World Youth Day Sydney 2008

Jonathan called me up last Tuesday that his uncle and cousin arrived from the Philippines to attend the world youth day in Sydney from July 15-20. They were two of the 19 delegates from the diocese of Laguna. His uncle and cousin will be staying with him till they fly to Sydney on the 14th of July. The rest of the delagates, 17 to be exact, dont have anywhere to stay on Sunday prior to flying out to Sydney. I though about the previous unit that I moved from but there will be virtually nothing there except lounge heating, water and electricity.There will be no furnitures, etc. Mum thought "kawawa naman sila". They really need a foster home. I told my filo friend from work about this and she wholeheartedly accepted to accomodate these 17 delegates (6 of which are priests from all over Laguna) to stay Sunday night and bring them to the airport early Monday morning for their flight to Sydney. Wheew! Susan is a real blessing! She even told me that she won't go to work Sunday night (she works night duty Sundays by the way) to attend to them. Yesterday, my mum, Jonathan, Jonathan's uncle and cousin, and Aileen went for the 5:30pm mass at St. Francis. Afterwards, we met Ate Jot, Kuya Buddy, Aloi and Jopet, together with the 17 other delegates for dinner. We treated them for dinner at the Pacific BBQ Resto in Lonsdale St. By the way, mum and I earlier bought each one of them an Australian souvenir keyring. We took photos outside and along the city streets as well afterwards. We then decided to go to Crown Casino. When we arrived there, we parted ways and agreed to meet around 10pm at one spot because some of them wants to just stroll around the shops, while others wanted to try their luck in the pokie machines and tables. Time came for us to bid goodbye to them because they need to catch the train going to Epping 'coz Susan will fetch them at the station and take them home. They need to get up early tomorrow AM for their flight to Sydney at 9am. It was a good experience really. At least our "tropa" made a small effort to accomodate and treat some of our filo delegates. It was short but memorable. Mum invited all the priests to concelebrate my wedding in december. Good grief, that will be huge! Anyway, i wish them good time during their experience in Sydney this coming week.

View the 2008 Sydney World Youth Day at http://www.wyd2008.org/

Elegant Gowns by Malou Castillejos

When I saw her designs..it was a WOW for me! Mum and Anthony agreed to it as well. Check out her website @ http://www.perfectgowndepot.com. We went all the way to white plains in QC just to visit her place. We decided to go for the whole entourage since she gave us a really good deal. She was so friendly. She made gowns for celebrities and she makes it a point to make you your own design. I have decided to go for the modern "maria clara" inspired weddng dress with panuelo. I am lucky to have made the fitting months before because it would take about 4-5 months for the beadwork. The garment will be pina-like 'coz the real pina itself will be too expensive.

BRIDAL EXPO: Perfect Beginnings

This is another bridal fair that we have attended a week after the Wedding Summit. This was held at the World Trade Center at Pasay City. Well, this is our last chance to book for our final range of vendors, otherwise I have to rely on the internet to search for the rest. I am with Anthony, my Ate Pinky and my neice France. Gosh Edward Teng is there again, as usual, same display. I have booked my bridal car under "Don Robert's Bridal Car". I kept in touch with him over the internet 'coz I'm still a bit confused what bridal car I will go for. I always wanted the "horse-drawn" carriage but of course Ayala Alabang wouldn't allow that in. (Sayang, kung sa "Fernwood or Fernbrook Gardens sana!). Anyway. I booked one of their vintage cars. The "Jaguar Mark V5". Check out their website @ http://www.bridalcars.com.ph/. Their package includes the flower, driver and petrol for 3 hours. There's an extra fee 'coz Alabang is already considered an out-of-town area. That's the same car that "kakay velsquez" used. Well, Robert showed me the pics, that's why. I have chosen Bambbi Fuentes as my hair and make-up stylist. There were a lot of make up stylists there. They even use make-up thru air-brush now. But i realy wanted Bambbi on how he transforms Kris Aquino and how he does the eye make-up. Luckily, Bambbi isn't booked on the 4th of December. So, I booked the date already by paying a small downpayment. I decided that all the entourage's hair and make-up be done at the hotel so that everyone is sort-of consistent with their hair and make-up. I have also booked SJT String Ensembles for my music. Check out their website @ http://www.sjtstringensemble.com/. I have chosen their quintet which is made up of piano, violin, bass, flute and a female singer. They will be playing both in church and at the reception for 3 hours. I'm still trying to think about the line-up of songs (OPM and Kundiman) they will perform. They have given me a demo cd to listen to and the line up of songs they could perform. I have thought of getting Loi Villarama as my emcee/program host for the reception (http://www.loivillarama.com/). He is unfortunately already booked on my wedding day. Guess what we opted for???? The emcee at the Bridal Fair! There was actually a program held on stage at the expo that day. Before we knew that Loi wil not be available, Anthony said to me..."Ok na emcee yan ha! Sabi ko naman, eh fluent lang yan sa English eh..baka di yan marunong magtagalog eh tagalog ang programme". He is JC Baron of Crossover 105.1 on our FM radio. He is always on air from 5pm till 9 or 10pm. Anthony approched him when we learned that Loi already has a commitment on that day. Luckily, he also does emceeing and program hosting on the side. Gladly, he is not booked for December the 4th and he charges a little bit higher than Loi 'coz we learned that he only does corporate hostings. Well we're lucky enough. What he does is that he gets in touch with the wedding coordinator and he stays till the end of the reception. He claims that some program hosts leaves after the program, not him.

