different but it's Christmas all the same

star printed sweater dress - thrifted | blue tights - gifted | flap booties - shopyapi.com |
fedora hat - metro ayala | dog tag necklace - custom made | brown sunnies - downtown find |
oversized ring - downtown find | work watch - gifted by my dad

true, this year was a different Christmas than all the others i've spent. for one, i missed a whole lot of misa de gallo because of work. i shopped too late for gifts because i was waiting for additional funds -- like, 3 days before Christmas and i'm not done yet. it was the first time i decorated our tree on my own because my mom got sick with flu and it was already December 20 -- Christmas is not complete without an overly decorated tree in our house. we didn't have a big noche buena like we used to but my sisters (and i helped a little) cooked yummy seafood and hungarian pasta and we had our fill of my tita's home-made ham. lastly, we didn't open gifts after midnight because we didn't wrap our gifts this year. to sum it all up, my Christmas was a lot simpler than it used to but you know what? what mattered most is that i had 85% of my family complete --- with my little sister back from Australia but minus Harry who was in Bohol with his family. being in the company of people who will love you unconditionally is still the best Christmas one can have. i am, indeed, lucky. ♥

merry christmas everyone! ♥

cebu and manila style bloggers meet!

even with an energy level that of a one bar on a mobile phone, we pulled ourselves out of bed the day after the long event to meet and have a sit-down dinner at the Borough in the Podium. everyone came in their own styles, the food was good and conversations were even better. ♥

outfit details: tiered boho dress - bangkok find | black wedges - shoe etiquette | feather necklace - downtown find | brass bangles + wooden bangles - downtown finds | orange polka bangle - gifted | turquoise ring - bangkok find | skull ring and bow ring - downtown finds

mildred zapanta of dred reveries

group photo! we look like we've been friends for sooo long ~ like a high school reunion photo.
from left: mike magallanes of toxic disco boy | melai entuna of style and soul | aisa ipac of drowning equilibriums | jeff, a levi's PR | eden villarba of chic in the tropics | ava of artsy fartsy ava | sarah tirona of ms. eggplant's chronicles | vanessa east of the detritus of an earthbound goddess | mildred zapanta of dred reveries

and the winner for the most supportive partner goes to mich! ♥

our sponsors: how we managed to go to Manila

before i do a post on our quick-dinner-before-leaving with the Manila Bloggers, i'd like to first feature our sponsors and the goodies we received from the event. of course, without these amazing sponsors, the Cebu Fashion Bloggers wouldn't have been able to travel to Manila. we are eternally grateful. mind you, these are just a few of them as i've already tucked away or given away some. that's how blessed we were.

Bloggers United loot:

♥ Lorys Hair Cream in Duo Chocolate -- smells so yummy!

♥ Rio Mints in very cool packaging -- i super love them! not only do they taste good, they're very stylish too.

♥ An Ashley's lippie in a cupcake -- very cute!

♥ A few packs of Kotex Luxe -- they're like style items on their own as the pads are lined in floral prints!

♥ Nivea products -- classic and undying staples. 

♥ Accessorize Sunnies -- a timeless shape and shade. Very Audrey Hepburn. 

i would also like to especially thank Multiply for partnering with Bloggers United. their new site is just amazing and super easy for shopaholics like me to shop.

here are the links to the rest of our sponsors:

Bloggers United is in partnership with:

Multiply Philippines (http://multiply.com/)

GMA Kapuso Foundation (http://www.kapusofoundation.com/)

Treston International College (http://www.treston.edu.ph/)

Event is co-presented by:

Nikon (http://www.nikon.com/)

Primadonna (http://primadonna.com.ph)

For Me (http://www.forme.com.ph/)

Regatta (http://www.regatta.com.ph/)

Accessorize (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Accessorize-Philippines/83267796457)

Audioline (http://www.audiolineph.com/)

Columbia Digital (http://www.columbiadigital.net/)

ETC (http://www.etc.com.ph/)

Meg Magazine (http://www.meggurl.com/)

When in Manila (http://www.wheninmanila.com/)

Gadgets Magazine (http://www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph/)

In cooperation with:

Bankard (http://www.bankard.com/)

