I have always wanted to have my hair in a different color since I was in highschool. But I only got to really try it out recently, this past 2016. My hair journey started with my virgin strands getting bleached, so from black I went to this outrageous, loud and bright red. My hair was also rebonded 6 months prior to the bleaching...

Afterwards, I let the red fade, and I was left with this orangey brown. Which I tried out another color by myself- blue. You know, the hair color that costs for less than 20 pesos per pop? Yung talamak sa Baclaran. Yeah, I applied that, and instead of a blue I got myself a dark slytherin green color. Which was totally fine by me- I am after all sorted into the slytherin house. :)

Afterwards that I got the chance to fix it up, and have actual blue hair- Or so I thought. Well, I wasn't able to manage expectations, and I was still left with green hair. Hay...



And now, after outgrowing a bit of the bleached hair, trimming split ends, getting some bangs... I am at it again. I had my hair colored once more, and I went red. A darker red though, closer to rose.



After all that, I was bound to learn a few tips on how to care for my hair. And here are some of what I have learned and some hacks I got during my hair Journey:

Before, when I was in the first grade, I was already labeled as one of those weird and "unspeakables" by my popular classmates, and well, at first it was no big deal for me. All I know those times is that I am weird therefore I am cool, unusual and different. Unfortunately, being labeled as such made other people judge my personality as someone who is irritable and I was feeling like everybody, even the teachers think I am this "she-who-must-not-be-befriended" because of this label. Come fourth to fifth grade, I got tired of this labeled me and I wanted to show everyone that I am a person, someone who can also get hurt and is hurting everytime I am teased.

The optimism really fades when you're growing up, and every single school day you face the same damn faces who have been tearing you down for around 5 years and counting. They say stuff about me like being too talkative, too silent, too much of a teacher's pet, although I never have received a really high grade. Hey, they are the ones who are in top in academics after all, it's just that I liked to study back then and there was too much curiosity in my mind that's why I talked to teachers often. They also say that I'm a social climber, although all I wanted was to be friends with them, and they're the ones who shunned me out.


This continued on until high school, and this is because my parents did not me to enroll to another school because it was either that or a public school... Now, when most people say that high school is the best, for me it's just mehhh... nothing special, in fact it's one of those eras of my life that I wanted to forget, along with the rest of my grade school life. Looking back, I see that I had made only 4 real friends, and in high school the only friends I ever made was the ones who are nice enough to see me beyond the label, and unfortunately, when they befriended me, the whole batch suddenly did not talk or befriend them as much. To what I heard, they even went to the extent of saying that if they will continue to be friends with me, they're not gonna be talking to them anytime soon.

That was the bullying that I underwent during my earlier years.

College was a great time for me. I was freed of the misunderstood label, and finally people came talking to me. I have made and I am still making new friends, and my optimism was back on track. I had met wonderful people, and I was also freed of the connotation that all boys are jerks, since I am married to a real sweet and loving gentleman. In college, I saw myself and others saw me as any other girl who is nice and will do whatever it takes to make a friend in need happy. It is in college that I saw that even if everyone around me has torn me down, my value as a person has not changed. That everyone was always given another chance to search or redeem oneself, or seek for the beauty inside you that has been tainted by all those who tried to tear you down.



I have seen the power of labeling and being bullied first hand, and I see that this very experience is what molded my personality. I knew what it was like to be under the belt, and it definitely was not a nice feeling, and I guess because of this I became the overly helpful protector type of friend. Sometimes when I look back I wonder if had I not been labeled as someone who's crazy and should be ignored, would my personality and my outlook in life be the same...


I guess I just wanted to share my story to you all, and to let you realize that if life throws you tantrums and rocks and all those sh*t, remember that you or how you look on to your value as a person, should not be changed, or bended into what they think you should be. Because if that happened, then you will only hurt and not see all the potential of beauty that's waiting to flourish inside of you.

To prove my point, here's Ann Ward of America's Next Top model. She was bullied cause she looked weird, different and stood like a tower. All of those who stereotyped and misunderstood her never thought that she'd be this lovely cover model of different international fashion magazines. They never thought that she would soon be the one who will set the trends. See what I mean by the potential beauty waiting to flourish? :)

I hoped I helped someone out there.. :)
have a beautiful day! :)
nicole

What would you do if you find yourself falling for someone?

Would you stay quiet?

Or would you be honest with yourself and let the chips fall where they may?

These are some of the real life issues that normal people experience in their lives. This is also the very situation that we see with the love story of April (Sarah G.) and Raffy (John Lloyd) in their latest movie Finally Found Someone.


To stay, or to leave. To not risk anything... To stay quiet and deny what we feel for our special someone, because of the scary consequences that comes with this truth, or to let yourself free to feel and to love.

Because as what this movie tries to point out- You need the truth in love.


I'm pretty amused cause the tandem once again never failed to entertain our precious hearts, we laughed, cried and felt kilig at all the right times.

