Maraisms

Maraisms Answers Binibining Pilipinas GOLD Top 15 Questions - Internet Meme Style!

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:57:00 +0000

I have a confession to make: I caught the Binibining Pilipinas Gold 2013 Bug.

View the story "Bb. Pilipinas 2013" on Storify
Bb. Pilipinas 2013
So I caught the #bbpilipinas2013 #binibinigold bugMara Ruiz
Mara Ruiz. 28. Imus,Cavite! Lol! #binibinigoldMara Ruiz
Best in Long Gown #latergram #thegap #dressingroom instagram.com/p/YHHAr2oEtY/Mara Ruiz
My faves are on the top 15! 39, 13, and our Bb. @AvonPH Bea Rose Santiago :) #bbpilipinas2013 #binibinigoldMara Ruiz
Ayan na ang world peace na sagot. Patsy tayo dyan.Mara Ruiz
Bumewang na lang si ate. Award!Mara Ruiz
We chose well ;) RT @AvonPH: Congratulations Ms. Avon #20 Bea Rose Santiago for winning Bb. International!!! pic.twitter.com/CMAblBj0yzMara Ruiz
Congratulations Ms. Avon Bb. Pilipinas #20 Bea Rose Santiago!!! #bbpilipinas2013 #binibinigold pic.twitter.com/xtp1Co8KgqAvon Philippines
Can't wait to find out who will be #BbAvon! #binibinigold #bbpilipinas2013Mara Ruiz
Is that @LiAndreaRamos of @glamourboxph on #binibinigold #bbpilipinas2013? Looking great! :)Mara Ruiz
Ang ganda pa rin ni Alice Dixon! #binibinigoldMara Ruiz
Head over to @AvonPH for LIVE tweets (not delayed telecast tweets) of #binibinigold #bbpilipinas2013!Mara Ruiz
RT @avonph: Don't forget! You can still vote for your choice to become Bb. Avon at avon.com.ph!Mara Ruiz

You wouldn't be able to help it if the company you work for is the official beauty partner of this year's pageant. It practically felt like I was friends with all the 50 Binibinis, editing their photos and all for a poll I ran for Bb. Avon. Close lang ba. (I am happy to report that Bb. Avon, Bea Rose Santiago, won the title Binibining Pilipinas - International).

Everyone had their favorite part of the night. I for one literally had goosebumps when Martin Nievera said "Philippines, behold your Queens!" during the parade of all the Binibini Queens. Wouldn't it be awesome to have a monarchy of Beauty QUEENS in the Philippines?

Among the queens, my personal favorites are Alice Dixon, our Anew Genics endorser, because I was with her in a shoot once and she really Does.Not.Age. Also Janine Tugonon, Avon's newest Fragrance and Makeup endorser because she was so candid and so warm when she went to visit us in the office for Valentine's. And, oh, Lia Ramos because she answered all my kulit emails for Glamourbox :)

Another favorite for me is the Question and Answer portion. The questions are pretty interesting this year, I might say, but the answers more so! And because I have a penchant for answering those chain Q&As that went around in the 90s, here's my own take on the Binibining Pilipinas Gold Top 15 Questions Internet Meme Style!

Best in Long Gown #latergram #thegap #dressingroom

The Beatles believed that all you need is love. Agree or disagree? Why?
To quote Mr. Mayer: "All you need is love is a lie" coz we had love but we still said goodbye. Now we're tired broken fighters.

What would be your advocacy?
The manners re-education of the Filipinos. My top 3s: Keep Right. Line Up. Don't Spit.

What lesson in life can women teach men?
Unless you've carried the weight of a melon for nine months, use contraceptives.

In this age, everything is made public. What should be made private and why?
Your waist line. Probably your age as well.

President Obama mentions a Filipino nurse in his State of the Union Address. What traits make Filipinos stand out in the world?
Emotions are best conveyed with eyebrows.

Can someone be a good Catholic if they believe in the RH bill?
I demand my government to let me practice my religion in peace, so I'd expect the same thing from my church.

What can be your greatest contribution to your local community?
That I pay my taxes.

If you had the opportunity to speak to the new pope, what would you tell him?
How's the pasta here? Any good?

The ideal Filipino is?
One who pays his/her taxes.

Personal quality most people remember about you?
I'm a hoarder with a heart of gold.

Which country aside from the Philippines fascinates you and why?
Japan! Japan! Sagot sa kahirapan! But seriously, it's been in my grandfather's bucket list before he died, and I am determined to fulfill it for him.

Are the best things in life really free?
Yes. Like air.

If you were to break one habit what would it be and why?
Eating junk food because its not healthy. - What she said.

What do you think is the greatest achievement of Bb Pilipinas?
Alice Dixon.

What would you tell a child who is being bullied in school?
Learn martial arts.

And there you go! I hope you don't take everything seriously. Or you can. Whateves. All in the name of fun. Mabuhay!

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March Madness

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:27:00 +0000

Dear March,

Why do you always have to do this to me?

source

I wish I could say "We should stop meeting like this, March" but it's always the same thing: Me, starting the year optimistic, with a will to write. You, hanging around the Quarter's corner ready to throw me a "You'll never make it." But I am wiser this year, March. For very week missed, I throw a couple hundreds into a jar. Even if I find myself throwing in a few hundreds for the past few weeks, maybe I'll get a shopping spree by the end of the year. Win-Win.

Not going to throw away my post its to document all the things I've done for the year. #challengeaccepted

You were never easy, March, and I should already expect that from you. Last year you got me running around like a headless chicken. This year, you had me do the same. But do you really had to throw me off with a Mercury Retrograde, sending mixed signals, getting people and me overreacting? I really could've done without it, but thanks. Thanks a lot for picking me.

You gave me the Highs but you were fast enough to pull me down to my Lows. The Highs were great, March. I took a few calculated steps. Not just one, but a lot. Fortune favors the brave, they say, and I think my luck is looking up.

Bye, Pig Dog. We'll miss you. #petstagram

Also, do you really have to take my dog? She has her weight issues, and she's a bit temperamental, but still, she's a good dog.

Despite it all, March, I forgive you. You brought back my best friend, my constant concert companion, my personal cheerleader, and my on-call driver. I couldn't and wouldn't complain.

Don't get me wrong. I did not entirely hate you, March. On some days, you're OK. You got me running around the city again with another Barrio Girl, this time admiring Filipino History imagined through art. Call it my lack of Filipino Pride, but this activity ignited whatever ember of pride that's left in me.

"If this world is the world of the past, I will paint it like it belongs to the future" - Francis "Botong" Francisco

Just so you know, March, this is my favorite piece. Just look at that donya being carried around like a bawz! Also, March, in case you want to make it up to me, this is how I want to roll after my retirement.

Pilgrimage to Antipolo

You must've also taken a toll on me, March, because look! Look what you've done to my eating habits! You got me eating out more often than usual and exercising less (which you know is just an excuse for me to go out with friends). I wish there's more to say about you, March, but I'm just really, really, REALLY, glad you're done and thank God you didn't drive me mad.

source

Au revior, Sayonara, Auf Wiedersehen, and good riddance!

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A Night at The Blind Pig Speakeasy, Salcedo, Makati

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Source: Lynn-Enroute

"There's this place near my condo where you tell the bartenders how you feel and they will mix a drink based on your feelings," I remember my office mate Dawn once said in passing. I was intrigued then, but I never made an effort to go there. Besides, you have to make a reservation beforehand, to a number that is rumored to change ever so often. Bars + snotty place = not my thing. So I forgot about it.

But then came Valentine's Day. My lunch friends and I have been planning an Instagramable, Pinterestable, rooftop, candle-lit dinner for months, only for it to be near cancellation because it turned out Dawn shouldn't even be at her condo's rooftop. Long story.

I, Sheng, Me-an, Kat, Sandra, and Dawn already cleared our schedules for a Post Valentine's GNO (girls' night out for the abbreviation challenged), so what are we left to do?

We threw caution to the wind and had our feelings interpreted through a cocktail.

Dawn and I were rushing to Greenbelt 5 after a surprise Friday overtime (more mine than Dawn's). The rest of our friends are already there and I got seven missed calls and a string of "Where are you"s from Sheng. We had a reservation at that bar for 8:00 PM and it was already 7:45. "They will only hold our reservation for 15 minutes," Dawn said, still calm and collected, but you can see the slight panic in her eyes. "I guess we'll have to do our dinner in shifts," I resolved. I called Kat and the girls agreed to go ahead and claim our reservation with whoever was done with dinner, lest we want to lose our chance to have our feelings in a glass.

I wolfed down my dinner (chicken curry with rice), dropped by Beauty Bar but bought nothing (sorry, Sandra and Dawn!), and exited at Greenbelt 1 and headed to Salcedo Street.

Kat and Me-an were walking several paces ahead of me and Sheng. What's new? So when we got to Salcedo Street, we lost them. Or we thought we did.

We stood in front of an inconspicuous building. No signage, no bouncers, no loud music coming out of the establishment. "I've been there and I've seen what the door looks like," Kat said confidently while we were walking. But she and Me-an disappeared, leaving me and Sheng clueless as we stood in front of a locked door with a buzzer and a sliding peephole.

"You think this is it?" I asked Sheng. "It looks like it," Sheng replied as she was dialing Kat's number on her iPhone. I knocked and pressed the buzzer. It happened so fast: the sliding peephole opened, I saw two eyes and heared a voice that asked me who I was, and I answered with "I have a reservation under Dawn Niekamp." I thought they weren't going to let us in so I followed with "We're here with Dawn."

The door opened, we were ushered into a mud room, curtains swiped to the side so Sheng and I can enter, and we were in: We're inside The Blind Pig.

