dinner meeting at Bistro Mateo

The meeting was supposedly after lunch but I haven't got a call from the person I'll be meeting until 5pm. So when he called me to confirm, he's already at our meeting place, while I was still home and haven't even taken a bath yet. haha! Well I didn't hurried myself too much 'coz I knew he'll be meeting someone else as well.

So I prepared myself for less than an hour and took a cab to Tiendesitas. Travel time was about 30mins, including some traffic. Actually, when he called me, he said he's at Mario's Cafe in front of SM Hypermart so that's what I looked for when I got at Tiendesitas. I wasn't able to receive his text message saying he's at Bistro Mateo 'coz my cellphone died (as in nothing appears on the screen, which means it has to be repaired). Good thing I asked the guard in the parking lot, and he told me that Mario's Cafe was replaced by Bistro Mateo. Thank God, or else I'll get lost haha.=P

photos from ClicktheCity.com

There were only a few people there so it's easy to find out who he was. Oh I forgot to tell that it's my first time to meet him 'coz he's a brother of my previous employer, and we're meeting up for a marketing job he's offering me. Anyway, when I got there, he was with two other men, and he informed me that he's in a meeting so he ushered me to a table at the other end of the room and asked the waiter to give me the menu.

photo from ClicktheCity.com

The place was nice and cozy. Most people there were business people, more of mid-30s to mid-40s, more especially because it's a weeknight. Anyway, I ordered the Ines pasta, which actually tasted good; and a strawberry lemonade. While waiting for my order, I browsed my Cosmo Date Book to check my schedule and to list some of the things I have to do.

photo from ClicktheCity.com

After finishing my meal, he asked me to transfer to their table so we could start the informal meeting, or should i say, the get-to-know each other meeting. haha. The other man already left so it was only the two of them, and I got introduced to this lawyer who's a manufacturer of local firearms, which actually is the product I am supposed to market for this job. Wow, sounds interesting. It's gonna be me, in a business with a market of mostly men. I think I better practice my shooting skills now. haha!

After the meeting, I took a cab home; and we actually took a different route since there's this traffic in Libis caused by a huge trailer truck that got stuck there.

facebook lovin'=)

I created a Facebook account about 2 years ago, when a friend of mine asked me to create one so I could add up to his force in the Vampires application. But that was the time I wasn't able to appreciate Facebook because there were so many applications & stuff that I can't really understand.

It was last year when I tried to familiarize myself with Facebook. I added up friends and installed a few applications. But I didn't upload pictures yet 'coz I still found Multiply as a perfect haven for my photos.

Eventually, I was able to appreciate Facebook because it kept me closely connected with my friends and colleagues. Actually it has a better approach on privacy as compared with other networking sites. So in Facebook, I only add people whom I have close connections with, and some who belong to the same industry/institution as mine whom I am interested of meeting soon.

It was this year when I was able to appreciate Facebook even more. Now I've already uploaded lots of photos in my account, plus thanks to my friends who keeps tagging me in some photos too. Also, I really love how Facebook relaxes me when I'm stressed and how it saves me from boredom through its really cool games, quizzes, and other applications. Some of the applications I'm using are: Sorority Life, Fashion Wars, SuperPoke, Mafia Wars, Vampires, Pet Society, Restaurant City, Drinking Wars, Yoville, Roller Coaster Kingdom, and Friends for Sale.

I also like the fact that you can see and chat with your online friends on the web page. Plus you always get reminded of the latest updates or responses to your posts and friends' posts. It is also easier to make announcement and invite people to events through Groups and Event Invitations. Facebook assures that you're always updated about your friends' lives, the upcoming events/happenings, and the latest trend. You can also share videos, photos, links, or any random thoughts to your friends to keep them updated about you as well.

So that's it. Bottomline: I love Facebook! haha!=)

cravin' for Royce

So I've been craving for Royce chocolates for a couple of days already. Unfortunately, I can't drag myself to Greenbelt 5 for some reasons, just to buy Royce. I just wish they have a dial 8-R-O-Y-C-E delivery like Mcdo. haha! Well, another option is to have a boyfriend or a "boylet" who would buy for me and deliver it to my house all for free! haha! But unfortunately, I'm currently not interested with guys. Well, let's just say, I just need a break.

