THE LOOK FOR LESS (L4L) #3

Methinks Therapy's Lara is a Gucci Hysteria wannabe...Hysteria - USD1,950.00
Lara - P750.00 (roughly USD20.00)

HOW DO I LOOK? (01)

Feeling still a wee bit under the weather, I was totally unadventurous when it came to choosing my Wednesday get-up. Well the truth is, I have been literally B-O-R-I-N-G when it came to choosing the colors and pieces of my wardrobe. Definitely not your ideal Vegas hotels get-up! Plus, my current size couldn't allow me any room (literally) for creativity. If you catch my drift. :)

So what am I wearing today? The usual brown, with my favorite brown bag. >Wink!<>

What are YOU wearing today?

CRUISIN KRUCELL

With the iPhone 3G penetrating Philippine soil anytime soon, what better way to flaunt it, than with this white beauty...
Retailing at P1,995.00, the Krucell Dawn fits the apple of Apple's eye, perfectly. It's made of nappa leather in matte finish, comes with a padded front cover for protection, magnetic snap closure and a matching wrist-strap.

Indeed a fab case for that equally fab phone!

Available at:

Schu, Glorietta 3

Soak, Serendra

Kikay Shop, Online

MAKE UP ESSENTIALS

Tagged by Kelly...
My make up kit is a melting pot of brands. I have no brand loyalty at all. My kit is bursting with pots, powders, brushes and glosses even if I usually end up using only 5-6 pieces daily. Call me weird but I guess I find satisfaction in the exercise of choosing. This echoes my (bad) packing habit. As my husband, Haligi, puts it, I am the exact opposit of traveling light--literally and figuratively. Hmmmppph!

My purchases are influenced by neither brand nor price. The most compelling reason why I purchase a particular make up item is the way it registers on my skin and the way my skin reacts to it (my skin is slightly sensitive). I can live with The Body Shop or Maybelline during one shopping spree and then go for a Dior or Chanel the next, to the detriment of my savings account. It is rather fortunate too that my best friend, A, manages some of the leading make up brands in the world, so I get a lot of freebies. Diba, Em? :)

So here are my make-up essentials...

Clinique Double Face Powder
(Matte Honey)

A mainstay of my vanity kit since my initial foray into the world of beauty (naks!), this product comes with an application sponge, goes on dry, and gives superb coverage No powdery bits, no flaking, and stays on all day with nary a touch up.

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
(Shade #3)

Thanks to blogging, I am now a proud owner of a set of "signature" eyebags. Hehehe! I like the consistency of this product--very dewy and creamy, but doesn't look dry nor caked no matter how much you pile on.

T. LeClerc Mono Eyeshadow
(Feuille d'or/Brun Doré)

I chose these shades--neutral brown and soft gold, because they match the predominant color of my wardrobe (and bags and shoes, hihihi!). Both shades have an iridescent finish and silky texture that blend smoothly on my skin. Best of all, they contain Vitamin E. Plus, the carved silver compacts that they come in are so pretttyyy!

Scott Barnes Chic Palette (Brandy Wine)

Where do I begin to describe my experience with the SB's Chic Palette? As you know, Scott Barnes is the makeup artist who's known for giving Jennifer Lopez that famous glow. The Chic Palette has three pans of blush in graduated shades and textures. Each palette contains finely-milled matte, demi-pearl and pearl colors that, when applied to your skin, mimic a true, radiant flush. You can use the blushes on their own or you can make up your own combinations. There's no going wrong with the colors!

NARS Lip Sheer and Lip Gloss (Hindu/Rose Birman)

Every year, I find a lipstick shade that I like, and for 2008, NARS seals the deal. I use the Hindu to work. Warm and velvety, it is a welcome change from the usual red or glossy nude. On weekends I settle for the Rose Birman, which is neither too sticky nor too runny. I also think it gives my lips that ideal "blush."

BONUS: Dior Beauty Confidential (Moon Glow)

I received this as birthday gift in 2007 and have gone easy on usage when I discovered the price. :) Although the byootiful silver case weighs a T-O-N, I love carrying this around to give me great highlighting and touch-ups, whenever necessary. Hindi lang bagay gamitin sa Tuguegarao o sa Kalinga. Hahaha!

That's it, pancit!

LUNCH @ LEGASPI

With gas prices on the rise, Haligi and I decided to let the van rest for the day. Braving the overcast skies, and with Haligilet in tow, we walked to good ole Legaspi Sunday Market to hear mass and to grab today's brunch.Now on its 3rd year, the Legaspi Sunday Market is located at a spacious parking lot within the vicinity of offices and residential condominiums in Makati. The usual point of reference is the Starbucks Herrera branch, which is almost directly across the market site.

