"When you learn, teach. When you get, give." — Maya Angelou 

Check out my first ever beauty session with these lovely ladies... I'll let the photos speak for themselves. *wink*



That's 6 hours of sheer beauty fun! Get your kikayness on! Message/email me if you're interested to do a beauty session with me here in Ormoc City, Leyte. Minimum of 2, maximum of 4 persons. Lunch will be served. Preferred schedule of class is either Sunday or Monday, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Beauty BFFs - Caine, Claire, your truly, Roma, and Marian

Thank you to my sponsors, SALA Lounge + Café and Pretty Angel Shoppe with the invaluable support of cariño mio Noodle Boy and the assistance of Mary Anne Pepito. Thank you Lord for this amazing opportunity.  All for your greater glory and honor!



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On May 5 and 6, I was thrilled to join the fam tour and tourism product run for Maripipi and Sambawan Island in Biliran together with tourism officials from DOT Region 8, tour operators from Tacloban and Ormoc City, official tour guides, local media, as well as the Maripipi LGU municipal & barangay officials. It was a wonderful experience which honestly took me by surprise.


Why? Because it was a different kind of summer adventure. This wasn't just fun and frolicking at the beach under the sun... this is was SO MUCH MORE! And you can watch my YouTube VLOG and experience it for yourself virtually.

Honestly, when my mother-in-law said we were going to Sambawan Island, I thought that was it! She said it was an invitation from the DOT Region 8. We didn't get any itinerary and we were the only ones from Ormoc. Everyone else was from Tacloban. But that didn't stop us from mingling with the group and connecting with them during the trip. I gained a whole new experience and a wonderful set of new friends as well. The goal of this trip was to showcase what Biliran has to offer and of course, promote tourism. And you know what, I am super happy to show you guys all the amazing things we learned, tried, and conquered.

If you want to visit Maripipi and Sambawan Islands, there are professional tour guides from local LGUs to make your experience as memorable as ours and of course, provide you if not entertain you at the same time with fun facts and trivia to make your trip even more worthwhile. I highly suggest contacting a TOUR OPERATOR like Fran-Con Viaje International for a hassle-free and compelling tour package for a getaway to Biliran Province.



From Ormoc City, we drove to Naval in Biliran for almost 2 hours (roads in Lemon, Leyte are still undergoing repairs and construction), but if you're lucky you can get there in just an hour and a half if you get a ride from V-HIRES (14-seater passenger vans). You can take a ferry to Maripipi and Sambawan island from Naval but it will take you 2 hours to get there via pumpboat. So instead, for this tour, we set off from Kawayan Port, which is 30 minutes away north of Naval. From there, it took just 40 minutes to get to Maripipi Island.


The cultural immersion we participated in was truly awesome and educational even for someone like me who isn't from the big city and is also a provincial gal. What more if you're from an urban jungle and you get this whole new level of adventure?


The tour was actually very educational as it gave you the ultimate glimpse of what life is like living in a place where THERE IS ZERO CRIME RATE! OMG! For real! They don't even have a jail and the police who are assigned there count themselves very lucky because it's like living in paradise! So I asked, "Why is Maripipi known as the ISLAND OF NO RETURN?" The townsfolk replied and told me it's because people who go there subsequently STAY! Either that or they go home with wives already! LOL. Life is just so much simpler and better in the island. Our Habal-Habal (motorycle) driver told us it should now be known as the ISLAND OF MANY RETURNS. Check out my video to see the sights and sounds of Maripipi Island.


During our tour around the island, I can't help but notice the numerous and huge volcanic rocks everywhere. It occured to me that the island is probably a volcano and when it erupted, that is what made Sambawan Island nearby. And then we saw this humongous rock with a footprint! It's a huge foot! And so it was narrated that back in the day, there may have been giants that lived there... Or it could be BIG FOOT, who knows? :P


When we asked why it is called MARIPIPI, we were told that according to legend, two star-crossed lovers fled Biliran (the mainland) to this island and they were its first inhabitants. Their names were MARIA and PEPE. Eventually, the island was named after them but spelled MARIPIPI. Their mayor, Hon. Uldarico Macorol, is very down to earth and accomodating that it was pretty obvious from the interactions between his constituents that he is loved dearly and well respected. Also to be noted is how clean it is all over the island. I have nothing but praise for their solid waste management. They have a very effective garbage segregation and disposal practices! WOW! I wish we had their kind of discipline. Good job, guys!

