Just a quick shout out for a party this coming weekend. Join these party folks as they round the curve at full speed in support of the 2009 UP Law Barristers.

UP College of Law, Law Student Government, RISE 2009: Bar Operations Commission, Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity and G.S.M. Blue in cooperation with BIG ACE Poker Club present APEX: The UP Law Kickoff Party happening on Saturday, 4TH OF JULY 2009 at CLUB CIRCA, EASTWOOD CITYWALK LIBIS.

Expect HIPHOP, DANCEHALL and CLUB music featured all night.

Tickets at P250 (pre-event) / P300 (door sales)

Available outside the Malcolm Hall Library or contact Tina (09178848462) or Dan (09194776575). Go check out their Facebook event page to RSVP.

Whoever said that Law students don’t know how to party (or throw one for that matter)?

Important note: Dress code strictly implemented. Come in your take on upscale and trendy. Or be at the risk of being held in contempt. LOL.

Two (2) free beers for the first 200 guests. Free booze while supplies last. *APEX tickets will be honored until 12mn only.*

Have fun, folks!

Image courtesy of Jena de Mesa. (Sorry I can’t go. Like I said, I’ll be out of town on beginning Friday. Hope to catch the next one!)

It’s all part of growing up. Responsibilities multiply and would either nag you into irritation or push you to be a better person. No matter how much stomping you do, they simply won’t go away. Best to accept and deal with them accordingly. Our portions are as it should be. It’s all a matter of patience and good time management.

Waking up at 3am wasn’t part of the plan and had laboured to go back to sleep but was unsuccessful. I dragged my arse off my bed and decided to go online (something I always do as soon as I wake up). As my mind began to wake up a good while later, I realised that I needed a few things done today while I have access to the car (baby bro’s back home so he usually takes the car to work, heh).

Original plan was NOT to make a spectacle of my little outing but I decided, since I do have a few hours to kill, to prep like I’m not going out simply to run errands. I thought it’d be an interesting post for today. Also, I took this opportunity to spend some “me” time; reading and writing for a couple of hours while enjoying my Soy Latte from Starbucks at the Grove.

I’d normally opt for something loose and casual on days like this, that is, apart from the warm (yet sometimes cloudy) weather we had this morning. The outfit is practical enough to wear for running errands and comfortable enough for hanging out.

Top Topshop
Tube Supré
Skirt Aeropostalé
Sandals Charles & Keith
Sunnies Promod
Earrings Supré
Necklace Lee Hwa Jewelry
Bracelet Gift
Watch Hand me down from my sis
Bag Promod

Yes, I did spend a bit of time dolling up even when I was actually tempted to just go out au naturale. But I figured that since I went out my way to put together an outfit, might as well go the extra mile. Besides, it’s an opportunity to use the TBS Nature’s Minerals Foundation and Cheek Colour (blush) and take more notes.

Face
Regenerating Serum, Olay Regenerist
Nature’s Minerals Foundation in Shade 02, The Body Shop
Tea Tree Oil Cover Stick (02), The Body Shop
Clear Smooth Face Powder in Natural, Maybelline

Eye
ME Brown 850, Shu Uemura
Smokey Eyes Powder Pencil (Smokey Black 01), Elizabeth Arden
Eye Definer in Taupe, The Body Shop
Volum Express Brown Waterproof Mascara, Maybelline

Eyebrow
Shimmer Waves in Bronze, The Body Shop
Waterproof Mascara in Brown, Artistry

Cheek
Soft Color Blush in Divine Wine, Neutrogena
Nature’s Minerals Cheek Colour in Golden Terracota, The Body Shop

Lip
Frost Lipstick in What A Do!, MAC

I’ve always been insecure about my teeth. I find them too big and awkward-looking (coupled with my thin frame). A dilemma I face since I love to smile big smiles like in the photo. I just can’t believe a person’s teeth can get as big as mine. I had buck teeth when I was younger, had them fixed. Painfully, I might add. It’s just unfortunate that my teeth need more fixing. Sigh.

Anyway, excuse the hair (it’s all over the place, gah), I had to turn on the fan during the shoot since it’s too darn hot.

