ruthilicious

A Gift from Accessorize!

2012-01-25T10:05:00.000+08:00

The greatest gifts are those which are unexpected! It was a normal day - businesses had resumed, Christmas lights were turned off, and people had already listed their New Year's resolutions. Normal day that it was, I got this twitter update:

A message from Bloggers United (that group of bloggers who come together for a cause - and now they are more powerful than Voltes V and Bioman combined!). And I read and re-read it right, Accessorize has something for us!

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Who Wants to See Avril Lavigne and Get Beautiful Skin?!

2012-01-24T10:50:00.000+08:00

"Katy Perry kissed me!!!". Well, actually not me, but that must be what Ivan Dorscher is thinking after the historic moment. Too bad I missed Katy Perry's concert. I just read my Facebook feed with envy as more and more friends and contacts upload their pictures with Katy Perry. Some of them were lucky to meet her, others have that ID under their neck which says - Photographer.

I read some tweets saying that Katy Perry's skin is flawless and blemish-free. No doubt in my mind. I know her secret. She uses Proactiv. Now here's another secret, there's another international pop star who uses Proactiv and she is also coming to Manila!

She has been the voice of the youth through her songs - but one thing she never talked about on her songs is her issues with acne. I so understand how she felt then. I too struggled with acne and break-outs; but they are all gone now! The rock princess is encouraging people to Be Proactiv with acne, being an endorser since 2010.

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Arriving in Beijing, China & a Good Rest at Holiday Inn Express Hotel

2012-01-23T05:46:00.001+08:00

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Kiong Hee Huat Tsai or Gong Xi Fa Cai (Mandarin) and Gong Hey Fat Choy (Cantonese)!

Holiday Inn Express, Beijing taken using my Dell Streak ;)

It is the perfect time for me to start my series of blog posts about my trip to Beijing. It has been 5 months since we landed back to Manila but only now have I found the great motivation to click on New Post and open my photo album entitled Beijing 2011.

As you know, Facebook and Twitter are not accessible in China. I was a bit disappointed and sad as soon as we landed but after a few days, I realized it is nice to be disconnected with the "world". I felt like I was on real vacation with no access to my work inbox and Facebook. Plus, there weren't much Filipinos in Beijing that time, so we really felt like tourists in the area.

The trip to Beijing is one of the best times in my life. The day before our flight, I attended an event where I won a Dell Streak! (Wohooo!!). Most of all, I never realized I would have this chance to see and be in one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

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How Would a Woman Use the End of the World Survival Kit from Axe?

2012-01-23T03:29:00.000+08:00

I got a message from a friend last week - telling me that the End of the World is near, and that he has a Survival Kit for me. I hurriedly prepared to work so I could meet him. It was nice of another friend to actually get it for me. Here's what I got.

It says that I should only open this in case of emergency. Define emergency.. Is it being stopped by a hot guy on your way home? I need to know what's inside. So I opened..

I Attended a Scandalous New Year Dinner

2012-01-22T16:23:00.001+08:00

Last Thursday, my schedule allowed me to attend the Chinese New Year Dinner at Mango Tree Bistro (it is actually a Thai Restaurant) in Trinoma. The invitation said that we need to come in Red Oriental Chic attire. I don't want to stress myself over clothes, so I decided to wear the (ever reliable) red multi-way top. I came with the place packed with guests in red attire. I told myself that this is going to be one chic dinner!

Everything went okay. The hosts were very accommodating, starting from the registration until I was seated to a table with other group of bloggers. We just actually insisted that I share the table with the group, and the host and staff happily said yes.

More food were served on our table.

What Type of Bed Do You Sleep On?

2012-01-19T10:17:00.000+08:00

Does my blog title sound like survey monkey? Well it is not a survey and not a personality test. I just thought of it after a long yawn and I suddenly thought of my bed. Yay, just realized I will not be sleeping on it for a month as soon as I travel to another country for my assignment.

This is not my bed.. I just found it at dominic wilcox

Do you think it would be nice to wake up on this bed? A rocking bed!

All the beds in our house are customized. We asked the carpenter who did our kitchen to make us frames for our bed. We then went to Caloocan (one of the best places to go to when buying furniture) and buy (yes you got it!), Uratex foams. We made a very easy decision, we will buy Uratex because it is the same brand we had then for our beds. What is nice is that all the foams that we bought even came with 5 year warranty (and that warranty had already lapsed last year); but the Uratex bed that we have in each room is still as good as the first time we bought it.

