i am krissy ♥

We Opened Happiness at the Coca-Cola Big Youth Blowout!

2012-01-30T22:36:00.000+08:00

As promised, here are some photos I was able to take during the Coca-Cola Big Youth Blowout held last Saturday at the TriNoma Activity Center!

Booths were there to serve food and ice-cold Coke :)

Pretty Verniece and my lovely co-Correspondents Alex, Aisa, Cheyser, and Ava

TriNoma was packed with people eager to take part in the fun, and watching last minute rehearsals made us even more excited for the show itself! They also showed three different videos before the program started: The Happiness Truck, The OFW Project, and The 100 Year Old Man's Secret to Happiness. Click on the links to watch them, but make sure to prepare some tissues ;)

We were part of the pre-program, too! Some cameras followed us around as we tried to "act normal" while enjoying the different booths and activities in the venue. I've always said I don't think I am telegenic at all so you could just imagine how hard it was for me not to appear too self-conscious! Some friends who watched the live streaming tweeted and texted me about seeing my face onscreen so that was quite a different experience for me :D

During the pre-program, VJ Chino of MYX asked us to go onstage for a quick chat about our blogs.

Gosh, what a dork :D

In Ed's words, "shy but fabulous girls"
LOL thanks Ed for the photo :)

And then the program started!

VJs Chino and Bianca

Coca-Cola Philippines President Guillermo Aponte welcoming everyone

UE Pep Squad

Philippine All Stars being super awesome

One of the highlights of the event is the Coke X Bench Fashion Show featuring pieces
from the Coca-Cola Originals by Bench collection

The blogging community's very own David Guison and Vern Enciso ♥
They totally worked it!

Enzo Pineda, Rocco Nacino, Stephen Silva, and my crush David Chua heehee

Julia Montes and Kathryn Bernardo

After being suspended on a harness mid-air, Joseph Marco also danced with the two girls

Enchong Dee doing somersaults in the air

Flash mob and final walk down the runway! Fun!

Shower of a hundred red and white balloons

... and red and white confetti!

Happiness... Priceless.

Coca-Cola and Bench are iconic brands so it was really a big honor to have been chosen to take part in the grand celebration as a Fashion Correspondent. It's amazing how my passion for writing has opened a lot of different doors and opportunities for me to reach out to more people and hopefully bring inspiration in my own little way ♥

It was also a great privilege to meet and greet:

Mr. Ben Chan

Mr. Robby Carmona

... and David Chua (again) heeheehee

Thank you Coca-Cola! Cheers to more successful years in the Philippines and all around the world! I hope you continue to Open Happiness to more Filipino families here and even abroad.

My fabulous friends also deserve special mention for sharing this unforgettable experience with me :)
Thank you Karlo, Khel, and Eddiibear of course!
Much love ♥

Were you able to see the live streaming? If not, you can still watch the video by going here and clicking the tab at the bottom-right corner! The program starts at 1:12:39 but see us Fashion Correspondents "acting normal" after the 00:55:00 mark! ;)

In red.

2012-01-29T21:35:00.002+08:00

As chosen Fashion Correspondents for the Coke X Bench Fashion Show at the Coca-Cola Big Youth Blowout held at the TriNoma Activity Center yesterday, we were instructed only two things: arrive at 2PM and be in red.

Easy enough, yes? Well, there are only a couple of problems - I have tubes of red lipstick and numerous nail polishes in various shades of red BUT my closet totally lacks red pieces. Also, I desperately needed a haircut. It is a big event after all, and I wanted to look the part.

I was in SM North as early as 10:30AM to look for THE dress and maybe some accessories to go with it. Lesson learned: avoid rush shopping as much as possible. I forgot that it's hard for me to look for "mature" clothes in my size because I'm too skinny, but I don't want to buy from the Pre-Teens section anymore. Now because I was already pressed for time I didn't have a choice but to buy the first dress that fit. ~~And now I'm regretting it a little because it's too expensive and still a little too big for me.~~ But it's okay because it's so pretty and I know I will be able to use it in other instances and occasions.

By 12NN I was already done shopping so I went to TriNoma where I enjoyed a solitary lunch at Kenny Rogers before things got crazy busy again, then at 15 minutes before 1PM headed to FIX Lab for my haircut. I've learned my lesson during our department's Christmas party last year so I really made sure I had an appointment yesterday. I LOVE MY NEW HAIRSTYLE! Thank you Pabs, you're awesome. Big thanks also for advising me to change into my event-clothes and apply my makeup there :)

I arrived at the venue at quarter past 2PM where I met with my fellow Fashion Correspondents Ava, Alex, Aisa and Cheyser. What a fun bunch of fashionistas! I'm glad and honored to have been a part of this whole experience with them ♥

I'll share more photos from the event on my next post, but let me share with you the details of my outfit. After a couple of hours of panicky rushing through the two malls, here is the look I came up with:

The Lady is a Vamp

Dress - Petit Monde | Belt used as necklace - SM Accessories
Lace fingerless gloves - SM Dept Store | Tights - Leg Love by Kate Torralba
Black glitter peeptoes - Chelsea

Painted my nails with Bobbie Premium Nail Creme in Vamp, then topped the ring fingernail with Crazy Glitter :)

And this is my "new" hairstyle!
I've had this before I went with pixie cuts, and now I think I like this better :)
Although I might stick to wearing dresses and skirts for the next couple of weeks because I'm afraid
to be mistaken for a handsome little boy. =>

By the way, only the dress and necklace are newly-bought. I've had the rest for quite a while now so please don't think I am a spend-aholic :)

What do you think?

My next post will be about the event already so watch out for that! ♥

The world's first tansan billboard

2012-01-27T18:51:00.002+08:00

First of all I would like to thank everyone who voted for me to walk the runway at the Coca-Cola Originals by Bench fashion show that will be held at the TriNoma Activity Center tomorrow! I didn't win but I would still be a part of the event as a Fashion Correspondent so I'm pretty excited about it. Congratulations to Vern and David! They would walk the runway tomorrow with other Coca-Cola ambassadors Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco, Kathryn Bernardo, and Julia Montes. (I also heard from the grapevine that my crush David Chua will be there... Yiheeee ♥)

Ehem. Back to what I really wanted to share with you guys. Do you remember the environment-friendly billboard Coca-Cola Philippines unveiled last year? Done in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund under the Live Positively sustainability program, the billboard utilizes recyclable materials AND plants that absorb air pollutants! So amazing, right? Now, prepared to be amazed once more as this time, Coca-Cola has unveiled billboards made entirely out of crowns!

