events – Girl Gone Cuckoo

The Making of Lucelence

{L u c e l e n c e}
The state of being fine and beautiful, shining, brilliant

There’s this space we discovered that was slightly abandoned by the times but had a lot of potential. It resonated with us so much because in these difficult times, it’s easy to dwell on the ugly parts and just stay there but we have to cling on that silver lining of hope, of the potential once this is all over.

So we gathered our closest friends in the industry and collaborated with Dried Flowers PH newly founded by girl boss and Cuckoo stylist, Chyrel Gomez to create this dreamy editorial. It is our way of saying, we will stay steadfast, brilliant and shining even in these dark times.

I was ready but I wasn’t.

You know how it has been 8 months since I last did a wedding? It has also been more than a year since we last did an editorial. We do them because it’s the perfect way for us to have more freedom creatively and basically do whatever we want. I was so ready to get back into it but then I also wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready for how physically exhausting it was but how energizing it was at the same time. I spent months alone with my thoughts that it was such a great relief to be in the midst of other creatives. Even with a mask, it felt like I could breathe again.

Here are more behind-the-scene photos:

The amazing creatives involved in this editorial:

Premium dried flowers Dried Flower PH
Floral design and wardrobe styling Cuckoo Cloud Concepts
Photography Helium Hearts Photos
Videography Studio Ilustrado
Hair & Make-up Nicko dela Peña
Cake Cupkeyk n’ Art
Stationery Foreverafternoon
Place Cards Charm Pia Tan
Cutleries & plates Tala Curated Rentals
Table & chairs T&C Rentals & Event Services
Venue White Heart Lane
Model Katt Belleza
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Special thanks to Evolve PH CO and Jumax Morgia
#LUCELENCE

Etude House SM Seaside Preview

I’ve always been a fan of Etude and how the brand carries products that perfectly matches the Asian skin and features. I especially love their Oh M’Eye Line eyeliner as it’s very easy to apply and doesn’t smudge and spread to the bottom of my eye (the struggle of having chinky eyes). I once tried wearing it to snorkel (yes! I’m crazy like that) and it didn’t wear off til I rubbed it off.

So of course when I heard that Etude was opening their biggest shop in Cebu at SM Seaside, I couldn’t pass up the chance to discover what other amazing products they have in store. It was also a good excuse to go frilly girly and spend some time with friends in the midst of the wedding season chaos. Did I mention I’m a new mom too? LOL. So I’ve been haggard more than I’m made up these days.

Cebu Fashion Bloggers Girl Gone Cuckoo Vanilla Ice Cream Etude House Seaside-6 — I must say, I’ve been hesitant about wearing BB cream because of my darker skin tone as I’ve had this misconception that it’s only for fair Asian skin. I was totally wrong because it’s sheer formula adapts to your skin tone. I finally found a product that gives you that dewy effect without the annoying oily shine and has just the right coverage. Perfect for days when you don’t want to layer on make-up but also don’t want to go without it.

Cebu Fashion Bloggers Girl Gone Cuckoo Vanilla Ice Cream Etude House Seaside-8 — Wonder Pore is, well, really a wonder. Haha! Seriously, you get immediate results and I couldn’t stop touching my face after washing with it and following the regimen.

Cebu Fashion Bloggers Girl Gone Cuckoo Vanilla Ice Cream Etude House Seaside-15 — {from left to right} Jean Yu, Me and Sophia Sanchez

H&M Loves Cebu

In the midst of (the very busy) wedding season, I had to squeeze in a little time for fashion. This of course was because H&M is finally in Cebu and will officially open on November 27, 2015 at the Ayala Center Cebu!

Last night, I kicked stress for a while, put on a little make-up, a dress and a pair fancy shoes for a night of VIP shopping with my CFB loves. Here a few snaps of the night filled not only with 3 floors of H&M fashion but with great style from all guests, good food and awesome music. And a little preview of what’s in store too!

HM Loves Cebu Cebu Fashion Bloggers We Are CFB Girl Gone Cuckoo Gizelle Faye Ayala AList Events-9 — Of course, some of us headed straight to the home section! We’re oldies like that. Toni, Jean and I fell in love at first sight and a good 30 minutes was spend circling the area.

HM Loves Cebu Cebu Fashion Bloggers We Are CFB Girl Gone Cuckoo Gizelle Faye Ayala AList Events-3 — I was sooo tempted to put these all in my shopping bag!

HM Loves Cebu Cebu Fashion Bloggers We Are CFB Girl Gone Cuckoo Gizelle Faye Ayala AList Events-10 — You’ll see that I had to strengthen my self-control. Gah!

HM Loves Cebu Cebu Fashion Bloggers We Are CFB Girl Gone Cuckoo Gizelle Faye Ayala AList Events-18 — I couldn’t resist the candle sticks. Take my money!

