When I first got wind of news that the September issue of Esquire Philippines will feature the greatest band in the history of OPM on the cover and will include two new tracks especially commissioned for the 'zine, only one thought registered clearly and loudly in my mind: I MUST HAVE A COPY.

Esquire's Facebook page said the issue won't be out in newsstands and bookstores until September 4, but I still wanted to take my chances. Good thing I am lazy believe in the power of asking, as I called bookstores in Makati first to ask if they already have copies and promptly found out they don't have them yet. The nice saleslady in National Bookstore - Greenbelt 1 asked if I would like to have a copy reserved, and of course I said yes.

On Friday, September 5, as my officemates and I were in the van on our way back to the office after a client meeting, I received a text message from the nice saleslady saying my copy is ready for pickup and if I can please get it the same day as copies are limited and a lot of people have been asking for it. I wanted to fly to Greenbelt 1! When I got there, there was a long line in the Customer Service counter with people either asking for their reserved copies or asking to be put on the reservations list. My heart swelled and sang and I felt a different kind of kinship with these strangers. ˳/(˘ε ˘)♬♪♫

I could swear my fingers tingled and my heart skipped a beat when I touched my copy for the first time.


I just love the smell of new magazines. It's something I have forgotten as I stopped buying Candy and Cosmopolitan over the years, but I was reminded when I unsealed my new Esquire from its plastic packaging.

I wasn't able to leaf through its pages as I was busy the whole day  and I wanted to prolong the thrill and excitement for a little bit longer so I delayed reading the magazine until today.

It's easy to get lost in nostalgia and just lap up anything about the Eraserheads because why the hell not? They're the Eraserheads, dammit! but Esquire's EIC Erwin Romulo's companion piece together with Jake Verzosa's photos from the Eheads' London tour was a great read. It chronicled the band's growth and how they have matured through the years not only in their music but also in their roles as doting fathers to their kids. I know a bit about the UK having worked for British customers for more than five years and being inherently interested about the British culture, but Romulo's article made me feel like I was also there, touring with the band and walking the streets of London with them.

The Eraserheads, standing there like they don't even realize their impact on our lives.

It was also not all about the band. Romulo's article also talked about his friends, his failed marriage, and his own memories of London, both happy and heartbreaking. It's a very personal take on something as big as the four members of the Eraserheads coming together for a tour, which I appreciated.

And while we're at it, Sabado, 1995 which is a short story by Luis Katigbak is also worth a mention. Beautiful, poignant, and eloquent, it accurately describes what every Eraserheads fan who grew up with their music can relate to.


Music is so powerful in that it has the power to transport us through time. I've been listening to Sabado and 1995 all weekend and it feels like the '90s came and claimed me back.

Oh how I loved those years. I mean, I wish I knew how to groom my brows, I wish I chose better frames for my glasses, and I wish I knew better than to like this guy in high school BUT MAN DID I LOVE THOSE YEARS.

I was in Grade 1 when the Eraserheads released Ultraelectromagneticpop! I grew up with their music and their songs easily comprised the perfect soundtrack to whatever phase I was going through. At that time, for me at least, a mixtape is not complete unless there's at least one Eheads song in it. Even now, roadtrips aren't complete without Pare Ko, Toyang, Ligaya, Alapaap, Spoliarium, With a Smile, Ang Huling El Bimbo, Torpedo, Overdrive, Huwag Mo Nang Itanong, and Para sa Masa. Meanwhile, my favorite Eheads song remain to be Kailan. I am not a masochist, but there's just something about that song that breaks my heart a little bit every time I hear it.

Marcus, Buddy, Raimund, and Ely may not be best friends with one another, but they do make magic together. I mean, I love Parokya ni Edgar and I know there's no need to compare, but I can't deny that the Eraserheads could very well be the best OPM band of all time. I still remember The Eraserheads Live! The Final Set like it happened yesterday; I've been to a lot of concerts, but hearing them play live is one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

Thank you for being a part of my personal history, Eraserheads.