We found Dawn and Sandra already halfway through their first round of cocktails. Me-an and Kat were already settled in, browsing through the menu. As Sheng and I sat down, it took a while for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. There were no electric lights save for a chandelier with lights turned down so low, you can't even read through the menu. Candles lit up the place, but just enough for your to get through your first order. People say The Blind Pig does it this way, reminiscent of the 1920s Prohibition era where you have to ring a bell to be let in to a bar and drinks are served in hush-hush.

There was a couple behind us, another group of friends in another table, and several empty tables. It was just 9:00 PM anyway and everyone was talking in whispers save for our group. What do you expect? We're a bunch of girls out for a great night!

Playing it safe, I asked Dawn what she had and I ordered my first drink - bourbon with honey. Our server introduced himself as Patrick and shook my hand. Very curious. Nobody who handles my drink has ever shook my hand. He then did the same thing to everyone on the table. In my head, I was waiting for a sleek, Makati ex-pat Sirius Black to step in followed by a Hell's Angel Hagrid. Very The Hog's Head.

The night continued on as we swapped stories about, what else, but work. Bowls of rosemary popcorn were ordered, served, and devoured. I listened intently to my friends, checked my iPhone for an online campaign we were running, and took several swigs of my drink. In 30 minutes, I saw the bottom of my glass.

I couldn't contain my curiosity anymore so I called Patrick and asked him to make me a drink that has strawberries, some fizz, and a good amount of alcohol. "Can you do it?" I asked him. "Of course," he said and brought me a Vodka Cobbler.

The drink smelled great and tasted divine. It has a slice of strawberry, lemon, lime, and orange atop a mountain of crushed ice with a splash of vodka and some citrus drinks interlaced, a hint of mint. I'd go as far as saying this drink got me - is into everything to the point of indecisiveness, has her highs like citrus, but has her lows like vodka, fiery like mint but not too much to assault your senses. Pretentious, I know.

I savored my Vodka Cobbler until it was time for us to go. I was ready to order another drink but my friends had to go home and I had to drive. There will be a next time though, and hopefully, soon.

The Blind Pig
227 Salcedo Street
Legaspi Village, Makati
Tel: +632 4786990
Open Mon-Sun, 6PM onwards
Call +63917-549-2264 for reservations
As seen on CNNGo: The Best of Manila.

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Valentine's Schmalentines: So What About Valentine's Day?

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 08:17:00 +0000

Someone just got proposed to yesterday while we were having dinner. Two guys started dancing in front of a girl and we couldn't figure out who was the soon-to-be-ex-BF. Turned out it was neither! The guy hired dancers to "flash mob" his girlfriend :)

I cannot remember Valentine's being celebrated so grandly in the Philippines except when I was still in La Salle. In college, the University chorale and orchestra would lend their services to lovestruck co-eds and serenade girls (and sometimes guys!) in between classes.

After I joined the rat race, the Valentine ambiance seemed to die down together with ~~my will to date~~ the hustle and bustle of the city. Rihanna says she found love in a hopeless place, but I never had to find far to find love. I just have to look around me. Naks!

So how was my Valentine's Day?

Sure, sure. Bitter singles (or overly mushy couples, whichever spectrum you would fall under) would say that Valentine's is just Thursday for them. But for me, it doesn't mean I shouldn't treat myself to something tall, hot, and rich ;) My first order of business for Valentine's was to #treatyoself. Hence, the venti caramel macchiato from Starbucks. Started the day right and it eventually became better for me from there.

I have been so used to my throw bag-sit down-open PC-make my day's to-do list routine that I almost missed out on a miniature Bucket of Love atop my desk that morning. It did not come signed, but I knew it was someone who has a penchant for minis and has kick-ass I-draw-Hogwarts-Crests-in-20 minutes-or less chops. Who else but our Communications Coordinator Dawn Niekamp!

Best part? She drew personalized icons that best represent us for our cards! I got a Twitter bird!

And of course, the coffee addict must get a Starbucks cup.

The rest of the day unfolded into a slew of gifts, songs, and dinner for me.

We took a sweet break from work to be serenaded by Paolo Santos, be introduced to our newest Beauty Endorser, Ms. Universe First Runner-Up and Bb. Pilipinas Universe herself Janine Tugonon, and be given red velvet cupcakes!

Yes, that's also Paolo Santos. To be quite honest, I never really liked him when he first came out of the music scene. But to his defense, like any good acoustic performers, he's better heard live. He opened with Get Here, then sang his famous cover of Moonlight Over Paris (I must admit, it brought me back to college and the crushes and the silly landians!), then a medley of Martin Nievera songs (I think), and ended strong with Gary V.'s Di Bale na Lang. Sheng and I couldn't help ourselves but sing along! It's Valentine's anyway, so we're allowed to be mushy and a little bit nutty.

As encore, he had a duet of Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang with one of our Associates. Sobrang benta!

After work, it was dinner with these two lovely ladies at Kanin Club. Hey, if you can't find someone to love, then love yourself first, right? ;)

Just when I thought VDay's over, Sheng gave our lunch group some personalized chocolates - personalized with her own quote that is! But kidding aside, I appreciate Sheng's bar of wisdom. Being single myself, I think it rings true that love will happen. See? I am not that cynical after all!

Valentine's doesn't need to be a day you flaunt your relationships (much to the dismay of your single friends) or defend your Singleness (much to the condescension of your couple friends).

If you say it's a Hallmark-manufactured celebration, then create excuses to celebrate! Get yourself a cup of coffee, buy yourself that bag you've been eying, make an effort to give cheesy gifts this February to get away from not giving any last Christmas, kiss your parents and say "I love you" without cringing, ask that guy you always ride the MRT wih at 7:30 AM the time - the possibilities are endless!

So how was your Valentine's?

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Five Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 11:29:00 +0000

525,000 Moments So Dear...

Pardon me if I have to quote Rent yet again, but nothing sums up a year ender best than Rent's Seasons of Love. Although quite frankly, I cannot say my 2012 was a Season of Love. Aptly, it was a Season of Yearning for More. Whatever more I could do with my life, I wanted it - travel, grow, and, even unfortunately, spend.

If 2009 was my Year of Great Lull, 2010 was my Year of Great Push, 2011 was my Year of Running Around Breathless and Dizzy and All at the Same Time Ecstatic, 2012 is hereby dubbed thee as my Year of More Please, Thank You.

I wanted more because the end of 2011 promised me more: I had a great trip slated for March but due to some circumstances, it had to be cancelled. In a way, I think that trip burdened me to overcompensate. I traveled more, although locally. I shopped and dined more, to my bank account's remorse. I reassessed my life choices more, something I have to carry on to 2013.

So what about 2012?

The Highs:

I traveled more with my family.

In an introspective moment in 2012, I realized how I almost never traveled with my family anymore. Since 2008, it was all about myself trying to conquer the world one country at a time. Traveling alone can be lonely, and these times of traipsing the world alone, you appreciate the company of someone familiar.

Living in the city, I spend approximately 105 days of the 365 in a year with my family. Not a lot, especially now that time is catching up on us. So in 2012, I made a resolution to travel more with my family.

Be it in our expansive backyard, or weekends in Tags,

Not us.

or my mother's bucket list destination, Corregidor,

to our long overdue beach trip to Boracay,

I cherish it all.

My family is not too big on new experiences, being Creatures of Habit that they are. But that doesn't mean I should tire of creating new experiences, great ones, for them. I come to appreciate the family vacations that we have, even if they are not the wine and dine and art types, because it gives character to our bunch. It's a different pleasure when you start your stories with "I remember when my family and I trekked 5 kilometers just to see a mountain-side waterfall" (true story, BTW) and have friends say "Really? Your family did that?"

I did not need to go far to get more

Paris and New York can wait.
~~Beggars~~ The Financially Challenged make do with what they have.

I go to see my FAVORITEST Musical.

And was near tears in the presence of Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhone.

Both of which I need not go far to experience. And for that, I thank 2012 for accommodating friends.

I'd like to believe I've mellowed as an individual

But my goals have intensified. What seemed to be vague goals are now shaping up. This 2013, I want to start investing more intently on these goals with nothing but laser-like focus.

The Lows:

As I've said, I overcompensated a lot in 2012, and the casualty was my poor depleting savings. To illustrate, here are the things I wish I did not spend so much on last 2012:

Nail treatments.

This year, I resolve to keep it on a once-a-month schedule.

A tea fascination.

I don't even know why. Also, a designer coffee habit.

A goal to create a classic style.

A Catch 22. Some of the good things are pricey, but if the cost per wear is worth it, then I have no regrets.

In retrospect

2012 is a good year, that I will not deny. I am a calculated optimist, so even if I want to see the glass half full, there's a part of me that still think 2012 could have given me more. But I did have more, and I continue to have more. It's high time I stop and learn how to count what I have and be thankful for them.

2012 already answered my call to have "More, please." Now, it's my turn to say "Thank you."

So, how was your 2012?

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"I'm So Glad I Live in a World Where There are Octobers"

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 05:22:00 +0000

Some people say January is the Monday of the year. Well, for me, November was my Thursday, that day when my car is not allowed to traverse Metro Manila just because it ends in a particular number. So I end up sluggish, and lazy, and bargaining with myself whether I should hit the snooze button for 2 more hours of sleep or just suck it up and take a cold shower in 10 minutes and drive to Makati in 10 minutes or less before the clock strikes 7AM.

Instead of a MOVEmber, I ended up with a Naaahvember, a month where I had nothing to look forward to and nothing to feel accomplished about.

That's why I look back fondly to October. October used to bring me down like Valium to Dr. House. In October 2010, my best friend moved to Singapore. In 2011, I was a walking PMS the whole month for reasons that evade me. But for 2012, October made it up to me -- it gave me a wedding, a successful fundraising event, and Halloween!

Quite a sweet comeback, October!

#TSWeeDay

I never really like attending most weddings because I've been forced to attend A LOT against my will (TRUE STORY!). But Sheng's wedding got me excited because there was a mini getaway tucked in between my wedding attendance. PLUS! It was also my first time to touchdown Davao AND Mindanao. Can you believe how much of a stranger I've been to my own country?

