It's all about the Honey

I refuse to think that I have the flair for the dramatic but the waterworks are almost as inevitable as drinking coffee in the morning. Yesterday, I was flipping through the remote and saw Honey playing in HBO, at least the latter part of it. I've loved this movie ever since it was released. Being a frustrated dancer like moi, I was really fascinated by the rad moves of the very hot Jessica Alba. At the end of the movie, the kids did this beautiful dance. It was hip, it was cool, but most of all, it really touched my heart, hence, the waterworks. I remember hearing this song for the first time. I immediately downloaded it and became a staple in my "in my room only" performances. (Yes, I'm one of those girls who dance in my room and sing in the shower.haha) Back then, it was just a nice song to me with an awesome beat. When I heard it yesterday, I realized how appropriate the lyrics seem. The hope in the words would uplift anyone's spirit and would definitely encourage any broken soul.

It's by Yolanda Adams who does, mostly, gospel songs. It's really beautiful and worth sharing! ;)

They said you wouldn`t make it so far ah ahhh

And ever since they said it its been hard

But never mind the nights you had to cry

Cause you would never let it go inside

You work real hard and you know exactly what you want and need so believe

And you can never give up

You can reach your goals

Just talk to your soul and say

I believe i can (i can)

I believe i will (i will)

I believe i`ll know my dreams are real (my dreams are real)

I believe i`ll chant (oh yeah)

I believe i`ll dance (oh yeah)

I believe ill grow real soon (that`s why)

That is what i do believe

Your goals are just a thing in your soul aha

And you know that your moves will let them show

You keep creating pictures in your mind

So just believe they will come true in time

It will be fine leave all of your cares and stress behind and

Just let it go

Let the music flow inside

Forget all your pain and just start to believe

I believe i can (i can)

I believe i will (i will)

I believe i know my dreams are real (my dreams are real)

I believe i`ll chant (oh yeah)

I believe i`ll dance (oh yeah)

I believe ill grow real soon (that`s why)

That is what i do believe

Never mind (yeh) what people say

Hold your head high and turn away

With all my hopes and dreams

I will believe

Even though it seems it`s not for me

I won`t give up, i`ll keep it up

Looking to the sky

I will achieve on my knees

I will always believe

I believe i can

I believe i will

I believe i know all my dreams are real

I believe ill chant

I believe ill dance

I believe ill grow real soon

And that is what i do believe

Here comes the Globe!!!

If I'm being honest, I enjoy the pre-show/ red carpet more than the awards show itself mainly because you see the celebs in a more natural and relaxed light and (my favorite) they usually talk about their outfits. If the Globes were any indication of the 2012 fashion trends, then nude will be so in. If that's the case, then 2012 is really my year! I love earthy neutrals. I love my blacks, browns, grays and nudes. I think it's mainly because they allow me to play with my accessories and shoes. I can get as crazy as I can and it won't look over the top. But then again, color blocking is also quite a trend now, so it won't look so wrong to pile up my pastels.

Anyhow, since after an awards show, I usually browse through the gowns that celebs wore, why not make a countdown, right? I haven't appreciated the suits as much as I do the gowns, so for now, I'll be focusing on the ladies. ;)

10. Stacy Kiebler in Valentino.

What's better than dating George Clooney? Having a set of 40-inch pins and a rocking body. I suppose it's safe to say that this girl has it all. Put her in a sack and she'll probably look as gorgeous. Some girls talaga. tsk tsk

9. Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji.

Yes, thick ladies look amazing too!!! Hell yeah! What I love about this outfit is that it's very appropriate. It accents the good and hides the not so. Being a thick woman myself, I'm usually drawn to tops that hide my arms which this gown did in a beautiful way. It's also important to show as much neck as possible (ask Tyra Banks. I'm sure she'll agree.haha) because it somehow creates a lengthened illusion and a smaller face (because it eliminates the double chin). I love how the ruching meets at her torso and is accented by sparkly stones. I love how it accentuates her waist and her bust. And i looove the color.

