Monday, September 28, 2009

Dilemma of the Moment: Interview Wardrobe


I'm not sure if I told anyone about writing a scholarship essay. I'm sure my friend Shateka knows about this because I remember she always IMed me whenever I typed it down. Anyway, I'll tell you the story behind it.

Before school started, my parents got very unnerved that my tuition increased. To compensate for them forking over thousands of dollars, my lovable parents forced me to enter this essay-writing scholarship. The main goal of the essay is to write how the economic/financial crisis is affecting California, and pretty much everyone else.

You see, this scholarship was actually meant for my sister. But when she decided to change majors from Business to Design, I guess all the "business" juices just drained out of her--she allegedly couldn't write a cohesive essay dealing with economics.

In the end I hesitantly did it. I wasn't necessarily confident that I'll get it so I didn't even bother to follow up.

That was August. Fast forward today, and behold, I got an invitation from the scholarship peeps! Supposedly, the finalists are going to be interviewed before handing a check. At this point I'm just worried of what to say. But most importantly, what am I going to wear for my interview? Should I be a demure and wear conservative clothes? Or should I just be me? Talk about dilemma. Suggestions? Comments? Please drop them before October 3.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Icon of the Moment: Geek Chic


A few months ago, I watched "Letters From Iwo Jima," a film about the Allied Force's attack to a Japanese stronghold in the Pacific. The director, the magnificent Clint Eastwood, intended to make this movie a partner to "Flags of Our Fathers". Wherein "Flags" portrayed the story in the Americans' perspectives, "Letters" focused more on the Japanese side of the same story. Besides the usual gore, "Letters From Iwo Jima" dramatically showed how people who disdain the idea of violence in the name of patriotism are affected, and eventually pushed into the very thing they hate.

On a less bitter note, I found the cast superb. Especially the enigmatic Ryo Kase who played the stoic worrywart, Shimizu. I wanted to know more about this actor so I watched the film premiere's footage in Tokyo. I was just enthralled at how Ryo contrasted my expectation of how Japanese actors dress up in such highly publicized events. Whereas his cast mates dressed in prim suits that slightly resembled war uniforms, Ryo opted for something less formal and less contrived by sporting an oversized shirt and cardigan. Personally, the look was so effortless and geeky (in a good way). Add the bob and dark-rimmed glasses, and tada! geek chic personified.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Tag of the Moment: Trish Did IT!

I love this movie

I want to thank Trish for tagging me. I don't know why you tagged me, but I guess this is revenge for the other award. However, before I type my responses I would love it if Abby, Shateka, and K would cordially accept me tagging them.

Last FB/Twitter update: I don't have a Twitter (thank God), but here's my Facebook status...

"Miguel said NR's are cool. He shall blog about it, Carolina!"

That was a little joke that Miguel said. NR's=nipple rings, just so you know.

TV/Movie characters you relate with: This one is hard because I haven't been watching TV/movies, but if I have to choose, then I choose Hannah Montana. No, I am not a secret teenage super star. Nor do I dress as one. It's because I feel like I'm living a double life. In school, I am studying marketing. But in my heart, I am studying design/fashion/journalism. I am torn apart from these two (or three or four) different worlds. Well, they aren't that world's apart. But you know what I mean.

Three countries on your travel list: I want to go to France because everyone else wants to go there, and I need to get in touch with my inner French. Je parle français aussi. En fait, j'ai étudié français au lycée, mais je n'ai pas eu l'opportunité de le parler. Dommage. (Thanks to Manju for checking grammar!)

Second place I want to go to: Manila. I am a native Manileño, and I want to see what's happening over there. Maybe some riots here. Some pristine beaches over there. Add a little shopping on the side in ginormous malls, and hopefully spot Bryanboy. Who knows what I'm gonna see!

Finally: Hong Kong! I have a pal who currently lives/works in Western China (the Hunan province or something like that), and he said that once or twice a year he and his ilk go down to Hong Kong for some good ole Western cuisine. Besides the food, I want to go sightseeing. It's like the freaking Asian metropolis over there (then again, East Asian and Southeast Asian cities are becoming more and more like that). And if I could, I would so love to meet K!

Hit the shuffle on your iPod – list out three songs: I have no iPod, but here's what WMP is playing...

1. "Hot Chick" by Uffie
2. "The Fear" by Lily Allen
3. "Get Fresh" by Kid Sister

Daily Must-haves: My must-haves include my cellphone (I need it for emergencies like getting trapped in an elevator), my lip balm (ugh, chapped lips are painful!), my keys (duh!), my wallet (even though it's empty), and my TAP card for the bus, train and anything that has METRO on it. Food can wait. Just kidding. I like me a home-made meal.

Things you're confused about: Why is my wallet empty? Why do dynabands hate me? And why am I not getting my Wall freakin' Street Journal?




