Majestic Mt. Pinatubo

Surreal.

"O Lord, how many are Your works! In wisdom, You made it all. The earth is full of your creatures" Psalm 104:24

Many would probably remember waking up to an unusually gloomy morning in 1991 with snow like droplets started to appear from the sky. I was a young kid then, gullible and innocent as I was, I really thought it was snow, minus the cold breeze. It was uncanny. Of course it was not snowing in the Philippines! The sky turned gray and white ashes started to fall from the sky not because of global warming or because a nature elemental was getting married, but simply because of the world-renowned eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

That eruption changed everything. People say, there is always two view points in every story, you either view it as a misfortune or as a blissful occurrence. They also say, when God closes a door, He opens a window, doesn’t He? Though the eruption destroyed a lot of lives both here and abroad, it brought forth a haven that is surreal.

Could I still be in my homeland?

First impressions last. I fell in love with the place even before I got there. It was love at first sight thanks to social networking sites and pictures of friends who got there. Instantly, Pinatubo became part of my bucket list.

As summer was fast approaching, I contacted e-philippines* for a tour package.  Upon learning that it would be better and cheaper to get to Pinatubo if we were a large group (the more the merrier!), I immediately invited a lot of people. By God’s grace, I got 12 friends to join me. Each of us spent Php 2,000 for round-trip air-conditioned transfers (From Metro Manila to Tarlac and back), 4x4 ride with driver, all permits and fees, and local mountain guide.

We left Manila at 4:00am (you can choose the best pick-up location for your group). We had breakfast in McDonald’s  in Capas, Tarlac on our personal account. When we got to the registration hall, everything was fixed, so we just registered and off we go. We had the liberty to choose the 4x4 cars we wanted to use. It was a long, bumpy and dusty ride and thank God for sunglasses that protected our eyes from the dirt and everything else. An hour of traveling with the view of the ashes and mountain ranges made everything worthwhile. It was a splendid view and itself is majestic enough. Hard to believe we were walking and moving on volcanic ashes.

After roughly an hours travel in the 4x4 ride, we could almost smell and feel the mountain. The 4x4 ride ended up at the foot of the volcano and we had to trek up the mountain to get to the crater. Rubber shoes and obedience to the rule “pack light” saved us in this obstacle. It was not a steep climb except in the part where cement steps were already built, which is really near the crater already. It took us about 45 minutes to reach the top.

We were greeted by the signage “Welcome to Mount Pinatubo.” I could not explain the feeling. I was so excited. Some of my friends already went to the viewpoint to see the landscape of the crater, while I stayed in front of the signage to take snapshots. I had to prepare myself for the view that I was going to see. It was another dream come true. I could hear all their reactions— full of praise, and I could also see their faces in awe. As moved forward to get a glimpse of the view, I could not utter a single word. My jaw dropped open, blood started to rush all over my body, goose bumps started to raise up.. it was unimaginable. It was surreal. I could not believe what’s right in front of me. I could not believe I was standing in the crater of the very volcano that destroyed a lot of things.

After awhile, we started to go down to get to the lake to swim. It was a pretty scary experience because with just a few steps from the shallow part is an abrupt drop to the immeasurable depth of the lake. This is the reason why it is not recommended to swim, just at your own risk. Water was really cold. But on the other side of the crater, which cannot be seen from where we were, is a different story. You have to ride a paddleboat going there for Php250 pesos and since we were on a limited budget, we opted to stay right where we were. They said that on the other side, one could see water from the lake bubbling up cause of the heat from the volcano. It was already breathtaking from where we were. By lunchtime, we were introduced to mountaineering food that our guides had. :) We were scheduled to trek down at 12noon but we left the crater at about 3pm. The only thing that was missing in the lake was a good bathroom. :p But otherwise, everything was awesome.

We had ample time to really look around and see the view. It surely did not seem that we are still in the Philippines. Lake is clear and blue, surrounded by trees and enclosed in an array of mountain made of ashes, I think, which looked like it was covered in snow too. Simply marvelous.

