Konnichiwa from Make Your Own Havaianas 2016!

Posted on April 19, 2016 by issaplease

MYOH 2016

The annual Make Your Own Havaianas events hold a very special place in my heart, having been a staff for the very same event 3 years ago! And this year, they are back it and are featuring one of my dream destinations- JAPAN!

One of the hottest months of the year brings with it the biggest and most anticipated customization event in the country, Make Your Own Havaianas. From April 22 to May 1, step into a celebration of self-expression and creativity inside All Flip Flops SM Seaside City at the lower ground floor of the mall’s Mountain Wing and mix and match buttery-soft, colorful soles with vibrant straps and fun pins.

Havaianas was born in Brazil in 1962, but an interesting fact is that the very first flip-flop was inspired by the Zori, a type of Japanese sandal made of fabric straps and rice straw roles. Today, Havaianas flip-flops show marks of these iconic rice patterns, making it a fusion of eastern Zen and western joy.

Each year, MYOH highlights a destination or theme that celebrates its heritage or encapsulates the ‘always summer’ state of mind and on its 11th year, it is its Japanese roots that MYOH pays tribute to, from this year’s 2016 limited edition commemorative sole inspired by Shibori, a Japanese fabric-dyeing technique, to its selection of kawaii pins. With Japan being an all-time favorite summer destination of Cebuano Havaianaticos, embellishments such as the The Sakura, Ramen, The Japanese Fan, The Empress, The Zori, Ninja and statement pins, among others celebrate the love for travel and the land of the rising sun’s unique lifestyle and influence on today’s pop culture.

Here’s the pair that I’ve pre- made for myself from their website. What’s yours?

[VLOG] How To Survive A Food Market/ Sugbo Mercado

Posted on March 17, 2016 by issaplease

My friends and I have always been fans of local food markets and have been flocking to almost one for the following reasons:

[1] We can never decide where to eat so food markets give us the freedom to eat what we want, with who we want… even if we don’t want what they want.

[2] It’s a nice breather from the commercial restaurants that have been popping up lately. Plus, because you never know when you’re going to catch them again, it also adds to that hint of excitement.

[3] There are sooooo many choices

[4] Food markets are a good place to run into people, meet new ones and get ideas for future probably businesses and ideas.

[5] It’s great if you’re on a budget!

As an avid food market visitor, my favorite so far has got to be Sugbo Mercado which is located at the Garden Bloc of the IT Park. They’ve been around since 2015 and have finally made their permanent residence at the Garden Bloc complete with tables, chairs, lights and an awesome outdoor ambiance.

Fun story: I used to have to beg people to come with me to food bazaars to the point where I would have to go alone if I had to. But now my friends (and especially Paolo) has caught on to the idea and now, we’re there almost every weekend.

For someone with quite an experience I decided to show you what a Sugbo Mercado experience is like along with some tips and tricks to getting around, what to do and some common sense etiquette that should be practiced while enjoying the place and the food.

So I hope you enjoy this video- like, subscribe and feel free to share this with ALL of your friends! ❤

Food is love; Food is life,

THE OFF PRICE SHOW – The Country’s Largest Roving Sale event at up to 80% Off

Posted on March 15, 2016 by issaplease

The Off Price Show is offering huge discount sales at up to 80% off!

Now on its 3rd year in Cebu, the large-scale 3-day expo of premium world’s best brands will be having its stop in the city, and will set shop on March 18 – 20, 2016 at the Oakridge Pavilion, Oakridge Business Park, Mandaue City, Cebu.

Established in 2012, the Off Price Show is the first roving sale concept in the country that features top lifestyle brands from around the globe. These top brands include Forever21, Mango, Tommy Hilfiger Eyewear, Vonzipper, Pacsafe, Sugarfree Shoes, Playboy Fragrances, Trim, Mel, Lander, Chocolate Clothing, Bershka, Adidas Bodycare, Palladium, Hellolulu, Renuzit, Melissa, Pull & Bear, VNC, Jockey and a whole lot more.