This roller coaster ride of emotions Sarah and John Lloyd took us through the intertwining of their polar opposite lives – living through a PR crisis with a cutthroat, career-driven over achiever while the other end of the spectrum is an honest, sincere, and idealistic girl who believes in the powers of the heart.  The intense tension between the characters will keep the viewers on their feet and waiting in anticipation on whether or not they can see past their differences and have their relationship blossom into something more.

And believe me, these two characters, Raffy and April are REALLY polar from each other.

The plot twist though is that while Raffy is a PR assigned to clean up April's name from the public, they fall in love easily but then... Randy (April's Ex) comes back into the picture.

With Aci of Acigirl.com, Enzo of Juan Manila Express and Sir Stephen Cheng, Brand Marketing Manager for OPPO

So there's my non-spoiler take on Sarah's latest movie. I'll have to say that I did cry a couple of times, and it really shows how versatie and mature Sarah has come after a few years in terms of her acting. A big thanks to the OPPO Family for having us there to watch Sarah and John Lloyd's latest movie!




Of course there to support her is her OPPO Family, who celebrated this wonderful milestone by having an OPPO phone, the OPPO F3 Sarah Geronimo Limited Edition, dedicated to her via her signature at the back part of the phone, engraved.

Thank you OPPO for the tickets! :D

The packaging is also in a premium box with standard charger, headphones, soft cover and pre-installed screen protector.

It was actually a triple celebration, with Sarah G. and her Finally Found Someone Movie Premiere, her 3rd anniversary with her OPPO Family plus an advance celebration of her birthday. She was also given some presents and cake courtesy of sir Stephen Cheng, albeit from what the Popstar Princess said, the OPPO F3 Limited Editon in her name is a pretty awesome gift already.


You can buy the OPPO F3 Sarah Geronimo Limited Edition Smartphone via Lazada for Php 15,990 or check out this link: http://bit.ly/OPPOSarahG

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to fall in love with the inimitable tandem all over again in Finally Found Someone, which hits cinemas nationwide starting July 26.

So a couple of days ago Dencio's opened up another branch that is sure to make sundays more fun and interesting for the family out to church. The Dencio's in SM Mall of Asia Arena Annex (MAAX) Building is literally a couple of minutes away from the Shrine of Jesus Parish, which is so convenient!

Dencio's MAAX is literally right beside the church. SEE? :D

Also, the place is great for after work unwinding with co workers and the barkada, mall goers, employees working within the area, concert lovers/music fans, sports enthusiasts, delegates/participants to seminars and other events held at the arena and convention centers, who wants to try out classic pinoy favorites. 

Also, if you're craving for some sisig, Dencio's Krispy Sisig is the way to go.

Dencio's Krispy Sisig Large, without egg for 349 Php

Theirs is quite on the crispy side, hence Krispy Sisig, and you can ask if you want eggs or not and personalize to your liking. It's great for pulutan or as ulam with some rice on the side. Pretty savory, crispy, and YUMMY! *Calls waiter for a couple more garlic rice*

Sari Saring Sinugba (With Grilled Squid, Tuna Belly, BBQ and Grilled Liempo) for 669Php

This platter of Sari Saring Sinugba is perfect for a group of 4 to 5 hungry guys. It's also great for sharing with your friends and family and is perfectly cooked to perfection.

Hey Everyone! Someone is celebrating their birthday with a BIG Blast! Althea Korea is one of my favorite online shops where you can get your korean skincare and makeup cravings without having too much to worry about. I have raved about them before because of the fact that I don't have to go through the hassle of Post Offices and Customs here in my country, as they deliver right to your doorstep... And they have Cash on Delivery!

Happy 2nd Birthday Althea! <3 <3 <3

Anyways, I would like to share with you some of my grabs from Althea recently, and some of their promos for their birthday celebration as Althea is turning 2 this July 2017!

Birthday Surprises from Althea:

Fly me to Korea Contest:

Happening from 3rd July - 15th August 2017, get a chance to win a round trip flight to Korea among other prizes like credits, and a year of free shopping with Althea. Be sure to check out the details on how to join this contest so you don't miss out!

• Birthday Kits for early bird shoppers 
• Althea Birthday Giveaway Festival for customers (free products every other day in July to add into cart) 
• Althea Beauty Box July - Birthday Makeup Box
•  Weekly Lucky Shopper Contest to win Althea credits 
•  #AltheaTurns2 Contest - snap & show your decorated birthday box to win amazing prizes from Althea! 
•  20days of Beauty Giveaway on @Altheakorea (Instagram)

And here's what I shopped to celebrate Althea's 2nd Birthday :D

It's My Waterproof Sun Cream

A tube of their It's My Waterproof Sun Cream for my face and body.. But mostly for my face. A friend once said that instead of putting on makeup, invest in skincare so that you'll have natural beauty from within :D

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Eye Cream

The Innisfree Green Tea Seed Eye Cream- Because my eyes are spotting the vampire trend, and NOT in a good way. I'm makeing a week by week review of this so watch out for it :D

Tony Moly Panda's Dream Eye Patch

Tony Moly Panda's Dream Eye Patch to further my battles against wrinkles and dark under eye circles :D

Best way to spend sundays would be to have the whole family up, about and playing! Especially on days where adulting / life has become too much to handle, sometimes all we need is to release our inner kid once in a while.

