Every Filipina Is A StyLIZta!

Fashion trends from the 60's to 90's are always coming back. We always look the clothes that our favorite celebrities wear; we want to know who are they're wearing during award season. But sometimes we have to be practical. Either the clothes we bought are from bargain or branded, we always want ourselves to be comfortable.

Celebrities have their own stylists. But here in the Philippines, there's a stylist who is on top of every Filipino minds. Her name is Liz Uy. She's the stylist of famous Filipino celebrities like Ms. Kris Aquino, Anne Curtis, Sarah Geronimo, and Bianca Gonzales. This year she has her own book entitled "StyLIZed". It's a must-have for every woman in the Philippines who doesn't know how to mix-and-match clothes. In this book, she mentioned 10 style essentials and the book contains do's and don'ts, and tips. These style essentials are the following: white v-neck, little black dress, blazer, white button-down shirt, slacks, leggings, jeans, tank top, shorts, and pencil skirt. She released the book last January 23rd.

Liz Uy, holding her book
(photo from Summit Book's Facebook Timeline)

photo from inspirationbyjmching.blogspot.com

When I saw the book at National Bookstore SM City San Lazaro branch, I quickly grabbed the opportunity to get and decided to buy it. I found out that it was the last stock.

Last February 21st, I had the opportunity to meet and greet Liz Uy and let her sign the book I bought. The autograph signing held at The SM Store Fashion Forum, SM Aura, Taguig City and started around 6:45pm. I took a photo with her after she signed my book.

The staff gave me an appetizer while waiting for the
autograph signing.

It was an awesome day, to meet my favorite stylist and sign her book that I bought. I recommend this book for girls and women who doesn't have an idea on how to style themselves. In addition, it's a must-have for every Filipina. So grab a copy of StyLIZed: Liz Uy's Ten Style Essentials at your nearest bookstores nationwide.

My Posh Experience

Polishing nails is every woman's habit. A wide variety of colors and art styles are still trendy depending on woman's type. Also, there are different nail polish brands such as Orly, Opi, China Glaze, Zayo, and Cuccio. Nail care for at least twice a year is a must because we always use hands and feet everyday.

There was a brand of nail care service that I want to try: Posh Nails. It's endorsed by Anne Curtis, with other ambassadors: Cristine Reyes, Rica Peralejo, and Valerie Concepcion. The nearest shopping mall that me and my family is SM City San Lazaro because it's very accessible for us through walking or by car just in minutes away from home. When I saw newly opened Posh Nails in SM City San Lazaro recently, I wanted to pamper my nails again.

Posh Nails Hand and Foot Spa
Unit 11, Lower Ground Floor, SM City San Lazaro,
A.H. Lacson Ave. cor. Felix Huertas St., Sta. Cruz, Manila

When I entered the branch, the receptionist welcomed me with a smile. I chose their Posh Grooming service. She answered my questions. I logged my contact details on their log form. I paid the cashier a total amount of 365 pesos before the service as I wished. She gave me an official receipt and a flyer with contact details then proceeded inside. The ambiance was so pretty. The interiors were simple yet fabulous. There were white sofas with pink and purple pillows that were very comfortable. The chandeliers located at the ceiling was so elegant so every customer feels like she's a princess.  

There were two nail specialists who made my nails: Juvy on my hands and Jesselyn on my feet. I decided my nails to polish them in pink (white-tipped on my hand nails) by using Cuccio Turkish Delight. Their customer service were so awesome because they were always asking me if what they're doing is painful and if I was okay during the entire service. They chatted me so that I will not feel bored. There were things that they did that was new to me, just like they have pink and yellow sponges that they used on my nails after cleaning. After an hour, the Posh Grooming service was done. I didn't give them tip for now because I will be back on May to give them PhP 100 each as their tip.

I rated Posh Nails - SM City San Lazaro branch 4.5 stars out of 5 stars (score of 9 out of 10). My experience on this brand of nail care service met my expectations. I will be a loyal client of Posh Nails so that I will not try any other brands, just like The Brow Lounge, an eyebrow grooming salon that was located at Lower Ground Floor of SM City San Lazaro which I am their regular client.

