Online Shopping

There was a point in my life when I shopped online a lot. This was even before Multiply changed its focus from being a photo storage to an online marketplace.

The typical purchase system would be you contact the seller and relay your order, seller will reply and provide payment details- deposit payment (bank deposit or Gcash)- seller ships order to your address. Some sellers accomodate meet ups too (this is perfect for items that need to be fitted like shoes or for bulk purchases with expensive shipping).

Just recently, Multiply relaunched itself as an online marketplace. Some online stores now accept payments via Paypal for an extra fee. I have a paypal account but I refuse to pay the extra fees so I still do bank deposits. hehe

I've had my share of difficult and sometimes, fake sellers (I once lost 1300+ to a fake store) but that's all in the past. I know better now.

Enough chit chat. I'd like to share my favorite online stores so you can enjoy online shopping too!

For pre-orders from the US or UK:

1. Barat Mode - http://baratmode.multiply.com/

I discovered Baratmode when they were just starting out in the online universe. The great thing about Baratmode is that they can pre-order from those indie-style online stores in the States. I once had glow in the dark drumsticks ordered as Christmas gift for my brother Joop. They also accept preorders from UK sites but I've never tried ordering since they have pretty much everything in the States.

Number of transactions with this store: Three

Talk to: Jean Guerrero

2. House of Flair -http://houseofflair.multiply.com/

House of Flair is one store I had a pretty recent transaction with. While a tad more expensive that other pre-order sites, they have one thing others don't offer: EBAY PRE-ORDERS! That's what I love about HoF. :) Plus free shipping throughout the Philippines.

Number of transactions with this store: Two

Talk to: Suyen Lopez

3. Rukia- http://rukia0814.multiply.com/

This store offers one of the best deals when it comes to pre-orders. It's usually the most affordable when I have items quoted from different sellers. I've only had one transaction with this store but I've inquired a lot of times. All my inquiries have responded to quickly and politely.

Number of transactions: One

Talk to: Shally Mateo

Baratmode, HoF, and Rukia also have on-hand items such as Urban Decay cosmetics (one of my favorite brands!), Sephora, Victoria's Secret, and ELF.

Footwear:

Order pretty boat shoes and espadrilles from https://www.facebook.com/EmmEnriquezII

Talk to: Emm Enriquez

You can never have enough shoes so grab another pair from from Skeddadle https://www.facebook.com/skedaddleshoes

Talk to: RC or Issa (Or visit them at the Global Pinoy Bazaar on Nov.5-6 at the Rockwell tent.)

They're very much legit so go!

For skin care items:

1. Khyrstal Beauty - http://khrystalbeauty.multiply.com/

Hands down, the best transaction ever. You see I was running out of glycolic toner (which is the best toner as it removes every last bit of makeup and grime on my face) so I decided to order last night, around 8 pm. Ms. Anne replied immediately to accommodate my order and said I can pay their rider once he delivers my goods the next day. This is they first time I had a 'cash-on-delivery' transaction. Although the rider arrived way later than I expected (around 7 pm), he was very nice and even explained he had a lot of deliveries and I was the last delivery for the day.

Ms. Anne also responded quickly and politely to all my questions and follow ups. But wait, there's more good news! This store offers the cheapest deals on generic derma products. I've purchased this toner from three different sellers (out of curiosity) and discovered they're the same stuff. Same packaging, just different prices.

2. Absynthe Bath and Body

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Absynthe-Bath-and-Beauty/164303820247128

Absynthe is one of the more expensive lines sold online. Their products are enriched with EMU oil that provide the skin with a ton of benefits. They're the only Asian member of the American EMU Association so yeah, go ahead. You can trust them. Their Rice bran + Emu soap actually cleared my skin drastically. My skin isn't the clearest yet but this soap definitely helped a lot. I've been putting argan oil on the tips of my hair too. My waves are more defined. :)

Talk to: Abs Yap

For affordable and authentic makeup:

1. JNLINK777 -

Items: Revlon lipsticks that cost half its mall price, Maybelline and Covergirl lipsticks for less than a hundred bucks each. Hoarded some lippies here one time! I shared this site to my kikay boss and her assistant and they've purchased a few times. haha They also have flat rate shipping wherever you are in the Philippines.

