Chic in the Tropics

Cheers for the New Year at the Imperial Palace!

2012-02-14T08:41:00.000-08:00

First off, Happy Hearts Day to all of you guys! Whatever your "status" is, hope you enjoyed the day all the same. Since I don't really have any romantic dating pictures or anything to share with you tonight, let me share instead another red-letter day that brought about good cheers and tidings for everyone.

I was lucky enough to have been one of the few bloggers invited to the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa's remarkable Chinese New Year fete a few weeks back. I trooped on over with my good friends Kristine, Paula, Dominic, Ivan and my sister, all of whom gamely wore festive colors in the spirit of good luck. The premiere island destination spared no expense in ringing in the Year of the Water Dragon in grand fashion that remained true to the Chinese spirit-- from the traditionally vibrant and colorful dragon dance, to the Yee Sang toss for prosperity, down to Chinese song and dance numbers, and lastly to the magnificent fireworks display that lit up the Mactan skyline. We chowed down on generous helpings of seafood, grilled deli and meats, as well as their scrumptious Asian dishes from their famous dinner buffet. Definitely an experience for the books! Thanks a million Imperial Palace! Here's to hoping for lasting prosperity for this truly magnificent hotel.

Thank you to Manna Alcaraz of the PR Department for the invite!

**Imperial Palace would like to invite you in the upcoming 19th Travel Tour Expo which will be held in SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City on February 17 (Friday) to February 19, 2012 (Sunday). Imperial Palace-Cebu booth is located in booth No. 377. Rates start at 5,500 per night, minimum of two nights (Deluxe garden View Room) and presenting the Everyday Is Summer Packages - Barkada Package, Couple's Package, and Full board Package.

Soft & Sharp

2012-02-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

leather tuxedo-cut jacket from Forever 21, metal plate cuffs from Forever 21, sequin clutch from Tonic, vintage sunglasses, gifted dress, DIY detachable collar and spiked platform booties

Yay, finally some free time. I'm done with the premiere night promotional stints for Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria (Cebu, our Cinema One movies will still be in SM Cinema 3 until the 16th. Please watch! #quickshamelessplug), which took up a lot of my time lately, sooo I'm hoping to be able to catch up on my blogging life already.

Just sharing this quick outfit post of a little something I wore last week going to the gym. I've been trying to squeeze in taking shots of what I'm wearing whenever I go to the gym because this is about the only time I step out, working home-based and all. I got this dress from my aunt in Europe, and so i thought of toughening it up a bit with one of my favorite jackets and the stiff collar (and the weather totally permitted this.)

I also wanted to proudly share the newest addition to my shoe closet. Proud because I plucked these babies from a thrift store for Php450 (around $10) in perfect condition, and because I DIYed the badassery into them with the spikes. Very sick. Yes, you don't always need to cough up four or even five figures for great shoes. You just have to look really hard.

Cinema One Originals Invades Cebu!

2012-02-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

Cebuanos will now finally get the chance to witness homegrown filmmaking talent at its finest as Cinema One Originals brings home four of its most critically-acclaimed entries from Cebu through the Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival at SM Cinema!

Confessional by Jerrold Tarog, My Paranormal Romance by Victor Villanueva, 'Di Ingon Nato by Ivan Zaldarriaga and Brandon Relucio, and Damgo ni Eleuteria by Remton Siega Zuasola is set to showcase their different slices of the rich Cebuano tapestry through their varying storylines. These movies have done incredibly well already nationally and abroad, and it's just sad that we're only able to see it right here at home just now. Just very recently, Damgo ni Eleuteria (the film I acted in) took home the citation of being the Best Asian Feature Film at the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival in Indonesia, among other awards.

Please show your support for the Cebuano film industry by supporting all four movies, as well as the other Cinema One movies in the film fest. All tickets are priced at P100 only, which is a great value considering such an even greater milestone.

The full schedule is as follows:

February 11, Saturday:

6:30 pm Opening Cocktails at cinema lobby

8:15 pm Opening film: ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA

February 12, Sunday:

12 nn CONFESSIONAL - new sked

3 pm SA ILALIM NG TULAY

5 pm MY PARANORMAL ROMANCE - new sked

7 pm ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA

9 pm DI INGON 'NATO

February 13, Monday:

12 nn LAYANG BILANGGO

2:25 pm ISHMAEL

4:50 pm ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA

7:10 pm ANATOMIYA NG KORUPSIYON

9:30 pm SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION FROM LILIA CUNTAPAY

February 14, Tuesday:

12 nn SA KANTO NG ULAP AT LUPA

2:15 pm CARTAS DE LA SOLEDAD

4:50 pm ANATOMIYA NG KORUPSIYON

7:10 pm DI INGON 'NATO

9:30 pm MY PARANORMAL ROMANCE

February 15, Wednesday:

12 nn DI INGON 'NATO

2:25 pm SA ILALIM NG TULAY - new sked

4:50 pm SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION FROM LILIA CUNTAPAY

7:10 pm MY PARANORMAL ROMANCE

9:30 pm ANATOMIYA NG KORUPSIYON - new sked

February 16, Thursday

12 nn BIG BOY

2:25 pm ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA

4:50 pm MY PARANORMAL ROMANCE

7:10 pm SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION FROM LILIA CUNTAPAY

9:30 pm DI INGON ' NATO

See you guys there!

