The irony in life

Just a few days ago I blogged about getting a Goyard and Mulberry for myself. Today someone contacted me about an inquiry I made weeks ago. It was for a Prada bag at 35k. She said it's still available in case I'm interested. Grabe thoughts were racing in my mind. Kakalurks! I even went as far as asking if she offered installment terms. But after much thinking, I decided not to buy the bag. It's pretty, yes. But it reminds me of Kimi Go Donghae's famous scene with her intern (on video at 4:50).

And because I somehow channel Kimy Godonghae in real life (hahaha), I said no. And I thought how the hell am I gonna purchase an 85k bag if I can't even let go of 35k? hahaha Naaliw naman ako sa problema ko. Walang kwenta. hahaha

LISTED!

I've listed bags that I swear I'm gonna get for myself by hook or by crook... (at least as of this moment, haha)

Call me crazy but yes I'd like to own a Goyard. Sure it looks like a banig from afar but really, each of those dots on the 'banig' pattern is hand painted. WILD! And their designs kinda grew on me already. On my list is a 35 cm Croisiere in black and tan (around 85k++).

Mulberry Alexa oversized tote in Oak (69k++) It looks like Proenza's PS1 but this one's more feminine.

I'm limiting it to three so my last 'listed' item would be I dunno! haha Not Chanel anymore. hehe I've concluded I'm not a Chanel girl.

So maybe these two will suffice. I can't even afford one. But I'm posting this just in case someone loves me enough and is too generous to give me one. HAHA

Viva Vintage

Here's another bag story. I was surfing Multiply shops in search for a leather laptop bag and I ended up seeing a vintage YSL sling. It was authentic and selling super low. I tried to rub off the thought of purchasing because I'm saving up for Singapore. But yesterday I saw that two different people inquired about the bag. So shempre epal ako, I inquired also because it was so beautiful. I texted the seller and she sent the the bad news- it was sold that morning. I wanna die.

Until today I still want the bag. To the extent that I messaged the seller to ask for the photo. You know, for reference coz I might end up seeing a similar bag

one day. I hope she agrees and emails me the photo.

Anyway, I was so sad to learn that the bag was sold so I ended up scouring the cabinets of mom and her sister in their old room upstairs. I didn't find any bag. The only vintage bag I got from them was a sling too! Got it December 2009, I remember it clearly coz the f

irst time I used it was during the lantern parade of our senior year. I love it so much! I would never sell it.

Having relayed that experience, I think what I want to do now is live by the shopping mantra 'quality over quantity' when it comes to bags. With shoes and clothes I don't mind getting affordable ones but with bags, I feel it'd be amazing if my niece or daughter in the future unearth my 'vintage' bags and scream with delight. They'll love me more! hahaha

Right now I still can't afford designer bags. My current personal savings and lifestyle does not allow me to purchase bags that exceed 7k. Bought bags worth 7k twice already. And I'm not planning to buy another one anytime soon. Hindi lang tubig ang kulang noh. May kakulangan rin ng pera ngayon. My conscience and pocket cannot stand spending too much on a bag. See my price limit here.

Anyway, back to my mom and her sister's cabinet. I didn't find any bag but I got vintage shades and a 5-peso coin with Pres. Marcos' face.

Isn't it lovely to have a piece of history?

What's in my bag

I know, such a pretty self-absorbed post. eeek! Sorreeeeh. I'm curious what's in your bags so feel free to post your WIMB shot too. yey!

Bag: Limited edition Longchamp le pliage in Navy.

Contents: black Esprit ballet (gift like 4 years ago), gray eco bag (rolled), Sodexho GCs (in red envelope; Christmas gift from bosses), phone, coin purse and vanity kit (metallic gray pouch).

Inside vanity kit:

• Holic sanitizers (pink and blue)
• Clinique Dramatically Different moisturizing lotion (meant for the face but I use it as a regular lotion because I use Olay for the face and it's unscented- not allowed to use scented lotions in the car.)
• My emergency lint remover
• Neosporin ointment (yellow tube; first aid for cuts, bruises and scratches)
• Dr.B anti-stress balm (that little yellow pot), Clinique lippie, Blistex moisture rich lip balm, Mistine lip&cheek tint
• hair clamp
• and my freebie compact powder from Farrah that she gave me during her internship in a cosmetics company. hehe

That's about it, I guess. Somtimes I bring my camera- it fits in my bayong-ish bag. hahaha Share what's in your bag too! :)

Addicted to you!

Just a quick update- I'm not getting the bag I mentioned in my previous post. It's just too expensive I'll starve to death. I did however show the Samsonite polycarbonate pixel cube luggage to my Dad and Mom at Travel Club. I think they like it too. Dad thought I was gonna show them the McQueen luggage so I had to explain that it was not available locally and I just found it online.