Talk to: Meg

http://www.ebay.ph/sch/jnlink777/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

2. Pupay's Corner -

Items: Generic makeup brushes and best priced makeup palettes.

Talk to: Mabel

http://www.ebay.ph/sch/mnm091201/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=200

3. Hoops and Loops https://www.facebook.com/hoopsandloops

Items: Urban Decay palettes and liners, OCC lip tars, MAC lipsticks

I actually haven't had any transaction with Hoops and Loops but my college friend Cheska of Weekend Pretty recommended this site. I have a lot of things listed already but I never purchase them because something always comes up and I end up spending my cash for something else. Best part here is that she sells UD 24/7 liners per piece! That's like 350-450 bucks per liner! TEMPTING RIGHT?! (When you pre-order each liner, you'll end up paying at least 850 per piece or you need to buy the whole set.)

For gadgets:

My brother Jom recommends kimstore.multiply.com and dbgadgets.multiply.com

I haven't purchased from either stores but I've been checking out their sites for years (I just don't have enough money to buy that LX5 or iPad 2 hehe). So much good feedback for both stores.

For bags, coinpurses, and kitschy gift items:

therapybags.multiply.com, connectthedots.multiply.com

That's about it! Hope this helps guys!

Wasakan na ng wallet- charing!

Ika nga ni Lola Chuvs...MANILA, WE'RE GETTING SPOILED!

The best thing about Manila is that it feeds the shoppingera in me! We've got so much malls, best stocks in town (Bench and Bayo in the provinces suck), and if you looove shopping online, shipping is cheap- anywhere from 50-80 pesos and some shoppers offer free shipping. Isn't that great? I must admit, I spend most of my free time and salary shopping. So yeah I shouldn't wonder where my 'savings' are now. They're either bags or shoes or some expensive piece of makeup. WHUUT?!

As if we don't have enough, here comes Muji marching in to wipe out our salaries this October. Oh God. I am officially dreading the day I step foot into that shop. No, I've never been to Muji. I planned to visit when I was in Singapore last summer but Ana and I never got the chance to go. But I've heard enough stories to convince me I'm gonna love it there. I'm in the process of simplifying my life and although I can say I'm sooo far from achieving that goal, at least I'm starting somewhere a.k.a. my closet.

No, I'm not limiting myself to only 20 pieces of clothing. That's insane. Instead I'm limiting myself to a few colors. I only remember one person noticing and saying it aloud- Cheska. When I attended her birthday party she said 'black again?' In my mind "hey, you noticed!" hahaha Back in college I remember my closet having lotsa whites, pinks, some reds, and lots of blue jeans. Really- anything goes. Now those pinks have been donated to my college org's rummage sale, some of the whites are still with me but my closet is filled with blues, blacks, charcoals and grays. They're just easier to wear and yes, yes, it camouflages flabs which comes handy when I'm out with the girls and at least one of us brings a camera. haha

Back to Muji. It's known for basics- from house basics to wardrobe basics so yes, I'm gonna love it there. I'm still not visiting Forever21. I'd pick Muji over F21 any day. So I'm saving my salary for October and November and definitely drop by Muji before I go home to Iloilo for the holidays.

Oh, I wish my mom could tag along in my shopping escapades. But that won't be long because my (baby) brother is going to college next year. I'm really excited. Like out of this world kind of excited. I prays he makes it to his dream school- whichever that is. :)

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.

Love it!