Beyond the usual food and plants, the market also showcases a spectrum of goods and services ranging from organic products, bags, crafts and furniture. A feast for the sense, you will be greeted by the aroma of food cooked on the spot, the sights of colorful food and goods in every shape and size, and a medly of sounds ranging from the cackle of outdoor grills and the gentle hum of the generators used to power the morning mass within the bazaar area.
Our family has been a "suki" of the market ever since it opened its doors, mainly because we're friends with J, the barangay bossing (morale support, hehehe!). However, what keeps us going back every Sunday is the fact that we savor the "food trip" experience. Wuhoo, barbikyoo!!!
Our personal favorites are the Takoyaki balls for Haligi....The chinese fresh lumpia and/or cuapao for yours truly...
And the fruit shakes for Haligilet...
Other faves include the Cebu lechon and the roasted calf, and sinful desserts from Cocoa Loco, which were part of the original roster of stalls when the market first opened. They have yet to make a reappearance. They are sorely missed by us.

Never mind if the market showcases less selections compared to the Salcedo Saturday Market, or the sun can do a mean number on you even at the shaded areas (Thankfully, the sun was playing hide and seek this morning!). I believe nothing beats a quiet, laid back Sunday morning, enjoying tastebud-tickling delights with those we hold dear.

Legaspi Sunday Market
Legaspi St. cor Herrera St. 7am – 2pm

OTHER MARKETS

Salcedo Saturday Market
Jaime Velasquez Park, Tordesillas Street – 7am-2pm
Alabang Organic Market
parking lot fronting Corte de las Palmas
Tuesdays and Saturdays, 7 am – 12nn
Northeast Greenhills Weekend Market
Connecticut St., Greenhills – Sunday, 7am – 12nn
Weekend Market at the Lung Center
East Avenue, Q.C. – Sundays, 7am-12nn

BUS NG BAYAN

Para sa eskwela ng bayan... Now there's a SMART way to celebrate UP's centennial year! After recently pledging to buy a bus for the country's premiere university, PLDT and SMART marked this Sunday with a turnover of UP's very own airconditioned liner. No more jeepney rides for the varsity team and the cheering squad. Trips to UAAP games will be smoother and SMARTer! :D

TYOOFI KEFFIYEH!

Keffiyeh or shemagh, atraditional headdress for Arab men is making waves in Pinas pop culture. But I swear, if I see another effin keffiyeh in the mall, the web, even on an online university site, I will scream!!! Nothing personal against Palestinian culture. I just feel that the scarf is grossly out of place in the hot and humid weather of Pinas. Unless all Pinoys look like this...What's your take?

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING

Wearing boots only during the winter season is so yesterday.

With more and more people sporting this shoe trend (blame it on those interesting shoe fashion degree programs!), a pair of boots is undeniably one of the fastest must-haves of the season, or any season for that matter. Be they be your (not so) usual rain gear...


gladiator summer must-haves...

you will find that there are numerous boot trends available to keep you in style.

Do note however, that there are certain attributes that make a boot fashionable. To be in step with the latest styles, a boot should have the right material, color, length, and should be worn the proper way.

One of the most popular ways to wear boots is typically over jeans. It is also acceptable to wear boots with a longer skirt or dress. In Pinas however, save for the occasional need to use your boots to brave the rains, they function mainly for aesthetics.

But whichever style you embrace, as in any trend, do choose wisely. Or else, you the risk being given that dreaded "boot" by the fashion police. :D

PASTA MECCA

Last night, my best friend, A and I met up after months of being away from each other. Blame it on the demands of motherhood, toxic schedules, out of town trips and everything else in between. And what better way for pasta junkies such as ourselves, to catch up on old times, than to have it at one of our favorite restaurants...Located right across Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, it is a quaint 35-seater pastry shop that, to me, serves good and reasonably priced selections of our favorite italian dishes. We never did get to figure out the correct spelling of the place because the two signages right at the facade are spelled differently. Ano ba talaga, kuya?