So, how about you folks? Which day’s the best day (for you) to run errands? And how’s your Sunday so far? I hope it has been pleasant!

Photo © 2009 Sasha Manuel

Finding myself in a beauty store can feel like being in a bookstore. The latter trumps it all the time, though. Both are equally gratifying. Hehe. I love browsing through shelves and shelves of beauty stuff and I would often come out of the store with a shopping bag in hand (and a smile on my face, hehe). And that day was no different. Besides, I really needed the stuff I bought. Seriously.

We were specifically looking for something but it’s a darn shame there was no tester for the shade she was looking into getting. Er, how can they run out of testers? Sheesh. So, no. She didn’t get it. Heh.

My friend and I hit First Aid in Greenbelt 3.

Finesse Self Adjusting Mousse Extra Control, Fresh & Clean Formula

I know I recently bought the Finesse Self Adjusting Hairspray a few weeks back but I know I’d use the mousse more. It’s all part of my quest to style my own hair. Owning the right tools will help me learn faster, learn more than what I do now.

Finesse Self Adjusting Mousse Extra Control, Fresh & Clean Formula - Php 247.50

Goody Stay Put Elastics

And since my hair is now longer plus I love having it up (in a messy chignon, most of the time), one of the must-haves are elastics. A sturdy one, if I may add. I’ve been using the elastics from Goody since I discovered them 4 or 5 years ago. They’ve lasted longer than most of the other elastics I’ve tried and not to mention, they can keep up with my needs. I’ve got thick hair, you see.

Goody Stay Put Elastics (10 pcs), Php 389.75

Lastly, I needed to replenish my hand sanitizer, a mainstay in my handbag. I dunno with you folks but I love these hand sanitizers from Bench. If you use something else, do let me know. I’d love to look into it.

Bench Alcogel Instant Hand Sanitizer with Vitamin E, Php 31.00

Photo © 2009 Sasha Manuel

VNC gives you a chance to sample their wide palette of shoe selections as they celebrate the wet mid-year with a sale event. Prep your wallets and trudge on over the nearest VNC store as they offer their current collections at half the price or even up to 70% off.

I wonder if this includes their bag collection, too. Didn’t say even when asked. Oh, yea. The sale starts today, 26 June 2009. Dunno how long it’ll last. Again, didn’t say even when asked. Ah, well. What else can I do, yes?

Anyway, go visit the VNC store nearest you: Robinsons Galleria, Glorietta III, Robinsons Place Manila, TriNoma, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Alabang Town Center, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and SM North Edsa Annex.

Happy shoe shopping, ladies!

Image: VNC Philippines

There are a number of elements to this style that’s worth looking into but let’s just focus on the footwear today. The time for this sort Kicks to go mainstream has arrived. Kudos to Greyone Social for making it possible for them Kicks to walk on Manila streets.

I reckon it’s all in the kicks and Greyone Social is bringing in the stuff that will grace the feet of young folks today. The streetwear boutique offers footwear from Clae, a brand that delivers evolving classics to the modern man.

Diego, Black

Rollins, Caribbean

Blakey, Caramel

Kennedy, Sage

One of the key points to remember when venturing into this particular style, is the colour choice. I reckon, the more bolder the colour the better. I’ve seen folks opt for hot pinks (for women) and the guys would go for the oiled leathers in somber or earthy hues or fun blues.

Greyone Social also offers jewelry and accessories like this Snake Ring, which is a personal favourite.

Store Locations: Archeology, R2 Level Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City (+63 2 8965084) and R2 Wing, Greenbelt 5 Mall, Ayala Center, Makati City (+63 2 7290945)

Happy shopping!

Images: greyonesocial.com | clae.com

So old news, I know. But I’m in it cuz I’ve missed playing sports. I started a couple of years back but never really improved my game till now. I guess I was playing with the wrong people (folks who never believed that I was ever athletic, heh). I loved playing in tournaments. I love the thrill of competitions. Don’t you get that great rush of adrenalin whenever you get competitive over a sport? I love it. That’s one of the things I miss about playing. I used to play Basketball — point guard-slash-shooting guard — when I was younger. Coached by a guy, played like a guy. Can you folks picture me shooting hoops? Well, believe it. Ha.