In this event holding the world’s most premium lifestyle names, there will also be a Banchetto comprised of Cebu City’s best and well-known restaurants and fast eats, to be located in the outdoor area of the convention center.

The Off Price Show Cebu 2016 will be open from 11:00 AM up until 10:00 PM. All major credit cards will be accepted for purchases made during the 3-day expo sale.

Other than an awesome shopping and dining experience, there will also be raffle draws that will give you the chance to win a shopping spree and different merchandise and products from the different participating brands that will be given out on an hourly basis.

There will also be an Instagram Photo Contest where shoppers can take a selfie while they are at the event. Make sure to use the hastag #theoffpriceshowph and encourage their friends to come and visit the The Off Price Show for your chance to win! 5 lucky winners will be chosen everyday to win a shopping spree.

For more information check out their Facebook page

Twitter

Instagram

Website

Go forth and shop,

Seaside Sessions with Jiri Dinsay

Posted on March 5, 2016 by issaplease

The more I surround myself with different photographers, the more I am able to appreciate the art and the process of taking beautiful photos. Sometimes it is done under intense heat, smells with kanya- kanyang diskarte which all pays off when we are able to see the output of our hard work.

I shot with Jiri Dinsay for this set who was as easy and breezy as the seaside winds that graced us that morning. Definitely someone I would love to be able to work with again and again and again!

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Of course, this fun photo session would not have been complete with my Let’s Stylize full length dress and full length Kimono. It’s perfect for welcoming summer as we all know where we’ll be headed to- the beach!

Make sure to check out more of their new collection!

Soo many beautiful pictures, gwapa kaayo akong pamati mag tanaw. ^_^

Happy weekend,

P.S. If all else fails- scotch tape. But by ALL means, avoid flash photography 😉

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Personalize Your Day with Noteraph.com

Posted on February 28, 2016 by issaplease

Add a personal touch to your gifts, card or notes with these lovely stationaries from //embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js” target=”_blank”>Noteraph. With multiple designs to choose from, you’ll be sure to have your personalized tags to rescue you for any and every occasion!

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As someone who enjoys personalized knick knacks, these note cards are by far my favorite personalized items in my collection. Their multiple designs allow me to hoard lots of them to use for my multiple personalities.

Check out my stash! 🙂

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For you own set of note cards, pads and other items check out Noteraph or @noteraph on Instagram.

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Happy Writing,

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Eat All You Can Sessions for P288.00 @ Chik Chow Food Express

Posted on February 25, 2016 by issaplease

It has become apparent in the recent years that the Cebuano’s strong love for food has gotten stronger and stronger. With restaurants popping up from left to right and food bazaars every weekend that we eagerly flock to to sample whatever is new in the city, there’s no denying that nothing brings our proud culture closer together like food does.

With all the fancy new restaurants with their modernized and chic interiors or bunk type cafes that we’ve all spent countless afternoons in, sometimes it’s nice to return to our roots and spend our favorite times of the day somewhere cozy that reminds us of home.

Chik Chow Food Express is a humble and promising establishment that is located along 316 – C Mango Avenue. What was recently the owner’s residence has now been transformed into this cozy restaurant that offers a Filipino- Chinese selection of food in an eat-all-you-can style.

My first impression upon walking into Chik Chow was that it fondly reminded me of Saturday afternoons spent at a friend’s house making projects, homework or just hanging out. Of course, that friend always had the best food which truthfully was always one of the main reasons why everyone loved going there in the first place. The ambiance was so homey and unpretentious that I could not wait to bring my family there to share stories, laugh and just enjoy each others company over great food. My apologies for going on and on about how much I loved the coziness but it’s simple things like this that make me notice a restaurant right off the bat but to address your curiosity- yes, the food was amazing.

