Friday, January 11, 2013

Meet the Fab Judges (In Their Resortwear/Swimwear)!

You've heard about my little giveaway contest to mark my 2nd bloggiversary happening next week. Now it's time to reveal the fab ladies behind the virtual chairs who will choose the most deserving woman to take her friend to Coco Beach Island Resort in Puerto Galera! 

Meet the judges! 
L-R: Leslie, Ina and Lorna

You've met Leslie Ann Canlas here. She's Miss Bilbiling Mandaluyong 2011 and I can say she remains a walking inspiration to all plus size ladies. Once an extra seksi, will always be extra seksi.

Ina Israel-Pausanos is the Sales and Marketing Manager of Coco Beach. She's been a licensed diver since high school and, as a resident in the resort, she constantly dons dresses, kaftans and swimsuits. She sure knows what's hot and what's not.

And yours truly. (I'd like to think no introduction is needed. Charot!)

Special thanks to Fao for the collage design. 

Thursday, January 10, 2013

ANNOUNCEMENT: Deadline Extended for Feeling Extra Ready and Looking Extra Seksi for Coco Beach Photo Contest

Heya, ladies! Have you submitted your entry to my first ever giveaway contest yet? I know I said today's the deadline...but I'm taking it back! I overlooked the fact that it will be a hectic week preparing for the swap meet plus I just found out the challenging work-related tasks that await me come Monday. 

Aside from extending the deadline, we also amended the age requirement. If you're 46-55, you may now join my contest! Isn't that great news? Spread the word, all right? 

New deadline for submission: 31 January 2013
New announcement date of winner: 07 February 2013




Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1.) Who can join?
All plus size Pinays with ages from 18 to 55 and sizes from XL and beyond. For males who want to join, you can have your mum, girlfriend, sister or best friend to join and cross your fingers that they will choose you as their company for the trip. Haha!

2.) How can I join?
Just email us your 1.) photo wearing the resortwear and 2.)  reason for joining. Each component gets 50% for judging. Send it to Lornadahl.Campilan@gmail.com

3.) What if I can't wear a two-piece bikini yet?
It's not a problem! You can wear a maxi dress or kaftan if you're more comfortable in that.

4.) If I win, when can my friend and I go to the resort?
The resort is often booked during summer and Holy Week. This giveaway is only applicable during lean season. 

5.) Do we get free food, too?
Free breakfast, yes. 

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

What Would Lornadahl Bring for the Swap Meet & Greet

You've heard about the fast approaching swamp meet here, there and everywhere. Allow me to give you a sneak peek what I would bring with me for the event. And that's 11 days from now! Woohoo!

Up for swap!

This low-cut long-sleeved blue top is an ukay ukay purchase that I still haven't worn! Why not? I bought it out of conviction that I'll fit in it someday. Chos
Size 12

Another ukay ukay purchase, this loose old rose top does require a tube top inside. I like how its v-neckline and light fabric make me feel fresh. 
Size 12-14

I'm still yet to wear this midriff top from Dubai. I just can't find the perfect match for this!
Size 18

This little white dress from Laarnaay's Boutique is perfect for getaways! You'll also love the flirtatious off-shoulder bit! Only got to wear this once.
Size 12

Dark and pretty! It's kinda short so I'd suggest you wear your leggings with it. (I remember my mum's refusal to let me leave home without any pants!) This ukay ukay purchase is also still in good condition.
Size 12

The back design of this loose purple top from Hong Kong. Show that sexy back, girl! 
Tube top included.
Size 12-14

Another ukay ukay purchase I never got to world premiere. This stretchable below-the-knee skirt would look great in the workplace!
Size 12 and probably beyond

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

We've Got (Fe)Male! - Post-Breakup Thoughts from Jona

I had received a heartwarming email earlier today and I'd like to share her story of strength in hopes that it would uplift you the same way it made me feel. With her permission, of course. 

by Fernando Botero 

***


Dear Lorna,

I want to share my story with you.

For the past years, I have been in a relationship where I conceal my real self to please my boyfriend. Being myself is not allowed, strict rules are implemented, and my opinions are not acknowledged.

He is 10 years older than me, and this gave him an impression that I cannot decide for myself. When we’re on a date, I have no power to choose what to eat nor what to wear. I am fat and he wanted me to be just like him so he can finally show his family how fit his girlfriend is. He never asked what I want or what I need; he just assumed his decisions would benefit me. Although I knew things between us are unusual, I never complained; after all, he is “older” than me. He knows what’s best for me. I felt inferior when I am with him but I can’t let go the relationship. Why? Because I love him and I was convinced that it’s all that matters.

by Fernando Botero

4 years after, I met you, Lorna. You believe in yourself and you show self-love. That’s when I realized that I am not treated fairly, so I ended the relationship even when it hurts and even if it were still painful.

My life as a plus size Pinay is not all roses and cherries, especially in a society like ours where being curvy is not the norm. Meeting someone like you made me realize the importance of self acceptance. As an old saying goes, you must learn to love yourself first before you truly learn to love someone.

Thank you, Lorna. You are a blessing to me. I admire you for your courage to stand up and show the world that we are not less than valuable. You taught me to take care of myself, to love my body and see the beauty in me. Thank you for making me realize that I am still worthy of love and respect, for showing me that no matter what size and shape we are in, we still deserve to love and be loved. I hope you continue to inspire more people through your advocacy. God bless you and more power to your blog!


Love,
"Jona"

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Swap Meet and Greet!

2013 is going to be an exciting year! In a few weeks, this virtual niche will turn 2-year-old. And how else should I reward myself with my hardwork in reaching out to fellow Pinays who battle insecurity about their excess baggage? More work! So that means continued public displays of fatness, non-stop blogging and taking a big step to my ultimate dream to unite fellow Pinay plus size women. Like what I've stated in this entry, Pinay Curvies was co-founded with Mitch of Feastful Life to spread inspirational articles and images and organize events that will gather fellow beautiful big ladies and, hopefully, help them in their own journey as individuals.

Pinay Curvies will start the year with a swap meet. I got inspired with this post and I'm sure I'm not the only one who wish to cut on costs without sacrificing our passion for fashion. So we are encouraging other belles on budget to show us what's in your baul and join this little meet-and-greet. We are starting small, so we're limiting it to up to 10 participants for now. To join, we ask you to do the following:

2. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/pinaycurvies
3. For bloggers, make a short post about the items you're up to swap and tweet us the link to your entry. For non-bloggers, just shoot us an email with the photo of your stuff to PinayCurvies@gmail.com. We aim to round up the items before the event itself.

Piece of cake, right? We're looking forward to receiving your sweet email! 



Before I go, let me take this opportunity to remind you about the ongoing photo contest wherein the winner and her friend can win an overnight stay in Coco Beach Island Resort in Puerto Galera! This is my way of thanking you all for joining me in this bumpy journey to self- and body-acceptance. Join na!



Tuesday, December 18, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Little bride este emcee duties

Feelingera!

Everybody likes my subdued look

Looking tall, thanks to my platforms from Payless

With my friends Joey and Ina*

With my co-host, Alvin

That's how we are in action!

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

***

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

The newlyweds!

Awww <3

The bride surprised the groom with moooore Gang Nam Style

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

The first of many romantic dances


Photos from Tita Connie Pausanos. 
* - from Joey

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Design by Mark Gerad Oliva