Kick-ass Thursday!!

I met up with a few friends last Thursday, with my beloved officemates from Citibank, where I previously work. The usual---chill, eat, drink, catch-up, blah, blah. We meet at Eastwood, Eat dinner at Bigoli and had a little drinking session at Graffiti. As we were talking, I found myself smiling stupidly and looking somewhere unseeable. As much as I wanted to listen to the ramblings of my friends about life, my mind just flew to unreachable heights and made me remember a few situations of my ever-so-happy (er--) social life. Anyway...

I had a great time that evening because I had the chance to go out and spend some time to bond and chat with my Citibankers friends. At last, it's been push through! It really feels great to unwind and have some bonding together with your friends as you share some laughter, experiences, advices and all the girl talk and other stuffs. Love it!! :) This evening was a reminder that as hard as we all work, we must make time for friends, for shared food and drink, for gatherings, conversation and laughter, because over all, the entire journey is just too short, so enjoy life!! :))

Clockwise: Cris, Ivern, Mark, Ate Vicky, Me, Dane and Paula

I'm not really one for labels. I loved and appreciate all my friends. They're kind of crazy as well. :) It's when friends, food and drinks come together equals to one helluva fun night! ;) Me, I am lucky enough to have met  these crazy, wild, happy-go-lucky-very supportive friends. We may not see each other often but deep in our hearts the friendship and love we have for each other will always be there. 

I really enjoyed bonding with you all!! See you again soooon!! :)) All in all, I can say that the time of my off days are well spent. Thanks guuuuyyyss!! :D It was sooo fun! We laughed a lot and misses you all!! :))

Thursdate @ Nail Bar

Living in such a fast paced environment tends to make us feel tired and withered long before our time. I know inserting a pamper day on your busy schedule can be difficult, but I tell you, your body needs to relax. Love and pamper yourself  from time to time. Heal yourself!!

Nails are probably the least thing on my mind when I think about beauty and cosmetics. Although I know it's always in the back of my mind that I need to attend to it every so often. Before I would just settle for the typical salon and bear with the noisy and busy atmosphere of it. But lately, I have been tasteful and really trying to engage myself in my nail pampering processes. I make sure that the places I go to have accessible locations, tranquil surrounding, and skilled nail technicians and had more than nail grooming to offer. I mean, it's not so often that I care for my nails....so for those times that I do, I think I should give them the best. Don't you agree??

It's amazing how the hand and foot pampering services boomed in the country lately. Left and right you will see different salons offering manicure, pedicure, hand and foot spa services at competitive prices.

I will never survive without clean nails. It's too bad I can't clean them on my own. :( I don't usually go for the 'fancy-schmancy' nail treatments because for me, the effect is the same. And I really don't have the patience to wait forever to get my nails done.

Ever since, I've always tried on our village's most renowned "manicurista", Ate Lorie. She gave me best cuts. :) Until, when those Nail Spa and Salons popping out. :P

When I was invited by my friend to try out services at Nail Bar located at 2nd Street Mendiola, Manila. I didn't hesitate, I'm glad I did enjoyed every second in there. It's another nail pampering trip for me. A total treat!! :))

You know me, I have no qualms in trying out new stuff especially if I get to feature it on my blog. Me and my friends had a mani/pedi in their Mendiola branch and it was a total experience. Their services was great. For one, they have a very attentive and accommodating staff. Once we entered the store, they immediately accommodated us and gave us a seat and pillows. They were also very thorough and careful in cleaning, which is one of the things I am really keen on with nail salons. I was impressed at Nail Bar inviting ambiance. They have a nice ambiance which made us wanna sleep while waiting for them to be done. And, with their great service, I'm not surprise that a lot of people, especially students since it was near in the University Belt, were they have their nails done even on a weekday. It's not pricey, their services usually charge from 100-200 pesos for mani/pedi. Kudos to their team!!

L-R: Ivern, Me, Rai & Jen

I believe girls wouldn't mind going in since  like other famous nail salons it has a girly, pink, white and green interior. Their couches were huge and comfortable. The lighting was just right. I loved the pink and green uniform the staff members are wearing.

Got the pic from their Facebook page

All the methods done were the familiar mani/pedi. My nail tech, Ate Jessica, was really great in making sure it doesn't get scrubbed. The manicure started with soaking my nails in their small unique nail soaking dish. Then, with regular cleaning, removing my cuticle and then polish. I informed the staff not to remove my ingrown and side skin because most salons do that without asking. I was relieved to learn that they are not allowed to remove the ingrown. They only remove cuticle and dead skin cells.

They will give you an option to choose Essie, OPI, and Orly. The price depends on the type of brand of nail polish you'll choose. I was expecting 'Caronia' or 'Bobbie' but they had these....

I had Orly Nail Polish Blushing Bud shade on I was told it was their best seller.

