tumbling thoughts

Must-attend: the 32nd Manila International Book Fair

2011-09-01T23:58:00.002+08:00

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

2011-07-28T02:19:00.002+08:00

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.”

bare lips

with Fresh Cherry Tint in No. 2

under fluorescent lighting

Pros

Not too drying on the lips (less drying than the Tony Moly Tint)
One swipe is enough to give my lips a subtle pink color which is perfect for those days when I want a toned down look
The color is buildable (if you want a brighter pink color)
Staying power is acceptable. I re-apply after 2 to 3 hours.
The product stays on the small pink tube without any spillage
Smells like bubble gum!

swatched on the back of my hand: Tony Moly Lip Tint in Cherry Pink (left) and
Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint in No.2 (right)

Cons

The pink tube is cute but I think it is better if it were transparent so that I can see how much product is left
The doe foot applicator can't reach the bottom of the tube (I have a love-hate relationship with doe foot applicators; it makes applying lip glosses easier but it can also accumulate bacteria)

The Etude Fresh Cherry Tint is also available in Peach and Red. It retails for Php328.

Unwrapped: Suesh 8-piece Blush Set

2011-07-27T01:13:00.000+08:00

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.

I got the Suesh 8-piece Blush Set with a black faux-leather case for only P375. What a steal, right?

According to Suesh, the Blush line is “made from mid quality synthetic and natural hair, these sets fit the everyday users and professionals on a budget...” The Suesh 8-piece Blush Set originally retails for P750.

The Suesh 8-piece Blush Set includes the following makeup brushes:

powder brush

blush brush

eyeshadow brush

small eyeshadow brush

angle shader brush

brow brush

lip brush

tool brush

I’m going to road test these brushes for at least a week and let your know of my experience and thoughts.

Suesh has a showroom and studio at 34 Wilson St., Greenhills, San Juan City and a stall in Trinoma, Main Spine, Ground Floor (near Plains and Prints, Bayo and Kashieca). You can contact them at 09178942625, 09228437090 or 02-7823797.

Review: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream

2011-07-25T00:31:00.003+08:00

(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.

Maybelline says:

Our Instant Skin Perfecting Cream is a perfect blend of 8 mineral ingredients. The unique earth color shade instantly improves and perfects your skin:

Brightens skin: visible whitening effect
Covers imperfections: reduces the appearance of pores, skin redness disappears
Moisturizes + Protects: all day hydration + helps to protect skin from UV rays and free radicals

Maybelline bb cream swatch without flash

Major pros and tips

The best thing about bb creams in general is that it cuts the time you spend in doing your make up. I apply the Maybelline bb cream on my bare clean face. I no longer need to separately apply moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation since the bb cream functions the same. I have a few light acne marks and the Maybelline bb cream does it job to conceal them. My skin tone was also evened out and my (big) pores were minimized after applying the bb cream.

Don’t freak out when you see that the color of the cream does not suit your skin tone, just wait for about 30 to 60 minutes for the cream to blend in. I pat on a little powder to set or “lock in” the bb cream. This makes it last longer especially during warmer days. My oilies start showing up 3 to 4 hours after application and that's is when I blot out the oil and pat on a little powder again.

without bb cream

with bb cream

For me, the real test if a product works great on you is when somebody else notices the difference. And the Maybelline bb cream passed this challenged when my colleagues started noticing something different; they said that my face looks naturally glowing even without makeup but the truth is I was wearing one - the Maybelling bb cream. =)

Pros

It has multiple functions: moisturizes, protects, evens and brighten the skin tone and covers imperfections
Easy to apply
Affordable and locally available (I got mine from a Maybelline stall in Watsons)
It has light to medium coverage (enough to cover my light acne marks)
Unscented
Hygienic squeeze-type tube packaging
No break outs

Cons

My face look too white or shiny in pictures with flash. Uh-oh! (This is a major downside for most bb creams)
There’s only one shade available (This is actually both a pro and a con. I have a medium-tan skin tone and my sister who is about 3-4 shades lighter than me also uses this and it also works fine for her. Yehey for that! But I have read other reviews and learned that this shade did not worked for everyone.)

See the how white the skin on my hand is when photographed with flash?

So, why did I stopped using the Maybelline bb cream?

The “kikay” inside me wanted to try more bb cream brands and hopefully find the one that best suits me so I (temporarily?) ditched my Maybelline bb cream. As of this writing I have tried Innisfree Trouble Care BB Cream, Missha Perfect Cover in No. 23 and Tony Moly Cutie Beauty BB Cream in Lovely Sweetheart Lily.

And I am loving bb creams all the more!

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

2011-07-24T02:36:00.002+08:00

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.

The Gcash Card

Another good thing about Globe Gcash is that they issue an ATM card that you can use to withdraw cash from any ATM in the Philippines such as Megalink, Bancnet, Expressnet and Encash. Gcash partner outlets consider the Gacsh Card as a valid ID, thus, it can be used in cash in or cash out transactions.

Every withdrawal will be charged P20. I think this is an acceptable fee considering the benefits you get from having this card. Also, I seldom withdraw from Gcash; I use the money to pay for online purchases, bills, movie tickets, etc. So the P20 withdrawal charge is nothing to fuss about and FYI Gcash partner outlets (except the Globe Business Centers) charges P10 cash out fee for every P1,000 or 1% of the total amount.

As more consumers get accustomed to e-commerce, Globe continues expanding its list of merchant partners that accept Gcash payment. Some of these are:

SM Cinema (I bought IMAX tickets for Transformers Dark of the Moon using Gcash)
Manila Water (I paid for our bill a couple of times using Gash)
Globe Postpaid Plans
Destiny Cable
Sky Cable
Maynilad
Meralco
Insurance companies such as Ayala Life, Cocolike, Philamlife and more

How to get a Gcash Card

You can submit an online application here. Globe charges P100 for every application so make sure that you have enough Gcash in your e-wallet before proceeding with the application.

You can customize your card’s design by uploading your own background or choosing among the designs provided in their website. After deciding on the design, you need to fill out the online form and upload a scanned 1x1 ID picture which will be printed at the back of your Gcash Card.

Transaction fees and some tips

I have withdrawn money in BDO and BPI ATMs. As expected, a P20 withdrawal fee was charged to my account (if you withdraw P1,000, the total deduction is P1,020). I suggest withdrawing your money once a month, or better yet, only when you really need cash. Use it to pay for bills, online shopping, etc.

Check your Gcash balance using your mobile phone because balance inquiry via ATM is charged at P3 per inquiry.

You will receive an SMS for every transaction using your Gcash Card. Make it a habit to review the SMS notifications you receive so you’ll not miss out on any deduction or possible misuse of your Gcash.

