Author Archives: Gizelle Faye Creative Studio

Hi, my name is Gizelle Faye. I am an artist, florist, stylist, calligrapher, letterer, mum, and wife to Harry. I am a bohemian risk-taker who fell in love with an old soul. Three months before our wedding in 2012, I went cuckoo and left my corporate job to pursue my dreams and founded Cuckoo Cloud Concepts. For about a decade, I was the creative director of Cuckoo Cloud Concepts, dreaming up unforgettable and picture-perfect moments from a tropical island called Cebu. I specialized and honed my skills in photo shoot styling, product styling, floristry, calligraphy, and lettering. During the pandemic, I rediscovered my love for painting amidst the dark times. The universe proved a lot more cuckoo than me and sent me and my family on a journey that will find us in Camden, New South Wales. But I vow to always bloom where I am planted. Today, in this new city, I host art workshops and offer social media content styling and creation, and other creative services for small businesses. Here, you will find an archive of my paintings and other works of art inspired by nature, scenes, architecture, and BTS, as well as art events I run in different venues in Sydney.

one thing i dearly miss

it may just be glee’s madonna episode and their rendition of ‘what it feels like for a girl’ or that the last time i performed was 2 years ago at outpost for a company christmas party… BUT i miss singing so much. it used to be my outlet for feelings i can’t express….for desperation on unrequited love…for the confusion i felt as a teen…sometimes for the anger… the rush of standing in front of people was inexplicable.

both my mom and dad worked when i was young. so when school was out, my dad would bring me to his clinic and just leave me beside the stereo and he would find me there all day, singing. as a kid, i’d either be singing or drawing on my sketchpad or doing both. sometimes i’m not aware of it, but i’d turn up the volume on our old boom box and just play madonna, lisa loeb or jewel all day and just sing. and yes, i used to sing a lot of jennifer love hewitt songs too.

i miss just belting out in my room.

i miss practicing songs in our house and singing renditions of songs i loved.

i miss the feeling of freedom singing gives to me.

i miss just having fun singing with people.

now if only i can find someone to play the guitar for me.

(photo details: all tanned (too tan actually..LOL) singing at kahayag in 2006)

summer of one-oh! ocean series: imperial palace resort

the imperial palace resort and spa at maribago, mactan island. a free ride with harry’s management in his company…woohoo! with rooms at P7,600 ($160) a night, i don’t think i can afford it very soon..LOL. this was after i got home from the island hopping, slept at 8:00 PM..woke up 6:00 AM to get ready for another day at the beach! yey to summer!

here’s a lowdown on our stay in imperial palace:

♥ all met at I.T. Park at 9:00 AM
♥ ate lunch at one of mactan’s best italian restaurant (very cheap too!) — MB’s Tavern
♥ settled in our mediterranean-inspired room complete with a comfy bed with plush sheets, a a huge LCD TV with cable, iPod dock, a bath tub with hot and cold water and a view to the whole resort
♥ was surprised to find sooo many koreans in the resort — welp, it is after all owned by a korean..hehe.
♥ swam and played all afternoon at all 3 pools of the resort BUT was too chicken to try out the towering slides…boohoo for me!hehe.
♥ had dinner at SUTUKIL — a line of restaurants in mactan island where you can choose from an array of fresh seafood (fish, crabs, shrimps, scallops..etc) and choose how to have them cooked — sugba (grilled), tuwa (to prepare it in soup) and kilaw (eat it raw usually soaked in vinegar) — so YUMMY!
♥ had drinks at cowrie cove in Shangri-la Mactan — sooo expensive…whoa!
♥ woke up to the sunrise on our window and to my period…damn! LOL.

day 1 night and day 2 going home: floral dress – thrifted | tan leather bag – thrifted at baguio

day 2 at the pool: polka halter bikini top – props | navy blue drawstring shorts – thrifted | beach bag – roxy

summer of one-oh! ocean series: island hopping!