Definitely! I'll recommend Nail Bar to all girls out there. It's a nice place to get your nails done and they have faster service like the other nail salons I've tried. The price is reasonable. They offer variety of services, like nail art, body massage, and a lot more that won't break your budget. For example, a nail art here starts at 150pesos only unlike other nail art salons that charges 300pesos or more. The products they use is also high quality. Once inside, the sense of tranquility kicks in leaving all worries behind. Below is the pricing and services they offered. 

Happy Hour Promo!

All in all I'm incredibly happy with my nails! I had a great day of pampering at Nail Bar with the girls. Living in a world full of stress. We should all find time to relax and decompress. Indulge your body!

So if ever you find yourself in need of a place to relax after a long day at the mall....or just the need to get away, visit Nail Bar, so I hope to see you there sooon!! Ooh! and try to bring a friend with you. Getting some nail pampering is the greatest when shared with a friend. Just the same I spend that day with my girlfriends. :) 

Do you do your own nails or have someone do it for you?? If you like to be treated your nails like a princess then try Nail Bar now! Now point your browsers to their Facebook Page and make your fingers and toes happy!! :D

Stay gorgeous everyone! 

IRONY

Have you ever felt that feeling of anxiety mixed with displeasure by what you see and hear around you? That you get soaked up in a web of disbelief that you yourself do not know what to accept as true? That you just want to break away from everything and breath? Sure, nobody is perfect. That is what a lot of people claim. And that is what most of them use as an excuse in perpetrating enmity.

The need and want of a person is a dilemma at times. Self - fulfillment is also a matter at hand when choosing between the two. BUT for what's worth, I believe that happiness should be of great consideration on any situation.

Neutral is like telling yourself to be in the side and not to be on it. Have the guts to choose, whatever makes you happy, be ready for the following consequences.....life can never be too exciting one's you do not try to do something. :) Just be sure to yourself if you chose this, you're ready to fight for it till the end. We never learn too much.....

As people grow older, we tend to have better taste in things like proper choices in words and actions. While others progress, some never do. They merely project their immaturity through less simple objectives like poor judgment of situations and even to the extent of pulling people down for the sake of their selfish selves.

I've written so much on my planner for the past months. I can't believe so much has already happened. And now year 2012 is almost over. Life changes too fast before our eyes barely even notice it.

I'm not so sure where this entry is leading to. Hehehe :)) But after a long long while, I seem to have some "guts" to pour out feelings or rants out in the open again. Or maybe I'm just doing this to pacify myself. There are too many thoughts running in my head I might need that basin Dumbledore used to alleviate my mind of too much thoughts. HaHa

And anyway, you can never really force yourself to grow up before your time. PATIENCE does the trick. 

And, I'm patiently waiting and silently being a little more cautious and a lot more thankful for my blessings. Counting each and every one (including YOU) as I post this entry. 

Thank you for holding and being patient self!! at the least of all things to be thankful for. Learn to live a life of class.....Keep simplicity at its best that as if you handle it!!

Rekindle the Joy: For the love of Starbucks

Finally, the day that most coffee aficionados -- particularly Starbucks fans - have been waiting for, have arrived. It's that time of the year again where people flock over to Starbucks to lust over these planners and shell bucks upon bucks of hard earned money for....for what, exactly?? November 3, 2012 marks the day the Starbucks planner 2013 is released.

Are you excited?

So am I!!

As much as I love spontaneity and change, I also do value traditions. There are just some things in life that are best left untouched. These are the ones that you can always count on to happen at the exact same time of the year, every single year. Readers of the blog must have noticed what a big Starbucks Coffee fan I am. This began way before I actually became a Starbucks partner myself. I've have been a frequent visitor most especially during my university years. 

Christmas at Starbucks always begin in November! This year's planner has the theme "Moments of Connection". I'm sure you and I will agree that we each have our own special memories of connecting with our friends, our loved ones and even that special someone over our favorite cup of coffee or even an ice-cold Frappuccino blended beverage.

I must admit I love Starbucks coffee. This is a love affair that will never let die! But really it's nice to wake up in the morning in a nice mood and know that soon, I'll have my grande of frappe in my hand to get through the rest of my day. Yes, you can save money by not going to Starbucks, but you will probably end up spending the money you save on something else. This is my little treat much like a vacation, manicure, techies or a new book. Kanya kanya lang yan! :)

For one, past couple of days I meet up with my long time friends for our bonding and catching up. We decided to go and stay at Starbucks for a while for a little chitchat about anything under the sun. Of course, one day wouldn't be complete if we didn't order our own favorite frappucinos. :) These are just a few examples and I'm pretty sure you all have your own connection stories to tell too!!

My besties: Bern & Sha

With Michael

This year theme "Moments of Connection" will be highlighted throughout the planner. Starbucks believe that a shared moment of genuine connection over coffee is a simple act that helps provide an uplifting part of someone's day.

As I opened the planner, I noticed that the cover has a magnetic "tab". There's also a magnetic bookmark to help you mark the page that you want to refer back to. It looks very modern yet just like a Starbucks store, it will give you a homey feeling perfect for the holiday season. I also noticed that the planner starts in January 2013 as opposed to the planners before that starts in December.

