The Lip Liner

I have been very busy lately and never had the luxury of  time to check on my blog.  Last Saturday, I attended my son’s Family Day.  It was when I visited their bazaar that I realized that Christmas is just around the corner.  I ended up buying cheap (compared to shopping malls) but great Christmas decorations.  I’m super excited since I also plan to retire my 10 year old Christmas tree.  I will feature in my blog in November my new Christmas tree!  Just for a teaser, the color of my Christmas tree is different from the usual green.  I also plan to upload four new topics right after the second quarter exams of my kids.  Bye for now.

I claimed my McDonald’s free coffee this morning.  Thanks to McDonalds.  You made my Monday morning happy!  McDonald’s free McCafe Premium Roast Coffee is until August 12, 2011 from 4:00 AM to 10:30 AM.:)

"McCafe Premium Roast Coffee"

"Present this coupon at any participating McDonald's Breakfast Store"

I grew up hearing people around me saying “Hmmm smells like a baby,” to every baby boy or baby girl they cuddled closely to them.  I would actually say exactly the same thing every chance I get when holding babies.  Apart from the babies’ natural scent, we practically all grew up with products associated with babies’ smell.  One particular brand I grew up with, and no doubt would always remind me of a baby’s smell, is “Johnson’s Baby Products.”

When I gave birth to my first born child and up to my second baby, it was all Johnson’s Baby Products.  I remember using Johnson’s Baby Top To Toe Baby Wash, Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, Johnson’s Baby Powder and Johnson’s Baby Lotion (the pink one).  Up to this day, my family is still using all the products I mentioned, except the Johnson’s Baby Top To Toe Baby Wash and Johnson’s Baby (Pink) Lotion, since my kids are already in grade school.  One particular product which my kids grew up with and are still part of their daily routine is Johnson’s Baby Powder.  I always make sure that I have an adequate stock at home.  My husband, who has sensitive skin, is using from time to time  Johnson’s Baby Shampoo.

"Johnson's Baby Shampoo"

My son will never put on his uniform without dabbing Johnson’s Baby Powder.

"Johnson's Baby Powder

I remember my daughter started using Johnson’s Baby Milk Lotion when she played a major role in their annual play.  Since her role would require her to wear shorts, I started applying Johnson’s Baby Milk Lotion in November of 2009.  Her play was staged in March 2010.  I was happy with the result.  Since then she has been using Johnson’s Baby Milk Lotion.

"Johnson's Baby Milk Lotion"

So, where do I figure in all these?  I must say, I’m a loyal Johnson’s Baby Powder user.  I guess we all are!  It’s something I can’t live without.  My after-bath routine is not complete without using Johnson’s Baby Powder.

"Johnson's Baby Powder"

I was very fortunate to have been invited to attend the product launch of Johnson’s Baby Milk Bath with no less than Ms. Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, as the endorser of the product.

Johnson's Baby Milk Bath

“Johnson’s Baby Milk Bath provides gentle cleansing that’s best suited for baby’s skin.  It has 100% more milk proteins and Vitamins A&E to keep skin nourished and moisturized.  Plus, it has the no more tears formula and is clinically proven mild for gentle and thorough cleansing without harming delicate skin.“

"Ms. Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo"

Though I am not a “Juday” fan, as she was popularly called, I have always admired her values in life.  Having seen her grow up and evolve from a “Superstar” to a “Supermom,” and respected “Chef.” I really admire her for that…Big time!  I also work full-time and I can definitely relate to her as someone with a very demanding career but still remaining to be a very “hands on mom.”

Thanks to Ms. Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, her witty and impressive answers to the questions asked by Ms. Angel Jacob, (the host during the product launch) really brought the house down.

"Ms. Angel Jacob & Ms. Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo"

She endeared us even more by being so honest and I must say “real,” with her answers.

She was very spontaneous and so natural.  She is obviously enjoying her new roles, both as a mom and as a wife.

I must say that the Johnson & Johnson people were inspired when they choose her to represent the products that very well speak of taking care of the “Family.”

For Lip Liner….