So, those were the vendors that I have booked in this bridal expo. I still have to find a designer for my wedding dress and entourage, Anthony's pina jusi, invitations and giveaways.

The Philippine Wedding Summit 2008

I'm here in Manila to attend this one prestigous bridal fair conducted by "Themes and Motifs" (a special events company). I am with my hubby (of course) and my mum and my niece (France) to check out different wedding suppliers from photographers/videographers, event stylists, makeup artists, cake artists, designers to wedding coordinators. It was a full-packed event. We had a chance to speak with one of the country's known event stylist, Henry Pascual. We spoke to him and explained to him our "filipiniana themed wedding". I was so amazed by his ideas and rapport to us. His fee ranges from P100k up (venue only and entourage) but you can be assured by his works because he is so creative and there is passion in him that I couldn't really explain. He was the one who decorated A. Venue Events Hall during this Wedding Summit. I have to make a small downpayment just to block the date fo him. I am really looking forward to see his works on my reception-venue. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a website that I can show you because he's afraid that someone else will copy his works (fair enough). But you can indeed search engine his name (Henry Pascual) and read about the write-up and articles about him. We also got a good deal from one of the photography/videography company (East Digital Studios). There is something in their video clippings that made me choose them. Its the emotion that I felt while I was watching it. It just looks so natural and very professional. Try checking it out at http://eastdigitalstudio.com/. We also came across different wedding planners/coordinators but we came back to this particular wedding coordinator because of her rapport to us which I think is the most important gauge to choose your wedding coordinator. You need to be "at home" and comfortable with him/her because you have entrusted almost everything to them. She is Jo-Ann Co from "Weddings Are Blessings". I find her so articulate and she has shown us pictures of weddings that she has organised and I have noticed that she did oversee a couple of weddings from known people. We only chose the"On-The-Day Coordination" service because I will be the one who will book different vendors anyway. I will just leave it all to them on the day to put in place everything that I have organised. Normal turnover of responsibilities will be a month prior to the wedding day. They organise to meet with all of my vendors. Í am expecting a "hassle-free" day which they promise to give to me. On the other hand, I wanted a modern-filipiniana gown but there isn't much designers to choose from, from the expo. I came across Edward Teng's display. He is one of the current designers which is "in" at the moment especially in the showbiz industry. His prices were competitive but mum thinks that his designs were so modern. Try to check out his website at http://www.edwardteng.com/ and see what you think. So at the moment, I am still in search for one. We have also booked our cake and made a downpayment. We chose a 5-layer fondant butter cake (ayaw kasi ni mum ng carrot cake kasi si France nung debut niya eh carrot cake na + madaling masira) which will be made by no other than Ms. Judy Uson. She will personally make me her own filipiniana inspired cake design with flower elements made of native Philippine flowers and an "abanico" on top (take note: edible ang decors!). Check out her website at http://www.thecakeartist.ph/ and be amazed by her works of art. Pricy but worth it.

I'll try to make a blog for each of my vendor...watch out for it!

New Cadbury & Timtam Varieties

Aileen & I met this afternoon after work just to check out the midyear stocktake sale at Myer & David Jones. I have to get some stuff from Billabong & Rip Curl for my pamangkins since they were on sale as well. They were all opened from 8am today till 10pm tonight. Bourke Street was really lively tonight. We also went to Coles @ Melbourne Central and we came across new varieties of Cadbury "Desserts" block (Tiramisu, Creme Brulee & Fudge Brownie)....Yum! I couldn't control myself so I bought 10 and a couple of new varieties of Timtam "Love Potions" (Chocolate Mud, Double Chocolate n' Raspbery & Sticky Vanilla Toffee) and Timtam "Crush" (Mocha Hazelnut, Toffee Nut & Honeycomb). Gosh, they are all heaven i tell you. I'm becoming a chocoholic! Not good for the skin and waist though but can't blame the craving pangs for indulging on these once in awhile.

