Fashionista

With the ethnic photo shoot coming up i thought I should wax because what I was going to wear was a tad bit short. I feared the day that I’d have to wax my legs but it must be done. The photo shoot wasn’t the only reason, i was also very curious. There are so many stories on how waxing hurts. Some say it feels like they peel your skin off exposing your innards. Because of the rumors i wasn’t too hot on getting both my legs waxed. But i really needed those hairless legs so desperate measures were taken.

So I went to one of Manila’s most popular parlors and checked of they could wax and they did offer the option. It cost nearly Php500 for both legs. It was pretty cheap considering how much wax strips cost in supermarkets. The first thing she asked me was to lie down on their seemingly small bed. Then I waited for about 30 minutes because someone apparently lost the waxing strips. I waited patiently as they were running around looking for waxing strips and heating the wax. and finally it began. By this time the tension was cutting me in two. She applied the hot wax on my shin and spread it around. Then she placed the white waxing strip on the area with hot wax and patted it. I thought I was going to die. While she was rubbing the strip I remembered my brother’s ex-girlfriends story of how she tore her upper lip by waxing. I knew I was going to die. Then with a strong heave she pulled the wax strip quickly and to my surprise it didn’t hurt at all, it was shocking but not painful. The rest is history. The only part that made me twitch a bit was when she threaded the excess hairs but aside from that It didn’t hurt at all.

Whats funnier is that we were watching a movie. (one heck of a movie!)

There’s more!

Jad and Ian

Sleepy girls

Ana and CJ

Sarap ng tulog ni viel

Isa pa to

Viel

For years now I’ve been troubled on where I’ll be studying college. Everybody has been praising me and telling me na ang swerte ko because at least I’ve made my mind up on taking culinary arts. Unfortunately the choices didn’t end there. I still had to choose where to take it up! After months of researching I find out that the Philippines has been producing more and more culinary schools due to the high global demand of chefs. At first I had my mind set for CSB (St. Benilde) because a bachelors degree means a lot to me. But after a while I’ve noticed that 4 years is a bit too long for me and the course was not even culinary arts. So I search once more for a better alternative. My older brother studied in AHA (American hospitality academy) in Makati and it only took him 6-7 months. I thought 6-7 months would be a bit too short since I’d be graduating high school 15. So the search goes on. There were so many choices! CCA had a pastry and baking arts course for only 2 years. AICA had culinary arts only. I didn’t want to go into ENDERUN because they only offered HRM (or something like it). ISCAHM’s courses lasted for only a year each. I thought my dilemma came to an end when I finally settled for CCA’s Baking and pastry arts since it lasted the longest and I love baking. I wanted to consult relatives who were in the business but I never found the time to. So instead I surfed the net and stumbled on a forum amongst women involving culinary and pastry arts. It was a 151 page long forum which I tried to finish but sadly I only finished 3/4 of the whole thing. The thread talked about how CCA lost its touch long ago when the chefs transferred to ISCAHM to teach there instead. These women though praised ISCAHM like it was their nirvana. Remembering some articles on how CCA isn’t really that good and how their education has gone downhill, I decided to go to ISCAHM instead and take their culinary arts for 1 year then their baking and pastry arts for the next. I hope I didn’t make a mistake by reading that forum and believing it. I’m taking the entrance exam this Saturday or the next. Wish me luck!

This is obviously me. Just playing with a few adjustments on my arts class picture.

