Tumblrable

Rob

Shai + Tricia behind the lens

Regina

Ehehe

Saab

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Riz and I were invited to join a photo shoot for Young Star Philippines at Salon de Ning (in the Peninsula Manila). The article's going to be about local Tumblr personalities which made Riz and I question the validity to being called "Tumblr Royalty". Seriously, we both don't get as many views and likes as the other people in that shoot, even if you consider the likes we get from both our personal Tumblrs plus the Walkie Talkies Tumblr page collectively.

But whatever, we are flattered. And we had so much fun being in the same room as Saab, Tricia, Regina and Rob! Plus we got to meet Seph & Shai and one tech blogger whose name I missed. Sorry!!!

Their tumblrs are amazing. Mine's merely filled with random photographs linking directly to this blog. Heeee. Riz has more interesting stuff on hers just because she posts music and anecdotes.

Can't wait to see our photos! As usual, our "band" photos are of us laughing and doing stupid things... So that should be interesting. Karen told us to "come as you are" and of course that meant the fashion bloggers will dress up. Thankfully Riz and I were categorized as one of the artsy bloggers. Saab did her makeup in 2 minutes when she arrived straight from Boracay, only to find us dressed in things that weren't too casual. It was so cute!

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Inside Bjork

Inside Bjork (released July 2003)














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I remember seeing one of Bjork's videos for the first time (Army of Me, 1995, the same tune in Suckerpunch) when I was younger and telling myself that she was weird and funny, yet her voice was clearly not... manufactured. I remember it because of the gorilla and the giant diamond, but I didn't understand any of that of course since I was just 5 years old.
Haven't forgotten her since then, and of course my love for her increased over time as I came to understand music more and more. Being able to go back to her after hearing so many new artists popping out by being marketed in insane proportions is sort of refreshing even if she isn't as current. She's certainly one of those very few artists who can dare to execute things that are just out-of-this world and not appealing to the masses at first, and get away with it with so many people just watching in amazement.
I found her funny and crazy when I was about 5, but you have to admit that a lot of the things she does in her music and videos is something we would all like to do every minute of our lives... That is, to be free and to ignore everyone else's opinions. Tell me if you can't relate to any of those happy dances in her videos. I'm sure at one point in your life you've done at least one really insane thing after hearing great news or whatever. Do people really want to dance the way media portrays sexy 24/7? Do we need to flaunt a perfect female/male form to come out sensual and attractive?
I'm blabbing on and on because it's rare for me to appreciate a lot of the bigger pop stars out there now, mostly because they're only being forced to do things to sell (for the most part, they have talent, but you can't blame them for following their music labels). YES I know not every artist is doing that, and you can't just force people to change their views on what good music is. Music should be something that awakens your senses, and if you achieve that by listening to (insert pretty pop star here), then so be it.

Anyways, I just wanted to say that she is one of those people I personally look up to, admire and only wish to become. I'm content with the fact that I can never be her (LOL). I just admire her for wanting to GROW and explore more and more, and she clearly does that without sticking to a trend in the industry and without basing her decisions on whatever people will mostly likely appreciate. The only key to helping the entire human race is INNOVATION, and that applies to any field. Bring something new to the table and a lot of people will question you at first, but you prove yourself right with a little pride and belief in yourself-- just enough so in the long run it'll make them stare in awe.
SO PLEASE. There is NO competition as to who's done this or that first, and who's more of a genius because only time will tell if you have indeed created an impact.

Okay back to Bjork...
Her lyrics don't seem relatable at first, just because they are poetic in form and they range from stories on womanhood, childhood, sensuality, nature, social issues, etc. It takes much more for a person to write or even think about things other than simple reflections of love or sadness- those two are really easy to write about (and obviously Bjork is known to NEVER take the easy way out). I love her for being able to take me to a higher level of thinking and feeling, which is not something I can ever do with the common club music unless you're intoxicated. Haha... I think it's somewhat like being in a bubble of joy and a state of abstraction, brought about by different things embedded in her music. I really envy her for being able to record the different points in her life with such beautiful music!!! I can only wish to do the same in photos and my other work, and I have a LONG way to go.
I think a lot of people have said the same things I've wanted to express about her in the 6 videos, so watch all of em!!!

Enjoy :)

AND... let us revel in her beauty!!!(Google image search saves me in this post)

She is often sexual, but she will never be "cliche sexual". Fishnet stockings are "an easy way out."