HM Loves Cebu Cebu Fashion Bloggers We Are CFB Girl Gone Cuckoo Gizelle Faye Ayala AList Events-21 — I can’t wait for Maddy to grow up so I can dress her up like me. Haha!

HM Loves Cebu Cebu Fashion Bloggers We Are CFB Girl Gone Cuckoo Gizelle Faye Ayala AList Events-1 — A few of the CFB girls (from left to right): Sophia Sanchez, Alexa Martin, Toni Pino-Oca, {Me} and Jean Yu.

Oh wait, I have more great news! Be one of the first 300 people to line up on November 27 at 11:00 AM. The 1st one in line will receive Php 5,000 gift card. The 2nd and 3rd will get Php 2,500 gift card each. The 4th till the 300th will receive gift cards varying from Php 300 to Php 2,000! Or you can come in your most stylish garb and be one of the 5 selected by fashion editors and bloggers to win a P2,000 gift card. Amazaballs or what? ♥

From Tokyo to Cebu: Uniqlo Lifewear

Uniqlo, Japan’s leading specialty retailer providing Lifewear that’s innovative, comfortable and easy, is finally in Cebu! Their first Cebu branch, in SM City Cebu North Wing officially opened last October 23, 2015 and the store is packed with high quality denim jeans, stylish leggings pants, colorful chino shorts, wide variety of graphic T-shirts (UT), Kids, AIRism and travel essentials such as the innovative Heattech, fleece, and Ultra Light Down Jacket (ULD) among others.

I must say, I have been finding myself stocking on basics as I grew older and though my then ragtag 20-year old self will not agree (because I didn’t know any better), I am presently very delighted of Uniqlo’s offerings. Yes! Even for a boho-by-heart, I didn’t feel like a fish out of water in that store.

Here are a few snaps of the pre-opening shopping and sake ceremony:

And a few of my favorites from their current lookbook:

Learn by ABC

Even as a kid, I had a tendency to drift off with my thoughts in the middle of class and one way I kept myself glued to the discussion was to write and doodle on the sides of the book pages. This went on until college — I wrote on textbooks, notebooks, reviewers, flyers and once, even the back of my test paper. You see, we were required to write an algorithm for which I only had 1 line as my answer. I had 45 minutes to spare and a whole page to fill.

Then the digital age came and everything was done on the computer — even doodles and design. For a while, I forgot about my pens and notebooks. Thank God for hipsters bringing up their so-called authenticism (don’t shoot me!), DIYs, crafts and designs done by hand came back. ❤️

My 2013-2014 was about mastering my know-how on flowers. This year, I thought I should try learning calligraphy and try going back to hand lettering.

Step 1: Attend workshops. It was such fun to have learned from Abbey Sy! In perfect timing, she just launched her book a few months back and I was already well enough to go out after giving birth. Man oh man, do I have a lot of catching up to do. With Abbey’s very detailed workshop (& book) though, at least starting was easier. It was a super added bonus that she was their to show us how she would have done it and provide her guidance.

And the kit from Joan & Klaire is just amazeballs (I used that work in our exercise! LOL) — they make sure to make such wonderful materials that inspire us to create, create, create. I mean, look at that hard bound dotted book, the canvass for our final activity and that yummy leather case. After the workshop, I felt like a kid with such enthusiasm, carrying my writing goodies. (Yes, I am a nerd like that.)

Gizelle Faye Cebu Fashion Blogger Hand Lettering Workshop Abbey Sy Joan and Klaire -4 — I have a weakness for electric pleats. They make dresses and skirts all the more interesting. Don’t you think?

Gizelle Faye Cebu Fashion Blogger Hand Lettering Workshop Abbey Sy Joan and Klaire -3

red electro-pleated dress, thrifted | black ankle booties, cotton on | teal bag, parfois | layered necklaces, forever new | white brinmed floppy hat, cotton on

Lee Denim DIY Workshop

fashion-wise, my life’s been pretty boring lately. in fact, i can’t believe i’ve been investing in boots for outdoor photo shoots compared to two years ago when i am so into heels. so when the Cebu Fashion bloggers got invited to the Lee Denim DIY Workshop, i immediately jump on the wagon. i was due to put on my fashion blogger hat and give my wedding stylist hat a break.

Lee’s visit in Cebu couldn’t have been timed better — the DIY workshop event being on the Sinulog weekend. the event was culled to promote Lee’s 125 years of craftsmanship. i personally love their tag line “Stay Curious” because it’s a mantra i keep telling myself as well. being in the creative industry, i believe in always looking at the world with glittering eyes. curiosity does indeed break boundaries and push you to think outside of the box.