Tag Heuer Women's Aquaracer Diamond

My God! When we took Robert to the airport last wednesday night, i went to the watch section and sighted "the watch of my dreams"...The Tag Heuer Women's Aquaracer Diamond Series. I went to ask the price and it still hasn't gone down from the last time I inquired about it at the JB downtown duty free shop in Swanston Street. It is still a wacking AU$3,000. I was asked if i am a traveller by the attendant (Sharon) and told her that I won't be travelling tonight but really soon. I was given a really good offer. If I buy it cash, she would lower the price to AU$2,400, which is 20% off the price. I asked politely if there is any chance it would come down to AU$2,000? At first I did like the pink one but later on noticed that it was too dull and would just match certain outfit. But when I tried the white one....wallah! It was damn perfect! It did compliment my wedding/engagement ring because it was white gold. You can definitely see the difference and the sophistication. They can only lower the price down to just AU$2,200. Well, i did ask Anthony about it as well as my mum. They both told me to prioritize, especially that we are anticipating a big wedding in december. Although i have the money to spend because of the backpay that I received from the industrial action a fortnight ago, I am still quite hesitant to spend. But still, it will all come down to my own decision. I am quite tempted with the offer really, but we'll wait and see on my next departure.

For you ROBERT....Damien Leith's Annie's Song

This is for my good friend Robert who left Melbourne last wednesday after studying for 3 years here in Australia.We will miss you Tands! All the best. See you in the Philippines! Enjoy your escapade in Thailand, especially ur thai culinary class in Chiang Mai.Turuan mo ako ha.!

The Gift of Friends...

I am sick and in bed for almost 4 days now with a flu. I can't blame the influenza vaccine that I had a few months ago because I know that the less hours of sleep that I have and working double shifts were the culprit why I am tucked in bed right now. I had a wake up call from my Honey this morning to make sure that I get up and take my medications and have something to eat. If not from his call, i could still be lying in bed till now. That made my day! He's feeling quite guilty not being able to do anything for me in times like this. "It's ok hon, i understand.". I suddenly remembered that Kuya Nelson (from BM Express) will be coming this morning to get Robert's air freight baggage. I have to pack mine too the other day thinking that i might go well over my baggage limit when I leave for Manila next time. Robert also sent me an sms from Thailand saying that it's quite humid in Bangkok and asking me about his baggage. Instead of sending him an sms back, i decided to call him up and ask him how he's enjoying Bangkok. He said he can't keep up with the endless shopping, day and night! He still needs to explore the temples this afternoon. He sensed, from the sound of my voice, that I am still sick and told me to go to the hospital. "What? Hospital?!" I am too lazy to even get up and go to the nearby medical clinic. Jonathan rang me as well asking how I am and asked me if I wanted him to cook for me. (hiya naman ako pero kahit lugaw lang sabi ko ok na....hehehe!). I told him that I'm still not feeling well and asked him if he could buy me something for my cough (coz it seems that lemsip is not doing anything). He said he needs to go to the gym and then to church first before he can come and visit me so he then requested Edgar to drive all the way from Point Cook and grab some medications and "lomi" from the filo shop in Laverton. He (Jonathan) promised that he would come here later and cook something for me. How can you be so blessed with friends like that? I can't complain really. So Edgar din come and I had the "lomi" just in time as well as my cough medication. It was good of him to drive from West to East and then go back West again for his work in the PM. Jonathan called me up that he's going to cook "arroz caldo" and sleep over here tonight. I then invited Aileen as well but unfortunately she was invited beforehand by another friend for a bible study. So Jonathan came about 7ish and cooked "arroz caldo". He made a really huge pot for me...how sweet...we even called up Michelle in the Philippines. I feel much better now. Thanks for the gift of friends.

Havaianas (ah-vai-yah-nas)

When I went for a holiday in the Philippines last year, i've noticed that many are wearing thongs. Thongs? Stylish thongs as they call it. It doesn't matter if you are wearing jeans, skirts, shorts... Havaianas are made in Brazil and quite comfortable. It does cost a fortune. Quite classy and "IN" when you see everyone wearing it. Price ranges from Pph800 up to Pph1,500 a pair especially when the swarovski limited edition came out. I've even noticed mum wearing it. I have to buy 5 pairs when I went home thinking that "medyo makikiuso rin ako". But when I came back here in Melbourne, I couldn't really fit into the crowd. A lot of them are wearing stilletos with jeans, flat shoes and runners. Seldom you could see anyone wearing thongs (even in summer!) because here in Melbourne it tends to cool down in the afternoon in summertime. So, I still have 3 pairs that I haven't worn and still sitting in the cupboard. But they do sell havaianas here as well, in Jetty Surf Shops. It costs between AU$19.95 to AU$24.95 a pair. I remembered Rnie gave me a pair of green havaianas for Xmas in 2005. I still have it Rnie! I have to tell Jonathan when he went to the Philippines in December. He got himself a pair as well. "Havaginas" as he calls it...(mind the pronunciation!).

