Wheezing Magda

The Metro Manila Film Fest (MMFF) started yesterday, December 25. There are a total of 8 official entries and they are the following: (click on the titles to view the trailers) 1.  Bonifacio: Gusto Mo Ba Sya Makilala? 2.  English Only Please 3.  Feng Shui 2 4.  Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 5.  Magnum Muslim 357 6.  My Big Bossing 7.  Praybeyt Benjamin 2 8.  Shake, Rattle and Roll 15 But the two movies shown in the cover photo above are, as they claim now, the top grossing movies for the MMFF 2014. And I have an argument for that.

This is my first sample from Sample Room; remember my first post about this? This is a full size lipstick from Colour Collection. According to Sample Room's description, this lipstick retails at Php 399 (US$9). I was only able to get this for Php 140 (U$3) because of the shipping cost. Great deal right? the Packaging I honestly love the packaging of the item from the box to the lipstick itself. The lipstick cap is tightly placed which is good, in my opinion, because it would really protect the lipstick when it's inside our bags. 

DISCLOSURE:   This post was originally posted on December 25, 2014. I have just updated this post today (12-11-2015). The introduction part was changed and the rest remained the same. Christmas is around the corner and many are looking forward different events such as Christmas parties, family reunions, etc. One of the awaited events in the Philippines is the Metro Manila Film Festival. This festival runs from the 25th of December to the first week of January in the following year and focuses on locally produced films. I was able to experience it for the first time the past year and it was dreadful! The lines in both the ticketing booth and the entrance of the cinema are ridiculous. And from that first experience, I learned how to prepare. Now, I'll be sharing with you how to you can avoid these long ticketing lines.

How did you spend your Christmas day? Me, well, this is a snapshot of what I and my friend went through today to watch one of the Metro Manila Film Fest (MMFF) entries entitled Feng Shui 2. We went to SM Dasmarinas Cinema and the line was crazy! I arrived in SM around 2:45 in the afternoon and the line for the ticket was already long. If you've been to SM Dasma, from the ticketing booth, the line reached up to SM Department store 3rd floor entrance. Almost across Max's Restaurant! Lucky I own an e-Prepaid card and was able to purchase the ticket online! Saved us from the long, crazy line! Thanks BPI for this great card! (separate post coming soon) Feng Shui 2 Review The movie (Feng Shui 2) was more on the suspense; not that terrifying like the 1st movie. The 2nd Feng Shui was filled with shocking scenes and personally, I was satisfied with that.

The other day, I was able to watch Safe Haven movie at HBO. I've seen the book and the movie poster before but didn't really have the time to grab a copy or see the movie. Thanks HBO! Anyway, I was particularly interested to watch because Josh Duhamel is in it. I'm a big fan of this dude and I watch most of his films not because I'm a fan. Let's make this clear, I became his fan because all his movies are great! I watch his movies because he's a good actor and his movies have great stories therefore making me a fan. Did it make sense? Back to my review...

Because both my parents are abroad and I'm the only child in the family, I expected I'd spend my Christmas eve alone. Thank God I have my uncle with me.  I felt quite jealous to see photo posts from friends in Facebook showing their complete family. But after looking down at the food, I quickly realized how fortunate I am to have something to eat even though my parents couldn't share it with me. Why? Because not everyone in this world is fortunate as we are to have these kind of food in their tables for Christmas eve. Christmas is about Jesus, family, gift-giving and joy. Let's not forget that it's also a time to be grateful for the little things we have. Together, let's count our blessings and be thankful to our Creator. Merry Christmas everyone!

For months, I have been struggling with my Asus K43S series. It became slow and it casually shuts down. That was why I really waited for Christmas just so I can ask my parents to buy me another laptop as their Christmas gift. Initially, I wanted to ask for a Macbook Pro or Macbook Air. However, after knowing how much it costs, I searched for other alternatives and well, I believe this Asus Transformer (Asus T100) would do the job.

