My Uncle Roberto celebrated his 60th birthday last Sunday and his kids threw him a '60s-themed birthday party. The music, games, and food were awesome, but what made it even more special is that the whole family in my father's side is complete save for Aunt Earl who's currently working abroad.
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| Meet my big family! |
I'm sure Lola Binyang and Lolo Popoy were smiling down on us from heaven.
Having a big family reminds me that no matter how lonely I get, I am never alone.
CURRENTLY
READING
Doorkeeper by Ethan Chua and Scott Lee Chua. I was supposed to review this before Christmas but I was too holi-dazed to do anything, let alone concentrate on a book. I started this the other night and I am so impressed by the art!
Doorkeeper by Ethan Chua and Scott Lee Chua. I was supposed to review this before Christmas but I was too holi-dazed to do anything, let alone concentrate on a book. I started this the other night and I am so impressed by the art!
LISTENING TO
ONE OK ROCK. My boyfriend got us tickets for their concert at the MOA Arena on Monday!
SMELLING
Coconut Oil, but not really. I think I may just be imagining it. I put coconut oil on my hair last Sunday and even though it was really difficult to rinse off (I used cold water by mistake instead of warm water), I really loved how it made my skin so black and shniy.
WEARING
L'Oreal Paris skin care products. I've been worried about tired-looking and aging skin so these gifts from the L'Oreal Paris team were welcomed with open arms and a happy face. I started this new regimen last night, and I particularly liked the L'Oreal Pure Clay Mask. It felt hot at first but got cooler and better as it dried, and left my skin feeling really clean!
THINKING
Of the future.
FEELING
Sad. I guess it's just one of those days.
LOVING
Colourpop. My second and third lipstick purchases are the Colourpop Ultra Matte Lips Liquid Lipstick in Kween and 3-Way. It was my first time to use Colourpop and OH MY GOODNESS my life was changed. Thanks to Chelsea for recommending it to me!
WANTING
To reduce waste, especially plastic.
I started bringing my tumbler and metal straw to my coffee runs. (My favorite Starbucks beverage: cold brew with sugar-free vanilla and heavy cream.)
NEEDING
To pack. We're moving to a new office space and I'm not yet done packing my stuff.
WISHING
For my period. I'm equal parts anticipating and dreading my period, because it means my operation will come soon after.
That things this time next week will be better.
Thank you for reading. ♡
ONE OK ROCK. My boyfriend got us tickets for their concert at the MOA Arena on Monday!
SMELLING
Coconut Oil, but not really. I think I may just be imagining it. I put coconut oil on my hair last Sunday and even though it was really difficult to rinse off (I used cold water by mistake instead of warm water), I really loved how it made my skin so black and shniy.
WEARING
L'Oreal Paris skin care products. I've been worried about tired-looking and aging skin so these gifts from the L'Oreal Paris team were welcomed with open arms and a happy face. I started this new regimen last night, and I particularly liked the L'Oreal Pure Clay Mask. It felt hot at first but got cooler and better as it dried, and left my skin feeling really clean!
THINKING
Of the future.
FEELING
Sad. I guess it's just one of those days.
LOVING
Colourpop. My second and third lipstick purchases are the Colourpop Ultra Matte Lips Liquid Lipstick in Kween and 3-Way. It was my first time to use Colourpop and OH MY GOODNESS my life was changed. Thanks to Chelsea for recommending it to me!
WANTING
To reduce waste, especially plastic.
I started bringing my tumbler and metal straw to my coffee runs. (My favorite Starbucks beverage: cold brew with sugar-free vanilla and heavy cream.)
NEEDING
To pack. We're moving to a new office space and I'm not yet done packing my stuff.
WISHING
For my period. I'm equal parts anticipating and dreading my period, because it means my operation will come soon after.
That things this time next week will be better.
Thank you for reading. ♡
Mondays are for power reds, and the Lip Liners and Lipsticks from the Maybelline x Gigi Hadid West Coast Glow range offer high wattage!
Sunkissed and sultry, this glowing makeup collection is inspired by the warm California vibes of Gigi Hadid’s hometown. Boardwalk or catwalk, either way the West Coast Glow makeup collection is hot. A sunset red lip and a golden glow, this collection is so major.
The West Coast Glow collection features three gorgeous bold shades of red lipsticks that’s easy to glide on the lips with a creamy-matte finish.
Like what I did with my review of the East Coast Glam Lip Kits, this will focus more on the Lipsticks as I rarely wear Lip Liners anyway.
The shades included in the East Coast range are Austyn, Khair, and Lani.
