NOT "Just a Shoe": The 2013 CONVERSE Weatherized Collection

Saturday, November 30, 2013

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Clothing is restricted to human beings. At first, it was merely intended for protection. It was intended to battle every force of nature your body won't be able to handle. This remains so true. Today more than ever, in every pair of shoe - you try to find your own IDENTITY; this is the same feeling of finding that certain "STYLE" that would best represent you. It's that moment when you would be able to make them see your taste, your hunger to appreciate things - and how you would like to be perceived by the world. All THAT just for a shoe - but THIS unfortunately... is not just a bloody shoe for me. 

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This awesome Black Stitched Leather Shoes by CONVERSE is part of the 2013 Chuck Taylor Weatherized Collection. For most people, they are probably just seeing these as plain Chucks. For me, it's quite different. I'll tell you why.

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I'm John. I live in a small town in Quezon City all my life. I couldn't say I'm rich, I couldn't say I'm poor but my life is just about... right. I have no qualms with people. I live with memories of my childhood that would gladly pay a pretty normal upbringing, but really no.

I've been bullied a lot. I was too thin and dark as a kid that others used to call me palito or negro. With a Spanish lineage spanning decades of naturally good looks and machismo, you were bound to be ridiculed because of what you look and what you wear. Some people in my community including my childhood friends did the same - because Filipinos generally have a template for what looks good in their dictionary. Yet I never took anything against them, or anybody. It's a cultural thing I guess. 

After the ill fated puberty, I grew up pretty fast. With a sculptured German physique + six pack abs (of course that's a joke!), became bigger, taller than the average Filipino, I loathed myself in getting better at EVERYTHING I do. With good folks at home, better friends and a promising career in view... I always wanted to keep my style in check so I get the confidence I needed to get there.

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When I saw these Black Stitched Leather Shoes on the catalog, I immediately grabbed it. It's non conventional exterior, strong stitched construction, tough and sturdy sole just spelled ME all over it. What I like about this is that it can pass for a more "casual look" since it's leather but still make you a bit edgy since it doesn't look like usual ones from the factory. The shoes DEFINITELY made me more confident, like a security blanket. THIS is also the reason why I never treat my shoes as "just a shoe". When I wear them, they make me proud. I become confident and get that needed boost because I know I look good with these weatherized Chucks all day long.

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On a regular day, my essentials are NOT just plain essentials. I've been blogging since 2003. I carry around a DSLR camera, a Laptop computer, a shirt and a few things for personal "look" maintenance. Ladies call them "Kikay Kit", I call them "Macho Kit" why not LOL.

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I found this bag off the shelf in a Grape Leaf color (consequently this is also a part of the 2013 Weatherized Collection). It's big enough to fit those items I mentioned and size wise, something that I can carry. I'm not a fan of small ones since I find it more of an accessory rather than a REAL bag. This one was really comfortable, and yes this is pretty much FUNCTIONAL. It's what people like me need to get that exuding confidence I was telling you about earlier. Add this bag to the overall look and I'm GOOD.

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Aside from that, this might prove the fact that BIG boys like me need BIG Pitch Black bags like these. Whether going to the gym or just hitting the road for a few days, this is PERFECT.

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It even matches my shoes - it felt like serendipity. I am happy. I feel like the universe is coming together. With the unmatched quality and fare for things that look good, comfortable and functional CONVERSE has gone the extra mile to make you and I be the best version of ourselves with the 2013 Weatherized Collection. I've already decided to add this shoe (and the other caps, jackets and bags) to my still growing collection of Chucks at home. Now it's your turn and make that decision. Who knows?! The change you've been longing for all these years might start with "just a shoe".

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For more information about the CONVERSE 2013 Weatherized Collection

Like them on Facebook


Converse Philippines
 Or visit their official website

http://www.converse.com.ph

Note: Am NOT a model, just a good lookin' CONVERSE owner. :)

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10 Awesome Years of Gonuts Donuts!