Erase and Rewind

2012-02-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

thrifted textured blazer, Topshop scallop tank, Atmosphere shorts, lace-up suede wedges from Asianvogue shop, XOXO messenger

I apologize for my silence in the blogosphere. I desperately needed to hit the pause button with the flurry of events that have been piling on lately. Unfortunately the only thing I can take a step back on is my blogging, thus it took the hardest hit in my schedule. I'm sowwy. I am human after all and I have no sidekick/temp worker to do ghost writing for me.:p Things will normalize really soon (next week?), and when they do, I'll have interesting stories to tell. For now, let me fill you in on some snippets of what's been happening in my life lately:

1) Been busy promoting the Cinema One Originals film I was in called "Damgo ni Eleuteria". Do Google it--it's won all over Manila and in different film festivals abroad. It's proudly made in Cebu. Unfortunately, we're only able to show it to our fellow Cebuanos just now, two years after it was made. Very psyched for our big screen premiere here. Very proud of that film, kinda shy to "brag" about it here on my blog. But I'll update you more with this for sure.

2) Joined the gym recently. Not feeling really good with myself lately fitness-wise (looking like a total slob and all), and this has worked wonders. Especially during the freak earthquake-tsunami panic that just hit Cebu. Heard of that? Glad we're all safe.

3) When not working, or at the gym, I've been spending too much time staying in. Someone puhleez drag me out and show me a good time.

I'll drop in and respond to your comments whenever possible. And thank you to the ever awesome ASIANVOGUE SHOP for sending these babies in. More details later! ILY all xx

**Photos by Hazel Jane Pacaldo

Cebu x Manila Blogger Love

2012-02-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

with my love Mike Magallanes of toxicdiscoboy

Aisa and Melai and their partners Mich and JR. Supportive lang with their blogger gfs!

with Dred and my good friend Jeff Songco of Thinline Advertising in Makati

everyone at Borough!

with Sarah Tirona of Fashion Eggplant. she's adorable!

uma-outfit lang lahat. hehe.

bear hug!

wearing Forever 21 leather tuxedo-cut blazer, H&M galaxy-print shirt, BimBim Haus shorts, Soule Phenomenon wedges

A few of the things that I loved during our brief stay in Manila for Bloggers United 2 were the sidelights before and after. We got to tour Tagaytay, tried a few impeccable restaurants, and met a smattering of new and interesting people here and there. But what absolutely topped my list was being able to catch up with awesome blogger friends from Manila, as well as meet the others I've been stalking for awhile.

We all decided to meet up for Borough in Ortigas the night before our flight back to Cebu. Though not a lot were able to make it, I'm still glad to have met finally most of those I really wanted to meet in the first place-- Mike, who I've been exchanging comments with since 2009; Ava Te of Artsy Fartsy Ava, who is as sweet in person as she is on her blog; and Sarah Tirona, who's just crazy fun. And of course there's Aisa and Melai--all in all, an awesome yet incredibly humble bunch. I think I left a little bit of my heart in Manila because of these guys.:)

Thank you Mildred for most of the shots

Seeing Red

2012-01-30T08:50:00.000-08:00

H&M red knit top, metal plate necklace and leather skirt from Forever 21, SM Accessories minaudierre, Gucci belt, shoes from Michael Antonio, Farah Abu gold wire earrings

I hope you guys are doing great! I know I've been a delinquent blogger for the past few days, but I have pretty good reasons. There's been an overwhelming chain of events as of late and I still haven't processed all of it, but you'll find out soon enough.:)

Just sharing this very quick outfit post of what I wore ushering in the year of the water dragon at the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa here in Cebu. The premiere establishment threw a lavish event and dinner to celebrate Chinese New Year with their patrons and the media, and I was one of the few bloggers lucky enough to have been invited (more of the event photos later). In every special Chinese event, there is no other color more symbolic than red to usher in good fortune and joy. As I had to be in something a bit dressier and the red selection is very limited in my closet, I went with this pretty knit top and my new leather skirt to still give it that kick.

I'll be back with a new post tomorrow! Much backlog to catch up on xx

Cebu for Bloggers United 2

2012-01-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

my participant's ID with a custom wire tag by the supertalented Anagon

With my girl and blog superstar Kookie B--no need for introductions as you all know how jawdropping Kookie is, but she also happens to be one of the most down-to-earth people you'll ever meet.

Style blogging superstars Paul Jatayna, Mike Magallanes, and Karl Leuterio. Totally starstruck with the three but again, they're incredibly nice. Mike and I have been commenting on each other's blogs since 2009!