It has been a long and tiring workweek that when Friday came, I was so ready to curl up under the covers and never emerge again until Monday morning. But as I already made plans to meet up with Ana, I forced myself to get ready and face the long commute from Navotas to Fort Bonifacio. I hate it when people cancel on me so why should I do the same to others?

She has been wanting to try The Wholesome Table in Bonifacio High Street (where Aria Cucina Italiana used to be) so that's where we went. Ana is a vegetarian and tries to maintain an active lifestyle so I was sure she will enjoy its all-organic offerings.


As for me, I have been there a couple of times already since I work in PR and they're one of our clients, but even without that little tidbit of information I can really say that my visits have always been more than satisfactory.

I just love going here because this is by far the prettiest restaurant I have ever stepped into. Just look at these photos.





It's amazing how much work and attention to detail its owner Bianca Elizalde put into it. She said she wants something that evokes a homey and cozy feeling, and she succeeded big time. No matter where you look, every little corner is Instagram-worthy. The Wholesome Table is an excellent treat for all the senses.



"In this lifetime you will only have one body; and if you are what you eat, then eat right and eat well." Thus says The Wholesome Table's manifesto. An organic restaurant through and through, TWT serves farm-to-table dishes that are as delicious as they are healthy.

Complimentary bread and butter

My Salmon in Basil Cream Sauce Pasta

Ana's Pineapple Mint Yogurt Shake and my Pineapple Mint Soda

Not shown in the photos is Ana's huge Vegan Burger.

When it comes to organic food, it's not so much as the meals themselves as the ingredients used and the methods in which they were prepared. One misconception about it is that the flavors are bland because of the absence of sodium and artificial sweeteners, but I am happy to report that I have never experienced such in The Wholesome Table. Everything I have tried here, I loved.


More than the food and ambiance, I also cherished Ana's company. She is my soul sister in that we both have this incessant and insatiable need to learn, experience, and get the most we can out of life. I have lost count of how many years we've been friends (and how many concerts and movies we've seen together), and it's great that even though we don't see each other as much and it seems like so many things have changed, everything still remains the same. We laughed, we swapped stories, we exchanged little gifts, we updated each other on what's going on with our respective careers and dreams, and we commiserated over the lack of [romantic] love in our lives.

And then, when the bill comes you least expect it, it arrives.

Actually.

Going to posh restaurants to dine and swap stories is now a regular fixture in our friendship. The Wholesome Table gets our approval and I'm looking forward to going back and trying the other dishes!

One of my favorite memories from Elementary are those that involve my friend Jellarmine bringing her older brother's Pugad Baboy comic books by Pol Medina Jr. and then letting me borrow them so we can snicker at our favorite jokes come recess or dismissal. Those were the days.

Guess what, after the success of other comics-inspired collections, local brand Solo is bringing all those glory days back by coming up with the Pugad Baboy collection for Solo's Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia Series!

Solo’s back with another exciting collection for its 5th year of Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia! This time, we are joined by the talented cartoonist Pol Medina Jr. as we continue to pay homage to Solo’s comic based collection! 

Following the success of the first four highly praised collections comes Pol Medina Jr.’s legendary comic strip Pugad Baboy - a funny, tongue-in-cheek, and sometimes controversial comic strip depicting the general sentiment of Filipinos on relevant topics.

If you’re already an avid reader, congratulations! You got yourself a treat! But if you’re just starting to get familiar with it, it does not matter! The Pugad Baboy collection is eye-catching and fun, definitely something that everyone can enjoy!

Think comical, artistic, and subtly patriotic! The colorful collection is composed of collared tees decked in all over Polgas prints, one of the cartoon strip's prominent characters. Solo also offers urban-classic dresses, tops in vibrant color combinations, quirky and sleek sporty graphic tees, eccentric comic strip scenes, and statement shirts inspired by the witty comebacks of Mr. Pol Medina Jr.! Lots of gift items too like bags and accessories! Keep exchanges going with these conversation pieces and gift items. 

Gracing the campaign are the Solo Online Model Search 2013 winners Renee Soraya Hassani and John Edward Custodio who stood out among almost a hundred hopeful ladies and gents! The pair got to do a photo shoot with fashion photographer Doc Marlon.