I came across a post in my newsfeed from someone I was very close with before and it was about his clients being stingy. The Facebook status and our comments are as follows:

Good bye to my colorful polka layout which I had for years! It's about time to freshen up my blog with a simple theme. If you're a regular blog (using desktop view), you might have already noticed. I bought this template from Kay Luxe Design.

A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed when I came across FashionTV's post about Barbie dolls wearing famous brands. I find this a very cute way to showcase what kind of style the brands are known for or what their current fashion styles are about.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of Pinoy (Filipino) horror movies because I find it corny because it's usually the same old stories but when I first watched the Feng Shui 1, I loved it. The story was different from the typical horror movies. I was actually convinced about the bagua that I immediately removed ours right after I finished watching the movie! Haha. That was how great the first movie was.

Last Saturday, I had my midterm exams. My friend and I agreed to get our race kit for Color Manila after my exams. She brought her boyfriend with her for me to meet. They were going to eat at Dads Buffet for dinner and I was just invited to join them. This is the second time I get to eat in an eat-all-you-can restaurant. The first one was in Viking Mall of Asia. It was a different set up for Dads because you can actually choose whether to go for Saisaki or Kamayan. Kamayan are selected specialties of the country’s regional cuisines; the widest array of premium Filipino dishes while Saisaki is the breakthrough Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, offering an abundance of over 60 sushi choices; delightful repertoire of Japan’s most popular palate treasures. We chose both so we paid the Dads rate.

What if I tell you that you can WIN a SONY PLAYSTATION 4 this Christmas if you play Fiesta7? Isn’t amazing, right? How about if I tell you that there is an APP-GIVING- PRIZES-FOR-FREE that is already out in the market? It’s not a scam and it’s for real! Experience an innovative and fun way of driving users to a mobile game application made available to Android and web browser that offers exciting all year round prizes. Its the newest, exciting mobile and web number game application where the players can join for free, play everyday and win exciting prizes everyday!

This coming Saturday, December 20 '14, we will be having our midterm exams for both my class with Ms. Mariel. One of my subjects with her is Product Development and we have to not only memorize but understand by heart the different types or the variety of style features in a fashion product. No clue what I'm talking about? Let me show you what I'm studying right now. Here are the style features per category or item:

I have heard about Sample Room years back but never really paid attention because I'm not really into beauty products but being in the Fashion industry now, I have to know and try out beauty products. To give you a background, Sample Room is a sampling site that banks on the power of free product sampling. Their slogan is "Try before you buy" so consumers can see and try out the products in person first before buying the original or full sizes of the products especially for newly released or not yet recognized brands.   HOW IT WORKS

I believe it's because of social media especially Instagram and smartphones which lead people get into photography. Everyone seems to be taking photos, right? Few years back, the DSLR cameras became a trend. It's like a must have camera for every family. But because of smartphones, a lot have discovered how it can already do the job. Like for an iPhone, it already has a reliable camera even for low lights! I guess this is how the mobile lenses came about.

                            I had my first Cafe Mary Grace meal at Trinoma when I went for Bianca Gonzalez's book signing . I was happy to see from the menu that they have a seafood pasta. I thought it would be like the usual seafood gambero I eat but it was different.

I ended my November wonderfully because I was invited to attend Bianca Gonzalez's book launch at Trinoma! It was such an honor to meet her. Photo grabbed from her Facebook page To give you a background, Bianca Gonzalez (now Bianca Gonzalez-Intal) is the Editor-at-large  of Meg Magazine, she's also a morning show host, a lifestyle columnist of The Philippine Star (newspaper), an endorser and a lot more! Then now, she's an author! What a superwoman!

I was looking around Fully Booked Mall of Asia branch last week when I saw this simple yet interesting planner; a planner by Filed!. Personally, the simplicity of the cover caught my attention and interest. Luckily, there was an opened piece (or probably a sample) that was for browsing. It didn't take me much time to decide to buy it. Let me show you why.

