Beauty all around

Outside Wing Lei

Reception at Wynn Encore

Our last day in Macau.

Had a few hours of couple time.

Yay, my chance for picture taking!

Sharing with you, the beauty of the Wynn.

When I see beauty in aesthetics, I see the talent behind the designers, architects, planners.

I see God-given talents and am in awe.

That's why I don't know how some people can just see aesthetic beauty as nonsense.

I see them as talents being used and expressed.

I see gifts.

And am a big fan of people using their talents.

I appreciate beauty cause using your gifts is the gracious thing to do.

And I believe this is the best thank you, we can give our Ultimate Giver.

My rainy day in HK

old photo from 3 years ago, with my friend, Lou

So, was going to meet my friend Lou at Simply Life at the IFC Mall, didn't have much time but was so good to see her!!!
Our children were classmates at Gymbaroo even before they turned 1! Her daughter's probably my son's oldest friend.
Chatted a bit, always good to catch up with her and see her.
Thanks, Lou, for going out of your way to see me despite the terrible weather that day!
Parted ways, then headed to Toys 'R Us.
Did my usual mom duties.
Went to H&M, busy, busy place.
Went back to IFC, wet and cold, as it was raining so hard that day.
Gosh, I love Hong Kong.
I just LOVE IT!!!
The vibe, the people, the rhythm.
No one walks slow in HK!
And honestly, I think they're really nice people.
Not smiling faces but helpful, kind, sincere and they always give me compliments, haha.
Hurried back to Macau as my husband was looking for me.
Where are you?
Am in HK.
He's probably thinking, how I can't get the place out of my system.
Came back to the Wynn, tired, wet and hungry but very, very fulfilled.
Even for a few hours, horrible weather and all.
Saw my friend and felt the vibe of HK.
And it was all worth the trip.

Angels from the Jetfoil

My only photo in HK, inside H&M's dressing room!
These are my own clothes, by the way

So, had a pretty good sleep, very,very comfortable bed, I woke up revived and ready for the day!
My husband has meetings the whole day and I got my day all planned. I was spending the day in my Hong Kong.
Sorry, don't have a lot of photos of the Wynn as my husband was invited by the top execs there, didn't want to say, "am doing it for my blog", haha.
Had a booboo, didn't bring my passport at the ferry to HK.
Apparently, you can't use your ticket at a different time.
The guys from Jetfoil, esp this man whom I'll never forget, allowed me to go back to the hotel and come back and do a later trip.
Everyone says, THIS NEVER HAPPENS.
Well, I always believe in angels. I guess when you know they exist. All the more, they make their presence felt.
I got back and they even gave me VIP assistance.
A story that impressed everyone!
With me, secretly knowing, I got angels all around me.

Welcome to the Wynn!

Just arrived, the hallway of the Wynn Macau

The Wynn Macau

Sorry for the silence, had to accompany my husband to Macau for a business trip. He's there for business, am there for pleasure, story of our marriage.

Arrived late so we just ordered room service for dinner.

Tomorrow, I go to Hong Kong to meet a friend and to just go there, I guess you know by now how much I love the place.

Night!

Here comes the bridesmaid

w/ my bridesmaid , Joey Gerber

dinner at Bistro Filipino

I got married almost 13 years ago , lived in 3 different countries, met so many different kinds of people, different nationalities but it's always heartwarming when I see my dearest of old friends.

Joey was my bridesmaid at my wedding. Our friendship started with a common "crush". Well, truth be told, no one ended with that "crush" but we both have pretty happy marriages in our resumes.

Our friendship even blossomed when we were both based in Hong Kong. I , as an expat wife, she as a flight attendant. She was always there for me and vice versa. She even would sometimes sleep over. I still remember the good old days of my wonderful life in HK. We got so close that I asked her to be the godmother of my eldest. He's only got 2 godmothers, so it just shows how special our bond was.

Distance, changes in life, she would still visit me wherever we're based. We've kept in touch through the years.

She's now based in the States, saw her last was 2 years ago when I visited and now it's her turn.

It's good to know that distance and time , no matter how far and fast, do not change precious and solid friendships.

We were together today for I guess 3 hours but that's enough to sustain us for our next meet and greet.

