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.

Bumping into Elli during NU 107's last night on air
L-R: Danna, Elli and my newly-digital permed self

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.

And face the world with laughter, yes?

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.





And pink loves you back!

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.

During the shoot for Victoria Court's Director's Cut Challenge, March 2010

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.

Elli and Ziggy

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.

Mother and child tattoo

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.

Ziggy's name on her wrist

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***

MUSIC MONDAY: Dan ex Machina - Beautiful Women, Busy Plot

♪♪ Baby sweet baby in my defense ♪♫♫
♪♫♫ You've plain lost the will to open your heart again ♪♫♪
♫♫ I can do it all faster now ♫♪♫

Here's one cool track from Ask A Guy Who Likes Fat Chicks. Yep, he maintains an amazingly honest and empowering website...and makes music! Where can I get one?

Follow him on Twitter here.

Lipstick of the Day: MAC's Pink Nouveau

The last time I met up with Carl, my high school BFF and constant accomplice in kikay quests, I remember being mesmerized with her playful pink lipstick. It was MAC's Pink Nouveau. When we agreed to meet up last Sunday to attend the Glam Camp, I asked if I may try it on and see how it looks against my sun-kissed skin.

Up close and...blurry!


Is it just me or it truly looks fab on creamy-skinned Carl and morena moi?


That mandatory solo photo


Carl and her fixation with girl-in-the-mirror photo opp

Exploring the bazaar involved marveling at funky accessories, high fashion clothes and shoes, endless palettes of make-up and meeting warm souls in the venue. Sorry, we missed to take photos of the entire area.

Look at how my lips matched the ring!


And... the fan!


And... this pretty platform!

Our favorite part? It happened the very moment we stepped in! We found the Lucky Doll's booth and started fitting corsets (and daydreaming we'd get to attend the upcoming Cosmopolitan Bachelor Bash in our fantasy sweetheart-cut corsets and...fulfill my boudoir pictorial fantasy). Too bad there were no fitting rooms that we ended up trying the corsets on top of our clothes that day.

Me and my first attempt to fit in a red corset
Piece of advice: Awat muna sa pag-pout lalo na kung tabingi pa ang corset.


The second one won't fit either. My twins kasi eh!

This may look like another shopping sob story. But imagine my unparalleled excitement when Ella, the owner, informed me that this beautiful black corset below will be available next month...in my cup size! It was surreal until she repeated her declaration and sealed it with a pinkie swear.

Carl and the back view of ze black corset


Front view

Imagine my surprise when I heard somebody call my name while I was inspecting a rack of cool clothes. It turned out to be my former officemate and ka-birthday Arianne Juanillo who happens to be the owner of Vanity Without Apology. As always, she looked radiant and fresh. Sorry, no photo opp until my Real-Life Goddess feature on her. =P

Actually, we just completely forgot to ask for that Almost Famous moment with her. Forgive me, will you?

Pretty pick from Vanity Without Apology. Design by Dimple Lim.


Another drool-worthy piece from Dimple Lim. My twins like them!

The final stop served as the low point of the trip. The Plump Pinay probably left before the time we arrived at 18:30. I was looking forward to finally meet them and check out their merchandise such as the I ♥ My Body shirts and PLUMP necklaces.

The Plump Pinay booth

But, hey, I must cheer up! Read the good news here.

SM Department Store Women's Plus Model Search

Imagine my delight when I discovered SM Department Store's first full-figured model search this Sunday. For the first time in years, I paid my bills in their Bills Payment section with a huge smile in my face. Call me overly optimistic, but the world may be fast becoming open to the extra seksi women!

Lifted from Stylewatch.ph's fanpage.

The following mechanics are copied-and-pasted from their fanpage.