So all the girls who are reading this article, I will recommend Posh Nails. Their services are very affordable. My posh experience was so fantastic in order for me to keep coming back so that I will not switch any other brands of nail care service but only Posh Nails. 

You can visit the newly opened Posh Nails branch at Unit 11, Lower Ground Floor of SM City San Lazaro or call (632) 493-8228. Other branches are located at Tomas Morato, Greenhills, SM City Megamall, The Fort, Ali Mall, BF Homes, Binondo, Marikina, SM City Iloilo, Waltermart Pampanga, Commonwealth, Banawe, Shaw Boulevard, SM City North EDSA, Magallanes, Davao, Batangas City, La Union, Perea, Makati City, and Cebu. You can also visit their official website at www.poshnails.com.ph. 

2013: My Best Of

2013 wasn't my good year but I listed 13 reasons why should remember this year.

1 – Chris H

He’s one of the Top 5 finalists of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 20: Guys and Girls. Born on 18th July 1988, he dreamt of becoming a model and proved that he’s one of the role models in his generation. Though his image in the show wasn’t good, he showed his positive personality in clearing those through his Ustream show titled Chris Unwrapped. His tweets inspired many, including me through his quotes that marked in every ChrisAtic’s hearts.

2 – The Heirs

I watched it for only 3 consecutive days turned into my favorite Korean drama of 2013 starring Lee Minho as Kim Tan, Park Shin Hye as Cha Eun Sang, and Kim Woo Bin as Choi Young Do. It was one of the most anticipated Korean dramas of 2013 because of its star-studded cast, including CNBlue’s Kang Minhyuk as Chan Young and f(x)’s Krystal Jung as Bo Na. The drama was shot in Malibu Island and Los Angeles, California. In 2013 SBS Gayo Daejun, its parody composed of SHINee’s Lee Taemin as Kim Tan, Girl’s Day’s Minah as Cha Eun Sang, and K. Will as Choi Young Do made us miss the drama so much. I can’t wait to air it in ABS-CBN next year, hoping to be in the primetime slot. In fact I have no idea what will be their English names but I’m sure it’ll be hit and trending in social media.

3 – Lawson

They’re one of my favorite bands. I became a fan when they went here in Manila for a one-night concert last April and their song Standing In The Dark is my LSS (last song syndrome). I love all of them but my favorite member is Joel Peat. Also, I communicated with admins of Lawson Philippines and became friends with some Geese like Mark Ruiz and Chiva Marie Mahinay. I support them by buying their latest album Chapman Square Chapter II, voting for their MVs on MYX and requesting them in radio stations and music channels.

4 – VJ Ai Dela Cruz

She’s my favorite MYX VJ. She started as a MYX VJ in May 2013 and like her very much because of her bubbly personality. She also replies to my tweets that’s why I appreciate her a lot. I want to meet her, be her friend, and take a picture with her soon maybe in MYX events, in ABS-CBN, or in somewhere else.

5 – Nicholas Hoult

The guy who played a zombie role named R in the movie Warm Bodies made our hearts melt followed by the movie Jack The Giant Slayer. Because of Warm Bodies, he’s one of my Hollywood crushes. I never thought that he was in the movie About A Boy with Hugh Grant and portrayed the role of Beast in X-Men: First Class. He’s the boyfriend of Oscar award winner Jennifer Lawrence. I am looking forward to his next movies including X-Men: The Days Of Future Past.

6 – EXO

They’re the rookie group from SM Entertainment who received Album Of The Year award in Mnet Asian Music Awards 2013 held in Hong Kong for their album XOXO. I noticed Kai first in their music video Mama, but in Wolf, it turned out that Kris is my bias. The reason why I chose Kris over Kai is he can speak in English. Because of their show on MBC called EXO Showtime which it airs every Thursday, I got to know more about the members and easily notice them one by one.

