Street [sm]Art

 I honestly don’t know how I’m going to write this blog. These photos have been sitting in my draft folder for a good week now and every time I get to writing, I always find myself starring at these pictures with a loss for words.

I am madly in love with this set by Jing Pascual and Jade Caballo, it has every aspect I so deeply admired when I got into fashion blogging: a good eye for detail, a killer backdrop and awesome quality of photos.

These pictures are a product of love, passion and LOTS OF GUTS since they were literally shot in the middle of the round during rush hour on a weekday. Hope you enjoy them!

As Summer slowly comes to an end, it has become essential to be prepared for just about anything. Knowing Cebu and it’s sporadic weather, it wouldn’t become much of a surprise if it was scouring hot at one point and then raining like it’s nobody’s business the next.  I mean, it’s already happening -.-

On top of my “to buy” list at the moment is a pair of sleek knee high rain boots that I can easily sport when the rainy season is on full frontal duty. I’ve been doing most of my research online but while I’m still on the hunt, my ever beloved Doc Marten replicas always seem to do the trick- they’re good for taking long walks, walking in damp places and they bring out an extra side of bad ass in me.

Going back to the weather, I always find it safer to stick to my basic white pieces when dressing up. That way, if it gets to hot, I don’t have to worry about feeling so stuffy and keeping a statement cover up is always fun to keep around my waist or to have around my shoulders when the occasion arises.

For this specific shoot I decided to keep things at a minimum since I knew we would be shooting around UBEC Crew’s masterpieces along Rahman street. Their work is so vibrant, meant to stand out and I wanted to work around it, to be seen in it while not being consumed by it at the same time. I guess this is what I came up with.

It’s suddenly become a dream of mine to pose around another graffiti wall in a flouncy full length dress just because I’d like to think I’m ironic like that. (Afterall, I named my dog Meow and my pet rock Fluffy) So until then, I will keep my eye open for new places to shoot- Cebu is full of them! I love my city, I love the people in it and I love being a part of it! #cebukeepsmegoing

Outfit details:

Top: Terranova

Shorts: Department Store Brand (Gaisano Carcar, yo)

Plaid top: H&M

Boots: SM Department Store

Accessories: iWatchz, Aizilym, The Bead Shop

xx,

Issa Perez

Photos by:

 Jing Pascual

 Jade Caballo

Update:

Leero x Saike x Basic Lee x Flai x Gats

“The cebu artists are from ubec crew..gats and basic lee from method makers based in california” – Ubec Crew

Mad props!

Ziya Opens in SM City Cebu!

A new type of Boho Chic has bestowed their beautiful creations on the island of Cebu! Ziya, a fashion line that started in 2004, which is mostly known for the bohemian chic aesthetics has recently opened their newest outlet in SM City, Cebu! The brand that is known for their style beyond the ordinary shares to Cebuanos their gorgeous pieces that mix Asian and ethnic influences. By taking the old with the new, they are able to create fashionable and unique styles that can be easily distinguished as their own.

I was very blessed to have been invited to the grand opening of Ziya last May 16, 2014. I wasn’t just lucky enough to see their amazing products first hand, I was also able to meet Laureen Uy of BreakMyStyle. She was really great to be around 🙂

Here are some of my photos from that day: [I didn’t get to take fantastic photos because the place was FULL but at least you get to how successful their opening was ;)]

I love that Laureen is wearing the same dress as seen on the mannequin from my first photo. It definitely looks 10x better on a real life doll!

It was all just perfect timing that I was also on the way to the beach that evening and that I had also left my shades at home. I was able to buy a beautiful pair of round shades for only P200.00 and I still haven’t switched back to my everyday shades even now that I’m back in the city and my life is boring again. lol.

Ziya definitely stands out among the other bohemian themed stores in the market! I love how they play around with different fabrics and their printed dresses are to die for! Plus, throwing in the pillows are a great accent especially for those whose inner boho babe cannot only confined through pretty clothes alone.

Ziya is Located at SM Mall of Asia, SM Cagayan de Oro and soon to open branches in SM North Edsa, Gaisano City Super mall Iligan and SM Gen.San.

Check them out at the 2nd floor of SM City Cebu (near VECO).

