Bloggers Do It Better

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Blogging has been around for at least over a decade and like the sweater suggests, I do believe that there are some thing that bloggers are actually better at doing such as:
 
1. Disseminating information and sharing ideas to the world.
 
– Let’s be honest, whether it’s the latest gossip; world issues or just their innermost thoughts and ideas, bloggers are pretty good at getting the word around.//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js 2015_0708_00192300

 2. Making the real world look so boring.

– There’s a lot that goes on behind the cameras when it comes to blogging (not matter what genre it is)- like in this shoot, behind this camera is a pig sty but a bloggers gotta do what a bloggers gotta do. Plus, angles. Don’t worry, I cleaned up afterwards.

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 3. Taking awesome photos or at least, conceptualizing them.

-Two words: Flat lay

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4. Excellent time management skills

– A job, a sideline business to support our camera/ clothes/ dining needs, events and still managing to consistently blog while managing to keep a personal life with friends and family? Piece of cake!

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  5. Putting ourselves out there and being thick skinned

– We get ridiculed and teased a lot but it’s all good. We’re proud of our craft and we don’t need any one else’s approval.

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6. Self learning internet skills

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only blogger who’s self taught myself how to use and actually understand certain html and css codes. It’s cheaper than having to pay someone to do it and there is absolutely nothing can come in the way of our ideal layout dreams!

And more!

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Sweater: Mango| Yoga shorts: Aeropostale| Knee length socks: Darlington

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//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.jsSo yes, bloggers do do it better and for the record and in defense of my Instagram account – I really do hate hashtags but we all have to do it! :))

Currently reading: Stupid is Forever/ Dark Spaces

xx,

Issa//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

Hala Paella, The Best Paella In Cebu at The Banilad Town Center

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There’s no denying that I eat out for the experience. Meal times are my favorite part of the day so whenever I get the chance to eat out, I prefer going to places that are visually and gastronomically appealing- places that will give me a chance to create awesome memories and bonds with the people I am with.  You see, eating to me isn’t just sitting down at a table and force feeding yourself to eat anymore, it’s an opportunity… it’s the main event!

Currently, I do have a favorite list of restaurants that you can all find on this blog and today, I am soo happy to be adding a new one to this list- HALA PAELLA Spanish Comfort Food, which recently opened at the Banilad Town Center (across Dimsum Break). From the interior to the food, this new soon to be favorite hang out is not only extremely instagramable (which we all know is very important nowadays) but it also budget friendly without skimping out on taste.

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Hala Paella claims to have the best paella’s in town and since I am no expert in Spanish cuisine, I’ll let you be the judge of that. But if you asked me, if I could, I would have their Negra paella for breakfast, lunch, dinner and then again for midnight snacks.  But if black squid ink isn’t your thing, they also have 5 other choices of paellas to choose from that all come in hefty servings even for it’s “solo” size.

They also offer main courses created to complete your Spanish comfort food dining experience and with their prices ranging from P 38.00 to as high as P 128.00, it’s perfect if you want to try everything in one go. I loved their calamares (P 88.00) and I’m super excited to come back and try out their Chuletas (P 108.00).

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Negra Paella in Solo – P 108.00; Lechon Paella – P 118.00; Sangria – P 90.00

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Croquetas – P 58.00

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Other Hala Paella menu and prices:

Chicharrones – P 38.00

Spanish Chorizo – P 88.00

Gambas – P 88.00

Cazuela – P 98.00

Chiprones – P 98.00

Alitas De Pollo – P 98.00

Callos – P 118.00

Pulpo – P 118.00

Lengua – P 118.00

Salpicao De Cerdo – P 128.00

Follow Hala Paella on Instagram @halapaella

For take out orders, call them up at 344 4252

They are open from 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

See you there,

Issa

Toniq Juice Party

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So happy to be back blogging! I had to take a short hiatus on account of Paolo’s short trip to the hospital but no worries, we’re alive; kicking and better than ever!

