Make Your Own Havaianas 2017 brings back the 90's!

In my lovely island, it's summer all year round. And where there's sun fun and adventure-, flip-flops are our bff's! And luckily, every year, we get to make them just the way we want them!

Every year, Make Your Own Havaianas (MYOH, for short) lets Havaianaticos step into a different place with fun themes that inspire the total flip-flop customization experience.

It has taken everyone to colorful Brazil, sunny Hawaii, and kawaii Japan. This year, Havaianas sets foot into a different time and, hands down, it's one of the best decades ever.

The '90s was an awesome decade. From the music to the fashion, the movies to the TV shows, the toys and games, to the slang, and the list of reasons goes on and on. It was a simpler time.

This year's commemorative pair is a total must-have. It comes in a classic black sole with pixels, inspired by the 8-bit video games that defined the decade. Cue in the nostalgia.

The pins are also '90s-themed and they are totally rad. The choices include throwback icons of a TV, cassette tape, boom box, and a video game icon. There's a pin that simply says “I ❤ 90s” for those who lived through this rad time.

Back in the day, bedrooms were a whole lot cooler if they were glow-in-the-dark. So, Havaianas has come up with glow-in-the-dark pins that come in five super fun designs: a lightning bolt, smiley, star, and lips.

In Cebu, this year’s MYOH will have two legs.  Head to All Flip-Flops Ayala Center Cebu on June 9 to 12 and All Flip-Flops SM Seaside City on June 15 to 18 for something very cool, or as ‘90s kids would say, totally phat. For the first time ever, Havaianas makes use of 3D printing technology that can print pins before your eyes.

Follow Havaianas Philippines on Facebook and @havaianasphils on Twitter and Instagram for updates on #MYOH2017. Plan your masterpiece ahead by mixing and matching different combos at myoh.havaianasphilippines.com.

Fab@15: Flawless' Biggest Beauty Blowout!

                            

 

Eyes here, ladies! :)

Flawless, the country’s preferred aesthetic clinic is turning 15 this year and even more fabulous with its anniversary theme—FAB@15.

2016 has been a hefty year for the beauty brand, especially with the launch of its new look, introducing an innovative facial treatment, and opening of 8 new locations; totaling to a strong network of 45 clinics nationwide. With these beautiful achievements, Flawless owner and CEO, Rubby Sy-Coyiuto can’t help but to look back at other milestones her company has achieved through the years.

“Whenever I think of a Flawless milestone, be it an award, a clinic opening, a new treatment or a product, I always tell myself that it’s the loyalty of our clients that brought us this,” shares Rubby. “That’s why we make sure to return the favor by giving them what want and deserve on National Flawless Day.”

National Flawless Day, which falls on the 8^th of December, marks the founding of the clinic; and each year, Flawless releases a nationwide promo highly anticipated by their beauty patrons.

For their 15^th anniversary, Rubby and her team decided to do something big and fabulous that no other aesthetic centers would think of, a two-phased promo that gives you more reasons to celebrate beauty with Flawless.

Flawless’ FAB@15 promo enables clients to choose over 15 gorgeous offers to suit their beauty wants and skincare needs by using coupons. These offers include free products, complimentary service upgrades, straight discounts, and buy 1 take 1 on facials—all tried and tested deals by clients who have been journeying with the brand.

Harping on the “fabulous fifteen” mantra, Flawless is also raffling off 15 exciting prizes to 15 lucky winners. For each FAB@15 coupon availed, a client will get one raffle entry. A Pink Yamaha Mio Scooter, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Rose Gold Phone, 7-inch Lenovo Tablet, and 15,000-Peso shopping gift cards are just some of the covetous items to be given during the raffle draw on January 14, 2017.

FAB@15 coupons are available for free in all Flawless clinics nationwide, and may be availed from November 1 to December 31, 2016.

Pastel Summer

Summer is my second favourite time of the year. Christmas and Summer were battling for number 1 spot until it actually got THIS HOT. Haha. In order to survive, breezy is the way to go. Let your body breathe in things that are light-weight, absorb less heat, smooth on the skin, and don't cling too much to the body. Ofcourse, Don't forget protective gear-- sunnies, hats, sunblock, and whatnot.

This summer, If you don't find me in tropical prints paired with fresh whites and delicate neutrals; you'll see me sport chic creamy pastels like in these photos: wearing a peachy pink cap, seafoam green bralette, and lavender trousers paired with my Havaiianas pair that has the best of both worlds (the pastel strap and the tropical- printed sole. Yum.) There's no better way to look sweet despite the heat. 

