All I’ve Ever Been Was Candid feat. Jade Caballo Photography

Posted on March 9, 2015 by issaplease

Recently, my friends and I have been trying to figure out what kind of personalities we possess whether we’re controllers, feelers, entertainers, thinkers. Over the past few weeks, we’ve discussed the different sides of ourselves accompanied by many, many tests to determine which traits distinctly describe the type of people we are.

Paolo will tell you all that I am a feeler based on the many, many times I’ve cried over a run over cat or from losing at NBA 2k15. My friends will tell you that I’m an entertainer based on how I enjoy being the life of the party and love for pleasing people. While on the other hand, people I work and have worked with will tell you that I’m a complete controller and that if I could do everything on my own, I would.

We took the tests and all my results pointed towards the direction of me being a controller first, entertainer second, thinker third and SURPRISE! SURPRISE! a feeler last. Honestly, none of this really matters but I just thought it would be fun to talk about since I really enjoyed discovering that part of myself over the past two weeks.

But really why am I talking about this?

Waking up in the morning and choosing what to wear takes a lot personality. My controlling side will tell me to fix my hair; have my top altered or maybe even pre- plan an entire months worth of outfits, my thinking side will base my outfit decisions on the occasion or on the weather, my entertainer side will often consider an outfit’s audience impact while my feeler side (or perhaps, the lack of it) will just not give a fck about if I want to put make up or a decent outfit on or not. Having said this makes me believe more and more that no one can ever have just one distinct style.

Writing this blog, I feel like I really want to talk about one thing but I am finding myself talking about another because my thinker side is telling me that this might not be the right outlet for my emotions as of the moment.

So I will leave you all with this, be whoever you want to be whether it is someone who uses their heads too much (or hardly at all), someone who loves the company of others, someone who likes to take the lead or even someone who is compassionate even when others cannot see the need for your kindness.

And for the love of God, dress however you want to dress and don’t let trends dictate you!

Hope you’re loving this set and the silly sides of me that Jade Caballo has captured beautifully. I always love it when they let me be the goofball that I am and especially when they capture it in photos!

And if you haven’t yet, check out our first set of photos by Jing Pascual.

P.s. CONGRATULATIONS, JING! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and many children to take lots of photos of. They are lucky kids!! ❤ I’m so happy for you and your beautiful mermaid wife (whom I wish to meet soon!) Lots of love!

xx,

Issa

Blank Space

Posted on January 7, 2015 by issaplease

Starting the year with a blank canvas and sporting an all white ensemble to symbolize the start of something new and awesome!

While many may think that white can be plain and boring, I beg to differ especially when mixed with the right textiles and patterns like this piece from Style Haven.

White is always a great color to work with especially when trying out new colors (or new eyebrows. Never again, I promise) which can oftentimes be scary.

I’m slowly trying to incorporate rustic hues in my life which can be seen from my sheets and white has been a great medium to ease me into it.

So there, my first piece of advice for 2015: start simple and build up from there. 🙂

xx,

Issa

The One with The Extremely Lax 10 Year Celebration

Posted on January 3, 2015 by issaplease

Like they say, it’s better late than never. I had originally set this to go live on the eve of my blogging “career’s” 10th year birthday but I was too busy living in the real world to make this post.

So I guess this year’s resolution ought to be: to be more punctual but to live a more meaningful life while documenting it as necessary as possible. Or you know, whatever.

So to continue…

I have a thing for traditions. I used to love them soo much but I’ve eventually killed most of them off but kept this one- just because.

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! I’ve been blogging for 10 wonderful, crazy years!! WHERE’S MY AWARD?!

If you click the years below, you will be able to see the changes I’ve made along the years with every answer. In the past 10 years, I’ve had 3 boyfriends, a million jobs, graduated grade school, high school AND college, traveled, moved in and moved out, started smoking, stopped smoking, started smoking again, gotten drunk and what not. Every time I look back on my past selves I admit; I feel repulsed, amused but always with a sense of empowerment. So enjoy everyone!! The tradition truly lives on!

(2012) <- lost with Xanga

(2013)

2014

1. Will you be looking for a new job?

Ironically, last year I was in love with a job I currently hate so I guess life really is full of surprises.

I like my NEW job and I intend to open up a few businesses so hopefully next year, I’ll be able to say that it was a success!

2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?

HEEEE. NO. :>

3. New house?

Maybe, maybe not. BUT IN YOUR FACE 2013, I MOVED OUT!

