MANGO Opens at Ayala Centrio Mall

Since the opening of Ayala Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro, a lot of shops and restaurants that I  frequently visit every time I'm in Manila are now within our reach.  During my internship days in Manila a couple of years ago, MANGO was a favorite fashion hub and I could only wish they had one in CDO too.

That wish was granted when they finally opened a flagship store at Ayala Centrio yesterday, December 2, 2012. It was attended by CDO's fashion forward personalities, bloggers, and representatives from MANGO Spain, where the brand originated. Thanks to Irene of Mindanaoan for the exclusive invitation.

Visit MANGO at the ground floor of Ayala Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro.

The Mistress

I have a confession to make: I've always been a John Lloyd-Bea fan.I can forego watching flicks starring either of them and wait for the DVD to come out. But the two of them together in a movie is too much to miss, let alone this Olivia Lamasan masterpiece "The Mistress," which marks their 10th year together as on-screen partners.

Until now, playing their blockbuster hits "One More Chance" and "Close To You" at home remains one of my guilty pleasures. Watching the trailer of their latest movie tells us that they have progressed as actors and have taken on more complex roles. Indeed, with the emotionally-loaded plot of "The Mistress," don't expect to come home giddily smiling the way you fell in love with Basha and Popoy in "One More Chance."

It was a bit uncomfortable to watch Bea Alonzo play mistress to Ronaldo Valdez' character. I can't help but associate it  with their Betty La Fea TV series where the latter was a respectable, protective father to Betty (Bea). As an actress, Bea admitted to finding her scenes with the veteran actor most challenging.

"The Mistress" explores the other side of the coin. It doesn't glorify adultery, but depicts the mistress in a more humane light. A human flawed in her judgment, bound to ultimately suffer the consequences of her actions. You will neither hate Sari nor wanna be her. Sari (Bea Alonzo) as the mistress, is not the stereotypical skimpily clad, she-devil incarnate, social-climbing bitch. On the contrary, Sari is a goody two shoes, decent-looking, soft-spoken woman in her mid-twenties devoted to her family, albeit  burdened by the secret life she leads as a kept woman. Bea Alonzo's under-acting in this movie reminds me of Jaclyn Jose's thespian trademark, but not lazy enough to graduate under Bella Swan's lethargic acting school. The radiant and hardworking woman being weighed down by her sinful undertakings is executed perfectly by Bea's calm but troubled take on the role. She has come a long way as an actress. Bea Alonzo has arrived.
John Lloyd is the flirty and confident architect JD, who is swept away by Sari's charms. Despite discovering the sticky situation that Sari was in, JD's messianic complex has taken over and wanted Sari out of the rut. According to him, it was love, that's it. How could he resist the flawless, beautifully-lighted Sari reminiscent of an angel who just dropped from the sky?

Upon entering the theatre, I could hear people coming out of it, saying they should have brought tissues. I initially couldn't relate to their sentiments as I was having fun with the intermittent injection of humor despite the seriousness of the theme. Thanks to the little kid named Mamon (Clarence Delgado) and K Brosas who mostly provided the comic relief. However John Lloyd Cruz is John Lloyd Cruz. This man knows the way to your tear ducts without you realizing it. I have long been amazed with his relatable, realistic and poignant acting. The scene with Ronaldo Valdez was epic. So yes, even if you're not a mistress and cannot relate to the role, bring lots of tissues. Blame that on John Lloyd.

The presence of Anita Linda, Ronaldo Valdez and Hilda Koronel spelled powerhouse. Although there were scenes where Hilda went too theatrical in acting out her heartbroken, alcoholic of a wife role, it was forgivable.

"Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol still lingers in my head. This leads us wondering, what made Star Cinema use foreign music on a movie that could possibly redefine local films? I don't know, perhaps there was no Jed Madela song  that could capture the melancholia in JD and Sari's love story as much as "Chasing Cars" could.

The moviegoers could barely wipe off their tears when the end credits started rolling.It was a heavy feeling to carry home. "Di dahil gusto mo, makukuha mo," (not everything you want will be yours) could very well tell the gist of the story.I think this was what pierced through me- the painful realization that there are things that will never be, no matter how desired zealously enough. It sure stings. Sometimes, the only way to have it is to close your eyes and dream about it. Sigh.

