzCWJNtqQETUu-1ohtWUXbJoNCbOoZlQG-RpAsEoNOD85NMgAydDyOq1TI3wE3H1zkd3Zwvz3SS37JEhVJ5M4SE_eOo6BU8Dc4TWQ/s1600/Yellow+Pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyiQrhU0olfdPuMFBXyHvvD94UY66Sz9nwJ-QEPuzCWJNtqQETUu-1ohtWUXbJoNCbOoZlQG-RpAsEoNOD85NMgAydDyOq1TI3wE3H1zkd3Zwvz3SS37JEhVJ5M4SE_eOo6BU8Dc4TWQ/s1600/Yellow+Pink.jpg" height="640" width="518" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZL_cm1yoQwUgbMiXDwCsYd-sxvaLOIv-ndukf6W_0DbPn0rCli0xmHqXDasMsKShiJo8XXElUfEW9AMNcMDXdtw1ym9K9DY5xwf7VotpLiQxKYD3Mxk_e2uqQYx7iDsdgceXdhJQgRA/s1600/Yellow+Pink2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZL_cm1yoQwUgbMiXDwCsYd-sxvaLOIv-ndukf6W_0DbPn0rCli0xmHqXDasMsKShiJo8XXElUfEW9AMNcMDXdtw1ym9K9DY5xwf7VotpLiQxKYD3Mxk_e2uqQYx7iDsdgceXdhJQgRA/s1600/Yellow+Pink2.jpg" height="640" width="256" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sneak peek!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This dress had me at that little cut in the chest area. It's seductive without even showing my cleavage at all! Can't wait to wear it to the office! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mama actually wanted me to wear my dark blue flats for this dress. But I argued it's better to wear something neutral instead. It felt too Technicolor <i>kasi</i>. How about you, what pair of shoes would you wear for this lovely dress?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Outfit of the Day:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dress from Divisoria</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Snakeskin clutch bag from <b><a href="http://www.blanco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategories1_11202_13554_-1__B">Suiteblanco</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Earrings and bracelet </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">from Mama</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">White lacey flats from Solemate, SM Department Store</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photos by Waldo Pan.</span></div>
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</script>lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-79964042843866441342014-05-05T13:27:00.000+08:002014-05-11T15:25:01.905+08:00WORLD PREMIERE: That Black-And-White Illusion Dress + Baby Bump<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've said this once and I'll say it again - my mum had been greatly influential with my fashion sense. Most of the time, I'm snatching stuff from her closet or she'd style me, like what happened <a href="http://extraseksi.blogspot.com/2014/03/world-premiere-that-bejeweled-skull.html"><b>here</b></a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When we found out that I'm already carrying a 6-month-old baby girl around end of March (yeah, this story probably deserves a separate entry!), it was my mother who immediately acted on this fashion emergency. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Actually, I've wanted to squeeze in a visit in <i>ukay ukay</i> shops in my hectic schedule, but my friend <a href="http://tangerinelullaby.com/"><b>Yvie</b></a> dissuaded me due to exposure to dirt and bacteria.</span> So Mama spearheaded the spring cleaning and - voila! - I have instant maternity dresses and <i>bestidas</i> straight from her <i>baul</i>. But that didn't stop her; she still went to Divisoria to scour for more maternity-dresses-for-now-corporate-dresses-later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I must admit I was impressed with her 2 purchases! Although this black-and-white illusion dress pretty much reminded me of <a href="http://weknowmemes.com/2013/03/kim-kardashian-vs-a-killer-whale-who-wore-it-better/"><b>this who-wore-it-better meme</b></a>, I took delight in its effortlessly fabulous feel! My friends even told me, "<i>Donyang-donya ang</i> peg!" upon seeing me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ei1jRj0ylkZ8JTDEr44qIFEOM6dTR-2yxXY65im5q4DPURFZGlGudyNwJDnG5XlR2EQvGR05nU8LrWv0hXTP5KNwWUQ8TTawso97wJs7jOE6MpcosHIvFzkpaYTYIoz7cTBeIBE8OLQ/s1600/Illusion+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ei1jRj0ylkZ8JTDEr44qIFEOM6dTR-2yxXY65im5q4DPURFZGlGudyNwJDnG5XlR2EQvGR05nU8LrWv0hXTP5KNwWUQ8TTawso97wJs7jOE6MpcosHIvFzkpaYTYIoz7cTBeIBE8OLQ/s1600/Illusion+Dress.jpg" height="640" width="568" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Speaking of <i>donyang-donya</i>, I left my usual dangling earrings at home and grabbed my mother's regal-looking clip-on earrings. And believe it or not, I traded my usually huuuuge shoulder bag with something black and light from mum. In short, that overused white lacey flats is the only thing in this ensemble that I own haha! I was thinking <a href="http://garnerstyle.blogspot.com/2014/03/celebrity-style-capture-amber-riley.html"><b>sandals like this</b></a> would look great on this dress, but I've been reaaaaally lazy to shop for myself. Someday, after childbirth, I'd like to pair it with <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fm5.paperblog.com%2Fi%2F54%2F546618%2Fdoes-the-optical-illusion-dress-really-work-L-LNJIRN.jpeg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fen.paperblog.com%2Fdoes-the-optical-illusion-dress-really-work-546618%2F&h=643&w=352&tbnid=t3VI_2g6xXhTyM%3A&zoom=1&docid=kPXAA2P3QAJyAM&ei=oL9YU8qpCo3i8AWIg4HwAg&tbm=isch&ved=0CHMQMygWMBY&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=2409&page=2&start=19&ndsp=21"><b>pumps like this</b></a>! But for now, I'm a slave for comfort. (<i>Lagi naman, diba</i>? Haha!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLpx9mMKTPn8gAdgGnyis3BBvt1eloP5cF77KhypbO4Mgr2JOAqYU-V-6M0fA1MJA_EJIMQ2QIbu6xxLbCcGlAjQSUnGcngO5XgnX1ARMq7h73HagpnALEkbbexfBBMzoekADN46o9Ms/s1600/Illusion+Earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLpx9mMKTPn8gAdgGnyis3BBvt1eloP5cF77KhypbO4Mgr2JOAqYU-V-6M0fA1MJA_EJIMQ2QIbu6xxLbCcGlAjQSUnGcngO5XgnX1ARMq7h73HagpnALEkbbexfBBMzoekADN46o9Ms/s1600/Illusion+Earrings.jpg" height="640" width="360" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lovin' the earrings, hatin' the dark neck! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Of course, this calls for a close-up shot of the earrings. But forgive me for the exposure of my unsightly neck and nape. That, I hope, will disappear after I give birth to my little body image warrior.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Outfit of the Day:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Illusion dress from Divisoria</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Earrings, bracelet and bag from Mama</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">White flats from Solemate, SM Department Store</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Photos by Carl Tendenilla.</span><br />
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</script>lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-19393963680710784662014-04-06T10:22:00.001+08:002014-04-06T10:39:50.564+08:00Pole Dancing Gear For Plus Size Women<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a not-so-secret dream of mine to unleash my inner siren on the pole. When I first met makeup artist <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/makeupbyazaza">Azaza Rodriguez</a></b>, I got so inspired how she radiated passion for pole dancing and how she disproves the notion that fat women can't do it. Her energies are simply contagious!</span><script type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Up to now, I haven't acted on this desire to take up pole dancing class. Well, there are realities like proximity to my residence and/or workplace, budget constraints and practice clothes. See, l</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ooking for pole dancing gear can be a real challenge for plus size women. Since this workout paves the way for strength, flexibility and grace, any aspiring pole dancer need practice clothes that fit well, feel comfortable and look chic at the same time. If it’s too tight, you can’t move freely and, worse, get conscious of your “muffin top”. If it’s too loose, you end up showing your underwear. But we all know that most outfit brands cater to smaller cup sizes and waistlines.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px;">When she started pole dancing, Azaza showed up in class wearing the ever staple t-shirt and cycling shorts. As she progressed in pole dancing, she decided to let go of the sleeves and pant legs for the ideal skin-to-pole contact. She then opted for sports bra from </span></span><a href="http://sassa.com.ph/" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px; text-decoration: none;"><strong style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;">Sassa</span></strong></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px;">, but her chest needed maximum support during the routines.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Emee Macabales </strong><span style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">is fortunate to fit in XL-sized sports bras from local brands like Sassa, Body Mix, </span></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.so-en.com/">So-En</a></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></strong><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and foreign ones like</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.forever21ph.com/">Forever21</a></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></strong><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/pro-sports-bra/pid-282968/pgid-282969" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Nike</a><b>. </b>However, finding pole shorts or booty shorts proved to be more challenging. Most of her purchases from Coco Cabana from </span></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SMLadiesWear">SM Department Store</a></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></strong><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://eskinaclothing.com/"><b>Eskina</b></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"> </span>were found by luck. Sometimes, she had to resort to high-waisted or board shorts-looking bottoms.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 19.5px;">Both Azaza and Emee were happy to discover tankini bottoms and side-string shorts. With its adjustable strings and breathable fabric, they can execute spins, inverts and other moves with ease.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgPl-ifeoIORF10rZHmI5mOqUTzOpYwbvU99EwUKsR-J-PfqwiIiXlOMJ4bUelXkZAD9JZxCmnQ-8fW9f5XVKmFlkLDwB_gSi4uSBJA1Fsr9DFeYWLFAqPet1OIiUw2e6vZ8m6-VP99g/s1600/Azaza+in+action2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgPl-ifeoIORF10rZHmI5mOqUTzOpYwbvU99EwUKsR-J-PfqwiIiXlOMJ4bUelXkZAD9JZxCmnQ-8fW9f5XVKmFlkLDwB_gSi4uSBJA1Fsr9DFeYWLFAqPet1OIiUw2e6vZ8m6-VP99g/s1600/Azaza+in+action2.jpg" height="536" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"> Azaza in action! Stellar on Broadway photo by </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sbellare/media_set?set=a.10152891068615434.1073741829.744095433&type=3" style="text-decoration: none;"><strong style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;">Shane Bellare</span></strong></a><span style="color: #222222;">.