Top 6 Food Served during a Filipino New Year's Eve Celebration

New Year is coming and I am just as excited about the food as everybody else. Christmas just passed and now new year is coming. Too bad I will be spending my New Year's Eve at the hospital, but I'm pretty sure my colleague will be bringing food to celebrate the coming of 2012!


So anyway, I listed a few of the top food that are usually served during new year. I also included my self-explanation of why these food are being served during new year.

REVIEW: Thermasilk, Pantene & Cream Silk

My auntie from the USA sent us new shampoos. It's not like we don't have good shampoos here in the Philippines, but the formulation is different from the USA and Philippines. I guess shampoo brands have different formulations per country because each nationality or race has different hair characteristics due to different factors like weather. As for me, I normally have a kinky frizzy hair (rebonded and now I am letting it grow naturally) and I recently figured that I need to use hair products that will make my hair moisturized.

So anyway, I tried Thermasilk Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry or Damaged hair, also from USA, for about a week. It is a heat activated shampoo which means it is best suited for those who are used to blow-drying their hair or styling their hair; it is also good for those whose hair are used to exposure to the sun or heat. In the Philippines, people take a bath every morning  before going to work/school and at night before going to bed. We wash our hair twice a day everyday, and we go out with our hair still wet or damp. So Thermasilk's

My Red Christmas

Me and  my family's Christmas motif was red. I know it's kinda generic, but that's actually what we were trying to achieve. So after I prepared for our noche buena, about an hour before Christmas eve, I put on my red dress from Meg, which I bought last summer and I saved it for this season, with my white cardigan and accessorized with a wide flat belt - I was trying to achieve a "Santa-like" outfit, but wearable in public - and I guess I was successful! I wore a shiny black jeggings (jeans leggings) and wore a gladiator high heels. I curled my hair, but later on turned in to waves, and put on simple make up. On my face, I wore Maybelline products - cream foundation, shine-free powder, and lengthening mascara, Estee Lauder peach blush on my cheeks, Revlon wet/dry shadow in the pink on my eyes, and finally a red lipstick from a Japanese brand (I couldn't read the label). I made sure my face will look natural and simple, pointing on not-heavy make up, since my dress is already attractive enough and we're just spending Christmas eve at home. I think I looked simple but very Christmas-sy!

REVIEW: AVON bendable hair curlers & Spray it CURLY

Part of my preparation for Christmas eve was to "experimentally" curl my hair. I am naturally curly-frizzy hair which I rebond twice a year...I am due for another rebond this month but I decided to try to curl my hair.


I used these two products given to me as gifts:

AVON'S BENDABLE CURLER SET

from my friend Kristie "kulot".

SPRAY IT CURLY 

from my cousin Mikosh

www.tasteemookish.blogspot.com

I had my hair shampooed and towel dried. I sprayed the Spray it Curly on my damp hair. I combed my hair to evenly distribute the chemical (ideally with a wide-tooth comb). I then divided my hair into segments. I applied the curler at the bottom of my hair (per segment), making sure it's lock from the bottom, and then rolling it around the curler towards the roots. To lock the curler, I twisted it.

After 3 hours of letting it set, I unlocked the twists of the curlers and let my new curly hair fall into place. You can also blow dry it before unlocking the curlers to make sure your hair will stay in a curly shape longer. You can also use gel rather the spray that I used.

Here's the result:

AVON bendable hair curler set is very convenient and easy to use especially for rookies like me. And the result is not disappointing. I applied it on my hair in a very "rookie" manner (because I really have no idea how to do such) and as you can see on the pictures above - it was very messy! But the result was good and it looked natural on me. The curler's surface is also smooth and soft (like a foam inside) so the possibility if tangling your hair in it is quite impossible, I guess! The Spray it CURLY complimented the curlers but I don't think it's that effective. My curls did not hold on as it was. After 2 hours, my hair finally gave up to waves.

not PRACTICALLY WEARABLE designs by Filipino designers...what do you think?

I was browsing over local fashion websites (Philippines-based) to try to get some inspiration on what to wear for the new year's eve when I found myself looking over photos of a fashion show featured on Costomopolitan Magazine Philippines. There were many nice designs by local designers, but there were also a few  designs which are subject to I DON'T KNOW.... I mean, why do designers like to create designs that are NOT "PRACTICALLY" WEARABLE?? I really don't get it. For art's sake? Well it's a valid reason since everyone is entitled to their own opinion or expression of opinion in such a democratic country...but fashion designers are to create clothes and clothes should be worn, shouldn't it? So why do they make such clothes that are not PRACTICALLY WEARABLE? I'm not saying the designs are not good..I adore them! I just don't think the designs are PRACTICAL and WEARABLE by typical Filipina

Sexy Pregnant Beyonce!

