Pierra Calasanz-Labrador's Blog

 

We got a head start on summer earlier this week, just as the weather turned warm! (I will definitely miss the extended cool weather we’ve been enjoying lately, but I admit I was worried I was going to freeze at the beach so it was a pleasant surprise when the sun turned up the heat just in time.)

 

To complete the tropical vibe, my official bag of the summer is this handcrafted rattan Talitha tote by Cathy’s Bags! I love its chic yet laid-back, even somewhat vintage-y look. I have a feeling I’ll be taking this adorable tote wherever I go–from coffeeshop meetings, treasure hunting adventures, and picnic parties, to my happy place by the sea!

Check out other lovely local designs at http://www.cathysbags.com.

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My order of The Manila Diary just arrived, and holy camote, it’s gorgeous! It’s a set of 4 beautifully-crafted, undated journals with an equal number of lined and unlined pages, which you can fill in as you please throughout the year. It’s punctuated by 12 lovely postcards and prints which you can give away or (most likely) frame. And how precious are those bronze foil-stamped covers featuring illustrations of the architectural gems of Manila?

Clockwise from left: Manila Metropolitan Theater, Manila Post Office, Manila Cathedral, and the Regina Building

 

This set is made for anyone enamored with the city, and meant to inspire us to create our own adventures/projects/stories/memories. As it says within its pages: “Take a piece of Manila, give a piece of yourself back.”

 

I love that my order came with this handwritten note by its maker, Kath Mitra of TwoThirtySixty (@23060ph): “In a city of contrasts, everything may seem chaotic, and gritty, and noisy, but despite all of that there is still beauty in it all. You pay attention to different things, different details, and that’s what makes each of your memories unique. So I urge you to keep looking up, keep looking around. There is so much more to see when you focus your vision and have an open heart.”

 

I have a feeling this is going to be a beautifully creative year. The Heartbreak Diaries part 2, perhaps?

The Manila Diary: Stories and Memories Vol 01 by TwoThirtySixty X Isabel Bayani is available in Raw Concrete and Pastel Pink. To order, email info@twothirtysixty.net or visit http://www.twothirtysixty.net.

 

 

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“You have treasures hidden within you–extraordinary treasures–and so do I, and so does everyone around us. And bringing those treasures to light takes work and faith and focus and courage and hours of devotion, and the clock is ticking, and we simply do not have time anymore to think so small.”–Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic

Starting the year with an inspiring read. Let’s weave magic in 2017, everyone!

Socks of the day: Bambi socks by Topshop X Disney

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Have you picked your 2017 planner yet? I actually take this super seriously, because somehow the planner I choose sets the tone for the year. The Daykeeper was my daily planner/gratitude journal for 2016, and I’m crushed that it’s not available this year (but the makers promise it will be back in 2018!). Thankfully, there’s still a wide selection of fab planners out there—here are some great, locally-made contenders:

For the dreamer

“This is not just a planner. 365 Wonders is a book of wonders. Yours, to be exact.” Packed to the brim with bits of poetry, empowering stories, and illustrations by local artists, it aims to trigger your creativity and make every day feel like a magical adventure. It’s gorgeously colorful and eclectic (probably not for those who like their planners super streamlined) although a bit pricey at P1500, but consider it a work of art and it’s well worth it. Available at Fully Booked and Common Room, or find out more here.

 

For the doer

What is your ikigai—what gets you out of bed in the morning? The Everything is Possible planner is packed with motivational tips to help you visualize and set clear goals, and more importantly, actually achieve them. (Seriously, it works—in tandem with the lovely Daykeeper date book, I used the Everything is Possible planner religiously the year leading up to the publication of my book The Heartbreak Diaries, and I actually realized my goal after years of putting it off!). Available at major bookstores nationwide or find out more here.

 

For the girl on-the-go

When you can’t be bothered to lug heavy planners around but still like writing things down, this compact, no-frills undated planner by DesignHatch is easy to pop in your purse and pencil in events wherever you are. Available at Scribe.

 

For the multitasking shopaholic

The Belle de Jour Power Planner features weekly affirmations, special worksheets, plus a coupon booklet for discounts and freebies, so Bellas can achieve their goals in style. Available at major bookstores nationwide or find out more here.

 

For the generous spirit

By claiming The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Giving Journal, you are already helping the communities it supports. And with lovely illustrations and inspiring quotes peppered throughout the planner, you are motivated to make a difference in the lives of others as you work toward your own goals and brew your best year yet. (Bonus: lots of CBTL freebie coupons!) Available in several colors, but I love the teal cover best. For more information, visit http://www.coffeebean.com.ph.

Wishing you a bright and beautiful and productive 2017!