i’m almost booked for beach trips for summer weekends! i’m starting to get tan and will get tanner as we celebrate summer. people are going to start calling me ‘chicana’ again — chinita mexicana! LOL.

after my tabuelan road trip last weekend, we had our annual island hopping trip on saturday with my sister’s closest friends. this time, it was to celebrate one friend’s birthday and most importantly to celebrate a year of gay lovin’ — our friends, the gay love birds 1st year anniversary! to sum it all up, here’s what happened:

round up closest friends + friends of friends + 50 capacity banca + potluck on food consisting of liempo, lechon manok, ngohion, pancit, humba, sisig and puso + tanduay rum with orange juice + tanduay white rum with kool-aid + sunnies + colorful bikinis + the ocean + diving and canon ball jumping + the waves + lots of craziness + gay people = fun fun fun!

of course afterward, it was hella’ exhausting. i just came from my night shift and by 6:30 PM, i’m still stuck driving through insane traffic and haven’t slept for 24 hours. i get home, wash-up and sleep to get ready for another day at the beach at a water park resort on sunday. for more of that, keep posted!

printed summer dress – thrifted | hot pink halter bikini top – props | polka-dot beach shorts – props

blue sunnies – thrifted at carbon

thank you katie holmes

if katie holmes didn’t wear tom cruise’s jeans last year, we wouldn’t be able to feel so damn comfortable and fashionable in these pants. i have to wear boyfriend jeans at least once a week, to relax from the skinny jeans or leggings that i usually wear to work. just makes sense. plus, i hate shaving my legs on weekday…i’m just lazy like that. LOL. so thank you katie holmes!

as i am writing this, my sister and i are waiting for friends to come over so we can head over to the beach and go island hopping! if you don’t know by now, philippines is a group of islands and so strategically arranged that one can never miss it on the map because our geography looks like a sitting horse — at least that’s what i think! we are surrounded by amazing islands and beaches. and in cebu alone, all we need to do is hop on a banca (mini boat) and we can enjoy the marine life — at just 30 minutes away from the city!

it’s funny because other people make sure to step foot on the islands and actually visit them. my friends and i are very much satisfied with watching the island from afar, on the banca and just dive off unto the blue waters! we’d even whine to the driver if he stirs us near to an island — we just can’t stand the crowd.LOL.

red floral top – thrifted

jeans – vintage abercrombie

grey platform heels – forever 21

grey oversized bag – lil’ sisters

grey ombre pashmina scarf – hongkok street

long watch necklace – hk gift shop

rings: blue plastic and pink stone – props

you can only do so much

i love it when i go about the house while everyone else is sleeping. it allows me to be me, silently. this week has been harder for me at work because i’m literally starting from scratch. i had to create new trackers and other files to support the group and to track accurate data of our performance. in other words, i have been burning my ass, typing on my seat with hardly any breaks and yet, i’m still a lot behind on other deliverables. how can this be? if not for the vogue feature and harry keeping my mood up, i would have broken down. leadership is after all about service but i can only do so much.

so, at 5:00 AM, just as my shift is on its 9th hour, i sigh, look at my unfinished work, pack my bags and drive myself through the silent city.

i’ve said this and i’m gonna’ say it again — thanks for the support of this blog and for taking the time out to not only check my outfits but also read what i have to say. it means a lot.

striped top – thrifted

brown leggings – random buy

brown peep-toe platforms – matthews at cmg

rings: black spade – props | round animal print – props

song on my mind: soldier on by the temper trap

summer of one-oh! ocean series: tabuelen spontaneity!

a friend called on thursday morning saying he wants to go to the beach. i said yes without even knowing the plans. so on sunday morning, there we were, b-boy, harry and i loaded in the car without any concrete plans but just to drive 2 hours north to tabuelan — a remote town with white sand and blue waters. of course we had to get more friends. so lyndon and his family tagged along.

it was funny because when we got to the small resort of “durhan’s,” my friends’ jaws dropped because of how beautiful the place is and how inexpensive the rooms are (P1700 or $35 for an air-conditioned room with hot water and cable tv…clean too!) they kept saying, “SULIT!” (which means, perfect for the price!)

