Berry Says Rock On!

To everyone helping out with the relief efforts, Berry says, "You all rock!" =)



Typhoon Pepeng (international name Parma) is expected to hit the Philippines this weekend, so here's hoping and praying there will be no more damage done!

And for US based Pinoys, here are more ways to help!

1. Donate through Gawad Kalinga, click here ---> DONATE VIA GAWAD KALINGA

2. Eat, Drink and Share at Umi Nom!

(Photo from Time Out New York)

If you are in NY, join the benefit brunch and dinner fundraiser at Umi Nom on October 11, 2009. Generous Filipino chefs in New York are banding together for this event, which will raise money for the San Antonio Parish Youth's fund drive for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

Brunch is from 2pm-5:30pm (last seating at 3:30) and costs $75.

Dinner is from 7pm-10:30pm (last seating at 8:30) and costs $100.

Drop by Umi Nom on the 11th! It's at 433 DeKalb Avenue between Classon Avenue and Taaffe Place, Brooklyn, NY. For more details you may also call (718) 789-8806.

3. Do as we did and ask your family back home to buy relief goods on your behalf! Just set a budget and pay them back through your Philippine bank account. That way you can easily follow up on how your money was spent. This also works for folks who are not comfortable with or do not know how to go about donating through an organization.

Typhoon Ondoy US Drop-off Sites

For those based in the US who would like to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy, you may contact these organizations in your area. Thanks for posting this Abby!

NAFCON (Nat’l Alliance for Filipino Concerns)/SANDIWA Nat’l Alliance of Fil-Am Youth are now receiving relief donations (clothes, blankets, medical supplies, monetary). For general questions please call Anne Beryl (516)9011832.
Official Webpage: www.bayanihan4ondoy.wordpress.com

New York
NY/NJ drop-off @ BAYANIHAN Filipino Community Center, 40-21 69th St. Woodside, NY 11377. Open Hours: Monday –Friday 11 AM – 8 PM and Saturday & Sunday 12-6 PM. Please Contact; Yancy Mark (347)8670330 or Jonna (646)5787390 or email filipinocenter@gmail.com if you would like to help.
Stony Brook University; please contact Jun Rose (646)7503489.
FIND District III college organizations: Please Contact Patricia Dayleg (patricia.dayleg@gmail.com) and Isabel Marie Gomez (isabelmariegomez@gmail.com).
BKPNewYork are also specifically collecting children’s books to the Philippines: Please contact Frederick (646)6417183 or email Frederick@bkpny.org

New Jersey
For donations in New Jersey please contact: (201)621-3156-Yves Nibungco or (917)476-7855- Nick Cordero
Sinugba Cafe 561 Westside Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07304
Casa Victoria 691 Newark Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07306-2803.
Kalusugan Coalition: Call 2016534600 for office hours. 591 Summit Avenue Suite 412 Jersey City, 07306. Corner Summit & Newark Ave.

NAFCON Midwest
Fellowship for Filipino Migrants-FFM
PO Box 901 Glenview, IL 60025-9998
ffm4outreach@gmail.com Nerissa (224)3816888

Los Angeles
Please contact Kuu Hilo (818)395-9207. You can send CASH through Metro Bank acct. 3 189 14540 1 For BAYAN’s “BALSA” (Bayanihan Alay sa Sambayanan)

San Francisco/Bay Area
For donations in San Francisco/Bay Area, Please contact Ryan Leano (626)534-4971. Monetary donations can also be dropped off at these sites. Checks can be made out to “Lakasdiwa,” a non-profit organization that will send the funds directly to MIGRANTE International in the Philippines, a workers’ organization directly helping the victims in the disaster relief efforts. Please put “Typhoon Ondoy Relief” on the check’s note.
Filipino Community Center
4681 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94112
Liwanag Kultural Center
Hillside Park Clubhouse 222 Lausanne Ave. Daly City‎, CA‎ 94014
Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30-6:00 and Wednesdays 3:30-8:00

Asian Pacific Islander Youth Promoting Advocacy & Leadership
Attn: Armael Malinis, AnakBayan-East Bay
310 8th Street, Suite 215 Oakland, CA 94710
Stanford’s Pilipino American Student Union (PASU) is also collecting donations to be sent to the Philippines to help victims of Typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana). If you would like to make a donation, please contact AV David at avhdavid@stanford.edu or (650) 491-4561.