Oh and by the way, our common crush? Between you and me, he had a crush on me, haha.

Sorry, Joey, just had to rub that in.

Have a safe flight and see you sometime soon!

When the sun marks the spot

photo credit : my 11 year-old

I don't usually complain about the heat in Manila especially since I just make sure to stay away from direct sunlight but today was fuming hot!!! I think everyone I meet complains about the heat. Just learn how to stay out of the sun and hydrate yourself.

Was so lazy to wear pants so decided to be casual today, not considering I was going to interview someone for a potential job, didn't want her to think of her future boss as too casual and youthful, haha.

Am meeting my good friend who now resides in California. But that's for the next post.

Stay cool!

Beauty with substance

maxidress : Culte Femme, clutch : Aranaz

photo credit : David Kaufman

w/ Rima Ostwani, Mai Kaufman, Jun Escario

Tina Jacinto, Natasha Morse

w/ Rima & Mai

Attended the Bravo Filipina! fashion show last night. We were late so we weren't able to join the cocktails at the exhibit. Thank you to Hindy for the invite and the seats!

It was a night honoring Filipina women.
I've always admired Filipinas.

Beauty -wise, our country's known for its multifarious kinds of beauty.

Strong without losing her femininity.

Strength-wise, we're even ahead of first world countries who have yet to have a woman as their leader.

Spirituality- we always rely on our faith to course us through life.

Patient, loving and faithful

Nurturing, intelligent, multifaceted, multi-talented

Such is the Filipina

A rare combination of beauty and brains

Truly a woman of exemplary substance
Bravo!

Havaianas- wearing comfort right

phoyo credit : Anne Gonzalez

the face behind Havaianas Phils

Was invited by Anne to attend the "Make Your Own Havaianas" Event at Rockwell tent.

It was amazing!

I was so impressed how strong the pull of Havaianas has on the crowd.

Congratulations, Anne!!!

Designing the slippers was pretty cool and fun. Can't show it yet as I left it for the Havaianas team to finish.

I admire people who have the vision to see beyond the basic and make it into a desirable necessity.

Thank you for the invite, Anne. More power!

You inspire me.

Musings of a Citizen

photo credit : Rima Ostwani

Had lunch out today with the kids then saw my dear friend, Rima.

Chatted for a bit then went to my meeting.

Talked some politics , especially with the upcoming elections.

Met with developers, minds behind this beautiful planned city.

Focused back on why we were there to meet

A little bit of discussion on how to make the planned city really a world class place.

I guess it really boils down to education and discipline.

From the grassroots up

Also, implementation is key.

Went home with some kind of a burst bubble but nary a lost hope.

Who knows , by some miracle, people will start caring.

I can only dream.

Funky town

This chair was designed by Dy, a graphic designer

Exactly my point - Keep calm and carry on

I have 3 pending interior projects plus my own project so I've been hanging around hardware stores and interior shops. I've seen this shop a couple of weeks ago but they were not that organized yet. Dy, the very friendly sales associate welcomed me and despite the fact that prices are not settled yet, she was very kind to invite me to their opening on May 8.

Place reminds me so much of interiors featured in Domino magazine.

Very creative place meant to tickle someone's imagination and funkiness. Perfect accents to neutral interiors.

I know am definitely gonna be a frequent guest here.
Cute , endearing stuff that excites interior obsessed like me.

And when you go, know what to do - keep calm and carry on... at least one armchair with you...

When girls hang out

dress : Culte Femme

my dates for the night : Anne & Rima

w/ Hindy, U Swim designer

I enjoy going out but only because I get to spend time with friends.

Last night was the unveiling of Azure , a new property in the South. They had a summer fashion show where the latest collection from U Swim was featured.

Had a great time with Anne G. and Rima.

Just hanging out, relaxing, enjoying the company of people you like.

One of my secrets to looking young, surrounding myself with positive, good people.

And you'll see the world, earthquakes, eruptions and all, still , with sparkling eyes.

The Culte Femme team

The faces behind Culte Femme

Culte Femme, obviously, is my favorite, most of my clothes are from there.
Just thought you'd like to see the faces behind those designs.

Hindy's my designer and friend.

