WORLD PREMIERE: That Striped Cropped Top

It's the time of the year for back-to-back parties! Although the Kapamilya Network 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.

Now that Studio 23 is signing off, let's par-tey hard!

My best friend DJ tagged me along last night for Studio 23's Creative On-Air party. We're supposed to show up as a character in one of the channel's shows (ex. WWE, Gag U, CSI, Desperate Housewives, Asia's Next Top Model, among others). Sure, it was tempting to come as Emma Swan 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 Callie Torres reminds her of me. She embodies curves plus confidence onscreen and I feel she's equally inspiring in real life. Ang haba ng hair ko! Although I still haven't gone beyond Season 2 of Grey's Anatomy 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. 

Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres...and me as Callie Torres. Convincing ba? Haha!

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 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 Erzullie's striped cropped top and matching skirt 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 moments like this make me miss my digipermed hair. With it, I'd somehow look close to Callie Torres. Chos! 

Outfit of the Day:

Lab gown from DJ's aunt/my dentist

Scrub pants from DJ's aunt/my dentist

Striped cropped top from Erzullie

Stethoscope from Mama

Lacey flats from Solemate

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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, Kabarkada? 

Some people don't need introduction. Can you name them?

Love their costumes!

Photos by DJ San Jose.

A Big Hand for Eboy!

The Biggest Loser: Pinoy Edition

Tonight finally witnessed the pilot episode of this reality show for Pinoy heavyweights who, under the guidance of health and wellness experts, aspire to get rid of their excess pounds and/or baggage and vie for the winning title, P1 million cash, a condominium unit and a Vespa scooter. Thanks to my company's observance of the Memorial Day, I get to watch this episode in the comfort of my own home. Special thanks to Derek Ramsay for being my favorite cardio workout!

All contestants had their own difficult past to turn away from and burning desire to return to their loved ones in better shape. I can relate to most of their sob stories, but the real star in my eyes would have to be the chef/restauranteur Eboy Bautista. I used to see him in the confines of Sykes Asia and, I admit, I used to concern myself if he'd fit in the elevator or what. It was amazing to see how his seemingly fun-loving nature reflects onscreen. When he smiles, I feel myself smile along with him. With his charming personality and his heavy appearance (he's the biggest at 488 pounds), Eboy is hard to miss.

Eboy Bautista.
Lifted from his Facebook fanpage.

Based on his interviews, there's sadness beneath his jolly exteriors. Losing his father to cancer, he aims to become a portrait of fitness and inspire the rest of his family to switch to an active, healthy lifestyle. Know what? I'm crossing my fingers for his victory. Either way, being casted as a contestant in this show proves to be a win-win situation already. I just hope he remains focused to his goal and succeed in his ongoing preventive combat against health concerns. Way to go, dude! I won't get to watch anymore as I'm on graveyard shift.

Eboy's inspiration

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His presence in the show made me retrace my body acceptance journey back to 2004. It was the time I recognized I was growing too comfortable with the call center lifestyle - too accustomed to saccharine treats after stressful exchanges with American clients, too addicted to all-important diss/cussions over alcohol with chums and too accommodating to excuses that would keep me away from the soothing arms of my bed.

I sprang into action. I attended yoga classes, took gym membership, got impatient with my weight loss, resorted to diet pills, realized it was an upper, started overindulging, ceased caring since everyone's gaining weight, too, and so on. Looking back, I realized I hardly took care of myself. I was always there for everybody else but myself and I was hell-bent to attain what I thought what I wanted to improve myself (namely, juggling graveyard shift, graduate studies and, in one point, business start-up). Just like every youthful fools there is, I thought I can sleep when I finally kick the bucket. Now I know better. Treat your mind and soul well and you treat your body well. You can't focus on one and hope it will compensate for the other.

Now that I'm back to the graveyard shift after a good year of sound night sleep and 6 months of mostly-chillax bumhood, the Curacha in me really tries my best to pause for a thanksgiving prayer, insert dreamland in my itinerary and consume 80% raw food for detox and give out more energy in my daily exploits. I know I will leave this nocturnal lifestyle soon enough, just you wait.