I have no better words to articulate Sheng and Tyrone's wedding aside from the fact that it really was an elegant, quaint, endearing, and charming celebration of their relationship. A true testament of how moved I was? I cried. This has never happened!

Sheng and Tyrone did not parade their cheesiness or how in love they are, but they made us witnesses and cheerleaders to their marriage.Hindi pwedeng a-attend ka lang para sa buffet!

Of course, it didn't hurt that the food is superb!

Left: The Davaoneo - penne pasta with dried tomatoes and spicy sardines. I wish all men are like The Davaoeneo: sweet and hot and always filling. Right: Instagramming my meal! I wanted to go back for seconds, but I was the only one who wanted to. *sad face* Seems like everyone was on a perpetual diet!

Syempre kasi may beach outing the day after!

I also have faint memories of tumbling inside a giant hamster ball, but as they say: "Pics or not true!" So let me just help the Department of Tourism's #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines Campaign. You know it really is!

Samal Island. See that stretch of land across? That's where our resort and the city was. But look at how clean and blue and clear the water is!

Avon Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer (KGBC): Let's Walk the Talk Events

As if my October is not full enough, it is also the month of our biggest fundraising event of the year - Avon Philippines' crusade against Breast Cancer, Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer (KGBC). Every October, Avon Philippines hosts walk and run events to help spread breast cancer awareness to attendees. Proceeds from the run registration and the walk t-shirts go to the Avon Breast Cancer Center at the Philippine General Hospital where we offer free breast exams to all our Avon Ladies and to all those in need.

Ever since I joined Avon, I always make it a point to have my family there not just to support the cause but to support my mother. In 2010, my mother had a breast cancer scare that really shook me to the core. I am so happy she's out of harm's way now and that I work for a company that supports a cause that hits close to home.

I was really glad that my family came in full force - and in PINK! - to support our fundraising event. It makes all the not-so long nights and the not-so many BVs worth it. This is for you, Ma!

This year, I also enlisted my friends to join the run! Here's Cassie Humabol Lang Sa Run But Finished De Leos, and sisters Lyra and Patricia Vega who are running for their yaya who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Love you, guys! Mwahugz.

Halloween!

I have never celebrated Halloween at work so to say that I was excited to celebrate it at Avon is an under statement! To say the least, Dawn, our Communications Coordinator, and I went crazy with the decorations. And if it's Hogwarts inspired, you know who had a hand in the decorating decisions.

I was dressed up as the Quidditch Captain's girlfriend - my Hogwarts uniform inside, sports jacket for bragging rights. Dawn really wanted to be Holly Golightly, so she went as a Muggle.

Top left: Dawn hand painted that Hogwarts Crest to go with our...Bottom left: Improvised Hogwarts towers using leftover product boxes! Top right: Team Gryffindor forever! You? Bottom right: Lighting up our Halloween candles at home.

I still have so much to share about October but this entry has been a long time coming. Anong petsa na diba? So, let me just leave on a high note and look forward to another month of recap. So far, December has been awesome and I plan to keep it that way ;)

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What Makes a Viral Video. Buzzword: VIRAL

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 03:25:00 +0000

I usually can't help but roll my eyes whenever someone suggests that "We should make a viral video" or imply that "This video will be viral," because really? What's the Secret Sauce to creating a video with guaranteed 1,000,000 hits?

On the surface, three things:

Content for one is still king. What your video is about is the difference between how much people will be compelled to drop whatever their doing, take 2 to 3 minutes of their life just to simply watch your video, and let alone share it.

Who told you to watch the video? Is another factor. I know for a fact that I won't watch anything Z tells me to watch on YouTube because buffering takes light years with my internet connection. But if say I read a tweet from Darren Criss telling me to "ZOMG YOU GOTTA WATCH THIS IT'LL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!" with all urgency, then that's a different story.

Relevance to my life. I won't watch a video about cats. No, seriously. I won't. But give me a link to a pinao-playing cat who will do a tutorial on smokey eyes then I will like it, share it, and watch it 3 times.

Add everything to the mix and a bit of hocus pocus called Science (the number of people sharing it, watching it, sharing it at the same time, the location of people sharing it, etc.) and you got yourself a viral video. This is not to say that no one really knows what makes something viral. Talking about it helps, yes. But are you relevant enough to recommend this video to a group of people who finds your video relevant enough to share it several times across countries?

Taking a cue from Mashable's 20 Top YouTube Video Memes aka Viral Videos, please allow me to share two of my favorite viral videos.

OK Go's Here It Goes Again

Why it went viral? You seriously haven't watched this video if you have to ask. Add a good song with a one-take video of guys performing a choreographed dance ON threadmills and tell me if the awesomeness of this video will not explode on your face. Seriously, you have to watch.

Also, OK Go is my favorite band. So it's extremely relevant to me.

Here's another example. I don't do laundry, but I consume their products. At that time, I don't care about the Olympics. But what made this video so powerful for me and 10,000,000 other people to share consecutively, profusely in 3 days?

It's about our moms. Aaaand it was constantly shared on my networking site composed mostly of moms.

Best Job in the World (P&G)

Hey, I'm not one to talk about what goes viral and what doesn't. I never even noticed my cellphone video of Jason Mraz singing Where Is the Love already has 37,000 views (granted it took 6 years for it to get there).

Viral happens, but with foresight, with strategy, and most of the time with a bit of luck.

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The Cold Truth by Romi Garduce, The First Filipino to Climb the Seven Summits, with an Introspection by Mara Ruiz

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:44:00 +0000

Also, The Things You Learn When You Say "Yes" to Whatever Event Sheng Invites You To.

When you find yourself in a talk about alpine mountaineering four days after you turn 28 years old, you wonder -- Am I too old for this? The thing is, I was in a state of wander (as opposed to wonder) after my birthday because of some events that left me out of my center so to speak.

"What's with all the italics?" you ask. When you're twenty-eight and your core belief that you know what you're doing and people trust that you know what you're doing is shaken, it does things to you. You end up in an alpine mountaineering talk.

Thing is, I never really signed up to be an audience for Romi Garduce's, first Filipino to climb the Seven Summits, Corporate Climber, soon-to-be-author, Public Speaker, The Cold Truth. It's just that when one barrio girl finds herself in the company of another barrio girl, one finds one's self saying "Yes" to any opportunity to explore the city. This time, it's in one of the stores at Bonifacio High Street that I have never even been to.

Of course, when I refer to myself as a barrio girl it means a suburb in Cavite.

So what have I learned from an alpine mountaineering talk aside from the fact that I will never survive in the alps?

A lot, so it seems.

Not Romi. But made you look! Source.

What The Cold Truth Was

The Cold Truth is really about Romi's experiences as he traversed the different summits, the one I remembered being the most popular - Mount Everest. The beauty with Romi's talk aside from it being of authority (he's got the street cred of being the first Filipino to climb the Seven Summits and it's Wiki-Confirmed), it was with candor mixed with humility and the usual guy's guy humor.

Do you know what was one of Romi's biggest obstacles when he goes alpine, er, climbing? He doesn't have enough vacation leaves to go to an expedition! In the bigger scheme of things, you realize that achievers, no matter how great they are, have their roadblocks, too. And Romi having to deal with VLs is something so relatable that I find myself putting myself in his shoes, asking myself, if this guy, who has limited vacation leaves, was able to trek a mountain of perilous ice and lived to talk about it, what the hell am I complaining for like I am a helpless baby? It was enough to shake me out of my sullenness.

I also threw in guy's guy humor because I have a geologist father who has trekked some mountains himself looking for geothermal energy, and there's really something distinct about the humor of guys who are in manly careers -- engineers, geologists, mountaineers.

What My Cold Truths Were (Also, some introspection)

Sure, I may not be able to remember anything about Romi's lecture on alpine mountaineering, but if there were some things that I picked up, like a typical woman, those were the leanings.

On my own, I picked up two:

1. When things go wrong, take it personally.

Romi's success as an alpine mountaineer was not a walk int a the park. Hello? Leaves pa lang hirap na! There were times when the storm got so bad, he had to abort an entire expedition that he trained months for.

"Take it personally," he said. "Nature will mess up. Other people will mess up. But what is it in you that's making you fail?"

Between a rock and a hard place. Totally different from what Romi is doing, but still as inspiring. Also known as 127 Hours, James Franco's pogiest movie to date. Source.

True. It's easy to blame other people. Other people may not understand what I do. Other people think that what I'm doing is magic. The landscape is so competitive now. But what have I been doing that's so infallible, it's so easy to blame other people and the landscape?

Then it hit me: Well-communicated ideas.

2. Accept change; react quickly.

Any outdoors man would say this, but in reality, it applies to everyone and to anything.
So the wind blew west instead of east (if this is even possible, please correct me). What do you do?
So your nose fell off because of frostbite. What do you do?
So the game changed. What did I do?

Learning from The Cold Truth, I reacted quickly. I sought out what's out there and looked for possibilities. I didn't find what I was looking for the first time, but I now know better. I know my self worth and I have a clearer view of the landscape.

The following were nicked from Sheng, just because I may not picked it up the first time.

3. Find inspiration.

Romi found his in a seed of a tree. I found mine in two equally strong women:

Miranda Priestley of The Devil Wears Prada on style ~~and tyrannical leadership skills~~.

Source.

Tina Fey for getting stuff done.

Source.

4. Tina Fey is correct: "Always say 'Yes BUT.'

This is actually something from Bossy Pants (best book ever!), but it's something I learned in the process of attending Romi's talk, so let's give due credit.

You want this report, when? In two minutes?

YES! BUT expect it to be a half-assed report that will make you equally half-assed when you present it.

You want a baby, now?
YES! BUT you take care of it yourself.

