Original Penguin x Pepsi: Live for Now

In a global first, Original Penguin and Pepsi have collaborated in creating a capsule collection, Live for Now. 

For the Manila launch, Original Penguin has put together today’s local talents, who are the movers and shakers of the generation, to bring to life the design and character of the collection. 

Gathering some of today’s most renowned and admired personalities in their respective fields, the event was graced by Tweetie De Leon, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Maxene Magalona, Maggie Wilson, Kelly Misa, JM Rodriquez, Victor Basa, RJ Ledesma, PBA Players Christ Tiu and Gabe Norwood, and Team Azkal’s Simon Greatwich, Carlie de Murga and Antonio de Murga. 

The festive affair showcased the exhibit of the eclectic designs of the six street artists who evidently did not hold back in making the collection lively, youthful and nonetheless original. The collection is a party all on its own, guests were enveloped in decorative colors and playful thematic set up, in which showcased how every piece in the collection is truly a work of art. 

It was an awesome night to say the least, the fashion show being the highlight of the event, captured everyone’s attention with the parade of colorful fashion pieces on your not-so typical set up of a ramp. 

Between breaks during the fashion show were the breathtaking stunts of the “Futkaleros".

For sure, there was no dull moment, no corner unturned and all were enjoying the energy emanating from the collection that is truly a breath of fresh air from today’s common trends. 

The Original Penguin x Pepsi Collection is available at the following stores: Glorietta 2, Greenbelt 5, Bonifacio High Street, Trinoma, Alabang Town Center, MarQuee Mall and Ayala Center Cebu

H&M in Manila, Very Very Soon!

Now it can be told!

Sometime back in December of last year, just a few days after H&M officially announced their entry to the Philippines, I got an email from Amirul Shah and Lisa Chai of H&M Singapore, telling me they had been wanting to talk to me, because they were looking for PR agency recommendations here in Manila. 

I had met Lisa years ago in Singapore, when I covered the H&M Singapore opening for The Radar in The Philippine Star and we soon reconnected via phone where she confirmed that H&M really was coming to Manila! OMG.

It was one thing reading it on a press release, and another hearing it straight from the source. I had waited years for this, and it was truly, finally, finally happening! 

The excitement continued to build up when I found that a friend of mine from high school, Gigi Mathay, was in charge of HR for H&M Manila and was keeping us all updated and entertained with her H&M training adventures on Facebook.

Fast forward to yesterday, and I finally got to see the H&M Manila showroom. 

I am also happy to share that Lisa chose well from the list of PR agencies and contacts I shared with her because well, apart from the fact that my list was carefully handpicked with only the names of the ones I have worked with and/or I know will not disappoint, she chose Bridges, one of my personal faves, because they are always the nicest! PR peeps, it pays to be nice to MFO. Just kidding. Hahaha.

And with my little role out of the way, haha, here's a sneak peek of what to expect when the store opens very soon, sometime during the 3Q of 2014. I am guessing that's by August at the earliest. Fingers crossed.

patent leather mules, very on trend

delicate slip dresses, sheer tops, knits, faux fur

a matte chain necklace, which also comes in a glossy taupe/gray

crystal flowers on grosgrain

ultra strappy sandals

real cashmere

silk crepe, chiffon, sequins, leopard spots

crystal embellished top

cropped poodle sweatshirt

sequin top

a bright knit

faux leather shorts, influenced probably by the Alexander Wang for H&M line (worldwide drop is in November, and yes, it will be launched here too!)

slip on sneakers in python and mock croc

priced at a fraction of my Celine skates, not bad!

The H&M Manila flagship, a 3,000 square meter store which dedicated followers of fashion and retail know will be at the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall, will be a full concept store and will carry everything from the kids line to men, women and teens. Sadly, there will be no home section. For that, you'll need to get that from Europe or the US for your fix for now. Hee.

footwear for kids

cute cat leggings for kids

not your usual sweatpants, it's for men, but I want this for myself

nylon bomber jacket, mesh, leather, wool blended shirts for men

boat shoes in tweed, camo slip ons

I missed Lisa  who was in town, and Gigi who was just back from H&M China at the H&M Open House, as they were inside, working at the office, but it was a treat to see another friend, Chef Florabel Yatco who catered the event. I enjoyed her salted caramel tartlet...

...and I wished I could down these mojitos, but had a glass of refreshing dalandan juice instead, which was just as perfect.

But here's the better treat. Prices will not be too far off from pricing in other markets. As with all H&M markets, there are great deals to be had. This slip dress for instance, according to H&M Showroom Manager Nikki Verzo, will retail for just Php899. Imagine that!

H&M will surely rock our local retail scene. And with this taste of what's to come, will only make us wait with bated breath when it finally opens in just a few months time. Exciting!

The H&M Philippines flagship store will be occupying three floors insde Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall, and is slated to open Q3 of this year.

Tears for Cheers

Kanina I was crying all the way from Guadalupe bridge to Fort Bonifacio.

Tears streaming down my cheeks, my hand over my mouth, my shoulders hunched, practically convulsing, I must have looked like a wreck to our driver that I found myself explaining why I was acting the way I was. 

To understand, please read THIS POST first. Yup, that one on women and our beauty issues. Yep, that Dove Real Beauty Sketch that has super gone viral.

 Then when you're done, watch THIS:

The sheer hilarity!

ClarinsMen Super Moisture Gel and Balm

Girls, here's something for the boys!

I often find myself looking for moisturizers for Dada's face, because let's face it, men these days are conscious about their skin too. While they may be happy with drugstore moisturizers, you might want to get him ClarinsMen Super Moisture Gel and Balm for him to feel the difference.

Why? Well, for one it will help justify how much you're spending on skin care. Once he's hooked, thrown in some Clarins for you too! Hahaha!

But seriously, ClarinsMen makes use of Calcium hyaluronate (the moisture trapping properties also found in Hada Labo), a high performance ingredient used for the first time in men’s skin care. It's super hydrating so it will keep his skin smooth underneath the stubbles.

ClarinsMen Super Moisture Gel and Balm is exclusively available at all Rustans stores: Ayala Center Makati, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Alabang Town Center, Skin Spa, Ayala Center Cebu, Robinson’s Plaza and Gateway Mall.