Aivan Magno's DIY leather jacket with studs

Mayhem on the gymnasium floor! Bloggers and buyers everywhere

Sponsor booths from Meg Magazine and Ferretti shoes

Belle's crazy python Litas! She has the most extensive collection of these babies

Bloggers, all: Kaye Awatin of The Style Flux, Rovie Divinagracia of The Bargain Doll, Maria Pizarro of I'm a Vintage Bee

OS goodies!! Can't wait to get me a piece of this

with the lovely Belle of Bellavanite, and my loves Sarah Tirona of Fashion Eggplant, Ava Te of Artsy Fartsy Ava, and Aie Corpuz of In Aie's Shoes

with mother Aisa Ipac of Drowning Equilibriums

Goodies galore from our sponsors

Gillian, Vanessa, Alexa, Gizelle, Mildred and moi--Cebu Bloggers for Bloggers United 2 :) (I'm wearing a top from Oxygen and a skirt from Forever 21)

I know this post on Bloggers United 2 is extremely overdue-- it's been almost two months, my red hair has already completely faded out, but here I still am racking my brains on how to go about putting all of it in one post. It's really hard to encapsulate BU2 in a few paragraphs and photos- yes, Bloggers United in Manila is that awesome. Seeing in the flesh the older bloggers that I got close to online over the years, as well as meeting new ones and interacting with blog readers and stylish shoppers... definitely highlights we all can't forget. I took pictures and gawked like a crazed fangirl most of the time. Hard to imagine why one wouldn't!

I'd like to congratulate and thank once more the blogger triumvirate of Anagon, Aisa and Melai for helming another successful round of BU, with this time extending their reach to us Cebu-based bloggers and letting us experience this incomparable gathering. This event, however, will not be possible without the generous support of Multiply Philippines, who partnered with BU and sponsored the airfare for us Cebu bloggers. Major thank you as well to all the other sponsors for making sure we had a lot of great freebies to take home. Thank you to all of you!

And to my fellow BU2 participants, other bloggers and readers alike, we owe this to you! We don't get a lot of the blogger action and perks being here in Cebu, but being able to attend this fete makes what we do so worth it.

Till the next Bloggers United!

Cut Out

2012-01-23T18:03:00.000-08:00

cut-out mesh and cotton top from Oxygen, ear cuff with feather and cross detail from Punk x Pretty, silver cuffs from Forever 21, thrifted shorts, Soule Phenomenon wedges (thrifted from Patricia Prieto)

I finally got the chance to wear this amazing top from Oxygen's new collection which I got for myself over Christmas break. It's pretty risque and I wasn't sure if I can pull it off, but what the heck, I don't say no to anything with the words "mesh" and "cutout" in one article of clothing. Paired it with the magazine print-shorts and my favorite fluorescent yellow belt to break the monotony.

I left most of the accessories at home in favor of this ear cuff which was gifted to me by online shop owner/blogger Valerie of Punk x Pretty, which is by all standards an awesome chick. Not only does she make custom accessories, but she also brings thrifted items back to life and quite possibly one of the best DIYers I've ever encountered.

To check out more of Valerie's custom trinkets and clothes, as well as her insane shoe collection (I'm talking about you, fully spiked loafers!), check out Valerie's blog here.

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be back w a new post tomorrow xx

Photos courtesy of Rabsin de la Cruz

Thespian in Color

2012-01-20T23:16:00.000-08:00

very sloppy blur tool work by yours truly. haha.

manual blur tool... NOT doing it like a boss

Dominatrix multibuckle shoes from Michael Antonio. Timeless!

hope no one was bored during my talk.:p

impromptu script reading with a student. we read a scene from "500 Days of Summer"

I didn't get to take this home unfortunately. Shucks.

leather sleeved blazer from Mango, thrifted wraparound top, tribal-print skirt from Forever 21, sunnies from Accessorize, downtown and SM men's cuff, shoes from Michael Antonio

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my friend and fellow fashion blogger Philip of the The Fourth Kid and his entire Mass Communications class in the University of San Jose-Recoletos for having me as their guest speaker during their workshop/talk on the highs and lows of the local acting scene. I'm not a professional actor, but acting is somewhat my left hand passion (whereas fashion is my right hand--no biases, both realms are loved equally) and it's a key part of who I am. I don't exactly expect national fame, prestige, or money (especially that, lol) with my occasional stints in acting, and more people might know me more as a girl who hosts occasionally and keeps a fashion blog, but the few friends who have worked with me as an actor knows the level of passion I give to it, perks or no perks. THESPIAN went really well, and it was great to have an audience that was genuinely interested to hear my humble adventures as an actor. You kids were great! Thank you again.

For my talk I wanted to wear something a bit more dressy but still had a lot of my personality, so I went with this ensemble with its pops of color (I've been wearing more of that lately!). Also, I'd like to apologize beforehand if you'll see me a lot in this Mango blazer-- I guarantee that it will be a repeat offender in my outfit posts. I will literally live in this gorgeous blazer if I can. Haha.

Thank you for stopping by! I'll be returning your comments asap xx

**all photos courtesy of Philip Lapinid IV of The Fourth Kid

Iced Out at Luxx

2012-01-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

wearing a panelled pleather, jersey and mesh cutout dress from Oxygen, cutout shoes from H&M

Like I mentioned several posts prior, I don't really step out and paint the town red as much as I used to anymore, but I couldn't skip hanging out with my some of my favorite blogger friends (that I don't see as much as I used to these days), seeing an international DJ at work, and yes... I can't say no to an open bar invitation! Lol.