SM WOMEN’S PLUS MODEL SEARCH CONTEST

WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO JOIN:
• Female, single or married
• 16 to 35 years old
• At least 5” in height
• Dress size: 2L – 5L (US size 12 to 20)

PURCHASE REQUIREMENT:

• Minimum purchase (single receipt) of Php800 from SM’s Plus Size Departments’ House brands (Jus’ Ur Size, Ladies Circle, Full Bloom, Jus’ Jeans, Baleno Plus, Me2) at any SM Department Store.
- only regular priced item is valid for application
- Valid receipts are from JULY 15 TO SEPTEMBER 4, 2011
* Once receipt has been stamped, it is considered as a FINAL SALE. Items included in the minimum purchase cannot be returned even if damaged, but it can be exchanged (within the SM Standard of Return-Exchange Policy with regular-priced items) of any Plus Size outright brands (Jus’ Ur Size, Ladies Circle, Full Bloom, Jus’ Jeans, Baleno Plus, Me2) with the same price or of higher value.

TO JOIN:
• Present receipt at the SM Plus Size Department Redemption Booth
• Get coupon/unique code and application/registration form

THERE ARE TWO (2) WAYS TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION FORM AND PHOTOS:
1) Manually :

a. Enclose photo (5R sized full body and head shot/close-up), filled-up application form and photocopy of any valid ID in an envelope to be provided by SM Women’s Plus Size Depatment.
b. Submit the envelope at the promo booth located at the SM Plus Size Department
NOTE : Make sure that the unique code is written in the registration form.

2) Online (via Facebook)
a. Go to StyleWatch.ph and click on Women’s Plus Model Search tab
b. To register, fill-up the application form, put the unique code and upload photo plus the scanned copy of any valid ID

ATTACH/UPLOAD PHOTOS WITH FILLED UP APPLICATION FORM. PHOTOS MUST BE:
Photos MUST NOT CONTAIN :

o Obscene, pornographic, or sexually-explicit content or information
o Content that is considered offensive to the users, such as those which encourage the commission of an illegal, immoral or threatening activity, promote harassment, racism, hatred or discrimination against any group or individual, or provide information which you know are false, misleading, or harmful to any group or individual
o Content which shows strong support or opposition to any political or religious group or person
o Content which are defamatory or libelous in character or those which violate the privacy of any group or individual
o Content which infringe upon the rights of any third party, including copyright, publication right, or any other intellectual property or proprietary right, or those which promote the infringement of any party’s intellectual property rights

1) FOR MANUAL APPLICATION: Two (2) 5R sized pictures

• One (1) full length body shot picture of yourself wearing a dress above the knee hemline (frontal view)
• One (1) close-up head shot (frontal view)
• Submit a photocopy of any Valid ID (Passport, Driver’s License, any government issued ID) for validation of age and birthdate

2) FOR ONLINE APPLICATION:

Two (2) 5R sized pictures with the following specifications : (view online samples for reference)
• One (1) full length body shot picture of yourself wearing a dress above the knee hemline (frontal view)
• One (1) close-up head shot (frontal view)
• Should be in jpeg jpeg, png, gif format, 72 to 100 dpi, minimum dimension is 350 x 300 pixels, maximum dimension 1024 x 768 pixels and maximum photo is 2mb
• Upload a scanned copy or photo of any Valid ID (Passport, Driver’s License, any government issued ID) for validation of age and birthdate.
• Click on the Box validating terms of entry
* I certify that I have the rights on the photo to be submitted. By uploading this entry, I understand that SM Ladies Wear has the right to use the entry without limitation.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES:
• Manual Submission – September 4, 2011 / mall hours only
• Online Submission – September 4, 2011 / 11:59pm only

SELECTION OF TOP 20 CONTESTANTS:

On September 8, 2011/2PM at SM Head Office, Bldg. C, JW Diokno Boulevard, Mall Of Asia Complex CBP-1A, Pasay City, all entries shall be screened to get the top 20 candidates by the SM Representatives/Contest Judges in the presence of a DTI Representative. Entries will be based on the following criteria :
o 50% Face - Finalists face must look healthy, happy with clean, vibrant and even toned skin. Eyes are clear and bright
o 50% Body - Curvaceous body with waistline proportion to bust and hips

a - The Top 20 chosen will each receive Php2,000 worth of SM gift certificates in Php500 denomination. SM Gift Certificates shall be valid for 1 year from the date of issuance
b - They will be notified via telephone call, SMS, email and registered mail to do an interview with the judges (with the presence of a DTI representative) to be able to come up with the 8 semi-finalists

