I Miss Writing!

It's been a while since my last blog. I really, really miss writing! 

 I was so busy for the last two months. I had to focus on doing my motherly duties and working really hard on my home-based business. 

With the help of my very supportive husband and mom I am able to face the challenges of being a full-time mom & businesswoman everyday. I am so blessed to have them in my life. 

I have so many things to write about in mind. I hope to share them with you soon! :)

Happy Holidays!

Read More

TGP (The Galing Photographers)- Valuing Photos, Strengthening Camaraderie, Helping Others, Touching Lives

Carl Valenzuela is my best friend's husband. He loves photography and I am a fan of his shots! I always give good comments on his photos on his Facebook wall. He never fails to capture the emotions of his subjects. He is truly a good photographer. I always say that to Heidi, his wife and my best friend.  She says, "Alam mo ba, may grupo sila? The Galing Photographers. Nagsasama-sama silang mga photographers, lagi silang may photo shoot." 

Wow! Great! But what is "The Galing Photographers"? I became curious. When Carl went home from Hong Kong to visit her family here in the Philippines in line with his daughter's seventh birthday, I did not hesitate to give him a call and asked for an interview.

*********************************

The Galing Photographers was established in 2010 that started with photo comments, "Awesome!", "Great!", "Ang galing mo, 'pre!" whenever friends with passion in photography upload and post their own photos on their Facebook walls. Michael Seow, a good friend of Carl, suggested to make a group for people with same passion. Carl together with two Indonesians, one Hongkong Citizen, one Filipino from USA, and one Australian decided to start the group. They opened a Facebook Page with the sole purpose of connecting with people who love photography and accepted friend requests from all walks of life all over the world. For six months, their members grew from sixty four to hundreds. 

Unfortunately, the Carl's co-founders  became very busy with their work and the task of leading the group went to Carl alone. Free posting of photos on their page went on for eight to nine months for members to critique. Then sharing of information about photography began to make the page more interesting and educational to all its members.

One day, a member suggested that the group should have a weekly theme of what photos to post. The most interesting and nice photo would be the TGP Photo of the Week. More members participated and the page became more and more engaging and fun!

Courtesy: Rose Bee

As they moved forward, the group became very, very successful. The responses of members were overwhelming that pushed the group to become global. TGP Manila, TGP Korea, TGP Hongkong, TGP Brunei, TGP USA, TGP Taiwan were launched. More admins were  added --Rose Bee, Kiko Conti, Vincent Cortez, and Sandy Palacpac Jr. Regular virtual meetings were held exclusive for TGP admins only. They would do extensive planning and execution of events or group photo shoots. They would also help solve internal problems within the group.

Courtesy: Nobita Shizuka

Courtesy: Christian L. Sangoyo

Courtesy: Lan Bella

Courtesy: Mari Lyn

Courtesy: Regil Erispe

Courtesy: Sonny Ravana

Courtesy: Regil Erispe

Courtesy: Micheal Yap

People all over the world who are interested in photography are very much welcome to join the group. There is no membership fee. There are no specific requirements as long as the person has a camera, referred by a legitimate member of TGP, and he or she is willing to share and learn.

Before, they added strangers in the group but they had a bad experience on one of their photo shoots. Those previous members just joined because of bad intentions---They stole photos and rules, got ideas, even committed crimes like stealing cameras and personal properties of photographers and models.The admins would not want it to happen again. The exclusivity of adding members made it safer for all TGP members and models.

Aside from online activities, they also get involved in other social issues and events. The photos below were taken during SONA (State of the Nation Address by President Nonynoy Aquino) on July 23, 2012.They also stood on what they believed in that authorities should not hinder photographers on having free photo shoots on public places, like Rizal Park/ Luneta.

Courtesy: Joy Madridejos

Courtesy: Chito Reyes Agliones

Courtesy: Chito Reyes Agliones

Courtesy: Chito Reyes Agliones

To see one another in person and to strengthen their camaraderie, TGP had its grand eyeball in Pansol, Laguna, Philippines last August 4-5, 2012. It was a huge success! TGP Coordinator in the Philippines, Bob Ferrer, organized a photowalk. All members would go to different places where they would do photo shoots as a group. .

