High Summer

Well it's been raining non stop today.. makes me wonder -- "summer is officially over".  Not that I have been island hoping much or jet setting across countries and continents.  But still, summer (pause) is (pause) over.  I have actually been awol for awhile, didn't mean too!  I actually have a lot of things to share with all of you, I just can't find the time to sit down and write.  But I'll make time for this one!

I've been asked by a number of friends of mine with my recent album in Facebook -- it's about a slew of photos taken from a recent holiday out of town (more of that in another time).  Yes comments about the trip and more of my new swimsuit!  Yeaaaaaaah!

Remember my blog post about the essentials for the summer season?  See number 3?  Told you its gonna be fab.  Apart from the high waist bottom trimming my tum for a more minimizing shape, it's offers a different take on the usual-bare-it-all-at-the-beach but still oh-so-classy.  So this was actually a purchase from awhile back, and finally it has seen the light of day -- and it was a hit.  

Bikinis, swimsuits, cossies, tankinis and maillots -- it's the piece of clothing that will define your summer.. so I suggest to make it a good one.  I Love Koi is a local brand producing one of a kind swimsuits for shapes, sizes, styles and colours.  Case in point, their most sought after high waist bottoms (get them quick, they always sell out fast!)

High waist sets (xs-xl) 1,680php

They've got so much more too!  It gets crazy, so many colours, so many styles, you just want to have them all!

L-R: Summer Fling, Beaded halter, Slits & Knots, Braided Bandeau

Whether your looking for sport-luxe, polka dots, quirky prints, rainbow hues, classic prints and colours and retro pastels -- I'm sure you'll find something at Koi.  

L-R: Sun Bandeau, Knot Bandeau, Boyleg Bottom, Three-tone Semi-High Waist  

Check their website and like their Facebook page for updates on new items, stock availability and promos.

L-R: Strappy V Maillot, Deep V Maillot, Two-tone Maillot 

Show Lace and Jade (the Koi team) your love!

Retail Partners: The Ramp Corssings, Trinoma Rebulik, BTC Cebu

Website: http://ilovekoi.com.ph/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilovekoiswimwear

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/koiswimwear

How about you?  Where have you been this summer?  Who did you meet?  What did you see?  Got any fantastic stories to tell?  Do tell us! :)

Hope you had a good one,

Justine

Take Me Back... to the island of Boracay

I know that the Philippines is blessed with so many good sights and of course boasts with great beaches. Out of the 7,100 plus islands, there is one island I'd definitely go back over and over again... 

Take me back to my home, to a place where I belong... Take me back to BORACAY!

Quite honestly, Boracay has changed a lot from way back.. It used to boast with the long white powdery sand (they said it could take you minutes walk from the shore to touch the water), clear pristine blue shallow waters, picturesque view of the sunset coasting along the horizon.. It was a place of solace, peace and calmness.. Ahhh take me there! 


But now, Boracay has changed. Sand is no longer white in the whole stretch of the island. Parts of the island (like in Station 2 or 3) sand becomes rather darker, tan I must say. Numerous establishments are built EVERYWHERE (from resorts to restaurants to bars to pubs to shopping malls and outlets and the list goes on and on and on...). It has become a place for partying, drinking, meeting different people... It has is no longer a place of bliss for most people. Go there on certain times of the year if you are looking for peace and bliss (not the peak seasons)..


The question is, why do I love going back? Here is a photo of a little reminder I saw in one of the small cafes in bora (Real Coffee) Must try are their Calamansi Muffins and Peanut Butter Brownies!! Yum! 

Be who you are. Say what you feel. 


BORACAY for me is not a place to get wasted, drunk, or high. NEVER was it that for me. Whenever I am in that island, I know I am in for a total relaxation program. The beach is still beautiful no doubt (just don't compare it with way back). There is a certain vibe that you really do forget everything in your city life. You can walk around the beach any time. Swim in the water any time. Get a good tan. Great company. Good friends. Good times. Great island vibe. 

Frisbee. Paraw sailing. Swimming. Sun bathing. Fruit shakes. Sunsets. Skim boarding. Gah... Fun fun fun!

Another thing. One of the best things about bora is the FOOD FOOD FOOD!!