Portland, Oregon
Contact Portland Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines through Claire Oliveros portlandchrp@gmail.com. You can send CASH through Metro Bank acct. 3 189 14540 1 For BAYAN’s “BALSA” (Bayanihan Alay sa Sambayanan).
Please contact Consuelo Rivera at welorivera@yahoo.com or call at (503)7299449.

Disaster Preparedness: How to Prepare for Floods

We've been talking to our family back home and my Dad says the mood in Manila is very somber. While our family, drivers and security detail & their families were all spared from the disaster brought about by Typhoon Ondoy, it just feels wrong to feel relief when many are still suffering. My family volunteered to help distribute donated goods in Pasig and I can just imagine the stories they will be sharing when I talk to them tomorrow.

My Dad also shared that there were soldiers and militiamen involved in rescue operations who died and to us, they are the true heroes. We'll see what can be done to help the families left behind. At the end of the day, no matter how much flak the military gets from politicians and the leftists, in times of disaster, they are the first ones out there, risking life and limb to help their fellow Filipinos. As for those guilty of self-serving posturing, what do they have to show? Zilch, Nada, Zero.

In light of what has happened, I am sharing with you tips on what to do Before, During and After a flood. Be prepared to save your self and your loved ones. You don't have to wait for rescuers to come and get you. While "Before" will no longer apply, it still helps to know what to do in the event that torrents of rain plague us again (God forbid!). I suggest you read this primer, it helps to stay informed and be aware!

Before a Flood

To prepare for a flood, you should:

* Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
* Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
* Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
* Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building.
* Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

During a Flood

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

* Listen to the radio or television for information.
* Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
* Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

* Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
* Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

* Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
* Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

Driving Flood Facts

The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:

* Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
* A foot of water will float many vehicles.
* Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.

After a Flood

The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:

* Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
* Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
* Avoid moving water.
* Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
* Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
* Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
* Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
* Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
* Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
* Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

For more tips on disaster preparedness, visit FEMA.gov

Typhoon Ondoy Hotlines and Help Desks!

So sad to hear about what happened because of Typhoon Ondoy. I am currently packing the items I've received for the babies of Fabella, while waiting for the rest of the donations to arrive. But it looks like there's much more to be sent and done! Let's all do our share to help!

For those here in the US who would like to donate to the typhoon victims, you may do so through Ayala Foundation USA.

Click here ---> DONATE VIA AYALA FOUNDATION USA. (In DONATE TO: Select AF-USA Typhoon Relief Fund from drop down to help flood victims in Metro Manila)

For all back home, I am also re-posting these important and useful information I've gotten from The Fashpack. Thanks Liza!

1. National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) (+632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9115061, +632-9122665) Help hotlines: (+65 734-2118, 734-2120)
2. Philippine Coast Guard (+632-5276136)
3. Air Force (+63908-1126976, +632-8535023)
4. Metro Manila Development Authority (136)
5. Marikina City Rescue (+632-6462436, +632-6462423, +632920-9072902)
6. Pasig Rescue Emergency Number (+632-6310099)
7. Quezon City Rescue (161)
8. San Juan City Hall Command Post (+632-4681697)
9. Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (+63245-9634376)
10. Senator Dick Gordon (+639178997898, +63938-444BOYS, +632-9342118, +632-4338528)
11. Senator Manny Villar (+639174226800.+639172414864, +639276751981)