Courtesy: Rose Bee

Courtesy: Connie Talactac

Courtesy: Kiko Conti

Courtesy: Rose Bee

During the recent disaster caused by Habagat, the group decided to rescue their members in Malabon despite the heavy rains and flood on their own homes They helped and gave relief goods not just to their members but other community members as well. They also donated cash at GMA Kapuso Foundation in partnership with TIAAP (Total Image Asia Accredited Photographers).

Courtesy: Kiko Conti

Courtesy: Jeff Nacar

Courtesy: Carl Valenzuela

Courtesy: Rose Bee

Courtesy: Kiko Conti

The group's Facebook Page is also  a venue where photographers showcase their winning photos. This indeed  inspires other members to learn more from the experts. Below are some winning photos posted on their Facebook Page.

1st place out of 58 entries in F-Stop's Weekly Contest
Theme: City Skylines by John Manalastas

First Prize Winner, KODAK Philippines, 1985: Title: Gardener by Romeo Doneza
 

"Forest Within a Drop"
TOP PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Caffeinated Photographers by Ariel Dangani

"Will you be there when I grow old?"

This photo made it to the top 26th on Junction Photography Challenge out of almost 300 entries by Katherine Concepcion. This is one of my personal favorites!

WINNING entry: MANNY LIBRODO'S POST PROCESSING CHALLENGE by Maybelle Blossom Dumlao-Sevillena

The Challengers image(Competitors) won a Gold on Benjamin Arthur Daily PGC by Teni Sta. Ines

Benjamin Arthur's Daily Photography Genre Challenge
Bronse medal winner Theme : Light by Carl Valenzuela
I love this too! :)

What I love about about TGP after knowing its purpose is that it is more than just a group for photographers. It welcomes its members with open arms no matter what their race and status are. The members encourage and help one another to improve their craft and never hesitate to share their God-given talents for others to see and appreciate. It doesn't matter if the photo was shared by a newbie or professional. It doesn't matter if the photo was taken by film, digital, or cellphone camera. What matters most is those photos can give happiness and touch lives while the group's camaderie becomes fruitful and stronger. The group also helps the needy. All members share what they have in the best way they can. Its story is worth sharing to the world! :)

Read More

Cupcake Overload and O Chocolate--- Perfect Duo for All Occasions

I love helping out in organizing parties! That's the reason why I always subject myself in volunteering whenever friends and loved-ones need help in organizing one! 

Last month, my best friend's daughter, Kylee, celebrated her seventh birthday. My best friend, Heidi, asked me for suggestions about all the details---from the decorations, program, logistics, and suppliers. When we started talking about suppliers, I thought of Miss Weng San Pedro of O Chocolate to create some personalized lollipops and star chocolates for her daughter's Tinkerbell-Themed Party. I had a great transaction with her before and her chocolates were very affordable and superb! Her chocolates would surely make the occasion festive and memorable. 

Heidi agreed and I transacted on her behalf. While doing so, I came across with this photo posted by Cupcake Overload  on her album. 

O Chocolate's chocolate lollipops incorporated with Cupcake Overload's cupcakes (Courtesy: Cupcake Overload)

Miss Weng's chocolate lollipops were incorporated with Cupcake Overload's cupcakes and they looked so dainty and nice! I immediately asked Miss Weng how was she related to the owner of the said online shop. Good thing, she, Miss Jez, was Miss Weng's niece! 

I showed this photo to Heidi and she liked the set-up! She never hesitated to order and she never went wrong because Kylee and all her guests loved both the chocolates and cupcakes so much! They looked so colorful and the taste was scrumptious for a very affordable price even if there was handling fee included! The tandem of Miss Weng and Miss Jez was definitely a hit--A perfect duo indeed!

This is the design that Heidi and I preferred. We requested Miss Jez to use green, purple, pink, yellow, and blue icing.

These were the actual photos of the chocolate lollipops, colorful star chocolates, and cupcakes on Kylee's Seventh Birthday. The photos were taken by her dad, Mr. Carl Valenzuela of The Galing Photographers:

O Chocolate's personalized chocolate lollipops made for Kylee's seventh birthday.