You can also follow them on Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

xx,

Issa

Google Days Mandaue 2014 Photo diary

GBG Mandaue or Google Business Groups Mandaue is a community, supported by Google, wherein business owners can come together and learn how to utilize the internet, specifically Google tools, to make their businesses grow. Within this community, many experienced businessmen and internet rock stars share their tips and stories on how they made their presence online and how you can do the same for your very own businesses!

Having said all this, it truly is an honor to be a part of this group, not only as a member but as one of the five co-community managers. Together with Bjorn Bernales, Clifford Enoc and Mark Jamelo- we make up GBG Mandaue and we all work closely together to ensure that we can share sufficient knowledge to those who want to expand their businesses online.

Last May 10, 2014 (Saturday) at the Lakwatsa Restobar, GBG Mandaue held it’s first biggest event- GDays Mandaue wherein 200+ business owners got together for a day packed with fun, prizes and lots of learning!

Together with our sponsors, volunteers and guests, GDays Mandaue was a success and we’ve received nothing but heaps of love from all the participants!

Even thought our key note speaker was unable to make it (due to health reasons), the show still went on and we all had a wonderful time!

Here are some of the photos:

Here I am hosting the event. I got a fever in the middle of the show but the show must go on! 😀

With my mom posing in front of our tarpaulin for Citi Wear, our family business

On stage with Bree Esplanada, Cebuano fashion designer

Ruben Licera Jr. talking about Marketing Online

Clarissa Briones- Bernal of Pinoy Great Deals also talking about online marketing

Jr D. Padiila giving his marketing spiel

With the designers of the Fashion Institute of the Philippines and Aileema27

Our sponsors

 Credits to: Sheanne Photography

Wilson Ng talking about innovation

Fleire Castro being awesome!

With the CDR King

Credits to: Ryan Orcullo Photography

 Check out some of our promotional materials/ videos used during the event:

GBG Mandaue article on yahoonews. I am NOT the owner of panay.directory.com -.-

For those who are interested in joining GBG future events, feel free to contact me at iamissaperez@gmail.com 🙂

Thank you soo much to everyone who made the event possible and I can’t wait to see you all again in August for GBG Women.

xx,

Issa

#AWholeNewWrap: Jafar’s Shawarma Station

I know I like something when I insist on going there twice or even thrice in a row.

Last night’s dinner with a bunch of my friends was the minced beef shawarma wrap (P79.00) and today’s lunch, which I am still digesting by the way, was half of a chicken wrap (P79.00) and half of the US angus (P129.00) wrap which I happily shared with my mom.

Where?

At Jafar’s  Shawarma Station at the Banilad Town Center

I’ve got to admit, lately social media has been no friend of mine. It’s those times when there are countless pictures of mouth watering food while I’m suffering from an empty stomach that keep me up at night. And this month, Jafar’s Shawarma Station has been anything BUT discrete on my facebook, instagram, foursquare AND twitter feeds.

So being the curios and hungry cat that I am, we sought out for Jafar’s Shawarma Station on a busy Thursday evening… and then I came back Friday noon time and if my schedule permits, I’ll probably be back for dinner. I am HOOKED. Wrong movie but OK.

Minced Beef Wrap

Chicken Wrap

US Angus

Here’s their menu:

Here’s my ranking for the 3 wraps I had over the past 2 days:

1. US Angus

2. Minced Beef

3. Chicken – I’m not a big fan of curry or anything or the sort but this was still pretty good!

Follow Jafar’s Shawarma Station on instagram for more updates: @jafars_shawarma_station

And if you run into the owner, please make sure to ask him if he’s Jafar… I just think that’s the funniest thing to ask him :))

xx,

Issa Perez

Edit:

Jafar’s contact number: 0936 900 5747

A Basket Full of Dreams

Recycling some thoughts I shared on my personal blog, www.issatalks.wordpress.com

Everyone is always in such a hurry these days and it’s the rush, the hustle and the bustle that scares me. It’s that feeling of not wanting to get left behind and the thought that “what if the whole world is rushing, moving forward, succeeding and here I am floating” that pressures me. I feel this way all the time and I guess I’ll keep feeling this way because I tend to stress myself like that. And because I know the fighter in me is gonna want to keep up, I’m going to keep striving, working hard and hoping for something better. I think this is my ultimate goal: to not just follow and catch up but to be ahead, to lead, to be someone others can look at and be inspired of.

