Volunteer Work

Forwarding my friend's e-mail today:

want to experience a humbling... ermmm.. experience?
i know we have all been doing our share for the ondoy victims
like the usual donations and packing of relief goods
wanna do something different
lets help clean the houses in marikina
thursday (tomorrow)
ccf (sa likod lang ng megamall, st francis square) 8am
magdala ng cleaning materials
boots preferably
come and join us

ikalat ang balita!
nang maexperience din ng mga ibang kababayan natin ang humbling experience!
tumawag ka for more details = 0922-8437588

24 hour packing of relief goods sa rfm building, pioneer center, mandaluyong hanggang LINGGO
under gawad kalinga management
punta lang kayo if you have time and if you want to help out

God bless us all!

yours
fifs

Drop-Off Points

Supermarkets are full of people buying goods to donate. My family and I went straight to wholesalers instead. We will delivering them straight to the Ynares family of Rizal. To those who still do not know where to deliver your donations, click on the photo below to enlarge and find out where the drop-off points are:

SoFA also accepts donations

The Relief Operations Drop In Center at La Salle Greenhills is in need of more food and water for distribution to various affected areas. We have more than enough clothes at the moment so please concentrate your donations to the following items:

Food
Bottled Water
Juices and Milk (Bottled or Tetra-pack)
Basic Medicine
Blankets

Donations may be brought to Gate 2 of La Salle Greenhills, along Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong.
LSGH is currently distributing to 12 affected areas and is running out of necessities.

Updates

Updates on what's happening, and how you can help, and what to be aware of... Click on this link. They say, another typhoon is coming (Pepeng). Let's all pray that it won't do much harm, and hope that everyone is safe by then :(

Repost from Facebook.com

Prayer for those affected by the Tropical Storm Ondoy

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Today at 6:18am

Heavenly Father,

Please heal those who have been affected by this tropical storm Ondoy. Let those who have died now be in peace and in happiness.

Please comfort the peoples affected by this disaster. Bring their communities together in love, in prayer, and help them care well for each other.

Let the world community pray and assist the people who were affected by this disaster with much compassion and show their caring in practical and abundant ways.

Let those affected by this tropical storm Ondoy rebuild better than before. Let them be strong. May good come out of this time of sorrow.

Bless the earth. Bring peace and harmony to the lands, to the sky, to the waters... If there be a need for the earth to release its tensions in the future, let it do so in a way that is gentle and harms no one. Let the waters return to their natural ebb and flow. Let the earth be calm.

Peace, Peace, Peace... Be calm. Be still. Let the healing begin... AMEN.

Photo taken by Karlo Samson. He visited their house in Provident Village, Marikina yesterday September 28, 2009. Special Thanks Jarece for the prayer.

Directory

Apologies as I won't be announcing the winner of the contest I posted last Friday, I don't think it's appropriate to do so. I hope everyone's having a better morning (or day, that is) compared to the ones just this past weekend. We're okay, and I hope most of you are, too!

For a directory of people/organizations to call for help or assistance, click on this link.

Style Kit's First Contest :D

I just love schu's (take note, schu is spelled with a small 's') latest window display at Power Plant mall. They're full of cute cuddly teddy bears :) But that's just icing on the cake. New shoes await inside...

Don't you just love the interiors, and how they've set up the shop? So inviting!

There are soooo many delightful shoes, but I'll focus on the flats for this post :) Oxford shoes and brogues are the latest IT flat footwear to have. How to pull this off? pair them with tailored sexy silhouettes for a feminine touch.

I just had to take a photo of the sole, isn't she cute? These patent loafers come in neutral tones that will go well with just about anything.

Go rocker chic in these studded square-toe leather flats

These canvas models come in cute complementing containers. Plus, the price isn't bad at P999 a pair ;)

The bling-blings are presented with a twist, wrapped in tulle, for the girliest princess.

These suede ankle straps come with a pins

Scribbles make this pair a fun one to wear. I especially love the grey shoe with lime green accents.

Now, this reminds of Louis Vuitton/Murkami's "Eye Love You" collection. Don't you agree?

Now, for the fun part. Thanks to the beautiful, fit, stylish, and sexy lady behind schu, Ms. Ruby Gan is giving away a P500 gift certificate to one lucky lady (or man who will win it for a special someone). Here are the details:

* Participant should have a blogger account. If you do not have one, kindly leave your name (first name and surname), and e-mail address (the one you regularly check) along with the answer to this question: HOW MANY BEARS ARE IN THIS POST?