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Great Buys of the Week: Accessories from Bijoux de Lou

2012-01-18T11:12:00.000+08:00

It is funny that almost a week had passed and I haven't even checked my payslip, yet here I am unwrapping my online buys.

Bijoux de Lou is one of my favorite Multiply Stores (although to be honest, it is my first transaction with the store). I love browsing through the Multiply albums and the items always make me exclaim "Wowanthat!" - as in Wow! I want that! The store sells different vintage and "whimsical" items from necklaces, lockets to funky and unique bracelets and rings. At some point in time, I got addicted with vintage necklaces, that I even bought a lot from Ebay in US. Although I love shopping and buying accessories, I only buy the stuff which I can afford, and to be honest, Bijoux de Lou's accessories are quite pricey. Until the word SALE screams on the site's every album! I checked all the albums and finally chose my orders. I originally wanted this:

...and a Marilyn Monroe bracelet (I don't have a copy of the picture, it has been removed from the site).

Why Am I (Suddenly) Hesitant to Go on Assignment to Indonesia?

2012-01-16T05:38:00.000+08:00

It is less than two months, and I will not be surprised if one day I will find myself heading to the airport and boarding a plane to Indonesia (no, actually to Singapore). The original itinerary I received is that I will land in Singapore first, spend two hours there, then take the plane to Jakarta.

Picture from Expat Service Blogspot

To be honest, I am not excited at all. I got some personal obligations that I need to attend to while on assignment, and I just found out last week that due to assignment proximity, I will not be able to attend to it. I wish I could just share everything in here, but this is something that I cannot share to even my closest friends. When I posted a status message in Facebook, it was funny that my friends thought I were pregnant.

There are actually very few people who can understand. I have a few regrets on how I chose my preferred geography during the application. I thought that placing Asia as my second choice will enable me to attend to my personal obligations, but it looks like it was such a bad idea. Second, I just thought that to be assigned in Asia, or South East Asian country is too close for comfort. Somehow, I have already explored some culture in other Asian countries, and reading the booklet that was sent to me makes me feel like I was reading a nursery book. I am not saying that there is not much to learn and discover in Indonesia. It is actually a very interesting country. It reminds me so much of Philippines because it is also an archipelago. I just thought that it would have been more meaningful if I would be assigned to a country with really different and diverse culture. I honestly hate myself for feeling this. When I submitted the application, I told myself that I will accept whatever country of assignment that will be offered to me.

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What I Received in the Mail the Other Day?

2012-01-13T07:50:00.000+08:00

I didn't receive a death threat or a bomb. The courier and Mailroom (Department) of our office informed me that I have a package from Australia and I know for sure that it is from the partner travel agency assisting us in completing our travel documents.

To tell you honestly, I am getting more scared and nervous each day. I cannot feel any hint of excitement in my system regarding the assignment. First, it is not even a vacation and second, I got tons of things to accomplish before I leave.

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IBM Phils Appoints First Female President and Country Manager

2012-01-09T12:59:00.000+08:00

When I checked the Society Background of Philippines in one of the travel sites I was reading the other day, it states that in the Philippines has equal treatment for both men and women. Women can voice out their minds, vote during election and lead an organization.

Girl Power is what I thought of when I received this release. IBM Philippines has appointed a new President and Country Manager. Just 8 days ago, it was officially announced that Ginny Rometty will head the IBM Corporation. Now, we have a new femme leading the IBM Philippines. Read more below:

IBM today announced the appointment of Mariels Almeda Winhoffer as the President and Country General Manager for IBM Philippines. She succeeds James Velasquez who has been appointed Director, Maintenance and Technical Support, IBM Global Technology Services IBM ASEAN. The appointment will take effect immediately.

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Ms. Alemda Winhoffer started her career in IBM 26 years ago most recently serving as Client Advocacy Executive for IBM Corporation, where she reported directly to the Chairman and provided support for global client engagements.

What's Up with My Life, Plans for 2012 and Some Announcements

2012-01-08T05:17:00.001+08:00

I miss blogging. I really do. I started the year with so many tasks in my to-do list. I am even using two planners. One is for work, and one is for personal.

The first few days of the year is challenging my time management skills.

Work: Well, since I moved to a new role, I started my training the other day. I was a bit hesitant to accept the new role, but I have to accept it; not because I need the job - but more importantly, people think I will do good in the role. So I have to do good. I am actually amazed at myself. I am starting to appreciate and embrace the process, the policy and each new things I am learning about the role. What is challenging though, the new role calls for weekly meetings, and more meetings. Sometimes, you will have 5 hours of scheduled meeting in a day, which leave you with less than 3 hours to do your work.