- Chori/Longga burger

- Isaw

- Kropek

- Real Coffee

- Shakes

- White House happy hour

- TWO SEASONS: Pizza!!!

- Smoke

- Talipapa...

- Mongolian

- Juice Bar

- Andoks

- ETC ETC....

Four cheese pizza and Mushroom with Truffle Sauce both from TWO SEASONS. Must try

Take me back...
I just hope it won't be destroyed with so much waste and partying.. SAVE BORACAY. 

Til the next adventure. See you in the island!


Kookie.

LORD HOW MAJESTIC ARE YOUR WORKS. :) 

Coz No One's Peter Pan

About a month ago, My blockmates and I celebrated 4 years of friendship. We make it a point to have get-togethers every year. This year, we decided to have our block graduation dinner at Paparazzi, Edsa Shangri-La.

Here's what I wore
Dress: Topshop
Floral Wedges: Parisian

Clockwise: Erik, Teddy, John, Jerome, Trizza, Kar, Ana, Gela, Me!, Pauline
MIA: Carmel

It's funny how our batchmates used to make fun of our block because we'd have picnics in the Sunken Garden. I really don't get why they'd tease us about it, but anyway, I still find it amazing how our block was the only block in Psych who stuck together :)

We'd have random gimiks in 1st year, surprise birthdays during our sophomore year, out-of-town road trips the year after, and fancy dinners and plane rides on our last year :)

I still can't believe college is over. John's in Vegas and will be taking his masters in Stanford hopefully, Trizza will be taking a second degree in UP, Ana's looking for a job, Kar's going to fashion school, Pauline, Jerome and Gela are going to UE Med School, and I'm stuck with Erik and Teddy for the next 5 years. Crap. HAHAHA.

I'm going to miss them very much. :( See you guys every year okay? Hopefully, in 10 years, we'll all be stinking rich and have picnics in Europe. HAHA I love you all. Thnks fr th Mmrs. :)

Look at how much we've grown!
Top: Our first block picnic with our block-handlers, UP Buklod-Isip
Bottom: Block 3 at Paparazzi. So old.. and so broke. HAHAHA

Yours,
Patricia, soon to be MD.

The School of Satchel

The school tote's all grown up!

The School of Satchel 11" in Navy.

There’s no doubt about it, the satchel is definitely the bag of the season.  With all the floral, floaty, clogs and hippie trend happening, a satchel is definitely on the list.  Whether it may be to allow you for more movement while on the go and (cos seriously the crooked elbow look has had its day).  Or to store all your work what-haves still looking chic, everybody needs a satchel.  First we saw the classic schoolboy satchels from The Cambridge Satchel Company, then the cute candy-coloured mini satchels by Kate Spade and now another recent find and soon to be known all over the world (mark my words!) The School of Satchel has created a collection of leather satchels too.

The School of Satchel 11" in Navy.

These babies are made from 100% genuine leather and they come in 4 must-have colours: Oxblood, Tan, Black and Navy; plus they are available in 3 sizes: 11", 13" and 15" -- to cover all the bases (from play to work and all those in between).   The satchels all have antique hardware and the interior is made of the same colour leather.  The best bit, proudly Philippine made.  Yeah!

What I like about these satchels are the buckle straps in front (it tells me the contents of my bag are safe, though its a pain to open when you're rushing to answer your mobile phone!)  And the small pocket in front as it's the perfect size to drop your keys, lipstick and any other small items you seem to stuff your bag with.  As well as the adjustable straps -- it will always be the right length for me.  Did I mention I get stares and double takes?  I'd like to think its cos of the bag and not cos I have something on my face, haha. :D      

From L-R: The School of Satchel in Navy, Black, Tan and Oxblood

Don't know what size to get?  Follow SoS's sizing descriptions below:
11" - Your daily ESSENTIALS satchel.  It is lightweight and easy practical to carry daily with it's secure belt fasten loops. Affordable enough to buy more than 1 color!  11" x 8 " x 2.50" 


13" - If you lug around a half liter of water everyday, then get this is the satchel for you. Place your laptop inside and never carry two separate bags EVER again! 13" x 9 " x 3.25" 


15" - Now, if you carry a liter of water everyday like some people (yes me), your laptop, kindle, organizer, etc then this is yours, no question. You don't have an excuse to leave anything at home! 15" x 10 " x 4" 


And if you are like me, indecisive and confused as what colour to choose.. why not get two?  I'll take snaps of the 13" Oxblood next time. :D

Fun, flirty and just the right size!