How it all began---

Havaianas were first created in the 1960’s with a Japanese sandal (called the Zori) as inspiration for the design. The designers were so fascinated by the relaxed island culture of Hawaii that they named the flip-flops Havaianas (pronounced as ah-vai-yah-nas), which is Portuguese for Hawaiians. For decades, Havaianas have been a Brazilian staple. From the Amazon natives to the stylish elite of Rio and Sao Paulo, just about every Brazilian sports these flip-flops. Sao Paulo Alpargatas, the company that designs, manufactures and markets the famous flip-flops, increasingly created various styles of Havaianas and the appeal of the brand rapidly spread beyond Brazilian borders. Since their introduction over 40 years ago, at least 2 billion pairs of Havaianas have been produced, enough to encircle the globe 50 times if lined up heel to toe. The flip-flops are now available throughout the United States, Europe, South America, Australia, Africa and Asia. The brand has a huge following, from celebrities, athletes and models to average citizens. Around the world, Havaianas are top of the list for those looking for fashionable, functional and fun flip-flops. Havaianas were launched in the Philippines in 2003. Since then, the brand has transformed local perception of flip-flops. These practical accessories are no longer confined to the home or beach. They are proudly worn anywhere and everywhere. Paired with everything from bikinis and board shorts to jeans and skirts and even matched with dressier pieces, Havaianas are now a wardrobe essential. (Courtesy of Havaianas Philippines)

My LG Limited Edition Prada Mobile Phone

Since I already confessed my compulsive spending attitude, I decided to change from having NOKIA handsets for years into having a more classy type mobile phone. As I was walking pass Swanston Street in the city, I saw this limited edition LG Prada mobile phone at Tele-Choice Optus Shop. Wow, black! So sophisticated and stylish. It's got touch screen capability and it has its own case included in the box. This collaboration that LG made with Prada was indeed a luxury. Hmmm, will I buy it or not? Let me see... I have to enquire about it first and let me see the deal that they have to offer. They are offering it to me for an outright price of AU$500. What? Hmmm....too much for me i guess. So I have to say, "what if I buy it for $400 CASH?". They have to sort of talk amongst themselves and started to key in figures in their abacus-calculator to check if they can agree to my offer or not. The verdict??? SOLD.

SONY VAIO

I have always dreamt of having a laptop eversince. I always end up having and owning a second hand PC for some reason. I thought I might as well grab the privilege of nurses of claiming one laptop a year. So I went around looking for a really good deal. I don't know much about computers but all I want is speed, capacity and physical features. I went to JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, Dick Smith, Harvey Norman and Myer. The all look alright. I even considered Dell due to the range of colors they have now but I've heard that it wasn't really good. Since I have a Sony pink camera, I thought of going to Sony Central to check the Sony Vaio Pink Laptop to match it up. Wow! Soooo cute! They even have a promo of free case if you purchased before the end of May. I did have a second thought that if i buy the pink, its so weird if Anthony has to use it especially during his presentations (so bading!). So I have to check the other colors. Blue is stunning as well. So I opted for the blue then. It's metallic blue and quite stylish anyway. I guess when you are married, you sort of think about your partner not just yourself. I like pink so much but blue was the second choice. Its good because its got a built in camera and wireless capability. It costs AU$1,899.00, not bad if i can claim it thru tax. I just subscribed for a wireless broadband and bought myself a wireless printer. Now, I'm still trying to learn how to manipulate the screen cursor without a mouse :-).

Souvenir Fridge Magnets...

Let's me see..how many have I got?.. Well, to many to count really. Practically, I need a new and bigger fridge to accomodate further fridge magnets. I'm still awaiting for Rnie's Bali souvenir fridge magnet next month, and Ninong Bob's promise of a fridge this December. Hopefully the one with an ice dispenser (sige na Ninong!). Whenever I go overseas, I make it a point to grab one. Since my friends knew that I collect them, they don't forget buying me one during their trips.

I've got fridge magnets from Thailand (Bangkok & Phuket), Malaysia, China, Singapore and HongKong when Anthony & I went there for our southeast asian escapades.

Ninong Buddy & Ninang Jot gave me a Disneyland and New Zealand fridge magnets during their overseas holiday.

Thanks to Ate Nadine who bought me SF, London, Bahrain, Berlin & Holland fridge magnets.

Aileen gave another New Zealand fridge magnet as well as from Surfers Paradise.

Betchay gave me one from Port Campbell.