Finance: Status of my finance is a mess! I have yet to reconcile how much I have saved last year and assess how I can save more by cutting down on my expenses and finding more ways to earn money. I have missed my HSBC credit card due date (yesterday!). Ouch! BDO internet banking was down last night. Anyway, I have decided to deactivate my Citibank Credit Card (because they refused to waive my annual fee! Hehe), so I will just keep the new card they gave me - Citibank Titanium Card - which looks fancier. My relationship with BDO Credit Card is still going strong. I loooove BDO. I never find it hard to request for waived membership. I have been meaning to write a blog post about credit cards, but this blog knows - I don't have time. Bottom line, I love BDO. They even reversed the penalty fees they charged me the one time I missed my due date.

IBM Five in Five: Smart Tech Predictions

2012-01-05T09:47:00.000+08:00

I don't believe in predictions. Technology sometimes scares me (seriously). Why am I sharing these things? Well, IBM released yesterday its Five in Five. It is a list of innovations that have the potential to change the way people work, live and play over the next five years.

The IBM Five in Five is based on market and societal trends expected to transform our lives, as well as emerging technologies from IBM Labs around the world that can make these innovations possible.

What is surprising is some of the IBM Five in Five is suddenly taking root. Take for example in 2008, when IBM predicted that consumers would be talking to the web - and the web would talk right back. You see, the web is now talking.

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Last Post for 2011 is All About Gratitude and Hopes

2011-12-31T23:55:00.000+08:00

I usually sleep and catch on sleep during New Year's Eve. But I cannot let the few minutes pass without writing my last blog post for 2011.

This has been a very great year for me. More than the blessings, material things, experiences, exposures, great job with supportive team and opportunities, I am more thankful to God for keeping me and my family safe, and for meeting a lot of talented and wonderful people in different industries who like me, share the same interest - writing.

This year has been so significant especially in my blogging. This is I think the highlight of my 2011. When I started blogging, I never wanted to be famous, or popular (not that I am today). I wanted to stay anonymous. I am happy documenting my experiences, my frustrations and views - I never even cared if there is anyone or no one who visits my blog. I never post my pictures because I wanted to keep my life private.

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For a Change, Speak Up for 2012

2011-12-30T12:44:00.037+08:00

There are just so many ways wherein one can speak up and voice out his/her views. We are luckier now - because with just a simple tweet and upload, we can share anything that we wanted the world to see and read. We can even connect with personalities, institutions and businesses - simply to express our adoration, or raise a concern.

What's On My BedSide Table? Unscripted by Sarah Meier and Vicky Herrera

2011-12-28T01:48:00.000+08:00

I miss reading books and blogging about the books I read. The earlier posts in this blog are all about the books I read (mostly chicklits!) Read this blog about the book Thoughts While Having Sex which I wrote in January 2008! I miss having the time to read books. I got tons of books waiting to be scanned and read (see them here). I am just soo glad I was given the time and opportunity to attend the book launch of Unscripted by Sarah Meier and Vicky Herrera some weeks ago - and that book stays in my bedside table. I simply love everything about the book!

Nikon and Electroworld Unveil Nikon 1 J1 & Nikon 1 V1: Like Digital Cameras with DSLR Functions

2011-12-27T12:10:00.001+08:00

I was thinking if I should really get a DSLR - I always think of the pros and cons of things whenever I cannot decide on something. It looks like at this point, there are more pros on getting a DSLR. When I bought my digital camera I got more reasons to buy digital camera BUT NOW - I thought I need a DSLR. Let me list down the reasons:

1. DSLR has this commanding approach - when you ask someone if you can take their pictures with DSLR on hand, they will eagerly pose for you, but with a digicam on hand, you will always look like a fan (that is funny but true!).

2. I need DSLR mainly for events coverage - especially when I am seated somewhere far, and needed a good shot that can zoom away and sweep away the crowd.

3. My second line manager believes so. Hehe. Her opinion matters, and she, being an avid reader of blogs (fashion blogs), she suggested I get one.

4. Will be travelling somewhere and it is once in a lifetime experience. I need a good camera that can capture priceless moments (I sound like a commercial).

I never wanted to bring anything bulky, being me that I tend to bring everything and carry a big bag - having a DSLR is another burden to carry on my shoulder.