McQueen was rising at the same time Bjork made a music video in his dress.
From her video "Oceania" Yes, I am aware that she considers nature as her religion... Some can say she is an Atheist.
A very colorful rockstar. Her voice and her face is very childlike at first, then she wows you with its depth and sexiness. Seriously, is she human???
Sean Penn said that a person with her temperament need not to be trained, since she acts out of instinct. Training becomes an inhibitor for someone who has preserved his/her instinct at a young age... She won the best actress award at Cannes for her first movie without taking acting workshops. WOW.
With fashion:"It's about synchronizing what happens inside and out. And that's the same thing, not being able to relax unless I look on the outside as I feel on the inside... And then I like, I relax."
According to her, she is doing music for the everyday person. Her role is to be a communicator between all sort of different worlds. "I want to do so many things and I've got so little time."

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The heat is on!

photo by Pia

photo by Pia

photo by Aivan

I always forget to take out those price tags under shoes. Huuuuu.

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Had a fundraiser at 7th High yesterday (5.6.11) for our upcoming exhibit. It was the most fun event we've had so far! The turnout was great and it was cool that we had it at the lounge before we headed to the club right beside it.

Robin and his whole band performed before us and I'm glad people still enjoyed us singing an acoustic set at that kind of venue (LOL). The night would've been perfect but those damn shoes caused me so much pain! I always say that none of my shoes cause much discomfort since I make sure I get comfortable ones, especially if they're not cheap. I thought I was lucky to get those since they were affordable, but they're just too big for me so my feet were pushed down the entire night to prevent them from slipping all the way when. By the time we went out of Republiq I decided to just walk to the parking lot barefoot. Yeap, barefoot. And as I went outside Pia's house to get picked up, I finally experienced the pain of walking on textured concrete. Youuuuuch. I've decided to put em up for sale! They're pretty but I think I'll have to look for better pumps that'll fit perfectly so I won't complain endlessly about not being able to walk or dance properly.

And yay, I finally have my own iPad 2! Any apps worth getting or paying for?

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Long weekend in Singapore

Photos taken right before we were leaving the hotel on our last day... Wearing an "airport-friendly outfit" :)

I'm the eldest among the cousins but I think my brother's gonna be the tallest one soon. He's only 13! I'm 5'6" so that makes him... 5'5"?

My cousins Beatrice and Mikey were also going back to Malaysia on the same day.

Don't let my photos fool you, it was really sunny that day, but not as sunny as Manila wherein you have to SQUINT once you walk outside.

This hotel was SUPER CROWDED since it was a long weekend for Malaysia and Singapore.

This is what my flip-out table in the plane looked like. It looks so messy but I obviously did not murder my meal, just cos PAL doesn't offer a vegetarian menu! I'm totally fine with that though, and I'm never one to complain about airplane food anymore since I've never liked any of the food the airlines would offer (I've lowered my expectations). Ever since two of my cousins became flight attendants for separate airlines, they told us that the meals are packed with calories (doubled or more) to keep the passengers satiated throughout the entire flight. EEP!

So my seatmate (Riz or my mum) would usually eat my meal and they give me their salads in return. The only highlight of my meal for this flight was the dessert from Bizu- so good! Hope they serve that in their restaurants. :)

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Like I said, the Marina Bay Sands hotel was super packed because of the Labor Day weekend. They made us wait for almost 6 hours for our room to be ready and as much as I'm fine with waiting, I seriously ran out of things to do. This hotel isn't really known for great service but I love the pool and their gym! It also helps that a lot of Filipinos work there and they're always the friendliest! Can't find a decent photo of the gym, but here's a funnily-rendered one from their website. And I think the photos I took of the sky park from my last trip were better just because it wasn't as crowded... I can't wait to go back though! I even spent/wasted a whole day alone at the hotel and it was worth it. I didn't shop much. I took home only one tiny shopping bag! But that's cos I just like being in such a nice city like Singapore. I don't go there to shop (everything's more expensive) but I like flying there to spend time with the family, walk around in a clean city with really disciplined people. Each time we go there we all can't help but wish for our country to develop as fast as theirs did. Imagine, the Phils. was far more "advanced" just decades ago... I'll stop comparing since my heart still belongs to the Philippines. Teeeheeee.

Someone commented that I don't post as much pics of myself anymore... That's mainly because I really don't feel comfortable forcing others to take photos of me! LOL. And lately I've been feeling very... icky cos of the heat wave in Manila. That means I don't give a damn about what I wear anymore each time I head to school. The weather here's seriously been giving everyone headaches and I've been VERY irritable. Imagine sweating even if you're facing the AC, wearing the thinnest clothes and barely moving... I hate whining about something we can't control but I just wanted to point out that it really does affect your concentration, state of mind and mood- which hampers work and productivity! It also doesn't help that I really sweat easily. Mum says that's cos of a fast metabolism, but seriously? I would be a skinnyass if that were true. HA!

Oh but I still do take vain shots... iPhone photos like these which I never put on here just because the quality irks me. Haha :P

Yessss I am gonna take some decent self-portraits soon just because I miss doing them!!!

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What's in my bag?