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Singer/songwriter/plus size model </span><strong style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/katlopezcansing">Kat Lopez Cansing</a></span></strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">was glad to find </span><strong style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/kTlVTOjvDz/">this pole shorts</a></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></strong><span style="color: #222222;">from online shop </span><strong style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://instagram.com/beamaz1ng">beamaz1ng</a></span></strong><span style="color: #222222;">. She raves how it fits her perfectly and how it prevents the unsightly “camel toe”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For mother-of-two <strong style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nics</strong>, she had her share of alterations for sports bra from Everlast and 168 as well as pole shorts from Body Music and Sassa for a better fit. Eventually, she had her fitness gears custom-made since she prefers her pole shorts spandex and garter-free. This may sound like an expensive option, but she finds it more satisfactory as she gets to choose the color and design. Also, she wears stirrup leg warmers to relax her leg muscles during warm-ups and conditioning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photos from Nics</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's hoping fitness brands and aspiring plus size brands alike would take notice of our consideration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This entry appeared on <b style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://mail.thepoc.net/features/beauty-and-fashion/" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: 0em !important; text-decoration: none;">ThePOC.net's Beauty & Fashion section</a></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">. </span><span style="color: #222222;">Check it out <b><a href="http://www.thepoc.net/features/beauty-and-fashion/features/20308-pole-dancing-gear-for-plus-size-women">here</a></b>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Share it! :)</span></div>
lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-14292784111797289992014-03-30T19:00:00.000+08:002014-04-06T08:25:10.057+08:00Putting Radiant in Radiant Orchid!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm one of the many delighted people to hear that <b><a href="https://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=21128&ca=10">radiant orchid is the color of the year</a></b>. I love lilac and purple for the longest time, making me convinced that I'm somehow qualified to be a Unicorn member if I were in Sweet Valley. I knew it's going to be a fab year! Fast forward today, I'm still unable to maximize the purple eye pencil I bought earlier this year. <i>Ningas cogon</i>, no? Well, THAT and my lack of makeup know-hows. </span><script type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I reached out to beauty blogger/freelance makeup artist <b><a href="http://www.theredlippieadventures.com/">Jolly Moly</a></b> for some help. We both agree that radiant orchid flatters both <i>mestiza</i> and <i>morena</i>. The secret, according to her, is to veer away from combining the fuschia, purple and pink undertones in one look. Instead, choose which undertone to use and decide on your focal point (whether eyes or lips). </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3jCQfwSZRfmlUQERGcP9qRbIar5rc5AbPtlhj4c-a5ZQadRNKTdwOSUgbt_fmL8_ojH6YXNl5I3Irr2wGzY7oKpCmhbkTkwBTwxazGn8OLQ_tzppLXV9XWpxQeUoWu5XUJ0qgRTk8JE/s1600/With+Jolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3jCQfwSZRfmlUQERGcP9qRbIar5rc5AbPtlhj4c-a5ZQadRNKTdwOSUgbt_fmL8_ojH6YXNl5I3Irr2wGzY7oKpCmhbkTkwBTwxazGn8OLQ_tzppLXV9XWpxQeUoWu5XUJ0qgRTk8JE/s1600/With+Jolly.jpg" height="640" width="636" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See? Radiant orchid on <i>mestiza</i> and <i>morena</i>! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let us show you how to do the day-to-night look using radiant orchid in these easy steps:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYfBE2NPKg8p_gmNHVV9iNG-yHftbI9KnxlhegZBwf7rKQdANJeviVYix92Uru9FnYDzm53vhWVkx0Y00azi4lttN-FOIhMTFhauUN44Kx0aCHhI27uac-amu7DFMM05U_7HsAj7zejE/s1600/Day+Look.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYfBE2NPKg8p_gmNHVV9iNG-yHftbI9KnxlhegZBwf7rKQdANJeviVYix92Uru9FnYDzm53vhWVkx0Y00azi4lttN-FOIhMTFhauUN44Kx0aCHhI27uac-amu7DFMM05U_7HsAj7zejE/s1600/Day+Look.jpg" height="544" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Day Makeup</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.) Apply eye shadow primer to your eyelids up to the brow bone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2.) Apply the lightest purple eye shadow all over the eyelids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3.) Apply the darker purple eye shadow on your crease and make little strokes in the outer V of the eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4.) Apply white eyeliner to brighten the eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5.) Use the darkest purple eye shadow to line your lower lash line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6.) Apply eyeliner to the upper lash line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7.) Curl your eyelashes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8.) Apply several coats of mascara. Make sure to do it while the first coats are still wet, otherwise it will result in clumps.</span></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Night Makeup</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9.) Add black eye shadow to the outer V carefully in outlining the crease.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10.) Mix it with a clean blending brush.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlv9D6o-4bIMRTk1appP7GW9Zeu52mCfr6_AwOn6ibV6OogkADzeNgyiazty9DiAP4euVxfia0ocmnWZUqGifoNuruWDi86p_uTJlE3AaKEhk9xeifsqeTw-WpGL4ouIBgkXhyphenhyphenAARMnQ/s1600/Night+Look.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlv9D6o-4bIMRTk1appP7GW9Zeu52mCfr6_AwOn6ibV6OogkADzeNgyiazty9DiAP4euVxfia0ocmnWZUqGifoNuruWDi86p_uTJlE3AaKEhk9xeifsqeTw-WpGL4ouIBgkXhyphenhyphenAARMnQ/s1600/Night+Look.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHa7O8vGDbqceV4vajxUalQy3xyX3fdW-ZbVn9zAaRaDEBbnP_fMsFcDmfdJyt5eTBb_ZZzEjVPDH62dk6SUixNRzueQLKZMwvWJMQ3jejOvnOh9kNOrm4N73xeVFk5W3TxlmU8Y-gPt4/s1600/Day-to-Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHa7O8vGDbqceV4vajxUalQy3xyX3fdW-ZbVn9zAaRaDEBbnP_fMsFcDmfdJyt5eTBb_ZZzEjVPDH62dk6SUixNRzueQLKZMwvWJMQ3jejOvnOh9kNOrm4N73xeVFk5W3TxlmU8Y-gPt4/s1600/Day-to-Night.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.5px;">Day-to-night look. Photos by Jolly Moly.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.5px;">This entry appeared on <b><a href="http://mail.thepoc.net/features/beauty-and-fashion/">ThePOC.net's Beauty & Fashion section</a></b>. Check out the article <b><a href="http://mail.thepoc.net/features/beauty-and-fashion/tips-n-tricks/20303-beauty-101-radiant-orchid-eye-makeup">here</a></b>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUY_IqgANeu2GdX3fyRW46hXk4k-R0U2d8blNu39vcPRjpHwvRuEaRKsh3YnJ7qriVP-h22wmh0X3fYNH76PIdJlwGIWQZvsKiXEhCtuFxkNNNQdyLdYCUTaCj-NLApmhbgd9HKxc0wMs/s1600/Radiant+orchid1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUY_IqgANeu2GdX3fyRW46hXk4k-R0U2d8blNu39vcPRjpHwvRuEaRKsh3YnJ7qriVP-h22wmh0X3fYNH76PIdJlwGIWQZvsKiXEhCtuFxkNNNQdyLdYCUTaCj-NLApmhbgd9HKxc0wMs/s1600/Radiant+orchid1.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></div>
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lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-77959865180555063642014-03-04T00:19:00.000+08:002014-03-04T00:19:25.536+08:00Bag of Tricks: How To Pamper Your Favorite Accessory<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">NOTE: This write-up is published under the <b><a href="http://www.thepoc.net/features/beauty-and-fashion/">Beauty & Fashion section of POC.net</a></b>. Read it <b><a href="http://www.thepoc.net/features/beauty-and-fashion/tips-n-tricks/20142-bag-of-tricks-how-to-pamper-your-favorite-accessory">here</a></b>. </span><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8TRiYTKmAE6FFfJIt6UrBqFH90mEbgRi3IVN-w0G_UhyphenhyphenAMww046Dv-UJARe4OG_khWIfCduCvB9MI_xer7qZy0vCG7zJvxgav-RnnK58n7FMNHEstP_TpY5fb-a2xpOGUm16Lh8z_7w/s1600/POC+Lorna3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8TRiYTKmAE6FFfJIt6UrBqFH90mEbgRi3IVN-w0G_UhyphenhyphenAMww046Dv-UJARe4OG_khWIfCduCvB9MI_xer7qZy0vCG7zJvxgav-RnnK58n7FMNHEstP_TpY5fb-a2xpOGUm16Lh8z_7w/s1600/POC+Lorna3.jpg" height="238" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxw3txg6OuTvBjJy2gU9kg2oJkICnlKpet9KTHeCr-_JlovPJkUQdxrsP61SpujOMubxuB7I7tPALX_1C1V12otWRiwPn-eYS-FotnCxOuGq7wK2sNTQqkC8fihSNo7dtXFl2wTvGpc0/s1600/POC+Lorna4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxw3txg6OuTvBjJy2gU9kg2oJkICnlKpet9KTHeCr-_JlovPJkUQdxrsP61SpujOMubxuB7I7tPALX_1C1V12otWRiwPn-eYS-FotnCxOuGq7wK2sNTQqkC8fihSNo7dtXFl2wTvGpc0/s1600/POC+Lorna4.jpg" height="290" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It may be true that not all bags are created equal, but they all need attention to maximize their function and aesthetic appeal. Just like how we lavish our skin with cleansers, moisturizers and toners, our beloved bags deserve the same amount of preventive care. So how exactly do we keep them stain-free and damage-free? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For a total </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">burara</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> like myself, I seriously need to know how. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Storage</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For hair and makeup artist/bag collector <b>Carla Excella</b>, she keeps her designer bags inside their respective dust bags when not in use. This will prevent each prized item from gathering dust and getting scratched by family members or pets. She also ensures she has silica gel pouch inside her bag closet for moisture absorption. She warns that moisture leads to growth of molds that will mar the design and lower its value.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When accidental bag collector/blogger <b><a href="http://www.gesttoutopia.com/">Rome Espinosa</a></b> suddenly became a temporary owner of <b><a href="http://www.bagaholic.com.ph/gallery/stocks/#!/~/product/category=8444618&id=32587265">this pre-owned Louis Vitton leather bag</a></b>, he kept it inside a sealed plastic bag. It may not be stored in the dust bag it was originally from, but it remains in good condition after 3 months. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To retain the bag's shape, training manager <b>Mia Yrreverre Abendan</b> finds it imperative to fill the entire bag with crumpled paper before placing it inside a cotton or satin drawstring bag for storage. According to her, no bag - branded or otherwise - deserves to be folded.