This week taught me a lot about the importance of having a healthier lifestyle especially with Paolo being diagnosed with Enteric Colitis which was definitely not easy to have to watch him endure. And now that I’m fully committed to providing him with the healthiest meals in accordance to his new non spicy, non dairy, non oily diet; I am so glad that Toniq Juice is around to help me pack Paolo with all the healthy stuff he needs!

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Toniq believes that health is a lifestyle and not just a mere diet- it’s the right mixture of proper consumption of food, exercise and getting proper amounts of rest.

With the many products and services under this brand, a healthier and better version of yourself can easily be attained. I noticed that everyone’s been so into juicing nowadays and it’s refreshing to find that at Toniq, they have more to offer such as salad jars, healthy snacks and my favorites- the popsicles and sorbets!

Being healthy has never been this fun!

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You can find out more about Toniq Juice on their official website or through their Facebook page.

You can also drop by their store located in SM City Cebu or have them deliver them straight to your doorstep via FoodPanda.

And now for some outfit shots!

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[Top: Custom made| Necklace: Borrowed from mom| Skirt: Let’s Stylize| Heels: Parisian (SM Department Store]

Keep It Classy,

Issa

This Golden State

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Ok HONESTLY, I wish I actually had the time to just lounge around, play some good old NBA 2K15 (or Watchdogs or Second Son or Diablo- the list goes on…) but I don’t.

 Fortunately, I do have enough time to make a quick tribute to my home team, The Golden State Warriors who by the by, just won the NBA 2015 finals after 40 years! Also, to all the Filipinos who have made California their homes, this one’s for you!

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2015-06-23 01.27.44 1I think that it is also important for everyone to know that I have been madly in love with Stephen Curry for the past year. But more than my love for him, I think that he stands as a true role model for anyone who has been told that they couldn’t do this or that they weren’t “enough”.

A good friend of mine shared this article with me this morning and to anyone who’s ever been told that they were too short, too dark, that they didn’t fit in with the standards of typical beauty or any type of judgement- they only win if you let them.

We can be whoever we want to be and millions of people, not just Steph Curry, have proven it. There are so many inspirational people and quotes out there to get us through adversities and God bless each and every one of them but what good are all these things if it doesn’t start with you?

So glad to know that my future baby daddy is talented, empowering and not to mention; drop dead gorgeous!

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2015-06-23 01.27.50 1GSW Shirt: Adidas| Shorts: Gaisano Grand| Leather Jacket: Urban Republic

P.S. I didn’t not wake up like this

P.S.S. I am losing more money than I am making it. My brother now charges me P100.00 to take my photos. Negosyante sad diay. 😐 😦 😥 :'((

 

Again CONGRATULATIONS, GOLDEN STATE WARRIROS!

CONGRATULATIONS, BOO!

xx,

Issa

 

Hair Loss and Weight Gain

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Yes, I cut my hair and yes, I put on some weight but it doesn’t mean that:

A. I broke up with my boyfriend

B. That I am depressed. Or in my case, more depressed than I usually am. I am a hormonal woman, after all.

With Cebu’s unforgiving weather, I realized that a good snip was the best remedy to my back rashes and overall discomfort. Despite my nonconformism to the lob (long bob) and with wise words from my best friend, Alex and Francis Lee of Bridges Salon, I opted for this bob and a shaved head which I wear with utmost pride. To everyone who has slightly overacted to my new look and how I’m ever going to be able to take photos- it’s just hair.

Hair Replacement Systems Australia

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Over-sized vest: Planet Exchange| Dress: lilybridal| Leggings: Thirfted| Shoes: Adidas Superstars

As for the weight gain… You win.

xx,

Issa

Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice

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Sugar and spice

and everything nice

that’s what little girls are made of

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Sunshine and rainbows

and ribbons for hair bows

that’s what little girls are made of

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Tea parties, laces

and baby doll faces

that’s what little girls are made of

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But I was made of dynamite and sprinkles,

and dresses that would twinkle.