I've always wanted to become pregnant - it's a good excuse to have a big tummy and at the same time eat anything I want. LOL! But then, after seeing Beyonce's pregnant look, I changed my mind! She blew everybody's mind after seeing her in photo as she was spotted while shopping in NYC wearing a shiny animal-printed leggings paired with a chic leather jacket and her trademark sky-high platforms. Guess what? She looks awesome and still sexy! She said from an interview that she was always watching her diet making sure she and her expected child will have good nutrition but at the same time not cause too much bulges on her body. Now I'm inspired to trim my fats..I'm not yet pregnant but I look more pregnant than her... LOL!

Kardashians violated Labour and Human Rights

Star Magazine says clothing lines owned by the Kardashians are made in factories in China which applies harsh conditions to their workers. This was according to an investigation by the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights. These factories labor 84 hours a wee with $1/hour salary in a 100-degrees heat squalid rooms with no air-conditioning. This includes  QVC brands K-Dash by Kardashian and the Kris Jenner Kollection.


"Not only are celebrities like the Kardashians taking advantage of these workers," institute exec director Charles Kernaghan is quoted as saying, "they are holding hands with a government that spits on democracy and women's rights."

Christmas Party

We had our Christmas party (MJSH's Critical Care Unit) last December 21, 2003. It was so fun since we had a a lot games; we also had a dance contest which everybody participated. The groups were very talented and competitive that the two groups ended up tie on the 1st place.

I had no time to shop for new stuffs to wear for our Christmas party so I ended up recycling some of my old clothes. Thank God I found a few nice pieces I bought years ago. 

Since my clothes are old, I had to have something (accessory) that will highlight my whole self. My headband (bought days ago) was the perfect accessory to wear for the event!

Kashieka Maroon dress which I made into a long blouse and paired with black leggings and flat pointed gray shoes.

The headband was bought from a local store days ago.

Being competitive during a chocolate-eating contest! LOL

Black lace headband with silver lining.

I wore red Nail Lacquer nail polish topped with platinum glitter Caronia nail polish

My make up was simple - focusing on the red lips.

I twisted and put my hair into a bun the whole day and then let it fall during night for the party. An inexpensive way to have natural-looking waves.

Maybelline's Fit Me foundation + Maybelline's Shine Free Oil Control Loose Powder

Maybelline's Define-A-Lash Lengthening Washable Mascara 

MAC Red by M.A.C. lipstick

Christmas in Cubao (street food bazaar)

Christmas is a big deal for Filipino. it is the time when families get together and friends see each other. Celebrating Christmas is a must for every Filipino! The festive is very obvious when you go to big and small cities, everything is just glittery and alive. Like in Cubao Quezon City, it had been a tradition for people living in Manila that Cubao Araneta Center lights up their giant Christmas tree. This year, they also had a food bazaar of Filipino street food. Me and my friends Alyssa & Jomalyn went to Cubao to meet and at the same time felt the spirit of Christmas.

My Airport Fashion : Minimalist & Practical

What I wore at the airport:

 White plain Blouse with White plain Cardigan
(Shapes) (Forever21)


-I'm a minimalist especially during travel... I don't usually wear accessories but my pearl earrings. All those body checks make accessories inconvenient to wear.

 Blue Jeggings
(Japanese Brand)


-Jeggings are easy to wear, stretchable, thick, easy to move with, and safely stylish! Very practical!

Brown/Gold/Bronze flat sandals with beads
(Boardwalk)


-We usually take off our shoes at the airport during body checks so this is convenient at the same time stylish. It's easy to walk around the airport without minding pain on your soles. Since Philippines is a tropical country, coldness is not an issue.

Brown leather sling bag
(Barbour)


-Convenient, especially that you can just hang it over your shoulders while carrying other luggage. It is also convenient considering its size. It keeps my being "minimalist" but at the same time matches my sandals. Practical but sophisticated.