3 reasons why you need to buy this bag:
Not that we ever really need an excuse to splurge on a new arm candy, but this satchel has given me a multitude of reasons to forget about budgeting and other more important priorities... 
1. It bag for summer!  Need I say more?
2. 100% genuine leather and made in the Philippines.  Pinoy Pride!
3. It’s available online at theschoolofsatchel.multiply.com, so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your couch to get it. Brilliant.

Check School of Satchel's website by clicking this link, or like it on Facebook here.


Toodles,
Justine


P.S.  They are offering FREE DELIVERY within Metro Manila.  So what's stopping you?

Paper Scissors

I remember walking to school one morning when a %50 off selected items sign caught my attention. Paper Scissors. Why have I not been to this store before? Well I guess because I spend most of the time on the other side of Hay Street City Mall that I never came across this shop. I had a quick peek inside and from there on I was counting down the hours till I can check out all those new gorgeous looking clothes.

After a long boring day of school, I literally power walked to the store. Okay so I was expecting it was just another replica of clothes from Valley Girl, Chicabooti and Temt... but it wasn't. Their collections was pretty new and different. After looking at almost everything in sale racks a lot caught my eye but to buy them next time I go back. Which I know was soon. 

My parents went on a 4 day holiday trip to Singapore during a weekend so Bea, my friend and ma sista, and I went to the city and decided to check some clothes at Paper Scissors after multiple stopovers to other shops. Tried on some clothes and left with 2 tops. 1. A Lace top but had ugly buttons that I took out 2. A gorgeous flower printed braided neckline and strap top. Good purchase :) 

This is what I wore on Holy Saturday with my number 2 purchase top except I didn't wear shorts of course XD 

| Top: Paper Scissors | Short: Valley Girl | Flats: Orbit |

| Bag: Guess | Necklace: Forever 21 | Belt: Portmans | Bracelets: Diva and Temt |

So make sure if you haven't already check out Paper Scissors when your walking around Perth City. 

<3 always,

Anna

We are on a Boat!

A few weeks ago, my cousin, Nikki, celebrated her 18th birthday.  Now back in my day, it's either you go all out with a Cotillion or have an Anti-Cotillion party.  I had the latter and had 18 shots instead of the usual 18 roses -- "more booze, more fun" that's what I say! :P

So anyway, this little box came one day.  It opens up to the invite and map to where the party will be.  Party on a yacht?  I must say, this is a first.  I've done sailing trips, yeah, but nothing like this.  This just now trumped all future parties (and Kookie's wedding, hahah).  Epic.

Come the 12th of March, we drive to CCP Bay Terminal Complex in our cocktail outfits and I reckon that was the end and start of history.

  

Call time was about 5 o'clock as we boarded the M/Y Shanti to be greeted by hip grinding beats, hand shaken drinks and delectable Hors d'œuvres (I specially liked the salmon canape and mango tuna cups).

  

The weather was right, the wind was cool as we sailed around the Manila Bay as we consumed bite after bite and drink after drink.  Girls just wanna have fun!

After an hour and a half or so, we watched the sun set along the horizon as we slowly turned back to dock just in time for dinner.

  

The birthday girl was welcomed and greeted as she made her grand entrance from the yacht to the dinner area.  Dinner was perfect, and I gave way to my selfishness and completely forgot to take photos!

There was a second sailing, this time with her schoolmates -- we wanted to go again but there was a 50pax capacity for the yacht and well, when you're that popular, 50 is just too small!  We were bumped-off!  They got to watch the final Pyrolympic presentation, lucky ducks!

Meanwhile, we got our caricatures done as we watched wish laterns ala Tangled fly up to the sky.