Bianca Gonzalez has been known for her excellent hosting skills and of course, her ever so beautiful fashion styles. But who would have known she's also a writer?

Out of the ordinary, but budget friendly Bih-Zahr (read as bizarre) RestoBar a cozy restaurant during the day and a hip-hop, rock and rainbow haven in the night. Located at No. 6 Scout Borromeo Street, South Triangle, Quezon City. You’ve probably been asking yourself what’s with the name, Bih-Zahr? It’s because they are not your average RestoBar.  It offers a wide variety of promos and group bundle of food and drink that is very light on the pocket. Their Menu is usual, but it is unforgettable

        Yesterday, November 17, 2014, we, students of SoFA Design Institute and a few other individuals were given the opportunity to know more about The Pearl. The talk was hosted by Mr. Jacques Branellec, the Chief Executive Officer of Jewelmer Joaillerie.         Mr. Jacques started the talk explaining a little bit of his background and sharing his life lessons. He then started speaking about the South Sea Pearl; the only living gem born out of a living organism.

        On November 21 st , The Philippines will bring forth a festival that will fuse its biggest talents in one massive celebration of sound – the Sandstorm Electronic Experience, produced as a collaboration between So Familiar Productions, The Wildfire Productions and Trance Till Dawn.   The event aims to make a staple when it comes to the music festival in Southeast Asia as well as   to make the Philippines, the next music destination.

        Philippine Ducati Weekend is based on the popular World Ducati Week, which is held at the Misano World Circuit in Italy. The Philippine Ducati Weekend was first launched at Clark International Speedway, Philippines, in 2012. From the first Philippine Ducati Weekend, it had achieved an outstanding level of success from the attendance because of its variety of events, activities and full immersion of pure Ducati Lifestyle. This event only happens every two years.

The Story         This was taken in the so-called zigzag  road going to Batangas, a province in the Philippines. My friend was actually looking at the scenery but then I saw this house and decided to take a shot.         When we were on the way home, I was looking through my camera's gallery and eventually loved this shot. This is my favorite among my black & white photographs. Digiprint Contest         A school mate messaged me in Facebook to like his entry for the 5th Capture the Moment Photo Contest by Digiprint Philippines . After helping him, I checked the mechanics and asked him if I could join also. He encouraged me and so I sent this photo.

] The Story         Would you believe that this was taken using my old Nokia 6300? Yes, it was seated in front of the jeepney and we were stuck in traffic. Out of boredom, I took this photo using the negative setting or filter of the phone's camera. Yes! You've hear it right! I used the negative setting to give this very crisp black & white effect of my subject. By the way, it was a sunny afternoon when I took this photo. How cool right?

How did they start?         Started out as an idea to create shirts for bookworms, The DreamShirt has finally marked its 2.5K likers after a year of operating online. With more and more fangirls and fanboys finding out about the online shop, The Dream Shirt is planning to have its relaunch come 2015, which includes creating a line for locally published books, releasing more collections, and a collaboration giveaway with Fandom Trinkets PH. What Dream Shirt is About

The Story         I joined the photo walk in Malabon and as we were walking around the place, I saw this boy crossing the water. I was wondering where he came from and I noticed there was this very little old closed boat not far from where I took this shot. I thought he came there because kids play there but when he reached where we stand, he ran to the nearby sari-sari store to buy some instant noodles and headed back to the boat which made me assumed he lives there with his family.

The Story         This was taken in Baclaran (Paranaque, Metro Manila) overpass. I was about to cross the street through the overpass when these two kids approached me and asked me for coins. Instead of giving them money, I bought some bread from the nearby street vendor and gave it to this two. I think they were siblings.         I bought my softdrink and when I turned to them, I saw & heard the boy speaking to his sister, "Ako na ang maghahati ha para meron pa tayong matira hanggang mamayang gabi." (I'll be the one to divide this so that we would still have something until tonight. )

Wait for the video to load and watch that pussy dance. No, seriously! Watch it! There's really a cat there! I swear! Hahaha!