I'd like to thank the lovely duo of Jaja Chiongbian-Rama and April Rama of Bigseed Media for inviting me, my girl Kristine, Vanessa and other bloggers to the awesomeness that was the Iced Out Party at Luxx. We got giddy over the free-flowing vodka and enjoyed the crazy mixes of DJ JAY-P, one of Los Angeles' most sought after mix masters who has come to share the stage with the hottest names in music, such as the Black Eyed Peas, Kanye West, Rihanna, Nas, Dwele, Flo-Rida, T.I., Sean Paul, and many others. It's always a great deal of torture to dance in extremely high heels, but then again with great company, vodka galore and killer music, it was still pretty worth it!

Kudos to Luxx at Vudu for always upping the ante each and every single time xx

For more information, visit facebook.com/VUDUcebu, twitter.com/VUDUcebu, email VUDU.cebu@gmail.com or contact 0917 7100 300 or 0917 7100 400 for table reservations and inquiries.

BLANC Magazine Online: The Launch

2012-01-17T09:42:00.000-08:00

one of my favorite looks from the night by Edward James Castro. I have to find an excuse to wear that cutout PVC top somewhere lol. love it

scenestealing gown from budding designer and good friend Jerrick Macasocol. I promised Jerrick I'd wear this at some point but I don't know if keri lang. :p

lovely Queen of Cebu Ms. Bee Urgello in Hanz Coquilla

Mique Yapching, EIC Josei Cuizon, Matt Aesthetic, Nicky Roa, Van Dale Dela Bajan, Jay Basiga, James Canete and Tyra Ocampo-- some of the talented kids in the BLANC editorial board

Legen (wait for it) dary shot of Yves. Haha been watching too much HIMYM lately

Got to finally meet some new Cebu fashion bloggers-- awesome to be able to share ideas and hope to be seeing them again soon. Good luck and enjoy guys! Franz of Hobo Off Duty, Love of Heavensent Dreamer, Frankie of Ohsome Frankie

Dawn Sy and Kirsten Sebastian

wearing a blazer with leather details from Mango, black metallic jodhpurs from Zara, gray tank from Black Barrett by Neil Barrett, accessories from Forever 21. Thank you to Dr. Francis Solis for this shot

Kudos to the incredibly talented guys and gals behind Cebu's first and only online fashion and art magazine, BLANC! Put together by some of Cebu's most inventive and experimental individuals, BLANC finally takes a new spin on the local fashion scene by emphasizing on the unconventional and edgier elements of street style and art culture (and quite frankly something I've been waiting for for awhile so much props guys!!), as well as focusing on the large pool of raw talent from the Cebuano youth.

This incredible initiative was unveilled the past week in a fun (and highly stylish if I may add) gathering me and the rest of my friends from CFB were lucky to attend. It's incredible how the scene has evolved significantly with this new generation of stylish Cebuanos-- just about everyone came dressed to the nines, awesome platform shoes and even more awesome individual statements and all. I NEED to go out and meet more of these awesome kids!

BTW, the first issue of BLANC knocked my socks off. Seriously exceeded all the great expectations I initially had. Keep it coming as Cebu is seriously yearning to see more. But don't just take my word for it, check out their maiden issue here.

Thank you Philip, Kia and Doc Xave for the photos xx

downtown prepster

2012-01-11T08:56:00.000-08:00

DIY python print detachable collar with spikes, thrifted purple knit jumper, Levis 718 Superlow jeans, silver brogues from Schu, DIY Luv AJ-inspired hand harness, spike and stud cuffs from SM men's accessories

Hello loves! I know it's been a few days since I posted a personal update here in the blog-- I had to host an event on Saturday, got my basic certicate on make-up on Sunday (more on both later... talk about backlogs galore), and it's just been hectic since then. I'll be one of the hosts to do live TV coverage for SkyCable during Sinulog 2012 as well, so that's bound to be interesting. I'm not sure if they're showing it nationwide but if they do... pressure! Haha. We'll see how it goes.

Just sharing this quick outfit post that we did earlier while buying materials downtown (Thank you Yves for my shots). I've always loved the vibe and energy of the area, plus, it's a DIYer's paradise. And speaking of, I particularly love this prep-inspired outfit because I'm sporting two DIYs which I made in just ONE sitting. Seriously! I made detachable collar and the Luv AJ-inspired hand harness in a span of around three hours... Couldn't be prouder of myself. Haha.

Anyway, I'd like to thank fellow blogger Philip of The Fourth Kid for inviting me to be the keynote speaker of his college department's acting exposition.

I'm truly honored, Phil! Yes... when I'm not blogging or working hard for the money, I enjoy acting whenever the opportunity presents itself. Heheh.

Be back w another blogpost tomorrah! xx

Dream Incubations

2012-01-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

Straight the imaginings of style stars/blogger friends Karl Leuterio and Mike Magallanes of Paradigm Shift Clothing in collaboration with Curves Lopez of Leather Engines comes Dream Incubation. This hugely anticipated collaborative effort brings emphasis to clothes that "goes back to the absent consciousness of falling asleep. Clothes that resemble a cross between pillow cases, parachutes and men's boxers which give rise to elements like: armholes, necklines and belt loops that take after the fly of a pair of boxer shorts. Ambiguous clothes that restrict and, at the same time, provide ease and inspire free-fall or flight."

What is incredible about this line is it's very seamless take on convertible dressing. Each shapeshifting piece from the collection can be bent, twisted and turned into other various ways for altogether different looks. An effortlessly intelligent outing, as is always expected from the three.