* You can click on the photos to enlarge, to make counting easier.

* Submission of entries start now, Friday 1 a.m. and ends Saturday 1 a.m.

* The first person to leave a comment with the right answer wins the P500 GC. It's that simple :)

* The winner's name will be posted on Monday. So come back on Monday to find out if you're the lucky one.

* Once confirmed, the winner shall claim the P500GC at the Chocolate schu Bar at Power Plant Mall.

GOOD LUCK and HAPPY WEEKEND, EVERYONE! :D

Art Wear

Never has nationalistic pride been so celebrated than this year, with the passing of well-known personalities that have instilled in us a renewed and growing love for our country. Freeway joins in this passionate revival with a pocket collection of fashion pieces that have been integrated with the works of the great Philippine poet, Nick Joaquin. Seems like Nick Joaquin is getting a lot of attention these days. He is part of the people who helped Yuchengco write his book, that has made a commotion regarding Estrada's alleged forceful persuasion on Meralco stocks.

Owkay, that was too political for my post :) Anyways, below are the product pics of the seven-piece pocket collection.

My personal fave are the colorful graphic shirts below. The fabric used is really soft and light, perfect for our humid weather.

For the first time, a graphic tee for men is included.

I'm liking the long tunic polo shirt on the right, too!

Freeway's take on the men's wear trend. I'd wear this as is, without a bottom! hihi...

Two thumbs up for the stamping ;)

All in limited quantities, this seven-piece collection features Joaquin’s most famous works—interpreted into a line of graphic tees, hoodies, shirt dresses, a clutch, and for the first time, a graphic tee for men. The soft cotton fabrics of each shirt features cool graphics and snippets from the featured artist’s works.

Watch out for more of these pocket collections, all paying tribute to our nation’s talented artists. Oh, and come back tomorrow as I'll be giving away a prize, thanks to a stylish lady with shoe fetish. Now, that's already a hint! *wink*

Mind, Body, Soul

I would love to join this weekend retreat, but I have so much to do :( I think I'm contradicting myself. I have to find time to relax and unwind. Anyways, you might want to join this retreat that my friend, Monica, is hosting. :)

Surf.Yoga.Samba
A Weekend Retreat of the Senses

November 28-30, 2009 at the San Juan Surf Resort, La Union

Get the chance to learn Vinyasa yoga, commune with nature, ride quality waves, dance to the beat of the drums and nourish yourself with wholesome food.
Take a breather from your everyday lives and create a space where you can feel the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.
The FLOW Surf.Yoga.Samba Weekend Retreat aims to unify the body mind and soul. We offer each guest an experience of a lifetime. Practicing yoga will develop focus, strength and flexibility. Surfing will develop your confidence, stamina and ocean awareness. Dancing and creating music enhances sense of well-being and build social skills. The whole retreat is complemented with vegetarian food to help nourish this unique journey to self-discovery.

P6,500 per person

Package Inclusions:
2 Vinyasa Yoga sessions by Monica Eleazar-Manzano
2 Surfing lessons with Luke Landrigan of The Billabong Surf School
2 Samba lessons and jamming with Escola de Samba Manila
Roundtrip transportation from Manila-La Union
*Food & Lodging
*Healthy Meals

Flow T-Shirts
Tote Bag with freebies from our sponsors

All registered participants will get 15% off all GAIAM products in R.O.X!

Click on the poster below for more deets :)

A Different Kind of Bridal Shower

The past weekend was a hectic one for me. Part of it was organizing a bridal shower for my childhood friend/classmate at Posh Nails in Greenhills. Since I am nursing a baby, and was busy with other errands AND the celebrant and I both are not really into the usual bit of bridal shower that includes a gigolo (ewww...), I called the manager Kelly and booked the venue for 2.5 hours. They have Spa-rty Packages, but since the attendees might not all want to get the same services, I asked if we could just pick what treatment we wanted when we get there. Kelly was so nice to give in to my request hehe ;) Plus, my family is "suki" with them already, and I'm pretty good friends with the owner—we go way, way back. Hihi... right, Cat? :D

Everyone was chatting up a storm when we got there. It's been ages since we all met up and really really talked. But time was of the essence hahaha... so I grabbed KY (the lady who's getting married this Saturday) and had Posh Nails technicians start with her with our gift—Fetish. It's super sulit—for P1350, it comes with maniped, spa and paraffin wax for both hands and feet!

