MUSIC MONDAY: To This Day - Shane Koyczan

"To this day

I hate pork chops

I’m not the only kid

Who grew up this way

Surrounded by people who used to say

That rhyme about sticks and stones

As if broken bones

Hurt more than the names we got called

And we got called them all

So we grew up believing no one

Would ever fall in love with us

That we’d be lonely forever

That we’d never meet someone

To make us feel like the sun"

Now THIS is something we should spread generously. Bullying is one of the reasons why it's so hard for us, for our children and possibly the next generations, to recognize our inner light. Let's fight it, let's make it history!

Shane Koyczan and his spoken word was such a great discovery. Read up about this project here and this poem here. 

THANK YOU!

It's been five days since this beautiful article (yeah, I'm biased) was published, but I still can't wipe this modest smile on my face. I still can't believe that this writer found us and our advocacy through a mutual friend's timeline (mostly photos of the recently-concluded Glam Tales) and found it news-worthy. Fast-forward today: there are 143 shares of the article on Facebook and 34 tweets (as of 18:25 today). I could only hope that there are 177 plus size Pinays who got inspired to unleash the goddess within after reading it. Or 177 persons who opted to rethink about fat people and their lifestyle. Again, thank you for the support!

Speaking of support, here's what my proud momma posted on her timeline. Kaka-touch!

Reading the article for the first time reminded me of our dreams. When Ali asked us how many followers do we already have, my partner Mitch and I exchanged blank looks. We have no idea. Then she asked how many followers would we like to have. To my relief, Mitch echoed that we prefer quality over quantity. We prefer to reach out to women who currently battle with insecurities, we prefer to meet living role models of body acceptance and we'd love to make them all interact and support each other. We prefer to meet supportive men, too. But we don't wish to attract voyeurs. Figures don't matter to us. After all, we're hoping to create a positive community.

This interview also made us look ahead and reflect on how else we are going to achieve our idealistic goals. We're actually flattered that this news feature arrived quite early; the last time I checked, it's not listed in our timetable. We imagined to spread our advocacy through word of mouth. Perhaps media exposure will come when we've done something massive, like organizing the first Philippine Fatshion Week or something. Needless to say, I can't help but feel eager for our upcoming first anniversary in November. We're definitely cooking up something fun and fab. We're crossing our fingers to see old sisters and meet new ones in the event.

At this point, I can't contain my happiness for this blessing. No amount of words can capture my gratitude and excitement. Again, THANK YOU!!!

Obtained here.

EDIT: 30.09.2013

As if this feature were not enough, we got featured again on POC! Check this article out and spread the good news! 

Pinay Curvies Swag Challenge: Pinay Style Icon

Once upon a time (I'm guessing 2007 or 2008), I decided to wear my latest ukay ukay purchase for the first day of second semester in graduate school. I don't recall getting any manic reactions for it. After class, I dashed to the call center I was employed at the time for another episode of graveyard stress. To my surprise, my peers greeted me with whoas and double-takes. They find my striped pants too...loose and ethnic. And so some of them started calling me Grace Nono. 

I have great respect for this woman. I'd say she's known for her musicality more than her fashion statement, more than anything. And I was actually flattered to be compared to her, if only for what I was wearing that evening. So for this month's Pinay Curvies Swag challenge, I decided to rummage for this particular article of clothing and show my constant need for comfort and bright colors. As you can probably tell here and there, I luuuurve the laidback and ethnic look! Now watch me channel Grace Nono below.

Tight top, loose silhouettes & barefoot

Accessorize!

Outfit of the Day:

Black camise (nope, it's not a tank top) from Chubbly

Wide belt from Forever 21

Striped pants from ukay ukay

Wooden choker from a shop in Camiguin

Yakan earrings from a shop in Basilan

Bracelet made by Mangyan in Mindoro

Anklet

NOTE: Yakan is the indigenous group in Basilan; Mangyan in Mindoro

Photos by Kuya Jay Arcenal

WORLD PREMIERE: That Black & White Dress / PINAY CURVIES EVENT: Glam Tales: An Afternoon With Maita Atienza and Mercille Tiomico

For my first wedding assistant coordinator duty, I decided to look for a comfortable yet chic dress during the Great Luxe Sale in May. I ended up buying a black & white dress which I eventually decided unfitting since 1.) the wedding motif turned out to be pastel; and 2.) superstitious friends said attendees wearing black spells malas for the married couple. Oh, well. There'll be a better time to world premiere this dress!