Civil Society/ Media

1. Philippine National Red Cross (143, +632-5270000)
To donate click ---> DONATE VIA RED CROSS
2. Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: (+632-6350922,+632-6347824)
3. Go to GMA Facebook page & post complete addresses and names of people in need of immediate help.
4. ABS-CBN Typhoon Ondoy Hotline: (+632-4163641)
5. Jam 88.3: (+632- 6318803) or SMS at JAM (space) 883 (space) your message to 2968


Rubber Boat Requests, 4×4 Trucks

1. NCRPO (+632-8383203, +632-8383354)
2. Private citizens who would like to lend their motor boats for rescue
please call emergency nos: +632-9125668,+632-9111406, +632-9122665, +632-9115061)
3. You can also text (+632917-4226800 or +632927-6751981) for rescue dump trucks.
4. For those who are able to lend 4×4 trucks for rescue: Please send truck to Greenhills Shoppng Center Unimart Grocery to await deployment, Tel No. (+632920-9072902).

Power Supply

* Meralco (+63917-5592824, 16211, +63920-9292824) If you want service cut off to your area to prevent fires and electrocution.


Relief Aid and Donations

1. Victory Fort is opening its doors to those affected by the typhoon. Call 813-FORT.
2. NoyMar relief Operations: Clare Amador (+639285205508) or Jana Vicente at+639285205499). Drop off for relief donations is at Balay Expo Center across Farmers Market Cubao.
3. Miriam Quiambao drop off points: One Orchard Road Building in Eastwood, or message http://www.twitter.com/miriamq for more details.
4. Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio or GHQ Gym in Camp Aguinaldo are now distributing donations for Ondoy Victims.
5. Team Manila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk,Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas.
6. Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (+632-5639298,+632-5639308)
7. Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Cor EDSA (+632-9257931-40)
8. Aranaz Stores in Rockwell & Greenbelt is accepting donations of any kind for Payatas communities affected by Ondoy
9. Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Task Force Noah, a disaster response arm of the Jesuits, is accepting donations. Please drop it off sa Ateneo Cervini Dorm.
10. Philippine National Red Cross' different ways to Donate.
11. Red Cross Load Donations: Right now the easiest way to make donations from the seat of your chair is via mobile phone load. The Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations. Text: REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)
12. Ateneo de Manila University is now accepting donations for the victims of Ondoy. Donations can be dropped at MVP Lobby. For those stranded/those who need help: To all students who need help or know of people who need help. Please text the name, location, and contact number to (+6329088877166). ATENEO, which is now an open shelter, accepts refugees. Call (+632917-8952792)
13. Papemelroti stores in 91 Roces Ave. / Ali Mall Cubao / SM City North EDSA / SM Fairview / SM Megamall / Glorietta 3 in Makati / SM Centerpoint / SM Southmall are accepting relief goods (canned goods / milk / bottled water / clothes – NO CASH pls.)
14. TXTPower now accepts donations via SmartMoney 5577514418667103, GCash09179751092 and Paypal http://is.gd/3GvuN
15. Our Lady of Pentecost Parish (+632-4342397, +632-9290665) per Gabe Mercado, donations are very much welcome. The Parish is located at 12 F. Dela Rosa corner C. Salvador Sts., Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
16. Hillsborough Village Chapel – Water, blankets, shoes, and clothes may be sent to Hillsborough Village Chapel in Muntinlupa City. These will go to families whose houses were washed out in the nearby sitios.
17. Greenhills/Mandaluyong/San Juan Area, if you want to help out with the rescue and relief operations, you can drop off your donations (clothes, food, etc..) at La Salle Greenhills Gate 2 tomorrow or volunteer from 9am to receive, sort, repack the donations.
18. Petron: You may bring your relief goods to all Petron branches.
19. LUCA stores (Rockwell, Shang-rila, Eastwood, or GA towers): Send your old clothes & donations (no cash pls).
20. "LUZON RELIEF: Volunteer / Donate / Pray": Donations can be brought to RENAISSANCE FITNESS CENTER, 2nd Floor, Bramante Building, Renaissance Towers Ortigas, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City starting MONDAY (Sept.28) / 9am – 7pm Contact Person: Warren Habaluyas (+632929-8713488) or email at luzonrelief@gmail.com
21. MOONSHINE boutique in Rockwell also accepting relief good to help Ondoy victims in Marikina and Cainta.
22. Katipunan Avenue. Contact Erica Paredes at (+632917-4741930) — they need bread, packed juice, sandwich filling (tuna, chicken, anything) You can help her make them, deliver the sandwiches to her house, or help her distribute! Call for more details.
23. Manor Superclub, Eastwood City will accept goods and other emergency items starting Sunday at 10 am.
24. Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC): Relief goods for typhoon victims being accepted at 72-A Times St., West Triangle, QC. Tel (+632-9299820/22)
25. MINISTOP IBARRA (Espana cor. Blumentritt, Sampaloc Manila) is also accepting relief goods, Food (non-perishable goods only) Clothing, Medicines, Beds, Pillows, Blankets, Emergency Supplies to help Typhoon Ondoy victims.