In Awe

It was really amazing to be the only group to be at the crater the whole time. We had it all to ourselves. We had freedom. Freedom to shout and make noise. Freedom to be ourselves. But above all, freedom to just experience the majesty of God’s creation.

As I always say, you never see the beauty of a place until you experience it.

Majestic Mount Pinatubo, check. You are amazing.

Til the next trip,

Kookie

Happy Christmas everyone! :)

* e-philippines is the cheapest and best amongst all I saw :) highly recommended. like them on facebook too.

When It Comes To Hemlines..

..below the knee is the place to be.

Seems like it’s a blast from the past -- but aren’t all new fashion trends revamped styles from before?  Case in point, the new Midi.  Already walking on streets, the midi skirt rescues the retro length from the Fifties and renews it, allowing different materials and styles.  Choose from loose fitting with loose shape, flowing dresses that appears A-line or round, or classic cuts to masculine styles or interesting mixed print combinations.  They come in wool, cashmere, pleated in sheer fabric, cotton or even in leather (hello 14,500php!). 

On the Runway --

Clockwise from L: YSL, Yohji Yamamoto, Dolce and Gabanna, Louis Vuitton

As it can be noticed midi skirts are by no means boring as they tend to be very versatile and stylish when used in well thought, creative and expressive outfits. 

On the Street --

Now the length, which hits at bit down the knees, is sometimes unflattering cos they cut your legs right on your calves and can make you look shorter.  I’m not tall and I have thick calves thanks to gymnastics and ballet, you can understand I am quite cautious about this.

My take.

Thanks Kookie for taking my photo!

Look at the details of this skirt (hand-me-down from my aunt)!

Top: White Tank.  Skirt: Vintage Midi.  Belt: Forever New.  Shoes, Charles and Keith.   

Accessories: Diva necklace, Vintage pearls. 

Seen at the runways, I can see there are only 2 rules for this trend:

1. Wear heels, the higher the shoes, the better to elongate your legs and keep you looking lean.  Try a block heel or boots to give this feminine skirt contrast. 

2. You can layer tops of different lengths or don a body-con tank or crop-top, this will highlight the shape.   Try graphics tees for instant cool. 

There are only a few timeless and essential items that will never go out of style.  Who doesn't have one classic LBds, stilettos and an elegant trench coat?  We all do.  Another fashion-must-have is the midi skirt.  They are the perfect investment pieces for chic, sexy graceful women, as they'll look great with platform sandals this summer or with a kick-ass boot for when it gets chilly.

3 more sleeps till Christmas,

Justine

A Year in Mascaras

And because I work best with pictures and visuals, here is my take on the best of 2010 --

What's your mascara for 2010?  Share your pick, thoughts and tips!




Xoxo,
Justine


Source: www.instyle.com

Deathbyplatforms' Christmas Giveaway!

I'm not giving away anything but SHE is and I'm joining!  :D

Win a pair of GOLD DOT shoes: Brandy or Bestie -- I'm choosing Brandy if i win. :D

And, that's not all!  These cute shorts from HAUTERFLY CLOTHING!  Just Fantabulous!

 So stop oggling, and join too!  You could win HERE!


Crossing fingers,
Justine

How To Become a Star Style Blogger

Read more HERE.


Looks like we have a loooong way to go to starting up our own Shop Front or getting Jeffrey Campbell name a shoe after me.  Tough!  :P


Cheers,
Justine

Retail Therapy

For the past few weeks, I've been really depressed. Go figure. :| So anyway, I woke up today, still feeling a bit nauseous, actually more nauseous than ever since I had to cram the last few details of the vertebrate exoskeleton. Again, go figure.

BUT BUT! Lo and behold! As I was walking around the house, I caught a glimpse of my dog's peed on newspaper which featured the previous Philippine Fashion Week. Thank goodness for that major fashion distraction because I felt so much better seeing these:

Now, I'm excited to go to the mall and check them out!!!! HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA Okay, FEEL MY JOY, MY LONG FORGOTTEN JOY. :)

OKAY THAT IS ALL. PROCRASTINATION OVER.

TATA!