Gonuts Donuts is truly the best locally founded donut company in the Philippines. It was established in 2003. The Trillana - De Ocampo families wanted to franchise Krispy Kreme initially but was denied. They decided to put up their own after 18 months of planning and now it's a huge success. Since then, they have already put up a lot of stores here and abroad and thousands upon thousands were sold more on these joints to the amusement of now their - competitor. This year sparks their 10th Anniversary and they celebrated in a simple way after Typhoon Yolanda hit the country. Simple, yet very irresistible... much like their donuts which was a welcome sight for sweet tooths like me!

10 Years? How about 10 NEW DONUT FLAVORS! 



Here's Green Tea and Smores



I love the Strawberry Sunshine, the White Chocolate Glaze Lite runs a close second.




They don't come as sinful as this. Peanut Butter Caramel and Hazelnut Crunch.




Lemon Lite and Sea Salt Caramel Mmmmm....



Last but definitely not the least... the Chocolate Mint and Mocha Lite Donuts... it just makes your mouth water... arghhh..

But wait, they didn't stop there. There were a few more bottles on the table that looked quite nice. I especially love the Mango... but trust me, everything's really all good!


This one's sweet and full of that Mango goodness!


The Orange Juice is a little tangy, sweet and really refreshing. Love this!


The Iced Tea was good, but if we're to choose something... the Mango is the clear winner. Now, you've got more things to pair up with your favorite donut... and it's all on the same store. Awesome idea than going for colas right?

Thinking of something to take home aside from their donuts? Don't despair! They've got your cookie butter bottled and ready... without breaking the bank!


Bottled in different sizes and made with the freshest ingredients, your bread (or in my case Brown Brittles and Sugar Twists) just won't taste the same way again after a spread or two of this Cookie Butter by Gonuts Donuts/GND. I actually don't have this anymore in the refrigerator because it was gone in like 2 days (courtesy of my Sis, Mom and Dad, they are in jail now LOL). It's lovely crunchy cinamonny aroma will be quite addicting... don't say I didn't warn you!

Oh and if you fancy a crunchy way to end your day, how about these classic ones on their shelves?



Crunchy almost feels like a well done French croissant with toppings and fillings of cream cheese, blueberry, mango, berries or plain sugar raised... they all have that now on Gonuts Donuts stores near you. So, what are you waiting for? Come celebrate with them on their 10th year and give that loved one a special treat by taking home Gonuts Donuts treats now!

For more information about Gonuts Donuts

Like them on Facebook!


GoNutsDonuts
Or visit their website at

www.gonutsdonuts.com



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King of the Gil Concert On SKYCABLE Pay Per View

Friday, November 29, 2013

I first saw Enrique Gil years ago during the Budoy press screening. He was smaller, a little shy and didn't get to talk that much because he wasn't used to cameras, the glitz and glamour that came with it. 


Now, his physique has changed. He's got tons of shows and showed how powerful he is on the dancefloor. He's staging his own dance concert tonight and got a throng of his friends along like Comedy Horse Heiress Vice Ganda, the gorgeous Angel Locsin, cocolovin Julia Montes, the kathniel's half Kathryn Bernardo, madlang people's Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, brilliant rapper Gloc 9, Rayver Cruz, Aaron Villaflor, super pretty Kim Chiu, Martin del Rosario, Arjo Atayde, Ejay Falcon, G-Force and the Streetboys. 

It's possible that some of his fans were not able to get tickets to his show but don't be sad... it's also going to be streamed live into your homes via SKYCABLE Pay Per View! If you're an existing cable subscriber, all you need to do is call 381-0000 or go to www.mysky.com.ph so you can pay the awesome price of P299.00 for the chance to watch Enrique Gil strut his stuff and show you why he's the one and only King of Dougie. 

Make sure you give them a call now so you can get it on your living room when the show starts tonight! You won't be sorry!


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/*photos from Enrique Gil's PR and not mine

The Beauty That Is... Azalea Residences

Thursday, November 28, 2013

I've been to Baguio twice and I must tell you I wasn't a fan of this place because I felt the distance from Manila wasn't justified when it just feels like Tagaytay "weather wise". I know, I'm so judgmental. So I went back there a few days ago and had a couple of friends along with me to attend Google's conference in Luzon. Before, I used to stay in small hotels and transient houses and always feels short changed (thanks to my friends then who wanted everything cheap LOL). This time, we were staying at Azalea Residences. It's a posh living space North of central Baguio City. It's near all known landmarks and establishments in this area and the place is just a taste of tranquility and modern convenience amidst the tourist filled metropolis of Baguio.