Coca-Cola billboard in North EDSA, Quezon City
I pass by this billboard on my way to the office whenever I come from Navotas.
If you'll go to TriNoma tomorrow, keep your eyes peeled for this! ;)

Closer look

In line with its 100th anniversary in the country, Coca-Cola simultaneously unveiled three tansan billboard structures (the first of its kind in the world!) in key locations across the country (North EDSA in Quezon City, Highway Seno in Cebu and Ulas Highway in Davao) last January 17. All three bears the special insignia of the brand’s 100th year celebration headlined with a simple “thank you” message to officially open up the year of happiness in the Philippines.

“We have created these extraordinary Coca-Cola crown billboards because 2012 is a very special year for the Filipinos. It is the year Coca-Cola gives back and gives thanks for the last 100 years of choosing and believing in happiness. The billboards are a signal of the start of the biggest, yearlong celebration we've ever had in the Philippines yet and the whole nation is invited,” said Guillermo Aponte, president and general manager of Coca-Cola Philippines.

There couldn’t be any more meaningful way to kick off such once in a lifetime milestone than with an iconic showcase befitting of a truly iconic brand! Even greater is the truth they stand for. More than merely symbolizing the brand’s 100-year presence in the Philippines, they represent a nation of happy people. With every crown comes generations of stories of unrelenting optimism in the face of the gravest obstacles as well as the most memorable moments of sharing, bonding and coming together.

Alongside the many challenges this nation continue to endure, Coca-Cola rouses the Filipino spirit through our 100 Years campaign as icon of optimism. As Mr. Aponte points out, “May the crown billboards remind the Filipinos of their unbreakable spirit nurtured throughout the remarkable journey they have shared with Coca-Cola over the last 100 years. Moreover, may they inspire them to continue to face the future head on with a Coke in hand and hearts fueled by happiness.”

As we head on to a new chapter in our nation’s history, Coca-Cola, invites us to look back and cherish the past one hundred years of opening happiness and to make the pledge to continually open more towards the next 100 years.

Let us choose happiness, open happiness! Will I see you at the Coca-Cola Big Youth Blowout tomorrow? :)

For more information, visit the Coca-Cola Facebook page here or and the official website here.

Help me Open Happiness!

2012-01-24T21:26:00.001+08:00

This is me walking the ramp at the first Philippine Fashion Ball held last year.

One of my secret childhood dreams is to be a ramp model. I am skinny enough, yes, but seeing as I don't have model-like features and I totally lack the height needed to be one that dream was immediately scrapped. But guess what? I have the chance to walk the runway this coming Saturday, thanks to Coke and Bench!

In celebration of Coca-Cola's 100 Years of opening happiness, they have partnered with Bench for the Coca-Cola Big Youth Blowout which will be held on January 28 at the TriNoma Activity Center. I am one of the 12 bloggers they have chosen to be Fashion Correspondents, and among us 12, two will be picked to be a runway model at the Coca-Cola Originals by Bench fashion show!

To vote for me, all you have to do is:

Follow @Coke_PH on Twitter

and tweet:

I vote for @krissyfied to walk the runway this saturday at the Coca Cola Big Youth Blowout! @Coke_PH #CokeBenchfashionShow

Only votes tweeted by 11:59PM tomorrow (25 January 2012) will be counted, so please vote before then!

BIG THANKS to everyone who has already voted for me even when I have nothing to offer but wishes of peace, love and happiness! I know this will be a long shot as I'm up against really famous fashion bloggers, but being chosen as one of the 12 is already a big honor, so thank you, and good luck to all of us! ♥

Memories of Baguio

2012-01-24T20:24:00.000+08:00

Hello, you! We're back from Baguio!

I really enjoyed this trip, mainly because my family hasn't done this for a while. We spent the long weekend there and left Manila last Saturday night because we still needed to attend my uncle's birthday party. After six hours at the bus, we reached cold, cold Baguio at around 5 o'clock on Sunday morning :)

The house we rented was just walking distance from the Victory Liner terminal station. After resting for a bit, we got ready to explore the city!

Loaded up with SPF!

We heard the 9AM Mass at the Baguio Cathedral.
It was our first time to attend a Mass in a different dialect so it was a new experience for all of us.

We then walked to Burnham Park where we:

tried on Igorot costumes;

rented bikes;
(Random trivia about me: I don't know how to ride bikes. My 5 year old-cousin Jerico drove me around LOL.)

tried strawberry taho;
(that's my brother's hand, by the way.)

and watched people on boats.

We then went to SM Baguio for lunch where we feasted on KFC Bucket Meal and

Snowstorm ice cream cones.

Determined to visit every tourist spot in Baguio, we then went to Mines View Park, where we

took in the sights and breathtaking views;

and shopped for sweets to take home.

Our last stop for the day was the Botanical Garden,

which reminded me of my visit to Singapore's Botanical Garden more than a year ago.

We headed back to our rented house to rest. We had some low-key leisure time by

playing sungka that Mama bought

while eating organic seedless oranges :)

We were up very early the next day because we wanted to squeeze in more places to visit since we were due to leave later in the day.

We woke up to this glorious sunrise, and after a bit of a struggle with showering (because it was soooo cold even with the heater on), we were off.

We climbed more than a hundred steps up a high stairway to visit the

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

where we lit candles and said prayers.

It was a tiring climb up for me who's out of shape, but the view was worth it!

We then went to the

Strawberry Farm

to get some

luscious reds ♥

and

strawberry-flavored beer.

We were supposed to go home already, but Alexis recommended for me to check out Mt. Cloud Bookshop in Casa Vallejo. Well, you know me and the lure bookshops hold to me, so...

I was able to convince my parents to make a quick stop there

where I picked up a hardcover copy of "Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict" :)

The bookshop was really nice. It has its own rustic charm and wonder and I really felt magic upon entering the door; it was like walking into history itself. It's one of my dreams to have a bookshop just like this one, and I know one day I really will. Someday, someday.

Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye. We reached Manila at around 11 o'clock last night bearing great memories of our short but wonderful trip. I'm thankful for opportunities to see and experience more of life through travelling. As they say, "A ship in harbor is safe, but that's not why ships are built."

Happy List!