MEG’s Reality TV Competition: “I AM MEG: Own the World in Style”

Manila, Philippines – September 2012 – MEG, the brand for today’s bold young women, will soon launch what is expected to become the most-watched reality TV competition in the country.
For fourteen years, MEG has been the lifestyle guide of every young woman, constantly growing and maturing with its readers. Keeping with the times, MEG also launched an online lifestyle portal, IamMeg.ph, this year. In its latest innovation, MEG transforms its signature campaign, MEG Face Search, into something more dynamic and far-reaching.

On September 8, 2012, Saturday, MEG will air its first reality TV competition. Hosted by TV personality and sports enthusiast Kim Jones, I AM MEG: OWN THE WORLD IN STYLE will be the country’s newest reality TV competition, in search of the young woman who epitomizes modern style and substance.

Fourteen aspiring young women made the cut and will show their best in challenges testing their skills, style, and wit. Set eyes on and meet the fourteen young women aspiring to be the newest face in the industry and watch as they brave the challenges that will bring out their determination and talent to become the first MEG Style Ambassador.

These finalists are in for a surprise when the first challenge of the season is the actual photoshoot for the show’s opening billboard! They will be given an identity workshop, a makeover, and will project their personality through the photoshoot. This becomes their chance to show their flair for style and to channel their confidence.

Catch the first episode and find out how the opening billboard with the fourteen girls of I AM MEG was produced!

I AM MEG: Own the World in Style aims to develop a young woman of substance and style in all aspects, developing her personality and skills. Throughout the show, all of the women will be given the chance to prove why she should be the first MEG Style Ambassador.

Hosted by TV personality Kim Jones, catch I AM MEG: Own the World in Style on ETC every Saturday starting September 8, 2012 at 7 in the evening, with replays every Tuesdays at 10am.

I AM MEG: Own the World in Style is a prestige production of One MEGA Group.

For more details on I AM MEG: Own the World in Style, please visit www.iammeg.ph. Like MEG on Facebook at <www.facebook.com/megmagazine> and follow MEG on twitter <@megmagazine>.

Plain Jen No More- A Makeover Shoot

The fulfillment of seeing a patient get well again under my care is priceless. But the satisfaction of making women see their most beautiful self through my help gives a different kind of high. I've been doing makeovers for the fun of it  ever since I opened my eyes to the wonders of makeup. From turning a shy friend into a sultry siren, to overhauling plain janes into glam divas, not once did it fail to put smiles on their faces. I wanted to prove a point that everyone is beautiful, it's just that some need that extra push to meet their gorgeous versions. The renewed confidence it brings to them after the session concludes that it was a mission accomplished.

Lately, the camera has been my favorite tool. To make a beautiful photo, I needed to ensure that the subject would just be as stunning. Although I have worked with ethereal creatures called models in the past, I chose a "real girl" instead for my practice shoot.

The Makeover Model

A single mother to 2 daughters, Jen is not the type to spend long hours in the mirror primping herself up. Her hours are devoted to making a living for her kids, that she hardly has time for other things, more so to check if her hair falls into place. I figured, why not make an unconventional beauty a subject for my headshots portfolio? With the right light, angles, pose, and makeup, the goddess within was sure to come out.

The problem with doing  makeover shoots like this one is,instead of highlighting my photography skills, the focus was on how I did the makeup. Thing is, it wasn't my usual professional makeup routine. I skipped a lot of steps just so I could get on with the pictorial. After all, I wasn't building a makeup portfolio but was polishing up on photography. It was an imperfect makeup on a perfect day for a shoot.

Makeup may not be permanent, but having photos to immortalize a moment in Jen's life reminding her of the beauty that abounds in this world, is a fabulous route to boost the confidence every girl needs.

drumroll please...

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Make Your Own Havaianas 2012 CDO

The most awaited event for fashion-savvy flip-flop fans is here again! Make Your Own Havaianas 2012 is coming to Cagayan de Oro on August 17-19,2012 at the Rotunda, Limketkai Mall.

Last year, I was privileged to be invited by  Spruce, the local distributor of Havaianas in CDO. They have been making the event possible for several years now. This year, I will be joining the  fabulous affair once again courtesy of Spruce. My last year's chosen design has been my constant companion in and out of the house, even when I travel to Manila. By now, one would expect it to be worn out and faded but I guess that's the charm of Havaianas- they stay durable and comfortable over time. My Havaianas still look good as new, its color bright as ever,  even its pins are still intact.