I got the following from my Australian trips throughout the years:
-Melbourne (OZ open, Flinders St Station, Observation Deck, Lion King Commonwealth Games)
-Mt. Buller, Puffing Billy, Sovereign Hill, Penguin Parade
-Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell, Bells Beach, London Bridge, Apollo Bay
-Point Napean, Foster, Sorrento, Queenscliff
-Wodonga-Albury, Bendigo, Beechworth, Benalla, Wagga-wagga, Swan Hill
-Seymour, Hollbrook, Kallista, Heathcote
-Sydney, Blue Mountains, Manley Beach
-Brisbane, Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo, Sanctuary Cove, Glasshouse Mountain
-Spirit of Tasmania, Hobart, Wineglass Bay, Port Arthur, Davenport, Salamanca Market, Launceston

Syempre, I have to grab some when I went to the Philippines....Tagaytay City and Manila.

Soon to come in December....Bora, Cebu, CDO, Iligan, Davao and Bantayan Island (hopefully they will have some. I'm sure in Bora though).

US and Canada, next year???

My First Performance At CENTRO...

It was a typical Saturday night.The "barkada" after hearing the 6pm vigil mass at St. Francis Church in the city, decided to eat out ("sa walang kamatayang NAM LOONG").We were with our new found friend ALOIS and our visiting friend, ROY. We then decided to go to "CENTRO" which is a "Filo-Karaoke Cafe" in Footscray. There is an entrance fee of AU$10, but the $5 of which is consumable. They do serve filipino food varieties such as "lechon kawali", "crispy pata", "chicharong bituka", "halo-halo", etc. My Ninang Jot and Ninong Buddy also went there. The set-up was sort of the typical "over-28's" feel. The sound system and lights were truly high tech and fully equipped with "sound-proof" gadgets. Of course, almost 90% of the crowd were filos. It was a good feeling coz everyone's so game to go to the stage to either "sing"or "dance". Definitely no pretentions. It doesn't matter if you're not in tune, someone will back you up! How's that!Of course, ROY had a few reps but I only had ONE (the more senti one). Here's a preview of it.

It was only me and Roy who had the guts to go in front and sing, while Aileen & Robert only stood in between sets and dance.

I saw "Mutya" which is a classmate of mine @ VUT during my first year of Nursing. She is looking stunning as ever. We also saw "Jhong" which seems to be "under a spell" and couldn't control himself.

We were expecting Ninong Bob as well, but he was, I guess, got hooked with the pokie machines at Crown...hahaha!

Apart from the spluge of filo foods (2 halo-halos, lechon kawali, crispy pata, chicharong bituka and 2 bottles of smirnoff double black), we did have a good time.

Long Drive @ Swan Hill...

We went for a long drive to Swan Hill Wednesday last week. We have to leave early to catch the early sunrise. I was with my good friends Jonathan, Robert and Edgar. Too bad Aileen can't come coz she has to work. Anyway, I took this SONY laptop with me so I could start blogging. Thanks pala to Robert who set up my blogger/gmail account. This trip was sort of our last long drive with Robert before he leaves Melbourne. We have to stop by Bendigo to have breakfast. The first time I had Breakfast Benedict! I think I still prefer the traditional egg and bacon on toast...with tomato sauce! Anyway, off we go again. We had lunch at the Murray Downs Golf Club.We opted for the Aussie meal..Steak! Nicely cooked, well done! At the city centre, we have to pass by a local tattslotto outlet to try our luck for the saturday tattslotto. We shared a ticket and hope to try our luck and win the jackpot. Of course, cant leave the shop without asking..."Do you have a souvenir fridge magnet?". The fridge magnets they have wasn't flashy, but I have no choice but to get one with "Swan Hill" on it. I am an obsessed fridge magnet collector. Anyway, off we go again. I have to also try the digital camera I bought for Anthony from Ebay. Saved me $200 compared to if I have to buy it over at Sony Central. I bought him a 10.1 megapixel sony camera T300 series...touch screen, smile shutter and 3.5" lcd screen. Quite advanced.

Robert gave each one of us a copy of Damien Leith's album, "Catch the Wind". It became "the album" of our long drive to Swan Hill.

On our way back, we passed by Andrew Peace winery at Murray Valley for wine tasting. We met the owner George, quite hilarious kinda person. He gave me a really good deal with the crouchen reisling. I bought 5 boxes of 12 bottles per box for just $450. If I'm going to buy it in Melbourne, it would have cost me twice the price (I think!). I'm going to use that wine for the toast on my church wedding in December. Crouchen Reisling is a sweet variety of white wine which will be just perfect to the crowd at my wedding because majority of them are not wine drinkers anyway. Although I love the Brown Brothers brand or crouchen reisling, too bad I can't go and visit Milawa before December. Also, he even gave us a cap each and extra wine to take home with us. Good deal, wasn't it?