After we explored the 10 different sites in Maripipi, we now headed to Sambawan island which only took 30 minutes to cross via pumpboat. We got there just in time to witness the amazing sunset which I am so sad I couldn't capture very well because I didn't actually bring my digital camera. You should know that I took photos and videos of this trip using only my iPhone. Like I said, I really didn't know we were going on an adventure. I thought I was only gonna be sippin' piñacoladas and soaking up the sun on the beach. I tried though...

 
Sambawan Island did not disappoint. The island is mosquito-free, fly-free, and lizard-free as far as I am concerned, with those things I consider significantly when I visit a certain place. If you're thinking white sand like the one I went to recently in Macrohon, Leyte or as fine as the ones you find in Kalanggaman Island or Digyo Island, well, that's not the case. This island is actually made of corals. Just like Tangkaan Point in Padre Burgos.


But the view is SPECTACULAR!!!



The beach is not so big and it is good that they are controlling the influx of tourists because seriously I'm not fond of overcrowded beaches.


It really is a beautiful island that you need to visit and put in your bucket list ASAP! There are many cottages and huts available but you'll need to book them via tour operators or the local Tourism office of Biliran. You can stay overnight in a big cottage which accomodates up to 10 persons. There are beds and mats available. It costs Php2,500 for an overnight stay. Their bathroom and toilet are very nice, too! Way better than I expected. Open-air small cottages are also available where you can pitch your tents in front. It costs only Php1,000 for the big ones and Php500 for the small ones. Entrance fee to the island is Php50 per head.


While it is best to bring your own food to the island, in 2-3 weeks' time the restaurant will be opening and if you get a tour package via the tour operators and official tour guides, you can even have full board meals if you wish just like we did during our trip. No more hassle with worrying what and where to eat. They will just serve you what you need. :) Here's a yummy pan de coco, locally made in Sambawan Island.

Made in Sambawan!

To get the best view of the island, you'll have to climb up a hill. It's a rather tiring ascent but it is worth it, I'm telling you.



If you're interested to visit the place, please contact FRAN-CON VIAJE INTERNATIONAL to book a tour with them or inquire about the MARIPIPI-SAMBAWAN ISLAND packages. Add them on Facebook or visit their website at www.viajeintl.com. You can also drop by their office at  Unit 1 D. Santiago Bldg., Real Street, Ormoc City or call Tel. No. (6353) 561-8039/  Mobile No. (63) 919 568 5757 / (63) 0917 306 1209. Email them at travelandtours@viajeintl.com.

In the meantime, here's my VLOG below which you can also watch at http://youtube.com/mymaria. Enjoy!






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In a show of appreciation, on February 8, the Philippines will launch a global “Thank You” campaign around the world to express its gratitude for the outpouring of support following the devastating effects of Typhoon Haiyan which hit three months ago. Using eye-catching images like this, and through social media, the Philippines encourages everyone to use the hashtag #PHthankyou to continue sharing their support and appreciation.

When I decided to try becoming a "beauty blogger" in the Summer of 2013, I was a bit apprehensive considering I just turned 30 and most gurus (the popular ones) who I've been following are younger than I am. Why now? Honestly, way before I learned that a highlighter is not just a neon green Stabilo Boss or a hot pink Faber-Castell pen, there were but a few things I bothered buying back then and have always been a staple in my kikay kit -- an eyebrow pencil, a kohl eye liner, a tube of mascara, and a pressed powder. I hardly ever wore lipstick or lip gloss before! I did own a couple of other makeup items such as a foundation that did not match my skintone, a blush that was too pink, and eyeshadows that I didn't know how to use. I didn't even own a single brush! I SWEAR, CROSS MY HEART, AND HOPE TO DIE! Let's just say 75% of my makeup stash were all presents and pasalubongs from friends and relatives from the US. (Who can relate? Raise your hands!) So yeah, I figured I might as well learn to use these things especially now that I'm older and besides, I'm already a mom!


Remember that old TVC for Flintstones vitamins where a younger sister asked her big sister, "Why are you wearing mommy's lipstick?" "BECAUSE..." I think that got into my subconscious since and for me, wearing lipstick is only acceptable when you have kids (to show that you are the mother). IKR!? But yes, I am serious. That was what I thought and besides none of my buddies were makeup junkies. We only wore makeup during special events and weddings. There wasn't any peer pressure to look like a million bucks. After all, the provincial life doesn't demand it.