I've been asked to do a "what's in my bag" post or to show my shoe collection SO many times... The reason why I've never done anything similar or related to those is because I really don't find any of my stuff interesting enough. After browsing through a couple of entries and photos on the What's In My Purse site on Tumblr, I've noticed some simple ones and I'm convinced that some entries are more interesting when they're not contrived or filled with pretty things.

My aunt sent us a package of things from their trip America a couple of hours ago. Yeah it's what us Filipinos call pasalubong- a concept that I really can't fully embrace. It's not that I hate giving or that I'm so ungrateful. Can someone tell me if other cultures do this? I just don't like the thought of people thinking about what to get for ME on their trip instead of enjoying their vacation-- I just wanna see photos! Haha. Plus on our recent trip to Singapore I can't count how many times my mum kept asking me if this or that was enough for friend1 or friend2, etc. My mindset is that I think we (almost) have everything here, and if I really want something that I know is more expensive to get online OR can't purchase here, then I'll send you a note to buy it for me.

Anyways, aside from the mountain of chocolates we get each year, I'm still happy that my aunt gave me this...

The Mini Emergency Kit for her by Mr. & Mrs. It has hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, lip balm, earring backs, clear elastics, sewing kit, double-sided tape, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, tampon (with a toxic shock syndrome warning LOL), breath freshener, dental floss, and adhesive bandages.

And that led me to taking photos of the entire mess that contributed to the weight of my bag...

I'm not into bags. I buy what I think is nice, roomy and functional enough for school and going out. I just change it when the strap falls off or a part of it gets peeled off (what a lady). I like compartments, a flat bottom and solid colors.

Mum gave me that black Kipling bag before we flew to Singapore and I was happy that it was the perfect thing for traveling. I just don't like that it's so shapeless but it'll do as an everyday bag.

Inside I have my Topman wallet (Riz bought this for me more than a year ago), black Ray Ban aviators, Muji calling card case, small Beabi container for vitamins, glass spray container thing with alcohol (I don't like alcogel), PSID and Benilde IDs, Marshall earphones, Jordi Labanda fountain pen, MontBlanc ball pen + refill, highlighter, a small eraser (sometimes I accidentally bring drafting materials haha), house keys with this pirate Lego keychain, sequined butterfly coin purse from Accessorize, Braun Buffel card case, Lumix lens cap (to represent the GF1 that I used for this shot) and my iPhone 4.

And I'm sure most of the weight is being contributed by my camera AND the amount of makeup I have in a huge pouch...

I carry all of these in my bag since I do my makeup in the car and on some days I end up leaving the house without other "tools", so I work with those during events...

Chanel purete mat shine-control face powder (with SPF 15), oil control film, 2 retractable brushes (I still love the one from the Body Shop more than that pink kabuki brush I recently purchased), MAC lipstick in Blankety that I NEVER use (IDK why I never took it out of my makeup case--I end up wiping my lipstick off after 15 minutes during special occasions), La Cross tweezers, Shu Uemura eyelash curlers, Make Up For Ever's smoky lash mascara, MAC brow set in Show-off, Carmex lip balm, MAC studio finish NW20 concealer (the only thing I always go back to & one pot lasts a year or more), MAC eyeshadow in Espresso for my brows, OPI cuticle oil to go, Opti-Free express rewetting drops, eyeliners from Make Up For Ever and Urban Decay (blue, brown & black), Sigma and NYX brushes for my brows, NARS blush in Orgasm and Guerlain Terracotta bronzer.

I can do my makeup for a huge event with all of those and I usually do that by smudging on eyeliner as my eyeshadow and layering tons of mascara. I also apply more blush and bronzer so I don't look as washed out on photos. I only use foundation when I get my makeup done or when I have shoots, so it's useless to ask me about my favorite brand and shade (but I do know a lot about primers and different kinds of foundations). I've made my makeup routine really simple as compared to before. I've stopped stocking up on a whole spectrum of eyeshadows since I don't need them for school anymore (Issa and I used to do the makeup for all of our school productions). I'll admit that I do know a lot about makeup products since I research well, know the ingredients and read tons of reviews before buying them. I also switch up from drugstore to high-end. I watch makeup tutorials all the time, just so I know I'm prepared anytime I have to do the makeup for a shoot... (btw, my faves are Pixiwoo, Petrilude and Kandee Johnson!)

It's my first time to use that Chanel powder. Saved about 20 SGD since I stopped myself from buying it at the mall and then found it again in Duty Free. Love ittt. I don't spend on foundations so I decided to spend a bit more for powder this time. I am on a lifelong quest to find the most long-lasting, lightweight and mattifying powder because I feel like my skin produces more oil as I layer on more products. It's so sad that I have super oily skin and I have to put up with the weather in this country, but whatever, I still love it here.

So there you have it-- a really lengthy list of what I have in my bag everyday.

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