Anyhoobaloo, I am saving up for that pixel cube. So cute! Great investment! The polycarbonate material makes your luggage ultralight therefore allowing you to pack more stuff without worrying extra charges. Baggage allowance are pretty tight nowadays so this one really helps a lot. (If you are curious, drop by Travel Club and try lifting the Samsonite polycarbonate luggages.)

* * *

You all know I love shoes. Like love love love that sometimes I purchase more two pairs at once. That may sound totally normal compared to shopaholics but not to me. Two pairs means double the damage to my pocket. haha

A pretty recent dinner with friends caused me to make a mental note that I should get a pair of heels because that dinner EVERYONE was in heels except Emm and I. Of course Emm- we understand. But me? Grabe I felt so small- literally ah! Claude was wearing flats also pala but she's tall so that's an exception. So for a few days I was obsessed with getting a pair of heels because the heels I have were all too formal and office-ish - as in classic black pumps, cream round toe pumps, brown open toe pumps and the epic burnt orange pumps which were only used once (18th anniversary party of ABAM).

Lucky for me I found really nice heels from Pill at the Ramp. They were on sale too so I was very happy to find them. I like that the heels are not cigarette thin so that makes walking much easier and more balanced. I haven't used this pair yet so it's tucked in my rack right now.

photo from pillfootwear.multiply.com

The week we went to Zambales, I also purchased a pair of flats online. I was sooo nervous about this purchase because the last time I bought shoes online- they didn't fit me and now they are moldy and look like crap in its box in my rack. I just might leave it with the basura. Maybe the basureros will have better use for this- like a graduation shoes for their kid or some sassy pair for their wife. hihi! Anyway we were in Zambales when the shoes arrived so when I got home I immediately tried them on. Thank God they fit! At first I thought they were tight but just like any pair of shoes, they expand after a few hours of wearing so it was all good. Fits me perfectly now! And I am fascinated with it all the time. I can't stop looking at it. It's so nautical!

photo from girlsmustshop.multiply.com

The seller Stacey was very nice too. I am totally hooked. I'm actually thinking of getting the rest of the stripes collection but again, damage to my wallet. I'll wait for the new collection instead. Yay! I guess no matter how much I appreciate heels, I'd always go back to my first love- flats.

Oh, I remembered when I was in high school, I never had a pair of flats. Just tons of rubber shoes and two pairs of leather boots. Not the cowboy type ok? Just normal boots that looks nice with jeans. But now I cannot live without flats. I hardly even wear rubber shoes unless I'm off to do some exercise, and never wore boots after those two pairs. hahaha

* * *

Speaking of multiply sellers, there's this one that has been getting into my nerves. This is not the first time I encountered her. In a nutshell, she insists I purchase stuff and I hate it because she doesn't even have the goods on hand. Is she that desperate to earn that resorts to pressuring customers? hay grabe I'm so imbyerna. I'll never purchase from her again. Don't get me wrong, she's nice and accommodating naman but there's something I cannot stand about her. One time I ordered a few things from her- including 30 pieces of an item. (sorry for being so vague about which things but I assure you the stuff aren't bankok pills, contraceptives or anything illegal haha) Anyway she messaged me (on Multiply chat) to tell me that she only has 10 pieces of what I wanted. Since she couldn't supply what I needed, I simply said maybe we can push through with my other orders and cancel the 10 pieces since I need 30 of those. Mygosh you know what she said? It was something like 'Naku sis I thought you were gonna get it na. Nareserve ko na sa iyo. Please sis I really need the money.' That time I wanted the stuff anyway so I said fine I'll take the 10 pieces. Hay naku I don't want to elaborate anymore. Just the thought of it stresses me. One thing's for sure, I am so not gonna order anymore from this seller who's too desperate to make a sale. Multiply shopping should be fun, not stressful.

A bag and a lesson from Up (the movie, not our school)

Today I stumbled on a photo of a beautiful luggage.

I knew I had to check this out. To my surprise it's a Samsonite collection designed by no other than THE (late) Alexander McQueen! I love his works. Ever since I've been exposed to designer labels (exposed doesn't mean I have them hahaha coz really, I don't) I've been following McQueen's works. One day news and tweets flooded saying he took his life. (Read more of that here.)

This is like hitting two birds with one stone because I also looove Samsonite. My family loves Samsonite. I've had my Samsonite backpack since 2002 and it's still very much usable til now. It was my bag during our recent beach trip to Zambales. Although the waterproof lining is now tattered (brother overused and abused the bag for almost two years) it's still pretty tough. Love it to bits! My dad and Joop have Samsonite bags too. Mom doesn't coz she doesn't need one while Jom doesn't coz he's a Jansport guy back in high school.