People Tracker (using your phones, get your friends and family to turn on their finderservice for you)

* FINDERSERVICE. For Smart, text "wis " to 386.
* FINDERSERVICE. For Globe, text "find to 7000.

Transportation
*MRT and LRT are open 24 hours today.

H.A.B. Maternity & More

Remember the maternity store Havin' A Baby? Well, it's given birth to H.A.B Maternity & More!



It's a sign of the times. Moms these days have realized that they don't need to look like a haggard mommy once the baby comes and pops. Like me, I still want to dress up and look fresh and basically decent, all throughout pregnancy up until I go through the demands of child rearing.

So, if you happen to stop by H.A.B Maternity & More, you can expect to see not only clothes that flatter the bump and beyond (yes, clothes you can wear from early term to full term and post-pregnancy), but also pieces for stylish moms (make that all women of all shapes and sizes) who are not necessarily pregnant!



Check out some pieces in store:




Joanna Duarte, President of the Big&Small Co. which owns H.A.B says, "H.A.B understands the modern mom’s need to stay fashionable and comfortable during her pregnancy. We at H.A.B keep this in mind when creating our designs. Our goal is to simply help moms look and feel beautiful during this wonderful stage and even after giving birth. H.A.B also goes beyond maternity in the sense that the clothes can be worn by those who are not pregnant but are looking for stylish and fashionable outfits.”

Visit H.A.B. stores at Alabang Town Center, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, and Greenbelt 5.

Simple Shoes’s Socio-Environmental Campaign

There's no excuse not to share with those who have less than us, because of companies who have made it so easy for us, and for them, to spread blessings. Take for instance Simple Shoes's socio-environmental campaign that benefits the relocatees of the Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig Project.



This September until October, Simple Shoes will donate a pair of shoes for every Simple Shoe bought from participating Res|Toe|Run stores. ABS-CBN Foundation and Res|Toe|Run are supporting this worthy cause as well.

Now that's what I call food for the sole and soul! =)

Shop & Save The Earth at Schu & Myth

Great news from Ruby of Schu and Myth! When you shop in her stores and you bring your own shopping bags, you get money back for more shopping! How can that be? Well read on:

Schu customers get P100 back if they use their own shopping bag. One schu paper bag can carry 1-3 pairs of shoes, which will be equivalent to a P100 discount from their total receipt. This only applies to schu shoes and bags, as other bag consignors opted not to join. For schu and other consigned small accessories, we give P50 off when customers choose not to use our bags. 1-3 fashion accessories can fit in one small-sized shopping bag. Note again that not ALL consignors chose to participate. Thus, the P50 discount will not apply to all.



For MYTH, if you buy 1 to 3 pieces of items that will fit in one shopping bag, you get P100 back as well. For smaller items like the cosmetic and hair care products, customers get P50 discount.