Browse your DVD rack or bookshelf – pull 3 out at random: Currently at school so no DVD's to pick. But, I did watch that haunting, apocalyptic of a movie called "Knowing"! It's actually good. Normally, thrillers (or thrillers that suggest the world is ending) don't give a definite ending, but this one does. So go watch!

3 things you’d wish you’d known earlier:

1. I am still at school, and I am getting tired of it!
2. My brain talks alot when I don't want it to, and is silent when I don't need it to.
3. I need a haircut.

If you had to date a celebrity, who would it be? Sorry, but I don't date celebrities. Come to think of it, I haven't dated anyone.

If you were a celebrity, what would you be? Why does this question imply that celebrities are objects? Shouldn't it be "who would you be?" Then again, some celebrities do act like objects.

If you had to give your blog a face-lift, what would you tweak? Maybe the design. It's really simple down to the bones. But I like it. I'm simple.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Trend of the Moment: Killer Heels



If you think three inch heels are enough to give you vertigo, designers would definitely beg to differ. This Fall, labels such as John Galliano and Nina Ricci decided to up the ante with towering sets of platform heels. It seems that platforms are a major item for Fall, but who in their right head would jump in the bandwagon? These lovely ladies from New York Magazine test their fear of heights on the latest Fall essential. But, be aware that risks are a part of this new trend. You don't want to end up like Prada's Spring 09 folly!

On a lighter note, I found an interesting lookbook video of these fashion editors from China. At first, I thought one of them was a girl. Proved me wrong! Click play to find out.


Thursday, September 17, 2009

Research of the Moment: Hermès Birkin

Marc Jacobs totes one!

What is boxy, expensive, and has its own waiting list? No, it's not your precious college education. It's the Hermès Birkin, silly!

I don't really know why women and men love this bag. First off, it's excessively expensive. And by expensive, I mean
beyond-the-thousand-dollar mark expensive. Second, it has its own waiting list! The only things I know that have waiting lists are:

a) my accounting class (which is a total shock)
b) tickets for super-duper limited events, and
c) vital body parts for organ transplant patients

But, little did I know that there is so much more to the Birkin than a bag. Economicswise, there are logical reasons for the Birkin's appalling price tag and exclusivity. As I discovered in an article from Preview magazine (the Philippines' version of Elle), factors such as raw materials, craftsmanship, and labor contribute to the Birkin's cult bag iconography. With these, plus a relatively low supply volume, it's only economical to charge as much as consumers are willing and able to.

Frankly, I don't want to get into the whole hype. I like it, but don't love it. But if you insist going broke for the Birkin, go find out more fun facts about it on StyleBible.ph

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Award of the Moment: Beautiful Blogger Award!


I really want to thank Manju of Manju Gone Blog for giving me this award! I don't normally receive blog awards so I find this situation pretty stressful. If I ever won an award for something (I wish!), I wouldn't have enough brain power to conjure up my speech. Then again, I like to make things sweet and short.


Again, thank you Manju! I never knew you found my blog "beautiful" since I never styled it in anyway (my layout is default as you can see). Then again, you might be looking at the contents. Also, I would like to thank my readers. You guys have been marvelously, awesomely supportive. If Tony the Tiger was here, he would've said the same thing.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Splurge of the Moment: Getting My Geek On



I know, I know. I should be spending money on clothes. But priorities come first when I purchased my new Sharp EL-738 finance calculator. You see, it's a requirement for my financial accounting class. And since I'm a business major--marketing, to be exact--I absolutely have to have it (as much as I have to have a new bag, preferably a Fred Perry one from Urban Outfitters). It's like my "business-minded" version of a long-term investment.


But besides the fact that I'm going to continually use it, I found my Sharp calculator so unique from the others. My professor recommended purchasing a model from HP (which means a lot of my peers are going to have them). And if HP is a no go, then most likely students are going to swarm to the next best thing, Texas Instruments.


It's so funny to see culture shock happening in the calculator world. When I lived in the Philippines, the go-to calculator brand is Casio or Sharp. If ever you have some other brand, then people tend to look at you weird. On the other hand, here in the United States, most people depend on their Texas Instruments (HP makes a handful of scientific calculators too, but HP is more prevalent in the finance industry). And when seen using a Casio or Sharp? Confused stares will start flying.


Why can't we just get along? I mean, calculators are calculators no matter how they're branded. One user may deem one brand more user-friendly than the other, and vice versa. So don't give me that skeptical look, like my calculator is some alien contraption with a hidden self-destruct button (although that would be cool!). My calculator and your calculator can be friends. Best friends.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

WTH of the Moment: Kanye Steals Taylor's Spotlight



In another episode of attention deficit disorder, Kanye West commits to some idiotic nonsense on Sunday's Video Music Awards. Then again, he's no newbie at this. In 2006, Kanye made MTV headlines when he claimed the coveted Moon Man was unfairly awarded to some low-caliber artist. And in true Kanye fashion, his criticisms and complaints radiated like a child's emotional meltdown, with F bombs hurled here and there.

