It's been literally more than a year since I posted anything in this account. But to keep you guys posted, here it goes. Will just try to sum up what happened in the previous year:

• New job - Not exactly new since I'm celebrating my first year in a few weeks. It's quite different from my previous job. It can get quite hectic, but in the end I'm happy :)
• Travel - Had the opportunity to go to new places, in and out of the country. If there's one thing I would love to do, it's travelling.
• Concerts - Stone Temple Pilots last March and Incubus a few weeks ago. Nostalgic with rock bands? Yes.
• Enchanted Kingdom - Haven't been there in 8 years. I was still in my teens during my last visit. Lots of new attractions and rides. I was gutsy/crazy enough to try the Ekstreme Tower (the one with the sudden dropdown). Never felt anything like it.
• UAAP Games - I haven't watched a single game since 2009! I try to meet up with them, but even that is a luxury for me.
• Books - Been reading a little bit more, thanks to Php 99 hard bound books for sale in National. But my sister and Dad have been using Kindles (yes, they have their own), so either I wait for them to finish or I resort to printed books.

Random thought: Admittedly, I'm introverted. Ironically, I'm usually the person my team mates/group mates choose when it comes to reporting in front of the class. Probably because I grew up speaking in English with my family. Even at this age, there are times wherein I still get nervous, and end up blurting out random things. What I said awhile ago on air, wherein my crush is one of the hosts was just a slap in the head moment. I was alone and I said "we will" when they said I should tune in on Wednesday :-o I can hear their reaction on air. If I was in their positions, I would've reacted the same way...anlabo naman kausap 'to. Even if I heard a few people say my eloquence in English can be intimidating, I have fumbling moments. What I just typed above was a perfect example. This brings me back to Speech class back in HS. Clearly, it could've been worse, but I feel my cheeks blushing as I'm typing this right now.

current mood: embarrassed

To say this entry is overdue, is an understatement.

A lot of things have happened to me the last few months, and there are a lot of things to look forward to in the next few months.

First, I'm on the road back to leading a healthier lifestyle, and enrolled in a gym. I used to go to Fitness First in Fort, but decided to go to Gold's Gym Glorietta. I went to both gyms before deciding on where to go. Fitness First in Fort has maintained their facilities since the last time I was there. My last visit was the same day as Typhoon Milenyo. Doing the math makes me sad that I waited that long go to back to the gym. I decided to go to Gold's because of location, price and I felt welcomed by the consultant. Instead of going for the 1 year unlimited visits for one year, I decided to go for the 144 visits for one year (assuming you go thrice a week, 4 weeks in a months, 12 months in a year). So far, it's been one week and I've worked out four times. I'm so out of shape. I'll try the group classes soon :) Quoting Elle Woods: Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy! It feels good to work out again. But I'm also hoping to be able to engage in a sport.

Second, I'm on my way to pursue a career in Make Up Artistry! I'll be enrolling in makeup school soon. I have photoshoots lined up in the very near future (within the week). It was my short term goal to take classes by the time I'm 25. I'm already 24, so I'm on track :)

Third, I'm catching up on my reading. I've finished four book since New Year :D First book was Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg (of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe fame), next was Then We Set His Hair on Fire by Phil Dusenberry (it's a book on insights, great for those in advertising), then I read Built to Last by by James Collins and Jerry Porras, and I just finished Brand Failures by Matt Haig. Three of four are management/marketing books, but they're easy reading. Now I'm reading Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Luster. Here's to more books to read :D

With it are some sacrifices. Because of foreseen expenses in the near future, I decided to cut down on some of my leisurely pursuits. This includes buying makeup (hardly bought any in the last few months, but who knows what I'll buy once I start studying again), buying shoes (except for sneakers, since I only use one pair for the gym hahaha), clothes, and watching games (this is the toughest for me). I hope this will all pay off in the end.

So, what's up with you?

current mood: excited

Towards the end of the year, I was excited when I read about a Minute Maid sponsored contest in Beautynomics . You can win by joining the blog entry contest and comment entry contest. While I believe there's a lot more at stake with the blog entry, given that the prize is a short course on makeup courtesy of SOFA, I just knew that I had to join!

