LAZY TUESDAYS

It's November 2nd, which happens to be a holiday and I'm stuck at home. If you ask me, I really don't mind. In fact, I prefer a night in just because I am fond of laying down in newly cleaned sheets, binge watching my favorite television series and savouring every moment spent with my new addiction: salted caramel ice cream. 

I am a sucker for romance films and true crime documentaries but as of the moment, Freaks & Geeks has been my go-to series on Netflix. In truth, I've constantly been hoping for a Season 2. Too much love for the cast! Did I forget to mention, I go all heart-eyes emoji with James Franco? He absolutely gave justice to his rebellious character - Daniel Desario!

Currently, I've been loving braided hair. It just so happened that I took a nap on it and this is the result! 

AN ADVENTURE AROUND INTRAMUROS

On a Friday afternoon, my friends and I decided to take time off to spend a couple of hours on a voyage around the historical district of Manila. More than just an inviting name, this beautiful landmark traces back down to the late 1500s, when it was founded by the first colonizers of the Philippines - the Spaniards. Through out the years, this prominent site has withstood numerous catastrophes, however it still stands valiant with a foundation that was built to last.

Nothing beats wandering around the old city than taking a guided tour with some of your closest friends. What makes it more exciting, you may ask? Cruising around the streets in a Bambike (bamboo + bicycle) with the cool wind blowing through your hair. Besides the fact that these are aesthetically pleasing bicycles, these two-wheeled vehicles offer an exceptional biking experience constructed for a smooth ride...which I can attest to! 

Meet my friends - Crista & Sofia!

Palacio del Gobernador

Manila Cathedral

Fort Santiago

It was the perfect day off of school work...which was what I absolutely needed! I highly recommend Bambike Ecotours as an entertaining and fruitful way to learn or rekindle the riveting history of the Philippines. :) 

SIMPLE MAKEUP LOOK

Growing up, I've always been interested in makeup. At such a young age, I was known to be that girly child--taking ballet lessons in the hopes of becoming Barbie in Barbie of Swan Lake, and having to put pink clips all over my newly braided hair. I even recall stepping into my mother's office and being amazed with all the beauty products I laid my eyes on. In fact, I enjoyed the free samples given and being able to keep the products for myself. Haha! Up until this day, my love for makeup products still stays. It absolutely serves as an everyday reminder of how fun it is to be a girl!

I go by the saying, less is more. I try not to go overboard with makeup. I like it looking natural! These are the products I highly recommend. 

MAKEUP PRODUCTS: 

Makeup Forever Step 1 Base Hydrating Primer

Loreal True Match Concealer in Fair/Light

MAC Studio Fix Powder in C4

The Face Shop Brow Master in Dark Brown

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade

Avon Luminous Blush in Peach

NARS Laguna Bronzer (for the eyelids)

Lancome Alber Elbaz Mascara

Maybelline Hypersharp Liner

Burt's Bees Replenishing Lipbalm

Kylie Jenner Lipstick in Koko K

ARE YOU IN A FILM OR IN REALITY?

Shrit from Zara / Pants from Uniqlo / Bomber jacket from Harajuku / Watch from Casio

In the game of would you rather one question always seems to leave a mark, "live in the past or live in the future?" Through the years, I've unceasingly answered past, due to the fact that the mid fifties always stood out to me. Whenever I'd see photographs of my beautiful grandmother in her twenties, I'd pause and wonder what it would be like to strip off my millennial badge to live during that time. Besides my undeniable infatuation for James Dean, my source of entertainment consists of watching Marilyn Monroe documentaries, appreciating vintage style (like Nancy Wheeler's shearling jacket from Stranger Things!) and listening to Ella Fitzgerald. 

You get the picture, right in the midst of Rebel Without a Cause and Grease, an era that never fails to make me blush. May it be the colorful diners with fifties jukeboxes, a classic baby blue Chevy parked outside, clothes that spell - dress to impress, and hours on end spent teasing your hair with cans of hairspray, there is absolutely no surprise that the glory days will always come back in trend. 

SAKURA BELLA

First and foremost, please do know that I have been mia for the longest time. I don't even want to mention how long, because when has that ever been a surprise? But I'm back and better, and I promise to post regularly. If not you have been granted the permission to unfollow me and block me out of your life... Slightly kidding aside :(

If you follow me on Instagram you'll know that I recently came back from my trips to Japan and Batanes--both spectacular places that I'd be more than willing to rave about. As you can tell from the pictures, this post is about Japan and how I casually try to take decent photos in front of the ever so beautiful Cherry Blossoms. Also known as Sakura, this flower was actually one of the main reasons we booked a flight within the months of March and April. It's true what they say, there is absolutely no better time to visit Japan than during Cherry Blossom season.