Are you a Gcash Card or Smart Money Card holder?

Which one do you prefer?

Tony Moly Membership Card and SM North EDSA flagship store

2011-07-17T02:17:00.001+08:00

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.

As expected, they maintained the white, clean and very organized store layout (which I like by the way, no striking colors on the background so customers tend to focus on their products). It is located at the 2nd floor main building near Kangaroo jack.

And as expected again, I was not able to resist buying Tony Moly products, more so when I learned that I can get a free membership card with a Php 500 single receipt purchase.

So how do you get hold of the very classy Tony Moly Membership Card? Visit any Tony Moly store (except the ones in the department stores) and purchase items worth Php 500. Upon payment of the items, they will give you the application form for you to fill out and give your membership card on-the-spot.

A 2% rebate can be earned for a minimum P100 single receipt purchase. For example, for a Php 1,000 purchase, you will get Php 20 rebate. The card is valid for 3 years but if you have no purchase for 1 year it will be cancelled and your rebates will be forfeited. If you like their products so much (like me), getting one is worth it. =)

I got a Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Mask in Pearl, Berry Lovely Girl Lip Liner 04, Water Jelly Tint in Pomegranate and a freebie: Tomatox Magic White Massage Pack.

I’ll be reviewing these items soon, so if you want to be updated on my posts kindly follow this blog via Google Friend Connect or subscribe to my posts via email (see left sidebar). TIA!

Have a blessed Sunday!

Review: Ecotools brush set for mineral makeup

2011-07-12T23:44:00.004+08:00

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:

Ecotools Bamboo 5 piece brush set (great for mineral makeup)

This earth-friendly set shows respect for the planet

Bamboo handle has a low impact on the earth’s resources as it is a highly sustainable plant.
Synthetic taklon bristles are 100% cruelty free.
Sleek ferrule is made from recycled aluminum.
Cosmetic case is made from natural cotton and hemp

Mineral Powder Brush

Apply powder or mineral foundation all over face in a circular, buffing motion and work inward towards nose.

Concealer Brush

Use with liquid or mineral powder concealer for more coverage on blemishes and under eyes.

Eye Shading Brush

Expertly cut to apply and blend powder eye shadows.

Baby Kabuki

Buff powder over areas that need more coverage.

You might be wondering why it says it has 5 pieces of brush when the pictures I took are only 4 pieces. This is because the cosmetic bag, made of 55% hemp linen and 45% cotton, is considered as the fifth piece.

Here are my thoughts on this product:

Pros

Saying that the EcoTools brushes are very soft is an understatement because they are REALLY VERY, VERY, VERY SOFT. The synthetic Taklon bristles maintained its softness even after washing (I’ve been using them for two months now and religiously wash them twice a week).
Versatile brushes. I use the brushes in other ways as recommended. The powder brush can function as a blush brush, the concealer brush as eye shading brush and the eye shading brush as a blending brush. As of now, having these four brushes is enough for a makeup newbie like me who is puzzled and amazed by the numerous types of brushes and their uses (I did not know of their existence until this year..haha..).
Thumbs up for cruelty-free products!
No shedding.
No bleeding.
Bristles are dense enough for my use.
Travel friendly.
Cosmetic bag is washable.

The Ecotools brushes is just the right size for my startup kikay kit.

Cons

Not locally available. Online sellers based in the Philippines are scarce (check this shop if you want to order one)
I find the cosmetic bag too small for the brushes. The four brushes fit the pouch if placed in an awkwardly slanted position.

Note: you can now follow me on Twitter!

Review: TonyMoly Partylover Auto Eyeliner

2011-05-25T08:00:00.006+08:00

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.

The description on the box says...

"With a thick and clear color sense, just one touch will make you have a thicker and clearer eye line. This product is waterproof type, with its thin silicon polymer forming a strong coating layer highly resistive to water, sweat and sebum, which can maintain sustaining power of the eye line for a long time without spreads. Besides, the sharpener equipped in the container can keep the lead like new all the time."

I seldom use eyeliners because it’s such a pain to put (make-up newbie here). So when I got my gift pack from TonyMoly, I thought to myself that this is the last item I will make a review of, but then again, plans change.

swatch

before

(I applied Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream on the eye area and used Elf Studio Eyebrow Kit in light)

after

Pros

Staying power is excellent. No smudging even under the 34+ degrees summer heat

It's retractable

Has a sharpener

Glides smoothly when applied and doesn't hurt my eyes

Cons

Not highly pigmented. Contrary to the product description, one touch is not enough. It took me 3 to 4 swipes to get the look on the third photo.

Like most waterproof product, removing it from your lids can be quite hard.

Too soft. The lead broke twice while I was sharpening it (or maybe I was doing it wrong).

The TonyMoly Partylover Auto Eyeliner is available at the TonyMoly store in SM Fairview and its counter at the SM North EDSA Department Store (soon in more locations). It retails for P248.

What’s your favorite eyeliner?

Food Trip: Amici

2011-05-23T08:00:00.002+08:00

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.

Insalata di Rucola con Pere e Formaggio Blu

Arugula and mixed greens paired with blue cheese and pear, served with a honey vinaigrette dressing

Spaghetti Ai Tesori del Mare

A mildly spicy feast of spaghetti tossed in fresh tomatoes, scallops, clams, mussels and chili oil

Peach Walnut Passion gelato cake

Tiramisu (on the house! thanks Amici SM North EDSA)

The food and service was good. I really like their gelato cake, I'll be coming back to try other flavors. But when it comes to pastas, I'd still choose The Old Spaghetti House and Napoli over Amici.

Oh, by the way, Amici is the Italian word for friend. =)

TonyMoly opens first store in the Philippines

2011-04-30T22:45:00.005+08:00

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. =)

Nah, I'm not in the picture. =)

TonyMoly SM Fairview is located at the ground floor, near the supermarket. They also have a kiosk at the SM North EDSA Department Store, ground floor. They will be opening more stores soon in SM Megamall, Makati, Manila and Davao.

They have a wide selection of BB creams ranging from P340+ to P1,150+.

TonyMoly is a total beauty cosmetic brand from Korea. The explanations about their brand name in the global and Philippine websites are confusing. The global website says that the word “tony” is an English word that means stylish while “moly” is a Japanese word that means to box something, hence, the stylish (and very cute) packaging of their products.

Apples, anyone? Red Appletox Honey Cream and Appletox Smooth Massage Peeling Cream

Tomatox Brightening Mask

Eggpore Series

Ice Queen Face Packs

Lip scrubs and lip balms

And my favorite packaging of all:

Latte Art Cappuccino Cream-in-Scrub and

Latte Art Milk Tea Morning Pack

The Philippine website, on the other hand, says that “tony” means nice and trendy while “moly” means included or employed in Japanese. I wonder which explanation is accurate. I hope our friends from TonyMoly will shed some light on this matter. =)

Thank TonyMoly Philippines for the gift package.