4. What will you do different in 14?

Be more diligent with work and business but will also to be sure to reward myself by traveling more.

5. New Years’ resolutions?

MAYBE TO EAT HEALTHIER!

And to work out. I’m going to sign up to the gym… ON MONDAY!

6. What will you not be doing in 2014?

Shutting my doors to the possibilities of anything.

7. Any trips planned?

Siargao, Manila & Korea!

8. Wedding plans?

Yes, but not mine. [same answer as last year]

9. Major thing on your calendar?

Saying goodbye to my entire family who’ll be leaving for big bad America. THANKS FOR LEAVING ME HERE, BTW!

10. What can’t you wait for?

Saving enough money to travel and maybe buy a car!

11. What would you like to see happen differently?

I don’t know….

12. What about you will you be changing?

I need to stop being a pampered princess and rough it up a bit, for sure.

13. What happened in 2014 that you didn’t think would ever happen?

Hating a job I had waited forever to get, moving out (again) and more permanently,

finding a new job

and just becoming my own new person.

14. Will you be nice to the people you care about?

Even to the ones I don’t.

15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 2014?

Always.

16. Will you start or quit smoking?

—

17. Will you better your relationship with your family?

Definitely. But God, why is my mother so difficult to love??

18. Will you do charity work?

If given the opportunity, always.

19. Will you go to bars?

Only when necessary.

20. Will you be nice to people you don’t know?

Indeed!

21. Do you expect 2014 to be a good year for you?

Always.

22. How much did you change from this time ‘til now?

I’d like to believe I’ve become more independent than I was before and I’m much less ignorant, which is nice.

But at the same time, I don’t think I’m as enthusiastic as I was before but hopefully this is just a phase.

23. Do you plan have on having a child?

Marriage first. Child, 5 years later.

24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with?

Yes, until unnecessary.

25. Major lifestyle changes?

A healthier lifestyle, a COMMITMENT to keep that vow, more work and play

26. Will you be moving?

Not until further notice.

27. What will you make sure doesn’t happen in 2015?

Unplanned pregnancies, bankruptcy, robbery, separation and obesity or famine

28. What are your New Year’s Eve plans?

I was sick this new year so I was hot but I still tried to get some alcohol in body.

29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight?

Paolo, for ever and for always.

30. One wish for 2015?

To never lose the fire to want the extraordinary!

It’s been an amazing ride and I’d like to thank everyone who made my 2014 as perfect as it was!

Unfortunately, I’m such an internet spazz that I wasn’t able to properly link and back up my photos from when I officially started blogging under Issaplease. This explains ALL the broken images on this site. I promise, 2015 will be better- I promise and I’ll try to fix the clutter :> I’m “smarter” now.

Thanks to everyone who’s been supporting my blog for the longest time ever! To all the friends I’ve made, the jobs I’ve gotten, the brands I’ve worked with and to all the lessons I’ve learned.

I started writing as a way to get over my depression and 10 years after, here I still am- no longer depressed but still writing my heart out and still making you guys laugh and smile at all the stupid sh*t I have to say. I am always grateful for that.

This blog is truly the biggest thing that I can ever leave this world and if you ever wanted to know who I really was: crazy, neurotic and a down right pain in the ass; you’d find it all if you skimmed through the pages of this blog that I ever so openly brag about and on Issatalks, where all the magic started.

I’m not going to skim through 2014 anymore like in my older posts because it’s already the 3rd of the new year and seriously, whose got the time for that anymore?! But rest assured, it was an amazing year and I so glad to have spent it with all of you!

LOVE YOU ALL,

ISSA

PHOTO DIARY: I Went To Manila For The Burgers!

Posted on December 27, 2014 by issaplease

Ok, totally kidding about the burger bit! But yes, they were a great part of my recent Manila trip!

I don’t get to travel a lot due to financial and time constraints but since it was my dearest uncle’s birthday, I decided to not let the opportunity pass me and I went to big, bad Manila on my own… for the very first time! #whimp

Here are some of the photos from my trip. I hope you enjoy!

8 Cut Burger. Awesome. Love it. 8/ 10

MIA: Bata. Buti nga. har.

Love you guys!

Just like my boyfriend

The Proposal Garden @ Tagaytay. Don’t get any ideas.

I dreamed of this place.

Family – some

Don’t get the salad.

Mostly what my weekend consisted of: Eating, sleeping and lots of drinking

BEST FREAKIN’ MEXICAN PLACE IN THE WHOLE WORLD!!

