Fashion: Ensembles Sultry Summer interview with Carmina Villaroel | Muñiz Shoe Designer

Here is the latest one on one interview with Ensembles celebrity endorser and ultra fashionista, Carmina Villaroel. I didn't know she was a shoe designer until that local TV commercial revealed. Carmina has and successfully, blossomed into a fashion icon that can give any model a run for their money.


Carmina models for her own shoe line

Personally, I love her sophisticated, high-fashion, and age-appropriate style. Admittedly, I was never a fan of Ensembles only until Carmina became their endorser.

What was the experience like for your photoshoot for Ensembles Summer 2011 Campaign? Are you enjoying your new tanned look? As always, I had fun during the shoot. I always look forward to our photo shoots. I love working with my dream team- Mark Nicdao, Robbie P. and Pam Quinones. I love what Pam did to me for the summer look. Fab tan!


Ensembles Sultry Summer Collection

Since you have very fair skin, has it been hard to maintain your skin and keep it healthy-looking during summer? Oh yes, I always take good care of my skin and try to have that sun-kissed look but with my skin tone, it can be difficult to maintain a tan. Back in high school, I attempted to get a tan when I went to Boracay but I failed. I just looked like a lobster. My skin turned red and got sun burned.



What are your thoughts on Ensembles Sultry Summer 2011 collection? I’m a big fan of vibrant, bold colors! I love the entire collection. My super fave is the one-shouldered coral dress I wore during our shoot.


What are your personal styles and favorite outfits during summer season? During summer I love wearing shorts, comfy shirts, tank top, sun dress, flowing skirts, sandals and flip flops.


What are your summer plans for this year? Hopefully, to go on vacation with my whole family either here to Cebu or Bohol or travel overseas.


We keep getting good feedbacks on the Muñiz Shoes! How is it working with Ensembles for your Muñiz shoe line? And what was the experience like for you to personally visit each store to arrange the shoe display? I was so thrilled when Ensembles agreed to put my shoes at their store. I was so excited to fix and arrange my shoes. It’s a dream come true for me to see my shoes finally at the mall. I'm thankful to those who bought my shoes already. My Ensembles family was so supportive of my business-Muñiz shoes. I appreciate all the help they have provided.


Do you plan to make your shoes available to more Ensembles stores? Yes. I will definitely make Muñiz shoes available to other Ensembles stores. Due to a lot of requests, we will also showcase them at Robinson’s Ermita and SM Megamall.

Even Celebrities Love Freebies - Dove Chocolate

I received this pack of Dove Chocolates yesterday while being hypnotized by the Internet. Of course, I couldn't help but rip open a bar of the Milk Chocolate which is Dove Chocolate's best seller.



While munching, I thought I'd search for celebrities who receive freebies like this one. Just for fun and to make issues on schwags even funnier.

Here are celebrities caught in the act of getting Dove Chocolate freebies.



Becki Newton from Ugly Betty poses with her loot bag




Neil Patrick Harris who plays the infamous Barney Stinson in "How I Met Your Mother" TV Show.

Look oh, he even got an extra piece from the back!



Chandra Wilson who plays Doctor Miranda Bailey on "Grey's Anatomy" TV Show.

I'm going to stop now before this turns into a crazy wicked blogger post but this is how I spend my me time. Good thing this Dove Chocolate comes in a bar which is just the right size, or else I can finish a whole block of it and hate it for making my thighs big.

Now I order you to try Dove Chocolate and spend your me time moment with the silkiest, smoothest, and highest quality chocolate. Stare at how they look like so you can recognize them on the shelves!

And in case you want to see more celebs with schwags: http://www.facebook.com/dovechocolate

Marriott Hotel Manila Launches the Festive Season with Habitat for Humanity

Here's more Christmas good news. To celebrate the Festive Season, Marriott Manila joins hands with Habitat for Humanity in building decent houses to live for families in need. Another “Spirit to Serve” activity of the hotel, the project aims to raise funds by working to improve the environment and well-being of the community they serve.