"Ms. Lip Liner"

I look forward to using Johnson’s Baby Milk  Bath now that she is endorsing it.  As Juday said,  Johnson’s Baby Milk Bath is not just for her kids, but  she also uses it as well.  Now, I can buy a  cleansing and at the same time moisturizing soap for the whole family.  I have no doubt that Johnson’s  Baby Products will live up to my expectations like it always did.  It’s like going back home.  It feels like going back to the basics of using tried and tested  products.

It’s definitely a nostalgic trip back to the proven and reliable products… the  Johnson’s Baby Products. As they say, “the legacy lives on.” It’s something that I’m very sure my kids will pass on to their kids someday.



I give credit to my mom for my early exposure to skin care products .  Be it for the face, body and skin.  I grew up trying every new lotion or cream I see on her dresser.  I loved smelling each one of them while I applied each product to my skin.   Of course, who cares about the result?   I was just then, a curious seven year old girl.

While I was growing up, I remember my mom telling my older sisters to start taking vitamins for the skin.  She started when she reached the age of twenty five.   She always reminds us to take good care of our skin.   That’s how my love affair with skin care products started.  I must say, I consider myself vain, but for very good reasons.

I now have two kids and I just turned forty this year.  Believe it or not, people would ask me twice when I tell them my age.  “Oh, we thought you’re only in your early thirties!” was their usual reply.  I am a busy mom.   I wake up every day at 4 in the morning.   My husband and I bring our kids to school every day.   Oh, and I work!   I don’t stay often in the office.  I always do field work.  I’m always expose to the heat of the sun.

Good thing, there is sun block for the face.  I use sun block every time we swim.  It’s a protection to our skin from getting sunburn.  However, today, you can buy sun block for the face with different SPF as well.  Name every brand of skin care products in the market, they all have sun block!   For years, I have been using sun block, trying one brand after the other to know which one suits me best.

I have been using this particular brand of sun block for quite some time.   But I realized that people often asked me If I just went to the beach?  Really!  Last year, when I came back from the states; people would tell mo how come my face was dark?  It was then that I realized that something was wrong with my sun block.

This year, my high school friends and I have celebrated our fortieth birthday. So, we decided to have an all girls trip to Bangkok.   We called it “Moms Day Off.”  Prior to the trip, I have started using a new sun block, the NIVEA Visage Sparkling White sun block.  The NIVEA Visage I’m using has an SPF 30.

"Nivea Visage Sparkling White Sunblock"

“NIVEA Visage has oil free, water-based formula that whitens, protects against UVA/UVB rays, hydrates and brings out your inner glow, leaving your complexion looking translucently fair and radiant.”

I don’t know what to expect then.   Though NIVEA is not really something new to me, since most of my skin care and body products are NIVEA except for my face.  My husband, uses NIVEA for men Cool Kick antiperspirant.  I use NIVEA antiperspirant for women.  Recently I tried their new NIVEA’s Pure & Natural deodorant.  We both use NIVEA body lotion.  My husband also uses NIVEA for men Energizing Hydro Gel.  We both love their wide range of skin and body products.

"I love Nivea"

This time I decided to also try their NIVEA Visage White Sparkling whitening foam and NIVEA Visage whitening scrub.  To complete the full effect, I also tried their NIVEA Visage Sparkling White Day Care cream.

"Nivea Visage Sparkling White Whitening Foam & Scrub"

Going back to our trip to Bangkok, the weather was extremely hot.   I made sure to apply the NIVEA Visage sparkling white sun block every time we go out.  We were exposed to the heat of the sun when we went to the Floating Market, the Elephant Show and when we visited the Grand Palace.  After a week’s trip, we headed back home.

Two very significant things everyone told me when I got back that stuck to my mind and these were; “you look rested and your face looked fairer.”  That day, while driving home from the office, I kept thinking on what my friends and office mates have told me.   The remarks were positive indeed.  Those were the response I expected people would tell me when I got back from the states last year.  It was then that I realized the reason for my fairer and radiant skin, the NIVEA VISAGE SPARKLING WHITE products.

"I bring my Nivea sun block wherever I go"

Now, I’m happy more than ever.   I’m confident that NIVEA will help me maintain my youthful look.  I’m no longer scared to go outside because NIVEA Visage sun block will protect my face from getting dark.  I want to grow old gracefully just like my mom.   From hereon, it’s definitely NIVEA for me!.

