Love it or Hate it?

I’m beginning to see why most stylistas are dreading the Ungaro-Lohan collection.Take a look at these outfits:

I’m not exactly sure why the theme is peppered with hearts… but heart pasties? Hmmm. Not really loving it. Not loving it AT all.

These colors are, as much as i love vibrant colors, not really pretty with the cuts of the dresses. I’m not exactly sure who Lohan had in mind when she made these designs —certainly these won’t be something she’d wear, would she?

Estrella Archs and Lindsay Lohan at the Emanuel Ungaro show in Paris on Sunday. (images courtesy of NYtimes)

I’m not quite sure what to make of it, or if it has profitabilty at all. It DID disappoint, as far as what i’ve seen, and i guess i expected so much better from la Lohan. Hmmm. I stand by my theory that La Lohan just be an actress/model, and not add designer to the list. Can i get an amen?

Postcard Sneak Peek: Sorbetes

I’ve been vector doodling in my free time. Here’s one of the designs i’ve included into my new postcard set. Sorbetes is local ice cream peddled around the streets, usually by a sorbetero, or ice cream vendor. It’s also commonly known as “dirty ice cream“.

Given the recent tragedies that has assailed my country recently, a portion of the profits i get from the sales of my postcards will be donated to the victims of the typhoons. Keep you guys posted on when it’s going to be available!

Status Music Release Party

Where the Wild Things Are

Adventures in Green Shopping

It’s a sign of the times when caring for the environment has become part of your daily routine. I learned it the hard way, a lesson that’s been especially pressed on to me more so since the recent typhoons’ onslaught in the country. Checking out some interesting sites and reading up on ways to reduce my trash made me realize that Going Green is as easy as changing one thing about your lifestyle — or it can be a combination of changes.

That made me think about my daily routine. At first i was intimidated to get into the green bandwagon (after all, i live in a building and had no means to make my own compost, plant trees, or even put up solar panels). What can i do? I started with changing my bulbs to CFLs — that worked BIG time for such a small change. Reducing cost of energy as well as reducing my usage of energy? Neat-o! But what else? Aside from work, i usually would go get stock for my kitchen, as well as other items i may need in the house. That usually meant lots of shopping bags, which was usually made of plastic.

It was like a lightbulb went inside my head — say no to plastic bags!

Lucky for us busy urbanites, so many “green bags” are being offered these days that it’s not a very difficult thing to do! Supermarkets and other stores are starting to go green by supplying shoppers with green bags or reusable totes for their shopping items, even offering promos/rebates for using them. Rustan’s Supermarket started the go green trend with their rebate program (using a green bag doubles your purchase points). SM even has a GREEN shopping day (wednesday — so you can get points for using the bag). . I’m glad that most companies have adopted the “say no to plastic” idealogy by giving their customers an option.

Of course, there are other “designer-type” bags you can also buy to replace your plastic bag usage. Most of them are small enough to fit into your bag so you can use them whenever and wherever. This makes it more convenient for us, especially those who complain that bringing extra bags can be too much (?) to carry around. I was fortunate enough to get two of these reusable bags as gifts last year, which made my shopping experience a more green-conscious one! Just make sure you remember to bring yours when you head out the door — i remember the first few times i went out without them in my bag, i felt so foolish and guilty for buying something that i ended up just keeping the receipt and stuffing what i bought into my small purse. I ended up mooshing what i bought and making a mess in my bag. That will teach me!

If you’re not into buying a “green bag”, bring one existing bag that’s not used (a canvas bag or old tote bag will do) for your purchases. Be creative! Jazz it up with some paint, colors and/or beads to make it your own. Bags are there for a purpose, to carry things, but if you prefer yours with a certain look, by all means go get creative! A friend of mine reuses her old canvas bags to purchase food and other items from the market, killing two birds with one stone: she is able to re-purpose her old bag, and do her share in saving the environment!

Another tip i got on green shopping was to carefully consideration the items i buy. “While reusing bags can help out tremendously, let’s also consider the packaging in which our bought items are in“. I started to consider packages in paper and other recyclable items (like cardboard, tetra packs, etc.). It’s hard to shop when you’re thinking about all these things, i must admit!

Is it paper? plastic? If so, can these be reused once the item is out of the packaging?