It's the Rule of Improv, and in this case this is what happened to me:

You want to go to a mountaineering talk and learn about mountains?

YES! BUT you won't learn survival skills. Instead, you'll learn something about LIFE.

In retrospect, I never expected to learn so much from The Cold Truth. Sheng had been telling me about how Romi's talks are never preachy but always inspiring. She said Romi always ended his talks by asking the audience:

What's your personal Everest?

So, I found mine, and I'm trying to conquer it. What's yours?

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And please LIKE Avon Philippines on Facebook if you like me ;)

Dear 28-Year-Old Self

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:12:00 +0000

Welcome.

I would like to apologize, 28-Year-Old Self, for your abrupt coming into this world. Your 27-Year-Old Predecessor was busy working and to be quite honest, your arrival seemed like a blur. But rest assured you are not forgotten, 28-Year-Old Self. You may have forgotten to celebrate your birthday, but people around you made sure you are remembered.

You weren't around those times yet, 28-Year-Old Self, but We seem to have a knack for having uneventful birthdays, save for some series of unfortunate events that seem to happen right after you were born. Did you know that there was a massive earthquake 10 days before you came out to world? Now that's what I call a welcome party. How about the Storm of Doom called Ondoy a week after in 2010? Hey, do you remember that one time~~, at Band Camp,~~ when your father got a locked jaw after yawning too much on your 10th birthday? But I digress.

Today you are you. There is no one alive that is you-er than you .

Here are a few things to remember from this year's birthday, 28-Year-Old-Self. Aside from you being 4EVERAwesome, that is.

Oh, #OldPeopleDoingTechnology. Sometimes they frustrate you, but if they're the old people you love, it's cute.

1. Remember this year's birthday as the day your parents, yes, BOTH of them, texted you a "Happy Birthday" even if you were all under the same roof. You were sleeping then, and these were the first two messages that woke you up.

Two things that make this awesome: First, that your parents are still around to text you. Second, that your parents still allow you to live with them even at this age. Sure, there might be some egging to already bear them a grandchild (even without the pretense of a husband. They love you that much, they're not even too selective of the ways and means of how you give them an heir), but it is all with the intention that they just want someone to receive their overflowing love for you.

2. Your birthday trended.

3. This is the first time you actually could not keep up with birthday greetings #LikeAnItGirl! You never really cared much about birthday greetings from acquaintances, but the overwhelming well wishes are just too heartwarming to ignore. So, thank you for the constant Facebook notifications, Acquaintances. Here's to my 28-Year-Old Self forgetting all your birthdays all the same.

4. Your 9-year-old niece gave you a card. And she wrote like a 5-year-old kid. Let's do something about that.

5. Your brother bought you a cake. And that's saying a lot because, come on, this is your penny-pinching brother who bought you a cake! What did you ever give him for his birthday? A digital camera. He admitted to eating crumbs for meals after buying this cake, so look at your life, look at your choices, 28-Year-Old Self!

6. And no matter how disillusioned you may become, always have cake.

"Because cake happens on birthdays and Christmas, on the days that we highlight in our calendars as special. But life happens every day and even the days that seem pointless are worth toasting to

...

May you be an unstoppable force of hope. May you be a catalyst that inspires the world forward. May you be led by deep passion and great courage. May you be generous to people – whether it’s with your time or with you heart. May you find it in your soul to surprise yourself.

And when your birthday comes along and you’re faced with a candle on a cake, may your heart rest easy in the thought that it is loved. And may this love lead it to surrender a wish and, instead, whisper a prayer. “Thank you. I have more than enough.”

Everyday Isa

You guys! This girl should have a book deal!

Again, welcome, 28-Year-Old Self! Welcome to a period in Mara's Life where she is chartering new grounds, learning how to be a Bossy Pants, and constantly making new life goals after ticking one after the next #LikeMirandaPriestly.

Teynks, Lyra, for my cute birthday caricature!

Guise, Lyra is an up-and-coming #trending kid's party stylist. HIRE HER.

Also, Arcade Hero Creatives, her husband. They're awesome.

They made this sweet poster for #ToastyUndies4ReliefPH.

Follow @maraisms on Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Instagram!
And please LIKE Avon Philippines on Facebook if you like me ;)

Tweet Treats from @AvonPH: Makeup Freebies at your Fingertips!

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 11:40:00 +0000

It's amazing how social media exploded and changed our lives forever. I know, it changed mine and it continues to do so - the recent one raising over PHP 17,000 and getting 1,000 Toasty Undies Donated because of a Twitter brigade Sheng and I initiated (will post updates soon!).

I get giddy whenever companies decide to go digital, including Avon Philippines on Facebook (we're gonna own it!), and as a special breaking out "O hai! We're on Twitter!"promo, Avon Philippines is giving tweets for treats this September!

How you may ask?

How to get the #AvonUCRBrillianceTweet Treats in 3 Easy Steps

STEP 1: Wait for tweet treats from Avon Philippines' official Twitter Account (@AvonPH) and their Beauty Ambassadors - Anne Curtis, Shamcey Supsup, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Angel Locsin, and Sarah Lahbati.

HINT: Anne and Shamcey already tweeted ;)

STEP 2: Bring a printout of those tweets (one will do!) or show your mobile phone with the tweet treat at Avon Branches nationwide.

STEP 3: Get a free beauty product (fragrance or makeup worth P199) when you purchase Anne and Shamcey's latest lipstick from Avon - the Avon Ultra Color Rich Brilliance Lipstick for only P199!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-Avon Ladies enter the Avon branches?
Of course! Avon Ladies and branch staff will welcome you with open arms. Just show them the tweet treats!

Can I give the printout to my Avon Lady and let her claim the freebie for me?
Definitely! Just tell her you want to avail of the Avon UCR Brilliance Tweet Treat and give her a printout of the official tweets!

Can I get as many lipsticks as I want?
Why not? You or your Avon Lady can go to the Avon branch everyday until September 29 and avail of the promo. Just remember: Show the tweet, buy the UCR Brilliance for P199, get the freebie (fragrance or makeup items valued at P199!)

Can I show retweets (RTs) from other Twitter users?
As much as Avon appreciates RTs and mentions (WE LOVE THEM! I should know c: ), to manage claiming of tweet treats, you should bring printouts or show tweet treats from @AvonPH or the Beauty Endorsers.

What if I don't have a Twitter account?
No worries. @AvonPH's and our Beauty Ambassadors' tweets are free for all! You don't need a Twitter account to view them. BUT I recommend you get one now so you don't miss out on future tweet treats. Oh yes, there will be more ;)

What's the official hashtag?

#AvonUCRBrilliance
Don't forget to mention @AvonPH!

Easy, right? So, if I were you, I'd get those fingers clicking and those printers ready (if you don't have a smart phone).

Lezzgo, Lipstick Monsters!

Follow @maraisms on Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Instagram!
And please LIKE Avon Philippines on Facebook if you like me ;)

Full disclosure: I am an Avon Associate and I work for Avon Philippines.

A Quarter Life Crisis Grocery List aka Birthday Wish List

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 01:31:00 +0000

Made you look! Yes, in a perfect world, Darren Criss is waiting for me in a diner, with our dog, for coffee.

There was a time in my life when I did not know what to do with money that I saved it all. That was the time in my life when all I asked for my birthday were non-sensical hisptery things like

A card.

If we're close, don't mail it.
I don't want the Philippine Postal Service to lose it.

A breakfast meal from McDonald's.

With the giver, of course
Or you can just hand it to me

and the likes because I quote myself:

"Every year, I have been posting a wish list, hoping that somebody out there would give me at least one of the things I want. I've kept things simple, with hopes that people will love me enough to pick me a breakfast from McDonald's; they don't. And the world's smallest violin plays the saddest song for me. This year, I am breaking out and listing the things I plan to buy for myself. I am just glad that I am in a stage of my life where I can get almost all the things I want for myself. Still hoping for that condo unit at the Fort, Secret Santa!

This is called empowerment, people. There's a fine line between aiming for the stars and wanting a Krispy Kreme doughnut."

maraisms.livejournal.com, September 14, 2008.

Ah, Young Mara. There are so many things I want to warn you about. But yet, I cannot (referencing Dwight Schrute from The Office like it's 2008!)

I stopped making birthday wish lists a few years back because I’d like to tell myself that I am now an empowered woman who doesn’t wish for things; I get shit done. So consider this my Quarter Life Crisis Grocery list also known as The Birthday Wish List.

1. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Moisturizer.

DISCLAIMER: I am a beauty fiend first, PR practitioner second, and probably entertainer third. So, whatever beauty product I put on my wish list is because I use it personally. I do not recommend products I do not use.

And with that out of the way, let me tell you how I adore this moisturizer: It was love at first try. I got a 30 mL starter tube and it lasted me a whole year and a half since it doesn't take a lot to get a baby's bum-soft skin in the morning. Its gel-like formula makes it non-greasy and easily absorbed by the skin. If you're having a bad skin day, week, or life, just start with the Clinique 3-Step Skincare Program and finish it with this sucker, and boom! Instant Ganda Lang Card (Natural Beauty Card) in the morning.

2. Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream

I got another sample size of this product when I bought a full size of Clinique's Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer. See the pattern here? Sampling works! I still have a 30 mL tube and I'm afraid I'll run out. I love it so much, I want to hoard units and units of it.

I've been on the hunt for a great exfoliating cleanser for years now (not over exaggerating!) and I've tried oatmeal, to organic, to what have you's. This is the only product tough enough to get rid of the build up on the sides of my nose yet gentle enough to not dry my cheeks. This product and me? We're a match made in Once A Blackhead-Ridden Teen's Heaven.

3. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Milk.

Just because I want to shake things up in my vanity cabinet. Also, my makeup cleansing milk is about to run out. For beauty fiends, it's the best time of the year: when you use up a bottle and you're itching to try a new product. Consider this my itch that needs scratching.