I love what her designs do to women. It empowers them and it enables women to show their personality.

Some people see fashion as trivial and shallow but I always believe that what goes inside shows on the outside.

Most best dressed friends of mine are also the nicest, deep and caring and the happiest.

That's why it shows in their confidence and love for life!

When patience is rewarded

Remember my post "How a story unfolds"? Well, I know, I know, I've been quiet the whole week, been busy going to home depot, hardwares, meeting suppliers for the "space".
Remember also when I said, how I wish you guys get some good surprises this week?
Wow, I did!!!
I always join raffles.
I'm the type to patiently write on the raffle stubs from the grocery or even currently at Mercury Drugstore! But never had such luck. I remember my mother-in-law telling me years ago, "so you're one of those people who fill them up" , I said, "yes, you'll never know".
Well, I got this text from Rustan's stating that I won a Melissa bag from the recent Shop & Spa event! I was so excited and told my husband. His first reaction was, "You sure this is not a fluke?" I said, NO!
Well, here's proof that patience is a virtue.
I got my first prize from a raffle draw.
I know, it's such a cheap thrill but winning is winning.
The cheap thrill that wow, my effort , however trivial paid off.
The cheap thrill that hey raffles are legit. Haha.
The cheap thrill, as per my husband, that my shopping gave me something back in return, haha. I thought that was funny.
And the cheap thrill that fairytales or whatever people call it nowadays do come true, in big and even the most trivial circumstances.

And that, for me, is always a good thing.

Page One

Stumbled upon these series of interior design books from Page One at National Bookstore.
When we were living in Hong Kong, Page One was a favorite hang out for my eldest and myself.
Am glad they import a lot of books from Page One here in Manila.

Incidentally, National Bookstore Rockwell is on sale from Apr 16-18, all imported books only.

For bookworms, like us, well, specially my kids, their eyes sparkle whenever they're in a bookstore. I think they get the same excitement with bookstores as they do in theme parks!

Raise kids loving and being surrounded by books and a thirst for knowledge will come out naturally.
Happy reading!

How a story unfolds

dress : Culte Femme

Watched the Rustan's Alabang Fashion Show in the afternoon then had dinner at Palms.
It's always a trek for me to go to Alabang, especially since traffic is unpredictable.

Another week's unfolding.
Did it ever cross your mind how exciting life is?
Everyday is different, even with routines, each day gives a different story.
Hope yours unfold with a few good surprises.
Enjoy your week!

Add some icing

dress of my own design

photo credt : Sandra Fabie-Gfeller

I was under the weather the night before and the whole morning. I don't usually drink medicines so when I do, the effect is immediate.

My hubby accompanied my son to tennis while I rested in bed.

Still, had to do my commitment to be lector at Church which is for me one of the best things I've thought of doing.

Hang out after with our good family friends, another Swiss-Fil family. Had a great dinner and kids had fun playing, laughing while adults chatted the night away.

One of the greatest pleasures in life is having friends that add icing to your everyday.

We came back home tired but happy.

Embracing the weekend

floral top: Stanley Market, HK, belt: Mango , pants: ZARA

earrings: Alchemista

Cris, my photographer wanted this shot

photo credit : Cris

Had a 5-hour Board Meeting today, phew! It's really draining yet fulfilling when people exchange different ideas and study all angles for the benefit of the majority.

My hubby always tells me," You can't save the world "to which I always reply, "But I can try".

Picked up my son afterwards then cancelled the plan to watch "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid". My kids are bookworms and we try to watch the movies of books they've read.

Was just too tired to go to the cinema .Wanted a quiet time at home.

Hopefully we find time to watch sometime soon.

It's a long weekend in Manila, gotta get some rest.

Hope you get your well deserved rest too!

Happy weekend!

Seems like Kindergarten

with my BFF since Prep, Cel Go

w/ Cel & her sister, Mio

Attended the birthday party of my best friend's husband's birthday last night.

Happy birthday, Bits!

Vincent was coincidentally my classmate from college. Such a small world.

One of those parties that the whole family goes to and surprisingly , the kids are the ones begging not to go home.

I am just really happy that our husbands and children get along.

Change is the only thing constant in this world but in my world, one thing remains the same, my BFF.