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some bags, particularly the straps or handles, are made of vanchetta (untreated leather). It tends to darken or discolor due to exposure to weather, sunlight and oil from skin. While the latter is unavoidable, it is recommended not to hold the bags after applying beauty products particulatly hand creams and sunscreen lotion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For bags with chain handles, keep the chain inside the bag to prevent friction with the outside leather that will lead to scratches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Just hook it!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's no telling what harmful chemicals are present in the places we frequent to. Hence, it is advisable to refrain from leaving your bags on the floor. While in a restaurant or salon, for example, it's a no-no to hang your bags at the back of your chair due to security risks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to this not-so-recent invention called bag hooks, we can hang our bags at the edge of a table without worrying about its exposure to bacteria and stains. For some brands, the hook can <b><a href="http://www.thepursehook.com/about.html">carry as much as 34 pounds</a></b>! Good news for <b><a href="http://www.thepoc.net/features/buhay-pinoy/features/18412-girls-like-em-big-the-pros-and-cons-of-carrying-an-oversized-bag">women who love 'em big</a></b>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Carla finds this device useful only for tougher leathers but never for lamb skin leather bags. Since it is made of softer material, it may end up being detached. Project Manager <b>Kristina Rita</b>, however, would rather ask for an extra seat for her bag than take the risk.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ix2NFhgCWTfue3_hy3oXVOeab9LBNKRC6AVk3ynQmIp1u179_Rz8j-fxYfuWFcZLndNjsgqiYv8fg8y1EZaXfmJaxhmOk-6dG1KAln3s6iicoXrJ8kbgXrRmV8RPwLKYo53uSSwZHQg/s1600/bag-hook-hanger-pha-82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ix2NFhgCWTfue3_hy3oXVOeab9LBNKRC6AVk3ynQmIp1u179_Rz8j-fxYfuWFcZLndNjsgqiYv8fg8y1EZaXfmJaxhmOk-6dG1KAln3s6iicoXrJ8kbgXrRmV8RPwLKYo53uSSwZHQg/s1600/bag-hook-hanger-pha-82.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bag hook in action!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo from <a href="http://www.design-glassware.com/">http://www.design-glassware.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Self-Cleaning</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While some bags can get away with the wash-and-wear or faded look, designer ones come with cleaning instructions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mia applies leather conditioner on her beloved bags every other week using pranela. Some cleaners/conditioners come with a cloth, but if there's none, she makes sure to use the softest cloth especially for soft leather.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Trisha Cruz-Cuason</b> of <b><a href="http://www.vintagerestoremanila.com/">Vintage Restore</a></b> says bag owners should be mindful of the amount of cleaners and conditioners applied. Too much cleaner can discolor the leather, while too much conditioner can alter its softness and texture. She advises conditioners should only be used when the need arises or when the sheen of the leather starts to wane.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is also important to determine the leather type before looking for cleaners to use. There is a particular cleaner for shiny leather, matte leather, suede leather and patent leather. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you are into hand-woven bags just like me, never use wet cloth for cleaning. For rattan bags, apply a small amount of premium antique wax or simply any floor wax and use a soft brush (for shoe cleaning) after 10 minutes. According to sculptor/painter <b><a href="http://clintoncarves.weebly.com/">Clinton Anniversario</a></b>, polishing it once a month will help it preserve the color and shine. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aAzO0g3a7tFOmbmToRycYacosTZ7S0M8LBIwPluG6W_FuC_PticsRVS5_ICz4GAK3xiCTWDFkyUhr0fn3FdZpwkN_vvbEGDDllUYm2tnUMSyUIAimBfu5tTsLaK9vcTBa8Yr5_pz46U/s1600/Rattan+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aAzO0g3a7tFOmbmToRycYacosTZ7S0M8LBIwPluG6W_FuC_PticsRVS5_ICz4GAK3xiCTWDFkyUhr0fn3FdZpwkN_vvbEGDDllUYm2tnUMSyUIAimBfu5tTsLaK9vcTBa8Yr5_pz46U/s1600/Rattan+bags.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rattan bags</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo from Clinton Anniversario</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To preserve hand-woven bags made of <i>sodsod</i> leaves that are endemic in Bukidnon (remember <b><a href="http://travelingdahl.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/pasalubong-handwoven-phone-sleeve-from-tagulwanen-tribe-in-bukidnon/">this entry</a></b>?), bookkeeper Lorie Rago-Marte uses clean, dry cloth to wipe off dirt and stains when necessary. Using wet cloth will damage the color and texture of the bags. During our interview, she mentioned <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BukidnonArtsCrafts">Bukidnon Arts & Crafts</a></b> will be working on waterproof bags in the near future. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkYsqTcDlqvpl4mcPG9uUfTYH7wnpfP-Ghe7BV2Lku-tHxmG9pjkE59ZblO-Rcr3JsizD4M-8VuBM-PgdogT5ys2nK_R-SOye6-lMmicniSsW8you6tvbCX-sDg5SjjntDoNrrrdslBg/s1600/Fotor022805230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkYsqTcDlqvpl4mcPG9uUfTYH7wnpfP-Ghe7BV2Lku-tHxmG9pjkE59ZblO-Rcr3JsizD4M-8VuBM-PgdogT5ys2nK_R-SOye6-lMmicniSsW8you6tvbCX-sDg5SjjntDoNrrrdslBg/s1600/Fotor022805230.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Sodsod</i> bags</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo from Lorie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Professional Help</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How to tell if your bag's damage were beyond your own powers? According to Vintage Restore, you could save your bag and save costs at the same time for seeking professional help for cases wherein the leather is extremely cracked and discolored, the bag stains your hands when you fish for something inside, when the zipper and other metal parts had gone rusty, when the fabric is extremely untidy, when there are jean stains and other sort of stains on the leather, when the leather got twisted out of shape due to extreme humidity, detached and unstitched parts, among others.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpfkLj4z1CyOZyBGq_SlGhlcdAB9MdPOGu-2c9I_MVk2cGvIa-mz_2L_KCmcVeXb10r56uP8arSt0sG02hB9UWDVw9t98t3pD35ATS_UZOvk-JVLrVzJ3_f8tfmJx3i1dOddDw_OsOF8/s1600/Hermes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpfkLj4z1CyOZyBGq_SlGhlcdAB9MdPOGu-2c9I_MVk2cGvIa-mz_2L_KCmcVeXb10r56uP8arSt0sG02hB9UWDVw9t98t3pD35ATS_UZOvk-JVLrVzJ3_f8tfmJx3i1dOddDw_OsOF8/s1600/Hermes.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See how Vintage Restore saved a deformed Hermes bag</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo lifted from <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vintage-Restore/83208071362">Vintage Restore's fanpage</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mia admits that she never attempts to wash bags with special fabric (like Fendi) herself. Her friend once committed the mistake of having her Coach bag's zipper taken care of in a more accessible shop, but it ended up being further damaged. It may be expensive to bring her designer bags to a bag doctor for cleaning and restoration, but Mia is truly convinced it's all worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a little roundup of bag restoration shops in the metro:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bagrx">Bag Rx</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <b><a href="http://www.besashoes.com.ph/">Besa's</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DoctorLeather">Doctor Leather</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LovinMyBagsPhilippines">Lovin' My Bags</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vintage-Restore/83208071362">Vintage Restore</a></b></span></div>
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lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-43126545059395113162014-03-01T18:44:00.000+08:002014-03-05T19:07:17.254+08:00WORLD PREMIERE: That Bejeweled Skull Blouse + Crumpled Leggings<script type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How I love this skull blouse that I found inside my closet one weekend! Turns out my mum had a successful trip to an <i>ukay ukay</i> shop (something she learned from me, yay!) and she found this top to be too loose for her. Who wouldn't be willing to take it, right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was about to leave home for work yesterday, she gave me a disapproving look of my all-black ensemble and handed me a better pair of leggings from her own closet. I initially mistook it as curtains due to its crumpled fabric, but later on realized its feminine appeal gave a cool contrast to my punk rock-inspired top. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just like my mum, I felt it's kinda loose, lengthy and unflattering. But I really had to leave for work and I had no time to rummage for other outfits. To my surprise, I received a lot of compliments from my colleagues for this awesome look. Can't wait to wear it again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What I enjoyed the most about this outfit? The fact that my <i>mudra</i> actually styled me. She stopped doing so since I went to college and I must admit I somehow missed it. Just a little bit. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8k2zsPivkLnMAfyt3deAskAWqzTG9QGiYm9LjO5uc-5kf_gPJog3LhQOhlpy4oltnJpICMV6MY046x2Duwv3io5r_f5o8QSGlWkeQQUqmn-cgnLesx5zwi0q0ey5JEeppaCCNvOCcWag/s1600/Skull+OOTD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8k2zsPivkLnMAfyt3deAskAWqzTG9QGiYm9LjO5uc-5kf_gPJog3LhQOhlpy4oltnJpICMV6MY046x2Duwv3io5r_f5o8QSGlWkeQQUqmn-cgnLesx5zwi0q0ey5JEeppaCCNvOCcWag/s1600/Skull+OOTD.jpg" height="640" width="550" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wearing stuff from my mum's closet (except lace flats)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Outfit of the Day:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bejeweled skull blouse from ukay ukay</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Crumpled leggings from mum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lace flats from Solemate (SM) </span></div>