Upon hearing the assignment in one of my elective classes I was instantly inspired to be an overnight detective. We were assigned to prove whether a certain Malu Fernandez was innocent or not. The society page writer seemed one the wrong side of the argument because what she did was ethically wrong and the fact that she is not an opinion page writer makes it worse. The article published in the June issue of People Asia was entitled “From Greece to Boracay”. Searched high and low for a scanned copy of the article and I was shocked to see an article written in this manner. She probably wrote those malicious opinions in the article because she may have grown up in a very rich family and may be being seated in less than business class is a living hell for her. I believe we all have our rights to voice out opinions and in every article with a personal opinion there are people who are targeted by the witter, consciously or not. But where do we draw the line on voicing out an opinion and libel? Libel is defined in the revised penal code as a public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status or circumstance tending to discredit or cause the dishonor or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead. If we take this very its very basic form, libel is anything written that is malicious and dishonoring. If we take Malu Fernandez and look at her faults she can be sued with libel but that is if we take the definition of libel to its extremes which, at times may not be used in court.
My opinion, Malu Fernandez was not an opinion page writer so she might have not had the right to state opinions in the matter she did. There was malice in what she wrote even if she could prove the truth in her article. There were no good intentions in the statements that she made. Why didn’t the editor check her article? It was written in a very one-sided way which may not make it a very credible article.
It states in the revised penal code ART. 355. Libel by means of writings or similar means. - A libel committed by means of writing, printing, lithography, engraving, radio, phonograph, painting, theatrical exhibition, or any similar means, shall be punished by prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods or a fine ranging from 200 to 6,000 pesos, or both, in addition to the civil action which may be brought by the offended party.
Prision correccional, suspension, distiero. - The duration of the penalties of the prision correccional, suspension and distiero shall be from six months and one day to six years, except when suspension is imposed as an accessory penalty, in which case, its duration shall be that of the principal penalty.
Libel is part of Crimes Against Honor and it clearly states that any printed statement that dishonors a natural or juridical person is libelous.
A public apology was made by Malu after receiving hate mail, death threats and violent reactions on the internet toward her article. Apologies may work for the little things or for a few people but this is a large scale fiasco and there are times apologies just don’t work the way they used to.
In fairness to Malu the responds themselves were libelous but the sad part is that internet messages are virtually impossible to track.
To Malu and the people who sent their violent reaction, may justice be serve to those who deserve it.

Bored and have nothing else to do but to check my mysterious cellphone for things I might have not discovered yet. I own an O2 XDA Mini, a pocket PC and even till now I have no idea of its full capabilities. While tinkering with my pictures, I stumble upon the edit button ‘ooooh the EDIT button what does this button do?!’ I say to myself like a little curious child. Surprised, I find options to change the contrast and the brightness and to also crop the picture (I may not be a “photoshoper” but at least know what crop is). I first tried it on my “crappy” pictures just to make sure. I find myself spending hours correcting every detail of the picture and finally I get to finish 2 pictures (hahaha how slow!). As many people say “practice makes perfect” and so as I ran out of pictures to destroy, I take new ones. Spending another hour choosing the right clothes to wear and the proper light that should go on me, I was the model, photographer and stylist at the same time. Finally having all my pictures I start testing the edit button again and finally it started cooperating. I was getting better pictures that the first tries. This new found feature on my Phone got me hooked. I just hope my phone surprises me again with one of its many features.
These are samples of the pictures that were taken and altered.

Wondering across my favorite bookstore I catch a glimpse of the sign “The Easy way to get hard abs” and suddenly I find purpose in commuting to the mall. I ask the saleswoman if it were possible to check the contents of the magazine but she shook her head leaving me no choice but to buy it. Who knows what surprise I might find within the magazine or I just may be down-right disappointed. Hurrying to get home, I almost stumbled or a man hole that could have caused a vehicle to bump and kill me (thank God for eyes). As soon as I get home I put on my exercising outfit and to top it of, my playlist of songs that get me all energized. I followed the instructions on the magazine and added a few impromptu exercises such as 5 minutes on the Timeworks while standing (the seat was busted). I did this everyday during my long summer break and after a week I instantly see results. I really don’t want to post a picture of my new abs but even I believe that to see is to believe so here they are.