Pat

Dark Denim

I just realized that my posts are going to be the lowest and depressingly vainest entries. So please bear with me. Haha. Anyhow, since I have a chunk of un-posted outfits, might as well, update now. Anyway, here's what I wore to school a month ago (or I dunno), without the socks though, I think I wore them with black stockings? I know I'm short, but the hem line is mother-effing intensely short that the ensemble had to require... "bottoms". :) Well, in the white dress' defense, it's really a top. HAHA

 

White Dress - Miss Me (Grandmother's gift. This is Ate Kookie's.  I just borrowed it from her. Mine's navy)

Denim Polo - Thrifted

Gray Socks - Forever 21

White and Dark Denim Brogues with Floral Prints - Trunkshow Trinoma/ trunkshow.multiply.com

Photos taken by: Angela Dela Cruz 

While I was breezing through my pictures, it just hit me how dark I've become. I actually like my color, but there are just irritating people who frown upon dark skin. WELLL, forgive my active brown producing pigments!

So anyway, here's a picture of myself 6 months ago. BASK IN MY PALE SKIN.

Toodles!
Pat

Just Another Day in Paradise: Sun, Sand Surf in Baler

One of my life mantras has always been this quote from the film The Beach, “I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know it's not some place you can look for, 'cause it's not where you go. It's how you feel for a moment in your life when you're a part of something, and if you find that moment... it lasts forever...” But after I spent a day in Baler, I dare say, paradise is a place you can look for and experience. :)

The mention of Baler conjures the images of the films Apcalypse Now and Baler with Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis in most people’s mind. But beyond these images lie paradise in itself…

Baler: At a glance

Baler, the provincial capital of Aurora province, is best known because of the surfing scene in the film Apocalypse Now shot in 1976. Since then, it has been one of the surfer’s paradise in the Philippines.  Though waves could be fickle, beginners can learn the basics in the peak months from October to February that bring large waves. Calm waves come in from through June where people can take leisurely swims and windsurfing too.

(Don’t you dare leave this place without learning how to ride the waves! Get ready to be stoked! Try Aliya Surf Camp Baler. 

Road to Paradise: How to get there

Baler used to be a 6-7 hour drive from Manila because of the dirt road near the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. But thank God for paved roads, you can get to Baler in 5 hours drive. It would be best to use a 4x4 car if you plan to drive.  Other alternatives would be either via SEAir or via bus.  Genesis Liner has daily trips from both from Baler and Manila.  They have deluxe buses with comfortable seats, somewhat like lazy boy types, worth Php500 for a one-way trip. Not bad! It took us 6 hours from Baler to Manila including several bus stops along the way.  Safe driving too.  Bus trip highly recommended. :)

At home in nature: Where to stay

Lodging in Baler is affordable.  Sabang Beach, a long strip of fine black sand beach, nestles not just fantastic waves but also good places to stay in:  Bay's Inn Baler, Bahia de Baler, to name a few. Lodging is fairly affordable and reasonable. There are other places good for “cowboy” types too. (By cowboys, I mean those people who go with the flow with anything and can stay and eat anywhere.) Locals have their houses for rent. For beach lovers like me, any place along the shore would be good, as long as it has fairly good comfort rooms. Nothing beats the cold sea breeze and the sound of the waves to lull you at night.

Sweet indulgence: Where to eat

When I go to new places, one thing I never fail to ask is the delicacies they offer. Though Baler does not have native delicacy to offer (well none that I know of… for now), it boasts with scrumptious fruit shakes! When you get there, make sure you head on to Bays Inn for their mouthwatering Mango and Buko shakes for just Php 60. Food would cost about 100-150 pesos per meal! :)

If you are a true-blooded cowboy, a must try would be the “turo-turo” or the carinderia types for good and cheap home cooked meals. Make sure to check out the Rolling Stone food stall. Gerry Shan is a known Chinese restaurant in the city right across Mercury Drug. They offer delectable sweets: Halo-halo, mais con helo, and shakes too! :)


(Check out food reviews :))

Beyond the water: What Paradise can offer

The main goal for my trip to Baler is to learn how to ride the waves. Was I successful? Yes indeed. But of course, Baler has more to offer than just beautiful waves. In every trip, one has to experience the life of the place, and that is where you can find perfect paradise.

