Glorify God Instead

Yes, we know it's a time to mourn but always remember that criticizing what others do on the web still doesn't do any good to those who are devastated. It just moreover adds to the weight of the cycle of negativity. We all have the freedom to post whatever we want to share on the social media, and no one has the has the right to take away that privilege. Let's just stop this habit of finding faults at each other, and focus more on what we can do to glorify God. Pray and help. God bless the Philippines!

Back from the Dead

Here's a photo of me (obviously) taken by good friend Jepoy Vecino during our church's Family Day
 held on the 23rd of March in Summerland Resort.

Hello blogger friends! I'm back. Yes, I know that's a lame and cliche line but please spare me of your mockery. Have mercy on me! Anyway, let me switch from corny to drama mode as I utter my comeback speech. How I wish I'm really back in the bloggerverse for good. I miss doing this. I miss waking up in the morning, thinking about what to blog next. I miss my oozing creative juices. I miss posting comments on the interesting articles of my virtual buddies. I just miss everything about blogging!

A lot of things happened after my last thorough blog post dated June 25, 2012. I renewed my faith in the Lord, by deciding to use my talents and capabilities for His Kingdom's cause; I built new and refreshing kind of fellowship with my ever supportive church mates from South Hills Christian Community Church of Davao, Inc. (Yeah I know it's pretty long, that's why we call it South Hills for short); I got hired as a Copywriter by one of our city's biggest retail company; and sad to say, I got out from a 5-year relationship.

I believe I don't have to tell you the whole story of why everything happened and ended, but one thing's for sure, I know God is molding a perfect story for me. I have faith in Him, and I trust His heart. As the song goes, "All things work for our good, though sometimes we can't see how they could." He alone knows what's the best for me, that's why I won't question Him on why something has to end. Maybe it's really not meant to be, no matter how much we wanted to hang on. If it's God's will, let it be; if it's not, let go.

Enough of that tear-provoking recollection. Over all, I can say that most of the things that happened to me are positive ones. That's how good God is to me, and I'm forever grateful to Him. I believe I became a better Christian after the Youth and Kids Camp that we had last summer. After that, God's blessing poured out to me. That's the power of prayer. Well yes, I could say I'm still not as good as you think I am, but I believe I'm getting there. I know God will help me control my emotions. I will master being patient soon.

I'm a bit sleepy now 'cause I just came home from work. I'm gonna tell you more stories and revelations when I have more time! 'Til then, my lovelies! Don't forget to pray. Sleep tight everyone!

Much Love,

Davao City to host 23rd Ad Congress

The banner of the 22^nd Philippine Ad Congress held in Camarines Sur 

on November 16-19, 2011 with the them, “Change the Game.”

The land of promise is all geared up to make it big in the events scene as the Ad Board finally awarded our city the hosting rights for the 2013 Advertising Congress which is the country's biggest gathering of business stakeholders, advertising and media leaders held every two years.

An ocular inspection was conducted last November 23-24, 2012 to look over Davao City's capacity to accommodate the high-profile assembly. The chief of Davao City Promotions and Investment Center (DCPIC), Jason Magnaye presented them the hotels, business establishments, possible venues and tourist spots.

According to Magnaye, the team led by chairman Raul Esteban gave our city positive remarks after their two-day visit saying that, "It's Davao's time now!” Acquiring the bragging rights in having this red-letter convention will certainly be a great advantage to us, because it will pave the way for other national and international organizations to hold their activities here.

Department of Tourism Sec. Ramon Jimenez said that Davao City is an ideal place for events because of its safe, clean and typhoon-free environment. As a testament, Public Safety Command Center has 17 CCTVs installed in 16 strategic areas in the city, that cover the entry and exit points and populated areas in the downtown areas. This nerve center for traffic monitoring and crime prevention has advanced the city's already notable peace and order operations.

The local government proposed for SMX Davao Convention Center as a venue for the Ad Congress because it is a conducive area for the 3,000 to 5,000 expected number of delegates that will be here for the said event. Magnaye affirmed the Ad Board that the city has a total of 6,600 lodging capacity. The mentioned figure constitutes both the hotels and small pensions.

In addition, another group is also considering our cily for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2015. These kind of events will draw more investors that will highlight Davao City; and contribute to the progress of our local economy. Magnaye estimated an average of P2,500 expenditure per participant which is definitely beneficial to our city.

Sources: Edge Davao, Sun Star and Mindanao Times

Happy Holidays!