Anyway back to my story haha, I practically spent the whole day looking for the best deals. Scoured ebay and all other luggage sites. It's pretty hard to find pala because this is an old collection- released in 2007 I believe. I showed it to my mom just to get a second opinion whether I should get it or not. I was expecting her to say no but ohemgee she liked it! She didn't even stop me from considering purchasing the bag. A little later I found a seller located in the Philippines. This time it's the luggage bag that I want - the duffel in the photo above. (The one earlier was the same collection, different bag.) It's 20 effin thousand. I DIED. I showed it to my mom and she laughed at me! hahahaha Because I would need a little less than two months worth of salary to pay for it. My dad just looked but he didn't give me the look that spelled NO. So now I'm kinda contemplating on which bag I'll pick. Bag A- smaller case (half the price, half the size) or Bag B (hand carry-ish for travels) - 20k.

Now this bag brings me to the lesson from the cartoon Up. Remember Ellie (the wife of the old man) was saving up to travel to the falls? And she ended up not being able to go because they always use up their savings due to a lot of reasons. I feel like it's the same here. I've been listing the major expenses I'll incur this year and early next year. That includes my trip to Singapore (I am sooo not shopping there. Just a few packs of Famous Amos), a Rimowa or Samsonite ultra light trolley, and a camera that I promised to get for my brother if he graduates with good grades (because he wants to be a photographer). And just now I remembered it's Mom's birthday next weekend. Gotta grab a gift- I'm thinking of an eye serum for her. Been planning for the future and then a lot of stuff happens now.

So really, my money isn't anywhere near the amount of these things. But when you find one thing that makes your heart skip a beat, you don't just let it go right?

hahaha excuses, excuses! I know.

This is Bag A. I'm thinking if I should get it in black instead. I really find white awesome.

OH WELL. Love it. I'm hoping my aunts and uncles from the States send me dollars next month. It's my birthday anyway. hihi ;)

Like any 'sane' shoppingera, I shall sleep on it and see how I feel about the bag when I wake up. HAHAHA I think I can tell. Bayeeee!

Another Want

Meet Prada. PHP 33,587.40

And Gucci. PHP 33,345.77

Both at saksfifthavenue.com

KALOKA!

It's fine though. I believe in delayed gratification. At least I try to. hahaha

I still have a lot to work on before I can give myself these bags. All I can afford right now are Longchamp totes. :))

With or without these, (I'm pretty sure it's without haha!), it's still a happy happy Christmas!

Let's see in 2010 k?

Bakit magastos maging masaya?

If you're a material girl, that is. haha

I purchased a Longchamp as my Christmas gift for mom. I think it has eaten half of my salary. ghad. But then again, it's something I've always wanted to give to mom plus, I can borrow it when she's tired of it. I guess I just have to scrimp on my other gifts. hahaha

And then I found another bag for myself. How would you like your two loves combined? As for me, that'd be bags + flats!

I DIDN'T BUY IT, OF COURSE! (Wala na akong pera hellooooo?!) It's just an addition to my never-ending wishlist. haha

Gosh, I need to rush my Christmas shopping na! One month to go before I fly to Iloilo. I'm staying there for a month so I can attend Dinagyang. Yay! I'll also visit Bacolod. More on that in another post.

Happy Christmas shopping! :)

The price is right

How much are you willing to pay for a bag? What is the maximum amount you'd pay for any bag?

This is a pretty cluttered post but I assure you, the pieces will fit. haha

My friends know I love bags and when I'm bored, I kill time reading blogs on bags and checking websites of different brands of bags. And I also have bags in mind that I'd love to own one day. But I also don't believe in ULTRA HIGH-END BAGS. Owning a six-figure bag in a third world country is an insult to poverty. A pre-owned Hermes Birkin will cost you at least $6,000 (around Php 300,000) and could go s high as Php 2M. A Chanel or a simple Valextra bag will cost you about Php 150,000. Imagine how many classrooms that can build, or how much capital that is for a business (so you can create jobs), or how many scholars you can send to school.

Today I spent the whole afternoon reading Philippine Star. I'm amazed how Jaime Zobel de Ayala (JAZA) finds happiness in road trips and reading on his Kindle. Or Jose Mari Chan being very happy with his comics collection. I mean, they're really big people in their respective fields but they find so much happiness in the simplest things.

"...in life, one has to strive to be happy.” -Jose Mari Chan

So if my happiness are bags (and shoes, and watches haha Overrrr), I draw the line at 30k. A little allowance so I'd extend that to 40k tops! NOTHING MORE THAN THAT. Of course I won't afford that now. And the only way I'd own a bag worth more than 40k is when someone gives it to me as a gift. So goodbye Chanel 2.55. Ask my would-be husband to buy you for me. hahaha

P.S.

My real happiness isn't really bags and shoes. Watches yes. But the first two, they're just my luho. My real happiness...has yet to arrive. ;)

Yehey!

Today mom, Lola and I went to Trinoma. They actually went to the dentist because Lola had to fit her dentures then I just met up with them at the mall. 