I am a bit confused about the names to be honest, because the descriptions say Austyn is a "warm orange" while Lani is a "blue-based rouge", but the Lipsticks I have seem like they may have interchanged the two? From the swatches above, Austyn looks like a true red to me while Lani looks orange-y. Notice the discrepancy between the Austyn Lip Liner and Austyn Lipstick (first two swatches from the left). From the descriptions, the Lip Liners are okay, though.
Here are my lip swatches.
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| Austyn Lip Liner |
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| Austyn Lipstick on top of the Austyn Lip Liner |
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| Khair Lipstick |
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| Lani Lip Liner |
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| Lani Lipstick on top of the Lani Lip Liner |
I love how my phone camera captured how even the application is for all three Lipsticks. If I were to describe these products in one word, it will be effortless, which has really been Gigi's style ever since. I love how her personality and style translates with the products under this collection.
Of the three colors, Austyn is my favorite. All three applied smoothly with no tugging. The formula is creamy matte and did not leave my lips feeling nor looking dry. They also lasted for more than three hours, with touch-ups needed after meals.
The Lipsticks cost PhP349 each while the Lip Liners cost PhP249 each, but I believe they have a Lip Kit promo where you can get both in a set for a cheaper price.
The other products I used on my face are all from the Maybelline x Gigi Hadid Collection. This is actually a series of reviews I am doing to showcase the products I have from the line. You may also check out my review of the Jetsetter Palette and the West Coast Glam Lip Kits, and watch out for my other reviews in the coming days.
The Maybelline x Gigi Hadid Collection is available on select SM Department Stores and Watsons Stores nationwide. Grab your favorites and back-ups before they're gone forever!
Sometimes life feels like one easy-breezy ride.
And then sometimes you fall flat on your face.
The best thing to do is take it easy.
Fight courageously, yet accept losses gracefully.
Most importantly, celebrate life's winning moments, however minute they may seem.
As for me, one of my wins this past week is finally scoring a Barbie® Made To Move™ Skateboarder after looking for her everywhere! Huge thanks to Rue of Richwell for her help!
Because of her Made to Move body, she's really flexible and the possibilities are endless! I figured I can always change her clothes, but upon considering it, the outfit she came with is actually pretty cool. Still, I would love to see her without her helmet and wearing pretty dresses.
Mind you, the helmet proved very handy when she took a lot of hits earlier because she kept on falling while I was trying to take her photos.
She has a very pretty face. I also love her dusty pink/ old rose lipstick!
Her articulation allows her to do any pose you can imagine but her plaid shirt somehow restricts her movement. I'll take more photos of her without the plaid shirt on next time.
Right now we'll just chill and enjoy the weekend.
By the way, I decided to name her Cassandra. Nickname, Sandy.
Thank you for reading! ♥
- Barbie® skateboarder doll features flexibility for extra-cool moves — 22 “joints” in the neck, upper arms, elbows, wrists, torso, hips, upper legs, knees AND ankles allow an incredibly realistic range of motion!
- Her skateboarding outfit is casually cool with light blue leggings, a graphic tee, a plaid shirt and white sneakers.
- A purple skateboard and red helmet will help her land new tricks.
- Young sport lovers will find all kinds of stories to play out and all types of moves to make with Barbie® skateboarder doll.
Because of her Made to Move body, she's really flexible and the possibilities are endless! I figured I can always change her clothes, but upon considering it, the outfit she came with is actually pretty cool. Still, I would love to see her without her helmet and wearing pretty dresses.
Mind you, the helmet proved very handy when she took a lot of hits earlier because she kept on falling while I was trying to take her photos.
She has a very pretty face. I also love her dusty pink/ old rose lipstick!
Her articulation allows her to do any pose you can imagine but her plaid shirt somehow restricts her movement. I'll take more photos of her without the plaid shirt on next time.
Right now we'll just chill and enjoy the weekend.
By the way, I decided to name her Cassandra. Nickname, Sandy.
Thank you for reading! ♥
I intend to make a review of all the items included in the massive Maybelline x Gigi Hadid Collection kit we received during the launch event. I started with the Jetsetter Palette, and now I'm reviewing the Lipsticks and Lip Liners from the East Coast Glam range!
Fresh, bold, and fierce. It’s all about the cat eye in this city chic makeup look inspired by Gigi’s home away from home, New York City. Bold as the city itself is Gigi Hadid's signature nude lip and fierce cat eye.
Complement your fierce eye makeup with a perfectly nude pout with Gigi Hadid’s Matte Lip East Coast Glow lip kit collection which comes in three shades of essential neutral and nude colors to finish off your look.