For this trip, we focused on going all around Tokyo. We visited places like: Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Akihabara and Roponggi. We actually stayed in Shinjuku, which was my absolute favorite. There's a special vibe to Shinjuku that makes you want to stay and just roam around in your comfiest clothing while heading out for some midnight Family Mart. Don't get me wrong though, I loved other places too! I absolutely enjoyed sight-seeing and shopping in Harajuku, especially since I got to admire all the cute and colorful outfits that I don't get to see in Manila. 

I enjoyed everything so much--from the food, to the ambiance, to the warm and welcoming people... Everything in the places I went to made me want to stay there, except for the loooong lines I had to endure whenever we wanted to try something out! Although, I honestly didn't mind because the Japanese restaurants sure did verify their worth. Food was authentic and clean, which to me, was a huge thumbs up. :) As my mother ticked off a box from her bucket list, I on the other hand, pictured myself coming back to this city to see the Cherry Blossoms countless times. 

STRADMORE BLOGBERRY PLANNER X LAUREEN UY

June has finally arrived and with a brand new school year right around the corner, it's best to keep track of important dates and reminders for hassle-free days. It's true what they say, organization is key in attaining a successful year--especially while juggling both school and personal life... What if I tell you that Stradmore Notes has tied up with celebrity/lifestyle blogger Laureen Uy to give you your ultimate companion this school year? This chic planner is specially designed to simplify your life whole year round!

The #BeTheBestYou Planner is not your ordinary planner. Not only does it help you keep track of important dates and deadlines, but it also promotes self-empowerment in this generation. With her previous youth talks among campuses around Manila, Laureen thought of many other ways to continue to inspire and she realised that this could be it. With shades of creme and light pink pages, this planner also offers quotes (some quotes from her siblings: Liz & Vince Uy as well as close friends: Nicole Andersson, Georgina Wilson, Jasmin-Curtis Smith, etc), grades & cash trackers, cheat sheets and activities that encourages you to be the best version of yourself. 

In fact, Laureen Uy was absolutely hands-on with this project. She kept the vision of a planner she had in mind and worked hard to successfully get it to where it is today (she even recalls sleeping late and waking up early to attend to important matters regarding the planner... and I absolutely admire her for that!) I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to interview Laureen about the #BeTheBestYou Planner and her personal advice to students who are heading back to school in a couple of days. I enjoyed our conversation because she was open to answer all the questions that were being asked :)

Laureen Uy with fellow blogger and host for the event, Nicole Andersson

Absolutely grateful for this opportunity. Big thanks to Manila Bulletin!

You can now purchase the #BeTheBestYouPlanner in any National Bookstore branch! 

For more information please visit Stradmore Blogberry on Facebook :)

POSEIDON

Swimwear from Sundae 

Being in a serene island before school starts again this June was absolutely longed for. A routine of eating all sorts of cuisine, soaking in salt water, and sleeping in a bundle of blankets was my forté these past couple of days. To be frank, I've always loved the beach, and just the thought of lounging around the seaside makes me smile farther than you could imagine. 

There is absolutely nothing better than watching the waves of the ocean approach the shoreline, as it washes away the sand in between your toes. The calming sound of the water as it resonates across your mind, reminding you that this was your hearts desire--to be within an island drenched in tranquility. If I could, I would spend most of my time in the company of the beach, laying on top of a hammock sipping a mango shake. But sadly, that isn't reality and I've got a ton of goals to accomplish.

RALPH LAUREN OPENS IN GREENBELT 3

Ralph Lauren has officially opened its doors as it welcomes a new store in Greenbelt 3, Makati City. It was a lovely night, as guests were treated with delicious hors d'oeuvres and champagne as soon as they arrived. As for the after party, an Italian luxury car known as Maserati brought us to The Black Bird at the Nielson Tower, which was absolutely my favourite part of the night!

How gorgeous are these male models?! At one point of the event, I found myself asking the models if they were real or not... And they replied with a laugh.

The women behind Digital Fashion Week Manila

With Tito Robby Carmona

With Tito Philip Cu-unjieng 

With football player, Anton del Rosario 

It was such a classy and elegant event, just like the brand itself. It was such a pleasure to attend and meet new people, as well as being able to be one of the firsts to take a look at Ralph Lauren's new collection. 

Congratulations SSI and Visions & Expressions! :)