And as the fairytale goes, they partied on the boat until midnight! <3


Yacht: M/Y Shanti, Realship Corp
Venue: CCP Bay Terminal Complex
Caterer: Chef's Quarter/ Old Vine
Mobile Bar: Event Shaker, Event Shaker Mobile Bar
Macaron Tower: Empire by Georgia Rocha, Empire
Cake: The Cake Artist, The Cake Artist
Artists: Grapiks, Grapiks Karikatyur


Pat you completely missed out.. but then again, BOOKS BEFORE BOATS! :D


See you on the portside,
Justine

It's a Deal!

How does 4-days 3-nights in stunning El Nido including airfare, hotel, meals, transfers, and tours for only 14,000php per person sound?  Yes, you got me right, that's usually a 88,000php per person budget.  Or how about ordering the 1,700php 4-course set menu for only 850php instead at 22 Prime at Discovery Suites?  It's either your confused or panicing by now.  The only question left is "How?!"

Now, you know how you purchase things cheaper if you buy in bulk right?  Like how you can get 2 pairs of shoes for only 52ophp but only purchasing one will cost you 350php a pair.  Or a 6 cups of yoghurt for only 140php instead of 25php per cup.  It's exactly like that, except its not just shoes or yoghurt -- its a getaway to Bellarocca, or an exclusive dinner at Chef's Table, or even make up classes by Mud Make-up Designory.  There are now a number of websites offering these group buying deals -- and because they buy in bulk, they can give discounts as much as 90% the regular price.  Believe me.

Now, I don't know when Group buying really started but my inbox is currently over flowing with alerts of things that are on sale from  through different group buying sites.  Remember our dinner buffet at Spiral?  We had their well-known multi-cusine buffet dinner for only half the price thanks to group buying.  My friend just purchased IPL underarm hair removal for only 600php instead of 1,200php per session at Clara International.  I'm thinking of getting the deal at 22 Prime actually, expensive dining at half the cost, yes please!

Maybe I should stop talking and let you do the clicking.  But beware, once you start, you'll never want to pay full again!

https://www.dealgrocer.com/



http://www.cashcashpinoy.com/




http://www.ensogo.com.ph/manila/



http://www.beeconomic.com/Philippines/

http://www.metrodeal.com/

http://www.buyanihan.com/

http://pakyaw.com.ph/

http://plejee.com/

http://www.couppie.com/

http://www.cuponz.com/

http://awesome.ph

http://crazydeals.ph

Happy Shopping,

Justine

Summer 101

It smells like tanning oil, sea water and frozen fruit shakes.. you know what I'm talking about.  Summer.  A time where everybody gets a little bit crazy -- may it be the weather that makes you want to strip down to your birthday suit, or the long days that make you wish you are digging your toes into the sand. 


Don't tell me you don't have plans yet, did you miss out on all those seat sales?  And if you already have, good on ya!  Time to gear up to soak up some sun with these top must-have wardrobe summer staples.

Denim Cut-offs.  Get a couple cos its always on high roation.  Prefect for any road trip, the beach and where ever it takes you.  Forever 21 Destroyed Denim Cutoffs.

T-shirt.  Throw it over your bikini or team it with your favourite shorts.  Zara, Voluminous T-shirt, 995php.

High Waisted Bikinis.  Cover up all those chocs and lollies you chowed down last Valentine's while making your legs longer and look as elegant as Princess Di.  Thank goodness for high-waisted bikinis.  Koi Swimwear, 880php.

Maxi Dress.  Nothing says summer than a breezy kaftan that takes you from day to night.  Topshop, Black Pasiley Print Maxi Kafan.

Vest.  You can still work layers as a light cover up during the summer with soft drapings.  Forever21, Surplice Buckled Vest. 

Playsuit.  No more tight bondage dresses of the past season, let it all loose and playful with a playsuit.  Topshop, Sweet William Playsuit.

Sandals.  Pack away your closed shoes and boots and walk barefoot along the shore with these sandals.  Pedro. 

Boater Hat.  Keep UVA/UVB sun rays at bay with a preppy boater.  Accessorize, Dinky Straw Boater Hat.

Sunglasses.  Move over Wayfarers, this summer it's all about retro style sunnies.  Zara, Glasses with Golded Side Piece, 1,990php.

Bag.  Flirty enough to keep your your hand free while on the go.  Aldo, Moltz Clutch.


Have your shopping list ready, cos I'm sure it's going to be hot!


Whew,
Justine