Consider items that are “tingi” or in small portions that is commonly used in our society. While these serve as an economic solution to provide the items at a cheaper cost, most of these are packed in plastic too small to be reused. The amount of the product is also significantly diminished, which leads me to ask, is it really worth buying? Since you can’t reuse the packaging it comes with (usually in plastic), throwing away the plastic packaging only adds up to the plastic pollution. My mom was indeed right — buying in bulk really was a good way to go, especially with items that don’t spoil so easily, since they keep and use less plastic for packaging (i started the big plastic packaging as liners for my trashcans — a neat way to reuse them! check out this video for more ways on reusing plastic bags) which made me feel (admittedly) good about shopping (well, usually shopping does give me a boost, but knowing that i am shopping with a more green-conscious mind makes it all the better!)

So there you have it. I still haven’t been able to install solar panels to harness solar power (if only!) or really contributed to local market support (i think i need to do that more), but i’d like to think i’ve started making a dent on my carbon footprint by living the “green lifestyle” through these very simple steps.I have to admit, the cause is a bit daunting. Sometimes i win, sometimes i lose. Living the green lifestyle is challenging, especially when you know a plastic bag is so readily available and items are packaged so readily into solo servings. I guess the main challenge that i face is whether or not to give in to the easy life or be conscious of my actions. But the reward/item is so much sweeter when you buy it knowing you did your bestest to not make a mess of your planet, by doing your share.

Feed the People!

The Aftermath of a Storm

The news has circulated by now — the Philippines suffered an onslaught of one typhoon after another, rending the capital city helpless from its lashings, submerging its towns and cities into massive wreckage.

Typhoon Ketsana (or what we call Ondoy)’s rains refused to stop for two days — by saturday, the entire city was awash with waters, and most of the towns were knee/waist/neck deep in water. I could not believe it. It wasn’t a super typhoon, but it made the city stop. By saturday night i was scrambling for information, witnessing on the news the devastation that the typhoon brought.

The week was an aftermath of picking up the pieces and preparing for another incoming storm – Parma (Pepeng). This super typhoon was highly anticipated, especially since the news said it was a category 5 typhoon. The weekend saw Pepeng make landfall. Though thankfully it spared Metro Manila, it lashed its fury on northern Luzon, leaving a wreckage that destroyed many towns and left many stranded, hurt and displaced.

Typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma) have given the country so much damage, trauma and wreckage one can only wonder how our country will stand on its feet again — poverty, sickness and corruption in the system has already rendered us weak, now this?

Yet in the bleakest of times i saw a resurgence of the “bayanihan” spirit, a unique trait that filipinos have always been akin to — that instinct to help others no matter how hard the times, giving of themselves in spite of the burdening problems that already lie on their back.

My friend Zsa, visiting from our hometown, was stranded in Manila because of the rains, and was staying with me for the time being. Together we volunteered at the Tulong Bayang Operations at Whitespace, along with our friend Monette from FlipTravels. Immediately you feel it: that sense of urgency to help, that sincere desire to alleviate a fellow’s hardship/problem. Around us were kids, students, parents, teachers, professionals — volunteering their time and efforts to pack goods of relief to be sent out to evacuees and displaced folks.

We volunteered a couple more days, and steadfastly keep ourselves updated in all means possible — the net, twitter, plurk, the news, even on the radio. Going through the various channels, i saw a burgeoning spirit, something that i have not seen or felt in a long time: people are willingly helping out. I was both surprised and filled with happiness to see that in spite of all the negativity/apathy that has been swirling about the country over religion, politics and the like, a common goal of helping each other out has brought together people from all walks of life.

Yes, the fight continues on until now. Many are still displaced, many towns and areas are still flooded. Donations are still needed, volunteers are still wanted. For those who are reading this, i implore you, donate or volunteer at the area nearest you. An extra pair of hands is ALWAYS welcome.

While typhoons may be the great equalizer, people are the catalysts for change.

Let us be the catalysts for change.

Pelicula.ph

Change starts with YOU

Where to HELP ONDOY/KETSANA Typhoon Victims

LOCATION BREAKDOWN FOR VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS FOR VICTIMS OF TYPHOON ONDOY.

QUEZON CITY.

- go to ateneo de manila university, katipunan avenue, and proceed to the college covered courts to volunteer. shifts are in three hour cycles. you can go as early as 6AM but it goes on the whole day.

- please bring packed/cooked food to 12 Denmark, Loyola Grand Villas, QC, and help @patriciahizon whose group was the only one helping the victims in tumana today.

- TULONG BAYAN, to volunteer, just go to Balay Expo Center in Cubao, Edsa cor McArthur, 8AM onwards. contact (02) 9137122 and look for Mary, May or Cam

- donations accepted in MIRIAM COLLEGE insa office.