cebu north road trip musts (mostly on food!):

fill up your tank with gas and have your tires checked
buy ice cubes and drinks at a local sari-sari store near the city
pass through the new road from mandaue to amara liloan (took us there from north reclamation to liloan in 15 minutes)
buy lechon (roasted pig) in kilo in liloan
buy kinilaw in liloan (this is raw fish in vinegar, onions, ginger, tomatoes and fresh chili)
buy roasted chicken at chooks-to-go! (yummy!)
buy tinap-an (fresh smoked fish)
buy humongous hanging rice (rice cooked inside coconut leaves) for only P5 each
play music and sing along
talk about whatever — even the sights you see on the road!

linen zip-up top – thrifted

faded denim shorts – thrifted

yellow flip-flops – roxy

blue sunnies – thrifted at carbon

what could be better than VOGUE?

you cannot imagine how excited i am about this! i am literally shaking! all the more because when i received the e-mail from claire sulmers of vogue.fr saying that i was featured in TOUR THE WORLD IN 45 BLOGS, it was 3AM here and i couldn’t tell anybody else besides my big sister who’s still awake and harry.

i received an e-mail from vogue.fr that i was in consideration for inclusion in a roundup of international fashion blogger in Paris Vogue’s website: vogue.fr in March 26, 2010. i have this sort of paranoia from jinxing something so i contained my excitement and kept it from you guys until it was sure! believe me, i only told my family about it and my sisters helped me pick out my photo while harry proof-read my answers. although they did not post all the answers i provided, here is what i sent them (one item you might be familiar with because i posted about it in the city we love):

Why did you start blogging? — I took the plunge into fashion blogging last November 2009 because I wanted to connect to this growing community where personal style is immensely showcased. I have always been into fashion, even as a kid and have always believed that style is not about what is dictated in fashion magazines nor based on what stars wear but should be based on instinct, the environment, on one’s mood and lifestyle. Fashion blogging allowed me to express myself and my style in ways I did not expect.
What inspires you and informs your blog? —- Being in a tropical country and specifically on an island city, I am most inspired by our culture, history and environment. I love the colors that surround me, the beach and the mountains that are both just 30 minutes away from the city. I am inspired by how our city is developing yet we still maintain this serene and chill atmosphere. Other than fashion, what informs my blog are my thoughts, feelings and experiences. I always make sure that my blog is not solely about my outfit but also about my life.
How would you describe your style? — My style is a mix of bohemian, vintage and a pinch of rock.
What fashion items are on your spring wish list? And why? — Cebu doesn’t have spring as our country only experiences two kinds of weather — sunny and rainy. March just kicked off summer here and my spring / summer fashion wish list would be: (1) Beaded / Studded Sandals — this is the season for the beach, swimsuits and summer dresses and what better way to complement them than bling on my feet. (2) Hindi Bangles — I got 2 sets from a co-worker from India and fell in love with them. They are so intricate and colorful. I could pile on bangles the whole season. (3) Ray Ban Wayfarers — They are versatile and have been on my wish list any other season since forever. (Note: I am not too keen on brands or designer labels. I love to thrift and I love vintage.)
What do you do in real life? — I am in the BPO industry and have been in this industry for 4 years now. I am currently a Team Leader for a customer service / back office group and have 20 people under my wings. I lead, develop and help my agents not just to be their best at their work but also in real-life. Given this environment, my constant challenge and inspiration (fashion-wise) is to stand out among a sea of greys and blacks through my style. And yes, I wear the outfits I post on my blog to work, everyday.

thank you vogue paris!

and most of all, thank you to everyone of my readers and followers who read, comment and support this blog everyday. seriously, i wouldn’t have done this without you.

i am happy because for me, this means that my style has a point and it got across. and that this blog makes sense. *big smile*

ice cream special: armand alforque

i gravitate towards art because it’s the freest form of expression. and with that, i gravitate towards creative people too. here’s a monthly ode to arists. and let me introduce you to

armand alforque

photographer. graphic artist. a very good friend.

