Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Space To Love: Footworks Dance Studio and shoot BTS

Last Friday, I had a shoot with the pole and aerial teachers from Footworks Dance Studio. Footworks Dance Studio is located in Katipunan Avenue. It's located on the Southbound lane of Katipunan, right before Tokyo Bubble Tea. If you're coming from Capitol Hills or Balara, just go down the road of Katipunan, take the flyover, and start keeping right. It's located after the small restos and the Quirino Memorial Center. The building is sort of yellow, and the same building as Elorde. If you're coming from Eastwood/Taguig, just take C5 and go to Katipunan, make a U-turn under the flyover and you will see the building on the right.

From Footworks Facebook page

Footworks Dance Studio holds aerial silk, aerial hoop, pole dance, TRX, and aerial yoga classes taught by Polecats Manila teachers. This is for people who live in the QC/Libis/Marikina area who find the Ortigas studio too far.

From Footworks Facebook page

The studio currently has 5 X-Pole chrome poles, 4 aerial hoops, and 4 aerial silks to get your aerial fix.


Check out the super cute graffiti as well that spell "Footworks"

A photo posted by Bambi De la Cruz 🐱🐯 (@bambikitty) on

I have to give myself a pat on the back for my set-up and pack-up skills. That light source there comes from my light table, which is a smaller one that I use if I need to save space on my workstation. I use a mix of yellow and white lights for my station. When people ask me why, I say if it were an all-white station they would hate me for it because it would be too bright for their eyes. I also personally like a mix of yellow and white so I get the right daylight mix and warmth for photo purposes.

Aside from pole, hoop, and silk, Footworks also has other classes which can compliment your choice of aerial workout. There's aerial yoga, which helps you stretch tight muscles, destress, and create balance.

From Footworks Facebook page
Flexibility increases your range of motion safer as you work towards your backbends, splits, and all those flexi tricks.  It also helps with active flexibility and balances your strength with bendiness. Because pole dancing is still a dance, there's also pole dance classes to improve on floorwork. There would be a new class added, called Pole Flow, which helps with floorwork, transitions, and of course feelings (yes! feelings are important), for pretty, poetic pole dance numbers and concepts.

Our shoot had a total of six teachers. Let me show you the makeup I did on the 4 teachers.

Amaya
Amaya teaches Flexibility and Aerial Hoop. She loves her trademark winged eyeliner so I gave her winged eyeliner (If you look closely, I did some sort of graphic ombre cat eyeliner) with long lashes. The rest was kept neutral, although a bit on the warm side. The eyes I have to sort of smoke things up, just for pictorial purposes, for definition,


Bianca
Bianca teaches pole dance. She's a ballerina too! The look here is quite rosy, but even though I did use pinks and roses in this color, I didn't make it super pastel-y, girly pink, which is also not my style. It's an in-between of clean and glam but not all sweet.


Kit
Kit teaches Aerial Yoga. For male grooming, I always apply my male signature the "naturally flawless and defined" look, and updated the technique I have from my "Queen of Male Grooming" days circa 2008-2009 to the "Khaleesi of Male Grooming". Males do not really wear makeup on a regular basis so I should make the makeup look like flawless skin. I also defined brows and added a natural flush and contours for warmth, not for taga-level shaping.


Tippi
Tippi teaches pole dance and beginner's pole. She's one lucky girl who looks great in pinks and purples for eye makeup. This look reminded me of Emily Blunt in Devil Wears Prada. I used this for her second look, when she was doing her photos with pole (her headshot just had her in subtle brown smokey eyes). The lipstick coincidentally is her favorite lipstick shade, Revlon Matte Balm in Sultry.

Top Row: Amaya and Kiara
Bottom Row: Bianca, Kayleen, Kit, and Tippi
Photo from the Footworks Facebook page

Kiara also did makeup on Kayleen as well as herself (she's also a Footworks teacher, teaching pole and TRX). I haven't seen Kiara in ages and this was also a wonderful time to catch up with her and all.