This year, Kanye West did not disappoint in his usual hullabaloo. When teen country star Taylor Swift ascended to the stage to claim her Best Female Video Award, Kanye immediately sweeps onto the stage, grabs the mic from the teenager, and says "Beyonce (another contender for the award) has one of the best videos of all time."

I firmly believe that Beyonce, in her "Single Ladies" video, did make a greater impression on me compared to Taylor's "You Belong to Me". But, just because I don't agree with the voters' decision doesn't mean I have the right to rain on Swift's parade. She is, after all, a worthy recepient of the award.


As much as I look up to anyone who speaks their minds out loud, I do believe that there is an appropriate time and place for it. Kanye, unfortunately, forgot this--and pretty much the rest of his manners. However, I do applaud him for apologizing. But next time Kanye, think before you speak. Better yet, make that your next album's title to make it stick.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Interest of the Moment: Music Videos



Feeling sweet and lovey-dovey: Belle and Sebastian's "Funny Little Frog"




Dirty and vengeful?: Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi"




My current pump-up party song: Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling"

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Personal Rave of the Moment: I am Not a Victim


I am currently spending my Labor Day weekend with my dearest family and friends.

On Thursday, I spent the night with Abby, Meli and Lorraine. It was one of the greatest and most frightening nights ever: it was great because I had the opportunity to hang out with my pals, frightening because my friends
attempted to pimp/ho me up against my will.

Friday morning, Abby, Meli and I had brunch at Panang; I had a scrumptiously hearty meal thanks to my gals who vouched for me (I am so grateful for your generosity, Abby and Meli). Afterwards, I went home under the searing heat.

I was hoping that the actual weekend would overshadow my pre-weekend activities. Unfortunately, my Saturday was disappointingly so-so; we just went grocery shopping. My Sunday was worse. A source told me that one of my church peeps was
criticizing me because I'm uncannily rail-thin. He allegedly described me as a "Holocaust victim."

As much as I am inclined to ignore vile remarks, I find it uneasy to let this wisecrack go. Personally, I am hurt that someone at church is being mean-spirited. Sure, I may be lean, but it's not right to describe me as emaciated as Holocaust victims (oddly enough, I am fine with "rake-thin" or "stick").

The Holocaust is an awful display of injustice and persecution; poking fun and making references to the victims' suffering is inappropriate and distasteful. I do hope the "wisecracker" learns to substitute his insensitive and impetuous jests for something more politically correct. I am open to apologies. Just make sure you drag your sorry fat arse to me.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Lust of the Moment: Jeans


First of all, I want to thank everyone who greeted me a happy birthday. Your remarks truly made my day so much more worthwhile. Second, I want to acknowledge that gift-giving on my birthday is not entirely mandatory (although I would happily welcome some!). I firmly believe that trying times are ahead, and there is no reason to spend frivolously on my behalf.

Speaking of frivolous spending, yesterday I wandered around Ventura Blvd., earnestly looking for a thrift store to raid. I did stumble upon a sedate thrift boutique that displayed various offerings. I found a pair of Diesel hi-tops that would definitely go well with my jeans, but only offered a size no bigger than 9 and a half. Also, I discovered a cozy black wool peacoat from an under-the-radar label and a nicely fitted military jacket from Zara Men. Although they were enticing to purchase, acquiring a pricey jacket and peacoat simply failed to register with my money frugal reason.

I knew I desperately needed a persuasive excuse to buy clothes. I needed a sign to validate my shopping urges. I needed something to satiate my fashion wants. I needed retail therapy, and lots of it. I needed jeans.

Despite my coerced aversion to all things unnecesarrily costly, the impulsive "I need jeans" argument quickly caught momentum. After all, jeans are used no matter the season and no matter the place! That's why when I set my eyes on a pair of K Karl Lagerfeld jeans, I knew I just had to have them.

Unfortunately, I have to wait. With its relatively high price tag (compared to other jeans), it might take months for me to score them. But as writer Sarah Ban Breathnach once said: Whatever we are waiting for...it will surely come to us, but only when we are open to receive it with an open and grateful heart.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Hilarity of the Moment: Flight Attendants







I've had some fascination about flight attendants mainly because their occupation includes working in midair (how exotic!), and wearing uniforms that, frankly, look pretty darn awesome. Not to mention the perks they get: discounts on airfares, knowledge of multiple languages, and, most importantly, worldwide travel (unless you categorize the mile high club as important)!

But it's not all fun and games. Above are some videos that show how dedicated these men and women are to catering our comfort and safety. Or not. Hope you have a great laugh as I did!