I usually just put a little make up on my face during travel - base cream foundation topped with powder foundation, blush on (natural-looking), a little mascara on my eyelashes to keep my eyes open, and a lip balm. I'm not a celebrity so I don't expect paparazzi waiting for me at the airport. I can just be myself! :)

Here are some of the fashionable celebrities with their airport get ups:

The Passenger of a Delayed Flight (Philippines - Worst Airport in Asia)

I'm on my way to go back to my hometown when an airport personnel announce that there will be a delay of my flight for an hour. I took time to reflect...

From the entrance gate of NAIA 3 to the check in counter to the pre-departure area, the process was not at all easy for passengers. The airport is literally full of people! Long lines going inside the airport, long lines going the check in area, long lines towards the check in counter, long lines towards the terminal fee counters.. Long lines here, long line there, long lines everywhere!! Of course it's Christmas season and I guess it's just normal for people to travel these days...but it seems the airport is too small for the population... Did they not expect this? It is such an inconvenience for the passengers especially those who are in hurry. But yet, everyone (including the very patient me) did their part, followed instructions, respected the lines and did what they had to do according the airport protocol. 

Simple Nailpolish Guides for Christmas 2011

 GOLD

 ALMOST BLACK STONE HUE

Redlight Children Campaign

I was looking over the internet and found myself reading about human trafficking, specifically about children. I stumbled into this website - the Redlight Children. RedLight Children is a global human rights nonprofit organization aiming to end the demand for child slavery and exploitation. It is actually very popular all over the world- its works had already been featured worldwide such as CNN, Fox, and more.

Although there are many organizations working on preventing human trafficking, there are still a large number of such crime going on around the world. As a matter of fact, not everyone  is aware of it.

Fashion Review: 2NE1 (korean)

Since their debut in 2009, Korean girl group 2NE1 from YG Entertainment sky-rocketed towards the the top of Korean and international music charts. But aside from their upbeat and cool music, 2NE1 became the leading trendsetters in Korea. After their debut music video "Fire" was released, there has been a sudden and remarkable change in the style of  other Korean artist in pattern with 2NE1's.

Two music video versions of  Fire was  released - street version and space version. Space version conceptualized a futuristic approach on the clothes of CL, Minzy, Sandara & Bom. Sandara became remarkable with her palm-tree hair style. The street version showcased funky street outfit. Oldest member Bom wore leggings-like pants topped with a bathing-suite-like top  which later on became popular in Korean fashion world.

Their second video "I don't care", which won many awards and made the girls more popular, backed up their first music video in showing how much of a fashionista they are. They had an edgy casual looks which further

Miley Cyrus stunning on CNN Heroes Awards Ceremony

Hannah Montana star, Miley Cyrus,  has been the buzz both in the showbiz and fashion world lately.

Ms. Cyrus who just recently turned 19, managed to create a public uproar of her 'gag' about smoking marijuana & getting stoned during her birthday party. Miley said she was affected and did not thought that people would take her 'joke' statement seriously.

Just weeks after, she put on a brave face and showed up at the CNN Heroes Awards Ceremony together with her good-looking Australian boyfriend, 21 year old, Liam Hemsworth. Her appearance made a fire of controversy as she looked incredibly stunning with her yellow long gown and diamond accessories..

 "Grinning like a Cheshire cat she showed off plenty of

Banapple freshly-baked cakes and pies - my soulmate!

Shot by Krizel Faustino - April 2011

I am a food lover - you wouldn't doubt that if you see me personally. LOL! But really, I can't live my life happily without food, especially sweets! Now, ever since I met my boyfriend's mom, who bakes pastry very uniquely delicious, I started to develop this being addicted to cakes, cupcakes, muffins & the like. Although I enjoy eating sweets and pastry products, I have specific favorites that really drives me crazy.

Fashionista Butuanon talks about holidays being on abroad

Decorations, gifts, food, Christmas lights, fireworks - these are the things that make out holiday season. But what completes the whole package are our family and friends.

Myra Salas (assistant nurse, Singapore)

For some Butuanon ladies who are currently working on other countries, Christmas is way a lot different from what they are used to. According to Myra Salas, from Singapore,
December 2010 was the first Christmas she spent away from her family. Thank God she immediately found new friends after moving in Singapore to work as an assistant nurse. They cooked food and exchanged gifts. During New Year's Eve, she and her friends went to the famous Marina Bay and celebrated the welcoming of 2011. It was fun but spending it with her family in their home is way far better. This is her second time to spend the holidays far from home yet Myra said that she's still feeling lonely being away from her family.