MYOH (Make Your Own Havaianas) is your chance to create your own design of flip-flops, choosing from a variety of combinations. This yearly event has not only been a showcase of the best slippers you can ever have, but is also a celebration of  your uniqueness, enhancing creativity and personalized style. To give you more idea of what happens in an MYOH event, please visit http://myoh.havaianasphilippines.com/. See you at the MYOH Cagayan de Oro leg!

XOXO Wedding Photography Workshop by Nelwin Uy

The minute my friend Dylan of Vatel Manila posted about Nelwin Uy’s first wedding photography workshop, I panicked. I browsed through the course outline and decided it was the workshop I’ve been waiting for, which included the entrepreneurship of  photography- wedding photography to be exact. I signed up quickly before slots ran out.

Then it hit me, why would a photography noob like me want to learn about making money from an enterprise where my skills are still mediocre?

The thought that it was no less than Nelwin Uy giving the workshop, I jumped at the opportunity, not thinking about the current level of my skills, because it was simply a rare learning experience.I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to be a wedding photographer but if I’m going to indulge myself in photography, I might as well learn how to earn from it.

Meeting the Guru

For someone highly esteemed in the wedding industry, one would probably expect a man with a bloated ego. However, Nelwin Uy proves that humility and success are not mutually exclusive. From the replies to email, to meeting us at the venue, he was very warm and courteous. He made sure that every attendee was personally welcomed. He extended his hands and introduced himself as though we didn’t know who he was.

Wealth of Inspiration

I’ve attended a few photography workshops before but XOXO was something else. The volume of information provided honest, practical, straightforward, yet inspiring knowledge. Coming from a guy who walks the talk, you just know you made the right investment.

The realization that he was speaking in front of a crowd for the first time overwhelmed Sir Nelwin. He was so apologetic about it, claiming he wasn’t born a public speaker. To us, it was perfectly understandable. The room roared in applause, assuring that everything was fine. Witnessing his flaws dispels the rumors that he is an alien who shoots crazy beautiful out -of this -world images.

Nelwin Uy is amazingly secure in his status that he didn’t mind spilling the beans about the ins and outs of the business to people who could rise to be his competitors. He was telling his stories with no trace of arrogance, even advising on disciplining oneself regarding finances and how not to give in to whatever new gear is in the market unless absolutely necessary.

Guest speakers were invited to talk about the methods that could help boost a wedding supplier’s business. Jana Simpao of Bride and Breakfast introduced her site and gave tips on blog-worthy photos. Dan Matutina, a graphic designer, emphasized the value of design and branding. Marbee Go, the editor-in-chief of Wedding Essentials Magazine, encouraged the submission of photos to their publication.

Walking With The Giants

My classmates in the workshop were mostly established photographers from different parts of the country. I was a midget walking with the giants. But talking to them was a learning experience in itself. Seeing the beautiful shots posted in their respective websites made me want earth to swallow me whole out of embarrassment, but as Sir Nelwin mentioned in the workshop, photography is creative a skill that can be learned without being a child prodigy. True enough, creativity and good taste are innate but skills have to be acquired through experience. Mental note to self: practice, practice, practice! I cannot let my precious XOXO knowledge go to waste.

I’ve been debating with myself whether or not I should post my own outputs. Admittedly, my abilities are not yet ripe for the picking but I got to start somewhere.

Whether you're a professional,a hobbyist like me, or simply a Nelwin Uy fan, be sure to sign up if ever he offers another workshop in the future, and make it quick as slots tend to fill up in the blink of an eye. I assure you , the investment will be well worth it.

Sponsors:
Gowns by Veluz and Veejay Floresca
Flowers by Vatel Manila and Teddy Manuel
Make up by The Make Up Studio Team
XOXO Handwritten Logo by Fozzy Castro-Dayrit

Models: Tricia & Drew

Special Thanks to Ms Tey and little Gabe
Aperture trading for the freebies

 

Mac Reel Sexy Weekend Launch

Click this now for a private screening starring an iconic model as big as anyone who’s ever graced the screen:  Kristen McMenamy, photographed and filmed by Miles Aldridge.  What is she watching as she laughs, cries and sits mesmerized in a surreal cinema where popcorn is pink, fingernails fierce and the wardrobe minimal?  Obviously, it’sREEL SEXY.

Miss McMenamy’s bright, bold and brilliant look features a colour collection of enigmatic Eye Shadow Duos, Vivid Lipstick, Creamsheen Glass, Eye Kohl, Powder Blush, Lighscapade Mineralize Skinfinish, Nail Lacquer and Zoom Lash. REEL SEXY starts launching this weekend: June 2 (Sat) Glorietta & Shangrila, June 3 (Sun) Rockwell and June 10 (Sun) Cebu. Everyone is invited to the launch!