The shades included in the East Coast range are Erin, Mccall, and Taura.
I got the Lip Liners as well but seeing as I don't really use lip liners this review will focus on the Lipsticks more.
From the swatches alone, I was worried that Mccall and Taura won't show on my pigmented lips and won't flatter my skin tone. Check my lip swatches below and see for yourself.
Erin is a purplish, almost grape-y nude. It applies smoothly without tugging and is not patchy. It's also pigmented even with one swipe, but buildable if you want color with higher impact.
Mccall is a very pale pink nude. It applied patchy and hardly showed up on my pigmented lips. I had to swipe a lot of times for the color to show and take extra effort to even it out. I don't know about you but I don't think it's very flattering on my skin tone. If I do decide to wear it again, I have to have extra smokey and glam eye makeup.
Taura is a coralish-nude. It applied more evenly than Mccall but I also had to swipe at least three times before the color showed up on my lips. I also think it's more flattering than Mccall as it's almost the same color as my face, but I would think twice before wearing it as I prefer MLBB (My Lips, But Better) shades for nude lipsticks.
Of the three, I think you can already tell that my favorite is Erin. I've been wearing it almost every day and it has proven to be a reliable matte lipstick for me. All three are non-drying and stayed on my lips for almost three hours, and longer still if I use the Lip Liner. The Lipsticks cost PhP349 each while the Lip Liners cost PhP249 each, but I believe they have a Lip Kit promo where you can get both in a set for a cheaper price.
The other products I used on my face are all from the Maybelline x Gigi Hadid Collection, and I hope you can watch out for my reviews of those in the next coming days. I'll do the West Coast Lipsticks first though so you can appreciate the difference between the two ranges.
The Maybelline x Gigi Hadid Collection is available on select SM Department Stores and Watsons Stores nationwide. Grab your favorites and back-ups before they're gone forever!
I got the Lip Liners as well but seeing as I don't really use lip liners this review will focus on the Lipsticks more.
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| Maybelline x Gigi Hadid Collection East Glam Lipsticks in Erin, Mccall, and Taura |
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| Erin Lip Liner |
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| Erin Lip Liner layered with the Erin Lipstick |
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| Mccall Lip Liner |
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| Mccall Lip Liner layered with Mccall Lipstick |
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| Taura Lip Liner |
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| Taura Lip Liner layered with Taura Lipstick |
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| Maybelline x Gigi Hadid Collection East Coast Lip Kits: Erin, Mccall, and Taura |
The other products I used on my face are all from the Maybelline x Gigi Hadid Collection, and I hope you can watch out for my reviews of those in the next coming days. I'll do the West Coast Lipsticks first though so you can appreciate the difference between the two ranges.
The Maybelline x Gigi Hadid Collection is available on select SM Department Stores and Watsons Stores nationwide. Grab your favorites and back-ups before they're gone forever!
If you're interested in comics, movies, series, manga, anime, toys, gaming, and cosplay, then mark March 24 and 25 on your calendars because all of these will come together in a massive arena of fandom explosion at the ComicCon Asia 2018 happening at the SMX Convention Center!
ComicCon Asia's first run is jam-packed with exciting highlights (as it should, being its first run and all) centered on delivering unique and entertaining experiences for fans and con-goers of the region, including, get this: a meet-and-greet with the iconic superhero mastermind Stan Lee!
We attended the presscon held at the Grand Ballroom of The Heritage Hotel last night and boy, was it exciting to hear their plans for this convention from the organizers themselves!
The organizers (backed by the combined expertise of PSL Entertainment and Nam Entertainment Group) certainly didn't spend time being idle from the time the first presscon was held to yesterday's grand announcement.
ComicCon Asia event producer Pauline Sofia Laping shares that Stan Lee, along with the convention's roster of industry luminaries, are meant to ''show fans what the industry behind creating a story looks like,'' a major draw for budding artists, creators, storytellers, and superhero fanatics alike.
Joining Stan Lee is NBA superstar Ray Allen, who celebrates the 20th year anniversary of the release of his movie He Got Game at ComicCon Asia, unveiling exclusive memorabilia and meeting up with basketball fans all over the region.
Walter Jones, the original Black Ranger from hit TV series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is also coming in to say hi to fans of the massive teen franchise. Furthermore, set to shed light on the industry aspect of the creative trade are ComicCon Asia's list of master creators in the world of cosp1ay, gaming, comics, illustration, photography, and more.