A, RAO (our other best friend based in Sydney) and I love La Nuova's mix of homey ambience and high-end quality food, sans the expected stiffness and pretentiousness. We've shared lots of joys and tears in this little pasta haven of ours. The only drawback is that the place is quite small, so I'm sure neighboring tables shared our joys and tears as well. Hehehe. Despite this, we have since voted La Nuova as one of our favorite hangouts. Missing RAO mode.:(

With prices ranging anywhere between P240 to P600, the restaurant’s menu mainly consists of soups, salads, antipasti, pasta, pizza, risotto and other main entrees. One may also check out their array of cheeses, salamis, hams, marinated olives and pates to take home or to munch on, which are on display at the deli corner. For starters, we had the good ole complimentary serving of warm flat bread with with two small dishes composed of their special salsa (tomatoes and basil in olive oil) and liver pate...Their pastas are really "comforting," especially for a rainy day, as it was last night. Trying to go easy on the meat (naks!) I had this medley of penne with roasted eggplant, feta cheese, and pine nuts (and uric acid, hehehe!)--the Penne Alla Calabrese...
A, on the other hand, who never gains even an ounce despite her ravenous appetite (hay, it's unper!), had every right to devour the Maemmana Rustica, thin crust pizza topped with tomatoes, cheese, sautéed onions and Italian sausage...
Gelato cakes, an exclusive delicacy of La Nuova, are crowd pleasers. But the all-time favorites are the Concorde and Canonigo which are to die for. I am proud to say that I chose to sit this dessert session out as I am really deadset on losing weight. (Sure Maver! Sure!). Blame it on A's charm, we were able to snap a picture of the Concorde at the neighboring table. Iba na ang mowdel!Hahahaay. Who knows, I just might quit my diet tomorrow. Hehehe!

La Nuova Pastelleria
San Antonio Plaza
Forbes Park, Makati City
817-8568
Open everyday
11:00 am to 3:00 pm and 6pm to 11 pm

WHO WORE IT BEST? (03)

Eva-vavoom vs Kim "Impossible". Who's it gonna be?

THE LOOK FOR LESS (L4L) #2: TORY BURCH VS ANTHOLOGY

Every so often, I "refresh" my collection of black flats. These wardrobe staples of mine should go well with something as rugged as a pair of jeans or capris, and yet should be dressy enough to wear with trousers, skirts and dresses, if need be.

Up until the ultimate demise of both my Melissa Affair (snapped straps) and Severine (scruffed suede patches), I was perfectly content with my stable of black flats. And then I stumbled upon the Tory Burch Reva... These are simply adorable. The flats have an elastic back to fit comfortably over the heel, and have the signature Tory Burch logo. They come in a wide variety of colors and textures--leather, patent, snakeskin, and even leopard skin.

I've long fallen for the easy chic lifestyle that Tory Burch has been espousing. I feel that hers is the perfect fit for the life that I lead--with just the right combination of comfort and style. It is so much fun to browse through the collections she has created. From the ballet flats to her signature tunics inspired by her mom's extensive closet, her style is indeed charming! But at USD195 for a Reva pair, I just had to think twice.

And what do you know, I found the worthy replacement at Multiply. Anthology Shoes, I like! Made from fine leathers and imported materials from Europe and America, Anthology Shoes are undeniably comfortable. Definitely for the stylish and pragmatic. Peso damage? Just around P1750 bucks--that's just a little over USD35.00.

Not bad, Maver. Not bad! Just don't ask me how many pairs I have now. :P

TIME FOR THE BIG SWITCH?

Although I am not a "user", I wasted no time signing up for this...

Thanks to the Mindanao Bloggers, Pinas will become the first Southeast Asian country to host World Camp Philippines 2008, the premiere event of WordPress users and developers. Leading the talented pack of resource speakers is no less than THE Wordpress Guru, Matt Mullenweg.

I am positive it will be an interesting venue to learn more things about the complex and compelling world of blogging. It'll also be a fab opportunity to meet and greet blogging buddies and biggies all in one go. Just to name a few:

• i.PH: the Domain for Individuals


• Free Online Flash Games


• Wazzup Manila Philippines


• Real Estate CRM


• Real Estate Website Designers


• Orange County Real Estate


• Auto Insurance Quotes


• Lane Systems Inc.


• RedMedia


• Orange County Business Lawyer

So what are you waiting for? Mark your calendar--September 6, 2008 at the Augusto-Rosario Gonzalez Theater, College of Saint Benilde in Manila. Huwag mag-alala, pwede pumunta mga Atenista. :D Register now.

See you in September!

