Bubble-Tea-Licious!

I thought that the only Bubble Tea branch in the Philippines is at SM Megamall. T'was in 2009 when I first visited that branch. It became a hangout place for me and my cosplay sister Naoko. I love their servings! All the items in the menu are mouth-watering! It can be a bit pricey for some, considering that the serving size is just enough for one, and it won't pass as a complete meal, I'd say! Nevertheless, you'll enjoy every bit of it!

I personally fave their strawberry green tea (cold) and I normally order it in the largest size. Their milk teas are also superb! Doesn't taste like Nai Cha from Chowking. I mean, nothing wrong with that but the one from Bubble Tea is much better!

This time around, me and my colleagues went to their branch at Wilson St. near Greenhills, San Juan Metro Manila. It's such a cozy place! I love how they've set up the place where you could hang out all day. I wanted to sit down on the far end where the couch looks soooo comfy and I think I could just lie down and drink milk tea all day! LOL. However, that place was taken haha. We had to settle to another place and start nom-noming!

Globe vs. SMART Models - Alodia vs. Anne Curtis

It's probably just me but ...



... I somehow see "rivalry" here. Hehe. Well, maybe because Anne's new ad seems to be cosplay-themed than anything else. It's not her normal look and the costume really stands out. While I do believe that Anne can reinvent herself and she has proven herself as well as a good endorser, looking at the number of ads / TV commercials, etc. she has; she's not "branded" yet as a cosplayer or someone who'd be known for costumed-roles. However, with her flexibility, she has done a lot and they're always successful ... no wonder her endorsements are effective!

Anyway, I just saw this new concept on tarpaulin banners on the streets I pass by when I get home. I can't help but notice how gorgeous she is in the sets. I do follow her on Twitter but I guess I didn't notice this update ... I haven't been online lately hehe (I mean in terms of my social networking sites / accounts). The theme is catchy and not like the previous SMART ads, which is more formal (too-formal) or generic (or too flat common). It's vampy, sexy, and ooh-la-lah! I guess for a minute, it didn't even sink in to me that this is an ad for a postpaid plan haha ... or unli-postpaid promo or something. It lacks the connection? Between the theme and the actual product/service? I guess ...

My Charles & Keith Pieces - Flats, Wedges, and Shades!

Charles & Keith Wedges

 Being a girlie-woman that I am, I love dolling up. And of of my fashion hangout choices is none other than Charles & Keith stores. I don't always buy, mind you! I certainly believe that it's a bit pricey and as much as I may have the means, I don't want to always splurge on things I won't need. However, it's indeed inevitable to admire each collection and each piece you see. My first piece from the store was actually a pair of wedges that I normally wear at work. It seems that Charles and Keith designs would never go out of style and it's a must that you own at least a piece. Once you have one, you'll crave for more ...

I always do window-shopping whenever I want to destress. I ain't a rich kiddo to buy tons of pairs like Paris Hilton or the likes. Haha. It's pretty addictive, I may say; but one should know his or her limits. Otherwise, it'll result to overspending! Save up the credit cards for better investments haha! I gotta admit though that sometimes, regardless of trying-too-hard to save up, when you find a piece you feel "worthy" of spending, you can't resist! You can't help but buy that piece too! I am GUILTY of that harharhar~ My mindset is that ... well, I can't find them anywhere else I guess ... and maybe next time, they won't be available anymore so I'd rather buy now and make myself happy hehe. I might regret not buying it ... which actually happened to me already last year. There's this pair of shoes that I wanted from the same store. It's a black, stiletto-style shoe with glittery/sequined materials in front but will pass as a pair of sandals too. I sooo wanted it and have been going back to the shop to try it on and look at it (I was saving up for a cosplay costume that time last year hehe). When I returned after a month of saving, it's no longer in stock. And until now, I can't find a piece of that anymore in any Charles & Keith stores. (T_T) If I see one, I'm definitely going to buy it! I did regret once already ... I don't want to overly regret once more ...