8. Debra Messing and Paula Patton in none other than Monique Lhuillier.

Of course you have to love your own, right? But biases aside, the beauty of these Lhuilliers lie on the fact that it hugs in all the right places. It's not too tight at the lower portion (the sort which requires you to walk as if you're lotus feet), it looks pretty comfy (I reckon you can even wear flats underneath them ;)), yet it's very elegant. It's one of those that will look good if you wear bold pieces like the Van Cleef and Arpels turquoise necklace that Eva Mendez wore years back and yet it can also stand on it's own.

7. Elle "The Body" MacPherson in Zac Posen.

I might be biased because I'm in love this this silhouette (Coco Rocha's Wedding Gown by Zac Posen and Giselle Bundchen's red Alexander McQueen are just some of those that I adore!!!), but there's something about this photo that gravitates you to it. It might be her smile or the simplicity of her ensemble... she's simply breath-taking.

6. Viola Davies in Pucci.

I am a sucker for the Grecian concept. I love the ruching, the one-shouldered tops, the flowy ethereal aura, the braids, the sheerness of it - everything. If my friend Shens didn't use it as her wedding concept, I would've done mine in absolute Grecian gloriousness with matching pillars.haha So it's not a shock when I took notice of this Pucci number. The neckline is perfect as it shows her collar bones (which I so desperately want) while the slit is just right. The belt on her mid area accentuates her waist while the flowy fabric on the left side gives sort of a comfy glamour feel to it. The shoes.. well, the shoes. Imma get me one of those!haha

5. Claire Danes in J. Mendel.

If you were to believe the rumors before (i.e. the bad stuff that she's saying about our dear Philippines), hating her should be pretty reasonable. And then she married the hot Mr. Dancy, which made the hating sky-rocket to new levels. I've never been her fan but when I saw her wearing this black and white madness while accepting her award, I somehow mellowed. It's simple, in general, but the little details made it so spectacular. And the back... how can you not love the back?

4. Nicole Kidman in Versace.

Except for the Stella McCartney one-shouldered printed dress, Nicole Kidman is pretty much a fashion 10. Well she is a 10. She's statuesque, her skin is gorgeous and she doesn't seem to get any older. The red Balenciaga gown with a huge bow that she wore at the 2008 Oscars made me vow to get a lipo on my double chin so I could wear something like that...one day!haha During the Globes, she looks so fresh. Not a hint of worry in her face which I suppose is the reason why she looks young. Whatever it is, it's working for her.

3. Charlize Theron in Dior.

If I were made to choose top three people, dead or alive, that I'd love to play dress-up with, Charlize Theron would easily make my list. Charge it to her mile-long legs or her insanely beautiful features (girl crush alert), but she just does red carpets effortlessly. She doesn't seem to try, at all. It's as if she just woke up, put on a dress, tied her hair, and voila - red carpet gorgeousness. It doesn't hurt that her acting chops won her an Oscar, too.

2. Emma Stone in Lanvin.

I love Emma Stone! Well, I've only seen her in Crazy, Stupid, Love (Easy A is next on my "to watch" list) and she was hilarious. Let's just say, I notice her whenever I'm not busy staring (more of ogling) at Ryan Gosling, which, I must say is just a minute fraction of the time. She seems to be Hollywood's new "it" girl and it's amazing how unassuming and grounded she seems. But back to the dress, I love how the fullness of the color of the dress is in contrast with her complexion. I love the subtle show of skin with the sheerness towards the bottom. I love her do. I love how she opted to wear minimal jewelry. I love how her piercing blue eyes became the perfect accessory to her whole outfit. See, I told you, I just love her!!!haha

1. Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Even though I constantly deny it (mainly because I'm on Team Jennifer), I'd have to admit that she looks stunning at the Globes. Well she does look stunning on several occasions (Have you seen the tourist? D-I-E)! She looks immaculate yet fierce. She took the "pop of color" rule to the next level. Brad Pitt, gazillions of money, adorable kids... hmp... you selfish woman!haha Kidding!

The runners-up:

Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham.