I keep mentioning on my tweets (follow me on twitter! adeleeza) that I'm on mega thrift mode because I'm saving up for my birthday trip to Singapore. It's sooo timely because I'm targeting the Great Singapore Sale which starts on may 28 so yay yay yay! I'm crashing my friend Ana's place. She's a Fine Arts student in UP but her whole family moved to Singapore two years ago so yay to free lodging and breakfast. hahaha

BUT just minutes ago, I found the prettiest neck piece- AND I WANT IT! The brand is called MIADORE. According to Yekky, the maker, he can custom-make a piece for anyone who's interested. (Hurray!) I'd take this piece but without the huge crystals. I don't think I call pull that off. The little crystals around the mesh are enough. LOVELY RIGHT?

Photo from Yekky's blog.

I hope he replies to me. (I asked how much!) hahaha I know I'm on thrift mode but this can definitely be an exception.

Kwento kwento lang

Literally. haha I'm so stressed and I haven't really thought about things lately so I'll just kwento stuff.

ORPHANAGE VISIT

Yesterday Ana, Mau and I visited the orphanage in Binondo. It was all good except the part where the tricycle driver charged us 100 pesos for the ride from Ongpin to DelPan. I was so pissed but I believe in karma so Manong Driver, mamalasin ka rin one day. Or malay ko ba minamalas ka na kaya dinadaya mo na rin yung mga taong tulad namin.

The nuns were so accommodating. The Indian nun who showed me their grocery list even reminded me that we need not donate everything on the list. She said something like "Whatever you can give, even if it's a small thing, we are very grateful for the blessing." She kept repeating "That's very nice of you and your friends to help us here."

Anyway after the visit we made our way back to Quezon City. It was a very tiring ride because it was rush hour and well, Manila does not have the widest roads so it took us 1.5 hours to get from Quiapo to Trinoma.

STICKER-HAPPY

After dinner we went to Starbucks in the garden of Trinoma. I was telling my friends to give me their stickers if they don't have plans of getting a planner. Then this guy on the next table approached and said "excuse me, nagcocollect ka ba ng stickers?" Shempre I was surprised! In my mind I was thinking 'Shet maybe he's selling his stickers to me. SCALPER?! NO WAY!' So nag inarte ako and replied "Uhh, yeah...-ish." HAHAHAHA Then he said "You can have my sticker card. Pwede naman i-combine yung cards eh." So I accepted it and thanked him nicely. SOOO AWKWARD! Buti nalang cute siya. haha But minutes later, a girl arrived and left with him. haha oh well papel. Such a sweetie.

ORGANIC SOAPS

I purchased my organic soaps online and met up with the seller today at SM Fairview. Organic soaps don't come cheap. Each bar sells from Php95 to 125. I wanted to try these because I guess I just got bored with the commercial soaps (my staples are Johnson's citrus fresh, Safeguard white, Biolink papaya soap which all sell for less than 40 pesos each).

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

I'm not halfway my Christmas shopping. I've only bought gifts for my Mom and Joop. Sooo hard to think of gifts! haha

RED RIBBON

If you love bangus, you have to try Red Ribbon's bangus ala pobre. Super yummy, super cheap! For Php 137, you get the bangus meal, a drink and a slice of cake for dessert. yehey!

FOOTWEAR

Found really cute and affordable oxford leather flats at Manel's. I didn't buy it coz I wanna finish my Christmas shopping first. I'll buy for myself last. hehe

I'm really loving the Christmas spirit! I just wish it's colder, like back in senior year, there was a certain month (or months) that I'd wear a jacket and socks to sleep! In school I was always in jeans and a jacket. It was even colder outside our air-conditioned classroom. Feeling ko winter! I really miss that time.

RENOVATIONS...AGAIN

Mom called me up two nights ago to tell me to shove all our stuff in the room before I leave because the house will be renovated again. This time it's gonna be the floor. The crazy cut marble floor will be replaced by uhh, probably huge granite tiles. It's not that I don't like but this is another waste of time. Our floor is as good as new. Really! No cracks at all. It's the only reminder that this house is 'old' (in a good way). And I hate it that they're changing it! My mom hates it too coz it's an unnecessary change and a waste of money.