My trip to short trip to Baler is the reason why I cannot stop thinking about going back. I know I have yet to experience much more about Baler life. But spending a day in this place is enough to say that its paradise lies not only in its majestic nature life, but also in the heart of every local of Baler. Everyone is warm and friendly. People here make you feel at home: safe, secure, and serene. One is greeted with an earnest smile everywhere you go.

Baler goes beyond surfing, it’s a place where you feel that you belong.. and that moment definitely lasts forever…

I shall see you again soon, Baler.

See You Later,

Kookie

(Thanks to Deddy Wong for the amazing shots :) )

"O Lord, how many are Your works! In wisdom, You made it all. The earth is full of your creatures" Psalm 104:24

Organising with Howard

I call it an organised mess.  Nobody is allowed to touch or move my things cos the moment they do, I don’t know where to find them (don’t you feel that way too?).  I know my documents are on top of my study table which is under a load of stuff which makes you think it won’t be there.  I also know that on the left corner of my room, my faithful gray scarf is jumbled up with my bomber jacket.  See, I am aware where my things are.  Or not. 

Organising has been a dream of mine.  I like looking at home and interior decorating magazines and wonder how come their rooms look so clean.  Where the hell do they put their stuff?  How can I fit my shoes with only a drawer that can hold only 12 pairs?  Tell me how can your wardrobe look like this when you have four seasons to dress up for?

Maybe until the day that I can afford to get a 4 bedroom house – for my hubby and I, our child, maybe a guest and my wardrobe extension -- for now I’ll just take baby steps.  Enter, Howards Storage World.  Key word: storage.  HSW is an Australian-based company that has a large range of ingenious and innovative storage solutions to cluttered people like me.  Their concept is “to create a place for everything and make it easy to keep everything in its place”.  And doesn’t it feel great to take control of your space? 

They don’t have meatballs but they have these –

Shoe drawers for those of you who value their shoes like gold, I know I do.  They come in large (999.75 php) and small (599.75 php) to fit from sandals to boots and even men’s shoes.

Clever-ever!  Something for him!  Valet with trinket tray: a trouser bar, shaped jacket, tray for cuff links and watches (2,999.75 php).

  

I use belt hangers to hang my collection of necklaces cos I hate it when they get tangled up!  This belt rack (199.75 php) can hold 14 necklaces or 7 on each side.

Over the door hangers are the next best thing!  No need to hammer or screw, just place them over the door for instant hanger space.  10 knobs (999.75 php) just for you!

And what I have been secretly using when the weather changes, I just stuff all my bulky winter clothes in a space bag (899.75 php), and vacuum away until they are as thin as a board.  Out of mind, out of sight.  And I’m outta here!

Oh did I also tell you their prices are at an average of 50% cheaper than buying Down Under.  I saw one item that is 114% cheaper with the current Australian-Peso conversion to be exact! Sweet.  Why don't you have a look at their online catalogue and make a wishlist while you are at it.

Luvluv, Justine

Howards Storage World great concept will organize the world, one country at a time.  HSW’s first flagship store in the Philippines is located at Robinsons Place Manila.  Soon to open in EDSA Shangri-La.  Franchise operated by Robinsons Handyman Group.   

Photos from ikea.com.au and hsw.com.ph

Damn That Snicks is Fine

Last August, I was so over winter down under and was already daydreaming of shedding the layers and walking barefoot along the West Australian coast. I knew clogs will be big for Spring/Summer and I have been rummaging like crazy looking for the best clog around.

I was in love with the studs and the peep toe of Tony Bianco's Veri but I wanted something with a wedge like See by Chloé's Slingback Wedge Clog cos I don't have much wedges in my wardrobe. On a stop over in Singapore, I almost had my wallet out for the Topshop's Prima Sling Clog  but I didn't. My shoe-aholic me just wouldn't let me compromise. Lo and behold, I found the perfect collaboration of my inspirations.. many months after!

