Care for Your Skin

I know I haven't posted in a while, it's because something exciting is coming up soon!  I will keep you posted about this and I do hope you will continue to support me in this new endeavor of mine :) In the meantime, I would like to share with you a not-so-new-discovery of mine:

For more than 260 years, the first thermal spring facility in Avène continues to treat patients with atopic dermatities, eczema, psoriasis and burns. Now, in the 21st century, it has expanded its facility via skin caring products that have been made available worldwide.

Two product lines that my family loves are the sun care and whitening ranges. I know, opposite collections, right? But for us, Filipinos, who love the sand and the sun; we need the best sun care protection to keep our skin cancer-free and looking young. We don't want our skin to age faster with wrinkled skin caused by sun exposure, don't you agree? As complementary to this sun care line, the whitening line that will help us even out our sun spots, blemishes and scars.

Laboratoires Dermatologiques Avène has long had their sun care line, but they recently added The SunSitive protection® FORMULA INNOVATION, which combines high-performance and high-tolerance photo-protective complex with a powerful anti-oxidant for cellular protection and Avène Thermal Spring Water for its soothing qualities. All 100% photostable, they are all paraben-free, and best of all, highly water resistant. Try their Very High Protection Emulsion 50+ and Very High Protection Mineral Cream 50+, both are very light in texture and can blend well on to our skin.

To support your sun care line (more so during the off-summer season), why don't you try Avène's whitening range? The line boasts of myrtle extract that prevents melanin production and regulates skin pigmentation. It also has Ascorbyl Glucoside, otherwise known as Vitamin C, that controls the source of skin pigmentation. It's also known to repair skin cells that are damaged by ultraviolet rays. Frequent usage reduces cell damage and promotes collagen synthesis to give firmer skin. Now, that's double duty action - whitens and firms!!!

Now, it might be a bit confusing which variant to use so here are some tips:

Avène Sensitive White Whitening Lotion is best for all skin types.

Avène Sensitive White Fluid is for normal to combination skin types, and is recommended to treat discoloration and best used to prevent brown spots from forming.

Avène Sensitive White Cream is for those with dry skin, which has she butter for extra hydration.

Avène Sensitive White Whitening Essense is a serum that's perfect for skin with dark and age spots. It gives a matte finish that's great for day wear.

And the best news? Selected products of Avène are at special half-price offers, for a limited time only. So, visit selected Mercury Drug outlets soon to get good deals from one of the best skin care brands. Like its account on Facebook at AvenePhilippines and follow @AvenePH for more details and updates.

Can't Wait for Tiesto

This is so a last minute decision - good thing, we were still able to get tickets to the Tiesto show this Thursday. I hope to see you there also, as we enjoy his music mixes that brings back the late '90s and early 2000s :D

For a quick refresher, read on to find out more about DJ Tiesto,and why we can't wait for Thursday ;)

“Beautiful World”, “Sweet Things”, “Elements of Life”, “I Will Be Here”, “Silence”, “Work Hard Play Hard” and “We Own the Night”. These are just some of the world-smash hits created by Grammy Nominee, legendary Dutch musician and record producer of Electronic Dance Music, and world – renowned professional DJ, Tiesto.

Tijs Michiel Verwest, more popularly known as Tiesto, began his DJ career by playing mostly New Beat and House Music in small clubs in his hometown in Breda, Netherlands. Tiesto then rose to popularity in the early 2000s after his performance at the Live at Innercity: Amsterdam RAI party, and the release of his first solo album entitled In My Memory. Since then, the Dutch musician has been making and producing award-winning Electronic Dance Music (EDM) hits and albums, holding concert tours and parties all over the world, and receiving countless recognition for his music. One of Tiesto’s albums, Elements of Life, took the number one spot on the Dutch album chart and on Billboard Top Electronic Albums in the US, and was awarded Best Electronic Dance Album in 2008. One of Tiesto’s most notable performances, on the other hand, was at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, making him the very first DJ to play live on stage at an Olympic event. The legendary EDM record producer was also the very first DJ to rank #1 in the Top 100 DJs list by DJ Magazine for 3 consecutive years. He also received the Best International DJ award in 2008 at the DJ Awards, and earned other titles such as The #1 DJ of 2008 and The Best DJ of All Time, both given by Mixmag magazine; The 40^th Greatest Dutch Citizen of All Time and Officer of the Order of Orange – Nassau by the Dutch Royalty in 2003; and International Dance4Life Ambassador in 2006.

With a well-proven track record, there’s no doubt that Tiesto is one of most sought-after EDM DJs in the world. In fact, in the Philippines alone, Tiesto has played his tracks in front of his fans – the country’s hottest clubbers, EDM enthusiasts and personalities in two of the biggest and hippest dance arenas last 2008 and 2009. On October 3, 2013, Tiesto will be coming back to Manila for his very first concert party at the Big Dome as World Wide Womb, Ovation Productions, Driven Manila, and Republiq present Tiesto Live in Manila, with the fastest-rising, most exciting female Australian DJ, Tigerlily as special guest.