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lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-63728934296749339692014-02-23T18:37:00.000+08:002014-04-06T09:30:09.564+08:00Do-It-Yourself Plus Size Crop Tops<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been obsessing about crop tops the moment I saw <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/288330847889538/photos/a.337650056290950.79774.288330847889538/490614994327788/?type=3&theater">this</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/288330847889538/photos/a.337650056290950.79774.288330847889538/490614694327818/?type=3&theater">that</a></b>! I think that I can pull it off, but I wasn't sure where to get one. Some of the ones I found in Forever 21 won't fit my twins and my budget. And when I finally got <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/288330847889538/photos/a.337650056290950.79774.288330847889538/523457374376883/?type=3&theater">this crop top and matching skirt</a></b> from <b><a href="http://erzullie.wix.com/shop">Erzullie</a></b>, I had to postpone the much-awaited world premiere until I get my dream boots customized. Nope, <b><a href="http://instagram.com/p/kMLrrPMhcG/">this</a></b> does NOT count as world premiere haha!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For <b><a href="http://thepoc.net/features/beauty-and-fashion/tips-n-tricks/20092-diy-plus-size-crop-tops">this assignment for POC.net</a></b>, (Click it, share it!) I decided to ask for <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chiara-PLUS/241152382595392">Chiara Causaren</a></b>'s expertise on how to create crop tops in the comfort of our own homes. Her old-shirt-<i>noon</i>-crop-top-<i>ngayon</i> posts always never fail to amaze me! </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Does
it take a fashion designer to do it? As long as you can imagine your creation
and determine how cropped and flirty it will be, you are good as a pro. Do we
need to sew? It will depend on the fabric, but cottony and stretchy ones will
curl up nicely even without doing so.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, let us show you how to chop away!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2u67xSgu9d2clJ1lHjBTZMm7q8OVpuMneYMy0ILIFv0Jnu4u6NVg9gP1Aq1zf2aqv4qCXNI7cerWneM84-0zySQBVI6tK82OwmXyLITaXev5gHmkjwjYj6MqwpvjRRje6KLd1xfyG75o/s1600/POC+Lorna3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2u67xSgu9d2clJ1lHjBTZMm7q8OVpuMneYMy0ILIFv0Jnu4u6NVg9gP1Aq1zf2aqv4qCXNI7cerWneM84-0zySQBVI6tK82OwmXyLITaXev5gHmkjwjYj6MqwpvjRRje6KLd1xfyG75o/s1600/POC+Lorna3.jpg" height="238" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhpKjHeCeDt17oKRtM9wlg8T8iFRqQqKHxyK7Q-Em5okNW3HcXk0mh79T9YHpuPpW-_MAmw29Dr0eXhgNIoo_DMFwy8lywQDrMTW_LdGmVFMXY0KxG5cf4hs3P1hqo_5WOPbr-oFa1fo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-05+at+5.04.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhpKjHeCeDt17oKRtM9wlg8T8iFRqQqKHxyK7Q-Em5okNW3HcXk0mh79T9YHpuPpW-_MAmw29Dr0eXhgNIoo_DMFwy8lywQDrMTW_LdGmVFMXY0KxG5cf4hs3P1hqo_5WOPbr-oFa1fo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-05+at+5.04.00+PM.png" height="252" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Level 1: Easy!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>You can make a crop top out of old leggings!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwImoCdT5BJYXNBVuqoWJEtcEuc1XbiZlT3WXh7Xnq2q-JJb3ZHqIwJw0dg1BcmHJcMb1b2GFeGT3OPrtu4JjdoohdKz1VLk-Dh9J00pEviejfJ6Qj_oMr35-FB1aUrtqzAbbQFltxIM/s1600/Crop+Top2.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwImoCdT5BJYXNBVuqoWJEtcEuc1XbiZlT3WXh7Xnq2q-JJb3ZHqIwJw0dg1BcmHJcMb1b2GFeGT3OPrtu4JjdoohdKz1VLk-Dh9J00pEviejfJ6Qj_oMr35-FB1aUrtqzAbbQFltxIM/s1600/Crop+Top2.5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.) Fold your leggings sideways in a flat surface. This will ensure symmetry when you're about to cut it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2.) Cut a half-circle between the leg sleeves (<i>pundyo</i>) to create the neck hole. The wider the cut, the lower the neckline will be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3.) Stretch the fabric to keep it from fraying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4.) Try it on!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>You can make a front-tie crop top from an old shirt!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijotTYZk3V64iRaWck-1SYqCfPWaSO1M_SBqGB-sa3Y9JzUiMTk8nMnRX5VXFgtc89n8IiFTOptc5WsuUlzISKjGmh8mtlBtc6fm37w3ctZLpBgPTz8OgUQrlh8iAv_eirJNmj__tZVxY/s1600/Crop_Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijotTYZk3V64iRaWck-1SYqCfPWaSO1M_SBqGB-sa3Y9JzUiMTk8nMnRX5VXFgtc89n8IiFTOptc5WsuUlzISKjGmh8mtlBtc6fm37w3ctZLpBgPTz8OgUQrlh8iAv_eirJNmj__tZVxY/s1600/Crop_Top.jpg" height="540" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1.) Mark a line on where you want to cut. You may mark a bit longer to have a room for error.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2.) Lay your shirt sideways on a flat surface.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3.) Cut the lower back part up to the line you drew before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4.) Cut until the middle of the shirt then cut diagonally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5.) Cut the uneven fabric into half.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6.) Flip it over and tie both ends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7.) Wear it and flaunt those curves!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Level 2: Moderately difficult, but feasible!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>You can make a crop tieback top out of an old shirt!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd3Rn8tRPMXIF665HRmRcrm3r1QZD1x4gAzViMpyo4DUuHFimw21rhh4W4ZihmHwM6tsZnAPsNKxtiKGHLAXZWM2aS2R3rUL2S0gyb7Ta2DnJddXCncZ71v2DAM1CzdpH-l_QXuoCjUE/s1600/Crop+top+Chiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd3Rn8tRPMXIF665HRmRcrm3r1QZD1x4gAzViMpyo4DUuHFimw21rhh4W4ZihmHwM6tsZnAPsNKxtiKGHLAXZWM2aS2R3rUL2S0gyb7Ta2DnJddXCncZ71v2DAM1CzdpH-l_QXuoCjUE/s1600/Crop+top+Chiara.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.) Lay out your top sideways on a flat surface.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2.) Cut the middle of the neckline up to the bottom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3.) Cut the lower end at the back, up to the preferred length.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4.) Use the removed part at the back as an extension in the front. Sew it together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5.) Put it on and tie the loops at the rear!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Level 3: Difficult!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>You can make a knotted crop top out of an old shirt!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jEK-zaXNP6ZYswZl7QOwFvRk77zrdrhphjHDwEsnAN8ZjCfq1G6l7G7cpCtaiF_3CCWao-74371Ef26e_L0O5huAqFaBlhU8y8GAmBZDv5oxXR-OWXwZhx2J1tKIm-YbUExnXUnBsg8/s1600/Crop+top+knots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jEK-zaXNP6ZYswZl7QOwFvRk77zrdrhphjHDwEsnAN8ZjCfq1G6l7G7cpCtaiF_3CCWao-74371Ef26e_L0O5huAqFaBlhU8y8GAmBZDv5oxXR-OWXwZhx2J1tKIm-YbUExnXUnBsg8/s1600/Crop+top+knots.jpg" height="490" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.) Cut both sides of the shirt vertically up to the preferred length.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2.) Cut tiny strands all the way up to the middle so the knot design will fall below the bust. Make sure you have strands in even number to make the knotting easy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3.) Since the t-shirt hems typically curl up once cut, pull them to make it easier to knot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4.) Knot the strands together in twos. Continue making knotted rows until the bottom to create diamond-shaped holes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5.) Cut off excess fabrics.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6.) Voila! You're now ready to make heads turn!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.5px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 19.5px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now you’re all set to make your own. It’s important that you
take note of the following:</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.) Crop tops are for every<b>BODY</b>! Whatever body frame you are
in, you will look fabulous in it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2.) If you can’t decide how much of the hem you can chop,
the suggested length is about 1-2 inches from the bustline. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3.) If you realized you’ve cut more than you intended to and
you’re not comfortable with the amount of skin exposure, pair your crop top
with high-waisted shorts, skirts or pants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4.) Make sure to wear good-fitting undergarments.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">5.) Compliment your look with a great smile and have fun in
it!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">***</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.5px;">You think you still need more crop top inspiration? Let me leave you with other <i>Pinay</i> curvies who rock this look. Hot, hot, hot!</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakoVCWcX1GiOIE-HGSpIWlJRwIUGiUO1okzzaNaWw7CoK0EE1otjABKInBPWyMhzphFxrMGfN6DEIzfKn91fDbdnKvRm60VweXWjyNyudvWoki-tGNvWfZlbEbkjNSh532S15wA9RN8c/s1600/Fotor0223183222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakoVCWcX1GiOIE-HGSpIWlJRwIUGiUO1okzzaNaWw7CoK0EE1otjABKInBPWyMhzphFxrMGfN6DEIzfKn91fDbdnKvRm60VweXWjyNyudvWoki-tGNvWfZlbEbkjNSh532S15wA9RN8c/s1600/Fotor0223183222.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">L-R: <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PAAASSSHHH">Pasha</a></b>, Chiara & <b><a href="http://curvymod.blogspot.com/">Nina</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pasha's photo taken from <b>Erzullie</b>, Chiara's & Nina's photos from their timeline and blog, respectively.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-83993456124334755102014-02-17T16:19:00.000+08:002014-03-09T00:27:36.296+08:00WORLD PREMIERE: That Striped Dress / PINAY CURVIES EVENT: #StartingOverAgain Movie Date / Erzullie's Showroom-warming Party<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What an action-packed weekend! I started the day with <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/254382101396205/">this much-awaited movie date</a></b> with beautiful strangers <b>Avon</b> and <b>Miss</b> <b>Annie</b> and long-time sister in fashion, <b><a href="http://lorenmaem.blogspot.com/">Loren</a></b>. Sadly, my partner <b><a href="http://feastfulife.wordpress.com/">Mitch</a></b> can't make it due to a family affair in Batangas. So I felt the pressure to be doubly <i>madahldahl</i> to compensate for her absence. </span><script type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Did I succeed? As always, I need not to fret. Any <b><a href="http://pinaycurvies.com/">Pinay Curvies</a></b> gathering always felt like a reunion of sort; the moment we strangers recognized one another, we instantly hit it off. In fact, I was quick to initiate a bet: "<i>Kung sinong unang iiyak</i> while watching <b><a href="http://starcinema.abs-cbn.com/movies/starting-over-again">Starting Over Again</a></b>..." I didn't get to finish my sentence as they admitted they're crybabies just like me. But I think I was the first to sniff and wipe my eyes dry. How competitive, huh?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NMHAmiyRg8UMAl9UJ6aTlMuii7QtyvhutPrXRyGMU0MggF8Xw5ZaHnBvl1AtHZXcHlpE_LR2xruOzj60T_znRDTe21QwJpotwZ4ljR1KKdm2pzRZzwcn3M7PD2nXdFNqzrIwqbaoL-A/s1600/Starting+Over+Again1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NMHAmiyRg8UMAl9UJ6aTlMuii7QtyvhutPrXRyGMU0MggF8Xw5ZaHnBvl1AtHZXcHlpE_LR2xruOzj60T_znRDTe21QwJpotwZ4ljR1KKdm2pzRZzwcn3M7PD2nXdFNqzrIwqbaoL-A/s1600/Starting+Over+Again1.jpg" height="518" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Lumaklak kami ng realidad"</i> and discussed how we can relate...over food!