Lola wanted a haircut so I brought her to Acqua Salon. On our way there...OMG...There was a WWF Booth along the hallway. Does it ring a bell? Well, remember the interview I ran away from? That's what they do! The trainees are sent to do fieldwork either in the mall booths or office areas to find donors for their clients- in this case WWF. I walked briskly to avoid them- to my horror, I recognized one of the people at the booth. She was the officer I had my fieldwork with. OMG. And the other one was my classmate in my orienteering class back in junior year in UP. Grabe, my mom kept teasing me. She said she'll tell Daddy about it. HAHAHA 

Anyhooo, back to the haircut...Lola's cut was done by Mr. Narry. I signed up next since there were a few people at that time and I have always wanted to try out the style of Mr. Narry. MYGOSH for the second time in that salon, I didn't make it to his salon seat. A different stylist arrived just a few minutes before I was called to the seat. KALOKA DIBA? Parang twice I tried na, and twice I failed. Swerte ng Lola ko. haha I shall try for the third time. haha Feeling ko kasi siya yung pinaka magaling sa kanila coz people really set an appointment with him. Oh, which reminds me, on my third try, I will set an appointment. But my cut was also good. So I guess they're all good in Acqua.  The best part? Lola paid for my haircut. YAY!

We walked around the mall and dropped by Charles and Keith. Earlier I already saw a pretty bag. When I showed it to mom, she liked it and approved of it so I decided to get it. My mom looked around and saw all the pretty black bags they had. I asked her to choose. She checked a few bags but she didn't want me to buy it for her. While paying, mom and Lola waited for me outside the store. I told the saleslady to get me a new stock of the bag my mom chose and got it for her. I gave it to mom and she asked 'Ano toh?' I said 'Binili ko para sayo. Graduation gift.' Wala lang, I think mom deserves some special treatment coz she always puts herself last. Usually she doesn't buy her bags because she can always borrow from me.

The cutest surprise of the day was when Julian, Sarah and Jom followed to Trinoma as well. Wala lang, I just love it when we're all together. Sana nga Dad and Joop flew in also but Joop has school so he can't just come over. I'm really excited for Joop to enter college. We're all gonna be together here in Manila.

HAAAY WHAT A DAY. Next week I'll probably have dinner with my non-BA friends and also a separate dinner with the Wonder Girls. Then in August, Bicol work trip with Dad. I'm excited!

LONGCHAAAAMP!

I don't know why but I am currently crazy about Longchamp totes. You'd probably think it's just the same nylon tote. Yes- the design isn't much to rave about. But the colors- CAPITAL OMG. I really don't want to have any major purchases now until I get a job but seriously? haha (Btw, major purchase yan because at my current financial status, that's gonna take up a hefty percentage from my allowance. hehe)

Here are the ones I fell in love with.

Longchamp Planetes in Mastic and Sand.

Longchamp totes cost at at least P5,000 when converted but the ones in the pictures cost 7ish. Not at the LV level but then again, I'm not an LV type of person so this is a pretty good deal for my money. Longchamp is available locally in Rustan's but they don't have much variety. Most of the ones they sell here are the Le Pliage ones.  So now I dunno how to get the ones I like. haha

I know there are so many other things I can worry about. Sorry. This is just something to motivate me to work hard so I can satisfy my wants. 

Which reminds me...I'm flying back to Manila this Sunday. It's one week earlier than I planned. I just need to attend to some interviews which I can't further reschedule. It's all good. My soul searching was successful. I know what I want to do. They're still cluttered in my mind but it's safe to say they're clear and just needs to be chronically arranged. Reading business magazines and Kerygma helped me a lot. It's amazing how God works through the people around you to help you realize your goals. Hay, I'm excited for the future. I'm been praying hard for it. The answers will come at the right time. I'm positive about it. 

Special shout outs:

Ace, get well soon!

Emm, good luck with work! Ayiiiieee! Makati girl! hahaha

Raish, go go attorney! I hope the hotdog eating contest was good. haha

Ma'am Gamo, I hope you're doing good. See you when we work on that best seller.

Doods, haha penge donuts! Just kidding!

Hodgepodge of Whatnots

Yesterday was a crazy day for me. I needed sometime to make things sink in so I didn't blog about it. I'm okay now. haha Here's a brief lowdown of my Monday (June 15).

1. Timmy's Birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2. Went to the mall to buy my plane ticket and the tote bag I was telling you about in MFG. The ticket system was down so I was requested to come back at a latter time. I went around and dropped by MFG. When I got there, lo and behold the bag was sold out. There was one piece of the white version left but I had my heart on the black one. The only branch with the black tote was in the outskirts of Lucena. GOOD LUCK. I was super sad so I went to National Bookstore to buy a book to keep my mind preoccupied. I got this...

and this...