Tickets to Tiesto Live in Manila are now available at Ticketnet. For more information, visit www.ticketnet.com.ph, World Wide Womb and Republiq on Facebook. For VIP tables, please call +639175508888.

Tiesto Live in Manila is a World Wide Womb, Ovation Productions, Driven Manila and Republiq production. 

Black and White Affair

Samsung Metrowear Icon, together with The Lifestyle Network, celebrated Rajo Laurel’s birthday and 20^th anniversary via a fashion show held last May 21, Sunday.  One of Philippines most loved designer, Laurel’s special bash at the Fairmont Hotel was filled with his loyal clientele, along with friends and colleagues who have been with him over the years. 

The hall was filled with guests in black and/or white gowns.  Most of them playing up these neutral shades with sheer fabrics and panels that gave a sexy and modern take to these classic colors.  Find out how Manila’s fashion set amplified these timeless hues:

Adrienne Ley loosened up with a kimono-type jacket with white piping.  Piled bejeweled cuffs added just the right accents to this sleek number.

Alice Dixon mixed shimmer, matte and sheer fabrics for an interesting play of textures.  Strategically-placed see-through panels showed off her fit and sexy figure.

Bianca Gonzales was in an angelic combination of white and pale gray.  The bandage top toughens up the look.

Georgina Wilson had fun with black by playing with different mediums.  The bead work on the bodice, and the iridescent quality of the feathers are great subtle effects.

Issa Litton was unconventionally classic in a lace cheongsam style gown with nude-colored lining.

Jessica Kienle updated the dominatrix look with an aubergine leather top.  Hair is styled in a sleek up ‘do to give a intense look.

Only Maricar de Mesa can pull off this netted tiered gown—definitely a scene-stealer, with taste.

Linda Ley played with overlap stripes and soft ruffles.  Her bold gold accents stood out over this pristine white gown.

Host for the night, Teresa Herrera, was in contrasting elements of bandage top and tulle skirt that was reminiscent of a tough ballet girl.

Tetta Ortiz Matera came in a powerful sleek suit.  The pops of white ruffled top and clutch added just the right complements to her outfit.

Solenn Heussaff’s voluminous bottom sweetened the dominatrix leather-paneled top.

Sexy black came in shimmer, sheer an cutouts via Divine Lee’s gown.  In photo, with Victor Basa.

Venisse Laurel-Hermano sexified the classic white polo by pairing it with a black serpentine-cut skirt.

Men in Suits

Borgy Manotoc perked it up with a colorful printed tie.

Dong Ronquillo sure knows his fashion.  He kept everything clean (not even wearing a tie) to highlight his gold accented lapel.

Tim Yap stayed true to his colorful persona in tinted splashes all over his white suit.

Joey Samson is the guru when it comes to casualizing formal men’s wear.  His draped bottom and striped belt gave off a relaxed vibe.

Patrick Ty, with Michealle Torres, played with plaid prints in monochromatic hues.

Rhett Eala came in different shades of gray, as seen in his tie, suit and pants.

We’re loving Ivar Aseron’s quirky rendition of formal—collared polo under a shirt-style suit.

Jing Monis picked a slim tie for this black-tie affair.

Joseph Marco’s shiny tie and lapel stood out when matched with this matte suit.

*Metrowear Icon: Rajo Laurel is co-presented by Samsung and Tag Heuer. The event is for the benefit of the advocacies of the Lopez Group Foundation. 

Shape It Up

The genuine art of corset-making is known by only a handful in our country, even less appreciated.  Mention the word to the younger generation and they think it’s just another fashion piece.

But to those who got married, and to those who gave birth, most of them would know about the benefits of wearing a corset:

(1) making you instantly look slimmer by taking off at least 2-3 inches from your waist

(2) helping you lose inches around your waist by wearing it everyday.   

Ask them where to have one made, and they will surely recommend “Betty’s.”

Working Piece: Gray Maxi

More often that not, when you're too busy thinking about work... you tend to grab the easiest clothing pieces to wear for work.  I try to avoid wearing the same clothes within a month or so, but opted to work with basics like this gray maxi.

About two weeks ago, I reincarnated this gray maxi, and paired it with pops of neon:

Divi Day

Hubby was busy last Saturday morning, so I was left with the boys at home.  I had to do some errands in Divisoria + grocery shopping, and JJ insisted on tagging along, so I brought him and the yaya with me.  It was his first Divi experience, and yaya and I held on to him tightly.