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since we can all relate to film, we decided to talk about this reel-life sob story and our own real-life (un)love stories! Inasmuch as I would like to share our golden realizations, I doubt they'll allow me. So whatever revelations that transpired that afternoon in Glorietta 5, stays there! I can talk about mine, but that probably calls for a separate blog entry. Ha!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy65iAISww_8mbGWTmkZWro-ITt1bdxhRMmnmqQOss4oCLcA2pVXOoWrxBy54y8GyudUfwziMKyRlb9pzMM-hM14s2aZkCoGDn8Wy6yuOeOBFKJg0hi9TRINJEkcMTMJc9k1l1Yp1DC90/s1600/Fotor0305181021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy65iAISww_8mbGWTmkZWro-ITt1bdxhRMmnmqQOss4oCLcA2pVXOoWrxBy54y8GyudUfwziMKyRlb9pzMM-hM14s2aZkCoGDn8Wy6yuOeOBFKJg0hi9TRINJEkcMTMJc9k1l1Yp1DC90/s1600/Fotor0305181021.jpg" height="330" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Something sweet and colorful from the generous Miss Annie!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To our surprise, Miss Annie (she used to sell plus size clothes on eBay way back in 2005! <i>Isa syang institusyo</i>n!) gifted us with jelly beans! It was an astounding sight as I've been wondering where I can find Mason jars here in the Philippines. Plus, I discovered that Avon happens to be a Caviteña, too! And she's met Loren in one of the many go-sees before. All together now ---♫♪♪ it's a small world after all! ♪♫♫</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2-COwmtBLmUuh7go82dJ_G53eOPLV9L-cCgvnV4YX819Xvp5u-Mf9jlGagHhfKAoegF_xXWMsIqS-X1tZL63mSfU8bUq8nKqlgeRPR5wF8AwG1ROB7ty0OslPlXivSeClTkAFhGIYKY/s1600/Fotor030518133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2-COwmtBLmUuh7go82dJ_G53eOPLV9L-cCgvnV4YX819Xvp5u-Mf9jlGagHhfKAoegF_xXWMsIqS-X1tZL63mSfU8bUq8nKqlgeRPR5wF8AwG1ROB7ty0OslPlXivSeClTkAFhGIYKY/s1600/Fotor030518133.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Class picture!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What I enjoyed about this meet-up? We were already making plans on our next <i>chikahan</i> even before we decided to part ways. Actually, Avon and Miss Annie would like to continue the gabfest over coffee, but Loren and I had to decline due to <b><a href="http://erzullie.blogspot.com/2014/02/plus-size-event-erzullie-showroom.html">another event we can't afford to miss</a>.</b> Off to Pasig we went!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finding <b><a href="http://erzullie.wix.com/shop">Erzullie</a></b>'s showroom wasn't hard at all. All we had to do was follow the contagious gales of laughter from the hallway and we're home. As always, it was a fun-filled evening with these body-positive ladies!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LXHvV5IoQMtgo_QhUp3iDnkCLp_KuQQTHlp87ui37c1WNR5LbLxtw7rjY-BlNx7IiP6YEYSUZ5KuwEfSxQRtVHP13fpi9skhDSjr1a5Dm4gC1jQ1AexBRuu0HdF4j3u8sKRFd_8AaCA/s1600/Erzullie+Icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LXHvV5IoQMtgo_QhUp3iDnkCLp_KuQQTHlp87ui37c1WNR5LbLxtw7rjY-BlNx7IiP6YEYSUZ5KuwEfSxQRtVHP13fpi9skhDSjr1a5Dm4gC1jQ1AexBRuu0HdF4j3u8sKRFd_8AaCA/s1600/Erzullie+Icons.jpg" height="640" width="568" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Meet the Erzullie Icons we got to hang out with: <b><a href="http://erzullie.blogspot.com/2014/01/plus-size-model-love-life-and-purpose.html">Jayrea</a></b>, Loren and <b><a href="http://erzullie.blogspot.com/2014/01/plus-size-news-erzullie-icon-kat-lopez.html">Kat</a></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRDyKULvW0rMUfNBtcZRawwznCOYwNdj_dLvhtyWwIkJGsRUk7Q4hfi-pb0jqSdbit1F83UhLlGXfeblD8i_N7ck1ibK0dWRU3Q217ogwBHP3RJFqH6iFniDcRp8hNEKFXNgqiZobT2k/s1600/Message+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRDyKULvW0rMUfNBtcZRawwznCOYwNdj_dLvhtyWwIkJGsRUk7Q4hfi-pb0jqSdbit1F83UhLlGXfeblD8i_N7ck1ibK0dWRU3Q217ogwBHP3RJFqH6iFniDcRp8hNEKFXNgqiZobT2k/s1600/Message+board.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Painting the showroom's wall with love, love, love!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For <b><a href="http://pinaycurvies.com/2014/01/17/pinay-curvies-swag-january-something-old/">this month's Pinay Curvies Swag challeng</a></b>e, I intended to bring out this striped dress from my Orocan <i>baul</i> (my mum took it upon herself to re-arrange my clothes again depending on frequent usage) and pair it with my ankle boots that I world premiered back in high school (circa 1995-1999). Why this dress? Well, you've heard me acknowledge hand-me-downs in my prior posts, so why not talk about a somewhat forgotten <i>ukay ukay</i> find? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Unfortunately, I was unable to unearth the mentioned boots which kinda broke my heart since I wore them for <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAKokHoCKa4">the Christmas station ID</a></b> shoot a couple of months ago. Where did they go? They can't possibly walk out on me, right? As a result, I was unable to join the blog link-up. Sighs. But, hey, make sure to check out these outfits with interesting back stories from <b><a href="http://curvymod.blogspot.com/2014/01/pinay-curvessomething-old.html">Nina</a></b>, <b><a href="http://fatfashionologhist.blogspot.com/2014/01/spiced-up-my-grand-mas-midi-dress.html">Katee</a></b>, <b><a href="http://ohdearvita.blogspot.com/2014/01/thrifting-creating.html">Keevee</a></b> and <b><a href="http://carolinebiggirlbigworld.blogspot.com/2014/02/flashback-to-90s.html">Caroline</a></b>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyway, I like how this cottony, casual fabric blended well with the sheer fabric that covered my chest and arms. Its contrast pretty much reminded me of <b><a href="http://extraseksi.blogspot.com/2013/10/world-premiere-that-see-through.html">this see-through miniskirt</a></b>... or whatever's the proper way to describe it. How about you, do you think these white flats looked better than the black ankle boots for this striped dress? Let me know what you think. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ydLpAmgti5ahGzn-8YLRsu3YBv2wxHazRJGDsPkmVys2HIBwwLuMblpuSApmYNwLndplfvq_JWZfbn_3cvyrUayfRXkc8BxAEc0oZmFq8__V6WSFUijx876dLExs4R4qyz6A2xOXPGM/s1600/20140215_193908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ydLpAmgti5ahGzn-8YLRsu3YBv2wxHazRJGDsPkmVys2HIBwwLuMblpuSApmYNwLndplfvq_JWZfbn_3cvyrUayfRXkc8BxAEc0oZmFq8__V6WSFUijx876dLExs4R4qyz6A2xOXPGM/s1600/20140215_193908.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Erzullie Icon...NOT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Outfit of the Day:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Striped dress from <i>ukay ukay</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">White lacey flats from Solemate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Moonstone crystals from <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/crystalempress">Crystal Empress</a></b></span></div>
<br />lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-44953734787101101362014-02-04T18:52:00.000+08:002014-03-05T17:51:11.080+08:00Bilbiling Mandaluyong 2014<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">I've been wanting to watch the annual Bilbiling Mandaluyong beauty pageant since I interviewed </span><b style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://extraseksi.blogspot.com/2011/03/real-life-goddess-leslie-anne-canlas.html">Leslie Ann Canlas</a></b><span style="text-align: start;">, the title holder back in 2011. I planned to attend the following year, but I got swamped with work and ended up having </span><b style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://extraseksi.blogspot.com/2012/02/sale-alert-solemate-offers-2-pairs-for.html">this last-minute sole searching adventure.</a></b><span style="text-align: start;"> As a result, I found it doubly hard to get up from bed that afternoon. Good thing, I spotted <b><a href="https://twitter.com/iamsuperbianca/status/428659879759208448/photo/1">this tweet</a></b> and got reminded of my dream to watch this beauty pageant live. What's more, I found fellow willing audience in my former colleagues when I posted my inquiry about the event whereabouts! Yay!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">We were told that the venue can get too crowded, so we aimed to be first in line. At 05:20pm, the gym was rather empty and we had the luxury to choose our seats. Since the bleachers were divided into <i>baranggays, </i>we, as mere outsiders, were hoping we won't get thrown out or something. The show was supposed to start at 07:00pm, but the judges started arriving around 08:40pm! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VEm4kFc8Ew2_43FXyOQyv216I8G2s9UgBE3Bd8RJJaKATWUhHg6biG9tSGETz3NLGtjr_dbKNlZXXBpmatPK0U7IC5hxzlQfzzpmzfAOmyWHPp-eICagBrrsDXKBSOIp7Nxby81xG4A/s1600/Bilbilin+audience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VEm4kFc8Ew2_43FXyOQyv216I8G2s9UgBE3Bd8RJJaKATWUhHg6biG9tSGETz3NLGtjr_dbKNlZXXBpmatPK0U7IC5hxzlQfzzpmzfAOmyWHPp-eICagBrrsDXKBSOIp7Nxby81xG4A/s1600/Bilbilin+audience.jpg" height="640" width="556" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">With my friends and fellow early birds Ivy and Chad (before the event marshalls confiscated the balloons and tarps)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">When the candidates started rocking the stage at 09:00pm, I found my energy again and clapped away. It was such an awesome feeling to see 27 plus size <i>Pinays</i> in midriff-baring tops (not because they're going to step on the <i>timbangan ng bayan)</i> with proud smiles in their faces. Seriously, I felt my tears well up!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyHDu_7fD0BmtQEi-3rZgIZT53uarS_yiNDhui7-o8sUFvznbVnljGZAL6zde3qcDEVttrca0nFBlnO9M_RoLeHVOc353lrqto-RT8WD4nffvjK9dRkwaqKAKKCJrrBd5cGPE7FhNAAs/s1600/Bilbilin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyHDu_7fD0BmtQEi-3rZgIZT53uarS_yiNDhui7-o8sUFvznbVnljGZAL6zde3qcDEVttrca0nFBlnO9M_RoLeHVOc353lrqto-RT8WD4nffvjK9dRkwaqKAKKCJrrBd5cGPE7FhNAAs/s1600/Bilbilin3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/j6r-cfnxqm/"><b>The 27 <i>Bilbiling</i> Mandaluyong 2014 candidates</b></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The crowd's reaction was wild and deafening. At first, I was determined to know if it were cheers or jeers. From my vantage point, it was easy to tell. But halfway the program, I reminded myself that I went the distance to enjoy the moment, to support fellow body love advocates, NOT to allow the laughs get into me. But somehow it did. We're still far from becoming an accepting, non-judgmental nation! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Still, I can't ignore the possibility that events like this may serve as springboard for social change. We can't expect other people to accept and laud people like us right away, but exposure to belly rolls, stretch marks, cellulites and other "flaws" could go a long way. And I intend to patiently sit and watch for this to come into fruition. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKQEAX2Wfk9xskOKls-A1FSz-UQB1O0YVX3VvZqeM-B6Gqf2Eb6hT0_WRwGd2i-y9J97k152dGip51joSclmkkcPtXUXGs5pC9qIluCndWOcil_o5sgHsAwG5b6fPajZO-XO97MNbuLg/s1600/Bilbilin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKQEAX2Wfk9xskOKls-A1FSz-UQB1O0YVX3VvZqeM-B6Gqf2Eb6hT0_WRwGd2i-y9J97k152dGip51joSclmkkcPtXUXGs5pC9qIluCndWOcil_o5sgHsAwG5b6fPajZO-XO97MNbuLg/s1600/Bilbilin2.jpg" height="640" width="634" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/j6rvpVHxqN/"><b>Jampacked crowd! Not a sight for the claustrophobic</b>.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The talent portion would have to be my second favorite! Sadly, there were candidates who conformed to the notions about us (ex. making <i>lechon</i> references in their dance number, having low-energy performance). But it was a delight to see a candidate who shook her booty very well for her own take of <i>gimme gimme</i>, candidates who can give showgirls a run for their money for the amount of lifting and flying executed and <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbd4XT_uZYc">a candidate with sing-and-dance power</a></b> when everyone else grooved to the music. You can't blame me here; fat women are known to be amazing singers. Look at Adele, Radha, Janice Javier, Frenchie Dy and so many others!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking of amazing singers, I'd have to say <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/288330847889538/photos/a.325318794190743.77574.288330847889538/624411404281479/?type=1&theater">THIS</a></b> is my favorite part! Hearing my childhood hero sing my favorite song back in the days! It was so surreal I can't hold my camphone still. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDlVgpT2rgN3H7u6nlb4B9ef1TO5k7qJKEZ3kIPTKdVXfBDiH24Nljkk8_YKyyzE0i5DqQapx1vMVib3lXe2j6_P46tAXkzoBJ8y0I3W7oP_n93ZgbHj5SQw-rqoUMm7kHPpB92mjm9w/s1600/Bilbilin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDlVgpT2rgN3H7u6nlb4B9ef1TO5k7qJKEZ3kIPTKdVXfBDiH24Nljkk8_YKyyzE0i5DqQapx1vMVib3lXe2j6_P46tAXkzoBJ8y0I3W7oP_n93ZgbHj5SQw-rqoUMm7kHPpB92mjm9w/s1600/Bilbilin1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="http://instagram.com/p/j6xBwmnxh_/">THE Manilyn Reynes in the house! Be still, my heart! </a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I must admit I was kinda disappointed with the long gown competition. I was hoping there will be 27 different designs that will somehow give us a reflection of each candidate's personality or 27 ways to flaunt those curves. But they all ended up wearing the same design (or so it appears to me) in different colors. Plus, there was this candidate who, during her turn to ramp, flashed an apple out of her gown. Yeah, another <i>lechon</i> reference. If she were trying to be hilarious, sorry, but I don't find it an uplifting representation of us. I mean, people calling us names is a reflection of who they are, but reinforcing or allowing them to call us names during a body-positive event is another. Or perhaps I'm being sensitive about it. Sorry if I didn't get the humor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a relief that the question-and-answer portion attempted to extract bits and pieces from the candidates' personal lives, views and journey to acceptance. I felt - and I still do -proud and happy that these girls know their worth and they found a good venue to shout it out to the world. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMtPKrrN1A88GdMvp-dPKQqBP-HIKG31jeb2zby8UP2fyPjq-1_BIZvtFxlUDYC0F03ieJYnMz43t1LtIISi0KeoZDKPjNuTxW7fYxlWDAW-gnmf4NOLoMnWOdfZBxTvicsgk38hD6dc/s1600/Bilbilin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMtPKrrN1A88GdMvp-dPKQqBP-HIKG31jeb2zby8UP2fyPjq-1_BIZvtFxlUDYC0F03ieJYnMz43t1LtIISi0KeoZDKPjNuTxW7fYxlWDAW-gnmf4NOLoMnWOdfZBxTvicsgk38hD6dc/s1600/Bilbilin4.jpg" height="636" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="http://instagram.com/p/j7P9Pfnxpz/">And the winners are...</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Congratulations to all the winners! In fact, there were so many special awards and cool prizes, I didn't get to track them all. But I recall that, if the Top 5 winners, get to lose weight just in time for the next year's coronation, they'll receive extra P50,000 in cash. And the organizers take pride in offering this even before <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Biggest_Loser_Pinoy_Edition">the Biggest Loser</a></b> did. Last year's beauty queens and their weight loss story didn't get airtime, so I can only guess it wasn't part of the programme.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sorry, but this slim-down prize contradicts to their objective to celebrate curves. Body mass index (BMI) doesn't equate to fitness and neither is wellness restricted to physical aspect alone. In my humble opinion, being happy with oneself is more important than being conscious about the figures. Besides, being happy leads to finding out what's best for your body and how to achieve it. Thank you! *waves right hand like a beauty queen*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In case you missed this event, I shall leave you with this clip that sums up the beauty contest. Feel free to share what you think. </span></div>
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<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-22919764-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();</script>lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-3143275196187724192014-02-03T23:32:00.000+08:002014-02-03T23:32:11.622+08:00MUSIC MONDAY: Datu's Tribe - "Lakambini Bottom"<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♪♪♪ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;">Eh ano ngayon kung mataba sya </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♫♪</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♫♪</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♪♪ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;">Mas masarap daw magmahal ang babaeng lumba lumba </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♫♪</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♫</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♫ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;">Eh ano ngayon kung mabigat sya </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♪♪♪</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♫</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♫♪ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;">Imbis na tawaging baboy, porkchop, lechon baka, balyena </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♫</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♪♪</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♫♪</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♫ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;">Since there's more of her, there's more to love </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♪♪</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; line-height: 18px;">♪</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yep, I'm still nursing a bad <b><a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/video/192386/unangbalita/27-kalahok-sa-bilbiling-mandaluyong-2014-nagpatalbugan-sa-beauty-contest"><i>Bilbiling Mandaluyong</i> 2014</a></b> hangover. And I have this cool song to blame for, among others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since my friends and I arrived too early yesterday (around 5pm) in the venue, we got to hear this song and watch this music video way often than the others. Upon hearing it, I kept on asking myself how come I wasn't aware of this song. I've heard Datu's Tribe perform live a couple of times already!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I appreciate how this song offered a glimpse to a guy's perspective about body love. But it makes me wonder, how do we know the difference between appreciation and fetish? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you can hear in the background, there was this massive audience impact when they played this music video. I heard supportive cheers from the candidates' <i>ka-baranggays </i>and possibly laughs and jeers from the others. We're still far from becoming an body-loving, non-judgmental society, but I'm grateful for opportunities like this. The more we get exposed to fat bellies, jiggling arms and stretch marks, I believe, the more we will get familiar to such. And I pray this familiarity would lead to acceptance. </span></div>
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lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-32064519939967365272014-01-13T19:30:00.001+08:002014-01-15T18:12:45.476+08:00MUSIC MONDAY: Lily Allen - "Hard Out Here"<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♪♪♪ </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You're not a size six, and you're not good looking </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♫♪♫</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♫ </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, you better be rich, or be real good at cooking </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♫♪</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♫♪</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♪♪ </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You should probably lose some weight </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♫♪</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♫♪♫ </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">'Cause we can't see your bones </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♫</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♪♫ </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You should probably fix your face or you'll end up on your own </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">♪♪</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now this is how you make a comeback! Tackle double standards, body image issues and do a parody of Robert Thicke's "Blurred Lines". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love this artist! She's always been very vocal about her opinions and her songs always make you want to lift your middle finger and shove it to the system. Can't wait to listen to her other tracks!</span><br />