I officially love Sidetrip Magazine. I plan to subscribe or well, I can just buy in National Bookstore. haha

3. I got a text from (codename) Company A, a huge food company that I bet all of us has tried at least thrice hahaha. They were asking if I'm interested to know about their training program. How can I say no? So yeah, I said yes but waited for their reply. I decided to wait until 5 pm, after office hours for the reply before I buy my ticket just in case I need to move my flight.

4. I decided to kill time by reading Sidetrip at Starbucks. Got my caramel frap and sat in a corner table and began reading. I occasionally looked around just to see what types of people hang out in this branch of Starbucks. Well, this is not the laid back-book reading- laptop toting students that I am used to in the Katipunan branch. These are from all walks of life- nursing people, 'pa-cool' teenagers, med students reviewing, foreigners with their Filipina partners, and  couples having 'coffee' for a date. As a matter of fact there are only two tables with occupants who are reading- that's the two med students on the couch area and myself. It was also a noisy Starbucks. Probably because it was small so the churning of the blenders is audible even from the far corner of the area. The music was loud. In general it was just really far from the Katipunan ambience which I really love.

5. I was very much entertained with my new magazine, straining my eyes and forcing my ears to shut off the buzzes and loud music.  I decided to rest my eyes for a few seconds so I did one of those occasional looking around and there it was. THE BIGGEST HELLO IN MY FACE- A NURSING STUDENT WAS TOTING THE EXACT BAG WHICH WAS SOLD OUT. She even sat on the table in front of me. I was cursing the whole time especially when I saw how pretty the bag is when it's outside the store (you know, eliminate store ambience to see the aesthetics of the bag). Well, I knew I was never gonna the bag so I went back to reading. I left minutes later and decided to go back to MFG.

6. Back in MFG I somehow wished another stock of the bag would appear and forced the sales lady to check again. hahahaha that was how far I'd go. She wouldn't remember me anyway. haha I thought I'd but the white version but it was the last piece and the stitches were worn out- probably a lot of people held it already. So I decided to drop it and forget about the bag.

7. Five pm came and I went to purchase my ticket. After that I bought take home dinner because I was too drained to cook. While waiting for the sisig from Gerry's, I got another text for an interview on Tuesday- that's later this afternoon by the way. hahaha I confirmed anyway even if it meant risking a cut-short vacation. I just said to myself 'Mahaba pa ang week. Bahala na si Lord.'

8. When I got home my brother told me he saw a multo (ghost) outside my room walking toward the sala. He saw it twice taht afternoon daw. The other time was while he was feeding Raffy, the shi tzu. I'M LIKE WTF DON'T SCARE THE HELL OUT OF ME. I was having goosebumps the whole time. My imagination was running wild.

9. Because of the multo, I prayed so hard before I went to sleep. I was curled up in one side of the big bed. I was so scared to spread my limbs (like I usually do) because I was so afraid to feel something. HAHAHA Slept at 1 am. I kept twisting and turning in that side of the bed. By 5 AM my eyes were wide open and I couldn't sleep. Literally gising na gising na ako. It was still dark so I decided to spend my time online in my room. I told myself I'd go out of the room when it's already daylight. I was even able to chat with my brother (who was at the other room lang haha). 

10. Now it's 9:30 AM, I already had breakfast and coffee. I am already sleepy. But I can't coz I have an interview this afternoon. I hope tonight I'll have a better sleep. Nothing happened last night. Maybe my prayers worked. I was busy praying I barely had time to sleep.

Whattaday diba? Just when I decided to take a vacation, these calls happen. Sabi nga ni Cheska 'Parang boys lang yan. You'll never know when the'll call.' hahaha I still consider them as blessings. Sino ba naman ako to not appreciate it diba? I just know things will work the way it has been planned for me. But I am sticking to the decision of pushing thru with my vacation- even if that meant letting opportunities pass. Because I think I really need this time to rethink things, reassess my goals and have some 'me' time first. Maybe it's just not for me. hehe

Black or White

...or black AND white? gaaaah.

I think I have another funny dilemma. But before that, here's an update about my sleep problem. I have finally achieved a good sleep last night. It wasn't looong because I am obliged to wake up at 12 noon to cook lunch. But it was good coz I fell asleep only minutes after I put my ipod to a halt. (yehesss, big word. I have been inflicted by the Art Ilano ways of blogging hahaha) Anyhooo, you know what solved my problem? The Air conditioner! hahaha Thank you for a cold, comfortable sleep Aircon! Tonight again yey!

Now back to black and white... I dropped by SM yesterday afternoon to grab a quick early dinner as I was too lazy to cook. After buying for Jom and Sarah half a dozen dessert squares from Brownies (which are soooo good btw), I passed by Marithe Francois Girbaud (MFG) and found out they were on sale! Well, most of the stores were on sale actually. I think it's in celebration of Independence Day. Anyhooo, well I still haven't found THE bag for mom. But I really want to get her one. The Lacoste tote I saw was too expensive I'd blow half of my measly savings if I buy it. Maybe I'll get one for myself when I get a job. 