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.jsWith its wide spaces, Chick Chow can easily accommodate around 50 or more people making it perfect for private functions. They also have a very generous and guarded parking space leaving no problems when it comes to leaving your cars or finding a place to park it. And whether you decide to enjoy your meal indoors or outdoors, both scenarios should not be a problem with their well ventilated areas that is sure to give you the full dining experience.

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As mentioned earlier, Chik Chow offers their food in an eat-all-you-can style with most of their dishes being either Filipino or Chinese with a high chance of a menu change every once in a while to spice things up. During my visit there I was able to sample everything except their dugo- dugo (for personal reasons) and although their meals look simple, most of them really did blow me away. Their lengua, meatballs in cream sauce, grilled chicken, seafood, Chinese lumpia and every dish that came with potato wedges were a few of my personal favorites.

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Chik Chow is open on Tuesdays- Sundays from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm for lunch at P 288.00 and 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm for dinner at P 388.00. Aside from unlimited meals, they also have an unlimited flow of iced tea and lemonade to quench your thirst and a few Cebuano delicacies and items from their menu such as their lengua, roast pork, chicken feet, meatballs, panga and dinuguan that can be purchased to take home.

Needless to say, I ended up leaving Chik Chow eating more than I had initially planned but it was a hearty kind of stuffed which was not only from the delicious meals but from conversations with old friends and familiar faces- the best kind by far.

I can’t wait to go back and I hope to run into a few of you there!

For reservations you can contact them at (032) 255 9959 or contact them through Facebook.

Til our next gastronomical adventure,

A Tribute To Photographers feat. Nick Santos Photography

Posted on February 24, 2016 by issaplease

Sharing my second set of photos, this time with photographer Nick Santos.

I made the decision late last year to open up my schedule more to different photographers who are interested in doing photo shoots with me. It was a risky decision for me to make but as much as I love having my photos taken by friends and my helper, I also had the desire to try different forms of art not only involving fashion. So far, I feel like I made the right choice as I’ve not only been able to expand my network, I have also been able to express a more creative side of me which I’ve been suppressing for so long. I’ve been able to try out different shoots and concepts and at the same time, learn about photography and pick through photographer’s brains to understand their works and what to them is art.

One thing I think it is important for me to mention is that, it is important to me that each person I work with feels entitled to their own work and not like they are working for me. I have worked with a few photographers who have the perception that bloggers are diva’s or elitists and will treat you like they own you and although I’ve never met a blogger that actually acts that way, I cannot say that they do not exist. However, as someone who appreciates not only the gestures of having your photos taken but more importantly the art, I will tell you that I understand that that’s not the way things go. When I work with other artists, I make sure they are comfortable and they are able to express themselves creatively and appropriately. They have full control of their photos and may edit them as they want to and are free to post them on their portfolios- I also allow them to direct me and share ideas of how to make a photo come to life. Basically, I try to learn from them and hopefully, we learn from each other.

I consider myself as an artist with fashion and my body as my tools of choice. Photography backdrops and lately, film have both inspired me a lot and have also kept me extremely busy and although I don’t really know where these passions will take me in the future, I understand the hard work put into it which is why I respect it.

I have been so blessed to work with quite a handful of reputable photographers in my city- some who are still here and others who are spreading their work around the world and I cannot wait to work with more. I might not say this that often but if it weren’t for you guys, this blog would have never come to life!

So thank you, thank you, thank you to every single person who’s shot me and helped me grow in this industry.

If you’re starting a new hobby- have enough passion to fuel your soul and you will go places. Never allow anyone to take you for granted and never lose the drive to do something you love. You’ll go far!

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Respectfully and Gratefully Yours,

Contact me via iamissaperez@gmail.com for shoots, etc.

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Roadsides and Coffee Breaks with Griffith Salomon

Posted on February 19, 2016 by issaplease

Been sporting a lot of black lately in different kinds of fabric, textures and designs. I’m not going to lie, it makes me feel skinnier and it saves me a lot of time from having to decide what color goes well with which.