GLOBE

I hate Globe for a crappy service! Weeks ago when dad and I traveled to Bicol, I was using mobile web to tweet and check my emails. I was aware of their two ways of charging mobile browing- the default is kb browsing which charges you per kilobyte sent, and then time browsing that charges Php 5 for 15 minutes. Of course I switched to time browsing (send TIME to 1111). Then I got a notification today that my bill is 2500! LIKE WTF?! I am sooo gonna get to the bottom of this and crucify them. hahahaha oveeeerr?! Ah basta, I hate Globe for cheating on their subscribers. Good thing the message they sent me about having switched to time browsing is still on my phone. Patay talaga kayo sa akin. haha

Anywaaaay, dapat good vibes na! Christmas is super near and I'm excited! For that I'll try to tweet about things that I love. Pang dagdag good vibes diba? This 'tweet what you love' was inspired by my friend since grade school Chris Orleans. haha

(Btw I watched New Moon again this afternoon shet. hahaha Will kwento my experience tomorrow.)

Rawr!

My 'evil' tito is home and I'm going crazy! For people who know him, haha I'm sure you understand why I'm going crazy. GRABE just his presence makes me stressed! GRABE TALAGA! And nafifeel ko, madadalas siyang uuwi dito. homayghad!

Anyhoo, that didn't stop me from having 'me time' today. I went to Trinoma to treat myself after receiving my sweldo. hehe Had lunch at Conti's and I have to say Migs (as in Tirona hehe) was right. Conti's has the best beef salpicao in town! At least among those I've tried. haha For those who are confused, no, Migs and I aren't talking HAHA He just mentioned Conti's salpicao years back. Well worth my 300 bucks. (shet.)

I also bought something for mom and Joop. I'm so proud of my brother! He headed their Robotics class in their exhibit at Robinson's Iloilo. They were also interviewed for that exhibit in a local lifestyle show in ABS-CBN Iloilo. Too bad I won't be able to watch it but still. haha 

I got myself pretty earrings and canvass sandals. Nothing too expensive because Christmas is coming. hehe 

Oh, last night I spent like 4 hours catching up on with Dianne on the phone. Grabe I super missed her! Tawa lang kami ng tawa, tapos share ng chismis, tapos talk about what's new with our lives. Haaay grabe. Just like the good old days. Before we used to call each other even if we're together ealier that day and we'll be seeing each other the next morning. Kaloka diba?

Lastly, mom told me dad was gonna get her a Benji Reyes chair. Grabe, I loooove Benji Reyes. I've always wanted to own his pieces, next to a Kenneth Cobonpue piece of course. I'm so happy dad was gonna get for mom. I'll label it as part of my inheritance HAHAHA JOOOKE! I hope dad decides to get a Cobonpue next.

Hay fun and crazy day. Tomorrow I have a date with John Lloyd! Imma watch In My Life. weeeee!

Binge!

I went on a book binge today at National Bookstore. 

My mom told me they were on sale so I decided to grab a few books on my reading list. I was planning to get Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows because I don't remember reading it. Unfortunately they didn't have it in paperback and the hard bound version wasn't on sale. I decided to get more Coelho books. I have just finished reading Like a Flowing River (haha took me a looong time because I was too tamad).  I love it! I have so many quotable quotes from this book which I shall do in a separate post. 

Anyhoo, I got Brida, The Alchemist (again. Because I think I lost our first copy) and The Valkyries. I was gonna buy only one but decided to get more since I'll buy them in the future anyway. They're at 20% off btw!

I also got this unpopular book The Year of Yes by Maria Headley. I talks about a woman who decided to date every single man who asks her out. I'm excited to read it! hahaha This was an impulse buy because it looked interesting and it's 50% off! Exage. haha

Another impulse buy is the Swatch book! Next to shoes and bags, watches are on my list. So it's no surprise that I couldn't let go of the book. Well, I was gonna let go of it until I saw my first ever Swatch watch included! I'm sooo excited to see which other Swatch watches of mine made it here. YAY! I dunno how much of a bargain I made here (based on the original selling price) but on Amazon it costs $16. I got it for 169 peyzos. 