It was a rainy day but inside the studio was almost like a sunshine-y summer with these group of people. I'll share the photos when they come out! Thank you to Team Footworks for a fantastic Friday.


Image Directory:

Graffiti photo and makeup documentation from the author

Photos of the studio, Flexibility photo, and group photo from Footworks Facebook Page
facebook.com/Footworks-Dance-Studio-1454636504793629/

Directory:

Footworks Dance Studio 
4th Floor 213 Katipunan Avenue Extension, Blue Ridge, Quezon City
0917-700-7653
footworks_dancestudio@yahoo.com
facebook.com/Footworks-Dance-Studio-1454636504793629/
instagram.com/footworks_dancestudio

Sunday, November 27, 2016

A Night Of Magic With Cinderella

There's something about fairytales that still enchants us, no matter what age we may be. Despite many re-tellings and adaptations of various fairytales, we view each version with fresh eyes, as if it would be the first time to watch, no matter how much the story was read  to us as children. I've both read and watched several versions of the story Cinderella. When I was a child, there was a constant debate with an old playmate on who was the better princess - Snow White or Cinderella, which went on for months it needed grownup intervention. I liked Cinderella more because of the story and the songs. Maybe it's her affinity towards animals (errr, maybe except the part that she's friends with mice) or she had super cute shoes and she had a calming voice as she sang "Sing Sweet Nightingale" while doing her house chores.


Just last night, I watched yet another version of Cinderella, this time a full-length ballet production brought by Ballet Manila. This show is choreographed by none other than Ballet Manila's artistic director herself, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde (who also portrays Cinderella's Fairy Godmother).

Lisa Macuja Elizalde portrays Cinderella's Fairy Godmother.
Photo by Ocs Alvarez 
As a ballet dancer,  Lisa herself has never had the chance to portray Cinderella (describing this role as "the one that got away") .  Now, she interprets not just the role of this princess but also the other characters that make up this story as she, along with Osias Barroso choreograph this full-length ballet show.

Cinderella with her evil stepsisters. 
The fairy tale Cinderella teaches us to continue dreaming and believing as well as to have courage and be kind. As Danielle de Barbarac (in Ever After, a movie also based on Cinderella), she takes matters as well in her own hands and takes charge of her life. Being a very popular fairy tale and whatever version you might remember, Cinderella has a way of reaching out to us. What makes this ballet version of Cinderella special is that this has a universal appeal to both adults and children alike. The musical score includes familiar music from two very popular versions of the fairy tale - the Disney version (A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, Bibbid-Bobbid-Boo, Work Song, So This is Love, etc)  and the Rodgers and Hammerstein version (Ten Minutes Ago, Stepsister's Lament). I remember during the press preview, the little girl beside me was so excited when "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" played and was humming to it. Using music from the popular versions makes it easily appreciated even by those who do not watch ballet on a regular basis. It sort of ties everything together making it relatable from parents to children and even to someone who would be watching a full-length ballet for the first time.


A bit of magic, hope, and love. The Fairy Godmother arrives and gives Cinderella comfort.

colorful costumes as Cinderella meets her prince at the ball
The costumes and sets were full of color and all things gorgeous and sparkly. Cinderella's blue ball gown costume kind of reminds me as well of the gown the princess wore in the movie version, the one with Lily Cole (at one point, I looked if there would be a glass slipper version of pointe shoes). I must also commend the costume change from Cinderella's rags to her ball gown that happened in the finale of Act 1 because that was literally almost like magic happening onstage.  The costume of the Evil Stepmother (played by Jonathan Janolo in drag who gave the role a very lighthearted comedic flavor) reminded me as well of Lady Tremaine in the cartoon version, from the hair with the white streak down to the maroon dress. The atmosphere was very happy and light and with all the colors and sparkles, it kind of reminded me of happy childhood, reliving an old classic fairy tale we grew to love.