Fantasy Quest: A Fantasy That Became a Reality

I had a bunch of costumes in queue so this event, went rather unplanned for me in a way ...


As the event came closer, called "FANTASY QUEST (Philippines);" I thought I'd bring my cosplay group (Shurakity Trinity) to do our photoshoot instead since it's an opportunity of a lifetime! LOL. The place was a bit pricey for small-time cosplay shoots like ours and this event was rather a big opportunity for many of us ... however, my team members weren't available so I almost ditched it. Until later ... when I found out straight from one of my cosplay idol's blog that they're coming over! I'm like .... GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! I can't miss it. Who's this person I'm talking about? None other than YOLKLER! Damn! And not only that, she had YUEGENE FAY with her. Call it, double fantasy lah~ Fantasy Quest brought to us by Cosplay Network Philippines or CNPH; July 23, 2011 (Saturday).

I was thinking twice of pushing thru though. I mean, I'd come from a very long day from work plus I gotta do a little relaxation and rest for a big thanksgiving come the next day. I wasn't sure as well if my costume's revisions would make it in time as well. But I wanted to keep my promise for a friend, Kira, whom I'd bring along in there to shoot with me in that next costume. It turned out that my tailor wasn't able to complete the revisions on time. I also had a number of last-minute work preps that I had to finish - causing Kira to wait longer hehe. I was almost about to give up. However, Fernbrook Gardens a.k.a. the location, or the event place where you have to be there when it happens ... the cosplay convention like none other before ... it's something I didn't want to miss ... besides, for it being a garden, I can also relax and meditate there haha. I was feeling sick the night before I went to work and I thought I'd need sleep ... good thing the noodles I ate, the medicine I took, and the team I had at work have cooperated to make me feel better and poof! I was able to come. And the adventure at fairy tale land continued ... (and more photos ...)

A Taste of Fine-Dining At Asya Restaurant, Eton Centris

I spent my Sunday lunch-merienda with my beloved Fafi Emman and we didn't hesitate to taste the offerings from this restaurant, namely, Asya.

T'was our first time to eat there. I ain't really a fan of Filipino food. I normally go with Chinese or Japanese cuisine offerings like North Park or Tempura, and the likes. My dear would normally prefer the local dishes, like what we get from Gerry's Grill or similar. This time, he won the pick once more, hehe.

The place was not overly populated yet with establishments. Eton Centris or Centris Walk and its nearby areas aren't filled with stores yet. There's quite a few stores out there so the decision-making wasn't that hard. Asya caught our attention because of the unique furnishings like the chairs. I thought the "heads" were for real! Haha. A little scary though, I guess; but it's quite amusing. I didn't take a photo of those anymore hehe.

Surprisingly, there were only two (2) tables with guests. One was ours and the other one, with no other than Tim Yap. He's the guy in the middle from the photo above. He was gorgeous and elegant, with his simple yet sophisticated style. I admire this guy for his business-mindset. Good thing my boyfriend ain't jealous at all, haha. He has nothing to be jealous about anyway, hehe. Our love is stronger! Yay! *kilig* And so, withour further ado, we had our photo taken with Tim. He's such a nice guy to accommodate our request.

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt - My Kind of Yogurt!

... Well, I just read for this blog that it used to be just P19 per oz. The time I discovered it, it's already P20 per oz. How time flies and how prices of commodities go up! Jeez! LOL.

But, oh well! Ever since I discovered it (lol at discovered), I can't help but buy more. I love the fact that we can customize it the way we want it. The flavors are really awesome. While the original flavor is a bit sour (and non-yogurt lovers hate it), this one has a variety of flavors to choose from. I personally love their vanilla flavor - not too sweet, not too sour.

Last February, the site held their Be My Valentine photo contest. I joined there with a photo of me and my Fafi Emman. I dunno who won the contest though, but it's fun sharing our photo with the rest of the world - lovin' the Tutti Frutti way!