Here are some of the other confirmed guests we can expect to see come March 24 and 25:
Meanwhile, ComicCon Asia is also the place to witness cosplayers bring their best cosplay to the frontlines as they compete for the ultimate Cosplay Match-Up. A one-on-one duke out for cosplay victory, Cosplay Match-Up is where bonafide dungeon warlords, space princesses, and manga maniacs can bring home the ultimate cosplay champ title under the Anime, Gaming, and Western/ Filipino categories.
Aside from Cosplay Match-Up, ComicCon Asia will also be home to signature and co-located competitions made to empower and showcase the talent of the local creative landscape. They recently announced the finalists of the Great Filipino Graphic Novel Contest and will announce the winners on the event itself. We can also expect a new breed of Filipino champions as ComicCon Asia, together with DV Tech Media, launches Project X: The Search for the New Pinoy Superheroes. ComicCon Asia also partners with The StartUp Village, the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACP ), and the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), for One Shot, the search for the next big video game and animation idea.
Lastly, hardcore collectors can either place their bid on the rarest memorabilia at the Auction Hero, or head to the Trading Guild to exchange limited edition collectibles.
IT'S GOING TO BE MASSIVE! It's going to make history and you wouldn't want to miss this!
ComicCon Asia 2018 tickets are set to drop by January 25 and will be available via the ComicCon Asia website with ticket prices of PhP8OO for the one-day pass and PhP1300 for the two-day pass. Follow their Facebook Page for more updates as the dates draw near!
ComicCon Asia's first run is jam-packed with exciting highlights (as it should, being its first run and all) centered on delivering unique and entertaining experiences for fans and con-goers of the region, including, get this: a meet-and-greet with the iconic superhero mastermind Stan Lee!
We attended the presscon held at the Grand Ballroom of The Heritage Hotel last night and boy, was it exciting to hear their plans for this convention from the organizers themselves!
The organizers (backed by the combined expertise of PSL Entertainment and Nam Entertainment Group) certainly didn't spend time being idle from the time the first presscon was held to yesterday's grand announcement.
ComicCon Asia event producer Pauline Sofia Laping shares that Stan Lee, along with the convention's roster of industry luminaries, are meant to ''show fans what the industry behind creating a story looks like,'' a major draw for budding artists, creators, storytellers, and superhero fanatics alike.
Joining Stan Lee is NBA superstar Ray Allen, who celebrates the 20th year anniversary of the release of his movie He Got Game at ComicCon Asia, unveiling exclusive memorabilia and meeting up with basketball fans all over the region.
Walter Jones, the original Black Ranger from hit TV series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is also coming in to say hi to fans of the massive teen franchise. Furthermore, set to shed light on the industry aspect of the creative trade are ComicCon Asia's list of master creators in the world of cosp1ay, gaming, comics, illustration, photography, and more.
Here are some of the other confirmed guests we can expect to see come March 24 and 25:
- Renowned artist and cosplayer Chad Hoku aka Hoku Props will help fans discover tips and tricks forged in the armor cosplay trade
- Award-winning international cosplayer Linda Le aka Vampy Bit Me is set to help cosplayers level up their crafting skills with a workshop on stunning fabric costumes
- Austrian cosplay chameleon Nana Kuronoma will be unraveling secrets to embodying characters through a Cosplay Posing and Facial Expression workshop
- Cosplay photographer Jay Tablante together with special guest Anna Redei aka Enji Night will be giving con-goers tips on capturing cosplay through the lens
- DC/ Marvel homegrown comic book artist Harvey Tolibao is set to unlock trade secrets in the comic book industry as he leads a workshop for aspiring artists
- Carlo Pagulayan will be giving expert comic book illustration techniques designed to help beginners turn to pros
- Walt Disney's Visual Development Artist Armand Serrano will share his experience in bringing to life well-loved characters from award-winning films like Mulan, Lilo and Stitch, and Big Hero 6
- Award-winning toy customizer and creator of the commercially and critically successful Forest of Sorrows and Arcane Divination sets Jesse Yu aka J*RYU will teach con-goers how to become an expert craftsman in toy design through a master class
- Spongecola front man Yael Yuzon will share his experience in harnessing creativity to expand his artistic journey as well as unveiling his latest mini comics Watership and Joy
- Carlo Caliman of StartUp Village and Jay Tablante will also lead an industry workshop where creative hopefuls can learn about what it takes to be a successful creative entrepreneur
- Temple University's Dr. John Lent, publisher and creator of the International Journal of Comic Art, will hold a round-table discussion on the span of the comic industry in Asia and the role of comics in the progressive growth of Asian comic culture and its significance on a global scale. Part of his panel are: Toni Masdiono, a lecturer for the Indonesian School of Design and comic artist for popular album Ganesha Bobo and the Komunikasi magazine; Vietnamese comic pioneer Nguyen Thang Phong, popularized by his regime-defying artwork; Jerry Hinds, president of The Association of Comic Artists Singapore and creator of comic series SupaCross; and Malaysia's Adi Nazri, founer of the Komic Kapalooza and former president of the Malaysia Comics Enthusiast Organization
They said negotiations with other possible guests are still on-going so watch out for more announcements!