2012-01-20T18:07:00.001+08:00

I believe in peace, love, and ~~lipgloss~~ pretty little things. Here are some of the random stuff that made my week, in a series of photos :)

Fruit tarts from the dessert buffet prepared by Juan Carlo the Caterer

I attended the presscon for Weddings and Debuts Bridal Fair 2012 held at Plaza Ibarra last week where we were treated to a sumptuous(!!!) buffet. I didn't want to leave the dessert section haha. More about the event on a future post ;)

This is what I like to call my Malibu Barbie-skirt

I haven't worn this skirt in a while so I decided to take it out for a spin last Tuesday. I got it from Brown Belly about three years ago and I just love the bright and colorful stripes. It's actually one of my favorites so I should wear this more often.

I love you, Yakult Jasmine tea

My ultimate favorite drink from Moonleaf Tea Shop. Everrr.

New shimmery nude nail polish and nail polish remover from Etude House

Bought during a visit to Etude House in SM Fairview with my dearest girl friends from the office. I have lots of bright-colored nail polish in my stash but I find myself being drawn to nude shades these days. This shade is a perfect pretty, shimmery peachy color, and I can't wait to use it.

Super pretty red lipstick from Etude House

I was really tempted to get this pretty shade of red lipstick when we were there but I let it go because I need to save money, so I just tried it on to see how it would fare. IT WAS GORGEOUS. After a couple of hours it still looked gorgeous so I'm sold! I swear the photo does not do it justice. I will get it next payday LOL. I just hope it's still there as it's Limited Edition...

Chandelier at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church

My friends and I heard Mass at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and I was a little overwhelmed at how solemn it was. The priest's Homily was about "reaching out, touching lives, and being a blessing to others." He also said, "Nothing is impossible when we love. We can conquer everything with God's love." No truer words have been spoken, Father. Amen.

Shiny, shimmering clutch bag from Accessorize

What a pleasant surprise! Thank you, Accessorize and Bloggers United for this lovely present! I was actually feeling a bit sad when I got this so it brought a big smile to my face when I opened it :)

Surf 'n Turf noodles from Hainanese Delights

It was my first time to eat there last Tuesday and I just loved it! My Surf 'n Turf noodles were topped with shrimp and pork dumplings. Delicious! Looking at this photo made me crave again, drats.

Terra Vega red wine

My friends and I tried to have a "red wine party" yesterday, but I couldn't really bring myself to like it. I guess I'm more of a mojitos-kind of girl ;D

A lovely email from NYC

(As I told her, this will take some getting used to, but I am trying to drop the Miss when I refer to her now haha) Mariel has always been a BIG inspiration for me so receiving an email from her telling me how I've improved really meant a lot! She said, "It's nice to see how your blog has blossomed with good, journalistic writing, galing! :) More proof that we all get better at what we do with practice, perseverance, passion, and consistency." She didn't have to do it, but in her own special way she really gave my self-esteem a big boost :) Thank you, Mariel!

Bimby

I went to my bestfriend Jerome's house today (I am actually typing this using his laptop) but he's not here so I played with this little furball instead. What a sweetheart :)

Ana and I with our matching Lulu Guinness sunglasses

This photo was actually taken during the Privado sale we went to last year but it's one of my favorite photos of us two :) Do you know it's Ana's birthday today? This "Happy List" is actually inspired by the Happy Lists she regularly makes on her blog. Hop on over there and greet her too, will you? Happy birthday sis! Wishing you peace, love, success to your brand, and more travels this year and the years thereafter! I love you!

The Book Lovers' Appreciation Society by various authors

If you've been reading this blog from way back 2009 you will know I bought it in September that year, but I never got around to reading it or even opening it. Yikes! I will definitely have the chance this weekend though, as my family and I will go to Baguio and I need a book (and some music) to keep me company during the loooong journey. This is my first out-of-town trip this year and I am so excited! We will leave tomorrow night and I haven't packed yet, so I guess I have to wrap this up now so I can go home and do that.

So, I'll see you guys next week? I hope you all enjoy this weekend, too!

Run with Piolo and Rio at the TIMEX Run 2012

2012-01-17T20:21:00.000+08:00

Get your running shoes ready, because TIMEX Run 2012 is here!

Last Friday I attended the presscon for the run held at Cafe La Carmela in Makati City wherein the unbeatable running tandem of Piolo Pascual and Coach Rio dela Cruz gamely answered our questions and posed for pictures with the invited press.

Coach Rio is a multiple champion runner, coach, and marathon organizer so it's no surprise to see him spearhead the run, but others may be surprised to see sought-after Piolo alongside him. For those who are not aware, Piolo is actually a running enthusiast who've already joined several sporting events. His enthusiasm and passion for it were very obvious with the way he answered the questions thrown to him by the press so he's not just in it for the sake of endorsing in exchange of money. He said it's already a way of life for him, and when asked if there are any special preparations he does before a run, he said he just treats it like any other day. Do you know that he finished 21KM in two hours?? I remember my own record during last year's Earth Run. I finished 5KM in - wait for it - 57 minutes! Hooray! ;D Anyway, Piolo's most important tip? Make sure to stretch before and after :)

By the way, he said he regularly runs around UP Diliman... So I guess I'll start jogging there every once in a while just to, you know, keep my body healthy and all...

Ehem, back to the details of the TIMEX run. Piolo and Rio have dedicated time from their busy schedules to ensure they're in the best shape come race day. Aside from the special chance to get fit and have fun running side-by-side with these two TIMEX ambassadors, a handful of other celebrities and personalities will also be there like Jessy Mendiola, Joseph Marco, Victor Basa, and Boys Night Out DJs Slick Rick and Sam YG.

Athletes, race fanatics, and casual runners can choose from three categories: 5KM, 10KM, and 16KM. The race is organized by the Runrio team who assures accuracy in timing through the help of "champion" chips, timing devices attached to shoe laces specially designed to let runners monitor their starting and finishing times with stern accuracy (I used one during the Earth Run). Another innovative feature is the Runpix analysis which is a record of interesting running statistics unique to each individual who ran. The records will be available after the race at www.runrio.com and www.timexrunning.com.

Who could resist a picture with the two running stars?

Not me, apparently.