4. A Kate Spade Check Holder

So I can issue checks like a baws!

5. A Kate Spade folio

Self explanatory. To cradle my soon-to-be purchased 32 GB 3G WiFi iPad into perfection.

Choices are as follows:

Would look great with my bag.

But I think I'd go for this Kate Spade Composition Notebook iPad Folio because

Sheng and Zhorai won't allow me to get the Marc by Marc Jacobs folio. They say it looks hideous.

So there ya go. My Empowered Quarter Life Crisis Grocery List aka Birthday Wish List. I do not expect anyone to get me anything from this list, or for The Universe to magically grant what is on this list. Hey, it took me 2 years to finally receive Haruki Murakami's After the Quake, which is just P200 if you think about it. So, no. Not expecting a lot from you guys.

But if you would be so inclined to indulge me, I still want these non-sensical hipstery stuff.

P.S., I already got the condo ;) #DreamBig

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And please LIKE Avon Philippines on Facebook if you like me ;)

Like Avon Philippines on Facebook and Get 1 Avon Product from Mara!

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 10:22:00 +0000

You heard it right!

If you've been following me on Twitter, you know I've been begging for Facebook Likes for Avon Philippines like there's no tomorrow!

You see, as Web Editor, it's my FULL-ON GOAL to get the Avon Philippines Facebook page to 200,00 LIKES! We're currently on 25,300 and we're lagggging!

That is why we're giving away an iPad to an Associate (or Avon Employee) who can get the most number of people to LIKE the page! I'm running the contest, so I can't win the iPad, but I want your LIKES!

So what do I do? I'll be giving away 1 Avon Product from my stash for every LIKE!

Just use this Facebook app!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you don't know how to use this app, just click READ MORE

STEP 1: Log in with your Facebook account. Do not use your email. You have to LOG IN to your Facebook account to LIKE the page, or else it won't count!

STEP 2: If you already like the page, the Like button will be grayed out. Click I'm a Fan! to continue.

STEP 3: Click What is the name of the Avon Associate who referred you to the Avon Philippines Facebook page? Then you think about the Awesome Person who will give you an Avon product!

STEP 4: Type in my Awesome Name - Mara Ruiz.

REMEMBER: Neither YOU nor I can't win the iPad. BUT you can get an Avon Product from me :) So please LIKE the Avon Philippines Facebook page!

Hong Kong Phooey! Day 3: The Happiest Place on Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:30:00 +0000

It really was. And for a time, I didn't want to leave.
It's one of those places that you just throw caution to the wind and never care if you spend P300 pesos on a scrunchie.
It was a place where time stood still, and I was all at the same time in Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Fantasy.

I will definitely go back and soon.

All aboard the Disney Train!

Just follow the excessive branding!

Not my most flattering photo, but if you feel no Danger with this Stranger, please follow me on Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Instagram!
And please LIKE Avon Philippines on Facebook if you like me ;)

Zhorai is happy to be here.

There was a graduation ceremony! Oh to graduate in Disney!

Wails!

Wanted to learn how to draw, but the lessons were in Chinese -_-

Zhorai made a friend.

And they sat together like two behaved little girls.

Who's the fairest

of them

all?

Tinkerbell is hot!

#ToastyUndies4ReliefPH: Underwear Drive to Raise 1,000 Avon Underwear for SW Monsoon Victims!

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 09:07:00 +0000


Hola to our friends from Arcade Hero Creatives for this nifty poster! Please feel free to tweet, blog about, post on Facebook, or Instagram this DAWESOME poster!

Simply put: Sheng and I together with our friends from Avon Philippines are raising funds to buy quality Avon knickers (panties, drawers, bloomers, skivvies) for those displaced by the floods.

We donate the basics like food, water, and medicine, but we're taking our cue from Rock Ed and chose to donate underwear, make that QUALITY UNDERWEAR from the No. 1 Intimate Apparel Brand in the Philippines - Avon! Hygiene is also a necessity, and this is usually overlooked in evacuation centers. Hey, nobody donates underwear these days, expecially when you're giving used clothes, diba? So why scrimp on the skivvies?

We will be purchasing the undies at a special rate so whatever amount you share will go a looooooooong way!

Drop me a line if you want to pledge any amount!

Here are ways to donate:

1. Email me at mara@maraisms.com / mararuiz@gmail.com (will probably be the fastest way that I can respond)
2. Tweet me via Twitter @maraisms
3. Leave a comment on this post!

So I can get back to you with bank account details, drop by your cube (if you're an Associate!), or know where you live (if you're a relative or friend!)

As of August 10, we've raised about P9,000! All donations will be fully accounted for and *with fingers crossed* if our awesome company decides to donate the knickers, we'll allocate it to other goods!

So, what are you waiting for, guys? If you've ever had a bad night that you had to use Side A and Side B, I am sure you'll be compelled to donate! Go na!

As seen on GMA News Online.

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And please LIKE Avon Philippines on Facebook if you like me ;)

How I Wore My Avon Fashions Essential Cowl Neck Dress in Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 08:25:00 +0000

A lot has been said about the Little Black Dress or the LBD. Some say it's overrated; some say it's boring. Me, I'm an advocate. I have a handful of LBDs in different cuts for different purposes. Believe me when I say Trends Come and Go but Basics are Forever! and an LBD is one of those basics that your wardrobe should never go without.

So here's my latest LBD, the Avon Fashions Essential Cowl Neck Dress (P899), that our friends from the Avon Fashions Apparel gave for some of the Avon Associates to wear. I wasted no time in packing it for my trip to Singapore last July (more about the Great Singapore Sale 2012!).

Full disclosure: I am an Avon Associate and the item was given to me to wear.

You know when you travel you plan the clothes that you'll be bringing based on fashionability? I am so totally like that! Of course, purpose second. But we were going to Marina Bay Sands that day, one of the poshest shopping malls in Singapore, and we didn't want to look like dirtbags. LOL!

Even with an LBD, I wanted to look casual and not too dressed up. So I wore my Wayfarers, Melissa flats, and a Marc by Marc Jacobs shopper's bag. Useless fact: My MBMJ shopper's bag has done a pilgrimage! My friend bought it for me in Singapore and it made its way back for this trip. Wala Lungs.

Here's my fuma-fashion blogger pose. Actually, NO. Zhorai told me to stop posing like it was my day off and this was my best effort. Don't you just love it how an accessory can change the whole look of your outfit? Switched to my oversized MBMJ sunglasses here because the Wayfarers are too dark. Brume-Breakfast at Tiffany's lang ang peg dito.

And there you go! If you want your own Avon Fashions Essential Cowl Neck Dress check out the latest Trendy Multiples Brochure and let your Avon Lady know what you want! The brochure also has some essential fashion basics like white tees, convertible cardigans, and black foldable flats that you can wear and style any which way you want!

Next post, I'll show you how I rocked those purple jeggings! I know, I know. Jeggings and they're purple, but I might surprise you with how I wore it ;)

Don't have an Avon Lady yet? Call 864-2900 and we'll connect you to one!

Also visit www.avon.com.ph for more info on our great products or LIKE us on Facebook / FOLLOW us on Twitter for more tips on how to style your Trendy Multiples.

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And please LIKE Avon Philippines on Facebook if you like me ;)

'New Girl' is my new 'The Office'

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 01:30:00 +0000

When New Girl first came out, I hated it. I thought Zooey Deschanel was being too quirky to the point that it's retarded. The ensemble cast is not just working for me. The idea that Summer from (500 Days of Summer) looked like she OD-ed on her meds to become Jess Day in New Girl is an alien concept that my mind refuses to accept. For me, New Girl is best explained in one of the reviews that I read about Zooey before: It's Zooey Deschanel playing Zooey Deschanel. And when did the term adorkable became socially acceptable?

But things change.

Thanks to Star World doing a back-to-back episodes of New Girl every Wednesday and me being friendless in the city and at home on Wednesdays, the said events snowballed and made me change my mind about the show. I saw bits and pieces of New Girl in a span of two weeks and my mind was completely blown!

How did I miss this? How did I miss the awesomeness of Schmidt's Leisurewear Mono? Of Wilson singing Defying Gravity (I die!)? Of the angst that is Cece/Schmidt and Jess/Nick? Of "I'm a sexual snowflake. Each night with me is a unique experience"? Of how everyone seemed to be shouting at everyone? Of Fancy Man? Of how everyone really is just an adolescent trying to grow up, as aptly and eloquently told by The Atlantis in The End of Adorkable: "New Girl" Grows Up.

I'm not saying New Girl is the best comedy around. I'm saying ~~it's the best comedy ever!~~ it's my new The Office.

You see, The Office and I had a long history of me being awkward because I crack The Office jokes that no one gets, of me trying to convince everyone to watch The Office (I am thankful that Z has finally caught up), of me live write-blogging episodes, having asked relatives to have The Office merch flown all the way from the US to my doorstep, and of me basically spazzing over it. It was real and obsessive.

I'm not yet into the of The Office proportions level of commitment to this show. Come on, the merch are not even that cool, but consider this my fair warning that this might get real.

So whatchadoin?

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What's inside my bag

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 09:37:00 +0000

What's Inside My Bag posts are a dime a dozen nowadays, but admit it: There's a tiny bit of stalkers inside all of us that wants to know what's inside other people's bags. So, here I am to indulge your inner voyeurs.

What's inside anyone's bag reflects a lot of the person's personality - what her choices of products are, what she deems important to carry around, and I would even go as far as saying what her level of confidence is.

There's a part in the book Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes that hits close to home when it comes to internalizing what to put inside my bag (because as you can see, I DO NOT PACK LIGHT). Towards the end of the book, heroin Clodagh took her credit cards and IDs and threw her bag, with her entire house inside, into the river. Her bag symbolizes all her neuroses and issues sinking down into the river - including her first aid kit that she used to always have ready for her mom.