I’ve been playing Badminton every week now and it’s been fabulous. I’m getting a whole lot more workout over all my trips to the gym. Muscles loosening up, gaining form and grace in movement plus reflexes. I’m simply working on building up strength now. We all know that having this sort of activity part of your calendar is good for your health and staying active and healthy will, not only be good for your mood but also for your skin (it’s good to let the skin perspire, hehe). The best part is the good time I spend with the folks I play Badminton with. Priceless.

But let’s focus on the equipment that I purchased (like I need more reasons to go shopping, yes?) for this new fitness regimen, my very own Badminton Racquet. Yonex Carbonex 8000 Light priced at Php 1,640.00 over at Toby’s in Alabang Town Center. Of course, we needed shuttlecocks! A whole Kyoku tube costs Php 504.00.

I reckon this means you just might hear more from the fitness fashionista from now on. Hehe.

Any of you folks play Badminton too? If not, some other sport? What sort of activities do you do to keep fit? Come, let’s talk about fitness and perhaps swap places to shop for gears and equipment.

Photo taken by Arnold Manuel for Style Manila

For folks who aren’t aware of the existence of an Anika in my life, here’s a perfect opportunity for you to find out who she is (and what she looks like). She only 10 months and some weeks old but she already weighs more than I can carry. Gah. She has apparently taken on my playful personality (or perhaps it’s just her nature) and she seemingly loves going out of the house (pretty much like me, heh). If only photos can capture her boundless energy and insatiable excitement with, er, everything!

It took me a long while before I managed to find time (and opportunity!) to take a photo with Anika, my Black Labrador Retriever. I had to take on the help of a neighbour, that way he can keep an eye on the camera esp if Anika decides to prance around and bump into it (among other things). Because as much as I’d want to keep the shoot indoors, nothing beats having her outside. I know she’ll enjoy it more (which means better photos, hopefully).

However, since twas starting to rain, I’ll have to save the action shots for a sunnier day. Anyway, here are some of the photos. Finally, Anika and I have photos together!

Original plan was just to take a photo of my outfit (hence the first photo) but I thought twas a fantastic opportunity to take photos with Anika in it. I thought it’d be a nice change. These were taken this morning while I was waiting on folks from QTV’s Fit & Fab to arrive. Another interview on fashion blogging. I reckon the feature will air Wednesday next week, July 1st. If any of you get around to catching it, let me know.

Top U2
Jeans Topshop
Shoes Promod
Necklaces Parvatti & Lee Hwa Jewelry
Bracelet Gift
Watch Hand me down from my sis

Now, for the FOTD fit for strong lights and, hopefully, will render nicely on telly:

Face

PURAN Formula 24-hour Care, Biodroga
Pause & Effect Moisture Cream, Elizabeth Arden
Intervene Makeup in Soft Sunbeige, Elizabeth Arden
Nature’s Minerals Foundation in Shade 02, The Body Shop
Tea Tree Oil Cover Stick (02), The Body Shop
Clear Smooth Face Powder in Natural, Maybelline

Eye
ME Green 450, Shu Uemura
Smokey Eyes Powder Pencil (Smokey Black 01), Elizabeth Arden

Eyebrow
Shimmer Waves in Bronze, The Body Shop

Cheek
Mineralize Blush Duo in Grand Duo, MAC

Lip
Frost Lipstick in Bombshell, MAC

Yes, you read it right. I used two kinds of foundation on my face. It’s sort of an experiment. Intervene is in liquid form which, on its own has fantastic coverage but using the mineral foundation over it made the canvas more even plus helps make sure my makeup won’t melt when my skin starts perspiring (they ask you to turn off fans while filming and it doesn’t help much that it’s ridiculously humid today!). I reckon I’ll tell you folks more about that when I finish reviewing the darn thing. And, no mascara simply because I forgot. Ah, yes. A makeup booboo. Hahaha! I hope it didn’t ruin the look. Toinks. Oh, btw, didja guys notice the newly threaded eyebrows? Or hardly any difference? If it’s the latter then I’ve been robbed. Gah.

