[VLOG/ BLOG] Things To Do in Cebu: Astro’s Space Park, SM City Cebu

Looking for a place that will allow your child to release pent up energy while encouraging them to use their imagination through interactive play areas with a magical, space themed background? Encourage interaction, tactile skills, physical & imaginative play on your young ones at Astro’s Space Park, Cebu’s only space themed play zone for kids!

Not only is it a huge indoor playground for children, it is also a great learning zone for them as it mixes traditional play, tech play, along with a little bit of science in between! I specifically like how it sparks curiosity among tykes, encouraging them to ask “why and how”. I don’t have kids yet but when the day comes, I would love for them to challenge me with questions because it means they are eager to learn.

ALSO. IT’S SPACE THEMED AND OMG HOW COULD YOU NOT LIKE ANYTHING SPACE THEMED?! Comment below if you wanted to be an astronaut growing up! :p

Astro’s Space Park is located at the 3rd level, SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City. For questions, inquiries, reservations and the like, you may reach them here.

xx,
Issa P.

[FEATURE] What’s Hot in Cebu with Hans Andres

A couple of months ago, I had a quick chat with Hans Andres’ podcast to talk about what’s hot in Cebu, what I like about the place I call home, stuff to do and etc!

Make sure to check it out if you’re planning to drop by and just looking for something new to do.

Thanks for having me, Hans!

Find out more about him here:
Facebook
Youtube

xx,
Issa P.

Bride Diaries #2: The Prenup w/ Malou Dingal & How To Plan Your Prenup Shoot

Yes, ladies and especially to the gentlemen, pre nups are more than just an agreement now. Aside from planning the “wedding of your dreams”, wedding trends now advise that you also pre document your big day whether through video and/ or photos. Pre nup shoots/ engagement photos have become such a big part of weddings over the past years with different themes, tones and sets. While some prefer their sessions to be as grand as their love for one another, others might prefer a more laid back and chill session- I, on the other hand, prefer whatever is free/ cheap. lol.

But honestly, free isn’t bad especially when one of your favorite aunt’s, Malou Dingal, one of the best photographers in the business.

I initially wanted to hold off any pre-nup sessions until I had finally achieved my desired weight (trying to shed 10 lbs!!) but when one of Sydney’s sought after and award winning wedding photographers offers to shoot your photos, you suck in that extra weight and make.it.work!

As with any and every shoot I do, I like to establish the theme and especially the location so that I can build our outfits around it. I felt it was important for us to have 2 looks where 1 reflected our fun & silly personalities while the other one being a little more posh. I was lucky enough to borrow a couple of outfits from my wedding gown designer, Bree Esplanada, and after a quick scan through our closets, I was able to come up with a couple cohesive looks for Paolo & I.

I also made sure to give Paolo this quick posing lesson as per Pinterest.

couple poses ideas for wedding photography or engagement shoot ideas

But if I’m being completely honest with you, Paolo & I really just winged the most part out prenup shoot, mostly because we trusted our photographer 100% and knew that she would know what to do with us and I think it’s important that with any couple to also feel the same. And while Paolo and I have agreed on having a couple more shoots done in the next months, here are some thoughts I would like to share with you:

1. Plan your shoots in advance. Is there a place you have in mind? A certain theme? Pinterest inspo? A certain type of photography style? Make sure to talk it over with your photographer then you can decide whether their services are best for your preferences. If not, you can always ask them to recommend someone who best suits your needs.

2. Figure out what you need. As soon as you’ve locked in your photographer, you might also need to decide if you need a set stylist/ fashion stylist/ coordinator (for out of town shoots)/ permit (public shoots), etc. While Paolo & I decided to bet on my fashion styles, I am a big fan of CukooCloudConcepts who are great when it comes to anything and everything related to weddings. I am specially drawn to their gorgeous wedding shoots and event styling.

3. Be prepared. Seems pretty simple yet Paolo and I completely forgot a bunch of things on the day of the shoot. For one, I was supposed to have my ring cleaned yet I wasn’t able to. Instead, I had to settle with toothpaste and a toothbrush as a last resort. Paolo also forgot to get his haircut and ended up rushing to the nearest barbershop. We also didn’t have a hairstyle in mind and Paolo was at a huge risk of ending up with a bad hair day. We also forgot to buy food & drinks for the team and ourselves and were rushing to find replenishments in between shoots. Luckily, everything worked out in the end and we have these wonderful photos to show for it!

4. Get comfortable. Trust me, if you want nice photos, today and your wedding day is not the time to be bashful. The whole point of a pre nup session is to show of your love for one another, give friends/ family a little glimpse of your relationship and have something nice to look back on when you’re older. TRUST ME WHEN I SAY THIS: there will be lots of having to smile, kiss, hug and etc. so if you’re not prepared- be prepared because ginusto nyo yan. I like to practice with a tripod and self-timer settings to practice on. It might come in handy for you, too!