Garnier Pure Active Skin Solutions

My teenage nieces managed to keep blemishes under control using Garnier products. I haven't really tried Garnier skin care line despite the raves because with my problematic skin, I've lost hope in anything that promises solution to acne.

I've mentioned time and again how zits can be a self-esteem crusher, especially for teens whose hormones are going berserk. But there has to be some way to get them out of this rut. School opening is just around the corner, making them prone again to stress and breakouts.

It's just timely that I got hold of 2 new Garnier products to try: the Garnier Pure Active Multi-action Scrub and Garnier  Pure Active Anti-imperfections Cooling Roll-On when I have an impending pimple on the nose, yet again. I've always thought my skin needed some expensive out of this world secret potion to calm my blemishes down, and not some drugstore brand found ubiquitously at grocery stalls like Garnier. With the testimonials from my nieces, it ought to be worth a try for easing the burden of  blackheads, acne, and ugly marks left.
Will these bring back my hope on acne-busting products?

Garnier is a leading European natural beauty brand that uses whenever possible carefully extracted nature-based active ingredients. It boasts of the proven efficacy of its products. Pure active line helps target imperfections and marks.


Garnier Pure Active Multi-action Srub

A creamy scub with gentle micro-beads containing purifying salicylic acid, an antibacterial active, combined  with regenerating Herbarepair from blueberry extract to visibly fight 6 signs of acne day after day. It helps target blackheads, imperfections and marks, for clearer looking skin.Pure Active Blackhead clearing scrub helps skin feel clean and purified.

How to use: gently massage on wet face, lather instantly. Rinse off with water. Avoid eye area.

Garnier Pure Active Anti-imperfections Cooing Roll-On

A concentrated formula containing purifiying salicylcic acid and HerbaRepair that reduce redness in 5 hours and imperfections and marks in 2 days. Its fresh non greasy formula of salicylic acid quickly dries out imperfections instantly. HerbaRepair, known for its regenerating and repairing properties, helps to improve skin, minimize redness and fade out marks.
How to use: Apply directly onto and around imperfections and their marks as soon as they appear. Continue applications until they have cleared. Avoid eye area.

I will be putting these 2 to the test and let you know how it turns out. If these stay true to their promises, I should be seeing improvement in a week's time. Review will be up by then.

The MEGA Fashion Crew Returns: Turning Backstage Into the Front StageOnce Again

Manila, Philippines – April 2012 – After the success of its first round last year, MEGA, the Philippine’s best fashion magazine, is looking once more for the creative minds who can shape the stage for the future of fashion.

MEGA Fashion Crew, the first fashion reality show of its kind, returns to pay tribute to the different talents who piece together not only shoots for magazine layouts, but also completes the looks for commercials and runway shows. MEGA continues in its goal to bring together the most talented individuals who will innovate the industry, turning all their efforts into works of art.

From the hair stylists, makeup artists, photographers, fashion stylists, to the model, MEGA is again on the lookout for the newest and best trendsetters that could revolutionize their respective fields in the industry.

Flaunt your talent and prove that you deserve to be part of MEGA’s next top fashion crew! Join now by registering on MEGA’s official website, MegaStyle.ph.

Generation MEGA Season 4: MEGA Fashion Crew 2 is a prestige production of the MEGA Publishing Group.

 For the latest updates, visit www.megastyle.ph. Like MEGA on Facebook at <www.facebook.com/megamagazine> and follow MEGA on Twitter at <www.twitter.com/mega_magazine>.

Adding the Elegance and Style for a Stunning Evening Gown

Manila, Philippines – February 2012 – As another shock, The MEGA Young Designers Competition (YDC) gave a challenge different from the usual aesthetic of each designer.

A break from the challenges, a relaxing and fun trip to the Manila Ocean Park was awarded to the remaining designers. It was a wonderful experience that had the challengers forget about the impending challenge ahead.



Fashion mentor Angela Alarcon met with the designers after their break to introduce them to a key person who will serve as the guest mentor on their latest challenge.

2006  YDC finalist Veejay Floresca is one of the most sought after designer of this generation. Veejay has already received both local and international awards, proving his passion and talent on his craft.  It was a pleasant reunion as one of the most successful YDC alumna shares his insights and experience to the aspiring new faces of the competition.



