The Panda Tries To Blog

 Just recently, we've witnessed the opening of another shopping complex -- the SM CDO Downtown Premier. I've been invited to the exclusive preview for media influencers of this favored clothing line in the city, MAGS. We've got the regal Ms. Alice Dixson on the menu, new trendy clothes to watch out for and life lessons we can all take note of. Learn more about the humble beginnings of this homegrown fashion brand as you read along.

Photo by: Ton Bollozos Ox-Blood Red Overalls: The Arte Facts White Turtleneck Top: Shabby Chic White Oxfords: Zanea

Wearing two OXs for today's outfit post -- the ox-blood overalls and my oxford shoes. Haha! Okay guys, I'm just tryna be witty here. Geez. My fashion moods are weird. One minute I'm gushing about bohemian outfits, the next thing I know, my outfits range from Japanese to Korean-inspired fashion.

The famous Steve Jobs once said that, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all the matters of the heart, you'll know it when you find it." He wasn't an artist or a painter, in fact, he was an entrepreneur slash genius, greatly known as the co-founder and CEO of Apple Inc. He just knew the secret to life through that quote. In relation to that quote, today's article will be about a certain someone who is actually living the good life -- a life where she knows that what she is doing is something she loves and it is in art where she finds such happiness. 

It has been said that everyone has talent. What's rare is the courage to follow it to the dark places where it leads. I have always been a big fan of people who express themselves through art. I think they're in this level of deep thinking that no other person could understand but them. What amazes me more is when they come out and bring their ideas to life. I believe that's what makes these people fearless and unique -- to be able to share their God-given talents and a part of their world to others. So for today's article, I feel so lucky and grateful to be given the chance to do a short interview on two of my favorite female artists from the city. Read along as they each share their own sentiments on their passion for art and fashion. And here I am, giggling like a fangirl! Hahaha. Enjoy!

Annyeong-haseyo! It's hard to deny that the K-pop invasion has taken over so many, not to mention, the world. From music, tv series, makeup and skincare, they've got us hooked! If you find yourself singing lyrics you don't even understand or you get caught up in the latest Kdrama and finish it in just a day, then it's official. You got the K-fever, dude.

"Nothing makes a woman's heart beat faster than a fashion sale."

White cotton top from @ysasimbs, red peplum skirt from @barotsayacdo and 3-way bikini top from @thebeachproject_ph

So, what has basically dominated my closet? Gingham prints. This checkered trend has made a comeback in the world of fashion lately. It has also been widely used as a fashion statement since the late 40s and 60s. I'm digging how it could suddenly give one that fresh, youthful vibe. Honestly, it's not easy to pull off without looking like a picnic table cloth. (I bet I'm not the only one who thinks that way. Haha!) But with the right color and accessories, we can totally flaunt the modern-day gingham girl look.

I couldn't get over the fact that last July 23, 2016, I finally met the girls I've always been eye-ing on from their blogs to their Lookbook profiles to their perfect Instagram feeds. They're also one of the reasons why I've even started blogging! This is seriously #fangirlgoals. 

It left me open-mouthed when one of the most sought-after Japanese clothing brands offered me an opportunity to become one of their store's Fashion Influencers. (Like OMG! Am I dreaming? Seriously, it's UNIQLO!) Until now, I'm still in awe. Not only is it being personally endorsed by our country's very own Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach, but more importantly, it is also known for its high-quality fabric and effortless concepts.

UNIQLO Lifewear has at long last made its way to the Golden City of Friendship! This lifewear apparel makes the simplest designs and manages to make anyone still look modernly elegant. Who doesn't want clothing that's light, comfortable and can easily be worn any day? I'm definitely all up for that.

Have you ever imagined your life as a movie sometimes? I SWEAR THAT'S MY FAVORITE PAST TIME! My life is seriously influenced by books and movies so much that I daydream about it most days. Yes, I'm weird like that.

"I think the strongest prayer I've ever prayed is a single phrase I declared with great honesty: Lord, I have no idea what You're doing, but I trust you."

Nope, not martial arts... It's another M!

So last November 3, 2016, I was one of the six ladies who got to join the first batch of the Basic Makeup Workshop by Frank Tongco. I got really excited when my Mom encouraged me to join because she knows how much I love to learn about makeup and learning from THE Frank Tongco himself would be such a privilege. Frank Tongco is one of the city's well-known makeup artists and I've always been a fan of his work. From daytime makeup to high fashion makeup to bridal makeup, just name it. He knows what to do! (Hi Frank! Merese! Hahaha!)

Florals, pastel hues and nude palettes. The official collection launch of Spruce definitely gave me great aesthetic pleasure. For those who share the same love for femininity, I'm pretty sure you'll be raving about their new additions to the store, like I did.

I finally did and I'm happy I did. It has still been a week and I'm already so in love with it. It's such an achievement for me to finally mark this one out of my checklist. It is sort of a big goal because I'm NOT good at saving! I've decided to write this article just because I feel like Fuji is seriously #photogoals.

"Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on."

So here I am, awkwardly congratulating myself for finally making a blog. My family and friends used to bug me to make one and I always had reasons not to, like being too lazy to make one or I never had it in me to share my world to random readers. So yeah, here’s to my loud mind and awkward sense of humor. 

Okay… So, if you’re into fashion vices, wintermelon milktea, overdosing on YOLO, getting crazy, being a wanderlust, being a bit of a drama queen, being emotional when you hear the favorite lines of your favorite songs and probably reflecting a lot about your life, well then, I think we would really get along.

 Here’s to living louder.

The weather seemed very helpful when I picked out my outfit for the day. It's just one of those days where you just want to pull out something loose and comfy because it's a cold world out there. I'm actually trying to put a balance between my black and white outfits. I figured that I need to invest on nude or cream tones too!