we’d like to think that we’re cousins mainly because our parents come from the same hometown — maybe, but very distant. nevertheless, this artist is very close to my heart. armand is a graphic artist at drawing board creative and has created all kinds of art for major events and establishments like loft. however, photography is his passion. discover the talent of armand and let’s take a look at his photos:

1. When did you start photography? Who or what inspired you to start it?

officially, i started 4 years ago when my mom and dad bought me my first DSLR Nikon D40x for my photography class in school. i was really into fashion at first but then i fell in love with photography — fashion photography and digital art. i can easily see the results and have more control over my work.

2. What was your first ever camera? What did you love and hate about it?

like i said, a Nikon D40x. a DSLR was quite expensive at that time. only a few of us in class have cameras. so we have a lot of respect for photography. what i love about my Nikon D40x? it was right for my use at that time. i bought a new one, Nikon D5000 with video(!!!) and sold my D40x to my close friend. my D40x is still in good hands although i hate it because it’s big. i don’t take it with me all the time. i don’t use it for camwhoring. *wink*

3. Do you have a special style of taking photos that you can say would be unique from others? How about editing?

i guess, i tend to over-edit. i look at small details. and my photography may look like digital art. my style is not natural — provocative, with my male subjects and ANTM-ish with my female subjects. not everybody can appreciate my work as some say its almost porn and some say its too “clean.” but i like it. i don’t aim at pleasing everybody. i’m an artist.

4. What do you enjoy most photography?

having full control over it, quick results and you can really do a lot of stuff with the photos. you can go natural or turn it into digital art. there is a work-relationship with me and the models, the MUA (make-up artists) and the designers as well.

5. Who or what is your dream subject?

ANTM-ish!!! ANTM makes me teary-eyed…and BENCH-ish!

5. DSLRs are selling like pancakes. What can you say about the massive DSLR purchases of the last 2-3 years in our city alone? Is it really for everyone?

hahaha, i know and it is quite disappointing. i bought my D40x 4 years ago and it was expensive. and now i bought my D5000 with video at a cheaper price! well, obviously, anyone can afford a DSLR now but a DSLR should be treated with respect. i don’t use it for camwhoring and i don’t use it as part of my wardrobe — a DSLR is not a necklace! everyone can own a camera, but not everyone can take good pictures.

7. What can you say to those who are still planning to take on photography?

don’t take photography because it’s a trend. don’t buy a DSLR because it’s a trend. take photography because you have the heart for it. buy a DSLR and make sure to use it. know your field — whether it’s fashion, weddings, events, etc. treat photography and your DSLR with great respect. and last, practice, practice, practice.

check out armand’s portfolio at: http://armandalforque.multiply.com

have i really?

my mom gave me this dress from a recent thrifting trip she had. this is a nod to summer. ironically, even when i really loved this dress, i am so not in love with this shoot.

it was funny because harry and i were on our usual sunday night date and well, he just wasn’t so adept in photography that night and couldn’t take any good photos. and for that, i apologize. it was a nice night turned a bit awkward. he told me, i have lost my conversant skills because i am always online all the time. LOL. and i admit, we were at roma mia (with free wifi) and while waiting for the food, i had to take a quick view at your comments on my blog. just out of curiosity and ignorance to wifi…ooops!

but when if you really think about, have we really lost our conversant skills because of the internet and technology?

green bohemian beaded dress – thrifted

tan cut-out heels – le donne (a gift from harry!)

tan fringe boho bag – lil’ sister’s

layered bangles – hk gift shop | gifts

ps. the bags of love give-away is officially closed. winners will be announced on saturday.

the city we love

the second installment of my friend’s pre-nuptial photo shoot. it was a must that i tag along — and bring my own photographer with me (harry…LOL),as the shoot was right smack in the city. there was dust, smog and sweat but it was all worth it. it was quite an immersion and very much fun. this time around, there were 2 photographers from calography and as small as the world is, the girl friend of one photographer is my old flag football teammate who tagged along that day. so in the usual cebu city garb — plain shirt, jeans and havaianas — we visited an abandoned building, white gold, fuente osmeña park, jones and the cebu city library.

here are some more photos of that day — photo credits to harry who was being a shutterbug. and if you check the photo right below this write-up, you’d see me and tisha left on the traffic island, naively reading a magazine while the rest of our friends crossed the street. they say they did call our attention but we were too busy debating who was the most beautiful among the metro cover girls. haha!