To order pieces from Dream Incubation, visit Paradigm Shift at www.paradigmshiftclothing.com.

p.s. regular blogging resumes tomorrow! got so tied up over the weekend :( xx

new reds and greens

2012-01-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

thrifted green sleeveless shirt, leather and mesh leggings from Romwe, sunglasses from Accessorize Philippines, Bena wedges from Gold Dot, accessories from Forever 21

Up first is a bit of great news-- after delaying the process for so long, I have now gone ahead and bought myself my own domain. Yaay. Say hello to www.chicinthetropics.com, finally! It's quite a small step which could lead (hopefully) to more promising things this year. Well at least people can spot me easier now online. That's a start, right? Thank you to my dear friend Rabsin for getting the ball rolling on this.:)

We had no power the whole of yesterday much to my chagrin, so I decided to take my work, my camera and my sister with me to IT park so we can take pictures while killing time. I think I'll be doing a much more streamlined and minimalist approach to my personal style this year. I've had days in the past where I've been excessively punk and over-the-top, but now that i'm older I'm thinking of different ways to express my kind of attitude on a simpler slate. I find myself in the crossroads of reassessing and rehashing my style again, so let's see how that turns out on a day-to-day basis.

I wore the fun and slightly risque leggings from Romwe again-- told you I'd be living in these if I could. Haha. Much love as well to Bloggers United and Accessorize Philippines for these sunnies we got during the event. :)

Thanks for your kind comments and support xx

In the Press vol. 1

2012-01-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

Best Cebu Blogs write-up by Luis Quibranza in Sunstar Cebu

tallying up the winners by Niche/Category as chosen by the panel of judges and the blogs that garnered the most votes from public voting.

Thank you BCB for choosing CITT for the Fashion/Lifestyle Niche! :)

Mex Mix (Collaborative Shoot with Topshop)

Sunstar Shopping Bag November 11 issue

Text by Kara Mae Noveda

Photos by Hannah Bacalla

Art Direction by Yves Camingue

Styling by yours truly

Beauty by Jessie Glova Make-up and Style Studio

Shoes by Janilyn and Monica Fig

Modeled by Danieth Zapanta (Wafer Models) and Hazel Minoza

Assisted by Vanessa East

Scans of the features/citations I've had that were published in print that were published in Sunstar, a major daily here in Cebu. Thank you Luis Quibranza, Best Cebu Blogs committee, Kara Noveda and my photoshoot team who made this possible. Hope there will still be more to come especially this year. Good vibes lang all the way!

Hope you guys are having a great 2012 so far xx

Color and Vibrance for 2012

2011-12-30T10:59:00.000-08:00

YSL Arty-inspired ring from Valerie of Punk-X-Pretty. Thank you for the christmas gift Val!

SAG Harbor salmon knit jumper, Tonic envelope clutch, gold-plated metal collar from Plus Minus Times Divide, YSL Arty-inspired ring gifted from Punk-X-Pretty, thrifted leather patched pants, Rajo Laurel for Parisian heelless shoes,

Happy new year, loveys! I wanted to send a lot of light and love to every single one of you, and I hope that you ushered in 2012 with a lot of good vibrations--and of course, doing so in style, polka dots or no polka dots. Haha.

Had a relatively toned down yet still eventful New Year's eve affair at home. I'm still thankful that the family managed to get together despite the simpler repast and more hectic schedules. In retrospect, it's always the little details that mean the most and I'm glad my year started with just that.:)

I had my sister take quick outfit shots of me while we were doing the groceries for media noche. I spotted the orange wall and thought it would be kinda funny against my salmon knit jumper and my now pink-orange hair. I also finally got to wear the Rajo Laurel x Parisian pair I picked up lately--surprisingly comfortable and had no balance issues. Happy with the purchase!

I've seen a lot of bloggers put down the all highlights and the dramas of their 2011 in detail and I thought of doing that but it'll seriously take forever--my life did a total 180 degree spin that it would be so hard to encapsulate it all in a blogpost or two or three or more. Seriously. While 2010 was all about me and my new relationship, this year I found myself dealing with a lot of separation anxiety, dealing with long bouts of depression after my boyfriend left for the States, and suddenly having really exciting experiences with friends and career possibilities all rushed in one after another that it all passed by in a mad frenzy of extreme highs and extreme lows. That's pretty much how I would describe my year, but sad times aside, I'm very grateful for every little thing that's occurred. I'm just hoping things reach a state of equilibrium (and yes, for my boyfriend to come back home if that's not too obvious)this year.

I love you all and thank you for your continuing support xx

MAC Glitter and Ice Launch in Cebu

2011-12-30T09:23:00.000-08:00

testers from the Glitter and Ice holiday collection. everything's shimmery and gorgeous

guests taking swatches and sampling the testers from the Glitter and Ice collection

cute ni Johnny Weir! out and proud!

hats off to the models for doing a good job skating. loved how the male model looks a lot like Johnny Weir haha

with my friends Kristine, Dominic and Mac

THE Jigs Mayuga and Kelly Misa. Can't begin to tell you how nice and approachable they totally were. Made my day!

thank you MAC for the freebies! yay! MAC lipstick in Such Flare and Dressed to Dazzle Dazzleglass, all from the Glitter and Ice Holiday collection

DIY cutout top, leather shorts from Ace Eboutique, shoes from Asianvogue Shop, gifted clutch and metal cuffs from Forever 21

Everybody's favorite make-up line has finally touched base in the Queen City of the South!