I keep saying this is my head and I keep wanting to tell people this so I might as well go ahead and say it: Life is different when you’re in the back seat especially when it’s from the back seat of a motorcycle (in my case, a habal-habal). I am constantly being brought back to that moment because it really did make a huge impact on me.

A couple of weeks ago I rode a motorcycle from Badian to Car-car at 9:30 in the evening and if you’re from Cebu, you’d understand how freakishly dangerous this was. I felt stupid that I did it, I was scared and I can’t even remember how many times I just wanted to get off and say, “I was wrong, I want to go back.” But looking back, I would probably do it again. I’d do it again so I can be scared and unsure. I’d do it again to feel those emotions, look up to a sky full of stars and feel… at peace. I wish there was a more dramatic way to say it. You had to be there!

I keep re-telling people it because it’s a great reminder [and a great story!]. Because honestly, I am always scared. I’m scared of everything! I’m afraid of defeat, of not being successful, I’m afraid that I’m not good enough or pretty enough or to simply put it, I’m afraid that I might never be enough. I know a lot of people are like this and it’s a silly thing to feel, really. But still, we feel it anyways regardless of how pathetic it may be.

So when days like this come along, and they come a lot, I tell myself to look up at that sky from the back of that death ride. I tell myself to picture myself on top of that motorcycle again at godknowhowmanykilometers/hour and managing to find some kind of peace and it’s been working a lot!

I want to go places but I suffer from a different type of Wanderlust. I want to travel my soul and find a place that no adventurer could explore but myself. I want to find that place in me that is capable of doing great things and is powerful enough to become someone wonderful. I want to tell my stories of climbing the mountains of my struggles and being in that black pit knowing that there was knowing that there was no way to go but up. No, I don’t want to brag… I want to inspire.

My basket of dreams is filled to the brim but what is a full basket when there is no heart strong enough to carry it?

I want strong arms to carry it and a stronger heart to conquer these dreams of mine.

Are your arms strong enough to carry yours?

Credits to Roger Cas

Shot at: IT Park

xx,

Issa

My Summer Essentials [feat. Polyvore]

Summer Essentials
Got a little bored over the weekend and decided to have a little fun with polyvore. At first it was just supposed to be one set but I guess I got a little bit carried away and well, now I’ve made an entire blog around it.
Enjoy!
Bikinis
Bikinis
If you’re wondering about the lack of style and diversity in my choice of bikinis… it’s because it’s true.
I’m a bikini girl and never will I be the type to sport a one piece unless I’m training for a meet or a “thlon” of some type.
I am in love with triangle bikinis and only recently have I discovered the joys of a bandeau. Also, this year sporty is in so I’m looking forward to seeing more ladies in sports bra types of bikinis especially with fringe 😉
Cover ups
Cover ups
I’m basically in love with anything I can throw on after a quick dip especially one of good material that isn’t too heavy and takes forever to dry. Ladies, a shirt is not a cover up. I’m not saying this to make fun of you, I’m saying this so you don’t have to worry about putting something on and waiting forever for it to dry up.
Protection
Protection
Can I just be totally honest and say that I don’t use sun block? Sorry! But I know it’s important so that’s why I included it in here. The main idea was just to include a bunch of hats and shades and call it “protection” but I know it’s soo much more than that. Hey, I even threw in a picture of some lip balm to remind you to moisturize your lips! #itssomething
Bottoms
Bottoms
[see cover ups]
footwear
Footwear
Flip flops, striped wedges, boat shoes, JELLY SANDALS!!
So this post has sort of been in my draft folder for about two weeks and if I don’t post it now, I’ll never be able to do it! I kind of faded towards the end though since I don’t really have a lot to say about them, I just really liked the pretty clothes I saw. heee.
Show me your summer outfits and summer sets on my facebook page!
xx,
Issa

 

Oh, SNAP!

To bangs instead of sizzles and to making this year… LEGEN (wait for it…) DARY!

Welcome 2014 and welcome back to issaplease! ❤

Hooray for awesome posts to start of my blogging year! I hope everyone is ready for an amazing year cuz I am! 2013 was definitely a year of triumph and defeat but there is always beauty in madness, right? (or something like that *eye roll*)

If there’s anything I’m happiest about for the year that passed, it was definitely being able to work with my favorite blogger and twin, The Kat’s Meow.