I've loved Jenny Packham since I saw the blue dress that Blair Waldorf wore during her rooftop party where she first met the Duchess Beaton. Then there's Kate Middleton who looks ravishing everytime she dons a Packham creation. This dress is just another proof of how talented Ms. Packham is. Kudos to Kate W. as well for picking this ensemble.

Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli.

I love Kate Beckinsale and I think she can do no wrong, at least fashion-wise. PERIOD.

Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka.

I think with a few alterations, this gown could fit women of any age. But I loved it this way on the Dame. She looked rather couture while presenting Morgan Freeman with the Cecile B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. She seems to be having fun in it, too.

Julie Bowen in Reem Acra.

I'd definitely choose this over the super tight outfit that Sofia Vergara wore. I love how her hair is so old Hollywood glam and she's got this super girly dress. I'm looking for a little pop of color though as it can seem a bit blunt after a few minutes of staring at it.

Ariel Winter and Sarah Hyland both in Dolce and Gabbana.

I chose these two for different reasons. For Sarah Hyland, I love the dress per se but she looks too young in it (though according to my research, she's 21. Well, she doesn't look her age. Lucky girl!). Ariel, on the other hand, looks adorable in this tea-length gown. She looks like the perfect tween.

Ever since I became a fan of the Rachel Zoe Project, I became more interested in awards shows and the distinct styles of every fashion house. Hence, I vow to flex my fashion muscles during the awards season and create a list like this for the SAG, Oscars, Grammy's, etc. Weeeeh, I'm loving this project.

XO

Photos courtesy of:

1. http://cdn.buzznet.com

2. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com

3. http://blog.jedroot.com

4. http://cdn02.cdnwp.celebuzz.com

5. http://static.becomegorgeous.com

6. http://karlasugar.net

7. http://www.usmagazine.com

Taiwan's contribution to mankind

DISCLAIMER: Please do not take the title seriously. I'm sure they have more significant contributions to mankind.

Late 2010, after my Master's class which I attended for 1 out of 3 hours on that Saturday morning, I texted my dear Royal Friend, Janina, and asked if she's free. After all, I was wearing a pretty cute outfit and it would go to waste if I just go home.haha

So she agreed to meet me on one condition, we're staying in the north. I said ok, then, off I was. Thanks to the MRT, I was there in no time. For lunch, we ate at Bubble Tea. I wasn't super familiar with the place hence I was apprehensive at first. It's a milk tea place!!! And since I hate tea and milk, I didn't think there'll be any difference if you mixed the two. So the ever so cautious me ordered a mango tea slush! Booooo, I know!

The closest, I'll ever get to drinking a tea - Circa 2010

Fast forward to mid 2011, this is when I became a convert, frequenting Teazzle which is at that time the only milk tea place near my office. Now, obviously, they sprouted everywhere! There's Serenitea in Burgos Circle, Cha time at the back of my office and Bubble Tea near Maybank.

THE CULPRIT.

So this latest craze is literally hitting the country by storm (no one can miss the long lines in each of these joints. Boo Yah Lotto! Now you've got yourself some competition in longest line.hahaha)! Last week, one of the Pinoy's fave tea place decided to give back to the loyal tea-lovers in a big way. How massive?? BUY ONE TAKE ONE. Uh-huh.

Well, not really because you can't pick your take one. It's just either Grass Jelly Milk Tea or Pearl Milk Tea in their own choice of how sweet or how much ice. But regardless, everyone came trouping in armed with their mile-long lists of pabili. One guy even has at least 12 drinks on his list! That's a lot of milk tea!!!

THE LINE. Tea-natics volt-in!

Needless to say, I was in line with my officemate Sarah for a good 30 or so minutes and was waiting for our little UFOs to vibrate for around that much time. (Except when I checked my phone, I saw a missed call from my boss that I came rushing back to the office in my high heels. Piece of cake considering I was already standing in the uneven grounds outside Cha Time in them. The things that people do for a free drink!haha)

IN THE NAME OF FREE.

Most of those in line had to wait for at least 30 minutes just for their orders to be taken.

THE HARDWORKING PINK RANGERS.

Since I've always been a Pearl Milk Tea girl, I thought of trying Choco Mousse.