The Dance Tutor, Cinderella, and her Evil Stepmother
Photo by Ocs Alvarez
They also added several elements and characteristics  that give nod to modern times, such as the Dance Tutor who taught the Stepsisters how to dance for the ball. That probably had to be one of my most favorite scenes I was amused at the characterization of the dance instructor which actually reminds me of super stereotype  "fasyon" type of artist during modern times.

I was really enjoying the whole play I didn't realize the show would almost be over. The show was an entertainment to everyone.  The children in the audience were very happy and identifying characters and getting excited. This is so perfect in welcoming December and the Holidays are coming and amidst the Christmas rush and the stress and the horrible traffic that gets worse every single day of our lives, we just need something that make us feel good and just feel happy. With what's happening, we certainly need good vibes and optmism and just relive the magic we enjoyed as kids.

Cinderella by Ballet Manila would have another show today at 3 pm as well as two other shows next weekend: Dec 3 at 8 pm and another one on December 4 at 3 pm (perfect for a whole family affair as the children won't stay up past bedtime). I promise a wonderful family affair for everyone.



Thursday, November 24, 2016

Summer in November

Hello all! I just had an amazing vacation at the beach last week and with all the crazy things have been happening and with things just getting crazier with the traffic as Christmas draws in closer, I thought, that even an overnight stay of sun, salty air, sea, would be good, right? I took photos, swam, tanned, and even tried a 15-minute snorkeling experience and saw huge fishies! You know what? I didn't even need to use a boat because their were fishies even just a few meters from the sand!

This was a hotel staycation-accidentally turned beach road trip since the hotel wasn't available but no worries, since I never say no to a good dose of saltwater. Besides, my last beach trip was what? 2014? The resort of choice is probably familiar already to some, but it nevertheless still is gorgeous - La Luz Beach Resort in San Juan, Batangas. It's just 2 to 2-1/2 hours away from Manila.

Back in Paradise.
Swimwear by I Love Koi
This beach is great for families, friends, couples, or even a solo YOLO trip. Rates are affordable and during the summer, I see quite a lot of student get-togethers. We chose a perfect time to go here on a non-peak season on a weekday. Weekdays mean less traffic going out-of-town, less crowded beaches, and this month was just perfect because it's still tan-friendly sunny. The water is super clear (no seaweeds!) and with less people, it's almost like having the beach to yourself and no need to be super conscious about the perfect beach selfie.



The sand is just a bit on the coarse side, but it's still okay. There are cabanas if you want to enjoy the beach under the shade (while getting a massage) or if you're like me, a sun worshipper, go ahead and bask yourself under the sun in the gorgeous, cushy white lounge chairs.

A junior premier room is around Php3,600 a night plus 1,485 charge for meals per person. They have other rooms to fit larger groups and families. Don't worry because there are airconditioned rooms and WiFi is available so you can upload your photos in Facebook and Instagram and get updates in Viber and Twitter. You would need however to bring your personal toiletries and maybe a microfiber towel for the beach. There are also other activities to do to enjoy the beach like sports and board games. I did try a bit of snorkelling but I only stayed for 15 minutes since I get really claustrophobic with the mask. It was a pretty sight under water though.

Food was okay and buffet style. They actually have a newly-renovated dining area and from the looks of it, it looks great for a wedding reception. La luz has been known to be a nice prenup shoot location and of course, I think it's perfect for a wedding as well.




I was also able to do a bit of early morning 6 am yoga by the beach. Bring your own mat or use a beach blanket.  The sound of the waves was enough calming to do during meditation and savasanna.

More tanning in the morning!



For some reason, I always meet animal friends wherever I go. I met two baby kitty friends in the dining area - a white and orange and a calico one.



The white one accompanied me at the beach



The resort also had a resident dog. She's very sweet.


She was just by my side while I was at the beach. She's very gentle.

I've been here thrice - twice for work and once in 2014 for a yolo beach trip. I guess this was the best trip I had so far since the weather was perfect and the beach was super quiet with clear waters.  I would definitely come back here and maybe stay a bit longer than overnight. I super love beach trips and I wouldn't mind a few days away from Manila for this and I wish for more beach trips in the future for work or for chillax (hint hint!)