Cupcake Overload's colorful cupcakes and O Chocolate's star chocolates brighten the setting!

The cupcakes and chocolates are mouth-watering!

 

Heidi and I would definitely recommend both sellers to our friends and loved ones! Another proof that high quality products need not to be expensive! :)

Read More

Do You Want Affordable and Unique Personalized Chocolates? O Chocolate is the Answer!

    

I am a crafter and I usually make favors for family and friends' special occasions. I also do this for business.But when I was planning and preparing my youngest son's Christening, I thought of giving  unique and affordable favors made by another supplier for a change!

I was browsing my friend's Facebook wall when I noticed a post from a chocolate maker, Miss Weng San Pedro a.k.a O Chocolate. I got more and more interested on her products as I browsed through her photo albums because they were unique, aesthetically nice, looked so yummy, and of course very, very affordable! 

I didn't hesitate to send her a private message about my interest in ordering some chocolate lollipops. I even wrote down my specifications. Miss Weng was so accommodating  and she willingly made some samples to be subjected to my approval. I loved them all! They were so nice! After my approval, the smooth transaction went on. She updated me regularly through private photos so that I would see the entire process.

What I liked about Miss Weng was she was an honest and considerate seller. She volunteered to deliver the chocolates personally because she wanted the items to reach me in good condition. I got excited because I also wanted to meet her in person. She was so patient online and definitely one of the best online sellers I've transacted with.

As expected, the chocolates looked so good and nice! They were individually packed and decorated with ribbons based on my color preference. Even if there was a handling fee  included, for me her services were still affordable. This proved Miss Weng sells high quality chocolates even if they cost cheap. She never settled for anything less. This showed her professionalism and passion to serve her clients satisfactorily.

These were the chocolate lollipops that Miss Weng made for my son:

Vanilla (Courtesy: O Chocolate)

Cookies and Cream (Courtesy: O Chocolate)

         

Dark Chocolate (Courtesy: O Chocolate)

         

          She even gave me a box of truffles as a freebie! Cool!

Truffles (Courtesy: O Chocolate)

All the guests in my son's Christening liked the chocolate lollipops so much that they even asked for more. Good thing I bought more. These delicious and mouth-watering chocolate lollipops made my son's Christening festive and memorable! 

Thank you very much, Miss Weng! You are highly recommended! Two thumbs up!

Read More

My First Wing Eye Make-up Using E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

I purchased E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen from my favorite cosmetics online seller in the Philippines, Sweet and Sparkle, just out of curiosity. I am not a professional make-up artist. I just love experimenting on make-up and  honestly, I had no idea on how to use it!

I was browsing my wall on Facebook when I saw a picture posted by one big cosmetic company. It was promoting it's new product, a gel eyeliner, by using it to create a great wing eye make-up. That gel liner costs a lot and I would not purchase that solely for that purpose alone. But I really wanted to try that technique! Well, I taught of using E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen to create that same look and the result was on the photos below. 

Courtesy: www.eyeslipsface.com

In My Opinion...

      

E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen's packaging is nice and handy. The cover fits a little tighter. It makes the liner last long and prevents it from drying easily. The thin tip glides on smoothly and makes the application smudge-free and almost flawless!

Personally I really love it! It is highly pigmented, easy to apply due to it's very thin tip, and long-lasting! It doesn't run despite our very hot weather. This is definitely a good buy! For just Php 125.00, it is a right substitute for expensive gel liners out in the market.    

          

To make it last longer after purchasing, make sure to close the lid tightly and store in a cool, dry place.

Read More

E.L.F. Essential Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder- LUMINANCE, A Great Highlighter for All Skin Types

I purchased E.L.F. Essential Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder- LUMINANCE hoping that it would be a good bronzer. But when I applied it on my face, it turned out to be a great highlighter! 

It is not too white. The color compliments my skin tone. It gives me a natural glow and radiance when applied on the forehead, temples, bridge of the nose, chin and cheekbones.