Now here coms MFG with their new collection (sorry I couldn't find their photos). The totes weren't on sale so no reason to purchase it immediately. Coming from the tote hunt (see previous post, problem number 1), I have this craving for a lightweight tote in the perfect color. And poof, it was there- in black and white colors. I liked the black first but then I also saw the white one. Unfortunately it had black handles which sort of makes it not as classic as the black but still lovely to use. The best part is... it's only 1250 each. PLEASE LORD, DON'T LET ME GIVE IN TO TEMPTATION. HAHAHA I was thinking I'd get one of each for me and my mom. But she might kill me if I get both so I dunno. I'll prolly* consult her first. 

*props to Archie Mancol for this hahaha

My little problems you can laugh about

Today I went home with a bad headache. Probably the heat was too much for me to bear. I'm not used to going out anymore. I have spent 80% of my summer at home. haha But it'll all end soon...when I fly to Iloilo and spend my time catching up with my high school friends. Can't wait to hit Boracay with them!

Anyhooo, back to my title. haha Yes, I have three major problems that the world can laugh at because compared to corruption, hunger and poverty, my problems are trivial.

One: For the record...I am a bag-a-holic. Next to being a shoe-a-holic. Or not. Ah basta, I can't event rank shoes and bags hahaha Tie nalang. Not that I have gazillions of bags. But it's safe to say that I have bags 'scattered' at different part of the house- study room, sala and my bedroom. Just imagine how many they are. And yes, I have to agree that women just can never have too many bags. Especially for me and my mom, we bring a lot of things when we leave the house like umbrellas, kikay kits, pair of shades, long wallets- sulit ang bags sa amin. Anyhooo, here's where my problem comes... (no, it's not where to keep my bags. That's a problem I can live with, haha)

I was at the mall the other day and saw a very elegant lady with a pretty tote bag. It was so gorgeous I wanted to stalk her but I was too tired and scared (she might have bodyguards around haha) to do it so I just walked away. Let's just say na-love at first sight ako sa bag niya. But now I have no means of putting it on my wish list because I have no idea what the brand is. It still haunts me now. Believe me, it's crazy. See how much I like bags? haha 

Two: I can't sleep. It all started when my friend shared to me the letter she received (see previous post). We stayed up 'til 4 AM just talking about it. Together with a Coke overdose, I spend around three hours wide-eyed on my bed, waiting for the Sandman to put me to sleep. Last night, a similar thing happened but it was milder. I didn't drink any caffeinated drink. But was able to fall asleep around 3 AM already. Again, I was begging my body to knock itself out. I had practically tried everything- flipped by pillows, reversed my sleeping position and drank warm milk. Tonight I hope it doesn't happen. I want a good long sleep.

And three: This rarely happens but I think I have just re-crushed on my ex-crush. HAHAHA Did that confuse you? Haha well you see, I met these two people in one event of my org back in junior year and I super liked them. It was a short time to get to know each other since it was a one day event only. We exchanged numbers though. haha However, my phone got stolen last December which means I lost their numbers as well. One of them, let's call him AC, I learned was now studying abroad and has a girlfriend who designs bespoke shoes for the Philippines' elite so okay goodbye crush AC. hahaha Sayang! He was really good looking and intelligent. But here's the other guy, let's call him PR, he's more sociable than AC but was equally good looking and intelligent. I haven't heard anything about him so I dunno. This PR is the guy I'm re-crushing on. hahahaha Well, just so you know, yes I have stalked him and successfully found his number and email. Of course I wouldn't contact him. Baka he doensn't remember me na! Nakakahiya! I do hope I see him again though. But that would probably be impossible for now. I'm pretty sure we don't run in the same circle. haaay.

Okay, so much for sharing my funny problems. Which reminds me, I hope the Senate stops their inquiry on the Hayden-Katrina scandal. FOR GOD'S SAKE, JUST PLEASE TALK ABOUT OUR COUNTRY'S PROBLEMS AND NOT ABOUT SOME CRAZY DOCTOR'S ESCAPADES.