Live Snail Intense Repair Hydro-gel Mask and Live Snail Gift Four Sets (toner, lotion, cream and essence)

Perfect Micro Whipping Foam, Party Lover Auto Eyeliner and Nail Art Collection

My purchases

Essential Mask Sheet Pack in Green Tea, Cutie Beauty BB Cream in Lovely Sweetheart Lily, and Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Mask in Acerola

I was also eying these gorgeous eyeshadows but my budget is very limited for this week, next payday perhaps. Hehehe.

It took me quite a while to decide which item to buy. Now, my fortunate dilemma is which product I should try first. =)

Watcha think?

Tuesday, haul day: EcoTools brushes and CBTL tumbler

2011-04-26T14:01:00.002+08:00

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

(from L-R) baby kabuki, mineral powder brush, concealer brush and eye shading brush

EcoTools 6 Piece Make-up Brush Set

(from L-R) lash and brow groomer, eyeliner brush, eye shading brush and blush brush

The synthetic taklon bristles are really SUPER SOFT. I’ll road test these brushes for a couple of weeks and then I’ll let you know what I think.

If you want to get yours, click here or here.

Another thing that got me smile from ear to ear is this…

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malibu Soft Touch in Pink

=) Got any surprise this week?

Recipe: tomato basil pasta

2011-04-24T20:07:00.002+08:00

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.

Serves 4 to 6 hungry people.

Ingredients

8 medium, ripe, tomatoes, chopped
10 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
250 grams penne pasta (any type of pasta would do)
3 cloves of garlic, chopped (add more if you want a more garlicky flavor)
4 tbsp. olive oil
Mozeralla cheese (I used about 100grams)
Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s cook!

Cook the pasta until al dente.
Add olive oil and garlic in the sauce pan over high heat. Sauté until the garlic releases its aroma then add the tomatoes. Do not burn the garlic!
Lower the heat and let the tomatoes soften for about 5 minutes. Add a little water (or olive oil) if you want more sauce. You can adjust the cooking time depending on how soft you want the tomatoes. I like them less mushy and chunkier.
Add the pasta, basil and mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir well. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Try the Tomato Basil Pasta with roasted chicken. It's yummy!

Let me know if you’ve tried this recipe.

Happy eating!

Review: My first ever kabuki brush from Nichido

2011-04-19T01:04:00.002+08:00

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.

After using it for almost two months now, I can say that I am very impressed with it. I use my Nichido kabuki brush in applying compact powder and mineral foundation.

Pros

soft nylon hair (no scratchy feeling when used on my face)

NO shedding, not even a strand

NO bleeding (FYI, I wash my brush atleast once a week)

locally available (bought mine at an SM Department Store, also available in Watsons)

affordable (It's definitely a steal for P238)

looks classy

bristles are dense enough for my use

Cons

no brush cover or cap to protect it from dirt

I wonder how it will compare with the kabuki brush of EcoTools?

I'm so excited to get the EcoTools brushes I pre-ordered here (or here).

What's the best kabuki brush for you?

Review: Tony Moly Lip Tint in Cherry Pink

2011-03-27T22:58:00.005+08:00

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.

My pale lips without any lip product

with Tony Moly Lip Tint in Cherry Pink and ChapStick

The downside is (here goes the boo part) it can be too drying for my lips. My lips cracked when I used this straight for one week. A piece of advice to those who will use this product: make sure that you swipe some lip balm before and after applying the lip tint. This will relieve your lips from drying or cracking and makes the lip tint spread more evenly.

Some say that this lip tint can also be used as a cheek stain. I haven’t tried it though.

I bought this Tony Tint Mini from a trusted online seller in FB. This little lip tint is P80 (7g); the regular version is P300 (9ml).This is a steal because one swipe is enough to give color to my lips.

By the way, Tony Moly is a Korean line of beauty and skin care products established in 2006. Most of their products are packaged in a charming, cute and uncommon way. Just looking at their products makes me want to buy them all just because they are so damn cute!

(photo from the Tony Moly FB Page)

I wish there will be a Tony Moly store here in the Philippines!

Have you tried any products from Tony Moly?

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

2011-03-25T00:07:00.001+08:00

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
off their lights for the planet. This year marks a stark difference in the objectives of the switch-off. No longer aiming for numbers, the switch-off aims for meaning. With climate change issues becoming more critical, WWF-Philippines aims to go beyond Earth Hour by launching a year-long information and education campaign on climate change for Filipinos, revolving around the themes of energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate adaptation." ~from Earth Hour Pilipinas

Pre-REVIEW: Ellana Mineral Cosmetics and Milea Minerals

2011-03-21T01:30:00.004+08:00

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).

Samples from Ellana (from L-R): bronzer in Light Roast (matte deep caramel brown), foundie in Cinnamon Latte (medium with beige undertones), concealer in Cheer (creamy bisque for lightening the undereye area), foundie in Almond Latte (medium light with beige undertones) and finishing powder in Almond Coffee Cream (cool beige with sheer finish).

Ellana mineral make-up swatches (from L-R): Light Roast, Cheer, Cinnamon Latte, Almond Latte and Almond Coffee Cream.

I’m wearing Ellana’s bronzer in Light Roast, foundation in Cinnamon Latte and finpow in Almond Coffe Cream.

Milea Minerals

The second MMU brand that I got to try is Milea Minerals. Like Ellana’s, their samples were packed in small Ziplock bags, but Milea’s samples were more varied. It includes 10 MMU swatches!

Samples from Milea (from L-R): foundies in Almond and Cocoa (this is too dark for me), finpow in Shimmering,

blush-on in Peach and Rose, eye shadows in Very Green, Green Angel, Blue Angel,Pink Glow, and eyebrow powder in Dark Chocolate (top).

Milea mineral make-up swatches (from L-R): Cocoa, Almond, Shimmering, Dark Chocolate,

(from top to bottom, L-R) Peach, Rose, Blue Angel, Very Green and Green Angel (oopps, I misplaced the Pink Glow sample).

I’m wearing Milea’s foundation in Almond, eye shadows in Green Angel and Very Green, blush-on and lip color (mixed with lip balm) in Peach.

The verdict

Comparing the two sets of sample MMUs, Ellana was more generous in terms of quantity while Milea was more on variety. The samples I got from Ellana were good enough to use for 3 to 7 applications depending on the amount of coverage you want. I wasn’t able to build up the coverage with Milea because their samples were so little.