We had dinner at Bendigo, at the famous "CLOGS" pizza restaurant. I have to recommend it to my dear friends because it was my second time dining there. The first time was when Betchay (my previous housemate) and I went for a long drive in 2005. Of course, I didn't go for the gnocci which Betchay and I had before and we then decided to go for the Spaghetti Marinara and Pepperoni Pizza. YUM! Still unsatisfied, we had Banana Brulee' at the next door cafe.

It was a good trip. Funny how Robert saw this "full moon" and we couldn't take a photo of it... ('di nya mahabol...!) :-)

Cosmetics Addiction

I don't know what spell got into me but I'm into "cosmetics addiction" lately. From skin care products to make-up..name it!

Early morning, I start with my Clinique 3-step system. Liquid Soap (Oily skin), Clarifying Lotion #3 and Dramatically Different Mositurising Gel. Topping it up with Even better Skin Tone Corrector (dramatically erases those dark age spots) and the Pore Minimizer Refining Serum. I then apply the Pore Minimizer T-Shine Control on the areas of my nose and forehead and Pore Minimizer instant perfector. I then Apply my SPF 25 Superdefense Triple Action Mositurizer (Dry Combination Skin) all over the face (less on T-zone areas) and apply my All-About-Eyes (Rich) under the circles of the eyes. I love Clinique because its allergy-free and perfume-free. I go to Myer in the city and I have my own consultant (Shanyn) to keep track of what I'm using and assess my skin preference and needs overtime.

I then apply my ID Bare Minerals Face Primer. Apply my ID Bare Minerals Mineral Foundation (Medium Beige) using the "swirl-tap-buff" technique using the id bare minerals foundation brush or kabuki brush, it just creates that flawless look. Always remember to use a foundatioin primer before applying your foundation. It creates that flawless-luminous look. You will never go wrong with mineral foundations because it is made with pure, crushed minerals from the earth which gives pure coverage with less irritants. Always remember, less is more. But if you need more coverage, I prefer to use the liquid foundation range of Lancome, the Teint Idole Ultra 14-hr retouch free oil free with SPF 10. Its so enduringly divine.Make sure you have two tones. Lighter on the T-zone area and darker on the frame of the face. Make sure you use Lancome's Liquid Foundation Brush. But apply it sparingly and only as needed coz I find Lancome to be high in perfume and could create breakouts overtime. Use it only for special occassions and only as needed. By the way, I buy my mineral make-up over ebay. You'll save more than 50% of the RRP if compared to prices at Myer.

To conceal the darkened area around the eyes, I use YSL Radiant Touch. It was voted as the best eye concealer instant perfector pen. But to cover those blemishes around the face, you can use the ID Bare Minerals Bisque Multi-Tasking Face using the ID Bare Minerals Concealer Brush.

Lets start with the eyebrows.Make sure you use the right angled brush for your eyebrows. MAC 266 angled brush is the best for shaping eyebrows. It creates that precision to shape your eyebrows. I only use the cheap dark brown brow defining powder I bought from priceline.

The best eyeshadows surveyed are the MAC eyeshadows. They are brilliant. It gives you that stunning color and it doesn't blotch up. But make sure you are using the right eye brushes. I use the MAC 249 to apply the base (all over eye color which commonly is the lightest one), and use MAC 252 to apply the eyeshadow to the lid area. Use the MAC 219 to apply color (which is usually darker)to the crease of the eye and blend it using the MAC 224 brush. It creates that shadow and stunning look. I love the combination of blue-light brown, green-pink, violet-lilac, and any color with silver or gold shimmer. Always use lighter colors during the day and dark heavy colors at night. I find the Shimmer Cubes from body shop really great for highlighting above the eyeshadow above the lids. Make sure you use your blending brush...brilliant!

As for eyeliners, you can either use liquid (MAC paint pots which are water resilient) and pencils (MAC eyeliners powerpoint eyepencil which are water resistant). Always make sure to go heavy when you line the outer edge of your eyes. It gives that darker-bolder look that accentuates your mascara. Talking about mascaras, what if I tell you there is the ultimate mascara that gives you everything you ask for in a mascara (lengthening, curling, thickening and waterproof!).Its the Chanel Inmitable Mascara Multi-dimensionel. You won't be sorry for this one. When my good friend Aileen and I went to Myer to try out this one. Gosh, what a beauty! We have to grab one each.Always go for the black and you can't go wrong. Remember, mascaras only lasts for 3 months.