Reminded me of my sitter 😐

This post is making me soo hungry!

xx,

Issa

On Birthdays, We Wear Orange

Posted on November 15, 2014 by issaplease

According to Chinese tradition, on the day of one’s birthday, the celebrant is most commonly seen sporting anything red.

1. I completely abandoned any and all of my Chinese heritage the day I changed my last name to Perez. (I can only count to 5)

2. I wasn’t feeling very festive on that day, either.

Although I wasn’t very hyped about wearing red on my birthday, I still wanted to wear something that would make me stand out while I went to an event and hung out with my friends after. So instead I stuck to a bright orange Mango top and pieces of black and gold to tone down my entire look.

I also decided to wear this floral cap from Filthy Project because I wanted to wear something youthful that brought out my personality. Lately, that for me has been anything with a Boho vibe or caps. Definitely caps.

I sort of felt that because I was turning 21, that I had to start wearing more formal pieces but let’s be honest… I’m not that girl. I find comfort in boyish pieces and flats that can take me miles, shorts and caps that speak for themselves. Maybe I’m not quite ready to give that up yet but who knows… years ago you would never see me in a sleeveless and now look!

Did you actually believe that I just turned 21? Awwwe, yoooou!!

Special thanks to Dawn and Jean for my photos ❤ love you girls to death!

xx,

Issa

The Best Gifts Don’t Come In Packages

Posted on October 31, 2014 by issaplease

First of all, I want to say a big fat THANK YOU to everyone who greeted me on my birthday.

I tried my best to personally thank each and everyone of you but my internet has been bad lately so I might not have been able to deliver 100%.

Please know that I feel very blessed this year because of your thoughtfulness ❤

Being 23 was such a wonderful time in my life. I wish I could stay 23 forever (or at least look it) but, I haven’t really figured out how to do that just yet!

If you had to ask me, the best part about ending my 23rd year was getting to spend time with the College Editors Guild of the Philippines and sharing my knowledge about writing online and social media.

It was definitely “one for the books” and I’m really proud of myself for being asked to do it. lol. I’ve always enjoyed public speaking so every chance I get to do it, I grab it!

Thanks again!

xoxo,

Issa

Better Than This Weather feat. Sanuk, Cebu

Posted on October 9, 2014 by issaplease

It’s like I can never say it enough… Cebu’s weather is totally whack!

One minute I’m in a summery ensemble ready to hit an event and the next, I’m scurrying to find a cardigan to match! It’s like these rain clouds come out of nowhere so I’m always finding myself having to pack an extra layer of clothing just in case.

There really isn’t an “ideal” way to dress for this weather and I think we’re all aware of this since it’s the only thing us fashion bloggers can seem to talk about these days. But the problem is real… the solution however, may often be hazy.

And although my #OOTD may not look as prepared to combat any weather, at least I know my shoes are. These babies from Sanuk’s Spring/ Summer 2015 collection are perfect whether it’s raining or shining outside.

Sanuk, which name is directly derived from the Thai word meaning happy, is known to attract people who love hitting the outdoors. They are constructed from innovative technology to ensure maximum comfort and durability and they are super stylish as well.

They can easily take anyone from the beach, to the mall and straight to the mountains for quick hike which is perfect for the Cebuano lifestyle!

Floral crop top: SM Department store brand, Betty (gift from Chay Ramirez. Love you always, Chay!)| High waist shorts: Gaisano Car-car| Shoes: Sanuk| Shades: Forever21 (similar here)

For days like this when then the weather is off but I need some flower power to brighten the mood, I always pack a bright colored cardigan just in case it drizzles.

In addition to my cute and versatile shoes, keeping a cardi in my bag gives me the quick option to dress up or down as I please. It might add a little extra baggage but I like to carry big bags anyways so I don’t seem to mind.

Congratulations to Sanuk for opening their new store at the 2nd level, new wing of Ayala! Thanks for having us and of course, for my new favorite pair of shoes :*

With Doyzkie (www.iluvcebu.com), Toni (www.perfumedredshoes.com), Marco (www.lamikaayo.com) and Jean (www.jeancyu.com)

xx,

Issa

Passed On and Handed Down

Posted on September 17, 2014 by issaplease

Just a quick, real time post because work ended early and I’m honestly too tired to do anything else. I’m back to posing in front of our storage area’s frontage and I had to bribe my brother with my last chicken drumstick for him to take my pictures. But aside from that, everything is or will be ok. Or at least that’s what they say…

This blog entry is entitled “Passed On and Handed Down” because most of the items I’m wearing were either given to me as a gift or handed down to me.