Rules are simple. Present your freshest makeup look inspired by Minute Maid. While the rules were simple, it took me days...no, make that weeks, before I got around to decide on a look. What I had in mind was a fresh twist to my usual makeup routine. I usually focus on a flawless-looking canvass (my face being the canvass), then neutral eyes, light or sometimes no blush and then lipcolor. While it's my go-to makeup look, I needed a look that really screams Minute Maid and fresh! So I decided to veer away from the makeup look that I'm used to. This is what I came up with:
 

( Read more... )

 

It's not too late to join, just check out the link:

Tags: beautynomics, fresh, makeup, minute maid
current mood: cheerful
current music: Walking on Sunshine

This will be my first entry, since I turned 24 :)

How do I sum it up:

Well, I'm back to my high school size :( So those who haven't seen me since high school think I haven't changed (better than saying I've aged, right? hahaha) while those who've known me after high school think I've gained weight. Gosh, I need to re-start my fitness regimen, and control my food intake.

It's been a good birthday :) Celebrated by going to this O'Sonho (pronounced as o-son-yo), a Portugese restaurant in Jupiter. I really enjoyed it, and I wouldn't mind going back. Then on Saturday, we had a joint celebration among us cousins.

I've been to a few sales this weekend too. It's been crazy, but I'm a sucker for sales in general. If it's any consolation, I came out empty-handed during the Naturalizer Warehouse Sale. I even posted it on Facebook, I'm not stingy when it comes to sharing the information. As long as they don't get the shoes I like...then again, not a lot of people have the same shoe size as I do :))

I met up with college blockmates last Friday in Chili's. Aside from the neverending nachos, we did have a lot of catching up to do. So much as happened since college, we've all come so far since then.

Now to make it all perfect, I wish for this itchy throat to go away!

mlina It was great to see you! Love your boots. I miss your family >:D<

current mood: satisfied

I. I've been following several new shows lately:

1. Glee - Back in high school, Glee Club was far from being lame. But one thing's for sure, it was a diverse set of individuals singing beautifully. It's an interesting show, indeed and I look forward to seeing more episodes.
2. Melrose Place - It's only been three episodes. They found a way to include a couple of characters from the original series. A lot of familiar faces in the series. It targets an older audience, since the characters are not in high school, trying to make a living and making ends meet, if not trying to pursue successful careers and personal relationships.
3. 90210 - I only saw the episodes of the first season being aired on Velvet when they had those marathons. Didn't get to watch all the episodes, but watched enough to get an idea of what it's about. So I've been following the second season.
4. The Beautiful Life - It's basically a show about models working for an agency in New York, and live in one pad. Well, they won't air anymore episodes, and they only released two. So I'm not sure if that counts.
5. Dahil May Isang Ikaw - Haven't really followed local shows as much since Maging Sino Ka Man. It may sound biased because Chin-Chin Gutierrez is in it. I've worked with her before, and you can guarantee a stellar performance from her. She's so much nicer in person, nothing like her antagonist characters. Quite a stellar cast - Gabby Concepcion and Lorna Tolentino to say the least. Well, the local stations have a tendency to use titles of songs as movie or tv show titles. But I have to admit, the song suits the storyline.

Out of the four series, I'd recommend Glee :)

II. Rock Band: The Beatles is addicting! We haven't touched Rock Band 2 since then :)) Dad got an extra mic (wireless usb adaptor & wireless usb mic), and even a mic stand! Because you can play harmony! Up to three people can sing on certain songs. This explains why I've been LSS with their songs lately. I also discovered I'm more comfortable playing the guitar with my left hand. Well, Rock Band guitar anyway.

III. Typhoon Ondoy - Typhoon Milenyo had strong winds, but I don't remember it raining as hard as the typhoon today. On a Saturday morning, we ended up spending it by moving furniture, using all the rags, doormats to scoop out/absorb all the water in the living room and dining room. A lot of people got stranded and/or their houses got flooded.