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Looking for the perfect gifts for your girlfriends? If they grew up on fairy tales, they’re sure to love a beauty treat from the #Happy SkinXDisney limited edition collection!

Cinderella was sold out at the branch I visited, so she’s missing from this photo (or maybe it was past her curfew? Tee hee!)

 

For my own Christmas party with college pals, I decided to gift each girl with a Happy Skin X Disney Princess lippie. I’m already a fan of their moisturizing matte lippies in wonderfully wearable colors so I knew the girls would love them, but picking out the Disney Princess (and shade!) that would match each friend made this year’s gift giving extra fun! I realize that not all the girls would end up with her personal favorite, but I wrote little notes to share why I thought a particular princess reminded me of her (Rapunzel for the girl who always has perfect hair, classic Snow White for someone industrious and kind, Belle for a dermatologist friend who also happens to be beautiful inside and out).

Elsa Moisturizing Matte Lippie (a deep plum shade), Anna Moisturizing Matte (toasted cherry), Belle Moisturizing Lippie (nude-honey), Ariel Liquid Matte Lipstick (red wine), Rapunzel Moisturizing Lippie (mauve ), Snow White Moisturizing Matte Lippie (apple-red), and Aurora Moisturizing Matte Lippie (rose)

 

The moisturizing lippies are formulated with Happy Skin’s unbeatable combo of Shea Butter and Collagen to hydrate and protect the lips, while the moisturizing matte lippies contain Cupaçu Butter for that non-drying finish. No more chapped lips!

If I had to pick one for myself, I would probably choose mermaid Ariel, my all-time favorite princess, or perhaps Aurora, because the rose moisturizing matte lippie is so lovely. Or wait, maybe even Cinderella, because I believe in the magical power of beautiful shoes (and courage and kindness, of course. But pretty shoes are great). And because these days, I already want to head home from parties at the stroke of midnight, ha ha!

Happy Skin X Disney Princess Cinderella Liquid Matte Lipstick, a lovely mauve shade (Photo courtesy of Happy Skin)

 

Which Disney Princess would you choose for yourself? I’d love to know!

Check out the complete Happy Skin X Disney Princess Collection (lippies, mesh blush, and powder foundation) at Rustan’s, Beauty Bar, Plains & Prints, and Happy Skin stores nationwide, or shop online at http://www.happyskincosmetics.com

 

 

 

 

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As much as I love the leg-slimming magic of heels, I can’t last in them for very long anymore (to think I used to live in them!). These days, I’m usually in sneakers or oxfords, but with holiday season now upon us, I was starting to worry about what shoes would be comfy but dressy enough for parties. Block heels to the rescue!

I remember when sturdy, low-heeled pumps were referred to as “sensible” (read: boring) shoes, but thank goodness that the updated chunkier block-heeled styles are now considered super chic.

These “Atalanta Petite” gold ankle-strap shoes from Sala Chaussures look party-perfect with a fancy bow, and the two-inch block heels are a super manageable height for events where you’ll be on your feet all night.

If you’re still a high heels devotee (darn these lola legs!), Sala has a 4-inch pump version of these beribboned beauties, alongside other decadent styles (I’m lusting after the Titania Pumps and hope it comes in a lower version someday…). Thank you Rachelle Medina of Real Living for introducing me to this Cebu-based, proudly Filipino brand!

Visit Sala Chaussures on Facebook and Instagram, or message them at sala.chaussures@gmail.com or mobile 0927-6077000. Select styles are also available at Fifth Rack at 46 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes Parañaque, or at ava.ph.

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With yesterday’s upsetting news, I was a little hesitant to share this, but then I realized, we need joyful little stories more than ever.

Today, ex-publishing hotshot turned life coach Aurora (Aueeie) Suarez is launching her December Joy series for her e-newsletter subscribers. “I usually send out little notes once a month that hopefully inspire, encourage and sometimes challenge them. December is usually a stressful time for everyone—with the traffic, the Christmas parties, all the preparation, the gifts!  Sometimes we forget that it is—and can be—a season of joy.  What I’m planning to do this Christmas is to email my subscribers a reminder every five days to make time for joy.  And rather than just hearing one voice—mine, which they’ve been hearing throughout the year—I thought it would be interesting if other beautiful and amazing women talk to them during this season, especially women who live life with so much joy,” shares Aueeie.

So I’m happy and humbled to announce that the first contributor sharing a joyful story in today’s edition of the December Joy series is… me! It was a little embarrassing to spill my guts about the moment that surprisingly gave me the most joy this year, but I hope you get to read it.