By purchasing a Christmas ball worth P200 each, anyone gets a chance to be part of this worthy cause. Another excuse to enjoy Marriott Hotel's dinner buffet at the M Cafe.



Phoemela Beranda, Ruffa Guttierez, Cory Quirino, and Tim Yap

Spearheading the Christmas Ball donation is Model/Actress Ruffa Guttierez, Pasay City Mayor Antonio Calixto, Marriott Manila General Manager Richard Saul, Marriott Manila Director of Sales and Marketing Indraneel Benadikar, and Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Nicanor-Jacinto.



Marriott Hotel Manila is set in the world class tourism complex of Resorts World Manila. Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest rooms that offers luxurious bedding, high-speed internet, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV and the new remote jack pack plug-and-play system.

Hotel facilities include Quan spa, 6 meeting rooms and a Grand Ballroom, 5 superb restaurants, outdoor pool and a health club.



Don't you wish you can spend your Christmas here? Check out their Holiday Buffet rates at the Marriott Cafe. Thank me later ;)

Christmas Brunch Php 1,850
Dec 04,05,11,12,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24

Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Php 2,500
Dec 24

Christmas Day Buffet Brunch Php 2,500
Dec 25)

New Years Eve Buffet Dinner (Dec 31) Php 2,500

New Years Day Buffet Brunch(Jan 01) Php 2,500

Kim Chiu x Kris Bernal at The Coca Cola Christmas Launch

Kim Chiu looks immaculate, Enchong looks fresh out of the shower.

Kim Chiu is my thinspiration.

There was also a time when Cris Bernal got model thin. She was my thinspiration too. But then people said she was anorexic, hence the healthier look.

Kim Chiu and Kris Bernal.

I like the "malnourished model" look. Both were at the Coca Cola Christmas Launch at Araneta Center where they shared the stage.

Other celebrities at the event:

Beauty Queen #1 Bianca Manalo

Beauty Queen #2 Venus Raj

Favorite love team of all seasons - Nicoleyala and Kristuper

What would the kimeralds say?

Eh how about Jackie Chan x Kim Chiu? I hope Kim stars in the movie and land in Hollywood! :)

Style Scene: PLDT Watchpad's Gabay Guro Celebration

Happy Teacher's Day to all teachers, including my sister Liza. She was murmuring how she didn't feel her special day but I know some teachers did!



Teachers from Cavite at PLDT Watchpad's teacher's day celebration. The event was very moving and sincere. Not so many remembered Teacher's Day but at least PLDT did.



I've never seen teachers this happy, maybe because controversial Bella Padilla was there?



Or is it Illumina star and PLDT Watchpad endorser Rhian Ramos? She always looks so tall :)


Or could it be the wits of former teacher, now dabarkads- Ruby Rodriguez?

For me, it was comedian Kim and Dax who hosted the entire event.



The celebration was fun even for non-teachers like us - me, Jennie (who is homeschooling her son), Alex, and Iris.




Even my home town's governor was there, Strike Revilla but I forgot to get his photo. Angelica Panganiban and Derek Ramsay also dropped by but I got scared of Rubi (just kidding). There were also bands who played and some teachers also won GCs from SM Mall of Asia. What a nice treat for our heroes :)

Gabay Guro or 2G is a project of the PLDT-SMART Foundation that uplifts teachers through trainings, seminars, and livelihood programs among others. 2G also enables broadband services to public schools. For more info about 2G, visit www.gabayguro.com

Thank you to Pinayads.com and Christianhomeschooler.info for some pics :)

Celebrities: Chikka with Dimples Romana and Melissa Ricks

When Dimples Romana is not busy antagonizing Agua Bendita, and Melissa Ricks is not busy defending her love life guess what they get their hands on?


Celebs on webcam and Chikka!