That’s what I am made of.

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Leather and fur,

People saying “Look of for her!”

That’s what I am made of.

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Beer pong, aces

And traveling to far places

That’s what I am made of.

Dress: Cotton On| Shoes: Sanuk| Shades: Rayban

Backdrop and photography: Chay Ramirez

Life is a lot more fun when you add a little or a lot of color to it!

xx,

Issa

Behind On Fashion

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 Is it bad that I’m only getting starting to enjoy exploring with “print on print” now that it’s completely obsolete? Perhaps. But then again, I’ve never been the one to enjoy trends that much anyways.

When it comes to trends, I’m admittedly always a step behind. I didn’t know keeping a “clean” Instagram was cool, I thought lace ups were still called gladiators, I also thought culottes were just long pants and the list goes on. Thank god minimalist dressing is in because now my lack of effort can finally be justified.

But then again, who wants to be like everyone else? I’ll be the pop of color when everyone’s in white washed neutrals!

Trend or no trend aside, just be you. Fashion is an expression of what you are and it fills in the gaps with words that need not be spoken. And remember, history repeats itself when it comes to fashion… so hopefully, this look will become relevant in a couple more years!

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Dress used as top: Cotton On| Skirt: Given| Sandals: Carcar

Photography: Chay Ramirez

xx,

Issa

 Follow me on snapchat & instagram: @issaplease

Switch and Save featuring Iya Villania & Watsons

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I’ve officially made the switch and I’m  putting money away for a rainy day! Nothing is better than a scoring a great deal and at Watsons, I am able save more money without skimping on the important stuff- quality (and not to mention great packaging!).

I was lucky enough to experience the full shopping experience at Watsons, completed of course by the presence of our Personal Store Supervisor of the day, Iya Villania and now I’ve got a loot to brag about worth a quarter (or more) of the price!

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Iya Villania shopping with beauty bloggers

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Watsons, Asia’s leading health and beauty retailer, has set the standards when it comes to quality products at affordable prices. From personal care items, beauty essentials, and even medicine, Asia’s leading personal care store now offers a wider variety of products under its own label, giving smart shoppers the choice to save as much as 80 percent without compromising on quality.

Here’s what I got:

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Power toothbrush [P209.00], Replacement heads [P149.00], Breath strips [P115.00], FootEase heel cushions [P107.00], Travel Dental floss [P39.00], Round thread dental floss picks [P29.00]

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BUY ONE TAKE ONE  Conditioning treatment shampoo [ P189.00] & wax [P239.00]

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Purederm Hydro Soothing Cucumber Pads [P89.75], Moisturizing 3- Step Facial Treatment [P65.00], Nose Strips [P119.00], Quick Fx No- Shine Mattifier [P89.00], Mini Wet Wipes [P49.00], Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches [P59.00], BUY ONE TAKE ONE Round facial cotton pads [P178.00], Moisturizing lip balm [P59.00]

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BUY ONE TAKE ONE Cream hand soap [P149.00], Hydrating body lotion [P99.00], Leg and foot soothing massage gel [P85.00], BUY ONE TAKE ONE exfoliating body scrub [P149.00], Loofah Pad [P82.00]

I am nothing but happy with the products I purchased from Watsons . In fact, some items such as the nose strips and no-shine mattifier have been a part of my daily or weekly make up and facial care routine for quite some time now.

It’s quite obvious that I’ve made the smarter switch by choosing Watsons. When will you?

xx,

Issa

(Un)Heavy Baggage: What’s In My Bag?

Since you asked for it, you got it! This weeks post is a little, de-cluttered version of what I keep inside my bag.

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For a long time, my Mary Kate and Ashley loving side insisted that I lug around over sized leather bags with me wherever I go. But since I’ve been going to events more often, I’ve decided to retire my big bags and opt for tinier pieces that compliment my look more and add less pressure to my shoulders.