Here are the routes of the three categories together with the assembly time:

All finishers will take home loot bags form various sponsors [like Riovana, Century Tuna, Magnolia Lite, Nutri Bar, Kaspersky, Multisport Magazine, and Unilab] while those who will finish first in every category will get TIMEX watches and Skechers shoes! There'll also be a photobooth provided by Canon to make sure everyone will get to take home souvenirs from the day, aside from digital cameras that will be raffled off. Hydration partners Powerade and VIVA! Mineralized Water will also be there to make sure everyone is powered up all throughout the race. Anddd guess what? In honor of Piolo's birthday, a total of 35 TIMEX watches will also be raffled off! Not bad, not bad at all :)

Time is running out and tomorrow is the last day for registration, so better visit the Riovana stores at Bonifacio Global City or Katipunan, or the Timex outlet at TriNoma, or the Watch Republic shop in Robinsons Galleria to sign up! Registration fees are at P650 (5KM), P700 (10KM), and P750 (16KM). 15 Timex watches are also up for grabs when you register as a group at Riovana outlets.

Remember, tomorrow is the last day of registration! For more details, please visit this site.

That place between being asleep and awake

2012-01-14T17:43:00.000+08:00

via

Have you woken up with a start in the middle of the night even when it's quiet outside? Have you ever experienced sudden bursts of inspiration that come like flashes of lightning? Have you experienced both of them at the same time?

Last night I woke up with a start and suddenly got this BRILLIANT idea for a novel I could write. I wanted to write it on my journal or type it on my phone but I was too sleepy to move, so I just made sure I've committed it to memory before drifting off again. Big mistake. When I woke up this morning I could only remember half of it.

It's an open secret that it's my greatest dream to be a writer, and seeing a book I have written grace the aisles of bookstores nationwide (or, dare I say it, the world) would be the ultimate and sweetest icing on top of the most delectable cake. I admit, at the moment that dream has taken the backseat as I am still collecting courage badges to finally get out of the comfort zone my workplace offers, but (as melodramatic as this sounds) that dream still burns inside me. I may not be writing magazine articles now, but I have this blog. So THANK YOU. You reading my posts continuously fuels my passion for this wonderful world of words ♥

And so I promise you that I will take the brilliant idea that came to me last night and I will finish it. Writing a novel can be a long and arduous task, but I am up for the challenge. I don't even know if someone will take interest on it, I don't know if it will be published for mass reading, but what matters is that I will be able to cross it off my list of My Life Goals. I am doing this for me, and if someone else will be interested to read it, and hopefully will like it and be inspired by it, then I will consider my stay here as very worthwhile indeed. So folks, please excuse me as I review my notes on character- and plot-building :)

PS: Want a little clue? The lead's name is Character.

Bursts of inspiration

2012-01-11T19:45:00.001+08:00

I made an unscheduled trip to my parents' house today even though I wasn't due to get back until the weekend. I've been sick since yesterday and there's really nothing I want/ need more than be babied by my mom ♥

I know I should be resting right now but I just want to make a quick post and share with you what has been keeping me busy these days - jazzing up my planner!

As I shared on my first post this year, I am currently using a black Moonleaf Tea Shop planner that I've already begun decorating with stickers and color pencils. However, as I was browsing Pinterest the other day (I never fail to visit this site everyday!) I got this (brilliant) idea to print them out.

Someone got crazy with photo paper and ink...

I printed out hundreds of my favorite pins and photos so I can stick them all over my planner! I thought that instead of writing down the quotes all over the pages, these snippets would be even better as they are prettier and more colorful. They would serve as perfect "bursts of inspiration" during moments I get sad, bored, or whatever. All I would need to do is turn a page, and bam! Pretty picture :)

I also found this super-cute tin case at the Landmark a couple of weeks ago, look!

Shiny P5 coin included in the photo for size reference :)

One of my favorite photos of myself taken by my friend Frank during our Holiday Party last year

♥

Here are some of the changes I've done:

I covered up the 2012 written on the inside front cover to make it prettier and to inspire me
to make EACH day "ridiculously amazing".

"I wonder what I can put at January? OH I KNOW! DISNEY PRINCESSES!"
Actual conversation with myself. I am a very mature person.

And because my birthmonth WILL be filled with rainbows. I declare it ;)

Oh summer, I'm really looking forward to meeting you again ♥
#BeachTrips2012 #ohyeah

And for times I would want to look at something *cough*pretty*cough*, my favorite black and white photos
from the shoot I did with Tracey Heppner last year :)

I am not yet halfway done and I still have a LOT to include. Gosh, so many possibilities! I am also planning to get some sticker paper so I can also design stickers. And stamp sets! I found some online but they're all sold out, while the ones I found at the mall were so expensive T__T I need stamp sets in my life and I hope I found some affordable ones soon!

I find it a little funny since I have two smartphones and several note apps, but really, nothing compares to writing down your to-do lists on paper and crossing them off one by one, yes? I don't know about you, but doing this actually makes me more excited for what this year has to offer. It is a work in progress and I hope I can maintain this enthusiasm for this art project until the end of the year :)

Viva Las Vegas!

2012-01-09T17:25:00.003+08:00

We had a rockin' Vegas experience last Saturday without the need for plane tickets nor humongous wads of cash - HSBC brought Las Vegas closer to home during our annual Holiday Party held at the World Trade Center!

World Trade Center was transformed into a huge hallway decorated with things in keeping with the theme. Think Vegas landmarks, decks of cards, Playboy bunnies, Elvis Presley, and cross-dressers in elaborate and fancy costumes. Oh what fun!

Food and drinks. I wasn't able to take photos of the buffet table but the food was gooood. I especially liked the spinach lasagna!

Open bar for everyone! Mmmm mojitos!

Casino games and awesome raffle prizes. Gadgets, home appliances, and all expenses-paid trips to different places were raffled away, but I didn't win any. We were also given game stubs we could use to the games for a chance to win cellphones, iPods, or more game stubs! Collected game stubs were exchanged for HSBC premium items after the party.

Human Roulette

My friend and former housemate Asther won an iPod Shuffle!
After midnight I also won in the Roulette, but because they ran out of prizes already they just gave me more game stubs to use. It sucked to be me that moment LOL.

Giant dice

Card games

Slot machines

Program and performances

DJs Tony Toni and Sam YG brought the house down with their mad hosting skills

Aerial dancers

Performers from the Pole Academy of the Philippines

A mini concert by my ultimate favorite local band - Parokya ni Edgar!!!

The vocalist of the band, Chito Miranda

I'm sorry, I was about to type something to describe him in this caption but I was distracted by the flips my heart made.

