I found a very uplifting and self-affirming status on my Facebook timeline. I can't resist but follow suit.
Why don't you do the same? Don't just "like" it. Spread the self-love on Facebook! It will come back to you!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Spread The Love on Facebook!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
WORLD PREMIERE: That British Union Jack T-shirt
Imagine how the Ginger Spice fangirl in me resurfaced as soon as my gaze landed on this Jus' Ur Size t-shirt last weekend. I love its fit and its soft fabric. It was an easy decision NOT to have it handwashed until its world premiere today in Crossroad 77 during our Church's small group initiative called The Workout: From Working to Working Out.
In my case, the workout had begun the moment I found tiny hills of vomit our spoiled furball had liberated along my way out. Knowing it was almost 17:00, I did a quick sweep of the mess and gave Johann a few belly rubs before running out. As always, this Cavite-Quezon City commute gave me an opportunity to face my space issues through this sauna-now,-igloo-later,-then-sauna-again exercise otherwise known as MRT experience. This heart-pumping workout continued when the cabbie pressed me for directions. Ako? Wala nga akong sense of direction eh!
The let-loose party started when Via Bonoan from Zumba Fitness asked us all to come in front for 30 minutes of Latin dancing. Even before Via's teaching stint was over, I was already racking my brains where to hoard Zumba DVDs so I can practice at home. Have I told you about waking up for one solid week this summer caving in to my urge to dance to Enrique Iglesias's "Escape" as if YOU were watching? Heck, I must be a Latina in my past life!
After this, Planet Infinity business development manager Jeredan Conde went to great lengths to explain the importance of exercise, namely, its ability to 1.) cut disease risks, 2.) make us corporate slaves become more productive and happier in the workplace and 3.) look better.
He also debunked the following gym myths:
Myth # 1: Lift LIGHT weights for "cuts", fat loss and toning. Only lift HEAVY weights if you prefer to look like a bodybuilder.
Fact: To look toned and to shed fats, do exercises that work on many muscle groups. Also, it takes genetically-gifted people or habitual users of steroids and other drugs to become bodybuilders.
Myth # 2: I can eat anything as long as I work out regularly.
Fact: I once heard Derek Ramsay say this [over breakfast in bed] and believed him. Newsflash: we still need to feed ourselves properly. We can't binge on Krispy Kreme now and expect the workout later to burn it all. As Jeredan pointed out, ice cream during reward day tastes waaay better than daily ice cream indulgences.
Here's the best learning of the day: we must conclude each workout with sugar intake and little protein (don't ask me why they complement each other, I missed to jot it down as I started daydreaming of an unknown personal trainer serving me leche flan with vanilla ice cream as reward). I've got three words for you: Taho par-tey!
Myth # 3: Cardio and aerobics is the best way to lose weight.
Fact: Strength training like weightlifting stimulates the metabolism at least 40% more than cardio workouts. Also, cardio does not build muscles.
Myth # 4: If I only eat once a day, I'll lose weight.
Fact: When you starve yourself, the body will start using your muscles to feed itself. Just like what I learned from the nutritionists I've interviewed for my previous published articles, skipping meals will make you binge on your next meal. 4-6 light meals per day is highly recommended.
Myth # 5: You have to work out at least 2 hours everyday to see results.
Fact: I remember Madonna saying there's no such thing as rest days when it comes to exercise. Jeredan said that going beyond 90 minutes per day will make cordisol, a stress hormone, encourage our body to produce fat, not muscles. Also, 1 hour of workout, 3 days of workout per week will suffice.
They also introduced Conrad Herrera, one of their clients who lost 110 pounds in 6 months, and Angel Rivero, a seemingly fit woman who's close to being unhealthy. Both of them work on erratic hours. Conrad is also on graveyard shift while Angel is juggling TV, newspaper, radio and hosting stints. They served as living reminders that I CAN find time to exercise regularly, too. While this interview was ongoing, I was on queue for the FREE InBody analysis.