I really don’t consider myself as a model since 1. I am faaaaaar behind the height requirements to be one and 2. I always imagined myself as the “behind-the-scenes” type of girl instead of the one in the spotlight. But I easily said yes when Dawn asked me  to model for Snap Ltd Apparel’s Comeback Collection for 2 reasons, 1. I love Dawn and if she asked me to strip for her, I would and 2. How could I say no to a brand that replicates everything I loved about my childhood? I knew I had to do it!

Definitely no regrets there because the outcome was amazing! It’s only been about 3 weeks since the collection came out and I’ve probably already used 4 of our shots as my profile pictures. I am THAT obsessed!

Check out the video here

Snap Apparel Ltd.  clothing brand inspired by arcade machines, 8-bit consoles & electronic beats. The techno vibe and fresh urban culture.

Check out Snap Ltd on Facebook, Twitter  & Instagram

Check out their Comeback Collection here

Models: J-Carl Villacarlos & Jean Louise Perez
Photographers: Archell Vergara & Tats Balbuena
Styling: Kathrynn Dawn Sy
MUA: Ava Joanne Red Celocia
BTS: Ninz Sy

Venue: Goombah

Thanks, Buddy Ong (Chinese, NOT Japanese) for everything (photos, ebooks and the caps I might NEVER return. hehe)

I hope to work with you guys soon! More power!

2014, TO MORE AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES!

xx,

Issa Perez

A Shopaholics Dream Come True: The Outlets at Pueblo Verde

There’s a new shopping destination for Cebuano’s who love great deals and new adventures! The Outles at Pueblo Verde will soon be opening on December 14, 2013 (Saturday) which is definitely something that shoppers, on a budget or ready to splurge, should look out for!

 

The Outlets at Pueblo Verde, by AboitizLand, will open the first outlet shopping destination in the Visayas and Mindanao. They will showcase top brands with year-round discounted prices such as —Nike, Levi’s, Dockers, Adidas, Timberland, Oakley, Reef, Converse, Giordano, and so much more!

And don’t worry, there’s something for everybody awaiting at the The Outlets. If you’re not much into the joys of shopping (although I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t be!) there will also be a  mix of dining and green open spaces for everyone to enjoy!

Catch the latest updates from The Outlets on their facebook for #greatdeals and #greatfinds. In fact, they’re giving away P200.00 vouchers to the lucky participants of their trivia contest. Here’s yesterdays question:

Photo: Want P200 cash voucher? Answer this trivia question. </p><br /><br /><br />
<p>We will identify the winner via Random.org. Winner will be announced on the fan page at 9:00 PM of the same day, and will be notified via Private Message.

Piece of cake, right? (cake, hmmm.. could definitely have some right now!)

The Outlets at Pueblo Verde

MEZ II, Basak, Lapu- Lapu

See you there!

xx,

Issa

I’m A Superstar! Well… Almost Anyways

If you follow me on Facebook and Twitter, you’d know that I have recently been nominated for the Best Cebu Blogs award. It really is a great feeling considering that I started blogging for the love of fashion and now I get the chance to be awarded for it!

The organizers of the event, Best Cebu Blog,s have already asked the nominees to prepare a short 2 minute speech in case we win and I’m pretty sure my speech will be in the context of jumping down on one knee with my arms raised up while saying “SUPAHSTAAAAH”

Here is your reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW85KbKYwYs

The awarding ceremony will be on December 7, 2013 (Saturday) and will be judged by Vic Marion MadriagaNancy CudisRuben Licera Jr.Ria Jose  and will be hosted by our ever beloved Eden Villarba.

Not only will the event be filled with amazing people of the internet world but we will also be joined with an awesome bunch of sponsors and partners such as:

GOLD SPONSORS

Greenwich_Philippines

Jollibee

Globe Vector Logo CMYK Pos V2

phi_hires

Basic CMYK

Starbucks_Philippines

Dr. Xavier G. Solis Dental Care Clinic

DONOR SPONSORS

island grill 1994 logo

javders

cebu-bloggers-society-logo

Ten-Minutes

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER AND AVP ARTIST

iSnapPhotography

If you want to vote for me, you can do so by clicking the picture below and liking the post it links you to. Thanks!

Nominee43_Jean Louise Perez

 

** SUPAH STAHHHH**

xx,

Issa

I Left My Heart At Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort

Go. To. Mangodlong. Paradise. Beach. Resort.