I sooo want to do the same thing (sans throwing of bag into the river) and just carry MILK - money, IDs, lipstick, keys - inside my bag but the least I can do is take this matter online for you to help me decide. So, let's go.

What's Inside My Bag

1. A Planner.

Standard-issue Starbucks 2012 Planner that I got after guzzling my weight in coffee last December. Helpful for keeping tabs of appointments and to-do lists. In the digital age, I still find myself jotting down what I need to do on paper and having my digital devices remind me of them. You can't really set an alarm to paper reminders, so a planner works best in conjunction with all my gadgets/

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs oversized shades.

For No Makeup Days, Too Hungover to Go To Work Days, My Allergies Made My Eyes Blow Up to the Size of Small Tomatoes Days, and The Sun Is Scorching But I Want To Have Lunch Outside So I Am Going to Wear My Glasses While I Eat Like A Douche Days.

3. Rayban Wayfarers.

Why I carry two types of shades around? This one has a darker tint and is the type of sunglasses that doesn't show your eyes. So same purpose as #2 and I Want To Feel Like A Celebrity Days. Best used when driving.

4. My Point and Shoot Camera.

Self explanatory.

5. Company ID and Money Envelope for Bills

6. Wet Tissues.

7. Avon Little Red Dress and Little Black Dress Purse Concentrate + Lipsticks + Holy Toilet Seat + Cleene Alcohol.

Instead of carrying atomizers that tends to spill, I carry Avon's Purse Concentrates. Basically they're perfumes in roll-oll-deo form. Neat and compact.

Everyone should have Holy Toilet Seat + Alcohol in their bags. Seriously. They're life savers.

8. Wallet.

9. A wristlet to put my money, iphone, and cellphone for coffee runs. PLUS because I am an old aging, woman, a pill box for my aching joints and allergies.

10. A hair clamp, keys, and my fave lip balm - EOS in Honey dew.

11. A bag of tricks!

Seriously, it's a bag where I keep random things like a USB stick, headphones, a rosary, spy camera, etc.

12. Clinique's Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer and a hand cream.

Because a girl can't have enough SPF and hand cream.

13. Goody Hairbrush

14. Makeup Bag

Which is a whole different bag on its own.

So there you go. Feel free to speculate what kind of psychosis lurks inside my bag.

What about you? What's inside YOUR bag?

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10 Tips and Tricks to Live a Green Lifestyle

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Tue, 08 May 2012 04:13:00 +0000

Source

I may be ~~one day~~ weeks too late for the party, but it's not stopping me from celebrating one of the best women in the planet - Mother Earth! I'm the most eco-conscious person around, but I do have my fair share of looking out for Mother Nature. Anyway, if you're like me who's ~~a day~~ weeks behind but would still like to live a Green Lifestyle, here are really simple and doable tips that you can do at home, work, and, yes, in the tradition of my POC days, fashion!

At work

1. Organize a recycling group.

We did a Post-Earth Day celebration here at work, and each floor had to do something that abides to the 5 R's of Avon's Hello Green Tomorrow campaign - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink, Replant.

Folks from the 7th Floor did a Rethink the Green and Gorgeous Way by putting out a box of old samples with items that were free to take away for everyone. Now that's what you call Recyclable Fashion.

Eight floor associates Reduced their Paper and Styro Consumption by feeding all their photocopiers with used paper and by carrying reusable mugs instead of styro cups.

Our floor at the 10th is having a Used Paper Drive in which the department with the most used paper collected will get a special treat from their floor's Green Captain! And guess who's the floor's Green Captain is?

You can make it fun and exciting, and not really straight to the point RECYCLING.

2. Turn off computers, laptops, printers, photocopiers before going home.

Did you know that there's another type of vampire that's as harmless to the environment as it is to virginal girls? It's called vampire power or parasitic energy. It's "small bits of energy that continually flow through the plug and up the cord even though your appliance or doodad may be turned off." It's ever present in appliances and gadgets that are turned off but not unplugged. Vampire power continually sucks energy from outlets which causes the continuous consumption of energy, which in turn produces greenhouse gases (if I got my science right!).

So it's not really enough to turn off your your appliances and gadgets, you have to unplug. Here are the top 10 items that you can unplug at home and at work. Isama na natin ang chargers!

3. Recognize and compliment good green behavior at work.

It's really a challenge to get everyone at work to live a Green Lifestyle. I know I am having challenges. People are busy with work, and it may seem intrusive and too tasking to ask people to recycle, but it's not called a lifestyle if you don't weave in these green behaviors to your employees. Here's a smart tip from one of my co-employees:

"See how many pages each user is printing. List the 20 users with the least amount of documents printed for the month and recognize these employees. Over time, this will change the behavior as the users will reduce the number of pages printed. Reward users that have cut down on their printing significantly with a prize."

Cool, right?

At home and in life

4. Be conscious of the life cycle of the things you throw away

Source

Here's an interesting way to look at recycling: When you throw away something, anything - a plastic bag, a styrofoam cup - you're not really conscious of where and for how long that piece of trash stays on the face of the earth. You just get rid of it and then forget about it.

It's all about instant gratification for most of us - we consume something then we throw it away. To put things (and your garbage) in perspective, here's the life cycle of our common garbage:

Just so you have an idea of how long it takes for your garbage to decompose:

Paper- 2.5 months
Cigarette Butt - 10 to12 years
Plastic bag- 10 to 20 years
Disposable diaper - 75 years
Tin can - 100 years
Styrofoam- NEVER. They're immortal, like Edward.

See? Those are days, weeks, months of your lives that you will never get back!

With that being said:

5. Reuse everything!

Glass bottles, plastic bags, papers, books, clothes, tires, everything! Here's a list of 50 more items that you can reuse at home.

6. Make it a habit to carry an eco bag.

Avon's Hello Green Tomorrow 2012 Reusable Shopping Bag

Most designs are foldable anyway, so it won't take too much space in your bag. Saves you the hassle of carrying too many plastic bags when shopping and they're reusable!

I'm an eco bag/reusable bag fiend and I carry one or two in bag always. My favorite brands are, of course, Avon's Hello Green Tomorrow bag (can carry up to 10 kilos!), Beansprout because it's water resistant (I've had coffee spill inside this bag and it never leaked), and Envirosax because of the very eye-catching designs (it's water resistant, tew!)

Here's my Envirosax lunchbag. Photo from Instagram.

7. Don't be a douche: Just bin it!

Singapore got it right: JUST BIN IT.

But in our case where there are not so many "bins" around, JUST PUT IT IN YOUR POCKET, you douche!

Eating a candy but there's no trash can to put the wrapper in?
JUST PUT IT IN YOUR POCKET, you douche!

Got hungry, you order siopao from Hen Lin, no bins in sight?
JUST PUT IT IN YOUR POCKET, you douche!

Paid your bus ticket. What the hell do you do with a 1x1 piece of paper?
JUST PUT IT IN YOUR POCKET, you douche!

Well, my copy could use a little improvement, but you get the point, right?

JUST PUT IT IN YOUR POCKET, you douche!

In Fashion and Beauty

8. Buy thrifted.

Shopping is a very wasteful industry and probably one of the industries with the most carbon footprint produced. Your It bag will be tomorrow's sale bin item and Spring/Summer 2012 clothes will be, what, outdated in 3 months time.

The Philippines may not as fashion conscious when it comes to seasons (we only DO have 2 seasons anyway), but some countries are. Why do you think the ukay industry boomed all of a sudden?

When you buy ukay, think of it not as being penniless and cheap and dirt poor. Think of it as saving Mother Earth! Yan ang tinatawag na re-imagining!.

9. If you can't beat 'em, ask your local government to beat them to a pulp!

You won't believe how proud I am when the SM Grocery bagger asked if I had a bag and I was able to say "Yes." It was Wednesday at that time and Makati's No Plastic Wednesdays was in effect. The woman behind me was so irate because she had to pay for her plastic bag (Tip 3: Recognize and Reward Good Green Behavior!).

Muntinlupa and Bacoor also have No-Plastic Laws enacted in their municipalities and I couldn't be happier! They may just be cashing in on the Green Revolution trend, but whatever their intentions are, at least Green Behavior is already taking place.

Write to your local government if you want to have the same No Plastic Policies in your town or city. Letter writing campaigns, signature campaigns, even Twitter works. So go do it!

10. If you want organic, then BUY organic!

I'm not going into a debate of When Is An Organic Product Really Organic, but if you want more organic products in your shelves, then patronize brands when they make an attempt to launch such products. You may not know it, but Mass Production Is King when it comes to fashion and beauty. And sometimes, going organic takes money and lots of effort. So when Zara comes out with Organic T-shirts and you cry "foul!" because of the exorbitant prices, think about it: How much are you willing to spend for organic products? Right now, the organic route is still a niche market. If companies see a clamor for an organic line, then they will produce it.

You see, it doesn't need much effort to live a Green Lifestyle. All it takes a little bit of re-adjusting your habits and being conscious of our actions. Ano ba naman na magdala ka ng re-usable bag or consciously wag mag litter diba?

How about you? What steps are you doing to live a Green Lifestyle?

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How to travel with your jewelry in style: Avon Style Essentials

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:04:00 +0000

I'm alive!!! I may have missed last week with my one-blog-entry-a-week challenge, but I hope my epic Seven Churches Visitation Parts 1 and 2 entries will make up for it. Try nyo, guys! Madami akong nilagay na trivia.

Anyway, life and work life have been really exciting lately. Work had me involved in new and exciting product launches and a handful of programs for associates, customers, and Avon ladies happening in a few months, and for outside of work, I have trips planned - both with my friends and my family - making me closer to achieving my quarter goals. Yay! And of course, travel means packing light, which I must admit I am not very good at.