Dimples and Mel told me they like using the new version of Chikka because it lets them I.M. for free. Who knew even celebs like free stuff? They use it to keep in touch with their family and friends. Melissa Ricks says she stays at home during her free time and just loves to sit in front of her laptop - just like most of us.

The two Chikka endorsers also shared how they use the Internet to find out the latest fashion trends. While they're at it, they can easily use Chikka to send SMS from their computers.


The super cute interface of the new Chikka

According to Dennis Mendiola, "Chikka is more relevant than ever. We observe for example that a lot of casual messaging previously exchanged via text has shifted to the social networks. Our latest version is being released, combining the cool convenience of sending an IM message when one is on-line with the personal warmth, immediacy even urgency of receiving a message as text, instantly read on ones phone.”


Chikka Founder and Chief Imagination Officer, Dennis Mendiola and Chikka Chief Executive Officer, Chito Bustamante.

Promoting even higher utility for the community, the new Chikka version features P1.00 replies during off-peak hours when a lot of Global Filipinos are driving message traffic to friends and loved ones mobiles in the Philippines. Unlimited text packages akin to popular UNLI packages being offered by Philippine telcos are also now available all day.

It is also interoperable with Google Talk while Chikka is working on partnering with other instant messaging applications to make it easier for users to keep in touch.



Now Melissa Ricks can text me for free. Chikka!

Style Scene: Artistry Foundation Launch at Shangrila Hotel

Last night at Makati Shangrila Hotel's Rizal Ballroom, Artistry unveiled their new liquid foundation amongst people from the beauty industry.



Artistry models wearing the creations of Francis Libran and make up by Artistry Brand Spokesperson and famous makeup artist - Victor Ortega



Me and my sister who just flew in from OZ, she's a blogger too. I am wearing a dress from Cotton-On and my new bib necklace from the department store ;) Joni is wearing a sequined blouse from Target.



The launch was hosted by Tessa Prieto-Valdez who was the shiniest person in the venue with her royal jewelry. More about her outfit later when I get to upload my ambush interview with her and fashion designer, Francis Libran.


Victor Ortega showing everyone the proper way to apply foundation.


With wonder girls Aubrey, Therese, and Dessa

Watch out for my review of the new Artistry Hydrating Foundation that hydrates and keeps skin moisturized for up to 8 hours.

Samsung Hope x Folded and Hung

Remember that cool Samsung commercial where models are wearing hoodies with different shout outs? The hoodies were available at Folded and Hung stores through Samsung's I Imagine campaign that encouraged the Filipino youth to speak-up and voice-out their opinions, thoughts, feelings and ideas (fashionably).


Sam with winner of the I Imagine contest by Samsung and Folded and Hung

The contest received more than 10,000 entries and proceeds from the sales of the I Imagine hoodies amounting to five hundred thousand pesos,was donated for the causes of Samsung Hope which sends underprivileged children back to school.


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I was there during the turnover and Sam Milby too who is the co-endorser of Samsung and Folded and Hung and spokesperson for the Department of Education. Sam shares in the vision of both companies for a better future for children by providing them quality education which makes him even more gorgeous :)

Style Star: Maja Salvador at the miadidas Launch

Inside the adidas store in Greenbelt 3, we met actress Maja Salvador during the miadidas launch. She was there tinkering with a computer, designing her own pair of adidas rubbershoes. That's what miadidas is all about, customization. And like other celebs such as Karylle and basketball players, you too can make your pair of adidas uniquely yours.



Of course, I just had to ask Maja some questions about beauty, fashion, and her new short hair :)

You can now catch her in a new TV series called Impostor. I like Maja, she's friendly and always smiling. It's just a breeze talking to her.



More on the shoes - The unique customization process of miadidas allows you to create a shoe according to your preferences. Choose from array of models to tinker with, including the Predator PS, Barricade 5, Pro model Team Color, adiEro ACE, Microbounce, TS Bounce Commander, BTB LT, and the TS Lightning Creator.