Jumping on the bandwagon of taking a picture at SM Lanang Premiere's well-known 40-feet tall Christmas Tree.
I wore a vintage floral top, Jag jeans, G by Guess bag, Primadonna brogues.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, lovelies!

How's your celebration going? Have some innocent fun. Don't forget the essence of this season.

I apologize for the lack of updates for months. I've been really busy with our church activities and at work. I'll be back soon, my lovelies. Got a lot of stories to tell. Brain, I'm in dire need of my creative juices. 

God bless you! ;-)

Halloween Funtastic Treats

This Halloween, NCCC brings you the Funtastic Treats! Witness the creativity of the Davaoenos through the fun-filled activities on October 27, 2012 at NCCC Mall Davao, Activity Center. Models of our local make-up artists will ramp the stage to show off their "fantascary" look through the Hair & Make-up Competition. Kids will enjoy the culmination program through the Trick or Treat and Costume Contest. You can also post your most "funtastic" shot on the photo wall, and join the Photo Contest. Exciting prizes and freebies await everyone! Come & dress in your greatest fantasy and join the fun! See posters and print-ads for more details. Call or text NCCC's official mobile no.: 0917-3117905.

Pocket-Friendly Trinkets

Hello again! Before anything else, I just want to apologize for the lack of updates here in my niche for the last couple of weeks. That is because I’ve devoted much of my time in church. I attend our Prayer Meeting from 6pm to 8:30pm every Wednesday night. Saturday afternoons are for our church’s Music Team preparation, and of course, Sundays are dedicated for God. Yes I do have a lot of free time, but because of this crazy thing called blogger’s block, I couldn’t squeeze my brain for topics that could interest you my beloved readers (if I have any).

Now, let me not dwell on the explanation part. Let’s just talk about what every girl loves to have… Accessories! What woman wouldn’t want to accentuate herself with such fine embellishments? Some girls are obsessed with high-end jewelries, while some are otherwise. I wasn’t born with a golden spoon and I still don’t have a job, so obviously I belong to the girls who are “otherwise”. I am very fond of affordable yet striking trinkets. In times of crisis, I wouldn’t buy something too costly just for a luxury. I believe in the power of practicality.

If you’re on a tight budget and you’re a fad enthusiast from Davao, I suggest you head on to Chinatown at Uyanguren. This street has an array of thrift shops that can both satisfy your wants and needs. I‘m still not very familiar with the place though, but there’s a spot there that I can truly call a fashion haven. The store is called TOMLIZ Butingtings. The word butingting is actually a Filipino term which means accessories. From the word itself, you can then conclude that their main products are stylish ornaments marketed to women and women-at-heart.

The following are some of the accessories I bought from my recent trip there.

This originally costs 60Php, but it was on sale for 50% less. I got it for only 30Php.

30Php – 0.70 USD

30Php – 0.70 USD

30Php – 0.70 USD

25Php – 0.59 USD

23Php – 0.54 USD

These leather wraps and over-sized ring and studs are identical things you see and buy from online shops, and yet you probably get them for twice or way more than the original price. Nevertheless they’re all fake, so why settle for something expensive yet phony when you can have something cheap that still has the same faux quality. Be practical, you girls. If you’re worrying on the durability of these cut-rate items, I say it’s just a matter of being a good owner. Take utmost care of your belongings, and they will last long. Nothing’s permanent in this world anyway. Eventually, everything’s still going to end. You’re smart, I know you get my point but hey, that’s just me ok?

On that note I say, ‘til next time my lovelies! I hope you understand if I get lost again. Much love! God bless everyone.

Mystique Shutterbug: My 22nd Birthday

I have returned, my lovelies! It was quite a long hiatus I should say. I was gone for almost a month, and it felt like forever. Now I'm still trying to refresh my mind from the blogger's block and stuff, so I hope you don't mind if this entry sounds so lame. I know I promised to get back right away; but some circumstances are really that irreconcilable, I couldn't even live up to what I said so. Anyhow, it was my 22nd birthday last Friday June 8 2012 but the celebration was held the next day at our church during the Music Team practice. To back up my words in this entry, here are the photos.

Me and my sisters Mikee, Janine and Miko.

DIG IN, my new friends in the LORD!