IV. I can't believe my Dad & I ended up missing the first two episodes of Survivor. Another thing I can't believe is that they're on their 9th season! I don't watch the local version because it's hard to follow everyday. If you also look at the castaways,most of them look like models. Not that I have anything against models, I just like variety.

V. An issue that I've put behind me has popped in my head all of a sudden. I feel bad for thinking about it, since it's all in the past, we've forgiven each other and have moved on. I feel bad for lying to someone else, but I didn't feel like bringing it up for different reasons.

Ok, so I've enumerated the things in this blog entry. But the title was something my sister and I talked about while resting after helping out with the flooded living room and dining room. I believe it's a trait we both have. We rely a lot on intuition, but sometimes end up thinking too much, to a fault. Don't get me wrong, it's helped on several occasions. It might come across as paranoia to others.

Hope this weekend gets better, weather wise.

Since August,  tbere has been 5 non-working holidays. Meaning, out of the 9 weeks of work from August - September, one week is devoted to holidays.

Aug 5 - Cory Aquino's Interment
Aug 21 - Anniversary of Ninoy Aquino's passing
Aug 31 - National Heroes Day
Sept 7 - Interment of the founder of Iglesia ni Kristo
Sept 21 - Last day of Ramadan

I've welcomed these long weekends by either catching up on sleep, spending time with family or friends. Long weekends, you will be missed.

A short notice holiday was announced last Friday to honor the late founder of Iglesia ni Cristo. Which probably explains why I don't feel so bad being awake at this time. If there was work today, I would've been asleep by now.

There's a lot of things keeping me awake.

• DLSU's chance in the Final Four - While there have been several losses and setbacks, there's a glimmer of hope for DLSU. Thanks to their win against UST last Thursday and UST's loss today vs. ADU. Now if DLSU wins against NU and UST loses against UE on Thursday, there will be a playoff for the last Final Four spot. I know I'm stating the obvious, but I really am hopeful. 
• I feel bad for what my friend has to go through. But I really think things for her will only get better after this ordeal.
• A lot of people in the office are leaving. Sad. But a lot of new people to meet as well. No, I'm not one of them.
• There's a warehouse near the office that sells URC products at a discount. Junk food galore hahaha
• Helped prepare dinner Saturday night. Pretty fancy food: Ravioli, Gnocchi, Mango with Prosciutto di Parma. Then again, it's all heat, boil and/or just lay out on a plate. At least Dad didn't have to be busy in the kitchen, which he usually does for us during weekends.
• Pasig River Cruise - It was a lot more fun than it sounds. Will upload pics soon.
• More Rock Band \m/

current music: Move Along by All American Rejects

I may be kikay...even more kikay than the average girl, but there are times where I want to be au natural.

Like in yesterday's game, I decided to not wear any makeup, except for some lipgloss. I usually don't wear during games, only when I feel like practicing my makeup application. But seriously, who wants to wear makeup under the sweltering heat of a basketball court? :)) Maybe courtside reporters and the analysts.

Last week, I tried on silver nail polish. I don't wear it often, and I was in the mood to do so. I don't splurge on nailcolor, but I discovered that I can afford to save on that, as long as I have a good base coat and topcoat. But that was last Sunday. Yesterday, the chipped nail polish was becoming more and more noticeable, and I didn't care.

I'm watching the UE-FEU game now on tv, and FEU is actually losing. I'm not saying that UE is a bad team, but I'm expecting a close game.

Watching or playing sports is a good excuse to not wear any makeup. But don't forget your sunblock ;)

I almost forgot...I broke my all-time low of watching only 3 games!!! :D

Ok, I'm going to end from here. My entry is not making any sense, and I'm just babbling to no end :))

3 years & 1 day ago, I started to become part of the workforce. I remember wearing a white shirt, blue jacket and slacks while everyone was wearing jeans. Knowing that it was a Friday, and my first day, I wanted to make an impression.