This proves that not all products with cheap price have cheap quality. For just Php125.00 from my favorite online seller, Sweet and Sparkle , it is a best buy! It blends and covers well, easy to apply, light-weight, long-lasting, doesn't settle on creases, and good for all skin types.

E.L.F. Essential Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder- LUMINANCE 

Courtesy: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/elf/face/bronzers/healthy_glow_bronzing_powder

Ingredients: Talc, Mica (CI 77019), Paraffinium Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Stearate, Kaolin, Petrolatum, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Iron Oxides (CI 77491 , CI 77492 , CI 77499), Red No.27 Lake (CI 45410), Red No.7 Lake (CI 15850), Yellow No.5 Lake (CI 19140), Blue No.1 Lake (CI 42090), Ultramarines (CI 77007) 

 

How to Apply: Using a blush brush, lightly brush over powder, tapping off any excess. Apply to cheeks and across bridge of nose and forehead. Blend  to insure seamless application. 

 

 

Read More

Why I Love My E.L.F. Make-up Clutch

Mirrored Palette Includes:

• 32 Eyeshadows
• 6 Lip Colors
• 2 Blushes
• 1 Bronzer
• 1 Eyebrow Powder
• 1 Eyebrow Cream
• 1 Face Shimmer
• 3 Dual Ended Eyeshadow Applicators

Dimensions:

Closed 6.5" x 4" x .875"
Open 6.5" x 8.5" x 4.25"

I purchased this palette so that when I travel, I won't have to bring so many separate cosmetics. I never went wrong! All the contents are very, very useful for me. Not only that. The black case is very sleek and it fits a small bag or purse. 

The eye shadows include a wide-array of colors that are matte, highly pigmented and versatile. They can be used for smokey eyes, bold/striking, and everyday make up. They can also be used as substitutes for eyeliner pencils.

I tried using the white or off-white shade on the upper left corner of the eye shadow palette for the brow bone but it turned pinkish. The face shimmer can be used instead.

The face shimmer is in cream form but it serves its purpose very well. It's not greasy nor sticky.

I like the bronzer even though it's quite orange. It fits darker women but for us who have fair skin, just a little amount will do. I also use it for contouring my nose and cheeks but I discovered that the brow powder is much better for this purpose.

My most favorite is the brow cream. The color is just right for my hair color. 

The blushes are also nice! The colors fit me. I use the lighter shade when my lips or eyes are bold in color and the brighter one when I want to give emphasis on my cheeks.

I also like all the colors of lip gloss. I use each as is or combine a two or more to make new shades depending on my mood. They also last longer and give moisture to my lips. 

What I don't like about the packaging is that the powder goes to the lip gloss. It's a little messy but it is tolerable and manageable. I also wish that it has a separate brush for the blushes and bronzer.

To sum it all, I love it!  They are highly pigmented, long-lasting, and versatile! The pros outweigh the cons.For aspiring or amateur make-up artists, this is a best buy!  :)

All E.L.F. colors that I used here are found in the E.L.F. Make-up Clutch except the eyeliner. A black eye shadow may be used as a substitute for the liner. 

 

Skin- Artistry Balancing Moisturizer, Artistry Balancing Liquid Foundation, Artistry Face Powder
Eyebrows- ELF Brow Cream
Eyes- Profusion Metallic Eye Palette (purple, aqua blue, navy blue), E.L.F. matte eye shadow (light brown for the base), E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner, Artistry Waterproof Mascara

Lips- E.L.F. red and pink lip gloss
Contouring Cheeks and Nose- E.L.F. Bronzer 

The purple, aqua blue, and navy blue eye shadows on the E.L.F. Make-up Clutch may be used as substitutes if you don't want to use metallic eye colors.  

Courtesy: Carl S. Valenzuela of TGP

On the photo above is my best friend, Heidi, during her daughter's birthday party. I used two shades of brown eye shadows on her eyelids, black eye shadow as substitute for the eyeliner pencil, brow cream, brow powder for contouring the nose and cheeks, bronzer for the cheeks, face shimmer as highlighter, and red lip gloss combined with red Avon lipstick to make the lips standout! I also used E.L.F. concealer as an eye primer. I used different brands of foundation and powder.

Read More