L-R: Tony Bianco, See by Chloé, Topshop

It was already October and I was still head strong looking for the perfect shoe. I stumbled upon this and alarm bells rang and I could only think of these questions: what, where and when???  Who ever thought when SM Department Store said, “We've got it all for you”, it was for real?  I didn't not until SM Fashion Forum brought Jeffrey Campbell to Manila and the clog of my dreams.  I fell to the floor.  I had to have them!  With a little chit chat and sweet talking their sale assistant, Myra (Thanks!) I was in on a we-will-let-you-know-when-they-are-in list.  And in they came, and the rest, as we say, is history.

Jeffrey Campbell's 100% wood ultra high platform wedge (check!) and luxe dark tan leather upper peeptoe (double check!) with stud detailing and buckled sling strap, the Snick just gave me all I need in my clog.  And I never want to take them off!

Top, Zara.  Pants, Roxy Jeans.  Shoes, Jeffrey Campbell.  Necklace, Bracelet and Ring, Diva.

Luvluv,

Justine

SM Fashion Forum is currently available in SM Department Store Makati.

Knee High!

I've been playing touch rugby (or now known as touch football) for two years. Every November marks the start of the season! Last Saturday, our team from UPD joined the Luzon Ladies Championship at Brent International School. Anyway, to cut my story short, I had to stay under the sun for 4 straight hours. Talk about skin cancer and 2-toned legs (yes, knee high socks produce brown and brown-er leg parts). Well, to mask my uneven skin color, I've decided to wear knee high socks to school too... or not. Hahaha Just for the photos. Still haven't found the courage to get past judging eyes... or not. I'm sorry. I'm so conflicted. Hahaha

Anyway, here's what I didn't wear to school, but would have if I lived in a colder country:

Sweater - Topshop

Denim shorts - Greenhills

Gray knee high socks - Forever 21

Black brogues - Parisian

FAT ASS THIGHS - YEARS OF RUNNING

Photos taken by Angela Dela Cruz

Xoxo,

Pat

The Rise of the Flats

Japanese Geishas have been wearing getas for centuries already and finally we are getting a hint from them.  Its the end of an era of sky high heels and ankle breakers, and I could almost hear the rejoice of chronic flat shoe ladies -- enter the rise of the flats.  Seen during S/S2011 fashion shows, these babies showcase flat shoes with platforms, or coined as flatforms.   Pardon me, again?  Basically, you'll get all the added height without any of the pain and ongoing health problems associated with heels.  Interested?

Derek Lam

Personally, I'm one of those girls who will endure painstaking agony of squashed toes or burning balls of your feet cos I love the height I get from wearing them (5'1 just doesn't cut it) and the added confidence and oompff when wearing heels.  I call it "tiis-ganda" (sacrifice for beauty) and I have learned not to whine or winge whenever I choose to stomp the ground on more than 3inch heels else I get the lecture from DH telling me he already warned me before leaving the house: "Are you sure you will be wearing "those"?"

 

 Maison Martin Margiela

I still love my towering-torture-chambers but these flatforms may be my number two.  Where to wear them?  Just about anywhere and with everything!  But a couple of things come to mind --  Concerts!  Don't you hate being small and craning your neck or looking for the slightest crevice among the sea of people just so you can see Rihanna on stage, cos everybody else in front of you is taller?  Well you wouldn't mind wearing Margiela's wedge 5 hours straight up -- their flat, no aching feet here, and you get the added inches to tower over people.  Win-win.

 Fendi

I've never tried, well okay, I already have and I learned my lesson quickly -- I am not one for shopping in heels.  Never again will I try to go on a shopping spree in heels.  Well not along Orchard Road again!  The time I did, I survived the madness (and I didn't even buy spare cheap thongs just so I can take the heels off!) but I couldn't walk the next day.   No win.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa 

So what's your verdict?  Are you ready to jump aboard the flatform train, or is this one trend you'll say "no thank you!" to?  I already got my shopping list ready and will be scouring shoe shops until they  somebody here in Manila brings them in.  <3

 Robert Clergerie

Luvluv,

Justine