My last impulse buy was an issue of Ish magazine. It's an art and lifestyle magazine. I had three of this before but I lent it to someone. I've graduated and all and he hasn't return it yet. I need to hunt him down now because I just learned Ish has decided to stop publishing after a decade of existence. So in effect, it's collector's item-ish na. HELLO ROY, PLEASE SHOW UP AND RETURN MY MAG. OR EMAIL ME AND ASSURE ME THEY'RE STILL IN GOOD CONDITION.

Anyhoo, there's my stock for the next few weeks. Gotta read read read to keep the brain active. Keep reading everyone! :) (As in reading books, not facebook updates. hahahahaha)

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!

SNAP SNAP

"Whoever said money can't buy happiness...they're wrong!"

-Leslie Huang on her Zara and Mango shopping spreeS. :) 

Leslie never fails to drop the funniest and meanest lines. And most of the time they're true. HAHAHAHA

Super Week

 I am on a SUPER VACATION MODE right now. I'm super excited to go home and catch up with my high school friends.

* * *

I shall kwento my day. Today I went to another interview- this time with a clothing brand. I like the job I applied for. It's called District Manager- which includes responsibilities such as managing the operations of the assigned stores, checking on the store supervisors, addressing customer feedback and complains in the stores. You also have to know why certain products sell and some don't because the boss will ask you and best of all, you get to do visual merchandising in the store- a.k.a. work on their displays. To quote the interviewer... 'You also make bihis yung mga mannequins.' OH SAN KA PA DIBA? I am not exaggerating. She really said that.

Anyway, it's been a crazy week for me. I had two interviews and one company call. That's like the most number of companies I have accommodated in a week! Just when I stopped sending resumes because I don't want to be disturbed during my break, these companies started calling me. I think it's a blessing though so okay lang talaga. hehe

I also had dinner with some friends last night. I was with Punky, Emm, Nica, Jam, Leslie, Jaz, Pat and Tim. Punky and I were together to get our transcripts,  then I texted Emm, Punks texted Tim and Pat. We saw Leslie and Jaz saw us then Nica texted me, Jam also arrived then Emm. GRABE DIBA? haha It seemed like for a moment, we were still in school. Just a normal tambay day when we'd have chikahan sessions then spur of the moment fishballs snack. 

Tomorrow, I'll be eating at Red Kimono with Jom, Sarah and Julian. Finally, my craving for good Japanese food will end tomorrow. Whew.

And finally, here's another super treat for all life-loving people like me (haha)!

photo from enjoythebest.ph

Basically, ENJOY is a privilege card you can purchase at Php 1,495. It entitles you to so many perks, freebies and discounts in sooo many establishments in Manila, Cebu, Boracay and other places around the Philippines. One year nga lang sila valid and wala pa akong work so what are the chances naman na masusulit ko yang binayad ko sa card. The red color is so gorgeous though! So very sosh! I will get one soon. If I get a good paying job. HAHA It's available in Fully Booked and other partner merchants. :)

Another new collection

Today I went around Trinoma but basically spent most of my time in Power Books. I mentioned in my previous post that I'll be starting on a new collection- Philippines art, travel, and photog coffee table books.

Now I found another collection I want to start! DVDs of documentaries! weeeee!

 

I super love docus and I am so happy I-witness documentaries are on dvd. yahoooo! They cost around 550 pesos per corrspondent. My favorites are Kara David, Howie Severino and Jay Taruc. But since that leaves Sandra Aguinaldo, then I shall get hers as well. I super want to get copies of these! 

Plus! They have these Summit Media short stories - the movie version!

 I know it's kinda jologs but what the hell most of the stories are suuuper cute so I will get them as well. 390+ lang ata per story. Mahal compared sa pirated hahaha but since this is a collection, orig na!

Yey I'm excited to start on my collections! Gotta grab a Power Books loyalty card also. Sayang ang discounts! :)

People we can smile about

I love it when people do their job right. I remember one of the things Mr. Jim Lafferty taught us. 