Here's the scanned copy of my InBody analysis results.
As a closing activity, Malaya gathered us all again in front. She taught 5 exercises that we can do anywhere spacious enough, such as purbies (did I spell it correctly?), squats, back extensions, plank and everybody's favorite, push-ups. Now we have no excuse NOT to workout!
I'm grateful for today's learning experience. However, I took home this concern about how strength training and cardio go together, as reinforced by the research finding that men who lift weights cut 40% of cancer risk. I find gyms - particularly weightlifting - as completely boring. I don't like all that piles of iron and the intimidating presence of men in the area. I'm the type who enjoys being in the dancefloor, on the mat, being slightly submerged on water (yeah, I'm scared of bodies of water), in the football field bleachers (being a spectator counts as a workout, right?) and...and...in bed.
Now I must find a personal trainer for this.
P.S. Sorry for the poor quality of my photos. I'm just using my camera phone.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
WORLD PREMIERE: My Lunch Box and Leggings
Inspired by yesterday's post, I feel this urge to overshare again and give you a peek of my today's lunch box and...my new leggings from Ladies Circle in SM Department Store.
I admit I haven't done diligent research on rawkin' recipes and haven't been able to afford raw stash for my spoiled belly for the past few months. As a result, this aspiring raw foodist had been reduced to a pollo-vegetarian. For someone's who's got too much on her plate since birth, I decided to get into this diet to become more energetic, accomplish all of my commitments and share more of my crazy self to this world. Of course, I am also hopeful to address the health concerns I elaborated here by stuffing myself with healthier options. Prevention is way better and cheaper than cure, right?
I had a long day and I need all the energy that I can get to remain awake during my pre-graveyard shift itineraries (which include me-time in the swimming pool and long overdue meeting with a friend) and the shift itself. My action plan? Buko juice par-tey! I learned from Pi Villaraza during my first inner dance class that nothing else comes close to coconuts. It can give up to 300 horsepower (or is it hertz?) while its close contender, palm oil, is at 150! And...would you believe that coffee is only at -12? To my disappointment, buko juice vendors also observe office hours. But I consoled myself with the thought that I still have chia seeds that I unwittingly left in my workstation the other day. All I need to do is mix it with warm water until it turns gelatinous. Cheers!
For reasons I'd rather not divulge, my raw almonds are better off as snack instead of almond milk. They've been attracting ants! I decided to throw in some raisins for more fun. Apparently, this trail mix is hardly enough to keep me alive, satiated and inspired all night long. As soon as I realized the tall pile of tasks that await me after a day of absence, I went downstairs and found solace in a nearby coffee shop.
And I forgot to ask them to remove the parmesan cheese. I'm a cheese lover until I heard that this particular kind of cheese is at -34 pH on the charts. How acidic can that get?!
By the time lunch time rolls around, I still felt quite full. I joined my teammates for another episode of ab workout disguised as incessant laugh trip in a convenience store. Again, I wished they'd offer more greens and fruits.
Before I go so I can give the Incubus live from Red Rocks, CO on livestream my undivided attention, I'm leaving you with this photo. Kar thinks this pair looks like jennings and I should get more leggings. Hmmm...
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
IFB PROJECT #9: What's In Your Bag?
I'm such a gaya-gaya, gusto nang mag-asawa. Upon reading Mitch's blog entry in response to Independent Fashion Bloggers' call out for What's In Your Bag? posts, I felt compelled to participate and finally elaborate the latest challenge I got myself into.
In case you're not yet aware, I'm known for my long-term relationship with BIG bags. It's probably what most people notice more than my long, loud earrings or my big curls. Hence, I'm very much immune to hearing "Maglalayas ka ba?!" or "Magtatanan ka na?!" even if I'm not headed to a long weekend getaway in the boondocks. It's my design to bring my entire bedroom everywhere and it's my preference to organize all belongings in one sack instead of one trophy bag AND a handful of paper bags. Hassle sa muscle!