Michael Jackson Security Guards Uniform - A Yes or A No?

Imagine seeing security guards wearing a Michael Jackson ensemble?

 

At first I thought it was cool. But after a month, seeing them like that; I think it's rather bothersome. I dunno. I guess it's just me. Some folks think it's fun and cool. I think otherwise ... And this is what's going on at Landmark Makati due to their month-long dance party theme.

For me, I believe security officers must be as professional as they can, and they shouldn't let themselves get mocked nor be the center of jokes because they look funny or not respectable. As per a wiki definition, security guards PROTECT properties, assets, and/or people. Will you entrust your safety or security with a "Michael-Jackson-do" knowing that MJ is an entertainer who's had his reputation tainted due to multiple occurences of child molestation and the likes? Yeah sure he had his high time in his career as a musician. He's an "idol" to many. I really love his songs too. We imitate him at parties. But I don't think it's right ... no ... it's not appropriate to dress up our guards as MJ.

In Need of a Watch

I ain't really a "A Watch Person" or those folks who love to wear watches. I mean, I guess it's not my kind of thing. The last time I've worn watches was way back highschool? Or college years. Not so long ago haha! And I basically use it for timekeeping purposes only - like, when is this class gonna end; will I be late now I hire a cab or better to ride a trike; etc. Some of my other friends use it as a fashion statement.

In 2010 though, I got myself a new watch, after some years. I personally loved the style and simplicity of its design yet it's a powerful personality statement. It's a Black Mango Digital Rubber Watch, for the lack of a better name. LOL. I owned it for a year and have worn it everyday. That daily wear and tear have probably caused its strap to deteriorate, to the point that I had to use super glues to keep 'em intact haha. I personally love Mango's style in all aspects too - be it clothing, accessories, jeans, etc. There's another classy watch from the store that I'd love to get but I figured, it's too costly - not to the point of the cash out amount but its use. I don't think I can wear it daily unlike the one I got. That other watch was full of straps and jewel stones, making it sooo elegant and not apt for daily use. Recently though, I lost my Mango watch, sad to say. I think after playing at an arcade when I removed it, I slid it somewhere and forgot where .. while its look & feel ain't the same anymore, I still wanted to keep it. However, now, it's gone. I wonder if I can still grab the same style at other MANGO branches. I hope I could.

Kylie Minogue ... A Dream I've Forsaken; The Concert I Missed

Kylie Minogue has just recently held her concert here in the Philippines, dubbed as ... "Kylie Minogue Live in Manila Aphrodite Tour 2011." Sad to say, I missed this concert ... or any other concert I've always wanted to watch, ever since. In fact, I have never really watched a concert. DEMMIT! I just realized that huh? LOL.

Since I was a kid, I've looked up to this lady. I first saw her video on MTV entitled Did It Again. That time, I was only getting hooked up to watching music videos. I got addicted to this artist because of her unique voice, sexy persona, and the girly attitude. I immediately tried to ransack all record bars for her CD. Unfortunately, I don't think Kylie is that big yet in the Philippines back then. I wasn't able to find any of her albums here. I waited for a few months and months and months and still didn't see her album anywhere.

My last resort was my aunt from Rocky, Aussie and thankfully! She found me a copy! That was my very first CD, by the way -Kylie's Impossible Princess Album. My schoolmates were even envious back then coz I was able to get this limited edition album. LOLZ. I could still recall the smirk on their faces hahaha. Kid fight stuff lah~ I mean, well, we're pre-teens or something ... what can you expect? Remember the days? "Who looks like Kylie?" Stuff like those haha. The fandom never stopped.

Tekken PVC Figures and The New Kotobukiya Bishoujo Collection

More than a year ago, I already planned to buy (as I posted in my Xanga Blog) and collect this Tekken PVC Figures Set when I saw the photo released. I was uber-excited and saved up for it, actually. There were many bootleg toys already in Divisoria way back then. I used to buy some pieces in 2009 but I stopped. I know I shouldn't support bootleg toys lah~ My horizons have expanded now (Naks!)!!! And I normally just buy from Wasabitoys.com instead. The owner is very accommodating and he gets the figures I request.