My current favorite is this Dooney and Bourke bag that was a hand me down from my mom. Ok, so the truth is, I’ve never really purchased a bag for myself… I’m always waiting for hand me downs or I raid my mom/ sister’s closet. They’ve always had better taste than me when it came to that department so I soley rely on them for my bag needs.

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Left to right: Watsons mini wet wipes, XOXO calling card case, drivers license, Watsons breat strips, Watsons travel floss, FaceIt liquid eyeliner, Stila lipstick, Mi powerbank, Sony Xperia Z1

During events I only like to carry around what’s necessary so I try to keep it as light as possible.  I’ll occasionally carry a small notebook and a pen in there but if I don’t need to carry one then I most likely leave it out.

I don’t like stuffing my bag (anymore) in case I need to fit something else in there so lately, this is majority of what I have in my bag.

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Behind the scenes, I’m always carrying everything I need with me which I carry in a bigger bag that I leave in the car. Aside from these 3 little bags, I have my camera; organizer and probably an extra pair of flats, if I’m at an event.

I’m one of those people who practices bagception (a bag within bag. get it? haha) and although it tends to get a bit bulky, it’s a risk I am willing to take in an attempt to keep my bag organized.

Here they are:

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Make up bag 1 (front left- right) : Suesh blush bursh, Quick FX No- Shine Mattifier, Tony Moly gel eyeliner, My mom’s old lipstick (I think it’s Shu Uemura or Elizabeth Arden), Stila lipstick, FaceIt concealer, Holika Holika Wonder Drawing eyebrow pencil, FaceIt liquid eyeliner, ELF gel contouring kit, Mamonde brow kit, Rimmel mascara, Maybelline mineral powder, Stila lip gloss,  Holika Holika blush on and Tony Moly BCDation foundation

Most make up from Dara Beauty market

I like to keep 2 separate make up bags. 1 for make up I regularly use and a second make up bag for when I want to play up my make up or do something differently. If you’ve noticed, I’m never short on wet wipes since I find myself constantly using them to wipe my (or Paolo’s) hands and face.

I’m always changing my make up routines depending on the day and weather which is why there are so many things in my make up bag. I don’t actually use all of these in one day! Just in case you had any violent reactions…

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Make up bag 2 (from left- right): Katy Perry Meow perfume, Stila eye shadow brush, Watsons lipstick, Peripera Lip tint, Ever Bilena blush on, Mac lipstick, Brow blade, Marionaud eye shadow brush, Stila eye shadow and Kleenex Wipes

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Emergency kit (from left- right): Watson’s breath strips and floss, Dove travel deodorant,  Green Cross alcohol and Watson’s Wet Wipes

And lastly, my emergency kit that I keep in the car at most times unless I’m traveling and I need to keep it in my bag. I also keep my vape juice in here just in case I run low and a few napkins when it’s almost that time of the month.

Now you know what’s in my bags!

xx,

Issa

 

Smarty Pants

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One thing that every person needs in their closets are a good pair of pants. Unfortunately, that is something that I have deprived myself of for a very loooong time but, not anymore now that I’ve scored these awesome jeans from Guess

I never realized how much you could do with a decent pair of pants- you can wear them to work; to a chill night out with friends or in this case; you can pair it with an awesome high-low polo, throw on your trusty hat and voila! you’re ready to turn heads wherever it is you’re headed.

I got over my fear of trousers because I made the effort to try something new and I don’t regret it one bit. It’s a funny thing to be scared of, pants, but now that I’m over my little fear I find myself being a lot more confident and adventurous with other trends I never would’ve tried out! Remember, there’s nothing wrong with experimenting with different styles;  patterns and looks for as long as you stay true to what makes you comfortable and unique. Fashion is your friend and when you feel like you need a little bit more inspiration, that’s what this blog (and every other blog out there) is for.

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Floppy hat: Topshop| Polo shirt: Planet Exchange| Pants: Guess Jeans| Sandals: Carcar

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Necklace: Moms [whom I miss :(]

xx,

Issa