What a Starbucks planner without more treats and surprises?? The Limited Edition Starbucks Philippines 2013 Planner will be available in three (3) leather covers (White, Green and Black). What's your pick?! This year they have thirteen (13) "Kindness Cards" with different Starbucks treats that can be shared with family, friends and loved ones and you can avail on the specified month. There are also three coupons that you can use or share with others for the entire year. That's sharing the Starbucks cheer for yah!! :D 

Look! Look! at these goooooooorgeous planners, so sleek and elegant and so damn worth your every chug of coffee. YEAH RIGHT!!!

What can I say?? Who's joining in the hype? Will you? will I? Well, despite all the sarcasm, I MOST PROBABLY WILL succumb, yet again, to this mysterious force calling me to be part of the bandwagon of people wanting to fit in the fad, be one with the crowd, and yeah.....LOL. Huwhaaaat!!

Well personally, I am a fan of Starbucks. With their coffee and the brand itself. I don't frequently visit lately but I do have a favorite: Hot chocolate, Chocolate Creme Chip, Coffee jelly, Toffee nut Latte one of the frappucinos you'd earn a sticker for. Hehe I love Starbucks, the coffee, the products, the store, the people and the brand! And for the comfort and that good aura together with smell of coffee it gives, who cares about the price. Hahaha

I'm even a planner person and I'll get that BLACK STARBUCKS PLANNER!!! My planner is one of the most exhausted things in my room. Its silent witness to my aggression towards the things that happened in my daily life, things I love doing, my passion, my personal thoughts. It contains my plans a year from now, even has a snapshot of stuff I want to accomplish in the following years from now. That means you would normally see my drawer containing old pieces of papers, letters, notebooks and planners -- I keep them because I written important things on them. They are my hidden personal treasures. 

How to redeem?? You know the drill, to avail any of limited edition Starbucks 2013 planner; all you have to do is to purchase a total of seventeen (17) drinks; Nine (9) Christmas beverages + Ten (10) core beverages.  This year, they have three Christmas beverages that you can try. There's the Toffee Nut Latte, Peppermint Mocha and the Dark Cherry Mocha.

Personally, I love the Toffee Nut Latte and I normally would order this for all the 9 Christmas beverages stickers needed. I just can't have enough of the buttery caramel flavor of sweet toffee combined with toasted nuts, espresso, milk, and topped with more toffee flavored sprinkles! Yummy! :)

The Dark Cherry Mocha reminds me of the taste of the Black Forest Cake. Bittersweet chocolate mixed with sweet cherry syrup, espresso shot and milk. 

Meanwhile, the Peppermint Mocha is one of the most-sought-after drinks every Starbucks Christmas season. Sadly, it's not something that I really like as I am not a fan of anything minty but if you love the combination of chocolate and mint then this is the perfect drink for you!

And well you know it all boils down to being a "luho". Everything about Starbucks is hardly a necessity, yet for the awesome feeling it gives.....money is just money, baby!! 

With this, I officially start my Toffee nut X stickers journey. 2013 Starbucks planner, Thou shalt be mine!! 1 down to go, 16 more to go. READY. GET SET. COLLECT!! Leggggoooo!!! :))

But best of all, with every redeemed of Limited edition Starbucks Philippines 2013 planner comes a donation for the children of Sparks Hope, a childhood care and development program in partnership with UNICEF. Support the cause, Buy a drink, Collect stickers, and own a 10th Limited edition 2013 planner!! 

Pumped-up Morning!

"Welcome every morning with a smile. Look on the new day as another special gift from your Creator, another golden opportunity to complete what you were unable to finish yesterday!" 

- Og Mandino

Mr. Sun painted a smile on my face the moment I woke up. Thank God for the changed in schedule, for having an off day today! I need a break! Happy kid here!! :)) And I just knew that it's gonna be an awesome day for me! My adrenaline came rushing and I took the advantage for the time to get in shape. 

I woke up early around 6am to the drum beats of the alarm. It was the day, so I slipped out of bed, shook the sleep from my body, and pulled on my jogging pants followed by my simple spaghetti tee, sporty jacket and daily running shoes. I strapped on my watch and grabbed my knapsack containing my running necessities. Went to UP oval in the morning for an early run. JOGGING TIME!!

Good morning, SUNSHINE!! Happened to witness a gorgeous sunrise it is! :D I broke into a light jog as the cool, misty, morning breeze touching my face. It's good to see big green trees that brings you relaxed feeling from all the stress the city brings you. While having my jog in UP Oval there are people who greets me 'Good morning' and smiles like they know me at all, is such a great feeling! :)

First time running this early again!! I miss this! Feeling energized and take on the day! Bring in, bitch!! Time to burn some calories. It's good to feel sweating again! :)) Energy and Positivity is at its peak! Hooohaaa! C'mon!! :)