TTFN! (Ta ta for now. hahahaha)

THE Louis Vuitton

I was scouring shoe stores in TriNoMa yesterday when I chanced upon a woman probably in her golden years in the store Dumond. She looked really sosyal, complete with a casual preppy get up (probably a normal shopping day outfit for her), make up and well groomed hair. She had her Louis Vuitton Speedy on her arm and was looking at some pairs on the rack. As I moved around I heard her say to the saleslady 'Ang luwag. Meron bang size 6? Ang ganda (sa paa) oh.' Then she glanced at me. I smiled at her, sort of saying I agree that the shoes look lovely on her. She continued 'Napaka sosyal. Sigurado ka bang eight thousand toh? Baka naman six lang?' Then  we laughed again. I left the store as she continued to appreciate the shoe on her foot. I was so happy to actually see her shop. I'm glad not all LV owners are matapobre. This lady actually qualifies as the real LV lady for me. Defined as: a person who has earned the years and status of a Louis Vuitton. I hate to see just anyone carrying an LV around- que fake or real- basta LV. Meron kasing mga taong hindi talaga bagay mag LV.

Like me...Aside from the money, I recognize that I do not have the right to lug around an LV because I do not live the LV lifestyle yet. AYOKONG MAGING POSER. I will wear the brands I can afford simply because it won't look fake on me. Kawawa naman yung mga tunay na LV kung mapagkakamalan na fake sakin diba. hehehe

So in summary... I think it's all about humility. Wag kang mayabang porke may Louis Vuitton ka na. Alalahanin mo, hindi lahat ng mayaman naka Louis Vuitton. At hindi lahat ng naka Louis Vuitton ay mayaman. I love that lady talaga- she's such a funny, sosyal, down-to-earth lady. I will make my mother a cool lola like her. YAHOOO!

Hayun lang...just another 'thinking aloud' thingy for me.

Shopping wishlist!

I've been dying to go shopping the whole summer. I failed to do so because one, I was so afraid to spend my money due to my lack of job. And second, my supposedly companion, mom couldn't stand the long walks from shop to shop. She's asthmatic kasi. hehe And besides, I don't know what I want yet.

But I did a little scouring over the net and here are some stuff I think I like to get.

Beige Bag for Mom. She asked me if she can have any of my beige bags (I have 4) and I told her to take her pick. She didn't take any of it. Ewan ko ba bakit haha But I'll get her something that's designed for her. She's flying back on July 12 because Lola is coming home from the States. I'm excited!

something like this

Strappy heels for me! I'm dying to get something 'not me' for a change. haha Wala lang, it can just sit on the rack until the perfect occasion comes and I can use it. HAHAHA I was hoping I could use it for work. Thing is...I don't have work. 

something like this also. (This is a Guiseppe Zanotti cut out boot)

A dress to be kept for emergency dates. I want to be prepared the next time I go out with my friends. Myghad imagine my horror when we decided to go to Attica. I was in jeans and my trusty Hush Puppies flats. I thought kasi we were gonna take a stroll in Boni High lang so the laid back outfit was perfect We did take a stroll in Boni BUT NO...We went sorta clubbing in Attica after. Originally for a round of drinks but we ended up dancing for fun every now and then. GHAD. Buti nalang it was dark. ahahahaha

I dunno what else I wanna get. Probably another sling bag or leather bag- whichever is nicer.

Gaaah! I'm so materialistic. hehe But I think it's not that bad coz I buy for other people naman. HAHAHA I shall dispose some of my shoes and bags soon. So I can welcome more change in my life...at least in my wardrobe.

Note to self: Set a limit for tomorrow's shopping. You'll appreciate it when you get home.

Recall and Compare (edited Jan.1,2009)

Because a new year awaits, and just like any tv show right now, let's wrap up our year 2008.

BEST OF 2008 (discarded unnecessary and boring questions haha)

How old were you in 2008?: 19 (still am)
What was the most important thing you discovered in 2008?: Priorities change. (Most) People change.
What will you always remember about 2008? FEASIB, major s-t-r-e-s-s. But super rewarding classes with Sir Acedera and Sir Jet. Also, ABAM- Orgpress and tbs. hahaha Out of town trips- Ilocos, Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Palawan

cassava queens Weng, Myself, Fa, and Emm

In Pampanga with my great groupmates Bee, Mae, Sel, Nikes, Atei Claire and the best tourg guide ever, Peter!

Ilocos Heritage Village with Bee, Emm, Ram and Jewel

Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte

In 2008 did you...
Keep your New Year's resolution(s)?: Yeah, just one. The other one I tried but, haha!
Go on a holiday?: ILOCOS, beybeh! PALAWAN, Mehn! PAMPANGA, chong! hmmm, do 'spur-of-the moment' road trips count? haha

at the park on our way to the Underground River, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Change jobs?: I don't have a job.
Get drunk?: HAHAHA MAJOR. zuri naman.
Get high?: Yah. alcohol high and love high. :)
Fall in love?: Maybe?
Break up with someone?: no.
Stop speaking to someone?: Sort of.
Kiss someone?: my friends.
Kiss someone whose name you can’t remember?: nah. haha

Make a new friend?: Yupyup!
Do anything embarrassing?: sobrang dami :))
Do something that you thought that you would never do?: Uhm, Facebook? hahaha

Do something you have always wanted to do?: DRIVE! (Special shout out to Raish! Thanks yo!) Cook!
Do anything that you regret?: Drank too much once, I guess. hehehe
Do anything illegal?: Meron pero since illegal, shempre I won't write it here. :))
Break a promise?: I don't recall also.
Lose something?: LIKE MAAAAJOR!!! (haha conyo!) My phone! k800i Cybershot phone.
Go crazy?: NUNG FEASIB NA-BUANG KAMING LAHAT. And nung H&S and WonderWalis days (NIGHTS actually) namin together.