7 – The X-Factor USA

I tuned this show hosted by Mario Lopez showcased talents of aspiring singers in America every week and its top 40 was divided into 4 categories with their mentors: Simon Cowell for the Groups, Demi Lovato for the Girls, Paulina Rubio for the Boys, and Kelly Rowland for the Over 25s. I guess the four chair challenge was very memorable for the season wherein the mentors will decide who will stay in the competition based on their performances. In the end, the finalists were Alex and Sierra for the Groups, Jeffrey Adam Gutt for the Over 25s and Carlito Olivero for the Boys. Based on America’s votes, the winner was Alex and Sierra who received a lifetime recording contract from Sony Music. Nevertheless, I was very proud of Ellona Santiago, a Filipino-American contestant from Demi’s Girls who made it in Top 6.

8 – The Voice of the Philippines

The Philippine franchise hosted by Toni Gonzaga, Alex Gonzaga, and Robi Domingo showcased world-class Filipino aspiring singers. The judges were Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap, former Rivermaya member Bamboo Mañalac, the international broadway diva Ms. Lea Salonga, and the popstar princess, Ms. Sarah Geronimo. The top 4 were Janice Javier for Team Apl, Myk Perez for Team Bamboo, Mitoy Yonting for Team Lea, and Klarisse de Guzman for Team Sarah. The winner was Mitoy Yonting based on the Philippines’s votes.

9 – Sarah Geronimo

I’m a Popster since she started after winning in Star For A Night hosted by Asia’s Songbird, Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. This year, besides being a coach and a judge of The Voice Of The Philippines, she released her latest album titled Expressions. Her first single Ikot-Ikot from that album reached number 1 in MYX Charts. Her latest single Tayo rocks in MYX Charts as the loyal Popsters are voting for its music video and rule in MYX Daily Top 10, Pinoy MYX Countdown, and MYX Hitchart. Her latest album received a platinum award and Ikot-Ikot MV was top 3 and top 6 on year-end specials of Pinoy MYX Countdown and MYX Hitchart respectively. She’s awarded as the Philippines’s Artist Of The Year in 2012 Mnet Asian Music Awards and recognized as World Performing Arts Entertainer of the Year nominee as proofs that she’s a popstar royalty.

10 – BoA

She’s my one and only queen of Korean Pop. She’s popularly known with hits Hurricane Venus, Girls On Top and Only One under SM Entertainment for 13 years. Debuted last August 25, 2000, she’s rocking not only on music scene but also in her debut KBS drama Waiting For Love and debut Hollywood movie Make Your Move. I bought her 7th album Only One when it was available in the Philippines. She recently won Short Drama Award-Female in 2013 KBS Drama Awards for her role in Waiting For Love.

11 – Warm Bodies

It’s a film released last February 1, 2013 starring Nicholas Hoult as R and Teresa Palmer as Julie. I was obsessed with this movie because I watched it in theatres, bought original DVD with BTS features and lanyard as a freebie, and bought novel book written by Isaac Marion. Indeed it’s my favorite Hollywood movie of 2013 because it’s a different love story that a zombie fell in love with a human and transformed into human again as time flies.

12 – iPhone

This is my dream phone that’s already in my hands. No matter what number it is, as long as it’s an Apple iPhone. Big thanks to my brother that he bought it for me, rewarding for my hard work in my job as store operations officer of a salon for at least 6 months.

13 – Teng Brothers

Jeron Teng, from De La Salle University Green Archers and Jeric Teng, from University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers battled against each other, together with their teams in the UAAP Men's Basketball Championship. I always support UST because that’s my alma mater. Though DLSU won over UST, the intense during the games was very memorable. Both are competitive but they didn’t forget that they’re sons of PBA legend, Alvin Teng.