Anyway, I remember the first time I've tried Royce Chocolates. It's actually just in February of this year, when my previous boss stocked one box in our office's fridge. Usually we're having it after we eat. But sometimes when I get too stressed while working, I grab some to relax me. hehe! My boss even asked me to keep the box wrapper 'cause it has my name, "Royce", plus its pink! haha!I really liked this specific variation because it's sweetness is just right. So when my family went to Japan last summer, I asked them to bring me this and the chocolate-coated potato chips but they weren't able to bring one because they weren't able to find the specific store that sells Royce there and that they were able to find some only at the airport; but what they found was just the variation which has liquor.

To summarize everything, I didn't have a choice but to grab the available chocolates at home. So I landed on having the Pastel Colored Easter Mix Plain M&M's from the States, just to satisfy my chocolate cravings. haha!Good enough.=)

on losing a 2nd mother...

It has been a tough fight for former President Corazon Aquino, trying to survive colon cancer. Just like how she fought for the democracy of all Filipinos during the EDSA Revolution in 1987 until the end of her term.

President Cory Aquino never surrendered in her battle as she tried to survive every kind of treatment given to her, no matter how painful it was. Well that's how we've known her--a woman of courage. It has also been proven of her continuous presence and support to all Filipinos as we face the greatest challenges in our country. She's been there at the moments we needed her most. She's always there uniting all of us, just like a mother bringing her children together.She didn't give up as she's been optimistic that someday, we'll live in a peaceful nation. But for now, it is her who has achieved peace before we do. She may not have given up her battle against colon cancer, but it's her bodythat has become weaker and weaker and eventually has given up. Even in her last breath we would know that it was peace that she really wanted, as she peacefully died with a look of contentment on her face.

I know how much our entire nation is in sorrow right now. It feels like we lost a second mother, someone we all listened to and looked up to, someone who has greatly influenced our actions and decisions, someone who has been an inspiration to all of us, and someone who never stopped caring for our nation. But let's just be happy now that she's already resting in peace, with God, who has been the center of her life when she was still alive.Indeed, Pres. Cory has been a historical icon. She has greatly influenced Philippine history, most especially 'people and politics', in a very good way. Thus, we shall give everything back to her as we continue the fight she has started. Let's wear our yellow ribbons forever as we unite and work hard to achieve a democratic and peaceful nation.

President Corazon Aquino: a phenomenal woman.

Goodbye to you, our second mom.

guestlist: your way in to parties

Nowadays, it's not only during weekends that there are parties/events happening in the most popular clubs/bars in the city, because even weekdays seem like weekends as event promoters are able to bring in guests at any night of the week to these clubs. Well the biggest reason for this is the availability of guestlists in such parties, which are being prepared by event promoters.

For attendees of parties, being guestlisted is very convenient. Once you are in the guestlist, you get in for free, which means, instead of paying for an entrance fee, you get to use your money to buy whatever drink you like inside.

Before, those who make it to the guestlists of such club parties are just the friends or network of the very few event promoters. But now, there are already a lot of event promoters, as they have formed multiple productions or promoters' teams. With this, everyone now has a greater access to the best parties in town. Also, with the help of several networking sites such as Multiply, Friendster and Facebook, it is easier for event promoters to do the invites, and it's also easier and faster for the party crowd to find events and enlist their names in the guestlists. Let's also not forget about the email & text blasts, which are passed from one person to another, to let the whole town know about the upcoming parties.

I guess this whole guestlisting thing has been so popular now, that's why every time I visit clubs, there are really these long lines for the guestlist entrance. And now, there's even an innovation of this whole guestlisting thing, and that you'll find out by checking out: http://guestlist.ph


In this site, you will find all the upcoming parties in the most popular clubs in the metro. You'll also get to know the promoters, and you can familiarize yourself on who's promoting on where on what day. It's guestlisting made even easier. You''ll just sign up and click the event you're attending and you're automatically included in the guestlist. However, only members could have their names guestlisted. If you're bringing in your friends then they need to be registered members of the site also so they could enlist their names themselves. Well in this case, I find it more practical to just send in the names directly to the event promoter's mobile number. At least there, I could send all the names I want, plus confirmation is faster since the event promoter would reply immediately to confirm that you're enlisted.

Hmm but we'll see. Maybe soon it's gonna work more efficiently and effectively. For now, it's really a good networking tool also, most especially if you're a party person because you'll get to meet the party crowd online too. Actually, I admire the one who has thought about building this site...very brilliant idea...a true blue party animal.=P

where it all started

It's July 31, Friday...and right at this very moment, the last party night in Temple Bar is happening there in Greenbelt 2. Temple Bar will temporarily close for renovation...maybe to bring bigger and better parties soon. But for now, Cold Flame Entertainment is giving a thanksgiving party for those who never stopped supporting Temple Bar.