The Top 20 Contestants shall be scheduled for an interview from September 12 to 13, 2011/1 to 5pm only.

o All contestants who resides in Metro Manila/GMA will be interviewed at the SM Head Office with the presence of a DTI Representative. If in case a contestant cannot go to SM Head Office, she can be interviewed via Skype or Yahoo Messenger (with webcam)
o Contestants from the Vis-Min area can either be interviewed online via Skype or Yahoo Messenger (with webcam) or go to the nearest SM Department Store.

LIST OF JUDGES:
1) Mercedes Prieto
Senior Outright Merchandise Manager,
Ladies Fashion Management Corporation
SM Retail, Inc.
2) Christine Cang Sapnu
Assistant Vice President, Operations
Ladies Fashion Management Corporation
SM Retail, Inc.
3) Alyanna Martinez
Fashion Stylist

CRITERIA TO GET THE TOP 8 SEMI-FINALISTS:

o 30% Face
o Finalists face must look healthy, happy with clean, vibrant and even toned skin. Eyes are clear and bright
o 30% Body
o Curvaceous body with waistline proportion to bust and hips
o 20% Character & Personality
o Finalists must have a pleasing and vivacios personality, be out-going, and confident
o 20% Articulate
o Finalists must be able to respond to queries and express themselves clearly
The 8 Semi-Finalists chosen will each receive Php3,000 worth of SM gift certificates in Php500 denomination. SM Gift Certificates shall be valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. They will be notified via telephone call, SMS, email, and registered mail that they are part of the 8 Semi-Finalists.

The Top 8 Semi-Finalists chosen photos will be uploaded by September 14, 2011 on the Top 8 Gallery of the Facebook Women’s Plus Model Search tab.

WHO CAN VOTE:

Registered Facebook user of any age and gender can vote. A person can vote 3x per day per Facebook Username/Email Address

*ONLY VOTES IN THE WOMEN’S PLUS MODEL SEARCH TAB APPLICATION WILL BE COUNTED.

HOW TO VOTE:

Step 1 – Log on to www.facebook.com
Step 2 – Visit the Fan Page by typing in stylewatch.ph
Step 3 – Click on the SM Women’s Plus Model Search button
Step 4 – Click on the “LIKE” button (if already a FAN, it will go directly to the FAN page
Step 5 – Click on a thumbnail to view an entry
Step 6 – To vote for an entry, click on the VOTE button at the bottom of the photo
Step 7 – Fill out registration form
Step 8 – A confirmation message will appear to confirm your vote

VOTING PERIOD: From September 15 to 25, 2011 until 11:59pm.

FINAL 3 WINNERS:

On September 26, 2011/2pm, SM Representatives/Contest Judges will be at the SM Head Office to rate the Semi-Finalists in the presence of a DTI Representative.

THE FINAL SCORES & RANKING OF THE EIGHT (8) SEMI-FINALISTS WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:
• 20% Public Scores
• 80% SM Representatives/Contest Judges Scores

THE 80% SM REPRESENTATIVES/CONTEST JUDGE SCORES WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING

o 50% Face
o Finalists face must look healthy, happy with clean, vibrant and even toned skin. Eyes are clear and bright
o 50% Body
o Curvaceous body with waistline proportion to bust and hips

The FINAL 3 will be notified immediately via telephone call, SMS, email and registered mail.
`
PRIZES FOR THE TOP 2 WINNERS:

1) Php10,000 worth of SM gift certificates. SM Gift Certificates shall be valid for 1 year from the date of issuance
2) Php3,000 worth of PLDT gift pack

