Must-attend: the 32nd Manila International Book Fair

Nothing beats reading a good book on a pleasantly cold rainy first ofSeptember. What gets me more excited as my birth month comes is seeing thousands of books - a heavenly sight for all bookworms - at the 32nd Manila International Book Fair!

I've marked in my calendar the dates September 14 to 18 since last moth. The 32nd Manila International Book Fair will be held from 10am to 8pm at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Aside from publishing companies, exhibitors also include arts, education and training institutes, language schools, open universities, online book stores, tutorial services and more. For the complete list of exhibitors, click here.

The 32nd Manila International Book Fair schedule of events can be seen here.

See you there!

Review: Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint

If I were to choose between a lipstick and a lip tint, I would choose the latter without thinking twice. I love how lip tints stay on the lips even after eating and it doesn’t get on your teeth. =D

Moving on with today’s review…

Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint in No. 2

According to Etude House, the Fresh Cherry Tint “promotes moist and shiny cherry lips with a creamy, smooth texture.” 

Unwrapped: Suesh 8-piece Blush Set

As I journey deeper into the realm of eyeshadows, powders, lip tints and brow liners, I begin to appreciate the various types of makeup brushes and its uses. It was not until recently that I became aware that a powder brush is different from a foundation brush and that blending, angled, shading and smudge brushes are all types of eyeshadow brushes.  And that there can be as many as 28 brushes in a single set!

I don’t want to spend too much on makeup brushes just yet because I’m not sure if my fondness for makeup will endure (hehehe). The first brush set that I got was the EcoTools 5-piece makeup brush set. I was on the look out for another brush set when I stumbled upon Suesh Makeup Toolkit's discount offering in Ensogo. Lucky for me, I got one of the 243 vouchers that offered 50% discount from the Blush makeup brush set of Suesh Makeup Toolkit. 

Review: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream

(I’m so sorry it took me a year to post this review)

I used Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream for about three months before I went searching for other bb cream brands. The selling point of this bb cream is its price. It retails for only Php249 which is way cheaper, if not the cheapest, than other bb creams in the market. 

Why Globe Gcash is one of the preferred payment options of online sellers?

Easy to use, convenient and can be used to buy numerous products and services – these features make Globe Gcash as one of the preferred payment options in the ever growing Philippine e-commerce industry. A mobile phone with a Globe or TM SIM card is all you need to get access to Globe’s electronic wallet system. Learn how to register for Globe Gcash here.

I’ve seen many (and transacted with some) online sellers in Multiply, Sulit and Ebay Philippines who uses this type of payment option. As an online seller, this is my most preferred payment option. I instantly receive an SMS notifying me of the payment the client has made. The SMS shows the exact amount the client has sent me, name and number of the Gcash sender and the total balance of my e-wallet. This eliminates the need to open my laptop and check my bank account balance online or go to the nearest ATM to check if the cash deposit has been made by the client.

My Gcah Card arrived almost three weeks after I submitted my application.

Tony Moly Membership Card and SM North EDSA flagship store

I was rushing to get home yesterday when I saw Tony Moly’s flagship store in SM North EDSA. I stopped, stared and smiled. I totally forgot that they now have a store at the mall that is just a stone’s throw away from our house.

Review: Ecotools brush set for mineral makeup

The Ecotools 5 piece brush set for mineral makeup is my first ever brush set (I’m a makeup newbie, remember?). This is my third purchase of a real make-up brush, first was a Nichido kabuki brush and second was an ELF eye shadow brush.

Before I tell you the reasons why I think this brush set is suitable for use of beginners like me, here’s what EcoTools has to say about this product:

Review: TonyMoly Partylover Auto Eyeliner

One of the freebies I got during the recent TonyMoly SM Fairview store opening is the TonyMoly Partylover Auto Eyeliner Waterproof (whew! such a long name) in black. 

Food Trip: Amici

I thought Amici was a Japanese restaurant when I first heard its name. I later learned from my sister that it serves Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza and gelato.

TonyMoly opens first store in the Philippines

A month ago, I concluded my review of TonyMoly’s lip tint with a wish for them to open a store in the Philippines. I knew my wish (many others who wished the same) was heard and granted when Mr. Brian Paek, director of TonyMoly Korea, replied to my FB post confirming that they will open a couple of stores in the country this month!

And now, the long wait is over.