Blushers? There are 2 types. Powder and Cream Blushers. Using powder blushers creates that flawless and natural look while cream blushers creates that youthful look which is usually good for the mature-age group. Always make sure you use powder blushers if you will go for the matte type of eyeshadows because they compliment well together, whereas use the cream blushers if you want to go for the satin and shimmery eyeshadows. I find Lancome (blush subtil) and MAC powder blushers (Sunbasque Sheertone Summer blush) so brilliant especially for asian tones. As for cream blushers, do go for MECCA cosmetics (Stila and Nars) especially the "orgasm" tone. Trick: Use the right powder blush (the angled one preferably) and contour more on the apple of the cheeks and when using the cream blushers, your fingertips are the best tool.

All About LIPS: Hmmmm....i like this bit. Make sure you moisturise first to get rid of the rough skin. It sort of act as a primer to create that smooth glide of lipsticks when you apply it. Try MAC lip conditioner. Accentuate your lips by using a lipliner. Go for the matte color if you are to use a matte lipstick and use sheer lipliners if you want to use lipglosses and high shine lipsticks. Chanel makes the best lipliners. It glides on so smoothly and so precise. It comes with a pencil sharpener if u buy one. Dont just line the edges of the lips, but also line the whole lips to act as a base before applying your choice of lipstick. Chanel Rouge Allure is the ''creme ala creme" of lipsticks. It glides so smoothly and doesn't dry out lips. It contains shea butter that makes the glide smooth. Chanel Aqualumiere is also a good color lipgloss but the thing I dont like about it is that you need a mirror to apply it because it comes with a brush and you need to be precise with it. Lancome juicy tubes is still the all-time favourite as well as the Dior high-shine lipglosses. If you are after plumpness, use Dior Lip Maximizer Collagen Activ under ligloss and over lipstick. It has a "stinging" sensation and you'll see a difference in your lips in just a few minutes. Awesome!

You need to set your make-up by using a loose powder and a freshener. Clinique blended face-powder in Invisible blend is the best I think. It blends with your skin color and doesn't disturb your make-up. Make sure you apply it using the same technique as applying mineral foundations. Follow up with Jurlique Freshener in Pure Rosewater. It gives that cool feeling after setting up your makeup.

At night, I use Clinique make-up remover for the eyes and lips (you definitely need that especially if you waterproof mascaras). I then wash my face with the Clinique rinse-off foaming cleanser. I follow it up with the 3-step system same as the morning routine. The only difference is the moisturizer. Instead of using the Superdefense, I use the Continuous Rescue Antioxidant Moisturiser @ night and the All-About-Eyes Rich for the eyes.

Make sure you exfoliate 2-3 times a week and use a mask once to twice a month. I use Clinique 7-day Scrub and Pore Refining Mask. Also use Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief and Refreshing Eye Gel when you want that extra boost of moisture especially during winter and stressfull times. Highly recommended!

For those unexpected blemishes and breakouts, use the Clinique Spot Treatment Gel. It works wonders because it contains salicylic acid. Use it 4-5 times a day and it would dry those nasty breakouts in due time. Make sure to conceal it as well using Clinique anti-blemish solution concealing stick camouflant formule s.o.s.

My EBAY experience...

I was bidding on this Authentic GUCCI (Large Hobo Horsebit) Bag from Ebay with Rrp $1,500. The bid started at 0.99c. I'd really love to own one but so so expensive to buy it for $1,500! I was outbid several times but the bidding went on. Now the bidding price went up to $400. Ok, I asked myself, how much am I willing to spend for this bag? Ok, up to $450 plus the postage costs. I was still outbid for that price so I have to let it go. A day after, I was so lucky to have received an email notification for a "second chance offer". The seller is offering me to buy it for $450. I did grab it of course. When I received the bag (sent thru registered post of course), it came with the dust bag, care card and controllato card. Hmmm, authentic as it may seem but still I told myself that I have to go to the GUCCI store in Collins Street to have it checked. I did! They checked the bag and serial numbers, and it was indeed authentic! The style is from few years ago but still classed as one of the classics.Thank God! Now, I am bidding for a GUCCI authentic wallet to match it with. Wish me luck! :-D

Why I Love Nursing...

I am a registered nurse working at the Aged Care Rehabilitation Ward at St. Georges Hospital in Kew (under St. Vincent's Health). I have been working there for almost 3 years now and I love what I do. I enjoy working with elderly people. They have so many things to say! They are like walking history.

One of the challenging things I have encountered with my job is dealing with elderly patients whose got a non-english speaking background (NESB). It was indeed a challenge comunicating with them. Translation cards help but not that significantly much. What I find really useful are gestures, signs and body language. It's just so amazing on how you become an actor or a translator yourself just to convey what you wanted to say and try to interpret what they are trying to express. Just last wednesday morning when I have to take this indian lady's staples out from her left knee. She was so frightened when I came to her bedside with a trolley of my equipment. She knew that the time has come for her staples to come out. She was so afraid. The first instinct that came into me was to hug her and pat her in the back and tell her..."Everything's going to be alright". Then I prepared my trolley, set up all the equipment and start to take out every staple. A total of 28 staples came out from her knee, and every staple that was taken out, you'll hear her moan. When the last staple came out, you know what she did? She hug me back...a real hard hug. I saw tears fall from her eyes...tears of joy as what it seems..and she smiled...