I think my favorite thing about ComicCon Asia is how it touts itself as the place for local creators to sneak an exclusive peek into the exciting world of creative productions with their roster of talented and globally-recognized creative industry pros to host informative talks, workshops, and panel discussions. I like that ComicCon Asia is giving Filipino creators the chance to be part of a creative discourse designed to give them the exposure and guidance they need.
Aside from Cosplay Match-Up, ComicCon Asia will also be home to signature and co-located competitions made to empower and showcase the talent of the local creative landscape. They recently announced the finalists of the Great Filipino Graphic Novel Contest and will announce the winners on the event itself. We can also expect a new breed of Filipino champions as ComicCon Asia, together with DV Tech Media, launches Project X: The Search for the New Pinoy Superheroes. ComicCon Asia also partners with The StartUp Village, the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACP ), and the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), for One Shot, the search for the next big video game and animation idea.
Lastly, hardcore collectors can either place their bid on the rarest memorabilia at the Auction Hero, or head to the Trading Guild to exchange limited edition collectibles.
IT'S GOING TO BE MASSIVE! It's going to make history and you wouldn't want to miss this!
ComicCon Asia 2018 tickets are set to drop by January 25 and will be available via the ComicCon Asia website with ticket prices of PhP8OO for the one-day pass and PhP1300 for the two-day pass. Follow their Facebook Page for more updates as the dates draw near!
Stan Lee is coming to Manila.
STAN LEE IS COMING TO MANILA!
I just came from ComicCon Asia's presscon and I have the lowdown on the confirmed guests gracing the two-day event at the SMX Convention Center on March 24 and 25 but I'm going to write a separate post on that tomorrow. It's actually almost midnight and I'm not sleepy yet as I spent the whole day feeling sick in bed, but I do need to clock in some sleep before I need to wake up again for work. For now, I'd like to make good on my New Year's Resolution to write more so here is my weekly creative prompt.
CURRENTLY
READING
I'm still on my first book of the year: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. This is the ending paragraph of the short story A Scandal in Bohemia, loosely adapted for the A Scandal in Belgravia episode of Sherlock.
LISTENING TO
The Cranberries.
SMELLING
My The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil, one of my favorite things to put on my face before bedtime because I wake up with really soft skin the next day.
WEARING
I am almost ready to sleep so I am wearing a very comfortable, soft, and really old shirt and my Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream, aside from the aforementioned The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil.
THINKING
Of so many things lately. We're moving to another house which means I need to start packing my things very soon and do an inventory of stuff I want to keep or give away or sell. We're also moving to another office so I have to start taking my things home from the office. I'm also going to undergo a major operation so I have to start turning things over to my officemates.
My boyfriend also successfully set up my sewing machine over the weekend so I am so pumped to start sewing clothes for myself and my dolls.
We've already purchased most of the things we will need, what's left is to learn how to actually sew using the patterns I found online.
FEELING
In the holiday spirit, still. Thanks to this gift that arrived yesterday:
I love the calendar, it's so quirky! The Matadora nail polish collection will be helpful for vampy nail looks, and the bottle of Beringer is a nice touch. Thank you, Morgan Taylor and Joel!
LOVING
Are you jealous of my new Starbucks tumbler?
My officemate Erwin taught us that if we're craving something, we should wait for three days to see whether the craving will stop. If not, that's when we should go ahead and get it. Well, I waited for a week before getting this so my getting this is justified. It's so pretty!
WANTING
It's 2018 so my lipstick ban has been lifted! Still quite a feat that I managed to reach January 17 without purchasing a new one, yeah? I want the new Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipsticks in Pioneer, Voyager, Believer, Lover, and Romantic, but it's already out of stock in most online stores. I am going to have to check the Maybelline stores near me if they have it.
NEEDING
Sleep so I have to log off in 10 minutes.
WISHING
I don't have specific wishes at the moment, so whoever's reading this, I am willing to lend you my wish. Heh.
Thank you for reading. ♡
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