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I have new babies for my makeup kit. You know me. I’m a very thrift shopper but at the same time, I make sure that the quality won’t be suffering. I will also be making reviews for these products so that you'll know if it is a "yey" or a "ney" to me for the final verdict.

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The Wet N Wild Color Icon Brow and Eyeliner in Black was sent by my good ‘ol beauty blogger friend, Fashiometics (http://fashiometics.wordpress.com). She recommended this liner and, well, I trust her lots. If she says it is good, it really is. I would be posting a review soon so that I can tell you guys what I think.

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The Marionnaud Latex Sponges in Oval Shape only costs PHP 69.00 and there is like already two pieces. The Marionnaud sponge is soft but it’s not the soft type which easily tears and breaks out as per how I felt it upon touching. I will make a review about this as well.

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Last stuff I had is the Watsons Soothing Lipbalm in Raspberry. It says that it has sunscreen protection but no indication of spf content. So far, as per my observation, it is colourless and odourless. It is 4g and costs PHP 65.00. It is from Watsons so I don’t have any problem with the quality. I will also be posting a review about it soon.

You can share in the comment section below your own new add-ons in your makeup kit. Till next blog post, everyone!

 
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The trio :)
May 22, 2011 (Sunday) was the only available date of my cousin, Ate Honey. Ate Honey came home for a short vacation here in the Philippines; so we wasted no time and made ourselves available for this night.

The Fort is kind of a ghost town on a Sunday night; but it doesn’t really matter because we are just after each other’s company. It was me, Ate Honey and Ate Sheila who were present that night. 

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Ate Sheila (L) and Ate Honey (R)
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Froooozen Margarita <3
We ended up at Toyz Bar and just ordered frozen margarita while enjoying sisig and calamares. We caught up with each other’s lives and just enjoyed the night. We went out to the streets to take some funny pictures of ourselves since there were like almost no vehicles passing by.

The night out with my cousins was a lot of fun and I really love them to bits! Till next bonding girls!
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Ate Honey
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Gelleesh ;)
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Ate Sheila
 
May 21, 2011 – This was my first BDJ Rendezvous and I was super excited to attend this event and meet new friends. Now, the date has arrived. The rendezvous was at the newly built Ace Water Spa in Pioneer and I have attended and super enjoyed the day. What happened you ask?

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With the very cool Jazz Mendiola (host of the BDJ Rendezvous)
Freelance Makeup artist Jasmine Mendiola hosted the event. I super love her style today. It was kind of like a care-free boho chic look and her makeup is so fab. It looked glamorous and calm at the same time.

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Belinda Reyes (GlaxoSmithKline Philippines)
First to speak was Ma. Belinda Reyes from GlaxoSmithKline Philippines; she talked about how to reach success in the corporate world. Below are some of the things she shared which I love the most:

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In this first talk, I have learned that spending you extra well-earned money to something which will make you happy isn’t all that bad. I remembered once again the quote I got from Femalenetwork.com: “You don’t live to work; you work to live.”

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Raffle! I got in to the first batch of raffle winner and I got goodies from Watsons Philippines! How the F did they know that Watsons is my sin place? I got a GrapeBella Revitalizing Shower Gel, Watsons Velvety Soft Tissues and the Lorys Deep Moisturizing Hair Cream.

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After the raffle, we had games! There was this human bingo, this apple thingy which you have to keep between you and your partner’s face, the fashionista or something-like-that-game and the group game wherein the leader would have to memorize the names and adjectives by the members; BTW, I am GLAMOROUS GEL. Sadly, our group (Team Ohlala!) did not win; but what’s important is that we did have fun right?

Next would be lunch. There was this chicken recipe with coleslaw, a mini club house, a mini tuna burger and spaghetti with olives. It was red iced tea for drinks right? I didn’t taste it well.

Anyway, after our lunch, we had another game which was organized by Strip. Strip is a waxing salon which boasts its very expert waxing specialist and special waxing formula which will be less painful than those normal waxing. 

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I won a shirt from them by bringing a camera in front and stripping a hair from the hotness ever body of their male model (LOL).

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Next up for the talk was Jill Ngo Crisologo who is a belly dancer guru here in the Philippines and owns her own dance studio, Peak Performance Dance Studio. This was actually the most inspiring talk of the day. I learned that giving up shouldn’t be an option if you have the passion for the thing that you’re doing and you can see that you’re good at it. Don’t let anyone and anything stop you from reaching your goal and never be afraid to pursue it even if no one is by your side. She was a fun and very inspiring speaker.

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Last to give a talk was Bianca Valerio, Lifestyle Network’s F.A.S.H (Fashion and Style Hub) host. She gave everyone tips on how to look good, what hair, makeup and even nail color suits a particular skin tone and as per her words and all, the summary of her talk, in my own opinion is, “No one is perfect and beautiful in other people’s eyes; but that is not an excuse to not be on your best and look good.” I so love your tips Bianca!

I got a lot of freebies and discount coupons! Do you want proof? 
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I made new friends and even met old high school mates who are active BDJ members! Oh Belle de Jour, please make another event like this. I enjoyed this so much and I appreciate the effort you have put in this rendezvous. Continue inspiring more women!