I remembered what my mum said to me..."Look after your patients as if you are looking after us, your parents".

How the Australian Dream Began...

I took up Physical Therapy in the Philippines way back 1993 and finished 1999. After I passed the Physical Therapy Boards in February 2000, my family decided for me to further my studies in Australia. I took a 6-month computer course at Victoria University, that was June 2000, and later on planned on taking Postgraduate Diploma in Exercise for Rehabilitation. I was so fortunate to have been blessed by parents who were so supportive sending me across to Australia to finance and support my further studies. Although I have a part time job as a Physiotherapy Assistant in a Greek Nursing Home in Fawkner, but still it wouldn't be enough to finance my day-to-day obligations considering that my student visa is only restricted to work 20 hours a week. No way I could juggle around with that! Anyway, I have finished the course December 2001. I need to hurry up and apply for permanent residency because my visa is about to expire March 2002. Every minute of the day counts. First, I have to sit for the Physiotherapy Written Examination for overseas phyiotherapists (a wacking fee of $1000!!!), undergo physical examinations, and pay relevant application fees. The verdict??? I was Denied! Why? I failed the bloody exams! Embarassing at it may seem but I don't have any choice but to consult help from a migration lawyer. The recommendation??? TAKE UP NURSING! Nursing? No way! Can't even imagine myself dealing with blood, and other bodily fluids (good grief!). Do I have a choice? Well, nada! The migration lawyer clearly explained that immigration wouldn't question really anyone applying for this course because of the huge shortage they have as long as you have the financial capability to show that you can support yourself through the entire course. So, I have to go thru again gathering enough proof and documentation to support my application to extend my student visa. I enrolled a 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Victoria University. Luckily, I was approved by the Dean for one spot because the enrollment had closed late the previous year and I was even given some subject exemptions from my previous health-related course. God was so good indeed! I wouldn't go thru details, but I did finish the course December 2004. My student visa expires March 2005. I have 3 months to work out my permanent residency. It didn't even take 10 days for immigration to grant me a permanent visa. There are so many nursing jobs around. I was lucky to get a graduate year rotation at St. Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne in the Orthopaedic Ward and at the Rehabilitation Ward at St. Georges Hospital (still under St. Vincent's Health). I was granted a permanent job at St. Georges Hospital in Kew in January 2006. I was so lucky because I could still (somehow) practice my physio skills in the rehabilitation ward (transfers techniques and ambulation). In November 2007, I was promoted as one of the Assistant Unit Nurse Managers of the ward. It was just so timely because that was the time when nurses took industrial action for "pay increase" especially for Nurse Unit Managers, Assistant Unit Managers and Graduate Nurses. We had a 10% increase of salary from our base rate from the result of that industrial action. We also had a back pay, which we recieved a fortnight ago from the rate changes that took effect from October 2007 onwards. Well done!

Looking back, there isn't any wink of regret that I have in mind coming here and trying out my luck. It turned out successful anyway. Now, I am returning the favor that my parents gave to me unto my niece and 2 nephews.

MY FIRST BLOG

Bare with me, being my first blog. Oh well, what can I say? All I could think about is to write something about my NEW LIFE..being Married. It's so funny 'coz its only my family and close friends knew about the fact that I am getting married (civil). When the time came for me to crack the news to my unit manager at work, she nearly popped out of her chair, would you believe that? It was so funny when I try to recall her exact reaction. Not that she was disappointed of not me telling her, but the fact that she was surprised and happy for me. My workmates can't imagine how I kept it so descretely. The sad thing about it is to be away from my hubby and wait till the time our application has been approved and finalised. But what the heck, to wait for a few months is nothing...at least I am waiting for something that I know is worth waiting for...and also the fact that we planned a CHURCH wedding with family and close friends in the Philippines. I believe that marriage can only be official if its done in church and solemnised by God. That's why it is all set..DECEMBER 4, 2008, to be solemnised at the St. James the Great Parish, Ayala Alabang and reception will follow at the Grand Ballroom of the Ayala Alabang Country Club. We are planning a filipiniana motiff...color??? hmmmm....we finally decided burgundy with champagne. I'll be home in time to attend the WEDDING SUMMIT (one of the grandest wedding expo held in the Philippines) in Makati City soon. It is indeed hard to plan when I am here downunder and the setting will be held in the Philippines. Although my family's so keen to help me out in regards to the preparation and all that, it is still different if I am made to chose and plan. We'll wait and see after the wedding summit.