Ardent MAC fans here in Cebu can now finally breathe a sigh of relief as they are now able to shop the brand sans shipping costs and long, drawn-out delivery times. The brand loved the world over is now officially here in Cebu via Rustan's in Ayala Center-Cebu. Everyone can now have immediate dibs over MAC's entire collection of cosmetics and make-up tools, as well as be up-to-date with the latest capsule collections from the brand. No need to wait and drool on the internet over new and exciting things from MAC--it simply takes a walk over to Ayala to check it out!

What better way to open doors in Cebu than to pay homage to it's most latest collection? Big kudos to Jaja and April of Bigseed Media and Marketing Solutions for throwing the incredible "Glitter and Ice" media and VIP gathering, inspired of course by MAC's 2011 holiday collaboration with fabulous skating icon Johnny Weir. The collection was every bit as charming and fabulous as Weir himself!

Cebu is bound to get a lot more exciting this 2012 for us make-up enthusiasts now that MAC is finally in town. :)

Thank you Jaja and April of Bigseed for the invite! Much love ladies xx

utilitarian ambition + shop for charity

2011-12-28T00:28:00.000-08:00

tailored cap-sleeve trench, gifted long-sleeve shirt with leather detail from Vanessa, bandage skirt from Forever 21, boots from Asianvogue Shop, XOXO monogram messenger bag, sunnies from Forever 21

I'm never going to separate from my 50mm lens. EVER. I kinda wanna marry it and have kids with it. Hahaha, jk. Thank you so much mom for finally caving in to what I wanted for Christmas. I swear I'll take really good family photos with it, lol. Definitely the best lens you can get at such an affordable price point!

I took my new lens on a spin in the town through these outfit shots (thank you Yves for taking them). If I were to have a daily uniform, it would be along the lines of this outfit I'd say. A lot of people call my style "edgy" but I'm more of utilitarian quite honestly-I like well-structured clothes that I can work and be mobile with. I definitely plan to be more streamlined where my style is concerned this 2012. This cap-sleeve trench is becoming a fast favorite--I've been on the hunt for a sleeveless/cap-sleeve one for awhile, so you can imagine my glee when I got to score this amazing piece for a bargain:)

Anyway, please support our "Shop for Charity" pop-up bazaar happening already tomorrow! Get dibs at my closet, as well as Vanessa's and Rabsin's--at really really low prices and get to donate to Sendong relief efforts as well. That's at Starting Point-Kartzone Cebu at 8pm. See you!

SPARK for the Holidays

2011-12-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

drape top from Chemistry, mesh and pleather panel leggings from Romwe, Soule Phenomenon wedges bought from BU2

Happy Holidays from CITT!

I hope you guys had a grand old time with Christmas this year. However you're spending your Christmas, may it be grand or really quiet, hope you're feeling blessed, fulfilled, and thankful for it all. Don't forget to remember in your prayers those who are going through turmoil and suffering these days-- and that they may find hope and feel loved despite of the things they may be going through.

Just sharing the fun event/outfit shots from the SPARK 2011 Christmas Party of Wipro Philippines-Cebu. My good friend Ray, who spearheads the company's training department, invited me and Vanessa as guest judges to choose the evening's best dressed employee. I totally miss the feeling of going to company christmas parties now that I'm working on my own, so it was definitely a treat to be invited to SPARK. Thank you Wipro Philippines for having us there! I had a grand time.:)

Mucho thanks as well to Romwe for my legwear! I'll be wearing this fun and slightly shmexy piece a lot for sure.

I'm off work until after New Year, yay! I'll be bloghopping starting tomorrow. Much love everyone xx

My House Husband: Ikaw Na! Bloggers Press Conference

2011-12-22T20:33:00.000-08:00

super charming ng couple in person. don't even get me started with Ryan alone. hahaha.

my loves from Cebu Fashion Bloggers. :)

photo op finally. yay! Juday is just really, really pretty in person.

after party at KK. hahaha. there's a reason behind this shot. secret muna. :p

fur and leather envelope clutch from Tonic in Maze Hipzone-Ayala. Thank you Maze for the early Christmas present!:) Accessories from Forever 21

my H&M python-print cut-out booties. thank you Ally!

purple dress from Gillian (got it during BU), metal plate accessories from Forever 21, envelope clutch from Tonic at Maze Hipzone-Ayala Cebu, H&M python-print cutout booties

It's Christmas time once more and if you're a huge movie buff like I am then you know what that means--it's Metro Manila Film Fest Time in the Philippines! Movie production firms, actors and actresses will duke it out for a battle of who gets the major acting awards and who gets the top box office billing. It's a Christmas entertainment highlight and it's always fun to observe on who wins what every year.

For a lighthearted, family-oriented drama/comedy movie that is sure to be a hit with everyone, then make sure to put My House Husband on your must-see list this MMFF season. Blog sister Melai of the Style and Soul got me to round up some Cebu bloggers for a special mall tour+blogger's press conference for this much-awaited film. We made a beeline for SM in the hopes of a fun meet and greet with Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo, and my personal favorite, Eugene Domingo. Sadly Eugene wasn't there, but we did get to meet the stellar couple--can you say perfection? They are both extremely good-looking in person (I don't think that's a surprise anymore) and nice to boot.