Then, there is light. I was invited to the media launch of Nikon's Latest Camera Technology. Two new cameras that can take pictures like a pro, aptly called the "camera of the future". They are called Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon 1 V1.

Great Buys of the Week: Flats, Dress, Organizer Boxes and Sling Bag!

2011-12-25T15:18:00.000+08:00

Even though my closet and room are overflowing with clothes and stuff, I still cannot resist a great bargain - something that is worth of its price. Sharing some nice pieces I recently bought.

Flats from Payless

I have a lot of heeled shoes which I seldom use because I mostly commute and I am already too tall for heels. So I just wear them if the ensembles call for heeled shoes - if my clothes can go with flats, I wear flats!

My House Husband, Ikaw Na! Presscon at Guilly's!

2011-12-25T11:14:00.000+08:00

I can't believe it is already Christmas! I slept yesterday afternoon and woke up early this morning to attend worship service. My phone is flooded with greetings from friends, bloggies and loved ones - same with my Facebook alerts and Twitter. So what are you planning to do today? My mom and I will sure watch My House Husband. I missed the premiere night held last Thursday in SM Megamall (I woke up late because of the party I attended morning after shift!), and I just sulked while I prepare to work and read the tweets regarding the movie.

Last week, we were invited for the final presscon of the movie with the whole cast in Guilly's, Tomas Morato. We basically know about each cast member's role, having attended numerous presscons with Eugene, Judy Ann and Ryan, and even Direk Joey. Joining the presscon was Rocco Nacino and Ellen Adarna. Unfortunately, Direk Joey wasn't there - earlier that day I read his tweet that he was not feeling very well.

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Augmented Reality Game in Facebook: Conzace Viral Smackdown!

2011-12-24T12:15:00.001+08:00

I just found and played a very cool game in Facebook and I just have to blog about it! You know that I am not a gamer and the last time I played competitively for a video game was when I was in Grade School. Anyway, as everyone knows, and every Facebook user is aware, Facebook also hosts fun games and different brands also host games in their Fanpages and Apps as a sort of promotion.

I have played and joined a lot! From normal fast-finger games, Mafia War-like games to puzzle games. But my new discovery is very interactive! So interactive that it requires a camera! Yup. So I played (I gave my permission for this app to access my camera - I just hope they didn't show it live somewhere while I played. Hehe) - and camera means using your hands (and maybe even feet)!

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New IBM Software Encourages Safe and Secure Social Networking

2011-12-24T07:03:00.000+08:00

Does your company allow you to use the internet while at work? or use mobile phones and tablets? Well, if you are working as part of the marketing or social media relations team, you have the license to connect to the world wide web. But most of the companies do not allow such. Surprisingly, during the event I attended with Sandy Carter, she shared that applicants' consideration when applying for a job is if the company allows the employees to use the internet while at work.

I personally think that it is fine to be "social" while working, as long you do it in moderation. Sharing viral videos of kissing couples is not work-related - a gentle reminder. It is a perfect venue to collaborate with others, and connect and share. IBM, being the champion in innovation, unveiled recently new social networking and collaboration mobile apps specifically designed to address enterprise-class requirements. The new software, available for download today (yes, December 24th!) from the most popular app stores, takes IBM industry-leading social networking, real-time collaboration and online meeting capabilities from behind the company firewall and places it into the hands of tablet users.

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Finally Met My Ultimate Crush!!! - Bossing Vic Sotto [on Enteng ng Ina Mo]

2011-12-23T19:26:00.000+08:00

What would you do if you received an invite to meet your ultimate crush? That someone you have been adoring since you were 3? Of course you will go. So I did go - never mind that I only have 2 hours of sleep. I couldn't miss this chance.

One thing I notice about Bossing Vic Sotto - he loves Lacoste shirts!

We were invited to the Bloggers Merienda with Bossing Vic Sotto last Tuesday in Cravings, Katipunan (I remember the old, rustic Cravings!) . I felt like dreaming when I read the message. I have to re-read and re-read the message. I took note of the date. It's the first time he's doing it. I cannot even remember that bossing actually sit-down with press people - well, mostly are press conferences with other stars of the film. This one though, is an intimate event. We were all very excited waiting for him. We were like on a dating game - retouching our make-up, re-applying lipstick and practicing smiles. As soon as he arrived, the cameras started clicking.

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Sale Alert: Where to Shop for Christmas Gifts?