I have no shame in admitting that a lot of my friends like to give me their used/ unused clothing because 1. I’m smaller than most of them so what they grow out of, I can grow into and 2. sometimes they are more of use to me than they are for them.

Plus, it saves me a great deal of money from shopping! I really cannot complain when it comes to being able to save. :p

Also, I have recently been asked to share 20 facts about myself on Instagram but I thought I’d share it on my blog instead. So here it goes:

1. I like to be alone more than I like to talk. But don’t worry, there’s still a lot of talking going on in my head.

2. I already wrote my top 20 things on IG but due to the character count, it wouldn’t upload my picture. So I had to do it again 😦

3. I absolutely love animals. I’ve owned an iguana, hamsters, guinea pigs, dogs, birds, fish, rats, etc. at one point of my life. I really want a pet goat and a pet pig though.

4. I like to be ironic. I named my dog Meow, a pillow Rocky and a rock fluffy.

5. I try as much as possible not to follow trends especially when it comes to catch phrases and manners of speaking. I’ve never used the line “pag may time” and I do not regret it.

6. I do not know what you mean by a basic bitch. (shout out to @faithdeguzman!!)

7. I did not participate in the transformation challenge because the only celebrity I could associate myself with was Pokwang.

8. As much as I use it on my blog and on facebook, I really REALLY hate hashtags.

9. If I could have any mental disorder, it would be multiple personality disorder.

10. This year will be my 10th year in blogging. I started under http://www.xanga.com/aa_bebe_phat_aa and I’ve transferred to http://www.issatalks.wordpress.com since Xanga shut down.

11. I am neither stupid nor smart. Sometimes my brain responds really well and then there are times when it’s all muck.

12. I despise people who deny being gay even if it’s the most obvious thing in the entire worldddd. I just feel like it’s an insult not only to themselves but to the people around them. Besides, gay people are great. I love them!

13. My “original” name is Jean Louise I. Chua. You’d know this if you met me in 2009.

14. I like to tell people that I changed my last name because I had a stalker so I had to move cities and change my last name. For some reason, people actually believe this.

15. One day, I’d like to have an assistant write down all the snarly stuff I say while going through my facebook feeds and turn it into a blog series. I’m sure a lot of people would enjoy that unless my comments are about you.

16. I do not have the will power to finish writing my book no matter how much I believe in it. I am afraid of the ending. Plus I have a ds, kindle, tab, Phoenix Wright, Star Wars. loom bands and a phone that basically takes up ALL my free time. Poor priorities.

17. I enjoy artsy things like drawing, painting, sewing, loomband-ing (?), poetry, writing. I’m not particularly good at any of this but it helps pass the time.

18. I really REALLY REAAAALLLLLYYY want a pot bellied pig and I have Miley Cyrus for getting one before I did. And I also really realllyyyy like bacon. It’s such a hard world.

19. You know how there are people who says the most random and inappropriate stuff? I’m THAT person.

20. I always thought that life would be a lot easier than it actually is and I’m at a weird stage of my life right now. I have heard that dreams should be kept dreams but dreams are the only things I’ve had. So what do I keep and what do I let go of? I’m trying to figure all of this out and yet somehow, my dreams just got a lot bigger. But we’ll see.

To find out who I’m tagging for this challenge, you can add me on Facebook.

xx,

Issa

Gibb’s Hot Wings: The Hottest Wings in Town

Posted on September 2, 2014 by issaplease

I am such a sucker for hole in the wall restaurants that nothing excites me more than a new restaurant buried deep within the city I love (Cebu. Duh.)

And although I’m not a huge fan of spicy food, how could I turn down an invitation to dine at Gibb’s, the home of the hottest and arguably best hot wings in Cebu? I simply couldn’t! And for blogging purposes, I’m proud to tell everyone that I did in fact try them!

Gibb’s, which is named after the family’s dog, is a small restaurant located within Holy Family Village II, Banilad. What used to be a storage area for the family catering business’ now lies a small and cozy area where hot wing lovers can come together and eat to their hea[r]ts content.

With cut out newspapers used as a place mat, diners can enjoy different kinds of wings like their famous Gibb’s Hot Wings wherein you can choose up to 5 hotness levels, Gibbs’ Angel Wings and the Gibbs’ Spicy Honey- Garlic Wings. And just in case chicken wings aren’t enough, you can also opt for their pasta and sidings.