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Tips For A Hassle-Free Holiday

Can you believe Christmas is coming really fast? Time does fly! Bazaars are coming up and if you visit a Starbucks branch, you may notice that the holiday drinks are already here (I'm so glad Peppermint Mocha is here as that's my ultimate favorite Holiday drink, nonfat decaf please!).

With Christmas season comes traffic. Every December Friday, I always find myself stuck in horrible traffic due to the countless parties people rush to after work. Parking in the malls have been harder due to holiday get-togethers or some Christmas party somewhere. Last year, just weeks after I got the car repaired from a hit-and-run bump, the car got another bump because a guy cut me while in a hurry to go to a Christmas party. So guys, just an advice, drive carefully, don't rush, and if you're an inexperienced driver, just take GrabCar or Uber.  

Minimize stress from Christmas traffic
Traffic is unavoidable and as the Christmas rush can cause stress, I thought of ways to make Christmas enjoyable and just lessen the hassle. With less hassle, hopefully we can be jolly and bright instead of The Grinch this holiday season, just a little bit.

Online Shopping

Give yourself or your loved ones the gift of beauty by ordering at Sephora.ph
Do your Christmas shopping at the comfort of your own home, office, a coffee shop while waiting for your car wash, or while getting a pedicure or your hair done. It saves on transportation and gas and also makes use of your time rather than sitting in traffic. In fact, you can even shop while in traffic, as long as you're not the driver of course. For your makeup junkie friend, log on to Sephora.ph to check out beauty bundles or their favorite lipstick, skincare, or that limited edition product they have been lemming for. Support also our local economy by shopping at the sites of our local designers and entrepreneurs. 

A photo posted by Anna the Backstage Baker (@thebackstagebaker) on

Aside from clothes, makeup, and skincare you can also buy baked goodies to give away for your officemates. Check out various baking entrepreneurs, get their calling cards and order in advance as there can be a long waitlist when Christmas approaches. 


Home Get-Togethers

Instead of Christmas get-togethers in a restaurant where waitlists are long and reservations are hard, organize a get-together in a friend's house instead. Make it a potluck event where everyone can bring a contribution. You can even make it a nice theme party. No problems with mall parking or pressure to finish or change location because other customers are waiting


Plan Your Events

Usually, I choose just a few parties to attend per year, to avoid being stuck on the road all the time or avoid marathon parties (2-3 parties per day). Avoid double-booking so you don't shortchange your loved ones or spend the entire day rushing and stressing on the road or a lot of Uber surge rates. It's okay to take it easy and not spread yourself too thin.


Go DIY


Whether you're crafty or a whiz in the kitchen, homemade gifts add a personal touch. Make use of those talents and give something homemade and personalized. You can even turn it to a small business during the season to earn a few bucks on the side.

Keep Your Usual Rituals

Do your little rituals that make you happy. They will keep you sane.


Don't skip your usual habits like workouts, weekly mani/pedis, or rush your breakfasts due to the Holiday rush. These small, familiar things keep us grounded and calm us in this very busy season. Buying that wrapping paper can wait.

Any tips that you would like to share? Let me know in the comments below.


Image Directory:

Traffic photo
pexels.com

Online shopping
sephora.ph/categories/makeup/lips/lipstick

The Backstage Baker
instagram.com/thebackstagebaker


Store Directory:

The Backstage Baker
instagram.com/thebackstagebaker/

Sephora
sephora.ph; instagram.com; instagram.com/sephora.ph



Saturday, November 12, 2016

Polecats7: My Pole Story

I can't believe I've been doing pole since 2011, almost 6 years and 7 years ago, the group that made me start my pole journey was born. So much has changed 7 years ago and the school just keeps growing.It wasn't just the workout that worked, it is what paved my way to becoming a stronger, healthier person. I was more open to other forms of workout and eating better (yep, my nemesis beans included. Still no monggo bean though).