Milea (left) and Ellana's (right) MMU samples.

Both MMUs were highly pigmented, thus, a little goes a long way. I did not experience any allergic reactions or breakouts, too. Yehey!

And so the search for my HG MMU is still on…

Do you have any MMU recommendations?

FYI: I have a medium-tan skin tone with olive undertones.

You can request for Ellana MMU samples here and Milea MMU samples here. I only paid P50 for the shipping (via Xend) of the MMU samples from Ellana. On the other hand, Milea asked me to pay P100; P50 for the samples plus P50 for the shipping. Later, I found out that Milea ships via MC Express which costs only P40. Hmmm… what happened to the P10?

Couriers who do pick-up and delivery within Metro Manila

2011-03-17T23:54:00.005+08:00

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

Hotline: 960-8282

Other info: also offers provincial shipping which is coursed through LBC. Their provincial shipping rates are cheaper than that of LBC. International shipping is coursed through UPS for express shipping and Singapore Post for EMS and postal shipping; provides free supplies (this is the term they use to refer to the plastic pouches with seal)

Brief company description “Xend Business Solutions Inc. is a total logistics provider for eCommerce businesses. Our services include Domestic Courier, International Courier, eCommerce Order Fulfillment, and Domestic eCommerce money transfer services. By providing the eCommerce market with powerful online shipping tools, we were able to become the first official shipping partner of eBay Philippines and a shipping partner of many eCommerce companies…”

Metrowide Courier Express (MC Express)

I tried their services once when I wasn’t able to book for a pick-up online via Xend because of Internet connection problems. Their rider arrived at our office a couple of hours after I booked a pick-up by calling their landline (I’m not sure if they are still using it now because it’s no longer published on their website).

Pick-up: FREE within MM and Rizal areas

Cut-off time of scheduling same day pick-up: 4PM (MM), 1PM (Rizal)

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

Basic shipping rate: P40 for a parcel picked-up in MM for delivery within MM (Manila, Caloocan (North/South), Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig and Valenzuela), not weighing more than 1kg

Hotline: 0917908902, 09225180005, 09172088000, 09228927086

Other info: also offers provincial and international shipping, and same day delivery; provides free supplies

Brief company description “Metrowide Courier Express is committed in providing the highest standard in courier services. We are a start-up courier organization that initially focused on local online auctions and has now expanded to shipping services for regular customers…”

iDeliver101

Pick-up: FREE within MM, San Pedro, Laguna and Bacoor, Cavite

Cut-off time of scheduling same day pick-up: 2PM

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

Basic shipping rate: P40+tax for a parcel picked-up in MM for delivery within MM, not weighing more than 0.5kg

Hotline: (02) 836-9132, 09494523450, 09155832098, 09238551348

Other info: also offers same day delivery; provides supplies

Brief company description “iDeliver101 is here to provide our customers with a wide range of value added same-day and next-day delivery services of parcel, package, and documents at very reasonable prices. We currently offer the most competitive same-day and next-day delivery services with no hidden charges…”

JRS Express

Pick-up: P30 pick-up fee (needs verification)

Cut-off time of scheduling same day pick-up: ?

Transit time: next day delivery

Basic shipping rate: P80 for a parcel from MM to be delivered within Luzon, not weighing more than 100g

Hotline: (02) 637-2065 (for pick-up); 631-7351 to 56 loc. 227 & 217

Other info: also offers provincial and international shipping

Brief company description “The JRS BUSINESS CORPORATION was organized by its original incorporators and duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the 16th of June 1960. It was granted a franchise by the defunct Congress in 1961 under Republic Act #3260 to conduct a messenger and delivery express service for a period of fifty (50) years…”

Winlope Kurier Connection

Pick-up: FREE within MM and Rizal areas

Cut-off time of scheduling same day pick-up: ?

Transit time: next day delivery

Basic shipping rate: P45+tax for a parcel from MM and Rizal to MM, not weighing more than 1kg

Hotline: 357-6316, 401-7420, 0908-6854932, 0919-6738123, 0927-701601

Other info: also offers provincial, international shipping, customs brokerage, trucking and more

Brief company description “This company will think, eat, breathe quality service. Quality as defined by our clients…”

* photo from gettyimages.com

How to register for Globe G-cash

2011-03-15T23:55:00.005+08:00

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:

Via the Gcash menu

Go to the G-cash menu. Depending on the brand of you mobile phone, you can find it in the Tools (LG)Settings (iPhone) , Set-up (Blackberry), Entertainment (Sony Ericsson), Applications (Samsung), Office Tools (Motorola) or Globe Prepaid/Postpaid (Nokia) icons.
Select the “Register” option in the Gcash Menu. You will be prompted to provide the following info: your nominated 4-digit Gcash pin, complete name (provide the name used in any of your valid IDs, you may need to present an ID for future transactions), birthday and complete address.

Via SMS

Type REG4-digit PIN/motherâ€™s maiden name/first name/last name/address and send to 2882.

You will receive a notification once your registration is confirmed. Now, you are just a step away from sending and receiving money via Globe G-cash but before getting too excited load your Gcash first.

To load your Gcash or do a cash-in transaction, you can go to a Globe Business Center where they can convert your cash in Gcash for free. Cash-in transaction can also be made at accredited GCASH Partner such as SM Department, Metro Gaisano and 7/11 Stores. Transaction fees may apply. Moreover, you can also transfer funds from your Bancnet ATM or BPI Express Mobile to your Gcash.

To send Gcash, access the Gacsh Menu of your mobile phone and select “Send Gcash”. Via SMS, type AMOUNT4-digit PIN and send to 2882+10 digit cellphone number of the recipient.

To convert you Gcash into cash or do a cash-out transaction, go to a Globe Business Center or Gcash Partner near you. You can also transfer your Gcash wallet to your BPI account through the BPI Express Mobile menu.

To know more about other payment methods for Multiply online stores, click here.

Don’t miss any of my online selling tips and tricks, make sure to follow this blog or subscribe via email (enter your email add in the field located at the right side then click Subscribe) . =)

Creating an order form for your online store in Multiply

2011-03-01T08:00:00.025+08:00

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.

Take for example a buyer who is already sure of what he is going to order. If there is an order form, what he will do is 1) click the order form link; 2) enter the necessary information in the order form; and 3) click the submit button. He will then wait for the confirmation of his orders.

Compare this scenario without the order form. Most often than not, the sure buyer will have to 1) copy the questions from the seller’s website ; 2) open his email account; 3) paste it to the message field of his email; 4) insert the necessary info; and 5) click the email button OR send the seller a private message in Multiply following the same steps OR create a lengthy text message containing all the information that the seller wants to know. You get the picture, eh?

