Dusk just settled when I heard a man call out, “Tao po!” while tapping on our gate. Wait, isn’t it a holiday today? What surprised me more was that he had a package addressed to me with him.
One wrapped package contained a book by Nina Garcia (made famous for her appearances in Heidi Klum’s Project Runway as one of the judges), One Hundred.

It tickled the book lover in me. Though I wouldn’t really buy something like it but I appreciate it all the same. It’s a comprehensive list of …

Filipinos are generally simple; bound by traditions and held back by superstitions (IMO) — perhaps attributed to its religious nature. Anyway, noting our National Costumes: the Baro’t Saya and the Barong, these pieces somewhat says it all. Though it offers formality, one can’t deny that they still lack the sophistication of a cocktail dress and the sleekness of a suit, respectively. But that’s how our country’s fashion was founded — in simplicity and modesty.
That’s probably why a lot of Philippine fashion designers excel in gowns, I’m guessing it’s an extreme …

*Humming the song while working on the post.*
For folks who are not familiar with the song, it’s one of the country’s local tagalog folk songs (also sung while playing a traditional game with the same name). And the reason why I sing hum is because I spent a day in a farm and I’m here to tell you a lil about my experience in photos.
Though I love the hustle and bustle of the city life, I can appreciate the simple, refreshing environment that can best be found in rural settings. …

This vagabond and shutterbug is itching to get on a plane and traipse around the country once again.
As much as I’d love to see Davao, Siargao, CDO, and Legazpi, I’ve narrowed down my choices to Puerto Princesa and Cebu. There were several considerations — weather, photo concept board and, yes, budget. I know I’ve already been to these two places around 4 to 5 times but I’ve never really blogged about any of my trips. Just snippets. I reckon this ought to be a good opportunity to work on …

One of the hosts of the Make Your Own Havaianas 2009 Launch night is Bianca Gonzales. A face you can’t miss in the crowd as she’s well-known both online and off (heck, you’ve probably seen her on TV!). Bianca sure lit up the venue wearing this adorable strapless dress with bold floral prints. Doesn’t it lift your mood just staring at it? I love her charm necklace, too. Her look is a subtle reflection of what the event was about — fun, bright and creativity. I guess wearing bold prints …

Switching from her Limited Edition pair of Havaianas pair, Thea slips on her new blinged up pair from the Make Your Own Havaianas 2009 Launch. Of course, I had to take several snaps before she’s happy with a photo (oh, what a camwhore you are T! LOL) even when she’s the one who’s pulling funny faces. But let me tell you this, the other poses were great themselves! Stop being too hard on yourself, sweetie. Hahaha.
Again, she’s adorned with her own jewelry creations worn with her Maldita dress which I …

Wearing her new blinged up Havaianas, Hannah strikes a pose for me. I’ve always loved how her personal style reflects her free spirit. I happen to think that she’s one of the few people whom I don’t want to see sporting anything close to commercial. Call me a purist, heh. Her look would shift from boho to rock to punk then she would sometimes throw something together that will surprise you — with preferences that include neutrals with minimal accents and such — and she’d always end up looking fresh, …

I now own a one of a kind (unless by some miracle you ended up with the same style) Style Manila flip-flops courtesy of Havaianas. And it’s Pink! Just about as surprising as the heavy downpour that signaled the end of the night for my friends and I. It’s probably best if I explain the reason behind the choice.

Just got back from the Make Your Own Havaianas 2009 Launch held at the Rockwell Tent; bagged a new pair of blinged up Havaianas and basically had a fun night with a …

Who hasn’t been to one of these things? They’ve held the Make Your Own Havaianas several times now me thinks. I do, however, have to admit that I still haven’t. Been invited but never went. I hear lines are long but experience was incomparable. I guess that’s why friends have asked me if it’s happening again anytime soon. Here’s the answer.
Disclaimer: Press release ahead.
There’s nothing like a comfy pair of flip-flops to get you through the day. Once used only in homes, rubber flip-flops have become fashion must-haves fit for …

Happy Sunday, folks!
I had a pretty eventful Saturday (which stretched onto the wee hours of Sunday — I actually just got home a few hours ago) so I’m hoping that you all had the same great fortune. From movie dates to car fixes, I’m well satisfied with how my weekend is starting out. For now, I’m looking forward to a relaxing Sunday.
But before I do just that, I haven’t forgotten that I’ve yet to conclude the Havaianas FlipFloat Contest held here at Style Manila. I can’t believe that time …