It looks so yummy with the cream frothy goodness on top of it. Kuyang Ate from the cashier shyly described it as parang Cocoa Rock Salt and Cheese. Ah-ha!! It being my new choice of drink convinced me to try this choco-creamy yummyness. (It was yummy, alright, until all that's left is the cream on top of it. I felt as if I needed Lipitor from all cholesterol I just gobbled.)

Like all the fad that came before it, ahem, Pearl Shakes (though Zagu is still standing strong, ha!), frozen yogarts, ice monster... I can't help but think that, eventually, people will get sick of it and will move on to the next "it" thing whatever that may be. I do hope that in the not so near future, this fad would be something healthy and yet likeable enough to be as popular. In the day and age of chicken nuggets and Big Macs, it might be a must that something like such is created. Otherwise, we might be faced with the reality of obsessed little boys and girls who are absolutely cute and adorable but who'd be fighting for their lives.

It's time to do the dragon dance!!! ;)

Feng Shui doesn't have a success history with me. Well in fairness to it, the only time I tried it was when I raided the whole of Ongpin to find me the cheapest rose quartz there is. I was told one of my officemates found her "the one" after she religiously wore her love bracelet. But then again, I only wore my PHP150.00 version for a few months, even forgetting to wear it on some days.

courtesy of http://mysteries24.com/files/lib/600x350/thailand-new-year.jpg

When I passed by SM after work, I saw a legion of people peeking at something. From the second floor, it looks as if Piolo Pascual just made an appearance. The usi me decided to check it out. Lo and behold were 3 huge walls in red with 2 monstrous words written in gold - FENG SHUI. Since I was already there, why not check what the stars have in store for me for 2012, right?

Courtesy of http://mysteries24.com/files/lib/600x350/chineese-dragon.jpg

...and it reads: Excitement, joy and hard work are in store for the Tiger in 2012! Stress-related issues will no longer concern you, and it's all because of your changed attitude. You will focus an all aspects of your life, seeking to strike a balance in your finances, love life, career, and home. Money-wise things will stabilize as you pay off most of your debts with relief. In terms of love, the opposite sex will not be able to overlook your raw appeal, and you will meet someone special and move quickly in that relationship within a matter of months, most likely in April and May. February, March and April will be significant for Tigers and you can add to your luck by wearing green and yellow. The east and northeast directions will also bring you luck.

This really got me so excited. It feels as if I wrote this whole thing in my sleep. It's like every aspect that I want an improvement on will get better this year.

I've said in my previous post that 2012 has been a darling to me and I did so before I even read this prediction. If my gut feel is right and feng shui would be accurate this time around, 2012 might just be the year that I'll do a complete 360! I'm excited about the prospects and the doors that will open. I'm excited about the people I'll meet and the changes that I'll embrace. I can just feel it and smell it and taste it - 2012 is my year! I claim it!!

tears on your eyes, smile on your lips

I've always been a firm believer of prayer. I might have trust issues but praying calms me. Some prayers are answered in a heartbeat, most take time, but generally whether or not you get the answer that you want, you will always get the best ending. Eventually, you'll realize that things happened the way they did because in the grand scheme of things, it is contributing to something more massive than you could ever imagine.

Every night, I pray for several things. Some are prayers of gratitude, some are of apologies, but most are for favors. (Oo na, ginawa ko ng genie si God. But I don't think He minds because He's awesome like that. ;)) Some favors are mine, but some are for others mainly because I feel them--- I feel their frustration in one way or the other and I'm merely applying the golden rule. I suppose when the time comes that I'll feel as frustrated as they are, my good karma points would be enough to get me through the crap I'm in. There are times when I don't realize that my prayers were already answered. Maybe because I'm too busy with my life that the little miracles, I fail to see. It's sad, I know. But whenever I can actually comprehend with what's happening (because most of the time I'm pretty much in a state of lucid interval. parang PC ko lang.haha), I get jittery, mostly with disbelief since it rarely happens to me. It's almost as rare as seeing a rainbow or an eclipse, or some other natural phenomena that I always miss. Today is one of those rare days. I swear, this answered prayer is almost as sweet as my own victory. I'd like to think that there are hundreds of us praying for the same thing. And just like anything else in this universe, in God's perfect time, it will happen. Personally, the bliss did not just come from the fact that someone I know is insanely happy right now and I somehow contributed to it. It's more of, with all the craziness happening around me, negativity left and right, pressure more humongous than possibly the milky way galaxy, adjustments here and there - Someone mightier than anything in this world is still up there looking at us. And when the time comes, when His perfect time comes, you will get your heart's desire. I've always believed in this. But I guess you can somehow get lost along the way. This...today, He kind of gave me that loving tip on the head to remind me to just keep going and focus. That it won't be an easy ride, but it will be worth it.