Less internet savvy sellers need not fear creating order forms. There are many free (and paid), online form builders you can use to make your own order form that you can tailor fit to your business needs. Here are some options:

Freedback (I use this to create an order form for my Multiply store) - “Put an HTML form on your site in about 8 minutes. No programming required. (Not even a little bit.) Designed for people who want HTML forms without learning HTML.”
Email Me Form- "Email Me Form is a free online form generator service that helps you create HTML forms for your website, with no programming required.”
Form Stack - “Our easy to use , drag and drop online form builder allows you to build any type of web form to help your organization collect data online. No programming or HTML experience needed.”

After creating an order form using any of those mentioned above or other HTML form builder, you will get an HTML code which you will copy and paste on your website. To display it on your Multiply store, follow these steps:

Create a new album in your Multiply store.
Add a related photo to the album.
Click “Upload”.
Title the new album “Order Form” or other related phrase you want.
Copy the HTML code generated by the form builder.
Paste the HTML code on the “Description” field of the new photo album.
Click “Save and Publish” and you’re done!

You will receive an email (you'll specify this when you sign up in any HTML form builder) every time a client submits an order form.

Tips:

Include only the necessary questions in your order form. Don’t make it look like an online “slumbook” or “autograph book”. A typical order form have the following questions/fields: full name, home/shipping address, contact number, email address, products to order, and payment and shipping preferences.
Use short and simple words in composing your questions. Instead of putting one field each for the buyer’s last, middle and given name just put “Full Name”.
Use tick boxes or radio buttons whenever possible.
Add the summary of your store policies or a link to it at the end of the form so that the buyer can see, and hopefully, reads it. Let’s face it; some buyers are too lazy to read store policies (usually written via blog posts in Multiply) and end up bombarding sellers with soooooo many questions that are already answered in the store policies section. At least, as a seller, you have done your part to inform the buyer that you are implementing some store policies.

Do not make ordering a product a tedious task for your clients. Modify your ordering procedures to make it convenient and hassle-free for them, and not only for you as a seller.

Have you tried selling or buying anything online?

* photo from gettyimages.com

Going organic, Sesou Nature Source

2011-02-28T09:00:00.011+08:00

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.

Sesou Nature Source, formerly known as EcoMarket, is truly a one-stop shop for your organic needs. According to Sesou’s website, they offer products that “are plant and/or mineral based and free of nasty chemicals; use safer ingredients from renewable resources; are formulated with your health in mind; have not been tested on animals; are mostly Philippine owned and made; and are packed in recycled, recyclable and/or refillable containers.”

Among the organic products they sell include Human Heart Nature, GIGA, All Organics, Botany Works, Wild Organics, Leyende, Oasis and Ilog Maria. Sesou kiosks are located at:

Market! Market! - ground level, main entrance (across Mercury Drug)
Trinoma Mall - ground floor, main aisle (across Sarabia Optical)
Glorietta 3 Mall - ground floor (main corridor facing the Landmark entrance)

Lucky for us who live/work near their branches, we don’t have to order online and wait for our organic hauls to be delivered. Just a quick visit to one of their branches and our organic fix will be fulfilled!

My Sesou haul: All Organics Skin Aide and Human Heart Nature Moisturizing Conditioner.

Review: Cyleina’s Black Pearl and Tomato Soap

2011-02-27T09:30:00.019+08:00

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.

The Black Pearl according to Cyleina:

Cyleina Black Pearl lightens dark spots caused by sun exposure and pimple scars . It is effective in lightening dark underarms and inner thighs caused by imbalanced hormones, chemical burns from deodorants  and delays wrinkle formation with its collagen content.

Ingredients:

Glycerine, Distilled Water, Myristic acid, Marine Collagen Peptide, Licorice, Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin E acetate, Peppermint essential oil

I've been using the Black Pearl for more than two weeks now. I use it to wash my face two to three times a day. It has a fruity (I think it’s strawberry) and minty scent. It leaves my face a cool feeling (like a menthol shampoo) after washing.

I noticed that my face was smoother and less oily than before. It also dried my pimples a bit. However, there are times that my skin feels too dry so I make sure that I apply moisturizer after washing my face. As for the whitening effect, I cannot say much as of this moment since I haven’t noticed any lightening of my pimple scars. I’ll post an update on this after a month or two of using the Black Pearl. (Update: This doesn't work for me, no lightening of my pimple scars even after I finished the whole soap.)

The Tomato Soap according to Cyleina:

Made from red and ripe organically grown tomatoes, Cyleina Organic Tomato Soap counters oily skin by absorbing surplus oil. The tonic benefits of tomato deeply cleanses and tightens the pores. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids found in tomato helps get rid of pimples and acne through its gentle exfoliating action and this also results to getting your cheeks a rosy hue and your body a fair glow!

Ingredients:

Saponified Organic Vegetable oil,Jojoba Oil, sweet almond oil, organic tomato extracts

The Tomato Soap was not suitable for me. I used it alternately with Black Pearl for two days and got some breakouts. I might try it again, but for now, it will end up as body soap for the family, hehehe.

Tips:

Organic soaps dissolve faster than other soaps. To prolong its life, cut the soap to several pieces and use a soap dish.
I bought Cyleina’s Black Pearl (100gm for P125) and Tomato Soap (120gm for P65) from my trusted online seller in Multiply. Cyleina Organic Soaps are also available in Hortaleza.

Cyleina's Papaya Goat's Milk and Batangas Coffee.

Freebies from my trusted online seller =)

Review: elf Studio Eyebrow Kit

2011-02-09T19:01:00.005+08:00

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.

elf Studio Eyebrow Kit #81301 (light)

The product description in the box says:
Create brows that are fuller, thicker, and more defined. Shapes and sets your eyebrows. Gives lasting color definition for a naturally beautiful look.

Here are before and after photos of my eyebrows.

before / after

before

after

Pros:

Very easy to apply (for a make-up newbie like me. Yeah, I’m a late bloomer)
The shade fits my skin (I have a medium-tan skin tone with olive undertones)
Easy to blend
Long-lasting
Lightweight

Cons:

Can’t think of any as of this moment

Would I buy this again: Definitely!

How about you? Have you tried this product?
What can you say bout it?

Payment methods for Multiply online stores

2011-02-04T09:35:00.003+08:00

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”.

Cash

Give your clients an option to pay cash during meet-ups or pick-ups. To discourage bogus buyers, include in you store policies that a down payment, usually 50 percent of the total bill, is required before processing orders. This is highly recommended to online stores that offer made-to-order (MTO) items.