I felt so blessed with my 22nd year because I’m now serving my Father in Heaven again after such a long time of being just a simple church-goer. It’s a great feeling when you know you’re using everything you are for God’s cause. I also want to thank our Pastor and some of my church friends for serenading me first thing in the morning last Friday. It meant a lot to me! I totally felt so special. Lastly, I want to thank my family, especially to my Mama Bebet and Papa Bebot for preparing something delicious for my two-part birthday celebration. You are the sweetest! I couldn’t be more grateful to the Lord for giving me these wonderful people.

‘Til next time. Much Love! God bless everyone.

Child’s Play: Graduation Outfit

Photo courtesy of Rene Arias (This photo is not the actual soft copy. This is just scanned.)

Photo courtesy of Lito Sy (This photo is not the actual soft copy. This is just scanned.)

What I wore on Graduation Day:

Dress – Sabella RTW

Shoes – Mendrez

Bag – G by Guess

Bangle – SM Accessories

Earrings – Gift from Mom

Sablay (Sash) – Hablon

Everything that I wore that day (except for the bag) was Pinoy made -- from the dress, shoes, bangle and Sablay.

Here’s a quick post before I’ll have my hiatus again. It’ll just be a short-lived break anyway, since I’m going to be busy processing matters for my “job seeking escapade” this week. And oh, I will also be one of the facilitators for a Youth and Kids Camp organized by our church. The event will be held from the 17th to 19th of May. I pray that we nail it perfectly well, so we could be able to give the participants a summer that’s divine and worth-remembering.

Anyhow, this is another graduation post but this time it’s about what I wore. I don’t know with the graduates from other UP system units, but UP Mindanao graduates are required to wear beige or cream dress and shoes for girls; and beige barong and black pants and shoes for boys. The reason for wearing neutral colored garments is to lay emphasis on the symbolic Sablay. We’re not allowed to wear any other ostentatious accessories other than the latter stated.

I selected this ruffled neck chiffon dress with pagoda sleeves because it looks vintage and feminine. My dress is already very detailed, that’s why I decided to pair it with this simple 3-inch beige shoes. The catch is, we also needed to put on stockings and I hated it because its silkiness gave me a tough time walking. I didn’t know how to deal with it with flair considering I don’t normally wear high heels. Luckily, things folded quite nicely that day.

I wore the bangle and the bag only before and after the ceremony; because like what I’ve said earlier, we had to highlight the Sablay all throughout the program. What I love about my bangle from SM Accessories are the faux gold and diamond embellishments. I’m just totally in love with anything shiny, shimmery and golden. I also got thrilled when I saw Karylle (A Filipino celebrity) wearing the same arm candy in red hue in one episode of It’s ShowTime.

I was so happy with everything that I donned that day; because apart from The Sablay, nobody sported the same dress, shoes and accessories as I did. Basically, what we had to pull off for our graduation outfit is the fashion statement called “Pop of Print” to accentuate the thing every UP student yearns for. So, that’s it for now. I guess this ends my series of graduation posts. Take note of the phrase “I guess”. Just kidding. ‘Til then! Much love!

Hype this look in Lookbook.

Mystique Shutterbug: Old and New Cats

Caramel gave birth to two kittens four months ago. My sister insisted on naming them after her favorite Philippine TV Series characters, Wako (orange) and Kokey (black). I know they do sound absurd, so my Mom and I suggested to change Kokey into Kay.

This is a funny picture of Wako and Kay planking.

I don't know why Kay's fond of  looking upwards whenever I snap a photo of her.

Wako and Kay are by far one of the sweetest kitty siblings we've ever had.

Here's Kay playing with the headset.

Here's a sad news about Wako. We found out that he has feline epilepsy. He's had more than five seizures since April 8, 2012. According to online sources, this sickness is never curative. We can only decrease the frequency, severity and duration of seizures with anti-convulsant drugs which.... we can't afford.

Wako doesn't let his condition get in the way of his "happiness", which is to play with everything that he finds amusing.

One big happy family. Left to Right: Kay, Wako, Caramel and Bench.

Mousy used to hate Wako and Kay, but that maltreatment changed after she had a miscarriage. She's now back to being the kind and lovable cat we know. See? She even breastfeeds Wako. Sweet, eh?

This is Mousy with her two babies. The bigger one is just actually her adopted kitty we named as Saucer. Maybe Mousy didn't realize she had a miscarriage, that's why she thought it was hers. The smaller one is her one and only survivor offspring. We named him Snap-snap. I hope he'll grow as healthy as her mother.

This is how Caramel shows how much she cares for Mousy. I almost got teary-eyed watching how loving these cats are. This is definitely a moment worth capturing.

....More photos soon...