Till next post Bellas! ;)

 
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Image Source: zellesercanadashoponline.com
Shopping online has been one of the alternatives a lot of people do nowadays because (1) it sometimes is cheaper to shop at online stores and (02) it is definitely hassle free. I am one of those guilty ones who love doing online shopping because of the aforementioned reasons; however we cannot deny the fact that there are a lot of scammers who will pretend as online shops to only take your money. So for all of those who love shopping online, here are my tips on how to avoid those unwanted scammers:

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Image Source: allglammedup.weebly.com
1. Ask For Proofs

It is the customer’s right to assure that the online seller is legit. Ask for shipping proofs or positive feedbacks from previous customers. This way, you would know that the seller has already transacted with other people.

2. Meet-up

Some online sellers offer meet-ups but often times, they have a handling fee amount. It is sometimes better if you could meet the seller on the first transaction so you would really know him/her personally. Sometimes it is more comfortable to transact with people whom you have personally met.

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Image Source: caslab.com
3. Payment Method Choice

For your first transaction with a seller, it is better if they could offer you a payment method via depositing in a bank account. This way, you could really secure that the person whom you would be sending the money is a real person. There is no problem with other payment methods like Moneygram, LBC, Gcash, etc.; but it is better if in the first transaction, at least, do a bank account payment method just to assure things. ID’s can be faked; but if worse comes to worse, bank accounts can be traced.

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Image Source: beautyhype.com
4. Do Your Research

This is not about taking your money; but one time I saw an online shop claiming that what they’re selling are authentic MAC cosmetics; however, the case of the lipstick itself is obviously fake and with a P250 would you expect it to be original? I was really disappointed with that online shop. I respect, however, those online shops who admit to selling replicas. At least, their customers will not be misled when buying from them.

5. Pre-Loved Limitations

When shopping for pre-loved it is best if you ask the seller for any damages even if it is little and if how many times the item was used. It is just right that you know the present situation of the item you would be purchasing.

Never, in under any circumstances, buy pre-loved cosmetics. This is very unhygienic. I would rather suggest you buy cheaper but brand new cosmetics (as long as you don’t have sensitive skin) rather than buying branded but used cosmetics. Yes, there are some online shops selling pre-loved cosmetics and I really do discourage this. They may say that they don’t have any major skin diseases or whatsoever; but sharing cosmetics with other people can give you their acnes, warts and other minor skin issues they have and again, that is VERY UNHYGIENIC.

I hope my tips helped you in safely shopping online. If you have any additions and other suggestions, please feel free to comment or message me. I would appreciate it and will also give you proper credit. ;)

 
If you do not know what the hype about the Obando Festival is, then you aren’t probably a Filipino (LOL). The Obando Festival’s schedule for celebration is May 17 – 19, 2011. The Obando Festival or more popularly known as the Obando Fertility Rites is when people from all around the country (even from different parts of the world) go to when they wish for a husband, a wife or most specifically a child.

I have graduated elementary and high school at the parochial school in Obando (Colegio de San Pascual Baylon), but I haven’t completely attended the festival rites. This is because of two reasons: (1) it’s celebrated during school vacation, (2) I’m originally from Valenzuela. Still, this is not enough excuse, I am very much aware. I’m like in my early 20’s now and I still haven’t been to a single Obando Festival. Shame on me! So, for this year, I decided to visit Obando with my mom and two sisters. Literally, visit. Okay, maybe next year I might go full time on this festival but I’m really very busy these past few days. I’ll TRY next year, promise! (See how the word “try” is emphasized? LOL)

So here is what pushed us more to visit Obando: Ma’am Annie, my most favourite high school teacher whom I loved so much, invited the whole family for dinner (May 17, 2011). We went and before heading to Ma’am Annie’s abode, we first stopped by to the Obando church for a quick prayer and visit.

The patio was full of food carts, fast food chain mobiles, people selling flowers, candles shaped in a man and a woman and of course, what is a festival without the “tiangge.” Intentionally, I did not bring my wallet because I don’t want to be tempted to buy even those small cute stuffs. I am saving up and every peso is important!

Next year I’m planning on doing a full day-to-day coverage of the Obando festival. That is the plan. I am now going to find a way on how I could do that. Or at least the highlight of the day’s event, will that do?

PM or comment me your suggestions! It will be very well appreciated.

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Facade of the Obando Church
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Crowd in front of the church
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Church Entrance
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The Patio is filled with foooood! :D
 
In the Philippines, a child gets to, normally, celebrate a grand birthday party at his 1st and 7th birthday. These parties are usually celebrated at the top fast food chains, restaurants or house parties complete with clowns and magicians. One of the very popular (now almost becoming a tradition) way of celebrating the party is through a Birthday party package at Jollibee.

Jollibee is a local fast food chain in the Philippines known for their Langhap sarap fried chicken and Filipino style spaghetti. If you’re a Filipino, you have got to admit that these are your two favourite dishes from the said fast food chain.