The remaining designers were tasked to produce evening gowns. As always, the designers were surprised to hear the new challenges as some of them have little or no experience in creating evening gowns. It was a big deviation from their normal look but they need to wow the judges with their creation.

Two designers will once more be eliminated as only six designers will be given the chance to show a finale collection. As the competition inches closer to the last episode, everyone grows more and more anxious to know the last designer standing.

Who will be the grand winner on the MEGA Young Designers Competition 2012?

Catch Generation MEGA Season 3: MEGA Young Designers Competition every Saturday at 7pm, with replays on Sundays at 10am, only on ETC.

Generation MEGA Season 3: MEGA Young Designers Competition was created for television by the MEGA Publishing Group. For the latest updates, visit www.megastyle.ph. Like MEGA on Facebook <www.facebook.com/megamagazine> or follow MEGA on twitter  < www.twitter.com/mega_magazine>.

Female Hair Loss

MUA In Scrubs' note: The following article is a guest post by Becky Mackay

A thick, glossy head of hair can be a woman’s pride and joy and it seems to be a generalisation that only men are susceptible to the hair loss process. However, hair thinning and loss also commonly affect many women, who may feel less equipped to deal with the change than male sufferers.

Female hair loss can occur for a number of different reasons and finding the cause of your condition could be the first step towards treatment or acceptance of your change.

• Telogen Effluvium:

This is a stress related condition or a reaction to certain medication, which promotes a hormonal reaction and the shedding of hair from the scalp. Connected to the growth cycle of the hair, telogen effluvium can occur suddenly, but usually gets better naturally over the course of six months.

• Alopecia Areata:

This hair loss is caused by an autoimmune disease, which causes the white blood cells of your body to attack the hair follicles, causing hair production to slow and the follicles to shrink. This can affect patches of hair or the entire scalp and although the hair stops growing the follicles themselves are dormant rather than dead, meaning hair growth can begin again.  However, research is still inconclusive about how to artificially induce this returned hair growth, so at the moment the sufferer must wait for the hair to naturally begin its growth cycle again.

• Androgenetic Alopecia:

This is related to the hormone levels within the body and is generally an inherited condition, from either the father or the mother. The genetic information that causes this type of hair loss involves the production of an enzyme called DHT, which if over produced causes the hair follicles to create thinner and thinner hair strands, until they stop production completely. This can affect both men and women, with the hair loss in men affecting the crown and hairline, while in women the loss is noticed at the sides and top of the head. This condition cannot be stopped completely, but certain lotions, including minoxidil can slow the process of balding and thicken the remaining hair. Hair transplants can also be used to increase the thickness of the hair, but are generally considered a last resort and are often more effective in the treatment of male hair loss.

• Chemotherapy:

This anti-cancer drug is used to destroy cancer cells, but unfortunately it also attacks other cells within the body, including the hair follicles. Chemotherapy doesn’t always cause this reaction and you will know within two to three weeks after you begin your chemotherapy treatment whether you will suffer hair loss. You may also only lose patches of hair, or feel tenderness in your scalp, but losing all of your hair is also a possibility.  However, you can prevent the loss of hair during chemotherapy with the use of a cool cap, to cool the scalp and reduce and in some instances prevent, hair loss. Cold caps can come in the form of a gel filled cap or a cap refrigeration machine, which must be worn some time before and after your chemotherapy begins. However, chemotherapy hair loss isn’t permanent and once you stop receiving the drugs your hair can start growing back again.

• Pregnancy:

During pregnancy your body produces more oestrogen, which promotes hair loss and hair production. However, once you have given birth the levels of oestrogen drops and your hair goes into the shedding part of the cycle. This usually occurs 3 to 4 months after the birth of your child and 60% of your hair can be lost. However, 6 to 12 months after the initial hair loss your hair will return to normal. You can do certain things to prevent extensive hair loss after pregnancy, which includes using conditioners and shampoos which contain silica and biotin, avoid tight hairstyle such as ponytails and cornrows and add vitamin B, biotin, vitamin C and vitamin E to your diet, although always consult your doctor before making any dietary changes.

Hair loss can be a demoralising situation, but many conditions are only temporary and new solutions to hair loss are being found every day. However, finding support and understanding could be the very best thing you do after hair loss and many groups now exist to help you discover people who can empathise with you and help you come to terms with your situation.

Becky Mackay is an online writer, with a keen interest in health and lifestyle. For more information on hair loss and other health conditions visit her Twitter page @FreshHealth11

Image credits