It also was a major plus factor that during my adolescence/twenteens my battle for acne and my crazy hormones was controlled with medications as well as following a strict skincare routine. But when I got pregnant and laid off of all my beauty supplements and treatments, I got the worse of it and until now I'm still desperately trying to overcome this skin problem. (Maybe I ought to go back to using the Local Obagi now?) So then I figured since I couldn't do what I did before, maybe I could learn the art of maquillage to help me with my ongoing dilemma. And so my beauty journey began.


It all started with the search for the perfect concealer which, to make the long story short, ended with my discovery of NATURACTOR. Months later, I can still say it is the ultimate concealer for me and that I cannot live without it anymore. Say what you want, but I have regained my confidence because of this product and I am not even paid to advertise it! Seriously, believe the hype. I'm here to prove it.

And then I discovered contouring, which made all the difference! My gosh! If I knew how to contour I wouldn't have been so depressed while I was trying to lose my post partum weight. With the correct application of bronzer or (in my case, most of the time) a dark powder foundation, any angle of a #selfie can be perfect! Goodbye chubby cheeks and high forehead, I can disguise you now. KTHXBYE.


The best part about learning makeup tricks is also the boost of self-esteem that I garnered. Because truth be told, I am fairly insecure with my looks even though my husband just rolls his eyes every time I act so dramatic about it and reminds (assures?) me it's not the reason he married me. LOL! Yeah, I am shallow sometimes. Aren't we all? I mean, anybody who's going through PMS know that feeling all too well.


And then I got addicted, well, let's just say super enthusiastic about makeup, largely in part because le husband Noodle Boy bought me a vanity kit with mirror and lights and now I have a makeup station whereas before I simply sat on the floor perfecting that winged liner.

My current makeup station. It's super messy though it's not much, but it's a work in progress.

Right now I'm getting requests from people who want me to do their makeup. Whoa! And I'm not even a pro! Seriously, I'm so amateur at this and such a n00b that when I attended the Avon workshop, I felt absolutely small (and literally, too!). The ladies of the Avon Makeup Council are way beyond my league! They were all so beautiful that I had to stop myself from staring at them. But passionate as I am with everything that I do, instead of retreating inside my shell, I realized then and there what I needed to do. I wanted to get better at this. I was driven to become the best that I can be and so I continued to learn and teach myself all about makeup by scouring the interwebs at dawn and watching countless YouTube tutorials... even contemplating about creating a makeup channel myself... or not.


Anyways, time flies when you're having fun and when I look back at my old photos on Instagram, I can very well criticize myself and I'm glad to see the improvements I've made. So you see, posting shameless #selfies does have a purpose. I have kept track of my skills and found out where I need to work more on. I'm not becoming a beauty blogger just to promote products. I would continue to rave (or rant) about something especially when it has significantly impacted my life -- a product or an event, it doesn't matter. I am also excited to try new products because for the past 3 decades I've always stuck to popular and trusted brands, not considering what is actually appropriate for my skin type, etc. Armed with an open mind and a fresh new outlook, now I choose to be a beauty blogger because I'd like to show you guys, especially the people who know where I'm coming from (acne, oily and problematic skin), that there is something we can do to primp and prettify... and with practice, become drop dead gorgeous bombshells, too! Plus who needs to learn Photoshop or edit pics when you can transform yourself with makeup instantly?! Tee hee.


So now I'm thinking I'm actually not too old to become a beauty blogger. I mean, I don't care if I'm Jurassic compared to these young ones. This is the right age for me to wear makeup. I once tried asking my mom to buy me a Revlon lipstick back in college, the slim one with the elegant gold tone casing which I reckon was MoistureStay™ or I'm not sure what it was called back then and it had this minty taste which was very cool on the lips (I don't know for the life of me why I even tasted it!), but it was pretty costly at more than PHP500 in Metro Ayala. (Take note this was back in 1999. That absurd amount was worth my one week's allowance!) Of course, she refused and told me it was not appropriate and I need to learn the value of money. Meaning, I was still a student and it was too expensive! Also she stated that when I earn my own money, then I can very well buy whatever I want. And she was absolutely right! I may have sulked a bit back then but I never hated her for denying my request. Cue in the Flintstones commercial which played incessantly in my head.