Globe G-Cash

IMOHO, Using G-Cash is now synonymous to online buying in the Philippines, the same way Paypal is for international e-commerce. Globe Business Centers and G-cash partners such as the SM Customer Service, selected outlets of Tambunting and Villarica Pawnshops, and 7-11 convenience stores abound in the metro and most provinces. Turning your cash to G-cash is fairly easy to both the buyer and seller.

Money Transfer Facilities

LBC Express Peso Padala and Western Union are just two of the many reliable and safe money transfer facilities that have mushroomed all over the country. I recommend these two for clients who are based in provinces where there are hardly or no G-cash partners available.

Bank deposit

Paying thru bank deposit is the most safe payment method. It may require more effort on the part of your client but it can also boost his/her trust in your online store since you need to give your name and bank details.

These are just my experience both as an online buyer and seller. The point is, as store owners, we need to provide a hassle-free experience to our clients. Keep them happy with every purchase and you will earn more.

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

2011-02-03T10:39:00.019+08:00

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)

Polymer clay creations

My first polymer clay creations, a miniature cupcake and pendant, were also not that easy to make. After watching a few tutorials on You-tube, I headed to our kitchen table and made another cupcake. This time, I made a better icing. For the pendant, it looked like a round ube cake.

Now, I understand why crafters sometimes sell their clay creations online for exorbitant prices. The prices are not at all expensive considering the amount of effort and concentration they put in to make detailed pieces.

Claying is fun. It brings out the kid in me. Hahaha… So, I will be making more clay creations in the future but maybe not for a living. I’ll leave that part to my sister. These yummy polymer clay creations are made by her.

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

2011-01-23T10:30:00.002+08:00

*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

2011-01-22T09:00:00.005+08:00

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.

Oh, by the way, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is giving out double stamps every Monday and Tuesday of January. Drop by their branches at the Newport Mall, Centris Walk, McKinley Hill, Rockwell Business Center, and The Residences at Greenbelt. For Cebu-based CBTL fans, double stamps are given out every Saturday and Sunday of this month at SM-Cebu, Asia Town IT Park Cebu, Ayala Terraces Cebu and Robinson’s Cybergate Cebu. (You must purchase something to get double stamps)

Note to myself: I shall write on this journal my schedule, thoughts, dreams, ways to payback, and whatnots until the end of the year. I shall not let this journal end up like my last year’s planner from another coffee chain, which was barely used.

Note to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Philippines: Thank you for making the 2011 Giving Journal worth all the stamps. I hope that this year, you will make an EXTRA EFFORT to improve your CUSTOMER SERVICE. Oh, pretty please… Don’t make me (and your other loyal customers) get my caffeine fix from the other coffee chain.

Back to jumping rope

2010-12-14T15:29:00.004+08:00

If you think that jumping ropes are just for kids, try skipping for five minutes and you’ll be amazed that it’s not that easy. I just finished doing a 10-minute jump rope cardio workout (see video below) and until now I’m still trying to catch my breath.

I got inspired to try jumping rope workouts when I read on a forum where people affirms that it can tone the arms and legs, and make the tummy smaller. A few months ago, I bought a jumping rope from Toby’s at P145. I started to jumped rope for 15 minutes every other day for one week. After the first day, my calves and thighs were aching so badly. So, I stopped and got too lazy to continue.

The soreness I felt was due to DOMS or delayed onset muscle soreness. For jumping rope newbies like me, don’t fret when you experience this one to three days after your workout. The pain and stiffness means that your muscles are rebuilding. This is why you need to do your jumping rope workouts in an interval to give your muscles time to rest and rebuild.

I was motivated to get my jumping rope out of the closet and start jumping again because I feel like I’m living a very inactive lifestyle (that’s what you get from working from home). I will make jumping rope as one of my exercise routine, and hopefully Pilates, too!

* photo from gettyimages.com

Deep fried Oreo cookies, yum!

2010-12-04T23:33:00.003+08:00

Oreo is in itself a comfort food. But what happens when you coat it with a light batter and deep fry until golden brown?

Heaven…

Thanks to my sister who introduced me to another yummy treat to include on my list of comfort food. Today, I took my first big bite into a deep fried Oreo cookie at The Old Spaghetti House.

TOSH’s deep fried Oreo cookies a la mode (P90).

I can’t wait to try making it at home. All you need is a pancake mix, Oreos and a deep fryer, and you are on your way to taste a piece of heaven. =)

Facebook turns into a cartoon and anime photo album

2010-12-03T23:44:00.006+08:00

Browsing my Facebook account these past few days is like flipping through the pages of a cartoon and anime photo album.

The message below was posted and went viral on Facebook. Reports say that this post has been circulating since December 1, also the same date when the “Change your profile picture to a cartoon character campaign” Facebook Page was created.

“Change your profile picture to a cartoon character from your childhood andinvite your friends to do the same. Until Monday (Dec 6) there shouldbe no human faces on facebook, but an invasion of memories. This is acampaign to stop violence against children.”

Prior to this, a similar message was also posted stating:

"From the 16th to the 20th of November, we shall change our profile pictures to our favourite cartoon characters. The purpose of this game is to remove all photos of human for a few days from Facebook"

According to KnowYourMeme, it appears that this new meme (a cultural unit, such as an idea or practice that is passed from one person to another, in this case via the Internet) was originally written in Greek. It is still unknown where it originated. Moreover, there is even no violence against children-related event happening within the given time frame.

With all the mysteriousness behind the Facebook cartoon and anime profile pictures, the only thing clear to me is that most of my friends are willing to help in their own little way to stop violence against children. Putting cartoon or anime photos as profile pictures may not directly deter violence against children but it surely does raise awareness. And hopefully , as A.I.D.A. says it , awareness (or attention) will be followed by interest, desire and ACTION.

Connecting to Yahoo!, GoogleTalk, Skype, Twitter and Facebook simultaneously with Trillian Astra 5.0

2010-12-02T23:26:00.003+08:00

Seems impossible, right? But it is POSSIBLE.

People who are close to me might be wondering how in the world I am able to go online with not just two, but seven email accounts all at the same time. I have one each for my online stores and personal accounts, some of which are working since I was in high school.

So, here goes the story of how I manage one Skype, one Twitter, two Google, five Yahoo! email accounts and three social networking accounts.

I was introduced to Trillian, an instant messaging (IM) software developed by Cerulean Studios, a couple of years ago by my brother. Back then, we only had one personal computer at home that is shared with my four siblings. Imagine each one of us waiting in line for their turn to get online. If my memory serves me right, the version we used to connect to our different IM accounts was Trillian Basic 3.0.

Click photo to view a larger image.

With its latest (beta) version released on August 2010, Trillian Astra 5.0 has truly become the “ultimate instant messenger” and so much more.