Each student and teacher has a different pole story to tell. It's been going on in social media how we've all been sharing snippets of our pole stories, and it's amazing at how our journeys are. After four memories, I thought of consolidating my pole memories into one blog post. It was hard to choose which memory to choose, as there are so much stories to share from March 2011 to present, different memories to paint this picture. I also edited the order of the photos, making it more chronological.


Pole Story #1: Our first photoshoot


Our photoshoot was what started it all. I met my (future) teachers through my good friend AJ. I was really curious as to what pole was. I thought it was just like striptease workout (like the Carmen Electra workout videos) with a pole as a prop until I saw someone do an invert. I got intrigued with pole and this got my interest to take it, just for fun and curiosity. Who would have known I would be hooked?


Pole Story #2: My first pole trick photo



"If there's no photo, it's not true." This was the usual heckle from the men's pole class. This was my first pole trick photo, the plank. This isn't the proper form in so many ways (I also couldn't climb during that time) and I am currently judging the photo right now. At that time, I wanted a pole photo for Facebook. Those shorts were one of my first few pole shorts ever and I still wear them up to now. (P.S. My plank has improved since then)


Pole Story #3: Stellar 1



Stellar 1 was the first-ever pole recital and I was glad to be part of it. I was still Beg 1 at the time I joined. With only less than 100 students, we put on a fun and wonderful show. More confident than I was when I first entered class, I danced in all smiles in front of the audience. Despite that I had zero flexibility and dance background, I felt like I rocked it. And you know what, I think I did. It gave me hope that I can do it and I joined two Stellars after.


Pole Story #4: Pole Star Workshops

with Crystal Lai

with Estee Zakar

with Natasha Wang
with Marlo Fisken

I didn't learn only from my teachers. I also learned from international pole champions that visited the studio sharing their tricks and tips on getting stronger, improving your lines, learning new dance techniques, and so on. Most of their tips are practically engraved in my brain (I'm looking at all your split techniques, Crystal!) and some of these stars have become friends, even if we are miles and timezones away. It shows how closely knit the pole dance community is, you find family and home wherever you are in the world, no matter what color your skin is.


Pole Story #5: Joining A Pole Dance Competition



Seriously, how mustered enough guts to join a pole dance competition I didn't know. It was one of those you live only once moments and taking chances. The training process was hard but those are memories that I shall not forget, bruises, scars, broken skin and all. The sacrifices were worth the experience and although I didn't place, the experience, friends gained, and the bonds shared already made me feel like a real winner.


Pole Story #6: Gateway to fitness

taking up ballet

my students in Yoga For Life
The photos posted are not really pole-related but if it weren't for pole, I wouldn't try out other forms of fitness, getting into yoga because I needed to cross-train for flexibility, which eventually lead me from doing just yin to exploring vinyasa, power yoga, and becoming a yoga teacher. I tried ballet to improve my lines and to work on lower body strength. I started eating healthier so I feed my body good fuel so it can work better. I guess I know a fitness regimen works when the end goal isn't just to lose a few pounds but it becomes a lifelong commitment to be healthy.

 Pole Story #7: Learning from each other

The Mimis and teacher Kayleen from Stellar on Broadway. This has to be my most favorite Stellar ever. 
We didn't just learn from our teachers. There are lessons to learn from each other, from my classmates and colleagues. Actually, their own stories can also inspire and their own videos also inspire. I'm glad that in this small closely-knit community, I found support that I needed to stay on, for every fall, bruise, and injury. Those are one of the things that kept me motivated.

So that's my pole story. What's yours?

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Truffle-y Things To Love

(NOTE: This isn't actually a super fitness post, since it's food, but I swear, this has so much love and awesomeness I decided to post it. )

I love truffle flavor. Once the truffle love hit me, boy was I obsessed with it! I love anything with truffle - truffle fries, truffle pasta, truffle lechon, and my favorite savory breakfast - truffled eggs ben. I always have a bottle of excellent-quality truffle oil in my pantry. I get my truffle oil at Santi's or this store called Truffles and More, which sells all my favorite truffle ingredients  like truffle honey, truffle salt, and truffle paste. Truffles and more sometimes has a stall at the Gourmand Market, and I pass by when I need to replenish. When someone asked me to describe the flavor if it's sweet, savory, spicy, I couldn't actually find the right word to it, more of like I would say it's like gasoline, but a bit earthy, but actually quite appealing.