To find out why I started with this quote from the book Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto (and to receive joyful little missives throughout the month from fellow contributors Yvette Fernandez, Monica Eleazar-Manzano, Paula Jenkins and Chinggay Labrador, plus artwork by Abbey Sy!), do visit http://www.auroramsuarez.com and subscribe to the newsletter (the prompt should instantly pop-up on your screen). I know, I know, we usually avoid signing up for anything that will probably end up as junk mail, but I hope you’ll find that Aueeie’s empowering little notes and journal prompts serve as wonderful guides to live with intention.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season!

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Almost exactly a year ago, I stepped into Common Room Katipunan with my very first delivery of my poetry book The Heartbreak Diaries. It was pretty surreal walking into this magical arts and crafts wonderland, realizing my own work was now going to be on display along with all the lovingly crafted products by local artists that I’ve spent hours and hours looking at. When Roma Agsalud, Common Room’s “Mother Hen” (as I like to call her) approached me, instead of a handshake to seal the deal, she enveloped me in a warm hug. At that moment, I knew I was truly part of the Common Room family. (Shucks, I didn’t expect to tear while writing this!)

 

I don’t know how to describe what a big deal it was for me to score a coveted spot on the shelves of Common Room, especially back then when they were just starting out, and their roster was only limited to about 30 brand partners and concessionaires. But as I jostled for shopping space with fellow lovers of pretty, artsy things during every visit, I knew Common Room would be the perfect home for my little book of hugot poetry (illustrated by the amazing young artist Celina de Guzman). About a month before The Heartbreak Diaries was published, I took a shot in the dark—suntok sa buwan!—and sent a proposal to Roma along with my manuscript, in the hopes that Common Room would make space for me. Little did I know that Roma and her sister/partner Maan were already thinking of creating a book corner, as well as planning a Christmas pop-up to give a fresh new batch of artists and makers a chance to shine. My timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Hashtag: Dare to dream!

This was how the brand new bookshelf looked on my very first day at Common Room!

 

Don’t you just love supportive friends? My lovely pal Kim Reyes-Palanca and her adorable son Lucas trekked to Common Room Katipunan to get a copy of The Heartbreak Diaries!

 

The expanded zine/graphic novel/indie book section was so unexpectedly popular that Roma and Maan decided to keep it permanently after the pop-up. Looking back today, it’s been such a fun, fulfilling, blessed year (pop-ups in the South! A crafts fair at Nayong Pilipino! A 6-month shop at Power Plant! Connecting with kindred Common Room customers and fellow makers!) since Ate Roma welcomed me with open arms.

 

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, and this means that starting this weekend, Common Room is holding another Christmas pop-up featuring exciting new brands/artists alongside all the Common Room regulars we love. The new brands include (I’m posting their IG handles here so you can take a peek at their merch): @shopnikitaph, @carawrrr, @stitchingdream, @inkylivie, @lifelistplanner, @womancreate, @shop400lux, @hueandai, and @mabbymakes.Our little birdie tells us that Silhouette (cutting printer for all you crafty souls) and GIFMO (gift cards of different local brands) are coming on board soon, too!

New pop-up partner Nikita (@shopnikitaph) gets their crochet goodies ready at Common Room

 

With now over 90 local makers at Common Room, there’s an even wider (more overwhelming?) array of unique gift ideas to choose from. Remember, every handmade item on the rack is crafted by a local artist/maker/dreamer and has its own story.

From  crafts supplies to give wings to creativity, to handmade paper products, plushies, accessories, scents, trinkets, indie books, and even decorative little plants, Common Room is the perfect place to shop for thoughtful, unique gifts

 

This Christmas, a portion of sales for the entire month of December will go to the Shop and Share X Joseph Feeding program, so in addition to supporting local creativity, every purchase you make at Common Room will also help give back to the community. Doesn’t that just fill you with Christmas spirit? (Post your shopping loot on social media and don’t forget to add the month’s hashtag: ShopandshareinCommonRoomph) Do drop by, shop, and spread the love!

Common Room’s iconic paper cranes are now joined by messages of hope from makers and customers, which will be given to children in need this Christmas!

Common Room’s Christmas pop-up runs all month long at both the Katipunan and Power Plant branches. P.S. It’s their last month at Rockwell, hu hu hu!

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Love Anthill’s proudly Filipino, beautifully handloomed weaves but can’t seem to find the right size? You’re in for a treat! This weekend, cult favorite Cebuano brand Anthill is holding a pop-up event at their Manila outpost Tesoros, where they will be offering their made-to-measure service, so you can have your favorite pieces tailor-fit to your own glorious figure (or even a matching one for your mini-me–how cute would that be?). Simply pick a style from the Anthill racks, pick a weave in a color combo you love, have your measurements taken, and voila—your custom-made piece will be delivered to you in a few weeks!