<script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-22919764-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();</script>lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-3012589162384570302013-12-26T01:45:00.002+08:002014-03-05T19:01:35.735+08:00WORLD PREMIERE: That 1920s Look / Pinay Curvies Swag Challenge: Little Black Dress<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How time flies! Once upon a time, I was just co-hosting my favorite twins' 7th birthday. Imagine my shock after I viewed <b><a href="http://vimeo.com/80249366">this save-the-date</a></b> for their 18th natal return! If I may quote a renowned commercial, these babies are now ladies! Ladies who, to be specific, wanted their guests to channel the characters from the film <b><a href="http://thegreatgatsby.warnerbros.com/">The Great Gatsby</a></b>! I was initially intimidated by the idea, but I later on realized it was a cute excuse to keep a fringed frock in my closet. Wee!</span><script type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This obsession, however, led me nowhere. <b><a href="http://instagram.com/p/hV4TvyMhT9/">This fringe dress</a></b> from <b><a href="http://www.blanco.com/">Suiteblanco</a></b> won't fit and, worse, <a href="http://instagram.com/plumpclothing" style="font-weight: bold;">PlumpClothing</a>'s quote was beyond my budget. Thanks to <b><a href="http://pinaycurvies.com/2013/12/14/pinay-curvies-swag-christmas-edition-the-little-black-dress/">this month's Pinay Curvies Swag challenge</a></b>, I got reminded of that sexy black dress I bought from an <i>ukay ukay</i> shop recently. Then I almost changed my mind when I saw how <b><a href="http://instagram.com/p/hdvA72Mhcc/">the invitation</a></b> practically presented my desired look on that night. Should I go back to my plan to look for a fringed frock? Somebody made me realize I can stick to the plain black dress and rummage for flashy accessories instead. Good point!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUOMjND2U5XYVN_w-tdjpdhtVNOUWBjW-nD4lzN4GAHzc2iCgrcPqk6EGPFBnHuhGXThMOgdPmlEsIxN4Bv3wCHBqajPjllPoisPan3lpJVK0ZTfMBnKnS26lPsCiQ9pee-8HcCRl2HE/s1600/Fotor122603624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUOMjND2U5XYVN_w-tdjpdhtVNOUWBjW-nD4lzN4GAHzc2iCgrcPqk6EGPFBnHuhGXThMOgdPmlEsIxN4Bv3wCHBqajPjllPoisPan3lpJVK0ZTfMBnKnS26lPsCiQ9pee-8HcCRl2HE/s400/Fotor122603624.jpg" height="532" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Ate</i> Lorna & the adorable twins <b><a href="http://instagram.com/beabeyys">Bea</a></b> & <b><a href="http://instagram.com/christinecuenca">Tin Tin</a></b>! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMY21RACx3rZtt_V4-VnoljJ052GhEYyzO3ppvreFXZzhcBbIKnS-yKRrYbUEXhRxSrBEJhz-ya3VC_F4kOt9sI4f0wjTDOxx7JWLxI60oTLUDCVwhXVJR1fXUL-1FNDXif346xT2nMM/s1600/1497790_10152168746881869_452070464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMY21RACx3rZtt_V4-VnoljJ052GhEYyzO3ppvreFXZzhcBbIKnS-yKRrYbUEXhRxSrBEJhz-ya3VC_F4kOt9sI4f0wjTDOxx7JWLxI60oTLUDCVwhXVJR1fXUL-1FNDXif346xT2nMM/s400/1497790_10152168746881869_452070464_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take a closer look at my fascinator!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course, it ain't me if there's no hilarious outfit moment to report. Before the party started, I realized my smart phone doesn't recognize my gloved fingers. There were moments I had to take off my right glove to take photos properly...so I dread to see the official photos, particularly if they reveal this "continuity" mishap. I recall posing next to <i>Tito</i> Eddie, the debutantes' father, and concealing my gloved forearm behind him. I hope it worked. Haha!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jp1t9oOcialsQpkNBq_akWuCDfNjGlXYp8a9IfuWkK0hK6iASjwnDTLyih63GAEMJ6fwO2k1WsPEILeZUJolSwI-ITNbSdd5HfdVFWRMR9K7UECtcoQ_k0x7oLIM4RuKzBYYZZRG3e4/s1600/1532094_10152168755741869_2130344350_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jp1t9oOcialsQpkNBq_akWuCDfNjGlXYp8a9IfuWkK0hK6iASjwnDTLyih63GAEMJ6fwO2k1WsPEILeZUJolSwI-ITNbSdd5HfdVFWRMR9K7UECtcoQ_k0x7oLIM4RuKzBYYZZRG3e4/s400/1532094_10152168755741869_2130344350_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The Governess"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A guy friend from college messaged his appreciation when I made the above photo (without the leg part) my profile picture on Facebook. According to him, I give off an impression that I know exactly what would drive men nuts. Aaand behind that mysterious smile and <i>pa</i>-demure arm pose lies this strong desire to be sexually dominant. Thus, he dubbed me "The Governess". Gasp!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As usual, he shared stuff about history I had no clue about. Some affluent women back in the days used to hire photographers in secret to have them captured looking fab and seductive. Since it was taboo back then, it was a secret fantasy to pose like THAT and to be perceived desirable in bed in spite of their prim and proper image. Wow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ok, before we all get too distracted, let's go back to the outfit. Haha! It's not really my style to pile up on accessories, but I contradicted myself this time to comply to the 1920s theme. Normally, I go for statement outfit (the slit would do, in this case) and dangling earrings or bracelet. Boring, I know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I'm not saying I didn't enjoy dressing up that night. It was cool to feel like British royalty with my fascinator, pearl necklaces and white gloves. I just hope I can get to wear them again. Like, in the office! Why not?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Outfit of the Day:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Little black dress from <i>ukay ukay</i> (P120)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Flashy fascinator from <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/victor.carolinas">Carolina's</a></b>, Glorietta (P500)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pearl earrings from Carolina's, Glorietta (P90 each)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">White gloves from <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ButtonsNWrap">Buttons & Wrap</a></b>, SM Makati (P250)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Snakeskin clutch bag from Suiteblanco (gift)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bronze platforms from <b><a href="http://www.payless.com/store/">Payless</a></b> (forgot how much)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">***</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's no way I will conclude this entry without gushing about my favorite twins. I saw them evolve from carefree little girls into stylish, studious young women. Too bad I don't have throwback photos to support that statement. I used to know who's who, simply because Tin Tin was chubbier and more talkative.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fast forward today, I can hardly tell them apart anymore! They've grown figure-conscious, I see, and I trust they're doing it the right way since Bea is pursuing Nursing while Tin Tin is taking up Physical Therapy. I pray they believe in their own beauty and NOT fall slave the society's standards of beauty and sexy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In conclusion, I had a grand time! I luuuurve their 1920s outfits and I feel happy that there was so much familial love in the air. I feel so grateful to be invited to witness all that. Again, happy, happy birthday, Bea and Tin Tin! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHOQYVhw0b-Xx3X44mGO27-oVJt2dHWFQ6tuGgPUJwPPu2jFMX4Op8nkXqj5EYGUeQ5o3JOX-rVaqvC3XSqF8_TVVXGUymtz1AjCcYQlwLJuhXu9wQCihQnGu6l1bxI_-PhJOubKhvfs/s1600/Fotor122603014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHOQYVhw0b-Xx3X44mGO27-oVJt2dHWFQ6tuGgPUJwPPu2jFMX4Op8nkXqj5EYGUeQ5o3JOX-rVaqvC3XSqF8_TVVXGUymtz1AjCcYQlwLJuhXu9wQCihQnGu6l1bxI_-PhJOubKhvfs/s400/Fotor122603014.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">#BeaTinXVIII</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photos by DJ San Jose.</span></div>
lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-42495236550679590152013-12-19T23:54:00.000+08:002014-02-04T01:14:48.767+08:00WORLD PREMIERE: That Striped Cropped Top <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's the time of the year for back-to-back parties! Although the <b><a href="http://www.abs-cbn.com/">Kapamilya Network</a></b> had cancelled our company-wide Christmas party to continue our relief operations for the Yolanda survivors, I was lucky enough to be invited to 2 department parties before we go on vacation.</span><script type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that Studio 23 is signing off, let's par-tey hard!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My best friend DJ tagged me along last night for </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.studio23.tv/">Studio 23</a></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">'s Creative On-Air party. We're supposed to show up as a character in one of the channel's shows (ex. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.wwe.com/">WWE</a></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GagU.studio23">Gag U</a></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.cbs.com/shows/csi/">CSI</a></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/desperate-housewives">Desperate Housewives</a></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://asntm2.starworldasia.tv/">Asia's Next Top Model</a></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, among others). Sure, it was tempting to come as </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/once-upon-a-time/cast/emma-swan">Emma Swan</a></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> but it was too...easy. In fact, there was only one character in my mind. See, I've always been flattered each time DJ says </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy/cast/callie-torres">Callie Torres</a></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> reminds her of me. She embodies curves plus confidence onscreen and I feel she's equally inspiring in real life. </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ang haba ng</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> hair </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ko</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">! Although I still haven't gone beyond Season 2 of </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/greys-anatomy">Grey's Anatomy</a></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to call myself a fan, I truly find her character and love stories interesting. She had me at allegedly NOT washing her hands after taking a pee. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZVmu_r1-pXNwAt7QtOEpRxeFLhA2L-tNoMSPjbi13mz9R0X1W5S9pBe0HGwjRGBvzmVHE6VTUy-FoL6ABDpGaT-i5-93eTnzIc63ld7luBbdp7JNksiXbAvSUAlzgXW-3f8m4548qvU/s1600/Fotor1222235917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZVmu_r1-pXNwAt7QtOEpRxeFLhA2L-tNoMSPjbi13mz9R0X1W5S9pBe0HGwjRGBvzmVHE6VTUy-FoL6ABDpGaT-i5-93eTnzIc63ld7luBbdp7JNksiXbAvSUAlzgXW-3f8m4548qvU/s640/Fotor1222235917.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/SaraRamirez">Sara Ramirez</a></b> as Callie Torres...and me as Callie Torres. Convincing <i>ba</i>? Haha!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Something tells me you're violently shaking your head at this instant. Even if I got the professional look covered. On that note, I'd like to give credit</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to DJ for borrowing her aunt's lab gown and scrub pants. We even had a little debate in the comfort room as I wanted to world premiere <b><a href="http://erzullie.wix.com/shop">Erzullie</a>'</b>s <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=523457374376883&set=a.337650056290950.79774.288330847889538&type=3&theater">striped cropped top and matching skirt</a></b> underneath the lab gown. But she insisted that I should use the scrub pants to look clinical instead. Since I paired it with a cropped top, I opted for the high-waist look. Aaaaand m</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">oments like this make me miss my </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://extraseksi.blogspot.com/2011/07/whats-next-to-my-hairstory-short-and.html">digipermed hair</a></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. With it, I'd somehow look close to Callie Torres. Chos! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Outfit of the Day:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lab gown from DJ's aunt/my dentist</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Scrub pants from DJ's aunt/my dentist</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Striped cropped top from <b><a href="http://erzullie.blogspot.com/">Erzullie</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stethoscope from Mama</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lacey flats from Solemate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">***</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is not right to conclude this little entry without showing you who else showed up in the party. Are you ready to laugh hard until your stomach hurt, <i>Kabarkada</i>? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m-k94U8phmZaO_9E81mThC3fjMip2akBRV5tHfEzPtYJ1f-do9x6WdXRZG4FeL5WoKkheat_lb43gk4YPBnnuKSTcYMVdN9DS61fUQ_7VeBl1MwzuHrJAt2fgpkNzCef0de1rmOCncg/s1600/Fotor12282119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m-k94U8phmZaO_9E81mThC3fjMip2akBRV5tHfEzPtYJ1f-do9x6WdXRZG4FeL5WoKkheat_lb43gk4YPBnnuKSTcYMVdN9DS61fUQ_7VeBl1MwzuHrJAt2fgpkNzCef0de1rmOCncg/s640/Fotor12282119.jpg" height="520" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some people don't need introduction. Can you name them?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p6KbKUBTZeeOsFG5gg43rAl7Ndw5nX0uago0MqaNPtA-lPJrlinDFKfnBP5bRHNvS8gNjRUot1xSJcIYGOn3dBuqhy4sAj50z_PC8kstcQLratqFkUSt0ESLVCk7Y0vidCJMlwXL0hA/s1600/Fotor122821427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p6KbKUBTZeeOsFG5gg43rAl7Ndw5nX0uago0MqaNPtA-lPJrlinDFKfnBP5bRHNvS8gNjRUot1xSJcIYGOn3dBuqhy4sAj50z_PC8kstcQLratqFkUSt0ESLVCk7Y0vidCJMlwXL0hA/s640/Fotor122821427.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love their costumes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photos by DJ San Jose.</span></div>
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lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-22272385960427774472013-11-25T21:14:00.000+08:002013-12-29T00:19:15.560+08:00WORLD PREMIERE: That Peplum Dress / 17th of the 27 Dresses<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remember this <a href="http://extraseksi.blogspot.com/2013/10/world-premiere-that-see-through.html" style="font-weight: bold;">little sneak preview</a>?<b> </b>I divulged I'll wear that peplum dress to a fairy tale wedding, but <b><a href="http://instagram.com/p/gu32N5shTv/">I was unable to change into that</a></b> before the production team started filming <b><a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/11/15/13/watch-maya-sir-chief-exchange-wedding-vows">Maya & Ser Chief's wedding</a></b>. I had time to do so, but the cosmos had its funny ways to prevent my little plan. Loooong, heartbreaking story. </span><script type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Luckily, I had one more wedding to attend this month! This time, I'm my best friend's plus one to her guy best friend's wedding. I know almost everyone in their office so I felt comfortable crashing their wedding haha. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOl7Xmt5DlXLdzY3W48MLoDMeBBZZQrLLpqP1lU_meLPqrGLmL_UwXcXcINFYCveN-eqQ-wBOX2iZvvelqBy7k02P-2C3eblZCNj0QQCw16wS2Qx8ISIhhR-5nZc3drW-FWiA7UV4GZs/s1600/Fotor1228223018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOl7Xmt5DlXLdzY3W48MLoDMeBBZZQrLLpqP1lU_meLPqrGLmL_UwXcXcINFYCveN-eqQ-wBOX2iZvvelqBy7k02P-2C3eblZCNj0QQCw16wS2Qx8ISIhhR-5nZc3drW-FWiA7UV4GZs/s640/Fotor1228223018.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Don't you just adore this dress?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7zcGfCuhVlzsUxLfUJKE5eitUmZda5RCYccWprhkFFoAgVi-ZTZT0Ei3uhn6gCvE2NKyFR1WVGZ0DN0VBA6NbIflMWJsZmwaRa6_1iw9JmkKQ28lbE1J81JgsbdX0sqVf0cuhezgknI/s1600/Fotor122821201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7zcGfCuhVlzsUxLfUJKE5eitUmZda5RCYccWprhkFFoAgVi-ZTZT0Ei3uhn6gCvE2NKyFR1WVGZ0DN0VBA6NbIflMWJsZmwaRa6_1iw9JmkKQ28lbE1J81JgsbdX0sqVf0cuhezgknI/s640/Fotor122821201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Details, details!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Outfit of the Day:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Peplum dress from <b><a href="http://erzullie.wix.com/shop">Erzullie</a></b> (sold out!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Snakeskin clutch bag from <b><a href="http://www.blanco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategories1_11202_13554_-1__B">Suiteblanco</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gray heels from VNC</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">White dangling earrings from Mama</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bangle from DJ</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">***</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because I'm a sucker for weddings, I shall leave you with photos of the best dressed in my humble opinion and some romantic moments captured during the wedding and reception. Love, love, love!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2hHAEM_qYtZADzjClJI7UwHB4YQC6E_WSgiMEfEXCTAiKY0-S0_dVy6L6bsJuBNAdUjtyx3YDnUUAMaqrYNNhXd-B1kN2Socbjwi8NAuqf44HdGCOJ1a4-cD6wIrnHlAVodw-we16QI/s1600/1424521_10152008992748340_238241400_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2hHAEM_qYtZADzjClJI7UwHB4YQC6E_WSgiMEfEXCTAiKY0-S0_dVy6L6bsJuBNAdUjtyx3YDnUUAMaqrYNNhXd-B1kN2Socbjwi8NAuqf44HdGCOJ1a4-cD6wIrnHlAVodw-we16QI/s640/1424521_10152008992748340_238241400_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <b>Best dressed female</b>: Our big boss! So classy in her simple gown! *applause*</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aH3SCUpXW7GxyauONMCyjxj2GL5TO0UGwBNr90F1BPGNjF8pQL8_MTiBcUirpbj2BMWGvcoYXp3R_VFqnq2tyberWH_vyWY4S2Axd6Ntnc3zzypI3UrqmLp5wL6uD8FeYO8URD7-NWs/s1600/1471103_10152009649278340_437949252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aH3SCUpXW7GxyauONMCyjxj2GL5TO0UGwBNr90F1BPGNjF8pQL8_MTiBcUirpbj2BMWGvcoYXp3R_VFqnq2tyberWH_vyWY4S2Axd6Ntnc3zzypI3UrqmLp5wL6uD8FeYO8URD7-NWs/s640/1471103_10152009649278340_437949252_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Best dressed biologically male</b>: How long did it take <b><a href="http://tsubibo.deviantart.com/">Rye</a></b> to button up? I'm clueless!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9afhJ10dSvKTY3yYtqIwrdJIEJ54tP4saEhF7B7MWu_yili8WiG0reoSetiBqcShpaRSMnYxTf3XqSusp_Tt3GC2bOqO4c536I1YL5rnSWgweh9526SJn_q0aLF6OElzbq1aXGj03LKc/s1600/Fotor1228214725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9afhJ10dSvKTY3yYtqIwrdJIEJ54tP4saEhF7B7MWu_yili8WiG0reoSetiBqcShpaRSMnYxTf3XqSusp_Tt3GC2bOqO4c536I1YL5rnSWgweh9526SJn_q0aLF6OElzbq1aXGj03LKc/s640/Fotor1228214725.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Congrats, Jerome! Best wishes, Valerie!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photos from DJ, Sir Bubuy and Jerome.</span></div>
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lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482513079501467531.post-77240959256295697292013-11-14T21:49:00.000+08:002013-11-15T19:51:20.783+08:00Come. Donate. Repack: A Relief Operation for the #YolandaPH Survivors in Guiuan, Eastern Samar<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's all over the news. Until now, we're still looking for our family and friends or our friends' and colleagues' loved ones. What we see on television and our newsfeed remains to be heartbreaking, except for the heroic acts that we, in our own little way, hope to continue. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In our exchanges with one of the administrators of </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gugmaparahaguiuan?directed_target_id=0">Gugma para ha Guiuan</a></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (Love for Guiuan), we are grateful to have found a venue to aid our beloved <i>kababayans.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.pinaycurvies.com/">Pinay Curvies</a></b> would like to invite you and YOUR friends (regardless of size, age and gender) to join us in what we hope to be the first of many relief operations for our countrymen in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. You can meet us this Sunday around 10am onwards at Power Up Climbing Gym along Quezon Avenue. See more details on <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1414171902149974/">this event page</a></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Distribution process:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1.) Land convoy of trucks and other private cars</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2.) Via air courtesy of <b><a href="http://www.alphaland.com.ph/our-projects/balesin-island-club.html">Alphaland Hangar</a></b> (1,500 kilos per flight)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3.) Via sea through collective efforts of the Philippine Navy and <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Guiuan-Surf-Club/251592514862087">Guiuan Surf Club</a></b> and private boat.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThjLpOS-HjlVljzhcFaZxxHrYtL8tO4CjstNaB-WCwDMRmS0FZJD7-Lan8w5xQ6phcsWBL3yqn1GKsRT8D_9HXGLrcyMxttNMlm-M2BQp8MX07fv8ETEm0jBdDhAmTyz_FEskdzZlYlQ/s1600/1426648_10151981970578340_1867729771_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThjLpOS-HjlVljzhcFaZxxHrYtL8tO4CjstNaB-WCwDMRmS0FZJD7-Lan8w5xQ6phcsWBL3yqn1GKsRT8D_9HXGLrcyMxttNMlm-M2BQp8MX07fv8ETEm0jBdDhAmTyz_FEskdzZlYlQ/s640/1426648_10151981970578340_1867729771_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's come together this Sunday!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIjh763bgyifZO8g0An2Qyck-XexTzE_8E-tNiYv2JT4mHfOgQ1VtAmaLRXPFYQ7JByIoL2IVTLUd5jpjnrBuv5lcw3t7ihetUDhAM0XabhgYm2D3bmRZDq_AgWysHplZXoLg-3Gb6vg/s1600/1471164_587154241338247_605823374_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIjh763bgyifZO8g0An2Qyck-XexTzE_8E-tNiYv2JT4mHfOgQ1VtAmaLRXPFYQ7JByIoL2IVTLUd5jpjnrBuv5lcw3t7ihetUDhAM0XabhgYm2D3bmRZDq_AgWysHplZXoLg-3Gb6vg/s640/1471164_587154241338247_605823374_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Map to the venue</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnA-2_9wpAzJWL4QzkKwO9noMYiU4tvCU69siPn78kgHC3UxajKm3ta9yio6umRGt9yxZYhrs-a9zeRvRRNo0hVrZPc6oGX2_wMqCfbh3OCwogRbDEC1ticNv5DrJCSVMYgHAaWt0p2aQ/s1600/1424486_10202717618527914_358966017_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnA-2_9wpAzJWL4QzkKwO9noMYiU4tvCU69siPn78kgHC3UxajKm3ta9yio6umRGt9yxZYhrs-a9zeRvRRNo0hVrZPc6oGX2_wMqCfbh3OCwogRbDEC1ticNv5DrJCSVMYgHAaWt0p2aQ/s640/1424486_10202717618527914_358966017_n.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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lornadahlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331297415219351515noreply@blogger.com0