He has been my BIGGEST crush ever since I was 12... and I'm now 25 years old.

Partying with friends and colleagues. The best part of any HSBC party I've been to. Always ♥

Mich, Asther, me, Ruther
I've known these guys for almost five years now! Wow!

Love my girls! The only people lacking in this photo are Poly and Marsha who weren't able to go.

Frank dressed to the nines

With our former boss, TL Jimmy
It has been a while since we last saw him since he transferred to another department.

With TL Bobot on the right

With TLs Julius and Paul. Morning shift (and ex-morning shift LOL) represent! :)
Congratulations to TL Julius for bagging the AMO of the Year! Very well-deserved!

With my boss's boss, Boss Gonzo :)
Congratulations for bagging the Manager of the Year award! So proud to be in your cluster!

Dressing up. It's not everyday that we have parties like this, so when we do I always make sure to go all out! Good thing I already have most of the pieces I needed in my closet so, unlike the previous Holiday Parties we had (2008's Victoria Beckham-inspired look | 2009's Gwyneth Paltrow-inspired look | 2010's Dita Von-Teese-inspired look | 2011's Black Swan-inspired look) I didn't have to spend too much on my outfit anymore. As I blogged on my previous post, this year's outfit was inspired by... peacocks!

Feathers and fabulousness, oh yeah ;)
Click here for outfit details

Ana was right when she said on her comment at the last post that HSBC really goes all out when it comes to our annual parties. I'm happy and proud to belong in The Best Place to Bank and The Best Place to Work! I wonder what theme we'll have next year? I know it's a long shot, but, can we have a Harry Potter-themed party? That would be all kinds of cool and geeky and awesome! ;)

*Special thanks to TL Bobot and Geoffrey Dayrit for some photos!

Waking up in Vegas

2012-01-08T23:59:00.003+08:00

HSBC had its annual Holiday Party at the World Trade Center last night with the theme "The Vegas Experience". When I think of Las Vegas, over-the-top fabulousness and feathers come to mind. Here's what I wore:

Tipsy Tribal Cocktail by Leg Love Couture
Looks so sexy, yes?

Caress nail polish in Iced Latte

I wore the dress and fascinator at Kym and Winmark's post-wedding reception last year and thought it was perfect for the party's theme. I just used different heels and accessories and I was all set! I'll let you in on a secret though: the dress is already tight-fitting to begin with, and because I gained weight it almost didn't fit me! I slightly panicked because I didn't have an alternate dress to wear, but good thing I was able to zip it up after a few tugs ;D

It was a well-attended bash that featured the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, complete with the DJs of Boys Night Out, an improvised casino (with roulettes, card games and slot machines), a marriage booth where you can get married to Elvis Presley, aerial and pole dancing performances, Playboy bunnies, an open bar, and a mini concert by my favorite local band Parokya ni Edgar! Fun fun fun! I'm still preparing the rest of the photos taken during the event so watch out for my next post ;)

There's something about Jason Mraz's songs that makes me remember you.

2012-01-04T19:54:00.000+08:00

I wish I didn't give you up.

Regrets schmegrets.

#FirstEmoThoughtOf2012

Sigh.

UNFURGIVABLE

2012-01-04T19:39:00.001+08:00

ARC Marketing & PR cordially invites you on the 12th of January (Thursday), 9PM as they launch

UNFURGIVABLE

a campaign by STRIP: Ministry of Waxing Manila for P.E.T.A.

A photo exhibit by Miguel Miranda and a fashion show by Wanderlust

At the Prive Luxury Club, The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Here's a teaser video:

PETA X STRIP TEASER: UNFURGIVABLE from Ynigo Santos on Vimeo.

Cocktails will be served from 9 to 11 PM!

Disney On Ice: Celebrations!

2012-01-02T21:35:00.000+08:00

What a wonderful way to jumpstart 2012!

My family and I watched the 2PM show of Disney On Ice at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum earlier and I had a really great time! I have fond memories of watching Disney productions when I was young so it was a wistful but fun trip down childhood memory lane for me ♥ I originally wanted to get tickets for the December 26 show but heigh ho, tickets were already sold out! Good thing there were still some Upper Box A tickets left for today's show so that's what I ended up getting. I really enjoyed Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival last year so when I found out that Disney On Ice will be staged as well I made sure I'd get to watch, free tickets or not ;)

Here are some photos!

Lumiere welcoming us.
This is embarrassing... but tears of joy actually rolled down my cheeks when he said "Be. Our. Guest!"

The Un-Birthday Party

Mickey Mouse and the magical brooms from Fantasia

Jack Skellington with villains Cruella de Ville, Captain Hook, Maleficent, and the evil stepmother

Minnie Mouse getting a wish from the Fairy Godmother

My favorite: Aladdin and Jasmine ♥♥♥

I am not being biased here, but they are the BEST!

Beauty and the [handsome] Beast

Cinderella and Prince Charming

Mulan and Captain Li Shang
I also cried during their performance. So beautiful ♥

Snow White and her Prince

Ariel and Prince Eric

Tiana and Prince Naveen

Fire on ice? Who would've thought?
This segment includes Lilo and Stitch :)

Minnie goes to Japan

Mickey goes to China

Mickey and Minnie celebrates Mardi Gras

Anddd it's Christmas!

Santa Goofy :)

Toy Story!

Fireworks, snow, and my favorite Disney characters :)
What could be more awesome than this?

My first purchase for 2012: a Disney On Ice program book with a free Disney felt hat!

Thank you so much Feld Entertainment for bringing Disney On Ice to the Philippines! I felt like a giddy kid again, clapping and singing along to every single song! Thank you for showing us that everything is possible, with just a little imagination ♥

Hello 2012!

2012-01-01T22:09:00.000+08:00

There's just something about welcoming new years that makes me a little melancholic. Why yes, I had a rockin' good time celebrating New Year's Eve last night and at our family reunion earlier today, but when everything's settled, I went to my computer and read my old blog entries (and when I say old, I meant really old, as I actually looked at my Multiply Journal entries from three to four years ago). Bittersweet.

And because I don't want to let these emo feelings get the better of me (on the first day of the year, no less!), I'm just going to shut them down and file them away on a compartment in my brain labeled "To check on a much later date". Let's just be happy and look forward to creating happier and sweeter memories, mmmkay?