Indeed, it's where all the good parties started. I remember a few years back when I used go there every time my friend organizes an event, such that of the Motorola Razr2 Party, and other random parties with open bar. In fact, I remember Temple Bar as one of the favorite spots of celebrities and other elites. But eventually, due to a lot of new clubs and bars opening here in Manila, it's already hard to bring back the crowd that Temple Bar used to have. Actually, the last time I dropped by Temple Bar, I've found the crowd really different--younger (aka sooo high school), less popular (uhm do i know them?), and hmmm never mind. hahaha! Wait, I'm not being mean here ok? It's just that most of the people I used to see in Temple before are hanging out at bigger and newer clubs now.

photo from ClicktheCity.com

But yeah, it used to be where crazy RnB parties are at. Should I say, the new clubs owe it to Temple? hahaha! Well, I think...Temple had its time....just like any other place, thing, or person. You see, not all celebrities are at the limelight all the time...I mean, even their popularity fades too.

Let's just wait after the renovation of Temple Bar. Maybe the new Temple Bar would be kickass enough to bring back its hot stuff crowd again. The long wait might be worth it. For now, let's just give Temple Bar a kickass closing party! Ooops, sorry but I won't be able to attend the party tonight (even if I'm one of the promoters), 'coz I've got some appointments early tomorrow. hehe.=P

indigo: love that salon experience!

City girls love going to the salon--from getting a French manicure to achieving the best hair color. But these days, it's really hard to spot the best salon in town 'coz there are actually a lot of them around. Plus, it's kinda hard to trust nowadays because even the most popular salons cause damage to customers like a bloody manicure act and a burnt hair from rebond.

Worry no more 'coz I think I've found the answer! Just 3 days ago, I modeled for a TV show's segment, which actually was about getting that shinier & smoother black hair that stands out. So they gave me & my co-model/friend a salon treatment, which would transform our hair to something that we see on TV commercials of shampoos & conditioners. haha!

This salon I am talking about is Indigo Salon at the 2/F of The Clubhouse in Corinthian Hills, Temple Drive, Quezon City. The place has nice interiors, and it is really cozy that's why it's very comfortable to wait for your turn. You can go there as a walk-in but i would be better if you'll set an appointment with them. I believe, most of their customers are celebrities and Class A to B, as that's what I've observed while I was there. You can't even reach the place if you don't have a car, or without taking a cab. They've got nice facilities, most especially their high-tech Steamer w/ Cooler, the one used to heat the hair with your treatment cream on. Also, the best part is, they only use one brand for their hair treatments--Schwarzkopf! I really love it. Yes you'll pay quite a big amount but I promise, it's all worth it! Come on, you don't wanna take a risk when it comes to your hair 'coz it's your crowning glory. Actually I found the whole process fastSo I got a Black Hair Color with Hair Gloss Treatment, which was done for a total of 2 hours--color application, product-on-hair waiting time, rinsing, treatment application, steaming & cooling, rinsing (again), blow drying, a bit of ironing, final gloss application., unlike in other salons. And in here, waiting time is all worth it. After seeing the results, you'll forget you ever waited. Sounds interesting, right?=P

Finally, after 2 hours of waiting, here's a softer, smoother, shinier black hair! Now I can be a star on the next shampoo commercial. hahaha!=)) Due to the lighting of the place, my hair didn't appear that black though. But I swear, it's super shiny black in person.=)
The whole thing amounted to a total of Php 6,000.00. I swear, it's really worth it. So, thank you so much to Indigo Salon for giving us this shiny black hair that really stands out. And thanks so much also to Us Girls of Studio 23, particularly the segment "Megan's Corner", with Kid (a batchmate of mine) as the segment producer, for inviting us to this wonderful experience.=)

shoe lovin': my favorite pair!

I'm not actually much of a shoes fan so I don't collect them as much as I do with bags. But whenever I get myself a pair of new shoes, I make sure that it's something I really love. I only choose what I think is best--fit, style, comfort, and price. Well maybe this is why most of my shoes get a lot of flattering comments from people every time I wear them.

So I've got some pumps, strappy stilettos, flats, and ankle boots. As of now, my favorite pair is my pink ankle boots, which my cousin got for me from Japan. Wherever I go, every time I wear it, people can't help but notice it and give really flattering feedback. Even those who just see it on my pictures leave comments on my sites telling me that they like my shoes. Some of those who have expressed their love for my shoes were a TV actress/host, one of my favorite popular photographers, and several close friends.
Wow, it really gives me a good feeling. Makes me love my cousin even more! Haha. Well actually even my Grandma and Aunt deserve credit because it was the three of them who got me this pair of nice booties last summer.