Good thing the company I work for understands that summer means travel and travel means keeping your things together as you jet set to your destination. Thank goodness that Avon came up with a line of travel items with the Avon Style Essentials line. Of course, being an Avon Associate, aside from getting first dibs on the best Avon products (watch out for my entry about our latest lipstick), I also get a generous employee discount. I just had take advantage of this deal and I ended up ordering A LOT. Let me share one of my purchases.

Is it a pencil case? A brush set? Ano na!!!?

Wait for it!

(O hai there, foot!)

Tadah!

Avon Style Essentials Jewelry Roll (P199)

It holds watches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and what have yous.

The best part? It rolls neatly into a small purse no bigger than a normal brush set roll.

Oh, need I mention that it's in hot pink with hot pink zebra accents?

Here's my favorite part of the Jewelry Roll - it has a leather strip with holes that can hold up to 12 sets of earrings. No more missing pieces and you get everything in place.

As you can see, my accessories collection is not as adventurous or as extravagant as others'. I like to keep it simple with a few accent pieces (cocktail rings) and some staple pieces (a simple silver necklace, some pearls, a casual watch). I see accessories as sort of fadish, so if it's not a something that I can wear everyday or a real gold or silver piece, then there's no use having it in my collection.

But if I had to go trendy (and you know a girl can't resist sometimes), there's always Avon! Good thing Avon offers both classic and up-to-trend accessories that you don't have overthink about; the accessories go almost with everything. Doesn't tarnish, too! We do offer a 6-month no-tarnish warranty, but the pieces I have with me are almost a year old now, and they still look good as new. To think I'm acidic pa ha!

Anyway, if you want the Jewelry Roll (if you travel a lot or if you just want to have your accessories organized like I do) then call your Avon Lady now!

Don't have one? Call 864-2900 and we'll connect you with one!

Also visit www.avon.com.ph for more info on our great products or LIKE us on Facebook / FOLLOW us on Twitter for more tips on how to travel in style.

How about you? How do you keep your jewelry organized when traveling?

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noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:09:00 +0000

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We’re Pilgrims in an Unholy Land: Visita Iglesia (Seven Churches Visitation) with the Ruiz-Castro Confederation Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 03:03:00 +0000

Here are churches 5 to 7 of our epic Seven Churches Visitation.

Also, I already disabled Google Connect, so please follow my blog with Bloglovin

Diocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, Naic, Cavite

If churches were to be assigned genders, I'd say the Diocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary would be female. It has a small yet beautiful garden at the side which our family took advantage of for photos.

Jude Thaddeus Parish Church, Trece Martires City, Cavite

Our second-to-the-last church was not a pilgrimage church but it was a great one nonetheless. The parishioners were offering free brewed Barako coffee, which I think is from Amadeo, Cavite, the coffee capital of the Philippines. If it wasn't so hot that day, I would've gladly accepted a cup.

We finally have depth of field in our photos! Been testing my father's DSLR and been looking like a dbag with shades on while I took photos in churches.

We took a quick lunch break at Chowking on our way to our last church. Here's my father and my niece showing off their teeth. My niece just lost her front milk tooth a few weeks ago.

Immaculate Conception Church, Dasmarinas, Cavite

We were pooped by the time we arrived at our last church, so we just said our own prayers and went on with our way. Outside the church, we saw this curious car that begged to be ridiculed. Behold:

The tackiest car ever made!

So there you go. Seven churches for our Visita Iglesia. Cavite is an expansive province, and I am glad that we had this opportunity to explore it through its churches. Being one of the provinces close to Manila, then's capital during the Spanish occupation, Cavite retained most of the history and the sensibilities of our colonizers. All these are very evident in our religion, architecture, and practices.

I wish I could've shared more information about the churches and their history, but alas, information is limited on the web. Till our next Ruiz-Castro Confederation Family Adventure, and I hope you take this time to reflect and re-energize!

How about you? Have you visited any churches for Holy Week? Any family traditions for Lent and Easter?

We’re Pilgrims in an Unholy Land: Visita Iglesia (Seven Churches Visitation) with the Ruiz-Castro Confederation Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:40:00 +0000

My mother, being the devoted Catholic that she is, has been taking us to church pilgrimage trips every time we visit a new province. Her first question right after we arrive at a new place would always be “I wonder how their church looks like.” I, my brother, and my father, being the not-so devout Catholics that we are, would always indulge her and take her to the church before anything else. I even remember having to travel to Cagayan, having to wake up at 5 AM, having to ride a van for six hours, just to visit a miraculous dark-skinned statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And yes, all because of my mother’s devotion.

So it’s no surprise that we do another pilgrimage trip this Holy Week. The last time I joined my family for a Visita Iglesia, or a Seven Churches Visitation, was some two or three years ago, and I must admit that my mother outdid herself this time.

With the help of my brother (I suppose), my mother came prepared with a list of the pilgrimage churches, or churches that pilgrims or travelers go to gain indulgence or forgiveness of sins. It’s an alien concept to modern Christians now, but what do you have to lose when you get to take road trips, learn about history, and experience great architecture?

Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, Imus, Cavite

Our first stop was our home diocese, the Imus Cathedral, Our Lady of the Pillar Parish. I don’t know much about the church, aside from the cathedral being the mother church of our parish, the Sto. Nino de Molino Parish.

My mother had one task for me: take pictures of the façade and the aisle of all the churches we visit.

Here’s my lovely mother catching the light on her photo.

St. Mary Magdalene Church, Kawit, Cavite

Here’s an interesting fact about the St. Mary Magdalene Church of Kawit: because the town of Kawit used to be frequented by Spanish marines, the town quickly became a red light district. To get rid of the town’s bad reputation, Manila Archbishop Miguel Garcia Serrano ordered for St. Mary Magdalene to be the town’s patron saint. I think it’s funny and crazy at the same time, but if it’s Wiki-confirmed, then it must be true!

We weren’t able to see the miraculous Mary Magdalene statue that has a distinct mole because all of the statues were covered. The mole, according to legend, distinguishes her from Mary, mother of Jesus, and the mole or mark was supposed to be Jesus’ thumb mark when he touched her during his resurrection.

You know you’re in Kawit when you see the iconic Aguinaldo Shrine, home of the Philippines’ first president and where the Philippine independence was declared in 1898.

Dambana ng Mahal na Birhen ng Soledad De Porta Vaga, Cavite City, Cavite

The Altar of Our Lady of Solitude of Vaga Gate, loosely translated, is the most massive and grandiose church that we’ve visited during this trip. It is rightfully so because this is the home of the Nuestra Senora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga, the patroness of the province of Cavite.

The interior is still under repair, but I assume it would be very magnificent once it’s finished.

I remember the Blessed Mother through stories passed on during homilies and Christian Living classes when I was younger. But it is just today that I learned about the real story of her miraculous statue and how it is the oldest dated Marian painting in the Philippines. She is revered and loved by all Cavitenos that even Julian Felipe, composer of the Philippine National Anthem, wrote a song for her called "Reina de Cavite," a song that I remember hearing during town fiestas.

This dude’s got my back. He’s my homeboy.

Quick ice cream break.

Holy Cross Parish Church, Tanza, Cavite

We almost got lost looking for this church because our GPS said “Holy Cross” while locals kept calling it Santa Cruz. That was until my mother realized in a split second that Santa Cruz means, well duh!, Holy Cross.

I’m not sure if this is a Caviteno practice, but outside the church, there were these particularly shaped candles that you light up to bless your family. I remember offering the same type of candles in Dasmarinas before and it’s surprising to see them here in Tanza as well.

We lit two sets for my family and for my niece’s. Her baby sister was born a few days ago so we lit one for her as well.

Call me superstitious, but the last time I offered candles for my family in Manaoag, we were spared from Ondoy. Also, probably because we live in a fairly high place. But superstition or not, it doesn’t hurt to believe.

Stay tuned for the next four churches that we’ve visited!

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"Happy Hunger Games!" - Thoughts on what seemingly was a "happy" Hunger Games

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:30:00 +0000

This movie needs no introduction, but if you really need to know, it's the first movie adaptation of Suzanne Collins' famous Hunger Games trilogy. Every year, as a penance to the rebellion, each district of the post-modern war North America called Panem offers a Tribute - one girl and one boy - to the Hunger Games, a televised bloody fight till the end until one emerged and crowned the Victor. Much like Battle Royale but on TV. So much like Survivor minus the killing. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark had the burden of being District 12's Tributes, leaving behind their families, their friends, their personalities, and the lives they know of behind.

It's a movie of dichotomy, a Nineteen Eighty Four for Young Adults, of, ok sige na nga, a seemingly tragic love story. Whichever way you look at it, The Hunger Games seems like it will never have a happy ending. But it did. For now at least.

Watching this movie can make one leave the theaters questioning humanity's morality. Is it right to send our children to pay for the sins of their parents? When will it ever be acceptable to feign love, the highest of emotions, for survival? How far would you go to play The Game? Those are the types of questions I would've expected people to be asking. But it seems as if the movie failed to draw these certain inquisitiveness on people who've seen it. Not generalizing, but mostly. Getting off my high horse now.

The visuals completely complement the emotions that one is supposed to associate and feel while watching the movie. Perfect examples are the snapshots of District 12 in Hunger Games era during the opening scenes - it's dismal, the colors are pale, the people are hungry and aging. Then comes Katniss and Gale, the robust and promising youth of District 12, doing an act of silent rebellion as they venture into the lush outside jungle of their district. The jungle reminds viewers that outside the fences of District 12 lies hope, promise, and, probably, freedom. Then comes the scene at the Capitol. Everyone looks absurd in their costumes, just like how the book described it to be. It is opulent but never sophisticated. It seems like everything is a farce and the costumes made it more obvious that Katniss and Peeta are there to put on the show. Every scene sets the stage for the next one.