Fast forward to three years, so much has changed. Not just physically (gained weight, no more gym membership), I gained a lot of wisdom, knowledge and friend along the way. I have come to know and understand what the others meant by living in the real world. It's definitely different from being a student.

However, people do now that I did not start working soon after graduation. I was so picky, naive, and somewhat stubborn in choosing my first job. I was so adamant to avoid working in a financial institution, much to the dismay of my mother. Her first and only corporate job is in Citibank, 30 years and running. I'm proud of her achievements, but I just don't see myself following the same career path.

Being back in the workforce made me kikay all over again. I was into beauty products back in high school, and the interest waned in college. Since I started working, it came back in full force. I'll show you my traincase soon for proof :p

It's ironic that I'm in the corporate world, even if I studied to become an entrepreneur. Eventually, I do want to have my own business and be my own boss. I'm seriously considering becoming a professional makeup artist. But I'm saving for makeup school, and a few more supplies. I'm also open to take up an MBA, but I feel like I want more work experience before I start studying. I do give kudos to those who are getting/got their MBAs right after college. Dad wonders if I really want to take an MBA or study makeup? If I can have both, why not? :p

P.S. I'm not feeling so well. Being out and about almost everyday last week, with balikbayan relatives. Sadly, they already left and are back in the US.

Tags: business, career, goals, makeup, work
current mood: sick

To those who follow UAAP Men's Basketball, particularly DLSU Green Archers, know that the team suffered a loss after their first game yesterday. I'm not going to talk about the game. All I can say about the outcome was that there's undeniable talent, but a lot of opportunity to grow.

After a loss, people have different ways to cope. Some check the forums right away, go home and sulk or what we usually do, is that find a place in Makati to eat and talk about the game, among other things. Maybe even have a crisis management (/slash inuman) session. I did things a little differently yesterday.

Before entering Araneta Coliseum, I noticed that a number of stores were on sale. Bought one item in Beauty Bar, a couple of things in Watson's (something I've been lemming for a long time since it's out of stock in the branches that I frequent). I entered Naturalizer, since I buy a number of my office shoes & sandals there. It's because I find them comfy, their shoes fit me well (I find it hard to find shoes, because I'm between size 9-10). I missed their Warehouse Sale last June, and they usually bring those sale items back in the stores. So I checked out the branch in Gateway. These black peeptoe slingback pumps were calling my name, and the one on the display rack was exactly my size. I tried them on and it was definitely a Cinderella moment! I could've bought it right then and there, but I can't bring an extra bag inside the game venue and didn't have a car with me then. I left the store empty-handed for that reason, and that I was still thinking about getting them. I even told my Mom about the pair. She said it sounds nice, as long as it has toe cleavage.* This meant that I got her blessing to get the shoes. Woohoo!

After the game, I still couldn't stop thinking about the shoes! While the usual group still couldn't decide on where to eat, I made a quick dash back to Naturalizer. I was surprised that the shoe on display was size 9, not the size 10 I tried on pre-game. Did they sell it? I asked the salesman if they have it in size 10, and imagine me smiling from ear to ear when he brought the shoes to me. I left the store with a brand new pair of black peeptoe slingbacks.

When I went back to the Green Gate, they still haven't decided on where to eat. They were also surprised with the paper bag on my hand hahaha.

Aside from the post-game dinner, this is how I coped with yesterday's loss. With a brand new pair of shoes. Feels better than a round of crisis management

So meet Pietra! (That's the name of the model, according to the shoe and the shoe box) I even have a pair of shoes from Naturalizer named Petra hahaha :))

If you want to see the toe cleavage, you have to see me in person wearing the shoes :p Which is most probably in the office.

*What is toe cleavage?
Qouting from wikipedia: "Toe cleavage is the partial exposure of a woman's toes in shoes that are cut low enough at the vamp.^[1] Low cut shoes reveal toe cleavage similar to how low cut tops reveal breast cleavage."

One thing I learned from Grandmy (paternal Grandmother/my Dad's Mom) - aside from heels, toe cleavage is sexy.

One of the many things I learned from my Mom regarding shoes: They should bend! Don't forget about comfort :)