For the Love of Fashion

When Sharon Cuneta’s 3M Hermes bag was featured on SNN some time ago, it was hugely commented as “extravagance” by kibitzers worldwide. Some said Sharon could have donated the money to hungry children instead; others say she was not helping the weak Philippine economy by being lavish. Nonsense! Sharon can’t save our country or the hungry children by not buying Hermes bag alone. She is working (ads, albums, shows, movies, concerts, etc.) thus she is earning thus she has the right to purchase anything she wants and needs. So please, give her a break.

This also goes to Ruffa Gutierrez’s lavish shoe collection which was shown on SNN last night. Before it will create a wildfire on the internet again, I want to say that Ruffa, like Sharon, deserves these indulgences too.

Thanks PEP for the photos. See more of Ruffa's shoe collection here. Related post here.

A Spanish Escape

I dream of wandering around the streets of Barcelona, Spain someday. In the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona, it is so enchanting and mystifying. This city offers a variety of possibilities and I want to make sure to spend a holiday in it even once in my lifetime. Plus a side trip to Manacor, Mallorca to visit the hometown of my favorite Spanish tennis heroes, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya. And also to shop till I drop in Madrid. Who wants to go with me?

Let's Go Boho!

When you go out and instantly you wish you were in Iceland, you'd know that it is summertime. Of course, you’d also know it judging the fashion cuts shops are displaying on their stands and racks.

I passed by a shop at SM Cebu the other day but I forgot its name yet the designs of their clothes and accessories really stuck in my mind.

Then I found out through my friend, Google, that the style which caught my eyes is called Bohemian or Boho fashion. I lust over it and soon (hello banker?!), I’m gonna wear a few of these..

Goodbye Rat, Hello Ox

Early in 2008, I gave up my lucrative banking job in Cebu City for more important facets of my married life which definitely needed all of my attention. I was very poignant at first but now as I look back at the 365 days that went by, I feel assured that I made the right decision.

I couldn’t exchange for anything in the world every minute I’ve spent in my husband’s arms, the experiences that made me grow prudently, and how I’m being indulged as a princess rather than an “other half”. Life with him is so wonderful and I couldn’t ask for more.

In the year of the Ox, I plan to go back to school (finish my Masters Degree or study Web Programming or Literature) and hopefully I can start my own business.

Moreover, I pray that Mark and I can still make it through the rough roads. His job is going to demand more of his time as he goes up one step higher in the ranks. I, as dutiful wife, should learn to be more patient with him.

I have faith that God will never leave me alone in my journey. Haven’t I told you that HE has been very consistent in pampering me with life’s comforts? God’s been my rock and forever He will be.

To everyone, I wish you more blessings in the coming year (just few hours from now) – fulfillment of your dreams and strength to conquer trials.

Christmas Wish

May the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow. Wish you lots of love, joy and happiness.

Cheers,
Jane

It's Time for Shopping!

It’s seven days to Christmas and I have yet to buy presents and get ready for the noche buena.

It is the only time of the year that my husband allows me to splurge on him (as you know he’s not vain and he’s pretty okay with just anything in his wardrobe – jerseys, giveaway shirts, faded jeans) so I’m gonna buy something special for him like aviator sunglasses from Ray-Ban.

And my sister Jill will get a waffle hoody that’s so ‘in’ these days.

For me, well, all I need is a solid pair of ear plugs. I’m suffering distress at the sound of fireworks in the neighborhood these days more so on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. I’m sure I’ll chicken out when chaos of bangs and squeals of powerful “rockets” begins. I don’t need to buy one though as my husband’s shooter’s ear plugs will do.

For my family and godchildren, I think I could excuse myself to give them tangible things these holidays since they are all in the province. Besides, Mark and I will move to Cebu early next year thus I will have plenty of time to make up for my “debts” when I get there. (LOL.. good alibi ha?!) Instead, I will give them personalized greetings this Christmas – something that is carved my heart.

And what’s for noche buena? I plan to prepare fried chicken, macaroni salad, grilled bangus, fried calamares, pancit, nachos, and fruit cocktail. The bread and cake, I will just buy at Goldilocks.

I guess it’s time to spend the gift certificates from Sodexho!

The Nymph

My cousin May has an alter ego that is talking to her at SilentMoan and she named her “nymph”. I’ve never been spellbound on ethereal creatures until I get to know a nymph on her blogs.

According to Encarta Dictionaries, a nymph is a goddess of natural beauty such as woods, mountains, and rivers and traditionally regarded as a beautiful woman. Or it can be the larva of some insects such as dragonflies, mayflies, and grasshoppers.

If I would meet a nymph face to face on the eve of my birthday and she has the enchanted power to grant my wishes, I would gladly ask for the following:

First, a weeklong vacation in Palawan. It has been my yearning to indulge myself in the mantel of rainforests, majestic mountains, primeval caves, best diving sites, and pristine beaches of the Palawenos. It is where I could be one with nature completely.

Second, an all-expense-paid trip to any of the ATP Masters Series and Grand Slams events. To say that I am a big tennis fan is an understatement. I so love Nadal and Safina. I follow their careers religiously. It would be exciting to watch them live and experience the thrills of their matches in real time.

Third, a Blackberry. It’s a caprice, I know. However, if I could have one, it must be the Red Blackberry Pearl 8100.

Fourth, a Claude Monet’s painting. I like to paint but painting doesn’t like me. And so I only admire the works of the genius artists like Claude Monet. I was in awe of his paintings that were embellished on my stationeries in high school days. I would love to own one of his masterpieces and hang it on our dining wall.

Last but certainly not the least, a chocolate mousse tiara cake. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a cake on my birthday. Maybe three years ago? This time, I want to pamper my sweet tooth. I dream to get lost in the heavenly flavors of chocolate, cream, and nuts baked on tiara pans. It should be a tiara design as I want a nymph theme.

Well, these are just my whims. I could live through without these things but it surely is a bonus to experience them before I die. On the other hand, I fervently pray that God will continually bestow the true desires of my heart – good health for my loved ones, peace of mind, world peace, blessings and more blessings.

(Happy birthday, pretty May! See, we were born just 5 years and a day from each other that’s why we look and think alike. Haha. Rock on, cuz!)

Related Post: 10 Things I'd Like to Do Before I Die

10 Things I'd Like To Do Before I Die

1. Learn the art of cooking.
2. Get married and have kids.
3. Own a business.
4. Build my dream house.
5. Work out the body figure to die for.
6. Finish a Doctoral Degree.
7. Travel the world with my family and friends.
8. Drive a platinum Jaguar.
9. Produce a collective album and/or concert of my favorite artists.
10. Leave a legacy as a benevolent philanthropist.