The GRAND WINNER will receive the following:

1) Php20,000 worth of SM gift certificates. SM Gift Certificates shall be valid for 1 year from the date of issuance
2) Php5,000 worth of PLDT gift pack
3) Trip for 2 to Bangkok, Macau, Hong Kong for 7days (including hotel accommodation)
worth US$ 3,430 plus Philippine Travel Tax worth Php 1,620 and US$ 800 pocket money only. All travel documents and other travel related expenses will be shouldered by the winner. Trip shall be availed within 6 months from the date of claiming
4) 6-months Modeling Contract (exclusive) for SM Jus’ Ur Size and Jus’ Jeans worth Php60,000

CLAIMING OF PRIZES:

1) For those residing in Metro Manila/GMA, prizes may be claimed at the SM Head Office. For those in the Vis-Min area, winners may claim their prize at the SM Department Store nearest them
2) All winners will be notified via telephone call, registered mail and email
3) All claimants must present the registered mail sent to them and at least 2 valid IDs :
a. Passport
b. Driver’s License
c. Any Government Issued ID (e.g. SSS, GSIS, etc)
4) All prizes are not convertible to cash unless indicated
5) All taxes for prizes exceeding the amount of Php10,000 will be shouldered by SM Department Store
6) Unclaimed prizes after sixty (60) days of notification through registered mail will be forfeited with prior DTI approval
7) By joining this contest, participants agree to allow SM Department Store Ladies Wear to use their photos to any SM Department Store PR related campaigns and to participate in promo advertisements (publication of broadcast winners’ names and photos) without additional consideration. To the extent allowed by law, acceptance of the prizes constitutes permission for SM to publish the winners’ name and/or show them on ads without prior notice and without additional consideration
8) All employees of SM, their agencies/third party suppliers, and their relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the contest
9) The contest organizer’s decision is final with the concurrence of DTI.

WORLD PREMIERE: Betty Boop and Her If-Not-Now,-When?! Gaze

What do you normally wear on your first date? For someone who hardly believes in best-foot-forward theatrics, I make sure to be bubbly and bold. Hence, weeks before the much-anticipated date with my beloved Brandon Boyd, I have decided to bare my heart. Red galore, it is!

The problem is, Juaning took it upon herself to be the band's welcoming committee. Upon hearing they landed safely, my relief was quickly replaced by worry that morning. My plaid shorts and sneakers were still soaking wet in the backyard! So I retrieved them and prayed hard that our electric fan can do wonders before I wake up that afternoon.

I had been very preoccupied the past days that I had no time to sit down and decide what to wear - except for that red tube top. I even wore the plaid shorts Monday morning for a cameo appearance in the mall and went rummaging for it in my messy bed Tuesday morning only to realize it was already being handwashed and, thanks to the heavy rains, might not make it to the concert. When I rose from bed that afternoon, this undomesticated Curacha had to iron the jacket and the shorts myself. Don't you just hate typhoons?

Still, the unpredictable weather was my last-minute major consideration for what I wore for my first date with Incubus. I never favor denim pants during rainy season (even on summer, to be accurate) hence the plaid shorts. The jacket is self-explanatory. Bag? Something waterproof would be wise. After all, it houses the all-important concert tickets and kikay kit. But try saying that to Betty Boop and her piercing if-not-now,-when?! gaze.

It was already 17:20. As the ticket keeper, I knew I had to dash. The commute from Cavite to Cubao always called for cutthroat competition against fellow motorists and other unknown elements in this concrete jungle. Then I stopped dead in my tracks. My rainy season footwear would be either my default flip flops which made a mysterious disappearing act last week or sneakers which were still drenched from the incessant rain. And so were my ballet shoes! Now what? I had to search for a dry pair of shoes that actually complement the red theme AND can withstand the puddle along the way. But I had none! I went back to my room and grabbed the first pair I saw. Ako na ang fashion victim!

More fangirl blabs here.