- donations also accepted in UP DILIMAN student council office at vinzons hall.

- for the GMA Kapuso Foundation, you can drop your donations at Samar St. cor GMA Network drive, QC. Behind GMA complex. Beside Malayan Bank. Tel # 9284299, 9289351, 9827777.

- for those who want to volunteer for sagip kapamilya: call 4132667/4160387, or go to #13 examiner st., west triangle, QC

- the other address for sagip kapamilya is sct. bayoran corner tomas morato. look for Girlie Aragon or Jet at 0916-7227806 or 0929-5348176

- this is the REAL SAGIP KAPAMILYA ACCOUNT for your donations: banco de oro #56 300 20111 under abs-cbn foundation. to all those spreading fake accounts, please naman..

MANILA:

- DLSU along taft avenue will be accepting any and all kinds of donations starting 830AM.

- csb alumni also accepting donations at 9/f dls-csb school of design and arts building, along pablo ocampo street, vito cruz.

- UST is also accepting your donations, proceed to the Tan Yan Kee Student Center.

- donations can be dropped off at victory church in malate, call 5221212 or visit the victory website.

PASIG:

- MEGATENT, Meralco Ave, Ortigas beside Renaissance: need more volunteers and donations! Very big space! Open 24 hrs til Friday!

- according to @margaga, poveda school (beside galleria) opens 9AM tomorrow and is open to all volunteers and any kind of donations.

- according to @angel21kawaii, CFC Center in Ortigas is receiving donations in cash or in kind. Call (02)7270682-87 or 09195359036.

- donations can be dropped off at victory church in ortigas, contact 6311212 or visit the victory website.

MANDALUYONG:

- GAWAD KALINGA is accepting volunteers and donations, base is RFM gym in pioneer. Contact Raul Dizon 09178888109 and Felice Caringal 09178888304. for other GK sites you can help out, check out this blog.

MAKATI:

- White Space in Pasong Tamo ext. / Chino Roces is in need of volunteers to pack goods

- you can drop of your donations at Assumption College, San Lorenzo Village, Makati

- you can drop off your donations at the following stores in rockwell powerplant mall: aranaz, luca, greyone social.

TAGUIG or FORT area:

- donations can be dropped off at victory church in the fort, you can call 8171212 or visit the victory website.

- you can drop off your donations in Embassy Superclub in the fort.

PASAY:

- @elizabacud shares that Manila Doctors College will also be accepting donations. Bring anything that can help at Speech Lab., Macapagal Blvd, PasayCity

SAN JUAN:

- La Salle Greenhills, Xavier School, and ICA (right beside Xavier) are also accepting donations. Xavier will be accepting goods till 12midnight.

FAIRVIEW area:

- Help needed in Fairview and Novaliches. Please send clothes, food, water, meds & blankets to the Divine Savior Parish in North Fairview.

SOUTH (alabang, las pinas, paranaque):

- drop donations or volunteer at DE LA SALLE ZOBEL. Contact Ms. Angie Brazan at the Social Action Office 0917-8597602

- you can drop donations at the ATC concierge, call 8422782 or 7721860

- san beda alabang in alabang hills village is also accepting donations

- you can help pack donations 10AM at st. james church, ayala alabang village

- you may volunteer at Red Cross Alabang – ATC along Zapote Road fronting National Bookstore call 8097131 for info

- CFC center in Las Pinas City is accepting donations. it is near Verdant and in front of the construction of SM Center Las Pinas. Contact 09174493154 / 8460809

- There are two new drop-off points for relief goods. Recipients will be various areas, including flooded Parañaque & Muntinlupa areas. You can get in touch with Jeff Tagle (09178875824) and Katrina Villareal (09175298332) respectively for details.

BAGUIO:

- donations can be dropped off at the ABSCBN Baguio Office

- donations are also accepted at the Baguio Convention Center Executive Room from 10am til 4pm starting tomorrow til Friday. Volunteers are urged to come.

- Organizing a soup kitchen. Baguio donating vegetables to arrive via Victory Liner. Contact Dave at 09178396179.

BULACAN:

- RedCross bulacan accepts donations. It is located in Malolos Bulacan, near bulacan capitol

CAGAYAN:

- send your donations to the kkp office in xavier university, ATENEO DE CAGAYAN.