And so my tan Mango bag (a pasalubong from Dubai) is close to being tattered and in dire need of eternal repose. It's been my loyal company for my endless itineraries - workplace, gatherings with family and friends and, one time, fitness gym - for months! With its huge space, it allows me to daily bring my kikay kit, my book/s, my Waraji slippers, my ice bag (in case I need to apply hot compress on my weak knees) and, at times, extra clothes and a pitcher of almond milk or green smoothies. That's how powerful that bag is! However, it's been begging me for a replacement and I must take heed.
With my typically hectic schedule and seasonal avoidance of shopping, I gave in to an officemate bag seller's sales spiel. See how it looks tiny in comparison to my old bag? Maybe it's time to be more considerate to my recently-aching left shoulder and arm, yes?
- An eco-friendly notebook for my Sunday service learnings and other random thoughts (notice there's no ballpen in the photo?)
- De La Salle University-inspired coin purse (notice there's no wallet in the photo?)
- Purple umbrella that I do NOT want to get wet
- Forever 21 sunglasses
- BlackBerry handphone (used to take this photo) and its battery
- My office ID
- My keys
- A container of chia seeds (not seen in this photo, I left it in the office)
- My kikay kit and its contents
- Lip balm and lipsticks (why do I bring too many lipsticks, anyway?)
- Eyeliner and lipliner
- Maybelline mascara
- Mineral foundation
- Loose powder (yeah, I'm still a high school kid)
- Dental floss
- Feminine wipes
- Digital camera toy that serves as small mirror
- Hand sanitizer and sanitizer spray
- Beauty oil (to get rid of my raccoon eyes by midday onwards and to take care of the frizz)
- Body butter
- Hair wax
- Rescue in a Bottle (for headache attacks)
- Chi essential oil (for headaches, rashes, body pains and others)
- Bug spray
- Bench Bambino cologne (for that bagong-ligo scent)
- Icy Hot (for knee pains when I tend to overwalk)
You can probably tell by now that I'm a walking organic pharmacy or something. My teammates would make fun of the bottles arranged carefully in front of my workstation everyday and call it "drugs". So, what's in my bag? To begin with, it's self-love and other "drugs".
What's in YOUR bag?
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Lipstick of the Day: Human Heart Nature's Island Kiss + Colour Collection's Golden Goddess
It's supposedly Saturday! Considering how tiresome this week had been, this Curacha actually preferred to stay at home, apologize for being unable to meet Claire for her birthday/benefit gig and cuddle our spoiled furball named Johann all night. When I received my youngest cousin's birthday invite midweek, I already know they won't accept any excuses. After all, we can't gather in my place peacefully with Johann around. He may look super cute and all, but he's one unfriendly, sex-starved monster. 
Realizing it's one humid evening, I decided to look for this brown Versace dress (don't you just love ukay ukay shops?) for its thin fabric. It matches my new and surprisingly tiny chocolate brown bag (tiny for my reputation) and overused bronze flats. The best finisher for this monochromatic ensemble? Bronze lips! So I combined my tinted lip balm and Tupperware's Golden Goddess lipstick (can you believe it?). Special shout out to my Tupperware lady at work! 
Ok, ok. I bet you notice how drowsy I looked in some photos so far. At the risk of sounding defensive, I just downed one bottle of Tanduay Ice and asked for iced tea slush next. After my unexpected gag show moment during the last cousinhood gathering for Minnie's 25th beerday, I realized my getting-healthier body can't take as much alcohol anymore. 
It just occurred to me that Zeze just turned 18. I remember how she served as my mini-me during my own 18th birthday party. [I know, I know. But my dad insisted. Unica hija daw ako eh.] We were wearing matching gowns and she was seated nearby during the entire program. The mini-me is now a lady! And she's leaving for Guam in the near future! [insert sobs here].