If you accept a job, do it properly. You have no right to complain because no one forced you to accept it.

Today I was at the mall again. I planned this day to be the second leg of my shopping 'spree' as well as a salon day. I googled for salons in Trinoma and found one with so much rave so I got excited to try it. (more of this later)

It was a normal day except for 4 people who made an impression.

Landmark Lady

It was a windy morning and the sun was shining. I got off the FX and crossed the street from McDonalds to the entrance of TriNoMa. I was beside this lady in uniform. Being the mall rat that I am, I recognized she works in Landmark because of her uniform.  While we crossed the street, she looked at me and said 'maki payong ka, mainit eh.' I smiled and said 'ay, sige okay lang. (I meant it's fine, I can deal with the sun) She stood beside me and shared her umbrella. A few steps later the wind blew the umbrella and it flipped. So she had to close it. It was fine coz we were really near the entrance so we wouldn't need it anyway. I said thank you and then she walked briskly to Landmark.

WWF Volunteer

I walked around and checked different stores when I passed by the booth of the World Wildlife Fund. This bubbly girl approached me and said 'Hi, Sorry to bother you but don't worry, I'm not selling anything. I just need two minutes of your time to save the Earth.' I smiled and said 'Meron na ako nyan.' She replied 'Oh, you signed up already. Great!' Tapos nag high five pa siya. hahaha Well, I feel bad coz really I didn't sign up for WWF. I confused it kasi with Green Peace so I blurted out I already have that. Not that I have Green Peace also but my mom and brother has so I think it's transitive. haha Sorry! next time I'll sign up na. hehe What amazed me was she was so enthusiastic about the job. Kita mo talaga na she has this will to really help save the Earth.

No Curfew Man

I visited No Curfew also because I have been eyeing their Lego watches for a very long time. I decided to check it out. Sakto naman, this guy was fixing the Lego shelf so I asked him how much, if they have the connectable watches, etc. He was very generous with his time. I really appreciated it. I hate it when the store people treat you depending if you look like you're a buyer or just someone looking around. To add to that, he was also cute! yehey!

The Cut Master

I was originally scheduled to get my haircut done by Mr. Narry of  Acqua Salon in Trinoma. The receptionist told me to come back after 30 minutes. Well, I came back at a latter time so there was a client who was scheduled next for Mr. Narry already. I signed up anyway since I really wanna try the salon. A lady entered and was greeted by the receptionist. Turns out she was another senior stylist in the salon. I was told she was gonna do my hair. It was fine with me but it made me just a little sad because in the blog I read while searching for a salon, the writer was all praises for Narry. Anyhooo, I still went with the haircut. Ms. Tessa was very nice, she assessed my haircut and said the layers were to high for my wavy hair. She even asked where I got my haircut. So ayun she sort of critiqued the cut, gave me tips to keep it tamed but still low maintenance. While cutting my hair, I felt she really knows what she's doing. She was very careful with the cuts, she even demonstrated how the layers should look. Her assistant, the one who shampooed and blow dried my hair was also very nice to me. She's ma-chika in a good way. Basta, kakatuwa. hehe I think I'll bring my mom there in July.

Wrap up! Here's what I think about these people. They all did their jobs pretty well and I am so glad there are people who really do what they're supposed to- and they do it gladly. Service beyond expectation- literally. 

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.

Something new

NEWS FLASH: I didn't get the job or at least I didn't get a call when she said she would. hahahaha ok lang naman, but I sorta wanted that one. Too bad for me. Thank God I have a new neck piece to cushion the bad news. I got myself a birthday present from Promod. ahahaha

LORD, BIGYAN MO NAMAN AKO NG WORK PARA HINDI AKO MAKADAGDAG SA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE NG PILIPINAS. Thank you.