"Barbie Shubizz Shoes"

Barbie Shoes!  That was my reply to the people who kept on asking the brand of shoes I was wearing.  Last Sunday, I went to SM to buy my kids their school bags and shoes.  While I waited for the new stock of bag for my daughter, I saw from afar a fuchsia colored shoe.

"My Barbie Shoes"

I was surprised to learn that the brand of shoes was  indeed Barbie!  After I checked the different styles and color, I asked for a size 7.

"Looks great on my feet"

Surprisingly, it was lightweight.  There was no heavy feeling on my feet while walking around wearing it.  My daughter liked it too.  She started fitting some and even shrieked with delight.

"My daughter wearing a Barbie Shoe"

She even asked if she can also buy a pair.  I had to explain that the Barbie Shubizz line of  shoes is only for the ladies.  I told her that I will take care of the Barbie shoes I bought, so when she is already grown up, she can borrow it.  That made sense to her.

"Other Barbie Styles"

Surprisingly, Barbie shoes are not that expensive!  The quality is also good.

We all love Barbie dolls.   Sure you will also love the Barbie Shubizz Shoes!

"Rodeo Ranch"

The call time was at twelve  noon.  We left the house at ten thirty in the morning.  I didn’t want my daughter, Margo to be late.  It was her first recital for the Trumpets Playshop.  As usual, the traffic in Metro Manila was highly unpredictable!  Just when I thought it would be a breeze driving  to GSIS Theater on a Friday, I was totally wrong.  It took us almost two hours to reach our destination.  By the time we finished our lunch and I had retouched her make-up,  she was already thirty minutes late for her call time.

Oh, one important thing I forgot, her bouquet of flowers!  I was frantic!  I asked the people around me  if by any chance there was a flower shop inside GSIS building?  I was so stressed out with the traffic and now the flowers!  Just when I had given up hope, there it was at the corner of the theater entrance, a lady selling bouquets of flowers!  It was at that point that I started asking myself,  “was it all worth it?”  After we were allowed to enter the theater and while I waited for the play to start,  I tried to remember how it all started.  It was then that I had a brief  trip down memory lane…

When my daughter, Margo was in Nursery, I got the surprise of  my life.  She  got a major part in her school’s annual play.  From what I have heard,  major characters were  given to Kindergarten students who were older and more mature.  She auditioned  and got the part of  “Diwatang Wena.”  She had to memorize long lines and attend rehearsals  after school and sometimes even on Saturdays.  The school play was a big success!  Margo’s performance did not go unnoticed.

Margo as "Diwata Wena " in "Ang Huling Kagubatan."

"Diwata Wena with Daddy"

There was no stopping Margo by the time she was in Kindergarten.

Margo as "Gabby"

She was  again given a major role.  This time as “Gabby” in their school play titled ang “Paglalakbay  Sa Libro ng Hiwaga,” which, incidentally, was her last play as a pre schooler.

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The script was twenty pages thick.  The lines she memorized were unbelievably long.  I remembered one incident, on our way out of  her school, the guard suddenly stopped our car and told us that her teacher/director wanted to talk to us.  Hence, we went back,  only to be told that Margo had to seriously memorize her lines.   Whew! Talk about pressure!

Prior to the play, there was a dress rehearsal.  It was the only time  where parents were allowed to take pictures and video of the play.  I was really happy with  Margo’s performance during their dress rehearsal.

But during the gala show, I cannot find words to described her performance.  Spectacular?   It was beyond me.  I saw it with my two eyes.  She had a strong stage presence!  I felt it.  I guessed, everyone felt it too.  Oh, maybe I was just a proud mom!

After the play, parents, teachers, friends and strangers went to us and congratulated us.  Her performance was awesome.  Someone said, she danced so well!  It was pure delight!  I kept playing the the scenes on my head over and over again.  The joy I felt remained long  after the play had ended.

Fast forward… I told myself,  Margo has a great potential in theater.  She loves it. The limelight. The applause.  The curtain call.  She adores the theater.  Most of all, she loves acting.

I was supposed to enroll her last summer.  Unfortunately, we were scheduled to leave for the states.  That would mean, she will not be able to finish her Trumpets Playshop workshop.  We had no choice but to forego the training.  But this year,  I enrolled her right after the closing of  school.