One thing that makes me excited for 2012 is my Moonleaf Tea Shop 2012 Planner! I have the black limited edition one, thanks to my good friend/ officemate Michelle who gave it to me as a Christmas gift :) I had dreamt of getting one ever since I saw Moonleaf's tweets, and now it's even more special because it was given by a friend :)

I have two smartphones but nothing beats writing my itineraries down on paper. There were sooo many different types of planners to choose from (including the Paulo Coelho one that I originally wanted), but I love the minimalist feel of the Moonleaf planner because it gives me more room for self-expression and customization! Just think of all the possibilities! I aim to put my Faber Castell color pencils (also given as a gift) to good use by doodling all over it! I've also finally found a way to use the Korean stickers I got from a bazaar heehee.

I will fill the inner front covers with a collage of pictures of myself, my family and friends,
and print-outs of inspirational photos and quotes.

And here are photos of what I have done so far:

My favorite poem - Invictus - on the first blank Notes page

Jazzing the pages up with 3D and Korean stickers :)

Guess who's going to watch Disney On Ice tomorrow? I am! ♥

I have no plans for my 26th birthday yet but I placed the birthday sticker on it already just the same ;)

I put a "Goals for 2012" page on the very last blank Notes page so that I'd have that feeling of self-satisfaction once I'm done with the planner AND my goals ;D

I'm sure this planner will be filled with lots of memories - something to look back on at the next changing of years! ♥ I can just feel it... 2012 is going to be so awesome!

Hello everyone! I am Krissy, and I wish you peace, love, and lipgloss! ♥

Goodbye, 2011!

2011-12-31T20:55:00.001+08:00

JANUARY Pink lips • Black Swan • HSBC's Holiday Party FEBRUARY Love and Other Drugs • Tagaytay • Valentine's Day • Bloggers' Closet MARCH Summer • Senior Year • New fringe APRIL My 25th birthday • My super surprise birthday party! • Bruno Mars • Puerto Galera • The Script • April girls • Four years with HSBC • Samsung Galaxy Ace MAY Posing for pictures for Tracey Heppner • Mugged • Pahiyas • Bloggers United JUNE Lucban hats • Fashion Compass • Rihanna-hair • Enchanted Kingdom • David Chua • Kym!!! JULY Kym and Winmark's post-wedding reception • HTC ChaCha • Harry Potter Film Wizardry • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 • Honey • Awesome 3some • New, bigger apartment AUGUST Philippine Fashion Ball • Kariton Klasrum • FAB Salon • Earth Run SEPTEMBER Laguna • One Day • Zombadings • Pottermore • SMART Netphone • Red and blonde highlights OCTOBER KTV • Moonleaf Tea Shop • Disney Live! • Habitat for Humanity • Seventeen Sigaw • Real Steel • Flipped • Jason Mraz NOVEMBER Mario Maurer • In Time • SMART X HTC Beats • Lighting of the giant Coca-Cola Christmas Tree • Gaining weight • Reunion with awesomest friends from high school DECEMBER Surprise birthday party for Eddii • Bloggers United Part 2 • Neil and Van's wedding • Ghost Protocol • Contact lens • Indestructible • Morning shift's Christmas party • Sendong Relief Drive • HSBC Direct's Christmas party •

Looking through my posts this year brought back a flood of memories; some are bad or sad but the good definitely outweigh them. Indeed, there's no better reminder of how blessed I am than by back-reading this blog. I am thankful to God for giving me a wonderful and supportive family, real friends who keep me sane in this world riddled with phoney "friends" and disposable relationships, and a stable job with awesome officemates. My pink, glittering heart is grateful and I can go on and on and exhaust my vocabulary but words still will never be enough, so...

"In the end, maybe it's wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices."

- Elizabeth Gilbert

Thank YOU for spending your 2011 with me!

Now let's go rock 2012!

♥

Party like it's the end of the world

2011-12-28T18:25:00.001+08:00

Our department had our Christmas party at Dolce Super Club last night and there couldn't be another word to describe how it was but LEGENDARY! I don't think I've ever danced as much as I did last night! It was just great music after great music after great music that it would've been a shame to sit one song out. Besides, the energy in the club was at an all-time high that your body will definitely be swayed to the beat - involuntarily or not! ;)

I actually haven't had any sleep yet as I went straight to the mall yesterday after work to have a haircut (I originally wanted to go to FAB Salon in Resorts World but it's too far, so I went to Bench Fix in TriNoma instead. However they are fully-booked so I ~~almost had a meltdown on Twitter LOL~~ had to look for another salon. Thank you, David's Salon, for coming to my rescue!), then head home for a quick shower and do my makeup, and then finally go to the party! I didn't have any rest after though as I needed to go to work at 6AM today. So yeah, I'm trying to get by on less than two hours' worth of power naps.

But that's okay because it was worth it!

The theme of the party was Gossip Girl. I figured a lot of girls would go in Blair- or Serena-inspired outfits, so I thought I would deviate from my usual girly-girl style and don a Jenny-inspired rockstar look instead.

I did my own makeup :)

Body-con dress | Earrings, clutch, black pantyhose - SM Accessories | Necklace, bangles - Oxygen

Biker jacket - Candies | Mesh booties - PILL

There was a short program and I even got to participate in a mini fashion show LOL. Here are some photos from last night's epicness:

Our VP, Boss Rocky, working it on the DJ's booth...

... and us working it on the dance floor!

With Anne

Mich and me with our boss, TL Carlo

With my former boss, TL Julius

And because a party's not complete without photobooths...

With Boss Gonzo, the boss of my boss ;D

What an insanely fun night! I love HSBC and I love HSBC Direct! And no, this is not the wooziness-due-to-lack-of-sleep talking ;) Even though I didn't know more than half the people there because of our differing schedules, I still had a LOT of fun dancing with people I do know.

We'll have another party on January 7, and this time it'll be for all employees of HSBC-HDPP. My ultimate favorite local band Parokya ni Edgar will perform and I honestly can't wait! The theme will be Las Vegas and my outfit is already prepared LOL, so excited!

2011 is ending in a couple of days and I have yet to do a year-ender post, but last night's party certainly earned a place on the list of my favorite memories from this year ♥

*Thank you Geoffrey Dayrit for images 4, 6, 7, and 8!

Back to Basics.

2011-12-26T21:14:00.000+08:00

Quality family time continues today as we spent the day at SM Megamall :) We were supposed to watch a movie after a very hearty late lunch at Yabu but the loooooong lines put us off.