Jean, our boyfriends and I, together with owner Coy Oliva, were able to sit down and taste his and his wife’s works of art on a fine Saturday afternoon and although I came out sweatier than I came in (their wings are THAT spicy!), I’d recommend their hot wings to anyone!

I’ll be honest, I know absolutely nothing about wings- I don’t eat them, I never crave for them and quite frankly, I don’t really care for them at all but… Paolo does. A LOT! So on this very special occasion, I decided to drag him along and be the judge of this one. The verdict? I got a very lengthy explanation of the different types of chicken wings, what makes it good and how pleased he was that he FINALLY found a place in Cebu that he could go to to fulfill his wings cravings…

On the flip side and on behalf of the all girls who like to play on the safe non-spicy side of things, I really enjoyed everything I had that day especially the cheese sticks and potato wedges! As a firm believer that cheese heals all wounds, Gibb’s mozzarella sticks are just the right mix of cheese and breading which is really hard to find!

I also indulged in their Angel Wings which are crunchy chicken wings glazed in cream, cheese and garlic sauce and topped in Parmesan cheese. (I said cheese twice in one sentence. I’m soo happy!)

And how could I forget their choices of pasta? We were also able to try out their equally famous Gibbs’ Spaghetti and Meatballs and their Bacon and Mushroom Carbonara.I really loved both, favoring the carbonara more but that’s due to personal preference. 😉

I think it’s important for me to share my #hotwingschallenge experience so I’m going to do just that! Again, I’m a really not a fan of anything remotely spicy. I once won P 500.00 from eating an entire glunk of bbq powder from Potato Corner and that’s the last time I ever had it! Knowing my low tolerance to spice, Coy was kind enough to prepare my something I could handle. I was able to try the mildest hot wings and the 5th level (the spiciest) and although I was able the stomach the mildest level… god bless the people crazy enough to eat the 5th!

Of course, Paolo will tell you that I’m exaggerating like the true drama queen I was born to be but I’ll let you guys be the judge of this one..

Find their menu here

Like them on Facebook

Credits to Jean for the photos :*

xx,

Issa

I Use Protection

Posted on July 29, 2014 by issaplease

I’ve got a reason to smile during this rainy season and I don’t need to walk a mile to get it- they’re already on my feet!

Since my job requires a lot of walking and commuting, what better way is there to face the rain and winds than with a pair of durable and not to mention, fashionable rain boots? They’re light, functional and on a fashion-over-function perspective- they definitely catch a lot of attention!

To say that these boots get the job done would certainly be an understatement… they not only keep my feet dry but since they come with a felt lining, they also keep my toes warm and toasty. Now I don’t need to worry about missing out on deliveries nor do I need to worry about ruining my favorite shoes on account of the rain… I’ve got protection 😉

I can’t figure out where my love for the rain came about. Having grown up in Texas, California and then the Philippines; you’d think I’d love everything sunny but my true love comes in the form of a dark overcast, strong winds and layers on top of layers… on top of layers.

When mixing and matching pieces, always remember the vital parts of your body that you feel need the extra warmth. In case of crazy winds, I like to keep a scarf in handy to protect my ears, neck, nose and mouth.

Fashion godess, Lauren Conrad, has a 5 step play-by-play as how to go about with layering which I just have to share because it’s absolutely “bible”. She suggests starting with a lightweight basic like a simple cami followed by a cute cardigan, topped by a coat but since our weather isn’t THAT cold, I say choose between a cardigan, coat or a jacket and spice the entire look up with a cute scarf, beanie or even some gloves in case your fingers need the extra attention.

Stockings are always a great and easy way to counter the weather especially for those who work in offices and colder areas. They’re also a great way to add proportion to the boxy/ over sized top combo and they’ve revolutionized so much over the years that they’re just really fun to wear!

My collection of stockings mostly come from Forever21. You can check them out here.

There’s no to excuse to “lazy weather” especially when work needs to be done. Sometimes we just need to get off our “soon-to-be-toned” butts, put on an outfit that makes us want to take on the world and actually do it!

And don’t forget your umbrella!

Here are some photos from the Everything Online Bazaar we attended last weekend:

[From left- right] The Kat’s Meow, The Curious Chup, Miss Everything and Nothing, Issaplease and Anything Goes by Jean Yu

[I’m such a loser for not having a tag line. HAHA!]

Photo credits to:

by Jean C Yu

xx,

Issa

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