Also, since I'm not so much a girly girl, I gave this look a bit of cool-girl spin by choosing pieces that either have a bit of structure (you can take these bottoms to the office too!) or a sporty touch. Then to top it off, for ultimate comfort and that much needed laid back effect, a pair of functional and pretty flip flops. Chic candy colors without the sweet 16 feel. Voila. 

Speaking of Havaiianas, Don't forget to drop by All Flip Flops at SM Seaside up to May 1 to make your very own Japanese- Inspired Havaiianas! Read more about it here. 

Flip- flops: Havaiianas

Trousers: Shnukum Manila at The Emporium

Top: Topshop

Cap: GAP

Say Konnichiwa to Summer with #MakeYourOwnHavaiianas2016 !

I dig everything customized. Who doesn't? From furniture, to clothes, to food, it's always a fun idea being able to have something made, custom built to your very own taste and preference. This April, we get the annual chance of customizing our own flip flops with a theme that features one of my most favorite places in sooo many ways-- Japan! Your own sole profile, own sole color, own strap, own pins, everything that screams YOU--with the Havaiianas touch and the kawaii twist. :)

There are many things to look forward to in April. One of the hottest months of the year brings with it the biggest and most anticipated customization event in the country, Make Your Own Havaianas. From April 22 to May 1, step into a celebration of self-expression and creativity inside All Flip Flops SM Seaside City at the lower ground floor of the mall’s Mountain Wing and mix and match buttery-soft, colorful soles with vibrant straps and fun pins.

Havaianas was born in Brazil in 1962, but an interesting fact is that the very first flip-flop was inspired by the Zori, a type of Japanese sandal made of fabric straps and rice straw roles. Today, Havaianas flip-flops show marks of these iconic rice patterns, making it a fusion of eastern Zen and western joy.

Each year, MYOH highlights a destination or theme that celebrates its heritage or encapsulates the ‘always summer’ state of mind and on its 11th year, it is its Japanese roots that MYOH pays tribute to, from this year’s 2016 limited edition commemorative sole inspired by Shibori, a Japanese fabric-dyeing technique, to its selection of kawaii pins. With Japan being an all-time favorite summer destination of Cebuano Havaianaticos, embellishments such as the The Sakura, Ramen, The Japanese Fan, The Empress, The Zori, Ninja and statement pins, among others celebrate the love for travel and the land of the rising sun’s unique lifestyle and influence on today’s pop culture.

Let your creativity bloom like the season’s cherry blossoms and share your Make Your Own Havaianas experience at #MYOHCEBU2016 and #MYOH2016. For more details, check out Havaianas Philippines on Facebook and @Havaianasphils on Instagram and Twitter. Register online and try out the many ways you can personalize your flip-flops at http://myoh.havaianasphilippines.com/.

Ahh! Don't you just love summer.

So, if you were a pair of flip-flops what would you be? What would you look like? I'd like to know! See you all at All Flip Flops, SM Seaside! :)

The Perfect Basic Cotton Shirt

Styles come and go but in terms of tops, none can quite compete with the comfort, versatility and timelessness of 2 things. First, A basic button down, and second, a plain V-necked shirt. While the former is my lazy girl go to staple because its a day to night- monday to sunday piece, In this post I will tackle the latter.

A good cotton shirt is the most comfortable top in the world, especially for temperate climates like the Philippines. It allows you to be totally mobile while keeping stylish and gives you room to have fun styling. It's no wonder it's the go to signature piece of designers, architects, off-duty models, and the like. 

You can wear it under a suit/ blazer on an expo, with trousers and a statement necklace to work,  denim shorts and gladiators on a hot summer day, or in my case, with a high-slit maxi skirt, wide-rimmed hat and stilettos. You will be surprised at how much you can actually need this piece when you have it. 

Sometime last year, us Cebu Fashion Bloggers were challenged to put together a look that will best showcase our personal styles using this shirt from Giordano and this what I came up with at the last minute: Subtly sexy but mostly just effortless, feminine, and classy.

Hands down, a basic v-shirt is the ultimate key piece to an off-duty look. But take note, for plain shirts, FIT is ALWAYS KEY. I like mine flattering but not tight, a little relaxed but not excessively oversized. So depending on your body type and personal aesthetic, find yours and discern well.

How would you style your V-neck cotton shirt? :)

Shirt: Giordano* Skirt: Blind Clothing* Heels: Charles and Keith* Hat: SM Ladies* Necklaces: Forever 21 * Watch: Skagen

Photo: Burtz Rolian

Locale: Movenpick Hotel

Hair & Make-up: Ava Celocia

Best Foot Backward

Laid back, Under- accesosrized,  improper posture, unkempt do that can't exactly be called a choreographed bed head either, a little bit of sweat and smudge, denim Pants. This is how I was most of my college life.  Adulthood (and the climate) made me outgrow the denims and the norms of professional life have somehow changed the way I've presented myself.  