Anyway, though today has been a rainy day, it’s been quite interesting. How’s your day so far? Hope you brought an umbrella and a raft (LMAO) today!

Photo © 2009 Sasha Manuel

I know Sunday was Father’s Day but twas decidedly spent with my gurlfriend, Penny. Reason was that Dads ought to spend the day with the kids to celebrate the special day, so the girls now have time to play! Heehee.

We actually had a few things needed done that day — something I’d like to call beauty errands, hehe — have our eyebrows threaded and buy a few beauty stuff, all part of prepping for the wedding (she’s part of the entourage and I’ll be their hair and makeup artist AND guest photographer for the bride and groom, gah) we’re going to attend in a week’s time. We had planned on simply hitting Alabang Town Center but found ourselves heading towards Makati at the last minute.

Top Mango
Cami Cotton On
Jeans Mango
Shoes Obsessed
Necklace Lee Hwa Jewelry
Earrings Equip
Bracelet Parvatti
Watch Hand me down from my sis

Threading costs Php 280.00 at Piandre in Greenbelt. FINALLY. I tried it out! Though it’s true that it can be painful but I was a bit surprised that it wasn’t as painful as I expected it to be. I reckon it’s due to the fact that my eyebrows are already shaped and all it needed was a bit of cleaning up. It meant less hair to be threaded out. It also can be that I regularly pluck my eyebrows, so I’m sort of used to the feeling. Had my skin not turned red and blotchy, I wouldn’t even know where it hurt exactly. Skin turning red and blotchy is normal, yes? If not, uh-oh. LOL.

Check out the FOTD pre-threading:

Face
PURAN Formula 24-hour Care, Biodroga
Nature’s Minerals Foundation in Shade 02, The Body Shop
Tea Tree Oil Cover Stick (02), The Body Shop
Clear Smooth Face Powder in Natural, Maybelline

Eye
Nature’s Minerals Eye Colour in Emerald Green, The Body Shop
Eye Definer in Taupe, The Body Shop
Volum Express Brown Waterproof Mascara, Maybelline

Cheek
Nature’s Minerals Cheek Colour in Golden Terracota, The Body Shop

Lip
Frost Lipstick in What A Do!, MAC

I didn’t put any makeup on my eyebrows seeing that I was scheduled to have them threaded. As you may have well noticed, I decided to give the mineral makeup set I received from The Body Shop (US). I’ve already tried the foundation and eye shadow on previous occasions, however, twas the first time I tried the blush. Remind me to put up the reviews on these babies soon.

What about you folks? How did you spend your Sunday, Father’s Day and all? Regardless, I hope you all had a fun day!

Photo © 2009 Sasha Manuel

Personally, though I’m no facial or peeling junkie, my skincare regimen do involve numerous beauty products. I do, however, stick to the fundamentals and use products best for cleansing, toning and moisturising. So, we’re talking about regularly using facial wash and toner for everyday cleansing and toning, cleansing oil for removing makeup, facial scrub once a week, day creams and moisturiser before putting on makeup, and night creams at, well, night.

But, there are times when I do wonder if there’s anything I can do in between. Or something more I can do to take better care of my (ouch) aging skin. Enters the Depsea Water Facial Mist from Shu Uemura.

Shu Uemura
Depsea Water
Facial Mist in Sage

Eight herbal aromas formulated with depsea water provide a refreshing, relaxing feel with a fine mist that gently wraps the skin. new pump update achieves a finer mist for enhanced comfort. suitable for all skin types. (Source)

It contains sea water, methylparaben, linalool, parfum/fragrance. And to be quite honest, holding the bottle in my hand, I don’t bloody well know what to do with it. Do I simply take it out on a hot, humid day and spray it on over my makeup to keep my skin refreshed without washing all my makeup off and that’s it? That’s all it can do? Hardly something I’d spend my hard-earned money on, to tell you the truth.

Gifted by folks from Shu Uemura, the opportunity had me reading up on the product further. I learned that one of the uses is to spray the mist liberally on skin prior to moisturizer application to help facilitate moisture absorption. Interesting. Telling me that this baby can actually help moisturise my skin more certainly made me more receptive to the idea of actually using it. I also found out that I can use it whenever skin needs immediate thirst quenching relief, i.e. like I said earlier. So I reckon you can say that it acts like the skin’s gatorade, yes?