While my siblings and cousins went to Toy Kingdom, I decided to do a little window-shopping myself and use my gift cards. I liked a sheer top in Oxygen but since I don't have any special event to wear it to anytime soon I chose to just let it go and instead be more "practical". I ended up at Penshoppe and got these:

3/4-sleeved polo and belt

For some reason I've always felt collared shirts don't really suit me so I refrain from buying them as much as possible. But, when I saw this particular top, I knew I just HAD to try it on! I loved it, perfect for the office :) As for the belt, someone borrowed my similarly-colored one and never returned it so I just got a new one :D

Before going home, my sister and I made a quick detour to my Papa's childhood house in Malabon (where we had the reunion yesterday) to check out the Grendha slippers my cousin's wife is selling. Here's what I got:

Beige - pink sandals. So pretty and so comfy.

It's originally sold in malls for P1,595 but I got it for only P1,200. It's authentic; it's just cheaper because it originally came from Brazil where Ella's mom is based. There were more designs to choose from but my wallet could only accommodate one pair!

I realized while putting them out of the bags that they were all in neutral hues ♥ Basic pieces perfect for the coming year. So excited for 2012! (",)

Peace, love and lipgloss! ♥

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T10:04:00.000+08:00

Heyyy everyone! How was your Christmas? I woke up with body aches all over and I don't know why. Must be the food coma from yesterday's feasts :D

I am so stoked because after four years, this was the first time my rest day coincided with Christmas! I had to go to work during the past years, and even though my work finishes at 3PM I still missed out on a lot. Thank God this time I was able to attend the Christmas Mass with my family yesterday morning :)

With my Mama and Papa, brother Ken, sister Kyla and cousin Jerico whose parents are both working abroad

My uncle Karl with his wife Tita Wheng and their sons Loui and Migui. Plus my cousin Jerico :D

After Mass we headed to my father's side of the family's house in Malabon for our annual family reunion. He has ten siblings so you could just imagine how big a reunion it was!

I didn't get much Christmas money anymore because my aunts and uncles said I'm already earning my own money hehe, but here are some of the gifts I got:

Harry Potter: Page to Screen
My Christmas gift to myself LOL. This is the most expensive book I ever bought.
Review to follow soon! :)

From my aunts and uncles
The still gift-wrapped present contains a tumbler. It's sooo pretty I don't want to unwrap it yet :D

My Moonleaf planner from my friend Michelle!
Can't wait to jazz it up with the Faber Castell color pencils I got from my Secret Santa! :)

Luxurious Villa del Conte chocolates from SM Accessories
My family loved this! Thank you so much, SM Accessories!

Bath, body, and beauty products from Penshoppe, Oxygen, ForMe, Memo, and Regatta
I feel so spoiled. Thank you so much, Golden ABC!

Add to that the slew of greetings via SMS, Twitter, Facebook, and emails. I am blessed and my heart is grateful. Big thanks to my family and friends who remembered me this Christmas. Thank you, Heavenly Father ♥

Oooh look! A new addition to my plushie family!
Those are Kriket the starfish, Archuleta the octopus, Thomas the alien from Pizza Planet, and Merly the merlion :D

My family and I will go to SM Megamall now to eat out and maybe watch a movie :) I just feel so happy, guys, and I hope you are enjoying the Christmas season too!

Peace, love and lipgloss! ♥

25 December 2011

2011-12-25T00:00:00.005+08:00

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Peace, love, and ~~lipgloss~~ goodwill to all!

♥

Let's all be a glimmer of hope for those who need us most.

2011-12-22T21:13:00.000+08:00

I am inviting everyone to please visit Moonleaf Tea Branch in Maginhawa St., UP Village tomorrow to visit the pop-up bazaar organized in partnership with Bloggers United for the benefit of Sendong Relief Drive.

I know what it's like to lose all your possessions. It happened to my family when we lost our house and all our belongings to a big fire that razed through our neighborhood ten years ago. The only consolation I had is that all my family members were safe and no one got hurt. I still consider myself lucky and blessed, especially after receiving help and support from my friends and other members of our community. That is the toughest period in my life and I cannot tell you how thankful I am for everyone who helped me get through it. Until now I can still remember that hollow feeling I felt when I learned what happened, and I still get cold and clammy when I hear sirens of firetrucks and ambulances.

That hollow feeling I felt can never be compared to what the people in CDO must be going through right now. Words are not enough to express how shocked and sad I felt after watching news reports and reading the casualties. All those lives lost... All those families affected... It is considerably easy to rebuild a house, but to rebuild it without your family members? I can only imagine how painful it would be. The fact that it happened a few days before Christmas makes that feeling of despair and hopelessness reverberate even more.

I salute the people behind this project for coming up with this. I hope we can all get together and help, even in our own little way. Shop from your favorite bloggers' closets and contribute to the cause. Bringing donations are also greatly encouraged. Every little helps, and will definitely go a long way. I'll go there with my officemates once I get off work at 3PM, and I really hope to see you there. Let's all be a glimmer of hope for our countrymen who need us most. Merry Christmas and God bless you ♥

I'm a morning person.

2011-12-21T18:20:00.000+08:00

I have been working for HSBC for almost five years now, four years of which have been spent in the morning shift (5AM - 2PM or 6AM to 3PM). I have experienced what it's like to work on a graveyard shift and I don't have any plans of going back. Because of my schedule [and supportive bosses and officemates] I have been able to manage my time efficiently, allowing me to still be able to do a lot of things after work and even attend bloggers' events.

One of the drawbacks to working in the morning shift is feeling a little isolated. You see, there are just two teams of 7-8 people in our schedule and we don't get to meet the other people within our department because they go to work when we have left already.

But I guess that's a small price to pay, especially when the morning shifters are a lot of fun to be around!

Yesterday we celebrated our Christmas party in My Getaway Place in Don Antonio Drive, Quezon City, and it was so much fun! We rented a Japanese-themed VIP room where we sang and ate to our hearts' content. BIG thanks to Frank for the photos :)

Team Carlo + Team Julius

Stephen, Garri, Frank

Mich, me, Jam

My boss TL Carlo is a cutie, yes? (^^,)

Jam is my Secret Santa!
She customized the wrapping paper with decals AND DIY'd the box! What a labor of love :)

These guys make work a helluva lot easier for me. I love them :)

After the party some of us went to Borge's house for the "after-party" LOL. I got home at around 10:30PM.