Cebuano artists were invited to interpret their curiosity with their own denim creations. i couldn’t have been prouder to find an old college classmate there — Doyle See whose design was greatly influenced by comic book artworks and old horror movie posters. Uzi Emperado and Nicolo Nimor were there as well.

bloggers united six: the crazy and fun day that was

i am trying to get back on track so here i am being a good blogger and posting the Bloggers United 6 event the day after it happened. i want to try kicking procrastination to the curb and plan to do the same for all my posts in the future (although I do have a lot of catching up to do — like how my hair transitioned from long, ombre and side-shaved to short, curly and blonde to being wavy and plum. haha!)

the first time we, the Cebu Fashion Bloggers, got invited to join Bloggers United, it was for the 2nd installment of the event. now, we can’t believe we’re on the 6th! our hugest thank you’s to the founders and organizers of Bloggers United — Aisa Ipac, Ana Gonzales and Melai Entuna for doing such an amazing job. the blogger’s bazaar gets bigger and better every time and i know they’ve done such an humongous feat!

bloggers united six cebu fashion bloggers eden villarba aisa ipac gizelle faye

here’s Eden Villarba (www.chicinthetropics.com) and i with Aisa Ipac (www.aisaipac.com)

Eden and i got stuck to manning our booth all day as the influx of people was crazy so we weren’t able to go around and take photos with other bloggers. here are a few other photos i grabbed from Facebook — Eden and I with our favorite blogger Kookie Buhain and a new friend i met this year, Argie Alcantara.

bloggers united six cebu fashion blogger argie alcantara eden villarba gizelle faye

bloggers united six cebu fashion blogger eden villarba kookie buhain gizelle faye

just a few snapshots as we went around:

and a snapshot of our booth price drop — something we did later in the afternoon. we don’t want to go home with excess baggage! LOL

and of course, the compulsory outfit shot:

black pleated button-up top – badgley mischka (thrifted) | fringe faux leather skirt – forever 21 | dark taupe booties – rubi shoes, cotton on | silver cuff – rubi, cotton on | lavender chandelier earrings – forever 21 | special thanks to miss juliet of hollywood nails for my hair (whoot!)

BLOGGERS UNITED SIX! ♥

Top Bloggers Unite at the 13th World Bazaar Festival

When a group of top fashion bloggers unite for the country’s grandest holiday bazaar, one can expect nothing but a shopping experience that is more fun, engaging, and personal, as evidenced by the recent successes of blogger bazaars in the country.

This year, the 13th World Bazaar Festival (WBF), running from December 6 to 22 at the World Trade Center and undoubtedly, the country’s biggest and most- awaited Christmas charity shopping event, proves this true as it once again partners with “Bloggers United 6,” a team that showcases the country’s top entrepreneur bloggers, on December 7 at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City.

“The thing that makes Blogger Bazaars special is the experience it gives to our shoppers. This is why we invited Bloggers United back for the 13th installment of World Bazaar Festival,” said JR Ang, marketing director of leading events organizer Worldbex Services International.

He added, “The event will bridge influential bloggers with their loyal readers and blog friends, so expect hours and hours of picture taking, bonding, and shopping in a wide array of fashionable items and collectibles.”

The event, which will occupy the second floor of WTC, will serve as the 6th official installment of Bloggers United and will feature fashion royalties in the blogosphere, including the likes of Divine Lee, Camille Co, Laureen Uy, Kryz Uy, Maggie Wilson and Dani Barretto, among others.

Founded in 2011, Bloggers United has continuously influenced the online Filipino community through its efforts of promoting beauty, fashion, and style through a series of bloggers bazaar in Metro Manila.

With its recent collaboration with World Bazaar Festival, “Bloggers United” is expected to gain bigger audience and market share, while giving back to the community, as part of the proceeds of WBF will be donated to ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.

Bloggers United 6 is a pocket event of the 13^thWorld Bazaar Festival. The bazaar will run from December 6 to 22 at the World Trade Center for the benefit of the ABS CBN Foundation Inc. Doors open from 12nn to 10pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 12mn Friday to Sunday. For more information, follow its Instagram page @worldbazaar for ticket giveaways and updates.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsifanpage

Twitter: @worldbex #worldbazaarph

Instagram: @worldbazaar

For more information and updates, follow Bloggers United:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Official Hashtag: #BU5

In Partnership with:

World Bazaar Festival

CO-PRESENTERS

MAJOR SPONSORS

MINOR SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.

catch-up post: the maze hipzone makeover

oh how time flies — so cliche but so true. i didn’t realize how crazy busy i’ve been until i was preparing this post and it’s almost 2 months overdue. one day we were excited for the Maze Hipzone’s revamping and launching of their SS 2013 line and the next day, we’re experiencing heavy downpour because summer is way over.

nevertheless, the experience that was the Maze Hipzone’s re-launching is worth doing a catch up post because well, the face lift was much awaited. the Maze Hipzone holds great fashion finds and it’s awesome that it’s now getting the attention that it rightly deserves.