Php100 sure beats the $0.02/bag I get back when I use my Baggus and Envirosax bags when I go grocery shopping!

NST2010 Days 19-22: Jumping On The Bandwagon

Discovered Looklet.com through my editor Cecile's blog and when Grace posted some of her looks in her blog, I decided to jump on the bandwagon for the ff reasons:

1. Girls never outgrow playing dress up
2. This sure beats online shopping
3. When your life revolves around taking care of Berry and Dear Hubby, household chores and going out for groceries, and you basically wear a "uniform" like me...







...it can be fun drawing up several looks for the heck of it...

Pretending I'm a Vogue editor dressing up for work (Have I told you how fab The September Issue is? I saw it the first day it showed in Chelsea, loved every minute of it, I might just buy a DVD of the docu!)











Plus a dress-up outfit I would wear to a garden wedding...



Ok, anyway, back to reality!

NST2010 Day 18: In Deep Crocodile Trouble

Christopher Kane's Topshop Collection out TODAY!

I never bought his chimp shirt, just because I wouldn't, couldn't, shouldn't cough up $350+ for a shirt.

But by golly, dear Chris has this Croc dress for Topshop, and I want!!!


But, I gotta curb my enthusiasm. So...

See ya later alligator! After a while crocodile!

NST2010 Days 16 to 17: Bo-rrrring!

Nothing to speak of...

Day 16: Went to Costco with Mom and Berry. Got some supplies for the home, and that was it!

Day 17: Went to Target and saw the Go International racks still full of Anna Sui for Target dresses, bottoms and tops. I was just there Monday and it still looked pretty full, if not untouched. Considering days have passed. Quite unlike past Target x designer collabs. Also, really don't see how the pieces are inspired by Gossip Girl, and this collection is quite pricey too! About $59.95 for a sheath dress! Uhm, no thanks!



(Image above via iwasneveryoung.wordpress.com)

NST2010 Days 13 to 15: The Fighting Temptations

Before I started this challenge, I was already contemplating on getting these:

Danny Roberts Girls In Glasses Unisex Tee


Isabel Marant Luana shirt


The shirt above is from the Spring 2010 Collection, and it actually went on pre-sale at Curve - deadline August 28. Even if that would still have been ok for me to buy, I decided to hold off on the purchase because I knew I had a challenge starting September 1 and I thought, why not do a trial with this one?!

I have to be honest though, it has not been as easy as it seems. I still want to buy these pieces come January (along with Balenciaga sunnies. Then again, maybe not!) I don't walk into stores or open shop emails with blinders and a firm resolve not to peek. Sometimes I want to kick myself for making this challenge to myself public. I actually cheated during the first couple of days, getting my sister Dianne and Dear Hubby to buy clothes for me, heehee (long story, will just have to publish my draft post on that). But I decided, no more shopping, even by family, for me! My Mom said, why don't you just do this quietly, what you are doing is something personal? But I know myself, I need to make a declaration to the world, make myself accountable, with all of you as witnesses. Hahaha!

As for the past three days, with temptations all around notwithstanding, they have been uneventful, as should be.

NST2010 Day 12: Almost!

Saturday, and our friends, the Heicheles had a despedida party at their Park Slope home in Brooklyn. I did a quick run to get some more going away presents for the family with my Mom and Berry while Dada finished up on some office work at home.

Apart from a very pretty hooded sweater and a Laura Ashley tunic dress for Eli, their little girl, I did not buy anything! Well fine, I did buy an omelette turner for the house and my Mom, but that doesn't count right?! It's just an omelette turner, and it's not for me, it's for the kitchen! And well, I can't wear it. Haha!