There's no doubt that visually it is stunning. The colors, the tight shots, and first person point of view set the tone for the series. I never really appreciated the vertiginous camera movements, but my friend Z pointed out that this was to show how Katniss sees The Game, how her change of smile and enthusiasm towards the end is all part of how she plays the Hunger Games.

And, oh, there's no need for more Jennifer Lawrence adulation in this post. You are preaching to the choir. She nailed the part. I am more wary about Josh Hutcherson playing Peeta, but now I am convinced that he's Peeta. Having a non-A list, non-stunner of an actor play the part is a good move. Besides, Peeta has his own insecurities to deal with and this type of acting will never shine through if you cast another blonde actor for this part.

Lenny Kravitz as Cinna is also a revelation. I thought he is going to go the parlor gay route, but he was sleek, he was compassionate, and you'd actually believe that he knows fashion. Hey, he's Lenny Kravitz! One of the sexiest musicians on earth, so he must know what he's doing.

*Wails!* Fave scene!

Woody Harrelson as Haymitch was also refreshing. I must admit, when I put on my casting director hat while reading the books, I had Johnny Depp in mind (I know, I know). Never did I read Haymitch's character as sullen as Woody Harrelson played him.

I couldn't care less about Elizabeth Banks playing Effie Trinket. For me she's just a younger, less creepy version of Dolores Umbridge.

Even if it seems that everyone I know loves The Hunger Games, there's one thing that I find lacking: It did not scare me. It did not give me the shivers the way the books had me flipping through each page, eagerly anticipating what will happen to the characters, hoping they come out of it alive. Sure, people died. Rue died, and we see a wishy-washy version of what I together with thousands of others cried buckets of tears for in the book.

This movie's pitfalls are largely attributed to Mr. Ross' shortcomings for having directed mostly inspirational fluff. And Ross' previous work experience was passed on to this movie when it glimmered more Hope than it's supposed to be. But let's not put the sole burden on the guy. Suzanne Collins did have a hand in the script.

The movie is great, but it's not the best. But for solely going beyond than what I expected, I give this movie enough validation to anyone who would care.

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Avon Philippines empowers women with International Women's Day 2012 celebrations

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:34:00 +0000

Avon Philippines made it a point to own International Women's Day (IWD 2012) this year. Being THE Company for Women, who better to honor THE celebration for women than us?

To be quite honest, I was really proud of how our team tied up the activities and how we got all aspects of IWD 2012 covered. We offered discounts to our millions of Avon Ladies nationwide (good job, Mars Limlengco!), we had fun IWD raffles in all branches (Holler to all out friends in Sales & Sales Support), and at the Head Office, we had special IWD 2012 booths on all the Avon floors of our building in Makati.

Our group was in charge of the Head Office activities, and modesty aside, I really love how each booth and each activity was coherent to the key message of what Avon is all about - EMPOWERMENT.

For 126 years, Avon has been empowering women all over the world through amazing earning opportunities, through causes that champion women's welfare, and through affordable yet quality beauty products. So to make our head office IWD 2012 event engaging yet relevant, I ran away with the EMPOWERMENT theme.

Empowerment through BEAUTY!

A woman's inner beauty is best enhanced when there is passion to look your best. Empower yourself with Avon's best beauty products.

And how did we do it?

What's the use of a beauty company if there are no free beauty touch ups?

It's not everyday that you get a free makeover, so this is really a treat for all our Associates (that's Avon's empowered employees for you!) Being in the beauty industry, blogging about it, one might think that it's just for vanity's sake. But if you really think about it, beauty empowers. Makeup empowers! As I've said, not all size 14 girls may look good in size 0 fashion, but makeup equalizes everyone. So to have this beauty station as part of our celebration is both symbolic (if you may allow it) and fun at the same time. Won't you agree?

Empowerment through SELF-EXPRESSION!

Who says beauty cannot last forever? Capture this beautiful moment with a free photo session and be empowered to express the real you.

May nangunguna! Well, Ching was the one in charge of all the merchandising materials (backdrop, tables, beauty stations), so hayaan na natin!


At the Photo Booth.

We were lucky enough to partner with the BEST consumer electronics company (IMHO) for this year's IWD 2012. Magtataka pa ba kayo if there's a VAIO laptop there? *Sony Philippines* was so kind enough to send their best VAIO laptops, Alpha DSLRs, and some other awesome stuff.
Really love this photo of one of Ces, one of our Associates from Operations. Truly captures one of the essences of being a woman, right?

Empowerment through FUN!

With all the roles you play, as a woman, you deserve to have fun! Unleash your passion for play and enjoy this day that celebrates YOU.

Sony Philippines also came with their Bravia Internet TVs to give our Associates a different web surfing experience. Of course Avon Philippines' Facebook page has to be front and center!

We also didn't forget about the boys. Sony Philippines also brought with them a set of PS3s with NBA games for them (sorry if I cannot completely elaborate. I'm a girl! What do you expect?).

My friends are such good actors.

Empowerment through SPEAKING OUT!

A strong woman is a woman who Speaks Out - about her beliefs, about her rights, about her opinions. Empower yourself to Speak Out as you learn the discipline of self-defense and share your accountability to raise awareness against domestic violence.

Of course, at the core of our IWD 2012 celebration is our cause to empower women to Speak Out Against Domestic Violence. To enlighten our Associates about our plight to eliminate gender-based violence, we set up a special booth where they can buy this year's fundraising item, the Empowerment Circle of Support Necklace. The necklace features the infinity symbol, which in Avon's Speak Out Against Domestic Violence campaign represents lives with unlimited potential when free from violence.With every necklace sold, P20 will go to our NGO partners who will accept calls from victims of domestic violence - both men and women. What's best is that it goes well with everything you wear, literally fashion with a cause, don't you think?

Wouldn't want to be that guy who got kicked in the groin. Haha!

We also gave our Associates a more active way of speaking out by inviting Krav Maga experts to give us some demonstrations.That's Bjorn (blonde dude) from Krav Maga Philippines showing the essence of Krav Maga - defend, counter attack, run away.

Bjorn also said that based from studies, those who resist violence recovers easily from those who do not. So if you get held up and you took the risk to defend yourself, at the event that you survive the attack, you are more likely to easily get over the trauma. Speaking Out pays off, but of course this is a case-to-case basis. This is the lesson that Krav Maga wants to teach - know how to defend yourself, counter attack (because what's the use of defending yourself if your assailant keeps attacking?), then flee - basically the fight or flight instinct that is innate in all of us. Pretty neat, huh?

Empowerment through HEALTH!

No beauty is wealth without health. As a woman, you put on different hats - as a mother, a daughter, a sister, a wife. With the different roles you play, different people look up to you.
You are accountable for your body and your health. Empower yourself with good health with a free bone density scan and a free breast consultation, continuing Avon’s commitment to
Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer.

Lastly, we empowered our Associates with health as we gave them free breast exams to show how we are In It to End It! Breast cancer, that is. Breast cancer is an issue close to women because most of this disease's victims are women (although men can also get it). We always try to give away free breast exams - our Avon Representatives can get one anytime at our Breast Cancer Center in PGH - because really, early detection is better than cure.

It was a day of empowerment, fun, and back-breaking effort if I must say so myself. But I came out of this event appreciating the company I work for - the company for women! - and the work we do for women. Can't wait to do this again next year!

How about you? How did you celebrate your womanhood for IWD 2012?

The Ides of March (Also, My 2012 Life Goals)

noreply@blogger.com (Mara Ruiz) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Last year, I made a few inane goals and started (and later abandoned) a 30-day blog challenge. I would've wanted to do the same and make a recap of my 2011 (which happened like a blur to be quite honest), but I just got lazy.

I really feel bad about not remembering much of 2011 because for the most part, it has been good to me. I started 2011 with such fear but in the end it turned out to be the year of the Great Sprint. From having the year of the Great Lull (2009) to the year of the Great Push (2010), 2011 got me running around breathless and dizzy and all at the same time ecstatic.

March will be gone and over, and just like that, the first quarter of 2012 is already done. I may be too late for a 2012 Resolutions List and year-end entry, but I think it's never too late establish my quarterly Life Goals. Hey, goals are meant to be reviewed and recalibrated, right? So here's what I resolve for 2012's second quarter.

1. Blog more often. I know, I know. How many times have I revived and resuscitated this blog only to die off a few times? But you see, I just took a break from one of my part-time writing jobs and my one-woman social media team has expanded! So I hope I can get more down time and actually get the time to write.

2. Know the reason why I want to blog. In case you haven't noticed, my blog is in transition yet again. Earlier in maraisms.com's lifetime, I was writing more personal and introspective stuff. Then I went makeup crazy. Then for some time, it was all about my life and times as a budget sea farer. Now it has gone full circle and I am back into writing about random events in my life again. I am still in the process of how I want to "brand" myself, but I will certainly not be a niche blogger. I still want to keep it personal and keep it about me. So I hope you stick around and help me discover my voice on the Internet.

3. Schedule, plan, and finally be able to go to an out-of-the-country trip with my family. I've been out and about with my friends for the past 3 years only to realize that I haven't travelled with my family since 2008! That has got to change soon. Was so close to booking a Hong Kong trip for June but the Ruiz-Castro Confederation's CEO (Pop) is still getting clearance from the CFO (Mama). Talks to go to Macau and Palawan are also still ongoing. Exciting!

4. Read at least one book per month. I've been trying since I can remember, and it's really difficult for me to find a book that I can really sink my teeth into. Ah, technology. What have you done to me? But I digress. This is still a goal I still see worth aiming for. Oh, in case you're wondering, I am two books behind schedule.

5. Get to watch 112 movies for 2012! Impossible? I think not! I am also going to push the envelope and make mini reviews on Tumblr like what I did for the first few months of 2011's Movie Challenge!

6. Finally finish writing about my trips and get on with life! I still have Hong Kong Disneyland to talk about and my Singapore, Take 3! Trip that I want to share with all of you, if you'll let me :)