Me with Boss Carlo's dog plushie named Max.
He told me he'd also get me one as a gift weeeeh ;D

This is what I wished for and this is what I got: a set of Faber Castell 36 Color Pencils ♥
Perfect for my 2012 planner!

How are your Christmas parties coming along? December is whizzing by so fast, I haven't even had the time to finish wrapping my Christmas presents for everyone!

Speaking of Christmas presents, I guess we are all aware now of what happened to our countrymen in Mindanao who were affected by Typhoon Sendong. It's so devastating to witness the tragedy and loss that befell them. On Friday, Bloggers United will set up a pop-up shop in Moonleaf Tea Shop in Maginhawa, UP Village and all proceeds will go to CDO. You may also drop off donations there. I will be there after I get off work at 3PM and I will bring my officemates with me. Every little helps, so I hope we can all do our share. God bless us all!

The girl with the white coat

2011-12-20T06:01:00.005+08:00

Yesterday I visited Petit Monde's branch in SM North EDSA for Fashion Compass (read about my feature here!) and got this:

It is from the Holiday 2011 collection, and I just love the Audrey Hepburn/ Blair Waldorf vibe it gives. It's not really a "coat" coat [it's more like a double-breasted dress made of thicker wool-like material] but it can pass for a "winter-on-a-tropical-country" coat, yes? It would look so perfect with my Lulu Guinness pink/ white polka dots shades. Thank you, Petit Monde!

Oh pretty clothes, how I love you so ♥

And since it's a time for giving, why not make Christmas more memorable by extending assistance to those in need? Our countrymen in Mindanao who were affected by Typhoon Sendong are appealing for help, please check out #Sendong to find out how. There are so many ways to do so! Helping out is just a click away so I really hope you can do the right thing and help spread the word as well, and you can be assured somewhere out there Baby Jesus is smiling at you :)

Indestructible.

2011-12-19T10:36:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone, it's Christmas week! Are you all done with your Christmas shopping? I'm not, and as with all Christmases past I still have to accomplish a few trips to the mall to get gifts for my family and friends. I always write my list early but never get around to finishing it until the last minute. Tsk, I never learn. I'm not stressed out by the Holidaze though; I always find Christmas shopping fun and therapeutic. I will pop by SM San Lazaro with my sister later to run some errands and buy a gift for our Secret Santa at the office and I'm pretty excited about it :)

Anyway, I just wanted to share this song with you guys. I heard it yesterday and dismissed it as a so-so song, but after it stopped I found myself clicking on play again. And again. And again! I seriously couldn't stop listening to it! I just kept playing it on loop during the brief moments I wasn't watching my favorite TV shows online yesterday and the whole morning today. I'm hopelessly addicted :D

I don't know, maybe it's because I could relate to the song so much. The original video's too "explicit" for my blog, so sharing with you the one with lyrics instead so you can sing along LOL.

Here is the acoustic, more mellow version:

Oh yes, you know I will ♥

Online shopping made easy with Multiply Marketplace

2011-12-19T03:23:00.002+08:00

You already know I LOVE shopping, but one thing you might not know about me is that I used to be a HUGE online shopper. You see, I worked graveyard shifts before and would go home at 2AM. Having nowhere else to go to and no one else to speak with as everyone else was already sleeping, I turned to online shopping. I was completely addicted! I even had a Multiply photo album dedicated to all my online purchases ;D Since I didn't have much time to go to malls before, I loved how easy and convenient the Internet made it for me. Besides, the world wide web is a treasure trove of unique stuff rarely found in shops. I also experienced being scammed by a fake seller, yes, but it didn't put me off this "hobby". If anything, it just made me more wary and discerning of the shops I send my money to. Receiving and opening packages gave me a different kind of buzz, and it wasn't unusual to have delivery guys knock on the door at least thrice a week. It even came to the point when my father threatened to "boil my shoes" if I receive yet another package heehee. But I was clever; I had them delivered to my officemate instead ;)

Moving to the morning shift gave me more time in my hands so my online shopping escapades lessened. It didn't stop me from visiting my favorite online shops though, and would still occasionally make a purchase, especially when it's difficult to find what I like at the malls.

During the recently concluded Bloggers United Bazaar part 2, Multiply was there to lend some support as a partner. What's even cooler was that they let us try out the new and improved Marketplace! They set up a booth there with laptops so we could experience what it's like to shop on the new interface, and we were even given vouchers to use. I was quite busy with my booth but I made sure to drop by their station ♥

Photo taken during the BU bazaar part 2

It took me a while to decide what I really want to get, but I finally chose to get some NYX products I've heard lots of raves about! I chose what I wanted, put in my order with the help of the lady on my right in the photo, got confirmation that the order went through, and then eagerly waited for my parcel to arrive!

It arrived last Tuesday, and I felt again that different kind of buzz only online shopping and opening packages can give me.

Carefully bubble-wrapped by Stephen of The Rainbow Project

TA-DA!! NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo and NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk

Now here are my thoughts about Multiply's new Marketplace:

I liked that the migration to the new process has helped avoid scammers and fake sellers through the Multiply Trusted badge. Do you know that all your purchases from sellers with the Trusted badge are covered by Buyer Protection? :) Sellers are not required to get the Trusted badge but it is highly encouraged for them to get it so their sites can be promoted as well. Cool, huh?
It has definitely made shopping much easier as all you'll have to do is: create an account, pick out the items you like, add them to your virtual cart, review your virtual cart and add or chuck stuff as you go along, then finally Check Out your purchases. As compared to visiting stores one by one before, this one-stop purchasing process is less complicated.
Payment is made easier as well as you only have to make one payment even if you buy from several different sellers.
My only gripe is that I didn't get what I originally ordered. I actually wanted the Addis Ababa shade of the Soft Matte Lip Cream, but Stephen contacted me about a week after the bazaar that he got my order and payment confirmation just then so he couldn't give me Addis Ababa anymore as stocks have run out already so he made me choose a different shade instead. I picked Tokyo, which I don't regret because it is GORGEOUS, but I just wish processing would be faster next time.

Did I convince you to try out the new Marketplace yet? Are you still looking for last minute Christmas gifts? Load up your Gcash and Smart Money wallets then, as I'm sure you will find something you like when you visit it. When shopping online on the new Multiply Marketplace, I guess all you have to remember is: ~~Go crazy with the different items on sale,~~ Purchase, Pay, and Wait, ~~anddd Go crazy with your new purchases LOL~~.