Lorys (http://www.facebook.com/loryshaircream)

Kotex (http://www.kotex.com.ph/)

Tomato (http://www.tomato.ph/)

Nail It! (http://www.nail-it-salon.com/)

Manels (http://www.manels.com/)

Ferretti (http://ferrettishoes.com/)

Giordano (http://www.giordano.com.ph/)

Lapdance (www.lapdancebags.com)

Red Mango (http://redmango.com.ph/)

Unionbank (http://www.unionbankph.com/)

Xend Business Solutions (http://www.xend.com.ph/)

Special thanks to:

Posh Nails (http://poshnails.com.ph/)

Rio Mints (http://www.facebook.com/riomints)

Nivea (https://www.facebook.com/NIVEAPhilippines)

SM Dept Store (http://www.smdeptstore.com/)

Online Shop Donors:

Belle York (http://www.facebook.com/SoleSisterLifestyle)

Shop Dainty (www.shopdainty.com)

Asian Vogue (http://asianvogue.multiply.com/)

F-STOP (Fashion Stop) (http://fashionstopshop.multiply.com/)

Anagon Collection (http://anagoncollection.multiply.com/)

Archive Clothing (http://archiveclothing.multiply.com/)

Extreme Finds (http://www.facebook.com/mustloveExtremeFinds)

Sparkle Shop (http://www.mysparkleshop.com/)

Flattering Tops (http://www.facebook.com/flatteringtops)

Posh Pocket Shoes (http://www.poshpocketshoesonline.com/)

Scrunch (http://www.facebook.com/SSSCRUNCH)

Sole Sister (http://www.facebook.com/SoleSisterLifestyle)

Maris (http://marisonline.multiply.com/)

Bubbles (http://tatibubbles.multiply.com/)

Sweetetite (http://www.facebook.com/pages/SweeTetite/255652547788474) 

bloggers united 2: the amazing day that was

last May, as Bloggers United took place, all i can do was hold on to my iPod and check real-time updates of the bloggers who were participating and check their posts days later to continue to stalk even more --- i think i drooled a bit too. this December, i drooled but i was there. (yeah baby!) and it was one of the funnest, exhilarating and exhausting yet most memorable event of my year. after months of stalking the fabulous Manila bloggers, i finally got to meet them in person. since it was a one-time event, i took my shyness aside and got the courage to smile at people i don't personally know and it was just amazing to have met new friends. *crossing fingers* i do hope we're still invited on the next Bloggers United event. even if we haven't left Manila, we were all already thinking of what to do the next time. ♥

our space. our label. the CFB representatives. ♥

mildred and i were one of the firsts to arrive. those are our luggages that we almost carried through the long flight of stairs. good thing a kind guy helped us carry them.

our clothes for sale on the table. we didn't have clothes racks but we had no regrets. people flocked to our booth because ours looked un-intimidating? i don't know but we're just glad we sold a lot of items.

the long line of bloggers united attendees...whoot! ♥

the cebu fashion bloggers with the gorgeous bloggers united organizers and founders, Melai and Aisa.
(we should have waited for Ana too)

with my sunshine and most supportive friend -- pyangee

wrapping up! all the clothes we had unsold were donated to GMA Kapuso ♥

time for outfit shots!

eden villarba of chic in the tropics

alexa en tan luna of i am alexa

vanessa east of the detritus of an earthbound goddess

moi --- looking very sleepy and more haggard without make-up..LOL.

mildred zapanta of dred reveries -- she was also my roommate and we had loads of fun! 

my outfit details: tiered black electro-pleated skirt - thrifted (P50!) | studded sheer top - primal rave wholesale | green braided belt - thrifted | black wedges - shoe etiquette | feather necklace - downtown find | bangles - downtown finds + gifted | rings - downtown finds

color blocked arrival | manila trip day 1

photos courtesy of Mildred and Eden

green maxi skirt - thrifted | denim jacket - borrowed from Aimee | white tank top - thrifted | blue and white striped flats - bangkok find | necklaces - vintage & bangkok find

these photos were taken upon our arrival at Manila on December 2, 2011 to join the Bloggers United 2. is it obvious that i haven't slept for 24 hours and that what was keeping me alive was a bottle of energy drink and my excitement for the event?