Why do you need a facial mist anyway?

Shu Uemura believes that skin quality is determined by the quality of water applied to the skin. Thus giving good water to the skin is the very first step for beautiful skin.

Deep-sea water
Deep-sea water is taken from the depth of the ocean where sunlight does not reach, at 200 meters. Completely free of artificial color, natural aromatic extracts are then added to become lightly scented mists that rejuvenate and hydrate the skin, hair and body. Eight herbal aromas provide refreshing feel to energize the skin.

Sage
Fresh and stimulating. Aromatic herbaceous fresh note. The name arouses from the latin salvere, meaning to “save”. For thousands of years Sage has been used for a variety of culinary and medicinal purposes. (Source)

Washing with regular tap water is fine. No immediate danger involved. Women have survived centuries of using it. But minerals found in the water can (and will) cause whatever damage it could over time (and esp in frequency of use). I am not aware of the full benefits of deep-sea water but if scientific studies say that it is more potent in nutrients that will help hydrate the skin then, who am I to dispute that? But I guess we can go back to the gatorade metaphor, why drink Gatorade when you can simply drink water when thristy?

I’ve only used it a few times and am seeing the positive points. What I haven’t noticed are visible signs of what else it can do for the skin. My skin does feel refreshed whenever I use it and I’m not scared to do so even with makeup on. Gentle patting with facial tissues or towel to remove excess moisture (or I’d let it dry on its own if I’ve got time) will do. My skin feels a bit tight after toning and using it prior applying the moisturiser helps loosen the skin up and I did notice that absorption came more easily.

Inhaling the Sage scent had me thinking of Rosemary. This reminds me of roast meals and it’s delightfully fresh and familiar. It’s a great picker-upper plus it smells clean. I reckon this will be useful for folks with day jobs. It’ll help you shake off that need to spend siesta during working hours. Perhaps it can even help perk you up and push you to be more productive!

With all the positive points and how good it is in doing what it said it would do, I still really can’t see myself incorporating it into my regimen at present. I’m already using too many products as it is. Though adding more ways to take better care of my skin will lead me to reap the benefits in the future (ah, aging can be such a pain in one’s arse, gah), I have to draw the line at keeping to my current prep time. I’m already spending too much time getting ready! But since I do own a bottle now, I guess it couldn’t hurt using it in-between. I already saw how useful it is whenever I hit the gym or during my weekly Badminton games. I can be confident that though my moisturiser will not stay on during these times, I have the facial mist to hydrate my skin instead.

Shu Uemura Depsea Water Facial Mist, $24 (roughly around Php 1,150.00).

Other available scents: Bergamot, Chamomile, Hamamelis, Lavander, Mint, Rose, Rosemary, and Fragrance-free.

So, ladies, your turn to take a shot at an answer. How far will you go in terms of taking care of your skin? What composes your skincare regimen? Do you think it will make room for the Depsea Water Facial Mist? Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Photo © 2009 Sasha Manuel

Here’s Louis Phillip Kee, part of Pantene’s Council of Stylists, who talked about Asian hairstyle, upcoming hair trends, hair care, and basically, gave out pointers on the fundamentals of hair cutting. For a moment there I thought I signed up for one of those beauty seminars/workshops.

Louis did three (3) makeovers that night (in terms of haircuts, that is).

Benj’s makeover:

Helga’s makeover:

Group photo of all the folks who received a makeover that night with Louis Phillip Kee.

Here are some extras:

Bambi

Diet Pineda

Benj Espina

Anna and Bambi

Fritz Tentativa

And since there are a gazillion of mirrors around, can’t help but do a mirror shot. You get to see the equipment I used for the night. Pretty fancy, eh? Heehee.

So, no, I didn’t get a hair cut even when the invite had said I would get one that night, I have the option to come back. Will I? To be frank, I really don’t know. Dunno if it’s really worth the trouble to go all the way to The Fort. AGAIN. Pah.

Photos © 2009 Sasha Manuel