Putting her best foot forward.  

Once, a friend I just got to know, teased that this was how I was with him.

  "What's wrong with that?", slightly in denial, mildly confused whether to accept or to differ, frankly caught off-guard, I answered defensively. And then I realized, I always have my best foot forward. Nothing wrong with that (?) This was the standard of adulthood as I know it!

"Nothing, it's just that it's so.. safe. Safe is boring."  He said ever so bluntly.

"What's not boring?"  I challenged.

"It would be nice to see you with your guard down"

"....That's something you earn. " 

He gives that candid "makes sense" look. 

I victory dance inside. 

Months after this passing conversation happened, it still plays in my head and makes me laugh and wonder. Back when we were younger, important people-- professors, titas and such demanded our best behaviour. Now that we've grown up and have gotten used to that, some people wish to behold otherwise. We have grown to be very selective of the people we decide to be comfortable and "best foot backward" with that to some it becomes a novelty. Isn't it interesting, all this adulting.

I have to admit though. Friend has a point. Once in a while, it wouldn't hurt to come as you most naturally are and in your rawest state. In fact it can be liberating. In my case sadly, it's not always never pretty, but then again, genuine is always beautiful.

And Yes kids, mid 20's people can still wear ripped jeans and crop tops. :p

Top: Blind Clothing

Mom Jeans: Blind Clothing

Mandals: Parisian

Photos by: Burtz Rolian

Locale: Cafe Capriccio

2 Weeks on GT Papaya Lotion: Yay or Nay?

So everyone knows I'm faaar from being a beauty or skin care blogger, but when GT Cosmetics asked me to try their newest offering (of course after doing a little research) I was more than happy to give it a shot. :) Other than I'm always on a constant pursuit for brands that I can trust, I always like to support products that are locally made. I am a huge believer of the skill of our underrated local industry. Besides, No one knows Asian skin more than Asians; and this being a Cebu-based brand just hits home. I actually really read about GT Cosmetics before trying this and so far, I'm impressed because they seem to really know their craft well, scientifically. They take their studies very seriously before launching a product in the market.

GT Papaya Lotion is a 3-in-1 lotion that promises to do whitening, moisturizing, and has SPF 40 sunblock. It contains collagen, a skin vitamin that helps reduce signs of aging and enzymes from pure papaya extracts to exfoliate skin and reveal newer cells thus making skin whiter, smoother, and younger looking.

The GT Papaya Lotion came in a 100ml easy to squeeze tube with a flip top cap.

 I gotta say it's one of the pretties scents I've ever tried, like milky papaya. Smells clean, fruity, light, and delicious.  I like unscented or mild smelling lotions that leave a subtle delicious scent on the skin and this was is that exactly. It's also very easily spreadable. Not too watery/ runny, not too dense/ thick. 

I can feel my skin really absorbing this lotion and keeping it feeling fresh and supple without the sticky feel although it isn't really the type that lasts the whole day. Re-application sometime in in the day will be needed. I would have loved to feel it lock in a thicker film of moisture on my skin that makes it feel so nourishing but I guess that's the trade off when you are focusing on more benefits than 1.

I've been using this product for 2 weeks now ( After getting toast 2 consecutive weekends at the beach, I felt like it was the best time to test it out) and so far so good.  I can't say I'm back to my normal complexion already but I do feel that I lightened a bit more, and faster than usual.

The bottle contains details such as ingredients, directions for use, and its promise. It also contains the expiry date so you make sure you get a fresh product.

Thank you for this, GT! :)

GTCosmetics is a Cebu-based maker of soaps and skin care products. GT Papaya Lotion is a moisturizing and whitening lotion intended for the young, active and on-the-go market which explains the smaller, easy to bring along tube. It is available for local and international markets. Their cosmetic form is now ISO 9001:2008 certified and is now on their way to seek other ISO levels to make sure they observe international regulatory standards to ensure that their customers are satisfied. From making only handmade papaya soaps from natural extracts 2 years ago, GT now produces 700,000 items monthly across its full line of skin care products from moisturizing and bleaching creams, sun block, clarifying toner, and lotions.

Products are distributed nationwide through stores: Watsons, SM Supermalls, Robinsons Malls, Gaisano Malls, Metro Malls, Mercury Drug, etc. 

Check out more of GT Here.