During the workshop, Margo attended three times a week acting class.  After more than fifteen  sessions,  check the pictures of the Trumpets Playshop’s recital titled “The Rodeo Ranch.”  The children were amazing!

"Awarding of Certificates"

"Group Hug"

Margo as "Payton"

Trumpets Playshop was able to instill discipline on the children.  Margo strictly followed  her class schedule and call time.  The kids had shown “Teamwork and Camaraderie.”  It was a very enriching experience for the kids and parents as well.  Margo looks forward to another Trumpets Playshop training next summer.  I salute the Trumpets Playshop.

“THE END”

I love “Hotdog!”  It’s something I have not outgrown eating through the years.  It’s on the top list of my weekly grocery.  Everytime I attend any school activities of my kids or when my husband and I would be in a hurry to catch the start of a movie, a Hotdog sandwich is always the best food to buy. Unfortunately, last year my doctor advised me to avoid eating fatty foods.  My cholesterol was a little higher than the normal level.  I was told to eat chicken and fish instead.

It was an eye opener for me.  I realized that I have to be healthy not just for myself but most importantly for my husband and my two kids.  This year, I started joining Fun Run events again and plan to join more.  However, craving for my favorite food really is an obstacle for me.  There were times I was tempted to eat my favorite “Hotdog.”   I would just tell myself to stay disciplined so as to stay healthy.  It was  so frustrating.

But not anymore!  The angels must have heard me…. Last Wednesday, I attended a launch of a product that is so close to my heart as well as to my appetite….My favorite Hotdog!  But it was a different Hotdog.

“Century Tuna once again paves the way for another exciting healthy food innovation as it unveils the new Century Tuna Healthylicious Hotdog – the first meat hotdog in the market that combines the delicious taste of our all-time favorite hotdog with the healthy goodness of tuna.”

Century Tuna Hotdog

The Century Tuna Hotdog launch was hosted by the lovely and gracious TV host, Ms. Phoemela Baranda.

Phoemela Baranda

It was also during the launch at the Outback Restaurant in Glorietta, Makati, that the Century Canning Family introduced their newest endorser for the Century Tuna Hotdog,  Mr. Aljur Abrenica.  Aljur is a famous and talented young actor from GMA 7.

"Aljur Abrenica & Phoemela Baranda"

[...]

It’s “Out with the old…In with the new?”  Yes!  This Summer, I have discovered a new shade of lipstick from “Face Shop.”  Oh, not just lipstick but “Lip Gloss,” as well.

Face Shop Summer Lipstick

I still looked tan.  Hence, this new shade is just right for me.  It gives a “Glow” to my face.

Face Shop never ceases to amaze me!  I just passed by their store last week because it was too hot outside.  So, I decided to look around for something new to buy.  That’s when i discovered the Face Shop’s “Face & it” array of lipsticks.  The value for money is very important to me everytime I purchase an item.  With Face Shop,  it’s always worth your money buying something of good quality but very affordable!  The lipstick I bought costs  a little less than Php600.00.

I was about to leave, but I can’t help but look at the  model in the poster.  The shade of her lips was different.  When I checked it, there it was written, the gloss that she used was the Face Shop’s “Extreme Rouge Gloss.”  The summer effect would not be complete without it.  After I applied the Face Shop’s Face & it with shade number BR802, I coated my lips  with Face Shop’s “Extreme Rouge Gloss,” with shade number BR801.

"Extreme Rouge Gloss" BR801

Voila!  Light orange shade that shines.  Indeed, a perfect “Summer Lips” from FACE SHOP!

A surprise from Face Shop….

When I opened  my Face Shop shopping bag, I found something…

A real lipgloss phone accessory!  Only from FACE SHOP.

An “Event Like No Other.”  That’s how I described the “Goldilocks Fun Run” yesterday at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.  I have experienced many firsts in this event.

What were my many firsts?

• 1st Fun Run I joined this year.  I have two kids who are both in grade school.  I am exposed to their school’s “Family Day” activity.   This was the first Fun Run where I have seen and felt  a “Family Day Touch,”  which I did not experience in the previous Fun Run I joined.  I have seen a lot of  families in the Goldilocks event.  There was a mother and daughter tandem.  A father and son tandem.  Siblings  running together while the rest of their family members cheered on them.