I wish I can just scream the good news out loud. But it's not mine to tell. So I'll just end with this: to my dearest, you deserve it more than anyone in this world. I know that you will take care of this gift from God. I'm sure you're not aware of it, but you just made all of us believe in the power of prayers.

I started this day with a tweet: "#TodayIwill try to be positive..." And that's exactly what happened. Tomorrow, I shall try to attract good vibes once more, promise! ;)

Crazy Loubs

Just like any other girl in the world, I loooove my Louboutins... That is, if I actually have a hefty bank account that would allow me to buy 40 pairs of them at a time a la Blake Lively. But for mere mortals like moi, I prefer to gaze at them wishing that someday (my prince will come, er, not quite) I'll be able to devour on these fashion masterpieces. While checking stylebible.ph, I came across this red-soled cray cray creation. Since it's unarguable that girls love shoes and some once dreamed of being a ballerina (that is, when you were probably 6 years old, bored as hell during the summer break and you're begging your mom to enroll you to ballet school!haha), why not mix those two and create this (see photo below)? I don't think, though, any woman is nuts enough about fashion that she would risk her limbs and possibly her life just to be able to wear these. (Or some actually are, i.e. Lady Gaga and those McQueen Armadillo 10-inchers.) Good thing, these were created merely to be auctioned out to raise funds for the English National Ballet and are not available for retail. According to Monsieur Louboutin, "I could not help being inspired by the English National Ballet, after all, isn't the classical ballet slipper the ultimate heel? The heel which makes dancers closer than any other women to the sky, closer to heaven?" God Bless him!!!! ;)

Courtesy of wehartit.com

Communication life is your creation

It kind of just flashed in my head, that song by Aqua - Barbie Girl except it's supposed to be imagination. Bleh, whatevs!

I'd say my face is pretty transparent. You'd know if I'm sad or happy or disappointed. With the latter, I usually try to hide it with a smile but I can feel some of my facial muscles not flexing hence giving out a rather fake grin. I guess my brain is just too powerful that way.

In my fambam, we're not usually the open type of people. And so whenever there are certain kinds of dispute, we usually just not talk and surprise each other with one liners that would leave the other party with a "what-the-hell-was-that". Absolutely, not cool. And so with that, it has become my lifetime wish that when I have a family of my own, we'll be so mushy it's already vomit-inducing. Or at least a good dose of openness that I will be my kids' best friend and all those ideal stuff. I'd be the cool mom that I'll take them to concerts and buy the VIP tickets that I never got when I was younger. Of course, this is just the 25yo me talking. I'll make another post 15 years from now, while this is actually happening and see if I actually became what I hoped I would be. After all, though that might have been the biggest cliche of them all, some things are easier said than done.

Material Girl's Wishlist

I know it's a tad too early to make one for 2012. It ain't Christmas till the ber months, eh? But recently, I've been engulfed with everything, ah, er, sparkly and bright. So these will be my must-haves, but not exactly must-buy-immediately for now. I kind of know deep down inside that some of them are really just nice to look at but a pain in the ass to wear.haha

1. A shiny shimmering splendid peep-toes pumps. I would loooooooove (the Os could go forever.haha) this particular one, but I suppose I'd have to sell my kidney to do that. This one's by Gucci and it retails for $2,295!!!