TonyMoly Philippines opened their first store in SM Fairview today, April 30, 2011. And yours truly was invited to witness this much awaited event. =)

Tuesday, haul day: EcoTools brushes and CBTL tumbler

I received a very pleasant surprise this morning! The long awaited package arrived at our doorstep and inside it are…

 EcoTools 5 Piece Mineral Brush Set

Recipe: tomato basil pasta

Aside from Samantha Brown’s travel guides, another favorite of mine is Jamie at Home, English chef Jamie Oliver’s cooking at home series. He has his own garden where he grows the fruits, vegetables and herbs used in his recipes featured in the series. Inspired with Jamie’s home-grown herbs, I bought several herbs during my recent trip to Tagaytay.

One of the herbs I bought is basil. I believe this is a Genovese Basil, also called Sweet Basil, the most common variety.

Here’s the recipe of the Tomato Basil Pasta I made for the family last night.

Review: My first ever kabuki brush from Nichido

My discovery of MMU (mineral make-up) last year triggered my search for a kabuki brush. It took me six months (yeah, it took that long!) before I finally got my first ever kabuki brush from Nichido.

I was hesitant to get it at first because I am not impressed with Nichido's make-up line. But when I tested brushing it against my palm, feeling the softness of its bristles, I instantly thought of giving Nichido a chance to impress me with their make-up tools.

Review: Tony Moly Lip Tint in Cherry Pink

Before another busy week starts, let me share with you my review of the Tony Moly Lip Tint in Cherry Pink.

This is the first time that I tried a lip tint (I told you I’m a late bloomer... hehehe). What I love most about this Tony Moly lip tint is that it is highly pigmented and stays on my lips even after I ate breakfast and lunch! I love it even more a few hours after application; it looks more natural.

Support Earth Hour, turn off your lights on March 26, 8:30PM

Show your support for Earth Hour by turning off your lights 

at 8:30PM on March 26, 2011.

"Since its inception five years ago, Earth Hour has captured the world’s imagination by becoming a global phenomenon. Earth Hour 2010 inspired more than a billion people worldwide and over 15 million Filipinos in 1076 towns, cities and municipalities to switch

Pre-REVIEW: Ellana Mineral Cosmetics and Milea Minerals

I've been dying to make a preliminary review of two local mineral make-up (MMU) lines, Ellana Mineral Cosmetics and Milea Minerals, for the longest time. But before I go on with the review, here’s a short explanation about MMU from Ellana for make-up newbies like me =)

“It has ingredients that have the special ability to heal your skin while you’re wearing it, improving your complexion and giving it a natural glow. Non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and even provides natural sun protection. It does not contain harmful ingredients such as preservatives, talc fillers or bismuth that normally cause skin irritations in traditional makeup.” - from Ellana’s website

If you want to know more about the wonders of MMU, try Google-ing it!  =)

  

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics

My Ellana MMU samples were stashed away in the drawer for a couple of months before I got to road test them. But even before I requested for samples, I was already using Ellana’s lip color in Passionate, mineral powder blushes in Bliss and Flirtation, and mineral foundie in Hazaelnut Latte. It’s my first ever MMU that’s why I’m eager to try other MMU brands and hopefully find my MMU holy grail (HG).

Couriers who do pick-up and delivery within Metro Manila

Having a parcel delivered to a client by going to the “physical office” of local couriers can be time consuming for some. The travel time alone snatches a piece of an online seller’s precious time which may have been used for attending to other business needs like processing orders, answering email inquiries or making products (especially for those who do manual labor).

The growing demand for pick-up service was answered by local couriers such as:

Xend Express

I have been using Xend Express since I started my online business last year. What I like most is that they have a reliable online system where I can schedule for multiple pick-up bookings, create waybills, store client’s contact details and more.  They haven’t disappointed me yet, however, a friend of mine, who is also an online seller, got frustrated with their service when she scheduled for a pick-up and the rider arrived very late in the evening, twice.

Pick-up: FREE within Metro Manila (MM), Cainta, Taytay, Antipolo, San Mateo and Rodriguez, Rizal

Cut-off time of scheduling same day pick-up: 2PM (online booking),

Transit time: next day delivery for Metro Manila and Rizal, 1 to 2 days for provincial deliveries

Basic shipping rate: P50 for a parcel picked-up in MM for delivery within MM, not weighing more than 0.5kg

How to register for Globe G-cash

Globe Gcash is one of the primary means of paying for online purchases to Filipino sellers in Multiply. In fact, Multiply also use it to receive payments for user account upgrades and advertising program. There are two ways to access Globe G-cash; via mobile (Gcash Mobile) or Internet (Gcash Online and Click).