i love how we all traveled and went through the hassle of airport security in not just any casual outfit but something that was what we called our own version of comfort and style. i also loved that we came garbed in our own distinct styles --- with me turning to my fail safe maxi skirt, white tank top and long necklace, Alexa in her cool sleeveless top and tulip skirt, Mildred in her bright blazer and denim cut-offs and of course, Eden in her grunged up sweater and studded cut-offs. i've never traveled with so many stares before because not only were people staring at me for wearing such a bright colored skirt and fuchsia lipstick but at my fabulous companions as well. 

well, we've been joking about blogging about our Manila trip for days on end (maybe in a span of 2 weeks, right Van?) but maybe it just might happen. LOL. hold on to your seats for my post on the actual day of the Blogger's United 2 event and on our 3rd day in Manila. ♥

bowtie love x blogger's united 2 ticket winners!

cardigan with polka cutouts - bangkok find | sheer top with bowtie - bangkok find | pleated skirt - thrifted | studded white belt - primal rave wholesale | nude wedge booties - gold dot
chain-linked necklace - gifted by Eden | gunmetal cuffs & rings - downtown finds 

i know i've neglected this blog for more than a week now. hey, it's not my fault. although work got to best of me last week and i ended up working 12 - 14 hours a day, i did intend to blog last weekend. i caught the flu though and was on bed rest til' today. i got to stay at home on a Monday but it wasn't fun and games at all. my head seemed like it was going to split and it was throbbing with pain every time i move. i'm all well now after religiously taking pain medication and antibiotics. 

anyway, these photos were taken 2 weekends ago after the 'meet the parents' lunch we had at our place. yes, Harry has met my parents and i have met his but this time, both our parents were meeting for the first time. it was tense, awkward and funny the first few minutes but once everyone got to talking, we hardly noticed that almost 3 hours has gone by. ♥ parents who get along well together is just the bestest thing to happen to a wedding-in-the-making! ♥

so the Bloggers United 2 event is in 4 days and i can't wait for it! i don't know if i'm prepared enough but i am very much looking forward to meeting other fabulous bloggers and meeting Vanilla Ice Cream's Manila readers too. so without further adieu, here are the winners of the Bloggers United 2 entrance tickets:

Lilli Elizabeth Abatayo
Audrey Noreen Deza
Rovie Divinagracia
Cez Quijada
Kristina Marie Letada
Kristabel F. Penafuerte
Sumi Go
Banegrace Malate
Grace Siy
Loty Rhae Pascua
Mae Angelie Jinang
Erna De Jesus
Diane Pancho

i'll e-mail you guys tomorrow (and tweet you too!) see you soon and make sure to drop by our booth! ♥

Bloggers United 2 x Free Tickets to Giveaway!

Manila’s finest fashion bloggers will leave their laptops at home once again to attend BLOGGERS UNITED BAZAAR (Part 2) on December 3, 2011 at Treston International College, Taguig, this coming holiday season.

It is the second installment of the first-ever Bloggers United: An Interactive Shopping Affair, which was held last May. Due to insistent demand from readers and bloggers alike, Bloggers United (http://www.facebook.com/bloggersunitedph) team in partnership with the country’s largest online shopping website, Multiply Philippines (http://multiply.com/) have gathered Manila’s fashion bloggers to sell their pre-loved but very stylish closet pieces!

This event is the perfect opportunity for both bloggers and their adoring readers to mingle and personally interact with each other. Fun contests and exciting giveaways from sponsors and entertaining performances from bloggers (Walkie Talkies, Reese & Vica) themselves will definitely keep this event from being a dull one.

Some of the notable bloggers attending the event include Divine Lee, Laureen Uy, Kookie Buhain, Lissa Kahayaon, David Guison, Karl Leuterio, Patricia Prieto and Preview Magazine’s own Daryl and Andre Chang.

But because Bloggers United wishes to go beyond the geographic limitations of the archipelago and extend its reach beyond Metro Manila and so for this event, they are flying in some of Cebu’s very own fashion bloggers which include Kryz Uy, Eden Villarba, designer Yves Camingue, Gillian Uang and Mildred Zapanta and a few more. ---> The "a few more" includes me! ♥ Yes, I'll be there and I hope to meet all you lovely readers and bloggers from Manila on that day.