Ok basically, just to put the terms of my challenge into writing, I am limiting my shopping ban to the following:
- clothes (this runs the whole gamut, from tops to bottoms)
- accessories (from hats to bags, to socks)
- shoes

Any thing for the home, for Dear Hubby, for Berry, family and friends is safe territory =)

Anyway, on our way home from the party, which was a German and Pinoy foodfest with lots of roast beef, potatoes, cabbage cooked in red wine, and of course, sweet and spicy spaghetti, burger patties, lumpiang shanghai (the bestseller of course! it ran out right away!) apple pie, plum strudel and cupcakes, we still had to pass by Mei Lai Wah in Chinatown for our usual box of siopao! Yum!

Mei Lai Wah's siopao was a first for my Mom, and she declared it as good as siopao back home!

And these, were my "purchases" for the day. I am still good!

NST2010 Day 11: Rainy Day

It's wet and windy outside, so plenty of good reason to stay home and do all my chores.

I realized, just by cleaning the house intensively every day, I will have no time to go online and see things I think I need. Maybe I should do this every day!

So far, I've been doing okay with this shopping ban, skipping all the mail I get from my favorite stores and deleting them right away.

Tonight, I'm meeting my friend Debbie and her husband Tommy at 8 pm for dinner and that'll be the only reason for me to go out. There's an Anthropologie right beside the restaurant we are going to, but I think I have enough self-control to walk in and not buy anything.

Day 11, so far, so good!

NST2010 Day 10: It Happened Last Night! Fashion's Night Out

What is Fashion's Night Out? Sarj calls it the glorified Midnight Madness Sale, because after all, the stores are indeed opening until late and a shopping frenzy is expected for sure!

Meanwhile, according to the official site, it is the U.S. and international editions of Vogue's "global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion".

From all the emails I received and all the excited talk in the web, it was no ordinary shopping event with designers, celebrities, retailers thinking of ways to draw in shoppers of all shopping budgets across the world (where there is a Vogue) to come out and PAY!

Good news, I wasn't there! Shopping ban still in force. But sadly, these were what I missed among the tons of so many enticing events across the city, it must have been fun!






Was it a success? Here's what Anna told WWD, "“I’ve heard Calvin Klein leather bomber jackets are flying off the shelves at Macy’s, accessories are doing great at Bendel’s…and so [people] are buying,” said Anna Wintour. Asked if she has found anything on her “to-buy” list yet, she said: “I’m way behind schedule.”

On a personal note, I was out yesterday afternoon to get my Mac fixed at the Apple Store on Fifth, and right outside was a makeshift store for Martin + Osa, and people really were buying! So hopefully, last night was a boost for retailers across the city!

Johnson's Body Care

Johnson & Johnson recently held the launch of its new body care brand specially designed for women - Johnson's Body Care.

The new brand and product line was unveiled in an exclusive fashion show that featured the creations of six young designers: Debbie Co, Rosanna Ocampo, Mel Orlina, Choc and Yvette Religioso, and Czarina Villa - with soft, beautiful skin as inspiration for their collections.



With skin as the inspiration, of course the collections presented dresses in shades of white, blush and nude...



From Debbie Co's soft and sheer fabrics, bare backs and shoulders by the Religioso sisters, Czarina Villa's peek-a-boo waists Mel Orlina's above the knee hemlines, it was easy to see that if you've got beautiful skin, then there's plenty of reason to flaunt it in style!

Aside from the fashion show, there were free consultations with beauty and fashion experts and an innovative Soft Skin Lotion Bar, which allowed guests to lather on Johnson's Body Care lotions - Johnson’s Body Care 24 Hour Lasting Moisture, Melt Away Stress, and Naturally White.

If you worry about your skin drying up as soon as you step out of the shower, then Johnson’s Body Care 24 Hour Lasting Moisture is for you! It gives women long-lasting silky smooth skin. Skin will bask in moisture and prevent dullness, flakiness and tightness caused by dryness, from sunrise to sundown.


If you get home tired and frazzled from work, use Johnson’s Body Care Melt Away Stress right after a relaxing soak in the tub. With calming properties, it will help melt away stress and refresh the skin.