Interoperability is the magical way of connecting to all your IM and social networking accounts simultaneously. You can do this because Trillian Astra supports the following accounts:

Google
Yahoo!
Skype
Windows Live
AIM
ICQ
MySpace
Jabber
Facebook
Twitter
Foursquare
POP3 Email
IMAP
IRC
Bonjour

You can select different status for your accounts, customize your Trillian and review previous IMs. Also, organizing your contacts is a trouble-free experience with Trillian because each one of them has an icon beside their name indicating their IM client.

My favorite thing about Trillian Astra is I get notified when I receive new emails. It even shows the sender and subject of the message when I hover the mouse to the email icon.

Trillian Astra enables you to broadcast your webcam, transfer and receive files, store feeds, view likes and read/write comments in Facebook, etc.

The list goes on.

The second best thing I love about it is that I do not need to open a web browser to view my Facebook and Twitter accounts. Thanks to the newly integrated social network interface window, I am less likely (or more likely, I’m not sure yet. hehehe) to get distracted from my work.

Trillian Astra 5.0 is available for Windows. You can download it for free at http://www.trillian.im/learn/tour-trillian5.html

Other versions are available for Mac, iPhone, Android and Blackberry.

* photo from trillian.im

How to convince potential clients that you are a legit online seller

2010-12-01T23:45:00.004+08:00

One of the many challenges online sellers in Multiply or “Multiplyneurs” face when starting up is convincing potential clients that they are legit sellers and not bogus. I believe that this challenge is mostly experienced by Pinoy Multiplyneurs because e-commerce, the buying and selling of goods and services online, is a concept that is not yet fully embraced by Filipinos.

As an online seller myself, I, too, have encountered this dilemma when I launched my online store in Multiply last year. Back then, there was no Multiply Trust program to identify online sellers who have been “verified” by Multiply. However, I was still able to build customer trust and soon orders were coming.

Here are some tips on how to convince your clients that you are a legit online seller:

1. Get feedback from your previous clients whom you’ve had offline and online transactions. Create a feedback page or album in your site and politely request them to post their comments, suggestions, and yes, including constructive criticisms.

2. Customize your online store’s Multiply theme / layout. There are many online sellers in Multiply that offer Multiply theme customization. When customizing your Multiply theme, make sure that your site complies with Multiply’s Terms of Service and Policies, or else your account might get suspended.

3. Upload actual photos of the items you are selling. Take your own photo of the items and put a watermark on it. Do not steal photos of other online sellers who sell the same kind of items, they made an effort in taking photos of the items; RESPECT their rights over the photos.

4. Meet-up with your first client if the situation allows.

5. Register your business and upload a photo of your business license.

6. Get a trusted seller’s badge by signing up for Multiply Trust program.

7. Maintain excellent customer service before, during and after your transactions. Be courteous and friendly to your clients whether they are your first or 100th customer.

I hope this helps. =)

*photo from gettyimages.com

Take a peek inside Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s 2011 Giving Journal

2010-11-25T01:39:00.004+08:00

It’s becoming pleasantly cooler now that Christmas is just around the corner, making it impossible for me to resist a warm cup of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s (CBTL) coffee. Aside from getting the 2011 Giving Journal, what makes CBTL’s coffee (tea and yogurt) more enjoyable this season is the thought that you are “changing lives with every cup.”

The 2011 Giving Journal is a huge upgrade from last year’s ~~journal~~ notebook with blank pages (which is my notebook of choice when jotting down business-related notes, making to-do lists and doodling). Not a bad reward for gulping down 24 CBTL drinks: 1 Original Ice Blended, 1 one Tea Latte, 1 Apple Caramel Ice Blended or Apple Pie Tea Latte and any 21 drink of choice (Original Ice Blended, Frozen Swirl, and coffee- and tea-based drinks).

The first page that greets you after the black flyleaf.

The coupons with monthly freebies and discounts will never be misplaced anymore because it is now included in the journal itself (last year’s coupons were in printed in loose glossy papers).

It lives up to its name “giving journal” by featuring special pages for a Gift Giving Cheat Sheet, 101 Ways to Give Back, Pay It Forward List and pages for notes, special events and vacation planner.

Oh, by the way, CBTL had me at purple. =D

LSS: I love the way you lie

2010-10-09T10:05:00.001+08:00

I found this very soothing version of I Love the Way You Lie (orig. by Eminem and Rhianna) by Stephenie Gee, a Korean born and raised in New York. The lyrics of the song is actually a mix of another musician and Gee's words.

Mp3 download available here.

- - -
just gonna stand there and watch me burn
but that's alright because i like the way it hurts
just gonna stand there and hear me cry
but that's alright because i love the way you lie

Always thought you and I were perfect
I could tell you from the start
Thought you were gonna be my man,

but then you left tore me apart
And now you're gone
You ain't by my side, got me askin' questions
Cause everything we were was all a lie
When were you gonna tell me
oh how you feel
Why you gotta wait so long to tell me it was all unreal

just gonna stand there and watch me burn
but that's alright because i like the way it hurts
just gonna stand there and hear me cry
but that's alright because i love the way you lie
i love the way you lie

[Me]
Everyday I sat by just waiting,
For you to come back home
But then i saw you with a girl
Broke my heart, and left me cold
Seems so unreal,
Can't grasp this thought, couldn't sleep at all last night
Cause just realized it was all a lie
When were you gonna tell me
Just how you feel
Left me for someone else and here i am caught up in tears

just gonna stand there and watch me burn
but that's alright because i like the way it hurts
just gonna stand there and hear me cry
but that's alright because i love the way you lie

4th Auto Review Run for Road Safety & Courtesy set on Sept. 25

2010-09-21T21:11:00.003+08:00

Instead of the usual conference room table and chair set-up, sponsors, exhibitors and the press were treated to a very unique press conference and sponsors’ briefing of the 4th Auto Review Run for Road Safety & Courtesy at the Bluewater Day Spa. The early comers were given a complimentary 30-minute foot massage. I have to admit, it was the most unique (and most pampering) press launch that I have been to.

As the aromatic and calming scent in the Spa Theater at Bluewater Day Spa lingered in the air, Mr. Ron de los Reyes, Auto Review’s host and race organizer , discussed the details of the race. With the theme “Run Fit, Drive Fit,” the fourth Auto Review run aims to highlight the “correlation between good health and good driving. It has been found out that people who engage in sports like running can have good disposition when driving.”

The attendees also got a glimpse of the singlet that will be given to registered runners. Contrary to their website announcement, the singlet will not be glow-in-the-dark. But nevertheless, runners will surely look forward to the new singlet because it has a reflector at the back, which I believe is better to use when jogging in early morning or at night.

