charmed life♥

Source: Starbucks Philippines 4 days to go, before the official "sticker" collecting starts... As I have said on my previous blog posts that I was really into planners.  As a kid I love collecting notebooks, stationery, pens and etc.  But I really started my Starbucks planner collection in 2007, when my brother gave me (as a Christmas gift) a SB planner. And the rest is history.  To be honest : I don't write on them... (hahaha) This year Starbucks is offering 2 planners and 2 travel organizers. They launched it at SM Mall of Asia last October 25, but the promo officially starts on November 2, 2018 until January 7, 2019. Here are my bets: For the planner :  I am wanting the espresso (brown canvas planner) For the travel organizer : Crushing on the teal  I am really very excited!  Hope you're all excited as I am. I wonder what are the Christmas drinks this year?  I hope they will still have the Peppermint.. because that is r...

Being a self-confessed Hello Kitty lover, I really drool every time I see HK items, stuff and etc.  A lot of collaborations came out lately...(bad on the pocket... hahaha)  Few weeks ago, when I was shopping for toiletries at Watsons, I saw a couple of cutie Hello Kitty merchandise... from travel bottle set, hair turban, bath sponges, toothbrush, face mask, hair brush and etc.  I really don't know what to purchase first (hihi) all of them are super nice! Honestly, I don't really purchase things that I don't really use.. (as much as possible).  Yes in a way, I am quite a wise spender (now).  Before I admit - I'm not but as I grew older I became more matured in handling my finances.  Though sometimes I splurge, but not all the time.  Back to Hello Kitty:   Here are the things I got from Watsons...  Travel bottle set♥ Face Sponge♥ Breath Spray♥ Hairbrush and Mirror compact♥ Hairbrush♥ How about you? H...

Hiyee!  Recently, I have been so addicted with brooches.  Yes I know some of you think that brooches are for old people (very old fashion) - our grandma, lola, mamita, nonna... that's what I also thought before.  But I remember wearing one during my college days in UST (because of the neckline of my uniform).   Brooches have a certain way of personalizing and accessorizing your outfit... Just like what a Fendi or Dior bag strap can do to your bag.  It gives your outfit a unique personality.  Actually there are more styling possibilities for brooches than other accessories. Source: Google (ctto) source: Google (ctto) Ways in wearing brooches: Wear a single brooch or in cluster. Aside from wearing it on your blazer, jacket, coat, sweater or plain top : you can also wear it on your plain tee, beanie, shawl, bandana or scarf. Create a choker with the brooch. You can also wear it on your hair. (which i did before for my br...

Hello bagaholics!  One of the most coveted bags today - Marc Jacobs Snapshot Camera bag... Before I proceed on how to distinguish genuine from fake bag, here is a short review. The bag maybe small but it's really spacious.  It has two compartments: can fit a couple of things including a phone, car keys, a small wallet, compact powder and a lippy. Aside from wearing it as a shoulder or cross body bag you can also use it as a clutch. It's a versatile bag!♥ Authentic Marc Jacobs Logo strap Snapshot camera bag in Dust multi  Nowadays, those who produce fake bags can really make a 1:1 copy.   But when you look deeper and examine the bags you can really spot the difference.  Purchased both bags to compare.   1. Stitching  2. Brand leather stamping : The "Marc Jacobs New York" - notice the size, font and spacing of the letters. 3. Shape of exterior pocket  4.  Hardware: Metal stamping/engravin...

Hello ladies!  Honestly, I am really not familiar with Micellar, until I watched from one of the webisodes of Ms. Kris Aquino during her Japan trip.  They were in a store and when she saw this Micellar Shampoo and Conditioner: she freaked out.  She said that even in the US it's not yet available (that time).  Being a fan of Pantene, I researched what "Micellar" is. (coz I wanted to try it) "Micellar water is a skin care product that looks like a regular water but it contains tiny oil molecules, that has an ability to remove toughest waterproof make up, cleanse and tone." So if it's good on skin... for sure it will be great for hair. :) I have this friend that recently traveled from Japan and I asked her if she could buy me a set of Pantene Micellar because I really wanted to try it.   Last week, got my 400 ml set : Pantene Micellar Shampoo & Treatment (Conditioner).  The Shampoo is transparent and the Conditioner/Treatmen...

source: Google I was not able to go to the public veneration of the incorrupt heart relic of St. Padre Pio in Manila Cathedral yesterday.  The incorrupt heart relic of St. Padre Pio arrived here in the Philippines last October 5 will stay until the 26th.  Today is the last day at Manila Cathedral and it will be flown to Cebu and Davao.  Last stop will be at the National Shrine of Padre Pio in Batangas.  I really feel bad.. but thanks to my good friend Mhai for getting me this handkerchief.♥ His presence, St Padre Pio (the miracle worker) Few years ago, I had a wonderful and unforgettable experience with St. Padre Pio when my Lola was confined in Cardinal Santos.  I prayed to him in the chapel, I held his hands and asked for healing (for my Lola). While I was standing in front of his image praying, I felt a cool breeze and started to have goosebumps all over... I really felt his presence... So I hurriedly went back to my Lola's room and ...

