Birkin Doppelganger

"I ordered too much bags from the US, which made me decide to open an online shop,” shares Heidi Ong of Bagahollic. It’s been seven months since she “opened” shop, and orders have been pouring in for these eco-totes from Taiwan.


A true bag lover, Ng isn’t just into designer bags. To her, “there’s no brand in particular as long as the bag is durable, handy, roomy, functional and looks nice.” This led to her discovery of the witty eco-friendly bags that are made with 100 percent cotton and non-toxic material imprints of the iconic Hermes Birkin bag.


Made under the label of Banana Taipei, the company launched its premiere collection last year with whimsical colors of Sunset Orange, Midnight Magenta, Lake Blue, Tiffany Blue, Sweet Pink and Green Grass. Accessory designer Vida Tan Lim is one of Ng’s happy customers. Her thoughts about the bag? “I’m not exaggerating, but people would literally stop in their tracks just to ask where I got my Banana Taipei bag! I’m really happy with all my purchases. All the colors are just so wonderful. Can’t wait to order another one.”


This time, for its second collection, Banana Taipei introduced sophisticated neutrals—Champs Lavender Gray, Mystique Brown, Supper Champagne Gray, and French Honey Camel. Along with these four new colors came new features such as an authenticity tag with a serial number, along with a sewn-in label, and a proof of purchase booklet. These surely prove that these fun totes are very much in demand.

Not one to be selfish, Ng shares her stylish finds with fellow bag lovers by accepting orders. Simply look for her in Facebook or send her a message via e-mail to bagahollic08@gmail.com for inquiries and order placements.

Baby Mama Post ;)

I know that this is a fashion and beauty blog, but I just had to share this with fellow hot mommas out there ;)  I went to the Grand Baby Fair by Baby Company last night, and there are so many good buys for the little one (up to 70% off!)  Check these out:

This pink plastic bed frame costs around P1,300 only; comes in blue as well!

Everyone was panic-buying here...

At Evenflo... these are super steal buys at P1,500 (orig price at P5,000)

and these foldable high chairs for P1,600 (not too sure) from P5,000 as well

This musical potty-trainer costs only P750

Avent bottles at 30% off

Aside from these super steals, talks and activities are scheduled all throughout the weekend:

With pocket stages for photo ops, too!

Even this Vitamin brand joined in on the fun (shoot) ;)

Carts are available for easy shopping

Water dispensers stationed at almost every corner

Cashiers getting ready for the weekend ;)

Bumped into fellow blogger, Lloyda Tan, with her hubby ;)

And she has her MOM card already.  I got mine last night.  You get P1 for every P50 spent.  Not bad, right?

So, hot mommas and single women (if you have nephews and nieces, or friends who are about to give birth), 
visit Baby Company's Grand Baby Fair this weekend for great buys ;)

Youthful Elixir

Staying up late partying during the holidays has taken quite a toll on our skin, not to mention the skin around our eyes. To keep it looking young, eye bag-less and wrinkle-free, we recommend sleeping at least eight hours and applying eye and night creams before you sleep.


Most are fortunate enough in getting positive results with the help of any pot of eye cream. But, to those who need an extra boost, The Eye Balm Intense by La Mer may just be the solution.

People from the press and the blogosphere were invited to an intimate launch of La Mer's latest elixir at Thai at Silk in Serendra:

Pierra Calasanz-Labrador of Lifestyle Asia

Mia Borromeo of Tatler

Meryll Yan of Mega Mag

Frances Amper Sales and Nicole de los Angeles of OK! Mag

La Mer has unearthed Dr. Max Huber’s The Miracle Broth, which boasts of healing energies and skin-renewing properties of sea kelp, vitamins, minerals, and other pure elements. This, combined with state-of-the-art Marine De-Puff Fermen and exclusive Lifting Ferment, make The Eye Balm Intense’s cooling sensation work on diminishing lines and wrinkles and lessening the puffiness around the eye area.

Some of the ingredients mentioned were mixed into wheatgrass/banana shots that everyone couldn't stop taking ;) Yummy!

Guests were treated to a quick session with La Mer's beauty consultant.

Tip: When applying hand cream, rub the back of your palms together to maximize usage of this expensive cream.

As for the eye cream, Hollywood makeup artists are fans of this eye cream elixir. Green Lantern makeup artist Elaine Offers shares, “La Mer’s The Eye Balm Intense is quickly becoming a favorite staple in my makeup kit. It’s light, creamy and refreshing, and is easily absorbed by the delicate skin around the eyes. It really deflates puffiness and gives a well-rested look.”