Best of 2008...
Movie: A Very Special Love, Wanted
TV Show: Gossip Girl Season 2
Song: Not the best but I'll remember Bleeding Love and No Air. And sa OPM naman I think it's the year of Ryan Cayabyab and Bugoy's Paano na Kaya. :)
Album: No idea.
Thing you bought: My new leather bag (Christmas gift to myself). haha
Memory:

ERASERHEADS CONCERT!!!

TRIP TO PALAWAN!

Julian's birth,

177 Prezo Day(L-R): Sir Ray, Fa, Myself, Dianne, Claude,Emm, Weng, Lori

172 Prezo Day with the whole class (Find sir! haha)

Marketing classes (in fairness talaga kay Sir Ray and Sir Jet)

Worst of 2008...
Movie: Among those I watched...hindi sulit yung Quantum of Solace and For the First Time
TV Show: Eva Fonda? HAHAHA
Song: i don't listen very often so I don't care.
Album: I don't care also.
Hangover: BAdhoc! hahahaha
Memory: FEASIB.

About 2009...
What do you want in 2009?: A GREAT JOB, prosperity, love and happiness. And that the Philippines won't be too affected by the recession. And that the price of petroleum won't go high anymore so I could get a car. haha
Is there anything you would do differently in 2009?: Last year I wrote this for 2008: Take things one day at a time. And focus on important things like the people I love, the things I enjoy doing and the tasks that will help me reach my dreams. (nyak, napaka profound! haha)

Now, this: Plan ahead but keep in mind that things won't always turn out as planned. And shempre, as always, FOLLOW MY HEART. :)

Do you think it will be a good year?: DEFINITELY. :)
What do you look forward to most about 2009?: Prosperity, more friends, and more destinations!
Do you have a New Year's resolution?: Mag gym para sa wedding ni Weng at Hun, hahaha and...More like plans, not resolutions... Itodo to the highest level and college life (including acads), enjoy traveling after grad, and then do my job (kung meron) to the best of my powers. haha

CHEERS TO A GREAT 2009 FOR ALL OF US! LET'S MAKE IT THE BEST YEAR YET! WOOOPEEEE!

Our very own

After posting a bunch of bags of foreign descent, I believe it is hight time I feature our very own designs. Here are two designers who have gained international fashion stardom.

Rafe' Totengco's creations have been getting a lot of reviews abroad and just recently opened his store here in Manila, specifically at the new Greenbelt 5.

(Rafe is from Bacolod, studied fashion design here in the Philippines and left for New York 18 years ago, when he was 21 years old.)

Anyhooo, here are my favorites from his collection.

The Suko Thai bag and Bangkok bag, around Php12k each.Koh Samui, around Php17k. Eva Longoria had 10 of these made (in silver) for her wedding (entourage, i guess).

Tina Maristela-Ocampo's Celestina minaudiere collection have been declared by Vogue as the latest it bags. There are sold at an average of $1000 each. I have no favorites here (coz they're small) but I do appreciate the round one.Yay to Filipino ingenuity!

SATC hangover

Still happy from my SATC movie date, I have scoured cyberspace for some bag lust.

Gawd I do not (hell) understand why some people can just drop at least $1000 for a bag. (There are pieces that go up to a whopping $10,160 or Php437,000 such as the brand Valextra or the ever coveted Hermes bag which is $30,000 or Php1.3M and the Chanel Paris Biarritz pieces that skyrockets to a thundering $45,000 each or almost Php2M!)

Of course at my age and source of income (read: baon), I definitely cannot afford luxury bags but at least I am giving myself something to aspire for. So here are my fabuleux finds...

The Jana bag by Bally at our current exchange rate goes at around 56k pesoses. (leather)

Beirn Jena bag made of watersnake, goes around Php13 975. This bag (in orange) is actually in the movie.The Faro bag by Gerard Darel. Php42 785. Calf hair.

I guess it is evident that I have a thing for big bags. I just love it when I can bring everything (I think) I need with me. It's something I also got from my mom. It's just that I have bigger bags than she does. hahaha

So there, my top three favorites. Trust me, it was hard to choose.

For now, these big bags shall (partially) fuel my big dreams. Cheers!♥

* * *
Thanks to BagSnob for the photos and info.


Here's the Chanel Paris Biarritz bag that can feed a multitude. Whatchatink?