Mother & Daughter

• 1st time I enjoyed lining on the booths not minding the scorching heat of the sun because of the Goldilocks event’s festive atmosphere.

• 1st time I enjoyed taking pictures of  the famous celebrities up-closed at the Goldilocks VIP tent.

Dingdong Dantes

Dingdong Dantes wearing the Goldilocks singlet

Wendel Ramos

Oh, and running after some of them too.

Ms. Tessa Prieto-Valdez crossing the street

Rovilson

• 1st time I experienced  that the line at the Goldilocks  “Finishers Tent,” (mine at 5k)  moved very quickly.

5K FINISHERS TENT

• 1st time that I claimed a finisher’s drink without lining up.  Everything was very organized.

• 1st time I enjoyed all the sponsors’ samplings.  Very generous of them indeed!

Magnolia

Century Tuna

Clara Ole

Selecta

Bench

• 1st time that a Fun Run a had an air of  “Fiesta.”  Very Filipino.

"Festive Atmosphere"

I noticed the Goldilocks Pavilion.  There were tables and chairs where  some people were either eating or relaxing while waiting for their companions.

FOOD PAVILION

Incidentally, this is the 1st time that Goldilocks organized a  Fun Run.  This event showed that Goldilocks practices a tradition that speaks of Family, Gathering and Celebration.  We all grew up with Goldilocks.  This is something we all can relate to.  Truly, you’re the 1 GOLDILOCKS! 

More photos of  the Goldilocks Fun Run……

RUNRIO TENT

NEW BALANCE TENT

FINISH LINE

NEWYORKBROADWAYTIMESSQUARESTATUEOFLIBERTYSAKSFIFTHAVENUE

"Saks Fifth Avenue"

Broadway Play, "Wicked"

"NBC STUDIOS/OBSERVATION DECK"

I have seen enough “Hollywood” movies with ‘NEW YORK CITY”  as the location, to last me a lifetime.   It was in May of 2010 when I set foot in New York City.  My family and I stayed with our relative in New Jersey.  It was when my journey to the “CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS,” begins.

I loved the weather.  It was nearing Spring.  I wore a light jacket which I find very comfortable.  Unlike the thick winter jacket  I wore with the thermal suit underneath  when I went to the states in December of 2008.

I was thrilled going to the Subway Station.

"Waiting for the transit door to open"

This is the Best way if you want to go around New York.  But  for the first timer like me, it was confusing as to which train to ride to going to a destination.

"33rd Street to 34th Street Subway"

"Welcome to New York Transit"

Sure, there was a Subway map.  But I was too mesmerized and never bothered studying it.  I just followed my group while observing and absorbing everything  about New York.

"SUBWAY MAP"

Of course, the famous “Yellow Taxis.”

"Yellow Cab"

When I  saw the so called “Icon” in New York City,  I just said to myself,  “Oh so typical of New York.”  Especially when I saw someone hailed at the “Yellow Cab”  in a hurry.  See, very much the “Hollywood Movie Scene”.

The shops were fabulous…

"PRADA"

"LOUIS VUITTON"

"TIFFANY & CO."

"VERSACE"

"SALVATORE FERRAGAMO"

"ABERCROMBIE/HOLLISTER"

'BOTTEGA VENETA"

Now, let me tour you on the famous ‘TIMES SQUARE.”

"TIMES SQUARE AT NIGHT"

"TIMES SQUARE"

People were all excited taking pictures.  The place bustled with activities.  I was thrilled knowing that I was standing right where the “Millenium Party” took place.

Just by looking at the famous “Broadway Plays,”  simply took my breath away.

"PHANTOM"

More of  Broadway…

'NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT"

"Broadway Street"

It was already late when we headed back to New Jersey.  On the way to the subway station, we passed by “Ground Zero.”  It used to be where the “World Trade Center” stood.

"GROUND ZERO"

I bought a lot of New York souvenirs.  Looking back, I realized that the time we have allotted was not enough to see the whole of New York City.  I only saw the “Statue of  Liberty” from afar.  I will definitely go back in 2012 to see the famous statue up-close.

There are still more exciting and wonderful places to see in New York.  But for now, I just want to remember the lights…IT WILL DEFINITELY INSPIRE YOU…NEW YORK..NEWYORK..:)