The cooling sensation is further enhanced by the silver-tipped applicator that helps stimulate micro-circulation to help de-puff the eye area. No cream is wasted as the applicator is designed to pick up the precise amount of product needed for each application.


*La Mer The Eye Balm Intense is available at Rustan’s Department Stores.

Baby Fair, Here I Come! ;)

Please bear with me as this is a non-fashion post.  The mom in me is very much excited with this Baby Fair that's happening this coming weekend, and I'd like to share this event with you :)  

Happening this January 28-30 at the SM Megatrade halls 2 and 3 in SM Megamall, Baby Company's Grand Baby Fair will be offering items with discounts as much as 70%.  Along with that, seminars and learning sessions (and many more activities) are set for this special weekend of BABY fun!  

Finally, a baby fair!  This is actually going to be the first time I'll be attending one.  I know most of you readers aren't moms yet, but I do hope you can spread the word and inform your mommy friends of this very helpful weekend.  See you all there ;) 

Thanks, Neutrogena ;)

I finally got the official photos and video links from the Neutrogena team earlier this week.  Check them out ;)

Before the show started...

Group pic with the people behind Neutrogena

What I'm wearing: Gradient polo dress by Yako Reyes, 
platform booties from Forever 21, and U-boat watch

Here are two video links of what happened during our 2-weekend getaway:

Thank you again, Neutrogena, for the lovely getaway ;)
If you want to know more about Neutrogena's Fine Fairness line, click on this link.

Happy birthday, Tim! :)

I was at Opus (Resorts World) last Tuesday night for childhood schoolmate Tim Yap.

We were there quite early... The text invite says 10pm; we got there around 1030pm. 

We all had work the next day, and didn't want to stay long.

A lot of drinks were served that night, courtesy of Premier Wines & Spirits.  

Thanks, Lucio Pua :)  Tequila Rose and Skky Vodka are among the many drinks that they distribute.

Tim had a battalion of photographers going around.  After about an hour, the program started...  That's Tim in a blue suede jacket.

First up, was a mini show of Kaos.  We were all amazed with their acrobatic performance.  You can watch their show at Resorts World.

After the program, Tessa Valdez-Prieto asked the boys to carry Tim.  Tim gamely gets the "lift" :)

Sexy Sollenn Heussaff did a wonderful song number.  This girl has it all!

With Bea Tantoco singing Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" as the third act

Tim was so nice to call all of his fellow January celebrants (me included) to join him on "stage" to greet all of us and each other a Happy Birthday.  Awwww.... Thanks, Tim!

In between the numbers, I got to catch up with some friends.  I haven't been attending events and parties ever since my tummy got big (due to my pregnancy) so it was definitely great seeing a lot of old familiar faces :D  Here they are:

Rajo Laurel

Channel V head JM Rodriguez, birthday girl twin (we share the same birthdays) Divine Lee with boyfriend Victor Basa

Director Robby Carmona

Jenni Epperson, who was officially my first mentor when it comes to styling, with photographer Dix Perez

Sweet and sexy Sollenn Heussaf who is a fellow brand ambassador, like me, of the Neutrogena Fine Fairness Line. 
She's wearing a necklace from Forever 21 (sorry, wasn't able to take a clear shot of it).

Tessa Prieto-Valdez

Makeup Artist Eileen Ramos

Designer Jerome Lorico who won at the recent Japan fashion designer competition.  
Aside from clothes, he also makes shoes.  So, I am going to have a pair of shoes made 
and designed by him—can't wait for that :D

Preview's Daryll Chang

Photographer Willy Saw

DJ Mars Miranda and SoFA's Loralee Baron-Soong with hubby Marc Soong of Jaguar

The President's Stylist, Liz Uy

Megaworld's Kevin Tan with his date

Raf Rosell with DJ Rico Robles

It was a great night to be out, thanks to Tim's party.  He sure knows how to throw one ;)

Here are my dates:

Bebeth Timbol of ABS-CBN Publishing and Cable Channels.

I'm wearing a lace top, fur vest, and gray shorts (all from Forever 21), Vita Fede connector ring in gunmetal, Marc Jacobs quilted leather clutch and Stella Luna booties (not see in photo)

... along with Ria and Dix Perez.

Tim is such a sweetie.  He gave us all gifts, too!

In the bag are a pack of playing cards, CD compilation of songs by Tim, mixed by DJ Funk Avy, and scents by Tim

Check out the cute cards:

Thank you again for inviting us to celebrate with you, Tim!

A very happy birthday again and cheers to a great 2011 :D