CAVITE:

- DLSU-Dasmarinas is also accepting donations, pls proceed to the 2nd floor of SBC Building

BATANGAS:

- DE LA SALLE LIPA is now accepting your donations, drop off point is at the college lobby.

CEBU:

- details on how you can donate are on noelle’s blog or the living for a cause blog.

BACOLOD:

- For your donations, drop off center is at the Coliseum in the University of St. La Salle. 435-3857

- CAFE BREIZH wil be a drop off center for donations. text 09193651101 for details.

ILOILO:

- You may send your donations at ABS-CBN Broadcast Complex, Luna St. Lapaz; Tel #: (33) 320 9451 to 53 |(33) 320 7423

DAVAO:

- ATENEO DE DAVAO is accepting in kind donations for ondoy. drop off at the samahan office in jacinto campus.

- BANTAY BATA 163 davao located at matina,davao city is also a drop off point for any in-kind donations.

ZAMBOANGA:

- ATENEO DE ZAMBOANGA is accepting donations. You may bring them to the SACSI office. Look for Alma Curesma, 991-0871, loc 2224 or 2225.

for PETS in need of aid:

- @kimmydeleon is announcing that PARC is open for animals. Click this site for info of PAWS for helping from the flood.

for those in SINGAPORE:

- dropoff for relief goods is @ airfreight lucky plaza #03-09. can call 62351011, they are open up to 7pm.

- pinoys are mobilizing and gathering donations, visit this forum for more details.

for those in SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA:

- you can deliver relief goods to 303/5 Stromboli Strait, Homebush Bay 2127. you can also contact through twitter at @allorange if you want to arrange for a pick up in the city

for those in CANADA:

- TORONTO – pinoys are spearheading efforts to help, visit this website for details.

- WINNIPEG – the Philippine Community Centre of Manitoba here in Winnipeg Canada started to raise money for the victims today

for those based in BELGIUM:

- from @SayChiz, they can contact Shiera Catalan at +32485328811 if they want to donate goods for typhoon relief

for anyone in the UNITED STATES:

- you can call the ABS-CBN US Helpline at 1-800-5272820 to know how you can help

- also, you can donate through the kapuso foundation site: http://www.kapusofoundation.com/

- with your credit card, donate via the the abs-cbn foundation: http://www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/donate.php

- CALIFORNIA – Island Pacific Supermarket is gathering donations to be shipped to the Philippines

for anyone else ABROAD who wants to help:

- you can donate through the paypal account link on this site: http://www.txtpower.org/2009/09/philippines-help-typhoon-victims-in-luzon-philippines/

- the official website of the PHILIPPINE RED CROSS has a complete listing of how you can donate to them: http://www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/wtd.aspx

- the ayala foundation is also accepting your donations through their website: https://www.myayala.com/ondoy/Default.asp

- you can donate through the kapuso foundation site: http://www.kapusofoundation.com/

- you can use your credit card to donate via the the abs-cbn foundation: http://www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/donate.php

- donate rice through the UN’s World Food Programme through their official website: https://www.wfp.org/donate/ondoy

OTHER FORMS OF HELP FOR YOU:

NEED TO SEND YOUR DONATIONS? Mail & More, FedEx & Air21 outlets are now accepting donations. For locations please call 8794789 or log to their official website: www.mailandmore.com.ph

PAL IS OFFERING FREE AIRLIFT FOR DONATIONS. for details, click on the pal website: http://www.philippineairlines.com/news/free_pal_airlift_of_donations_for_ondoy_victims.jsp

TO REPORT MISSING LOVED ONES OR AREAS IN NEED OF HELP: call the SAGIP KAPAMILYA HOTLINES at 4110011, 4110012, 4110013.

HOTLINES FOR MISSING PERSONS:
marikina – 09209389914
qc – 09216555262
pasig – 09189356318
cainta – 09175606241.

DATABASE OF ONDOY VICTIMS AND EVACUATION CENTERS: click on the ateneotaskforceondoy website: http://ateneotaskforceondoy.misa.org.ph/

FOR CAR TOWING NEEDS: HONDA and NISSAN offer free towing! call 09228504452, 09224452242, and 09228997959.

DONATIONS ON WHEELS!! if you have donations to give but no means to transport, contact 09189791229, 09177974098, 09326991794. don’t worry guys, this is not a scam! its by friends of @jiggycruz!

WANT TO OFFER YOUR MEDICAL SERVICES? please submit your name and contact details to Dr. V. Gisbert 0917-8922807 and Dr. J. Sinon at 0917-5261345