* * *

Today my mom and I went to Quiapo to hear mass. Shempre I went with her coz I had special intentions in mind. Pero I keep reciting the same wishes and prayers even when I'm at home so I dunno if it makes a difference in my merits. hehe

I'm excited for tomorrow- Lunch with Fa! And then Wolverine (haha I know, laggard) with the family in the evening.

p.s. This is what happens when you have too much time in your hands and not much contact with friends- you get to blog (almost) everyday. Haaay, mag b-boxing nalang ako sa June- Ma, penge pang enroll. YEHEY! Sometimes I wanna be emo but what the hell- emo is so overrated. senti- that's better. ahahahaha I miss you all!

Crazy Topic Dump

ON SOME CRAZY ENCOUNTER...

Can I just say:

Ako'y naloka

Hinanap kita

Ngunit siya ang nakita

Kaloka diba?

AYAN, I'M SUPER SABAW. AHAHAHA 

ON THE UPCOMING VACATION (for real)...

Take me to Baguio friends! And I'll take you to Bicol. Yehey!

ON THIS RAINY DAY...

I've never been appreciative of the rain. Coz it's muddy. It ruins my shoes. And it's such a hassle to commute when it's raining. Today I SORT OF appreciate it kasi gosh ang init kaya ng summer na toh! Pero sort of lang kasi naman...I was wearing my new Hush Puppies Bayside driving shoes. I have been eyeing this pair for months but since I'm saving up for a camera, I never really entertained the thought of getting one. My dad got me these pair one random day at the mall. Niloko ko lang talaga siya saying 'Daddy, halika. Ganda oh, bagay sakin.' HAHA

Forgive the photo. It's nicer in real life haha

Anyhooo, back to my rainy kwento...I was wearing it today when I went to Shang with Mom and guess what, pauwi, mega ulan. nakakaloka. Natawa nalang daddy ko kasi inis na inis ako kasi nabasa. haha

ON GRADUATION PREPS...

Ang hirap maghanap ng grad outfit. hahaha Unlike the boys who have to wear a barong and then the usual slacks and black shoes, we girls have to find the perfect dress and the shoes to go with it. May guidelines pa na prescribed length, color and all that shizz. Bahala kayo. HAHAHA

I have a dress na. I had it made. Yun talaga inuna namin dati pa pero the shoes jusme. It took mom and I three days to find one. Kasi una ang hirap mag match ng color. Second, lahat ata ng babaeng bumili ay size 9, naubos na. Wala na for me. Third, hindi comfortable yung ibang shoes. Basta, hindi ko feel eh. Pero ayun okay naman today. Thank God.

Natatawa ako. I don't usually post a journal-ish blog. Pero nahawa ata ako kay Erielle. HAHAHA

Fixation

Lately I've been fixated on a couple of things. Some brought about by stress, the others by sheer love for shopping.

1. Boracay - I am dying to go back to this place. huhuhu I'm so sick of Metro Manila, I need a quick escape. Do you need a quick escape too?

Photo from Flickr by Oliver Tam. Location: Discovery Shores, Boracay

2. Louis Vuitton- This brand is a killer. It's been heavily discussed last week in my Global Marketing class and even before that, my professor would mention it as an example from time to time.

These are my personal favorites.

The LV Mahina XXL in Grey which goes around $4,210 or Php 190 000.
And the Monogram Mini Lin Croisette which is at $1,680 , roughly Php 76,000.


Nakakaloka. Maybe in 10 years,I'll have one. HAHA

3. New round toe pumps. Or shoes in general. - I've always been in love with shoes.
These two pairs are from Missoni, each costs about Php 15, 000.
Of course I'm not spending 15k on a pair of shoes (for now?). Maybe something close to the designs will do. Seeing pretty shoes remind me of Ms. Chin. She always wears pretty shoes. That's what I look forward to every time we have class. Well, she failed to wear something nice once. It was a pair of black thick-strapped sandals that looked below 'nice'. I was sad that day coz her shoes were bad. HAHA (Ms. Chin, I know you 'google' yourself sometimes. Sorry but you don't deserve that hideous pair.)

And finally, fourth: Love. Always have, always will.

yeeeeeech, senti. hahaha