Tuesday, November 27, 2012

E-Session: Kris + Niki

Kris is one of my pole dance teachers. I still remember the day she announced that she was engaged. It happened during I think the first of April. I kinda sensed things because the Polecats were sending hearts and kilig expressions in her Facebook wall, but no final announcement yet. It was then that I confirmed my hunch when she changed her relationship status and posted a video of how Niki proposed to her. It was absolutely a cute and romantic video that had friends and family involved.  From that day on, Kris, despite the stress of wedding preparations, classes, Polecats gigs, and organizing plus performing at the Polecats third anniversary show was a picture of happiness and love. You could tell how excited she is. Being her student and her friend, I can't help but be happy for her.

I felt really flattered that I got to do Kris and Niki's prenup photoshoot. I've done Kris's makeup countless times already as she performs in many of their gigs and also our shoots. This time, the loud colors, glitter, and  heavy lip colors are replaced by neutral palettes enhancing her natural beauty and super-happy glow.

Usually, prenup photoshoots have a certain theme or concept or done at a remote place that requires the crew to go out of town. Kris and Niki decided to have their prenup right smack at Metro Manila with a very cute concept - it would be showcasing their future life together as a married couple.



What a pretty way to wake up in the morning!

I love that they are such a very laid back couple. Everyone was so relaxed in this shoot and enjoying every minute of it.




Dinner out. At this point, I pegged an Angelina Jolie look for Kris. I was inspired by her dress.

The shoot was awesome, pretty, and fast. Kris and Niki took care of us and fed us and I probably stuffed myself with five servings of pasta that day.


Niki and Kris got their friends Gino and Marco to help with the set up. They did such an amazing job! And yep, that's me hiding my makeup-less face with glasses and a default Hello Kitty shirt. :) 

Congratulations Kris and Niki! Thank you so much for trusting me to do your makeup!

Image Credits:
Photos: Bokehbug Wedding and Lifestyle Photography
Set Design: Gino Nacianceno and Marco Ortiga

Monday, November 19, 2012

Finally! A Pole-Friendly Lotion To Use!



Before that Saturday that I went to my first-ever pole dance class, the warning given to me by all my pole teachers was this: don’t wear lotion, oils, moisturizers, creams, and body butters. It also follows not to use moisturizing soaps or shower creams. Why? Because it will make you slip and since the lotion sticks on the pole, it will also ruin the day of the next pole user because she will slip as well. As a result, my skin care has drastically changed. During my pole days, I stick to my usual strong soaps and only wear lotion at night. With a pole at home, and working hard on an audition video, it was unpredictable to know when exactly to pole. Just to be safe, I’d been skipping moisturizing stuff like the plague during the day.

As a result, not wearing moisturizers has made my skin really dry, scaly, and blotchy. I actually thought before, that the drier the skin, the better to pole. On the contrary, dry skin is prone to burns, chafing, and also slipping. The chafing and burns probably explained the scabs on the top of my climbing foot.  It kind of made sense that dehydrated and dry skin is weaker. Healthy skin is actually stickier on the pole. Now the question is, how can we make our skin achieve that healthy state that enables us to stay put on the pole without slipping or scabbing?

I’m glad that there are innovative people out there who understand our needs to achieve that perfect balance of skin conditions and keep our love for pole.  There is in fact, a lotion that’s enriched with vitamin E and still pole friendly. Talk about the best of both worlds! No slip, no slick, no problem! 

image credits


Pole Physics is a lotion especially formulated for pole dancing that gives the skin the nourishment it needs without compromising our performances. It used to be available only abroad but now, it’s available here locally at my second home  - the PolecatsManila studio! This lotion feels absolutely lush on the skin,. You can use it in the morning after a shower, then you can go to work, or go about your regular day and then attend pole class at night without having to wash or rub alcohol on your skin. It’s also non-greasy, so you could even use this in summer, where it’s humid but the skin’s absolutely dry during the day. No ick and stick factor during rehearsals at noon, say Stellar Summer show. It’s also fast-absorbing on the skin. Actually, I’ve tried this on the studio and then poled after like 20 minutes of warm up and I didn’t slip, even during cross ankles.



This is the formula  that I’m currently using. The gradual tanning formula gives a warm summer glow when we need it and there’s no beach available. The faux tan actually looks quite natural. Always remember though to exfoliate before applying this lotion and wash hands immediately to avoid the telltale sign of orange palms. Wait too until the lotion is fully absorbed before putting on clothing. Another thing I like about this too is that it does not smell chemical-like like other self-tanners that have that typical self-tanner scent.


The scented one is perfect for summer, with as the label says an invigorating summer scent. This citrusy fresh scent is a great pick-me-upper on days where we feel sluggish.

image credits

For those who don’t want too much on the scent factor can go with unscented – clean, simple, and still nourishes the skin.

With a week of using this, my skin has been thankful before and after pole. It’s healthier with less of the blotches and scales and my pole life didn’t have to suffer for it, and so do the people after me since they don’t slip too. It’s an awesome Christmas gift to a pole dancer friend (hint hint! J ) and a perfect addition to my pole dance kikay kit. Oh, and the pump bottle makes it an easy way to dispense product without the insides drying out.  Do take note though, that this is not a grip aid. This is something that will help care for the skin without compromising our need to pole.

The cost of a bottle of pole physics lotion is Php 1,500 but now they’re offering it at an introductory price of Php 1,200 at the Polecats Manila studio. I’m also happy to tell you that this is a product that does not do animal testing. For more information, you can check out the Pole Physics Facebook Page.