(hon, do not try to eat that plant!)

our city has a great influence on my style. I am most inspired by our culture, history and environment. I love the colors that surround me, the beach and the mountains that are both just 30 minutes away from the city. I am inspired by how our city is developing yet we still maintain this serene and chill atmosphere.

what do you love about your city?

teal cotton shirt – props

jeans – bebe jeans

green and gold flip-flops – havaianas

tan leather bag – thrifted at baguio (by sis)

hat – boracay

long necklaces: key – props | robot – APM

rings: clustered cubes | oval flat stone – props

ps. i now have formspring! so…ask away!

behind the flowers

one of the best things about living in cebu is not is it just 30 minutes away from the beach, it’s 30 minutes away from the idyllic mountains too. this was taken last wednesday morning as my mom, dad and i drove to babag to buy some flowers for the resurrection carro. i blogged about this previously, at how we design the cart (carro) for jesus’ resurrection on the dawn of easter. i brought my dog for him to experience more of the world — and he got so restless in the back seat, barking at everyone on the road.(LOL!) on the way there, we saw some healthy cows and a horse! naive me had to take some pictures of them. they looked so free by the side of the road. when we got to the flower farm, we had to wait for them to wrap up the flowers so they offered us corn to munch on while waiting. yummy! so fresh!

i love drives like these with my mom and dad. i get to be a kid again. i get to be my daddy’s little girl again. (he took all of my photos, by the way!)

here are other photos i took there:

the title of the post is ‘behind the flowers’ because i basically spent half the time there taking photos of the farmers behind the lovely flowers.

beaded top – maxi skirt trimmed down and worn a top

black cardigan – bossini

black leggings – random

tan fringe sandals – katrina

thin gold belt – props

layered beaded faux gold bangles – gifted

brown sunnies – thrifted at carbon

the beach that’s a block away

this is only one of a few things that i’ll miss this holy week. this holy week, aside from attending church, i’d rather be:

in sindangan zamboanga del norte, in my mom’s hometown, to enjoy the provincial life — eating diwit and mangoes with bagoong (spicy shrimp paste), binignit. listening to michael buble, diana krall and nora jones while reading a book. walking to the beach to watch the most beautiful sunset. thrifting on the plaza (town park) displays and in the local market. eating grilled oysters while decorating the carro for jesus’ resurrection. laughing my heart out with mom, aunts, uncles and cousins. taking a side-trip to dumaguete and walk in the boulevard for a bit while eating street food — tempura and balot.

watch a tele-marathon with my little sister while munching on popcorn and ngohiong. this is from days of watching seventh heaven marathons from holy thursday to black saturday with my little sister. waking up whenever i want to. visiting 7 churches with my sister and dad on holy thursday or good friday.

or be in bantayan island and be a beach bum for four whole days. sleep in a tent amidst all the other beach bums. line up for an outdoor shower and brush my teeth on a deep well. sleep with sand on our toes. eat chicken as hard to eat as rubber. stare at the stars in the darkness after dinner. wash my hands with seawater. rent a motorcycle and tour the island. apply henna tattoo due to boredom in the afternoons. go home unrecognizable by my dad because i have gone too dark with extreme sunburn. LOL.

instead

i am working my ass off this black saturday. working on a weekend. and holy week at that. damn.

black star-printed dress – thrifted

thin white belt – props

white studded flats – so fab (a gift from lil’ sis)

black over-sized bag – mom’s

black star twined necklace – props

blue sunnies – thrifted at carbon