Now if fair, Snow White skin is the name of the game, Johnson’s Body Care Naturally White provides daily care that helps keep the skin’s brightness for a naturally soft and fair glow.


According to Via Abaño, Johnson’s Body Care Senior Brand Manager, “Johnson’s Body Care allows women to have soft beautiful skin and this makes them look and feel good about themselves."

Johnson’s Body Care lotions and washes are available at all leading beauty and personal care stores, department stores and supermarkets nationwide.

NST2010 Day 2: Living In The Moment

By appreciating what I have, and taking the Supergas we got on clearance for a spin (i.e. staying home, not going online, so as not to look for more stuff to buy, hahaha!) ...



(Here's a trying hard Sea of Shoes candid picture, hahaha!)


Wearing an old Old Navy top and my worn-to-shreds (heehee, not literally, it was bought that way!) "maternity jeans", remember this?



Such a good buy these jeans, I can still wear them up to now! Oh, and I'm not the only one who has Supergas! I got one for my sister Trina...



...and my Mom has a pair too!


Check out above photo. That box underneath Berry's stroller, there's more underneath, all stuff bought online. We picked up the packages (take note, none of these mine) on our way out for a walk outside!


We're like a little posse these days. We shop together all the time and we keep on buying the same things. We call ourselves The Mean Girls (just because we're like a gang of girls when we go out, wearing similar stuff), and we call Berry our Queen Bee. She's the designated Queen Bee because our life revolves around her and all we do is aim to please her. So when we're out, when she starts to cry, even if we're in the midst of a shopping high, we need to pack up and leave in a snap, hahaha!

Oh well, those days of shopping, such a distant memory it seems...and it's only Day 2!

DwellStudio Baby & Kids

If I had my way, I would love to fill the rooms of our dwelling place with beddings, pillows and throws from DwellStudio! I love their Chinoiserie duvet set, amongst a host of other stuff from the label.

I especially find DwellStudio's Baby & Kids line so adorable! Not only are the prints eye-catching and visually stimulating with their unique combination of colors, patterns and prints, their linens are very kid-friendly too!

DwellStudio's prints are made using low-impact dyes, which do not contain heavy metals or other known toxic substances. They are also Formaldehyde free, AZO-free and meet all criteria for eco-friendly pigments. DwellStudio has also initiated a re-design of their packaging to eliminate PVC and utilize eco-friendly materials. The products now come in bags or boxes that can be reused for storage, laundry, and travel for zero waste.


Check out some of my favorites from the 2009 prints collection for babies:

The Geometry pattern will have your little ones stimulated with circles, hexagons, triangles, and other shapes.


Babies and tots love moving vehicles and with the Transportation crib set, they are sure to get loads of cars, buses, cabs, and even a Zeppelin!


The Garden and Motif crib sets bring the outdoors right into your baby’s bedroom. Inspired by the Danish and Italian toys of the 60’s and 70’s and the color palette of Italian designer Gio Ponti’s interiors of a hotel in Sorrento, Italy, the Gio crib set lends playfulness with squirrels, kangaroos, snails, and clovers.

In Lemon (top) and Aqua (bottom)...




The Cowboy crib set will lend sweet dreams of life on the range for wannabe Butch Cassidys.



The bigger kids (that could also mean you! As for me, sadly, these only come in full or twin and our bed is a queen so back to DwellStudio Chinioserie it is haha!) get their share to sleep in style as well with these:




These prints aren't meant for the bedroom alone though! As DwellStudio makes coordinated accessories such as these:

Hooded towels (note print of sheets above!)...


Charlotte bottle holder


Geometry bib/burp set in Sky


Travel case


Stroller blanket


Diaper tote with a water-resistant lining, dual bottle pockets, and multiple snap and zip compartments


DwellStudio is exclusively distributed by Quirks Marketing Philippines and is initially available in Rustan’s Department Stores. Know more about DwellStudio and visit www.dwellstudio.com or www.quirksmarketingph.com.