If you are a Globe or TM mobile subscriber, you can register your Gcash by following these simple steps:

Creating an order form for your online store in Multiply

An order form is an indispensable tool for online sellers, especially for those with online stores in Multiply. It facilitates smooth transaction between the seller and buyer if done right. Buyers can provide the seller necessary information such as her name, contact info and products to order in a breeze, requiring little effort while sellers can receive and manage online orders easier.

Going organic, Sesou Nature Source

I’m starting to have a healthy affair with organic products. As far as I can remember, the first organic product that I got was a lip balm from GIGA’s kiosk in SM North EDSA a few years ago. My next organic purchase was Cyleina’s organic soaps, the Black Pearl and Tomato Soap, which I bought from a trusted online seller.

Last week, my trip to the mall to buy some office supplies led me to a kiosk that sells organic, eco-friendly products ranging from cosmetics, personal care, home care and even pet care.

The Sesou Nature Source kiosk in Trinoma.

Review: Cyleina’s Black Pearl and Tomato Soap

I was bothered by the increasing number of pimple marks on my face last month so I researched for some tips on how to lighten pimple marks, one of which is Cyleina’s Black Pearl and Tomato Soap. I am scared that chemical peeling and do-it-yourself peeling products may cause more harm than good so I chose to lighten my pimple marks the organic way.

I am one of those people who can’t resist squeezing pimples, especially when they are swollen and look like they are ready to pop (I can hear my mom, sister and you shouting and telling me to stop squeezing…hehehe…). And because of my habitual scanning for pimples to pinch I got pimple marks on my face. 

Review: elf Studio Eyebrow Kit

I seldom apply make-up, and when I do, I leave off the extra task of putting on eyebrow defining products since I have thick eye brow hair. But curiosity took over me so I bought my first eyebrow product, the elf Studio Eyebrow Kit (e.l.f. stands for eyes, lips, face =).

The packaging looks really nice. I was surprised when I saw the price tag; it’s only P249.75, cheaper than I thought. It’s available in four shades/colors: light, medium, dark and ash.

Payment methods for Multiply online stores

My first online store was launched about two years ago. Aside from deciding on what to name it, the other thing that really got me thinking was how I will handle payments from clients.

The payment scheme of an online store is more complex than those of regular stores. For example, when a client comes to your store at the mall, they simply pick what they want, go to the cashier and pay thru cash, gift certificate or credit card.

With just one click, your client can navigate away from your online store because she/he may find your payment methods too toilsome. An online store’s payment scheme must ensure that the clients can pay conveniently and, at the same time, protect your business from “bogus buyers”.

Making art out of air-dry and polymer clay on a whim

If you think that molding clay into cute cupcakes, miniature frappes and colorful accessories is a child’s play, you are wrong. Aside from having a child’s limitless imagination and a grown-up’s patience, you must also be armed with the right tools - a pair of hands that are strong yet gentle at the same time. 

I thought that this will be an easy project. If kids can do it, so can I, right? This was my initial thought when my sister and I bought a pound of air-dry clay, a set of polymer clay, acrylic paints and other claying essentials.

Air-dry clay creations

When I started to make my first air-dry clay creation, a miniature cupcake and a flower pushpin, all the frustrations came pouring in. The icing of my miniature cupcake seemed like poop while the petals of my flower pushpin kept falling off! (Good thing I was able put the petals together by applying air-dry clay on the gaps)

Win a trip to Singapore by joining Discovery Channel’s Living Cities: Singapore contest

*crosspost from pinay on foot

Living Cities: Singapore is a six-part series that looks into “what makes a liveable city?” It is aired every Wednesday on Discovery Channel.

To join the contest, you must select five destinations featured in the series and provide a brief explanation (up to 50 words) of why you want to visit these places. At stake are 4 days and 3 nights stay in Singapore, return air-tickets for two and passes to your selected destinations.

Submission of entries is done online via the Living Cities: Singapore Facebook Application. Deadline of submission of entries is on February 6, 2011, 23:59 (GMT +8:00).

I submitted mine today. Yay!

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 2011 Giving Journal and some notes to myself and CBTL Philippines

First and last drinks.

Last Monday was no ordinary day. 

Alas! I finally completed collecting 24 stamps and got my Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 2011 Giving Journal. But what’s more rewarding is the thought that I have shared a good time with family (my sister in particular) and friends (you know who you are) over cups of coffee and, sometimes, tea.

Plus, a part of the sales from the coffee treats we have consumed (and will be consuming) are given to the scholars of Real Life Foundation, Inc.