Photos by Chad Barreyro.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Lipstick of the Day: MAC's Russian Red
It's finally Friday!
I'm not sure if you've noticed but I tend to dress down on Mondays and slightly dress up on Fridays. I just really throw out of my closet what I feel like wearing the moment I rise from bed. Apparently, I don't make much effort on manic Mondays and, in anticipation for the much-awaited weekend, I volunteer to be its welcoming committee. Don't we all want to look ready for the highlight of the week?
Today, I unearthed my Dorothy Perkins blouse and really red haltered argyle vest from Landmark to look preppy and pretty for my pre-shift financial planning meeting. That evening, my friend Kar brought her MAC Russian Red lipstick so I could try it again and see how it looks against my red outfit. She's convinced I must give it a try after reading this entry.
Since I'm not satisfied that my so-called pictorial didn't capture how puta red this lipstick can get, I continued my attempts at home. Too bad my mother was too occupied with her usual morning rituals to notice my mouth. I'm sure she'd go: "Ang pula-pula na naman ng nguso mo!" How discouraging...yet funny!
Before you go ballistic, yes, I did wash my face before going to bed. Kalma lang!
Thanks to Ate San, Abby, Edric and half-asleep Lec for agreeing to take my photos.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Real-Life Goddess - Elli Isaac
How I met Ziggy's mother? We first crossed paths during Saleng, my first benefit gig for Traveling Bonfires. The spoken word artists weren't in cue yet but we gave in to this lady's request to share her just-written poem to the Conspiracy crowd. With my long history of nocturnal exploits, I understood the urgency when she stated she had to leave for work that evening. Ok, ok. Open mic muna!
Our next series of benefit events for breast cancer awareness would not have been as memorable without her participation and generous support. Elli Isaac agreed to model, together with a breast cancer survivor, for the nude sketching session. The artworks from the renowned artists of Artventures@Conspiracy were exhibited during the benefit gig entitled Alab ng Dibdib. This time, Elli served as the host.
However, I wasn't able to return the favor by attending the book launching of Ipuipo sa Piging - Mga Tula at Isang Bidyula wherein her poetry was included. Again, graveyard shift got in the way. What amazes me is how we end up seeing each other in random events like the 2nd Manila Skafest and NU 107's farewell "party", among others.
Lornadahl: We Pinays are bombarded with reminders that "white is right". Have you always been convinced that brown is beautiful?
Elli: I'm not really into skin color. But yeah, it's common to tag those white ass chicks to be really pretty.
Lornadahl: If you grew up thinking that only the mestizas are beautiful, how did you make a major mental turnaround and embrace the skin you're in?
Elli: It's my skin. It's me. Random people comment they love my skin color and I look like I just came back from the beach. Isn't that a luxury?
Lornadahl: So you never grew up thinking you're less attractive because of your skin color? You're lucky!
Elli: Do not get me wrong. I get oh-so fugly days most of the times. But it has nothing to do with my complexion.
Lornadahl: Did you ever try whitening products, too? Any rants and raves to share?
Elli: I'm not really into beauty products. I learned using makeup only a year ago when I modelled for a friend's make up class. I'm the type of woman who wakes up, smokes a cigarette, takes a bath, towels dry, fits in some clothes and leaves the house.
Lornadahl: I used to think that being morena is limited to black outfits. I hated how I looked in white, pink, yellow and orange. How about you? Any colors you find unflattering for our skin type?
Elli: I try any color. Earth colors are still the best. I have to admit that my favorite color is pink and I love wearing it now. Just stop yourself wearing anything neon unless it's for a high fashion shoot.
Lornadahl: Ouch. I had an episode of wearing neons in public. Haha! Don't you think it's a cool statement that non-celebrity morena women can feel like they're on high fashion shoot, too?