My family and I chose to see their past two films during Christmas, so I know we're in for another carefully crafted and majorly entertaining treat.:)

It was also great to bond with CFB (Cebu Fashion Bloggers) folks after this. Thank you to Pax and Philip for the shots!:)

Memories of Mangodlong Paradise

2011-12-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

image model and now Miss Cebu 2012 finalist Chloe Palang. she's gorgeous inside and out. keri ang electric Pocahontas effect hehe

imagine waking up to these images. every. single. day.

lasingan lang nang konting-konti. hehehe.

cute shot of my friend Pax with her scuba gear on. yes, we got to try it, finally

tried kayaking like as if we were good at it.. hahaha

but of course, worked really hard naman styling chloe for her shots.

final result for their billboards, streamers and print ads. yay.

and another version for standees/vertical collaterals. chloe is just perfect for the job! Thank you to beach baby Vanessa for assisting me in a peg she knows best! And Pax for the photos

Back in the days of blondness (2-3 months ago) I received a call from Chloe Palang, an old friend from college, to book me as a stylist for her photoshoot in Camotes Island. She literally called a couple of hours right before the boat was set to sail for the whole weekend, and I was left with no time to even think about it. I packed whatever last-minute styling options and all the make-up (I had to do that for her as well) I could and hopped on board the project anyway. I don't say no to a good styling opportunity, as well as the words "beach", "spontaneous adventure" and "free travel and accomodations". Haha.

Three days later and with so many amazing memories in tow, our stay in Mangodlong is absolutely one of the biggest, happiest highlights of my year. We got to enjoy the facilities as much as we were working, and all the fun we had was nothing short of amazing. The resort itself is serene, intimate, and unadulterated. This was such a happy, happy place that I'm rearing to go back too early next year. I can't wait.

Kudos to Chloe for joining the search for Miss Cebu for 2012! Truly a beauty inside and out. I know you'll go very, very far in the competition. Good luck!

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I'm still very sad and bothered with the aftermath of Sendong in CDO and Iligan that I searched my archives and backlogs for an experience that genuinely made me happy and I remembered this as I didn't feel like blogging about fabulous parties and/or holiday cheer. For now I've packed a couple of boxes of clothes and relief goods but I'm still thinking of more ways to help. Let's all do more in every which way we can.

Asianvogue X CITT Shoe Giveaway Winners + Sendong Relief Advisory

2011-12-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you from us!

Thank you so much to everyone for supporting and actively participating in this giveaway. With the massive amount of "I love Asianvogue Shop" tweets I get to read on my feed on a daily basis, it's no wonder why I got an overwhelming number of entries for this giveaway. A total of 242 unique (non-repeated) entries were listed down and drawn over Random.org. Kalurky lang ang effort sa paglista diba haha.

I know we promised just one winner for this giveaway, but since it's giftgiving season, Angel del Rosario of Asianvogue felt extra generous and decided to give out consolation prizes to two others who will be also receiving gift certificates in 1000 and 500 denoms, respectively. Can't be more generous than that!:)

But at this moment (drumroll moment)-- receiving a P1,500 gift certificate to Asianvogue-- congratulations to Ericka Angeles!

And now for the consolation prizes-- congratulations to lucky number 81 Maria Lorwina Tongco! You also get to receive a P1000 GC to Asianvogue :)

And lastly, congratulations as well to Cheska Balingit, you'll be receiving a 500 GC to Asianvogue:)

Congratulations once again to the three winners, and to everyone who joined in... No worries, this won't be the last giveaway that I'm cooking:) And thank you Asianvogue!

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Admittedly, I'm not feeling as festive as I'm supposed to because of what has happened to our brothers and sisters who really suffered through the wrath of Sendong, especially in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Many lives were claimed (more than 600+ now with 800 more missing), and the count will still go higher in the next few days.

A little goes a long way, so please share all that you can such as clothes, relief goods,medicine, water by dropping them at LBC branches nationwide (they will ship the goods themselves), or coordinate with the Red Cross near you.

I've also attached a blog widget to the right side where you can also contribute to the Iligan Blogger's initiative by donating $1 with your Paypal for the victims.

Let us share all that we can.

The Humanizer x Cebu Fashion Bloggers!

2011-12-15T22:16:00.000-08:00

windblown hair effect lang. haha.

bohemian and vintage soul Gizelle

fiery and feisty Vanessa

adorably feminine Gillian in her mix prints

downtown girl Eden

Cebu fashion bloggers x The Humanizer!

Gillian Uang, Vanessa East, Gizelle Sembrano and I just recently grabbed the opportunity to collaborate with one of my favorite local fashion photographers, Roland Icban of The Humanizer. In line with our recent trip to Manila for Bloggers United 2, I thought it would be timely to gather the girls for some newspaper features lined up for us (the others couldn't make it--sad!) and Roland couldn't be more perfect for the job. I've always admired the way he handles light in his outdoor shots, so a Tommy Ton-inspired vibe to the shoot was just timely.