Where did my makeup go?


Inside the SMART Araneta Coliseum!


Inside the KTV. We girls can't get enough of Incubus. We had to sing their songs ourselves after.



Check out the mismatched shoes!

Red tube from Dorothy Perkins
Plaid shorts from Bench
Mum's grey jacket
Betty Boop bag from Divisoria
Keevee's pre-loved Converse wedges

Photos by Phyll.

So You Think Big Boobs Will Make You Happy?

So you think big boobs will make you happy. Have you heard my story?

Even before I became a teen, I started to take notice of the growing twins inside me. It was awkward to be waaaay ahead of the race. Although growth spurt may be ordinary that time, I yearned for my friends to relate to the extraordinary amount of change I went through. I was the first to outgrow baby bras and always the last to purchase the ones with maximum support. With lace and bold designs, please!

Do I make it appear as if carrying papayas were so much fun?

If I make it appear as if it were so much fun, please think again. I can still get offended when random gapeseeds engage in a silent staredown with my kids. It's freaky to receive personal messages online with title that goes like ( . )( . ) It can get saturating how other women feel comfortable talking about my mammary glands within my earshot daily. It's anti-climactic to dig boobfuls of sand before I can finally go sunbathing. It's frustrating that I can't crawl in Sumaging Cave in Sagada nor tie my own shoelaces as easily because these humps get in the way. It's sometimes far from relaxing when massage beds don't offer breathing space for my chest. See what I mean?

Some girls have to dig before they can get to do sun salutation, you know!


How come massage beds aren't boobs-friendly?!
Thank you, Google Images!

Sure, you can argue this abundance is better than to your sob story of scarcity and point to countless depictions of big breasts as the ultimate weapon of seduction. However, I oftentimes feel inadequate when I see breast exposures on movies, magazines and websites. Such makes me scared of full moons and gravitational pulls. Makes me feel sad my nipples aren't pink and small enough. Makes me ashamed of their distance to each other, my stretch marks and all. Heck, I can probably pose nude as long as you will let me conceal my chest.

Ang ganda ng Pamilacan Island in Bohol, no? Wait, what are you staring at?

It's ironic that what most people assume as my biggest asset sometimes feel like my biggest insecurity. Aside from what I mentioned above, I slightly blame it on boobs for all the continued encounters with perverts and my perceived too-boobsey-to-be-taken-seriously image. The flick 100 Girls probably best explained why men are so drawn to this particular body part. See, its three concentric rings best resemble a dartboard that anyone with an appendage will do and say anything to hit the bull’s eye. And it makes me feel like a target, a plaything they can discard right after. Let me laugh out bitterly here in the corner.

I would like to afford a breast reduction procedure when I grow up. I now accept donations. =P

Who has a big heart to help me with my boob job fund?
Image lifted here.

What's Next to My Hairstory? Short and Funky, Yes?

If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
- William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 130"

Since the onset of the year, I've been developing this obsession on chopping my long curls off and possibly donating these dry tangles to good use. It's been ages since I had my enhanced long curls! This time, I wish to experiment and move on to another unrepresented hairstyle in today's TV advertisements. Blame it on my Saturn return.

Natural Born Sexy!

Me and my curly top had a long history of togetherness. Sadly, the first two decades witnessed my constant need to pull them back into ponytails and hide them from public view in all means possible. I was immensely envious of girls with straight hair. They look effortlessly presentable, neat and feminine. I, on the other hand, had to settle in my short-lived moments of glory after shower and the daily woolgathering that ensues. While most kids ask Santa Claus for material things, I begged for straight hair.

Looking unhappy during my 7th birthday.

My memory escapes me if I actually asked my mother to get rid of my curls or what. But I remember she had it regularly maintained as a bob, thanks to the unwelcome parasites that she claimed would join forces and take me floating in the air. There were times I wished they actually did. It was probably more elating than being poked fun for being the Francis Magalona of the class. We never heard of Pia Magalona in the early 90's yet, damn it.