Meeting V Factory's Jared and Nick

So the Then and Now Massive Music Festival 2010 is happening tomorrow at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, and last night was one of those lucky days for me because I got to meet Jared and Nick of V Factory! :)


Jared Murillo and Nick Teti from V Factory

Both guys are techie, handling their own social networks like Twitter and Facebook. And thank God they know what bloggers are.


Myrus Ramirez (left) was also there, an upcoming pop R&B singer. He will be the front act for tomorrow's music fest.

Jojo was suppose to meet us too but after spotting her dining at Sofitel's Spiral, we learned that she was super exhausted and opted to rest for the concert tomorrow.



The two guys were extremely nice and handsome that I couldn't do anything but just record what transpired during a short Q&A session with them. (Looks like my husband stole my video credit and put his name on it! oh well x.x)


Thanks to Renzie of Divan Media Group - the organizers of the Then and Now Concert

Grab your tickets via Ticketnet, they are fast selling now as International artists have started flowing in the country since last night. Today Diana King is arriving! For more details, log on to www.thenandnowconcert.com

Style Star: Rachelle Ann Go at the AXE Twist Launch

At the AXE Twist launch during the E-Games event, I bumped into Rachelle Ann Go who was with fellow singer Mark Bautista.



Wearing a short and very chic dress (because guys want less right?), Rachelle looked like the diva that she is. Watch the video above where Style and Relax interviews Rachelle Ann about her style, beauty regimen, and her voluptuous hair :)

Bianca Araneta on Beauty and Pregnancy

At the stroller parade that was held at the Megamall Atrium, I got to interview Bianca Araneta-Elizalde who was hosting the event.



Bianca has two children and swears by organic food and beauty products to maintain her youthful glow. According to her, her beauty regimen was very simple especially because she just stayed at home most of the time whenever she is pregnant.

Sarah Geronimo's 2010 Fashion

At the recent launch of Cebuana Lhuillier's 24K loyalty card, singing sensation Sarah Geronimo shared with Style and Relax her 2010 fashion resolutions.



The Cebuana Lhuillier endorser swears how investing has helped her grow her money and Sarah wants her fans to know how important saving is. With the new 24K loyalty card, Cebuana Lhuillier customers can earn points for every transaction in any Cebuana Lhuilier company which includes Just Jewels.

Star Style: Milena Krahulcova

San Miguel Beer Pale Pilsen model, Milena Krahulcova of Czech Republic shares with Style and Relax her beauty secret and how she maintains her sexy body!



Milena is appearing soon in a commercial with hot hunk Derek Ramsey for San Miguel Beer Pale Pilsen.

P.S. Pardon my super loud voice because the venue is also super noisy :D

Style Scene: Choco Lava Launch

At Kaya Korean Restaurant, I had the first taste of the newest chocolate drink endorsed by John Lloyd - Choco Lava. Surprisingly, the Choco Lava was served cold but it was as creamy as hot chocolate. According to John Lloyd who was across my table, Choco Lava is fat free and can be enjoyed without the guilt. Zero grams of fat and only 80 calories per serving :)


John Lloyd doesn't want to get fat!

“I hardly ever took chocolate beverages because they’re too fattening… but with Choco Lava, I now have a choice. I can enjoy a chocolate drink na hindi ako magsisisi in the end.” I also have to note how fresh John Lloyd looks this time, better than the last time I saw him. Maybe chocolate makes him happy?


Chele and Ginny of Stratworks

Trying out Choco Lava in style are other members of the press, friends from Stratworks, and fans of Mr. Choco Lava himself.


Choco Lava-holics

According to the Choco Lava team, the drink is really meant to be served cold as it can go with anything that way. It's a good treat during lunch breaks or to signal your relaxing me time at home.



Yet, I tried Choco Lava hot and it is just as good. Especially on rainy days, it's a guilt-free chocolatey activity for a happy midnight snack!