2011-12-23T18:45:00.001+08:00

Don't have a gift yet for Holiday Season? Check out the store sale schedules below:

Converse is having their last day of their Warehouse Sale! Below are the details:

Converse Warehouse
December 10 - 23, 2011
Converse Marikina Warehouse located at #65 Gen. Molina St. Parang, Marikina City

[Corporate Service Corps] What Happens During the First and Second ConCalls?

2011-12-22T04:25:00.004+08:00

Taking a break from work to blog about this - it is our second call meeting with the Indonesia Team, and I am glad to get to the office 15 minutes before the scheduled call because during the first meet, I was 5 minutes late. Thank you to heavy traffic caused by Christmas Rush.

I had been meaning to blog about our first call but because I am loaded with tons to do, the task is now buried under the other new tasks I need to accomplish - add the events that I wanted to attend, and chose to attend - my schedule is such a chaos.

Anyway, during our first call, there were 9 (out of 10) who joined the meeting. Our Facilitator named Roman - welcomed us and gave a short briefing regarding the program and why all of us were on the call that time. The facilitator is usually an employee who has been assigned to another country - simply put, a CSC alumnus. Roman was once assigned here in the Philippines, and their client then was PhilVocs. Yes, he knows the UP Area and the jeepneys. The participants are from other geographies and I am lucky that Roman chose 8PM to 9PM (Manila Time) to set the meeting. My schedule starts at 9PM, so at least the meeting is not between my sleep hours - I am just not certain about the other participants though. We later agreed that the schedule is the perfect time for all of us to meet. But just the same, Roman scheduled another re-curring meeting every Friday - just incase we miss the Wednesday call. So Roman told us that we need to be processing our Visa application and working on our Pre-Work Modules. Before we fly to Indonesia for the assignment, we need to complete series of modules to prepare us for the in-country assignment.

I started working on the modules as soon as I got the link. The first module asked me to create a profile. It feels like filling out a slum book. I don't mean to impress the facilitator or the other participants, but I want my real personality to reflect in the file I submitted. It took me hours to choose the pictures to be included. I even asked suggestion from a friend. I always find it hard to select a profile picture even in Facebook. I don't even regulary update my profile unlike most of my friends. I decided to add my picture taken from my recent trip to Beijing (it is not very recent - it was in August). The other one was taken while we were riding the 4x4 ride in the sand dunes in Ilocos (a Northern province in the Philippines).

Roman told us that on the third call (that's next week!), we will be introducing ourselves. Have you tried presenting or introducing yourself through conference call? This is going to be my first.

During our first call, we were all so quiet and just listening. Probably assessing each other's personality through the phone lines. We communicated with just our breathes. I sent a message to the facilitator and he said that they were also like that during their first call, and after the assignment, all of them couldn't stop talking.

The call earlier was like a Q&A session. Almost everyone asked a question, specifically about the Visa processing and the online training.

Speaking of online training, I have already completed one module from the training plan sent to me by the client (this is a different from Pre-Work Module). It is nice that at this early stage, I am already learning alot from the program.

More updates will be published here. In the mean time, I need to go and attend an important meeting.

Congratulations to the Winners [GCs, GluthaMax, Kenny Rogers Stuff and Human Nature Goodies]

2011-12-21T21:57:00.000+08:00

First, apologies. I just found time to raffle off the winners for my give-away. It has been a busy week - and I cannot believe I missed some deadlines. I have attended numerous events and parties, and experienced alot of good things - will share and blog about them soon.

Thank you to all who joined. Here are the winners -

*drum roll please*

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Buy Original Proactiv Set, Get Discounts and a Chance to Watch Katy Perry's Concert!

2011-12-19T14:22:00.001+08:00

It's the time of the year again, and Christmas party invitations are flooding my inbox and mobile phone. Outfits and costumes (if necessary) are not the only things that make me worry - but my face too!! I need to always look good, if not fresh - especially most of my friends own those precious DLSRs. I feel like I were still on my teenage years because pimples are still present in my face. As much as I want to get enough sleep, stay healthy and follow a beauty routine, it is hard if you have deadlines to meet and meetings to attend. But lucky that I am Proactiv is now available in Manila, plus I try to get treatment from derma too.

They say that I use such expensive products to care for my skin, but Proactiv is what works for me. I am luckier that I don't need to buy from the US. I am sure Mandy Moore, Avril Lavigne, the pop heart throb, Justin Bieber, and now Katy Perry (the new face and official endorse of Proactiv) get their monthly supply right at their doorstep.

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