While at Santi's I saw that they had a stock of truffles in juice. The thoughts of gorgeous things to eat went in my head so I asked how much a bottle was. A tiny bottle with like 5 pieces of truffles was like around Php 2,400. Thankfully, I remembered my friend Josyne was in Europe for a vacation. I asked her if she was going to buy some truffles (as she loves them too) so I asked if she could buy for me a jar. When she showed me this photo in Facebook, I cried again of happiness at 4 in the morning. The equivalent cost of this in Philippine peso was Php 770 I think so it's pretty much a good deal.


Thank you Josyne, for understanding my obsession.

I guess this is trufflle sauce or truffle paste from the label, where the truffles are grounded and immersed in olive oil, like an intense black paste. I actually like this better as I don't have to worry about making truffle shavings too thick. A little actually goes a long way because a little spoonful, or even half a spoonful is already very potent.

So what things have I been making with this jar of happiness?



I would start by making one of my favorite breakfasts (or brunches) - truffled eggs Benedict. Making eggs Benedict is really time and space consuming - I have to toast the English muffins, poach the eggs, fry the bacon, and make the Hollandaise sauce. However, taking your first bite of everything makes it so worth the trouble. Yes, I make my own Hollandaise sauce from scratch (no powders). That's actually the secret to really good eggs ben and it brings all the flavors together. I add the truffle and the truffle oil at the last minute, so the truffly goodness is still there instead of evaporating away.



I also upped my go-to dish, black pepper truffle mushroom pasta with a heaping teaspoon of paste. You know what makes my black pepper flavor so intense? I get black peppercorn (no need to be expensive, just your regular old pamintang buo used to make your chicken adobo) and crack them with a mortar and pestle.



Grilled cheese panini (the original recipe is from Solenn Heussaff's book Hot Sos) with a little truffle paste and truffle salt. Yes, I served it still with salsa.




I made this a while ago for lunch, another pasta recipe this time using butter, lemon zest, truffle, and nutritional yeast (as I didn't have pecorino cheese with me). a sprinkle of salt and pepper and fresh parsley plus chili flakes, this dish has so much texture and flavor and dimension they make so much perfect sense.

These are some of my food for the soul, meals that make me happy. either making it or eating it. Are you a truffle fan like I am? What are some of your favorite indulgent truffly things? Let me know in the comments or tag me in Instagram of your favorite resto with the best truffley dish. Share us the love.

Mermaid-Inspired Gift Ideas for The Inner Mermaid

We pole dancers have this inclination to lovely mythical creatures - unicorns, mermaids, fairies. We don't know why but we just do. Must be the mix of gorgeousness, gracefulness, and glitter. Actually, mermaid fascination doesn't just stop in pole world. There are so many mermaid-themed shots out there.

"Mermaid" by Aly Reyes
(yep, that girl in the photo is me. This was shot during Manny Librodo's Eminent Light Workshop last 2010 in Cavite)
Just as we know that it's Christmas season already (mall hours are already extended to Holiday hours, I just found out), we're into that shopping mode for gifts and all. and for that friend or loved one of yours who longs for the sea or secretly wishes for fins sometimes, here are several gift ideas her heart would love.

1. Mermaid leggings

Wearing green mermaid print leggings while going as Ariel in Halloween last year.
Leggins from Kosha Yoga, Php 880
While mermaid fins are impractical for like going to the mall or attending yoga class, give her a pair of shiny and comfy mermaid-print leggings. These comfortable and shiny leggings can be your fins on land or on the yoga mat.