In line with the collection launch, Solo will be having a book signing tour with Pol Medina Jr. himself(!!!) on the following dates and branches:


Connect with Solo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more details!

"I will never get too old for dolls" and "I will never get tired of learning and creating" are two mutually exclusive statements that when put together results to "I want to go to a dollmaking workshop and learn how to make dolls."

This opportunity came last week when I saw an invite for a Basic Dollmaking Workshop in Mommy Jac of Dolldalita Dollshop's Instagram account. I am a fan of her dolls (I need this Batman doll in my life the way Batman needs his Batmobile) so after confirming with her that my sister and I can avail the P1,500 workshop fee that is supposedly for a mother-daughter pair, I immediately signed us up!

Instead of relaxing and lounging around the house last Sunday, Kyla and I spent almost three hours commuting to far far away BGC, more than three hours making our dolls, and almost two hours on the journey home to Navotas. We were tired and famished when we got home, but it was all worth it.

Disclaimer: unlike Meream who's a whiz when it comes to needle and thread, my knowledge when it comes to sewing is limited only to what I learned from our Home Economics classes in Elementary and High school. Still, I am SO proud to say I successfully finished this project!

Part of what makes the Dolldalita dolls extra-special is the fact that Mommy Jac makes everything by hand. Being a mom herself, she takes many factors into consideration: whether the stitches are strong enough and whether they will hold when the child plays with them; whether the doll's hair will stay in place or not; and whether they will still look okay even with wear and tear. I saw the dolls she made and I can attest to how well-made they are. Only a person who's very passionate about what they do can put that much attention on it the way Mommy Jac does.

I'm so thankful Mommy Jac already pre-cut the rayon knit for the head and limbs, because if not I don't think I would've been able to finish it.

I summoned the craft gods and back-stitched and running-stitched until the head and arms of my doll have been attached to its torso and legs.

Aaand...

For those who are wondering, our dolls don't have mouths because they are Waldorf-inspired dolls. The Waldorf style of teaching is that nature beats nurture, so when they give this Waldorf doll to a kid, they let him/ her form his/ her opinions on whether the doll is happy or sad depending on his/ her disposition that day.

It was a very challenging yet fun afternoon that we didn't really notice the clock ticking away. Mommy Jac is a very effective teacher and I found her tips really helpful. After the workshop, she emailed us the pattern we can use if we want to make more handmade dolls for personal use. If it turns out to be something I can really be good at, then I can save a lot of money on gifts, heh.

A lot of my friends got interested on the workshop after seeing my photo with my doll that they're now asking me whether Mommy Jac will hold other workshops anytime soon. Great news: YES, she will! She'll have a workshop at Craft MNL on September 27 and another Mommy & Me Basic Dollmaking Workshop at the Fully Booked BHS branch on October 26. Click on the links for more details. 

My sister and I enjoyed making our dolls so much, we stayed until almost midnight working on adding more layers of hair to our dolls!

Kyla used a different color of thread for her doll's eyes. However, she ran out of this thread so I suggested she sew on a different color and make it seem like her doll has eyeliner on, hihi. Same DNA and same hair color, but I imagine their personalities are polar opposites. Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefiled-opposites.

Now, I can really proudly say that I was able to make my own doll! If you love dolls and/ or crafts, now is the perfect time to learn to make them. For those who would like to check out the workshops, just kindly click on the links I have provided above. Happy Dollmaking! BUT if you don't want to go through this process anymore, Mommy Jac also has some dolls on sale. Check her Instagram page to see them. Dibs on the Batman doll, though! ｡◕‿◕｡

Even though we don't really experience it here in the Philippines, autumn is my favorite season among the four. There's just something about the green-to-orange-to-gold gradients that makes me so happy. As Lucy Maud Montgomery said, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

Similarly, I love fall fashion, too. Here's something that can make you a little bit more excited about it.

Forever 21 encourages shoppers to “Make a Statement” with the launch of the Pre-Fall 2014 collection. From printed button-ups and fitted skirts to must-have denim in a variety of new fits, the collection features the essential staples any wardrobe needs to create a one-of-a-kind personal style.