Along the way, he bought his own toys :)  Prices were really a steal, so I couldn't say NO to this little boy:

Chinese-version of Ninjago, P50 each

Sunday Birthday

This is a delayed post, been so busy with work that I wasn't able to upload this.  The other Sunday, hubby and I were godparents to Denise Ashley.  We brought the kids to the party proper and JJ had a great time there, while baby JP enjoyed the sweets and the colorful decor/balloons.

Metrowear Icon Outfit

Here's my last post on the Metrowear Icon event—my outfit post:

While waiting for my mom, I tried to take a photo of myself inside the hotel's restroom.

Nice attempt with the mirrored frames, but it didn't do my outfit justice hehe...

Happy Birthday Rajo!!!

I normally stay home with the family on a Sunday night, but last Sunday was different. I got two tickets to the Samsung Metrowear Icon Rajo Laurel, and it was just too good to pass up :)

F21 in SM Aura Part Deux

Here are some photos of the people behind Forever 21 :)  
The stylists (our visual merchandisers) who did the show: Abel and Jerina
Look for them when you go to the store, and get styled by these two fab girls!

Forever 21 Opens

Months of hard work finally paid off last weekend — my newest baby opened with a bang at SM Aura Premier.  I know everyone was talking about Sarah Jessica Parker and the mall, but I was just too busy preparing for my latest store.  Yes, I love my store too much to leave it and run to the press con to take a glimpse of SJP. Sigh!  There will be other opportunities.

But, moving on... May 16 and 17 were really busy days for the whole F21 team, so I hardly got to document everything :o  Here are a glimpse of what my life was like in those two days :)

MAY 16

Bright and early at SM Aura Premier

Crunch Time!

It's going to be a great week!!! See you all this Friday, May 17, as we open another fab store at the SM Aura Premier at The Fort!

See you :D

Shoes Ahoy!!!

I promised not to buy shoes earlier this year, until I came across three fabulous pairs of shoes on sale at the recent Forever 21 3-day-sale in SM Megamall.  How can you resist these shoes at 50% off? Valued at about P900 per pair, after discount!

Massage Blues

If political candidates are stressed over the May 13 elections, I am stressed over my next store opening set this May 16/17 :o  

It's the usual stress, so it's not something my team can't handle.  Stress is always part of life.  You just gotta go with the flow :)  Right now, I am dreaming of massages, which I will surely get to have after the store (Forever 21) opens :D

Luckily, hubby and I were able to squeeze a massage appointment last week at Ki by Neo Day Spa in Wilson St., Greenhills.  Neo Spa is one of my fave establishments. 

 

Be the Next Designer

This is Dan Matutina, holding his winning entry (that came to life) for Havaianas.  

 

You can be the next designer.  How? 

I am reposting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.  Here's hoping you'll win :D

Music and Style

The Mall of Asia Concert Grounds was the place to be at last April 27, Saturday, as tens of thousands flocked to the venue for the much-awaited CloseUp Summer Solstice. Finally, our very own Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festival!

From 4PM onwards, the 12-hour music festival was filled with compositions by both local and international artists such as Afrojack, Apster, Alex Gaudino, Cedrice Gervais, Cobra Starship, Dev, Jump Smokers, Sandwich, Sponge Cola and Urbandub. Of course, this first massive get-together for music and party lovers was made even more memorable with amazing lights and pyrotechnic visual explosions. Check out who made it to the hottest event and what they wore to the festivities:

BFF’s Stick Together

Camille Co glamorizes her “Jack Daniel’s” shirt by with a beaded mini. Kryz Uy keeps it casual with a cropped denim bustier, while Laureen Uy is in her signature neon pops.

Flower Power
Julia Barretto is all dainty in this floral number.

Ericka Villongco sweetens up her Aztec-printed skirt with touches of lace and pinks. She tops it off with a floral headpiece.

Erin Torrejon mixes feminine (black flowy skirt) and masculine (motorcycle boots) details for an edgy look.

Vern Enciso is a hippie flower girl that’s reminiscent of the ‘70s.

Show Off Those LegsBianca Manalo is boho-sexy in a crocheted top worn over her maillot.

Divine Lee’s black and white ensemble stood out with her picks of leather shorts and sheer top.

Michelle Madrigal is all pumped up in black peep-toe booties.

Phoemela Baranda wears this season’s hottest shorts --- with peek-a-boo pockets!

Rissa Mananquil-Trillo’s scuba-inspired top shows that she’s ready to dance the night away.

Sanya Smith (with John Lloyd Cruz) goes for a fringe top and cycling shorts + short denim combo.

Nicole Anderson celebrates the evening with bright pieces that went well with the festive night.

Neutral Ladies
Both super models Apples Aberin and Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales are in dresses with classic cuts and hues. Thong flats are their footwear of choice for the night-long affair.

Singer Dev picks a black tunic dress as her canvass to highlight her bright colored accents, and red lips!

*Published last May 3, Friday, in Manila Bulletin Lifestyle Fashion section.