I love wearing this pair of shoes with shorts and skirt. It really matches perfectly, plus the shoes gets more noticeable because of my long bare legs. Hmmm I haven't tried it with jeans though, but I will soon.
I'm glad I had the chance to wear them in one of my photo shoots, which was done in UP Diliman (My Alma Mater haha). Really nice. Thanks to Bernard Chang for this photo.

Thanks to everyone who liked my shoes. But I'm so sorry my friends 'coz you can't have them. I just can't let them go. Haha! Why? Hmmm because if you're single like me, having a pair of shoes like this is a must! Hahaha!=P

a bag's life (not the animated film!=P)

bags...bags...bags!!! it's actually one of the things i love collecting! why? because it makes even my most boring outfit fabulous!

well i started collecting bags in high school, the time when i had the most boring uniform, which looked like a saleslady's uniform in department store. i have been influenced by my aunts who love collecting bags especially those from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Fendi.

so there, every time my family goes to Japan (our family's 2nd home) and goes back here in the Philippines, they always bring me a new bag. also, my aunt gives me some of the bags she's not using anymore so my signature bags are mostly from her. i love collecting bags that even my classmates and friends have noticed how i change bags everyday, and they even tell me what their favorites are from my collection. haha cool!

different bags are used for different occasions and different functions. in fact, bags' colors are often matched with an outfit's color as well. in my case, the color of my bag has to go with the color of my belt, my shoes, and my other accessories. i don't like it when the color of my top or the most dominant color of my dress is the same with the color of my bag. rather, it has to be the other way around--the color of my bag should at least be similar to the color of the least dominant color of my outfit. yay...so complicated.=P

a woman's choice of bag reflects her way of life, even her personality. for example, in spending a summer weekend at the beach, a young & bubbly woman brings a bright-printed summer tote like that of lacoste, a backpack from jansport or a travel bag from le sport sac; while a more mature and classy woman brings either a gucci suit case or an LV travel bag.
bag sizes aren't really important. there are some women who aren't comfortable of bringing small bags, just like me. well i prefer a quite larger one because i usually bring a lot of stuff for my regular daily activities. however, during parties, i really try my best to carry just a clutch, which would contain everything i'll be needing for that gathering. well of course, i'll try to lose everything just to make my stuff fit the very exquisite Aranaz clutches i'll be carrying. i super love Ms. Amina's designs...sooo unique...sooo Filipina!=)


so that's it. basically, i just wanna talk about bags since I'm deciding now what bag to use for tomorrow. i'll be going to a tv show taping so i think i'll be needing quite a big tote to fitthe clothes i'll be bringing. well you know, in the modeling world, everyone carries huge bags. haha! i even have a model friend who brings a rolling travel bag especially during photo shoots. haha!

that's it for now. sorry if i'm too lazy to take a picture of some of my bags. maybe next time.=)

the power of a planner

The role that a planner plays in a city girl's life is very very important. It's a guide to her everyday schedule--meetings, social gatherings, dates, etc.

But there are actually several types of city girls so I think, the kind of planner each city girl must use should depend on her job and personality. I think, for someone who is very much inclined to fashion and the arts such as models, photographers, makeup artists, fashion designers, magazine editors, etc., the Belle de Jour planner is a good choice.
However, it's quite bulky, so a nice alternative is the Cosmopolitan Date Book. I actually got one for me. And look, it looks so overused already since I use it all the time. It is where I put schedule of go-sees, photo shoots, fashion shows, school events, friends' parties, and other fun events. What's also nice about this planner is it has a lot that you can read about like some personality readings per zodiac sign, some quotations, and trivia too.

For someone who is much more serious or much of a corporate woman, the Starbucks planner is good, or should I say, better than the very bulky planners available at the bookstores. It is simpler and more formal-looking. It's a plus for the coffee lovers out there since it contains some coffee stories as well. I actually have one too. But what I put here are schedules of meetings, job interviews, social gatherings, and other formal events.

So, I've got 2 planner--one for the 'kikay' side of me, and one for the 'career woman' side of me. haha! But actually, it's really hard maintaining two planners...so sometimes, i just put everything on my Cosmo...and my Starbucks planner looks a bit like a mini diary now. haha!

Anyway, Powerbooks has a nice planner too. And you can also use the planner features of your cellphones. However, they are not that reliable because once they get stolen, everything's lost too. You'll even lose your mind. haha!

Most important rule: DO NOT LOSE YOUR PLANNER...unless you want a stalker! hahaha!=))