That’s all I’m going to say and dammit, you’ll believe it!

I am currently typing this blog entry with a sun kissed tan and the sound of the waves still resonating in my head. I’d like to call this a beach hang over… one that I would like to share with all of you!

Over the memorial weekend (memorial of the deceased and memorial of the saints), Paolo and I took a trip up north to Camotes Island in memory of (haha, jk) our annivesary.

It literally took me months to plan the entire trip and I wanted to make sure that everything was perfect and according to plan because quite frankly, Paolo deserved it.

After much research, I finally settled on staying at Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort and I was pleasantly surprised. Actually, my socks were blown away.

Initially, we booked their standard room that cost P2,500.00/ night. All I did was reach their office through their landline, make a reservation and drop by to make my payment at their office located in Subangdaku (Kimwa compound). Their staff was also kind enough to teach me how and where to go to book our tickets after realizing that  I have never planned an out of town trip ever in my life! (via Jomalia shipping lines. Economy: P180.00/ Air con: P200.00) *noob*

When we got to the resort, we opted to get an upgrade and transfer to the Cabana so we could have a little patio to stay and drink coffee at and a place to hang dry our clothes.

Here are some of the photos of our room:

Twin beds.
We decided to join them together which their staff happily helped us do.

His and Hers.
Flat screen tv and fridge for Paolo.
Lots of storage space and a vanity mirror for me.
Plus, complimentary water and coffee.

The bathroom.
They’re never greedy when it comes to fresh towels but I’m not so sure about their heating system and if they actually have one or not.
Nevertheless, I got to shower in warm water at least once.

The little patio where we would have our morning coffee

It was actually my third trip to Camotes and Paolo’s first. What I loved the most about Camotes was their vast shoreline especially during the low tide and the impossible to miss sand patterns that I’ve never really seen anywhere else.

Unfortunately, Paolo and I weren’t able to see it this time. Our theory is that Mangodlong was built on a rock which explains why the water gets really deep really fast and the fact that the sand patterns can’t be seen on that side of the island. That, and the neighboring resorts were also… rocks.

Sand patterns or no sand patterns, that definitely did not stop us from being sun children and making the most out of the sun and sand. The water was so clear and so peaceful that even if we were the stingy to rent out snorkels, we were still able to get a glimpse of the underwater activity by just standing right above it.

When we weren’t at the beach, we were frolicking away in their huge infinity pool. They even had a  bar where you could order drinks from and well, you know I just had to get my drink on! 😉

What I really liked about their pool was that it wasn’t very deep which made it completely safe for kids to spend the whole day at and… of course, it’s plus points for us short people. lol

open area fronting the pool and beach

Me pretending to do a yoga pose.
(behind me is a dock where we saw a lot of tourists jumping off it)

The absolute best part about our stay in Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort was that I was able to plan a surprise anniversary dinner for Paolo and I.

I didn’t really think it would be possible since it’s in a different island but Mangodlong Paradise made it happen and for a lack of a more splendid word… it was perfect!

The set up.
A candle lit dinner by the beach with background music and flowers.

Our set up

Cheer for 2 years!

Our main course: Fillet Mignon
Appetizer: Spicy Chicken Wings
Soup: Onion Soup
Dessert: Cookie Ala Mode
(Cost: P2,000.00)

My final surprise: candles and flowers on the floor of our room and a very special video presentation *gushing*

I also thought it would be a good idea to include Mangodlong Beach Paradise’s menu in this blog entry since it was one of my concerns prior to the trip. Since I knew would end up mostly dinning in the resort, I was a bit concerned with our budget. Luckily, we made everything work out! And because I love you all so much, here is their menu (because I couldn’t find it anywhere else):

 

Did I just type the entire menu or Microsoft Paint? I believe I just did. LOL #goodblogger

 I was really glad that I chose to spend our anniversary weekend in the wonderful island of Camotes. But above all, I was really glad that we spent it at Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort.

I’ll admit, it’s not exactly a “back packers” fun bag but for people who just want to kick back, relax and splurge a little… I honestly doubt that you can go wrong here.

Thanks again, Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort! ❤

Contact them here:

Cebu office: 238 0500

Camotes (direct line): +639399216835

Email: info@mangodlongparadise.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mangodlongparadisebeachresort/