If I am ever going to have a daughter, I'll probably tell her the exact same thing and that there is a right age to wear makeup. Please don't misunderstand because I'm not saying these younger (more nubile, vibrant, and spirited) beauty bloggers out there are doing it wrong. In fact, they are indeed very knowledgeable about beauty and the current trends. Suum cuique. To each his/her own. If you can afford makeup and need/want it, regardless of age, by all means... WEAR IT! Makeup really is an art and a wonderful way to express yourself. As for myself, I'm not quite the artist yet, but I'd just like to say... BECAUSE.... It's about time.



Journey into the world of beauty with me! Thanks for reading and please come back for more blog posts, beauty reviews and giveaways!


Don't forget to follow me on IG: @bastaigat_sikat to find out about what products I use and currently loving. :) Ciao!


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After the tragedy brought about by Yolanda, the idea of celebrating much more spending thousands for firecrackers is improbable. But come New Year's Eve, the kids and the people in my community, my neighborhood in Cantubo here in Ormoc City, have started making the age-old traditional noise maker/home-made cannon or bazooka called LANTAKA, made from all the canned goods we've been receiving as relief goods from many generous donors. And I'm telling you, this is exactly how those tin cans can be recycled and there's quite a lot of cans just lying around here.


Okay, first things first. You need the following:

• Canned goods/tin cans for recycling, i.e. sardines, tuna, corned beef, etc.
• Plastic bottle
• Packaging tape or electrical tape
• Cricket electronic lighter
• Tools (hammer, knife, nail, scissors, etc.)
• Alcohol or Flying Tiger fluid
• Optional: Toy gun for trigger
• Imagination and creativity

If done right, you'll get something like this:

The closest thing I'll ever own to a grenade launcher! HAHA! XD

A word of caution: DOH actually bans the use of a lantaka or boga as it is commonly referred to in Luzon as it carries a risk of blast or burn injury. However, personally, I think is way better than firecrackers where you risk losing a finger or two, or maybe a whole hand if you're not careful. it's up to the user to be informed on the proper use of a lantaka which is not a toy by any means. it is not meant to be used an actual cannon where it fires something. It's for noise-making purposes only.

Watch this video we made demonstrating how to create such a device below.


Sorry I couldn't capture the "ACTUAL" (deafening) sound of the lantaka when fired. My phone, which I used to capture the videos, only has mono sound/mic I think. Whatever. It doesn't give the lantaka much justice. You'll have to see it for yourself in person to experience and hear the KABOOM!

It's really not that difficult to make one and if you grasp the notion on how it works, it's fairly easy to create different designs such as these:

It's fun for kids and adults alike! LOL!

Now truly excited for New Year's Eve! Not only did we get to recycle all those tin cans and save money from buying those dangerous firecrackers, we also got our community and neighborhood engaged in a sort of camaraderie to welcome 2014! I guess the more "urbanized" cities will have a normal NYE celebration but as for us here in the Yolanda-devastated province, we're just happy to be alive to welcome the New Year and most definitely this time with a LOUD BANG using our lantakas.

Keep the smile, leave the tears.
Think of joy and forget your fears.

Wishing everyone out there a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!


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Recently we had a shoot for Buttercup Boutique in Ormoc City and since photos are still being edited for billboard publishing, I just wanted to do a quick blog post saying how happy I am that I was able to do the makeup of the models. So from being a model to photographer, and now the makeup artist... uhh, maybe I should open a studio next? ^_^

Here's a sneak peek of the fun shoot we had...




We had a great time. The girls (my friends Maricor, Melody, and Donna) were pretty game and the photographer (another friend, Paulo) was so cool to work with. Of course, my sister-in-law Ishshah who owns Buttercup Boutique personally did the styling.

Fun shoots and wedding shoots aren't really that different. Here is a fun infographic for some of the essential shots and poses that are quite similar in most wedding photoshoots which you can see all over the internet. You may also notice these are quite popular in your friends' wedding albums, too.


Source: YouPlusWePhotography.com

I'll be posting shots from the Buttercup Boutique shoot in another entry and I'm sure you're gonna love it! The dresses are so pretty and the girls are looking so lovely!

Until then!



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