 
We arrived in the wee hours of the morning since we had events that afternoon. The place was indeed grandiose, it felt a little like a lodge on a mountain. The cool breeze, the dozens of wild flowers and the nipping fog covering the lush greenery outside was all but beautiful. I already felt I was wrong to treat Baguio City that way and compared it to Tagaytay. It had its own charm, it had its own personality if we can call it that. Azalea Residences in Baguio is pretty new. It's now on the lines of the other Azalea Residences like in Boracay, Davao, Cebu and Angeles City. I would have stayed here if only I had known about it years ago. I'm more glad I'm doing it now.


 You know those Chalet's in the Alpine region in Europe? That's exactly what I imagined when I saw this place. I guess they pretty much pegged it with that. That huge ball in front isn't actually just something to look at, it's a functioning fountain and it adds more pizazz to the place at night time.


 Checking in was a breeze. They didn't actually give much hassle as long as you have the papers filled up. They also gave us extra keys since we probably would end up going in and out of our rooms for the conference. That is quite convenient. 


Just look up and you'll see this huge space endowed with flowers on the wall. Props to the people who designed this space because they didn't sacrifice and put in so much rooms. It never feel cramped, plus I can't believe the rates of this place since I can pretty much stay in a lower class hotel in Manila for the price to pay for a family room here.


The Eight Degrees Lounge on the left side of Azalea was truly inviting. I can already smell the booze from where I stood while we waited for some participants that afternoon. Plus it's mighty nice to chat or have small meetings here too.


This place was packed since experts from Google applications and the social media industry converged in Baguio City to teach small and medium enterprises how to take advantage of technology. We did connect on different levels. I must say, I'd like to do that soon too.

Our Room In Azalea Residences

Our room was huge. It can pretty much house a family of around 4. We were three big guys that day and it was awesome to have that much space. This restored my faith in Baguio as a destination. The fairytale of having a pretty good room was happening right before my eyes. Take a look!


This is a full functioning kitchen. You can choose to cook or just order from their house restaurant. For china, extra spoons or forks and kitchen utensils, don't be afraid to ask the front desk for it and they'll gladly oblige. There's a place to dine and an almost 4 cubic feet refrigerator to keep your wine and drinks cold. Make sure you bring in snacks which you'll need while lounging around the TV.


This is where the magic happens LOL. As I say to my friends... A good blogger deserves a a good bed. This was housed on the right wing of the room. Yes, there are actually 2 rooms inside one room. So all in all, we had sections of it to ourselves. This one's mine. It could pass perhaps for 2 people if they were smaller than me. 


I couldn't remember if we had air conditioning. But then again in Baguio, why would you need air conditioning right? My room had a fan and an LED TV for kicks. I like how it's intimate and a little isolated. I published quite a few entries here because I had some peace and quiet even if they were just in the next room. Which brings us to the living room.


This is the living room. Azrael took dibs on this part of the room, probably because it's spacious. The actual sofa turns into a bed and it can fit two people. There's also a chair you can lounge around in if you would like to read a book, that's if you brought one of course.


This is perhaps the Masters bedroom. It was bigger than my space and had a bigger bed. Each of us had a TV to play with so there's no shortage in shows. We didn't have to quarrel about the remote and had space for all our luggage.


The toilet and bath we had was more than enough. Since this space was designed for a LOT of people, its pretty understandable that we had two inside the unit. So we don't have to scuffle around when it's time for a tour or to go home. It's pretty sad that we had to but we did have a LOT of adventures in between. I'll tell you more about our Baguio and Benguet escapades in the next few days. Stay tuned.

For more information about Azalea Residences (PLUS DEALS ON ROOMS!)

Please visit their official website

http://www.azalea.com.ph




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