 

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for pretty new pieces to wear for the holiday season, Anthill will also be launching their newest collection (hashtag #Weavegotyoucovered) at the pop-up this weekend! Here’s a sneak peek of their heartwoven, contemporary chic pieces, exclusively available only at Tesoros:

Put a unique spin on your LBD by throwing on this Kapote Slim…

 

…or jazz up your date outfit with this Kapote Binakol!

 

This Palawit Blazer can take you from work…
…to play!
And this colorblock bomber jacket is a cool way to wear a weave everyday!

 

This Chaketa can be worn as a cropped top, or flip it around and turn it into a bolero!

 

And how gorgeous (and versatile) is this reversible Kapa?

 

Worried that your Anthill addiction is getting out of hand? (Believe me, I know… that’s an Anthill skirt I’m wearing in my profile photo!) Just think: every purchase helps provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities, preserve our culture and the handloomed weaving tradition, and encourage others to “wear your tribe with pride.” Now isn’t that a wonderful excuse reason to shop away?

Visit Anthill’s pop-up at Tesoros this weekend, December 3 and 4. Tesoros is located at Tesoros Makati, located at 1016 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati. For more information, visit tesoroshandicrafts or AnthillFabricGallery on Facebook or tesoros.ph.

P.S. Get 10% off by sharing this post and adding the tag #proudweavewearer! Simply show it to the cashier at Tesoros to claim your discount at the pop-up this weekend!

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I can’t resist well-crafted finds that showcase local color, and the fact that Tali Handmade’s vibrant, tribal-inspired bags came with an empowering backstory made me a fan from day 1.

A little over a year ago, after being profoundly moved by their visit to a city jail, friends Liza Morales-Crespo and Marielle de Leon-Lazaro decided to start their socially conscious initiative to provide a decent means of living for impoverished women. Using unconventional raw materials, traditional crochet techniques, and embellished with high quality hardware, their luxe line of Tali Handmade bags has quickly made it to our list of lust-worthy items.

After launching their second collection at the MaArte Fair recently, Tali Handmade unveiled yet another coup—a collaboration with iconic department store Rustan’s for limited edition minaudières!

“Rustan’s is passionate about supporting local brands, and we felt that collaborating with a store known for premium products would help connect us with our clientele and help spread the story behind our brand,” shares Liza Crespo, co-founder of Tali Handmade.

Marielle shared that the limited edition minaudières feature wood handcarved in Paete, a clasp from jewelers in Bulacan, a tribal-inspired straw pattern handwoven by a community of women from the Davao city jail, and a gold chain link strap. These limited lovelies are available in black and white, and are exclusively available at Rustan’s alongside Tali Handmade’s 2017 collection.

I was thrilled to be invited to an intimate event to celebrate the launch of Tali Handmade’s 2017 collection, as well as their exclusive collab with Rustan’s. Here are a few snaps from the event:

The dynamic duo behind Tali Handmade: Marielle de Leon-Lazaro and Liza Morales-Crespo. Despite their busy scheds, Marielle, who is in manufacturing, and Liza, who is an architect, find time to work on their passion project Tali Handmade

 

Town & Country Philippines’ lovely Yvette Fernandez models the Tali Handmade minaudière in black, exclusively available at Rustan’s

 

Tali Handmade’s “Marilou” clutches

 

Always fun bumping into “family!” With my fellow former MEG magazine editors Liza Ilarde (now EIC of Style Weekend) and Peewee Reyes-Isidro (now EIC of MEGA). I’m wearing my own favorite piece from their first collection, the “Gina” fringed sling bag

 

Marga Espiritu of Bungalow 300 models a versatile sling bag from Tali Handmade’s 2017 collection

 

Mega’s Peewee Reyes-Isidro, me, Liza of Tali Handmade, Vicki Abary of The Gypsetters, Marielle of Tali Handmade, and Preview’s Jacqui Halili Co-Salonga

 

 

On the heels of Tali Handmade’s collaboration with Rustan’s comes an opportunity to present their luxe pieces to a global market. This December 10, Tali Handmade will be participating in a by-invitation only trunk show by Moda Operandi, a New York-based luxury online retailer. “We are hoping this Rustan’s event will pave the way and prepare us for that—for bigger things, and the global stage,” says Liza. Stay tuned to hear what New Yorkers think of Tali Handmade!

The “exclusively for Rustan’s” collection will be available at Rustan’s for a limited time only. Tali Handmade can also be found at Cura V and Tint, as well as luxury 5-star resorts such as Amanpulo, El Nido Lagen Island, Palawan, and Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City. Tali Handmade is also available via premium retailers in Hong Kong, Malaysia and the United States, as well as on the New York-based online retailer ShopLatitude ( shoplatitude.com ), which distributes Tali’s products worldwide.

For more information, visit http://talihandmade.com .

 

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