It was KY's first time to have the Paraffin Wax treatment, and she felt like she being "honey-glazed" like Krispy Kreme donuts hahaha...

After being "glazed," your hands and feet will be wrapped in these oh-so-cute terry-cloth mittens :D Those who have tired hands and feet should get this, as it reduces "stress" and lessens the appearance of veins as well :)

As for me... well, I got a maniped and foot spa. Ahhh... the life! I love that everything's pink... you know me, and my love for anything pink ;)

Our view... the chandelier light is fab, and the cascading water by the window is relaxing!

Part of the Spa-rty package are iced tea drinks and these cute li'l balloons that filled the salon—at no extra cost!

Oh, and that's KY's newly french-manicured hands. Nice!

Prices for the packages start from P2400, and that's for 10 pax already! For inquiries and appointments, call 496-8713 or 0917-9633609. Posh Nails Hand and Foot Spa is located at 2/F Fox Square Building, #53 Connecticut Street, Greenhills, San Juan. They have branches in Makati (Jupiter St.), QC (Tomas Morato) and The Fort as well.

Where to go this weekend? :)

Shall I see you here? :D I really hope I find the time to leave the house to check out the goods at Rockwell's bazaar that starts today. It's a great venue to find limited pieces, and support our local designers/entrepreneurs :) To those who'll be out for the long weekend, good news! They've extended it until Monday, so you can head straight to the bazaar ;)

You can also drop by Dona Consolacion Building for their ONE-DAY SALE. If you love designer bags (both pre-owned and brand new), check out Tresorie. They're giving discounts today to those who pay in cash :D
Happy shopping and happy weekend everyone! It's my dad's birthday today, and we'll be having a little dinner party tonight. How about you? :) Where will you be tonight?

Test Your Creativity

SOLO is launching its ground breaking online Old Manila Campaign Contest to celebrate its new website and the new Old Manila Graphic Tees Series! SOLO wants you to "Discover YOU"! One can just join the contest, by buying any Solo Old Manila Tee and photograph themselves wearing the tee. Contestant can use their creativity and graphic elements using available vectors online, then upload it to the Solo website at www.solo.com.ph. As the contest progresses, anyone registering on the site can vote and even share entries on their Facebook walls. The winning submissions win cash, gift certificates, G-Shock watches from Time Depot and becomes the next face of Solo! To join, go to www.solo.com.ph/postermaking.

Get a Pair, Give a Pair!

Image courtesy of Damon Lynch (http://www.damonlynch.net)

Only a few are lucky to have seen Pasig River at its finest. One of my earlier posts featured Kiehl's and how it has been working closely with ABS-CBN Foundation in helping clean Pasig River up. Simple Shoes has now followed suit. All throughout September and October, for every Simple Shoe bought from participating Res|Toe|Run stores, Simple Shoes will donated a pair of shoes to the relocatees of the Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig Project. I love their shoes—very comfortable; and I love them even more for this project they've ventured into. Thanks, Simple Shoes! :D

About Simple Shoes:
Simple Shoes: part of California-based Deckers Outdoor Corp. is the world leader in sustainable and eco-friendly shoes, vegan shoes, sandals and bags. Simple Shoes use sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp and recylced materials like PET plastics and used car tires to make eco-friendly shoes. Simple Shoes strive for 100% sustainability.

About The ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.
The ABS-CBN Foundation Inc is the non-stock, non-profit socio-civic organization of the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation that facilitates social programs and outreach to the public. Their newest project, Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig is a seven-year project to rehabilitate Pasig River into a clean river zone.

About Res|Toe|Run
Res|Toe|Run is the delectable one-stop destination for footwear gourmands of all ages. Where else can you find a shoes store that caters to every kind of shoe addict, from the most discerning of fashionistas to the most hard-core of athletes? Where else but in ResToeRun.

Warehouse Sale

Hobbes & Landes Warehouse
17-19 September 2009
9:00am – 5:30pm

3 Economia Street, Bagumbayan, Quezon City (behind Eastwood)

Pretty Hands and Feet

If your hands and feet are in need of some major cleaning and pampering, visit California Day and Nail Spa. I had their Foot Spa with Paraffin Wax (can't remember the exact name of the service), and I must say, I've never had such clean and pretty hands and feet :) Cost P810 for the feet.

A new addition has joined California Nails and Day Spa with its pedithrone. It’s a big cushioned leather sofa seat that comes with a spray hose, and a whirlpool that luxuriously bathes your precious feet. “Jet water” is also offered that gently massages and relaxes your feet. And it doesn’t stop there, the sofa even comes with a remote controlled back and neck massage, and a adjustable incliner as well. Definitely worth naming it the pedithrone. Pretty cool huh?

