cam ham

I get asked a lot about all the cameras I use and it's on the top of my FAQ page. What I can't stress enough is that the type you own doesn't matter without a basic knowledge in framing, composition and lighting, apart from the basic functions of your camera. 

After browsing through my Flickr page I came across photos of all the cameras I've used and I decided to post the ones I've owned through the years...

Christmas 2012

The usual eye & brow makeup + MAC lipstick in Cherish topped with Viva Glam V lipglass 

I was saving my appetite the entire day and had this nicoise salad topped with spanish mackarel + another salad for Noche Buena. Because of all the parties that preceded, I didn't want to go overboard during Christmas eve! We had an early dinner and nothing else followed at midnight aside from the opening of gifts. Saving my appetite for New Years- we'll be celebrating with cousins by then. 

I've been wanting these for a long time and I finally got them for Christmas- the AIAIAI TMA-1 DJ Headphone with mic. They're the PERFECT matte black headphones! Couldn't find pretty ones here without those tacky logos popping out so my mum ordered from the website and had her best friend ship it from America. Thank you, mum and dad! They're my first pair and I love them. 

my sister's allergic to my cute poses

blue bracelet from Mia Arcenas and gold spiked bracelet, necklace and ring from Leech Manila

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Just glad that the fam was complete for the holidays! More than thankful for all the blessings He has given me this year and I'm already looking forward to 2013. Hope you all got what you wished for! Thank you for continuing to support my little online diary. Love you guys!!! May you be blessed. 

  

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The most overused blazer + dress in my closet ♡ Will never forget actress Alexandra Paul's advice during an interview that you shouldn't think twice about wearing something again and again if you know you look good in it. Okay, sequins or anything that shimmers will never be flattering in my book but I love that this ensemble's fabric's just so breathable. 

This is me giving up on my sister's ability (or lack thereof) to focus using my camera under low-light conditions. 

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Went on a little road trip to last Saturday to sing at a wedding by the Subic Bay Yacht Club. Congrats to Jelly (1/2 of the Trend Bureau) & Romboy! 

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saying goodbye to falsies

BLOGGERS UNITED 4

neo-baroque

dress- Cotton On, shoes- DAS

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Currently on an antisocial, staying in for work phase but I managed to drag myself out of the house last Thursday for a night out. A few years ago it was normal for me to brave the clubs alone and then find friends, but I haven't done that in a long time (is that even safe?). I can't remember the last time I've worn a little dress out either. I remember my buddy from NYC saying that he always thought girls here were merely peacocking with all the skimpy dresses, but then he understood why there was a need for us to wear those in clubs when he came over one summer- it was just too hot! After that comment I somehow kept in mind that I should be more discerning when it comes to short dresses. 

I thought this baroque-print dress wouldn't be too warm but I managed to sweat in it under harsh lights during the event. Is it just me or is it getting hotter this December? Whatever happened to the holiday weather we all used to look forward to? My goal is to avoid looking frumpy and still look dressy by wearing things that are breathable to all these upcoming parties. Comfort and quality must always be at the top of your list when shopping- that'll ensure that you'll get the most out of your clothes.

Sometimes I hate how it's so hot here, but then again I'd rather be in the tropics than suffer subzero temperatures. I'm slightly glad that my dad moved our NYC trip. I really can't take the cold and that's one of the many reasons why I'm so thankful that I live in the Philippines! I feel for those who suffered during hurricane Sandy. I think we're used to power outages during calamities but can you imagine going through fall or winter without heat? 

Gotta take advantage of the weather instead of complaining about it. Now if I can only convince my beach-phobic family to spend Christmas at some resort..... 

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Christmas 2012 / birthday wish list - beauty edition

MAKE UP FOR EVER sculpting kit (2 - medium neutral brown/ cream)
DIORSHOW BLACK OUT mascara (Kohl Black 099 - rich black)

CLINIQUE High Impact mascara
BVLGARI Jasmin Noir Eau de Parfum
CHANEL Coco Noir

CHANEL nail lacquers
TOKYOMILK Wisdom No. 26 Roller Parfum de Cigarro
DYPTIQUE candle in Baies
CHANEL ROUGE ALLURE VELVET in 36 LA CÂLINE
TOM FORD Private Blend Lipstick (Blush Nude)

YSL ROUGE PUR COUTURE THE MATS in 201 (Orange Imagine)
GIVENCHY Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in 58 Enchanted Beige

SIGMA flat kabuki brush

URBAN DECAY glide-on eye pencil in Zero or Perversion

GUERLAIN Terracotta Bronzing Powder (03)
L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream

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While gathering images for my wish list collage this year I slowly realized how much I've been obsessing with sleek and beautifully-packaged [not to mention, PRICEY] makeup. I think if I hadn't been a lifestyle/personal blogger and designer/photographer I would've definitely given makeup artistry a go. Maquillage has always been one of my passions. My appreciation for the craft began when my best friend and I in high school were assigned to be official makeup artists for each school production. Can you imagine the stress we had to go through to slab on layers of color and foundation on each performer while sticking to a super tight budget??? I admit, that the pressure and time constraints we had to work with really taught us how to master the different techniques for each facial feature, especially asymmetrical ones... As well as the different ways lighting and temperature affect certain colors, types of coverage, etc.

We didn't have the luxury and accessibility of good-quality online tutorials when I was in high school, so I'm glad that before shedding cash on anything we can browse through reviews for just about every product nowadays. Nonetheless, we still can't trust all the things posted on the web since the way makeup works for you depends solely on its compatibility with YOUR unique skin-- its type, acidity, undertones, the weather it gets exposed to, etc. (in Filipino, it has to do with how hiyang your skin is with it).

Not all of the things on my list are the priciest ones in the market, but most of these brands I've already grown to love. I like investing in things that won't break or make a monstrous mess inside my purse if I accidentally drop it or bump into things. I also like knowing that I won't get embarrassed of its contents if I ever spill everything out. As much as possible I stick to black, silver or gold packaging (except for my drugstore makeup). Everything has to be neat! I'm just lucky that these products work well for me. Most of the time in cosmetics you get what you pay for if you research enough. You only have one face- invest in good ingredients or else you'll suffer the consequences of those lines and pores showing up too early.

Oh, and I would just like to note that I'm not a total drugstore makeup snob- I have a good balance of high-end and low-end makeup in my kit. Will do an updated list of my everyday makeup essentials soon.

If you have 20 minutes to spare, check out these videos from Lisa Eldridge about vintage makeup. I've always LOVED the way they packaged makeup before- so dainty, chic and fragile! And if you're not familiar with Lisa Eldridge, you have to watch these- she seriously has the most soothing voice among my favorite beauty gurus.





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BU4 (contest closed)

Bloggers United is in partnership with World Bazaar Festival  Official Sponsors & Media Partners:  Freeway Giordano  Meister  ETC  Meg  Status Magazine  When in Manila  Spot.ph  TheMall.ph  Candymag.com  Stylebible.ph  Orange Magazine TV Madhouse Manila ❧ Will be selling pre-loved and brand new clothes, shoes, accessories & Skinny Sweets. Sharing a booth with Reese this year.  IM GIVING AWAY 10 TICKETS! How to win: 

1. Follow World Bazaar Festival on Twitter and Facebook
2. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook

3. Tweet: "I wanna win tickets to #BU4 #WORLDBAZAARFESTIVAL from @raleene!" (you can rephrase your tweet but include both hashtags and my Twitter username)

First 10 to tweet will win the tickets...

*updated: 

LIST OF WINNERS:

@AejaeVillareal 
@mattamk
@iamsuperlora
@MrlValdez
@iamreylyncruz
@fullforce8
@plateninja
@renelynfremista
@monicaayungao
@mikeedpp

Winners are subject for approval (one name = one ticket) by the BU organizers.

See you guys at BU!

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sleep in style

Today, personal style, comfort and functionality come hand in hand in almost all aspects of daily life. It has become second nature to us to consider plating when it comes to eating good food; lighting and design when choosing a home; or comfort and movement when trying on that little black dress. We know how to choose quality without sacrificing style.

The same attitude should be applied when it comes to rest and relaxation, which has become a luxury amidst our busy lives. Magniflex, an Italian company dedicated to producing the best in quality, non-deformable, and highly breathable ergonomic mattresses, has made it easy for our discriminating tastes to choose the right tools to achieve the most restful sleep we most definitely deserve.

take no lip

Thanks to Sam for lending me this Gucci dress. It's a shame I had to fold it twice cos the length wasn't working with my thigh-high boots. 

Wish I could wear my hair like this more often but those waves resulted from backing out from the up do on the last minute. Some looks are so photogenic but look like crap IRL. 

 Will gladly accept new lippies for Christmas this year... Notice that I only have two in my kit- Russian Red and Rebel from MAC. So far my list's comprised of lipstick, scented candles and a vacuum cleaner. Mom, I hope you're reading this! 

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