Then I realized I could wear it on Glam Tales: An Afternoon with Maita Atienza & Mercille Tiomico! I'm sure my fellow plus size Pinays would show up in their most kikay outfits, too! However, I admit wearing a pink bolero on top of this during my commute and during the event itself. It was freezing cold! 

Outfit of the Day:

Dress from The Sweet Cloth

Moonstone crystals from Crystal Empress

Black wedges from VNC

***

Finally, Mitch and I had a follow-up gathering for our beloved curvy community. After the swap meet, quiz night and movie date, we are so delighted to hold our first kikay boot camp called Glam Tales. We're so grateful that our resource speakers were equally enthusiastic about this mission and, to our absolute surprise, the attendees braved typhoon Maring to join us. It was such an awesome feeling!

Our event started with a makeup demo from Maita Atienza. Based on our #UsapangCurvy about hair and makeup, it became apparent that most of us are eager to learn about contouring. Prior to the event, Maita tapped me to be the model so the attendees could see how to make magic. We truly learned a lot from her, specifically my foundation shade (golden sunset) and Findation is the place to go to find our perfect match! Amazing, right? 

Ang gaan ng kamay ni Maita!

Even before the demo is done, my newfound friends were quick to marvel at my no-makeup look. I must admit I was truly impressed, too. In fact, I almost did NOT wash my face before going to bed. I wanted to preserve my look! Then I remember how she started the demo by removing my makeup haha!

By the way, even before I met Maita that day, I was already a fan of hers. Her posts showed love for organic farming and she's a reminder of my dream to be a green thumb and grow my own food. When I finally saw her in the flesh, I was stunned that she looks waaay younger and prettier in person! Her photos online don't do her justice!

Mercille in action

Remember how we talked about our fashion worries during this #UsapangCurvy? Mercille Tiomico gave us all a roundup on what we should consider to look big and fab. I was personally shocked that she finds comfort vital, too. I mean, she looks fasyon fasyon in photos and in person (don't let that camouflage top fool you, she was wearing a very funky pair of shoes!). The best realization? She wasn't as snobbish as she appears! She's very bubbly. As in babaeng bakla like me! 

The hosts Mitch and I and the resource speakers Maita and Mercille

To sum it up, it was a very informative, fun and noisy gathering. It was like a reunion of some sort! I could just imagine how the other diners felt when we emerged out of the function room, asking for photo opps and exchanging endless goodbyes and besos. Mitch and I got inspiration for our next events, too. I'm tempted to divulge our brewing projects with some of the attendees, but it's best to keep mum for now. 

Kodak moment with the girls! Thank YOU for coming! 

Photos from Mitch Leus. Check the rest of the photos here. 

Pinay Curvies Swag Challenge: Boots Up!

Even before Mitch and I finally agreed on the Pinay Curvies Swag challenge this month, I was already developing an obsession on boots, particularly this kind of rain boots. With the bipolar weather lately, it was just right to invest in such pair. Besides, the last time I wore boots was back in high school. [Aside from Citizen Army Training (CAT) boots, of course!] This recollection prompted me to ask my mother two weeks ago if my brown mid-calf and black ankle boots were still alive. To my surprise, she confirmed they're gathering dust in our shoe cabinet. Unbelievable, I have instant footwear for the boots-up challenge!

Coincidentally, I will meet the Puff Mafia again that coming weekend for some archery adventure. What an excellent opportunity to channel my inner Yellow 4 Katniss Everdeen. Chos! 

Outfit Of The Day

T-shirt from Penshoppe (my brother's. Now loose in the chest area hahaha)

Leggings (my mum's)

Recycled leather band from Clinton Aniversario

My old mid-calf boots (Papa's pasalubong eons ago)

***

Among the members of the Fellowship of the Ring, I can easily say that Legolas had me at hello. He's a charmer and his flying arrows had a lot to do with it. I've always wanted to give archery a try back in college. So when the girls told me they'll go for it, they didn't have to ask me again if I'm interested. It's a big YES!

Katniss Everdeen is in the house!

They call me "the neighbor" and "the long ranger"

It wasn't easy as it looks. We had to get our stance right and aim for the target. In an hour, I had my share of going beyond 18 meters (Naks, pang-long range ako!), unintentionally vandalizing somebody else's target (It's your friendly neighbor asking for your wi-fi password!) and, worse, making the arrow turn to me! Scary, right?