My Fave 2 Guys from ANTM Cycle of 20: Guys vs. Girls

I wasn't a fan or an avid viewer of the TV show America's Next Top Model (ANTM) from the start. But this year, it has changed. When I picked up the remote and changed channel to ETC (Channel 14 on Sky Cable), the new season of ANTM aired its encore telecast and saw some handsome guys. I have 2 favorites for this season (unfortunately I have no female as of this moment since it's still running):

Jeremy Rohmer

19 years old, 6'3" from Mission Viejo, California

"I have 0% modelling experience"

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 13 August 2013

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 9 April 2013

He's the first guy I noticed. He's the youngest yet he's so tall. In the second episode, he's partnered with Jourdan, a female contestant on the same show with the theme "Nude Wedding". I really admire his face, his shoulders, his chest, and his abs. He's indeed sexy and handsome, so a lot of fans like me picks him as one of their favorites.

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 22 February 2013

Chris Hernandez

25 years old, 6’1 ½” from North Bergen, NJ

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 13 August 2013

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 9 April 2013

He's my second favorite. The reason is he loves his Filipino fans. I admire his answer in Ask.Fm app that he wants to visit the Philippines. Thus, I became a ChrisAtic (fan name of Chris H).

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 11 August 2013

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 23 April 2013

(c) Print screen photo taken from my Twitter account: @ChristineCabel
August 20, 2013

(c) Print screen photo taken from my Twitter account: @ChristineCabel
August 21, 2013

(c) Print screen photo taken from my Twitter account: @ChristineCabel
August 22, 2013

I am hoping that either one of them (or both would be better) will go on until the finale. Whether they win or lose, I'll support them.

(c) Print screen photo taken from my Twitter account: @ChristineCabel
August 20, 2013

Good luck, Jeremy and Chris!

My 2013 Birthday Wishlist

It's exactly 2 months before I turned 24. Here's my 6-item wishlist (2+4 = 6) that I want to receive for my upcoming birthday:


1. Lawson - Chapman Square Deluxe/Repackaged album

I'm a Fanipino since April of this year when Lawson visited the Philippines. Standing In The Dark is my favorite released song, and Waterfall is my favorite unreleased track from that album.

2. Girls Generation - Complete Video Collection DVD

I'm a fan of Girls Generation when they released the song The Boys. Taeyeon, Tiffany, Jessica, and Sooyoung are my biases.

3. CoverGirl & Olay Concealer Balm

I just saw this product on this site: http://www.cosmo.ph/beauty/makeup/10-concealers-to-solve-skin-woes/. It says: "If you have dry skin, you'd benefit well from this ultra-smooth stick that's infused with Olay's emollient-rich serum to hydrate while giving buildable coverage. The balmy texture lets you steer clear of any chalkiness, especially when used on flaky skin." 

4. Cake

Birthday celebration is not complete without a cake. Dedication cakes or cake rolls -- any of these would do:

• Dairy Queen - KitKat Blizzard Cake
• Goldilocks - Mocha Chiffon Dedication Cake
• Red Ribbon - Leche Flan Roll, Triple Chocolate Cake Roll, Choco Caramel Cake Roll, Mango Cake Roll, Chocolate Heaven Round Cake, Mango Round Cake, Dulce de Leche Round Cake

5. Food

On my birthday, I want these to be served at home or at work:

• Tokyo Tokyo's California Maki
• Shakey's Basket of Mojos
• Shakey's Mandarin Salad
• Chowking's YangChow Family 
• Greenwich's Beefy Baked Macaroni

6. Ice Cream

My favorite!!! Just one variant in any of these:

• Nestle - KitKat Bites, Crunch
• Selecta - Hershey's Whoopers, Mrs. Fields Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is what I want so I already planned it. Hope at least 70% of it come true. :)

An Awesome 'Threesome' Xperience With My Fave DJ On RX

June 24, 2013 --- That was yesterday. And indeed it was another date to remember. Here's the story.