Courtesy of Nordstrom

2. The girl might have questionable jean choices in the past, but Jessica Simpson sure knows her shoes. These are some of her stuff and I want them all!haha Hear me, fairy godmother?! @_@

Courtesy of Amazon.com

3. I think the oversized watch trend for the ladies has been around for quite some time now. But it was around last year when they stepped it up a notch and spread all the bling-bling gloriousness via the bold and almost glaring sight of these massive gold watches. I've tried looking for a style that's just right (edgy, fashionable and yet inconspicuous) and saw one in Amazon. It was in rose gold and by Invicta and only costs less than $70.00. Bummer part is, it's no longer available. :( This one though by Michael Kors, is more stylish and edgy and I reckon costs more. Courtesy of retailtherapy.onsugar.com.

4. After all this years, I still want this bag. Fingers crossed, 2012 might be the year I get it. I might have to starve myself or walk home from work, but so be it. And with that, I can almost hear my mom screaming!haha

(to be continued...)

Keep Calm

I'd say this quite often, but when I was younger, i.e. 10 years ago, I'd look at 25 year olds and think that they're so old and mature and settled. That they already have ample savings, stable career, and what-not. Guess what, 15 year old me, that ain't true. So in the spirit of quarter-life crisis, my dear RF (royal friend, I can't quite remember how I came up with that moniker.) sent me this. Up until now, 2 months later, I'm still convincing myself to keep calm.haha

On a more positive note...

I'm currently super obsessed with this website ---> www.lookbook.nu

I try to check it as often as I can. I haven't been this kilig for so long.haha Needless to say, this is the reason why I constantly feel the urge to shop and buy those orange shoes (and in two weeks the orange bag)!haha Or why I was scrambling to go home just to buy 3 pairs of shoes from Payless today. I can feel it, it's in my destiny to own an account before this year ends. I claim it!!!

Just a few of my faves... (photos courtesy of www.lookbook.nu)

YSL and a cute boy, that's what you call, ah, er... *speechless*

took me awhile to like this particular texture of metallic but it's growing on me!haha

She has a pair of pants in the same color, but this is adorbs as well. (photo courtesy of theblondesalad.com)

Pocket Full of Sunshine

For my first ever post, my attempt is to be as truthful but optimistic. After all, I don't want to be reading this months later and think: Man, am I really that negative?haha

Contrary to how I thought it'd be, 2012 has been quite a darling to me (in the strangest ways). Either you charge it to 25 years of experience that my brain have mastered the art of coping with stress OR it has finally thought of doing things differently, i.e. looking at the bright side. For the first time, I feel positive that my NY resolutions might actually come true... in 12 months. I feel like possibilities are endless. And I intend to push the limits as much as I can (Naks, hello brand new me.). I think generally, I care more, I do more, I think more, I pray more and I believe more; which I feel are just about the ingredients you'll need to ensure that you're still breathing 14 days into the new year.

Today though, I had the biggest sucker punch so far. Again, it's only been 14 days since all the fireworks hoopla. And though for a good hour I was really tossing and turning with a mixture of disappointment and what-the-hell-should-I-do-now, (this is happening during My Binondo Girl, so needless to say, I didn't enjoy Andy Wu as much as I would. #maisingitlangangkalandian haha), I ended up finding a way on how to get over it. It won't be easy and definitely inconvenient. I might have to tighten the belt a little, but I know it will be worth it. And the best part is, at the end of the day, I know that it's all mine. I won't owe anyone any debt of gratitude, not that it's a bad thing. With that, I declare that this 2012, I will be Little Miss Independent. =)

Prior to writing this post, I had mental notes of what I would like to write. But now, thinking about it, I don't think doing that would do this post any justice. A wise man once told me that in order to get what you feel like you deserve, you have to first prove yourself and build a wealth of experience - that you have to pay your dues. And that doesn't involve flexing a few muscles and maybe sending a handful of emails or manna from Heaven descending on your lap. It involves blood, sweat, tears, a gazillion of swear words, possibly retail therapy that you'll regret as soon as your credit card bill arrives and more... So to that, I say bring it on world!!!!