WARNING: This post is loaded by high resolution photos. Loading of photos may take some time. These were some of the photos I grabbed from my friend. These were taken in the National Museum last month (October 2014). You may click this line to take you to my text blog post about our tour. Photo credits to my good friend, Jomar Tito .

        I accepted the BW (Black&White) Photo Challenge tagged by my friend, Jomar Tito. In this photo challenge, those who were nominated has the choice to accept or to not accept the challenge. If the person accepts the challenge, he or she will have to post a black & white photo for 5 days and tag/nominate another person (different person everyday).         Since I do not have time to take new photos, I decided to check my external drive for my B&W photos. I choose this for the first day.

"What Susie says of Sally says more of Susie than of Sally"         Remember that whatever bad thing you say about someone doesn't really say much of that person but more about of yourself.         This quote is a reminder to us to not say anything bad about someone else. As my grade school teacher tells us, "If you don't have anything good to say about someone, then don't say anything".         This is also a reminder that we must enjoy life by talking to each other rather than talking about each other. Besides, what good does backstabbing gives us? Nothing.         I hope this simple quote would inspire you throughout the week.          *Disclaimer: I do not own the photo used above. Photo credits to owner.

        My school, SoFA Design Institute is having a holiday make-up course which will run for three (3) days. Each session will run for three (3) hours. See the more details below.

        Yesterday was my first day at SoFA Design Institute. I thought I will be late, lucky I was just in time.         I had mixed emotions - excited & nervous at the same time. I was very excited to what the class will be like and nervous because most of the students are English speaking! Hahahaha!!!         I must admit, I kind of felt out of place because the students REALLY dress well! But thanks to Jean, Michael & Danie for making me feel comfortable. Yehey! I have new friends!!!

Last night, I was able to visit The Backyard Food Truck Community. I have been seeing posts about this place in Facebook and Instagram which made me curious. Through the photos, I never really understood the set of up of the place until I got there.

        Every day, when I'm on my way home, I pass SM Dasmarinas and I take some time to buy a drink from Cobo.         I don't usually pass the 3rd floor, east (when your facing the mall) wing side. This is the side where Quantum, Nail-a-holics & Flawless are located. But because I checked something from National Bookstore, I used the escalators from this side.         As I got to the third floor, this new store caught my eye. The Brow Studio is a new brand/store for me so I went closer to check their services. A staff named Icy approached me to give me a flyer.         I don't do anything with my eyebrows unless my friends shave it for me. So I'm giving this a try.         I've tried checking other blogs about this brow studio and most were a good feedback. I'll probably try this out within this week.         Have you tried them? Please share your experience below. I would like to know more about their service. Thank you

These are the bazaar schedules of LoveHopeFaith for the month of November. Do visit and support them.

        As I said in my previous post, I would be able to finish this book before the weekend ends. This was such an easy-read book as it was written in Tag-lish. The delivery of words and construction of sentences are as if Alex Gonzaga herself is just speaking in front of you; very friendly approach.         Personally, I would rate this book 5 stars. It was a very good and entertaining read for someone who might be going through a heartache or for someone who has been there.         I expected it to be humorous like how we usually see Alex Gonzaga on TV but as I was reading the book, though there were bits of humor included, this book seemed to be a serious guide book for those trying to move on or at least planning to do so.         I'm not heart broken or whatsoever. I honestly bought book because of the hype. I wanted to know for myself what's inside the book. And as I was reading through, it makes me smile because I've gone through all that. I

        I saw these instant noodles while I was doing groceries the other day. I know these are not good for the body (some say it's the root of cancer, etc) but it's not as if we eat this every day, right?         I eat these when I'm up at night doing some work or when I woke up from a bad sleep in the middle of the night then my stomach asks for something to dissolve.