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I’ve always felt that there was a huge void in our accessories market here in Manila. It’s always frustrating to see all the pretty little trinkets, stylish statement pieces, and clever takes on accessorizing featured in foreign magazines and shows and not be able to find anything like those pieces here. Which is exactly why I went berserk when I hit Accessorize—the new accessory shop from Britain—yesterday.

They have oodles and oodles of pretty things (necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, cosmetic kits, coin purses, pencil cases) and a lot of useful stuff, too (bags, belts, purses, hats). And once you fall in love with a particular piece, you run the risk of going slightly insane when you discover it comes with a family (meaning the earrings you like have a related necklace, ring and hair accessory too!) and you end up buying the whole darn (but very cute) lot.

Check out some of my fave pieces here, or go to Accessorize.com to see everything. I went to the Robinsons Place Manila outlet (pretty big, great selection), but I hear from Fashion Editor Margaux and Art Director Steph that the branch in Galleria is nice as well

And if you like the stuff here, be sure to stop by their booth at the Candy Fair on Saturday, September 26th, at the Mega Tent along Meralco Avenue, near Metrowalk and Renaissance Towers. They’ll be giving a 20% discount!!! See you at the Candy Fair!

I love romantic, feminine pieces

So into the ribbon chain thing—have a similar yellow bangle and a hot pink bracelet too!

This also comes in Peace and Forever. And there are rings and bangles and hair accessories too. Help!

I couldn’t resist these Eiffel earrings. Also snapped up the necklace…it even has a J’etaime heart pendant!

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“If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time or the tools to write.”

This is a quote from the book I started reading the other day, On Writing (A Memoir of the Craft) by Stephen King. My friend Em lent it to me and she says she’s been wanting me to read it for a long time now.

I haven’t gone further than a few pages into the book, but it’s proving to be quite a nice read. It’s a glimpse at Stephen King’s life and hopefully a peek into how he became the writer he is today.

When I was younger, my brothers and I would go to National Bookstore along Katipunan and my Mommy would let us pick a book each. I went through most of the Sweet Valley Twins books, and then moved to The Bobbsey Twins, and eventually went through The Babysitters Club, too. A trip to the bookstore always excited me because it meant getting new books.

I remember getting a binder and filling it with loose leaf pages and starting my own “books.” I’d pattern the characters after my friends and I’d draw illustrations on some of the pages. I don’t remember where those binders are, but I do remember feeling excited writing my stories. In College, I joined a literary org and learned that I could write poetry. (: We were encouraged to read different poets along the way. And to this day, I still browse through some of the poems that were shared in our org.

These days, it takes so long for me to finish a book. ): I’m still in the middle of Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Hopefully, I get to finish that one and this new one I just started. And by the end of the year, I hope to have a year worth of stories to share. (I’ve been trying to write a 55-word story for each day of 2009—although some days, I’ve had to “cheat” because I couldn’t get to a computer or I got sick, etc.)

What books are you reading now? And have you written any stories? I’d love to read them. Share in the comments below. (:

Look, look, look it’s a book, book, book,
Macy :book:

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I love September because it’s the time when my mom and I turn another year older. I hate it because even though I love celebrations, I’m not particularly fond of footing the bill. Haha!

I love September because it’s when the US shows come out again (welcome back, Gossip Girl and company!), but I hate it because that means: a) lack of sleeping hours for me, and b) tired, painful eyes.

I love September because the -Ber part reminds me that Christmas is just around the corner. I hate the thought of buying gifts because you don’t really want to get people random, generic stuff they might not even use, so it takes some effort choosing stuff for everyone. I love opening gifts though, but I hate receiving them from unexpected people—especially those I didn’t buy gifts for. (Dyahe!)

I love September because the cooler weather sets in around this time, giving me the chance to wear my cardigans and hoodies. I just hate the fact that the hem of my jeans get wet whenever I walk outside.

But one of the reasons why I really, really love September is because I get to spend time with Candy girls at the Candy Fair. I missed you guys last year because of a trip I planned a long time ago, so I’m making bawi this time around. There’s nothing I hate about attending the Fair except maybe the fact that we turn into security guards when we’re around celebrity Cuties. Haha! I’m just sad Marla won’t be there this year to join in on the fun.

Visit our Fair’s official site to learn more about the best event of the year. See you there!
Mimi

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1. Hold tight during the 30-minute tractor ride—it’s going to be bumpy!

2. Appreciate the natural wonders you see during the trek, like this 300-year-old tree.

3. Pay attention to the trail while hiking… but be sure to stop once in awhile for a photo op!

4. Tuck your elbows in and hold on to your vest as you go down the natural water slide.

5. Don’t be afraid. Face every challenge you meet with a smile.

6. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and try not to listen to the fast beating of your heart as you jump off a 15-foot cliff!

7. Always wear your life jackets and hold on to the salbabida for safety purposes.

8. Have a hearty lunch so you’ll have more energy for the tasks ahead!

9. Take a dip in this natural jacuzzi to give your food time to digest.

10. Don’t remove your helmets and make sure your harnesses are nice and tight for the rapel.

11. Keep your legs straight… and make sure to wear sturdy pants—unlike mine. Hehe!

12. Stay alert while enjoying your rapel down the waterfalls. As you look down, you might just see a rainbow!

13. When you hit the water, stay calm. Don’t worry if you lose a sandal, it will float back to shore eventually.

14. Relax those tired muscles in the water after that grueling task.

15. Take a final group shot before heading back to civilization.

To experience this awesome river trek, go to Mapawa Nature Park in Cagayan de Oro City. For reservations, call (08822) 725265 or e-mail mapawanaturepark@yahoo.com.

Off to my next adventure,
Angel

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I don’t really consider myself that sporty even though I used to be part of our swimming varsity team in high school, train religiously for Volleyball intramurals, and play soccer with friends for fun. When I started working, I don’t get to play sports to sweat excess fat off and feel the adrenaline rush. But lately, I’ve started to fall in love with a certain sport I just learned how to play a month ago – American Football.

Ok, I’m not playing against those big padded guys with helmets and all. It’s a friendly game with church friends. A way to cap a great week. Semi-contact but no tackling (well, for girls that is.) I’ve been my friend’s football mom for how many weekends already but last Sunday, the girls got to play. I was hesitant at first because the field was so muddy and I don’t want my white trainers to get all muddy but then the girls just convinced me to go and just get dirty!

That’s me in the pink shirt

It was so fun getting all muddy and sweaty at the same time. Gross as it may sound but it felt really good. I miss those times I’d run around our football field and play soccer in the rain. Every Sunday will get even more exciting since more girls will come and join us for a game or two. Wish me luck!

With a game face on,
Roch <3

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