Elli: Of course! There's nothing wrong wearing what you feel like wearing, as long as you're able to carry yourself well. It has nothing to do with the people around you. As long as you're able to please yourself, you're good to go. Also, remember that when you're at your weirdest, you're wearing your true self. So just be yourself.
Lornadahl: Can you tell us what is your fashion style?
Elli: I like wearable clothes. Clothes that I could walk with, run with. I'm not into wearing heels. I'm into slippers, sneakers, and flats. My wardrobe is mainly composed of sando's and skirts too. I'm not into wearing jeans. I can't seem to find a perfect fit.
Lornadahl: Why is it hard for you to find jeans? Any particular problematic body part?
Elli: My hips and my waist seem to be not compatible with each other.
Lornadahl: Which celebrities serve as your fashion icons? Why?
Elli: I'm not good with names. And even if I am, I can't even name one. I'm not fond watching the boob tube nor checking magazines. I guess I have to say I have my hands up for Lady Gaga.
Lornadahl: Do you think Pinoy men prefer mestizas over morenas?
Elli: Seriously, men prefer a woman who resembles their mom.
Lornadahl: How would you feel if fellow Pinoys call you "mukhang katulong" or "mukhang pokpok" because of your skin color?
Elli: I seriously don't care. Paulo Coelho said: What others think of you is none of your business.
Lornadahl: Do you consider dark men sexy? Why or why not?
Elli: With men like Richard Gomez and John Estrada, YES.
Lornadahl: Do you think you are/were treated differently because you're morena?
Elli: Color has nothing to do with how you're being treated. It comes with attitude.
Lornadahl: And you are a strong, outspoken woman. Who would dare to treat you differently, right?
Elli: Well, I've been getting comments that I'm intimidating. Fact is, a conversation starts with a hi, but don't expect it to come from me because even if I really like someone, I wouldn't start a conversation with him.
Lornadahl: Do you think being morena is better when you're slim? Would it also work for plus-size women?
Elli: I've been both so I don't think there should be a comparison.
Lornadahl: Do you confront people when they call you names (ex. baluga, kirara, etc)?
Elli: Well, the mere fact that I'm gaining attention is something. I just have to silently thank them that they're spending time talking about me.
Lornadahl: How do dark people want to be called?
Elli: I prefer sun-kissed. It's posh.
Lornadahl: What's your secret for that even skin tone? I'm envious!!!
Elli: Nothing. I just take a bath regularly.
Lornadahl: Do you also have a preferred skin tone for your romantic partners?
Elli: No. It has never been something I look for. I dig for the attitude and the outlook in life. I want someone crazy.
Lornadahl: How do you convince your son that brown is beautiful?
Elli: We never talk about that.
Lornadahl: What if your son asks you to try whitening products? What would you tell him?
Elli: Verbatim: "Sige, bibilhin ko 'yan pero kukunin ko sa allowance mo. Wala kang pambili ng meryenda mo for the next 15 days. Ok lang?" I bet he'll say no.
Lornadahl: Tell us about your tattoo.
Elli: The tattoo was designed by my coworker-friend Duane Pascua and was given as a gift while I was pregnant way back in 2006. It has been years of me wanting a tattoo that will define me as a whole. Then I realized that Duane's drawing was my totality. I was a walking abstract - often misunderstood even as a mother.
Lornadahl: Who's your artist?
Elli: PhilTag founder Nero Nievo is my tattoo artist. I only have one skin so it's better having the tattoo done by one of the best and pioneers of the tattoo industry.
Lornadahl: Do you still get insecure about your complexion? get intimidated when surrounded by mestizas?
Elli: Never occured to me.
Lornadahl: How do you deal with I'm-so-fugly/dark days?
Elli: This usually happens when I lack sleep so I sleep instead.
Lornadahl: There are so many morenas out there who still battle with skin acceptance. What would you tell them?..
Elli: I think there's a commercial that said: Embrace the skin you're in!
All photos were lifted from her Facebook account.
***End of the Interview***
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