Bull's eye...NOT!

If you're also interested to give it a try, visit Gandiva Archery for more details. The great news is, their cafe serves vegetarian food! 

Photos from DJ San Jose & Sheila del Mundo.

Polyvore Set: Ready for Diamond Snow!

Having lived in a tropical country all my life, I'd kill to play in the snow for at least thrice in my life. Watching today's episode of the Koreanovela "Love Rain" intensified my desire to experience winter.
 
Jun and Hannah were somewhere in Hokkaido, Japan, waiting to capture the diamond snow. Jun mocked Hannah's poor taste in clothes and bragged how he's garbed in designer clothes. Hannah expressed that function comes first. During their trek, Jun displayed intolerance to the blistering cold. Tiis ganda, huh?
 
This little debate actually inspired me to look for my winter clothes (as if I have an upcoming trip soon) on Polyvore. I'm glad they have plus size stuff! As a first-timer, I admit I just dragged items I liked, not checking on the brand and price tags. It's liberating! 

So...tell me what you think about my imagined splash of color against the blinding white snow. Am I more of a Jun or Hannah? 

Ready for Diamond Snow! by lornadahl featuring plus size coats

ASOS plus size coat
asos.com

Faux leather legging
amazon.com

UGG Australia ankle boots
$260 - jades24.com

White glove
$135 - black.co.uk

Bright shawl
etsy.com

Pinay Curvies Swag Challenge: All White! / WORLD PREMIERE: That White Fringe Top, White Denim Miniskirt and White Lace Flats

Once upon a time, my best friend Djoanna suddenly blurted out, "Para kang si Carrie Bradshaw!" I was completely stunned; it was enough to make me cease eating. I'm the only living female who didn't follow the series Sex and The City (I only got to watch about 3 episodes, AFTER the show was canceled) but I've heard how her character was praised for being a fashion chameleon. Towering shoes, flower pins, big curls, everything! Where did that comment come from? To answer my questioning eyes, Djoanna pointed her finger to the huge stain on my white shirt and proceeded to explain how Carrie Bradshaw loathes white outfits. She's too clumsy to remain clean. And I responded with a huge "Ooooooh!"

When Mitch decided we'll go with All White for our first blog link-up challenge, I was immediately worried how I'll pull it off. Aside from being too malikot, my closet is mainly composed of colorful, summery stuff and my favorite neutrals are black and grey. That probably explains why I ended up making white purchases during the recently concluded Fierce+Flaunt Plus Size Shopping Event. When I got home, I realized how I've been neglecting this white micro miniskirt I got from ward88 during the swap meet. It's the perfect opportunity to take it out! Now where to look for white sandals to go with it? I've wanted something like this in white, but I was unable to find it. Then one fine Sunday, my shoes took me to a familiar territory for another success story. All set? Not yet! I was in the mood for accessories! I found a hippie headband in Landmark and bought matching moonstone bracelets and earrings from Crystal Empress (I heard moonstone crystals can help insomniacs like me. Plus, it can help regulate menstrual cycle, among others!). 

White on white!

This photo is inspired by too many when-are-you-getting-married inquiries lately!

My casual approach to all-white

Closer look

I can imagine wearing this ensemble when I'm on travel, say, in a beach resort. I admit I don't have the courage to wear that micro miniskirt on its own. As a commuter, I could use leggings to go with it. I'm sure most of you will agree with me. Haha!

Outfit of the Day:

Sando with fringe from Chubbly

Micro miniskirt from ward88

Lacey flats from SM Parisian

Hippie headband from Landmark Makati

Moonstone crystals from Crystal Empress

***

Now allow me to conclude this entry with proper acknowledgements. See, this is my first serious pictorial for a blog entry. With my best friend DJ and her college friends (they all took up Film), no less! Back in 2001, I used to tag along in their shoots even non-school-related gatherings that they eventually accepted me in their gang (right, guys?). I feel so honoured to be invited for their June get-together to celebrate DJ's birthday. 

I'm super grateful we were able to squeeze in time for a pictorial between burger party, videoke night and supposed World War Z date. And the least that I can do is to introduce my supportive crew. 

Meet the Puff Mafia!

BIG thank you!