For this shoot, I got to play with my feminine and naturally sports side while enjoying a good ol cuppa Joe in between. Many will argue that you cannot be feminine in an all black ensemble but I disagree- you can be anything you want to be with the right mix of clothing and of course, the right attitude.

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Dress: Forever 21| Heels: Thrifted

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Coat: H&M| Sports Bra: Nike| Skirt: Giordano| Heels: Zalora

Location: Gaslamp

Photographer: Griffith Salomon

Black is Beautiful (no matter what they saaaay),

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SUTUKIL @ Isla Sugbu Seafood City

Posted on February 17, 2016 by issaplease

SUTUKIL which is an abbreviation of 3 Cebuano terms: sugba (to cook by grilling), tuwa (to stew) and kilaw (to cook raw with vinegar) has always been a local favorite of locals and foreign guests. With the Philippines being blessed with an abundant source of sea life, Cebuano’s have put their resourcefulness and creativity to good use creating wonderful and hearty dishes that perfectly represent our culture.As an addition to Grand Convention’s already impressive dinning options, Isla Sugbu Seafood City is now offering their customers with even better options for customers to enjoy the city’s local cuisine. Their new options offers diners an authentic sutukil experience that is a notch higher with their fresh selections of sea food, a wharf-like ambiance, authentic flavors plus clean dishes. //embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

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//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.jsI was able to attend this prestigious establishments launching of their new selection which was graced by other prominent media and people from all over the Philippines and even entertainment personalities Jericho Rosales and Mylene Dizon. It was a funfilled evening which was highlighted by a celebrity cook off where both celebrities and their respective teams showed off their kitchen skills to impress the guests. In the end, Team Mylene prevaled with their sutukil dishes that they wereable to complete under the allotted time.

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Isla Sugbu Seafood City is located at the ground floor of Grand Convention Center Archbishop Reyes Ave, Cebu City, Cebu. They are open from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Sutukil packages are at P 1,600.00 with various choices of fish, shrimps and squid. For reservations contact 032-260-8000 or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more details and promotions.

See you there,

Swimming, Drowning, Surviving Feat. Chan Tan Photography

Posted on February 11, 2016 by issaplease

I am no Gabriella Montez so I do not soar nor do I fly and the stars are not always within my reach. Instead, I swim through life often to find myself drowning in my own sea of fears and troubles and I try to come out of it alive. I do not emerge from the waves, I crawl gasping for life.

That is probably not something you want to hear from someone who look up to or someone or from someone you adore but in the least, I try to look good. Working term: try.

It’s true, I have my troubles and I swim with them, against them and when I face them- I try my best not to let them consume me and shallow me whole. And I think that’s the OK part about it all, that I acknowledge them. Acknowledge that they might never go away, but at least I know they exist and I am working on my strokes.

I’m a guppy, swimming with the big fish but I’ve got a hear of a Great White and maybe one day, I will be one. But until then, I am going to enjoy the current whether I choose to swim with it or against it. Of course, I will attempt to swim against it, that’s what I do- I test my limits.

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There is a great big ocean in front of me and I am certainly not going to spend my time floating around in the same place, doing the same things in shallow waters. That’s not where the most mysterious, adventurous, majestic and beautiful creatures thrive.

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Photography by: Christian Chan| Underwater photography by: Bo Mancao| Location: Mandarin Hotel

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Keep swimming,

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Category Archives: Events & Features

Konnichiwa from Make Your Own Havaianas 2016!

[VLOG] How To Survive A Food Market/ Sugbo Mercado

THE OFF PRICE SHOW – The Country’s Largest Roving Sale event at up to 80% Off

Seaside Sessions with Jiri Dinsay

Personalize Your Day with Noteraph.com

Eat All You Can Sessions for P288.00 @ Chik Chow Food Express

A Tribute To Photographers feat. Nick Santos Photography

Roadsides and Coffee Breaks with Griffith Salomon

SUTUKIL @ Isla Sugbu Seafood City

Swimming, Drowning, Surviving Feat. Chan Tan Photography