Opening of the Newest Timezone in Ayala Vertis North

My whole family, from my mom and dad to my own kids usually frequent Timezone here in the south, but it would seem that I'll be making them go up north soon, to the newly opened Timezone in Ayala Vertis North.


Why we love timezone and what's cooking up north you ask?

• The Convenient Card System

You don't have to worry about lugging in a LOT of tokens in your pockets to play any game because all you would need is to load up your Timezone Card and swipe in the game, much like a prepaid credit card. And the best part is that you can use it in any branch you like. :D

This one is my mom's platinum card. It's been with her for around 4 years now... :p

If you happen to surpass a certain number of points... (I think it was around 10k for my mom?) You can have the chance to get yourself a Platinum Card like this one. Yep. I told you my family is crazy for Timezone. :D

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• Mini Bowling Alley

Yeah, you read it right. Timezone in Ayala Vertis North has a mini Bowling alley, complete with pins and bowling balls that are just the right weight for a kid, teen or an adult to enjoy. I've tested this one out and MAN is it so much fun! It's also fully equipped with a lounge and some sofas where you can place your bags on. Also, a game costs for 150 Php, and the best part is that you don't have to worry about shoe rentals and what not. Also, upon trying out the balls, I'm pretty sure your 5 year old can enjoy this game too.

• The GAMES.

Racing is always awesome!

 I love the fact that there are classics like Arcade games(tekken mostly) and they also rearrange some games and add new things once in a while. I frequent the Glorietta and Greenbelt 3 Branch lately and I noticed that they put in a new Pacman Game for the barkada. The best thing with their games is that you're sure the whole family can enjoy. From Time Crisis, updated versions of Just Dance, Crane Games to The Walking Dead, there's really a little something for everybody.

Look at all the prizes! They're easy to win with timezone tickets! You can also exchange a drink or food for points!

An added bonus is that Timezone Philippines considered the Pinoy Love for Videoke and their booths where you can belt out your tunes are really state of the art! The sound system was also pretty wonderful... And you're sure to have an awesome time here with friends just like we had!

You're sure to have a wonderful time with Friends and Family at Timezone, so if you're looking forward to a break from adulting... Release your inner kid at Timezone soon!

Whenever I go to events, weddings or debuts, one of the things I look forward to is the photobooth. I love how it brings people together, and this activity somehow eases those idle times after eating in parties. But last year, when I attended the Grips Hair Wax Party, they have something way more fun than the usual photobooth- a 360 Selfie Videobooth!



What exactly is the 360 Selfie? Well, it's an interactive activity for parties that will revolutionize the photobooth- literally and figuratively!. The 360 Selfie Videobooth involves a camera that revolves around the subject (1 to 4 people) to create a smooth TVC-like output highlighting the brand or event theme.

HOW TO: 360 Selfie Photobooth

From what saw and noticed in events that have used the 360 selfie, it is pretty customizable to make the event theme stand out. From your preferred design or augmented reality special effects, branding, music, and email message for when guests would email their 360 Selfie video to themselves on-site, which they can then share across all their social media accounts.

Hey! What's up? :D If you've been following my facebook page and account you would notice that I am currently testing out the capabilities of OPPO's first Phone in the F3 Series, the F3 Plus.

For initial purposes, I made an unboxing video of the unit. You can check it out here:

THE CAMERA

Okay, so the unit itself is pretty sleek, and  OPPO gave their own interpretation of the dual camera bandwagon with their two front lenses. Combining a narrow and a wide FOV gives us more OPPOrtunities for better selfies, and the birth of the Groufie Cam which gives us a chance to get a proper shot with the barkada or family. This is due to their latest Selfie Cam, which sports a 16MP sensor with a bright and crisp f/2.0 aperture alongside the wide-angle 8MP shooter. Pretty perfect for those quick snap travel shots or when you just wanna capture the moment with friends and family. Pretty stable, not much shakey photos so this feature of theirs gets a big thumbs up. <3

With Beautify 4.0 and a bit of blur + Groufie mode

Groufie Mode

Selfie Mode

I have been using the OPPO F3 Plus and as far as photos go, it is a pretty nice competitor and photo enthusiasts are sure to also enjoy the back camera, as it got an overhaul from it's predecessors like my F1s.

Back camera of OPPO F3 Plus in action

OPPO F3 Plus Back Camera