The idea of self-expression is prevalent throughout the campaign, featuring a troop of dancers using movement to make a statement and display their uniqueness. As inspired individuals, we all have our different outlets – different ways to let loose, let our creativity run wild – and show the world who we are and who we’re meant to be. The Forever 21 shopper is not afraid of being their authentic selves, using the fashion as a means of expression; stepping out of the crowd, into the spotlight and owning their own style – a message that lies at the forefront of the campaign. 

The Forever 21 Pre-Fall collection launches this August in the Philippines, and will make sure your transition into Fall is a show-stopping one.

I'm so excited to work on the launch of the renovated Forever 21 SM Megamall store! Fun times ahead!

Forever 21 is located at Megamall, SM Makati, SM City Cebu, The Block North Edsa, Mall Of Asia, Lanang Premier, Aura Premier, SM City Fairview, SM City Clark, and soon to open at SM Southmall.

The beauty scene in the Philippines is getting more and more exciting as various brands from different countries have started coming in. No more having to travel abroad or wait for a friend to visit just so we can score much raved about products and see for ourselves whether they're *really* HG-worthy!

Last Friday, I went to the launch of Heroine Make held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The theme of the event was high tea. Rightfully so, as the brand's very own heroine, Elizabeth Himeko, was introduced to us that day.

"Heroine Make is a Japanese-manufactured makeup line with ten years of history that turns women into princesses since 2005." This brand is known as having launched a revolutionary range of eye makeup in Japan and has become a familiar sight to shoppers in Hong Kong and Singapore. I saw some of these products when I last went to Singapore a couple of years ago, but didn't get anything because I wasn't as interested in makeup then, heh.

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:・ﾟ✧  Everything's so pretty, I seriously wanted to take everything home.

A 'trinket buffet' was set up by the entrance, which was a really nice touch.

K is for Krissy. And kooky. And kisses. ( ˘ ³˘)♥

After quick speeches by the executives of Mandom Philippines who brought Heroine Make here, we were graced by the presence of Elizabelth Himeko, who sang and shared inspiring words about how every woman deserves to look beautiful, always.


Through the help of a translator, Japanese makeup artist and beauty counselor Sayuri Igarashi also did a makeup demo using Heroine Make products for day-time and night-time looks. She is so animated that she was very fascinating to watch and listen to!



The brand claims that you don’t have to worry about your makeup once you leave the house - perfect for girls who always get lazy to retouch, or girls who are too busy working on different projects to worry about makeup, like me! Heroine Make promises that your makeup will endure no matter what state you are in, much like the crying, laughing, and swooning expressions of Elizabeth Himeko on the packaging. Long-lasting, hassle-free, and affordable makeup? Count me in!

Aside from learning more about the brand, it's fun to attend events because you get to meet new people

... like my girl crush Joyce Pring!

It's also fun to see other old friends and catch up about non-blog stuff even for just a while.

With Chalk's Elaine Carag

Really enjoyed my eyebrow-talk with Jes and Tellie

With twinnie Tellie

I am SO glad I was able to stay until after the event ended and I didn't have to rush to go to another meeting after. ｡^‿^｡

I went to my orthodontist last Saturday and was out for a workshop with my sister all day of Sunday so I wasn't able to take product shots and test my new Heroine Make stuff. I'll make sure to find time for it this weekend, though. Here's my loot!

Their three bestsellers include the Long & Curl Mascara (P595), Smooth Liquid Eyeliner (P595), and Quick Eyebrow Pencil (P345). Hooray, I have everything here!

As what I learned from Pixy, don't ever let the cutesy packaging fool you! If you look past the carton, the tubes actually don't have kawaii-themed stickers on them. Heroine Make was named as one of the best eye makeup brand in Japan and as Japan is recognized for their eye makeup ranges, then it just goes to show that we have a keeper here. Watch out for my reviews of these products!

Heroine Make is now available at Watsons branches so check out the one nearest you and hoard stock up! You may also visit their Facebook page for more information.

Have you tried Heroine Make before? What did you think about it?