Many Butuanons had already migrated to different parts of the world. They had already adjusted to the new culture and had already gotten over feeling homesick during the holidays. Judith Montilla, a physical therapist from California USA,  said that the first few years were difficult but as time went on, she got used to her situation. She started to have her own family and now has two beautiful girls. Even though she's already happy living in America, she said that Christmas in the Philippines is way better than any place in the world because of the family bonding and traditions.

For Catherine Busa, ex Project Manager in China, coming back in Butuan Philippines, after many years of being away from her family during holidays, is emotionally euphoric. She used to spend her Christmas and new years on working on her hotel room. 

Other fashionista Butuanon currently living abroad also shared what they miss about Butuan City, Philippines.

Yvette Villegas (nurse, Denmark)


  Denim tube dress from United Colors of Benetton, Cardigan from H and M, slim leather belt and suede flats both from Zara, watch from Fossil (ceramic),and bag from Esprit

"Exploring the wonders in Butuan with my family and friends makes me miss the most".

Karen Bonggot (student, USA)

 Beret from Charlotte Russe. Blue Cardigan: Forever21. Sailor Dress: Forever21. Polka dot tights: Ebay. Black Oxfords: Forever21. 


"I miss the awesome food in Butuan, especially the barbecue!'

Sherylvie Dy (nurse, New Zealand)

hooded jacket- billabong; bag- ripcurl; pants- dotti; boots - pulp


"I miss butuan because foods are everywhere even late at night."

Mai Mai Hiponia (medical technologist, USA)


Blue dress is from MICHAEL Michael Kors.. shoes and accessories: Shoe Dazzle (Kim K's online membership shopping)

floral maxi dress: Fashion Loco Online Store (Butuan, Philippines); bag/purse: Juicy Couture; accessories: Forever 21


 "What I miss most about Butuan...FOOD, the abundance of affordable and fresh seafood and sumptuous delicacies like palagsing, puto cassava, puto maya, etc."

The Body Shop againt Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People

Human Trafficking is a fast-growing crime nowadays. With more than 1.2 children and young people trafficked a year from different countries all over the world. The incidence of sexual child trafficking is also increasing each year. 


Working alongside ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes), The Body Shop launched a global campaign to stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People. The primary aim is to promote awareness and provide funds for the prevention of such.

How to Choose the Right Shade of Lipstick for your Skin Tone

Ladies, we all know that one essential cosmetic product we all must have is the LIPSTICK. This magical stick can transform from simple to glamorous. As much as it can build our beauty, it may also break our image. 


Choosing the right lipstick is very important. Just because a certain color is "in" does not necessarily mean you have to run to the

Cancer Prevention Tips

I am a nurse and it is one of my responsibilities to promote health. I got an e-mail from my mom which I think is worth sharing. I think that most of the information here makes sense. The e-mail is about cancer prevention. We all know what cancer is and how devastating having one is. 


Cancer is an abnormal growth and/or proliferation of abnormal cells. It also has

FURious about FURS!

I watched the episode of Keeping up with the Kardashian about Khloe's nude photo shoot for PETA's "I'd rather go naked that wear a fur campaign", and even made a blog about it out of my admiration for Khloe's action. So eventually I decided to read a few articles about fur from animals and I felt really sorry about it. But what made me feel really really bad was when I saw a video about alive animals skinned on Chinese fur farms.

Khloe Kardashian got over her body issues for the animals

I'm not really a fan of the Kardashians until I saw an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians on E!. The episode started with Khloe Kardashian reading negative comments about her being an "amazon", "fat", "giant" etc. She became furious about the comments and she ended up

Christmas Fashion

Everyone's favorite season of the year is just around the corner. I'm sure you're all buzzing about the up coming company parties, family reunions and get-together with friends. I, myself, am expecting four company Christmas parties, family reunions, and at least two get-together even with friends. Aside that I'm worrying about what gifts to give and what food to bring, my number 1 concern is what to wear!

Guiliana Rancic had a Double Mastectomy!!

I was watching TV when this news was featured in a Hollywood showbiz news show. "Guiliana Rancic had a Double Mastectomy". OH MY GOSH!!! I was really really shocked. Why would she have that kind of operation? So I searched the net and read a few articles about her.

RENEWING BLOG

Add caption

Woah!! It's been almost a year since my last blog post. Guess I've been doing a lot lately that I almost forgot about my blog page. But now I'm updating it...or more like RENEWING it... I read my old blog posts and I found myself laughing at how