TATAK PILIPINO

Looking for a welcome break from that online university degree? Why not patronize the most meaningful fashion label of all--PINOY.Be part of the consumer revolution of Filipinos believing and supporting Filipino products, concepts and ideas. Now on its second year, The Global Pinoy Bazar will gather together Pinoy entrepreneurs, not as competitors to each other, but as a group of individuals who firmly believe in the globally competitive Pinoy skill, style and spirit.

Let us unite to build a SUPPORT & BUY PINOY advocacy. Be at the Rockwell Tent on September 20-21, as Yabang Pinoy opens Global Pinoy Bazaar 2008. Yes, we can!

Global Pinoy Bazaar
September 20-21, 2008
Saturday and Sunday
Rockwell Tent
Opens at 9:00 a.m.

MAXIMUS STRAPPYSHUS

Since their initial foray into the fashion world in 2006, the fierce-looking gladiator sandal is now recognized as the "it" shoe of the season. Gladiator-wearing babes such Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, Mary Kate Olsen, Jessica Alba & Hilary Duff, have certainly had a huge effect on making it one of this year's must-haves. Fact is, according to the US Weekly edition summer 2008, "Nearly every famous celeb in Hollywood has been seen wearing gladiators......from big chunky platform heels to the casual criss-cross flats." So if you're thinkin' of staying behind the computer to pursue that online college degree rather than be scene at the scene like these babes, think twice!The best and quickest way to be on trend this season is to be seen wearing a pair of gladiators. With increased feminine styles to choose from, the gladiator sandal has now proven to have great "wearability" and flexibility. You can work it with any of those drapey type summer dresses, with hangy smocks and slim-fit denim jeans, or even with summer short shorts and caftans when you hit the beach. Just make sure that you purchase a style that is flattering to your body style. And, lest you forget, THE most important accompaniment to those strappy thingies, is the perfect pedicure.

Although I am not a great fan of them (and they, not of mine), I must admit that they are so nice to look at. From delicate, embellished metallics to warrior-woman, chunky war-like boots to subtle, chic metallic flats, 2008 has definitely seen a new turn on the gladiator trend. Women's shoe designers have taken to the gladiator theme by providing shoeholics hundreds of interesting choices. Take the case of Pinoy Multiply site, Methilation, for example, where a wide array of your favorite gladiators in every thinkable strap and styling are available for the taking. Designs range from skinny gladiator flats to elaborate criss-cross sandals; from slightly strappy to those ultimate Roman-war-knee-high boots.
With a wide range of chicer styles, gladiator sandals have certainly become more versatile. The traditional gladiator sandal of the last two years has indeed been elevated to loftier heights, and seems to be here to stay. Let the battles begin!

Methilation
SMS: 09156000062

BAG OF BEANS, LOADS OF CHARM

Our family trips to Tagaytay City are never complete without a stopover at our favorite coffee place. Bag of Beans, that quaint, cozy, little bakeshop-cum-coffee shop (and now conference venue) is tucked away at a clearing right past the town proper, and serves a wide array of mouth-watering breads, desserts, and pies. Our favorite coffee place was made famous for their serving of the world’s most expensive coffee--the Alamid Coffee. This variety is made from the droppings of the Philippine Civet, which uses its instinct to pick the sweetest and ripest coffee cherries to ingest, and producing, ultimately, the best coffee. Me shudders! Hehehe.The mainstays of my Bag of Beans shopping list include their whole wheat loaf and cinnamon raisin loaf, freshly baked and simply superb, as always! For this trip, I also grabbed a couple of chocolate loaves to bring home to my and Haligi's office buddies.We would have loved to stick around to grab our favorite beef and mushroom pie. But with three little tykes to look after (Haligi and I were still on babysitting mode), it was not at all feasible. And so, we had our servings of this for dinner back in Manila...Thanks to Bag of Beans, a hot fresh-from-the-oven english pie coupled with our favorite beverage, is indeed the dynamic duo to help us forget our often stressful lives--even for just short while.

Till our next visit!

Bag of Beans
115 Aguinaldo Highway, Mendez Crossing West
Tagaytay City, Philippines
Phone: +63 46 413 4356 / +63 46 413 2724
Mobile: +63920 954 6369 / +63920 954 6370

THE DARK KNIGHT SHINES BRIGHT

Haligi and I are still reeling from our viewing experience of the bold, complex and ambitious sequel to Batman Begins. In The Dark Knight, Batman (Christian Bale), older and seemingly wearier, raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), he takes on the criminal organizations that plague the city streets. The alliance proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising Gotham criminal mastermind known as The Joker (the late Heath Ledger). As the death count begins to rise, Batman is faced with a very difficult decision that may ultimately end his crime-fighting days. What then unfolds are dark, sprawling, and explosive action scenes as the caped crusader battles The Joker's disturbing web of hatred, insanity and anarchy.