The party package at Jollibbee is complete with food, cake, mascot, games, prizes, loot bags and an energetic host. I have once celebrated a birthday party at Jollibee and it is for my 7th birthday party.

I didn’t get to take pictures about the party itself because I was too busy talking with my cousin and even joining the adult (I hate how they call it. I'm still young!) games. Our group actually won! I got a Jollibee ruler and a cute wiggling lady bug  pencil.

A Filipino’s childhood won’t be very much complete without a Jollibee birthday party. Did you celebrate yours there or at another fast food chains? 

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Younger sister, Czai, enjoying her Jollibee hat ;)
 
The Watsons 3-Day Sale started May 13 and it’s until the 15th only. Watsons is like my sin city. I couldn’t resist not buying anything once my eyes spot a Watsons store.

After work, I passed by Watsons Araneta Square branch in Monumento. Before closing, I immediately went in and checked out some of the items they have on sale. I actually ended up buying the following:

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(1)    Wish Nail Care Kit – (3) Nail polishes, (1) Toe nail separator and (1) Nail brush = PHP 79.00

(1)    Wish Nail Care Kit – (1) Foot Blush, (1) Cuticle remover, (1) Nail Polish remover, (1) Nail filer, (1) Small nail clipper and (1) Nail pusher = PHP 79.00

(1)    Wish Pressed Powder in Beige = PHP 69.00

(1)    Caronia Fast Dry Top-Coat = PHP 49.00


Shopping Galore at Watsons while on sale:

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Good deal huh? There are still tons of stuffs on sale there and you get freebies if you reach PHP 1,500 worth of items purchased. Not bad. So go ahead and visit the nearest Watsons store near you. You’d get addicted to it too as much as I am now. I don’t mind being lured inside, once again, tomorrow. 

*The Watsons pictures are from my camphone so they're kind of crappy, sorry.  ;)

 
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There have a lot of unexpected twists and turns in this 2nd season of Glee; but the most shocking of all is the announced soon-to-be DEATH of someone from Glee. Yes, folks, someone will die on the next episode of Glee. I know for a fact that you have now been running names on your mind and assessing who would it be; but I don’t know if you can get it right since according to Matthew Morrison’s interview with E! : “Somebody’s dying... It’s no one you would expect.”

So, if we expect someone we least expected would the least expected be the most expected? Don’t bother answering that. It will only drive you nuts. I’m just intentionally confusing you.

According to TV Line’s Michael Ausiello the character is “beloved” and “will rock the world of one of Mckinley’s own.”

Now do you have your crystal ball predictions up already? I’m so dying (figuratively) to know who it would be. I have my own guess but I think I’d keep it on my own so as to not influence other people’s guesses and just to play with your minds.

After this week’s dramatic Prom Queen Episode, another sure tear jerker will come our way.

So, if you want to share your thoughts you are very much welcome to post your comments for your predictions and assumptions. Let’s all figure it out together fellow Gleeks! ;)

Source: wetpaint.com; spoilersguide.com

 
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Max's restaurant launches its Summer Takeout Treat! The Takeout Treat consists of (1) Regular Whole Max's Fried Chicken, (1) Regular Pancit Canton, (1) Max's Giant Halo-Halo, (1) 1.5 Liters of Pepsi and (4) Cups of Rice. The whole package costs PHP 999.00 only and is already food for 4 people. Great deal huh?


You know what's a better deal? It is their Max's Summer Takeout Treat Facebook Tagging Promo! Okay, so I'm not getting paid to do this and only doing this to inform my readers. I want you all to enjoy the good things in life and be informed. I also joined this promo just to test my luck since this is a random thing.

Details for the promo/contest is at the picture above and it ends on May 16, 2011. So go on Like Max's Restaurant on Facebook and tag, tag, TAG! ;)
 
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This May 07, 2011 the whole fam went to 8 Waves Resort and Hotel at San Rafael, Bulacan. It was a very fun bonding with my family but I accidentally left my cam's memory card at home. I am just so stupid. The pictures I have used in this blog is those uploaded by my Ninang Joy. Thanks ninang, you're so great! Haha!

We've had so much fun with our kulitan at the pool and Papa (Ninong Nelson, Mum's brother) treated us lunch. One whole Chicken and Lechong Kawali per family. Define super glutton -- gelleesh. 

The only prob we had is that some of the pools were occasionally closed because of the company outings done at 8 Waves. The Shaded Bubble pool was opened an hour before lunch, the Wave pool isn't appealing to me anymore and the Noah's Arc Kiddie pool was closed because of a company's program.

Other than some of the very minor glitches, we had a superbly great time! 
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On the way home, we stopped by McDonald's and Starbucks at NLEX (North Luzon Express Way) for our dinner. After that, the rain poured so hard which made going home a tough ride for all of us as mom cannot see the road clearly. We had to read the signs and tell mom about it or else we won't be able to exit where we need to; but of course, we got home safe and just in the nick of time, the rain stopped. Funny.

I hope we get more bondings like this. I really had fun.





P.S. Happy Birthday Papa! ;)