Thank you so much for the shots, Roland! Everyone was more than happy with how our shots turned out. And the group shot is just the most decadent thing ever! It's great how it just showcases how different our own personal styles are. It was fun shooting with the girls and just catching up on the latest chit-chat. We also wore TH Mickey Mouse ears and showed our love for Roland in these cute shots. I have awesome outtakes I'll post soon enough-- I'm so backlogged it's ridiculous. :/

For more of The Humanizer and his works, visit his official Facebook page here.

Our shots made it to The Freeman in Cebu--thank you, thank you to my girl Kristine Roa for the writeup--the title couldn't be more apt. And for Kryz Uy as well for the newspaper shot.:)

I will be announcing the winner for the Asianvogue x CITT Giveaway TONIGHT! Giveaway is closed, of course. Wondering who gets the P1,500 gift certificate? Stay tuned! xx

fluorescence

2011-12-13T19:48:00.000-08:00

Join the Asianvogue x CITT Shoe Giveaway here.

Black Poppy leather jacket (gifted from boyf), Save the Tigers shirt from Giordano, Forever21 bandage skirt, Dorothy Perkins DIY neon espadrilles

metal plate cuff from Forever 21, assorted downtown cuffs (left and right) and crazy spiked cuff from Details SM

condition when I unearthed it from the deepest recesses of my shoe closet-- yellowing, really dusty, but still had its tags and stickers on. sayang!

Voila! Really glad with how my DIY turned out.

I may have just unearthed the perfect 2012 summer footwear--and by that I mean I found it in my closet, dusted it off, and DIYed the heck out of it. Say hello to my "new" traffic-stopping Dorothy Perkins! This brand-new pair, still with tags on, has been sitting in my closet for years and has NEVER had any wear from me. I kinda just forgot about it as I don't really wear espadrilles (don't get me wrong--espadrilles are awesome). It was a waste to just dispose of it so I thought a neon overhaul is timely- neon is a huge gamechanger for next year so I was glad to stock up vats of neon spray paint, haha. I couldn't be happier with the results and with my new shoes!

Anyway, someone please enlighten me as to why Cebu weather is acting up like this! I stepped out sans the leather jacket as it was really hot out, but then it got really chilly and cold sometime later. Good thing I just got the jacket back from the cleaners-- and it isn't just ANY jacket, but it means the most to me since my boyfriend sent it from the states on my birthday. :)

Also wearing this special "Save the Tigers" shirt from Giordano which we got from BU2-- did you know that there's only about 2000 Bengal Tigers in the world? Its great for Giordano to tell the world of this important advocacy.

Anyway, I am this close to announcing the winner for the CITT x Asianvogue Giveaway so make sure to send in your last minute entries!

Best Cebu Blogs 2011 Award for CITT!

2011-12-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

Me being really cheesy and speechy in front of everyone. Affected lang talaga. Hahaha. And thank you committee for choosing that shot of me. Yay. It's one of my favorites.

Sinjin Pineda from The Libotero, Irene Francisco of Wandering Barefoot, Atty. Ethelbert Ouano of LaagCebu, Justinne Go of Babe for Food, Kristine Roa of InStyle Cebu

Fellow Best Cebu Blogs awardees from different categories

took a shot of the cracked nails I just had done in the morning. So, so not worth it. It falls apart very easily.

Getting my gift pack from Cebu Bloggers Society founder Mark Monta-- won a Nokia phone and a Globe Tattoo internet stick. Thank you Nokia Philippines and Globe! :)

Red mary janes from Michael Antonio bought from BU2. So, so cute. I felt girly all of a sudden hahaha.

Plus Minus Times Divide metal plate collar necklace, downtown rings and cuffs, Levis "Go Forth" armband. Thank you Jeff Songco of Thinline Advertising!

thrifted metallic knit jumper, River Island black shorts. crew socks from Forever 21

Thank you so much for the honor Best Cebu Blogs :)

Thank you to the Best Cebu Blogs board of judges and committee for naming Chic in the Tropics as the winner for the Best Cebu Blog under the Fashion and Lifestyle Category. I didn't really expect my name to be called and just wanted to act like I was calm and collected or whatever but in the end I still got choked up and became speechy. Composure out the door in a second! It was very, very overwhelming and it still is until now, I have to admit.

Some of you guys may know that my journey through blogging hasn't always been the easiest. Looking back at my 2++ years online, I endured the perils of being one of the first personal style bloggers here in Cebu (a.k.a zero support), judgments thrown by people who had absolutely no idea of the person that I really am, and me going through the very rough phases of my lovelife, career, and every little thing I had to juggle to get here. Sometimes it STILL is laborious to even sit down and think about blogging, but my relationship with my fellow bloggers, down to even the most silent of readers who visit without comments--these are the relationships I simply just cannot do without. Ultimately, despite everything-- it was and it still is worth it.

More than just an achievement for me and my humble blog, I dedicate this my fellow Cebuano fashion bloggers, as well as every new fashion blogger out there who starts out afraid, not knowing what to expect, and still be brave enough to take on the journey anyway. I'm not saying its that hard or that easy, but you just don't know what to expect. Just keep trusting your guts, and most importantly-stay true to who you are- and who knows where your blogging adventures might take you.

Thank you once again, BCB for the support xx