2. Mermaid Sports Bra

Valleau Apparel Mermaid Sports Bra, Php 2,400
Available at Jade Activewear
If she may already have the leggings in her closet, a sports bra to match wouldn't hurt. This Valleau Apparel Mermaid Sports Bra comes in this gorgeous Cobalt color that mimics the color of the ocean and it's got great support too. Not into sports? It looks great under loose tanks or a low-back top.


3. Happy Skin x Disney Ariel Liquid Matte Lipstick


 Happy Skin X Disney Princess Liquid Matte Lipstick in Ariel solo (left) and with Cinderella (right)

Who's the mermaid's favorite Disney princess? It's definitely Ariel (she's also my favorite Disney princess). Go #lovelocal and check out Happy Skin's latest collaboration with Disney as they feature eight Disney princesses in their holiday collection. Our Little Mermaid's color is a bright pinkish red, inspired probably by her fiery red hair and feisty rebel personality. The color stays on after yoga class, a whole rib platter, a cup of toffee nut latte, and maybe even if I swam, it's meant to last in water.  Purchase the Ariel liquid matte lipstick (Php 699) individually or buy the set which includes Cinderella (Php 1299).


4.  Sea Salt Spray

Let your mermaid friend have her tousled, sexy, beach waves all year round with this all-natural and local hair care product that smells really awesome as it gives hair natural waves without any effort.


5. Ariel Socks

whenever I wear socks, that little boy Sebastian is all over socks
Since it's a tad colder than our usual weather, it's time to wear boots! Have something quirky under the sleek black boots or wear this with your sneakers the next time you go train. They're perfect stocking stuffers and last-minute gifts.


6. Aquamarine Nail Polish


Choose a pretty, metallic or holographic color that remind you of mermaid scales and fins. Here shown is Sally Hansen Triple Shine in Make Waves (Php 315), a gorgeous aquamarine color that's super easy to apply. Up the shine with topcoat too, or even glitter.


7. Mermaid-inspired pigments


Bright cobalt blue, aquamarine, green, purple, or a subtle lilac. these jars of makeup pigments can create lovely eye looks or can be mixed with liquid lipsticks or clear lipglosses to create that mermaid-inspired lip color without buying another shade. I have here this shiny, green color from Overdosed Cosmetics called Nausea (Php350). Don't let the name turn you off because it's a pretty statement green to give smoky eyes dimension or create an ethereal EOTD.


8. Mermaid Tail Blanket


I've seen these online and I was so glad I was able to find one in this weekend's Trendsetter's Bazaar for Php 800. It's warm and comfy for the chilly December-January to February weather. You can slip your feet to the fins and they're warm thick socks. Take them also with you to the movies (one customer actually does this).  You can also buy a kiddie version for Php 500.


Image Directory

Aly Reyes
facebook.com/Photography-by-Aly-151939771483028

Beach Born
instagram.com/beachbornPH

Jade Activewear
facebook.com/JadeActivewearPh


Store Directory

Beach Born 
instagram.com/beachbornPH

Happy Skin
Glorietta 3, Ayala Grand Mall; Greenbelt 5, 2/F; Powerplant Mall 2/F; Robinson's Magnoila 2/F; SM Megamall 2/F Mega Fashion Hall; Eastwood Mall, 1/F; UP Town Center, 1/F; Trinoma, 1/F; available at Rustan's Beauty Source, Beauty Bar, and Plains and Prints; happyskincosmetics.com; www.facebook.com/happyskincosmetics; instagram.com/happyskin_ph

Jade Activewear
Available at Polecats Manila Studio 22/F Strata 100 Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr., Ortigas Center, Pasig City; facebook.com/JadeActivewearPh; instagram.com/jadeactivewear

Kosha Yoga
facebook.com/koshayoga20; instagram.com/koshayoga

Overdosed Cosmetics
Available at Katch Beauty Supplies 50th Avenue East Wing Robinson's Galleria; "Toasted" 1st Level, Sta. Lucia Mall, Cainta; facebook.com/katchbeautysupplies; instagram.com/katchbeautysupplies