Who says fly away hair was just in the 80's? It's the story of my childhood years!


Can't my hair be tamed like this forever? Please?


Straight hair daw 'yan!

My hair eventually lost its virginity at age 12. I had it straightened, hoping it will appear longer and better by graduation time. I wished to have long hair and flip them over my shoulders just like everybody else in class. As you can see in the photo above, it hardly made it to my shoulders. For my succeeding hair treatments - hair straightening, hair relax, and others – they always left me momentarily satisfied. In spite of my pleas, the natural curls always found its way out of my scalp just like any unstoppable attention whore would.

Relaxed hair

Worse, I finally noticed how my bi-annual treatments caused damage on my supposed crowning glory. I probably had one of those cinematic moments when I probed the girl in the mirror how longer will this bondage take. I’ve gone weary of attempting to comply to the ubiquitous instructions to go straight and fabulous. In that order. By the time I realize I must celebrate these God-given curls, however, my hair follicles hardly produced the ones I was accustomed to since childhood. The wild curls had been reduced to mere waves. And that was unacceptable.

First-time perm by Kerastase.

As soon as our 13th month pay got credited in 2007, I took my hair to Kerastase for digital perm. When I was told it amounted to about P8,000, I changed my mind and asked for the regular perm instead. I instantly felt the almost P5,000 difference right after. My new curls started from the roots! For this unwanted big hair look, I wallowed into a tall pile of pasta and pizza nearby and breathlessly waited for the next 13th month pay.

Digital perm by Tony & Jackey.

Taking my past lesson with me, I instructed the Tony & Jackey hairstylist to create bold waves right below my ears. Jerome agreed with my plan, but he felt it was necessary to rebond the entire hair before the digital perm. That way, the upper hair would look tame and it wouldn't look like Mufasa all over again. He had me at "Para maganda!" And so I emerged out of the salon feeling that way. It felt P5,000 was really worth it!

Ang haba ng hair! NOT in a good way, though.

My hair had a break in 2009. The following year, I was torn between another digital perm or dreadlocks. The latter proved to be impractical in the humid coastal town where I reside in and, based on one artist's quotation, too costly at P8,000 and too time-consuming for at least 12 hours for my then hair length. As 28th birthday gift to myself, I submitted my hair to Be@utyBrick for my second round of digital perm for P4,000. Mr. Shin typically asks his digital perm clients if they want it lady-like or wild. I opted for the former, considering the parade of weddings I would be attending by the following month.

Potentially last digital perm by Mr. Shin of Be@utyBrick.
Photo by Kimmeh.

It took me longer than the usual to decide about my last hair treatment as I had traded my favorite hair products with organic ones. It's been more than a year since I indulged my scalp with eco-friendly products from Human Heart Nature, All Organics, Ilog Maria and Nature's Gate that doing another digital perm made me feel guilty. I've heard about Tony & Jackey's organic digital perm. Unfortunately, P8,000 for mid-length hair is too steep for me. I know, hair treatments can be considered investments.

This year, I've been toying with the idea of fully celebrating my natural curls without any help from damaging chemicals. And cutting it short and funky may be the answer. However, I've been getting varied answers from my friends. I was told my oval-shaped face might suffer from separation anxiety from its long-time curtains. Some say it just might be the refreshing change I've been looking for. To cut it short is one thing, but going pixie might be too absurd. But...but...it worked for other fab plumpies!

Exhibit A: Leslie and her edgy look!


Exhibit B: Mia's perfect cut!


Exhibit C: My mum as a dye-hard blonde!

Now, now...I must get resuscitated and be mindful that this hairstyle calls for lots of maintenance. I'm known for my lack of patience even when it involves my appearance and I am yet to find something organic that will make me change my mind about this hair wax. Is there any wash-and-wear pixie hair made for me? Will my curls cooperate this time? Will this plotted hairstyle just remind it of my old refusal to accept it the way it is? Tell me what you think.