Mr. Ron de los Reyes shows the attendees the singlet (also available in blue) with a reflector at the back.

The 4th Auto Review Run will be held on September 25 at the Fort Bonifacio Global City. The race is divided into three categories; 3K, 5K, and 10K. Registration fee is P450.

Registration is until September 23, Thursday.

Registration Areas:

Visions in Action Ent., Inc. - No. 5 Agusan St. Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City

R.O.X - Bonifacion High St., Taguig City

Runnr - Bonifacion High St., Taguig City

For more information, race maps and online registration, log-on to www.autoreviewtv.net

CBTL's Swirl Rewards Card

2010-07-05T22:24:00.002+08:00

I don’t exactly know why I like Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) better than other coffee shops. It may be the homey ambiance, feel-good music or simply the excellent coffee and tea concoctions.

I love coffee. And I feel like I’m starting to fall in love with tea. That’s why I decided to get a Swirl Rewards Card. For P195, I think the perks that come with the card were worth it – free WiFi access at any CBTL branch and merchant discounts (I just hope they will get more participating merchants).

Moreover, with every P100 purchase in CBTL earns me 5 Swirl points (1 Swirl point = P1) that I can use to pay for any CBTL products. I can upsize my drink with just 15 Swirl points! That alone is a great deal for a coffee and tea drinker like me. I can even use my Swirl Rewards Card as a cash card that I can reload with a minimum of P500. The CBTL website said that the points I can earn will double when I use it as cash card. I hope to try this soon.

Start sipping right guys!

(Finally, it’s July! I can now avail of the CBTL Giving Journal’s July coupon – buy one breakfast set and get the next one for free. Salmon Scramble and Break O' Day here we come!)

I joined the BB cream bandwagon

2010-07-02T15:01:00.006+08:00

I am not a fan of make-ups especially foundations and other creams that make me look and feel heavily made-up. I am a white shirt-jeans-slippers girl wearing moisturizer-powder-blush-lip gloss on a typical day (you get the picture). So when I first heard of BB cream from my sister, I had second thoughts on trying it out. The thought of “cream” alone makes me think of whiteheads and breakouts.

So, I did a little research first and found out that BB cream actually stands for “blemish balm cream.” According to online sources, this cream is originally used in Germany by laser skin surgery patients as a medical, not cosmetic, product to heal their skin imperfections. The Koreans turned the cream into a cosmetic product known today as “ the secret” of Korean celebrities.

The BB cream has become a craze in Asia and is now gaining popularity in US and Europe. Although there are many blog posts and product reviews, I think many Filipina are unaware of this secret – maybe they are keeping it secret on purpose (and I’m going to reveal it here, hehehe).

Out of curiosity, I tried Maybelline’s Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream a few weeks ago. Apart from being cheaper (or if not the cheapest in the market), Maybelline’s BB Cream in 18ml tube costing PhP249 is perfect for trial purposes.

My review of Maybelline’s BB Cream is posted here.

REVIEW: Maybelline’s Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream

(photo from Maybelline Philippines)

Multiply launches Trust and Promote programs

2010-06-24T00:56:00.005+08:00

About 80 percent of the online stores in Multiply are based in the Philippines, which is aptly dubbed as the Multiply Nation by the Entrepreneur magazine.

Multiply executive chairman Claudio Pinkus led the launching of the Multiply Trust and Multiply Promote programs attended by over 70 Filipino online sellers (including the author) at the ABS-CBN, ELJ Communication Center on June 23, 2010. As of May 2010, there are 50,000 online stores in Multiply, 40,000 of which are Philippine-based.

Competing with online shops that have been doing business in Multiply for the longest time is challenging for newbies. Through Multiply Trust, potential customers will know that they can trust a new online seller to deliver its promised products/services because it has been “verified” by Multiply. Online sellers can choose between the three levels of verification that suits their needs and budget; Verified Seller (P1999), Verified Business (P2999) and Trusted Business (P4999) will get a badge showing the verification level.

Filipino online sellers in Multiply convene at the forum and

launch event hosted by ABS-CBN.

The Multiply Trust program is a great way to build credibility especially for online sellers who just started their business. However, for starters like me, you can still build customer trust without spending a dime. I will share some tips on building customer trust in another post.

On the other hand, the Multiply Promote program is an advertising scheme within Multiply that lets online sellers create and optimize ads for their business. At present, the ads will be displayed within the Multiply network only. Pinkus said they look forward to place Multiply Promote ads in other website such as Facebook.

I have not tried Multiply Promote yet, but according to one online seller I met during the launch that it was quite effective in directing traffic to her new Multiply store. In just a couple of days she had over 40 visitors. But I think I would not be signing up for Multiply Promote in the next months. You see, majority of my clientele find their way to my online shop via links in other websites like blogs, Sulit and Facebook. I shall consider placing an add when Multiply Promote ads reach websites other than Multiply. For the meantime, I will be spending more time and no money on link building to direct traffic to my online shop.

Moreover, Pinkus shared to the attendees that more features will be added soon to make Multiply more functional for online sellers and shoppers alike. These features include:

Integrated shopping cart
On and off-line payment methods
Review and rating system (This can be useful in establishing an online seller’s credibility; customers will be able to rate the online sellers based on different aspects such as quality of products/services, customer service, etc.)
Site layouts tailored to online shops
Order tracking and inventory management (According to Pinkus, Multiply plans to incorporate order forms to eliminate the need to get order form codes from third parties and filters to facilitate order tracking)
Improved analytics (Online sellers can monitor site visits, ad clicks, and other aspects measured in Google Analytics)

Aside from the good and enlightening discussions, Multiply gave away P4,500 worth of ads thru Multiply Promote to online sellers who signed-up for Multiply Trust during the launching event. Also, An iPad was raffled out to the attendees. Sadly, I did not win. But the experience, knowledge gained and the stories shared between other online sellers were priceless.

Note: Multiply Nation photo from Entrepreneur.com.ph

Daydreams

2010-06-23T12:00:00.001+08:00

Once in a while I find myself staring blankly in space; thinking of nothing in particular but bombarded with countless thoughts and musings about everything. This often happens to me while traveling in a bus. Even the 20 minutes ride from our house to the office triggers my neurons to work in frenzy. My thoughts and ideas seem to pour faster than my hand can write or type it.

So, here lie my thoughts, ideas, realizations and musings about life in general.

A few random things about me:

I love it when it rains. I do not know why I feel more comfortable when the weather is gloomy. The rain somehow washes away the negativity around me.
I love wearing jackets (sweaters, hoodies, blazers, etc), complements my fondness for the cold weather.
My favorite color is purple but I don’t own any clothes of that color.
All my siblings are musically inclined. I know how to play the guitar but never got beyond the basics.