It really is sad seeing Men and women who dress up like children. Sadly for us men, women get away with their childish clothing and their childish hairstyles (pigtails). Unfortunately for men childish clothes do not look good at all or anywhere need good at least. Just because this advice was given this doesn’t mean that you should throw everything out of the closet and change it every season (get real no one does that).
The Big Rapper Shirts
Trust me on this one, oversized tops are a big no-no. This look was probably still acceptable in high school but please grow-up. Sure Jay-Z is wearing it but at least he goes for the whole outfit with his Ferrari but if you have no intentions of being a rap star, drop it. Avoid baggy, shapeless garments that make you look like a balloon. You shouldn’t go topless either. Replace your big daddy shirts for Avoid baggy, shapeless garments that make you look like a balloon.
Backpacking
Out of school and into the real world. wearing a backpack is just plain kiddie. No matter how stylish the backpack is it would still look childish. Yes we all know that a backpack has more than ample space for your documents but a messenger bag does the same thing and has more style. The messenger bag makes professionals look more stylish and less like a tourist with their bulky backpacks. It’s time to trade in your rucksack for a more fashionable, adult alternative. A messenger with handles and a detachable shoulder strap is a great option for those who find themselves frequently traveling to business meetings, since it can double as a briefcase.
Baseball Caps
Sadly the truth is that grown men often use baseball caps to avoid bad hair days. Women, on the other hand, think that men who wear baseball caps are not “man material” because of the person looking under age or at least trying their best to look young. If your trying to attract a woman of legal age remember not to wear a cap, wear other fashion hats, like trilbies or driving caps if you must or just wear your hair right.
Holey Pants
It might be true that distressed pants may look hot , and they are, but wearing this too much to the point of replacing your regular jeans for these makes distressed pants your second skin. If these are the only jean that are available in your closet you must consider shopping for a new pair. Old styles or the “classics” are still in fashion for as long as you wear the right top with them. A nice pair of dark denims or light denims would go great with any top. Remember that the shape of the jeans is also important. Wear jeans that fit your body-type (this doesn’t mean tight-fitting jeans).
Sleeveless for Less
The people who like sleeveless shirts are those who wear them. There are two very sensible reasons to why you shouldn’t wear sleeveless shirts. First, unless your naked or in a bathing suit, women don’t want to wee that ugly armpit hair. Please hide those monstrous things or better yet shave, use hair removal cream or wax it off. Secondly, if you want to show the world your bulging biceps don’t wear a sleeveless shirt just because people will stare not in awe but in disgust. If you want to impress the ladies wear tight-fitting shirts to show those bulges.
Bling-bling
We all know your rich, if so hire a fashion adviser. Wearing multiple pieces of jewelry all at once is one of the mistakes rich guys make. Instead of wearing a clash of metal you should wear one piece of jewelry that says who you are. Most choose a watch but if that is not you try a plain cuff. Remember for jewelry, less is more.

Be A Man

I use this recipe in most of the family reunions. I even bake one up when its one of my classmate’s birthdays. It super easy to make and everybody loves it. You can find the recipe on the back of a Hershey’s Unsweetened Cocoa box.
Ingredients:

- 2 cups sugar
- 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
* “PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE” CHOCOLATE FROSTING(recipe follows)

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with “PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE” CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings.

VARIATIONS:
ONE-PAN CAKE: Grease and flour 13×9x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350° F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Frost.

THREE LAYER CAKE: Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost.

BUNDT CAKE: Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely. Frost.

CUPCAKES: Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups. Heat oven to 350°F. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake 22 to 25 minutes. Cool completely. Frost. About 30 cupcakes.

“PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE” CHOCOLATE FROSTING

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine
2/3 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

Eyeglass are part of the visually impaired but this doesn’t mean that these people should hate it. today even those who do not have visual “disabilities” still prefer to wear eyeglasses without any grade than to go bare.
Learn to love your glasses. There have been some cases wherein people who wear glasses hate them because they claim “it ruins the ‘look’.

Here are some tips on how to look good with your glasses. so if you are opting for one pair of eyeglasses choose a good neutral color that will compliment you and the type of clothes you wear. Mid-tone neutrals, such as smoky Grey, tortoiseshell, medium navy and olive are best for workaday eye frames. If your budget runs to a second pair, choose something more fun for weekends, which expresses both your seasonal colors (loud colors would be nice) and your style personality.

So we got the color problem out of the way now it comes down to the shape of the frame. In selecting glasses, choose frames that complement or contrast with the shape of your face - but do not repeat it. For example, round glasses on a round face would be uninteresting. Square glasses on a square, full face would be even worse, making the face appear wider and the jaw line severe. For people who have very bold features with sharp edges a nice round or elongated frame would complement your face.

Select frames that are in proportion with your face. If petite, you need more delicate styles; if you choose large frames you will look dwarfed. The large faced woman needs frames that are more substantial; delicate ones would look too lightweight. Balance is the key.

- Frames should be: no wider than the face;
- in line with the eyebrows at the top;
- no lower than the highest point of the nostril contour.

Some notes:
Rectangular or round frames of eyeglasses are best for narrow faces; the aviator style is also good.
Choose eyeglasses with softened edges not angular ones are best suitable for square or rectangular faces. Square faces should avoid large frames - they look best if no lower than the top of the cheek.
Square or rectangular styles of eyeglasses give definition to round faces.
Choose darker, stronger bridges of eyeglasses which have the effect of bringing the eyes together. That’s essential when you have wide-set eyes.
Choose a low or dark bridge to shorten the nose if you have a long one. Short noses benefit from high or clear bridge which makes the most of a small nose.
If your eyes are close-set choose clear or narrow bridges which lighten the area and won’t make the eyes seem even closer together.