right after the event, Toni and i couldn’t resist running directly to Maze to shop. i scored a pair of “so me” floral booties that was the perfect pair to reward me for my self-imposed and necessary shopping ban. i remember not being able to resist buying shoes every month when i had a full-time, cubicle and stress-inducing job yet these booties that were a break from a 4-month hiatus was enough to make me happy.

i support cervical cancer awareness

this post may be late but it is definitely still worth posting because cancer awareness doesn’t end when cancer awareness month ends. it should continue because we are in constant need of education. we humans, especially the Filipinos, are very guilty of delaying finding out the truth of what we’re physically feeling because we are afraid of having to hear bad news. we are afraid of being aware and afraid of what awareness might do to our minds. we are afraid until it is too late.

this experience has opened my eyes to the shocking statistics of cervical cancer in the Philippines and specifically to how it affects women. cervical cancer can develop in 10 to 20 years. that means, it can be contracted when we were young and only develop in our late thirties or forties. for more information about cervical cancer, get in touch with she matters.

bigger better BLOGGERS UNITED 5

Your favorite fashion and beauty bloggers are all set for the 5^th installment of Bloggers United!

Get ready for another round of intense shopping experience as 60+ of Manila’s top fashion bloggers open their closets once again in a big bazaar this June 1, from 10am to 8pm at our best venue yet, the SMX Convention Center (Function Room 3)! Bloggers United gets even BIGGER with our partner bazaar The Great Luxe Sale of Mall of Asia and SMX, happening from May 31 to June 2 at the SMX Hall 1.

Celebrity bloggers Divine Lee, Victor Basa, Laureen Uy, Camille Co, Nicole Anderson, and Maggie Wilson will all grace the event, plus international blogger Maya Kibbel of Elle Girl Japan!

End summer with a bang at BU5! What to expect:

1) Great finds for less, perfect for revamping your look as another school year starts!

2) Meet and interact with style bloggers and online friends!

3) Contribute to Bloggers United 5’s partner charity Diksyunaryo Atbp (https://twitter.com/DiksyonaryoAtbp ). Bring old (or new) books as we will accept donations at the registration booth!

4) Lots of games, music, and other exciting surprises from our BU5 partners!

Don’t forget to charge your cameras, stash some extra cash, and dress your best as we celebrate another day of personal style and expression! Tickets will be sold for P100 availablein all SM Cinemas nationwide. You could also buy at the event venue. Use GCASH to purchase your tickets to get 50% discount, plus awesome freebies! See you there!

For more information and updates, follow Bloggers United:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Official Hashtag: #BU5

In Partnership with:

Diskyonaryo ATBP.

SMX Convention Center

CO-PRESENTERS

Godiva Natural Skin Care

MadhouseMNL

Marie Claire

PAC The Professional Artist Cosmetics

The School of Satchel

Wacoal

MAJOR SPONSORS

Browhaus

Hospitality International, Inc.

I Love KOI Swimwear

Pazzo

Strip: Ministry of Waxing

The Picasso Boutique Services Residences

Zalora Philippines

MINOR SPONSORS

Beauty & Butter Salon

MEDIA SPONSORS

ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.

DONORS

I WILL BE GIVING AWAY 20 PASSES TOMORROW, MAY 30, 2013 — ONLY UNTIL 12MN. ♥

sunstyle: summer skin and fashion fest

last March 16, Vaseline collaborated with Forever 21 and Zee Lifestyle Magazine for a summer skin and fashion fest held at SM Northwing. the event couldn’t have come at a better time because the sun has begun to be scorching hot and we definitely needed not just lighter and fashionable clothing but a way to moisturize our skin and protect us from the sun despite the heat.

the host, Karla Henry’s fabulous shoes!

one of my favorite looks from Forever 21’s spring/summer collection. i die for maxi skirts.

i’m more bohemian than grunge but i could definitely add that luscious leather vest to my floral staples.

the kid on the right is how i hope my kid would look like. isn’t she adorable?

the tie-dye maxi skirt and floral jeans! super chic!

another great look — the cutouts at the back of this top and those tribal-printed shorts are L.O.V.E. oh, she’s one of my favorite models too. shout out to AR!

totally love the look on the left, even when i’ve gained weight and cannot wear cropped tops anymore. LOL. the tribal-printed jeans on the right are pretty too!

ira jennena and toni pino

of all events that i opted not to wear heels, i was accompanied by two tall bloggers…LOL.

see? i knew i should’ve worn my heels. but these footzyfolds flats are so comfy!

yes! i shaved my head — another risk. i’m that bored! haha. so far, i love it. it gives me more character. it doesn’t make me think that i’m boring when i look at myself in the mirror. i might keep this for a while.