I personally feel that The Dark Knight has already eclipsed its prequel in terms of depth, intensity and cinematic scope. The action in this movie was vastly superior to Batman Begins in every way, shape and form. From the crisp dialogue, the breathtaking cinematography and production design (truly a feast for your HDMI splitter), and the remarkable performances, The Dark Knight delivers one helluva movie that is both dark and tragic, as it is compelling and intelligent.

Most noteworthy is Ledger's completely believable, and at all times, relentlessly disturbing portrayal of The Joker. And this I say sans the sympathy and sentimentality. It really was the performance of a lifetime for Ledger in all its poetic tragedy. As one of the most talented actors of his time, he will surely be missed.

All the performances were solid. Bale, Oldman, Roberts, Gyllenhal, Caine, Freeman, the list goes on and on--made their magnificent contributions to this wonderfully told and beautifully shot comic book movie. Indeed, The Dark Knight has redefined my idea of what superhero flicks should be. It is testament that in this day and age, great and intelligent movies still do exist.

083008

One brand.
One band.
One night only.

The Eraserheads, one of the greatest Pinoy bands of our time, will be having a reunion concert slated onAugust 30 at the CCP Open Grounds. Tickets are for free via Marlboro's The Red List.

Do note however, that you have to be of legal age (complete with scanned office, government or offline/online college IDs as proof) to be allowed to sign up. Buti na lang 18 na ako. Hehehe!

MAVER, PETRA & PILAR

Two nights before good friend R's scheduled exodus to Singapore, my galpals and I trooped over to the stylized carenderia that has been drawing crowds (and raves) since it first opened its doors to the public. Petra & Pilar, the new dining establishment along Export Drive near corner Pasong Tamo, applies that carenderia dining credo of providing good, familiar, home-cooked meals, only this time in more comfortable, air-conditioned surroundings.
A collaboration between businesswoman Katrina Ponce Enrile and chef Ed Quimson, the restaurant pays homage to Katrina's lolas, Petra and Pilar, and their delectable cooking styles--with meats most tender and sauces most flavorful. Their lunch and dinner fares include those oh so familiar meals that we love coming home to--binagoongang baboy (pork sautéed with shrimp paste), bicol express (stewed pork and chilis in coconut oil) lengua estofado (ox tongue stew), escabecheng fish fillet (sweet and sour fish fillet), caldereta (beef stew), tinolang manok (chicken with ginger broth), bistek Tagalog (fried beef with soy sauce and onion rings), rellenong alimasag (stuffed crabs), and embutidong bangus (milkfish roll), and if your lucky, ensaladang ampalaya (bitter gourd salad) and halaan (clam soup). Petra & Pilar also houses a small deli counter where the famous Delimondo range can be purchased. Let your eyes do the choosing among locally made sausages, pasta sauces, and the famous ranch-style corned beef. Hahahay!!!
My girlfriends and I had helpings of the beef kalitiran, kaldereta, escabeche and tinola (naubos agad, hehe).
We also couldn't resist an order of the San Moreno...
the Sans Rival and Chocolate Cake (gone, all gone!)...
Can you blame us?!?

Petra & Pilar indeed boasts of an interesting restaurant concept. It brings the "carenderia" dining to a whole new level--the interiors, welcoming and cozy; and food, anything BUT common.

Petra & Pilar
Ground Floor JAKA Center Building
Exportbank Drive corner
Chino Roces Avenue (formerly Pasong tamo) , Makati
Near Buendia and Pasong Tamo intersection
Tel. No. 887-5168
Open from 11am to 11pm

EYED

Starting today, pieces from your favorite brands like Ray-Ban, Bvlgari, Miu Miu, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Versus, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Polo, Donna Karan, DKNY, Calvin Klein, cK, Killer Loop, Arnette, Anne Klein and Shanghai Tang, will be on sale in all leading opticals, SM, Robinson’s, Landmark and Rustan’s department stores and even other department stores in Visayas and Mindanao.

While the rain has started to pour of late, don't miss out on this chance to grab as much as 70% off on your favorite eyewear brands. Promo will run until September 30, 2008.

WHO WORE IT BEST? (02)

I started this off at my other blog, but henceforth, Maver's Most Wanted will be its home. Your contributions to this collection are most welcome! :)

So tell me, Mimi or Heidi? Take your pick.