Franchisor Leslie Matta shares, “We treat our customers like kings and queesn, and so a pedithrone completes our concept of pampering them from head to toe.” As of the moment, only Festival Mall (Telephone number: 659-2765) and SM Mall of Asia (Telephone number: 556-2457) branches have these pampering seats, but more pedithrones will be added in the next few months.

For a listing of other branches, click on this link.

High Style, Low Prices

Come on, come all to STYLE GARAGE—a one-day sale of all pre-loved stuff.
September 12 SATURDAY at Penthouse, Bel Air Place, Burgos corner Durban St., Makati City
EVERYTHING MUST GO!!! Starting at 12nn.
Stylish stuff starting at P50-P1,000!!!

Pattern Happy

I recently paid the baby section of Rustan's a visit, and found that DwellStudio is now available. For those who are not familiar with the brand, it started out as a textile design company, and has now branched out to beddings and other home furnishings. They’re quite known for their bold prints, colors and patterns—all of which are made using low-impact dyes that do not have heavy metals and other toxic substances. The fabrics used are also formaldehyde free, and has eco-friendly pigments, too.

Super cute prints for the crib

Their products are made for babies and kids, and the prints are just tooo cute! It’s no wonder Hollywood moms love DwellStudio, with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Live Tyler, and Katie Holmes as recruited trusted fans of the brand. Packaging comes in the form of eco-friendly materials as well, eliminating PVC. Boxes and bags can now be reused for storage, too!

Would love to get this for our baby boy :D

Although they're made for babies and children, who's to say we can't have fun with them too? I am in love with their prints, soooo happy! Check these out:

Make storage fun with these colorful bins.

This large travel case can store all your essentials.

Keep your bottles in these funky holders.

*DwellStudio is exclusively distributed by Quirks Marketing Philippines and is available in Rustan’s Department Stores. Visit http://www.quirksmarketingph.com for more details.

Have You Ever Been Heartbroken?

During our honeymoon last year in Australia, we chanced upon this traveling museum in Sydney. It was a very interesting one, with objects and stories by anonymous broken hearts. I remember this phone quite well:

Zagreb, Croatia "It was [a relationship] 300 days too long. He gave me his cell phone so I couldn’t call him any more."

Winterthur, Switzerland. "This is what he thought was romantic: a thong made of candy. He never bought me flowers. I didn't mind because I loved him. After 4 years he turned out to be as cheap and shabby as his presents. He cheated on me with a colleague from the office and dumped me via email."

This month, it will drop by Manila for a 2-week stay, and you have a chance to include your own heartbreak dramas. Check out the details below. Hurry, you only have until September 11 (that's tomorrow!) to submit your items.

The Museum of Broken Relationships is traveling exhibition that was started in Croatia by artists Drazen Grubisic and Olinka Vistica. The Museum consists of anonymously donated items from broken relationships, each with a story behind it. What is collected is a shared emotional history of love and loss, and is ultimately meant to the inspire redemption and release.

The Museum has traveled to almost 20 major cities around the world, from San Francisco to Berlin to Singapore. Now the Museum is coming to Manila. Imagine Magazine, 7 For All Mankind, and The Manila Bulletin host The Museum of Broken Relationships as part of an upcoming major art event called The Spoils of Love: An Imagine The Silence Exhibit.

Be a part The Museum of Broken Relationships.

We want to hear your stories. Anonymously donate a memento from your previous broken relationship and tell us your story of heartache (in English or Tagalog). Submit your items to any of the 7 For All Mankind branches in Rockwell, Greenbelt 5, and Robinsons Place Ermita until this Friday, September 11, 2009. You item will be a part of this international exhibit on September 15 to 30 at The Ayala Greenbelt 3, and will forever go with the exhibit as it continues to travel the world.

Don't forget to catch the entire art event. The Spoils of Love: An Imagine The Silence exhibit features The Museum of Broken Relationships and Solitude and Separation: 9 art collaborations by Filipino artists, designers, and creative professionals. The exhibit runs September 15 to 30, 2009 at the Ayala Malls Greenbelt 5 and 3. This event coincides with the release of the two-time IFRA award-winning fashion, art, design and ideas magazine, Imagine.

For more information on The Museum of Broken Relationships and The Spoils of Love, log onto thespoilsoflove.blogspot.com or check out 7 For All Mankind stores and selected YOCard stands.