I was watching The Fugitive: Plan B, a Korean drama with English subtitles starring Bi Rain on KBS World (Channel 75 on Sky Cable). At the same time, I was online on Twitter. I just saw Monster Radio RX93.1 DJ Tom Alvarez's tweet because he's on air for RX Threesome segment in his program called The Late Nite Clinic where he's playing three songs from one artist. It was 11:45 pm when I tried to call the phone number that he mentioned on his tweet. It was ringing. Someone from that radio station answered. I doubted at first place as I waited for few minutes. During that short commercial break, DJ Tom Alvarez talked to me via phone. He asked for who's my threesome artist. I chose the British band Lawson but unfortunately they only had 2 songs from that artist: Standing in the Dark and Brokenhearted. My second choice was Demi Lovato, one of my favorite female singers from Disney's Camp Rock. I asked for Heart Attack, This Is Me, and Skyscraper. Those were my top 3 favorite songs from her. I greeted some people on air and had a little chat with my favorite DJ. I was a little bit nervous and it's my first time on that show. After I was on air, I quickly turned on my radio to listen what I requested on Threesome. As a bonus, he played my favorite song from Lawson called Standing in the Dark as he wrapped up his show before the clock strike 2:00 am.

Demi Lovato - Heart Attack

Demi Lovato feat. Joe Jonas - This is Me

Demi Lovato - Skyscraper

Lawson - Standing in the Dark

Well, I first heard Tom Alvarez from Monster Radio RX93.1 on that same show while I was studying for my exams during senior high school. I enjoyed listening to him because he's granting three songs from favorite artist plus he has a nice voice on radio. Then last year, a Facebook friend told us to listen to a show called JinTomia where it had a segment for KPop fans called 'KPop Goes My Heart'. I wrote a blog about that show titled The JinTomia Addiction. The male DJ's voice was so familiar that I heard before. I realized that he was the voice behind the Threesome show when I turned on my radio during late night.

Requesting songs on radio, being on air, and talking to a friendly DJ was really an experience. I enjoyed a lot especially for a first timer on Monster Radio RX93.1 like me. And I want to meet him and take a picture with him soon. I think if I would meet him personally, he is manly like his voice that I heard on airwaves and he's much more handsome than seeing him on pictures posted by the radio station's official Facebook page. (Maybe soon I'll be visiting him at the station while he's on duty or at his office would be awesome!!!)  

My MTV Song Bar

It's already the second season of my favorite show called The MTV Show in MTV Asia. With new VJs Hanli and Alan and its new segments like Instagram Dedications and People's Chart, still it gives latest updates on music and movies. I made my all-time favorite 10 songs that's included on my song bar.

1

Heart Attack

Demi Lovato 

(2013)

It is my LSS (last song syndrome). I hooked up with its lyrics especially on the chorus part. Well Demi is one of my favorite singers-actresses since Disney Channel days, from her debut film 'Camp Rock' until her latest album release 'Demi' this year.

2

The Boys

Girls' Generation 

(2011)

I was very addicted with this song so much. I memorized the choreography and practiced it for more than a year. It was part of our performance during our Christmas party last year which they thought that I brought the branch at the first place. I was the lucky charm when I danced it 100%.

3

Standing in the Dark

Lawson

(2012)

4

The Man Who Can't Be Moved

The Script

(2008)

5

Stay 

Carol Banawa

(2001)

I sang this in 2003 UST-EHS Acquaintance Party during my freshmen year. I will never ever forget that song since Carol Banawa was my favorite female Filipino singer.

6

Don't Cry Out Loud

Rachelle Ann Go

(2004)

This was one of the songs that I practiced when I took voice lesson last 2009. My mentor named Teacher Angie said that it's one of many songs that fits my voice so well.

7

Because You Live

Jesse McCartney

(2007)

8

Wide Awake

Katy Perry

(2012)

9

Looking Through Your Eyes

LeAnn Rimes

(1998)

I sang this last 2012 when we had our mini recital as I enrolled to a free workshop.From the movie 'Quest of Camelot', I will never ever forget its lyrics and its melody because my mentor, Mr. Jerome Vinarao recommended this song that fits my voice.

10

Hopelessly Devoted To You

Olivia Newton-John 

(1978)

Another song that I sang during the entire free workshop, but this time, it was when our grand recital was held at Area 05, Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City. It was from the musical film 'Grease' starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. I watched the film, observed Olivia's movements when she was singing the song, and performed it on stage.