I first saw the other sets at Toyz Station site. Unfortunately, these past Tekken PVC figures are not worthy ... well at least for me. I mean, I don't like the way they look. The originals are not far from how the bootleg versions are done. Unfortunately, I don't think it's worth getting.

Why I kinda Went on Cosplay Hiatus ...

I want to talk about why I really started cosplaying. But I guess before I do that, since I've been cosplaying for more than 2 years now, I want to raise some points on why I kinda stopped ... or more known as HIATUS. I will put it on a separate post why I started to cosplay. For now ... Er ... hibernate? LOL.

I listed a few points in my Deviantart journal and I want to elaborate on them here.


CHAI's COSPLAY HIATUS

Work eats me
- I know my priorities! Demmit!

Whenever I plan to attend, something more important always comes up
- Additional workload all of a sudden. Client visits coming up. Operations real-time action plans. Lah~

I lost track of most of the events
- I rely on Filcosplay for events. But Facebook seems to have more updates and invites. I don't get online often.

There are too many events ... I dunno which one's real anymore.
- Voting event? Liking event? Cosplay gathering? Cosplay group meet-ups? WTF???

Who Is a Team Leader? Again? Repeat Please!

What is it to become a Team Leader? Or maybe, a better question is, who is a team leader?

We can come up with a lot of terms synonymous to this. Corporate entities normally call it as a "Team Leader" position. Other companies also call it in a similar fashion: Supervisor, Team Manager, Team Manager, Unit Lead, Officer-in-Charge, Team Support, Team Specialist, etc ... Regardless of the term, what's more important is the quality of the person holding that position. When I say "quality," I believe I'm already alluding it to the characteristics, personality, and the overall composition.

Unfortunately, while the title is overly attractive, not all people are qualified for the post. Moreover, the role. There's a difference between the duties & responsibilities vs. the position title; and not everybody understands that.

In the corporate setting where I am in, I am no longer surprised that this is also very evident. I am not exposed to business practices outside the BPO industry. I only get information about them (i.e. Food, Apparel, Manufacturing, etc.) from the web and magazines. Little did I know, it could be much worse ... the BPO industry's flock of Sups are even better! No offense intended to the sups in other industry though. Or maybe, I'm just using the corporate-setting standard. Nevertheless, I guess regardless of the industry where we belong, the core values of a "TL" (dubbed abbreviation of Team Leader) never changes. And yet, they aren't present in what I observed.

I've observed in a number of restaurants, fast food chains, and similar industries that so-called SUPERVISORS nag at their crew. Not that I'm generalizing all of them; I'm just simply stating that this is what I've observed. My most recent encounter was yesterday; and it ain't any better.

So What's With SM Malls Not Putting Trash Cans in the Washroom Cubicles?

I moved from XANGA!

I've been there since 2003 but I realized it's much fun in here hehehe. So, I moved! I guess there are far better ideas to share here. I loved my XANGA but hey ... we move on! And my first topic is rather off-topic but I need to share ...

It is rather unhygienic not to have trash cans inside the toilet cubicles, right?

SM Malls regardless of which branch, as far as I can remember, is known for good sanitation and proper washroom maintenance - after being called for unsanitary practices I guess (when I was kid, there were poor toilet conditions ... believe me! And I wouldn't even the detail out ...). They've also constantly improved on this aspect as years go by. In fact, they've grown from just a local department store to a massive family or even personal getaway location for Filipinos and foreigners alike. This is owned by a known-business tycoon in the Philippines who have shown great successes in the mall industry. I've been a regular shopper as well at different SM branches; and consider their amusement centers and even simply their Cyberzone Centers as a hangout location. I've personally witnessed this growth and success.

But how come it appears to be deteriorating? In terms of maintenance and toilet sanitation?