This event is made possible by Ayala Malls Greenbelt and Etihad Airways, with the full technical support of Epson Philippines, and in cooperation with YOCard and the Listening in Style Group of Companies.

Get Discounts When You Help Recycle

Got this e-mail from Ruby Gan, the fashionable lady behind schu and MYTH stores.

"ShopManila, Inc has always prided itself with being a company with a conscience. We have partaken in the RockEd Education program for the youth and have donated proceeds of sales to their worthy cause. The following year, we have also worked hand-in-hand with the I Can Serve Foundation, where a certain percentage of the proceeds of the sale of the pink ballet flats were donated to the foundation to help spread breast cancer awareness. This year is no different. We have decided to launch our eco campaign to urge consumers to bring their own shopping bags, therefore eliminating waste and saving our environment as well. It is with great pride to announce that we are the first retail store to do this!"

For schu, customers get P100 back if they use their own shopping bag. One schu paper bag can carry 1-3 pairs of shoes, which will be equivalent to P100 discount from their total receipt. This only applies to our schu shoes and bags, other bag consignors opted not to join. For schu and other consigned small accessories, we give P50 off when customers choose not to use our bags. 1-3 fashion accessories can fit in one small-sized shopping bag. Note again that not ALL consignors chose to participate. Thus, P50 discount will not apply to all.

Participating consignors are the following:
Joelle bangles
Rodina accessories
Krusell cases
Bejeweled (Mainevent)
Chroma Desegno

For MYTH, still the same mechanic - 1 to 3 pieces of items will fit in one shopping bag, which means P100 also. For smaller items like the cosmetic and hair care products, customers get P50 discount.

Ruby shares, "I just hope that this will start the ball rolling for the other stores to do something for the environment. It is not enough that we profess that we want a better future for the children; responsibility is necessary."

I think this is a great idea, and I do hope other stores will follow suit. I was lining up to pay for my groceries the other day, and saw how many plastic bags were being used per customer. Imagine, offering to pay the customer or give them a discount for every canvas bag they bring. And then, I got this e-mail from Ruby. Great minds do think alike hehe ;) Thank you and cheers, Ruby! :)

schu Shops:
Ground Floor, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati City, Philippines Tel. No. (632) 815 6328
G/F, Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, J.W. Diokno Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City Tel. No. (632) 915 1940
Chimes, Felcris Specialty Store, Governor Sales St., Davao City, Tel. No. (6382) 225 8997
Third Level, TriNnoma, EDSA, Q.C. Tel. No. (632) 901 3708
G/F Ayala Cebu, Cebu City Tel. No. (032) 412 52 61
Outlet: G/F Security Land Bldg., 6797 Ayala Ave cor V.A. Rufino St., Salcedo Village, Makati City

Chocolate schu Bar
R2, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City Tel. No. 899 69 97

MYTH
2F, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City
Tel. No. +632 757 01 62

http://schushop.multiply.com
http://www.mythlifestyle.com

Hot and Stylish, with Poivre

Not everyone has the courage to take that giant leap into the fashion retail world, but not for PR and Marketing maven Carmina Sanchez. With a little nudge from friends and colleagues, Poivre (pronounced pawvr) was finally introduced to Manila’s stylephiles at The Ramp, Glorietta. Tunics, dresses, metallic leggings and beaded vests are among the brand’s bestsellers, with Sanchez restocking almost as soon as they were displayed.

Carmina in one of her designs. You can wear it with or without the one-shoulder strap. FYI, this tube dress is on sale :)

I'm loving this double layered tank dress. You can tuck in the first layer into your jeans for a different look.

Here are some of the reasons why I love Poivre:

* no need to iron them

* very versatile, each piece can go from day to night

* there's more than one way to wear them

Here's some of my top picks :)

Play with the collar of this cardigan:

a. big collar

b. flip it

c. curl it inwards

These tunics can be worn as dresses or as tops.

Put this over your tank top/tube tops or tube dresses.

These can be worn as a tube top or as a skirt.

Lots of leggings in different metallic shades and colors. The last one is my personal fave, sweet lavender :)

This beaded vest is one of Poivre's best sellers. Beaded and embellishments are all the rage now. You can wear them with practically anything—with your basic tee and figure-hugging jeans, even with your basic little black dress.

Good news, ladies! Poivre's premiere collection is on sale :) Check out the goods at The Ramp in Glorietta. Hurry!