Are you enjoying this series? Find part 1 here!

I hope you enjoyed our photos, it feels great to get back into the hang of things again.

xx,

Issa P. (soon to be G.)

#ZeroThreeTwoConversations- The Truth About “Influencers” With Issa Please

It is very often that I actually get to sit down and have real conversations with people whose presence I truly enjoy. I know that sounds really hypocritical, considering I deal with a handful of people on a daily basis, but it’s not every day you get to be around a person, more alone people, who you can really have great conversations with.

I have always looked up to the guys behind ZeroThreeTwo because of the community they’ve built and how they make Cebu and being a Cebuano something we can be proud of. When I decided to actually forego my podcast, I reached out to Carlo Villarica first because I knew that he was one of the pioneers of podcasts in the city and he was not shorthanded in the advice he offered.

So when I was asked to be on his collection of audibles with creatives in the city, I was humbled to even be a part of the roster. You can imagine my surprise. With a dime a dozen bloggers and vloggers out there these days, you don’t expect to be picked out of the many so thanks, Carlo! To even be considered a creative is a huge compliment.

Catch the full episode here.
We talk about my humble beginnings as a blogger, why/ how I started making money through my content, life updates and the likes.

It’s fun, I swear!

Signages in Cebu- Neon Signs & etc.- 3W Outdoor Advertising

In the spirit of growing up, I have finally accepted my fate of taking over the family business. I’ve been a bit on the down low in terms of social media and blogging because I’ve just been trying to find the right balance between being a business owner and a blogger which honestly, has been quite a bit of a challenge for me but don’t fret, we’ll get there! Who knows, I might actually start blogging about business one day, too? We’ll never really know. It’s been a long time coming and it’s definitely took a lot of thought, preparation, crippling fear & anxiety but definitely lots of learning and fun in between!

One of the first things I did when I decided to take on this new responsibility was name my business. I wanted something that reflected my personality, was witty and definitely catchy. With the help of my friends, we eventually landed with Hilo & Stitch Clothing (H&S Clothing).

Many months later, I am an inches away from completing all my requirements and functioning as a legitimate business but of course, not without a signage to seal the deal! I did my research and was pleased to find a signage maker that I can entrust my money in- 3W Outdoor Advertising.

With many respectable clients under their belt, I am 100% confident in their capabilities and am excited to say that not only will Hilo & Stitch be getting a new signage this year but my dreams of having a neon signage for our upcoming wedding will actually come true!

If you are a business owner or aspiring to open your own business one day or simply want something made for kicks, feel free to send 3W Outdoor Advertising Services a private message on their Facebook page or contact them through the following channels:

Landline: 032 326 2560

Mobile: 0925 490 7585

Email: 3woutdoorads@gmail.com

Prices range depending on size, materials and other factors so make sure to specify what you’re looking for upon inquiry! 🙂

THIS AN ACTUAL SIGNAGE. I COULD CRY!

xx,

Issa P.

Win A Trip To Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan or HK with SMAC & Watsons

I used to hate the idea of sunscreen because I thought the main purpose of it was to prevent you from getting a tan. I’ve always embraced my morena genes but as I got older, I was faced with the haunting reality that sun screen wasn’t made to keep you from getting a tan but actually to protect us from the harmful rays of the sun.

Now that I’m in my late twenties (omg, this is the first time I’ve EVER said that!), I’m a little bit more conscious of how I take care of my body and what I put on my face. Needless to say, sunscreen has become an essential process of my skin care routine.

With all this being said, it is important to choose the best protection that suits your skin. Luckily, Watsons has a wonderful line up of items to select from not just this summer, but all year round and all these products allow you to #LoveTheSun as you please!

 

With local and international brands to choose from such as Nivea, Belo, Banana Boat, Sunplay, Biore, Dermplus, Kojie San, Neutrogena, Solstice, Beach Hut, Hawaiian Tropic, Cetaphil, Olay, Pond’s, Snow, Celeteque, Thiocell, Shiro, Gluta-C, L’oreal, Vaseline, Creamsilk, Pantene, Vitress, Veet, Lactacyd, Dentiste, Chic Bobbie and Body Fantasies- there is definitely something out there to suit your needs and budget!

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

If you are sn SM Advatage Card (SMAC) holder, you can get a chance to win a trip for 4 to any of the following destinations: Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Every P500.00 single- receipt purchase of participating products is equivalent to 1 e-raffle entry to join the promo.

IF you’r enot a SMAC member, it’s super easy to apply for and their newest program entitles members to earn more than ever before!

Enjoy your summer!

Issa P.