Part of the proceeds from this event will go to the GMA Kapuso Foundation (http://www.kapusofoundation.com/) for its school building project, a small but significant step to improve the Filipino youth’s access to education.

The organizers behind BLOGGERS UNITED BAZAAR (PART 2) are Ana Gonzales (http://anagonzales.com), Melai Entuna (http://styleandsoul.blogspot.com) and Aisa Ipac (http://ipaxme.blogspot.com),  a team of blogger friends encouraging camaraderie and sense of “community” among Manila’s (and eventually, the country’s) fashion blogging community through events and productions like this.

This is a one-day-only event that you shouldn’t really miss! It will be in a bigger venue with twice more the number of participating bloggers to meet! This is the perfect shopping day this Christmas because the most affordable and most fashionable clothes, accessories and footwear will be up for grabs. See you!

Bloggers United is in partnership with:

Multiply Philippines (http://multiply.com/)

GMA Kapuso Foundation (http://www.kapusofoundation.com/)

Treston International College (http://www.treston.edu.ph/)

Event is co-presented by:

Nikon (http://www.nikon.com/)

Primadonna

Accessorize (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Accessorize-Philippines/83267796457)

Audioline (http://www.audiolineph.com/)

Columbia Digital (http://www.columbiadigital.net/)

ETC (http://www.etc.com.ph/)

Meg Magazine (http://www.meggurl.com/)

When in Manila (http://www.wheninmanila.com/)

Gadgets Magazine (http://www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph/)

In cooperation with:

Bankard (http://www.bankard.com/)

Lorys (http://www.facebook.com/loryshaircream)

Kotex (http://www.kotex.com.ph/)

Tomato (http://www.tomato.ph/)

Nail It! (http://www.nail-it-salon.com/)

Manels (http://www.manels.com/)

Ferretti (http://ferrettishoes.com/)

Giordano (http://www.giordano.com.ph/)

Lapdance (www.lapdancebags.com)

Unionbank (http://www.unionbankph.com/)

Xend Business Solutions (http://www.xend.com.ph/)

Special thanks to:

Posh Nails (http://poshnails.com.ph/)

Rio Mints (http://www.facebook.com/riomints)

Nivea (https://www.facebook.com/NIVEAPhilippines)

SM Dept Store (http://www.smdeptstore.com/)

Online Shop Donors:

Belle York (http://www.facebook.com/SoleSisterLifestyle)

Shop Dainty (www.shopdainty.com)

Asian Vogue (http://asianvogue.multiply.com/)

F-STOP (Fashion Stop) (http://fashionstopshop.multiply.com/)

Anagon Collection (http://anagoncollection.multiply.com/)

Archive Clothing (http://archiveclothing.multiply.com/)

Extreme Finds (http://www.facebook.com/mustloveExtremeFinds)

Sparkle Shop (http://www.mysparkleshop.com/)

Flattering Tops (http://www.facebook.com/flatteringtops)

Posh Pocket Shoes (http://www.poshpocketshoesonline.com/)

Scrunch (http://www.facebook.com/SSSCRUNCH)

Sole Sister (http://www.facebook.com/SoleSisterLifestyle)

Maris (http://marisonline.multiply.com/)

Bubbles (http://tatibubbles.multiply.com/)

Sweetetite (http://www.facebook.com/pages/SweeTetite/255652547788474)

  

Location Details:

Treston International College

University Parkway District, 32nd Street corner C-5 Road 

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila Phillipines

Now, here's a best part -- I am giving away 20 entrance tickets to the event to Vanilla Ice Cream readers so I can share the privilege of being part of the event to you too. Getting the free entrance ticket is simple:

♥ Just comment on the post here with your name and e-mail address and/or twitter ID

♥ Follow Multiply on Twitter and Facebook

♥ And of course, follow Bloggers United on Twitter and Facebook

That's it! The giveaway will end on November 25, 2011 so you have a week to join! Tell your friends, tell your family and I do hope to see you all at the Bloggers United 2 Event!