All my life I will be grateful to these two special people... They are my second parents. Aside from my parents, they are my rock!  I have a lot of fond memories of them.  My Lolo usually walk me to school whenever I stay with them, he is the one who taught me to become an entrepreneur. I am his stock clerk and sometimes his store assistant.  Lola is my strength, she was a strong woman.  Raising 9 children, juggling her role as a wife and mother.  She was really the "Ilaw ng tahanan" which really fits her name Iluminada... She taught me a lot of things: from buying in the palengke (market), cooking.. being prayerful and loving my family.  I am lucky that I was able to spend more time with them.  And until now I still miss them...But I know they are watching over me/us in heaven.  I will never get tired of honoring them... Happy Grandparents day in heaven! I love you both!♥ To the millennials, love your grandparents...try to spend your tim...

I won't miss posting this today...   Happy birthday Dear Mother!♥♥♥ Thank you for always keeping us in the cradle of  your love. I love you Mama Mary!

I totally love the movie!♥  Now I want to read the next book China Rich Girlfriend. I am not a bookie.. I'd rather watch than read, but after watching the movie I'm completely drawn into it.  It was a nice story... "Love really conquers all"...  At first I thought it was just a hype and they are just overrating the movie, but when I watched it last night - it was really a great film.  Now I can't wait for the sequel which I read somewhere online that it's on the planning stage. Favorite scene/s: I have a couple of favorite scenes:  Entrance of Princess Intan - Ms. Kris Aquino on the film (which I am really proud of because I am a Pinay).. Mr. Kevin Kwan is right, she's one of the highlights of the movie.  I really waited for it... It was short but with impact to us Filipinos.  I just wish that the Michael Cinco gown was show  Mahjong scene of Rachel and Eleanor - tissue moment My ultimate favorite - I love the wedding scene... Wh...

. Open letter to a friend: Dear friend, Hello!  I know it has been a while since we last talked.  A lot of things have transpired lately and these started to build a thin wall between us. There's no denying: from long conversations, chats - to simple hi and hellos - to nothing.  I cannot say that distance is a hindrance because we also have friends from other parts of the world but communication lines are open.  Well, I guess we have outgrown each other.  Yes, we have different views but this should not hinder if we are truly friends.  But I guess that's life people change... At our age... we are more sensitive now (than when we were younger) but I'd rather not stress myself on anything... I want no dramas anymore.  And I know you feel the same way too.      I may not be a perfect friend.. but who is?  Sorry for not liking and commenting on your social media posts... But for me the true measure friendship i...

source: Google Another exciting collaboration is here!  After Sanrio's recent Hello Kitty collab with Puma, Penshoppe, now Converse came out with theirs today August 16. The collection includes sneakers (of course), apparel and accessories. Cuteness overload!♥  I cannot wait to visit the nearest Converse shop (here in Manila) this weekend. Source: Converse The shoes consists of 6 designs: Chuck Taylor All-Star, Chuck 70 and One star styles. White, Pink, Red and Black hues with iconic Hello Kitty bow and head. source: Refinery29.com source: Converse The apparel consists of shirts, hoodies/pullover, while the accessories includes duffel, sling bags or pouches.♥  Source: Refinery29.com Source: Converse Are you Kitty girls just as excited like me? Which one is your favorite? xo,  Chiq♥

I am not a "Dilawan" or "Dutertard", but I always stand on what is right.  I was 11 years old when Senator Benigno Aquino was assassinated in Manila International Airport, naive that time I really don't understand.   Born in 1972, I'm a Martial law baby, so I don't get to experience what really happened during the Marcos' regime.  But my parents and grand parents that time were so afraid that I heard them saying "Magkakagulo na".  They immediately went to the grocery to buy canned foods and other necessities.  I only learned about it when we studied it in school and through the news and documentaries on TV.  I remember when I watched his funeral with thousands of people with yellow ribbons and his casket on top of a 10 wheeler truck with a sea of yellow flowers. That's it!   But I know (that time) his death was an eye-opener to all the Filipinos. That lead to the ouster of Marcos and the birth of democracy, our democracy. ...

Source: Plains and Prints I was so excited when I learned about this collaboration.  On my previous posts I have already mentioned that Plains and Prints was one of my favorite local brand.  Plains and Prints is known for collaborating with our country's top designers: Rajo Laurel, Rhett Eala, Vania Romoff to name a few.  And I know every girl wishes to own at least one of couture or RTW made by these designers, of course that includes me. Mark Bumgarner is known for classic silhouettes and for dressing Ms. Heart Evangelista-Escudero.   The P&P x Mark Bumgarner is a 13 piece collection that includes dresses, blouses/tops, one piece suit/jumpsuit, skirts and culottes.  Price ranges from P1,698.00 to P2,998.00 Source: Google Of course I cannot miss this one... when it was made available in the market (August 3) after it's grand reveal last July 25th at the Manila House Private Members Club..  I went right away to the nearest bo...

Colegio Del Buen Consejo Batch 1988 with our dear teachers It's been almost two weeks, but I can still feel the excitement in my nerves.  Last July 14 our Batch celebrated our 30th year.  I really consider this a once in a lifetime event, maybe my other batch mates feel the same way also.  Some of my classmates even flew to the Philippines just to attend our reunion. The Backstory: The reunion was supposed to be in April of 2018, but since we all wanted to accommodate the requests of some of our batch mates now based abroad (who wanted to attend the event) : it was moved to July. Initial talks about the reunion began last February (2018) during the Grand Alumni Homecoming of our school - Colegio Del Buen Consejo. The first committee meeting was held in May 2018. The Committee: The reunion committee was headed by Gretel Garcia-Yadao, our Overall Batch Director and Alumni Coordinator and Liza Paulino - President, Batch 1988 Pearl Anniversary R...